My Little Pony Fan Fiction ❯ Ordained ❯ Prologue ( Chapter 1 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Sintarious 
In the beginning ....
Non Anime: My Little Pony Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 07.20.2013 | Pages: 3 | Words: 6.1K | Visits: 150 | Status: Work In Progress
In the beginning ....
Non Anime: My Little Pony Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 07.20.2013 | Pages: 3 | Words: 6.1K | Visits: 150 | Status: Work In Progress
Ordained
By: Sintarious
~: Prologue :~
Part 1: ~ Ascension ~
There were just so many things in life she didn't understand. Of course she was still pretty young, being just out of foal-hood, but sometimes they were suppose to be instinctive right? Only yesterday she had been a blank flank like everypony else. Today? Today she had been watching the horizon from her bedroom, wanting to see the moon. Next thing she knew she felt a sort of … tugging, and suddenly the moon rose into the big bright blue sky. She had been shocked at seeing the moon rising at her behest. Following closely on its hooves was an unexpected, but pleasant, sensation. It was kind of warm and tingly and came from the area of her flanks – sort of like how her hoof felt when it had fallen asleep on her the other day. A cursory look behind her revealed the cause. There, emblazoned on her rump was the most beautiful cutie mark she had ever seen, proclaiming her the wielder of Night Magics. She alerted the entire castle with the news shortly afterword, ecstatic with happiness. Her big sister hadn't seemed to care though. She had given her an inattentive smile before going right back to her princess lessons. Not a single word spoken. Luna sighed, her head hanging low, tail trailing the ground a bit, feeling quite disheartened. She thought Celestia would have been more excited. At the very least she should of been proud of her. Everypony had been excited when Celestia had gotten hercutie mark. Instead she ignored her, leaving her with one to celebrate with now, on her way to school all alone. Shaking her head to dislodge the dark thoughts, she found her attention once again on the moon in the sky. It was a crescent today, just like the mark on her flank. She thought about the significance for a little while. Her name was Luna, which was an Olden name for the moon she was looking at. Somehow, it didn't seem to be all that special anymore.
WHAMP! Without warning she found herself on the cobblestone looking at a tailor's shop across the street. Totally unaware of how she had come to be laying … upside down … on the ground. One moment she was walking along, the next she was looking at a dress shop upside down with her hind-legs flipped over her head.
Upside down? Whywas she upside down?
It didn't make sense. Not one little iota! She had been UPRIGHT, just walking along, minding her own business. Could today get any worse? Slowly she flipped herself back over.
OOF!
Doing so, however, caused her to flinch in pain as what seemed like a lightning bolt shot from the tip of her horn to the back of her head. Figuratively of course.
OW!
Rubbing her horn she stayed on the gravel a moment longer before the realization that somepony was casting a shadow over her made itself known. Huh? 'Oh, I must have run into this pony!' The small indigo filly, brought her gaze up to look at the pony she had just bumped into. The colt in question blinked at her a moment before smiling. “Whoa there, you're going to hurt yourself if you don't watch where you're going.” He held out a lavender hoof to help her up. Speechless, and unsure what else to do, she took the offered help and got back up. “Huh, I should have been taking my own advice.” She watched as he grimaced,sighed, then magically lift a book out of a small puddle. “Its going to take a lot of work to get this back to proper condition.” The colt furrowed his brow and shook his head sadly, sending a tendril of his, messy, dark indigo mane to curl around one ear. Using his magic some more, he shook the book out to get most of the water off. “I'm sorry.” The little filly's ears fell back as she apologized. Of course, she hadbeen more interested in the sight of the moon during the day, sitting above Canterlot, then on paying attention to where she was actually going. If her big sister hadn't told her once, she'd told her a thousand times 'Watch where you're trotting.' Only now did she get that her sister was REALLY trying to help her instead of only picking on her. The colt turned his attention back to her, she mused that he wasn't too much older then her, and smiled kindly back. “I'm sorry too, guess this a lesson we both learned huh?” He grinned, reaching out to ruffle her light blue mane.“No hard feelings?” His purple eyes went wide as he realized he hadn't introduced himself, “OH! Wow, look at how discourteous I'm being. I'm Dusk Shine.”, he ended the introduction by placing a hoof on his chest. “Um, I'm Luna.” The filly smiled shyly only to laugh raucously a moment later when the colt's jaw dropped. With a shake of his head he studied her a moment, taking in the little crescent moon cutie mark on her flank and her petite wings. “Well!” He pulled back, huffing slightly to get his messy mane out of his face. “Never expected to bowl over a princess, I'm even more embarrassed by my inattention now.” Dusk Shine laughed, raising a hoof off the ground a little, his cheeks a bit red as if to corroborate his statement. “If its any consolation, I wasn't paying much attention either,” Her own cheeks pinking a bit themselves. “Though I never expected to be bowled over either so I suppose that makes us even.” Dusk Shine turned a bit to get a better look at the moon over Canterlot, giving her a quick peek at his cutie mark. A big purple star-burst surrounded by five small white ones. A star-burst … and stars. Wait. Stars?! Her little mouth lifted into a big goofy grin. They had something in common! This was incredible, and quite possibly the best thing … ok, second best thing, that happened today. Luna was about to tell him so when he turned back around, bringing the damaged book back into as the main focus. Oh yeah …. the book. She was about to open her mouth to apologize again when he interrupted with; “You did that?” The colt pointed a hoof towards the moon with no small amount of awe in his