Discovery

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The hallways of the castle were, for the most part, in perfect harmony. All of the guards inside gave the place the feeling of being secure. Many of the nobles were inside the dining hall, waiting for the moment they could have a nice meal together. All were present, save two princesses.

It seemed like they were taking more time than usual, even for such high royalty. Celestia was notorious for showing up on time, all the time. It didn't take long for them to guess what was keeping her up for so long.

The reason was obvious inside her bedroom. Celestia was adding a few touches to her mane, but she looked confidant compared to the other princess in the room.

Luna, with her eyes glued to the mirror, was trying her best to make herself look at least somewhat presentable. She didn't have a clue what most of the makeup powder on the desk did, so she experimented with a yellow tipped brush.

"No, that will not do!" she groaned. The powder gave her blue fur a yellow coloring, and it looked hideous on her. She used a cloth to wipe it off, and went for a red brush instead.

"Am I bleeding? Does this brush cause you to bleed?" she asked as it left a liquid red stroke in its wake, and she wiped it off to find out it was just paint. "What use is there in something that gives the appearance of blood?"

"No, it's just makeup, Luna," Celestia said, coming in to check on her little sister. "It's supposed to help make your facial features appear more beautiful."

"Then why do none of these things ever work?" Luna complained.

Celestia laughed at that. It seemed like her sister had much more to learn, something she was willing to do.

"That's probably because none of these are your colors," she explained. "Here, try this one."

She used her horn to levitate a black brush over, and Luna picked it up with her hooves. The night princess stared at it for a while, afraid it wouldn't go as well.

"Go on," said Celestia. "See how it looks."

Hesitantly, Luna applied it below her eyes, and she was surprised to find she liked this one. It seemed to accent her eyes to stand out better.

"Marvelous," Luna commented. "I think I'm ready to make my appearance now."

She got off the stool and put the brush down. Celestia smiled as they both put their crowns back on, and trotted over to the exit.

Before they left, however, Luna sighed under her breath and took a seat on the floor, shaking her head. Celestia recognized what was happening and placed a comforting hoof on Luna's shoulder.

"I know what you're thinking," she said. "You think you're going to screw this up like you have the last few months."

Luna nodded, acknowledging she was listening.

"Now what’s bothering you this time?"

The moon princess didn't say anything. She was too embarrassed to admit what was on her mind.

"It's OK, I won't tell anypony else about it. You can say anything to me."

"I'm worried about the Royal Canterlot Voice," Luna confessed. "Every time I'm communicating with our subjects and I think it's going well, I end up using the Voice and it all comes to naught."

Oh, Celestia thought. That relic of the past. All right, you know how to handle this.

"The Voice? That's easier to handle than you think. Do you want to know how to solve this problem?"

"How, sister?"

"Don't think about it. You keep dwelling on those times the Voice ruined everything, but you've had a few times where you were able to talk to somepony without using it. Just focus on those memories, and tonight will go well."

Luna's head perked up, matching her eyes with her sister's. "You believe that's the solution? To not dwell on it?"

"I know so."

The moon princess responded by giving Tia a hug and grinning widely. Having said all they wanted, they opened the door and went outside to one of the castle's many hallways.

All of the guards saluted the sisters as they walked throughout the hallways, careful to leave a good impression on the recently returned Princess Luna. It warmed her heart that these ponies weren't cowering away like in Ponyville as they found the entrance to the dining hall.

The two guards standing watch bowed and slowly opened the enormous double doors, revealing a grand hall fit for the nobility of Canterlot. There was a gold tint to everything, from the floor to the paint of the walls.

A chandelier lit up the room and kept the yellow-gold theme of the place. There was a fireplace on top of that at the other end of the hall, and the curtains were pulled back to unveil a beautiful night sky outdoors.

Many of the nobles were seated at the long table within, going almost from end to end. Everypony from Prince Blueblood to Princess Cadance to Shining Armor, It was like a roll call of royalty inside, and they were all relieved that the celestial beings had finally arrived.

The seats that were the quickest to be noticed were located at the either end of the great table, and up to this point both had been vacant. One was adorned with the symbol of the sun and the other with the symbol of the moon.
As the princesses entered, the nobles had taken to standing out of respect, and each gave a polite bow. Upon being seated again, each was provided a glass of red wine by a waiter.

"Fillies and gentlecolts," Celestia announced, "it is my honor to welcome you all to our dining hall, for the monthly meeting of the family."

They raised their glasses in honor with their magic.

"And it is especially glorious, as this occasion marks the first meeting in over one thousand years for the Princess of the Night, my sister Luna. Therefore, I will give toasting honors over to her for tonight."

Luna let out a small gasp. She'd been tricked into this, and her hopes Tia would toast were crushed. She gulped and raised her glass, panicking as all eyes focused on her.

"Um...I appreciate this as much as anypony would," she muttered, with a slight sting of sarcasm intentionally added. "It has been a good year for me, having returned from my long banishment. I look forward to learning more of modern day Equestrian society, and I ask for your patience--"

"What did she say?" said one pony in the middle of the table. He was an elderly stallion, and sometimes his hearing would fail him. "Can you repeat that fancy speech of yours?"

"Of course," she responded, trying to keep composure. "I look forward to learning more about society--"

"What about learning about snakes?" he said. "Why would you want to know about snakes?"

"I mean society. Now that we have concluded--"

"What? You keep saying things about learning about slides?"

Luna shut her eyes, an angry slate on her face. Celestia saw where this was going, and hid her glass underneath the table.

The moon alicorn stomped the table at her end, and shouted in the Royal Canterlot Voice, "IT PLEASES ME TO HAVE RETURNED AFTER SUCH A LONG TIME, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO LEARNING MORE ABOUT TODAY'S SOCIETY. NOW, TOAST!"

Every unexposed glass on the table cracked underneath the sound of such a strong voice, and manes went flying in every direction. Some ponies even flew out of their seats as the Voice unleashed a powerful gust of wind down the table.

Luna had stopped her speech, and had gone bug-eyed as she realized she had done it again. She kicked the ground below her, and took her seat, noticing her cup was destroyed. Yet, hers was the only one, the others were just cracked.

"For Luna!" Celestia shouted, breaking the silence.

The nobles hesitatingly clanked their glasses together in toast, and that's when their glasses shattered. The dinner guests looked down as the red wine spilled everywhere, while Luna hid her face in shame. Celestia instructed the waiters get new glasses, while trying to cheer up her sister with a smile.

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"It was not that bad, I swear to you," Celestia pleaded. "After you used that voice once, it went well. Blueblood commented that your eyeliner looked nice, and getting my nephew to say something nice to a mare was impressive on its own!"

Luna shook her head as they trotted to the castle library. It didn't matter what Tia was saying, because Luna wasn't listening.

For Luna, the whole dinner felt like a disaster from beginning to end. Even with the new glasses coming in, they couldn't clean up all the red wine in time, and the red stains reminded her how the Royal Canterlot Voice got the better of her again.

Instead of running to her own bedroom, Luna felt the idea of going to the peace and quiet of the library was exactly what she needed, and agreed to the proposal as soon as Tia made it.

"But don't you see? I couldn't help but use the Voice! I did try not to think about it, but I lost control at the last moment.”

"What did I tell you about it? Don't dwell on the moments you didn't do so well. Focus on how well the rest of the night went, and soon enough you won't need the Voice anymore."

"Did that work for you?"

"When the Voice became obsolete, yes. It took time though, just like it will take time for you, but I did it, and now I only use it when I'm pulling a prank on somepony."

Luna laughed as they arrived at the library. She chanced a glance through a window, and had to admit to herself just how marvelous her work was. She smiled at the pale blue glow that blanketed the room. She went for the history section, and found a book entitled “The Winds of Change: The Last 100 Years of Equestrian Technology Advancements.”

Curious about this book, she found a cushion on the floor to sit on and cracked it open. From page to page she was gripped, continually she absorbing every tidbit of information she could get.

Meanwhile, Celestia walked to her study desk and got back to business. There were letters she had to send to a lot of the local governments. Winter was only two months away, and she wanted to make sure Cloudsdale was ready for a guaranteed rough season this year.

Celestia glanced at her schedule, and noted Nightmare Night was just around the corner.

"Luna, are you still attending the Nightmare Night festival in Ponyville this year?" she asked.

Luna’s attention was drawn from the book by her sister’s question. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"I thought you didn't have a good time last year. Twilight told me everypony was running away from you because they thought you would gobble them up."

"That was before I discovered they liked being scared. Now that I know, I'm prepared to come again as Nightmare Moon to haunt everypony out of their candy."

"And that's a good thing, right?"

"Right," Luna smiled.

Celestia wasn’t as fond of the idea as Luna, but returned to writing her letters. She sent the weather warning item to Cloudsdale's mayor. She told Mayor Mare to beware Nightmare Moon; it was a very tongue-in-cheek letter.

Just as they left to travel to their destination, a sealed letter popped into existence in front of Celestia. Luna was so interested in it she came over to the desk. "Who is it from, sister?"

Celestia’s magic held the letter suspended above the both of them, and opened the seal to reveal the contents.

Dear Princess Celestia,

Today I learned how damaging some secrets are. Even though you should absolutely keep your promises and not tell the secrets of the ones that trust you, sometimes those secrets can harm other ponies' feelings. That is why you should be honest and upfront with them, and they will always understand you in the end.

Signed, Your Faithful Student,
Twilight Sparkle.

"What is the meaning of this?" Luna questioned. "What exactly does this mean?"

"Oh, you must not know about the Friendship Reports," Celestia said.

"Friendship Reports? Are they as the name suggests?"

"Yes, Luna. Part of the reason I had Twilight Sparkle move to Ponyville was to learn about the magic of friendship. She writes a letter like this one once she has discovered a new lesson about it, and recently her friends are all doing the same."

"Would you mind if I read over this one again?"

"Of course."

Celestia passed Luna the letter, and Luna laid it on top of the technology book. She read over it several times, pondering the contents closely.

It did seem strange to Luna that friendship could be considered magic, but then it had been the Elements of Harmony that defeated her so long ago. The bearers of the Elements were Twilight and five other ponies that would become her friends. What place did Luna have arguing the power of friendship then?

Now that she was thinking about it, it was Twilight that had helped her out one year ago, at that infamous Nightmare Night festival. That time where the Voice got the better--

No, she wasn't going to think about that anymore. Instead, she would just think about what Twilight had done during that time. That unicorn did seem to be more than happy to help a princess out, which was odd. Usually it was the opposite.

She looked over the letter again, and the letter popped out to her more. The lesson Twilight learned was very true indeed. Luna was guilty of not letting Celestia know just how upset she was about everypony sleeping during the night, until it was too late and she took the mantle of Nightmare Moon.

The way the letter made her think of herself had her wondering if there wasn’t more to this friendship report business.

"Sister, are there more of these reports from Twilight someplace?"

Celestia finished the first sentence of her current letter before looking back up. "I have them stored up inside my desk here. Why are you interested in them all of the sudden?"

"It's for personal reasons."

The sun sister got the hint and pulled a drawer out of the lower parts of the desk. Inside were all of the numerous letters Twilight had sent since her arrival in Ponyville, every single lesson she ever learned, and those Celestia had sent back to help Twilight out when Discord reshaped the town.

She levitated them out of the drawer, and put them right above Luna's head, and Luna gripped them up with her own magic.

"Please take good care of them; you never know when you might need these."

"I know how important these are. I will make sure you get them back the way you remember them."

Luna galloped past the library doors and into her bedroom, eager to begin reading again.

The princess of the night's bedroom was a recent addition to the castle of Canterlot, and the design reflected that. The walls were painted to an impressionable light purple, occasionally dotted with a star or two.

Within this room, there was a stairway to a mini observatory located above, its main feature a powerful telescope that could observe the stars when Luna could not be up there in person.

Also present was a massive bed, enough for many ponies to sleep with in with room left over. The blanket was a dark blue closely resembling the color of Luna's coat, and dotted with a black spot and a crescent moon inside, designed after Luna's cutie mark.

She went to her own study desk, and laid all the friendship reports out in organized piles. There were so many she didn't know which one to start with. And to think, these were just Twilight's reports.

Eventually she decided on one, and opened the seal to unravel the paper. It was just as marvelous as the previous report, and in curiosity she went ahead and opened another one. And another. And another. Maybe one more. Got to keep going.

It was all mind blowing, until she found the one Twilight had written that Nightmare Night. It had felt like such a long time, but she remembered it vividly all the same.

Dear Princess Celestia,

When you first sent me to Ponyville, I didn't know anything about friendship. I met somepony tonight who was having the same problem - your sister, Princess Luna! She taught me that one of the best things you can do with friendship is to give it to others, and help them find it themselves! And I'm happy to report that all of Ponyville has learned that even though somepony seems a little intimidating, even scary, when you offer them your friendship, you'll discover a whole new pony underneath. And even if my Star Swirl the Bearded costume didn't go over, this still turned out to be the best Nightmare Night ever!

Signed, your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle

Luna read it slowly, wanting to get every meaning out of it. It was then that she realized she was doing something she hadn't done in a while: Crying. This was one of the most touching things anypony had written about her in thousands of years. She wiped away the tears and returned back to reading it.

The good memories of that time in Ponyville were rushing back to her mind. It was so amazing to her, that somepony like Twilight was willing to do that for her. She sniffed and held back more tears just thinking about it.

Suddenly she realized she was feeling something strange in her chest area. She didn't know what it was, except that it felt warm. Maybe it was all that wine coming back to bite her in the flank, but then she didn't feel sick at all.

So what was it then? Maybe she just really liked learning about the magic of friendship too? Couldn't be that. She trotted around in circles thinking about it.

Then she recalled the reports. They had done more than just talk about good morals to Luna. Much more. Through them she could read between the lines and get a general image of Twilight's personality.

Twilight Sparkle was clearly a bookworm, with her vocabulary and style of writing. But that part didn't interest Luna in the slightest. Instead, she saw that the unicorn was a generous pony, more than willing to stand up and/or help her friends when they needed it the most. She saw a pony that was clever, and who spoke from the mind but had a heart as well.

Oh no, Luna thought. Does this mean what I think it does? There's no way it can be...

She read through the reports a second time to make sure of it. And every time she did, the warm sensation in her chest resurfaced, again and again. She read them again, trying to convince herself it wasn't what she had feared.

But then the thought came to mind: Why be afraid of it?

Because I wouldn't know what to do if this was really how I felt.

That's when her mental walls crumbled, and she was forced to admit the truth to herself:

"I'm in love with Twilight Sparkle."

Every emotion possible hit her at once. Anger, joy, frustration, fear and hope. She collapsed to her bed without warning, trying to make sense of it. She was fighting herself to admit she had fallen in love with Twilight, thinking about how it felt so wrong and yet so good.

What was she supposed to do now? Go and tell the unicorn? Or hide it away forever?

That's when she looked up the most recent report again, one that seemed to answer her question.

That is why you should be honest and upfront with them, and they will always understand you in the end.

"I have to tell her," Luna said to herself. "I have to tell her I love her, and that's that. But how will she react to this? No, I can't ask that question right now. I have to find out myself...but how will I ask her?"

It was then that she remembered Nightmare Night was soon approaching. The ultimate opportunity was presenting itself in front of her hooves. It was brilliant, and she had to do it soon.

So for the remainder of the night, she plotted out how she wanted to reveal her love to Twilight. It would have to be carefully done, and in private with the student. It would take a lot of work, but it would be worth it in the end.

After midnight, the plans were completed. They were flimsy all around, but it was a plan. A lot would be left to chance still, but she was going to do it anyways.

She put the written plans up in her closest, before she was interrupted by a knock on the door. Whoever was knocking had a lot of strength, implying it was somepony important.

Luna rushed to the door and opened it wide, to reveal Shining Armor in all his...well, armor.

"Hello, Princess Luna. Is everything in this wing safe and sound?" he asked.

"Yes, yes it is," she said back. "Other than the changeling invasion, I don't think there's been any trouble inside these grounds. I'm sure Celestia has given her thanks for thwarting that with your wife, I imagine.”

"She has, thanks for your comments." He noticed the large stack of papers on the study desk, all opened. "What is that in your room, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Those?" she said, realizing one of her secrets was out in the open. "Those are all the friendship reports Twilight's been sending to Celestia. My sister loaned them to me, and I have to say, I'm very impressed."

"Thank you," Shining blushed. "We couldn't have defeated the changelings without her help."

"I understand that fully. But," she said, blushing back. "Um...could I ask you a personal question?"

It was odd, Luna asking after personal lives. "Anything you command, Princess."

"I hope this is not strange for you, but how did you feel when you first realized you loved Cadance?"

Shining jumped back, not thinking it would be that type of question. Still, at least it wasn't about how things were in the sack like some of the other Guards asked.

"I...I felt happier than I ever had before. All I wanted to do was to hang out with her all the time."

"And did you feel a warmth in your chest?"

"I did. It was the best feeling I ever experienced."

Luna nodded. She really was in love with Shining's sister.

"Thank you, that's all I wanted to ask."

She shut the door in Shining's face, and jumped into the bed. She fully embraced the idea that she was in love, and it was the best feeling ever for her, too. All she could think about was Twilight, her beauty and her brains. It was all beautiful, and she wished she could skip time to meet with the unicorn sooner.

She eventually acknowledged that that was silly talk, and paused her gushing. Wow, is that how falling in love feelings to most ponies? The fun has been quadrupled!

Looking forward to her visit to Ponyville in a few days, she somehow managed to get drowsy enough to get sleepy, and shut her eyes.

Sometime after she had dozed off, Celestia came inside, and found all the reports spread out around the table. They were all in one piece, but spread around like a giant mess. Didn't matter, they still looked good as new. She found new seals inside the desk and applied them one by one to the letters, and hovered them in a neat arrangement.

Before she left, she walked up to the bedside, seeing Luna sound asleep and with a smile. The night wasn't a disaster to her anymore. Celestia was thrilled that her sister had found some peace in the reports, and kissed her on the forehead.

She walked out the door and took the reports back into the library, stacking them back into the drawer inside the desk. But there was one report she was wanting to re-read, the one Twilight had written after meeting Zecora for the first time. She left that one open, and found the paper had been stained with numerous blue lipstick stains, especially around Twilight Sparkle's name.

Celestia pretended she didn't see anything, and wrapped the letter back into the desk, already knowing the reasoning behind it. She wasn't going to say it to Luna just yet. That can wait later.

Putting Things In Order

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When one thinks of Ponyville, they usually think of peace and quiet above all else. Unless you were creating it yourself like Pinkie Pie, you wouldn't hear a whole lot of loud there. Save for the occasional disaster that was set on destroying the town for a different reason of the week, it would also be organized and clean.

Today, though, that wasn’t the case. Everywhere, the citizens were hard at work to set up the town for Nightmare Night. Despite the appearance of near-completeness, there were several touches left to attend to.

The pegasi went from house to house, nailing up pieces of ribbon dotted with skulls.

"How's that, boss?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Maybe a little higher. Some of them are too close to the ground; could you raise them a few feet?" Twilight Sparkle responded.

"You got it!"

Along with Thunderlane, Dash moved the junction point from the bottom of the roof to the very top, raising the skull ribbon up. They looked creepy under the cover of the night; in the daylight they just looked silly with their cartoonish grins.

"Perfect! That's all finished!" Twilight said cheerfully. She unraveled her checklist and marked off "ribbons" on the list.

A few miles off, lead by Big Mac, several stallions were pulling the parts of a stage together. Compared to the main stage of last year, this was fifty percent bigger, and even for Big Mac this was heavy.

"Easy now, and don't try to rush it," Mayor Mare cautioned. "Too fast and you might cause it to tip over."

"Ee...yup...," Big Mac struggled. Soon, he, along with the other earth ponies, started to lift up the balcony of the stage together with all their might. It was the last step to completing the project.

It took a long while and a lot of energy for it to just get off the ground. "Easy now," he said, "ah don't want this to come down now."

The ponies kept rushing forward, until the balcony was at a forty-five degree angle. "Almost finished..."

Then they heard the noise they wanted to hear the least: The sound of a clumsy pegasus rushing forward, featuring a bubbles cutie mark and a mailbag.

"Letter for you, Big Mac!" Derpy Hooves announced. "Hey, what's that there stage doing here?"

"No Derpy, NO!" Mayor Mare screamed. But it was no use. Derpy was rushing towards the balcony, and she wasn't shifting direction fast enough to avoid a collision.

The Mayor covered her eyes as Derpy collided with the stage, covering it in a cloud of dust. Oh dear, how are we going to replace it in time?

When the cloud lifted up, she couldn't believe her eyes. Derpy was on the ground, her eyes spinning around, and the balcony...

...was right-side up. It was in perfect alignment. Twilight trotted up and saw the stage was finished.

"Hi Mayor Mare," she greeted. "That new stage looks amazing! How did you do it so fast?"

"I...I don't really know how to explain it, but I can thank Derpy for this," the Mayor said, slack-jawed.

"Derpy? But isn't she notorious for being clumsy? Oh well, we can check that off too, and we're ahead of schedule!"

The grey pegasus shook it off, and handed the letter to Big Mac, who was just as stunned as the Mayor was.

"What's left on the list we haven't done yet?" the Mayor asked.

Twilight put the long list down on the ground. Most of the boxes had been checked off, to their delight. Still, there were a few left to go. Twilight and the Mayor both noticed one of the most vital ones was left without a check.

Then they saw Pinkie Pie down the street, dazzled by the preparations. "This is even better than last year!" she ranted. "You got more skulls and a bigger stage with a bigger crack on the side, and that means more candy!"

The two planners nodded to each other. "Hey Pinkie," said Twilight. "Would you like to blow up balloons for us?"

Pinkie nodded enthusiastically, and they led her to a tent where they stored many bags of balloons with the Nightmare Night theme on them.

The planners gave her a stool to sit on while she was working on it. Since it was Pinkie Pie, it wasn't even ten minutes after that that the tent was covered in fully inflated balloons. Of course, that was just the reason they chose her for the job.

"There you go! A bunch of creepy balloons, as requested!" she reported as she hoofed them to the duo.

"Thank you Pinkie," Twilight said back. "But what are you going to wear this year?"

"That's a secret, of course! I never tell anypony what I'm going to go dressed as, and that makes it a surprise!"

Pinkie went her own way, and Twilight's face showed how scared she was at that.

"What's the matter, Twilight?" the Mayor asked.

"Don't you know about Pinkie and Nightmare Night? She doesn't just come dressed as something, no; she becomes what she's wearing! I bet if she decides to go as a dragon, she could breathe fire!"

"Oh, well that changes everything. Do not worry about it; I'll keep an eye on her."

Twilight nodded, trying to hide that it was the thing she was most afraid of for the time being. She checked balloons off the list, and saw that everything else left to go was already being worked on. The unicorn’s job as co-organizer was finished. Now she could look back and examine her work.

Pinkie was right about this year having more of everything. It had more tents, more ribbons, more emblems of Nightmare Night, and a bigger stage than before. Twilight’s involvement really helped out the festival this time, as things got organized at a faster pace than ever before, much like Winter Wrap-up.

She was really proud about her work, and recalled the letter Mayor Mare had gotten from Princess Celestia. If Luna really was going to show up just as Nightmare Moon the whole time, maybe she should warn a certain colt.

"Hey Pipsqueak, can I tell you something?" she asked, spotting him gazing at the emblems.

"Of course, anything about Nightmare Night!" he said with enthusiasm.

"Did you hear...about who's coming to town this year?" she said with a spooky tone in her voice.

"Who? Is it my favorite princess?" His eyes widened with anticipation.

"No, she is not coming to Ponyville. Instead, you'll meet the pony you have seen in your nightmares..."

Unbeknowest to her, the skies had been darkening with clouds which were swirling around and taking on a portal shape. Pipsqueak's heartbeat increased in anticipation, for he knew what was coming for him.

"...the one who this very night is dedicated to! If you don't give her all of your candy, she will gobble you up, just like every time this year, as her name is..."

"NIGHTMARE MOON!" a booming voice announced from behind her.

Pipsqueak ran away in terror, screaming "She's going to gobble me up! Everypony, run for your lives!"

Twilight turned around to see Nightmare Moon, in all of her glory, towering over her. Her eyes filled with rage as she crouched down to pounce on the unicorn.

"Luna, it's so good to see you! Uh...what are you doing?"

The moon princess realized she was starting to terrify Twilight too, and dropped the disguise, spitting out the fake fangs.

"I apologize for coming in that way," Luna said. "It seems I do not know how to make a subtle entrance anywhere."

"That's fine," Twilight responded. "You're here early."

Luna nodded, hoping she wasn't giving anything away. "I would like to meet with you and the Mayor this evening. Where would a suitable location be for such an arrangement?"

"The Mayor's office should be fine. Welcome back to Ponyville, Princess Luna."

Twilight hugged Luna as a greeting, and it almost sent Luna over the edge. Oh my...her coat is so soft, Luna thought. And she's hugging me...does this mean...of course not, Luna! She doesn't love you right now, she barely even sees you! Keep it together...what's that amazing scent she has? No...not yet. Don't do anything silly.

She managed not to blush as they pulled away. Twilight smiled at Luna, and that's when the moon princess couldn't help but turn her head around as she blushed. The unicorn took that to mean she had done something really stupid.

"I'm so sorry, did I pinch you with a hoof?" she asked, her ears drooped.

"No, nothing like that. I just got distracted," the princess mumbled back, grateful nopony was here to see her blush. "If you mind, I think I shall go to this place I heard called Sugar Cube Corner. I heard many good things about the Cakes' cooking. And Twilight?"

"Yes?"

"It's good to see you again. I did miss you."

"I missed you too. It's always good to see somepony like you."

Luna lost all control and galloped off, trying her damnedest to hide her deep blush that she couldn't explain. It was almost as embarrassing as her encounters with the Voice, but this was worse, since it was so personal to her.

She kept going, until she was inside the Sugar Cube Corner's doors. Thank her sister nopony was there, her blush was so deep that cheeks looked like tomatoes. Why couldn't she keep just a little control over this?

Luna soon found that she wasn't as alone as she wanted to be. Mrs. Cake came out of the back room, bowing when she realized royalty was present. "Can I do anything for you, Princess Luna?"

"I'll take whatever it is that helps ponies feel better. Is it coffee? I'll take coffee."

----------------------

Twilight paced back and forth inside the Mayor's office. She admitted even she was taken aback by Luna's behavior last year, but it didn't explain anything about how Luna was acting now. Only Fluttershy would run away like that after Twilight had said something, still, definitely not from a compliment like that.

So, why was it bugging her so much? Why was it that she was dwelling on the thought throughout the day? Maybe it was how she said it? Still didn't make any sense.

The Mayor opened the door to see the unicorn was already inside her office. "Twilight, how did you get inside here? The door was locked shut."

"I used a teleportation spell to get inside, I was really nervous about getting in on time."

Mayor Mare felt annoyed that even her locks were becoming useless, but said nothing and took her seat behind her desk. It was getting late, and Luna would be here any moment.

The unicorn looked around the room, seeing pictures of the Mayor's family everywhere. The photo of the Mayor's family featured her husband, who wore glasses similar to her own, and on her other side stood her daughter, who Twilight thought seemed eager to find her own place in government.
The Mayor noticed Twilight was nervously clopping her hooves together and grinding them against each other.

"Ms. Sparkle, is something wrong?"

"It's nothing."

"Your hooves are shaking, for Celestia's sake! Tell me what's wrong, it doesn't matter what it is."

Twilight sighed. "I think I upset Luna earlier today."

"What makes you think that?"

"I don't know. I gave her a hug, and said I missed her while she was gone. Then she ran away and didn't say anything to me. I’ve never seen anypony act like that before."

"Hmm, I've done that before a few times. It is a rude gesture, but there are times where I'm behind in business and have to make a quick exit,and it is Princess Luna after all. If I have learned anything in my dealings with Princess Celestia, is that royalty tend to have tight schedules. I'm sure you didn't offend her at all."

