Chapter 1

Tears of a Princess

Weddings are not the easiest thing to prepare but when this wedding, so happens to be between two princesses of Equestria! Well, not many ponies would be able to plan such an event. Twilight and Luna had just announced their engagement to Celestia a few days ago, who was beyond happy for them. The newly engaged couple decided to wait after Twilight told her friends and mostly her family about the engagement before announcing it to Equestria. Twilight kind of forgot to tell her family about Tirek and her relationship with Luna. She knew they wouldn’t be too happy about being left in the dark.

"Love," Luna whispered into her fiancé's ear but not receiving a single response. The two were waiting in the throne room. Twilight’s family were due to arrive any minute now. And Twilight was extremely nervous, she knew her family wasn’t happy learning about the curse and her relationship with Luna through a newspaper and not from her. She was relieved her friends forgave her for not telling them about the curse being cured. But that was the problem, she told her friends and no pony else, not even her family.

She must be so worried about how her family might react. Luna thought and notice the worried expression Twilight had, they wouldn’t be that upset once we explain. Surely, they’ll understand...., right?

"Love," Luna said once more and gently tapping Twilight’s shoulder, again no response. Luna walked in front of fiancé and gave her a kiss on the lips. She smiled feeling a pair of lips respond and kissing her in return. The two parted with Luna smiling at her, "Love, I know you're worried about how your family might react about everything that has happened. But they will understand once we explain."

"Luna, we spent quite some time trying to find a cure for the curse. I could have told my family about it... I had many opportunities to tell them. They learned the curse through the papers and not from me directly." Twilight sadly explained with her ears drooping down alongside her head.

Luna looked down slightly knowing Twilight was right. They only told her friends after a few days of the curse being placed. "Whatever happens today, love, I’ll be here right beside you. This is also my fault as well. You shouldn’t bear the entire blame." Luna said giving a well-needed hug to the purple mare.

"I’m glad you're here, Luna" Twilight softly said hugging her fiancé tightly in her hooves.

"I’ll always be here for you, love. Don’t ever forget that" Luna said nuzzling her cheek. The two mares were soon interrupted when they heard crystal horns, Twilight and Luna parted from each other. They saw Cadence and Shining, standing in front of the large doors with two of their crystal guardpony.

"Presenting! Their royal highnesses, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Prince Shining Armour of the Crystal Empire!" one of the crystal ponies shouted.

Twilight took a deep breath as she felt her heart rapidly beating. She was slightly relieved it was her brother and sister in law, who had arrived first and not her parents. Unlike them, Cadence already knew about her relationship with Luna, but she wasn’t even sure if Cadence had told her brother.

“Hey, Twily," Shining said with a smile. They walked towards the two waiting mares and stood in front of them, "How have you been?" he asked.

"Just fine... thanks, BBBFF" Twilight said as the two exchanged a quick hug.

"Auntie, it’s so nice to see you," Cadence said turning to the moon princess.

"Likewise, dear niece," Luna said with a smile. All four ponies stood in silence as they exchanged an awkward glance at each other, unaware how to address the elephant in the room. Luna looked down at her lover and saw the distressed in her eyes. She quickly spoke up not wanting Twilight forced herself to speak first, "Guards, please leave the throne room. This discussion is private and should not be heard by other ponies"

"Yes, your highness," one of the guardpony said, saluting along with his comrades before leaving the throne room.

"Now that were all alone. I’m certain you're aware why we called you here?" Luna asked as Cadence and shining exchange a look.

"Are the claims true?" Shining asked stepping closer to his sister.

"I didn’t tell him, Twilight. It’s not my place to do so" Cadence said with Twilight sighing.

"It’s all true.... most of the stories in the papers are made up. But what they are bases on is true... Luna and I are romantically involved, and the curse as well." Twilight said extremely relieved as the truth finally came out.

"And are now engaged" Luna added as the two mares stared at the shock expression of Cadence and Shining.

"Twilight, Luna, that’s wonderful news about your engagement but...." Cadence said sighing.

"Why didn’t you tell us about the curse sooner?" Shining interrupted and frown. He felt so hurt about his sister’s actions. His baby sister needed help and she didn’t seek his aid. He couldn’t protect her! Captain of the royal guard, big brother to the princess of friendship, yet he was unable to protect his very own sister.

"I’m so sorry, Shining…." Twilight said lowering her head down, "I’m so, so, sorry…. I never meant to ignore you as I did. I wanted to tell you…. But with the curse, the leak to the princess and…. Fighting Tirek…. I…. I…. forgot…."

"It's my fault as well," Luna said placing her hoof on her chest, "I could have reminded Twilight on many occasions…. But I was too caught up with my own needs. Shining, Cadence, we deeply apologize for not telling you sooner."

"I feel…. Like I failed to protect you, Twilight," Shining said feeling a few tears forming in his eyes. He sniffs and quickly looked away, whipping the tears away with his hoof, "Like I failed you as a big brother."

"What?!" the purple mare gasp in disbelief, she quickly hugs him in her hooves, "No, no, no! Shining, I would never think of you like that! You have and never will fail me. You’re my hero, Shining! You’ve always been my hero since I was a filly, and you’re still are! You’re my BBBFF, my very first best friend. The only pony I could talk too as a filly. You were the only pony I could go too when I was upset, you were always there for me, you were always doing your best to cheer me up. And whenever I needed guidance in my life even now, I know I can count on you for words of wisdom."

The white stallion stared into his sister’s eyes before a small smile formed on his muzzle. He sniffs some more quickly whipping another tear away. He knew Twilight looked up at him, but hearing her say those words made him feel better.

"Shining, I’m sorry for not telling you sooner about the curse and Luna. I hope we can put this behind us. I really need my best stallion to help me plan the wedding?" Twilight said giving her brother the same smirk, he gave her at the sudden announcement of his own wedding.

Shining laugh realizing what his sister was doing, "Well, I sure hope your fiancé isn’t an evil changeling." Shining teased and messed up Twilight’s mane.

"Hm…. Amusing," Luna mumble with a glare

"Last time I checked… Luna isn’t a changeling," Twilight said pushing her brother back before smiling at her fiancé.

"Trust me, love! You would know if it wasn’t me!" Luna said turning her head away from them.

Twilight turned to her sister in law and walked towards her, "Cadence…. I’m sorry for not telling you sooner…. I hope y-"

Twilight yelp when she was suddenly pulled into a hug. Cadence smiled and nuzzled her sister in law’s cheek, "Of course, I forgive you, Twilight. Just…. make sure it doesn’t happen again? Whenever you have a problem…. Tell us?" Cadence said with a raised brow.

"Promise," Twilight replied nuzzling Cadence’s cheek.

Twilight and Luna sat at the dining room table, both staring at the two empty seats which were meant for her parents. Twilight sighed and felt less stressed than she did this morning. After speaking with her brother and having him reassure her that their parents would understand after a well deserved explanation.

"I’m glad Shining Armour and Cadence forgave us," Luna said placing her hoof on top of Twilight’s, "But we should probably make it up to them."

"Yeah… we really should," Twilight said sighing, "I just hope my parents will react the same."

"Love, your brother reassured us they would be understanding about this." The moon princess said kissing Twilight’s cheek. "You shouldn’t worry too much,"

"Thanks, Luna," Twilight said kissing her fiancé on the lips. The two soon broke the kiss when they heard the doors open, and the sounds of hooves clicking against the marble floor. Twilight sat down and saw her parents as they took their seats. "Mom…. Dad…. How are you?" Twilight asked with a smile.

"We’re doing well, Twilight," Twilight Velvet said as servants brought the food and placing it on the table before leaving.

You can do this love, Luna thought giving Twilight an encouraging smile. Twilight took a deep breath and pushed her plate to the side with her hoof.

"Mom, dad…. I’m sure you’re aware of Luna and me?" Twilight asked noticing her parents giving each other a glance. "Are you alright with this? Two mares being together?"

Twilight Velvet sighed before smiling at her daughter. She sat up from her chair and hug her daughter, "Honey, of course, we’re alright with you being a fillyfooler. We want you to be happy with the pony you love, regardless of what gender they are. We’re just upset we learned this news from the papers and not you."

"Sweetpea, were you worried we would reject you?" Nightlight asked placing his hoof on top of the table, "Is that why you didn’t tell us?"

Twilight looked down staring at the marble floor. She was a bit ashamed of herself right now, she knew her parents were modern ponies. They didn’t care about two mares or two stallions being together. And yet, she was afraid to face them with the truth... What one of daughter was she?

"Miss Velvet," Luna spoke up breaking Twilight’s train of thought, "This isn’t entirely Twilight’s fault. I am as much to blame has your daughter."

"Princess Luna, we’re not angry at either one of you. We’re just upset we weren’t told what was going on with our daughter." Twilight Velvet said turning to the moon princess.

"I understand how you feel," the lunar princess said placing a hoof on Twilight Velvet’s shoulder, "But please understand, many things have occurred during the curse’s time frame. I’ll admit we did have the opportunity to tell ponies about this, but we failed to do so. We were irresponsible and now we’re paying the price. Right now, we’re trying to make things right by apologizing to both of you."

"Mom, dad, I hope you can forgive us…. Forgive me about not telling you. The curse was so stressful…. I know its not an excuse…. But…." Twilight sighed even more and lay her head against the table. She wraps her hooves around her head, she just knew her explanation wasn’t helping. It was simply proving how much of a terrible daughter she was with her lame attempt of an explanation.

"Oh, love," Luna sympathetically said placing her wing around her fiancé. She pulled Twilight into a hug and nuzzled her, "Don’t let your hope down so quickly."

Nightlight and Twilight Velvet smiled as they watched the scene unfolded. They were parents after all. They naturally wanted their daughter to find the right pony. A pony who will love her for her, take care of her and be there for her when needs it. And this is exactly what they were seeing, Luna was the right pony for their daughter. Yes, they weren’t happy on how they learned about this relationship, but it wasn’t something to hold a grudge.

"So, Twilight," Nightlight said with the two mares looking up at him, "How did you two meet?"

"Dad?" Twilight asked giving Luna a quick glance.

"What? I can’t know how my daughter met her marefriend?" he asked with a chuckle.

"Aren’t you mad at me?" the purple mare asked looking at her parents

"Twilight, we love you no matter what. You just made a simple mistake and now your fixing it. You apologized, and we accept it. Now it's in the past, and I want to know how you met your marefriend? I need to make sure this pony is perfect for my little girl." Nightlight said with a genuine smile.

"Your father is right, honey. What has happened is in the past now." Twilight Velvet said giving her daughter a kiss on the forehead, "And I want to make sure Princess Luna is the right pony for you."

A large smile appeared on Twilight’s muzzle, quickly embracing her parents in her hooves and giving them a tight hug. She shed a few tears of joy and nuzzled against her parent’s coats. Twilight Velvet and Nightlight smiling as they hug their daughter back. They look up and noticed Luna smiling at them. Twilight Velvet soon pulled the moon princess into the family hug.

"Oh! And we’re engaged," Luna added hearing her fiancé’s parents gasp in joy.

"OH! FINALLY!" Twilight Velvet cheered jumping around, "I’m so excited!"

"Alright! Listen here, Princess Luna," Nightlight said using his ‘dad’ voice.

What the…. What is he doing? The lunar princess raised a brow when Nightlight stood right in front of her. He held up his hoof and placed it on her chest, Oh! His being the overprotective dad. Tia and Twilight told me about this.

"You better take good care of my daughter! Or else!" he said giving the co-ruler of Equestria a stern glare.

"Night! Are you forgetting that’s Princess Luna! Co-ruler of Equestria! Sister of Princess Celestia! Who raises and lowers the moon!" Twilight Velvet scolded pulling her husband’s tail with a magic tug, "Show some respect!"

"What? I’m giving our daughter’s fiancé my dad talks!" the blue stallion whined

"No need for titles," Luna said lazily waving her hoof at them, "We are to become family after all. You may call me Luna, and I promise to take good care of Twilight."

"Good! I expect you to uphold your promise, Luna," Nightlight said smiling at his future daughter in law.

"Dad!" Twilight yelled frowning at her father, "Jeez…."

"Love you, honeybun!" Nightlight cheered hugging his daughter tightly. A sigh left the mare’s mouth before a smile took its place. She was so happy everything had gone back to normal. Twilight had feared the worst possible reaction from her family this entire time. She doubted her family knowing full well, they would never reject her.

Chapter 2

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Tears of a Princess

Months of preparation have finally led to the wedding of the century! Bigger than Cadence and Shining’s own wedding. The wedding of Twilight and Luna. It was the eve of the wedding, and they couldn’t wait to get it over with. They both knew it took a lot of planning, especially a royal wedding but it was still tiring none the rest. Everyone was looking forward to the event. After Twilight had finished clearing things up with her friends and family. They announced their engagement to the rest of Equestria. The majority took it well and didn’t care much that two of the four princesses were fillyfoolers. They were happy they had found love, but there were a few ponies who were disgusted by the idea. They didn’t think that kind of ponies could cause so much trouble until...

A few days earlier

Twilight was visiting Canterlot to see Luna about the floral arrangements, and a few more last-minute arrangements. Twilight walked out of the floral boutique and held a small pile of papers in her magic. The florists had given her possible floral arrangements they could choose from.

"Let’s see... Luna has a meeting with some ambassadors from the Changeling Kingdom. But I’m pretty sure she has some free time afterwards..." Twilight mumbled to herself, lost in thought to notice two stallions following her.

Uh... if only we could have a simple and small wedding... unfortunately that’s not possible...., Twilight thought sighing as she turned a corner. She accidentally bumps into another pair of stallions. The princess back away and rub her nose, "Oh, I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going" Twilight said when she backed into the stallions from before. Twilight looked back as all four unicorns closed in on her. She slowly narrowed her eyes, knowing something was about to happen.

"Disgusting abomination" a light blue, unicorn stallion shouted, "Being a princess doesn’t excuse you for the disgusting crime you’ve committed!"

"You shall be dealt with," a light brown one said as all four forced Twilights into an ally way.

"Guess we should have expected this! A commoner and nightmare moon.... we should have dealt with you two sooner" the last unicorn said.

"Commoner... I see.... you must be some of the noble ponies that were forced out of court" Twilight said glaring at the stallions. Twilight had expected this sooner or later. When she came out to Equestria with Luna, Celestia did a purge of the noble inside of her court. All the nobles who held negative feelings towards same-sex marriages, or for anything else that wasn’t for the well being of Equestria. They were immediately dismissed and replaced with more accepting ponies, who didn’t harbour such feelings. Those who left respectably kept their noble titles, but those who didn’t have their title stripe away.

"Are you confident enough to face me? Or should I remind you I’m the element of magic?" Twilight said as she stood firm in place. The four stallions look at each other and seem too hesitant. Twilight was well known for her magic abilities long before she ascended Princess-hood. "Well, gentlecolts?” She asked once more.

The stallions didn’t respond or move as they glared down at her. Twilight smiled and pushed them to the side before walking in between them. She was halfway through the alleyway when one of the stallions fired a magical ray at her. Twilight caught the glow of his magic from the corner of her eye. She quickly dodges it with the ray burning her right cheek and lower ear.

Twilight let out a soft gasp as she quickly returned fire. She shot at the hooves of the stallions before teleporting away. She soon reappeared in Luna’s room, the one place she knew it was safe. She could have easily gone back to her castle, but she wasn’t sure who to trust now. What ponies were after her, and who the nobles paid to watch her.

Ugh... I let my guard down, Twilight thought as she touched her cheek with her hoof, flinching slightly at the pain. Twilight’s ears twitch hearing the bedroom door open. She quickly lit her horn expecting one of the nobles who might have figured out where she was.

Luna yawns and walks towards her bedroom. She had just finished another boring meeting and was looking forward to a quick power nap before her next royal duty. She lit her horn opening the door, as she walked inside, she jumps slightly seeing her fiancé in a fighting stance.

"Love? What’s going on?" Luna asked closing the door behind her, "What are you doing?"

Luna turns the light on with her eyes widening slightly, seeing her future wife with burn marks. "Love! What happened?!” Luna said rushing over to her.

"A group of ex-nobles came to pay a visit," Twilight explained feeling Luna moved her head to the side.

Those ponies again...., Luna frown with her horn glowing. She sighed deeply and hug Twilight in her hooves and started to heal Twilight’s wounds.

"Did the mistake of turning my back on them, but luckily I was able to dodge it," Twilight said wrapping her hooves around her future wife.

"Love, I don’t want you to go out alone anymore," Luna said resting her head on top of Twilights. "I’m going to assign some guardpony whenever you go without me."

"What? Luna, I don’t need to be babied." Twilight said pulling away from her and placed a reassuring hoof on her chest, "I can handle myself in a battle."

"Beloved, I just healed you from a minor wound," Luna said with a frown, "Those nobles will seek out retribution for what we have done."

"Luna, please don’t worry about me. I knew something like this was going to happen and I’m perfectly able to handle myself. I appreciate the offer but you should be more concerned about protecting yourself. They not only after me, you know."

"Love, you should know this by now. I’m always going to worry about you and I’m always going to protect you, rather you like it or not. Just please be careful alright? The last thing I want…. Is for you to get badly hurt." The lunar princess said resting her forehead on Twilight’s shoulder, sighing deeply and taking a moment to smell her scent, and enjoying her soft coat.

"We can talk about this later. Let's just focus on the wedding," Twilight said nuzzling against her fiancé. Luna lifted her head up from Twilight’s shoulder and nodded in response before the two shared a passionate kiss.

Present

The big day has finally arrived, ponies all gathered to Canterlot Castle, all trying to get the best spot they could around the balcony. They lined the streets to where the royal carriage would pass by, all hoping for a glimpse of the brides. Everything was finally set, the guest have all arrived and took their seats, all anxious for the wedding to begin.

"Hey, Twily," Shining said entering his sister’s room quickly adjusting his uniform. He stopped in shock, seeing his sister in her wedding dress. Twilight wore a white wedding dress, very simple which fit her taste, there was lace around the bottom. Shining took a step closer and notice the lace was a crescent moon and star. Twilight’s mane was neatly tied up in a bun with a small diamond crown on top of her head. He sniffs and shed a few ‘liquid pride’ tears, "Oh! Twily…. You look so beautiful…."

"Thank you, Shining," Twilight said pulling the veil over her face, "Did you make sure Luna wasn’t a changeling?"

