> If I Could Turn Back Time > by ShotgunNeko > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Cooking up a scheme > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Are we done here?” Twilight spat, turning to Luna and Cadence. Luna nodded. “Good. I can’t handle another second with HER.” The purple Alicorn nodded in Celestia’s direction, flapping her wings for good measure. Celestia’s eyes narrowed. “How dare you speak of me that way?” Celestia countered. “After everything I’ve done for you...” she trailed off. It was Twilight’s turn to narrow her eyes. “Oh excuse me your highness. I forgot that the world revolves around your royal flank.” “How dare you mock my royal flank?” Celestia roared, her voice booming. It had been eons since anypony besides Luna had used the royal voice, but these days it seemed fitting when dealing with her former pupil Twilight Sparkle. Apparently a millennium of barbs and digs with Twilight had a rather unpleasant effect on her vocal chords. The two had once been extremely close. They shared at the time, what had seemed like an unbreakable bond of friendship and then ultimately their friendship turned to love. Unfortunately although many an equestrian love song will tell you that love is “a many splendored thing”, or “love lifts you up where you belong”, and “all you need is love”. Love is also hard work. It takes time, patience and effort. Somehow along the way Celestia and Twilight had let it slip away from them. Now where there was once love, bitterness and anger covered both of the stubborn mare’s hearts. “Whatever.” Twilight mumbled. Luna and Cadence exchanged worried glances. They knew how much Celestia hated the word “whatever”. If you wanted to piss somepony off, the best way to do it was to shrug your shoulders and whisper that one annoying word. Celestia’s face grew red, her anger rising. Luna could practically see the steam pouring from her sister’s ears. Twilight grinned. There was nothing she had enjoyed more in the past thousand years then being able to get the better of Celestia. She bowed her head to Luna and Cadence, before trotting to the door. As soon as Twilight was out of the room, Celestia fell to the ground in a heap. Luna once again exchanged a glance with Cadence. Cadence nodded and her horn began to glow. Not wanting Celestia to catch on to what they were up to, Luna trotted over to her sister. “Celestia.” She started. “This vendetta between you and Twilight cannot continue. As Alicorns we are forced to work together for the sake of Equestria. We need each other, all of us together.” Celestia sighed. Why did Luna suddenly sound like the older sister? She knew Luna was of course right, but she didn’t have to like it. “I don’t need her.” She scoffed. “And she clearly doesn’t need me.” The last part was spoken in a whisper, but still loud enough that Luna had heard it. She smiled inwardly as she looked back to Cadence whose horn had stopped glowing. Cadence had her eyes closed as if she was absorbing some sort of information. Celestia finally managed to pull herself together. “I’m sorry. I wish it didn’t have to be this way between her and I. I hate that we pull the two of you into our sordid mess.” “Cadence and I understand that you two have been through much together. There is a very thin line between love and hate.” At this Celestia blushed. There was no use trying to deny it. Of course she still loved Twilight Sparkle. Wasn’t that the reason the purple Alicorn could drive her mad within five minutes of being in her presence. Celestia sighed and turned to her sister. “Again, I offer my apologies. I will try to hold back next time. “ The heavenly white Alicorn then began to trot away, following the same path as Twilight had moments earlier, leaving two scheming princesses all by themselves. “Did you get it?” Luna asked excitedly. Cadence nodded. “It’s definitely there. It’s tiny, but there is a spark. She still loves Twilight.” Luna grinned. “And Twilight?” Cadence closed her eyes and concentrated for a moment. “Yes. Again it is faint, but she too still holds a spark for Celestia. Neither one of them has ever moved on. Now if we could only get them talking. Maybe they could still work this out.” Luna scratched her chin with her hoof. “The time for talking is a thousand years past. I fear if we left them in a room by themselves to talk, it may be the beginning of an Equestrian war. Talking between those two only leads to fighting. “ “Do you have a plan Auntie?” Cadence asked. Her interest was piqued. “You know I always do. I just needed to be certain there was even a chance that this could work. Those two really do belong together. I have always felt it. Tia was her happiest when she was around Twilight. It was her sense of duty to the throne that led to the beginning of the end for their relationship. “ Cadence could only nod in agreement. “I wish Shining were here...” Luna looked over to her niece and the