The introduction of my first MLP OC, Painted Night and her life as the forgotten student of Luna.
Once known as current and real, much of Equestria's history has been turned into myths and legends. From the benevolent Princess of the Night, to the disorder caused by an all powerful creature, the ponies simply made tales of them.
However, not all history was preserved as stories, much was forgotten. Amongst the forgotten was one that would return and change Equestria and its citizens, for better or for worse.
Another day passed in Equestria, the radiant sun, tired after her duties, began to lower, falling below the land to rest. In her place, the brilliant moon awoke, rising into the heavens and washing the land in a soft glow.
The remaining light of the sun danced gently before joining the shadows of her sister. In the wake of the night, ponies began to shuffle themselves home, wanting to board themselves up until the day returned with her magnificent light.
Though the citizens retreated from the night, some of the castle ponies embraced it, awaking with the moon to start their work. The ponies were quick to get ready, silver and black armor shining in the moonlight, giving them all an ethereal look as the crest of the moon showed their loyalty.
They greeted their tired counterparts, those of golden armor and the crest of the sun proudly placed on their chests. Some stopped to exchange words, others to give updates of the castle they all protected. Eventually the moon crested ponies began wandering the halls, beginning their patrols.
They weren't the only ponies of the night. Nay, a young, light teal unicorn roamed the halls of the castle as well, enjoying the soft light of the moon and the twinkling of the stars. Horn alit with teal magic, she picked up her pace, books, scrolls and quills floating behind her. Greeting the Lunar Guards as she passed them, she hurried down the hall, mouth stretching into an excited grin.
It wasn’t long before the unicorn reached a large, black door, adorned with a white crescent moon and splattered with small stars. Stopping in front of the door, the teal pony took a breath, fixing her mane and books before knocking softly and opening the door.
A large, dark room greeted her. The walls and ceiling were a cool midnight blue, the floor a pearly white tile. Along one wall was a black door, leading to another room, while another wall held a fireplace, crackling as it set the room in a soft, orange glow.
The unicorn’s gaze skimmed over the room, landing on the glass balcony doors left open. Just through the doors, a figure stood, facing away from the filly. Her smile brightened and grew, her magic setting her things by the fire as she trotted through the doors and onto the balcony.
Her eyes widened as she watched her beloved home fall dark before being cast in the soft glow of the moon and stars. As the moon came to a stop, hanging proudly in her place in the heavens, the unicorn looked to her right, watching as a dark blue alicorn held her head high, wings outstretched majestically. The blue glow of her magic faded from her horn, her teal eyes opening from their closed state of concentration.
The alicorn looked to the young unicorn and smiled softly, wings folding as she bent down and nuzzled the filly.
“Good evening, my little Painted Night.” Painted Night smiled and nuzzled the alicorn back, looking to the sky briefly.
“The night is as beautiful as always, Princess Luna!” Luna’s smile softened even more and she looked to the sky as well.
“Thank you, Night. If only more ponies saw it as you did.” Painted noticed Luna sadden with her comment and quickly changed the subject, not wanting her Princess to be upset.
“I’m sure they’ll see your night soon! I’ll even be the one to teach them about it!” She posed proudly, causing Luna to chuckle as she turned towards the room.
“Well then, in order to do that, you gotta know all about the night and her creatures. So how about we continue from last night's lesson?” Giving an excited nod, Painted bounced past her mentor, sitting on the blue rug in front of the fire, taking a book from her pile and opening it.
“Oh oh! Can I activate the stars tonight?!” Luna gave a graceful nod as she settled next to her student, wrapping a wing around her.
“Of course you can.”
A happy squeal escaped Painted Night as her horn lit up with her magic’s color. Taking a deep breath, she began to concentrate, her horn glowing brighter as the fire began to flicker.
“Remember, patience, my Night. Don’t force it.” Luna reminded her student gently.
The fire continued to flicker, the young filly grunting softly. Suddenly, the fire distinguished, plunging the room into darkness. Painted Night gasped as her magic fizzled out, head turning towards the ceiling, the filly smiling all the while.