Twilight let out a quick sigh of relief. So Luna just had to take care of other business? That didn't seem so bad, so she really was thinking too much about it.

She took a seat in the office, more relaxed and quiet. It was late at night, and chances were Spike was asleep by that time. The Mayor moved her materials to give her office a feeling of better upkeep, then adjusted her glasses and mane, wanting to make the best possible impression.

A knock sounding from the door drew their attention. "This is Princess Luna; I request permission to enter the premises."

Twilight undid the lock and opened the door, and saw Luna come inside. Luna had to resist blushing again at the sight of the purple unicorn, and again after taking her position next to Twilight.

Don't say anything directly to Twilight, and everything will be fine. There will come a time to reveal everything in due course.

"Greetings, fillies. I believe we are here to discuss the matters of Nightmare Night tomorrow, am I correct?" Luna stated with authority.

Mayor Mare and Twilight nodded.

"How did the preparation period go?"

"Wonderful," said the Mayor. "This year we had a bigger budget to work with, and this is the first year we had Twilight Sparkle on staff. It couldn't have been done without her."

Twilight grinned, and the princess, having no choice but to acknowledge her, nodded back. She tried her best not to blush again.
"Well done. I have observed the great work this town has accomplished today. Everything is in order, as it should be, there all we have left to discuss is the order of the festival. Starting with the role of Nightmare Moon."

She had no idea how she was able to say everything with such concentration. All she was really thinking about was the pony right next to her. Her mane, her eyes, her cutie mark...

"Nightmare Moon was a big hit last year," said Mayor Mare. "However, she is a scary figure. Maybe we should just have her stalk around in the forest like you did last year."

"Or maybe, she should have her own area!" Twilight proclaimed. "We'll put a warning out that Nightmare Moon will be there, but she should stalk around the streets of Ponyville, with nopony knowing where she's going to be, and BOO!"

"That is a wonderful idea," said Luna, sweating every second the Element was talking. "I am in favor of this idea, what do you say, Mayor?"

"Fine, it sounds good to me too. There will be a Nightmare Moon Zone inside Ponyville, and then right after that..."

The next two hours were a living hell for Luna. It wasn't often she wanted to escape from a room and fly away, but being in the same room with her crush made her want to do just that. Every other second, when Twilight brought something up, Luna actually giggled and told her how thoughtful she was. Every time. It was overwhelming to her; she wanted nothing more than to come out and be done with it, but thoughts of how silly that seemed stopped her.

There were even times where she daydreamed during the moments it was just the Mayor and the unicorn talking. She wanted to run away with Twilight, have a good picnic together, and--

No. She was a princess. She was above acting like a school filly. They were here to discuss business, not go on and get all sappy.

"So that settles everything," she concluded. "I am very impressed by all of this; perhaps Twilight should be your assistant more often."

"Thank you Luna," said the Mayor. "I have considered that a few times in the past. However, she has her studies in the end, and I respect that above all else."

Twilight nodded, and opened the door for the princess. "It's really late, I should get some sleep. Thanks for coming back Luna, it's always an honor."

Twilight bowed before Luna and entered the hallway. The alicorn, realizing this was her chance, followed after her.

"Twilight, wait."

The unicorn turned around, noticing Luna was following her. "What is it?"

Luna froze when the moment did arrive. She didn't want any more attention, so she decided to make another plan instead.

"Twilight Sparkle, there is one last thing I want you to do for me, and it is very important."

"Anything for you, what is it?"

"After Nightmare Night is over and I take my real form again, I would like to discuss some very important matters with you in private, right at the statue of Nightmare Moon."

"I can do that." Twilight saw Luna's cheeks redden, and tears welling up in her eyes. "Is something wrong?"

"No, there isn't. I just remembered it's been over a year since I have returned. Things have changed even in that period."

"I know. It really can, and I'm sure it's been a wild year for your sister too."

"You have no idea," Luna mumbled, remembering the news that Celestia lost to Queen Chrysalis.

With that, Twilight left the hallway for the comfort of her own bed, leaving Luna alone with her thoughts.

Wow, I can't believe it. She seems to really like me too. Probably not out of a love like I do, but there's something I can use. All I have to do is wait until Nightmare Night, and I can tell her everything n my heart.

I just hope she doesn't panic when I tell her. I want her to understand how I feel about her, nothing more. I can't and won't force her to love me back.

Luna left the Mayor's office and came out to see the Nightmare Night decorations show off the real spirit of the holiday outside. There was a festive mood around the city, with just enough spooks to live up to the name. It felt weird knowing there was an event dedicated to her unlike with Celestia, but it was a lot of fun regardless.

There was one hotel room in town, and she checked into it without warning. The staff was furious in trying to make her accommodations anything like in Canterlot, but she shrugged it off and said it was not necessary to be happy.

After they had finally left, she climbed into the bed and gushed again about Twilight, and kept fantasizing about tomorrow night. She was still hoping for the best, and that Twilight would say she loved her back. However, such thougths felt more like part of a dream than any reality, a realization which deflated her. Still, she was optimistic as she pulled the covers on.

Before she could fall asleep, her horn buzzed with energy that caused her to sit back up. Within seconds, a sealed letter, along with a quill, parchment and a bottle of ink, appeared before her. Clearly the work of Celestia.

She opened the letter, and fell back in laughter after she read it.

To my sister Luna,

How are things going for you? Twilight told me you were acting a little weird today, so I wanted to check up on you. I know last time you were in Ponyville you were sad until the very end.

And things back home are doing great. I might have finally figured out how to take care of Blueblood's "problem" with this new potion I created just before I wrote this. It changes the personality of the pony that drinks it to the polar opposite. While this might make him a lot messier, he will also be a lot nicer. In short, he will be a lot like Big Macintosh.

As you saw, I gave you some materials so we can be pen pals while you're gone. I do want to stay in touch, even if you're just gone for a couple of days. I just want to make sure you're fine. I'm starting to sound a lot like Mom now, I'm sorry about that.

Signed, Your Sister Forever,
Celestia

After her laugher subsided at the end of the second paragraph, she went to work writing a reply letter to Celestia. It was just a bit long, but she sent it along using her magic anyway.

For Celestia,

It was so thoughtful of you tosend all of that for me. I don't think it's a problem at all, Mother was a terrific mare and you should be proud to be anything like her. I inherited everything from Father, and it shows with my cutie mark.

Everything is different and the same like before. As you suggested, I went in as Nightmare Moon, and it had the same effect as last time. Just like back then, Twilight was the only pony who wanted to talk to me. You have no idea how fortunate you are to have her under your wing, she is one of the most heartwarming ponies I have had the pleasure of meeting.

And please do give Blueblood that potion. The next stallion to use my wings as an umbrella during a downpour deserves nothing short of the worst from you. Perhaps it would be better to give him two doses, as a single dose might not have any effect on such a stubborn pony.

Do it for me,
Luna

Back in Canterlot, Celestia laughed and did think it was a good plan to give Blueblood two potions. Anything that would make him more bearable would be worth it.

Then she read the two lines about Twilight. It was obvious, in fact far too obvious, that Luna was madly in love with her student. Celestia proceeded to write a letter to Luna, but after a moment's consideration, she stomped it into the ground to be sure nopony could read it.

Dear Luna,

I know you love Twilight Sparkle. Just don't break her heart, and I will be fine with anything you two decide to go.

Signed,
Celestia

She couldn't bear to do that to Luna. This was something very deep and personal to her, and Celestia wasn't going to ruin it by getting involved tonight. She commanded a servant to toss it in the fireplace, so nopony would know it even existed other than her.

So That's What A Hawk Looks Like

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The most fearsome night of the year had finally arrived. Once the sun set over Ponyville, everypony went home and got into costume, while the little fillies were secretly scared of the supposed Nightmare Moon creature that was supposed to be there this very hour.

All the preparation this year had paid off, as the festival covered more of the town than last year, and generally everything was shinier than before, hinting at the bigger budget than before.

A little group of fillies, lead by Scootaloo, came out in full force for all that candy. "Come on fillies," she commanded. "You're not going to be a bunch of chickens now, are you?"

"No, we're not chickens," Dinky Hooves said, her hooves quaking as she followed the filly pegasus down the walkway. "We're not scared of any Nightmare Moon..."

The group explored every nook and cranny of Ponyville, handing out their bags for every house with an open light they could find. As you might have guessed, there was much candy to be found, and it would take days for the fillies to eat it all. Thank Celestia it was on a Friday this year, Cheerilee wouldn't be there to complain if they got sick from eating it all.

But something else entirely caught their eye altogether. Off in the distance was a part of Ponyville roped off, safeguarded by Zecora while a giant Nightmare Moon emblem was right above her. Eager to prove she was beyond the midnight beast, Scootaloo arrived at the rope entrance.

"What's with the rope, Zecora?" she asked. "Do you think we're chickens too?"

"Not at all, my dear Scootaloo," Zecora said. "But you will be horrified of what's inside, too. For Nightmare Moon has made her return, and your candy she does yet yearn."

The filly looked over her candy bag, really wanting to tear into every piece. But then again, she didn't want to get teased over running away from Luna for the month of November either.

"I can handle her! There's no group braver than ours, so let us in!"

Zecora, not at all amused with this display of pride, took the rope in her mouth and opened the way for the group to get in. Without warning they stampeded into the zone, and were taken aback from what they saw.

During Nightmare Night, Ponyville always transformed its appearance into something else, but never on this scale before. A thick fog enveloped the dirt roads below their hooves, the buildings turned to towering black silhouettes, and somepony had even taken the privilege of darkening the sky just in this area. Rainbow Dash got a kick out of that job.

And every so often, a strike of lightning lit up the zone, showing glimpses of another pony inside, a tall fearsome beast, slowly approaching them...

"I'm scared!" screamed Dinky, holding onto Scootaloo for support. "She's coming right for us!"

"Who? Her? Come on, toughen up!" Scootaloo scolded. "I've heard it's just Princess Luna in disguise, and she's a bit of a dork. So what's there to be afraid of?"

But then lightning struck twice, and the tall pony was nowhere to be found. Scooaloo's heart was beating in fear, but she wasn't going to show it. She clutched Dinky's hooves in hers as they walked down the street. They looked around for anything that could jump at them.

There were owls on every perch peering at them, the sound of wolves howling, and anything a certain pony could use to make it creepier. And Scootaloo saw which one when she looked at the end of the path and made out a familiar tree house.

"This...this is Twilight's home," Scootaloo shivered. "I didn't recognize it."

"Can we go now?" Dinky gasped, thinking somepony was watching them behind her.

"Yeah, I think this is too much for somepony your age. Anypony else want to stay?"

The group shook their heads and ran for their lives for the exit. Then, a mass of smoke formed above them, slowly taking shape into a big round ball of dark energy.

"So you believe you can escape so easily?" the voice inside said. "Inside my realm of darkness, on the darkest night of the year? No, you will not get off so easily."

Scootaloo and Dinky hid in each other's hooves, while the rest of the group tried to run around it only to bump into a force field, separating them from escape.

"What do you want from us?" Dinky shrieked.

"Now that is a simple question if I ever heard one. What I want is for something good to eat tonight. And your delicious candy is more than enough for me."

"I'm not giving candy to you two years running. I worked hard on this!" Scootaloo shouted with the last bit of courage she had.

"Is that so?" The cloud took a more detailed shape, starting to form the appearance of a pony covered in armor. "Do you not know who I am? Because I know you, and if you do not offer your candy to me, you will make a treat just fine for me."

She took her final form, emerging as the beast Nightmare Moon. Her fangs were extended for her meal, and she lowered herself to get ready to pounce. Then she batted a hoof on the ground in a battle action, ready to eat.

All of the fillies screamed in horror and dumped all their candy on the ground, except for Scootaloo. The rest ran around Nightmare Moon without the force field stopping them anymore into the safety of Ponyville.

Nightmare Moon smirked when she witnessed Scootaloo still trying to be the brave one. The alicorn circled around her, while the Cutie Mark Crusader did her best to stand tall...and fail, cowering on the ground. This was going to be too easy.

"Many would admire your courage," Nightmare Moon laughed. "But I don't. Such defiance should not be tolerated against the likes of me. Do you know what I'm going to do now?"

"Gobble me up?" Scootaloo whispered.

"Oh yes, that's what the legend might state. But legends are never absolutely grounded in truth. No, you will be treated to something much worse than that."

The beast returned to cloud form and covered the pile of candy, disappearing with it inside the mist of the street. Suddenly the street went quiet, without a sign of anypony else here but Scootaloo.

With her candy intact, she took this chance and galloped for the exit, with the rest of Ponyville in sight. But when she did so, she fell back onto her bag as the force field had returned, trapping her with the unknown horror.

Her heartbeat pounding like a drum, she turned back to see what threat this could be. But there wasn't any noise, any sight to see. Maybe this was just some tasteless prank, she thought to herself.

Yet it didn't take long for her to notice something was coming for her. She could hear what sounded like the sounds of hooves galloping on the rooftops far away, and they were getting closer with every touch.

She took cover around a marketplace stand, and peered her head out. The zone seemed to get darker, acting as a cover to the uninvited being. Then she heard the sound of wings flapping in the distance, and whoever had them landed right in front of her.

With that, she ducked underneath the stand and hoped it did not see her. She screamed as the marketplace stall was ripped above her, and she saw the other beast right in front of her.

Somehow more terrifying than Nightmare Moon ever was, this monster was an alicorn with a dark purple coat, a dark blue mane, and fangs so long they came down to the neckplate she was wearing. Her eyes were dark as the night, and she took a deep breath and roared at Scootaloo.

"WHO ARE YOU?" Scootaloo yelled at the top of her lungs.

"You don't know who I am either?" the beast questioned. "I am...uh...Total Eclipse, and along with Nightmare Moon, I will work to bring to Equestria eternal night, but first I must feed off of something. Now what should I have? I see a bag of candy that looks delicious, but so does the pegasus carrying it..."

Scootaloo lost it and dumped all of her hard-earned candy in front of Total Eclipse, before Nightmare Moon landed next to her assistant.

"I gave everything I had to Eclipse! What else do you want me to do?" the pegasus demanded to know.

"Tell all your friends about us," Total Eclipse demanded, "and make sure they know neither one of us is meant to be trifled with."

Scootaloo nodded and ran out of the zone, not looking back until she couldn't see them in the distance. A lot of other ponies were eager to get inside when they saw her screaming and running, looking at each other to see what could do such a thing.

Back inside the area, Nightmare Moon and Total Eclipse's horns glowed as they dropped their disguises, and returned to Princess Luna and Twilight Sparkle. Once they saw the other ponies in line move away one by one, they laughed to themselves.

"I feel bad for Scootaloo, but that was so much fun!" Twilight mentioned. "You think she'll be fine?"

"You were the one who wanted to take the form of my protege," Luna answered. "But I did ask myself the same thing last year, and she came back for seconds. Speaking of which, I think it's time we finally enjoyed our candy. I haven't had any before."

"Yeah, but we should probably eat it back there. This place is giving ME the creeps."

Luna looked around and saw what Twilight meant. This was something that she was surprised any fillies would come to see, regardless if the scares weren't as bad as some of the things she had in mind...

Zecora could make the two through the smoke and mirrors and undid the rope to let them back in. The ponies in line groaned and went for other attractions, realizing this meant the zone was going to be shut down for a while.

"We will return in one hour, we promise!" Luna swore. "Nightmare Moon needs her rest too," bringing attention to the candy bag on her back.

"So where should we take a seat at?" Twilight asked.

A table right by the fairgrounds caught the alicorn's eye, isolated and by itself. "That one."

They walked closer to the table, but as they approached it, everypony that could spot the princess bowed like before, though not with the same kind of fear as before.

"Pray tell, have they done this with Celestia when she comes to town?"

"Yes, in matter of fact. They never ran away or acted like she was going to kill them, but it's still custom to bow before her."

"So they continue to treat me like this, not because they are afraid, but because they are honoring me?"

Twilight nodded in response, and Luna couldn't have looked more pleased with herself. Her attempts to improve her image in Equestria was working after all.

Now that they had taken their seats on the picnic table, Luna hovered the candy bag and dumped all of it out. There were all sorts of treats on display, from bubble gum to strechy taffy to...a soda can...but overall it looked like a good stash any filly would be proud of.

But she didn't know that. She poked a wrapped piece of gum like it was some animal not to be messed with, and tilted her head in confusion.

"I apologize, but how do these work? What are you supposed to do with the paper?"

"That's easy," Twilight laughed. Luna had a few more things to learn. "All you have to do is take the candy in your hoof, take the wrapper off, and put it in your mouth, like this!"

She used her horn to levitate the piece of bubble gum in front of her, taking the wrapper off as stated, and enjoyed some old fashioned gum, blowing a bubble while she was at it.

Now that Luna got it, she hovered her own piece and unwrapped it to partake in her first taste of candy ever. She was surprised at the concentrated amount of sugar inside, spitting it out for a second and keeping it levitated, and put it back inside.

She chewed it for some time, and smiled back. "I have not known sugar could make for a delicious treat, but now I know better," she said, eyeballing her spoils, "and I can't wait to try some more."

However, before she could have another piece, she heard something loud and fierce above. It sounded like it could be a bird, but there was no bird she knew that could make a sound that sounded like a mixture between gagging and screaming.

"Nightmare Moon!" the voice singled out. "You have been giving me nightmares for too long! I guess that makes sense because you're NIGHTMARE Moon, but I have had enough! You've been taking too much of my hard earned candy for too long, and I won't take it any longer!"

"Pinkie Pie?" Twilight puzzled. The pink pony was nowhere to be seen. "Where are you?"

"Oh hi Twilight! I'm so sorry I'm doing this, because that candy does look tasty, but I have to do what a hawk's gotta do!"

"A...hawk? What do you mean, what a hawk's gotta do?"

"THIS!"

A massive bird circled around the sky high above, one that looked much like a hawk to anypony watching above. It screamed again, but as Twilight looked at it closely, she could make out a familiar pink face to it.

Inside the talons was a huge plastic bag, and it swooped down onto the table. Much of the candy Luna and Twilight earned ended up inside, leaving bare amounts of it left, as it flew right back into the sky.

During that moment, Twilight got a good glance at the hawk responsible, and saw it was Pinkie Pie inside a hawk costume.

"PINKIE PIE! How did you learn to fly like that? You don't have any wings!"

"Indeed!" Luna said, stomping a hoof on the ground in anger. "How dare you take the candy we rightfully stole from other fillies? Give it back to us immediately!"

"Never! I want to give this back to the the other fillies you stole this from, freaky thief!" Pinkie Pie declared, flying out of sight.

Once the weirdest hawk of all time had left Ponyville, they looked at each other, wondering if that really happened or part of their imagination. But the few pieces of treats left over confirmed it was real.

They tried to pretend it never happened and tried to feast on what Pinkie left over. But eventually somepony had to bring it up.

"I heard a lot of things about this Pinkie Pie, but nothing could prepare me for...that. How is that even possible, an Earth Pony learning to fly without magic?" Luna asked.

"She's just being Pinkie Pie," Twilight shrugged. "I don't understand how she works, and I tried. None of my experiments worked one bit, so I'm just as confused as you are."

They erupted in laughter, watching the Pinkie hawk swoop from place to place, giving a filly some candy every step. Luna stopped for a brief second with the epiphany: Is this technically a date? Twilight seemed to enjoy her company, and it was a lot of fun...

No matter, she pushed the thought away and continued on.

"How are your studies fairing here in Ponyville, Twilight Sparkle?"

"Great. Just great," Twilight said gleefully. "I've gotten real close to all of my friends in my stay, and it's been a lot of fun. Wait, I think I see one coming right up. Hi, Rarity!'

Luna turned around to see a stranger wave back at Twilight. She had a stylized purple mane with her bangs flowing down, a white coat, and strangely enough a pair of pink tinted glasses looking like goggles, a pink tie, and a dress with black and white stripes in the front. If she didn't know better, this pony was dressed up like a photographer she heard about with the name Photo Finish.

It was so strange to see the sight, for Rarity nailed everything down about the photographer. From the mane cut to the dress, everything was uncanny right down to the personality.

"Egad, where did you get that costume, at some cheap 99 Bits store?" she said, seeing Derpy dressed in paper bags only. "Have you ever heard of the Carousal Boutique? You must, for this costume will not do."

"Now that's what I call dazzling," she noted with one mare decorated like an Egyptian pharaoh. "Marvelous detail, plenty of gems to go about, why, I'd say you have better taste than me, and that is quite an accomplishment."

"Is she like always like this?" Luna questioned. "She seems to be quite the touchy one, and I do believe her voice sounds eerily like mine at times."

"She's just playing the part, let's invite her over here! Rarity, how about you take a seat with the princess?"

Rarity saw the princess sitting across from her friend, and she was awe struck by the night alicorn. Her flowing mane, filled with stars, was beyond anything she could design, and the splotch with her cutie mark on her flank accented her dark blue coat perfectly. She dropped her glasses in complete surprise.

"Amazing, it is an honor to finally meet you, Princess Luna," Rarity bowed. "I...I have heard a lot of marvelous things about your appearance, but nothing like this. I thank you for the privilege--"

"It is nothing," Luna interrupted. "What I have read about you is more fascinating than anything, so shall we discuss both of your lives right now?'

Still agape, Rarity slowly made her way opposite Luna on the table, her dress brushing up against Twilight's fur.

By now the festival was in full swing, and everypony that wanted out was out there. The sound of a band could be heard not far off, and Big Mac resumed his usual Nightmare Night job, pulling a cart full of children in a wooden barrow.

"I know princesses don't need any dress," Rarity commented, "but why not you, Twilight? Last year you went around dressed like a hobo or a magician, the rest of the friends kept saying different things. I couldn't go last year, had a big delivery to make."

"That's right, I did have a costume!" Twilight panicked, jumping out of her spot. "I still have that costume, could you hold my spot?"

Rarity nodded, and Twilight rushed back into the scare zone, where her house was in the middle of.

Once the two were alone, Luna fidgeted the slippers on her front hooves. She hadn't seen as many letters about Rarity as the others, but she could gather that this unicorn had a love of fashion and would fit like a glove in Canterlot.

"Strange, you do seem to have a similar voice to mine," she stated. "Perhaps we will become close friends as well."

"Maybe, this is the first time since you were Nightmare Moon I've gotten to meet you," Rarity responded. "I understand you've been working with Twilight this year. How have things gone?"

Luna blushed just a bit. "Wonderful. She is quite the organizer, I think things moved smoother when she was helping us out. Does that match up with your experience?"

"Indeed. She might have a special talent in magic, but her organization skills are second to none. I don't see her without a plan in mind for the day."

Seeing her chance, Luna narrowed her eyes. "I do have a plan with her in mind, but I need you to come close. Nopony needs to know right now."

Sensing the need for some juicy gossip, Rarity came to the other side and came closer to the alicorn, nodding that she was ready to listen.

Luna made sure nopony was close enough, and lowered her muzzle right next to Rarity's ear.

"After this is all over," she whispered, "I'm going to confess to Twilight Sparkle that I have a crush on her."

Rarity gasped and pushed her lips closed with her hooves to avoid screaming the revelation. Her pupils exploded in surprise, and there was even a slight giggle in her gasp.

Yet she resisted her urges and went back to her seat, her heart rushing at the revelation.

"Oh, how scandalous! I'm sorry to be using that word, but do you know how this will come off across as? A princess of Equestria, one of the most powerful ponies of all, has a crush on one of my closest friends!"

"That is why I plan on telling her in private. I'm not coming out with this until I know for certain that she has those feelings too."

"Does she know?"

"No, not yet. I cannot hide this from her any longer."

"I do understand. I've read far too many romance novels where the two hide their love for one another, and only bad things happened after that. You must realize how bold this is...have you ever fallen in love before?"

Luna shook her head, but they kept quiet as Twilight returned to the table, clad in her Starswirl costume once more. Rarity laughed underneath her breath, and took a piece of taffy to herself.

When the purple unicorn came back, it was like a different table. Luna was looking away in embarrassment, while Rarity was whispering what she knew under her hooves, but it was so raspy she couldn't make it out. Just as planned.

She shook it off and took her seat back, looking at one of the clocks on the block. "We have fifteen minutes before everypony wants the zone back open, so how have you been getting along?"

Rarity shrugged. "Very well, I should meet her sometime after this is all over. But I should be leaving, I do have more costumes to critique!'

She got up and left the table, leaving the alicorn and the unicorn alone. Twilight glanced back at the clock. "I guess we could leave now?"

"Yes, right now!" Luna shouted. "Come on, they're getting inpatient without our presence!"

Without a reason, she rushed out and ran back to get the zone back to "normal". Twilight sighed as they went back to resume the forms of Nightmare Moon and Total Eclipse, returning to terrify ponies of all ages.

The time was almost here at last.

Confession

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As things quieted down, the last of the candy were handed out, and given the boost in budget everypony got more than they had last year. Granted, anypony foolish enough to travel into Nightmare Moon and Total Eclipse's lair with a sack full of candy would find themselves empty in no time at all.

Around ten in the afternoon, the last herd of screaming fillies fled the scare zone, and suddenly Luna and Twilight found themselves with a large sack of candy again. They left the area and looked up at the sky, seeing the moon was almost at its peak height. Midnight wouldn't be too far off from now.

Seeing that the night was almost over, Luna's heart was starting to pound. She had mentally prepared for the moment coming up for long enough, but preparing for something and actually doing it were two different things.

"What a marvelous night, much better than last year's dreadful start," she commended. "Since everypony is going home, I'll meet you at the Nightmare Moon statue when you're ready."

Twilight nodded as the princess left. She looked around at her work, and everything about the festival had went better than expected. Occasionally she would recognize a filly that she had scared straight, but they weren't terrified as much as they were laughing about it. There were even a few who wanted to go next year, and that made learning that transformation spell all worthwhile.

Nevertheless, after that last time out on the town, she watched the skies for Pinkie Pie while she watched things wind down. Even when she couldn't see the crazy pink pony, she could hear her swoop down for candy somewhere and hear somepony complaining that a hawk stole all their candy. That was her job, not Pinkie's! And at least the fillies KNEW she was going to do something to them.

And sure enough, she got to meet another victim in due time.

Rainbow Dash was sitting on a cloud high above, dressed this time as Commander Hurricane. She didn't look pleased with herself.

"Can you believe it?" Rainbow complained to nopony in particular. "I keep trying to pull the timeless lightning prank, but every time I almost get ready for it, she comes out of nowhere and steals somepony's candy again! Nopony outpranks Rainbow Dash!"

Twilight laughed it off, thankful she gave Luna the candy again. There would be no way Pinkie could tell where Luna was this time.

After seeing the staff of ponies come in for tear down, she went ahead and made her away to the meeting place. It was interesting, not even Celestia had secret meetings like this with her. So what could Luna want to do with her?

The unicorn was very optimistic about it, Luna was really happy to see her again. So maybe she had something promising in store for her.

As the time approached eleven, the moon was out in full bloom, a full moon tonight. It coated everything in an eerily blue glow, fitting the atmosphere of the occasion.

After a while following the trails, she found the statue she had been looking for. Luna was looking down at the empty bag of candy on the floor, in front of the statue.

"I will never fully understand how that earth pony does it," she sighed. "When you think you're gone from her sight, she comes in from nowhere and surprises you again. Does she do that often?"

"You have no idea," Twilight giggled. "That's Pinkie Pie for you."

Luna looked up to see Twilight was there. She froze in surprise and fear. The student was still in her costume, and it felt just like what happened last year when she came here, after her first impression wasn't as good as she had hoped. But this was far more nerve wrecking than before.

"So you wanted to see me here?" Twilight asked.

"Eh...yes, that is what I wanted you to do, see me here by the statue of myself," Luna grinned. Sweat drops went down around her face, and she looked uncomfortable with herself. "And now I have to explain what I'm going to do!"

