Rebels in Equestria 14

> The golden afternoon sun beams in from the towering windows.
> Its golden glow bathes you in a warm radiant light.

> The library is mostly silent, save for the sounds of your chalk as you slave away at the green chalk board.
> Only hours ago this board was empty.
> Now it's plastered with equations, theories and diagrams.
> A small product of today's “class”.

> Behind you, the sounds of quills scratching away at parchment fills your ears.
> A sound that soon grew on you.
> Like the sounds of crashing waves, it was a soothing sound that you have yet to grow tired of.

> You continue away at the board, grinding away at your examples.
> Along the way, you've come to notice on how easy it has been for you to recall all this specific information.
> Throughout the day, you've replicated several obscure concepts and topics that you've learned in your previous life.
> With little to no effort, you've been able to recall with great detail all those hours spent in the lecture halls.
> Every concept, every idea and ideology, every insignificant detail was now at your disposal.

> You're still unsure on how this became so; but after mulling it over there's only one reasonable conclusion you can draw: All of this is but a convenient side effect from Twilight and Celestia's spells.
> A cold chill runs down your spine as you recall the incident in Twilight's lab.
> An experience you'd rather not endure again.
> Regardless, you've come to accept it as a fluke.
> An accident that fell outside of Twilight's control.
> She meant no harm... [spoiler] right? [/spoiler]

> Regardless of the cause, you're still grateful of the outcome.
> At long last, you trudge to the end of your lecture.

“Alright.” You sigh, putting the piece of chalk down.
> On the board, a rough sketch of an airplane is plastered across the board.
> You point to a cross section of a wing and write a few equations next to it.
“Finally, if we did everything right, we should be given the velocity of wind passing through the wing here. Given perfect conditions, the design of the wings would provide upward lift as it cuts through the air.”
> You glance over your work once more.
“...This design isn't perfect...But it's a start. We work out the kinks later.”

> You put the finishing touches on the chalk board before turning to face your audience.

“Any ques-....”
> You had been so focused on your work you had barely noticed the influx of audience members.
> Before your sat at least a dozen more p0nies at your presentation.

> Amongst the new crowd members, you spot Luna sitting in the rear.
> She gives you a toothy smile and she waves you on.

“Ah, I think we've covered enough for one day.” you clutch your cramped writing hand. “We'll finish this up next time.”
> In the corner of your eye, Celestia gives a small nod of approval.
> You step away from the board and close your books; effectively dismissing the crowd before you.

> Trying to make your way through the crowd proves to be somewhat difficult.
> It seems as though each and every pony there has something to share with you.
> Everyone wants to share their theories and ideologies with you.
> They also prod you with constant personal questions.
> With a stern smile, you tend to their questions.

> In the corner of your eye, you spot Luna and Celestia making their way to one of the library's balconies.
> Luna gives you a quick nod of the head.
> She mouths the word “Come.”
> A  coy smirk finds it way to your face.
> You cut your way throughout the hustle and find your way to the princesses.

> As you step outside, you arrive just in the nick of time to watch them shift the day.
> You lean up against the wall as you watch them take flight.
> With each gentle rise and fall, they carry the sun and moon with them.
> The warm golden light giving way to a cool blue moon.

> They moved with such grace and fluidity that can only come with years of practice.
> It was a quick event was performed with skill and precision.
> It was truly breath taking.

> You let out a hearty applaud as they finish their display.
> “Did you enjoy the show?” Celestia asks.
“Very much. I'll probably never get tired of it.”

> She holds you inside her wing as you look of the balcony.
> You watch as the lights of Canterlot are lit, one by one.
> The city springs to life once more as it dances in the shadows of the lamp lights.
> “Thank you Anonymous.”
“For what?”
> “Your work today. You have no idea what this means to us.”
“Gah, don't worry about it. It's the least I can do for you all.”
> “Well regardless, I appreciate it Anonymo-” You watch as she breaks out in a hearty yawn. “Oh my. Excuse me.”

> “Getting late! Is it not, sister? Will you be retiring for the night?” Luna asks.
> “Yes, I suppose it is getting late.” Celestia replies as she trots inside. “I'll be seeing you two tomorrow, bright and early. Good night.”
“Sweet dreams, Celestia.” You say to the tired Princess.
> She only gives a weak smile in response before disappearing behind the door.