Minutes passed and Painted’s smile slowly fell as the room remained dark. She looked towards her mentor, eyes growing big and tears already building.
"D-Did I do it wrong?" The Princess of Night shook her head softly, a gentle, patient smile on her lips.
"No, just a little too fast. Try again." She encouraged, leaning down to touch her horn against Painted Night’s. Luna’s horn sparked with magic, helping her student control the spell. The ceiling above them began to glow and Painted laughed happily, watching eagerly. Slowly, the ceiling came to life, showing the two ponies a swirling galaxy and millions of stars.
Their horns died out, magic dissipating into wisps as they finished the spell.
“I did it, Princess Luna! I did it!” The young unicorn clapped her hooves together.
“That you did, my dear Night. Congratulations." The dark alicorn looked to the galaxy, eyes gliding across the countless constellations. "Now, can you tell me which stars make up the Ursa Major?”
And so their night continued, filled with wondrous lessons of Luna’s night and eager questions from her young student. When it came time to lower the moon, Painted Night was barely awake, still adjusting to being a nocturnal pony. Princess Luna gently covered her student with a blanket, walking out onto her balcony.
Looking across the land, Luna sighed sadly as she noticed all of her subjects were still asleep, once again missing out on her night. Horn alighting with her magic, she slowly lowered the moon, watching as her sister’s beloved sun rose to take its place.
Once the moon disappeared below the horizon, Luna returned to the room, shutting the balcony doors behind her. Her magic sparked to life, the ceiling returning to normal and pillows and blankets floating in from the adjacent room. She built a small fort around Painted Night, soon joining her as tiredness crept up on the Princess.
Pulling her student close with her wing, Luna fell into a light slumber and that was how her sister found them, sleeping peacefully in their makeshift fort.
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 daugpupil 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.
"Yes, Snow?" She stopped, looking back at the 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.
Snow closed the door, her smile one of worry for her princess.
‘What if they can’t defeat him?’
Shaking her head of negative thoughts, she turned to the two fillies, ears flicking as their whispering filled the room. She allowed herself a genuine smile, gaze flitting to the glimpse of sunlight peeking through the thick curtains.
“Alright fillies, time to get back to bed.”
Painted smiled at the guard, quick to listen and bury herself under the plush blankets. Dusk Dagger on the other hoof….
“Awwwww, mom! We just met and we have so many things planned already! I’ve already napped!”
The young thestral hybrid whined, her eyes widening and lips pouting. Used to her daughter’s shenanigans, Snow Star’s horn lit up, her magic wrapping around Dusk with ease. Quickly, and with a yelp from the filly, Snow had Dusk Dagger stripped of her armor and laid under the blankets, next to Luna’s Prodigy.
“Oh dear. My apologies, Painted Night. Would you allow Dusk Dagger to sleep with you?”
“I don’t mind! I’ve never had a sleepover before.”
Heart melting at the young one’s innocence, Captain Snow Star tucked in the fillies and activated the galaxy ceiling. A myriad of cool colors swirled to life, little jewels twinkling like the stars themselves. Staring at the beautiful display, one could forget they lay in a room with a ceiling, able to lull themselves to sleep with the majestic magic.
Snow looked to the girls, noticing how the sky enraptured the fillies’ attention. She also noticed how the young unicorns began to tire, watching as their bodies slowly succumbed to sleep’s comforting hold.
“Good day, my little fillies. May the night greet you with love when you wake.
Click. The bedroom door opened and the devoted moth-, no, Captain Snow Star of the Lunar Guard, stepped into the hallway. Click. Shutting the door and casting a spell on the room to protect its precious inhabitants, the captain took her position by the door, face becoming stoic and fierce, body unmoving.
Facing the East wall, a large blue stained window, the experienced warrior watched the sky be swept away by dark blue. Eyes dropping to the horizon, Captain Snow Star allowed herself the pleasure of watching her mistress’s domain come to life, as its light rose to its spot in the heavens. Feeling the moonlight wash over her, Snow Star looked down to see her crystalized coat reflecting the moon and setting her in an ethereal glow. Having satisfied her attention for the night, she returned to her duty whole-heartedly, ready for the night ahead.