Twilight could see through Luna's game immediately, and narrowed her eyes. "Is something wrong with you?"

"No, nothing's wrong with me. The thing is, I've never done anything like this before in my lifetime, and I've lived thousands of years. It's kind of a big moment for me."

The unicorn nodded, and sat down to await what came next.

But Luna was hesitant to do it. She tried to speak the words, but she choked every time she spoke. She tried again, and instead a bunch of rambles came out.

What is she doing? Twilight thought. She had some difficulties last time, but this is...I feel bad for her.

"Go ahead. You can tell me anything."

Somehow, this made Luna more nervous. She flapped her wings about for no reason, and adjusted the slippers on her hooves like they were giving her trouble.

Twilight sighed and facehoofed. "Would it help if I promise I won't tell anypony about what you're going to say?"

Luna nodded, her eyes watering from all the gagging.

"OK. I won't tell anypony about what happens tonight. I promise I won't."

The alicorn was relieved to hear that, and she calmed down after that. She paced around the statue a little, before sitting down on the ground and facing Twilight.

"First, you must understand that I ask of no ill will from you, no matter what you may feel about this. It will change a lot of things no matter how you react.

"Not more than a few days ago, I went inside Celestia's study. There, I found out about your friendship reports. Curious about these, I had asked my fair sister if I could read the collection she had gathered, specifically the ones you wrote."

Twilight gasped at this. Even though she always wrote them to be read by Celestia, there were times where it was more like writing a diary than anything else, and she wasn't sure she liked the fact that somepony else was reading them.

"So I took them to my sleeping quarters for study. It took time, for you had written so many of them. But after I had read most of them, I was awestruck by what you had done in your time after my return. The kindness you demonstrated, the courage, the support, everything. There was not one letter where I was not astonished by your impressive character."

The unicorn blushed deeply. She had never thought much of herself like that, just that she could get better with time...especially with her obsession of checklists...

"But it left me with a weird feeling. I did not know what it was, but it felt like a warm, gooey feeling was inside my chest. I thought about what it could be, and ended up thinking of last year. How we were in this very spot, and you were wearing the very costume you are draped in tonight.

"And I remembered what you did for me. Everypony was terrified of my presence, everypony thought I would either harm them, or in the case of Pinkie Pie, eat them. But you didn't. You came to me right here, and you were the only pony who wanted to help me out. I didn't have to ask for you to see me, you wanted to, and you did. That meant far more than you can imagine.

"And when I thought about that moment, and all the friendship reports you had written, I realized what the feeling was. And that is why we have met, so I can say it to you face to face."

She took a deep breath, trying to hide how much she was freaking out.

"Twilight Sparkle, I love you."

What?

Twilight's jaw dropped to the floor. Luna, the princess, in love with...what...is this really happening...

There was nothing but silence after that. Neither said anything to the other. Twilight was so shocked she didn't know how to react. Luna watched for any expression from the purple unicorn, anything that would say what she thought about it. At least she wanted an answer, even if it was no.

But for a while Twilight didn't know what to say. It was like her whole world was shattered before her. She was as still as the statue behind Luna, and she was trying to make sense of it, ration it out. But it wouldn't help her out here.

So she did the only thing she knew how: Turn around and run away.

She galloped away from there, hoping it would clear her head. But as she continued, it only confused her more. She had no idea what she was doing.

But halfway through the forest, she stopped when she heard the forest vibrate from the sounds of a certain voice calling for her.

"TWILIGHT SPARKLE!" Princess Luna declared in her Royal Canterlot Voice. "WHY DOES THOU RUNNETH AWAY FROM US? IS IT BECAUSE THOU DOES NOT SHARE OUR FEELINGS OF AFFECTION, OR FOR A REASON WE CANNOT FATHOM IN OUR MIND?"

Twilight turned around to see Luna had come within ten feet of her. The princess could have punished her in any way, but here she was looking at the unicorn with curiosity more than anything.

I have to know for sure, Luna pondered. There has to be a good reason behind all of this.

Twilight didn't know what to say. She knew the reason, but saying something this personal to a princess was too much. Go on, don't leave her thinking like this..

"I don't mean to make you sad or anything," she responded, "but there's two reasons why I can't do this. One, you're a princess of Equestria! You could have me thrown in prison if I don't make you happy--"

"Nonsense," Luna interrupted. "There can be a difference from striking against me and not making me happy all the time. Now give me your second reason."

The unicorn was blushing so hard, her facial fur had turned full red. "I...I never had anypony say they loved me like this." She turned away to hide her red face. "I had crushes on a few stallions, but never has anypony had a crush on me..."

"I want you to face me."

"What?"

"Please, I don't want you to cover away from me when you're talking about these things."

Twilight did as she was told, and her eyes were starting to water. "And I don't know...I don't know if I feel the same way about you. I do like you, I think you're a lot better than they give you credit for...but I don't know if I love you like that."

Seeing how honest and blunt the unicorn was, Luna came up and nuzzled the top of Twilight's head, much like a mother would after her child had a nightmare.

"Do not fret about this like I know you are. I do not expect you to love me because of my power. If you don't care to share those feelings, I can drop it, no matter if I like it or not."

The unicorn felt comforted as she was nuzzled. Suddenly she could think straight again, even if she was still freaking out about the crush part of this. At least now she knew she could choose whatever she wanted.

"But I do want an answer before I leave," Luna said. "I don't want this on my mind much longer, so if you don't mind, do you want to see where this goes or not?"

Then the panic came back. Both of the options were weighing inside Twilight's head. She didn't want to hurt Luna by saying no, but then again she wasn't too invested into romance at the time unlike Rarity.

She went back and forth, back and forth on her answer.

I don't think I love Luna at all. But that's only because I barely got to know her. And yet I don't want to do this. I don't want to hurt her feelings...wait! That's what I'm going to do!

"Yes," she said. "I'll see where it goes, but only once."

Luna's eyes shot up, her heart lifting up after hearing the answer. But only once? "What do you mean only once?"

"I guess I mean I'll find out by spending time with you sometime, like on a date or something. But only one date for sure, then I'll have a better idea what I think about this."

Luna stopped the nuzzling and pulled back, giving Twilight her personal space back. "Ah, your wisdom shows up again. I applaud your decision, and I will look forward to this date."

Twilight smiled, having felt like she picked a win-win for everypony.

"I confess I already came up with a date plan," Luna said, rubbing a hoof on her mane. "I would like to dine within one of the halls of the Canterlot castle, if that's what you desire."

"But what about the Guards and Celestia?" Twilight questioned. "They'll know as soon as we step inside the castle what's going on. And I don't want anypony to know I'm dating a princess!"

"I'll handle that," Luna explained. "I'll throw in a visit to the library to discuss some of the newest discoveries in science, so that way I can describe it as a business trip, and I wouldn't be lying about it either."

Even though she didn't realize it yet, she was pretty good on knowing how to reel them in.

"Wait, so not only do I get to go out on a date, but I get to know what scientists have discovered recently?" Twilight said in bewilderment. "That's great! I can't wait for that. So when do I go to Canterlot, and how?"

"That's the easy part. It will take place exactly one week from now, and as for transportation I'll send in a letter sometime this week with a train ticket to Canterlot. I just hope I don't abuse my power too much for this moment."

"I'm sure you won't," Twilight comforted. "I should go home now, Spike is probably wondering what's keeping me out so late."

"Then I shall go too. Farewell, Twilight Sparkle, and thanks again for agreeing to this."

The alicorn spread out her wings and took off into the sky. Twilight watched as she became a silhouette in the moon, landing on a chariot waiting for her that was as dark as the night. It flew off behind the cover of the clouds, leaving Twilight alone down there.

Now that she was with her thoughts, Twilight laughed in equal parts humor and fear. She couldn't believe this was happening. A princess asking her out on a date? That sounded like some romance novel in her library. Not that there was anything wrong, but they always felt a little off from reality, and here she was, living it out.

Maybe. She was still undecided about whenever or not she like liked Luna or not.

She trotted the way out of the forest, and saw Ponyville as the last parts of the teardown process were underway. The team she had hoofpicked were very efficient, and save for a few pieces of the main stage there was no hint there had been a Nightmare Night. Even the streets were clean of candy wrappers and confetti.

Pleased with the final results, she came to the former entrance of Total Eclipse's lair, and found Zecora still standing guard in that same spot. "Hey Zecora, why aren't you in bed yet? You should get some shuteye, you did an amazing job tonight."

"My work is not yet done," said Zecora, "in the final moments everything can become undone."

"That's true. My work is done, so I'm going to hit the hay. Happy Nightmare Night, Zecora."

"A happy Nightmare Night to you, too, as long as you don't wake up screaming at 2."

Twilight nodded and went to the front door of her house. Turns out a few fillies got inside the zone while she was gone, the entire tree had toliet paper all over. And then she saw a pony dashing off with her cloud, leaving a rainbow trail in her wake...

Note to self: Perform some snow related prank with Pinkie on Rainbow Dash during Hearth Warming's Eve.

But she let it go for a while and opened the door. The lights were still on, and Spike had passed out on his bed. In front of him was a big hill of candy, and he had a lollipop in his claw that was still moist. She shrugged and took the costume off, spilling into the bed.

Now she could think about Luna again as she got into the sheets.

Luna did seem really happy when I agreed to that date. This means a lot to her. A lot. I don't know what she's going to do if it turns out I do love her, or even if I don't.

Still...I don't know if I want to do this or not. I haven't even gone to prom in high school for Celestia's sake! But it's only one date. One. How bad can it be, when I'll be learning about science that same day?

Don't you see what she's doing? She's trying to make you feel as comfortable as possible. She could have used a spell to make you age when you ran away from her! And yet she didn't, because she loves you that much.

But I don't know what I'm doing! I could wreck everything with awkward questions and glances, and not to mention this is a mare I'm talking to! Does dating a mare have any similarities with dating a stallion?

No, I'm not going to worry about this. I'm going to be myself and see if we have any connection at all. That's why she was fine with just one guaranteed date, because she knows you don't know.

Now get some rest. It will work itself out in time.

After her mind was finally at ease, she closed her eyes and placed her hooves on the blanket. She fell asleep not far after that.

First Date

View Online

It had been a while since Twilight had been on a train this early in the day. Perhaps Luna wanted to go over a lot of discoveries, that would be the only way to explain why the train ticket had a departure time of 7:30 in the morning. It didn't go over so well having to hastily arrange everything on short notice. Granted, Spike would be happy to spend time with Rarity at her Boutique while Twilight was gone.

It was in the middle of autumn, and the sun was about to rise any moment. There was a fog around the parts of the land the tracks cut across, lending to a sleepy atmosphere.

Yet Twilight wasn't thinking about sleep at all. Her eyes were a little baggy, only getting four hours of sleep, but deep down she couldn't think of anything else but the immediate future.

Why didn't I mention this is my first date? I don't know what to say, or where to begin! Where should I begin? "Hi Princess Luna, so how was the time on the moon like? Did you jump around? What's the gravity like in space?"

See? I don't really know what I'm doing. I should have brought a book about dates with me.

She looked out the window of her carriage to get some clarity. But the sight of Canterlot with the castle prominently rising into the sky, only helped to add a feeling of panic. The ride was more than halfway over and it wasn't the longest to begin with.

The train traveled inside a dimly lit tunnel, causing all the indoor lights to turn on automatically, one of the most recent technological advancements. Maybe that's one of the things Luna wanted to discuss.

While the area outside was pitch black, Twilight realized she forgot to fix her mane after waking up, and hurriedly made adjustments with her hooves. She was going to be in front of Celestia at least once today without doubt, she couldn't bare to look sloppy.

Within a few seconds the train was out of the tunnel, and was ever closer to Canterlot. Never before, she realized, was she so worried about what was going to happen when she got inside.

I have an idea. This whole thing was her plan. I'll just let her lead the conversation, and react appropriately. If I say anything, it will either be as a response or a question. If that doesn't work, I'm finished.

After a few moments of date planning and introspection, the train approached the depot. It slowed its speed gradually, and stopped in a cloud of steam from the engine. Twilight saw none of the princesses were there waiting for her, so she sighed in relief. But then she saw two Royal Guards waiting by a chariot, with their eyes lighting up when they saw her, one of them holding a picture that was obviously a purple unicorn next to Celestia.

Either Celestia or Luna sent an escort for her. Not that surprising, actually.

Twilight knew there was nothing she could do about it, and pulled her luggage out of the coach, using her horn to pull it behind her. At the exit door, the attendant tore off half of the round trip ticket and mentioned the times she could arrive back to Ponyville.

The Guards noted her departure, and one stood watch over the chariot while the other approached her.

"You must be Twilight Sparkle. It is an honor to meet one of the Elements of Harmony," he greeted.

"I don't mean to be rude, but Luna sent you down here, didn't she?"

"Yes, she's been expecting you for quite some time. Let me get the luggage for you."

The guard carried both bags to the back of the chariot, stuffing them inside. He proceeded to open the entrance door for Twilight, letting her climb inside. She stepped into it and took her seat, slowly realizing this was the same chariot Celestia occasionally used. Luna had shown she was thinking of every little detail and the date hadn't even started yet.

Both of the guards took their spot and pulled the chariot to the castle, recently expanded with a wing for Luna. Not surprisingly, it was painted blue with a moon symbol at the top.

The chariot arrived at the entrance of the castle not long after that. The next moment of truth was here. The Guards dismounted and opened the door for her, and she climbed out to the castle grounds.

"The luggage will be waiting for you in the dining hall," one of them said.

"Why the dining hall?"

"Princess Luna will tell you in person. Speaking of which, she is expecting you in the observatory."

"Of course," she whispered. She trotted to the castle entrance, the guards there opening the gates at her sight. There was a brief gust of wind as she walked inside, her heart pounding throughout each second.

To most newcomers, the scope of the castle would be overwhelming, but Twilight was no newcomer by a long shot. She went through many hallways and turns to where the library/observatory would be.

Once she had found herself there, a wave of nostalgia hit her immediately. It had been a long time she had laid her eyes on these shelves, the old telescope, the massive globe of the world. Even her old study desk was still here, and she looked over it and saw not much had changed with it.

It would never beat Ponyville by any means, but it was still worth a trip in memory lane.

"I see this was a fillyhood favorite of yours," a voice said. "And personally, I understand it. Not many places like this exist anymore."

Twilight panicked and hid behind the desk, peering her head out to see Luna had been here the whole time. The princess laughed as the unicorn got out, trying to pretend she hadn't acted like such a scaredy pony.

"Don't worry, I won't tell anypony about that. Like I said before, I don't know how to make a good appearance yet. How was your trip?"

"Oh that, I'm sorry about that. The trip was good, didn't expect the Guards to be there waiting for me. That was your idea, wasn't it?"

Luna nodded. "I hope that wasn't an issue. Perhaps that was a little too much..."

"No, it wasn't. But it felt strange, the only time Celestia did that for me was when I was traveling somewhere, not just from a depot to the castle."

She does think I'm being too protective of her, Luna thought. I need to find a way to make her feel more comfortable.

"I did have a reason to bring you back to this room. I've arranged some material for you to see, they're scientific advancements we haven't made public yet, they need some tweaking before they're ready."

Twilight's ears perked up when Luna placed a thick folder with plenty of blueprints on the work bench. "I forgot all about that! What kind of things did they discover? More planets in the universe? How to control electricity better? Or is it time travel without having to use magic?"

"Hold your reigns for a moment," Luna responded, opening the folder. "There's a little of everything for you to witness."

You forgot about this? Were you really so afraid of seeing me that you failed to remember the one thing I went out of my way to do for you?

I'm right, I'm enforcing my will too strongly on her. I have to change that for the date tonight.

-----------------

The next seven hours went away like minutes. Luna's portfolio of the things Equestrian scientists had discovered were fascinating like little else. So many of the ideas were so mind blowing, Twilight went over every last detail for what felt to Luna like hours, which in the case of the dark energy beam did happen.

But now it was three in the afternoon. Luna had told the staff to be ready for the two of them at six. Three hours felt real short when you've spent one thousand years on the moon.

"And then we step inside, press a date into the machine, and we travel to that time, all on electricity? And no magic? That is brilliant!"

"Yes," Luna said, getting a little uneasy, "but we're considering limiting the amount made and locking those up in a secret chamber. You do not want something like this to fall in the wrong hooves.

"But it's getting late. Would you like to spend the next time getting ready for tonight?"

"What do you mean...oh, the date. Yeah, I should probably do that," she giggled, trying to hide she was getting uneasy too. "Where should I go for that?"

"I'll lead you to one of the dressing rooms around here."

"And what should I wear?"

Luna gasped silently, realizing this was her chance to make Twilight more comfortable. "Anything you would like. I know you'll look amazing in whatever you decide to wear."

Twilight turned away as her cheeks blushed. Wait a minute, am I BLUSHING? Why am I blushing? Is that something I'm supposed to blush to?

"Lead the way, Luna."

Luna did so, taking Twilight through yet more hallways and turns. After some time trotting the palace and watching the Guards saluting the princess, Twilight found herself in a dressing room, the same one Celestia would come in at times.

"You should find everything you need here," said the alicorn. "There's a lot of makeup in the drawers, and the closest has a lot of dresses your size, I think. I noticed that everypony's the same size in this time period save for a few stallions."

Twilight sat down at the stool in front of the mirror, sighing as she looked at the mirror to see Luna was already by her side. The unicorn looked nervously at all the different makeup and lipstick choices. She didn't try to be fashionable often, and when she did, it was in a dress Rarity had made for her. And now she didn't have that privilege.

"I'll leave and ensure everything's ready," said Luna. "I'll be downstairs if you need me."

"There's just one question," Twilight responded as she levitated a washcloth. "Why is there yellow lipstick on this thing?"

"Oh, uh, I don't know. Maybe Fluttershy was here. Yep, matches her yellow mane and everything." Luna took the cloth away, hiding how red her cheeks were as she shut the door behind her.

The student tried to hide she was laughing. It wasn't something she would admit out loud, but Luna could be really hilarious at times.

Wait a second, did I laugh about that? Did I just admit she makes me laugh? Oh no...don't do this to yourself. You can do things better than that.

She brought all the lipstick and makeup options in single file into the air, and it was clear this was going to be a long three hours. When she glanced at the dress choices behind her, it was clear this was going to take up the time before the date.

Oh well. Better start somewhere. And thank Celestia, Luna wasn't going to force her hoof into this...

----------------

Wow. I think this looks amazing. It might have taken thirty dresses but I think it's going to be worth it. Let's just add a little more lipstick...there!

Twilight grinned as she looked at herself in the mirror. This was the first time she had to do all of this herself and it looked pretty good. She glanced at the clock in the room reading 5:43. She still had some time left before she had to be there, but then again she wanted to be there early.

She went and opened the door, only to find a Guard ready for her again. His eyes were dazzled by the sight, but shook it off.

"So I'll assume you're ready to meet the princess of the night," the Guard said. "May I lead the way?"

Twilight nodded. It was so obvious Luna had planned everything she could to make this night memorable.

The Guard led her through the castle once more, and eventually they arrived at a pair of doors that were platted with gold. It wasn't a room she was familiar with, and so her mind was blown away when she looked inside for the first time.

The best way to describe the room was a private setting, yet filled with the glamor of the throne room. There was a gold tint to the entire place, and Twilight could have sworn the chandelier was halfway made of crystal. In one corner was a fireplace that added to the glow of the room.

On top of that, there was only one table in the room, big but not so big that the two chairs in place were far apart. Somepony had already placed two plates, cups, and the needed silverware for the meal.

Twilight slowly descended to her chair, surprised as she had ever been at the sight. How had she been here for years and never knew this area existed? And it felt very...intimate.

"I think you look marvelous," said the Guard. "And excuse me for a moment, I'll tell the princess you're ready to meet her."

Twilight waved him as he left through the doors. Now she had another few moments to think before it all came crashing down on her.

Remember, just be yourself and allow her to ask questions. It should be fine in the end, right?

Then THE moment arrived. She heard the doors open to see Luna come in, in all her decor. But to her surprise, when the princess got a good look at Twilight, she was the slack jawed pony in the room.

Twilight was dressed in a black dress that glistened throughout the ensemble. It had a see through part on the lower half that was covered in starry glitter, matching the lighter slippers she had on. Her mane had thankfully stayed the same, but the earrings she had on, with stars for a design, looked impressive indeed.

"My goodness," Luna said. "You picked your fashion well. I...I'm impressed."

"Thank you," Twilight responded, "but I'm not nearly looking as good as you." Did you just FLIRT with her?

Luna laughed. "No matter. I wonder if you attempt to flatter your friend like this all the time."

Oh Celestia, YOU JUST DID! You can't be doing this!

The princess took her seat across Twilight, and the date began. "I imagine you're a little nervous at this moment. Did you agree to this date, because you were worried still what I would do if you said no?"

Twilight shook her head. "Not so much. You were trying your best to make me feel comfortable at Nightmare Night. It was the least I could do."

Luna took a deep breath of relief. "Good, I guess we can begin now. I want to ask something about you, and it's kind of personal."

The unicorn nodded, and placed her front hooves on the table in anticipation.

"Why did you help me out last year at Nightmare Night? You didn't have to do anything, and it's unheard of to help royalty like this."

Twilight gulped, and realized the cup she had already had red wine inside. It was halfway empty once she was done.

"I...I...I don't know. I think anypony would in that position."

"But you were the only one who did. Don't you remember? None of your friends, other than perhaps the farmer Applejack, tried to assist me. If I recalled that time precisely, you sent me to Fluttershy to teach me proper speech of the time. And she feared me and would not do that task, and instead you helped me with it instead.

"And when I was convinced everypony would fear me for life and I declared Nightmare Night to be canceled forever, you were the only pony who worked on fixing matters. Is that not true?"

Now the wine cup was empty. Twilight didn't want to believe there was another reason she did all that for Luna. And as she thought about it, there was another reason.

"Because everypony feared you as Nightmare Moon, when I knew you changed. I saw you go back to good with my own eyes, and I didn't think you were treated fairly."

"Treated fairly? I'm astonished you view it that way. Not that it wasn't true, but you must have known of what I could have done to those that dare ran away from my presence. That is why your actions were so unheard of. And I confess I was surprised you thought I was worth the trouble."

A waiter came in and poured Twilight another glass of wine, but she didn't notice it. "What do you mean, worth the trouble? I try to help anypony out when they're having problems like you did."

Luna's heart dropped. Did that mean her case wasn't special? She might have read too much into those actions...

She didn't give a response, and Twilight could see her ears droop. The student didn't know what it was that caused Luna to react like this. Maybe it was how she said it?

Instead of responding, the alicorn waved to the Guard standing watch, and after a few awkward moments a couple of waiters came in with plates of salads inside. They placed besides both ponies, and the whole area started to feel cold after the waiters left.

"It is made with some of the plants from the garden," Luna sighed. "I thought you might like it."

Twilight picked up a fork with her magic and brought a bite of salad to her lips. It did taste delicious, fresh with a nice zing to it. She took a few more bites and started to enjoy herself.

Yet she couldn't for very long. Luna sat with a gloomy expression, and it was so prominent that it became the elephant in the room.

"What did I do wrong?" Twilight finally asked. "I didn't mean to do it, but I want to know what I did wrong."

"Nothing," Luna cried. "I think I made a mistake. I'm sorry for taking so much of your time."

"Wait, what mistake? I might have been nervous before, but I think this is amazing. This is really nice of you to do for me--"

"It's nothing you did. You are fine. But I think I read too much into that night."

She got out of her chair and walked to the window, showcasing the castle structure.

"I thought about it a lot afterward. Do you know what it was like, to be so helpless for once in your lifetime, when you thought the worst part of your life was over?"

The princess looked at the moon, an eternity of terrible memories coming back to her. "I thought it was over for me at that moment, when my reception in Ponyville was received with, as you commented, mixed results. Behind in the times, whatever they call it.

"But you helped me through it. There was nothing you could have done that was more helpful than that. And that was one of the reasons I fell in love with you. And now I know that's just how you are with anypony. I was the fool for thinking too much about it, and I'll proceed to take you home. I think you had enough of my foolishness."

Twilight shook her head strongly, and now the princess found the student by her side. "No, you're not a fool for thinking that. I might not have thought about you as a marefriend then, but I considered you a friend at that moment. And even if this doesn't work out in the end, I still want you to be my friend."

Luna looked at her, and smiled gently. "Honestly? Even if we don't love each other as marefriends? That...that means more than you can realize."

Twilight smiled and pointed at the table. "We still have a date together."

They both laughed and walked back to their seats. Luna adjusted herself, trying not to think too hard about what to do next.

"You should try the salad," said Twilight. "It's as good as you said it was."

Luna got a few bites with her fork, and ate some of it. "Wow, this is the best batch we've had in a while. And that's an accomplishment."

The unicorn nodded in agreement. "It's really nice of you to do something like that for me." Wait, you're thinking about it... "But before we can continue, can I ask something?"

I thought you were just going to let Luna ask all the questions. Please don't agree to answer...

"Yes, what is it?"

NO! WHAT ARE YOU THINKING? Whatever you do, don't ask about--

"What was it like up there on the moon for those thousand years?"

Wow. You went there. You have no shame.

Luna nudged a little in her chair, looking backwards at the window with the moon coming into view. "That time...not even the historians dared to ask about that part of my life. I presume they would be afraid what would happen if they did ask, and for good reason.

"The first moment I arrived, I remember feeling a sense of rage and sorrow, all at once. Nightmare Moon was enraged when she realized she had failed, and almost immediately started to count down the time until her banishment was over to take her revenge against my sister. Me...do you recall how I was when you defeated me?"

Twilight nodded, feeling guilty as hell for asking something so personal.

"That was identical to how I felt up there. Shame, guilt, regret, grief, sorrow, any negative emotion you can come up with. I wouldn't admit it to myself, and wouldn't until I saw her again, but I felt such a deep regret over what I had done. We were both so close together, and I had let something so insignificant as the ponies sleeping during my night get in between us."

Luna stopped talking for a moment, looking at the moon crescent she had for a cutie mark. "She gave me a second chance to make things right. That's all I could ask for."

And then it was her drink of wine that was gone in one swing. She didn't look upset to Twilight as much as she was relieved it was over.

"So can I ask you another question?" the princess inquired. "That is, if you don't mind."

"It's OK," Twilight said. "Go on."

"I don't believe it was a secret I went out of my way to try to make you feel comfortable around me. I know you're smart, and you probably figured it out once you saw the chariot or sooner than that. Did you think...it was a little too much?"

Twilight realized she hadn't really thought of it too much, rather focusing on not making a mistake. But the answer was clear.

"Yes and no. I really enjoyed seeing what Equestrian scientists found out, that was one of the best things anypony has ever done for me. But since I got on the train, I was so nervous about what to say and do. You were so thoughtful that even though you promised you wouldn't punish me if I said I didn't love you, when I realized how much this mattered to you I tried to do everything I could to make sure you were happy."

"So that's what you thought about all of this. You were still worried about what I was going to say and do if you did not approve of me as a lover."

"Wait, that's not--"

"It is what you meant. And I shouldn't be surprised. Having a princess asking you out on a date would overwhelm most ponies, even one with as much experience with royalty as you."

The student blinked at that. "You're not mad at me?"

"Is there a reason I should be that I'm not aware of? I'm willing to admit I fancy you greatly. And there is nothing wrong about having concerns about something you're new to."

Those words disarmed Twilight, and it felt as if a weight lifted off her shoulders. "Yeah, you're right. I guess I got carried away with making you happy."

The rest of the date went rather well. They kept discussing things about Celestia and Twilight's studies, and as time went on the unicorn was more and more comfortable talking to Luna, eventually being able to look past the crown on her head like she did with Celestia.

Not to mention, the meals provided were pretty solid too. The cheese and hay soup was better than expected, and the desert of cinnamon ice cream was delicious. By the time that was gone, it was nighttime outside and Twilight was starting to get sleepy.