voice and a twinkle in his purple eyes. Blinking in surprise, she closed her mouth again and studied him a moment. A slight bob of her head gave confirmation to his accusation. “So you earned your cutie marktoday?” Dusk Shine raised a brow in surprise. Another nod from Luna sent him grinning. “Wow, that's amazing! When are you going to have your cute-ceanera?” The little indigo filly's head dropped, “I'm uncertain if there is even going to be one.” answering so quietly he almost didn't hear what she had said. Dark indigo locks fell to one side as he tiled his head to study her. After a moment he made up his mind and stepped forward. “That doesn't seem right.” Luna found herself at the receiving end of a chaste kiss on the forehead, just below her horn. Dusk Shine stepped back, smiling sadly at the tiny princess. “I know it isn't much, but, congratulations, my fair little princess.” Filly and colt measured each other in silence, just enjoying each others company for a short time. Luna's big teal eyes wide in surprise as she watched him. Then the little filly burst into happy tears. “It's more then enough. Thank you so very much Dusk Shine.” With that she flung her hooves around the purple pony's neck and gave him a great big bear hug. Well as bear like as a tiny pony can do, anyway. Dusk put a hoof around her in return. “You are most welcome.” His brows furrowed slightly. Why did it seem like no one had taken the time to congratulate her on obtaining her cutie mark? And she was still so very young … it didn't seem right. Not right at all! And she was supposed to go to school like this? HA! Not if he had something to say about that. However, he really needed to get to the library. Just like that a light bulb went off in his head. “Hey, I need to get to the library 'Una.” He watched her pull away, looking downtrodden once again. Teasingly, he waited a moment, making a show of putting a hoof to his chin and looking up at the sky as if in thought. “You know … the library IS pretty close.” He grinned and pulled the little filly into a one hoofed hug. “Why don't we go together?” “Really?!” Luna squealed happily, practically bouncing in place in joy. “I don't see why not. Though it isn't good to miss your lessons … I DO believe today is a specialoccasion so we'll keep it a secret.” He gave her a wink and started walking down the road again. Dusk Shine may of only been a few years older then Luna, but he sure seemed quite mature to her. “I wish I had BBBFF or even a BPF just like you, Dusk Shine.” Her head started to sag again as she thought of how her sister had received the news about her cutie mark. It had been the complete opposite of what Dusk Shine's reaction had been. The lavender colt in question glanced back at her with a raised brow. “Huh?” It was obvious he didn't know what those acronyms were. She smiled apologetically back and explained. “Oh, sorry. Those stand for Big Brother Best Friend Forever, and Best Pony Friend.” She rubbed the back of her head with a hoof in embarrassment. Both of Dusk Shine's eyebrows went up in shock. “Don't you have a sister? Or a friend at school?” “Celestia doesn't pay much attention to me anymore. She's always too busy to do anything with me now.” Luna paused to think. “As for friends … not really. Everyone is always nice to me, but only because I'm Celestia's little sister, or maybe because I'm a princess. No one really tries to know me.” This did not sit well with Dusk Shine. What the heck where those ponies at the castle doing?! No one payed attention to the younger princess because they already had Celestia? That was just wrong. She was still so young! She neededthe attention and affection of those around her like all little foals. Filly OR colt. For her to have already found her cutie mark showed that she was left alone way too much and was being forced to grow up much, much, faster then all the other little ponies her age. If somepony didn't step in and be there for her … things would turn verybad. 'Well that settles it then!' He thought to himself, pausing to turn to look at Luna. “Tell you what 'Una. I'll be your BPF.” Luna stopped, her mouth falling open to gape at the slightly older colt. She ran the few feet to him and nuzzled under his chin, quite content with her life now.
No. She had been completely wrong earlier. Thiswas the best thing that happened today. Today was the best day of her life! Who cared if Celestia didn't congratulate her for getting her cutie mark, she had gotten it hadn't she? And now she had a best friend! “Thank you.” It was just two simple little words, but they held a wealth of meaning. She didn't have to say more, Dusk Shine understood. He ruffled her hair then started off to the library again, little Luna right beside him. There was one thing that bothered Luna though, and she gave it a voice as they finally neared the library. “Why do you call me 'Una?” She tilted her little light indigo head, teal eyes questioning with genuine curiosity. Dusk Shine blinked then laughed contagiously. “Una is a word in another language that means 'One'. Well, a feminine 'one'.” When he glanced at her again he could tell he had lost her. “When referring to someone, or something, that is feminine – it would be Una. If I had been referring to myself, since I am a colt, it would have been Uno. I was sort of playing with words.” He stopped to think a moment. “Your name is Luna. Una just sort of popped in my head, I guess, and it's a shortened form of your name. So now your my 'Una.” Dusk Shine grinned, going the last few feet to the stairs of the library. Luna giggled, following close behind, practically bouncing up the steps.
Part 2: ~ Descent~
* - Time Skip : 12 Years - *
Though Luna sat in on the morning council meeting, she really wasn't paying much attention. Since her sixteenth birthday three months ago, her sister thought she should have more responsibilities and had her join the council. According to Celestia, because she was a princess she needed to start becoming involved in governing. Hadn't she been raising the moon for over a decade now? What more could they want when they had 'Tia to do all the 'day' stuff? Seriously. She dealt with things pertaining to night. Dealing with Ponies and laws didn't really fit into that category. Or so her debate with Celestia had tied to argue issue.