tears that began to form in her eyes. She galloped to the pink Alicorn’s side and lightly draped a hoof around her shoulder. “I’m so sorry Cadence. I didn’t mean to be insensitive.” “No, it’s okay Auntie. It’s been several hundred years since he passed. I still miss him every day though. If something had separated us in the past, like it has Celestia and Twilight, I would have done anything to get him back.” Luna nuzzled against her niece. “I’m hoping my dear sister will feel the same way.” XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Celestia made her way to the Royal Observatory. She had no idea why Luna had called her there and she hoped this was not an Alicorn gathering. She didn’t think she could handle seeing Twilight Sparkle two days in a row. She shuddered. Why did Twilight always have to be so cold? Celestia poked her head through the door and noticed Luna and Cadence sitting at a circular table. She let out a sigh of relief. No sign of her former student anywhere. Luna motioned for Celestia to join them and the princess trotted over to where they sat. “We need to talk.” Luna started. “It’s about you and Twilight.” Cadence grimaced. She usually loved her Auntie’s abrupt nature, but this was a very sensitive subject. “I told you I was sorry yesterday.” Celestia began, with daggers in her eyes. “If this is why you called me here, I can assure you that-“ “No.” Luna cut her off. “No?” Celestia asked, shocked. “No.” Luna repeated. “We have done this your way for far too long. Our kingdom is suffering. You haven’t been yourself in ages Celestia. You used to be the embodiment of pure love, and now I don’t even think there is anything that makes you happy. Even though you have a gift for putting on a brave face in front of your loyal subjects, you can’t fool your family. We know you’re hurting.” Luna’s words were like a slap in the face. Celestia was shocked. She hung her head shamefully. Every word her sister had spoken was true. She had purposefully tried to bury the hurt in her heart by throwing herself into the kingdom’s wants and needs. Celestia had never even given herself time to grieve the loss of her most beloved. “Celestia, if you had the chance to go back and make things right, would you take that chance?” Luna asked, leading her sister into her proposition. Celestia looked up with teary eyes. “Are you kidding? Of course I would. Unfortunately, what’s done is done and now I am left to pick up the pieces.” “Not necessarily.” Luna corrected her. “Hear me out on this one dear sister.” Celestia looked at Cadence, who nodded in approval. “You know that for years I have scoured Equestria looking for an antidote to cure my student.” Celestia shook her head. Luna had been teaching a young Alicorn who had been turned entirely by dark magic. The young one had learned the hard way that some things are better left untouched. Although Luna was able to save the young mare, her magic was unable to bring her completely back from the side of darkness, and there lie a dormant power inside the newly formed Alicorn. Luna had set out to teach the Alicorn how to properly control her magic, but this Alicorn was so powerful that she needed to be restrained. Luna had searched far and wide for magic that may be able to cure her apprentice. So far there seemed to be nothing that could return the Alicorn to her former self. Luna had made a promise to her student that she would never give up. “Has there been a breakthrough?” Celestia asked. “No, but I found something else. A type of magic I have been perfecting in my spare time. I have learned a particular spell that would be able to help you with your problem. My spell is powerful enough to send you back in time to the months prior to your breakup with Twilight. Once there, it is up to you to change the past, and by doing so, change your future.” Celestia’s mouth dropped open. “Are you insane?” “Maybe.” Luna answered. “But I know for a fact that Twilight still cares for you. There is a spark inside her heart, although small, it’s still there. This is a chance for you to undo the mistakes you've made. It was your duty to the throne that got in the way of your relationship. Go back and balance the two! You’ve had a millennium to ponder what could have been. Make it happen!” Celestia’s mind was racing as she took in everything her sister was saying. “Wait, how do you know that Twilight still cares for me?” She asked, her heart pounding in her chest. “I could feel it Auntie.” Cadence interjected. “And you know I’m never wrong about these things.” “It’s not possible. Let’s say I agreed to this silly plan of yours. Who will take my place on the throne? Luna you’re too busy with your student, her powers demand your full attention.” Celestia continued. “I will.” Cadence piped up. “I’m perfectly capable of taking on your duties while you’re gone. You ran Equestria by yourself all those years ago, now it’s your turn for a break. Leave