> “Aren't you going to retire as well?” Luna asks.
“Bah, of course not! The night is still young!”
> Luna's confused expression is quickly changed to one of pure joy.


---


> Another day falls to night.
> And just as any other Twilight finds herself buried in her books.

> Her 'scolding' from Celestia had left an everlasting impression on her
> One that might change her opinion of Anonymous.

> 'What makes him tick?' she wonders.
> 'What possibly could allow him to press on? Why is he still here?'
> 'What [spoiler] really [/spoiler] happened in Emmeria?'

> She let out a loud sigh.
> Her body and mind grew tired, but yet she pressed on.

> What she wouldn't give to have her questions answered.

> When Twilight first heard of Anonymous' into the royal family, she grew with envy.
> With time, that envy transformed into anger.
> How could Celestia give him, [spoiler] that thing, [/spoiler] a title more prestigious than her own!?

> It was unfair!
> Unjust!
> Anonymous has barely been in Equestria for more than a few weeks!
> While she's been slaving over friendship reports for years!
> If anyone deserved such a title, it was her!

> Twilight hangs her head in shame.
> She let her emotions get the best of her and made a fool of herself.
“I should have just kept my mouth shut” she whispers.
> She lets out a heavy sigh before dropping for face to the desk.

> With each passing night, she'd dig deeper and deeper into Anonymous' past in any way she could.
> Since the moment she met him, she's been studying him.
> Noting his every action and reaction.
> And with the aid of his journal, she was able to delve much deeper than before.
> Little by little, she stared to piece it all together.

> War.

> Such an alien concept.
> Equestria hasn't seen war in some time.
> Her books describe war as a collaboration of ruthless violence between two parties with little to no thought to the value of life.
> A horrible act carried out by only the cruelest of souls.
> The mere thought of it all sends a cold chill down her spine.

> She's experienced firsthand the extent of Anonymous' force.
> His tools of war that he so nonchalantly carries around are not to be taken lightly.
> She's had those very weapons aimed at her before.
> It was terrifying.
> By some miracle of god, she somehow managed to shield herself from its force.

> In her mind, Twilight relives that very moment.
> She remembers how quick Anonymous was to turn that weapon at her.
> With little no consideration for her life.
> She remembers his face.
> His eyes, cold and stern.
…
> She also recall's coming across the maimed body of a Manticore.

> The manticore, such a proud and powerful beast, was reduced to nothing more than a bloody mess of flesh.
> Deep down, Twilight knew it had to be Anonymous' doing.
> Who else could it have been?

> Still, it amazes her.
> Somehow, he was able to make quick work of one of Equestria most feared beasts.
> Without the magic of a Unicorn.
> Without the flight of a Pegasus.
> Without the strength of an Earth Pony.
> But instead relying solely on his wits and tools at hand.

> She shudders when she considers how close she was to brushing with death.

> Twilight takes a sip of her coffee in an attempt to quell her nerves.
> She turns back to the book she was reading.
> Finishing the last few pages of her book before setting it aside.

> She moves on to the next book in her towering stack of books to read.
> Blowing the dust off, the title reads “Pre-Celestian Mythology”
> Her hopes are that these book might help her gain a better understanding of Anonymous.

> She levitates the book to eye level and starts flipping through the book.
> Her eyes dance about the pages as she scans for any useful information.
> In a matter of moments, she speeds through the book, cover to cover.

> Humans are a mythical being in Equestria.
> Occasionally, Twilight would come across an article where humans are briefly mentioned in Equestria's rise as a nation.
> The few recorded reports date farther back than the start of Celestia's rule.

> Sentient beings that are often credited with bringing the ponies out of the dark ages.
> Feats that where lost and clouded by the sands of time.

“Damn,” Twilight mutters.
> She closes the book and places back on the shelf.
> That book, along with dozens of others have been completely useless.

> She reaches to take another sip of her drink, only to find the glass empty.
“Really?” she mutters.
> She trots across the library as quietly as she can, as not to disturb her house guests.
> As she passes by the living room, the sound of soft snoring fills the air.