"I tried… she got mad at me and kicked my flank…" the white stallion mumble rubbing his flank at the horrible memory, "Then she called me a… horse ass…."

"Yup, it’s the real Luna," the purple mare said before erupting into laughter.

"I never knew Luna could be that mean…" Shining said with a sigh. Shining frown as he recalled the times, he encountered the princess of the night. She always wore a natural expression, not showing her emotions, acted as a royal princess should be just her sister. Even when he married Cadence, he always got that side of Luna.

"Well, she doesn’t have to act all ‘princessy’ with you now. You’re going to be her brother in law after all," Twilight said quickly examining herself in the mirror.

"But why is she so mean towards me…." He mumbles with a pout. The two soon heard a loud knock the door, "Who is it?"

"The wedding is ready to begin. Are you ready, Princess Twilight?" A guardpony asked

"Ready, Twily?" Shining asked turning towards his sister.

"Ready," Twilight replied smiling at him.

A large group of ponies stood across from each other, filling both sides of the room with a red carpet separating them. The walls were aligned with lavender flowers mixed with statice flower jewel. Both flowers being the favourites of Twilight and Luna for obvious reasons. A beautiful chandeliers hang above the carpet with the sun lighting up the rest of the room. Banners of all four princesses cutie marks stood near the altar with Celestia at the centre. She looked over at her sister, who simply wore a white tuxedo. She never liked the idea of wearing dresses. Somepony would normally have to force her to wear one on at royal events. Naturally, the lunar princess decided not to wear a dress for her own wedding.

In just a few minutes… I’m about to marry the mare of my dreams, Luna took a deep breath as she felt her heart beating like crazy. Her eyes glanced over at their guest, Thorax, Discord, Ember, along with many other friends Twilight had made throughout the years.

"Nervous?" Celestia whispered smiling at her sister

"Just a little…." Luna said smiling in return, "I just can't wait to see Twilight in her dress,"

"Rest assure, sister," Celestia said placing a large white wing around her, "I went to check on her and she’s stunning."

"Indeed, she does," Shining said standing across from the lunar princess, "One thing is for sure, Luna. You’re going to love the dress."

A light blush appeared on the navy-blue princess as she listened to her sister’s words. Luna gave her sister a quick hug when they heard the music begin, announcing the arrival of the other bride. Quickly, Luna stood back in her place as the grand doors slowly opened. The two regal sisters watch as all of Twilight’s friends, yes, even Sunset Shimmer had made the trip from the human world to attend her friend’s wedding. All seven mares, all brought together because of Twilight walked down the aisle, wearing stunning dresses themselves.

Twilight…., Luna could feel her heart beating even faster and was worried, she might have a heart attack from this anxious waiting to see her future wife. Her heart suddenly skipped a beat, eyes locked into Twilight’s as she stood at the end of the aisle with her parents beside her. A blush quickly rose to turn Luna’s cheeks a bright red. "She’s…. she… she’s so…. Beautiful…." Luna whispered watching Twilight walked down the aisle.

Luna…., Twilight smiled staring back at her moon princess, tears dangerously about to overflow from the joy she was feeling. She could feel her own heart skip a beat when her eyes first saw her. The two mares lovingly stared at each other; to them, there was no pony else in the room. It was simply Luna and Twilight, it was only them in this special moment.

"Take good care of her," Luna was quickly brought back to reality, her eyes looking down at Nightlight as he gave Twilight’s hoof to her.

The lunar princess gave both parents a smile, "I promise. Twilight means more to me than the moon itself," Luna said with Twilight Velvet hugging the two mares. Twilight’s parents smiled kissed their daughter’s forehead before taking their seats.

"You look absolutely stunning, my love," Luna whispered as they slowly turned to face Celestia.

"You’re not so bad yourself, Luna," Twilight whispered as they held hooves.

"Please be seated," Celestia said watching as ponies took their seats before giving their full attention to the couple. "Mares and gentlecolts! We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Princess Twilight Sparkle, and my sister, Princess Luna. The strength of their love proven strong and undeniable when a terrible curse fell upon them. They proved that true love will survive anything, even a curse that forces two lovers apart. May we have the rings, please?"

"You got it!" Spike said holding a red velvet pillow with two silver rings. Twilight and Luna looked down at the rings, one being silver with an alexandrite stone in shape of a star with small amethyst stones along the band. The second ring is almost identical with the star being replaced with a crescent moon, and the stones reversed.

"Thank you," Celestia said taking the two rings in her magic. She smiled at her sister and form- her now sister in law. She placed the amethyst crescent moon on Twilight’s horn and the alexandrite star on Luna’s.

"I now pronounce you, wife and wife!" Celestia said as the room erupted in cheers.

"TWILY!" Shining cried tears overflowing, "MY BABY SISTER MARRIED!"

Oh, Shining.... this is worst than usual, Twilight thought watching as Cadence did her best to comfort him. Twilight shook her head and turned to Luna. The two smiled lovingly at each other before the two shared their first kiss are wife and wife. As they parted, they could hear the roaring cheering of the ponies outside, confetti falling down below them as they walked onto the balcony. Twilight and Luna looked down at the ponies below giving them a wave of their hooves.

"Like smiling is so hard, just like waving, right wife?" Twilight teased recalling the time her wife and sister in law switch cuties marks.

Luna blinks a few times with her brain quickly recalling the event her wife was referring too, "Haha… very funny," Luna replied turning to face her. She smiled and kissed Twilight on the lips, hearing the crowd below cheering even louder.

Moneybags slowly opened his eyes his vision focusing on his stone-cold cell. He moved his hooves slightly as the chains cling together, his eyes looked up at his horn and the anti-magic ring around it. He growled in annoyance; this damn ring was preventing him from using his magic. Regardless of how powerful a unicorn or alicorn was, this ring blocked all magic. Moneybags hated this ring with a passion, but he had to admit… this little ring will be quite useful for his plans. The sincerest smile formed on his muzzle when a sudden explosion tore through the prison. The prison shook from the impact, alarms and shouting filled ponies’ ears.

It seems my ride is here…. It's about damn time! Stay too long in this hell hole, Money sat up from his old and very uncomfortable bed. He walked over to the bars and could hear the panic going around the prison. The guards were frantically running around, a few were trying to put the fire out the explosion had caused, others tried to calm the excited prisoners and regain control, while Moneybags simply waited.

"Get those prisoners controlled!" a guardpony shouted before running passed Money’s cell, "Get the wounded to the infirmary! Hurry!"

"yes sir!" another guardpony shouted before running the opposite direction.

"Ugh… what’s taking them so long," Money mumble while he impatiently taps his hoof. He was about to lose his composure when he notices the two guards from moments ago, hit the cold floor with their necks broken. Hehe, there he is…. Brother, the former noble’s smile grew even bigger as the hooded pony walked towards the cell; taking the keys from one of the dead guard’s body.

"Money Bags, you’ve looked better." The hooded pony said opening the prison door, "Did losing your entire wealth cause this?"

"Hm… save it! Just open the door," he replied with a glare. The hooded pony shook its head and opened the prison door with his magic. Money smiled and patted his brother’s back, "Thank you, dear brother, you can remove that hood now."

"Hm…" the stallion obeyed his brother request. He removed his hood with his black eyes immediately staring back at Moneybags with his dark grey coat. He ran his hoof through his light greyish mane before turning to his brother, "We have less than ten minutes before the place is swarm with reinforcement."

"Crescent, would you please?" Money said motioning to his chained-up hooves.

"The royal wedding was today," Crescent said easily removing the chains with a quick spell. The chains fell to the ground while Money rubbed his hooves, he took the ring off and held it in his magic. "Aren't you going to get rid of that?"

"This little thing… annoying but will be extremely useful for my plans." He replied glancing at the ring before looking back at his brother, "Wedding you said?"

"Those two got married today," Crescent said seeing his older brother laugh slightly, "What’s so funny, brother?"

"My, my, we must send our congratulations to the newlywed couple…."Money said laughing even more as the two simply walked out of the prison. "They must be so happy…. For now…."

Chapter 3

View Online

Tears of a princess

A month of wedding bliss as passed, and the newlywed couple couldn’t be any happier. They had decided to spend half of the year in Canterlot and the other in Ponyville. It’s not an easy living conditions but princesses of Equestria do have responsibilities. Luckily for Twilight, her friends would send her a letter whenever there was something that needed her direct attention. Aside from that, Luna had no problems living Canterlot and all its drama. She would just have her paperwork sent over through spike, who didn’t appreciate burping up twenty scrolls one after the other. But a quick bowl of gems would cheer up the baby dragon.

Hm..... when was the last time I organized the library..., Twilight thought as she paced around in the throne room. She sighed and gave a quick glance at Luna’s royal guards. Ever since Twilight’s attack by those nobles. Luna insisted on having royal guards around the castle. Twilight tried to protest and could sometimes convince Luna otherwise, but for this, Luna was unturned by her decision. The lunar guards would stay and guard the castle rather Twilight liked it or not.

"Love," Twilight look back seeing her wife enter the throne room. She gave Luna a quick kiss on the lips, "Lost in thought? We were supposed to meet up for lunch"

"What?" the purple mare quickly checked the time before groaning in annoyance, "Ugh... I’m sorry Luna"

"Is there something on your mind? Want to talk about it?" Luna asked placing a wing over her wife’s shoulders.

Twilight gave a small sigh and stared at the expressionless bat pony. They were as boring as the solar guards.

"Love, we’ve been over this already. The lunar guards are staying," Luna said with a sigh of her own.

"I know, and I understand why you place them here. But I don’t need them, even when I lived at the castle during Celestia’s tutelage. I never had guardpony follow me like this. I don’t mind them being around the castle, but I don’t want them to follow me throughout Ponyville. It makes me stand out.... seeing ponies suddenly bow to me just because the guardponies are there. I don’t like it, Luna."

Twilight... Uh.... why is she.... well, I suppose she has a point. The citizens of Ponyville have been acting weird lately, Luna thought glancing at her wife and bat pony. The lunar princess sighed in defeat, she didn’t like to see her wife this upset over this. The ponies from Ponyville didn’t treat her wife differently when she became a princess. Sure, they would say her title sometimes, but they still acted normal around her. They would go on with their daily lives, without the need to address or bow to Twilight as she passed by. "Alright Love... I’ll tell the guards not to follow you anymore, but they stay in the castle!"

A smile quickly appeared on the purple’s mare muzzle. She quickly kissed her wife on the lips, wrapping her hooves around her bringing her into an embrace.

"Perfect! Compromising in very important in a relationship," Twilight said nuzzling against Luna’s neck.

"I never heard such term," Luna said taking a moment to think, "What does it mean?"

"It’s when two ponies give up a little bit of something they want. And accept the overall agreement between the two ponies." Twilight said bobbing Luna’s nose as she finished speaking.

"Weird term but I’m glad we compromised on this," Luna said as she tightly embraced her wife, "Now, how about we get a late lunch?"

"I would love too," Twilight said, she smiled at her wife. The two headed to the dining room and swiftly excused the guards from their post, before taking their seats next to each other at the table. Twilight oh slightly as she looked over the food Luna had prepared. Twilight had refused to have servants inside her castle, she preferred to do things herself and not rely on other ponies. The princess of the night didn’t mind it too much, it allowed her to work on her cooking skills.

"What do you think, love," Luna said bringing over plates of food with her magic, gently placing them on the table in front of Twilight, "We have! A burger with hay fries with a side of onion rings. I also prepared a tomato soup, and we can't forget dessert! Your friend Applejack taught me how to make apple fritters!"

Twilight simply stared at the places, as each one was placed down as Luna spoke of the dish. She hadn’t eaten breakfast this morning, but she didn’t think she would be able to eat all of this. Luna has seriously outdone herself…. She must really enjoy cooking. I’m pretty sure Spike wouldn’t mind taking a break from it. Twilight looked up at her wife, seeing the wide smile on her muzzle, "Dear Celestia…. this is amazing…. I hope I’ll be able to finish all of this."

"I’ll admit…… I kind of got carried away," Luna laugh softly bringing her burger to her mouth, "I really hope you enjoy it, love."

Twilight smiled back at her wife. She looked down at her meal and took a massive bit into her burger, her eyes widen slightly at the taste… it was fantastic! She could remember the meals Luna had made when she first started to cook. They were……. Interesting. "This is delicious, Luna!"

The lunar princess gave a simple nod of the head. She stared at her wife, admiring her beauty as she hung her head close to the table and ate the burger. Having already given up the use of her magic, and simply proceeded to eat it directly from the plate itself with ketchup and mustard all over her muzzle.

"Love, can I ask you something?" Luna asked. Twilight looked up as she sat up in her seat, she took her napkin with her magic and whip her muzzle clean.

"Of course, dear," Twilight replied pushing her empty plate to the side with her hoof, "Is there something on your mind?"

"Hm…. I know it very soon for this subject to come up…. We’ve only been married for a month after all. But would you consider on having foals one day?"

"Foals?" Twilight repeated and took a moment to think. She wasn’t really against the idea of having foals one day, she even imagined what her ‘perfect’ family would be. But as she grew older, excluded from everypony, she didn’t really see herself as a mother. Of course, everything changed when she moved to Ponyville, now she was the princess of friendship and really enjoyed being around foals; awaking old feelings of having a family. "Hm….. when I was studying under Celestia…. I couldn’t really care less about the idea of a family. I didn’t want to be or speak with anypony aside from Celestia. But once I moved to Ponyville that all changed. And now, I really want to start a family….. with the pony I love the most."

Luna smiled in relief as she heard those words. She would have still loved Twilight either way, even if her loving wife had said the opposite. Luna would have been heartbroken, yes, but her love for her wife wouldn’t have changed. "That’s great, love! Because that’s something I really want…. with you…."

"Luna, can that even happen? I mean…. If you want a natural birth? How would that work with two mares?" Twilight asked

"Well, remember that favourite spell I like to use on you?" Luna asked giving her wife a perverted grin before proceeding. Luna’s cheeks soon turned red, "When I use the spell, I make sure not to add…. Hm…. Well…. The function of stallion’s sperm."

Twilight’s face quickly turned red as well. Her ears pinned down against her head, seeing her wife taking a moment to composure herself before she continued. "Luna…."

"Well…… I would only have to add that… feature…. And…. We could have…. Foals…. together." Luna continued feeling her cheeks becoming redder, "I wanted to tell you sooner…. But we were in Canterlot and there are too many ponies that could hear. A conversation like this is better suited for your castle, love."

"Do you… really want a foal with me?" Twilight asked feeling her heart beating rapidly, as she felt tears forming in her eyes, dangerously about to overflow in joy and shock.

"Of course, I do, love." Luna said wrapping her hooves around the purple mare, bringing her into a tight embrace, "You know how much I love you, my love. And I want to share our love with a foal of our own…. I know I might not be… the best of mothers, but knowing you’ll be there with me. I just know we can raise our foal together…… for me. This is a dream I never thought would come true."

"Luna, you will be an amazing mother." Twilight said nuzzling against her wife’s chest, "They will love you as much as I do."

Luna smiled in response and simply held Twilight in her embrace. The two-mare staying silent, allowing time to pass by, not having to worry about somepony interrupting them. Not having to worry about the problems they were facing. It was simply Twilight and Luna, no problems with the nobles, not having to worry about royal duties, no. It was simply Twilight and Luna and nothing else.

Crescent, Moneybags, and the three ponies who had attempted to attack Twilight. All stood in a small circle, staring down at some blueprints of Canterlot Castle. They were hiding out in a secret hideout inside of an old building. They were all ex-nobles who were ungracefully kicked out of the solar court and were quite bitter against the Royals.

"It seems Luna has increased security around her slut" Money said looking at the stallions who attempted the attack on Twilight. Moneybags looked up at the stallions, Quill Golden was the light blue stallion with a white mane. His family was part of the solar court for decades, no centuries! And now, he was ungracefully kicked out! All because of some flitty fillyfoolers. Standing beside Quill were the twins, Steel and Thunder Storm. The two white stallions with their overly combed purple manes. The twins are very similar to Blueblood, snobbish, spoiled, and viewing themselves above everypony. Last was Flawless Haze, the light brown stallion who was ironically not so flawless

"And how exactly will this information help?" Quill grumble said staring down on the blueprints, "And why are we looking at this? What’s our plan, Moneybags?"

"Quill, you need to relax! That’s why we're here! To figure out a plan," Flawless said looking away from the blueprint.

"And when will we hear this plan?" Steel asked pulling out a comb with his magic before proceeding to brush his mane along with his brother.

"You two clones need to shut up! And let me think," Moneybags snap at them.

"Now calm down, brother," Crescent softly said placing a hoof on his brother’s shoulder, "Let’s focus on what we know. Those two sluts spend half of the year in Canterlot and the other in Ponyville, we already know where they live, and that they’re being protected by the lunar guards. The Lunar guards are loyal to towards their princess, but the solar guards are another story…."

"What exactly do you mean?" Quill asked with a raised brow

"The Lunar guards are new. They were only created upon the return of Luna, not to mention bat ponies are extremely loyal. Bat ponies have been apart of Luna’s guard for centuries even before Luna turned into nightmare moon." Crescent explained, moving his hoof slightly as he spoke to the other stallions, who all seem intrigued on this little history lessons.

"Well, bat ponies are freaks of nature. It's natural for them to follow that monster Nightmare Moon." Thunder said rubbing his hoof under his chin, "Monsters tend to follow other monsters."

"Moving on…. The Solar guards have witnessed Luna’s corruption, her transformation into Nightmare Moon, her attack against Equestria and Celestia herself. If we want to find a corrupt soldier within the royal guards! Then the Solar Guards are the key and we’re going to need their help. If we can find a single guardpony to help us. They can tell us when the lunar guards are on duty, their positions, and when exactly those sluts will be alone."

"Finding a guard like that… won't be easy…" Flawless said leaning against a small table, only to have it break under his weight. The stallion let out a yelp as his face kissed the ground, he groans hearing the other stallions laughing at him.

"We’re not the only ponies, who are disgusted by those sluts. I’m sure we’ll have no problems with finding a guardpony, who would be willing to help us." Money said smiling as a plan started to form in his mind. "Once we know when Twilight or Luna are all alone…. We’ll kill them!"