the kingdom in our capable hooves.” Luna nodded. Celestia tried to speak, but no words were forming. It seemed the matter had already been settled with or without her consent. “Tia, we are not forcing you to do anything. “ Luna said, reading her sister’s mind. “I know it all seems crazy, but think of the possible outcome. In the least, maybe you and Twilight could stand being in the same room together.” “Or an even better scenario might be waking up to her every morning.” Cadence gushed. Celestia felt like her head was going to explode. Yet, the more Cadence and Luna talked about it, the more she began to realize she wanted to at least try. It was very rare in life you got a second chance and here was this gift, how could she say no? “ Okay. I’ll do it.” She mumbled. “Say what?” Luna asked, grinning. “I said I’ll do it.” “What now? I can’t hear you.” “I SAID I’LL DO IT!” “Now that’s the enthusiasm I wanted to see.” Luna chuckled as Celestia glared. Without another word, Luna began to conjure up her spell, casting a dark purple shadow over Celestia. “Wait, if I’m going to the past, then what will happen to my past self?” Celestia asked, suddenly alarmed. “Not sure, but I think while you’re there, she will stay dormant. As soon as you leave, she will then reawaken with your memories. I will try to conserve my power, so I can hold this spell as long as I can. I will converse with you daily to check on your progress. Remember that everything you do in the past will affect our future.” Celestia nodded as she felt her entire body being wrapped up in the silky purple mist. As she began to lose consciousness, the last thing she heard was her sister’s most valuable advice. “Remember Tia, whatever you do, DON’T FUCK IT UP!” XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Luna yawned as she made her way to her bedchambers. This was going to take a lot of power, but it was worth it if Celestia could find her happiness. “How come I wasn’t invited to the meeting of the minds?” asked a seductive voice. Luna turned to face her student, but before she could say a word the powerful Alicorn was on top of her. Luna found herself pushed to the ground forcefully. The Alicorn’s deep green eyes shimmered in the moonlight as she looked down on her prey. “You’re getting slow in your old age.” She giggled. Without warning, the several thousand year old Moon Princess easily reversed the hold, and now was looking down on the young Alicorn. The Alicorn blushed under the gaze of her teacher. Luna was taking every inch of her student in. The Alicorn was radiant. Luna had never seen such beauty in her whole entire existence. Unfortunately her young student was also insatiable. Alicorn stamina was something that was only joked about to those who had no idea. She remembered Cadence remarking that poor Shining had never been able to quite keep up. Good thing being an Alicorn herself, she didn’t have that problem. Luna could feel her student begin to bite down on her neck. The two Alicorns liked it rough and hard, two entities struggling to dominate each other. “Wait...” Luna panted, suddenly remembering something. “What is it?” her student whispered. Luna reached down and began to stroke her lover’s pitch black coat. Her hooves made their way down to the Alicorn’s legs. Adorning her lover’s limbs were four crescent shaped power limiters. Luna had conjured them to limit her student’s power intake. “They aren’t hurting you are they?” Luna asked, reaching down to touch the shackles on her student’s legs. The Alicorn was so powerful and yet so untamed. It was necessary to keep her power contained. “I hate that you have to wear these.” “No they’re fine. In fact, I find them rather fashionable.” she whispered, snaking a hoof around Luna’s tummy. “My favorite teacher made them after all.” Luna laughed, her horn glowed and the shackles were suddenly broken. “Promise me, if I let your legs rest for a bit, that you won’t destroy Equestria. Tia would kill me.” The Alicorn nodded as she rubbed her hooves together. It felt so good to be free. “Your sister would also probably be unhappy if she knew you were sleeping with your volatile student.” Luna laughed. “Tia is preoccupied right now. As for you being volatile, I’ve done a good job handling you so far haven’t I?” The Alicorn smiled in response, cuddling up close to her teacher. “Now, instead of lying here on the cold floor where my “old” bones might catch a chill, what say we move this into the bed?” Luna got up off of her lover, and then pulled her up from the ground. The Alicorn whimpered and tucked herself under Luna’s wing. “Sooo warm.” She grinned happily. Luna reached out to ruffle her companion’s mane. “It’s a wonder I get any work done around here.” “I don’t know about work, but I promise I’ll give you a workout.” “I fear you may someday be the death of me.” “No way! That’s the only good part of being an Alicorn! I’ll get to spend eternity by your