> It’s Fluttershy, sleeping peacefully on the couch.

> Her physical wounds were not the only ones.
> A constant fear now plagues her mind.
> That fateful night is little more than a hazy memory, but it still strikes fear into Fluttershy’s heart.
> So much so, that she refuses to discuss about it in a vain attempt to put all behind her.
> And despite having a Royal Security detail dispatched to her home, she refuses to spend the nights alone in her cottage.
> Instead, she’s been spending her nights with her friends.
> All of which, have been more than welcoming for the Yellow Pegasus.

> She looks over to the peaceful Pegasus, a cold shudder running down her spine.
> She can’t help but shed a few tears when she remembers that night.

> It was a strange sight to say the least.

> Anonymous was unconscious.
> He was bruised and battered.
> He left a thick trail of blood around him.

> But Fluttershy had it much worse.
> It was heart breaking to see her like that.

> But the way she had been left to die.
> It looked so much like the photos she found in Anonymous’ journal.
> So much like the descriptions he’d written down.

> Twilight shakes her head vigorously as if to clear her hind.
> She continues toward the kitchen and pours herself a glass of coffee before returning to her desk.

> A towering pile of books still awaits her.
> She sighs.
> Deep in her heart she knew these books were useless.
> They’re either too old, or too farfetched to remain relevant today.

> She looks off to the corner of her study.
> There Anonymous’ leather bound journal rests on top of a bookshelf.
> It’s been untouched for days.

…

> But Twilight was a librarian.
> She knew better than anyone that primary resources would be the best method for acquiring information.
> And in this case; it would be that damned journal.

“Damn it.” She sighs, making her way to the journal.
> She dreads each step.

> Twilight’s not one to get easily moved by books.
> All of her favorite stories rarely push her to tears.
…
> But this book is different.
> Unlike everything else, it’s not fiction.
> It’s all too real.

> Every hand written word.
> Every action, thought and emotion was real.
> A first hand retelling of one of the most cruelest experiences known to any living being.

> The worst of it all, is that the author is still around.
> A living testament to the books contents.
> Still bearing the scars to prove it.

> Twilight blows the dust off the journal and carries it back to her desk.

“Here goes nothing…” she whispers.

> She opens the books about a third of the way in.
> The page where she last left off was book marked.
> Her own notes and chicken scratches are strewn through the pages.
> She softly reads it to herself in the dancing candle light.

---

> A small table for two in the castle’ grand dining room.
> A flickering candle cast a warm glow on your face, while at your side a speechless waiter poured from a bottle of fine wine.

> Across from you sat an ever so patient Luna.
> Her starry mane flowing carelessly in the windless room.
> You could see it in her eyes.
> She had so many words bottled up inside, she was afraid to open her mouth.

> The waiter arrived back at the table with menus and more wine.
> “And how can I serve you two tonight?”
> “I'll be having the usual.”
> “Ah, wonderful choice my Princess.” The waiter scratches the order on a small notepad before turning to you. “And you sire?”
“Ah. I'll have whatever she's having.”
> “Yes. Right away, sire.” The waiter excuses himself before disappearing behind the tall kitchen door.

> The air is ripe with sound.
> Despite the late hour, the dining hall is full of other ponies catching a late snack.
> The sound of idle chatter and dishes clanging fills your ears.
> Despite the busy night, the hall still maintains a verdant atmosphere.

> “We were hoping to find a bit of piece and quiet at this hour. We know this isn't might not be something you're used to.” Luna says slightly agitated, “Sorry Anonymous.”
“Ah, don't worry about it. I don't mind at all!” you take a sip of wine. “Reminds me of home.”

> Luna's eyes grew wide.
> “Really?”
“Yep. Feels like one of my favorite diners back home.”
> “Tell me about it.” she asks. Her expression full of genuine interest.
“It was a little diner I that was on my morning commute.”
> “Really now?”
“Yeah. Every morning I'd take the metro to get to class, but sometimes, I'd stop for a quick meal there.”
> “The metro?”
“Ah, that's right. You guys don't have that here.” you ponder for a moment before continuing on. “Pretty much, it works like the train system you guys have here. But there's just a few differences between the metro and the Friendship Express.”
> “Such as?”
“Well, for starters the metro is underground.”
> “An underground locomotive? Well that's strange.”
“The thing is, the metro would only offer stops inside a city. It's designed for quick transport between hotspots in a city.”
> “Ah, like a trolley car!”
“Exactly.”