Laughter filled the Lunar Halls, patrolling guards cooing at the precious sound. Two unicorn fillies skipped down the hall, taking turns making faces at each other and laughing. Painted Night stuck her tongue out, magic flashing to form a replica of her face above her. Dusk Dagger laughed happily, repeating the expression, horn flickering before sputtering out. Skidding to a stop, Dusk looked up at her horn and huffed.
“Why can’t I do that too?!”
“It takes practice, Dusky! It took me years to figure it out and I still can’t do it all the time!”
“I hate things that take so long to dooooo!”
Painted lit up, smile widening in excitement.
“Oh! What if I teach you and we practice together! I can study and you can practice your magic for the Guard!”
Dusk clapped her hooves, stars in her eyes.
“You’re a genius Night! Oh and mom could even teach us some more magic!”
Turning excitedly to the mare behind them, the fillies quickly jumped up. Snow Star gave a smile, seeming to think the idea over. Hoof rubbing under her chin, she gave a sly smirk.
“I might.”
“Come on mom! She’s Luna’s student! And I need to know more magic to be a strong guard like you!”
Snow continued humming in fake thought, smirking. The fillies quickly put on their puppy dog eyes, hunching in on themselves to make themselves cuter.
“Pllleeeeeaaaasssseeeee?”
Sighing at their combined attack, Star gave a dramatic woe, hoof flying to her forehead.
“I guess I have no choice! You fiends have bested me with your devastating attack! Bleh.”
Her hoof dropped to her mouth and she began giggling, trying hard to cover them.
“You girls are getting better. Even Discord himself would have caved with those looks.”
The girls giggled amongst themselves, giving each other a high hoof. Their gazes returned to the captain, wide in hope.
“Does this mean you’ll teach us?!”
Slightly unnerved by their synced response, Snow chuckled and nodded. She then held up her hoof.
“On one condition. I want you two to help me make our Princess a gift. She has been gone for a few days now and will no doubtedly be tired from her trip. I want you girls to help me make her a gift to help cheer her up. Do we have a deal?”
“YES!”
Her ears pinned back with the surprisingly loud and instant response. Rubbing her ear, she nodded.
“Great! Now let's head to the fields to start training!”
The following days were filled with magical training and precious planning. Though the nights passed rather quickly, the time was well spent and much was learned between the three unicorns.
Painted Night has devoted herself to her studying and gifting, allowing herself to escape the worry for her mentor. Dusk Dagger dove into her training, fiercely fighting to be a guard, just like her mother. Snow Star busied herself with the foals’ training and guarding them constantly, also burying her worry for their Goddess of the Night.
Soon, a week had come and gone since Luna left for her mission. The fillies have grown, both in size and talent, proving to be prodigies in their own ways. Captain Snow Star has been rather successful keeping them safe and distracted and it wasn’t long before their gift was ready.
It was unusually quiet in the castle, the normal sound of laughter missing from its halls. The guards grew tense with the eerie silent, all wanting to look for their lovable trio, but none willing to make the first move.
A loud bang came from Princess Luna’s room, startling every guard in the vicinity. The dear laughter they missed followed soon after, the Princess’s door swinging open to reveal the trio covered in glitter. They trotted into the hall, the glitter disappearing with a flash.
“She’s gonna love it! I’m glad we could do this for her! I can’t wait for her to return.”
Night walked to the window, propping up on the sill as she lovingly looked to the moon. Dusk walked up beside her, hopping onto the sill and sitting next to her friend.
“I’m sure Luna will be back any day now! I can’t wait for her to see her gift!”
Snow Star smiled at the girls, trotting over and nuzzling them both.
“Dusk is right, Luna will be back any day now. She could be on her way back right now! So how about we train before she returns and show her the new spells you two know!”
Dusk smiled widely, Painted giving her own smaller smile of excitement. Snow Star’s horn flared up, the mare disappearing with a pop, the fillies quickly following with their own flare of magic.
They were quick to appear in the training fields, Dusk shivering at the nauseous after feeling. Snow Star smiled and walked to the edge of the field, raising her hoof to tap against a small white crystal. A magic shield surrounded the field, preventing any stray spells from hurting anypony. She then walked to the center of the field, smirking at her students.