Chapter 4

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Tears of a Princess

Several months have passed, and many things have happened in such a short time. Luna and Twilight were still trying to have a foal but found the task a bit hard with their royal duties, spending time with each other, and handling any sudden events that would appear out of nowhere. But in the end, having a foal didn’t seem to be in their future. The two princesses are trying everything they could think of; they were timing their sex life around Twilight’s heat cycle, diets, weird rituals, and some medications but still nothing. Twilight was suspecting it was either her or the spell.

Twilight sighed deeply with her mind going through their problems. She wasn’t even paying attention to the conversation her friends were having, as they ate their get together lunch at the castle. The seven mares were alone this afternoon, Luna had to head back to Canterlot to be present at a royal summit. One thing she was thankful for, the princess of friendship didn’t too often have to attend such events. Maybe such a spell wasn’t meant for reproduction? A male feature created with magic and not organically? But it does functions as a normal stallion’s sexual organ.... maybe it’s me then? Maybe my own sexual organ can’t bear foals? I should probably go see another doctor about this.

"Twilight" the purple mare snap back to reality. She looked up and saw her friends all staring at her, well almost all. Pinkie was busy getting herself another plate of food; Luna had prepared for them, and Twilight meals while she was gone. Twilight had insisted she would be fine and could cook her own meals, but her wife is a very stubborn mare.

"Are you alright, Twilight? You seem lost in thought lately" Starlight said giving a quick glance to the other mares.

"Are you and Luna still trying to have a foal?" Applejack asked. Twilight nodded in response, she had naturally told her friends and family about this. The last thing she wanted was to break her promise to them. Twilight was lucky to have such caring friends and family, all of them were excited for Luna and her. They gave many suggestions to help their dilemma, a few of those suggestions were…. Odd to say, but some seem it could work.

"Yeah but nothing working yet," Twilight explained with a sigh.

"Didn’t you go see a doctor last week?" Rainbow asked with the rest of their friends nodding in agreement.

"Yeah, I did. He was surprised at first, you know with the idea of two mares having a foal naturally? But he quickly looked at us as a normal couple having troubles. He gave me these new medications to help.... you know..." a bright blush appeared on Twilight’s cheeks. She loved her friends but wasn’t comfortable enough to talk about her sex life with them. It was a private moment between Luna and her, and she didn’t want ponies to know every single detail. Luckily, Luna shared the same feelings about it. She was pretty sure all Equestria didn’t need to know, how she likes to bite down on her lover’s neck as she came. Or how Twilight likes to tug Luna’s mane….

"Is the new medication working at all?" Starlight asked

"Uh.... well, I took some awhile back…. And…. we did.... you know…." Twilight replied feeling her cheeks turning even redder.

"Twilight! Is there a cake in the oven?!” Pinkie shouted bouncing around the table, “Cakes are super duper delicious! But of course, real cakes are wayyyy better! You shouldn’t eat a foal of course, but why do ponies even use that expression?! Foals aren't cake, silly! You can’t eat foals! They shouldn’t say a cake in the oven when talking about foals!"

"Uh.... it might be too soon to tell, Pinkie," Applejack said pulling her cider closer, "Depending on when Twilight and Luna.... did it in the sheets. You might not be able to tell just yet."

Twilight groan softly and covered her red face with her hooves, slowly sinking below the table. "Okay.... time to change the subject......"

"Yes, I agree! We didn’t come here to talk about foals or Twilight’s sex life! We are here to enjoy a nice lunch," Rainbow said brushing her hoof through her mane.

"Where is Luna? Oh! And Spike as well?" Fluttershy asked

"Canterlot for a summit. She’ll be back in two days" Twilight said feeling her blush going down. "She wasn’t too happy about it"

"Do tell us why darling" Rarity said, always eager to learn the latest gossip and drama in Canterlot.

"It’s a summit with the gryphons and changelings. They’ve been fighting lately, Celestia and Luna are trying to calm things down before it escalates." Twilight explained as she took a sip of her cider.

"Strange you’re not there, Twilight. You are the princess of friendship. This seems to be a friendship problem between the gryphons and changelings" Starlight said.

"For now, it’s only Celestia and Luna at the summit. But if they need me to be there, they’ll let me know." Twilight replies smiling at her friends.

"And what about Spike? Where has he gone too?" Rarity asked looking around for her little helper.

"Went to see Ember in the dragonlands. He is the ambassador for Equestria after all." Twilight finished placing her cup down.

"So, you’re all alone? That sounds lonely, Twilight" Fluttershy said moving her plate to the side.

"It’s alright girls. This isn’t the first time I’m all alone, and besides….. I have the lunar guards to keep me company." Twilight said with her hoof motioning to the bat pony near the door.

"Darling, I thought you didn’t want any guardpony or servants inside of the castle?" Rarity said glancing over the at the bat pony as well, "And don’t they usually sleep during the day?"

"Hm? Oh, no that’s just a stereotype. They prefer the night, yes, but bat ponies will go outside during the day as any other pony would." Twilight explained, noticing a smile on the guardpony’s muzzle, "And they usually sleep whenever they choose too. It's not really restricted to day or night…. It’s a lot like Luna. She sleeps a little bit during the day and night. I’m assuming the bat ponies follow the same sleep cycle."

"Bat ponies are surely fascinating," Starlight said taking a moment to think through what Twilight had said.

Three days have passed with a purple mare sighing deeply, as she lay on her bed staring at the twilight sky. The sun was about to be raised any minute now, Luna hadn’t returned from Canterlot last night. The princess of friendship wasn’t worried about her wife, she suspected the summit wasn’t going well and Luna was forced to stay even longer, but she wished her wife was here beside her.

"Three days…." Twilight whispered standing up from the bed, "Maybe we’ll return tomorrow night."

"Twilight! I’m home!" Spike shouted entering Twilight’s bedroom, "I'm so glad to be back! I learned so much about dragons from Ember!"

"Spike," Twilight smiled giving the baby, excuse me, the teen dragon a hug even though Spike was slightly taller from his previous height. "I’m so glad your back and that you learned so much about being a dragon. You have to tell me all about it!"

"Alright! Once I arrived there, I was greeted by Ember who was busy challenging other dragons!" Spike said expressing himself in movements, waving his arms as he spoke about the dragon racing, he saw, flapping his wings as he spoke about the new flying lessons, and remembering all of the delicious gems he tasted.

Twilight smiled at her number one assistant, she was very proud of him as he spoke of his adventures. She soon felt sick to her stomach, she tried to ignore it and focus on Spike’s stories but when a sudden urge to vomit came up. Twilight bolted to the bathroom, slamming the door behind her as she pukes into the toilet.

"Twilight?!" Spike quickly ran to the bathroom door and knock against it, "Twilight! Are you alright?!"

"Ugh… Spike… can you get me some water?" Twilight said through the door.

"Sure thing! Hold on," Spike shouted running out of the room.

What's going on with me….? Twilight thought groaning flushing the toilet with her hoof. She went to the sink and rinse out her mouth, "What in Celestia’s name…. I've never been sick in the morning like this…."

Twilight took a deep breath and tried to compose herself, she did feel better after throwing up. She opened the bathroom cabinet to take some medication for nausea when she noticed a pregnancy test. Luna had bought it over a month ago, but Twilight doubt they would be able to use it before it expires, right? Wait…. There…. No way…. there no way!

"Twilight! Luna called you to Canterlot right away. They need your help with the summit with the gryphons and changelings! It's quite urgent." Spike shouted from the other side of the door.

"Uh…. Yeah…. I’ll be there Spike…. Just give me a moment…." Twilight called out as she sat on top of the closed toilet seat. "Just need a moment…." Twilight said. She placed the pregnancy test down on the counter with her magic, her eyes slowly looking away from the positive plus sign. I…. I’m…. pregnant….

Twilight entered the castle and made her way to the throne room. She stopped herself, shy from massive doors ahead of her. I…. I can't believe that spell worked…. am I really…? Pregnant? Twilight thought as she placed her hoof on her stomach.

"Love," Luna called out trotting towards her wife, "Dear stars, I've missed you so much."

"Luna," Twilight said smiling with her hooves embracing her wife’s neck, "I’ve missed you too."

"I'm glad you’re here, love. The gryphons and changelings are having trouble…. Getting alone." Luna said waving her hoof slightly, "I hope the princess of friendship could help."

"I’ll do my best," Twilight replied smiling at her with her eyes glancing at her stomach, "And…. I have to tell you something."

"What is it, love?" Luna asked placing a wing around her wife.

"The sp-" Twilight was abruptly interrupted when Raven ran out of the throne room. She gasps quickly dodging a flying book as it nearly struck her head. The unicorn mare’s eyes quickly looked on Twilight and Luna before running over.

"Princess Luna! Oh! Princess Twilight! Thank Celestia you’re here! The talks have…. Uhm…. gone slightly…. turbulent." Raven said nervously smiling at the two when another book struck her head. She yelps and tumbles against Luna, "We…. Ow…. Could really use your help…."

"Oh dear…." Luna sighed in annoyance, "Can it wait, love?"

"Of course, it can." Twilight replied kissing her wife on the cheek, "Now let's go. It seems Celestia is about to lose her composure."

Luna laughs looking back inside the throne room. There was Celestia, stuck in between Pharynx and the leader of the gryphons. They were yelling at each other at the top of their lungs with Thorax trying to calm down his brother.

"THE CHANGELING ARMY WILL DESTROY YOU!" Pharynx shouted slamming his hooves against the marble floor.

"What?! No, no, no, no! We can't afford a war! Pharynx!" Thorax shouted

"Now, now, everyone please calm down….no need to declare war." Celestia nervously said with her hooves gently moving up and down, in attempts to calm them all down.

"Everyone!" Luna shouted before she entered the throne room with Raven in toe.

This is going to be a long day, Twilight thought to sigh deeply. She sighed and quickly placed a smile on her face before entering the throne room as well.

Luna let out a yawn, finally relieved this long summit had ended. She hated this part of being a princess, handling nobles and resolving conflicts with other species outside of Equestria. She had to admit all their efforts, had lead to strong allies but it was still tiring none the less. The younger sister knocks on Celestia’s door. She waited a few seconds before entering the room, seeing her sister on one of her cushions with a book in front of her.

"Sister, you wish to see me?" Luna asked gracefully sitting down next to her sister. She leaned over and nuzzled her sister’s coat before getting herself in a more comfortable position.

"Yes," Celestia said with a sigh, her horn lit up as she brought over a scroll and placed it down in front of her sister. "I wanted to wait after the summit to tell you this…. And I apologize for what I have done, sister."

"What are you talking about, Tia?" Luna asked taking the scroll in her magic. She unrolled it and started to read the report from Canterlot prison.

"I kept this report a secret until now……" Celestia said with her gaze staring down at her hooves. She was ashamed of herself. She had kept the report of Moneybags’ escape for months now, hoping she could catch him without worrying Twilight or Luna about it. She couldn’t protect her sister from turning into Nightmare Moon, but she had hoped to protect her sister and wife from this threat without the need of concerning them about it. But clearly, she had failed miserably, "Moneybags escape his cell during an unexpected explosion…. over…. eleven months ago."

"Ele-" Luna couldn’t form a single word. She was too much in shock from the report and from what Celestia had told her. Eleven months?! Eleven months, Moneybags was out there as a free money?! Luna had no idea what that stallion could do! To her! To Twilight?!

"Luna, I did what I did…. Because I wanted to protect you and Twilight. I foolishly thought…. I could catch Moneybags without the need to inform you. I didn’t want to worry you after what you have been through with Tirek." Celestia shamefully explained, keeping her eyes locked on her white hooves.

"YOU ENDANGERED US!" Luna shouted using the Royal Canterlot voice at full strength, quickly standing over the other pony. "CELESTIA! THAT STALLION HATES FILLYFOOLERS! WE CAUSED HIS DOWNFALL! PONIES LIKE HIM WILL SEEK OUT VENGENCE!"

The solar princess didn’t say a single word, bearing the full attack of her sister’s wrath, she deserved it. She felt tears overflowing and softly drip onto her hoof. "I'm so sorry, Luna…. I wanted to protect you like the big sister is supposed to do…. something I didn’t do before…."

Luna’s eyes glared down at Celestia who was softly crying in front of her. The younger sister let out a loud groan in annoyance, as she settles down back with her. "Where is he…."

"I’ve assigned every guard to search for him…. But I can't find him…. He could be anywhere…." Celestia softly replied through her tears.

"Then we must find him! He could be anywhere!" Luna said quickly getting back on her hooves, "I must warn Twilight about this!"

"Luna…," Celestia said as she finally mustered up the courage to look into her sister’s eyes.

Luna didn’t look back or react to her name being called. She closed her eyes, her magic clenching down hard on the doorknob. She felt her body shake in anger from being so betrayed like this…. betrayed by her own sister.... like before. "We shall talk about your betrayal…. Once I've dealt with Moneybags…. before he gets the chance to hurt me or Twilight."

"Yes…." Celestia whispered as she watched her sister run out of her chambers. She clenched down on her teeth as more tears started to overflow. The regal princess of the sun, broke down in tears, covering her face with her hooves without even noticing the crushed doorknob, Luna had left behind.

Twilight walked alone through one of the many castle corridors, she was exhausted after such a long summit. She knew gryphons were stubborn creatures and always wanted their way, but she never expected Pharynx to be there along with Thorax. Every time the gryphons would suggest anything, Pharynx would immediately reject it. Only to cause more tension to raise between the two species, Twilight was worried she might have to use her magic on them. But luckily both parties came to an agreement and returned home.

"What a day…." Twilight mumble with a deep sigh, "Why did Thorax bring his brother? I understand Pharynx is second in command…. But I’m pretty sure Thorax could have handled this on his own." The princess of friendship sat down in front of a window, and stared out at the night sky, losing herself staring at the stars. I didn’t even get the chance to tell Luna…., Twilight thought with her hoof subconsciously going to her stomach.

Crescent quietly walking up from behind with Moneybags right behind him, this is our chance… the first step in my plan. Money smiled and levitated the anti-magic ring closer. He glances at Crescent who gave him a quick nod of the head.

Twilight closed her eyes with a small smile appearing on her muzzle, as she started to imagine their future with their foal. She laughs softly wondering how Luna felt about diaper changing, she smiled when she felt something being placed on her horn.

"Who’s the-?!" Twilight felt a magic pulling her to the ground, she tried to scream to gain any nearby guardpony’s attention. Her eyes widen in horror as Crescent stuff a cloth into her mouth.

"We wouldn’t want you to alert those guards, princess," Crescent whispered leaning closer to Twilight’s ear, "We’ve considered killing Luna but hurting you…. is much more satisfying than seeing her dead."

Who is this! Oh no! Is he one of the ex-nobles?! I…. I must stop him! Twilight closed her eyes as she tried to channel magic through her horn. Her eyes quickly snapped back open realizing nothing was happening.

"Here’s a little ring of my own…. Princess," Money said leaning closer to Twilight, "Something from Canterlot prison. This little ring is called an anti-magic ring, prevents all magical flow through a unicorn horn."

Moneybags? But…. How? Isn't he supposes to be in prison?! Twilight struggle to free herself, she tried to muster up all her earth pony magic to push Crescent off from her. She couldn’t allow herself being taken down by these two unicorns!

"We’ve spent months planning this," Crescent said with his horn lighting up, "A special spell to block all Pegasus and earth pony magic."

Twilight shouted only for it to be muffled as she felt all the magic in her body being blocked. She was helpless! She didn’t have the strength to push off a full-grown stallion, she couldn’t defend herself, she couldn’t even scream for help.

"Do it! Before anypony can walk in on us," Money whispered quickly glancing around the empty corridor.

"I’ve always wanted to kill a princess…." Crescent whispered into Twilight’s ear as he plunged a blade through Twilight’s stomach. Twilight shouted in pain only to have the cloth being pushed down her throat; Moneybags looked down and smiled as he covered her mouth with his hoof as well.

"Sweet! Sweet! Flesh! Being cut through by a blade!" Crescent whispered over and over with the blade stabbing the poor mare’s body, with the moonlight being covered by a large cloud, darkening the entire castle. Twilight shouted in pain as she felt the blade cut through her body repeatedly. The cold blade going deep inside of her.

"Twilight!" Luna shouted running down the corridor only able to see three strange shadows, "Twilight? Is that you?"

"Let's go, brother!" Moneybags whispered quickly teleporting them to safety.

"Love? Where are you! I must warn you! Moneybags is out and he mi-" Luna walked over to the window, seeing a pony lying on the ground, motionless. "Twilight…," Luna said softly. Her eyes noticing the moonlight returning with the cloud being pushed away by a gust of wind.

"Lu…." Twilight groan in horrible pain. Luna’s eyes widen in shock with the moon’s light shining through the glass window; Twilight lay on the ground; a pool of blood surrounded the injured mare, the cloth stuffed inside of her mouth. Her eyes were barely open as she struggled to stay awake. Her body covered in blood and knife wounds, "…. na……"

Chapter 5

View Online

Tears of a Princess

Luna stood motionless, her eyes staring down at the wounded mare with her blood pooling around Luna’s hooves. Luna looks down feeling a warm liquid against her, she felt her body shake realizing what it was. Tears started to drip down her navy coat, failing into the blood. Luna tried but failed miserably to hold back her tears at the upcoming sounds of approaching hooves.

"Princess!" a guardpony shouted. He ran over when he was suddenly blasted against the wall. He shouted with his body creating spider web cracks on the wall from the impact.

Luna shouted in desperation, grief, pain, and anger. She fell to the ground and gently held Twilight in her hooves with the princess of the night's cries fill the castle.

Lu… Luna, Twilight managed to open her eyes ever so slightly. She looks at her crying princess, seeing the pain in her facial expression was too much. Twilight closed her eyes as she shed a few tears of her own. When Twilight opened her eyes once more, she widens in shock. Staring back at her were cat slits, No.... there’s... no way-! Twilight groan feeling Luna tighten her grip around her wounded body, shooting pain all throughout.

"PRINCESS LUNA!" a group of guardpony shouted rushing towards them.

"Wait!” A Lunar guard shouted spreading his wings out, stopping all but one solar guard. "WAIT! COME BACK!"

The solar guard ignored the warnings, he went closer to the two Princess when he was suddenly blasted against the wall. The sounds of breaking bones, metal bending from the impact could be heard throughout the quiet night.