> She ponders for a moment before asking. “Did you have trolley car's back home?”
“Hmm. Kinda.”
> “Kind of?”
“They had them, but I wasn't alive at the time where they were the standard for transit. Nowadays they are mostly used as a novelty.”
> “Oh? And when were they most common?”
“Tch. They probably where most common in the 30's or 40's.”
> “30's? 40's? I don't understand.”
“Like the year, 1930's. Or the 1940's...Don't you have a calendar system here in Equestria?”
> “We do. We do. It's not structured the same as yours however.”
“Yeah, I guess. We were in the year 2015 I 'left' home.”
> “Interesting....”
“I guess. I'm glad to have lived when I did. Although it was a little short lived. I never finished my bucket list! Haha!”
> “A bucket list?”
“Oh you know. A bucket list? You must have one don't you?”
> “I don't even know what that is. Care to explain?”
“Oh...Well. A bucket list is a personal list of goals. A list of idea's and hopes you set for yourself. The idea is to complete the list before your eventual death, or 'kick the bucket' as the say.”
> “Oh... That sounds nice.” Luna added. “...Tell me, what was on your list?”
“My list?” You ponder for a moment, occasionally taking a sip from your wine. “I think I just wanted to lead a normal happy life, like everyone else. You know, get an education, find a decent job, fall in love, have a family, have a home, grow old and die.”
> You pour yourself another glass of wine.
“It's a damn shame I died so young. I really wanted to reach at least eighty years.”

> Luna's eyes grew with shock.
> “Eighty years!? But, why such a small period of time?”
> You chuckle heartily, the wine already putting you at ease. “Luna, that's plenty of time! Most people don't even make it past sixty five! I figured with a healthy lifestyle and some good luck, I could have at LEAST pushed eighty.”
> “But...eight years...” Luna says, her eyes clearly worried
“It's a long time Luna.” You let out another hearty laugh. “Hell, it even proved to be too long for me! Haha!”
> Her ears droop down.
“But hey! I'm only kidding! What's got you so down?”

> “It's just....I didn't expect it to be so short..”
“Aww come on. It ain't so bad. I've probably still got a good sixty years left!”
> You try to cheer her up by pouring her another drink.
“Mortality is something we all have to deal with eventually. It was a risk I took everyday. But it didn't end up so bad. Hell, I must have done something right along the way, otherwise I wouldn't be sitting here with you right now..”
> “It's just...You're still so young.”
“I'm pretty sure we're not too far apart. How old are you anyways? You're like twenty, right?”
> “I've...I've lost count, but I think it's somewhere close to 8,000 years, maybe .”
> You choke on your drink. “Wh-What!?...Seriously?”
> She nods her head in embarrassment

> You lull the thought over in your mind.
> You knew she was powerful.
> It wouldn't be far fetched to call her a goddess even.
> But you've never considered it in this much detail.
> Is she immortal?
> ….
> Does it matter?
> You're defying the laws of nature by being alive at this very moment.
> To meet someone who's lived longer than time itself isn't so farfetched anymore.

> You look up to her and crack a smile.
> You raise your glass of wine. “Hell, maybe one day, I might live to a thousand too!”
> Luna smiles nervously before raising her her glass.
> “Yes! A toast!”
“To our health!”
> “To our friendship!”
> You laugh heartily.

> The sounds and smells from the kitchen became overwhelming.
> The waiter returned with a cart full of food in tow.
“Hey hey! Something smells good!”
> Your mouth waters at the sight of the food.
> An exquisite selection of dishes served in front of you.

> “We hope you’re hungry!” Luna giggles, immediately regretting the triteness of her remark
“Famished.” you said with a cheery smile. “Haven't had a decent meal in weeks!”