"I should get you home before it gets any darker," Luna commented. "Are you ready to depart?"

"I...I think so," Twilight said, almost passing out. "I guess I'll go back by train. Thanks for everything, Luna. Should I give the dress back"

"It was my pleasure, Twilight Sparkle. And the dress is yours to keep. Since I do have some duties to attend to after this, I'll have a Guard escort you back to the depot. And Twilight..."

"Yes?"

The princess approached the unicorn and kissed her on the left cheek for the briefest of moments, before opening the door for the Guard to come in.

"Let me know when you want to see me again, if you do."

That one moment felt so long for the purple unicorn. The kiss felt so cool to the touch, and she felt a sensation in her chest she didn't know before. It was like having warm water in her chest, warm but like a liquid on top of that.

Neither feeling left her as she exited the castle and followed the guard back to the depot. She wanted to explain this, but wasn't sure where to begin. When she took her seat back inside the train, adjusting for her dress, she could swear she was...happier than ever before. It was so obvious why, but she was trying to find a reason other than it, just to make sure her emotions weren't getting to her.

But she couldn't help it once Ponyville was back in view, and gave up with logic. When she stepped off the train and stood silently inside her hometown, it was suddenly clear to her.

Oh my Celestia, I can't believe it. It's true, isn't it...

...I'm in love with Princess Luna.

Intermission

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During that same day, Ponyville would be bustling with activity. With Nightmare Night off the calender, the next step would be to prepare for the upcoming winter season. Rainbow Dash would occasionally leave during the next period for Cloudsdale's weather team, Fluttershy would be busy trying to get her creature friends ready for hibernation, and everypony would be busy purchasing coats.

But that night, one pony's work always stayed the same.

"It still doesn't look right," Rarity noted. "Perhaps a little more ribbon...Spike, could you be a dear and place three ribbons around the neck?"

"Will do!" Spike replied. He grabbed a bucket of ribbons and placed three of them where needed on the dress, placed on a mannequin. The dragon pulled back and placed his claws behind his back, awaiting the next order.

"That's perfect. I believe it's finished. Thanks so much for the help, I never would have thought I could make this many in a day."

Spike smiled, looking back at their work. It had taken all day to reach this point, but they had seven completed dresses to show for it. And yet there stood three more mannequins at the end of the row, awaiting their own dress.

"Can I help with just one more dress, Rarity?" the dragon asked.

Rarity shook her head, even if she did enjoy having her Spikey Wikey around. "I appreciate your eagerness, but it is rather late. When does Twilight usually have you off to bed?"

"Around 10. Just one more dress."

"I'm afraid not. Twilight should be back at any moment, and she'll want you home by then, I suppose. Maybe I'll let you come back tomorrow to finish up, if she hasn't scheduled anything then."

Spike looked disappointed, but nodded and fixed the ribbons on the last dress of the night. Rarity did give him a goodbye hug before opening the door.

Yet they were both surprised, as Twilight was there ready to knock on the door, in a dress neither one had seen before, Rarity even experiencing envy at how marvelous her attire was, and that she didn't design something that amazing.

Adding to the confusion, the unicorn didn't look alert at all at the front step. She seemed to be looking off into the distance, lost in her her thoughts. And rubbing her left cheek longingly was the weird cherry on top.

"Hello, Twilight. I didn't expect you to be here. Do you want me to send Spike your way?" Rarity greeted.

"That moment, I can't forget it if I try," Twilight wandered. "Oh...hi Rarity. Did you ask something?"

Twilight, not thinking straight? What had happened in Canterlot? And what was with that dress? The rubbing with the cheek? I have to find out!

"I was asking if you want Spike to travel home with you. It is almost 11, and you do have him in bed at 10, right?"

"I...I guess. Spike, you go on ahead of me. It might be a while before I'm there. Just don't stay up too late, OK?"

Spike did as he was told and made his way to the house, more than a little confused as he went past Twilight. Was that...lipstick on her cheek?

Once he was gone, Rarity took careful mental notes of Twilight's state. She didn't seem upset, thank Celestia. But Twilight's glances to the side, almost behaving like the designer wasn't there, hinted she was confused, lost in her thoughts.

There was a lot more to this than Rarity was seeing.

"What happened in Canterlot, deary? I understand you traveled to Canterlot so Luna could show you some neat things in science, but did something else happen while you were there? Did you bump into your parents while you were there? Or did some stallion give you a hard time? I must know, you're acting strangely right now."

Twilight blinked, shaking her head to clear her thoughts. "Don't worry about it. Nothing bad happened to me. It's just...something did happen, and I don't know what to make of it. I'm not sure if I should be thinking about it like I am."

"What do you mean? Twilight, I don't have any idea what this is, and I'm starting to worry about you."

Nodding, Twilight placed her left hoof on the ground, and then it was all clear to Rarity. The only clue she needed was the black lipstick stain on her cheek, which said enough.

"I don't know, Rarity. I'm starting to get sleepy. Could we talk about it some other time?"

"Oh, I have some other idea in mind. You see, thanks to Spike I will have an order finished ahead of the deadline, and I could spend a few hours tomorrow on a spa date. Fluttershy's occupied with her winter job, do you mind coming with me that day? You can explain everything then."

"I guess...I'll have to check my schedule, but if there's nothing on the list I'll be there. This feels weird, I'm not sure if you know how this is like, but I don't know what to do."

"Twilight I think I know exactly how you feel. You came to the right pony for your dilemma. But let's wait until the spa to discuss the matter, shall we?"

"Yeah, maybe I'll be able to figure it out in my sleep."

"One last thing Twilight, you have something on your cheek."

The unicorn didn't fully listen to those words, instead making her way down home. She kept rubbing on the cheek, coming to realize she liked how it felt that moment. It was the first time anypony outside her family gave her a kiss like that, and it was...amazing? Yes, amazing.

She opened the door to see Spike left the place dark, already sleeping in his bed and snoring. With the moonlight giving her the all the sight she needed, she made her way to the bathroom, taking off the dress and placing it to an adjacent closest. It was nice enough of a dress that she wanted to wear it again when an occasion came up.

But then she looked in the mirror, and gasped in horror at the sight before her eyes. How could she let Rarity see something like this?

She had a black lipstick stain on her cheek, imprinted deeply despite her hoof smearing it a little.

Oh Celestia no! Rarity knows I've been dating a mare, but not just any mare, she might already know it's Luna!

No...there's no way....just keep it together and say it was your mother...who has a white mane...that wouldn't mix with black lipstick...and still likes to kiss her grown daughter on the cheek...

I'm finished...this is so embarrassing...

She washed the lipstick off the cheek and went to her bed, collapsing in the sheets. Tomorrow could very well be the most uncomfortable day of her life.

One Duty Of Friendship

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As time went on, Rarity kept her eyes glued on the door entering into the spa's lobby. She had already went through four magazines and none of the other magazines were much to her interest. So within minutes she went through boredom, and discovered she didn't know that feeling well.

But it didn't last long as she thought over what she would be discussing with Twilight. She couldn't help it, whenever she learned that somepony close to her was involved in a romance, she had to know every little detail. There was no doubt in her mind, with the way Nightmare Night had went, that it would be Princess Luna that Twilight was thinking about. That was so juicy she was foaming at the mouth to know everything.

Oh, she couldn't wait for Twilight to arrive. Hopefully she wouldn't mind too much with all those questions. Eager to begin, she went ahead and walked to the door, so she could keep an eye out for Twilight outside.

Much to her delight, the student pushed the door open before Rarity could get there, and her expression was unchanged from last night: Nervous, distracted, unsure of herself.

"Just in time!" Rarity proclaimed. "I was beginning to worry you had forgotten about the spa date, silly old me. Did you enjoy your beauty sleep?"

"I...I don't really know," said Twilight. "I got a few hours of sleep, but I was really tired when I woke up. I had the strangest dream about what happened."

"Darling, this must be all new to you. Don't worry, I'm here for you. But first," she said, and motioned to the two mares at the counter, "the usual!"

The two perked up as their favorite customer ordered her favorite order, and escorted the two unicorns into the next room. There, Rarity and Twilight dressed into robes as they laid flat on their bellies for some back massages.

"Where do I begin? What am I saying, I know just where. How was he like?" Rarity asked, intentionally trying to hide her knowledge about this as long as possible.

"It's a mare," Twilight sighed. "Are you fine with mares dating mares? I never asked you about it."

"I see no problem with it. That's just one part of the puzzle of a pony's personality. How was she like?"

"Well, she was very nice and kind during the first date. She was really considerate the whole time, but there were times where it felt like she was trying too hard to make me feel comfortable."

"Twilight, that's a great thing to find in a pony!" Rarity said as a mud mask was applied to her face, with kiwi planted straight into her eyes.

"How is that great?" Twilight asked as a towel was wrapped around her mane. "I brought it up and we both agreed she didn't have to."

"That might be true," said the designer as her mane was placed inside a towel, "but that shows how much she wants to make you happy. Do you know what it's like to have a stallion that knows the opposite of that? A no good, snobby, royal pain in the hoof stallion--"

"Rarity, is this about Blueblood again?"

"Of course not," Rarity snorted as they were brought into a sauna room. "Alright, maybe a little. It was hard not to forget that night of my life.

"So we have very considerate on the list. What else?"

Twilight breathed in and out, agitated a tiny bit as she rested on the bench. "She's royalty."

Rarity's eyes widened, seeing her opportunity to confess about it. Aloe trotted inside the room, only for Rarity to wave her away, mouthing "give us a few minutes alone". The spa pony obliged and shut the door.

"Twilight, I consider you to be one of the best friends I ever had. And one thing friends shouldn't do is keeping secrets to each other. And so with that in mind, I must confess I know which pony it is."

Twilight gasped, with the sweat on her face coming more from her stress than the steam coming from the rocks. "How did you know?"

"She told me how she felt about you on Nightmare Night. There was no mistaking that look in her eye. She's in love with you, and given how you came home in a dress with what was clearly her lipstick on your cheek, I'm assuming you're starting to feel the same."

The student panted in stress, adjusting the robes to feel more comfortable. She looked around the room to make sure nopony was close enough to hear, before coming within inches of Rarity's face.

"I think I might," she confessed. "But I don't know what to do. Do you have any idea how much stress this is placing on me? It's hard enough that I'm dating a pony that's above all of Equestria, but this was the first time I had ever been kissed!"

"Wait just a moment, she kissed you on the cheek."

"Yes, your point?"

"Most kisses are on the lips."

"And?"

"Twilight, was that the first time you've been kissed on the cheek by somepony not in your family?"

The purple unicorn's cheeks went red with the realization, and hid her face with her hooves. "Yes..."

Rarity laughed a little, but stopped when Twilight tried to bury her face in her robe. "I'm sorry, I knew you hadn't gotten out a lot in your fillyhood, but I had no idea. There's nothing wrong with that, you did end up better with magic than most."

"It's so embarrassing," Twilight admitted. "I might have been alright that one night, but I'm afraid I'll mess everything up. I'm still not sure what I'm doing."

"Twilight Sparkle, I want you to look at me."

Twilight peeked her eyes out of her robe, and looked right into Rarity's eyes.

"I know you might be inexperienced in romance, most ponies are. And there will be times where you might wonder if you really understand these feelings you're undergoing. But in the end, there is no one way to a good relationship other than the basics, loyalty, honesty, all the Elements of Harmony.

"The only other thing you need to do is go with your heart, and ask yourself, 'Do I really want to be with Luna? Is this a pony I want to spend the rest of my life with?' And once you're honest with what your heart is telling you, then you'll be able to live with yourself."

Those were the words Twilight needed to hear, as she steadily straightened up during the speech. At the end she was nodding ceaselessly and her robe was back to fitting on her.

Once Rarity was done, she was pleased at how comfortable Twilight had become. Another problem solved.

Aloe opened the door and had the unicorns come out, with the time coming for them to enter their mud bath. After a few pieces of kelp on, they were in their little areas. Twilight had calmed down, looking at peace as she let the bath do its job on the body.

"In the end, did you feel you loved her when it was all said and done?" said the white unicorn.

"Yes, I felt I did," Twilight answered. "I felt something weird, like a connection to her in the end. I thought she was a very nice pony at the core, and when I agreed to date her, I said I would only agree to one date and see where it went. I think I want another date."

"That's wonderful!" Rarity was so excited she almost hopped in the sink, sending mud out of the container. "I mean, that you thought that you fell in love. It's a wonderful sensation, isn't it?"

"I want to be sure, though."

"What do you mean? It sounds like you had a wonderful time with her, and that you thought there was a connection? I can see that you wish to find out if it will last, but it appears you want to love her."

"I know. But I'm still nervous about...her status."

"Do you mean..." Rarity stopped herself from finishing the original sentence, as Lotus was within earshot. "Her role in society gave you the jitter bugs?"

Twilight nodded, emerging out as the mud dripped down into a series of towels set on the floor. "Yes. It felt like something momentous when I agreed to become Celestia's student, but as much as I can't believe I'm saying it, that was nothing compared to falling in love with her. I don't know what will happen when it comes out. Nopony, good or bad, would look at me the same way again."

Rarity said nothing for some time as she came out and the kept was taken off. "This shouldn't be, but I have to concur. I only hope it will be in a good way..."

They went into the next part of the routine, more back massaging followed by a little scrubbing of the unicorn horn. Again, Twilight's composure had faded away and she looked almost as timid as Fluttershy.

There wasn't a sound for sometime, and it stuck out to Aloe and Lotus. To them, seeing two unicorn yap their heads off without restraint and follow it up with silence caused them to worry.

"Would another trip to the sauna on the house help things?" Aloe asked.

Rarity nodded, and once the horn scrubbing was over they were back in the sauna. Twilight pulled the robe off and sat on the bench, looking down aimlessly.

"I'm sorry about that," Rarity finally spoke. "That is a harsh situation to be put through."

"But I know deep down I'm falling in love with her," Twilight responded back with.

"Then what do you think you should do about it?"

"I don't really know. I haven't thought about it. There's a point where I shouldn't care what others think about what I do, but in this case it could change my entire life. I need to really ask myself what I want to do."

"Then again, this is one of the two rulers of Equestria. She could offer to move you into the castle, with protection--"

"That's not what I want. Even if this is a pony that has my fate in her hooves, I don't want special treatment all because she's my marefriend. I'm not going to leech off her authority like that. I don't want to move away from Ponyville for that kind of reason."

Rarity nodded, and sighed with the thought. She couldn't think of another thought in how to handle it, with her mind unable to think of any way out.

Aloe entered the room, and neither one tried to get her to leave. She poured a cup of water into the rock bed, filling the sauna with more steam.

Seeing the stressed out looks on the two customers, Aloe walked out of the room, and decided to just let them out on their own time.

"Have you mentioned this at all to her during the date? This sounds an awful lot like something she needs to know about," said Rarity.

"I have, but not an awful lot," Twilight answered. "She said she would take care of it, but...I need to say to her how this is affecting me in the end."

"Then that's what you should do before anything else. It's clearly going to get in the way in the future, and sooner or later you have to do deal with it. Better that you do it as soon as you can than later."

The student nodded with a smile, and picked up the robe with her magic. "Thanks, Rarity. Given who this is about, I'm glad you were understanding through all this."

"Darling, being there for times like these are one of the duties of friendship." Even if I was a little guilty of listening for the romance part. I need to work on that. "Be sure to let me know how it goes when you have the talk with her."

"Of course." Twilight draped the robe over her back as she exited the sauna room, her skin almost dried up after so much time inside the area. Rarity came out shortly after, and bumped into Aloe, who was waiting just outside.

"Madame, is there anything else you would like today?" the spa pony asked.

"No, we're finished for the day. Let me get my purse...it's here somewhere..." She levitated her purse from the lobby across the spa, and poured the bits needed to Aloe. "I hope there's enough for a tip in there. I needed your services more than usual today."

Aloe agreed and took the bits into the cashier at the desk, and opened the door for the two unicorns to exit. They did so, with Twilight adding five more bits for tips.

That day in Ponyville was alright, but not great. It was unseasonably cold that early afternoon, even for autumn, and it gave the hint that this was going to be a brutal winter when it did arrive.

On top of that, the leaves had fallen more than expected, and with the wind today, they were swept all over the street endlessly.

"Hmm, maybe I should be working on coats after my current project," Rarity thought aloud. "So when do you think you should tell Luna about this? I understand you've been busy with your astronomy studies recently."

"Right now," Twilight responded not a breath after. "The sooner the better, right? I'm sending her a letter once I get home."

"It doesn't have to be this soon. You could wait until you're done with your studies for today--"

Twilight didn't get the memo, she had already started to gallop to the treehouse at full speed. The only thing she wanted to see was a quill and paper, just to get it off her mind.

She kicked the door open wide to see Spike dusting the shelves of the library, and immediately went looking for the writing materials she needed, but freaked out when she didn't find anything after searching through the desks and a few of the shelves.

"Twilight? What's the matter?" Spike asked.

"Sorry Spike, I need something right now. Why can't I find the parchment and quills when I need it?"

"Oh, that's it? No problem, let me get that for you." The dragon calmly opened an adajecent shelf and pulled out the writing materials. "Do you have a friendship report for Celestia or something?"

"Not exactly, I want this to be private," she said. She levitated all the materials over to a desk and laid it all out to get started, dipping the quill into the ink.

"OK, I'll be here if you need me," Spike mentioned as he continued to dust.

"What? Oh, yeah, that. Thanks for that."

The quill was wet with ink, and she took a few quick breaths before she got started. She knew deep down this would probably change everything about her eventually, she just wanted to be sure it would be a positive switch.

Her nerves were settled, and she started to write her letter.

Dear Princess Luna,

Ever since last night, all I've been thinking about is that date. It was a wonderful time, and to answer your question, I will agree to a second date after all. I do want to spend more time with you when it's possible.

But I'm still worried about how this is all going to work out. I know you said you would take care of it, and yet the more I go over all of it, the more concerns and potential problems I find. I don't know any of the answers, and I need your help.

Could we discuss this in person soon? I don't want anypony knowing about this, at least not now. That sounds selfish, but I'm a little terrified about the thought of this getting out.

See you soon,
Twilight Sparkle

Once the quill was set on the desk, the pony rolled the letter up and sealed it with Celestia's mark.

"Spike, I know this might sound weird, but could you send this to Princess Luna for me? It's really important this gets to the right hooves."

"Sure, I think I can handle this," Spike replied. "Celestia taught me all about this at the wedding. It just needs a blue flame."

He took the letter in his right hand, took a deep breath, and released a blue flame into the letter. It disappeared as a blue wisp before their eyes, leaving through an open window upstairs.

"Say, you've never given Luna a letter before. And most of the time you write to Celestia, it's just for a friendship report. What did you write to Luna?"

"It's something really important, business stuff," Twilight said, lying through a grin. "Yep. That's what it is. Business."

Not even a second after she was finished, Spike belched out a letter in a blue flame, but the letter had a moon crescent for a seal symbol than the horseshoe that Celestia's letters always had. Twilight knew immediately it was Luna's letter that had arrived.

Therefore, she did something uncharacteristic for unicorns in general, and rushed to grab the letter in her mouth before Spike could read it, and ran upstairs to read it by herself, using the blanket as cover.

To Twilight Sparkle,

There is a forest outside of Ponyville, three miles west to be precise. It is a remote area, and only the most curious of ponies will find anypony there.

Meet me there at 9 PM tonight. We will discuss this problem of yours there. And don't tell anypony why you're coming.

With love,
Luna

No wonder it came so soon, Twilight thought. It was straight to the point and very short. She rolled the letter back up and hid it underneath the bed, only for Spike to pull the blanket away.

"Ahhhh!" she screamed, falling off the bed with shock. She waved her hooves around aimlessly as she landed on her back, rolling over to be right side up.

"I'm so sorry," Spike responded, helping Twilight up. "So what did Luna say?"

"Nothing, but I have to be gone for an hour tonight. There's a little bit of business she wants me to take care of, before the day's over."

Falling

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It was late that same day, the sun had set and the moon came out with its light not long after. Only minutes had passed after sunset when the temperature dropped ten degrees outside. Anypony that would be traveling outside would need a light jacket to feel comfortable out there.

And that was what Twilight Sparkle did. She wrapped up her studies in fire spells when she checked the time, and saw that it was time to go. The book was placed back on the shelf in its rightful place, and the purple unicorn traveled to the front door and pushed it open. She was greeted with a slight chill, so she put on the jacket her mother gave her last Hearth Warming's Eve.

Shutting the door carefully not to wake up the napping dragon, she trotted to the west direction as she thought about what could happen that night. Her heart was pounding as she raced through the possibilities, there was no doubt that this was going to be a long discussion in her mind, but she didn't know in which way.

Maybe she would just go through the circle again, with Luna's reassurance it would be taken care of. That's when she realized it wasn't going to be enough.

I don't want everything to just be swept away out of sight. It's going to come out eventually, just like Rarity said.

So what do I want? Hanging out more with Luna? Of course I do. But I don't want to stop my studies because of this.

That's what I need to tell her out here.

The buildings and the dirt paths soon gave way to forests and no clear path in sight, save for a rare trail. Soon, there were brown leaves everywhere, on the branches and on the ground, with every hoofstep causing a crunching noise.

Twilight recognized that Luna had not given a specific location in the forest to meet her at, but she thought she just needed to listen to the sound of crunching leaves to find the princess.

However, it took a while of wandering around the forest to hear anything at all except the occasional cricket. A few breezes came inside the cracks of the trees, and she pressed the jacket closer for warmth.

How was she supposed to know where Luna was out here? It wasn't the biggest forest out there, but it wasn't the smallest either. And leaf crunching didn't make that much noise. In frustration, she rested up against a tree, sending a few leaves down as she rubbed on the trunk. She closed her eyes for a brief rest, her ears perked to listen for anything, anything at all.

Not long after that, she heard another pony crunching leaves with their hooves. Her eyes opened wide, and she listened closer. It sounded like it was coming from her right side, and the pony was as directionless as she had been. It could finally be Luna out there.

The unicorn raced to the source of the noise, and slowed down when she finally saw Princess Luna out there. The alicorn turned around, hearing leaf crunching herself, andg greeted Twilight with a smile.

"Twilight Sparkle. It is good to see you again, even like this."

The student nodded and gave a weak smile, shuddering from the cool air.

"Is the temperature too low for your taste? I shall prepare a fire for you, I imagine this will be a long night for both of us, as it should be with somepony with an issue such as yours."

Luna's horn glowed with magic, the very tip sparking throughout. She lowered it to the ground, and as it touched the soil, a fire formed in its place within seconds. The princess sat down on the grass and took off her slippers, breathing a little as her hooves touched grass.

"It has been a long time since I've been able to do this. The moon is colder than the coldest place on this planet, so I've gotten used to it. Please, remove your jacket. It will be hot in no time at all."

Twilight complied and took off the jacket, placing it next to one of the trees out there. She took her spot across from Luna from the fire.

"That's a lot better, thank you," Twilight sighed. "Thanks for coming on such short notice, now about the problem..."

"Twilight, I hate to be rude, but I thought I told you I would settle everything for you. Anything that needs to be done will be done. For you, it's worth the trouble."

"But that's the thing. What would you do if everything came out and nopony here liked it much?"

"In that situation, I would be fine with moving you to Canterlot, inside the castle, if it turns out to be the best course."

"I don't want to move away though," Twilight gasped. "That's what worried me after I thought about it. I did like our date, and like I wrote a second date would be great, but I'm not sure if I wanted this to come at the cost of my friends and my studies. I don't know if that comes across as selfish, but I don't think it should ever come to a point where I have to pick between Ponyville and you."

When she recognized what she said, she gasped again and buried her face in the ground full of shame.

Did I just tell Luna I valued my friends and studies over her? Oh, I should have known I would screw it all up--

"I didn't know that's how you saw things," Luna replied. "I never really thought about it. Word getting out that you were dating a princess would change things, but I never gave much thought about how you wanted things to be. I apologize for that."

Twilight unwrapped her hooves around her face, getting back up on her hooves. "You're not mad at me? I thought it sounded like I wanted my friends over you."

"No, not at all. Twilight, it might have been a long time ago, but I went through something like that. I loved playing with my fillyhood friends all the time, but that came with the looming date that I would take the crown along with Tia. It is different with you, but I loathed the feeling I would have to decide down the timeline. That's nothing I should have forced you to experience."

That took the unicorn by surprise, and simply responded by nodding. She adjusted her hooves to get more comfortable, as the fire burned brighter and hotter than before. The princess had her eyes on Twilight the whole time, and looked more content with herself.

Hmm, she seems to be warming up to me, Luna thought. I think it's time to get closer, assuming I don't intrude on her.

"Twilight, would you be more comfortable over by this side of the fire?"

"Yeah, I think I would like that."

Luna watched the unicorn's movements closely as she walked around the fire to the princess' side, and interestingly she sat down rather close to Luna. She seemed comfortable being this tight to her.

Things are moving perfectly. But she does still seem nervous. Let's work on that next.

"I've noted you have done well under the eye of Celestia. Would you say the same thing for yourself?" she asked.

"That? Well, there's always more to learn, I'm not close to being finished," Twilight confessed. "But so far, I believe I've done well. I'm working hard on being on time, all the time, and I'm doing great on learning everything. She tells me I'm getting better all the time."

"Yes, you should listen to what she says when it comes to such things. If only I did when it counted..."

She gazed up on the moon, with a bare outline of the Mare on the Moon still remaining.

"Does it matter anymore?" Twilight responded. "You might have made a mistake there, but when she gave you the chance to come back, you took it and apologized. You're listening to her now."

Luna's eyes widened with that idea. "Yes...I guess you're right. The only reason why I assume I still bring myself back to that time was that Nightmare Night. It takes a while for anypony to remember you for anything other than that. But I already know that will not be the case, unlike with Discord."

The student laughed with the last sentence. "That's right. Did I ever say thank you for the date last night? It was really nice. And...and...Luna..."

"Yes, what is it?"

"Luna...I think I love you too."

Have you ever been at a time where you really wanted something so bad, you mistook it for a need? And did you ever get it in the end? When that happens, there is no feeling like it. You feel like, for a brief moment, you can do anything you ever wanted to do, and that you're the king of the world.

For Luna, that was an understatement.

She springed off the ground and grabbed Twilight tightly, giving her the biggest hug she ever had. She took it further and hopped up and down around the forest, repeating "Yes, yes, yes, yes!"

"Luna..." Twilight gasped, one of Luna's forelegs wrapped around the neck. "Air..."

"Oh, I'm so sorry," said Luna. She placed Twilight back on the ground and adjusted the pony's messed up mane and tail back to normal. "I need to learn how to not overreact. But I love you so much, that is the best thing anypony has told me since Celestia let me back on my throne. And..."

Without giving any warning, Luna brought her lips to Twilight's for a moment, closing her eyes as she did so.

Twilight was so surprised she also jumped back, until she wrapped her head around the idea that Princess Luna was kissing her on the lips. She didn't know how she was supposed to react, until she came to the idea that she should just find out what she felt about it.

And when she did, she found herself kissing Luna back.

There was no real way she could describe how it felt, but she tried. Every cliche she could think of, she felt it right then: Flying high above, feeling light headed, and not wanting a moment to end.

In fear, Luna pulled back. "I'm sorry. I should have done that--"

"No, I want to keep doing whatever that was, if that's OK with you."

Luna complied and kissed Twilight again. Twilight closed her eyes as she gave herself over to the moment, the thrill of it beyond what she felt before. She kept returning the kiss over and over again, until her brain kept feeling it had been minutes since they started all of this. But for once, the pony who was obsessed with schedules didn't give a buck.

The princess was so grateful at that moment to share this as well. She went out of her way to try not to force her love on Twilight, and when she learned the unicorn shared her feelings too, it was amazing to her as well.