It hadn't worked. Oh well. At least she had something to look forward to after this was done. With a small smile, she thought of how much had changed in just a little over a decade. For nearly three years now, she and Dusk Shine were becoming … well more. They were each others special somepony. Of course they hadn't really done anything more then hold hooves, and a kiss now again, until recently. Her sixteenth birthday had been … quite an experience. The transition between friend and lovers. Somehow, it happened so effortlessly. They had seen each other everyday, shared everything with each other. Dusk Shine had been a constant pillar of strength for her, caring yet encouraging her to be her own pony. He taught her she could leanon him, but ultimately it was she who would have to support herself. Mostly, he was just there, loving her for herself. To her, he was the kindest pony she had ever encountered. Well so far. The two of them were very comfortable with each other. To Luna, she could just be herself around him, unlike everywhere else. Everypony expected her to act a certain way, or to be doing certain duties and be perpetually busy with being a princess. Dusk Shine never expected anything from her. They fit together much like their cutie marks, moon and stars. When stressed out, often all she had to do was be in his presence to became calm again. He was like a balm that soothed away anything and everything rough. Her little smile spread as she recalled their plans for today. Today, they were going to meet for a picnic. They had found the most beautiful place in the forest the other day while taking a little walk. There is a quiet meadow, not very big - but plenty big enough to move around leisurely, that was so amazingly serene that they decided it was to be their meeting place from now on. A little trot, nice food, plus a gorgeous setting? It was perfect. For the life of her, Luna couldn't remember a time when she had been any happier. Oh wait. The first day she had meet Dusk. DUH!
That was besides the point, the point being that they were together. Dusk Shine had even commented that as soon as she turned eighteen he intended to marry her. So it was only a matter of time before they could really come out in the open. Sure they hadn't precisely announced themselves, but they hadn't exactly hidden it either.
“Princess Luna. Please pay attention!”
Luna's head snapped up, her teal gaze going straight to her sister's angry face. Oh snap. She must have missed something pretty important for her sister to be giving her thatlook. Well … crap. Couldn't she do anythingright?
“Do try to keep up. Everypony will be quite disappointed with us if you do not.” Celesta gave her one last look before turning her attention back to the awaiting ponies.
Ok, apparently not.
Luna gave a tight bob of her head, keeping her facial features completely neutral. She would NOT give them the satisfaction of see her upset in any way. Sad or spitting mad, it didn't matter which she was feeling, they didn't need to know 'Tia had once again affected her. Why the heck did Celestia have to be so mean sometimes? She didn't understand it at all. There were points where 'Tia was the kindest, sweetest, big sister she could ever ask for. And then there were times when Celestia made her want to put a hoof through her teeth. It seemed like the second one happened more and more often now that they were older.
“The next item on the agenda: The arranged marriage for Celestia. We believe it should proceed as planned. Captain Moon Gleam has been advised to bring it up with his son, the colt in question.” A unicorn gentlecolt, with a scroll and quill cutie mark, hovered a scroll with a little yellow glow, looking from it to the Princesses. Wait. Celestia was going to be married? Huh. That was news to her. Maybe it would help get her sister out of the foul mood she was always it. One could hope. “Ah, yes. I do recall something of the sort being brought up a few meetings ago. What was his name again?” Celestia politely gave a nod to the stallion to continue. Luna raised a brow, her gaze going from her sister's now neutral face to that of the green coated unicorn stallion. “I believe his name is Dusk Shine.”
Suddenly it felt like the world had slipped out from under her. Everything tilted and became gray. All sound became distant buzzing in her ears. Her teal eyes went wide in shock as she turned to her sister for conformation.
No way. She had heard that wrong right?
“Oh yes, that was it.” Celestia's pink magic gently retrieved the scroll from the stallion. “Hm, I suppose it can no longer be delayed. Thank you Florid Script, please continue.”
Nope. She hadn't been mistaken. Nothing made sense. How could Celestia be arranged to marry Dusk Shine? She had known Dusk almost all his life, he had never mentioned anything of the sort. This HAD to be a slip up.
“Yes, he seems quite promising. His academic record is way above normal, and recently he became Lieutenant of the Guard. Duty wise, he's been set as one of Princess Luna's personal protection unit. So he's already familiar with castle protocols.” “Really now? Well that does set my mind at ease a bit.” Celestia gave a small smile and nodded. Luna's mouth gaped the more she listened. No.
NO.
NONONONONO!
She finally snapped. Without another word she got up and dashed out of the council room. Passing everypony in the halls, tears streaming down her eyes, all she could think of doing was getting to Dusk Shine. There had to be somethingthey could do. ANYTHING. 'Somepony, PLEASEtell me this is just a horrible dream!' Her mind screamed as she raced out of the castle, into the woods, blinded by tears. Everything was crashing about her hooves. All her dreams of them becoming a happy family were being dashed before her very eyes, then trampled by hundreds of hooves for good measure.
Luckily, there had been one pony who had seen her running from the castle grounds. Seeing the tears in her eyes, he knew something bad had happened. He hadn't ever really seen her cry like that. This made him panic. What could set Luna off like that? Racing after her, he dodged trees and bushes as she ran blindly through the forest. He could guess where she was heading, but keeping up with an Alicorn was no easy feat. Purple eyes crinkled in worry. Something was horribly wrong, and he just didn't know what. Yet. Finally, Luna stopped and dropped, all at once, to the moss carpeted meadow they had found just a few days ago. He watched her collapse, his heart breaking at the pain he could see plainly on her face. Breathing hard, his body shaking with all the exertion in their mindless flight, took the last few feet to her and dropped down next to her. “Lune?” He nudged her with his muzzle. When all she did was cry harder he put a hoof over her and drew her closer. “Please, my Belle Lune. I can't help if you wont talk to me.” He didn't know what had happened, but just the sight of her crying was making him ache in pain as well. It took several minutes before she replied, “The council, they said there's an arranged marriage between you and Celestia – and they want it to happen soon.” Luna gulped down some air, hiding her face in Dusk's chest.
