Dreams and shadows

by principessaluna

First published

The two sisters are bored with their lives in Canterlot, and decided to run off and go on an adventure. (Set before season 9)

It was a usal day in court. It has been very boring boring for the princesses. So the night before they tend to make a plan on how to get away from court. So the next day after court day, was the right time to simply run off....

chapter 1

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"And of course there are the taxes that need to be", said some nobel unicorn from Manhatten, but Celestia was lost in her thoughts. It was day court, soon done. "Princess, are you listening?", Celestia got out of her thoughts.

"Oh yes of course.", she said with a soft smile. "I will talk to princess Luna about what we can do about the taxes.", the unicorn nodded, thanked her and left the room. "Was that all for today?", Celestia asked with a hopeful voice.

"Yes princess. You can retire now.", was the reply of Raven. Celestia made her way to the kitchen where she met with Luna for a piece of cake. Or more likely Celestia will eat the whole cake and Luna will be sitting there, watching her sister eat.

"Hello princess.", the guards greeted while she passed by. The sun riser gave them a smile. As she arrived in the kitchen, Luna was eating a piece of cake.

"How dare you to start without me?", the cake lover asked furious as she sat across her sister.

"Not my fault that it took you so long in court.", the younger one answered with a smirk. Both of them laughed.

"So..." "Yes Luna?", it got quiet for a moment.

"Are we REALLY going to do this?", a laugh came out of Celestia.

"Is my little sister scared that Raven will get mad at us for having a bit of fun? After all, it was YOUR idea.", Luna took Celestia's cake away as in reply.

"You're evil...", Luna simply stuck out her tongue and gave the cake back. "We're going to do it like we discussed it last night, right?", Celestia asked.

Last night in the chamber of Celestia;

"Dear princess Celestia,
It's really beautiful here in Las Pegasus. You should really come and visit this place with Luna!
Today my friends, Spike and I visited Applewood.
Can you imagine all the famous ponies we saw! Of course there were a lot of ponies
that recognised us.
Today I learned how hard it is to enjoy the small things in life, when everyone knows you.
You really need to show me that spell where I can transform myself into another pony
Your faithful student
Your faithful princess
Twilight Sparkle

P.s: you are my favourite celebrity. ;)"

Celestia read out loud to her little sister. "This sounds like fun, why can't we ever have fun?", Luna grumbled. Celestia sighed.

"Because we are the rulers of Equestria. We need to look after our subjects."

"But this is not fair Tia! WE should BE allowed to have some time off once in a while." Celestia nuzzled Luna's cheek.

"I know... But we can't Luna, at least not right now."

Luna looked confused. "We can't have fun..?", she thought to herself. "I demand to know why.", Luna said in an angry tone. Celestia shook her head and snuggled next to Luna who was sitting on her queen sized bed.

"Luna....", she started... "With all the tax changes, it's been difficult to do anything other. My day court is full with nobel unicorns, complaining about the new tax rules. I always give them the same reply.", Celestia took a deep breath.

Luna felt a wave of guilt hitting her, for not supporting her sister properly. "But Tia, why didn't you tell me? I could of helped you. Why did you cancel the night court?", Luna tried not to sob. Celestia stared at the wall.

"Because if the night court would be happening, it gives the nobels more time to criticise the new rules. And I didn't want to bother you with that.", Luna slapped her sister with a hoove.

"I love you Celestia, and I appreciate what you do for me. But if you keep looking after everyone but yourself, you might end up being all alone and lonely.", Luna replied.

"That slap hurt...", the sun riser rubbed her cheek.

"You want some cake?", they both smiled at each other and Luna teleported them to Sugarcube Corner. As they entered, they got greeted by the Cakes.

"Princess Celestia, princess Luna! What an honour to see the both of you heere!", mrs. Cake said with a smile.

"We'd like two pieces of cake please.", Luna ordered and sat down at a table with Celestia.
"I apologise that I slapped you Tia. I was just angry...", mrs. Cake brought the cake and Celestia levitated a fork full of cake infront of her.

"It's okay, I needed it." It got silent while they both ate their piece of cake.

"Las Pegasus sounds beautiful. If Twilight is right, I'd really like to go there.", mumbled Luna underneath her breath.

"So do I. Applewood sounds amazing.", Celestia admited. Then suddenly out of nowhere, an idea popped into Luna's head!

"How we just run off for a bit. A week trip! I mean we can still raise and lower the sun and moon, and Raven could take care about the taxed!", the younger one said with proud. Celly shook her head.