After what had to have been an hour, they finally pulled off each other, opening their eyes to the other mare.

"Is it supposed to be like that?" Twilight asked.

"Truth be told, I do not know, but I wouldn't have it any other way than that."

The purple mare smiled and snuggled herself along Luna's frame, almost giggling about what was happening. "I like you, I really like you. I don't know what's going to happen with us, but I'm fine for now."

"As am I," replied Luna, bringing her head down to return the cuddling. "I will do what I can to ensure you can stay here, and I don't want you to hide anything from me. If there's something that's troubling you, I can visit again like this. Can you do that for me?"

"Of course," Twilight said dreamily. "I...I don't want to screw anything up...that's the only thing I'm worried about anymore..."

"You won't," Luna stated, as if it was a fact. "Come with me, we can talk about this while we're walking."

The unicorn pulled away from her new marefriend, and put her jacket back on. At the same time, the princess placed her sandals back on, her hooves feeling the best they had been in years. Within seconds the fire went out, and Twilight came close to Luna as they began to walk through the forest. By now the moon was at its full light, its white glow filling every nook and crany of the area.

"Is this about your inexperience again?" Luna inquired. "At this point, with all that you have done with your friends for Equestria, that is the only excuse I can come up with."

"I'm afraid so. Everything I've ever been good at, it took time to be competent at it. I'm only as talented as a magician as I am since I spent years studying magic. I might have learned a lot about friendship, but only because I've been in Ponyville just so I could learn about it for the last few years. And again, this is the first relationship I've ever been involved in, I'll have to learn a lot to know how to make it work."

"Twilight, I know you're not used to this." They arrived in an open field in the middle of the forest, allowing them to observe it in all directions. "But I knew that, and I didn't think it was enough to stop myself from trying anyways, because I liked the kind of pony you are. We both have our issues, such as...not having all the social skills required from society just yet...but we can work on it. You don't need to learn it all so fast."

Twilight laughed nervously, trying not to bring up how her schedule included borrowing fifteen romance books from Rarity, and reading them all in the span of a week. "I know, just...can I kiss you again?"

The question was so unusual Luna blinked to make sure she heard it right, before going ahead and kissing her again. That kiss brought Twilight confidance back up, unscrambling her brain.

"I guess I don't want to fail with this. The more time I spend with you, the closer I want to get to you...and the more I don't want it to end."

"I know what you mean. But as long as you don't try to force anything, we will be together at the end. Do you know that?"

Twilight nodded, before yawning a little. "Wow, I need to hit the hay for tonight. When do you think I can hang out with you again?"

"I shall sent a letter through your dragon Spike when I'm ready. You do look tired right now, I can see you passing out on your way back home. Let me help you with that."

Luna's horn glowed again, and Twilight was surrounded with an aura created from the spell. It built up in light as she was lifted off the ground, before she disappeared from the forest. The job was finished.

Once Twilight was gone, Princess Luna spread her wings out and took off into the sky. When she was high above, she flew in the direction Canterlot laid. There was something she needed to ask Celestia over.

-------------

Twilight quickly learned the spell Luna had used was a special kind of transportation spell. She could feel herself becoming a bright white wisp as she flew past the forest at dizzying speeds, quickly arriving in Ponyville. The wisp looked around for directions, before recognizing the tree Twilight called home. The moment it was at the doorstep, she was back to normal.

Spike peeked his head out the second floor window, and waved her in. "I was wondering what was keeping you up so late! How did it go with you and Luna?"

She took advantage of the jacket's hood to hide her blushing cheeks. "It went great, trust me. Did you leave the front door unlocked?"

"Of course not. Ponyville gets kind of creepy this time of year. Let me get that for you."

Twilight could hear Spike walk downstairs to the front door, with the noise of the door unlocking coming next. The dragon opened the door and let her in. She put the jacket back on the coatrack, and shivered as she was greeted with a warmnth from the fire.

Immediaely, Spike noticed there was something different about Twilight. Maybe it was the way there was a smile plastered on her face, or how her eyes didn't seem to know where to look. Either way, she looked happy, and for now it didn't seem like anything he needed to worry about.

I should tell Rarity I finally got kissed on the lips, Twilight thought delightfully to herself. She climbed back into bed for the night, and that time she slept with that smile on, at all times.

----------------

Meanwhile, Celestia was at the castle's library again, exploring some of the brand new textbooks that had been released. She already had some idea of the information written inside, but it was fun to know that the students in the University of Canterlot would be learning about them too during the next school year.

Yet, she felt like something was wrong. There were a few books here and there on subjects she did not want anypony to know about. There was a certain spell book she found, one that had been made recently, yet she knew about one of the spells already inside.

There was no way she was going to let this one come out into the open. It would look foolish to hide something like this, but she learned herself the downfalls of such a spell. It would bring more anguish than happiness, despite what popular opinion would say.

Just then, the entrance doors swung open and Luna swooped down to the ground, making a perfect landing a few yards away from her sister. She brushed the dirt off her frame and faced Celestia.

"Sister, I need to talk to you about something. I remember in my fillyhood a spell with great power to it. I don't remember the name, but if I recalled what I learned correctly, you cast it on Princess Cadence."

Celestia glanced at the soon-to-be-forbidden textbook, and flipped it to the table of contents. "Yes, I think I know which spell you're talking about. Do you remember the cost of magic it took to cast? I know only of three magicians that could ever cast it, and we're two of them. The only one was Starswirl the Bearded."

"I'm aware of it from beginning to end. Do you think you could teach it to me again?"

"Yes, but if you're thinking about using it, you will not without Twilight's authority. Do you understand?"

"I wouldn't dare rebel against your word again. I learned the folly of doing so. I'll ask for her permission when the time comes."

"I hope that's your plan, she might not take to it as well as you obviously did."

One on One

View Online

Dear Twilight Sparkle,

I have put a lot of thought in how we could meet each other again. Not within a date, I haven't decided on what we shall do when the time arrives.

Rather, I'm inviting you to return to the castle of Canterlot for a three day visit, you should find an enclosed train ticket inside this letter like before. The date listed for departure will be the first day of that trip. If you desire anything to ensure your pet dragon is safe while you're gone, I can send any Royal Guards you choose to write down, your brother Shining Armor if needed. We are not too busy with security, I admit.

Regardless, it won't be just for my sake you would want to come down here. Celestia is wishing to talk to you as well, concerning a few things dear to her heart. And to answer your first question, you are not in trouble. Think of it as a "parent-teacher conference" as they call it nowadays.

I look forward to reuniting with you again soon.

To the most charming student,
Princess Luna

"'Pet dragon'? How am I a pet?" Spike grumbled. "Dragons aren't supposed to be pets. And everypony knows I'm your assistant, it's not like you have me sleeping in a basket mean for a dog--hey, you do force me to do that..."

Twilight examined the letter after Spike was finished reading it aloud, and this time she wasn't afraid over what might happen this time. If anything, she was thrilled about meeting both her marefriend and her teacher. It didn't matter what they were going to do(as long as it didn't involve imprisonment over something), being with them was enough.

"Think about it for a second," continued Spike. "You have me sleeping on a basket made for a dog in the middle of the floor, and it might be comfortable and all, but it's still no real bed..."

Twilight placed the letter inside the letter archive shelf she had created recently, out in front with the newer reports. She smiled and felt her heart flutter, eager to greet Luna. Maybe with a kiss? That's way too subtle.

"...you bought a water bowl that was obviously for a dog, and you said it was for your first pet, even though owls don't eat out of those..."

Then she remembered the train ticket inside, and pulled the letter out again to take the tickets out. The date for departure was a few weeks away, plenty of time to adjust her schedule for. Luna was always the thoughtful one.

"...and there was that time where you handed me a bowl of gems--inside a dog bowl! Twilight, I'm not mad at you...well, yet...but am I really your assistant, or your pet?"

"Thanks for the letter, Spike," Twilight spoke. She pushed the drawer shut and placed the tickets inside another shelf. "I'm sorry, did you ask me something?"

Spike placed a claw on his face, shaking his head in shame. "Nevermind. I'll just finish sweeping up the living room..." He grabbed the broom and dustpan, trying to ignore the thought.

"So you know I'm going to be gone for a few days then. Do you want to go back to Rarity's house for those three days, if she agrees to it?"

The thought was gone. "Really? You would do that for me? You're the best sister ever!" He dropped his tools and gave Twilight a hug, catching her off guard. "I know you're not part of my dragon family, but you're the best sister I ever had."

Twilight smiled that Spike took the idea so warmly, but she had no idea what caused Spike to act like this. He sure didn't act this crazy when it happened the first time.

-------------

And she acted the same not long after. As soon as she walked into the castle ground and spotted Princess Luna within the halls, she ran right to her and and gave the member of royalty one of the biggest hugs she ever experienced.

"Hi Luna! I know it's only been a few weeks, but it's felt so much longer," Twilight cheerfully stated. "So how were you while I was gone?"

"Fine, but please think about what you're doing," Luna responded, returning the hug before putting the unicorn down. "I did miss you for a while, but keep in mind nopony knows about us. Let's keep it that way for now."

"Oh, of course," Twilight blushed. "I don't have a clue what came over me. So what's the reason why you invited me back?"

"Good question. The first day, which would be today, there's something Celestia wants to say to you. She didn't explain what it was, other than saying she believes you need to hear it now. As for the second day, that would be some discussion between me and you over more recent discoveries, again. The final day...would be a date. I did figure what we could do for that while I had time to think."

The purple pony's eyes lit up. "Sounds great. So where is Celestia right now?"

"I'm right here."

Twilight spun around, and true to form, Celestia was behind her in all her majesty, with her flowing mane as it had always been.

"Celestia! How long were you standing there?" asked Twilight.

"Not very long, maybe a minute," the princess of the sun answered. "Speaking of which, I didn't know you hugged anypony like that."

Twilight blushed again. "So what were you wanting to talk to me about?"

"I'll get to you soon enough, but I'll be talking to my sister first. In private," glancing over at Luna. Getting the hint, Luna followed her into a hallway of the castle, arriving in a private study room.

The study room wasn't very big, built to be intimate for the two ponies that could fit inside the cramped space. And for two ponies as tall as Celestia and Luna, they barely had any room at all, intentionally so for Celestia.

"Luna, Luna, Luna," she started. "You have no idea how happy I was for you, when I realized you fell in love with somepony. But...I'm concerned for you, ever since you expressed how interested you were in that spell."

"What is wrong with such a thing?" Luna countered. "You said to me that as long as Twilight approved of it, I could use the spell. If she is consensual to such an action, what is wrong with it? If anything, this could be deemed beneficial in her eyes, so what is your objection now?"

"Of course she would be consensual, she would have no clue on the downsides. Most ponies who used it on themselves thought that at first. And then time went on and they started to see what was wrong with it. I assure you, unless her husband survives long enough to benefit from it, Cadence is going to come to regret it one day as well. Didn't you feel the same way at one point?"

"I was banished to the moon before I could find out," Luna said coldly. "And there's nary a hint of what happened to my friends when I came back. And you? What happened to you during that time?"

"My case was different. You should know that, you were my partner in battle when we dethroned Discord from the throne of Equestria. We had to do it, there was no way we would allow anyone like him to rule again after we were gone."

"But you're saying you had to deal with the pitfalls too, correct?"

"You have no idea. I had to wait a thousand years for you to return, and every day was as painful as the first. I don't want Twilight to experience anything like that, and that's what this would do to her."

"But the difference is that she has me to be there for her. I'm not going to let her do this alone, if she agrees to it."

"Why do you even want her to be like you?"

"I love her too much to see her go."

That was it. Celestia knew there was no convincing Luna anymore, and she didn't like it. She kicked at the ground, and paced around the study as much as she could.

Luna felt like she had made her point as clear as water, but felt a twinge of guilt. She had rebelled against her sister's wishes...again.

"Fine," Celestia sighed. "You have my permission. But I'm going to put a few guidelines for you to follow, and I need you to listen right now. You're not going to say anything about this until the final day of her trip. I want you to see how she takes to you during the second date to see if it's just a spin of the moment, or if she really has feelings for you.

"Next, when you do say something, you tell her EVERYTHING about it. No details out, like how only the both of us can use it and only once in a century and why, and how this decision might come back to haunt her in the future.

"And lastly, let her go home to think about her decision. You're asking a lot out of a pony that's fresh out of teenagehood, and she shouldn't be forced to choose in the middle of a moment with you."

"Why are you so determined to ensure she is safe through it all?"

"Because I'm concerned for both of you," Celestia said, tears welling up in her eyes. "You're my sister and she's my student, sometimes like the daughter I never had. And I wish the best for both of you, but I don't want it to break her either. Can you promise to keep her best interests in mind, and can you think about this first? For me?"

Luna nodded. "I will. I apologize, I...I hope I didn't offend you at all."

"Of course not. Just take good care of her."

"You didn't even have to ask."

Once the discussion was over, they hugged each other, with a few tears coming down from Celestia's eyes. Luna, what am I going to do with you? There's so much I need to teach you about pony nature...

After the hug was over, Celestia held the door open for Luna. The moon princess exited the room, only for the sun one to shut the door.

"Tia? What's wrong? Should I bring Twilight in there for you?"

"No...I'll be out there soon enough, give me a moment."

She listened closely as Luna's hoofsteps faded out, leaving her with some time to reflect. There was a tissue box on a table next to the door, and she pulled out one of the tissues to wipe her eyes dry of the tears.

It was killing her, whenever she acknowledged it or not. She had seen her sister return in the first time in a thousand years, and here she found herself, worried over the fate of Luna again.

She grabbed another tissue and blew her nose into it. Thank her parents nopony was here to see her like this. Princess Celestia of Equestria was always known for knowing the best decisions to make, but she had never been as unsure as she was here.

Am I afraid that Twilight and Luna WILL end up together? Why do I feel like this?

The two pieces of tissue were tossed into a wastebucket, and she pushed the door open back into the hallway. Once she was out of the study, the old and confidant Celestia emerged back out.

But she knew she had to answer that question eventually.

Celestia arrived back into the lobby room, seeing Twilight as her perky self and Luna blissfully unaware of her big sister's conflict.

"Twilight Sparkle, I'm ready to talk to you know," huffed Celestia.

Twilight nodded, and turned to Luna. "I'll see you later," she whispered.

The student followed her teacher into the study room, feeling cramped inside even though she had more room than Luna did. She adjusted her weight inside so she could comfortable sit down on the ground, as Celestia watched her with saddened eyes.

"Twilight, I know about your relationship with Luna."

Twilght gasped, and tried to run around the room for a hiding spot, but it was too small fo a room to hide. So instead she was flat on the ground and hid her face with her hooves.

"I'm so sorry!" she explained. "I should have known it was wrong for me to be dating your sister, but I didn't know better! I won't let my feelings get in the way again, I promise!"

Celestia laughed, and pushed Twilight's hooves away from her face. "It's OK. I'm not going to throw you in jail or punish you at all for dating Luna. I thought it was cute at first."

"You're not mad at me?" Twilight asked as she got back to her hooves. "You should be, I even kissed her on the lips and went out on a date with her! And I liked it!"

"Do you honestly think I would be mad over something like that? No...but that's part of the reason why I brought you here. Would you be comfortable if we talked about it for a while?"

Twilight's cheeks blushed again, but she nodded to agree. She sat down on the floor again and the talk began.

"If I remember, this is your first relationship of your life. That must be both fun and scary, right?"

"Oh, hay yeah. I was so nervous, I didn't want to hurt her feelings and I was terrified what everypony would say when this thing becomes public, if it ever does. But it's like falling in a hole, I don't know where it's going to go."

Trying to not her feelings? Celestia thought. I can relate.

"The start of most relationships are like that. And she's told me that you've fallen in love with her too. How does she make you feel, when you're around her?"

Twilight opened her mouth to respond, and then she opened the door to ensure there were no Guards nearby, which there weren't.

"Promise me that no matter how cheesy this is, you won't laugh about it?"

"I can't promise anything, but I'll do my best."

The unicorn gulped, and slowily opened her mouth. "Like I have wings."

There have been jokes where I wanted to laugh so badly at, but I had to stop myself if I wanted to feel comfortable with my skin. And Celestia was the same, repressing any desire to laugh. She hid one laugh with a hoof, stopping herself from embarassing Twilight.

"That's fine, I'm sure somepony felt the same way. Is there anything else you feel about her?"

"I love her, obviously. But what I love about her is how she can be a bit of a dork, and yet when she's not trying to make me feel safe and comfortable around her, I still feel that way. When I kissed her the first time, I felt like everything that would ever happen would be fine, if I had her by my side."

"Wow, that sounds like it's a fun ride for you. And in the end, if you had to guess right now, do you think you would want to spend the rest of your life with her?"

"Yes, without a doubt," Twilight shot back, not even a breath after Celestia had asked her. "She might have been my first marefriend ever, but she's the only one I needed."

It's just as I thought. She's head over hooves for Luna. She...she's going to say yes to the spell, isn't she? I can see her saying yes all of a sudden.

"Really? No doubt at all?"

"Why would I? I like everything about her, honestly."

"That's a big statement to make. Not that I see anything wrong with that. You did have some time to get to know her, and as she told me, you'll be spending more time with her shortly."

"She told you about that? I thought you didn't know about our second date."

"She's become more honest and transparent with me ever since she came back to the throne. Not that I can blame her."

"I see, I just...I'm still wrapping my mind around the idea that you're fine that I'm dating your sister, because in the nonexistant case we break up, I wouldn't just be hurting her, I'd be hurting you too."

Nonexistant? You're that deep into this love?

"Thanks for your concern. I think it's great that you're enjoying your time with her this much, I really do. Just be careful what you do from here, can you do that?"

"For you, I'd do almost anything."

"Thank you again. I'll go ahead and you and Luna have the rest of the day together."

She pushed the door open, and Twilight got up to exit the room with her teacher. The unicorn felt a lot more comfortable about all of this when she left the study room, it seemed like everything would be perfect. Being with the pony of her dreams, and Celestia approved of it, from what she could tell. How could this get any better?

I can't believe it, Celestia thought to herself. This has to be some kind of puppy love, it has to be. There's no doubt Twilight's love for Luna is geniune, but I had no idea she was this deep. I shouldn't interfere in this other than with the spell, and only as long as neither one hurt each other. I can't believe it...my student and my sister are destined to be together...who would have thought?

She laughed about it as she escorted Twilight back to the lobby, where Luna had been waiting for the two of them to return. Once Twilight found her marefriend, they came together for a hug, with the unicorn kissing her on the cheek. Luna smiled as she looked at her big sister, watching the events unfold.

"Well, I think that's settled. I'll go ahead and let you two spend the rest of the day together, which I'm sure you'll enjoy," said Celestia.

"We will!" Twilight cheered, hanging onto Luna. "You're the best teacher in Equestria!"

"And best sister," Luna laughed.

I'll make sure she will answer honestly about the spell when the time comes she mouthed to Celestia.

I know. I just want you to be happy, Celestia mouthed back.

The couple left the lobby for the gardens, as Celestia sighed while she had another moment alone.

It was strange, all of this. The princess of the sun had been alive for over a thousand years, experienced breakthroughs of all kinds, and saw hundreds of generations rise and fall to their graves, and she had never experienced so much change in one period of time as she did now.

Yet, when she had the one on one time with Twilight Sparkle, her faithful student, she found that she didn't mind, once she got the full picture. It was interesting how just a few minutes changed everything even moreso than finding that letter Luna had left kissmarks on.

After she had more time to think about it, she returned to her bedroom, and found her storage of picture, full of photographs and drawings of her students throughout the years. She found the picture she had of Twilight on the first day she became Celestia's student. The unicorn was always a bit socially awkward, her eyes crossed from the light bulb of the camera. But she looked happy as she posed near Celestia, ready to begin her advanced studies.

Twilight Sparkle had finally grown up. And to Celestia, adulthood would be exciting to watch.

Soulmates

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WARNING: Some of the content in this chapter is the reason why the story has a Teen Rating. Hopefully it is not too explicit to warrant a Mature Rating, but nevertheless, read at your own discretion.

The atmosphere in the castle had changed drastically from the last time Twilight had been inside it. Instead of feeling a slight sense of repression from the fear of anypony knowing about her marefriend, now she was draped close Luna as they walked to the gardens, feeling safe as the Guards watched them. Anypony who saw them together, and catching the occasional snuggle between the the two, could see they were a couple.

And it was largely the same for Luna as well, but in a different way. All that effort she had spent trying to please Twilight weren't needed any longer, allowing her to focus on other things like...well, the unicorn herself. It was nice for her, as she realized it was the first time she had been walking with her without having to worry about her feelings about what was going down.

The doors leading to the gardens had already been opened for them by the Guards, saluting them as they went by. Twilight almost felt like royalty as she passed them, into the sunshine of the outdoors.

It wouldn't be long until the seasons changed to winter, where the air would be bitter cold and a heavy coat would be necessary to trek outdoors. But you wouldn't know it here, as the day was unseasonably warm with not a cloud in sight.

Not long into the cement pathway lay a series of gardens in all directions. There were little patches of flowers planted into the ground and in full bloom for just a little longer, all separated by either tiny streams of water or more cement pathways acting as a trail through the sites. And within viewing distance was a rebuilt labyrinth, right in the spot where Twilight and her friends played the game for Equestria Discord put them through.

"I remember these now!" Twilight chirped. "It's felt like a long time since I've been here, well, other than that time I was sneaking around in a ninja suit..."

Luna chuckled a bit. "What were you doing here dressed as a ninja? Wait, what is a ninja? You should tell me when we're finished here."

Instead of discussing it further, Luna brought Twilight a few hundred feet into the first garden trail of many, one that had many water trails feeding into a pond. Once they arrived to that part, Twilight peered into the reflection at herself, sighing.

"Are you still concerning yourself over the time when they know of this love?" the princess asked.

"Not as much," the student replied. "I wasn't as sure it would work out as much as I do now. I'm sure my friends will be fine with it, as long as they understand why I did it."

"And what would you say is the reasoning?"

"I feel safe when I'm with you."

Twilight added onto the comment by giving Luna another kiss on the lips. The princess didn't mind, kissing back and pulling off.

"I know. But you should have faith your friends will be by your side along with me."

"That's what I should be doing, trusting my friends. But I guess it's one of those things where I won't know what happens until the moment's here."

Luna nuzzled Twilight on the top of her head, almost acting like a guardian at that moment. "I wish I could do more for that moment, maybe I'll come to Ponyville with you when you tell your friends...there's nothing I would want to see less than to see you hurt for that reasoning."

The princess led her to another part of the garden, one that was all flowers for the most part. It was the most open section of the trail, and in correlation had the most Guards present, given how a pony would have a clear view of most of the outdoor regions of the castle here.

During the time here, Twilight wandered off and took a closer look at the flowers beginning to bud as winter was approaching. The lighter colored ones would match perfectly with the snow that seemed to pick up in Canterlot.

As the unicorn took an interest to the flowers all of the sudden, Luna watched on as she took this moment to think.

Yes, it is wonderful we're together now. It is a thing of beauty, and with Celestia's permission there will be nothing from stopping me from spending my life with her.

But have I ruined her life at the same time? Her love will not stop her affection from her friends and her little town of Ponyville. And now I put her in a spot where she might have to choose, and if her life there is ruined it will be on my hooves.

Should I have waited? If I had, there would be no dilemma for her to undergo, as her studies might have been concluded and she could be back here in Canterlot. A few more years would be worth the wait.

But there is no going over what I could have done, just like Nightmare Moon. From now on, her life is my responsibility, and I have to be there for her, no matter what happens. And that is something I can do right now.

Having decided her course, she gazed over the same flowers Twilight was examining. They looked tasty to her eyes, so she used her horn to pick the one already in full bloom, and levitated it to Twilight.

"The Snowdrift Bloom. It's one of the most delicate flowers in existence, with most having a lifespan of only one week. They're one of the most delicious flowers at the same time, and you should have it."

A little surprised at the action, Twilight held it in her hoof once Luna dropped it. She never had anything like it before, and nibbled on the closest pedal. By human terms it would have tasted something like white chocolate, and Twilight thought it was amazing to the taste, perhaps more tasty than the entire salad she had last time. She took another pedal in her mouth, and another, until nothing was left but the stem it came on.

"That WAS good!" Twilight cheered. "That's another first for me, thanks so much!"

"You're welcome. There's something else I want you to see."

Taking a Snowdrift Bloom for herself to snack on, Luna trotted down another trail for Twilight to follow. This one was a little harder for them to see far into, given the placement of trees within. It was all for a reason however, as they were taken into a gazebo set underneath a few of the trees, complete with cushions to sit on and a light lunch set up for them.

"I admit I'm guilty of planning ahead, perhaps a little too far," Luna giggled. "When the pegasi weather team informed me how the weather would be this day, I couldn't resist the temptation."

The unicorn didn't bother to say anything, as she rushed to her respective cushion that had her cutie mark designed on the cover. She adjusted herself as Luna joined her across the picnic, sitting comfortably on a bigger cushion herself.

"You tell me if there is anything I should add to this lunch, and I will have a subject bring it in soon," Luna stated.

"This should be fine, I think," Twilight responded, going for a dandelion sandwich. "I was so nervous when Celestia told me she knew everything about me and you, but I didn't think she would be so understanding. I'm assuming she did the same when she was talking to you?"

Maybe...how should I explain this without talking about the spell? This might work...

"In a way. If her conversation with you and me were the same, she would have said something about wanting the best for the both of us, while wanting us to make sure we know what we were doing."

Twilight tilted her head. "Close enough."

Thank Mother and Father that worked.

There were a few minutes of silence after that, as both the student and the princess shared their lunch in peace. For what it was worth, it was a great first day truly as a couple. A simple picnic felt like something more with each other, and they liked that fact.

But then a thought crossed Luna's mind. She kept staring at Twilight, not bothering the unicorn at all, yet the more she looked at her, the stronger the idea took hold of her mind.

"Twilight, I apologize in advance if this question causes you to feel uncomfortable. Just how much do you love me?"

"What do you mean? You know I love you as a marefriend."

"To the point where you might consider marriage in the future?"

"It's too early for me to tell, but right now I would say yes. Is that what you wanted to know?"

"No...it's a bad question to ask. Forget I said anything."

"Wait, are you scared about what I'm going to do after you ask it?"

Luna couldn't hide it any longer, and nodded.

"Look, I know there's things we've done that we're not proud of. And there's secrets that we might have that we don't want anypony else to know. But I don't want to be like that, to the point where we hide stuff from each other. So no matter what it is that you want to ask me, I promise that I won't look at you in a lower light because of it."

"Are you sure?"

Twilight groaned, and decided to take her promise to the next level. "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."

"What was that you did?"

"It's called a Pinkie Promise. Go ahead and ask me."

Luna took a deep breath, and straightened herself out. "I want to merge souls with you."

Again, another head tilt. "What? I don't understand what that means. Merging souls? How do you do that?"

The princess blushed, and shooed any Guards that might be nearby. "It's when two ponies get close to each other intimately, usually in a bedroom, and then they--"

"Wait, you mean...you want to mate with me?"

"Is that the term they use today? Yes, Twilight, I want to mate with you."

Luna swore that she had never seen anything as red, not even the boiling lava of a volcano, as Twilight's cheeks were at that moment. She looked like she just confessed her high school sweetheart in front of her class, and her cheeks somehow were so red that a few sweat drops came down her face.

And not long after, both of them were blushing and hiding behind trees, Twilight for the obvious reasons and Luna hiding out of shame she proposed sexual intimacy to anypony like that.

What have I done? Luna asked herself. Who would say yes to such a proposal? Didn't I strike a stallion with lightning when I was young when he did the same thing? And he almost died? There is no way I should be happy with myself after today.

But much to her surprise, Twilight was by her side again, hiding behind the tree with her marefriend.

"Why...why do you want to mate with me," the unicorn whispered.