“We’ll be doing a small sparring match today. If either of you can land a spell on me, I’ll make my special fruit cakes for breakfast tomorrow. Ready?”
Painted and Dusk nodded, both determined as they readied themselves. They were going to get their fruit cakes.
With a small ding, the spar started, Dusk Dagger firing a small laser towards her mom. The experienced unicorn easily deflected it, keeping her eyes on the two fillies.
“You’re gonna have to do better than that for the fruit cakes.”
Taunting the fillies, Snow noticed Painted disappear, quickly blocking a spell from behind.
“Nice try Painted, but try to quiet your magic during spells, okay?”
“Got it!”
The spar continued as such for a few minutes, Snow blocking the twos’ spells and instructing them as they went. Eventually, the young unicorns grew tired, breath ragged and bodies ready to buckle. Captain Snow Star smiled at the two.
“Give up? Shame, I truly thought you wanted those fruit cakes.”
She shook her head with feigned disappointment, smiling proudly when both of their horns lit up.
“That’s my girls. Never give up.”
Painted let loose a spell, it weakly bounced off of Snow’s shield. The shield stayed summoned as Dusk let loose a stronger spell, one that also bounced off the shield. Or that’s what the ponies thought would happen. Snow Star flinched and her shield suddenly dissolved, the spell hitting her square in the chest and sending her to the ground.
“Mom!”
Dusk Dagger was quick to her mom’s side, Painted just behind her. The two fillies helped the older mare up, tears filling their eyes.
“Are you okay?! I didn’t mean to make it that strong!”
“No, no Dusk! I’m fi-!”
Snow Star tried to let them know she was okay and it wasn’t the spell, but then she felt it. Something snapped inside of her and it felt as if her soul was a puppet just snipped from her strings or as if it was ripped from her body. Perhaps a combination of both. She doubled up, tears quickly overtaking her eyes and a scream ripping itself from her throat. She doesn’t remember much after the sensation, only pain, the fillies’ faces and the swift darkness that met her after.
Rhythmic beeping filled the area, quickly becoming irritating to anyone forced to listen to it. A soft groan was lost amongst the beeps, a mare opening her eyes as she became conscious once more. She winced at the bright lights above her, eyes shutting and a hoof coming up to cover them.
“What in Faust?”
Her voice was rough and quiet from her dry throat. Lowering her hoof, she slowly opened her eyes once more, greeted with the sight of a white ceiling. She looked around, noticing the white cot she was on and the identical ones spread out in the large room.
“The infirmary?”
“Ah, you’re awake. Good morning, Captain Snow Star.”
Snow Star looked to the new voice, eyeing the peach colored pegasus as she marked on the paper on her clipboard. Seemingly satisfied, the pegasus trotted over to Snow, her board being tucked under her wing.
“How are you feeling Captain?”
“Uh… Good. How…” Licking her dry lips, she tried again. “How did I end up here?”
“You collapsed on training field 3. Two fillies and Private Night Mist brought you here.”
Snow shot up in her cot, ignoring the pain that flared in her chest. The memories hit her all at once and she all but jumped out of the cot, looking for her armor. Startled, the pegasus nurse tried to calm the unicorn, attempting to get her back into her cot.
“Please Captain! You must rest and allow us to see what is wrong!”
“The two fillies, where are they?”
“With Lunar Private Night Mist and Solar Captain Sun Stone! Now please get back in the cot!”
The Captain stopped in her frantic search, taking a calming breath as she stared at the nurse. Taking another breath, she released it as a sigh, climbing back onto the cot.
“Apologies, Nurse..”
“Head Nurse, Solar Specter.”
“Apologies, Solar Specter, my worry for the fillies had over ridden my logic.”
Solar Specter chuckled softly, using her wing to pat Snow’s shoulder in comfort.
“Fear not, Captain, I have fillies of my own and completely understand. Now, if you are ready and don’t mind, could you tell me what happened?”
Pulling away, the pegasus took out her clipboard once more, quill in mouth as she waited for the unicorn to speak.