side.” As they made their way to the bed, Luna lay down first, and pulled her lover into her embrace. “Can you try soft and gentle tonight?” Luna whispered. The young one nodded her head. “I just want to please you.” She whimpered. “Then may I make a request?” “Anything!” “Can you sing to me?” “Sing?” The young mare in her arms recoiled and began to stammer. “I c-c-can’t sing. Why would you even ask me-“ Luna cut her off. “I hear you, singing in the shower. Also in the halls or the library when you think nopony is around. You have a beautiful voice and a beautiful talent. It’s selfish to keep that to yourself.” Luna let her hoof travel downwards to the Alicorn’s cutie mark. She rubbed it softly. Her lover’s body had once been a gorgeous angelic white, until the dark magic had turned it into the darkest midnight black. The only part of the Alicorn’s body that was not black was the silver bell adorning her hindquarters and two music notes, one in the top right hand corner, and one in the bottom left corner. “Sing for me...” Luna whispered. The Alicorn’s lips turned upwards into a small smile as she slowly began to hum, looking up into Luna’s eyes with the sad, thoughtful expression of innocence lost. As her lover began to softly serenade her, Luna murmured into the darkness. “So beautiful...my not so little...Sweetie Belle.” XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Celestia awoke with a throbbing headache. “Ohhhhhh...” she moaned. What had happened to her last night? She felt like she had been hit square in the face by Pinkie Pie’s party cannon. Although Pinkie Pie and the other bearers of the original Elements of Harmony had long since passed, her sister had insisted on keeping that damn cannon. As she recalled her sister, she also recalled the strange dream she had last night. Something about time travel? Oh yes. She snorted out loud. Cadence and Luna had cooked up a scheme to hook her and Twilight up. She couldn’t wait to tell them all about it. She was sure they could all have a good laugh. “Time travel?” she said out loud. “Now wouldn’t that be crazy.” As she settled back down into the covers, her entire body went rigid as she suddenly felt a pair of soft lips on her neck. “Princess? Are you talking in your sleep again?” asked a soft familiar voice. Chills ran up Celestia’s spine. She knew that voice like the back of her hoof. It had been decades since the pony that voice belonged to had talked to her so sweetly. Could it actually be true? Celestia was too afraid to look, for fear it now really was a dream. “Celestia?” Twilight whispered, now worried she had done something to upset the Princess. Celestia could hear the worry in Twilight’s voice. She wanted so badly to turn and comfort her, to hold her. It had been too long. The Princess closed her eyes, rolling over to face Twilight. She waited a few moments, catching her breath, before she opened them. Her eyes went wide. Twilight Sparkle was just as beautiful in bed as she had remembered. Celestia ached now to touch her. “Remember Tia, whatever you do, DON’T FUCK IT UP!” Luna’s final words echoed in her ears. She had to be very careful what she did. Looking Twilight up and down, she felt a lump form in her throat. “Princess...” Twilight whispered again, on the verge of tears. “Was I...not good enough?” Celestia’s heart almost jumped right out of her chest. Had this been their first time together? She racked her brain. It had been so long, but she could never forget. It had been the night of Twilight’s coronation. Forgetting everything Luna had told her, she instinctively reached out to pull Twilight into her embrace. She took a deep breath as Twilight clung to her chest, breathing deeply. “Twilight...” she murmured, savoring the closeness of her body, and the smell of her mane. Twilight moaned happily. “You were perfect. Absolutely perfect.” Celestia whispered, as her lips descended on Twilight. It had been a millennium and damn it, she was going to get laid! End chapter 1 > Princesses, Plans and Cosplay---OH MY! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cadence made her way quickly to the throne room. The Solar Court was about to be in session and she wasn’t used to being up at the crack of dawn. It had been awhile since she had court duties, but she was looking forward to the challenge. She figured it would be beneficial to do something productive. These last few hundred years since losing her one true love, Shining Armor, she felt as though she had done a lot of drifting. Cadence no longer served actively as ruler of the Crystal Empire. She had relinquished her duties long ago to her only daughter, Venus. Her daughter was the thing she was most proud of in this world, and the only remnant of Shining Armor she had to hold onto. It gave her comfort knowing that her daughter, being an Alicorn princess, would never leave her side. As she trotted quickly through the halls, she could make out