Wait. WHAT?!
Confused, Dusk Shine could only sputter out a, “When did they decide this? I've never known of any arranged marriage.” “I don't know what the arrangement was, but they're serious and Celestia has agreed to it.” Luna sobbed again, her whole life feeling like it was going down the drain. Dusk Shine frowned, looking off towards the castle. Giving he a soft nicker, “Now now, don't borrow trouble. I'm sure all we have to do is talk this out with them. Agreeable or not, I don't think Celestia would willingly hurt her little sister like this.” He turned to his love, nuzzling her neck in gentle strokes with is muzzle. Seeing her so distraught was a suffering he hoped he would never have to see again after this. He loved her so much. She didn't deserve to be in so much turmoil. It pained him to watch her suffer, feeling completely helpless to alleviate it. All he could do was be here with her, comfort her with his presence. Hopefully it was enough. The sun began to set, even then she didn't want to leave the meadow. He laid by her as she raised the moon. Nuzzles, soft whispers of encouragement, and gentle kisses, slowly began to work their magic. Luna eventually calmed enough to sleep, Dusk Shine never left her side. Not even for a moment.
Eventually the sun began to rise again. Dusk Shine turned purple eyes towards it, watching the sky turn from inky blue-black to various shades of gray till it finally turned light blue. They had to get back to the castle and speak with the council about all this. Things couldn't be left the way they were now, and Luna was in no shape to face them alone. He turned his gaze to the beautiful mare laying against him. His indigo dream. With a soft sigh of resignation he nuzzled her gentle. “'Una, you need to wake up love.” Putting a hoof around her, he gave her a little kiss on the forehead. Groaning, Luna lifted her head and blinked slowly awake. Seeing the buck beside her got her to come back to herself a moment later. She hung her indigo head back to the grass, “Its morning already?” The whispered despair in her voice sent another shock-wave of heartache through Dusk Shine. Looking towards the castle again, “We've got to see if we can change this. I mean, we could run away,” Here he paused, turning his attention back to Luna. “But Equestria needs you beloved. If there's a chance we can be together we willfind it. I wont simply roll over for the council and marry just because they tell me to.” Another nuzzle and Luna nodded. She looked towards the castle herself, teal eyes filling with fear. She didn't know what awaited them once they spoke up. They could only hope Celestia would understand enough to excuse her, possibly letting them be together if all went well. Dusk Shine got up first, lending a hoof to Luna. “I'm part of the Guard, not at the top yet, but high enough. I should be able to get a few ponies to back me up. Everything will be fine.” He tried to smile. It came out a lot sadder then it was intended though. Luna nodded, following at his side as he moved off.
Together they went at a slow gait back to the castle. Walking side by side, softly touching, but nether needed words to comfort. They had each other, that's all they needed at the moment. When they reached the castle they paused to gather courage. Dusk Shine drew Luna into an embrace. “I'll never leave you Lune. My heart belongs to only you.” He nuzzled her mane and a gentle kiss on the cheek. “I don't know what to do if -” She began, tears beginning to fall again. Dusk Shine silenced her with a kiss. An enraged whinny caught their attention.
“WHAT is going on here?!”
Oh merciful powers, thiswas NOT going to help their case. Celestia stood engulfed in righteous anger. Her aura was slowly beginning to darken as they remained close to each other. Luna had never seen her so angry, and she didn't quite understand why.
Stamping her hoof, Celestia flung her mane and nickered angrily. Was this why the brat had ran off yesterday? She'd been with Dusk Shine behind her back the whole time? This commoner had been betrothed to HER. Lower caste or not, he belonged to her. Now this … FILLY was even trying to take what was hers? Well. She could fix that. They'd pay for betraying her like this. Pay dearly. “Dusk Shine. You are hereby banished from Equestria. If I should ever see you on any part of my land … you willbe executed on the spot.” Her eyes narrowed to dangerous slits, lowering her head to show off her horn in a challenge. Something Luna had never seen her sister do. It was like she didn't even know this powerful mare in front of her anymore. Luna stepped forward to try and calm this stranger down. “Sister, please – you can't mean that. We're -” “What?! In Love? So what! Be careful what you say next little filly, or I may just kill him now.” Celestia didn't raise her head. She kept her horn aimed at the two of them, intent on dealing out retribution for attempting to foil an arrangement that had been set down before either of them could even walk.
NO low caste gutter scum was going to make a fool of her!
Nor would her ignorant little twit of a sister.
“Celestia, please let us explain.” Dusk Shine pushed Luna behind him, shielding her with his own body. Celestia smiled darkly.
Wrong move.
“BEGONE.” She enveloped the indigo buck in dark red magic. The next moment he was gone.
“DUSK SHINE!” Luna screamed, seeing the stallion disappear before her eyes.
“Now for you.” Celestia stepped forward, enveloping her younger sister in the same angry red magic. “You shall stay in the tower until further notice.” With that the princess of the moon was teleported to her castle rooms.
~: A Few Months Later :~ News reached Luna of Dusk Shine's attempt at returning to Equestria, only to be killed by a rampaging dragon just at the border. The moon princess grieved and grieved for her lost beloved. Eventually it over took her mind, casting it into dark shadows that continually played tricks on her.