“Of course. I was training with the fillies and pushed myself past my limits. I haven’t slept much recently and all my free time was spent watching and training them. My shield wasn’t able to hold and I was hit by one of their spells. I believe that is what caused me to lose consciousness.”
Snow Star made sure to look sheepish, rubbing the back of her neck with her hoof and ensuring the nurse believed her story. After all, she couldn’t tell the truth without consulting the Princesses, she didn’t want to start a panic.
“Hm. You do have no visible injuries and your coat is dull, which is a sign of exhaustion, correct?”
The Lunar Captain nodded, forcing down the panic she felt swelling inside of her. She didn’t notice her coat being dull and that fact only solidified her fear.
“Then I believe all that is needed is some rest. I recommend a few days of bed rest and to have another guard help you with the fillies. Do you have any questions, Captain?”
“I do not.”
“Then you are free to go. Go check up on the fillies and head to your chambers for some rest, your armor is on the table.”
“I will. Thank you, Solar Specter.”
The two mares shared a nod and the pegasus left the room, clipboard tucked under her wing once more. Snow Star released the breath she was holding, slowly getting out of the cot. She flinched as her hoof met the floor, a loud clop sounding out. Tears sprang to her eyes, the unicorn already missing the familiar tink her crystalized coat made.
‘Focus, Snow Star. You are a captain and have responsibilities.’
Pushing it down, Snow made her way off the cot, shakily standing and walking towards the table with her armor. She looked up at her horn, praying to the moon that she could still use her magic. Her horn flickered for a few seconds before it was encompassed in a bright yellow glow. Nothing but relief filled her as she went through the familiar motions of dressing, mane once more tied high.
‘Alright, time to get back to Dusk and Painted.’
An hour. A whole bucking hour and she finally stood in front of the shared captain’s quarters. Exhaustion pressed heavily on her body and soul, begging for her to lay down and rest, but she couldn’t, not until Painted and Dusk were back in her care. Snow Star took a moment to regain her breath and fix her posture, looking untouched and every bit the Lunar Captain she was.
“MOM!”
The door had barely creaked open and suddenly Snow was sent stumbling back, a small, silver figure latching onto her legs and wetting her coat with tears. Snow looked down at her quivering daughter, ears perking as her weeping finally registered.
“Momma! Momma, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to hurt you! I didn’t know you wouldn’t be able to block it! Da said you’d be fine, but you wouldn’t wake up! And then those nurse ponies took you away and I’m sorry, momma!”
Wrapping a hoof around the filly, Snow Star pulled her close, hugging her tightly as Dusk sobbed into her chest plate.
“Shush, Dusk, I’m here. It’s not your fault my love. I’m okay.”
Rubbing Dusk’s back, the captain looked up, gaze meeting with teary teal colored eyes. A soft smile stretched her muzzle and she dipped her head, this time prepared for the collision of another small body. The two fillies hugged her tightly and she continued to shush and comfort them.
“Captain Snow Star.”
Upon hearing the familiar words and professional tone, Snow forced her attention to the two ponies still within the room. Her golden eyes roamed their figures, the all consuming black of her private’s coat a stark contrast to the pearly white of the Solar Captain. They were complete opposites, from their looks to their personalities and it showed as she noted how they regarded her.
“I’m glad to see you are doing better. We were all worried when we heard the fillies screaming and found you unconscious on the field.”
Captain Sun Stone gave her a soft smile, care and worry evident in his tone as he spoke, his leathery wings twitching as he ached to embrace his fellow captain, his beloved wife, and ensure she was okay, but he couldn’t, they were working right now. He settled for shooting her a concerned glance, one she responded to with a flick of her right ear. Later, she would tell him later.
“I apologize for the inconvenience and disturbing your rest, Captain Sun Stone. I am extremely grateful for you and private Night Mist for taking care of the fillies during my absence.”
Bowing her head over the two fillies, she gave a grateful nod to the contrasting thestrals.
“Of course, it was no issue. Now that everything seems to be in order, I will retire to my bed for the night, but I do expect a copy of the report, Captain Snow Star.”