"What... Princess Luna...." a solar unicorn said. The remaining guardpony watched Luna rose up to her hooves after she had placed Twilight down. They saw the very familiar cat eyes staring at them; they were able to see the outline of two bat shape wings, gone were the traditional Pegasus wings. The guardsponies stood alert with the moonlight slowly disappearing with the arrival of another cloud.

"Go get Princess Celestia! If anypony can stop this.... it’s her" the Lunar guard said glaring.

"I thought the elements had defended Nightmare Moon?!" one asked with two guards rushing to the solar princess chambers.

"They did! There must be some darkness left, which would explain why only Princess Luna’s wings and eyes have changed and not the rest of her body!" The Lunar guard explained or at least theorized.

"What do we do?" a Pegasus asked watching the Lunar princess glaring at them, waiting for a foolish pony to approach her.

"And why isn’t she attacking us?" the unicorn from before asked.

"I don’t know.... but we stand guard until Princess Celestia can get here" the Lunar guard replied glaring at the princess of the night.

Celestia followed the two solar guards as they lead her to the castle wing her sister was in. She felt her heart racing! She had heard those screams earlier, but she desperately hope her ears were playing a trick on her. There’s no way her sister would fall to the darkness like this! She wouldn’t allow Nightmare Moon to return after spending years trying to redeem herself. No... Luna wouldn’t do this! This must be a mistake.... there’s no way Luna would becoming Nightmare Moon again!

"We believe princess Twilight is wounded!" a solar guard shouted snapping the solar princess from her thoughts.

"Wounded?" Celestia asked quickly turning a corner

"She’s on the ground motionless. We believe she’s wounded and is unable to move" the guard said.

Could that be it?! Did Luna witness or found Twilight wounded? Is that what pushed her to the darkness? No! It’s not the time to think about the how’s. I must.... somehow stop Nightmare Moon. The elements of harmony can’t help us this time! Without the element of magic to initiate the other elements.... they’re just gems! Celestia slowed down seeing her sister guarding over Twilight like a predator would when facing scavengers. Celestia took a deep breath. The only thing she could possibly do was to talk to her sister and bring her back.

"Luna... it’s me, Celestia" Celestia said as she cautiously approached her.

"Princess! Don’t! She already took down two guards already!" a guardpony said glancing over at his wounded comrades.

"Quiet!" Celestia snaps glaring at the guard before returning her attention to the dark alicorn. It was rare for the solar princess to snap or be short tempered towards any pony, but what they were facing... the possible return of Nightmare Moon. She couldn’t allow this to happen!

"Let Princess Celestia do her thing. Just get ready for whatever might happen" the Lunar guard said.

"You sure know a lot about this?" The unicorn stallion said, staring at the bat pony with a suspicious leer.

"Upon her return. Princess Luna gave us the procedures if something like this would to occur. She told us not to confront her unless its to defend ourselves, and to get the elements of harmony. Because Princess Twilight is woinded, we are unable to use that option. Princess Celestia is our only hope of preventing the return of Nightmare Moon."

"I’m sure you would love that! Wouldn’t you, bat pony?" The Pegasus stallion commented glaring at him.

"Just what are you implying?!" The bat pony snap.

"All of you! Quiet!" Celestia snap once more. Celestia’s eyes quickly glance over at Twilight’s body. She immediately noticed the many stab wounds and the pool of blood. A sigh of relief left the princess of the shn’s mouth, at the sight of Twilight's chest slowly moving up and down. She’s alive.... for now. But, I must get Twilight To the hospital.

"Luna, we have to save Twilight. I have to take her to the hospital, Alright?" Celestia calmly said as she continued her approach. "She’s going to be just fine, dear sister. Why don’t you come with me? I’m sure Twilight would love to see you when she awakes?"

Luna’s eyes were fixed on the approaching pony, she backed away slightly allowing her sister to get closer to them.

"I’m going to pick her up now, alright?" Celestia asked stopping in front. She glances at Luna and then Twilight, "Luna.... why don’t you come with us to the hospital?"

Luna growled slightly revealing her sharp teeth. She suddenly grabs Celestia by the throat and pinned against the wall. She leaned in closer with her horn glowing, "Don’t you dare touch HER!" Luna yelled applying more pressure to the white alicorn neck

Celestia grunted and managed to motion her hoof to the guards, who were all on alert and ready to attack. "Guards, take princess Twilight to the hospital now!"

"But, Princess Celestia! We can’t just leave you" the Pegasus guard said.

"I’ll be fine!" she said seeing the hesitation in their eyes, "Go! Now! Twilight must be treated for her wounds right away! Just go!"

The guardpony hesitated for a few moments before the unicorn guard took Twilight in his magic. The Lunar and the solar Pegasus guards ran ahead to alert the medical staff. He gave a nod to the princess of the sun before running to the hospital.

Luna.... Twilight has really brought you this much happiness. Seeing her like this.... pushed you over the edge? Luna, is hardly speaking unlike our last encounter. She’s more concern about Twilight than her anger towards me. Celestia lowered her head slightly, ignoring the pain she was in.

"Luna... I’m sorry for keeping moneybags escape a secret from you both." Celestia said as tears started to overflow from her eyes. "Twilight like this because of me.... because I didn’t warn you in time... and I’m.... so sorry!"

Celestia grunted some more every time Luna pressed down on her neck. She growled and brought her face closer to the solar princess’s ear.

"She’s.... dead because of YOU!" Luna shouted. Celestia opened her eyes slightly hearing how her dear sister’s voice, was a mixture of her own and nightmare moon’s.

"S-she’s n-not d-d-dead" Celestia managed to say. She bit down on her bottom lip and felt Luna loosen her hold around her. "I failed you, Luna.... like I did all those years ago. You needed me then and now, and I didn’t help you. I tried to do everything myself instead of trusting you. I deserve this, Luna. You have every right to be angry at me, unleashing your wraith, but Twilight wouldn’t want to see you like this."

"DO NOT USE HER AS AN EXCUSE TO GET YOURSELF OUT OF THIS SITUATION!" Luna shouted quickly pushing against her sister’s neck, nearly choking her death.

"I-I’m n-not!" Celestia whispered as she started to feel light headed from the lack of air, "I-I know T-Twil-Twilight w-wouldn’t w-want t-this for y-you! A-and s-so do y-you..."

Twilight.... she would be so mad seeing me like this...., Luna slowly released Celestia from her hold, quickly backing away and ignoring her sister’s coughing. Luna back away some more, stopping in front of a glass window, staring at her reflection. "I..... What.... this isn’t me.... this isn’t how Twilight sees me.... how she wants me to be......" whispered Luna with her eyes staring at her bat shape wings.

Celestia a cough slightly more before she stood up onto her hooves. She rubs her neck slightly and walked towards her sister. "Luna, Twilight is with the best medical team in all of Equestria. She isn’t dead, so please don’t lose hope like this."

The Lunar princess closes her eyes, feeling all her anger disappear for the time being. She felt her bat shape wings return to normal along with her eyes. "I’m... sorry.... when I saw Twilight like that.... I couldn’t... I....."

"I understand, Luna," Celestia said quickly taking her sister in an embrace, nuzzling against her cheek. "There is no need for you to apologize or explain yourself. I understand... I’m sorry. Luna, I’m so sorry... this is all my fault...."

"You were only trying to help, sister.... you just wanted to help" Luna replied as she nuzzles against her sister’s coat.

"I failed miserably.... and Twilight got wounded because of me," she said with a deep sigh.

"Twilight...." Luna pushed her sister back and tried to hold back her tears, "Will she be alright? She.... looked.... d-dead....."

"Don’t talk like that, Luna! Of course, she’ll make it!" Celestia replied. She didn’t want to think of the worst case either, she had to stay positive for her sister’s sake.

"But look at the condition she was in! There was so much......." Luna said trailing off as she noticed her hooves covered in blood, "blood...."

"Don’t lose hope, Luna." Celestia said nuzzling her sister’s cheek, "Now, let's go. I’m pretty sure Twilight would like to see you when she wakes up."

Luna and Celestia entered Twilight’s room, both were a bit taken back at the sight of the bandaged-up mare. Twilight’s body was almost entirely bandaged up with a doctor finishing up his notes.

"Ah, princesses." He said placing his clipboard down, giving the two regal princesses a quick bow of the head.

"Dr. Heart Hooves, how is she?" Celestia asked gently closing the door behind her

Love…. What have they done to you? Luna quickly went to Twilight’s bedside, she pulled a chair over with her magic and gently held her hoof as she watched her wife sleep.

"We counted 27 stab wounds across Princess Twilight’s body. There were a few deep ones but luckily, they avoided vital organs. Princess Twilight lost a lot of blood, but we did a blood transfusion. She will be unconscious for a few days because of the blood loss, and the medications we used. We also closed up the more severe wounds, and a few tests to ensure the blades weren't poisoned." Heart explained flipping through his clipboard as he spoke.

"Have you received the results?" Celestia asked

Heart sighed and gave a small nod of his head, he hated this part of the job, especially telling such a thing to the rulers of Equestria.

"Well?! Tell us!" Luna yelled quickly standing from her chair, feeling her sister’s hoof gently pushing her back to her seat.

Heart took a deep breath, he looked down at Luna who stared at him with concern. Dear Celestia, I hate this part…., "Princess Twilight wasn’t poisoned thankfully, but we found signs of specific hormones which are linked to pregnancy." Heart said closing his eyes, "Princess Twilight Sparkle was with foal during the attack. The pregnancy was around 2 to 3 weeks…. the fetus did not survive the attack."

"She was what?" Luna utters quickly looking back at her wife. The lunar princess blinks a few times, remembering how Twilight wanted to tell her something before the summit. Twilight trying to tell her the spell work. The spell had finally worked…. and now they just lost their foal... all in less than week.

"Luna…. I…. I’m so sorry…." Celestia whispered placing a wing around the shocked alicorn.

"We are so sorry, princesses," Heart said placing a hoof on Luna’s shoulder, "Princess Twilight will make a full recovery. We’ll monitor her for a few more days and keep her in the hospital for about a week after she wakes up. But if she hadn’t arrived when she did..... well, I’m sure you know..."

The solar princess gave a thankful nod to Heart, who simply return the gesture with a smile before leaving the room.

We…. We were…. About to have a foal…. And now…. its…. dead…., Luna closed her eyes with tears overflowing once more. She gently held Twilight’s hooves with her own, and placed her forehead against them, crying softly at the foal she never got the chance to know. Their foal she had already loved so much, even though she had learned of its existence moments ago.

"I’m here for you, sister…. For both of you," Celestia softly said sitting beside her sister, wrapping her hooves and wing around the smaller alicorn.

Twilight slowly opened her eyes, she squinted slightly with the sun’s rays hurting her eyes. She let out a soft groan, as she slowly sat up and moan slightly in pain, "Uh…… what…. Happened?"

"Love," Twilight looked down at her bedside and was surprised to see Luna there. Her mane was a mess with tired bangs under her eyes; tears quickly fell from the lunar princess’s cheeks with her hooves quickly embracing her wife. "I was so scared…… I thought…. I lost you…." Luna cried burying her face into Twilight’s mane.

"Luna," Twilight smiled wrapping her hooves around her wife’s neck. The two parted from their embrace with Luna kissing her wife on the lips. The two kissed each other with tears dripping onto the blanket, "I’m so happy to see you," Twilight said once they had parted.

"Twilight, do you remember what happened?" Luna asked noticing Twilight had moved to the side of the bed, allowing the lunar princess to join her wife. A smile appeared on her muzzle as she wraps her hoof around Twilight, making sure to take care where she was placing her hoof.

"I was stargazing…. Then I felt something being put on my horn…. and then a cold, sharp pain…." Twilight said closing her eyes with the memory flashing in front of her eyes, "And that…. Cold…. Warm breath…. Whispering those horrible wounds into my ears…."

Luna sighed softly and gave Twilight a reassuring nuzzles, "I’m here, love," Luna said whipping some tears away with her hoof.

"I…. I was so sacred, Luna…. He was over me…. I couldn’t defend myself. Those monsters placed a spell on me…. Blocking my earth and Pegasus magic. I was completely helpless…." Twilight muffled through her tears, her hooves covering her eyes.

Luna wanted to cry as well but she couldn’t. She needed to hold back her tears and be the support her wife desperately needed, "Twilight, I never want you to experience this ever again…. I failed to keep you safe. There were supposed to be a solar guard in those wings…. And.... it's strange there wasn’t any…. Not a single one....."

Luna hadn’t noticed at first because she allowed her anger take over. But now, thinking back to that night. There wasn’t a single guardpony. Every inch of the castle was guarded, and yet one wing was empty..... the very wing the attacked occurred. There should have at least been three of them? Luna frown slightly and starting to fear the worst. There’s an enemy among us..... I must tell Celestia about this!

"Luna," Twilight mutter clenching the blanket in her hoof. She started to breathe heavily, trying to figure out how to tell her wife they had conceived a foal only to lose it days later. "I…. before the summit…. we…."

"Twilight," Luna placed her hoof against Twilight’s lips, "Dr Heart told me…. about…. the foal…. you don’t have to say it."

"I’m so sorry, Luna! This is all my fault…." Twilight cried clenching down onto Luna’s coat. Luna rested her head on top of Twilight and rub her hoof along her back, "Its all my fault…. I should have been more careful!"

"Love, this is not your fault. Please don’t think like this," Luna reassured as she tightened her grip around the mare, "Don’t you dare think like that. None of this is your fault…. I don’t blame you for this…. I blame myself. I should have done more to keep your safe, and because I was careless… you paid for it."

"But the foal…." Twilight whispered lifting her head up slightly

"We’ll get through this, beloved…. I promise…." Luna replied placing a gentle kiss on her wife’s forehead, "We’ll get through this…. together…."

Chapter 6

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Tears of a Princess

"WHAT?!" Shining cried out, throwing a stack of papers from his desk. His jaw would hit the floor if it physically could. He had just received news about his sister’s attack at Canterlot, and the suspicions the two regal sisters had. The white stallion slammed his hoof against his desk, not caring he had cracked the wood. Once more! His sister was in danger and he wasn’t there to keep her safe. How could this happen?! There’s supposed to be royal guards posted! Who gave them the order to leave their post?!

"Shining, calm down and let's hear the rest of the report," Cadence said placing a hoof on his shoulder, "The first thing Luna wrote, was that Twilight was alright."

"How can you be so calm about this?!" He asked repeated hitting his hoof against the desk

"Shining…." Cadence sighed looking over at the messenger pony, "Please continue."

"Well to summaries the report, Princess Twilight has been released from the hospital with security being increased. A massive pony hunt for Moneybags and his associates has been launched. Princess Celestia has ordered Captain Silver Blade of the Solar Guards to begin an inside investigation since they suspect a mole or a traitor within. Everypony close to Twilight has informed about the attack with the rest of Canterlot given minimal information about it." The messenger pony finished, rolling the scroll up before placing it on top of the broken desk.

"We’re heading to Canterlot! I’m going to handle the investigation myself! I'm going to find that pony, who gave inside information and allowed the attack to happen!" Shining shouted before disappearing in a flash of magic.

"Shining wait-! Ugh!" Cadence groan in annoyance, quickly excusing the pony in front of her. She sighed deeply, "Great…. Now I must get Sunburst out of his house! So, he can foal sit…." The love princess mumbled.

Captain Silver Blade stood in front of the two regal princesses, his head hung low in shame with glaring eyes upon him. He is the youngest pony ever to be appointed captain of the solar guard; once Shining Armour had moved to the Crystal Empire. He could no longer perform his duties of captain of the royal guard at such a long distance. They needed a new captain and Silver Blade was hoof-picked by Shining Armour himself.

"Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, please accept my deepest apologies for what has occurred." a light grey, pegasus stallion said. He removed his helmet and quickly fixed his white mane before placing his helmet down. "The investigation has revealed, that no lunar guards were involved in the incident. It's as we fear…. There's possibly a traitor among the solar guards, and under my command."

"The Solar Guards…." Celestia whispered lowering her head down, sighing deeply before turning to her sister. My own royal guards allow this to happen…. allowed Twilight too….

"A traitor among the Solar Guards? This…. doesn’t surprise me…." Luna replied turning her head away from the two ponies.

"Luna…. why would you say such a thing? The Solar Guards are loyal to both of us," Celestia said a bit taken back from her sister’s sudden remarks.

"No, sister…. The Solar Guards are loyal to the Solar Princess, not the Lunar princess. We both know there are a few Solar Guardponies don’t trust the Lunar Guards. There are a few ponies like this… but there still some none the less." Luna said walking down from the throne and walking passed Silver. "This is your problem, sister. I’m going to check on my wife…. we have…. she went through a lot."

"Luna, we should deal with this problem together," Celestia said placing a wing over her younger sister, "The Solar Guards allowed this to happen, but we should both deal with this and ensure it never happens again."

"Princess Luna, no pony knows about that night," Silver said turning his head towards the lunar princess. Luna gave him a quick glance, she shouldn’t be too surprised Silver knew about her return to the darkness. He was Captain of the Guard, after all, he needed to know about this. He had to ensure the ponies present that night wouldn’t utter a word about it. "I’ve ordered the guards present that night, not to speak a word or face severer punishment by my hoof."

"If you would excuse me," Luna simply replied before proceeding to the exit.

"Luna…," Celestia whispered hearing the large doors being closed after Luna’s departure. She sighed deeply before turning to Silver, "Captain Silver, Prince Shining Armour will be arriving in Canterlot tomorrow. He wants to handle the investigation himself and visit his sister along with Princess Cadence."

"You don’t have to worry, Princess Celestia," Silver said bowing his head slightly, "I will happily assist Prince Shining Armour with the investigation."

"Thank you, Captain," the solar princess said, she opened the doors with her magic, "Now, I would like to have some time alone. Please prepare for Prince Shining Amour’s arrival, I’m sure he’s going to be…. quite tense once he arrives."

"Yes, your highness," Silver said placing his helmet back on his head, "Once again, please forgive me for allowing this to happen under my command."

"Captain, please go," Celestia said pointing to the door with one of her wings. Silver nodded before he left the throne room. The solar princess closed the door behind him, "I’m so sorry…. Luna…. Twilight…., I allowed this to happen…."