"As much as I'd love to, I don't think this would be a good idea."

"Why not?", Celestia had no answer.

"What will happen when we're go-", but she got cut off.

"Twilight and her friends saved Equestria so many times, I'm sure if we're gone for a week they can handle that too.", the sun riser sighed.

"Fine. So how are we gonna od that?", she asked.

Luna explained to Celestia that she needs to finish her day court as usual. In the meantime Luna will pack their things and make sure to put them into the backgarden. They'll travel through the Everfree forest until to Manehatten, and then take the train there to Las Pegasus. And Luna added that she'll also write a note to Raven and leave it in the kitchen after they ate their piece of cake like every day.

--------

"Yes... it was my idea...", Luna blushed.

"You have the note?", the moon riser levitated the note over to Celestia.

"Had to re-write it about four times. I usually don't write letters. You're the better one to do that.", she gaver her sister a soft and warm smile. Celestia put the note underneath the plate.

"Let's go then, shall we?" They both stood up and left the dining hall. They made their way to the backgarden.

As they arrived, they took their bags and started their journey towards the Everfree forest.
"I'm curious Celestia, do you think Discord will like this?"

"What are you talkling about Luna?", Celestia looked in confusion.

"Oh nevermind. As long as he doesn't figure out that we're not around for a while, it should be okay.", Luna smiled.

And so, the journey begins, of two sisters escaping their world of work and searching for the world of dreams.

chapter 2

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"Are you ready?", asked Luna. Celestia thought for a moment.

"Catch me if you can!", and Celestia ran off.

"GET BACK HERE!", Luna screamed and ran after her sister, into the dark Everfree forest.

After a bit, Luna caught Celestia. "I forgot how fast you were little sister.", Luna blushed by that comment.

"Well... I used to have a good "victim" to practice with.", they both laughed as they continued their journey in to the forest.

"Wait, are you talking about me or Discord?", Celestia asked. Luna only smiled and kept walking.
"I forgot why I never liked the Everfree forest... Now I remember why..", Celestia said as she stood in a muddle.

"Ah come on it's not that bad.", Luna replied.

"Yeah, because you enjoy being out here..."

"Don't be silly! Remember when we always sneaked out of the castle and played out here with Dis-", and suddenly the sisters remebered that they had their weekly cake gathering today...

Meanwhile at the canterlot castle...

"I can't believe the princesses did that! They could of talked to me, but no! They just ran off, leaving me with all THEIR work.", Raven complained to Kibitz.

"Well I don't know what happened, I had my vacation", Kibitz said with a smile while Raven gave him a glare.

"And the worst; they have their weekly gathering with Discord T O D A Y!", Raven was about to colapse, but Kibitz catched her.

"Did anyone say my name?", a shadow asked.

"Oh great..", Raven thought to herself.

"Hello Discord!", Kibitz greeted with a smile.

"Kibitz! It's nice to see you! How was your vacation?", Discord asked. While they were talking about Kibitz's vacation, Raven thought of a solution to why the sisters are not here.

"And the food.... You would of loved it there!"

"Oh I am sure I would of!", Raven got annoyed by their talking.

"Mental note to myself: ask the princesses for vacation.", she mumbled.

"Anyway, where are my favourite princesses?", Discord asked. Kibitz wanted to reply but Raven was able to stop him.

"I am truly sorry to disappoint you, but we need to reschedule this. The princesses are in bed with a really bad flu.", she lied, and little drops of sweat were falling off her front. Of course, Discord noticed that, but he acted like he didn't.

"Okay, tell them I said a "get well soon.", and with that Discord left.

"YOU IDIOT, WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO TELL DISCORD THE TRUTH!", Raven shouted at Kibitz.

"He's a good guy, he would have understood it.", Raven hoof-palmed herself and went back to work.

Discord made his way to the kitchen, to grab some cake and see if Fluttershy had some time. As he entered the kitchen, he saw the note. He grabed the cake AND the note and started to read:

Dear Raven
Celestia and I have decided to take a break of our royal duties and to take a week off. We will be spending a week in Las Pegasus. We will, of course, still raise/lower the sun and the moon. We would be very glad if you could handle the tax problem. After all those years of ruling, and never getting any break, it's the best decision we have ever made. When we get back we will talk about your vacation.

Your princesses
Celestia and Luna

P.S Please think about something about the gathering with Discord. We sadly don't have the time to come up with something."