a faint echo of hoofsteps behind her. At first she believed she was hearing things, and then the hoofsteps became louder,as the approaching entity advanced. Curiosity got the better of her as she turned around to greet whoever it was that was coming up behind her. As soon as she stopped, the hoofsteps stopped as well. Cadence cocked her head to the side, straining her ear to listen for any sound at all. It happened very fast. A split second and she had no time to react as she was thrown to the floor. Her back hit the stone pavement and she let out a small squeal of annoyance rather than pain. As Cadence looked up into the eyes of her attacker, vivid green eyes stared back at her. “Oh Cadence, I love that little squeal you made. You are SO fun to scare.” Said a voice in the darkness. “S-Sweetie Belle?” Cadence asked, looking up into the dark Alicorn’s face. “No! I’m Nightmare Belle!” she grinned, pointing to the battle helmet on her head. “Geez, get it right.” The playful black Alicorn continued to sit on Cadence’s tummy awkwardly. Her eyes never left the Princess of Love’s face. Cadence shuddered. She had known Sweetie Belle before her transformation and the unicorn had seemed like a sweet little filly. Now there was something off about her. Cadence couldn’t quite put a hoof on it, but there was definitely something not right about this pony. Clearly it was because of the dark magic, but still she was never quite sure what to make of the younger Alicorn. “Ahem.” Cadence cleared her throat. “Was there something you needed Sweetie Belle?” The younger Alicorn looked down at her captured prey. “Oh right. I was supposed to reprimand you for being late.” She said, a grin settling on her lips. “And?” Cadence continued, frustration beginning to show on her face. Dealing with Sweetie Belle was a headache in itself. The faster she could speed this up, the better. “And I’m supposed to bring you to the throne room to meet with my dearest Princess Luna.” Sweetie Belle finished, looking pleased that she had remembered. “You’re sitting on me.” Cadence said, gritting her teeth as she tried to push Sweetie Belle off of her. “Nightmare Belle likes to play with her captives.” Sweetie cackled evilly. Again, Cadence wasn’t sure if this was a joke. But Sweetie Belle slowly eased up on her, allowing her the chance to get to her hooves once again. The dark Alicorn then began to trot towards the throne room, leaving Cadence to shake her head in disbelief. It took her a couple more seconds to regain her composure before she realized she was once again alone. “H-Hey wait for me.” She called out frantically, chasing after Sweetie Belle. What the heck had just happened? XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Twilight Sparkle gazed slowly around the throne room. It was early morning and the day court was to be in session. Princess Luna was sitting in her chair looking exasperated. Noticeably absent were Cadence, Sweetie Belle and most importantly of all, Princess Celestia. Twilight’s eyes roamed Celestia’s chair. She couldn’t recall a day that the Princess’ chair had ever been empty. If there was one thing Celestia was, it was absolutely devoted to the throne. In fact, that had been the reason things between them had not worked out, or at least the reason Celestia had given Twilight all those years ago when she had broken her heart. Twilight’s eyes dimmed at the painful memories and her head turned back to Luna. “Where is everypony?” she asked casually. She wasn’t really concerned where anypony else was, just Celestia. It was unlike her to be late. “Cadence is on her way. We will start when she arrives.” Luna stated firmly, not looking up from the large cup of coffee between her hooves. Sweetie Belle and Cadence then entered the throne room. Twilight noted that Cadence looked slightly out of breath and Sweetie Belle was cosplaying. Cosplaying? Sure enough she had the Nightmare Moon ensemble on and happily trotted to Luna’s right side. Luna flapped her wings. It was a tiny gesture but it served to distract the onlookers as she gently ran her hoof down Sweetie Belle’s back. “This court will now come to order.” Cadence said, taking her place in Celestia’s seat. One of the Solar Guards then handed Cadence her meeting agenda and she slowly let her eyes scan the list. Before she could even begin with the first topic, Twilight Sparkle interrupted. “Excuse me.” She said. The concern was evident in her voice. “But where is Princess Celestia?” Cadence looked to Luna and Luna stared back at her blankly. Drat! Luna silently cursed. She had the perfect plan and yet somehow she had forgotten about the Twilight Sparkle of the present. Of course Twilight would be curious as to the whereabouts of Celestia . Why hadn’t she remembered to think of a good excuse as to why Celestia was absent? Think brain think. “She’s not feeling well.” “She’s getting a new mane-do.” Luna and Cadence once again exchanged