Shortly there after, she became Nightmare Moon, bent on destroying all those who had caused her lost love's demise. Celestia, though now feeling grief at wounding her sister so badly, had no choice but to trap her poor little sister in the moon and take up her duties and responsibilities.
A thousand years would pass before the sisters next saw each other …
~: TBC :~
By: Sintarious
~: Prologue :~
Part 1: ~ Ascension ~
There were just so many things in life she didn't understand. Of course she was still pretty young, being just out of foal-hood, but sometimes they were suppose to be instinctive right? Only yesterday she had been a blank flank like everypony else. Today? Today she had been watching the horizon from her bedroom, wanting to see the moon. Next thing she knew she felt a sort of … tugging, and suddenly the moon rose into the big bright blue sky. She had been shocked at seeing the moon rising at her behest. Following closely on its hooves was an unexpected, but pleasant, sensation. It was kind of warm and tingly and came from the area of her flanks – sort of like how her hoof felt when it had fallen asleep on her the other day. A cursory look behind her revealed the cause. There, emblazoned on her rump was the most beautiful cutie mark she had ever seen, proclaiming her the wielder of Night Magics. She alerted the entire castle with the news shortly afterword, ecstatic with happiness. Her big sister hadn't seemed to care though. She had given her an inattentive smile before going right back to her princess lessons. Not a single word spoken. Luna sighed, her head hanging low, tail trailing the ground a bit, feeling quite disheartened. She thought Celestia would have been more excited. At the very least she should of been proud of her. Everypony had been excited when Celestia had gotten hercutie mark. Instead she ignored her, leaving her with one to celebrate with now, on her way to school all alone. Shaking her head to dislodge the dark thoughts, she found her attention once again on the moon in the sky. It was a crescent today, just like the mark on her flank. She thought about the significance for a little while. Her name was Luna, which was an Olden name for the moon she was looking at. Somehow, it didn't seem to be all that special anymore.
WHAMP! Without warning she found herself on the cobblestone looking at a tailor's shop across the street. Totally unaware of how she had come to be laying … upside down … on the ground. One moment she was walking along, the next she was looking at a dress shop upside down with her hind-legs flipped over her head.
Upside down? Whywas she upside down?
It didn't make sense. Not one little iota! She had been UPRIGHT, just walking along, minding her own business. Could today get any worse? Slowly she flipped herself back over.
OOF!
Doing so, however, caused her to flinch in pain as what seemed like a lightning bolt shot from the tip of her horn to the back of her head. Figuratively of course.
OW!
Rubbing her horn she stayed on the gravel a moment longer before the realization that somepony was casting a shadow over her made itself known. Huh? 'Oh, I must have run into this pony!' The small indigo filly, brought her gaze up to look at the pony she had just bumped into. The colt in question blinked at her a moment before smiling. “Whoa there, you're going to hurt yourself if you don't watch where you're going.” He held out a lavender hoof to help her up. Speechless, and unsure what else to do, she took the offered help and got back up. “Huh, I should have been taking my own advice.” She watched as he grimaced,sighed, then magically lift a book out of a small puddle. “Its going to take a lot of work to get this back to proper condition.” The colt furrowed his brow and shook his head sadly, sending a tendril of his, messy, dark indigo mane to curl around one ear. Using his magic some more, he shook the book out to get most of the water off. “I'm sorry.” The little filly's ears fell back as she apologized. Of course, she hadbeen more interested in the sight of the moon during the day, sitting above Canterlot, then on paying attention to where she was actually going. If her big sister hadn't told her once, she'd told her a thousand times 'Watch where you're trotting.' Only now did she get that her sister was REALLY trying to help her instead of only picking on her. The colt turned his attention back to her, she mused that he wasn't too much older then her, and smiled kindly back. “I'm sorry too, guess this a lesson we both learned huh?” He grinned, reaching out to ruffle her light blue mane.“No hard feelings?” His purple eyes went wide as he realized he hadn't introduced himself, “OH! Wow, look at how discourteous I'm being. I'm Dusk Shine.”, he ended the introduction by placing a hoof on his chest. “Um, I'm Luna.” The filly smiled shyly only to laugh raucously a moment later when the colt's jaw dropped. With a shake of his head he studied her a moment, taking in the little crescent moon cutie mark on her flank and her petite wings. “Well!” He pulled back, huffing slightly to get his messy mane out of his face. “Never expected to bowl over a princess, I'm even more embarrassed by my inattention now.” Dusk Shine laughed, raising a hoof off the ground a little, his cheeks a bit red as if to corroborate his statement. “If its any consolation, I wasn't paying much attention either,” Her own cheeks pinking a bit themselves. “Though I never expected to be bowled over either so I suppose that makes us even.” Dusk Shine turned a bit to get a better look at the moon over Canterlot, giving her a quick peek at his cutie mark. A big purple star-burst surrounded by five small white ones. A star-burst … and stars. Wait. Stars?! Her little mouth lifted into a big goofy grin. They had something in common! This was incredible, and quite possibly the best thing … ok, second best thing, that happened today. Luna was about to tell him so when he turned back around, bringing the damaged book back into as the main focus. Oh yeah …. the book. She was about to open her mouth to apologize again when he interrupted with; “You did that?” The colt pointed a hoof towards the moon with no small amount of awe in his voice and a twinkle in his purple eyes. Blinking in surprise, she