Discord let out an evil laugh. "This was written by Luna, she doesn't really know how to write letters.", he said out loud, even though no one was around. "Mhm... Maybe I should surprise them! Yes! I'll make a short stop by Fluttershy's, then go look for the princesses!", and again, he said it out loud. He grabbed the cake and teleported himself to Fluttershy.

Back in the Everfree forest....

"I'm sure Raven was able to make up a lie.", Luna tried to calm her sister

"And what IF not. He's gonna pull pranks on us all year long.", Celestia was breathing heavily. They stopped for a moment and Luna took her in to a big hug.

"Everything will be fine. Just try to enjoy the vacation for now.", the younger whispered. Celestia nuzzled Luna's cheek as reply. Celestia took a deep breath, and so, they continued their journey.

"How long until we are at the castle Luna?", the sun goddess asked while she was yawning. "I... getting pretty tired."

"Just a few more minutes. Be patient, we will arrive soon.", the moon goddess said. She looked up and realised it was time to raise the soon.

As they continued to walk, Celestia stopped, as she took a seat half asleep on the ground. Luna woke her up. "Tiiiiiaaaa, you need to lower the suwwn so I can raise the mooowwn!, Luna said with her cutest voice. Tia looked into Luna's beautiful eyes, got up and smiled. She was glad to have her little sister back in her life. What would she do without her? So, together they did their job, as every princess would do.

"Are we there yet?, minutes passed when they lowered the sun and raised the moon. Celestia has been annoying Luna with questions like that the entire time.

"For Faust's sake Celestia, we're gonna be there in a few minutes!"

"You keep telling me that all the time!", Celestia complained. Luna rolled her eyes and smiled, but so, that her sister couldn't see it.

"Oh look Tia! We finally arrived. We can spend the night here!", Celestia smiled. She followed Luna inside the castle. It didn't look as terrible as it did when Luna became Nightmare Moon. The mane 6 cleaned the castle and gave it some colour. "I must say...", Luna started... "Rarity does have some taste."

"Well... She isn't called the best designer in Ponyville for nothing.", Celestia answered.

"The mane 6 did a great job. I wish we could move back here...", Luna admitted. She lowered her ears as a sign of sadness. Celestia nuzzled Luna's cheek.

"I know my little sister. But don't be sad, we will visit it more often, I promise.", Celestia said with a soft smile on her face.

"Pinkie promise?", Luna mumbled.

"Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.", the sun goddess said as she made the movements.

They both made a small tour through the castle. They didn't need any candles., the moonshine, which was shining through the windows, gave them enough light. Of course, they both tried all sorts of pranks and secret doors they had built into their castle. The castle was quite different than the one in Canterlot. The one in Canterlot is quite more modern. No traps and pranks, just old dusty books. Luna loved the Everfree forest. At night she would sneak out to go and play with Melvin. Luna missed this place.

"I think we should take a rest now Lulu.", Celestia suggested. They went to the old room of Celestia, and Luna started a fire to keep them warm. Celestia lifted the blanked and put it over herself and Luna. As she snuggled with Luna, Celestia noticed how relaxed Luna was. "It's nice to see you so relaxed."

"Same goes to you big sis.", Luna said.

"Hey... Do you remember...."

And so, they told each other so many stories what they did when they were in this room.
As a kid, Luna was never able to sleep on her own, so she always sneaked into Celestia's room.
"Okay enough talking.", Celestia expressed with her soft voice.

"I shall take care of your dreams tonight.", Luna said with a light smile.
They snuggled real close together, the blanket still over them and the fire still burning.

And so, the two princesses drifted off to a dream world.

chapter 3

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"This feels quite realxing..", Celestia told herself as she sank deeper into the hot water. "Japan is the next stop we will run away to. Japan is beautiful especially in spring, with all the cherry blossoms. Sadly this only a dream...", Celestia took a deep breath and dove into the water and came up.

She got out of the water and started to walk into a forest full of cherry blossoms. "Mhm... Luna really gave me a pleasent dream. I should thank her when I wake up in the morning. Even if we're on vacation, she always takes care of others.", Celestia mentally noted her statement.

As she passed by more trees, her hair was full with cherry blossoms. The sun princess smiled. It has been a while since she truly felt relaxed. With all that work on her hooves, she hasn't gotten much free time, and she's glad she gets to spend it with her sister. Suddenly a shadow past by... Celestia tried to follow the shadow but lost it.