Flash walked down the castle hallways to head to his post, he sighed with his thoughts thinking about Twilight. He had just heard about the sudden attack on the Princess of friendship, and the massive security breach. Everypony was on edge, all trying to figure out how such a pony was able to enter the castle and able to escape without being caught.

Security has been doubled ever since the attack, ponies entering the castle are searched or refused, not to mention everypony is stressed out. Its expected, after all, a princess of Equestria was attacked and almost murdered. Flash thought, noticing more guardpony than usual around.

"There’s a conspirator among us…." Flash mumble turning a corner but quickly pulling himself back behind the wall. His ears perk up at the sound of two stallions speaking; normally he wouldn’t have done this, but something told him to stay quiet…. Something wasn’t right with these ponies.

"What do you mean she’s still alive?" Crescent whispered glancing around the empty hallway. He growled slightly and looked away, "Dammit…."

"Quiet, Crescent! The guardpony posted for this section are bound to arrive at any moment," the second voice said glancing around as well, "Yes, she’s still alive. You said, she would be dead! You can’t even kill a mare properly?!"

Crescent glared at the stallion, quickly pushing him against the wall and pulling a knife to his neck, "Listen here Spearhead!" Crescent whispered pressing the blade deeper into his neck, but not deep enough to cut the skin. "Just because you forged the signature of your captain! And was able to get rid of the guardponies posted in that wing! That doesn’t mean you can boss me around!"

Spearhead? What…… he hates fillyfoolers? Flash’s eyes widen slightly, he gulps realizing he had discovered the traitor. I must report this to Princess Celestia and Luna.

"Why didn’t you stab her in the heart or something?" Spearhead asked grunting slightly at the blade, "It would have finished her off!"

"I don’t like it when my victims die slowly," Crescent replied dropping the stallion to the ground. He smiled and stared at his knife, closing his eyes slightly feeling the presence of another pony. "I don’t have time to deal with you now. I have to take care of the rat listening on us…."

Shit! Flash didn’t hesitate or questioned what Crescent meant. He couldn’t allow himself to be killed, not until he could relay this important information to the princesses or his captain. Flash ran down the empty hallway which was filled with ponies’ moments ago. "Dammit! They probably got rid of the guards with another fake order from the captain!" he mumbles to himself. Flash quickly turned a corner, hoping to find anypony on the other side. His eyes widen when he suddenly felt something pierce the lower part of his neck.

"Oh… you were so close," Crescent whispered covering the orange stallion’s mouth, as a passing guardpony walked by. "But you weren’t quick enough," he whispered twisting the blade inside of the stallion.

Flash closed his eyes with the pain shooting through his entire body, he coughed up blood against Crescent hoof only to have it dripped onto the floor. No…. I must…. tell somepony about them! Flash bit through the pain and mustered up all the strength he could. He pushed Crescent back with the blade still inside of his neck, "You…. Tried to kill Twilight!" he shouted, hoping somepony could hear him, "YOU TRIED TO KILL HER!"

"And soon accomplish," Crescent said smiling at him, "That bitch is going to die by my hoof! But luckily for me…. Dead ponies tell no tales."

Flash’s eyes widen in horror, he slowly backed away with blood still dripping from his wound, he was surprised he could still talk. "Wh…. What is that…...!" Flash utter in fear before screeching in horrible pain.

Twilight pulled the blanket over her head, not wanting to see the horrible scars on her body. She closed her eyes thinking about the foal, she was only able to love for a day. How could this happen? How could she let this happen? Unable to defend herself. Shining wanted her to learn how to defend herself just in case her magic was cut off and like a fool…. She ignored his warnings, and now she paid the press, or her foal did.

"Love," two purple ears twitched from underneath the blanket. Luna walked over to the bed and gently lay down beside her. She nudges the little mountain of blankets, pillows, and somewhere in there her wife, "Twilight."

"What is it?" Twilight asked lowering the blanket only stopping below her eyes.

"I was thinking…. maybe we could go on our special date? I can ask the chef to make us something while we stargaze for a bit?" Luna said smiling at her, hoping to lighten up the mood and cheer up her wife.

"No…. maybe another time, Luna," Twilight said before pulling the blanket over her head once more, "I just want to be alone."

"Love, I know this is hard on you. I understand how your feeling and I want to help you through this." Luna said draping a wing over the little mountain.

"No, you don’t," Twilight whispered

"Excuse me?" Luna asked pulling the blanket down with her hoof, "Twilight?"

"You don’t understand!" Twilight shouted quickly sitting up from the bed. Twilight clenched the blanket as she glared at Luna, she was letting her emotions, grief, and pain talk for her. "How can you understand what I’m going through!"

Luna was a bit taken back from Twilight’s sudden outburst, "What…. how could you say that?!"Luna snaps back, also being led by her emotions and not a clear mindset.

"I’m the one who got attacked! I lost the foal! And you weren’t there! How can you understand what I’m going through!" Twilight shouted standing up on the bed.

"How dare you!" Luna snap back getting off from the bed and standing on her hooves, "How dare you say, that! That foal was mine as much as yours! You don’t think I’m grieving its loss as well?!"

"I don’t see you wounded or cursed!" Twilight shouted. If Twilight could see herself now, she would be disgusted about her behaviour. Deep down, underneath all this pain, grief, and anger, she was feeling. She knew Luna was in as much pain as she was in. So why? Why was she getting mad at her? For something, Luna had no part in? What kind of pony was she?

"How dare you!" Luna shouted knowing deep down, she would also be disgusted about her own behavior as well. "Don’t you dare accuse me of any of this! You’re the one who went to see Tirek! You’re the one who confronted him without even TELLING ANYPOYN!"

"BECAUSE EVERYTIME EQUESTRIA IN DANGER! YOU AND CELESTIA ARE UNABLE TO KEEP EVEN A BUNNY SAFE!" Twilight shouted back with both mares using their royal Canterlot voice.

Luna growled as she bit down on her lip, she was doing her best to stay calm but was having a lot of difficulties. "Twilight! I believe you should stop talking!"

"NO! IM SO TIRED OF SAVING EQUESTRIA BECAUSE YOU TWO CAN’T! YOURE BOTH THE BUCKING RULERS!" Twilight yelled pushing Luna back with her hoof.

"YEAH, WE ARE! I WAS KEEPING EQUESTRIA SAFE CENTURIES BEFORE YOU WERE BORN! DON’T YOU DARE ACCUSE ME OF BEING A LAZY PONY!" Luna shouted pushing Twilight back in the other direction.

"WHEN YOU'RE NOT TRYING TO CAST EQUESTRIA INTO AN ETERNAL NIGHT!" Twilight shouted using a low blow against her wife.

Luna growled glaring at the purple mare. How could Twilight bring up her past like this?! Such a painful moment of her life, "DONT YOU DARE BRING UP MY PAST!"

"Princesses! Is everything alright?" a guardpony shouted with his knocks going unheard from all of the yellings.

"I SHOULDN’T HAVE BEEN TOO SURPRISE WHEN CRESCENT AND MONEYBAGS ATTACKED! YOU CAN HARDLY KEEP EQUESTRIA SAFE! I SHOULDN'T HAVE EXPECTED YOU TO KEEP ME OR THE FOAL SAFE!" Twilight shouted giving luna one big push.

The lunar princess stumbled back and bumped into a dresser. She growled as Twilight’s words cut through her like a knife. The lunar princess was so sensitive and guilt-ridden about the fact, she couldn’t keep her beloved wife safe. But hearing those words, the accusations coming from Twilight…. it broke her. "YOU SELFISH BITCH!" Luna shouted slapping Twilight across the face with such force, it sent the purple mare to the ground.

Twilight lay on the ground for a few seconds with the pain on her cheeks lingering. She sat up and touched her sensitive cheek, "GET OUT! GET OUT OF HERE! GET OUT OF MY LIFE!"

"GLADLY!" Luna shouted back before storming out of the room. Twilight shouted slamming the door behind Luna.

Luna pushed some guards out of her way making her way to an open window. She unfurled her wings quickly taking flight. The lunar princess flew towards a nearby cloud, high above Canterlot. She wanted to be alone…. as everything that had occurred started to sink in. "What…. have I done…." Luna whispered staring down at her hoof; the very hoof that slap her wife. Luna closed her eyes with tears starting to overflow, she felt her body shake and couldn’t hold it back any longer. The Moon Princess, co-ruler of Equestria, seen as a goddess by many ponies…. wept.

Chapter 7

View Online

Tears of a Princess

Shining Armour frowned while he was being led to the hospital, not to visit his sister but to visit one of his friends instead, Flash Sentry. The Pegasus stallion was discovered by two guardpony heading to their post. They saw him clinging to life, badly wounded with one of his wings ripped off. The wounded stallion was rushed to surgery and was currently in a coma, doctors unsure if he was going to ever wake up.

"Who would attack Flash like this?" Shining asked turning to silver, "Did they take anything? Was it another attempt on royalty?"

"Nothing was taken, sir" silver replied with both stallions looking down at Flash, who was currently hooked up to machines and wrapped in bandages. "Princess Twilight and Luna were.... having an argument. Princess Twilight stayed in the lunar bedroom with lunar bat ponies guarding. They didn’t report anything suspicious, aside for the princess crying before falling asleep. Princess Luna was seen flying out of the castle. We later found her and secured her safety. Princess Celestia was in her chambers with guards posted, no suspicious behaviour was reported. And of course, Princess Cadence was with you during the attack. So, we can safely rule out it was another attempt on the princesses."

"Dammit! Silver! How could you allow not one, but two attacks happen within the castle!" Shining shouted glaring at the Pegasus.

Silver looked down, bowing his head at his still commanding officer. Shining might not be a captain of the royal guards anymore, but he was royalty either way, and would have probably made general if he wasn’t. "Please forgive me, sir." silver said as he proceeded to bow some more. "This traitor is causing us a lot of problems"

"That’s not an excuse!" the white stallion snap back, "You’re supposed to protect the princesses! Regardless of what occurs! I didn’t recommend you have our security breach!"

"I understand, sir. I apologize... I will fix this. The ponies responsible will be punished for their crimes." silver responded unable to look into his superior in the eye.

"The ponies who attacked my sister, are probably the same ponies who attacked Guard 1st class, Flash Sentry! He must have discovered something, and they tried to silence him. The moment Flash awakes, I want to be informed right away!"

"Yes sir" silver replied sighing as Shining left the room.

Luna sat at the dining room table, she stared at her empty plate. The princess of the night wasn’t doing too well, ever since her fight with her wife. Luna was having trouble sleeping, performing her royal duties, and her general activities. She was guilt-ridden, how could she slap Twilight like that?! No wonder, Twilight didn’t want to be with her anymore.

"Sister?" Celestia sat up and gently placed a wing over the small alicorn, "Luna, we should talk about what happened."

A large sigh left the lunar princess’s mouth, she looked up at her sister with tired bangs under her eyes. "I rather not, sister"

"Luna." Celestia sternly said frowning slightly, "You haven’t been taking care of yourself for days, now. We’re going to talk about that fight, you had with Twilight."

She sighed even more and nodded in defeat. Luna enjoyed putting up a fight with her sister and would sometimes win but something like this. She just wanted to get it over with, and nothing else.

"Firstly, where is Twilight right now?" Celestia asked

"She went to her castle.... you should tell Shining Armour," Luna replies staring blankly at the table.

"I will but I’m more concern about you," Celestia said trying her best to comfort her sister.

"This is the first time we fought.... we both said terrible things to each other.... being led by our emotions." The moon princess explained with a big sigh. "We said things.... which we knew would hurt the other. Deep down, I knew what I was saying would hurt Twilight, remembering what she has gone through, but I still said it. And Twilight was doing the same, she said I couldn’t understand what she’s going through. That foal was mine as well... I know it’s different for Twilight because she’s the one carrying it. But that foal was still mine...."

"Sister, I'm so sorry for both of your lost. Grief, anger, and pain can cause ponies to do things out of nature. Both of you said terrible things, now both of you have to apologise." the solar princess explained and gave her sister a small nuzzle.

"I slapped her, sister...." Luna whispered. She glanced down at her hoof, still remembering how her hoof made contact to Twilight’s cheek. The force she swung and the tingling sensation, she felt after she had forced Twilight to the ground. "I hit her.... because she told me, I couldn’t protect anypony. Not her.... or our foal...."

"Luna, you know Twilight didn’t mean it, she only said that in anger," Celestia said wrapping her wing around her sister, giving her a well-needed hug.

"I know she didn’t.... but it still hurts... I’m so scared. Is that how Twilight feels deep down? I mean.... she’s right. I couldn’t protect her or our foal" Luna sob quickly whipping away tears with her hoof.

"Luna, you did everything you could to keep Twilight safe. What we’re facing right now; the traitor, the attacks, and Moneybags and his follows. Those are difficult challenges to face. You’re doing the best you can, and Twilight understands this. But there are things you or I, can’t predict or prevent. The traitor found a way to get rid of all the security measures you took. None of that is your fault.... if anything, it’s mine. That pony who betrayed us came from my royal guards, not yours. My own captain of the guards wasn’t aware of this pony betrayal, not yours. You shouldn’t be too hard on yourself for what has occurred. Twilight and you need to talk to each other and apologizes. Both of you are in pain and said things without thinking."

"I don’t think Twilight wants to see me again," Luna whispered sniffing slightly. She took her napkin and did her best to clean up her teary face.

"Why would you say that?" the elder princess asked.

"Twilight said, to get out of her life.... and I said, I was happy too" Luna explained moving her gaze away.

"Oh Luna, you should listen to your big sister," Celestia said with a soft chuckle. Luna looked up and smiled, she knew Twilight said those things in anger. But she just needed her big sister to remind her, to comfort her about it, and to be there for her in her time of need.

"You know I usually don’t listen to you," she said embracing her sister tightly, "But I can make an exception."

Celestia smiled as the two sisters embraced each other. "What am I going to do with you?"

Twilight sighed as she flips through a page of her book. She was trying to get her mind off the fight she had with Luna. But was failing miserably. Once she has taken the time to calm down. The realization of what she had said hit her, and it hit her hard. She was the one who was selfish, only thinking about herself and no pony else. Of course, Luna would be hurt by the loss of the foal. She wasn’t the only one grieving, Luna was too. It was her foal too, and yet, Twilight was bold enough to accuse her wife of not understanding. Twilight deserved that slap to the face, bringing up her wife’s sensitive past was too much.

"TWILIY!" Twilight jolt in surprise with her brother barging into the library. He quickly embraced his little sister, giving her a tight hug. "ARE YOU ALRIGHT?!"

"Shining!" Cadence shouted running inside after him, "Twilight, thank Celestia you’re alright."

"Shining, Cadence…. What are you doing here?" Twilight groan through her brother’s bear hug.

"What do you mean, 'what are we doing here?!' You just got STABBED!" Shining yelled practically into his sister’s ear. Twilight frown pushing her brother away.

Twilight rubbed her ears slightly, "Stop yelling, BBBFF."

Shining gave a small pout, he quickly sat down on his flank and sighed. "Twilight, are you alright? You just got attacked and…. I wasn’t able to help you."

"I’m alright, big brother," Twilight replied wrapping a wing around him, "The doctors said, I will make a full recovery with just some scars."

"Still…." he whispered staring blankly at the floor.

Well…. At least things turned out well in the end, Cadence thought, smiling at her sister in law. She walked over giving the purple mare a small hug, "Twilight, how are you? I mean…. Aside from your recovery?"

"Doing well, I suppose…. Spike has been a great help lately." Twilight replied

"Spike? Isn't Luna helping you? Is she too busy?" Cadence asked, naturally expecting the lunar princess to eagerly help her wife.

I should have expected this…., Twilight thought staring down at her hooves, trying her best to hold back her tears. She felt a few tears quickly escape her hold, she quickly whips it away and hoped no pony noticed.

"Twilight?" a soft voice called out. Cadence sat down next to her, "What happened with Luna?"

"After the attack… Luna and I fought over my miscarriage." Twilight explained taking a deep breath, trying to stop her tears from overflowing.

"MISCARRIAGE?!" Shining shouted before receiving a pink wing in the face.

"Now is not the time!" Cadence snap at her husband, giving him a death glare to keep the stallion quiet. "Please continue, Twilight."

"I was…. so… I wasn’t thinking…. and I yelled at her. I accused Luna of not understanding how I felt about the foal. I knew what I was saying was wrong…. I just wanted to yell at myself for what I was saying. I said…. Luna couldn’t even protect me or the foal…. Then I brought up her past as Nightmare Moon. So…. She hit me…. And I deserved it." Twilight explained taking a napkin from Cadence’s magical aura.

"Twilight, I know losing a foal isn't easy," Cadence said ignoring Shining Armour’s shocked expression. "But I know, you two will get through this. What Luna and you said to each other wasn’t from the heart. You were both blinded by your emotions, your grief, your pain. That’s what was talking during that fight, not what you were feeling from the heart."

"I…. I told…. Luna, she couldn’t protect me…. or the foal. Luna is in pain as much as me…. and yet, I said that to her…." Twilight said slamming her hoof against the table, "What kind of pony am I?! Why does Luna even love me! I cause her nothing but trouble! The curse was all my fault! I ignored Luna’s warnings and tried to get rid of the help she was trying to give me. And yet…. Luna still loves me…. For some reason."

"Twilight, go back and apologies, alright? I’m the princess of love, I’ve seen many ponies in love with each other. And trust me when I’m saying this, Luna and you are meant for each other. The love you two share is strong. You two are facing a tiny bump in the road right now, but don’t underestimate the love you two share. Luna has waited over a thousand, no maybe two thousand years to find you. And now that she has found you, and you found her…. A little fight won't tear you two apart." Cadence explained smiling softly at her sister in law.

Twilight smiled and embraced her tightly in her hooves. She whips away more tears, "Thank you, Cadence…. You have no idea how much… I needed to hear this."

"That’s what sisters are for," Cadence said hugging her back

"Oh! Right…. Twilight," Shining said taking a few moments to compose himself, trying to find the right words. How was he supposed to break the news, that one of his sister’s best friends was almost at death’s doors?

"Just tell me, Shining," Twilight said

"Flash…. Was suddenly attacked when he was heading to his post. The attackers escaped capture…. We believe it’s the same ponies, who had attacked you because they knew the layout of the castle. Doctors aren’t sure…. If he’ll make it, but I’m hopeful he will." Shining said giving his sister a reassuring smile.