"I...it's a idiotic reason, I was a fool for asking you," Luna whispered back, both acting like they were still hiding from something.

"Please...tell me before somepony finds out we're hiding like this."

"Oh, alright. I think you're one of the most precious ponies I've ever met, and the most beautiful one of all time..." She blushed again and turned away.

"You...you really think I'm beautiful?"

Luna turned around, surprised at the question. "Of course I do. I always had, since I first met you."

"But...I'm not even that pretty...not as pretty as you...I wish I was, sometimes..."

"Twilight...please don't say that. You are beautiful, whenever you think you are not."

"I don't feel beautiful..."

"Then let me help you."

Luna wrapped her hooves around Twilight's waist, bringing her close to the princess, and she gave the student a deep, longing kiss. She didn't care how Twilight reacted for a second, only wanting to express her love in a way she hadn't before. Luna patted Twilight's mane with a hoof, almost holding her like a parent would hold a filly.

A tear came down Twilight's eye as she kissed back, placing her own hooves around Luna's neck. She never had anypony treat her like this, and she was coming to terms that she liked it. She even opened her mouth to transition to fancy kissing, which Luna complied with.

Even then Luna was surprised at how much Twilight was warming up to her, as they continued to kiss with passion.

Then she pulled away to witness Twilight's eyes streaming with tears, and she answered them with another tight hug.

"Do you feel as beautiful as I know you are now?"

"I don't know. I guess I could be...just hold me right now."

Luna complied and kept Twilight close as they were in the cover of the trees. Twilight continued to sob, holding onto her lover for dear life.

"I...I thought I was stronger than this...but I feel so weak right now..."

"It doesn't matter right now. If you're not as strong as you would like to be, you will eventually. You're getting better at your studies all the time."

"I know...I know..."

Luna waved off an approaching Guard as he heard Twilight's crying, and kept the unicorn close.

"I think I want to mate with you," Twilight whispered.

"What? No, I was wrong to force my will on you like that. You don't need to mate with me if you don't wish to do so."

"I want to..."

Luna looked down at the pony in her hooves, before putting her on the ground. "If that is what you wish, then we shall do it tonight."

-------------

The door to Luna's bedroom was kicked open, and the couple were kissing each other all over the other's face with wild abandon, their hooves clung to the other's body.

They steadily moved to the bed as they fancy kissed each other next, as Twilight was moaning a bit while her temperature felt like it was rising.

Allowing her time to adjust, Luna stopped their progress and returned the kiss, intertwining lips as she was exploring Twilight's frame with her hooves. She couldn't believe this was really happening, but she wasn't going to question that Twilight wanted it either, and so she kept going.

Twilight pulled herself off Luna, and before the princess felt like she had done something wrong, she climbed into the bed and invited Luna to come with her. Luna did as she wished and went into the bed too. Both were still standing as they returned to kissing, the blanket thrown off to the ground as they continued their dance.

Within time, Luna gripped Twilight just below her front hooves, Twilight gasping as her neck was assaulted in a flurry of kisses, before Luna stopped abruptly.

"Do you fully understand what we are about to do tonight?"

"No, not really, it's my first time. I don't really know what I'm supposed to be doing once we start. I'm only doing good because it's all kissing and hugging."

"Do not worry, I will take care of this as we go. If you do this, there is no looking back once it's completed. Our souls will merge as one, and there is no way to undo it. You're going to feel a connection to me for the rest of time."

"Fine, I don't want to look back after this."

By the stars, you are committed to doing this, aren't you?

After that, Twilight eased herself as Luna lowered her onto her back, kissing her neck throughout it all.

What happened next was the best moment of their lives.

------------------

When it was all said and done, both of them were gasping and worn out, Luna staying close to Twilight's side. Twilight could only smile and gasp for air as the merging was over, and she clung to Luna the first moment she could.

"That...oh my goodness...I never thought it would feel that good..." Twilight said.

"Neither did I, it was my first time as well," Luna laughed. "So we were clueless together there."

"You seemed so sure when I was watching you!"

"That's because I didn't want to give you anything but the best. You deserved it, and I hope I pulled it off nicely."

"You have no idea."

They hanged onto each other, with the occasional kiss by Twilight, as she levitated the blanket back on the bed to cover them both.

"That's much better. It's getting kind of cold in here."

"Twilight, forgive me for asking, but why did you think you were not beautiful?"

The purple pony hid her head in the blanket, and Luna pulled it off in almost a playful manner.

"You can tell me. I promise I'll keep it a secret."

The unicorn sighed, and brought herself closer to Luna. "I think it was how much time I was with Celestia as she was teaching me for most of my life so far. I don't regret being under her wing...but when you see what she can do, and I guess what you can do too, you start to feel unqualified...like no matter how great you are, you can't be like her..."

Luna said nothing at first, kissing Twilight on the forehead.

"You don't have to match everything my sister does. Think about it for a moment. You have the other five Elements of Harmony for friends, and they all know you very well. And they've gotten to socialize with Tia at the same time, yet they still value your accomplishments. Finally, which pony did I allow to let her know me like nopony else has?"

"Me..."

"And you do not have to be a Celestia or even a Luna. And I said it before, and I always will: You are beautiful."

Twilight gave a weak smile and kissed her back, cuddling her as she was doing so. "Thanks...I think. I just...I don't want this to end."

"It won't. We are spending the night here after all. Is...is there something else you would like to do?"

In response, the unicorn laid herself within Luna's hooves, holding her tightly as she steadily grew drowsy. Within a few minutes of cuddling, Twilight closed her eyes, sleeping not long after.

With her love asleep in her grasp, Luna parted Twilight's mane with her hoof, sighing with the knowledge nothing was going to be the same.

It does not matter what will happen to you, Twilight Sparkle. Whatever will come your way, I will be there as your guardian, for I will not let any harm come to you.

You're my soulmate now. And soulmates don't leave each other to dry.

It wasn't long after until both of them were snoring, as the night continued its march.

Playing God

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It was hard for Celestia to pick her favorite room of the castle. There were hundreds, if not a thousand, of rooms for her to reside in, and she had a hoof in designing almost every single one of them. In other words, they were made the way she wanted them to be like, so she liked every one of them a little, at the very least.

But the private dining room she went for her breakfast meals in was close to being her favorite. Maybe it was the stark contrast of the wooden walls compared to the grandiose style of the rest of the place. Perhaps it was how she was a morning person at heart, and catching up on her kingdom through the notes of her subjects was one of her favorite activities on the throne.

In the end, it was having a little bit of privacy for an hour, and everything else was just a plus. She sipped on her cup of tea for a little bit, when she heard a knock on the door.

"Yes, what is it?" she answered when she opened the door.

"It's your sister, Your Highness," the Guard said in front. "She asks if she can talk to you in this room."

"Did she say anything about why she needed to talk to me?"

"Yes. It wasn't much, but it's about Twilight Sparkle, and a few more questions before she does something for the unicorn. That is all."

"Bring her in."

The Guard bowed before Celestia, and went up and away towards the corner around the next hallway. The princess of the sun could hear some whispering from the same Guard and what sounded like Luna, before she herself came into sight to the dining room.

Celestia pushed the door open as the both of them entered the dining room. Immediately she could see a contrast between Luna's timidness from their last talk, and the wide grin on her face this morning.

"I imagine you had a wonderful date with her yesterday?" Celestia inquired.

"You have no idea," Luna gasped. "I've fallen in love even harder than I had thought possible. The whole day with her was wonderful, magical even, but that was nothing compared to how it ended."

"So how did it end?"

There was an awkward pause for some time, and only Luna was smiling. As time went on, Celestia pieced it all together...and her jaw dropped when it hit her.

"Luna, I can't believe what you did! There is no way you could have done that to her! She might be a young adult now, but that still means she's young!"

"She agreed to it when I asked her. I had no intentions of doing so if the thought repulsed her. Yes, she was embarrassed by the thought, but it was more out of insecurity than anything else. Once she was convinced I still wanted to do it even if she thought she wasn't as beautiful as I was, she accepted the idea."

Celestia shook her head again. "Well...I can't argue with that. If she agreed to it, I can't stop her. This is just...it can change everything about you and her."

"I knew that already. It's why I considered it. And...I'm curious about the idea of marriage."

The elder sister's jaw was even further dropped to the ground. "Luna...can you give me a moment?"

"Of course. I apologize if this is moving too fast for you. I do need to consider this is your student I'm getting involved with here."

"No, that is not my concern right now. But I need time to think."

Luna got the point as soon as it was made, and shut the door behind her to leave Celestia alone once more.

With her mind left to think, she didn't know where to start. There was no denying she was afraid of what would happen if Twilight and Luna got that close. It was so obvious that, if she forbade them seeing each other again, Luna would find ways to continue the romance somehow. Alicorns could be tricky if they wanted to.

But when she really thought about it, she didn't see anything wrong with the thought of marriage. It wasn't so much that she didn't like the idea of her sister and student being hitched, in fact she probably would have volunteered to say the marriage rites if they needed somepony to do that.

No, it was that damn spell again. How could anypony not know why Luna wanted to use it? Anypony would know why it looked so appealing, and the princess of the moon was no exception.

But how would Twilight take to it? By now Celestia knew one of the problems Twilight had to the romance is how her life would change. And if the spell was performed on her, her life WOULD change tremendously. There would be no way to undo it, even the combined magic of Celestia and Luna combined couldn't undo it, and that was saying something.

You haven't asked what she would say to it. You've been going back and forth deciding what is best for Twilight, and you haven't given her a voice at all.

"I don't want her to get hurt!" Celestia thought aloud. "She's one of the best students I've brought under my wing, and the only reason I have to do this to her is how I can't stand to watch her get hurt from any of this!"

But how do you know it's going to hurt her?

Her mind stopped whirring its gears, her eyes were blinking in shock. She didn't really know. Has she become...protective over Twilight?

And then, it became clear to her. Among all the paths she could have picked for the future, one stood out as the right one. Now, she knew what to do, and nothing was going to stop her.

She swung the door open to see Luna waiting by the door, waiting for a command.

"Luna, I need you to bring Twilight in here. We will talk for a while, and while that's happening, I want you out of the castle for that time. Go to Canterlot, Ponyville, one of the forests bordering any of those towns, anywhere. Just don't be here. It's time she learned about the spell."

Luna's eyes widened, and her head nodded. She galloped out of the hallway, flying to Twilight's location.

Twilight Sparkle, Celestia thought, I hope to my parents this does not ruin your world. But you need to understand how it works.

Within five minutes, Luna flew back to the entrance, Twilight on her back. The unicorn hopped down as she smiled to see her teacher again. However, Celestia's eyes were much more stern, creating a tense atmosphere. It only got worse when Luna dashed outside through an open window, flying far away from Canterlot.

"Did I do something wrong?" Twilight asked. "I can explain everything. She told me what she thought about us, and I thought--"

"I already know," Celestia said calmly. "You are not in the wrong. But there's something we need to discuss."

Twilight's face was covered in sweat drops as they were back into the dining room. The door was shut by Celestia's magic behind them, and they took their seats. It didn't take long for a spot below Twilight to get wet from all the sweat pouring from her face.

"Twilight Sparkle, I never had much of an issue with your relationship with Luna. You know that by now, I hope. I thought it was beautiful when you told me how much you loved her. But then I heard about your...night with Luna, and everything changed."

The unicorn covered her face with her front hooves, hiding her shame. "I'm sorry...I know I should have done something else. But it's even worse than that. It was wonderful, and I want to do it again in the future. Am I a bad pony?"

"That is not the issue at hoof. It's how fast things are moving that bothers me. You two were made for each other, I'm not going to lie about that. It's what Luna wants to do with you that we need to talk about."

The student's ears perked up, uncovering her face. "Wait, she's said stuff to you that she hasn't told me yet?"

"It's...well, she wasn't sure at the time if she was going to do it or not, to put it in simple terms. But she was strongly debating on it. The first thing, and something she brought up to me today, is the possibility of marriage."

If anything, Twilight's ears were more perked up. "I...it's too soon, but I would like that."

Celestia's head tilted to the right. "You would say yes if she proposed?"

"I would...she's everything I wanted for a lover, even though I didn't know it before she asked me out. I...I just want to be with her, if that's not bad."

"It's not. I'm just surprised how you didn't hesitate to answer. That's a sign you've been thinking about it."

"I couldn't help myself after last night. I thought what could happen between us after it was over, and I thought marriage would be nice."

I might have to arrange the ceremony faster than I thought. "It can be. After all, you should know from experience, have you have seen your brother as happy as he was when he danced with Cadence that night?"

"No, never. I've seen him that happy before, but never like that. In fact, he's seemed more energetic and determined after that day."

"Twilight, that brings me to my other point. Have you ever noticed something strange about Princess Cadence?"

Now it was Twilight's head tilting to the right. "Pardon?"

"Like how she's the only one, other than Luna and I, to be sporting both wings and a horn?"

"No, never. I first met her when I was still a filly, and I thought it was always normal. But when I grew up, I did think it was strange...like you said, she was the only pony other than you and Luna that was an alicorn. Do you know why that's the case?"

"Twilight...that's what I have to confess. She wasn't an alicorn at birth. Originally, she was just a unicorn like you."

The unicorn gave the loudest gasp of her life at that moment. It felt like her world just developed a crack on the surface.

"I met her when she was a filly, before she had even met Shining Armor. She had so much potential, and there was something in her I had never seen before. I could see in her a power of love that nopony, not even me, had ever possessed. So...I used a spell from long ago that had become lost with time. I thought her power should never be lost, so I gave her the gift of eternal life, which also gave her wings."

"You...you transformed her into an alicorn?"

"Yes. Looking back it was obviously sentiment that caused me to do so, but nevertheless I did it."

"Then...why haven't you used it on Shining Armor? Sooner or later he's going to find out."

"That's the thing. Out of all the spells that exist, the spell of the alicorn consumes the most magic, and even I, a pony that moves the sun, can barely perform it. It requires so much magic that I have to wait a century before my magic recovers enough that I can use it again."

"So...does that mean Shining is going to die..."

"We're working on the solution right now. He will not die, over the next decades I will be keeping him alive long enough that he will live long enough for me to cast it on him. But...this is not the point. The only other pony that can cast such a powerful spell is Princess Luna--"

"But what about Cadence? She's an alicorn like you now."

"She will have to spend years just learning about the basic concepts of that same spell. No, Luna can cast it right now. And...she wishes to use it on you."

Any sense of a normal life were wiped away at that moment. Any feeling that her world could ever be the same as the last twenty something years of her life, only with a romance with Luna on the side, were smashed to pieces.

She felt her body turn to jelly as she had to use all her energy to stop herself from falling over, as she felt her head getting lighter.

"Twilight, I know this might not be what you want. In fact, for most ponies it's not what they wanted. That's why I forced her to let me ask you first, instead of her just forcing it on you."

"What...what...is this really happening?" the unicorn asked, dots appearing in her vision. "I...this can't be real...I don't want it to be real...why does she want to do this to me..."

"The same reason why anypony would want to. She wants you to live forever, just as she does. She wants to spend eternity with you as her wife, which must be either the most horrifying or beautiful thing you ever heard of."

"And...if I take it...what happens to Shining?"

"Just what I said before. We'll work on keeping him alive until I can use it again."

"And my friends...what happens to them?"

"I...I don't know if there's anything we can do for them. Unless you choose to have Luna cast the spell on one of them, they will all die like the rest of ponykind."

At that moment, when the world had died before her eyes, Twilight fainted on the ground, collapsing to the ground with a big THUD.

Celestia looked over her student on the floor, shaking her head at everything.

"The road to hell is paved with good intentions." I couldn't agree more. Sorry, Luna. I know you meant well, and you wanted a life with her. But you should have thought this through...

But this is the first pony you ever truly loved, isn't she? I guess I shouldn't blame you. You didn't know what you were doing. No matter what, I will not look down on you, I will just wish you had done things differently.

She levitated the purple pony onto her back, and closed the door behind her. This could be a long day.

---------------

When Twilight came to again, she found herself in a room she hadn't seen before. It was all coated in yellow from top to bottom, and upon closer inspection it was all gold, not yellow from colored paint but from the material the surfaces were made from. And everything just had a splendor of it, from the enormous bed to the banner of Equestria hanging above the window high above.

She looked around and didn't know why she was here, but was grateful Celestia was looking after her. Her brain felt like it had needles inside it, as she almost fainted again when she remembered what had happened before she passed out.

Shortly after, Celestia arrived inside, with a slight smile on her face. "I'm glad to see my bedroom suits you fine. After what happened, I didn't want to spare any luxury for your case. This must be overwhelming."

Twilight nodded, covering her head with the covers. "I don't want to talk about it."

Celestia smiled again, and came over to expose the unicorn's head back into the open. "Why not?"

"Because she put me in a spot where I'm playing God with my life and Shining's life, and my friends' life..."

"So you're saying you hate having to decide."

At that moment, Twilight's eyes became two streaming waterfalls, as she finally broke down in front of her old teacher.

"Yes! I don't want to be in this spot, what happens if Shining dies before you save him? And what would Cadence say? And then there's my friends. There is no way they'll look at me the same way again, because they'll know I kept the spell for myself, and left them to die! How could I live with myself if I did something like that to them?"

With that, Celestia did the only thing she knew she could do at that moment. She climbed into bed and laid down next to Twilight, and Twilight came out from beneath the sheets and held Celestia tightly, sobbing uncontrollably.

The princess said nothing as she let Twilight let it all out, knowing that just being there would be all she could do to help. And as time went on, it did. Twilight sobbed for a while, but eventually the sobs were quieter in nature, to the point where there wasn't a noise at all.

"You don't have to decide," Celestia said. "You don't need to do this."

"But I have to," Twilight responded. "I know she's doing it out of love...she didn't try to hurt me this way."

"I knew that the moment she asked me if she could. Yet, you can just say you don't want her to use the spell at all....do you want some time to think about it?"

Twilight answered with a nod.

"Then I think you should go home now. The train back home leaves in an hour. I'll tell Luna you're not sure, and you need time to decide. She does want the best for you, but she can be unaware when she's hurting somepony at the same time."

The unicorn nodded again, as she was placed back on Celestia's back. She didn't notice anything about the world around her as Celestia walked through the halls of the castle to the exit, as the people of the train depot bowed before the princess as she placed Twilight on the train back to Ponyville.

-----------

That night, Twilight was shaking uncontrollably. She kept waking up with nightmares of visiting Shining Armor's grave, of her own while Shining was an alicorn. There was no way she was getting a good night's sleep. No way.

She couldn't handle this much stress, and like most of her problems, she solved it by thinking it out. As she had let Spike spend one last night with Rarity, she turned the lights on and brought out a chalkboard.

There, she chalked up two sections for her decision. One half would feature the pros and cons of giving herself the spell, and letting her brother have it instead.

It took hours for her to think about it, until the sun was up. She had more extensive lists at the end before she was finished, much to her own surprise.

But in the end, she experienced another moment of clarity. She knew in the end what she wanted to do, and drew it up on a letter.

Spike opened the door, surprised to see Twilight up and about already. "Hey Twilight. What's going on? It's still seven in the morning and you're already busy? Wait...what's that on the chalkboard about alicorns?"

Before he could read further, Twilight handed him a letter in his claws. "Can you send this to Princess Celestia right now?"

"Sure." He breathed fire onto the letter, sending it away. "Is this something I should be worried about? You look like you've been up all day."

"It's OK," Twilight calmly stated. "I just had something on my mind I needed to get out."

Dear Princess Celestia,

I don't regret learning about the spell of the alicorn. It caused me to look at things in a different light. And in the end, my respect for Luna went up instead of down, because she wanted to do that for me.

However, I have decided that I want Shining Armor to receive it instead of me. I know that's going to break Luna's heart...but I think it's the right thing to do. Tell her I'm sorry.

Thank you for helping me see the light,
Twilight Sparkle

Intermission II: Decisions

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The next day was not as peaceful as Twilight's sleep had become. As she went through her chores for that day, she found that she had second guessed her decision, like she had committed a sin by pushing it on Shining Armor.

It was strange, given how it felt like she was doing the right thing the night before. But in the end, she thought about what Luna would say to this action. The only reason why she even considered letting Shining have the spell...was because Luna had considered using it on her. And now Twilight went and let Shining have it.

But what would Luna say once Celestia told her?

The thought was twisting inside Twilight's stomach, so much that she felt physically ill. Once she was finished with her checklist, she climbed back into bed, only to be horrified by the celestial theme of her blanket. She pushed it off onto the floor and clutched her stomach with her front hooves, feeling like she was going to be sick.

"Twilight?" Spike questioned. "Can you tell me what's going on? First you go on about you and Shining and some spell, and now you look like somepony needs to take you to a hospital!"

Twilight turned around, seeing Spike looking geniunely worried for her.

"Thanks...Spike, for looking after me," Twilight groaned. "But...I think I need....some time alone..."

"I'm not leaving you alone like this!"

"Please...I'll be fine."

"Fine, but if I come home and you're any worse, I'm sending you to a nurse. I'm really worried about you."

Twilight sighed as the dragon left her alone, as her head was like it was on fire. She wanted Shining to enjoy it, but at the same time...did she finally ruin everything with Luna?

No...I couldn't have. She didn't know this was what I was going to do. And in the end, she has to respect that I was looking out for my brother, right?

But at the same time...I did go against what she wanted...

I'm an egghead. I knew what she had in mind, and I went around it and tried to justify it. And now she might never talk to me again...

She grabbed the blanket and pulled it over her head again. She didn't want to see anypony at that moment, and didn't want Luna to see her like this.

In the end, she did feel worse as the stress built up. She felt her vision getting blurry and her fever getting higher, as she slowly passed out again.

-----------

When she came to, she found herself in a hospital room. It was nighttime, the window to her left acting as a portal to the crisp air outside. She groaned as she felt a series of bandages around her head, and gasped when she looked across the room at a mirror to see her pitiful shape.

The unicorn looking back at her appeared like she hadn't slept for days, with bags hanging below her eyes. Her mane was in all directions, and her eyes were bloodshot. On top of that, there was a faint red spot on the bandage, hinting at a wound there.

She had no recollection of what happened after all of that, though she could have sworn she had done something after passing out. But she didn't remember, and now she was afraid how bad was the damage.

At that moment, the door swung open as a familiar white stallion with a blue mane walked into the room. Twilight gasped again as Shining Armor came to her bedside, with eyes neither sad nor happy.

"Shining...what are you doing here?" Twilight asked.

"I got a letter from Spike saying you were in the Ponyville Hospital after you had an accident. Thank Celestia you're OK."

"Wait...what happened?"

"You don't remember? You were going around Ponyville, saying you were an alicorn all of the sudden, and you tried to fly off the top of your house. You bumped your head pretty good, the doctors were afraid you suffered brain damage, but it ended up just as a concussion."

Twilight said nothing or showed any emotion, even though she was embarrassed as hay.

"You're going to be here for a few days, just to make sure nothing else is wrong."

She sighed and sunk into the back of her bed. And then the thought hit her. She looked all around the sides of Shining's body, checking to see if he had suddenly sported wings of any kind. It helped that he wasn't wearing anything, showing that there was nothing there.

Shining noticed and looked to his sides as well. He saw nothing there to be worried about.

"Twilight, is something wrong with me?"

She gulped, and decided to come out. "Shining...there's something I need to tell you. It's about Princess Luna."

His eyes changed expression all of a sudden, carrying a hint of sadness. "About the spell of the alicorn. I know. She told me all about it yesterday night."

Another crack appeared on Twilight's world. "WHAT? What did she tell you?"

"Everything." He walked over to the window, peering outside. "How Cadence was born a unicorn and Celestia transformed her into a permanent alicorn, how Luna was deeply involved with you, and she wanted to use the spell on you. And then you wrote to Celestia you wanted me to have it instead, even though you knew Celestia was trying to keep me alive until she could use it again."

Every sense of life had drained from Twilight's face. She didn't know what she was supposed to do anymore. Say she was sorry? You're welcome, enjoy eternity with Cadence?

"I wish you had told me about Luna before this all happened." He looked out the window, his mane pushed back with the breeze. "And...thank you for being this thoughtful. I know you were looking out for us when you gave it to me. I don't really know how I can repay you."

"It's fine, I think you deserve it more than I do--"

"But I have to give it back to you."

If Twilight's world wasn't gone by then, it was now.

"Wait...no, wait...you have to take it..."

"I know that's what you want. But...I'll be fine. Celestia's working to ensure I'll live long enough to be an alicorn too. I don't know if you'll survive that long...that's why I have to give it to you."

"But what if you die before...you know..."

"I want to take that risk for you. You're my sister, and I'm not going to let you throw something like this away, even if you're doing it for the right reasons. Please...I'll be fine."

She shook her head. "I...I can't...Luna's not going to look at me the same way again once she finds out I did all of this."

"Are you so sure?" a voice came out from behind the door. It opened to show Luna standing there, her attitude undeterred.

"Luna," Twilight gasped. "I'm so sorry..."

"No, do not apologize for this," Luna rebuked. "It was as Celestia said, I did not think this as thoroughly as I could have. But in the end, I have to respect somepony who would do something like this for her brother."

The siblings said nothing, glancing at each other with a smile.

"But I need to decide who to give the spell to, tonight if I can."

There wasn't a word spoken in that room, but the expressions on Twilight and Shining were enough. Twilight kept looking down on the ground, Shining was doing the same. It was like they were going through the same thought process.

As Luna watched, her horn started to glow with magic. She had plans to use this spell tonight, and it took some time to charge, may as well get started now.

At the same time, she hated the wait. It was understandable why they took as long as they were to decide, but it didn't make the uneasiness any better. It was to the point she glanced carefully at one or the other's mouth, just to see if it would open to say something.

In the end, it was Twilight's that opened first. "I still want Shining Armor to have it."

Luna's heart sank, as her horn continued to glow brighter. "Are...are you sure? Celestia won't know if she can help you survive that long. Shining can."

"I know," Twilight continued, a tear going down her face. "But I can't do that to us. I'll do my best to make sure I'll make it. Please..."

"I don't want you to go either," Luna mentioned. "You know...how much I want to be with you forever...but if that is what you wish..."

"No!" Shining shouted. "I'm not going to accept it. Cadence and I will be OK. Don't do this to yourself, for me."

In response, Twilight pulled the covers off the bed and pulled herself out of the hospital bed. She walked to Shining, wobbly as she did so. Once she finally made it to him, she wrapped a hoof around his neck, with a slight smile.

"I need you to accept it. Luna and I...we'll find a way. I promise. I know we can."

"Are you sure? You're my sister, I won't be disappointed in you if you transform."

"And neither will I, if you do. Please."

Shining looked down on the ground, shaking his head from being in such a spot. He turned to Luna for support. "Promise me you'll keep her alive, through these next few decades, and that she's going to make it. Can you do that?"

"I will do everything in my power to ensure she makes it. I promise you that. Is this your final answer?"

He looked back to Twilight, who had a big smile on her face. "I...I think so. I need you to survive...I don't want to regret this decision..."

Twilight brought him into a bigger hug. "You won't." She pulled back and climbed into her bed. "Go ahead."

With tears in her eyes, Luna's horn beamed with an energy rarely seen by few ponies. Papers and curtains flew everywhere as her frame lifted from the ground as her horn glowed with a light almost as bright as the sun. Shining's body lifted up as well, as circles of light surrounded him.

Suddenly, Luna's eyes were completely white as a surge of power escaped from her horn as a laser, landing directly onto Shining. As the process continued, he changed form before Twilight's eyes.

His horn became bigger than before, and two circles of light were on his sides. As it continued, a pair of new wings came out from them, spreading out in full range. He shouted with power as it continued, his eyes completely white as well.

Then, everything stopped. Luna and Shining dropped to the ground, and everything was quiet. Shining dropped to the floor, adjusting to his new form. He shook his head as he got back to his hooves, examining his wings.