> Luna laughed out loud.
> [spoiler] 'What was it about him?' Luna thought. 'Incredibly confident, modest with a way of moving and speaking that silently declared he was trusted, level headed, and above all, amiable.' [/spoiler]
> She pondered for a moment.
> 'We should be ashamed.' Luna thought.
> 'He's barely lived two decades, and already he's seen more than us. He's felt more than us. As far as we can tell, he's content with his unfortunately short life.'
> She smiles.
> 'There is much we could learn from each other.'

---

> Diner was a blur.
> You give your compliments to the chef before your led out of the dining hall.

> “Well that was wonderful!” Luna shouts, she's as cheerful and as joyful as ever.
“I'll say. So what's next on the agenda?”
> “Hmm...” She paces in thought.
“Maybe we could hit the city!” you suggest.
> “No...No... Most of the shops are closed at this hour.”
“Damn.”

> You watch as she paces circles around you.
> The confidence and eagerness in her step.
> She stops for a moment, her eyes growing wide with excitement.
> “I've got it!” she exclaims. “Come! Anonymous!”

> She starts galloping down the hall at a breakneck pace.
> With her magic she drags you along by your arm.
“Waitwaitwait!” you shout.
> But it's no use, your cries have fallen upon deaf ears.

> She leads you down a set of halls and corridors.
> “Hurry Anonymous! Quickly!”
“Where the hell are we going!”
> “You'll see!” she shouts, still galloping full speed.
> You run as quickly as you can to try to keep up, but you find yourself dragged along at the mercy of the blue alicorn.

> Finally, Luna stops.
> While you struggle to catch her breath, Luna swings open the doors in front of you.

> The throne room is empty.
> “Come! It'll be fun!”
“I-Uh...What?”
> She pulls you toward the edge of the room.
> There she swings open a set of doors to lead to the grand balcony.

> From here, you have a perfect view overlooking Canterlot.
> There's only a few lights on in the city.
> Most of it's denizens are fast asleep.
> As you peer off, you can barely make out a few light twinkling at the edge of the horizon.
> It's Ponyville.
> You remind yourself of the few friends still living over there.
> You'd aught to pay them a visit soon.

> “Here we are!” she proudly exclaims.
“Hey, my apartment had a view just like this!”
> “Really?” she asks.
> You pull a smug grin.
“...Nah, I'm just messing with you.” Lightly punching her sides. “I lived in a crowded city. The only view I had was that of my neighbor's building. Nothing more, nothing less.”
> “Hmm.”

> She trots circle's around you.
> Her eyes dancing about your body as she examines you thoroughly.
> “I've got an idea!” she says.
> Her ears and eyes perk up with delight.
“Luna, what are you doing?” you ask.
> She offers no response.

> Instead Luna stops in front of you for a moment and stretches out her wings.
> Her wing span is magnificent, stretching far across the small moonlit balcony.
> A look of self pride comes across her face.
> She crouches down for a moment.
> “Hop on.”
“What?”
> “Get on! Come on! It'll be fun!”
“A-Are you sure?”
> “Positive!”

> Carefully, you climb onto her back.
> It's difficult to maintain your balance without a saddle, instead you maintain by holding onto parts of her mane.
> She doesn't seem to mind.
> Luna stands up to her normal height.
> She takes a few short gallops on the balcony.
> You've never ridden on horseback, but you manage to stay atop of the blue horse.

> “You know Anonymous, you're not that heavy... This might actually work.”
“W-What will?”
> She gives you a coy grin

> “You'll see!”
> She trots back into the throne room, her hooves echo loudly throughout the room
> She positions herself on the opposite side of the room, facing the open balcony.

> “Ready?” she cheerfully asks
“What the hell are you planning?”
> “We'll take that as a yes!”
> She starts to gallop towards the balcony, quickly picking up speed.

> You clutch onto her mane.
“What the hell, Luna!?”

> She clears the doorway at a breakneck speed.
> At the last second she leaps up and over the balcony's side railing.
> You can feel the wind rushing through your hair.
> She pushes off the railing and plunges into the sky.

> She sails through the skies.
> Gliding effortlessly through the darkness.
> With a flick of her wings, you two are cutting through the air at breakneck speeds.