Twilight stared in utter shock; Flash was attacked for some unknown reason? Wait…. No, if Flash was attacked it was because he knew something. "It has to be Moneybags and his associates…… yeah! That must be it!" Twilight said shedding a few tears.

"We suspecting Moneybags is behind this," he said placing his hoof around his sister, "Twilight, I know you don’t like being treating differently. I’m going to have Captain Crimson from the lunar guards to assign a protective detail. You’re never going to be alone without a royal guard present, do you understand me?"

"There are already guardpony around the castle," Twilight said glancing at the lunar guard near the doorway.

"Twilight, I don’t care! Luna and I would agree on this. I'm placing a personal guardponies around you twenty-four seven." He said giving his sister a stern glare.

Twilight knew that glare her brother was giving her. Shining stared at her like that only twice in their entire lives. The first time was when she had broken a valuable collectible from his collection after she had broken into its protective case. The second time was when she disobeyed him and almost got hurt because of it. That stern glare of his, he meant business and there was no point on arguing with him about it.

"Fine…. But I want to see Flash," Twilight said

Chapter 8

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Tears of a Princess

Twilight slowly sat down next to Flash’s bedside. She gently took his hoof and held it in between her own. A soft sigh left the mare’s mouth as she looked up at his bandaged-up face. She was going to kill Moneybags! How could he do this?! Flash was the kindest pony Twilight has ever known, well for the exception of Fluttershy. He always treated mares with respect, unlike Blueblood who only saw them as property. Wait, of course, Moneybags would do something like this. If he was willing to kill an unborn foal, then he didn’t have an issue about attacking a simple guardpony.

"Hey Flash, it’s Twilight" Twilight whispered smiling at him, "I miss you. We haven’t gone out to Hay burger in a while. We should go once you wake up…. I have so much to tell you. Luna and I are trying to start a family, can you believe it? Two mares trying to naturally have a foal, using magic to form…. Well, you know. But, because of the attack…. We lost the foal. But don’t worry, it wasn’t a foal yet. It was just a fetus, not even a heartbeat. I wished…. I could have told you sooner. I’m sorry. But so much as happened since I discovered, I was with foal…. That, I didn’t have the chance to tell you."

Twilight turned her head away from him, closing her eyes tightly to hold back her tears. The heartbroken mare didn’t notice Flash shedding a few tears of his own.

"Princess," Heart spoke while he stood behind her.

"Dr. Hooves, what’s the matter?" Twilight asked giving him a small glance.

"Would you like a report about Guard pony first class’s condition?" he asked.

"You mean Flash! His name is Flash Sentry!" Twilight snapped back, glaring at the pony who simply hid behind his clipboard.

"Yes! Of course, your highness," Heart excused himself, giving a quick bow of the head. "Would you like a report about Flash’s condition?"

"No, I rather not hear…. What those monsters did to him," Twilight whispered, lowering her head slightly with her eyes staring at the ground.

"As you wish, princess," Heart replied quickly writing down a few notes, "If you would excuse me."

Twilight glanced up at Flash as he slept. She just knew Flash had discovered something about Moneybags, and she had to find out what it could be. "Don’t you dare leave me, Flash." Twilight whispered gently kissing his hoof, "You hear me? This isn’t a request from a friend. This is an order from a Princess of Equestria. And as a royal guard, you must obey my orders."

Twilight stared sternly at his sleeping form. It was rare for Twilight to give out orders, or to use royal formalities with anypony. Of course, she did make exceptions for certain royal events, but it was something she wasn’t fond of.

"Princess Twilight," a deep voice called out. The princess of friendship turned her head to see who the voice belonged too. She smiled at the Pegasus guardpony, standing in the doorway.

"Are you one of Flash’s friends?" She asked.

"Indeed, I am Princess Twilight Sparkle. My name is Spearhead," Spearhead said smiling at her. He quickly bowed in front of the Princess of Friendship, before getting back on his hooves. "May I?" Spearhead asked he approached Flash’s bedside once Twilight gave him a nod of her head.

"I don’t think Flash has ever mentioned you before? How did you two meet?" Twilight asked, moving aside slightly to allow the stallion to stand next to her.

"We met during training, princess," Spearhead explained smiling down at her, "But we lost touch when Flash was assigned to the Crystal Empire. I’m kind of hurt, he hadn’t mentioned me before."

"I see…." Twilight replied staring into the stallion’s eyes. She had this strange feeling inside of her gut, something was off about him, but she couldn’t place her hoof on it. His eyes are…. Mysterious. But I could be wrong about my assumption. Guardponies are usually so secretive and mysterious…., I could be wrong.

"Princess Twilight," Twilight quickly snapped back to reality. She looked around and hadn’t noticed, Spearhead had sat down next to her.

"Yes?" she quickly replied

"If I’m not mistaken, but isn’t today a special day for you?" he asked

Twilight stared at him with a confused look, what day was he even talking about? "Day?" she asked.

"Weren’t you married on this day a year ago?" he said raising a brow slightly, "To Princess Luna?"

Twilight gasp in realization. How could she forget about her wedding anniversary?! It was her very first one as well. "Oh my gosh….. I completely forgot. So much as happened over the past few months….. it must have slipped my mind."

"Wedding anniversaries are special," Spearhead said turning away, staring at Flash’s coma state body. "But, anypony would have forgotten if they were in your hooves."

"Yeah….. my wedding anniversary," Twilight whispered slowly losing herself in thought. Her wedding anniversary, it was supposed to be a special moment with Luna. But how could she celebrate with everything that as happen? Did Luna even remember herself? Twilight wasn’t even sure if she should visit Luna or send a letter.

"Anything special for tonight, Princess?" Spearhead asked

"Uh…. I suppose not. I might simply stay home….." Twilight replied sighing deeply.

"Canterlot?" he asked. Twilight shook her head ‘no’ in response, "Well, Ponyville is a wonderful town. It's nice and quiet compared to Canterlot. A perfect place to relax and think things through, wouldn’t you agree?"

"Yeah, you’re right." Twilight said smiling at him, "Thank you, Spearhead."

"It's my pleasure, princess." Spearhead said, he brought one hoof across his chest with his head bowing down slightly. "I do hope, we’ll meet each other soon, Princess Twilight Sparkle."

Princess Luna sat at her balcony with the stars shining above her, stargazing the beautiful night she had created. This night was special after all. It was her first wedding anniversary, and Twilight wasn’t beside her to celebrate. She couldn’t really blame her. They had a terrible fight and said terrible things to each other. Being in the same room with the moon princess, was probably the last thing Twilight wanted.

But Luna still wanted to see her wife, even if Twilight didn’t. The lunar princess took to the skies and flew above Canterlot. She eventually arrived at Ponyville with Twilight’s castle in sight. As she approached the castle, she noticed a pony resting on the balcony. The moon princess quickly realized it was Twilight. There she was, resting on a pillow with her eyes fixed on the night sky. Luna noticed Twilight had her telescope out with a few charts.

Stargazing? This shouldn’t surprise me. Twilight has always loved stargazing even before we got together. Luna thought.

Twilight sighed softly with her eyes staring at the newest star, Crepusculum Coruscant. Her star. The star Luna had created just for her. The princess of magic was lost in thoughts. She didn’t notice a dark figure make a soft landing behind her. Twilight’s ears twitched slightly with the sound of hooves clicking on the crystal floor.

"Not now, Starlight. I just want to be alone.... especially tonight." Twilight Spoke, not bothering to turn around.

"Happy anniversary, love" Luna said with a smile, causing Twilight to turn around to face her. The smile on the lunar princess face slowly disappeared, "I know.... you probably don’t want to see me now. But... I just wanted to wish you a happy anniversary. It’s our special night after all.... but I’m glad you’re well. I’ll leave you be now. Have a good night, Twilight."

Luna turned away from Twilight. She opened her wings and was about to take flight when she noticed purple magic surrounded her body. A yelp left the lunar princess’s mouth, as she was pulled into an embrace.

"Happy anniversary, Luna," Twilight whispered as she tightened the hug around her wife.

A gentle smile formed on Luna’s face. she was a surprised Twilight was even talking to her! Let alone hugging her, but she wasn’t about to complain about it. The two mares eventually parted from each other. Luna looked into Twilight’s eyes, too ashamed to bring up their fight and what was said.

"I’m sorry, Luna" Twilight said breaking the silence between them. Luna looked up a bit surprised.

"Wha-no! Love, you don’t have to apologize. I’m... I’m the one who yelled at you and s-slapped you. You have nothing to apologizes about." Luna said, still angry at herself for allowing such a thing to occurs.

Twilight sighed and held Luna’s hoof, "No, Luna it’s my fault as well. I should have known better. That.... our foal’s loss would hurt us both, not just me. That was selfish of me."

"We both said such hurtful things to each other," Luna said with a sigh.

"We were led by grief.... pain.... our emotions...." Twilight said, noticing Luna looking a bit surprised from what she said. "What’s wrong?"

"Celestia told me the same thing. Almost word for word...." she said.

"Cadence and Shining came to see me at the castle. After I told them what happened, well, she talked some sense into me." Twilight said with a slight chuckle.

"Tia did the same thing for me. I’m glad we have ponies like them." Luna said smiling at her.

Twilight smiled in return, giving a small nod of the head. "Maybe.... when this is all over. We can.... after some time has passed.... try again?" Twilight spoke, nervously biting down on her bottom lip.

"Of course, we can," Luna replied wrapping her hooves around the smaller alicorn, bringing her into a hug. Twilight smiled and nuzzled against Luna’s chest.

Twilight tenderly smiled at her lunar princess. She pulled Luna closer to bring her into a kiss until she noticed something glow in the corner of her eye. Twilight’s eyes widen in horror as she felt blood splatter against her cheek. A shriek of pure pain filled Twilight’s ears. She felt Luna’s hold loosen around her, as the lunar princess fell to the ground.

"LUNA!" Twilight yelled swiftly rushing to her wife’s side. Twilight felt tears forming in her eyes, staring down at Luna as she held her midsection.

"Damn, I missed," Twilight felt her heart skip a beat at the sound of that voice. Her eyes slowly met the cold gaze of the assailant, "I was aiming for her heart. I should have worked on my aim before coming here." the voice whispered.

"Moneybags….." Twilight whispered she gulp as she desperately clung to Luna. Luna whimper in pain, she could feel the wound burning, with the loss of blood not helping her case. He must have used a magical ray, no, a magical-UGH! I don’t know?! Luna might die! I can’t lose her….. I just can’t!

"Princess Twilight Sparkle, I failed to kill you before," Moneybags said with a malicious smile appearing on his muzzle, his eyes, nothing but pure hatred. "But tonight, you and that whore will never see the sunrise again! The moon shall witness the slaughtered of two whores!"

"Luna….. Stay strong," Twilight softly whispered into the mare’s ears. Twilight looked up with a death glare, her horn lighting up and quickly using a healing spell on Luna’s wound. One thing was certain, Twilight wasn’t going to allow Moneybags to lay a single hoof on them. Luna was always there to keep her safe, now it was Twilight’s turn. "Tonight, we will end Moneybags once and for all."

Chapter 9

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Tears of a Princess

Luna slowly opened her eyes. She took a few moments for her vision to focus. She felt a gust of wind against her coat, no, it wasn't wind. It was something else, but what could it be? Luna moved her front hooves and felt sore around her midsection.

"Luna!" a strange voice called out. Who’s calling me? What’s going on? The floor is so cold and hard... I remember feeling this pain, but now it’s gone. The moon princess’ eyes could see a blurry, purple figure. Is somepony fighting? But who could it be?

"LUNA!" Twilight shouted standing above her wife with a powerful shield surrounding them. Luna blinked her eyes slightly, her vision finally recognizing the mare in front of her.

"Twilight...." Luna whispered slowly rising to her hooves. She shook her head and glanced at her stomach; the wound was completely gone as nothing had happened. Luna looked up only to see Moneybags and Twilight clashing horns.

"Thank Celestia.... you’re awake," Twilight replied gritting her teeth slightly, as she felt the barrier starting to constraint under Moneybag’s attack.

"What’s going on? How can Moneybags have such magical ability?" Luna asked. One thing was certain, she knew ponies like Moneybags didn’t take the time to study magic. Noble unicorns would hardly learn a simple levitation spell, let alone the level of magic Twilight had acquired with years of study.

"It must be some dark magic or something. We can worry about this later!" Twilight replied. She quickly teleported Luna and herself to another part of the castle, Meer moments before the barrier broke with Moneybags’s attacks striking the spot they once stood.

"Fighting one alicorn is hard enough...... let alone two, especially an alicorn like Twilight." Moneybags mutter to himself, glaring at the scorch marks his attack had left behind.

"Having trouble to defeat two mares, brother?" Crescent spoke, standing behind him with glaring eyes.

"I didn’t see you helping," Moneybags said turning to face the other stallion. "Why are you here?"

"I came to help you, of course." He replied walking around his brother, "Aren’t you afraid they might.... runaway?"

"They won’t leave. They’re determined to end my life. Those two whores are just hiding for the time being." Moneybags retorts with his eyes following his brother’s movements. "Where are the others? Quill? the twins? The group?"

"I told them to finish off Flash Sentry. We wouldn’t want him to wake up and reveal what he has seen." Crescent replied

"Good! Now time to find some them," Moneybags said smiling before he entered the castle.

Twilight placed a detection spell around them. They needed to alert Celestia about this and get help before Moneybags could find them. Twilight placed her hoof against her chest. She could feel her heart beating rapidly against her hoof. Twilight needed to calm down and think of a plan before they were discovered.

Moneybag isn’t a fool. He knows I have a home ground advantage. He’s going to take every precaution and might do a sneak attack once he has located us. I need to be prepared for any attacks he might throw at us. Twilight thought taking a few deep breaths to calm down her nerves.

"Love," Luna whispered with her eyes scanning the dark castle’s hallways. "We must alert my sister about this!"

"I know.... we need a distressed call or maybe a letter. But anything we use might alert Moneybags about our position." Twilight whispered with her eyes scanning the area as well, "But right now we’re in the open. Follow me."

The lunar princess gave a small nod of the head. She followed Twilight into an empty room. The castle was massive to Twilight’s standards, she had left several rooms empty for the time being. She had only managed to fill up a third of the castle.

Twilight gritted her teeth together with the door making a small ‘click’. She held her breath, placing her ear against the door as she held the doorknob tightly in her magic. She moved her ear slightly against the door, hoping no pony heard it. After a few breathless moments, Twilight slowly removed her ear from the door.

"How are we going to send a distress signal?" Twilight asked

"Celestia should be asleep at this hour, love. I can enter her dream and inform her," Luna whispered sighing softly, "Let's just hope Moneybags doesn’t find us."

"Hurry and warn Celestia," Twilight said placing a hoof against Luna’s chest, "I’ll watch over you, and ensure nothing happens when you’re in the dream realm."

Luna smiled giving Twilight a small nod of the head. Whenever Luna entered the dream realm, she is at her most vulnerable. The lunar princess uses all her magic in the dream realm. Her attention pulled away from the waking world, focusing on ponies’ dreams with her guard down and open for an attack. "I promise I won’t be long, love."

Twilight wrapped her hooves around Luna, pulling her tightly into an embrace. "I was so afraid…. Of losing you," Twilight whispered.

A smile appeared on the moon princess’s muzzle, "Join the club, love." Luna whispered slowly wrapping her hooves around her. "You’ve given me quite a few heart attacks." Luna leans back and gently kissed Twilight on the cheek.

"Sorry, my crazy moonbutt," Twilight mock with a grin, knowing full well her wife hated those names.

"Oh…… you’re going to regret that, love," Luna whispered giving Twilight a small sexual grin, "I’m going to make sure of it."

"Come on out, Princesses," Moneybags cried out, aimlessly roaming around the castle’s ground.

"We need Celestia’s help," Twilight whispered slowly opening the door, "Go. Hurry."

Luna gave a quick nod in response. She closed her eyes with a white glow surrounding her horn. Luna opened her eyes, finding herself back in the Dream realm once more. She quickly scanned the doors of ponies’ dreams. "There you are, sister." Luna mutter to herself, placing a hoof on the Solar themed door.

"Cake! Cake! Cake! Cake!" Celestia joyfully praised. She skipped in an open field of delightful pastries and cakes. The solar princess licked her lips as she brought over a double fudge, layered with fresh strawberries, and glazed with chocolate ganache cake. "Prepare to be eaten!"

"My goodness, sister…." A light magenta eye met the stare of Luna’s cyan eyes. Celestia slowly lowered the cake, closing her mouth slightly. "I know you love cakes…. but aren’t you going a bit overboard?"

"Luna, what are you doing here?" Celestia asked clearing her voice slightly, "In my dream…."

"Sister, I-!" Luna let out a yelp as she suddenly felt her body shake. She recognized this feeling. Her body was being under attack, and now the dream realm is being affected.

"Sister? What’s wrong?" Celestia asked with a concerned voice, quickly rushing to her sister’s side.

"Moneybags…. He found us…" Luna whispered as she felt her body shake once more.

"What?! Luna! What’s going on?!" Celestia said softly shaking her sister, urging her to speak before she was forcibly pulled away from the dream realm.

"Moneybags has found us…." Luna quickly spoke grunting each time, as she felt her body being attacked. She closed her eyes and felt her control of the dream realm loosen. "I don’t have much time…."

"Luna! Where are you?!" Celestia asked

"Twilight’s castle." Luna replied before being pulled out of the dream realm, "Please hurry!"

Luna eyes quickly snap open. She gasped with her instincts taking over, she quickly dodged a magical burst. Luna stumbles to the ground, grunting softly before placing a barrier around her. Her eyes rapidly searching for Twilight. Twilight?! Where did she go? What happened to her?!

"Luna.... you’re awake" Luna quickly turns her head, seeing Twilight a bit beaten up but still standing.

"Love, I’m so sorry I took so long," Luna said as she pulled Twilight inside of the barrier.

"It's alright…. but I know why Moneybags is so powerful." Twilight said, eyes narrowing at the stallion’s side, "The Alicorn Amulet…. Dark magic."

"It enhances the magical ability of a unicorn," Luna said sighing deeply, "Wonderful…."