"Who could have been the shadow?", she asked herself. As she kept walking and enjoying the breeze, she saw the shadow again. She stopped and screamed "Who are you?" Suddenly out of the shadow comes a pony, to be specific, an unicorn.

"Hello Celly...", the mysterious unicorn said.

"Jackie?", Celestis said out of surprise.

"Yes, want to walk with me?", he asked with his charm.

"Uh.. sure!", and so Celestia and Jackie continued their walk.

"Why is he in my dreams?", the sun goddess asked herself.

Luna who was flying over them, as she was watching Celestia's dream, saw Jackie too. "Jackie? It sounds so familiar.", the dream keeper thought to herself.

"So, what have you been up to?", Jackie asked.

"Well... I have a school for gifted unicorns, I rule Equestria with my sister Luna...", she explained all what happened since they last saw each other.

"As pleasing as this sounds, I must get going.", he said with a wide smile. As he left, everything turned black and Celestia saw Luna dead on the ground. Celestia's hooves were full with blood and on the wall was written: "YOUR FAULT".

Tia woke up screaming and bathed in cold sweat. Luna woke up too and gave Celestia a worried look. "Everything okay sister?", Luna asked calmly.

"I-I just had a nightmare, that's all...", Celestia tried to lie. Luna dropped the subject and hugged her sister.

"We should probably get a few more hours of sleep before we leave.", Luna said. They both snuggled again and fell asleep.

Meanwhile...

"My plan is working out quite well!", Jackie said as he got back from Celestia's dream. Jackie learnt that spell after he lost touch with Celestia. They used to be childhood friends. Starswirl and his parents used to be friend. They met once a week to have some tea and chat. Celestia and Jackie used to play a lot, while Luna was focused trying to improve her magic. Of course, they teased her all the time. At some point Luna got jealous of them.

And that led to Luna becoming to Nightmare Moon and Celestia slowly distanced herself from Jackie. Jackie on the other hand, didn't know about the struggles between the sisters, so he thought that Celestia thought that he wasn't worth being her friend.

After Celestia banished her sister to the moon, she lost touch completely with Jack. Few months later Jack's parents died and he took over the family business. They were nobel ponies, they ran in the tax buisness, Jack still does 'till this day. After he took over the business, he started to practice more magic to manipulate dreams of others,

And after he started that, he was known as "Shadow knife". Because Jack was only seen as a show, which vanished with a sound of a knife. He looked at the picture of Celestia and him. "Soon you'll be mine again, nothing and no one will come between us, I promise.", he said to himself and smiled. He checked the clock, it said 3 am. "I should get back to sleep, today will be a long day, full with taxes...", he sighed and went back to sleep.

Back to the princesses...

They fell back to sleep. After a few hours they woke up. Celestia's eye bags had eye bags.
"Ugh... My head hurts.", the sun goddess complained.

"Want some tea?", a voice asked which wasn't Luna's voice.

"Ye-... Wait...", Celestia turned around and saw that it was Discord instead of Luna. "DISCORD WHERE IS LUNA AND WHY ARE YOU HERE?!?", she screamed at him. "Ow... my head...", Tia whispered.

"Well...", Discord started. "Luna is still in the dream realm, and I am here because you two really thought you could away with such a letter? And the fact that Raven had to make up a lie for the two of you, how disappointing. You should have known better Celestia.", Discord said with a serious face. Celestia rubbed her face and grabed the letter with her magic.

"Note to myself; never let Luna write another letter EVER again.", Celestia noted mentally as she read the letter. She let the letter disappear infront of them. As Celestia wanted to start talking again, Luna came back from the dream realm.

"Oh great...", Luna muttered underneath her breath. Discord let out an evil laugh. "uhm...", Luna started, "It's time to raise the sun Celestia.", Luna explained.

After they did their duty, they came back to pack their things.

"What do you want Discord?", Luna asked. Discord thought for a moment.

"How come that I didn't get invited to your vacation?", he asked.

Celestia let out an annoying sigh. "Because this is a SISTER vacation. The last time I checked you weren't a sister of ours.", Celestia tried to explain calmly. And as we all know Discord, he transformed himself into Celestia's and Luna's mother.

"I am very disappointed with you.", Discord said in the mother's voice.

"Don't play games with us Discord.", Luna said as she started to charge her magic.

Discord transformed back. "Fine, fine...", Discord gave in.

And so... The sisters had to figure out a plan to get rid of Discord.