closed her mouth again and studied him a moment. A slight bob of her head gave confirmation to his accusation. “So you earned your cutie marktoday?” Dusk Shine raised a brow in surprise. Another nod from Luna sent him grinning. “Wow, that's amazing! When are you going to have your cute-ceanera?” The little indigo filly's head dropped, “I'm uncertain if there is even going to be one.” answering so quietly he almost didn't hear what she had said. Dark indigo locks fell to one side as he tiled his head to study her. After a moment he made up his mind and stepped forward. “That doesn't seem right.” Luna found herself at the receiving end of a chaste kiss on the forehead, just below her horn. Dusk Shine stepped back, smiling sadly at the tiny princess. “I know it isn't much, but, congratulations, my fair little princess.” Filly and colt measured each other in silence, just enjoying each others company for a short time. Luna's big teal eyes wide in surprise as she watched him. Then the little filly burst into happy tears. “It's more then enough. Thank you so very much Dusk Shine.” With that she flung her hooves around the purple pony's neck and gave him a great big bear hug. Well as bear like as a tiny pony can do, anyway. Dusk put a hoof around her in return. “You are most welcome.” His brows furrowed slightly. Why did it seem like no one had taken the time to congratulate her on obtaining her cutie mark? And she was still so very young … it didn't seem right. Not right at all! And she was supposed to go to school like this? HA! Not if he had something to say about that. However, he really needed to get to the library. Just like that a light bulb went off in his head. “Hey, I need to get to the library 'Una.” He watched her pull away, looking downtrodden once again. Teasingly, he waited a moment, making a show of putting a hoof to his chin and looking up at the sky as if in thought. “You know … the library IS pretty close.” He grinned and pulled the little filly into a one hoofed hug. “Why don't we go together?” “Really?!” Luna squealed happily, practically bouncing in place in joy. “I don't see why not. Though it isn't good to miss your lessons … I DO believe today is a specialoccasion so we'll keep it a secret.” He gave her a wink and started walking down the road again. Dusk Shine may of only been a few years older then Luna, but he sure seemed quite mature to her. “I wish I had BBBFF or even a BPF just like you, Dusk Shine.” Her head started to sag again as she thought of how her sister had received the news about her cutie mark. It had been the complete opposite of what Dusk Shine's reaction had been. The lavender colt in question glanced back at her with a raised brow. “Huh?” It was obvious he didn't know what those acronyms were. She smiled apologetically back and explained. “Oh, sorry. Those stand for Big Brother Best Friend Forever, and Best Pony Friend.” She rubbed the back of her head with a hoof in embarrassment. Both of Dusk Shine's eyebrows went up in shock. “Don't you have a sister? Or a friend at school?” “Celestia doesn't pay much attention to me anymore. She's always too busy to do anything with me now.” Luna paused to think. “As for friends … not really. Everyone is always nice to me, but only because I'm Celestia's little sister, or maybe because I'm a princess. No one really tries to know me.” This did not sit well with Dusk Shine. What the heck where those ponies at the castle doing?! No one payed attention to the younger princess because they already had Celestia? That was just wrong. She was still so young! She neededthe attention and affection of those around her like all little foals. Filly OR colt. For her to have already found her cutie mark showed that she was left alone way too much and was being forced to grow up much, much, faster then all the other little ponies her age. If somepony didn't step in and be there for her … things would turn verybad. 'Well that settles it then!' He thought to himself, pausing to turn to look at Luna. “Tell you what 'Una. I'll be your BPF.” Luna stopped, her mouth falling open to gape at the slightly older colt. She ran the few feet to him and nuzzled under his chin, quite content with her life now.
No. She had been completely wrong earlier. Thiswas the best thing that happened today. Today was the best day of her life! Who cared if Celestia didn't congratulate her for getting her cutie mark, she had gotten it hadn't she? And now she had a best friend! “Thank you.” It was just two simple little words, but they held a wealth of meaning. She didn't have to say more, Dusk Shine understood. He ruffled her hair then started off to the library again, little Luna right beside him. There was one thing that bothered Luna though, and she gave it a voice as they finally neared the library. “Why do you call me 'Una?” She tilted her little light indigo head, teal eyes questioning with genuine curiosity. Dusk Shine blinked then laughed contagiously. “Una is a word in another language that means 'One'. Well, a feminine 'one'.” When he glanced at her again he could tell he had lost her. “When referring to someone, or something, that is feminine – it would be Una. If I had been referring to myself, since I am a colt, it would have been Uno. I was sort of playing with words.” He stopped to think a moment. “Your name is Luna. Una just sort of popped in my head, I guess, and it's a shortened form of your name. So now your my 'Una.” Dusk Shine grinned, going the last few feet to the stairs of the library. Luna giggled, following close behind, practically bouncing up the steps.
Part 2: ~ Descent~
* - Time Skip : 12 Years - *
Though Luna sat in on the morning council meeting, she really wasn't paying much attention. Since her sixteenth birthday three months ago, her sister thought she should have more responsibilities and had her join the council. According to Celestia, because she was a princess she needed to start becoming involved in governing. Hadn't she been raising the moon for over a decade now? What more could they want when they had 'Tia to do all the 'day' stuff? Seriously. She dealt with things pertaining to night. Dealing with Ponies and laws didn't really fit into that category. Or so her debate with Celestia had tied to argue issue.