"I’ve faced this before… with Trixie…. And I couldn’t defeat it." Twilight replied glaring at the amulet. She had hope, she would never see such dark magic again. Zecora had hid the amulet deep inside of the Everfree Forest, but somehow, Moneybags was able to find it.

"Is that all you got?! Two alicorns?!" the two mares looked away from each other. Moneybags stood in front of them, tapping the amulet with his hoof with a chuckle. "My, my, it seems you’ve discovered my little trick," Moneybags said before he laughs hysterically.

"We’re just getting warmed up," Twilight replied sneaking in a smirk at Luna. Twilight took a deep breath, "Luna. Hold the barrier just a little bit more"

"Are you planning something?" Luna asked

"Yes.... but I need time to conjure the spell" Twilight replied, slowly going through the steps of the spell inside of her head.

"Leave it to me, love!" Luna said.

"What are you two planning?" Moneybags asked. A scowl formed as he watched Luna leap out of the barrier.

Luna rose to the air with a flap of her wings. She fired a powerful magical ray at her target, quickly firing repeatedly as the unicorn stallion dodge her attacks. Not wanting to be a crispy husk of a pony. Luna flew around the sky, trying her best to attack, defend herself, and keep Twilight out of harm's way.

"Stay still dammit!" Moneybags shouted in frustration. His eyes narrowed as he fired one, well-placed attack, managing to strike one of the lunar princess’s wing. Luna shouted in pain, she quickly lost her ability to stay air born. She quickly grabbed the edge of the balcony with her hooves, tightening her hold with her body dangling.

Just a little bit longer…. please hold on, Luna. Twilight thought gritting her teeth slightly.

"The almighty alicorn princess," Moneybags said swiftly, placing an anti-magic ring around Luna’s horn, "And you called yourself a princess? The Co-ruler of Equestria? The pathetic little sister of Princess Celestia! Princess Celestia is the true ruler of Equestria, not you. You’re only the spare to the throne, wait, no. Not the spare…. Just a flank to keep Celestia’s throne warm. Nothing else."

"Sh-shut u-up!" Luna grunted painfully, tightening her grip around the balcony’s edge. Luna tried to pull herself over with the help of her one good wing.

"Don’t even think about it," Moneybags said breaking the moon princess’s other wing.

Luna… I’m so sorry…. Please forgive me, a few tears shed from Twilight’s eyes, hearing the painful cries of her wife. The sound of breaking bones, the screams of pain…… Luna crying Twilight’s name. Just…. hang on…. Please hang on.

"Oops! Did I just break something?" Moneybags mock placing his hoof against Luna’s forehead, "I’m so sorry, Nightmare Moon."

"Do… not call me that! That…. She…. Is apart of my past!" Luna grunted, letting out a quick squeak when Moneybags softly pushed her back. He snickered as he watched, Luna desperately trying to hold on, "You monster!"

"Calling me a monster? Didn’t you return to darkness after I stabbed that slut of yours?" Moneybags asked playfully tapping the tip of Luna’s horn. "It was interesting…. only part of you changed!"

"I…. I will never return to the darkness! To her!" Luna said feeling her grip loosen, "I will never become her…. EVER!"

"Doesn’t matter now," Moneybags said smiling down at her, "Oh! Could you please do a flip as you plummet to your death?"

"MONEYBAGS!" the unicorn stallion raised a brow. He turned around and was a bit taken back, "STEP AWAY FROM HER!" Twilight roared. Twilight growled with her eyes glowing white, her horn blazing in magic with her mane flowing…. Just like Celestia and Luna.

"What do we have here?" Moneybags mutter to himself. A scowl formed on the unicorn’s face, knowing full well, he shouldn’t underestimate Twilight Sparkle. "Whatever spell your forming…." He spoke tapping the alicorn amulet, "Won’t be enough to stop me."

"HANG ON, LUNA!" Twilight yelled. She took a deep breath and fire a powerful magical ray at him.

"Don’t worry about it, love," Luna shouted back glancing down below, "I have no intentions on letting go."

"NO! WHAT YOU ARE! YOU AND THAT THING! ARE AN ABOMINATION!" Moneybags shouted back quickly firing a magical ray of his own.

What’s going on?! Luna thought. She groans some more, pulling herself slightly higher in order to get a better view. Her eyes widen at the sight of Twilight and Moneybags’ battle. It was intense. Twilight and Moneybags both firing a magical ray at each other, both rays itching to push the other one back. A deadly dual of tug of war; the loser losing their life.

"WHO THE HELL CARES ABOUT GENDERS!" Twilight shouted as a few tears started to form, "PONIES LIKE YOU! NEED TO BUCKING MOVE ON!"

"YOU BITCH!" Moneybags shouted back. He shrieked heatedly, closing his eyes tightly as he forced more magic into his horn.

Twilight grunted some more, seeing Moneybags’ magic starting to overwhelm her own. She couldn’t let him win, she just couldn’t.

"TWILIGHT! YOU CAN DO IT! DEFEAT HIM!" Luna shouted. She moan in pain as she attempted to flap her wings, only to have a jolt of pain shoot through her body. "DO IT FOR US! FOR…. OUR FOAL!"

Twilight shouted in anger. She infused all the magic she could muster, all the magic she had inside of her, and fired her last attack. Moneybags’ eyes widen in horror, "No…. NO!" he shouted, as with Twilight’s magic consuming his own. His magic was strengthening Twilight’s, making her attack even more powerful. "I…. I can’t… lose! Not against…. FILLYFOOLERS!"

"DO IT TWILIGHT!" Luna shouted. Luna’s ears twitched slightly, hearing her wife screaming even louder. She lifted her head slightly when a large blast of magic shot into the sky. Luna closed her eyes, opening them slightly, seeing the balcony half destroyed.

"Luna!" Twilight shouted running towards the burnt edges.

"Twilight," Luna said smiling at her. She looked down with a magical aura surrounding her. Twilight gently placed Luna on the balcony, before taking her wife in her hooves.

"We did it…." Twilight said tightening her hold around her.

"Where’s Moneybags?" Luna hesitantly asked, quickly looking around for any signs of his presence.

"Gone…. I felt…. His body being…. Well, you know." Twilight said looking away from her, "He’s gone."

Luna smiled big before she stole a kiss from Twilight’s lips. "We did it…. Twilight. It's finally over…. we did it!" Luna cheered.

"Don’t be so sure about it," a voice spoke. Twilight and Luna quickly turned around, when a hoof struck them in the face. Both mares slid against the ground, and tumble over the edge of the balcony. Twilight shouted, managing to flap her wings just in time.

"Hang on, Luna!" Twilight shouted looking down at her, as Luna held onto Twilight’s back hooves.

"Twilight! Use teleportation!" Luna shouted.

"I can’t…. I used up all of my magic!" Twilight shouted, her wings struggling to keep them air born. Twilight wasn’t going to admit it, but Luna was much heavier than the average pony. For a mare who spent most of her life on the ground, her wings weren’t strong enough to sustain such weight.

"Love, fly to the balcony…. Or land!" Luna said unable to stop herself from looking down.

"I…. I’m trying!" Twilight shouted.

"Such an easy target," Crescent said, standing in front of the two mores, his eyes glancing down at the destroyed balcony. "What a battle! Not surprised my worthless brother failed."

"You’re not upset?" Luna asked quickly adjusting her grip around Twilight’s hooves.

"He might have been my brother, but that doesn’t mean I had to like him," Crescent said with his horn glowing. "I might have found him a pest. But I do approve of his ideal’s of killing, ponies like you two."

"Luna…. I can’t…. Hold us any longer!" Twilight said with tears dripping down on Luna’s cheeks.

Her body can’t take this anymore. After using so much magic from earlier, and now this…. She can’t hold us. Luna thought, desperately trying to find a way out of this. She looks down at the ground below. She could let go, let Twilight save herself. But Crescent would immediately strike her down before she would be able to save herself. Luna couldn’t use her magic either because of the ring or able to fly them to safety with her broken wings.

"Goodbye," Crescent said smiling even more, "Have a nice time burning in hell!"

Crescent narrowed his eyes at the two mares. He was about to fire his lethal attack when Twilight and Luna suddenly drop to the ground below. Twilight had managed to soften their fault with her wings, but the fall was still rough. Both mares struck the ground, hard.

"Just great," Crescent mumble, quickly teleporting to the ground below. He sighed in annoyance, looking down at the soft cross underneath his hooves. He took a deep breath of the night air, smiling at the sight of the two mares groaning in pain.

"Twilight…. Are you alright?" Luna moan in pain. She wrenches slightly and touched her wings slightly. The Moon Princess was unfortunate to fall against her wings. The pain running through her body was intolerable, but Luna was able to keep it inside. Luna smiled slightly with Twilight giving a slight nod of the head.

"Now, don’t move. I don’t want to dirty my coat." Crescent said. He smiled and focused his magic once more. He was about to fire his attack when he was suddenly tackled by two Pegasus stallions. He grunted with his face being pressed down against the ground. His eyes quickly darting from side to side, seeing more hooves around him. Dammit! Reinforcements.

"THE RING! NOW!" a familiar voice shouted.

Twilight turned her head at the sound of the voice, she smiled seeing her, "Shining!" Twilight cheered.

"What?!" Crescent shouted. He struggled to free himself from the hold of the two Pegasus guardpony. His horn lit up when his magic was quickly cut off, "An anti-magical ring….."

"Luna! Twilight!" Celestia shouted rushing to their side. Twilight and Luna slowly, but painfully sat up on their hooves. They both smiled at the solar princess, "Are you both alright?"

"I’m alright, sister," Luna said smiling at her. She had never been so happy to see her sister in her entire life! Celestia removed the ring from around Luna’s horn, "Thank you."

"Your wings…." Celestia said gently brushing her hoof against them, feeling her sister flinch slightly at her touch.

"I’ll be alright, Tia," Luna replied hugging her sister, groaning slightly in pain.

"Did you two fall from…. Up there?" Celestia asked looking up at the broken balcony above, "Are you two seriously injured?!"

"No, I don’t think so." Luna said glancing at Twilight, who simply nodded her head ‘no’. Luna sighed in relief, at least Twilight wasn’t seriously injured. "Thank you. If you hadn’t arrived when you did…."

"Don’t say it…." Celestia said wrapping her hooves around the smaller alicorn mare.

"Ouch…" Luna yelp.

Celestia quickly released her hold, "I’m so sorry."

"Celestia!" Twilight said hugging her sister in law, "Thank you!"

"Twilight!" Celestia smiled nuzzling the purple mare’s cheeks, "Thank goodness, you’re both alright."

"Just a bit beat up." Luna teased

"Where’s Moneybags?" Celestia asked

"Gone and he won’t be back," Twilight said smiling at them both. Her eyes moved away from the two princesses, stopping at Crescent who was currently being chained down.

"Place another anti-magic ring!" Shining ordered glaring down at the stallion, "Do not allow! This filth to escape, do you understand me?!"

"Yes, Captain!" the guardponies said quickly saluting him.

"Bring him to the interrogation room! I want to know who this mole is!" Shining said

"And use any means." Celestia said with a death glare, "Anything….! I want Crescent to talk and tell us who this mole is."

"At once, your majesty," a Pegasus pony said with a quick bow.

At least the rat dead! Crescent thought smiling at himself

"What’s with the smug?" Celestia asked slowly walking towards him, "Speak Crescent!"

"Just happy somepony died," Crescent said spitting on the ground, "That’s all."

"Well, I doubt you’re talking about my sister and her wife. So, you must be talking about Flash Sentry! We stopped the attacked on his life. Your associates…. Well, not the brightest bunch." Shining said walking over to Crescent before striking him in the face.

"What….? Those fools!" Crescent shouted grunting slightly, as Shining pulled him closer to his face. Crescent glared into Shining’s eyes, "You don’t scare me, Captain."

"We’ll see about that." Shining said before punching him out cold, "Take him! I’m going to handle his interrogation personally."

The guardponies nodded before dragging the unconscious unicorn away. Shining removed his helmet and threw it the ground. He quickly rushing to his sister’s side, and into a tight embrace. Twilight yelp in pain with Shining immediately loosening his grip.

"Oh! I’m so sorry, Twily!" He said

"It's alright," she replied

"Thank Celestia," Shining said gently giving his sister another hug.

"Just beaten up, BBBFF," Twilight said smiling back at her brother.

"I’m just…. so, relieved you’re alright." He whispered burying his muzzle into his sister’s mane.

"Its finally over," Twilight spoke softly

Chapter 10

View Online

Tears of a Princess

A few days passed since the incident had occurred. Luna and Twilight went to Canterlot hospital. Twilight was treated for her minor injuries and was stated not to practice magic for a week. Allowing her body to recover from the extensive usage. Doctors placed cast around Luna’s wings and examined her midsection for any damages. To Twilight’s relief, they hadn’t found a single thing. They were both released and return to Canterlot since Twilight’s castle was under repair.

"Oh, my... Luna, I didn’t know you were so happy to see me." Twilight cheerfully teased, as she entered their bedroom with the door closing behind her.

A glare formed on the lunar princess’s face. She looked back at her extended wings, which was also a sign of arousle for Pegasus ponies. "Not funny! Why couldn’t they use magic to fix my wings?" Luna asked.

"The unicorn doctor, who has the ability to perform such a spell is on vacation. And by the time, he returns your wings will be healed up. And I can’t use my magic for the time being." Twilight explained nuzzling gently her wife’s chest. "And Celestia.... well, she finds it amusing. And probably has no intentions on speeding up your healing process."

"Why wouldn’t the doctor allow me to do it? I know the spell." Luna commented crossing her hooves.

"Celestia said, you’re out of practice with that spell. You could make your injuries worst." Twilight replied with a chuckle, seeing how annoyed her wife is. Just like a foal would be, after its mother would say no.

"Well.... this is very uncomfortable," Luna said glancing back at her wings once more.

"The moment I am able to use my magic. I’ll make sure to heal your wings, alright?" Twilight said with a smile.

"The moment! Doctors give you the all clear, let me know, love." Luna said before she gently taps Twilight’s nose.

"Has... Celestia got anything from Crescent?" Twilight asked.

Luna shook her head in response before she spoke, "Shining is giving him.... well, the ‘royal’ treatment. And he hasn’t said a single word. We won’t know who the mole is from Crescent. But Shining assured us most of Moneybags followers have been caught. Quill Golden and his friends, easily gave in and told us everything. Where their base was located and who was apart of this.... hate group. But they weren’t aware of who the mole was."

"At least it’s over...." Twilight said sighing in relief. She could finally take a breath, knowing that the major threat was finally over. Moneybags was dead, Crescent imprison, and all their followers have been taken down. There was only one pony left.

"Well find him, love," Luna spoke softly, wrapping Twilight into a comforting embrace.

"We can finally focus on each other," Twilight replied nuzzling against Luna’s coat. "Even if you are ‘happy’ to see me" the purple mare teased, gently taping the Lunar princess upright wings.

"Oh! You’re going to get it! For the wings and the moonbutt comment!" Luna playfully teased, pushing her wife to the ground.

"Who’s the mole!" Shining shouted as he paced around the beaten stallion.

Crescent chuckled softly. His body was bruised and cut, his face was swollen from being punched multiple times. His horn broken; an extreme punishment for unicorns’ criminals. "Who indeed," Crescent replied moving his chained hooves slightly.

"You will never see the outdoor of a prison cell again! I recommend you speak up! And tell us who this mole is!" Shining shouted.

"Why the ring? You’ve broken my horn already. I can’t use magic." Crescent causally asked with a grin on his face. "It’s a little bit.... excessive don't you think?"

"We're taking every precaution. Now, answer me! How many moles are within the royal guards?" Shining asked once more.

"As long as one of us stands. Those fillyfoolers will never be safe. Our group will be reborn because of him. I’m not telling you a single thing." Crescent replied before erupting into laughter.

Shining growled and punched Crescent, knocking the stallion out cold. "Take him to his cell! Treat any wounds and wash him up! I don’t want him dying any time soon!" Shining ordered. He grabs a cloth with his magic and removed the blood from his hooves.

"Yes, your highness," the guardpony said with a quick salute.

Who is he?! Who is this mole... Shining thought to himself. He opened the door and glance back at Crescent being dragged away. I’ll find him... no matter what! I will not allow my sister to be harmed again.

Twilight and Luna walked into Flash’s room. Both mares sigh seeing Flash was still in the same condition as before. The poor Pegasus stallion was still hooked up to machines and his coma state sleep.

"What if.... he never wakes up," Twilight said glancing back at the lunar princess. "He stays like this.... forever?"

"Don’t lose faith, love," Luna said placing a hoof on her shoulder. "I may not be able to enter his dreams, but you shouldn’t lose faith."

"Can you.... try again? Enter his dreams and ask if he’s alright?" Twilight asked with her voice starting to well up.

"Love, I’ve already tried before and nothing happened," Luna said sighing softly.

"Please, Luna.... please... try again..." Twilight beg with tears starting to overflow.

A soft sigh left the moon princess’ mouth. She gave a small nod of the head, "Alright love, one more time."

Twilight sat down next to his bedside and gently held his hoof. She looks back at Luna, "Thank you, Luna"

Luna closed her eyes with her horn surrounded in a white glow. The dream realm surrounded her as she opened her eyes. She looked around the empty realm with very few door’s present. It was the day, after all, not many ponies would be sleeping at this hour. She would usually encounter ponies, who worked at night. And ponies who were up all night, like Twilight does on occasions.

"Flash Sentry...." Luna mutter to herself. She quickly scanned the doors, searching for any sign of Flash’s dreams.

"Princess Twilight," a voice said. Twilight looked back and gave a small smile to Doctor Heart. The stallion gave a slight bow of his head, "Came to see Flash today?"

"How is he?" Twilight asked

"We are afraid Flash Sentry might be brain dead," Heart explained with a deep sight. He gently placed his clipboard down, "The machines are the only things keeping him alive."

"What…. NO!" Twilight cried out quickly looking back at the orange Pegasus. "I thought Flash’s wounds weren’t serious?!"

"The wounds were more serious than we originally thought," Heart explained as he stared at Flash as well. "Flash’s mother is considering turning the machines off."

"But… how could…. How could she do that to her own son?! Flash might wake up!" Twilight shouted with tears overflowing. She didn’t want to lose him, she just couldn’t. "Flash barely started his life! He’s not even twenty-five! How could…. his mother just give up on him!"