> “See!? Fun! Is it not!?” Luna shouts.
> But you don't respond.
> Instead finding yourself at a loss of words.

> It was fun.
> And if only for just a moment.
> You felt free.

----


> You settle down comfortably in one of Luna's couches.
> The soft clicking of Luna's hoofs sounded about the room; it was a pleasant beat that put you at ease.

> The pillows are so comfortable.
> Almost too comfortable.
> Your mind drifts as you stare up into the ceiling.

> You're bathed in the cooling light of the silver moon.
> Huge skylights sit above you.

> The stars.

> It's not before long that you lose yourself in it's beauty; your mind traveling to distant times and places.
> Your eyes dance about the shimmering stars.
> Seeking.
> Searching.
> [spoiler] Maybe, if you look hard enough. You'll find the answers you're looking for. [/spoiler]

“It's beautiful.”
> Having removed her royal trinkets and jewelry, she away from her dresser. “What is?”
“The stars.”
> “You really think so?” she softly whispers. “I don't hear that very often, you know.”

> She takes a seat next to you and stares up into the sky, coloring the night sky just as a child would fill in a coloring book.
“It's strange really.”
> “What is?”
“The night.”
> You point in the sky and twirl your hand, and the stars dance in response.
“Back home, you couldn't see the stars. The sky was always clouded fire the fires of man. Every time I saw the stars, it was short lived. The night was a dangerous place, Luna. Even when surrounded by my closest of friends, the wasn't a moment where I didn't feel unease. To many men, including I, the night became synonymous with fear.”

“But here? It's totally different. I finally can see it for it's true beauty.”
> You look over at Luna, who's busy trying to digest your words.
“I think I might have told you this before...  But at this point, I can't even be sure of that.”
> Her expression changes to one of worry and grief.
> She wraps her wing around you, a warm notion that you kindly accept.

> You shift your weight around the sofa before sitting up.
“You know, Luna? You remind me of a friend I had back home.”
> That caught her attention. “A friend?” she curiously asks.
“Yeah. One of my closest companions.”
> “Tell me about them, Anonymous. What were they like?”

> You take a short pause, before tilting your head back at the stars.
“She was about my age. A warmhearted soul. Very timid until you got to know her. But she always threw caution with the wind. She did not care for the 'whats' or 'ifs' in life. Instead, she always lived in the moment. Both a blessing and a curse.”
> “She sounds very nice.”
“Oh, she was. Believe me. She always had others best interest in mind. Constantly looking out for everyone, myself included.”
> “What did she look like?”
“Ah. She was beautiful.”
> “Beautiful? I've never seen human beauty, Anonymous. Please explain.”
“Well... Everything about her just screamed grace and beauty. Despite the ever changing world around her, she still managed to maintain it. She had silky long hair that reached all the way down to 'here'. Her eyes were a deep teal, just like yours...”
> A cold sigh fills the air.
“She was everything I could have ever wanted in a woman. It's a damn shame I couldn't take our relationship further.”

> “Oh?” Luna perks. “You never told me this! I didn't know you had a special somepony!”
> Luna's smile brings a cheery atmosphere to the room.
> So much so that you can't help but smile yourself.
“Hah! You didn't ask!”
> “I had no idea you were such the ladies man, Anonymous!”
“Well I'm not saying I had all the girl head over heels, but I've had my fair share.” You playfully punch Luna in the sides. “Well, if you know what I mean.”
> “Well, well.” She giggles. “Quite the charmer aren't we?”
> You both let out a heart laugh.
> It's all in good fun, after all.

> “Well? Tell me. Do you have a photo of her? It's like to take a good look!”
“Hold your horses!” you yelp, internally content with the terrible pun. “I do. I do.”
> You produce your wallet, one of the few tokens you have of your past life.
> You pull out a small crumbled photo from the tattered leather keepsake.

> Luna carefully takes it, careful to not damage it anymore than it is.
> “Who are all these- these....err”
“...People?”
> “Ah yes. That's the word. People!” she giggles. “Such a silly word, is it not? But yes, who are they?”
> You look at the photograph.