glances. Crap! Luna gave Cadence an irritated look. Really? At the manedressers? At this hour of the morning? Cadence sighed. She was the worst liar in all of Equestria. “I meant she wasn’t feeling well and decided she needed some “me” time.” Cadence scrambled. Twilight looked around the room. “That really doesn’t make sense...” she trailed off. “I heard she’s shacking up with that new magic student of hers.” Interjected Sweetie Belle. That comment earned her a kick to the knee from Luna. “Ouch. So worth it.” Sweetie squeaked. The Solar Court erupted into conversation, everypony worrying and speculating on the Princess’ whereabouts. It was pandemonium for a few moments until Luna finally took control of the situation. Luna cleared her throat. “Celestia will be taking a leave of absence. She is fine. There is no need to worry. Until she returns, Cadence will be taking over her daily duties and I will be raising and lowering the sun. If there are any other questions they may be addressed directly to Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.” A collective hush settled over the room as the ponies seemed to accept Luna’s answer for Celestia’s absence. All but one little pony, of course. Twilight Sparkle sat back in her seat. Something wasn’t right and she was going to get to the bottom of it. She closed her eyes for a moment, breathing deeply. She hoped that wherever Celestia may be, her former lover was okay. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Princess Celestia softly stroked the tip of Twilight’s newly formed wing. Twilight was sleeping peacefully, her body curled up against the Princess. Celestia breathed deeply, trying to take everything in. She had just finished a marathon love making session with her faithful student. Twilight, exhausted had easily succumbed to sleep. Celestia didn’t want to close her eyes. She was afraid this all really was a dream, and she just wanted to savor the feeling of being close to her lover. It had been over a thousand years since she had touched Twilight Sparkle like this. She had missed it terribly. Celestia inhaled the scent of Twilight’s mane, burying her muzzle into the purple Alicorn’s neck. She was slowly remembering this time in her life. Yes, it had been the night of Twilight’s coronation. A week prior, Twilight Sparkle had become an Alicorn. Celestia had known all along that her student was destined for great things. She had been guiding her to this for a very long time. What she didn’t expect was for Twilight Sparkle to have asked her on a date. That really threw her for a loop. She remembered Twilight asking if she would no longer be her mentor. She also remembered replying that she would still be there to guide her. She just hadn’t been expecting the resulting conversation. “So if you are no longer my teacher...” Twilight had started bashfully, her cheeks glowing pink. “Then do you think we could go out sometime?” She had repeated her now former student’s words back to her. “Go out?” “Yes. I mean only when you have time.” Twilight had managed to say, her blush deepening as it coated her entire body. She had never been sure why at that moment Twilight had the courage to ask her out. Twilight herself had never known why either, as it seemed so out of character. Maybe it was the wings that had spurred on the confidence. Whatever it was, Celestia was intrigued and accepted her offer. She had thought at the time that she would spend the day with Twilight, and at the end of it, she would let her former student down gently. Celestia laughed softly into Twilight’s mane, her memories causing her to wrap her front legs possessively around the sleeping Alicorn. How silly she was to think she was immune to feelings. Of course her feelings for Twilight had been growing since she had sent her student to learn about friendship. She had watched Twilight grow from an eager young filly, to a beautiful, strong Alicorn Princess. Before she even knew what had happened, she had invited Twilight here, to her bedchambers. Celestia’s own cheeks grew red as she replayed the fabulous love making session she had just endured. She knew she had to concentrate on why she was here. How do you change the past to gain a better future? How could she avoid making the mistakes that had cost her Twilight Sparkle’s love in the first place? These thoughts swarmed her head as she held Twilight tightly to her chest. She was scared to move from the bed. She was afraid if she let go of Twilight, she would never be able to hold her again. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Luna’s horn glowed and she summoned every ounce of her magic. It was time to check in on her sister. She was looking forward to finding out what Tia had been up to so far. Sweetie Belle and Cadence had accompanied her downstairs, also anxious to see if the spell had worked. As her magic grew, a giant orb appeared and lifted itself into the air. Slowly the orb began to shift, until it was large enough for all three princesses to look inside of it. The image in the orb was fuzzy at first, and then slowly it became clear. There was Celestia in her bed. In her bed with Twilight Sparkle. In her bed, seductively stroking Twilight Sparkle’s wings. “POOMF!” Cadence’s wings flew open. “Princess Mi Amore Cadenza! What a mighty huge wingboner that is!” remarked Sweetie Belle, laughing hysterically. Cadence went completely red and tried unsuccessfully to furl her wings back into place. After a few more failed attempts she grumbled and stopped trying. Luna could feel her own eye twitching. She hadn’t meant to catch her sister in a private moment. On the plus side, it looked like things were going well. “Celestia...” Luna whispered. Celestia’s head shot upwards at the sudden appearance of her sister’s voice. “Luna?” she called out hazily. “Yes it’s me sister. I’m sorry to have uhm interrupted...” Celestia quickly realized her sister could somehow see her. She grabbed the covers she had tossed aside earlier and covered Twilight and herself. Twilight moaned softly as the covers were draped over her, only serving to deepen Celestia’s blush. “This isn’t really the best time Luna.” She whispered. “I see that. We just wanted to make sure you were okay.” “We?” Celestia asked, her embarrassment growing. “Uh I meant the royal “WE”?” Luna replied lamely, as Sweetie snickered. “Good try Luna.” Celestia scoffed, pulling the blankets up to her muzzle. “Sorry sis.” Celestia sighed. It wouldn’t do any good to be upset with her sister. “Luna I don’t know what to do...” she started. “I’m so scared to mess things up.” Luna could hear the fear in her sister’s voice. It was odd considering Celestia was so good at hiding her true emotions. She felt her heart crack a little for her sister’s plight. “You’ll be fine Tia.” Luna assured her. “You can do this. I believe in you.” Celestia smiled, even though she couldn’t see her sister. “Since you seem to be okay, I will let you go so I don’t wake Twilight up. We will check in with you again soon.” Celestia nodded. Even though she had been embarrassed beyond belief, it still felt good to hear Luna’s voice. As she snuggled closer to Twilight, she could feel her own exhaustion begin to overtake her body. She struggled against it, determined to enjoy ever moment with Twilight. Her body had other plans though, as she slipped into a deep and restful slumber. Luna smiled as she watched her sister sleep. Celestia would need all the sleep she could get. The orb slowly began to close, and Cadence was finally able to furl her wings back into place. “Do you think she will be okay?” Cadence asked, worry apparent in her voice. “She’s strong.” Luna chuckled. “Beside she will have to be. I’m pretty sure her little sister in the past was quite a hell raiser. She’ll have her hooves full that’s for sure.” End Chapter 2 > Twilight Knows! What Now? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Princess Luna stared thoughtfully down at her desk. Things seemed to be going according to her plans and now she knew it was time to initiate the next phase of the operation. Although her main priority was of course her sister's happiness, she was thoroughly enjoying this new use of her magic. Over the years and especially since the appearanc of dark Sweetie Belle, Luna had become quite dedicated to honing and perfecting her own craft of magic. "Okay, I have a question." Sweetie Belle said, sauntering up to Luna's desk. "Mmhmm?" Luna asked, not looking up. "If you were sending Celestia back in time to repair her relationship with Twilight, then why did you send her back to the beginning of their relationship? It must have taken awhile before things took a turn for the worst, right?" Luna looked up and sighed, motioning Sweetie Belle closer. The dark Alicorn smiled and jumped into Luna's lap, which subsequently landed them both on the floor. Sweetie giggled as she licked Luna's cheek while the Princess just glared. Finally Luna smiled and pulled Sweetie closer to her. "You are too smart my little Belle." "Ugh..." Sweetie cringed at the nickname but then smiled too. "I wanted Celestia to remember a time when she and Twilight Sparkle loved each other. I needed her to feel the feelings of love, passion and trust that they once had for one another. I feared if we sent her right to the time that things went sour, she would lose her nerve. Celestia may hide her feelings well, but I didn't know if she would be able to handle that terrible time. I figured if I sent her to the time when things were good, she will remember what it is that she lost and how hard she needs to fight if she wants it back." Sweetie Belle nodded, oddly silent as another approached the room. "I couldn't help but overhear..." Cadence started. Hearing Cadence's voice, Princess Luna quickly scrambled up from the floor, adjusting herself and pulling Sweetie up with her. Princess