//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 - Departure // Story: Pupil of the Night // by Echo-Web Productions //------------------------------// "Painted Night." A soft voice rung out in the silence, pulling a groan from the filly. Low chuckles followed. "Painted Night, my dear, I need you to get up." "Five more minutes, Mrs. Bear." The filly whispered, snuggling deeper into the plush of her bed. Suddenly she felt the familiar tingle of magic as it wrapped around her, gently sitting her up. "I'm afraid we must talk before you can continue your rest, my Night." Groggily, Painted Night opened her eyes, head falling to the side in question. "Princess Luna?" She yawned, mouth wide as she looked to her covered balcony doors. She noticed the bright light peaking through the cracks and looked back to her Princess, her face showing her worry. "Is everything okay?" "Yes and no." She smiled at her pupil, stepping onto the bed and laying next to her. "But don't worry about the no, it's merely royal problems Celestia and I must attend to." Painted's brows furrowed in confusion. "Wait, why did you wake me up?" Quickly realizing how she whined, her cheeks reddened and she sputtered, quickly trying to fix her believed mistake. "N-not that I'm complaining! I love spending time with you! I just.... I... I'm gonna stop talking." Luna laughed softly at her pupil's reaction, a wing unfurling to pull her close. "Easy, my lovely pupil, I understand. It is only midday after all, neither of us should be awake." The Princess of the Night grimaced and gave a wry smile. "However, those royal problems require our immediate attention. My sister and I will be leaving the castle soon and I do not know how long we will be gone." "What about our lessons?!" Painted looked up to her Princess with wide eyes. "They will be put on hold. You are free to practice and study what you have already learned of course, but think of the time of my absence as a sort of.... vacation!" Luna assured, her smile confident and gaze kind. "And you won't be alone while I'm gone. One of my most trusted guards and dearest friends has volunteered to stay behind and watch you. She also-" A knock at the door interrupted Luna’s further thoughts, her horn springing to life as it opened the door. Painted glanced to the door, watching as a crystalized white unicorn mare was revealed. She was garbed in armor similar to the other Lunar Guards of the castle, but Painted recognized the moon cycle the wrapped around her chest plate. She was captain of the Lunar Guard and Princess Luna’s personal guard, Snow Star. "Captain Snow Star, impeccable timing as always. I was just telling my student how you would accompany her while I was gone." Luna and Snow shared a smile before Luna tilted her head to the side, looking behind the captain. "Is this your little one?" "It is, my Princess." Snow Star chuckled as a silver coated unicorn filly bounced out from behind her, smiling brightly. "Hi!! I'm Dusk Dagger!" The filly, who was wearing fitted armor similar to her mom's, noticed Painted Night and trotted over to her. "You must be Painted Night! It's awesome to meet you!" "It's nice to meet you too." Painted was taken back by the filly's energy and excitement, smiling shyly at her. "She has your energy." Luna spoke to Snow Star as the young unicorns got acquainted. Her brow was raised as she gave the captain a knowing look. "Oh hush. I thought we agreed to never bring up my trainee days again?" Snow Star playfully glared at the alicorn, the two of them sharing a laugh. "I suppose we did." A moment of comfortable silence stretched between the older mares, both of them listening to the fillies chatter to each other. "Thank you, Snow Star, for agreeing to watch her. I was worried when Celestia told me of the troubles up North. I wish I didn't have to leave her." "Anytime, Luna. She'll be safe under my watch and she won't be lonely with Dusk around, I promise." The captain leaned against her Princess comfortingly. "Just be safe. You won't have me around to save you~" Luna scoffed and rolled her eyes at the unicorn’s words, nudging her playfully with her wing. "That was one time." "Still counts~!" "Didn't we also agree to ne-" "BEST FRIENDS!" The two mares were startled out of their banter by Dusk's shout, looking over to see the two fillies giggling and hugging. Smiling softly, Luna walked over to the bed, Snow right behind her. "What was this about best friends?" She asked, mouth quirking upwards at how happy her daug pupil looked. "P-Princess Luna!" Dusk stuttered, standing to attention and saluting. "I'm sorry for shouting. P-Princess. Me and Painted are excited to become best friends!" Luna watched as the filly dropped her salute, turning back to Painted and giggling. Bringing a hoof to her mouth, Luna chuckled in amusement. "You will make a fine guard, Dusk Dagger, but no need to call me Princess. Just Luna is fine." "Really?! Of course, Prin- I mean Luna!" Dusk saluted again, stars appearing in her eyes as she looked to her mom proudly. "Now, my dear Dusk Dagger, could you give me and Painted a moment? I wish to talk to her." Luna spoke, watching the filly nod, jump off the bed and trot over to her mom, humming happily. "Princess Luna. Do you have to go?" Painted asked, ears pinned back and mouth dropped into a small frown. "Unfortunately, my little pony. But do not fear, I'll be back before you know it and when I return, we'll go for a night fly." "Really?" "Mhm, but you must be good for Snow Star and promise to not be sad while I am gone." "I promise! But you have to promise to return safely! And tell me all about your adventure!" "Hehehe, I promise, my Night." Luna leaned close and nuzzled her pupil lovingly. Pulling away, she resisted the tears that threatened to build. "Good day, Painted Night." "Good day, Princess Luna!" Smiling, the Princess of the Night turned to the door, stepping to the side as a blur ran past her and tackled Painted. She walked to the door, opening it and stepping into the hall. "Luna." "Yes, Snow?" She stopped, looking back at he captain and beloved friend. "Show that tyrant the wrath of the night." Luna nodded determinedly, a silent promise passing between the two. The door shut and the alicorn began her walk down the hall, eyes narrowed angrily as she thought of her mission ahead.