It hadn't worked. Oh well. At least she had something to look forward to after this was done. With a small smile, she thought of how much had changed in just a little over a decade. For nearly three years now, she and Dusk Shine were becoming … well more. They were each others special somepony. Of course they hadn't really done anything more then hold hooves, and a kiss now again, until recently. Her sixteenth birthday had been … quite an experience. The transition between friend and lovers. Somehow, it happened so effortlessly. They had seen each other everyday, shared everything with each other. Dusk Shine had been a constant pillar of strength for her, caring yet encouraging her to be her own pony. He taught her she could leanon him, but ultimately it was she who would have to support herself. Mostly, he was just there, loving her for herself. To her, he was the kindest pony she had ever encountered. Well so far. The two of them were very comfortable with each other. To Luna, she could just be herself around him, unlike everywhere else. Everypony expected her to act a certain way, or to be doing certain duties and be perpetually busy with being a princess. Dusk Shine never expected anything from her. They fit together much like their cutie marks, moon and stars. When stressed out, often all she had to do was be in his presence to became calm again. He was like a balm that soothed away anything and everything rough. Her little smile spread as she recalled their plans for today. Today, they were going to meet for a picnic. They had found the most beautiful place in the forest the other day while taking a little walk. There is a quiet meadow, not very big - but plenty big enough to move around leisurely, that was so amazingly serene that they decided it was to be their meeting place from now on. A little trot, nice food, plus a gorgeous setting? It was perfect. For the life of her, Luna couldn't remember a time when she had been any happier. Oh wait. The first day she had meet Dusk. DUH!
That was besides the point, the point being that they were together. Dusk Shine had even commented that as soon as she turned eighteen he intended to marry her. So it was only a matter of time before they could really come out in the open. Sure they hadn't precisely announced themselves, but they hadn't exactly hidden it either.
“Princess Luna. Please pay attention!”
Luna's head snapped up, her teal gaze going straight to her sister's angry face. Oh snap. She must have missed something pretty important for her sister to be giving her thatlook. Well … crap. Couldn't she do anythingright?
“Do try to keep up. Everypony will be quite disappointed with us if you do not.” Celesta gave her one last look before turning her attention back to the awaiting ponies.
Ok, apparently not.
Luna gave a tight bob of her head, keeping her facial features completely neutral. She would NOT give them the satisfaction of see her upset in any way. Sad or spitting mad, it didn't matter which she was feeling, they didn't need to know 'Tia had once again affected her. Why the heck did Celestia have to be so mean sometimes? She didn't understand it at all. There were points where 'Tia was the kindest, sweetest, big sister she could ever ask for. And then there were times when Celestia made her want to put a hoof through her teeth. It seemed like the second one happened more and more often now that they were older.
“The next item on the agenda: The arranged marriage for Celestia. We believe it should proceed as planned. Captain Moon Gleam has been advised to bring it up with his son, the colt in question.” A unicorn gentlecolt, with a scroll and quill cutie mark, hovered a scroll with a little yellow glow, looking from it to the Princesses. Wait. Celestia was going to be married? Huh. That was news to her. Maybe it would help get her sister out of the foul mood she was always it. One could hope. “Ah, yes. I do recall something of the sort being brought up a few meetings ago. What was his name again?” Celestia politely gave a nod to the stallion to continue. Luna raised a brow, her gaze going from her sister's now neutral face to that of the green coated unicorn stallion. “I believe his name is Dusk Shine.”
Suddenly it felt like the world had slipped out from under her. Everything tilted and became gray. All sound became distant buzzing in her ears. Her teal eyes went wide in shock as she turned to her sister for conformation.
No way. She had heard that wrong right?
“Oh yes, that was it.” Celestia's pink magic gently retrieved the scroll from the stallion. “Hm, I suppose it can no longer be delayed. Thank you Florid Script, please continue.”
Nope. She hadn't been mistaken. Nothing made sense. How could Celestia be arranged to marry Dusk Shine? She had known Dusk almost all his life, he had never mentioned anything of the sort. This HAD to be a slip up.
“Yes, he seems quite promising. His academic record is way above normal, and recently he became Lieutenant of the Guard. Duty wise, he's been set as one of Princess Luna's personal protection unit. So he's already familiar with castle protocols.” “Really now? Well that does set my mind at ease a bit.” Celestia gave a small smile and nodded. Luna's mouth gaped the more she listened. No.
NO.
NONONONONO!
She finally snapped. Without another word she got up and dashed out of the council room. Passing everypony in the halls, tears streaming down her eyes, all she could think of doing was getting to Dusk Shine. There had to be somethingthey could do. ANYTHING. 'Somepony, PLEASEtell me this is just a horrible dream!' Her mind screamed as she raced out of the castle, into the woods, blinded by tears. Everything was crashing about her hooves. All her dreams of them becoming a happy family were being dashed before her very eyes, then trampled by hundreds of hooves for good measure.
Luckily, there had been one pony who had seen her running from the castle grounds. Seeing the tears in her eyes, he knew something bad had happened. He hadn't ever really seen her cry like that. This made him panic. What could set Luna off like that? Racing after her, he dodged trees and bushes as she ran blindly through the forest. He could guess where she was heading, but keeping up with an Alicorn was no easy feat. Purple eyes crinkled in worry. Something was horribly wrong, and he just didn't know what. Yet. Finally, Luna stopped and dropped, all at once, to the moss carpeted meadow they had found just a few days ago. He watched her collapse, his heart breaking at the pain he could see plainly on her face. Breathing hard, his body shaking with all the exertion in their mindless flight, took the last few feet to her and dropped down next to her. “Lune?” He nudged her with his muzzle. When all she did was cry harder he put a hoof over her and drew her closer. “Please, my Belle Lune. I can't help if you wont talk to me.” He didn't know what had happened, but just the sight of her crying was making him ache in pain as well. It took several minutes before she replied, “The council, they said there's an arranged marriage between you and Celestia – and they want it to happen soon.” Luna gulped down some air, hiding her face in Dusk's chest.