> It's a sad old crumbled photo covered in pen markings and symbols.
> Staring at the photo brings fond memories to your mind.
> A young group of student huddled together for a group photo to the bright backdrop of a beach pier.
“Ah. This? It's just some classmates and I. We took this during one of our spring breaks. Pretty neat, huh?”
> “Oh! Oh!” Luna shouts, pointing at a scrawny figure in the middle of the group. “Look! I found you!”
> There, you strike a very macho man pose for the camera.

> “Oh my. Was this taken at a beach?”
“Yep!”
> “Oh I just simply adore the ocean. Especially the beach! Remind me to take to one of our beaches when the weather permits. It's just marvelous!”

> She goes back to studying the photo. “So, Anonymous? Where is this girl? I can barely make anyone out past these markings!”
> You point towards the edge of the photo. “Riight here.”

> A young, somewhat lanky girl poses playfully at the edge of the group.
> Luna smiles at the sight of her.
> “She's...She's adorable Anonymous.”
“Yeah.”
> “Ano-...” Luna mutters. Stopping herself at the last moment.

> The crackling of the nearby fireplace is the only sound in this cold silence.

> You stare back at the stars. Twirling your hand around the air as they dance to 'your' notions.
> It's amusing to say the least.

> “Anonymous,” Luna timidly mutters. “Can I ask you a question?
“Hmm?”
> “This girl? Where is she now?”

> You give a slight pause in your star swirling before digesting the question.
“She's gone.” you whisper, never shifting your attention from the skies above.
> “Gone?”
“Yeah. Disappeared is more like it.”

> She turns to question you. “What do you mean? What happened? Where'd she go? One doesn't simply vanish into thin air!”
> You simply shrug in response. “I honestly don't know.”

> “Was is because of the...war?” she struggled to form her words.

> You glance over to her.
> The way her eyes stared told you everything.
> There's no need to beat around the bush with Luna anymore.

“Unfortunately, yes. I lost touch with them after the occupation.”
> “Them?”
> You hand her the photograph again. “Yeah, them.”

> Luna looks slightly taken back.
“All of them?” she whisper.

> You chuckle a bit, pointing at yourself in the photograph. “That guy seemed to have made it out alright.”

> “I'm sorry Anonymous. I-I had no idea.”
“Don't be.” You snatch the photograph back, carefully placing it back in your wallet. “You all had nothing to do with it. And besides...”
> You grit your teeth and clench your fists.

> The shining night sky becomes blurry with your tears.

“It's all water under the bridge now, right?” you mutter.

> She embraces you in a hug, desperately trying to console you.
> “I'm sorry Anonymous,” she whispers.

> You try your hardest to fight tears.
> To fight emotions locked deep away.

“No. Don't be.” you whimper. “I'm a fucking terrible person. I don't deserve any of this”

> “Our circumstances aren't so different, Anonymous.” she said, fighting to hold back the last of her tears.
“What do you mean, Luna?”
> “Both of us haunted by our past decisions. Forever embedded in our memories, lest we forget them.”
“Funny. I was think just the opposite.” you pull yourself together. “A soul like you couldn't harm a fly, Luna.”

> Luna only laughs.
> Her composure weak, like her smile.
> “No one has told you, have they?”
“Told me what?”
> “Nightmare Moon?”
“No. Never heard of it.”

> Her tears well up as she pulls back.
> “Good. I'd rather it be me to tell you, and not someone else.”
“Likewise.”

---

> You went first.
> Telling her everything, with all the honesty you could muster.
> Your life in short.
> The emergence from childhood.
> Those few short years of bliss.
> The occupancy.
> That feral transformation from a young boy to a cog in a war machine.
> The war.
> Your brutally harsh reality.
> And your cruel fate.
> All of it.

> Finally, you sit back.
> Your supply of words exhausted, content with listening to her now.
> Falling into her teary ears, but hearing it all, every word.
> The constant agony in living in the shadow of her sister
> Followed by growing hate and despair
> She explained the downward spiral into a shell of who she once was.
> Her short lived reign of eternal night.
> The soul crushing solitude of a millennium in banishment.
> Her return and conversion.
> And finally, the sheer joy of finding her place in the world, at last.

> You stare up into the skylight once more.
> Your vision is little more than a teary blur at this point.

...

> Dawn breaks.