"What...this feels incredible," he commented. "I feel...is this what being an alicorn feels like?"

"Yes, it does," Luna said, trying her hardest not to frown. "You should feel a surge in magical abilities first. Then you'll feel the power most Earth Ponies carry..."

She had to stop herself in the middle of the sentence. She rushed for Twilight and grasped the unicorn in her arms, tears coming down again. "I'm so sorry, Twilight. I promise you I will make this work...I'm sorry."

But then she looked at her lover's eyes, and there was no sadness there. Instead, there was a smile...a smile? After all that they went through, so many insecurities, the promise of eternal life pushed away from her, and she smiled?

"You don't need to be sorry," Twilight smiled. "I know we'll find a way to make it. I trust you with my life."

Luna sighed and kissed her on the lips with a passion. Twilight returned it, before they stopped to look at the new white alicorn in the room.

"Thank you, Twilight," he commented. "When I adjust to all of this, I'll do my best to help make sure you'll survive too. I'm not going to let my sister go."

Twilight smiled again, glancing at her marefriend. "Hey Luna, were you considering marriage in the future?"

The princess blushed, before realizing there was nothing to be embarrassed about anymore. "I was. Why do you mention it?"

"I think I want to get married."

With that, Luna smiled and kissed her on the cheek. "Then I shall start looking for a ring."

Visitors

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Hospital rooms can be either the most boring place you ever visit, or the most exciting, both for the same reason. For the most part, the only thing you always have with you is your thoughts. It gives you a moment to think clearly, which in Rainbow's case turned out to be I got things to do! Heal already, you stupid wing!

For Twilight, it turned out to be something else. She treasured having the rest of the day to think, until the doctors checked her out that night. Much to her surprise, the more she thought about her decision the more she felt like she made the right decision. And it wasn't that long ago that she fainted over the mere idea of forcing herself to give the spell to Shining.

After she was over it, she couldn't resist thinking about the future. There was no question she wanted to marry Luna, and so she said yes without question. And given who it was we were talking about, the ceremony would be held at the Canterlot castle, hopefully with Celestia still doing the honors.

But then it struck her--she hadn't told any of her friends about this with the exception of Rarity. Granted, Spike might have catched on, but that was it. She cowered over the sheets, realizing this was exactly what Shining had done, not telling anypony until he popped the question. And he had a better excuse then her.

I hope they don't get too mad I waited this long to tell them. It's going to be weird telling them I'm marrying Princess Luna.

Almost as a response to her thoughts, she heard the door open ahead of her. She pulled her head out to see Rarity and Pinkie Pie arrive, the former carrying a basket of flowers on her back.

"Hi Twilight!" Pinkie gleamed. "I heard you had been in a horrible accident, so I thought it would be nice of Rarity and me if I picked a bunch of flowers for you, because you like flowers. And then she told me 'Oh no, Pinkie. She had just been in an accident, nothing to worry about.' But by then I had already picked half of them, so I thought I should go ahead and finish!"

"Wow Pinkie, those look delicious!" Twilight replied, peering at the contents inside. "How long did it take for you to get them all?"

"Just a few minutes," Rarity answered. "I'm so happy to see you like this. They mentioned you should be out today. And between you and me, Spike is a little too eager to help. I designed a dozen dresses for an order that didn't exist, just so he wouldn't feel blue that I had no more dresses he could assist on making anymore."

After that, she levitated the basket onto Twilight's lap. The basket had a wide assortment of flowers, which would make for a good lunch by itself. Twilight smiled and took a hoofful of them into her mouth, munching on them like popcorn.

And that's when the opportunity struck her. She could finally tell one of her friends about the situation.

"Thanks for the flowers, Pinkie. But is it OK if I tell you something?"

"Like what? Is it a secret?" the party pony chirped.

"Kind of, but I don't want it to be a secret anymore."

The last line stopped her in her tracks. She already had it in mind to do the moves for the Pinkie swear.

"So it's like a secret that you would feel terrible about keeping a secret? Like how I developed my Pinkie Sense from eating--nevermind, keep going."

"Pinkie, I hope this doesn't change anything, because you're one of my closest friends. But I have to come clean. I'm engaged to Princess Luna."

Pinkie gasped, unsure what to say. Instead, she rushed around the room, shutting every window and door shut, and reshutting the window just to be sure nopony could hear any of this.

"ENGAGED?" Rarity squeaked. "You're engaged to her now? When did this happen?"

"Last night."

Eager, Rarity trotted to one side of the bed, with Pinkie on the other side. "I must have details right away, Twilight! I must!"

"And why are you marrying Nightmare Moon? So she can eat you twice?" Pinkie rambled.

Twilight glared at Pinkie, before calmly turning to Rarity. "I don't know where to begin. She came to visit me in my room, just to see how I was. While I was gone at Canterlot the other day, Celestia informed me that Luna was considering it."

"Celestia told you that?" Rarity interrupted. "But that was probably a secret Luna trusted her with! She must have been disappointed once she knew Celestia gave it to you like Spike gave me a diamond he had been saving."

"From what I saw, she wasn't. I told her how I knew she considered marriage, and also said I would say yes. And then she said she would be looking for a wedding ring."

Once again, Rarity could barely contain herself. She almost squealed at the news, before gulping and calming down.

"I must confess how surprised I am at you. Not in a bad way, darling, but at the thought you would ever consider marriage at your age. I have pictured that somepony would sweep you off your hooves, but not this early."

Twilight smudged her front hooves together. "Is that a bad thing? Should I have waited?"

"That is not for me to judge. She desired your hoof in marriage, you agreed to it. Clearly there is more to this than what I am seeing."

"And besides," Pinkie added, "it's going to be a lot of fun! I know the Cakes are married, and while they have problems or something like that, they seem to be really happy! And your cheeks have been very red the whole time, so that means you care for her, you're just not used to us knowing!"

"So you're not mad at me?" Twilight asked.

"Why would I be mad at something like this?"

"No, not that. I didn't say anything to you about Luna and I until we got engaged."

"It's OK. We got to know months in advance of the wedding, right? And you told me and Rarity eventually. So why would I hate you for that? It is a little weird, you were always shy whenever another pony asked you out."

"However, not all of her friends know about it," Rarity mentioned. "Fluttershy doesn't know, Applejack isn't in the know, and neither is Rainbow Dash. Since this is a wedding, they need to know as soon as possible."

They turned to Twilight, her cheeks redder than ever. She looked down at the flowers, eating a few as she was thinking.

At the same time, her insecurities came back in full bloom. She really had no clue what to expect once they found out. And then she remembered she hadn't even told her parents yet. That had to come next. Granted, they were used to their child marrying into the royal family like Shining had, but this was...a lot different. Luna was nothing like Cadence.

But in the end, waiting around and hesitating would only make the pain of the moment worse.

"Could you bring them in here? I need to tell them while I'm still in here."

"Of course," Rarity said. "I'll go find Fluttershy and Applejack. Pinkie, could you be a friend and see where Rainbow is? Last time I heard, she was in her house and I know you have a hot air balloon on you."

"Yes indeedy!" Pinkie answered. "I'll meet you back here in fifteen minutes!"

"Why fifteen? Her house is right above yours."

"That's because it takes ten minutes to get her out of a Daring Do book. Sometimes I think they're the same pony, lately she's been pretending she's the character when she's doing Sonic Rainbooms. It's kind of weird."

Rarity shook her head, letting that wait. "This shouldn't take long. I'll be back."

They walked out of the room together, giving Twilight more time to think. She didn't know why, but she felt like she was in good hooves. Then again, when you've been with five other ponies the way she had with them, trust like that naturally developed.

But one disadvantage of having all your thoughts with you is the insecurities that surface that wouldn't have, had you been busy. And the spell came back to mind.

She hadn't really thought about the years between now and when she became the next alicorn. Granted, having the combined magical resources of Celestia, Luna, Cadence, and now Shining would help her through the next 80 or so years until Tia could cast it again.

But it was still 80 years away, and she was being optimistic with that year count. She was already in her 20s, and by then she would be around 100 years old by the time she could become immortal.

Would it kill Luna to see her like that, a 100 year old mare that would have trouble just walking? Granted, 80 years of watching her wife age like any other pony would be nothing compared to the eternity they would spend together, each with power most unicorns could only dream of.

That's assuming I live that long.

And then, a feeling hit her stomach. Not regret from giving the alicorn spell to Shining. Sorrow, for what she had done without a doubt to Luna.

She had to pull the tears back again, she had to. She felt like she had made the right decision, and there were never any regrets for doing the right thing. Or at least that's how it should be.

The next minute, she found a herd of ponies enter into her room next. Rarity and Pinkie were back, and Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rainbow joined them. In order, the three new visitors appeared alert, nervous, and anxious.

"So what's going on?" Rainbow inquired. "You didn't seem that bad when I saw you, so I was going to wait to see you at your house tonight."

"Now wait just a minute," Applejack countered. "She brought us all in here so she could tell us something important. So what is it, sugar cube?"

"I...I..." Twilight started.

"Yes?" Fluttershy added, the three of them all peering closer.

"I'm in love with Princess Luna."

All three pairs of eyes widened in surprise, Fluttershy placing her hooves over her mouth.

"Wait...what do you mean, in love with Luna?" Rainbow asked again. "You mean you have a crush on her?"

"I mean we've been dating."

"So what? I've dated my share of stallions, that meant nothing in the--"

"I slept with her, OK? And on top of that, we're engaged as of last night."

Another series of gasps. Rainbow heard all she had needed to hear, and dropped her sarcastic vibe finally.

"That serious, huh?"

Twilight nodded. It felt like a huge weight had lifted off her shoulders, now that it was open for all of them to see. And much to her relief, nopony looked ashamed at her. In fact, she even saw Applejack grinning back at the item.

"Ah'm really happy for you," she commented. "Ah wouldn't have guessed it was with Nightmare Moon--Luna Ah mean, but getting hitched is great for you. It can be mighty scary at first, but it's going to be one of the biggest moments of your life."

"Are you kidding? I would have never guessed!" Rainbow shouted. "I always thought it would be with a stallion, honestly. And never with a princess. But I guess it doesn't matter. She's engaged and they did it, right? That means they really like each other."

Having sat in the back of the room for the time being, Fluttershy finally came up and started to talk. "I'm really happy for you too. Have you decided what the wedding is going to be like?"

"Not a whole lot. I guess it's going to be at the castle, and Celestia volunteered to do the ceremonies. You think it's weird somepony would do the same wedding for her own sister?"

"Ah would, when the time comes," Applejack said.

"That's great, I could do so much for you," Fluttershy continued. "I really want to bring that bird choir back, if you don't mind."

"Of course not," Twilight responded. "So, none of you are mad that I waited this long to tell you?"

"Nah," Applejack answered.

"Of course not, at least I don't think so," Rainbow responded.

"Was I supposed to be mad? Was I?" Fluttershy said last, turning to the rest to receive headshakes. "Then I'm not."

Twilight sunk into her bed, feeling like the worst was over. Now all she had to do was tell her parents, and it would just be a straight line to the wedding.

----------------

"You're doing what?" Twilight's mother asked. She paced back and forth within Twilight's house, feeling like a bomb exploded a few inches from her face.

"How come you didn't tell us anything until after you wanted to get married?"

Later that night, Twilight looked down on the ground in shame, yet she made no attempt to run or hide. There was no point, if she didn't have this conversation now, it would just delay the moment she did.

"I don't mind having our little daughter doing all of this, it wasn't a big deal when Shining admitted to us he had a crush on Cadence in high school," said Twilight's father. "But this is different in so many ways. First, you hid it from us for so long, and we're just now hearing about it. You've never hid anything from us before, not even that time you had a crush on one of the mares in Canterlot.

"Second, this is Princess Luna. Do you know what that means? It changes everything. And third, we had to learn about this alicorn spell business by Shining coming home with wings one night."

"Keep in mind we're not disappointed in you," the mother said. "We just want to know what caused you to think you had to hide this from all of us."

Twilight straigened up, and made eye contact with her.

"Because I didn't know what to think about it for a while. She was my first real marefriend, Mom and Dad. I wasn't sure if I wanted to date a mare until she said she wanted me. And...I thought all my friends and family would hate me if I admitted I was in love with Princess Luna, because she's not only a princess, but she used to be Nightmare Moon."

"Twilight, Twilight, Twilight," her mother repeated, shaking her head. "I know how it would look to most ponies that you're dating Luna. But that doesn't mean we're going to hate you all of a sudden because of that. We would have talked it out with you, just to be sure this is what you really wanted. It wouldn't have been any different had you said you were dating somepony like Big Macintosh."

"But what about the alicorn spell?" the father added. "What do you have to say about that?"

"I...I couldn't do that to him," Twilight finally said. "I had a choice, and it came down to choosing whenever or not he and Cadence could spend eternity together and I might live enough to have the same life with Luna, and vice versa. There are times, however, where I'm afraid of what happens if I don't live long enough for that. I don't want to think about it."

"But you have to," said the father. "If you're thinking about it like this, she will be. If she's not thinking about the wedding, whenever or not you'll die is what's going to be on her mind. I'm proud of you that you would do something like that for Shining, but if you are so serious that you had sex with Luna and wanted to get married, you have to think about these things. You'll either be spending the rest of your life or eternity with her, and if you don't deal with it now, eventually you will."

Twilight wiped a tear away with the thought. "I know. I just...that's why I fainted just thinking about it. I didn't want to play God like that, but that's what I did. I didn't want Shining to die when I know I could have saved him like I have now."

Sensing she was going to break down, the parents came and hugged her as the tears came back. She sobbed quietly, feeling safe in their hooves. Yet the tears kept coming, and the sobs grew louder.

"I didn't want to do that to Luna either. But I felt like I had to. Nopony would have looked at me the same if I didn't. I hope she can forgive me for that..."

"If she's worth anything, she will," hushed her father. "She saw something in you she loved. Maybe this is it, your consideration for others. But don't do this to yourself. It's not a place you want to be."

"I know," Twilight replied. "I just want it to work out in the end."

"You both can," the mother answered. "I trust both of you now. I trust you in her hooves."

After what felt like hours being held like a filly, Twilight pulled back and gave a weak smile, her cheek fur matted with water from her eyes. But it didn't matter. In the end, she knew they approved. There were going to be issues to solve in the future like with any relationship, but the most immediate one was gone.

"So, what is she like?" the mother asked.

"You have no idea. I feel like I'm floating on air when I'm with her. I didn't hesitate to say I wanted to marry her. I felt like I'm safe when she's by my side. Is that how you felt like when you first married Dad?"

"Something like that," she grinned. "Something like that."

Wedding Bells

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Six months later, winter had come and gone from the land of Equestria. It was colder than usual, given how the pegasi felt they had to compensate for a brutally hot summer to keep things in order. But it didn't matter anymore. Spring had begun, and it was going to be the most picturesque one in years.

And it was no different today. When the sun came up, it showcased a clear day with not even a breeze in the air. The temperature would be warm and cozy, and everything that was planned would go on as scheduled. The pegasi came through when they were needed.

Yet, that was not the focus within one of the bigger dressing rooms. In a rush of little touches by a designer, a purple unicorn's dress was adjusted little by little, with a comment every now and then.

"That's good, I'm telling you it looks perfect as it is right there!" Twilight interrupted.

"Nonsense!" Rarity declared. "It is your wedding day after all. This will be a moment all of Equestria will remember, and certainly Luna of all ponies. I cannot afford to let you go when one of the stars is off, that could be a fashion disaster waiting to happen!"

Twilight shrugged and went with it, as Rarity did as she wanted. To be fair, there was nothing she thought needed to be adjusted, since she was blown away from day one by the dress.

Given the magical and lunar nature of Twilight and Luna's names, colors, and cutie marks, they decided on a theme to match it. So in response, Rarity charged at the challenge head on and went with an unusual black dress, but the stars and ribbons chosen to look like shooting stars made this look anything but an outfit for mourning.

It was a very risque dress, Rarity had to admit. That would explain why Twilight once found three rejected ones in the trash bin one night.

"There, perfect," Rarity said, examining her adjustments. "I'm sorry if I seem a little like a perfectionist today, but weddings are always a big deal for the couple, and I have to give my best. And I have to say, you look fabulous."

Twilight looked at her reflection in the big mirror, and she couldn't believe it was herself she was looking at. The mare looked so beautiful, so precisely glowing, that it was like she was in a dream.

"Well?" Rarity questioned. "Are there any wedding jitters you would like to get out? We should still have an hour."

Twilight grinned, but that didn't stop a sweat drop coming down on her cheek. "Yes. I'm so nervous about this. I'm pretty sure I don't have cold hooves, but at the same time, there's going to be a huge crowd of ponies out there, watching my every move."

"But this is what happened with Shining, minus the changeling invasion. But I guess having you out there changes everything. But do not fret, they will not be so cold to glare at you if you mess up out there. No wedding is absolutely perfect, even though mine will be, so be yourself out there, and in the end you won't feel any regrets on your honeymoon."

The purple unicorn nodded, examining herself in the mirror again. She had been looking forward to this day more than she acknowledged to herself, and now that showtime was here, she found herself just wanting to see her lover again.

And thankfully for Rarity, the worst was over. It's funny how a little makeup just below the eyes can hide bangs from sight, developed from having maybe just a little too many days working from sunrise to the next sunrise.

It was a little better in another room of the castle. Here, there were no attempts to pretty up, it wasn't necessary when it came to the other bride of this union. Still, that didn't mean there weren't any chances for some awkward moments.

"Is the sun just right?" Celestia asked, more rushed than she ever was in her whole life. "Wait, of course the sun is right. But do you think we got enough sandwiches for the post-wedding party? I don't remember, we could have to make more."

Luna laughed at the whole dilemma. "It is my wedding, and you're the one more worried? That is something I have not seen from you before. And to be fair, I believe you bought enough to feed all of Canterlot for the week."

Seeing her folly, Celestia relaxed and adjusted the slippers on her hooves. "You're right. But I don't remember a time where somepony this close to the family ever got married. It must be the first time in centuries. And now that I remember, I didn't handle them too well since I was a filly."

The princess of the night smiled at her, and went to the mirror for some adjustments. She was encouraged not to try anything fancy for dresses or makeup, which she did even when she had the urge to hire Rarity for a dress.

Yet, even at that moment, she felt like all the eyes in Equestria were on her. It was big news as it was when she returned to her post, but the hearing that she had proposed to a unicorn living in Ponyville spread like wildfire on dry grass.

I do want this, do I not? She is everything I ever wanted from a lover, and nothing has changed on my decision to take her as my wife. I can't have cold hooves from a choice that big...because I need her.

She felt her heart beat wildly in her chest when she could hear a crowd outside. They were murmuring, and it struck her that this audience was likely to be much bigger than the one for Cadence and Shining's wedding. In fact, Celestia estimated it would be twice the size given how higher up Luna was on the royal family.

"I think I'm ready," she said.

"That's great," Celestia responded. "We just need to lay the final touches outside before we're ready. I'll meet you there."

She left the room for the ceremony location, leaving Luna alone to prepare herself mentally.

The atmosphere in the other room, almost at the ceremony location itself, was much more lively and upbeat. In it were four mares from Ponyville, all looking like they were ready to go hours ago, especially the pink one.

"Can you believe it?" Pinkie shouted breathlessly. "Twilight's finally getting married with Luna, and that makes her a princess too, right? With the fancy crown, a mother and father as king and queen, and all that goodies?"

"Nah, not for a while," Applejack shook her head. "Ah think that comes later. Where did you find that DJ you hired?"

"Vinyl Scratch? We're good friends, actually. She rose her rates like crazy since she became known as 'that DJ that performed at that wedding that was almost interrupted from an insect pony', but she did it for free when I said it was for my friend's wedding!"

"Yeah, thanks for that," said Rainbow Dash. "I like that DJ. Didn't she put something on vinyl recently?"

"I don't know," Fluttershy muttered. "Did anypony else think Twilight looked shy when we saw her yesterday? Or what it just me? I'm sorry, it probably was..."

"No, Ah was thinking the same thing," Applejack cut in. "Ah haven't seen her like that since she misplaced her report to Celestia on dragon eggs. You think we should check up on her?"

"Why would we?" Pinkie questioned. "Do you know what it's like to have a wedding? You spend at least an hour waiting to kiss the one you love, and while you're waiting you're probably changing something you're wearing. I know I was going to wear green lipstick before saying hi to Shining Armor, until Rarity pulled me away since I was about to have a 'fashion disaster'!" She smiled proudly, oblivious that even Rainbow thought it was a horrifying idea.

"So it wasn't just me," Fluttershy hummed. "That's good, I'm a little nervous myself about what's going to happen. Are you sure it hasn't started yet?"

Rainbow glanced over at the clock above them. "Yeah, we still have a while. So what's wrong?"

"Nothing. Wait, there is something that's bothering me. Why is Twilight going to Canterlot all the time now? When I met her at the depot last time, I think she looked a little younger than before."

Rainbow put a hoof on her chin in thought. "She does seem like she hasn't aged at all. It's probably nothing, she's not supposed to when she's like 22."

"OK. And another thing, since she's going to marry Nightmare Moon--I mean, Princess Luna," she corrected herself, getting a lot of curious looks, "does this mean Twilight is moving back to Canterlot. I don't want to see her go again."

"I asked Celestia about that the other day," Applejack mentioned. "They supposedly agreed that she would spend half a year in Ponyville to continue her studies and stay with us, and the other half she would be with Luna right here."

Fluttershy sighed in relief. "So she's not leaving for good yet. That's great."

Pinkie titled her head. "Why would she leave Ponyville? Are you scared she might leave one day?"

The yellow pegasus nodded. "I don't want any one of us to go...but I shouldn't force that either."

To her surprise, Pinkie came to hug her tightly, nuzzling their cheeks together. "Of course I wouldn't leave you! You are all my friends, and I'm sure Twilight will do the same, right?"

"Right!" Rainbow and Applejack said in unison.

Just then, they heard a knock on the door, as Shining came in with a smile cemented on his face. "They're ready for you to take your positions."

-------------

Like Celestia predicted, the audience for the wedding of Twilight Sparkle and Princess Luna was twice as big as the previous royal wedding. It was so massive that every street was packed with ponies from all of Equestria, and a few of the ponies in the overflow crowd got creative and used hot air balloons to hover over the festivities, causing the event to look like one big party. Which was going to be accurate soon enough.

Inside the balcony where the wedding was located, all of the rest of the Elements had their spots on the carpet, each with a similar dress to the previous wedding. Rarity had to wipe away a tear as her emotions were getting to her.

The red carpet that led to the spot was long and extravagant, with Celestia standing tall at the end with the two wedding rings she had designed for them, one with a purple diamond and the other with a dark blue one.

Also with Celestia at the end were the Royal Guards standing tall as they kept an eye on the festivities. They would never leave such a huge event to chance again after the changeling invasion. It helped make Twilight's parents feel a bit safer, as they watched with tissues ready.

All eyes were glued to the big double doors as they were swung open for the wedding to officially begin. The first things to emerge were the Cutie Mark Crusaders spreading flowers all over the carpet, while hiding they were doing it just as much for the hope they would get their cutie marks as much as it was to be good friends.

Twilight's parents smiled to each other as the next part started with the first bride to appear with her brother next to her side. Shining's armor had been considerably modified where his new wings were, yet by now everypony was used to it. Twilight's eyes were gleaming in delight as the moment was finally here.

"You're doing great, sister. I couldn't have been more proud of you than I am right now," he whispered.

"Right back at you," she grinned.

After what felt like minutes of walking to the end of the carpet, Twilight found her spot and winked to her parents in the audience, who lost it and waved back. She blushed as her attention was back at the entrance like everypony else.

Soon, what was possibly the most beautiful pony in the world to her appeared within sight. Her mane was naturally moving with the stars embedded inside it, and she thought she had never seen anypony with eyes that shone with light like Luna's were.

When Luna caught sight of her lover at the alter, she stopped herself in disbelief. It had been days since she saw Twilight, but she couldn't believe how gorgeous she was in her wedding dress. Rarity's gamble had paid off tremendously, as now the unicorn's outfit was fitting for a princess almost. But she was perceptive enough to know that the other ponies would think something was wrong if she didn't keep moving, so she continued.

A million pair of eyes were watching her as she made her way down the line herself. She had the biggest grin on her face as she matched Twilight's glance the entire walk down, while Celestia had to wipe a tear of joy away.

I can't believe it, she thought privately to herself. I never seen Luna so happy before in my life. We're all going to remember this moment for the rest of our lives, aren't we?

After Luna went to her spot, Celestia cleared her throat as the town shushed itself to observe.

"On this day in Equestria, we are here to observe the union of two of the best ponies I have ever had the privilege to know personally. Princess Luna, my beloved sister, and Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student.

"There is only one wish I have for this marriage, and that as you two come together into union, that both of you will live together, through the thick and thin, through the good times and the bad times, being there for each other when the occasion requires it. And let this union shine, to serve as an example of two loving ponies coming together."

She almost choked there, but swallowed and turned to Twilight first.

"Do you, Twilight Sparkle, accept this mare to be your wife, now and forever?"

"I do. Now and forever," Twilight answered.

"And do you, Luna, Princess of the Night, take this mare to be your wife, now and forever?"

"I do. For as long as we live."

"Then I now pronounce you mare and wife."

The final moment of truth arrived, as they came together to share the unifying kiss at long last. They almost didn't hear the loud erupting of shouts and applause as they were finally married. Twilight hugged her again as they continued to share that kiss, as tears streamed down their faces.

"I love you so much," Twilight cried.

"I love you too, Twilight Sparkle, now and forever," Luna gasped.

-----------

As was promised from the rumor that Vinyl Scratch might be making an appearance which turned out to be true, the after party was wild and insane. After deciding that she alone wouldn't be able to make this party worthwhile, Pinkie decided to make Twilight's first wedding gift a party canon, which had the consequences you would have guessed.

But there was a quiet moment, believe it or not, where Twilight and Luna did share a quiet dance together. True to many of their moments together, the world around them ceased to exist, and it was like they were in the sky, flying with each other.

"Have you ever seen her like that?" Applejack asked the rest of the Mane 6.

"No, and that's what makes it beautiful," Rarity said, a whole tissue box by her side. "I think Twilight has finally become a true woman before our eyes. They grow so fast."

Rainbow tried to push how this gushy scene was getting to her, before finally giving in. "Fine, I like watching this. Thank Celestia the new Daring Do book came out this week, I'm going to have to read it to make up for this."

Fluttershy smiled, nudging Rainbow on the side. "It's fine, I'm sure you'll be fine. But I don't see any band playing the song. Then who is..."

They all turned to the DJ table, where Vinyl Scratch had put on a classical record to everypony's shock. She shrugged and would later say, "It was Octavia's first record. She would have strangled me if I didn't play it at an event that big."

However, neither Luna nor Twilight acknowledge the hijinks around them, and kept close to each other. Twilight kept in pace with the dance, as she would glance right at Luna, crying again.

"What's the matter? Is something bothering you?" Luna asked.

"No," Twilight answered. "I don't know if I've ever been this happy before in my life."

"I know that feeling, but I think there's more we haven't done tonight," she grinned.

Twilight leaned back into Luna's hooves, as she couldn't wait for their honeymoon to start either.

--------------

The next morning, Twilight and Luna were inside a private little house in the middle of nowhere, just what they both wanted: A break from their routines to be with each other.

As Luna's eyes opened up, she turned around to see that Twilight was still asleep. Hay, even having her wife like this was enough for her, that they were finally together at last.

She couldn't help herself and kissed Twilight on the forehead. However, with the touch, the unicorn's eyes propped open, and she grinned and kissed Luna on the forehead as well.

"That was a wild night, wasn't it?" she asked.

"I didn't assume you would last that long," Luna admitted. "I have to take that into consideration next time. But...this feels nice."

"What part about it feels nice?"

"Waking up in bed with you by my side. Nothing else. I had waited for a while for this moment, and...it was even better than I dreamed. And I have high dreams in my sleep."