Wait. WHAT?!
Confused, Dusk Shine could only sputter out a, “When did they decide this? I've never known of any arranged marriage.” “I don't know what the arrangement was, but they're serious and Celestia has agreed to it.” Luna sobbed again, her whole life feeling like it was going down the drain. Dusk Shine frowned, looking off towards the castle. Giving he a soft nicker, “Now now, don't borrow trouble. I'm sure all we have to do is talk this out with them. Agreeable or not, I don't think Celestia would willingly hurt her little sister like this.” He turned to his love, nuzzling her neck in gentle strokes with is muzzle. Seeing her so distraught was a suffering he hoped he would never have to see again after this. He loved her so much. She didn't deserve to be in so much turmoil. It pained him to watch her suffer, feeling completely helpless to alleviate it. All he could do was be here with her, comfort her with his presence. Hopefully it was enough. The sun began to set, even then she didn't want to leave the meadow. He laid by her as she raised the moon. Nuzzles, soft whispers of encouragement, and gentle kisses, slowly began to work their magic. Luna eventually calmed enough to sleep, Dusk Shine never left her side. Not even for a moment.
Eventually the sun began to rise again. Dusk Shine turned purple eyes towards it, watching the sky turn from inky blue-black to various shades of gray till it finally turned light blue. They had to get back to the castle and speak with the council about all this. Things couldn't be left the way they were now, and Luna was in no shape to face them alone. He turned his gaze to the beautiful mare laying against him. His indigo dream. With a soft sigh of resignation he nuzzled her gentle. “'Una, you need to wake up love.” Putting a hoof around her, he gave her a little kiss on the forehead. Groaning, Luna lifted her head and blinked slowly awake. Seeing the buck beside her got her to come back to herself a moment later. She hung her indigo head back to the grass, “Its morning already?” The whispered despair in her voice sent another shock-wave of heartache through Dusk Shine. Looking towards the castle again, “We've got to see if we can change this. I mean, we could run away,” Here he paused, turning his attention back to Luna. “But Equestria needs you beloved. If there's a chance we can be together we willfind it. I wont simply roll over for the council and marry just because they tell me to.” Another nuzzle and Luna nodded. She looked towards the castle herself, teal eyes filling with fear. She didn't know what awaited them once they spoke up. They could only hope Celestia would understand enough to excuse her, possibly letting them be together if all went well. Dusk Shine got up first, lending a hoof to Luna. “I'm part of the Guard, not at the top yet, but high enough. I should be able to get a few ponies to back me up. Everything will be fine.” He tried to smile. It came out a lot sadder then it was intended though. Luna nodded, following at his side as he moved off.
Together they went at a slow gait back to the castle. Walking side by side, softly touching, but nether needed words to comfort. They had each other, that's all they needed at the moment. When they reached the castle they paused to gather courage. Dusk Shine drew Luna into an embrace. “I'll never leave you Lune. My heart belongs to only you.” He nuzzled her mane and a gentle kiss on the cheek. “I don't know what to do if -” She began, tears beginning to fall again. Dusk Shine silenced her with a kiss. An enraged whinny caught their attention.
“WHAT is going on here?!”
Oh merciful powers, thiswas NOT going to help their case. Celestia stood engulfed in righteous anger. Her aura was slowly beginning to darken as they remained close to each other. Luna had never seen her so angry, and she didn't quite understand why.
Stamping her hoof, Celestia flung her mane and nickered angrily. Was this why the brat had ran off yesterday? She'd been with Dusk Shine behind her back the whole time? This commoner had been betrothed to HER. Lower caste or not, he belonged to her. Now this … FILLY was even trying to take what was hers? Well. She could fix that. They'd pay for betraying her like this. Pay dearly. “Dusk Shine. You are hereby banished from Equestria. If I should ever see you on any part of my land … you willbe executed on the spot.” Her eyes narrowed to dangerous slits, lowering her head to show off her horn in a challenge. Something Luna had never seen her sister do. It was like she didn't even know this powerful mare in front of her anymore. Luna stepped forward to try and calm this stranger down. “Sister, please – you can't mean that. We're -” “What?! In Love? So what! Be careful what you say next little filly, or I may just kill him now.” Celestia didn't raise her head. She kept her horn aimed at the two of them, intent on dealing out retribution for attempting to foil an arrangement that had been set down before either of them could even walk.
NO low caste gutter scum was going to make a fool of her!
Nor would her ignorant little twit of a sister.
“Celestia, please let us explain.” Dusk Shine pushed Luna behind him, shielding her with his own body. Celestia smiled darkly.
Wrong move.
“BEGONE.” She enveloped the indigo buck in dark red magic. The next moment he was gone.
“DUSK SHINE!” Luna screamed, seeing the stallion disappear before her eyes.
“Now for you.” Celestia stepped forward, enveloping her younger sister in the same angry red magic. “You shall stay in the tower until further notice.” With that the princess of the moon was teleported to her castle rooms.
~: A Few Months Later :~ News reached Luna of Dusk Shine's attempt at returning to Equestria, only to be killed by a rampaging dragon just at the border. The moon princess grieved and grieved for her lost beloved. Eventually it over took her mind, casting it into dark shadows that continually played tricks on her.
Shortly there after, she became Nightmare Moon, bent on destroying all those who had caused her lost love's demise. Celestia, though now feeling grief at wounding her sister so badly, had no choice but to trap her poor little sister in the moon and take up her duties and responsibilities.
A thousand years would pass before the sisters next saw each other …
~: TBC :~