Cadence ignored the murderous glares Sweetie was sending her way for the interruption and continued on. "Luna, I'm curious, has Celestia ever told you WHY she and Twilight broke up? Or how it was that it came down to that?" Luna shook her head. "I only know the small amount of details that Tia has divulged. It's not much though." "I was hoping maybe if we had that information then maybe we could be better equipped to help Celestia out. I mean, love IS my specialty." "The only thing Celestia has told me is that she made a terrible mistake." "Is there any way that you could re-create the memory of the night they broke up. Somehow piece together that last conversation? When Twilight and Celestia first parted ways, I tried many times to get Twilight to open up. Unfortunately my attempts were unsuccessful and eventually I gave up." Luna sighed again. "It is impossible to recreate that memory unless I have seen it or lived it myself." The three Alicorns were silent for a moment as they became lost in their own thoughts. If they had been paying attention, they may have noticed a dark purple mist swirling near the doorway. Before anypony did notice, the mist quickly evaporated and was sucked under the door. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Princess Twilight Sparkle sat quietly outside the door of Princess Luna's labratory. Her face remained unchanged for a few mere moments before a flood of emotion suddenly hit the Princess of Friendship. Twilight, knowing her fellow Princesses were up to something, had followed them downstairs and decided to eavesdrop. What she had heard was unbelievable. She was having a hard time processing the information. Celestia had travelled to the past? And what's more, she had done so to repair their relationship? The first emotion that hit Twilight was anger. Who did Celestia think she was trying to change the past? She had her chance and she blew it. And why couldn't she just come to Twilight herself and say how she felt? Why was that so hard? But as Twilight pondered that question, a bit of self-realization set in. Although she was supposed to be the Princess of Friendship, she knew when it came to Celestia that she had become cold. After their breakup, she had tried to stay cordial. She now understood why Rainbow Dash had always maintained that you could not stay friends with your exes, at least not right away. As time had continued to pass, Twilight had grown colder and less willing to listen to anything Celestia said. She knew deep down that she had become unapproachable. So maybe Celestia had a good reason for deciding to try her luck with Twilight of the past instead of the current incarnation. But what about the other Princesses? How could they be a part of this? And hearing them talk about her and Celestia's relationship like they knew something or could help was ridiculous. More importantly embarrassing... Twilight could feel her cheeks begin to redden as she thought about Celestia. Did Celestia really love her enough to go rampaging through time to fix their broken relationship? As Twilight pondered her options with regards in how to handle this situation, a look of determination crossed her face. So... They wanted to see why she and Celestia had broken up? It was time to give her audience the show of a lifetime. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX "So what's our next move?" Cadence asked, as Luna's horn began to glow. "Now that Celestia has hopefully had a taste of how wonderful it was to be with Twilight, I will contact her and let her know I am sending her further into the future to correct her past mistake. It won't be easy for her and it will require alot of magical energy. Sweetie Belle I will need your help." "Heh, taste..." Sweetie giggled like a horny school filly. Luna rolled her eyes. "Concentrate please!" "Yes Ma'am!" Luna closed her eyes as the giant magical sphere to the past began to materialize. Cadence and Sweetie stood back as the glowing orb took shape and the portal Celestia had once used to transport herself back was slowly opened. As Luna was about to give further direction, the door to her lab was roughly shoved open and a fuming purple Alicorn stepped in front of the trio. "Twilight!" Cadence gasped. Twilight's eyes flashed angrily as her own horn flared up with magical energy. "You wanted to see what caused us to break up?" Twilight asked through gritted teeth. "Twilight, we just wanted to help." Luna started. "Help?" the angry Alicorn scoffed. "Please, Twilight give us a chance to explain." Cadence pleaded. "Why? Why don't you all just travel backwards to an hour ago before I discovered you?" Twilight seethed. "She makes a good point." Sweetie shrugged, waiting for a smack or a kick from Princess Luna, that oddly enough didn't come. "You wanted a memory? Well here it is!" A burst of energy filled the room as it was engulfed in a blinding white light. To be continued...