"So do I." She kissed Luna again, and both of their hooves were wrapped against the other. It was a bit strange to see the princess without either her slippers or her crown, but that didn't matter. They were going to be very close to each other for the next week.

Epilogue: One Hundred Years Later

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It had been one hundred years since that wedding day. And as anypony would know, Canterlot had changed rapidly during that time. It was still similar to the one of days' past, but at the same time, the castle had grown in size since then, more buildings were added and the walls had to move to accommodate the progress of the times, and it wouldn't be long until stone and brick would be the next common construction material for buildings.

Yet, some things didn't change at all during that time. That was evident within the castle itself, as the interior had remained unchanged with its portraits of Celestia, Luna, and Cadence throughout, not as memorials, but as respect for the current loyalty.

The Guards of that generation bowed as the prince Shining Armor walked down the hallways with his wife Cadence. In that time, he had adjusted considerably to his new abilities, with his wings and horn grown in that time. Yet his face was the same, without any sign of his true age.

The whole reason why they were here was obvious when they saw Princess Luna out in the balcony alone, looking up to the stars still visible in the early morning. She smiled as she did, before noting she had visitors.

"I'll leave you to it," said Cadence, exiting the balcony.

He nodded and kissed her hoof before walking to Luna, noting the stars as well. Neither one said anything as they began to fade from the shine of Celestia's sunrise. Yet the elephant in the room wouldn't stay quiet much longer.

That day, Canterlot would feel the outside bands of a nearby hurricane, and while it wouldn't hit the town directly, it would be enough that the sky wouldn't be sunny much longer after this moment.

Luna sighed as some of the stars were getting blocked from the impending clouds coming in, and glanced at Shining. Immediately she noted how he was staring at her wedding ring.

"Can you believe it's been a hundred years since then?" he asked. "Doesn't seem like it's been that long. I can still remember how happy she was when I was walking her down, and our parents waving at her. What about you?"

"When you have lived for thousands of years, a century feels like a wisp in the air," she commented. "But it was hard not to forget. That was when cameras were coming to light, and I kept every picture ever taken of that day. She was so innocent for those few hours, and that night, I never felt as close to anypony as I did then, not even with Celestia."

By then the storm was close enough that their manes were flying backwards in a gust of wind. They would have seen ponies down below taking shelter for something that wasn't as bad as they had feared, hence why Shining and Luna were still outside.

Yet, even with the previous comment, she managed to frown. "It has felt like some time though. The first few years were..." Tears welled up in her eyes as the memories came back. "...they were the best years of my life. But after ten years, she was so paranoid about aging. I used that spell to stop the damage so often, that after one night from using it, I fainted. Imagine that, me, the princess of the night, fainting!"

Shining looked down at his wings, remembering the night in the hospital. In the end, he did value what he gained from it all, but it was almost like living in a hell at times.

"And then the thought came that I needed her to know what would happen if she didn't make it. When I went through everything, it was like I was her guardian...her protector. Did I ever tell you that?"

He shook his head, his face emotionless. He had been through this routine before. The sting wasn't as strong as before, much to Cadence's horror.

The winds remained steady throughout, as the sky grew grey with clouds. It didn't have the harshness of most hurricanes, even for the outer bands, which were considered to be the weakest part of a tropical storm like that. It seemed like it would be a pure rainmaker from here, which was always appreciated.

Even with the retelling of all those brutal memories, she wasn't anything but calm in the face of both the storm and the emotions that resurfaced. It didn't matter anymore. The past was in the past, and nothing could be done about it now without tampering with the time flow, something she never wanted to consider.

"I think it's time we visited them while they're sleeping," Luna mentioned.

"I was thinking the same thing. I haven't been there in a few months. Have they changed anything since then?"

"No, I don't believe so. So the layout is what you remembered."

He breathed in and out in relief, and pushed the door open with his horn. Together they walked through the doors and into the main parts of the castle. It still took time for Shining to stroll around and see portraits of himself inside, yes he had done a lot for Equestria, but it felt like nothing to him.

Cadence saw them enter back inside from the top of the staircase inside the room, and waved to them. "You seem happier than usual today, Luna."

"Thank you Cadence. Shining and I are going down to the memorial right now. Do you want to come with us?"

"Isn't it supposed to rain today? And I can't, I visited yesterday and I'm a little behind on my duties for the year. Tell me how it goes when you get back."

"We will," said Shining. "I thought you were on pace for everything."

"They're considering a reinnovention of the castle lately. That changes a lot for me, but it shouldn't be a big problem. You should go ahead and get going before the hurricane gets any closer."

They both nodded and headed out of there quickly, as more and more Guards arrived inside with soaking manes and tails. Oh well, time for the "magical umbrella" as they called it.

When they opened the main doors, it had indeed started to rain outside Canterlot. Not too bad right now, but there were signs off in the distance that it was going to get worse soon. With that, Shining and Luna used a spell that created a magical barrier above them big enough that it would shield away all the rain away from them.

The storm continued to rage as they walked through the streets leading up to their destination. As they got closer in time, only one regret came to either one of them: Could we have saved any of the rest?

"I don't believe we were in a spot to save any one of them," Luna spoke up. "Only a year ago did you know how to cast the alicorn spell, and when I could cast it again, all of them were already gone."

"But do you ever wish you could?" he demanded.

"There's barely a pony that wishes they couldn't. Not only that they would live forever, but that their friends and family could do the same."

"I...I know the feeling," he responded, thinking about his parents.

Within a few minutes of their umbrella deflecting increasingly heavy amounts of rain, they had finally arrived at their destination: Memorial to The Elements of Harmony.

Given how much Equestria owed to these six ponies, no effort was spared to show how much everypony respected their acts of bravery. Because of that, they had built an expensive six story building, each floor in respect to one of the Elements. It was the best they knew how to do, and it was a marvel to anypony who had seen it.

It was so respected it had its own security in the form of a Royal Guard unit. The leader of it was waiting at the front door, holding it open for them. "Your Majesties, hurry! It's only going to get worse out there!"

They looked to the sky, and it was in fact getting darker outside at only 10 in the morning, dark enough that some would say it's nighttime. They rushed inside the front door without any hesitation in their legs, shutting the door to not let any rain inside. Once they were in, they levitated the "umbrellas" and dropped it outdoors, keeping all the water out.

The exhibit started immediately when they were inside, as the floor opened to the Element of Laughter. The walls were as pink as it could be, with balloons and ribbons all around the place with photographs, joke ideas, and paintings of Pinkie being Pinkie there. At the very end of the floor was a gravestone, with the very pony the area was dedicated to inside.

Shining and Luna adjusted to the dry air along with the Guard as they began to walk through the floor. Whenever or not they were happy with everything Pinkie was up to--especially the incident with a certain hawk costume and the later hijinks with a DJ--she always did have good intentions for them when it came down to it.

"Did you ever get to know Pinkie as a friend?" Luna asked.

"A little. I always thought she was hyper all the time, but I liked her as a friend, if that's what you want to know. Wasn't she the one who arranged the dance for my wedding?"

"I believe so. Now where is she...oh, right there."

She pointed over at the enclosed coffin to the end. It was covered in characteristic pink, but you could not get one glimpse of her body inside, despite what some would have liked. It was subtle other than the bright pink, and Shining leaned down to whisper to it.

"Pinkie...thank you for making us all laugh, especially my sister. You made it all easier for us to get through the hard times, and for that we'll be forever grateful."

"I would have said the same thing," Luna mentioned. "I believe it was her snake outfit that made that Nightmare Night festival the best."

They found a staircase behind that part to find the next level of the memorial. This one led to the Element of Generosity, giving way from bright pink to a darker shade of purple throughout the room. Compared to the open air and lighter attitude of the previous level, this one led to a more refined taste in atmosphere.

This goal was accomplished by aiming for a feel similar to going to the ball. The walls were made from a purple shaded form of marble, the floor was reflective as anything, and there was even a chandelier in the middle of the ceiling.

However, the memorial theme was continued as the area was flooded with all kinds of dresses Rarity had made throughout the years. None of them were for sale, of course, but there were some overwhelming ones on display, especially the wedding dress for Twilight. Luna paused when she spotted that one, and held back tears from the shot of nostalgia she was experiencing.

At the same time, there was another separate section that was also a reminder of the Elements, with all six dresses from the Grand Galloping Gala, with notes on how it was Rarity who had thoughtfully captured the traits of each pony through the dress.

Also on site were plenty of gems to see, all behind glass cases and pictures of dresses she had used that gem for, to demonstrate its effectiveness.

Just like the previous level, at the very end of the area, was a casket that had gems embedded on them. This time, it was Luna who was there to comment on this pony's deeds.

"Miss Rarity, if you can hear me from up there in the clouds, I would like to say how much I appreciate all you have done for my wife. She turned to you frequently for advice, and she had some of your pieces in her room on notes. That is how much she treasured your mind and your heart."

Shining nodded, and looked outside the window to see the storm had picked up in intensity, with a few tree branches on the street below. And it wasn't going to get better for a while anyways.

They traveled up the stairs to the next floor of the building, and they were greeted to what amounted to feeling like they had entered a forest. No surprise. since it was the Element of Kindness after all, but considering the amount of trees on the ground, the strands of grass on the top, and a petting zoo section that was closed for the time being, it still took some getting used to.

The walls were painted in cool shades of yellow and light green, keeping to the theme of the forest Fluttershy was so fond of. Within the walls were pictures of the animals she took care of the best, with educational tidbits on each one. As true to form, Angel looked ticked off about having to sit down and stay still for a picture, hence why you could see Fluttershy's stare in the corner of that one.

Yet, through the busy nature of the section, it gave a cool, unhurried atmosphere to it, especially given the many pictures of the pegasus taking care of both her friends and her creatures.

"What do you remember about her?" Luna brought up.

"A lot, since I started making visits to Ponyville once things quieted down in Canterlot. She remained shy to the end, but kind as well. It didn't matter what fear she had, she was doing her best to be kind and considerate to me. And what about you?"

"I had some troubles adjusting to her, since she insisted I was Nightmare Moon still. However, once she was over that fear, I came to respect her spirit. Not the way she hid in a bush when her friend landed on the ground behind her back, but I found her soft voice and overall personality appealing on a level."

Like every previous floor, there was a casket that Fluttershy rested in. This one was in a faded kind of yellow, with a border around the bottom of the lid that consisted of painted on ribbons and butterflies.

"Even when you ran away from your own shadow," Luna stated, "I know your friends respecting your loving hoof as much as we did. And we respected you for that. I hope it paid off with a good rest."

Shining held back a tear for later, as Fluttershy's death was possibly the saddest so far.

Then came the next floor, and as much as the previous one was subtle and calm, this one was energetic and wanted excitement. The Element of Loyalty was always going to be a little more quick paced, but that was nothing considering this pony.

The hallways were made with a sky blue color, and the bottom part was bordered with a finish line checker design. The whole area felt like one big arena in Cloudsdale, and not far off was the classical Wonderbolts costume put inside a thick glass case. It was clearly very important to the wearer, as there was a blurb that after Rainbow Dash obtained it, it almost never came off except when she was with her friends.

On top of that were spots that had the Sonic Rainboom painted on them, and how she was the first in many years to pull it off, to the point she could do it without a second thought. And out of all the memories stored here, possibly the one that brought the most joy was the picture of when she was handed her official Wonderbolts suit by Spitfire herself. No wonder she enjoyed it so much.

"I couldn't believe I was invited to attend," he commented. "But having pegasus wings changed everything. I insisted on watching with Twilight on the hot air balloon, and after Rainbow got the suit, she was so excited that she flew into the air, and became the first pegasus flier to create two Sonic Rainbooms in one minute."

"I heard a lot about her from the castle, even," said Luna. "She developed quite a reputation during her career. Not that I was surprised, anypony with her accomplishments would be famous within minutes."

Rainbow's casket laid there as well, and keeping in the same design as Fluttershy's casket, hers was blue and bordered with lightning strikes, but with a rainbow on the lid.

'There were many things you excelled at, such as loyalty to your friends, but the best was knowing how to top yourself," Luna commented. "And that's something more ponies should know how to do."

The next to last Element to be represented was that of Honesty. At that moment the atmosphere returned to the more calm feeling of Fluttershy's level, but with warmer orange and red colors for design this time.

Applejack took great pride in Sweet Apple Acres, and therefore stepping in here felt like walking into a small model of the same thing. There was a version of the Farm itself on display, as well as some of the other facilities the Apple family used.

On top of that, there was a bottle of the world famous cider they carried, with a note that only ponies 21 or older were allowed to have a taste test. There were more fillies groaning from the rule than the staff had wished.

But overall, it was easy to respect what the Earth Pony was able to accomplish over the years. The Acres had grown in scope of operations and size as time went on, and never during a family portrait did the smile on her face look forced. It was also thrilling to see how it was her and not Pinkie Pie that threw a party for Apple Bloom once she earned her cutie mark in construction.

In all, it felt like the observer was really at Applejack's farm, where it carried a warm and accepting atmosphere in the end. Many who came to this floor would say they wanted to visit the farm for real, where an elder Apple Bloom lived, always telling stories about what her big sister did.

"A lot to respect here. A lot," she repeated. "I find it hard to believe she had occasional fights with Rarity and Rainbow Dash like Twilight told me. She doesn't look like the kind that would get into petty fights."

"It happened sometimes," Shining pointed out. "It didn't ruin anything between the three of them, but it happened."

The casket here was as laid back and modest as one could get. She allowed them to paint her casket orange and put an apple emblem on top, but that was it. There were no artistic qualities at all, as Applejack hated the idea of showing off, even in death.

"Whenever something went wrong, she was always there, being the voice of reason," Shining said. "And Twilight needed that as she aged. I can't thank her enough for everything she did for my sister."

"Then I shall do the same." She walked over to the coffin and spoke directly to it. "Dear Applejack, you deserve the rest you enjoy today, as your life is something we should all strive to achieve in care."

Then, after some time there, they entered the final section of the memorial. Immediately they were greeting to the coolest and most magical section of them all, intentionally so given the pony it was dedicated to. This level was made to the leader of the Elements, later just dubbed the Element of Magic.

There were books full of all sorts of spells that Twilight had written through the years, as well as pictures of her days with Celestia. But more than anything, seeing the signs of magic, with all sorts of effects from spells, painted on the walls were the true treat on this floor.

However, there was a big difference in this floor than all the rest. Up until now, save for a Guard patrolling the building every now and then, there had been nopony in here except for Shining Armor and Princess Luna. On this floor, however, there was a visitor there with them, the first since they arrived.

This pony had a crown on her head to display her royalty status, and she had both a long horn and enormous wing on her back. Her mane and tail were as big as Luna's, almost as dark but with a stripe of light purple on them. Her mane was purple as could be, with her cutie mark that of a star.

Yet, she did not know her brother and wife had arrived, as she was caught up in a big portrait that was in the middle of her own floor, and the picture was that of all of her friends together, smiling as it had to have been taken just a few months after she had first arrived in Ponyville if she remembered right. She glanced to the left and saw Shining and Luna were standing there, surprised she was present.

"I remember them so much," Twilight Sparkle cried. "They were my first real friends in the whole world, and they taught me so many things about the magic of friendship when they were still alive. Can you believe it's been ten years since Applejack left? Only ten?"

Immediately Luna came to her side, nuzzling the side on her face. "It does feel like it was only yesterday since we held her funeral. But it does not matter. In the end, they left a legacy most ponies only dream they could have left behind, and I'm with you. You managed to survive after all these years."

"I know," Twilight replied. "I don't regret having to wait to have all of this. And there was nothing better I could have done to honor them than to approve this building. I didn't want them to be forgotten."

"And they won't," Shining cut in. "You couldn't have done a better job with this."

Twilight smiled and snuggled Luna back, their marriage as strong as ever. "I'm just so happy everything turned out OK without any regrets I can think of. I love you so much, Shining, and you too, Luna."

Luna grinned and kissed her wife on the lips longingly, and Twilight returned it back. "You have no idea how grateful I was, even now, that the spell worked," the princess of the night responded. "You must know that this is only the beginning now. We can live like this forever, by the other's side. And you managed to save your brother in the meantime."

"And I still can't say how much I appreciate that," Shining commented, coming up beside them both. "I don't think I've ever seen Cadence happier than she is now, and the same goes for Celestia. All I have to say anymore is, thank you."

Twilight continued to grin, hugging Shining afterward. "You're welcome. I wouldn't have changed a thing," she said, transitioning to a whisper, "even if I didn't make it. You matter too much to Cadence, I wouldn't do that to either one of you."

Shining was still surprised at Twilight's insistence he should have received it first, but instead of objecting to it, he returned the hug as Luna watched on, gazing at the portrait of the Elements of Harmony, grateful there wasn't a sixth coffin in this memorial.

"I believe it's time to go. Probably best if we returned to the castle before the hurricane arrives in full force," Luna said.

Twilight and Shining both nodded, and made their way with Luna down the steps of the memorial, occasionally glancing at the levels to each of the other Elements on their way down. In the end, Twilight did not feel like she lost her friends as much as she felt like she had the honor of knowing them, and that was enough for her.

They came to the exit doors as the two Guards had planks of wood, nails, and a hammer to board up the glass doors. Then they saw the two princesses and one prince arrive, and one of them met the three halfway. "I'm sorry, but you need to stay inside. It's getting worse out there, and the eye hasn't arrived yet, which means it will only get fiercer out there."

"It's us, remember?" Twilight laughed. "If it gets horrible out there, we have ways of protecting ourselves. We'll go ahead and leave, you guys should probably start boarding."

Before the Guard could even come up with a response, all three of them rushed through the doors and escaped to the outdoors, only to be greeted by an angry hurricane that had swept up debris in its path. Without thought they put up a force field around the three of them, otherwise a brick might have hit them in the face.

While they were laughing that the pegasi weather team allowed something like this to exist, they all rushed forward into the streets below, while gusts of wind came like clockwork and there was an inch of standing water below their hooves. It only seemed to get worse, so they were grateful that the castle was only twenty blocks away.

"What the hay? Why did this have to be the first hurricane the pegasi ever made?" Twilight demanded to know.

"I don't know, but I'm sending somepony to find out tomorrow," Shining answered. "I like it, but then again I have unlimited resources. The other ponies in Canterlot don't!"

"Quit your banter and keep running!" Luna shouted. "I can see the eye approaching, and that isn't good news for us!"

Twilight and Shining looked up, and surely enough the eye really was there. With that, they all spread their wings with the force field intact and flew for the castle. In no time at all they arrived at the balcony Shining and Luna spent their morning, and raced inside for shelter.

Once they were inside, a loud boom of thunder erupted from the hurricane, almost to say how lucky they were they got inside in time.

"That escalated quickly," Shining laughed. "Maybe next time we travel down to the memorial, it shouldn't be right before a hurricane comes in."

"Agreed," Twilight chimed in. "Cadence is probably wondering if you're still alive. Luna and I will go to our own bedroom, right?"

"Of course," Luna confirmed. "There is no way we'll be able to attend to our royal duties while that wretched storm continues. That could be a good thing, it has been years since either one of us has taken a day off."

"Yeah, I just remembered that," he added. "Well, I'll see you tomorrow then. If she doesn't kick me in the teeth for worrying her, I'll be surprised."

Twilight and Luna both laughed at the joke, before waving him off as they traveled into their own room. It was so dark that a few hundred candles had been lit across the entire castle as a precaution. Yet they didn't mind as they finally entered into the peace and quiet of their own bedroom.

Luna's bedroom had been lightly modified since it was home to two ponies now, with both dark blue and purple shades on the interior this time. Yet the bedroom was the same size, given it was so big that five ponies Luna's size could be comfortable in.

Once they had shut the door to their own privacy, the couple put their crowns and sandals away, as their hooves felt cool to the touch of the floor. After they got used to being free of most of their "clothing", they snuggled up in bed to each other, looking out at the rain curtains on the window next to them.

"Well, that was more fun than I remembered," Twilight giggled.

"What do you mean? It's not often that ponies refer to visiting their friends' grave as 'fun'. Do you know what I mean?"

"I know. But I wasn't sad that time like I did the first. I was all depressed when they were all gone, but now I'm just happy over what they did accomplish. Does that make sense?"

"Sounds to me like the sting of their death has faded away. Not that there is anything bad about it. But can I ask you something, while we're here?" Luna asked, as they held each other in their hooves.

"What is it?"

"Do you think, when you really examine it, that our love has gotten better since you grew wings and stopped aging?"

Twilight smiled, and kissed Luna on the cheek. "Silly pony," she said, having picked up on some of Pinkie's mannerisms. "Of course it has. I don't have to worry about when it's going to end anymore. That was the only thing I was worried about for a while there."

"Good," Luna mumbled, bringing her lips closer to Twilight's neck. "I hoped it wouldn't. I didn't want you to go because of death...and you didn't."

With that, she made her advance on Twilight, kissing her on the neck while wrapping her hooves around the stomach. Twilight did nothing to stop her, almost moaning a bit. And with time Luna climbed on top of her, continuing to kiss all over.

"But I feel there is something wrong with you," Luna said, stopping the progress. "And you won't say it to me, maybe because even you don't know about it. What do you think it is?"

"I don't know. Maybe it was the feeling I should have saved one of my friends too. Do you know what I mean?"

"Twilight, you need to stop feeling responsible for everypony you know closely. You chose to save your brother, which was beautiful enough, but on top of that, by the time Celestia could cast the spell again, Applejack, who I remember was the last to die, had already spent one year in heaven. You should enjoy something you received for yourself for once."

"But it was a matter of life and death!"

Luna sighed, resorting to cuddling instead. "They didn't seem upset when I told them all about the spell, and how I was saving you for it. They never asked for me to save them instead, rather they were happy you would live forever with your new wife."

"That's true," Twilight said, opening her neck for kisses again. "I guess I really need to let that go. They're happy in heaven, I'm sure."

"That's what I needed to hear," Luna commented, as she returned to kissing Twilight's neck.

They spent the day together in bed, spending time getting intimate with each other, as Twilight had finally let go of her decisions with the spell.

Once the night had arrived, they looked up at the window to see the sky was clear of the storm, and not a cloud was to be there.

"You thinking what I'm thinking?" Twilight asked.

"I never thought you would ask," Luna replied.

With that, they pulled the sheets off and raced for the nearest balcony. Once they did, they spread their wings out and gazed into the nighttime sky.

The sight was something else, as they could both see the beauties of the atmosphere unmasked by light, and the destruction of the storm below. But that didn't matter, as they went higher and higher, until they were flying all the way up into the seas of the galaxies.

Author's Notes

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Is it finally over? The story I had worked for almost four months on, the only story I worked on for a while, finally completed? It's hard to believe, since it was such a massive story by my standards, and now I can safely say it's over...wow, you guys have no idea how this feels, after so many hardships, a moment of a rush, and everything inbetween happened with the story.

It's hard to know where to begin, now that I can reflect on what I did at long last. As soon as I found pictures of TwiLuna in July, I instantly loved the shipping and wanted to write my own story of that fashion. In the end, with some changes in the second half, I followed the blueprint I made that far back, 15 chapters and all. Feels great, really.

But it was also possibly the most brutal writing experience I ever had. The only story I felt anywhere similar to this had to be my first story over on DeviantArt, a 12 chapter furry story poem called Nefas Latruseries. It was around chapter five out of 12 that I came to the thought that it was crap, but still felt the need to finish it. And boy, when I finished that story, I wasn't happy that I finished it as much as I was relieved that I never had to work on it again.

My feelings on Within The Seas are a bit more mixed. On one hand, I think it's decent, kind of. I don't know, I'm still so close I can't judge it like I should, even though there were days where I felt, even when I was working on the giant last chapter, that I thought it was $#!t.

But I think it was the stuff surrounding it that made this project overly difficult to work with. I actually took the story down and almost abandoned it after the first chapter from the early negative comments, and I'm not going to lie, some of the later comments with people who originally liked it saying they quit reading the story did hurt. I guess I overrely on compliments to make it through, but yeah...

And the stuff that happened in my real life was just soul crushing. I will not give details, other than...well...I didn't like being put in the position I'm in right now. That's all I will say, and there were instances where I was even suicidal there. Hell, maybe I still am. I can't tell at the moment.

But in the end, I do have to admit it was the support and compliements I got from both the people here and a few of my friends over at Equestria Forums(shoutout to Destinae and P. Luna for your support there, both helped me with the story a bit) because if it wasn't for you, this story might have not been completed at all. So I want you all to get a hug from me *hugs everypony* and hopefully I won't have such a chaotic experience with whatever I choose to do next. I got a lot of ideas to pick from, it's like a candy shop for me, and they all look appealing.

Retrospection: Author's Notes II

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Apologies, but this felt strongely needed.

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It has been a long, long time since I came to write WIthin The Seas of The Galaxies, and not as long since I finished it. LIke I had written in the first Author's Notes chapter, it was a nice feeling to finally move on to something else after working on a story as long as that.

This won't repeat anything I said there, but more or less looking back at this story and giving some new insight into how things went and how I view the story today.

In short, I think I would like to say that the time between then and now was some of the roughest periods of my lifetime. Remember when I had something about suicidal tendancies? It got worse, and I cane close to ending it all several times. I am considering seeing a doctor whenever things clear up, but there's a bunch of issues right now that have to be resolved before i can do so.

But how do I view the story now?

That is the million dollar question.

I feel divided about it, and how I feel about it can range from thinking it was quite an accomplishment to bring to its state to thinking it was one of the worst mistakes of my lifetime.

Whenever I reflect back to the process of writing this story, I remember all the pain and doubt that I had experienced. As I had said before, I came close to tearing down the story as soon as the first chapter, The early negative comments cut deep and they still do. It's one area I seriously need to fix, but it came to being that it was also from serious self image problems, but nevertheless the critism was not something I could take well.

And then I remember the feeling that I was throwing all my effort and resources into a story that was not worth a damn. I mean it too. I had to stop several times because my emotions were so out of whack that the idea of writing another word to it was just stomach churning.

In the end, a part of me only remembers how heart breaking it was to do this. I wanted to quit, I wanted to never write another fanfic again, I cancelled plans to do a grimdark sequel where Spike finds out that Twilight gave herself the Alicorn Spell instead of Rarity and wanted revenge for it, and it just spilled over to Fallen Apple, my next project, but that deserves a post of its own.

But on the other hand...it does help that I got a huge outpouring of support and praise for this. I got PMs from users I had never met that expressed the most sincere amount of love for my story, and sometimes I wonder if they read a different story.

Not to mention, this became my second most popular story ever on FIMFiction. My most popular is, of course, Pinkie Pie Discovers Coffee, but WOW it amazes me to see this. Did it come as easily in views as PPDC? No, and it's still not as much. But given what I had aimed for, it amazed me all the same.

To end this, would I have done this again?

I will be honest to God with you all. You deserve the best for taking this story to the heights it did.

I would not have written WIthin The Seas of The Galaxies if I knew then what I knew this story would do to me. In the end, I confess that the side that regrets this won out by a slight margin. It was still so painful to make and I would never want to go through anything like that again. I went through that experience with Fallen Apple and a fanfic that never saw the light of day and I dropped them instantly, and never want to do them again because of the sheer negative emotions I get when I think of them.

But it's clear you liked it. In the end, that's all that matters. I know this might have been more downbeat than you would like, but I felt I needed to be honest. And again, thank you so much for your support through the four months that I wrote this. I do not know where this story would have been without your support.

Soothing Stone

Within The Seas of The Galaxies

by Soothing Stone

Discovery

Putting Things In Order

So That's What A Hawk Looks Like

Confession

First Date

Intermission

One Duty Of Friendship

Falling

One on One

Soulmates

Playing God

Intermission II: Decisions

Visitors

Wedding Bells

Epilogue: One Hundred Years Later

Author's Notes

Retrospection: Author's Notes II