Chapter 5: Old Fears Revived.
Alex received word from King Harmonious that she had his permission to remain in Equestria as well as his thanks for forging diplomatic relations. To Princesses Celestia and Luna, he extended his royal greetings and advised them that Alex would function as his ambassador until the celebration of the King's return to the throne and the release of Prince Ryan from the dark power. There was included an invitation to them, as well as everypony present at the duel between Alex and Ryan, to attend the celebration, which was to be held in three weeks time.
Everypony was excited for the upcoming celebration and perspective trip to the human kingdom. But in the meantime, Alex was to move into the castle until the celebration. Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy all returned to Ponyville and their respective responsibilities, while Shining Armor and Cadance returned to the Crystal Empire.
Over the next two weeks, Alex was busy with correspondence between Humania and Equestria and explaining to Celestia and Luna about the human court, who would be there, what to expect, etc. etc. However, things slowed down near the end of the second week and Alex got some much needed time off.
One night, after Luna had raised the moon, the Princess of the Night observed the Princess of Men walking in the castle garden. She decided to join her. "Greetings, Princess Alex. Do you mind if I join you?" inquired Luna.
"Not at all. But please, call me Alex," replied Alex with a smile.
"As you wish, Alex. If I might ask, why are you awake at this hour? Shouldn't you be in bed asleep, my friend?" asked Luna looking a bit concerned.
"Yes, I probably should be in bed, but I can't sleep. My mind is far too active and my body restless with the fire of excitement! I long to see my family again and order and peace restored to my homeland," said Alex.
"Ah. I understand. Come. I have something I wish to show thee," said Luna leading the way to the castle.
The two walked through the quiet passages of the castle in silence. Luna led the way past rooms, statues, and paintings, through twisting and turning passages and up a long flight of winding stairs to a small chamber. She opened the door and ushered Alex in. Closing the door behind her, she lit the candles in the room to reveal a table and chairs and a few bookcases in the room. Luna took a seat on one of the chairs and motioned for Alex to take the other. Alex did so and noticed Luna looked troubled.
"What's wrong, Princess Luna?" she asked.
"Please, call me Luna. I-I'm concerned that Nightmare Moon might return," said Luna looking ashamed and a little scared.
"You should be telling Celestia about this, not me, my friend," said Alex, at once guessing Luna's fears.
"But, if she finds out she will imprison me in the moon again! Celestia must never find out! Not until I defeat and destroy Nightmare Moon once and for all!" exclaimed Luna.
"Luna, you can't destroy Nightmare Moon alone. In fact, it is your doubt of your sister's love for you that is giving Nightmare Moon strength. You see, Luna, Nightmare Moon is the absence of love, kindness, compassion, and goodwill. She is emptiness and as such cannot be destroyed, but rather must be filled with love. Trust Celestia, tell her how you feel, don't make the same mistake you did a thousand years ago," said Alex looking kindly at Luna.
"You are indeed a woman of great wisdom for thy years, old friend. I can see why Celestia likes you so much. I shall do as you have advised, even though I am afraid," said Luna rising. The two left the room and went their separate ways.
"Luna! Why didn't you come to me at once!" Celestia exclaimed when her sister told her of her concerns.
"I was afraid you would be angry and imprison me again, my sister." Luna cowered for she was still very much afraid.
"Oh, Luna! Don't you know I love you more than my life? You are my sister for sun's sake! Come here, dear little sister." Celestia spread her wings and hugged her younger sister, trying to convey by the strength of her embrace the strength of her love.
In the warm embrace of her elder sister, Luna felt herself grow calm and somewhere inside her heart, she heard the dying screams of Nightmare Moon and knew that foul creature would never return.
"Thank you, Celestia. I-I needed that, I needed to be reminded just how much you cared. I love you too, my dear, dear sister!" Luna cried as she hugged her sister back and the two remained thus for a few more moments.
They released each other and Celestia said, "I know, Luna, and I know Nightmare Moon shall never return. Never forget that you are first and foremost my little sister. You can come to me with all your concerns and worries, no matter what they are. I freely forgave you for what happened all those years ago, long before your release. And besides, it was my fault."
"I know you did and it wasn't your fault. I was the one who let my jealousy take over and drive us apart," said Luna.
"And I should have done something. I saw the signs, I saw that you were unhappy, and yet, I did nothing. Oh, Luna, can you ever forgive me for being so blind?" said Celestia with tears in her eyes.
"It is I who should ask your forgiveness. Oh, Tia! Of course I forgive you! Alex was right, my own doubts and fears were giving Nightmare Moon strength and there was certainly no chance of my being able to defeat her myself," said Luna.
Celestia dried her eyes. "Yes. Truth be told, I knew something was bothering you, but I knew you wouldn't tell me without a small push in that direction. But I never guessed Alex would be that push. It seems our fates are evermore intertwined," said Celestia, a distant look in her eyes.