"I do apologise, princess. But Flash’s mother has the last say, and she believes her son will never wake up." Heart explained noticing Luna had returned from the Dream Realm.

"I… I’m a princess of Equestria, a-and I order you not to turn those machines off!" Twilight shouted in desperation.

Heart sighed once more. He understood why Twilight was making such crazy demands, but it wasn’t easy to handle none the less. "Your majesty, I can’t allow you to issue such an order."

"Twilight," Luna said walking over to the heartbroken mare. She gently placed a hoof around her wife and gave her a kiss on her forehead. "Losing a dear friend like Flash isn’t easy, especially at his young age. Celestia and I have lost many friends throughout the years. And losing a friend never gets easy. But…… Flash is gone. I couldn’t sense his mind or soul. What you see here…. is just an empty shell of what he used to be."

"Luna…," Twilight spoke in surprise

"I know, love, I know." Luna quickly responded as she tightens her hold around her wife. "This isn’t easy. You care about Flash, you love him in your own way. But keeping him like this. You know, this isn’t something he would have wanted. His mother has accepted her son’s fate, and you should too. Flash will always live on inside of you, love." Luna said as she gently placed her other hoof over Twilight’s heart, "His physical body might be gone, but he will live on through you."

"Princess if I may? I’m certain Flash wouldn’t want you to remember him like this." Heart said. He gave a quick motion of his head towards Flash’s direction, "He would probably want you to remember him with a smile. The good times you two shared, not the sad times like today."

"I…. don’t want to see Flash like this…." Twilight whispered as she gently strokes his hoof. Twilight closed her eyes, she was tired of seeing Flash’s broken body.

"Than…. It's time to let him go," Heart said with a compassionate smile, "There is nothing else we can do."

"Can…. we say our goodbyes?" Twilight asked

"Of course, you can, princess." Heart said walking towards the door, "I will inform Princess Celestia about this."

"Thank you," Luna said before the door closed. Luna turned back towards Twilight, she gave her a nuzzle. "Just let it out, love. Don’t hold anything back…. Flash will hear you wherever he is."

Twilight sniffled and quickly whipped away some tears. She took a deep breath after she managed to compose herself. "Flash…. thank you so much for giving me your friendship. You’ve changed my life…. after what happened in that alternate world. You were so understanding…. You weren’t mad at me…… when I didn’t return your feelings. We became friends…. such close friends. I can’t thank you enough for being a part of my life…. I’m so sorry your life had to end this way. I…. I hope your happy where you are…."

Luna rested her head against Twilight’s, as she held the crying mare. Luna rubbed her hoof along Twilight’s back, "Shh…. Just let it out, love." Luna said. She looked over at Flash and smiled at him, "Flash Sentry, you are an outstanding soldier and Equestria owes you much. You stopped a possible assassination attempt all on your own. And for that, Equestria than- No, I thank you for your service. I wouldn’t have Twilight if it weren’t for your bravery. I can’t thank you enough, Flash. You are truly a hero of Equestria and shall be honoured as such."

Celestia stood in front of a crowd of ponies. Guardponies stood alongside an Equestrian flag-draped coffin of their fallen comrade, their heads hung low. Twilight along with her friends, Flash’s mother, and everyone who had known the Pegasus stallion. Softly wept.

"I’ve failed you, Flash." Captain Silver whispered gently placing a hoof over the coffin, "Please forgive me."

Silver backed away from the coffin. He adjusted his formal uniform and nodded at the guardponies. Each guardponies walked over to the coffin, paying their respects and their final goodbyes. They returned to their post and fired a 21 salute of thunder.

"In honour of Flash Sentry," Celestia spoke standing next to her sister, "A commemorative statue of him will be erected. It will be placed in the hall of heroes inside of Canterlot Castle, along with one in the gardens. We owe much to Flash Sentry. He will never be forgotten from ponies’ hearts."

"Farewell, Flash," Shining whispered. He took a deep breath and held back his tears. He turned to the guardponies and saluted them. A quick salute was returned as a trumpet sang its sad tune. Two unicorns walked over to the coffin, gently removing the Equestrian Flag. They stared at each other as they neatly folded the flag into a small triangle.

Silver took the folded flag from the two stallions and walked over to Flash’s mother. "Mrs. Sentry," Silver said as he saluted her, "Your son was a hero. If you need any assistance in any form. Please let us know. Me or any of the princesses of Equestria."

"Thank you," the light-yellow Pegasus said. She took the flag from Silver’s hooves and stared down with tears dripping over it. "Flash lost his father at such a young age…. he was a royal guard just like my son used to be. That’s why…. Flash became a guardpony…… and now…. they’re probably catching up…" the mare said before breaking into tears. She brought over the flag and covered her face with it. "I lost them….. I lost them both….."

Twilight couldn’t bear it anymore. She walked over to the crying mare and embraced her, "Misty…. I’m so sorry. Flash…. He was a great stallion. Any mare would have been lucky to be with him…. he would have made any mare happy. He made me happy…. and I’m so thankful for having him in my life."

Misty Sentry simply hugged Twilight in return and wept into her shoulder.

"Lower it," Celestia said turning to the guardponies.

Spearhead softly landed on the moist grass. He walked over the freshly buried grave, standing in front of the gravestone. He had to wait for the ceremony to be over, and for ponies to finally leave before he could make his move. "Flash Sentry…. Son, friend, and soldier. Honoured hero of Equestria. Will always live on in ponies’ hearts…." He read and gag slightly. "They couldn’t have been more creative? The entire cemetery has the exact same thing."

Spearhead approached the gravestone, carelessly stepping on top of the soft dirt of the grave. He stared down at the headstone. He ran his hoof along the engrave cutie mark, text, and a small miniature statue of the fallen stallion.

"You were so close, Flash." Spearhead said with a smile. He snicker and pushed over the flowers, that had been placed on top of the grave. He pulled out a dark rose from his saddle, and placed it on top of the headstone, "But not close enough."

Chapter 11

View Online

Tears of a Princess

A year passed since the downfall of Moneybags. Twilight and Luna resumed their normal routine, spending half of the year in Canterlot and the other half in Ponyville. Carrying out their royal duties and handling any new threats that would arise. Twilight sighed as she leaned against the window frame of the train. She was returning from her latest friendship problem with Fluttershy.

A year already.... it still feels like it was yesterday. Twilight thought to herself.

"Twilight," a shy voice called out. Twilight looked back and smiled at the yellow Pegasus. "How are things with you and Luna?"

"Just great. We both returned to our normal routine. I mean.... not everything is back to how it used to be." Twilight said sighing slightly, before placing back a smile on her face.

"You’re talking about Flash, right?" Fluttershy asked. Twilight gave a nod of the head in response. "He sure was a great stallion. I do hope his mother is alright?"

"Don’t worry about Misty. She’s doing fine now. Misty is apart of our lives now. We make sure to invite her for every holiday, so she isn’t alone. And we spend a lot of time with her as well." Twilight spoke with fond memories returning.

"Flash would be so happy to hear that. He’s probably grateful towards you for taking such good care of his mother." Fluttershy said.

"I know he is," Twilight said wrapping a wing around her. "But how are things with you and Discord?"

Fluttershy quickly turned her head away from Twilight. Her hair hiding her very bright cheeks. Fluttershy and Discord had just recently started dating. And the Pegasus was still shy about the topic.

"Come on. I want to know how Discord is around you? He’s sure his typical chaotic self around everypony else." Twilight playfully teased, giving a nudge to Fluttershy side.

"Just fine...." Fluttershy whispered in a very soft tone, making Twilight lean closer to hear her better. "Discord is very nice.... hmm...."

Twilight let out a laugh, as she gave Fluttershy a quick hug. "I’m glad you’ve found somepony, Fluttershy. Rainbow and Soarin are doing great together. Rarity and Applejack too. And Pinkie and Cheese? Those two throw the best parties together." Twilight said smiling. She was so glad her friends, we're starting to find their very own special some ponies. But what surprised her the most was Applejack and Rarity. They were both complete opposite from each other. One is a farm pony and the other a fashionista, both dislike the other’s lifestyle and yet they found love.

"Me too, Twilight," Fluttershy replied smiling back at her.

Twilight sighed when she felt something in the back of her throat. She placed her hoof in front of her mouth, hoping whatever it was would pass by.

"Twilight? Are you alright?" Fluttershy asked with a concerned tone.

"Hm…." Twilight cleared her voice slightly. She lowered her hoof and nodded, "I’ll be fine…. It must be something I ate."

"Are you sure? I can get you some water, or maybe some ginger ale if you want?" she said seeing Twilight place her hoof back over her mouth. "I can ask if there’s a nurse or a doctor on the train."

"Its…. Alright…. I’ll be-!" Twilight couldn’t hold it in any longer. She quickly ran out of her seat and straight to the bathroom. Fluttershy gasp with the yellow Pegasus following suit.

"Here you go, princess," the conductor said, as he placed down a cup of water next to the sick mare. "I can ask for a doctor once we arrive in Ponyville?"

Twilight took the water with her magic before taking a sip. She shifted slightly in her seat, "No… no its alright. It must be something I ate earlier." Twilight replied, not wanting to bother so many ponies for something so small.

"Twilight, maybe you should see a doctor." Fluttershy said placing a hoof on top of Twilight’s, "You should get yourself check just to be certain."

"Fluttershy, It's probably a bug or something. I’m sure after some time I’ll be fine." Twilight insisted. She looked around and didn’t like having so many ponies’ eyes on her.

"Princess Twilight," the conductor said smiling at her, "Please allow me to call for a doctor. It would put my mind to ease."

Twilight let out a large sigh, "Alright…. go ahead…." she said in defeat.

"Thank you, princess." The conductor said giving a bow of his head, "Would like for me to inform Princess Luna about this?"

"No, no, it's alright. I don’t want to worry about something so minor," Twilight quickly responded with a nervous smile. "There is no need to alert Princess Luna about this."

"Of course, princess." The conductor said. He gave another bow of his head before leaving.

Fluttershy waited for the conductor to leave before she spoke, "Are you sure, Twilight? Why don’t you want Luna to know about this? What if its something serious?"

"Right now, it's just the stomach flu, and nothing else. I’m not going to worry Luna about every small thing that happens." Twilight said as she took the last sip of her water. "Its probably nothing."

"Princess Twilight, I believe you’re with foal." The doctor said. He removed his stethoscope from his ears, before placing it back inside of his bag.

"Uh…. excuse me?" Twilight asked in utter shock. She couldn’t believe her ears. Did she seriously hear the doctor correctly, or did she go crazy and will forever be known as ‘the crazy princess of Equestria’?

"You’re with foal. I would estimate…. Around…." the doctor said quickly doing the calculations in his head, "2 or 3 weeks pregnant. Congratulations, Princess Twilight. Have a good day."

Twilight still had her shocked expression, even as the doctor tipped his hat towards her and left. "Uh…. Twilight…. Are you alright?" Fluttershy said, gently tapping Twilight’s shoulder.

"I… uh…. Now I wish it was a bug," Twilight mumbled.

Twilight stood in front of the castle’s doors. She couldn’t believe it, she was pregnant again…. A year after everything has occurred. Maybe it was too soon? Luna and Twilight had talked about trying for another foal, but they hadn’t expected this so soon after the death of their first foal.

Is Luna even going to be happy about this? Its so soon…. I don’t think I’m even ready for this. Twilight sighed deeply and loudly. She mustered up the strength to open the doors. "Luna," Twilight said walking inside of the castle. She placed her saddle against a chair and walked around the castle.

"Love," Luna smiled walking towards her wife, "You’re back."

Twilight smiled slightly, her minding wondering off as she felt Luna embrace her. "How was your friendship trip or mission?" Luna asked.

"A little bit of feuding between two families. I thought I could solve this, but I didn’t expect a couple of animals to have the answer. Either way, those families have made up and are now working together." Twilight said, feeling a kiss being stolen from her lips. "What about you?" she asked once they had parted.

"Boring royal work, nothing new. How was the train ride?" Luna said. Twilight looked away from her. She wasn’t sure how to tell Luna they were expecting a foal. Half of her mind was thinking on how to tell Luna, while the other half thinking about every worst outcome. "Twilight? What’s bothering you?" Luna worriedly asked.

"I got sick on the train, and the conductor called for a doctor." Twilight began to explain, seeing Luna’s worried expression grow. "He said it wasn’t a bug. He told me…. I was pregnant."

A long silence filled the castle. It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop on the other side of the room. Twilight and Luna stared at each other for what seems to be an eternity. Neither one knew what to say.

"Luna…," Twilight spoke, finally breaking the silence between them. She took a deep breath before she continued, "I understand this is…. much earlier than planned, and I’m not too sure how I should feel about this."

"A foal? We’re going to have another foal?" Luna asked once more. Twilight sighed and nodded in response, "Maybe this was meant to happen, love."

"How so?" Twilight asked

"It's much sooner than planned, yes, but we shouldn’t see this… miracle as a bad thing. Maybe we were meant to have a foal at this time for a reason." Luna said smiling at her wife.

"I think you’re overthinking this, Luna," Twilight replied sitting down.

Luna chuckled slightly, "I believe your right. I’m happy about this Twilight." Luna said pulling her wife into a hug, "Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled about this. It's unexpected and sudden, yes, but I’m still happy about it. Are you?"

"Well…. I’m not too sure really." Twilight replied sighing deeply, nuzzling against Luna’s coat. "Its only been a year since our…. the first foal died. Isn’t this a bit soon?"

"A little…. I’ll admit it. But I know together we can get through this." Luna said as she gently placed her head on top of Twilight’.

Twilight smiled with her hooves wrapping around Luna’s midsection. She nuzzled some more against her wife’s coat, enjoying the sweet perfume Luna was wearing. "I have a question for you."

"What is it, love?" the lunar princess asked

"Do you think the foal will be an alicorn like Flurry?" Twilight asked looking up at her moon princess.

"Uh…. Hm? I’m not too sure, actually." Luna said taking a moment to think, "Flurry Heart is the only born alicorn. We can go by statistics…. or theories this…. hm."

"If the foal is a colt. He would be the first male alicorn, right?" Twilight asked placing her hoof under her chin, "Uh…. That would be something remarkable."

"Oh, I haven’t thought about that! Yes, love! You do have a point! It would be the first male alicorn." Luna said smiling, "This is exciting!"

"We have to research this!" Twilight said quickly getting back on her hooves and heading straight to the library.

"Let me help you, love," Luna said

Luna nervously paced around the waiting room. She was annoyed the doctors wouldn’t allow her to be with her wife. She didn’t see the harm! It’s not like, the Lunar princess was going to deliver the foal herself. She just wanted to be there with her wife.

"Luna, I’m sure everything is going well," Celestia said with her head following her sister’s pacing.

"Why wouldn’t they allow me to go with her?! Are they worried, I was going to deliver the foal myself?! No! I’m the princess of the night! Not the princess of doctors." Luna ranted with her pacing taking up speed.

"Luna, just calm down. If anything goes wrong. She’s in fine and capable hooves." Celestia reassured, or at least attempted to.

"I've been working on that healing spell! And I'm perfectly capable of performing it. If anything happens to Twilight because they wouldn’t allow me to be with her! I'm sending them to the moon!" Luna growled with her eyes narrowing.

"Uh.... well, let’s hope that doesn’t happen, dear sister." Celestia replied with a nervous chuckle, "for their sake."

"Princess Luna," the two sisters looked back, seeing Heart standing in the doorway. "Everything went well. Princess Twilight did a fantastic job and is now resting now. congratulations you have a colt." Heart said smiling at her.

"Is it.... an alicorn?" Celestia asked

Heart shook his head before he replied, "Just a unicorn, Princess. An ordinary unicorn foal."

"He will Probably have strong magical abilities in the future. Maybe the same magical abilities as an alicorn.... hm....." Celestia mumbles to herself.

"Can I see them?" She asked smiling at her sister.

"Of course, you can." Heart said.

"I’m an aunt!" Celestia cheered hugging her sister quickly, "I can’t believe it! I’m an aunty!"

The younger sister chuckled softly before she followed Heart. Luna walked inside of the room. A smile grew on the princess’s face, at the sight of her wife and the small bundle in her hooves. Twilight softly nuzzled the foal, earning a giggle from it.

"Love, he’s so beautiful," Luna said sitting down next to Twilight's bedside. She leaned closer and smile at her son. His coat is a gentle melrose, with his moderate purple eyes. His mane is a dark navy-blue mane, with a royal blue streak across it. The Lunar princess stared in disbelief; the streak sparkled like the stars, almost like her own natural flowing mane.

"Look at his streak, love," Luna said pointing to the little tuff of mane.

"It’s like your mane. A night sky full of stars, shining down on ponies. A beautiful night skies." Twilight said hugging her moon princess.

Luna smiled at the comment. She gave Twilight a kiss on the cheek, "His tail must be the same. How odd. And only a small section of his mane is like this, and not his entire thing." Luna mumbled placing a hoof under her chin.

"I have to study his mane later," Twilight teased. The Lunar princess smile and laugh.

"I’m sure our son won’t mind," she said. "I’m surprised my eternal mane found itself on him."

"Makes him unique," Twilight said as she gave her wife a quick nuzzle. "Ponies will know, who his parents are. Aside from being the prince of the night."

Both mares shared a quick laugh with their newborn colt, simply staring in confusion.

"I thought he would be born as an alicorn, like Flurry Heart," Twilight said

"Me too... maybe it’s only a female occurrence," Luna said smiling as the colt suck on her hoof.

"I will have to study this as well," Twilight said.

"So, what should we name him? Uh.... any ideas?" Luna asked as she gently placed her hoof against the colt’s chest.

Twilight gave a small nod of her head. She had the perfect name for him, "We should call him, Nova."

"Nova.... perfect, it suits him very well," Luna said as she gently strokes the colt’s mane.

"Wait... I’m not finished just yet. I want to add something else to his name." Twilight said with tears starting to form. She wouldn’t have all of this if it weren’t for a certain stallion.

Luna smile knowing what her wife was planning to do. "Go ahead, Twilight. What shall be his full name?"

"Nova Sentry," Twilight whispered. She brought the newborn colt to her chest, and gently hug him. She placed her head on top of his, "To honour Flash."

"Nova Sentry, it is," Luna said as she wraps a wing around her new family. "Get ready to meet your crazy family, Nova."