“Of course, Captain Sun Stone. I shall see you during Rising Dawn. May the night provide the most pleasant of dreams.”
The two share a final bow and Sun Stone takes his leave, retreating to the bedroom found further into the Captains’ Quarters. The shutting of a door echoed in the quiet room and Snow Star was left with her cold and quiet Private, to whom she addressed.
“Thank you as well, Night Mist, you have my immense gratitude. When you return to your position, tell your superior that I kept you and that you are not to be punished, understood?”
Night Mist bowed his head in understanding and respect, icy blue meeting warm gold as he looked up at his captain. He was quick to look away, body turning as he stepped past her. Snow withheld her sigh, used to the silence often displayed by the other. Turning to lift the half asleep fillies at her feet, she was startled by a soft voice shattering the silence.
“You should be more careful, Captain Snow Star. You are the most important of the Lunar Guard and Princess Luna’s personal protector, not to mention the filly you were entrusted with while the princesses are away. If something happens to you… Nevermind, forgive me and enjoy your night, Captain.”
Watching as the dark thestral turned the corner, Snow ignored the sudden chill that washed down her back. His words were ominous and they left Snow with a bad feeling, but she knew he was right, she was, for lack of better words, the first and last line of defense for the night and their goddess and should she fall, many would follow her. So with a soft sigh, Snow Star gently picked up the fillies and laid them on her back, making her way to the safest place in the castle, the bedroom of their princess, where they all could rest under the moon’s watchful eye.
Never before has she felt so smothered, yet so free. So cold, yet so warm. The opposing feelings left her conflicted. How badly she wanted to throw herself to the darkness, to return its embrace and never retreat. But another part of her wanted to recoil and run far, far away from the darkness, praying they never crossed paths again. She wanted to speak of her confusion and frustration of the dual sensations. She wanted to scream.
Opening her mouth proved fruitless, no sound escaping, no matter how hard she tried. And she tried, opening and closing her mouth, taking deep breaths and immediately releasing them, but still no sound escaped her. Panting quietly, she fell limp, allowing herself to recover from the energy she wasted, the darkness once more embracing her in its warmth and cold.
And there she laid, contemplating the point of struggling, the point of doing anything within the darkness. No movement came from her, even her natural breathing stopped as she thought, yet she did not notice. She noticed nothing but the soft coos echoing like faint whispers in her ears.
‘Give in, I can give you everything you want.’
‘You’ll have their appreciation, their love.’
‘They will love you, forever and always.’
‘Doesn’t that sound perfect?’
‘Together, we will rule this world as we deem.’
The whispers continued, all different and all oh so promising. All she had to do was reach out and take it, accept the darkness and she would have her perfect world of eternal night!
.
.
.
Eternal night? Why would she want that? Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden, blood curdling scream. It struck her to her core and startled her, the darkness around her writhing, almost in agony, or was it anticipation? The whispers grew louder, overlapping each other as they spoke and soon, she could do nothing but cover her ears at the onslaught of voices, too loud to be distinguishable. Then came the worst part…
The darkness’s embrace began to loosen, the warmth chased away by the sheer, sudden cold. Light invaded the darkness and a cry escaped her, one she belatedly realized she actually heard. Her hooves shifted, prioritizing shielding her eyes over her ears and the voices only got louder. Tears built in her eyes and slowly, they spilled, dampening her soft cheek fur.
She cried loudly, hooves pressed tightly against her eyes and ears flattened to her skull. ‘Make it stop, please! I beg of you, darkness, come back and save me!’ But her pleas went unanswered and with mounting horror, she realized the darkness was moving away from her, it’s screaming quieting to the whispers once more before disappearing altogether. And there she sat, sobbing into her hooves, ears swiveling about as they tried to pick up any sound.
Quiet surrounded her, nothing echoing but her short breaths and sobs. ‘What was going on?! Why was she being punished? She just wanted to be loved!’ There were those weird thoughts again. Things she never once would have thought, yet undoubtedly echoing within her own head. Easing the pressure of her hooves from her eyes, she gently rubbed away the tears, blinking her eyes open to try and adjust to the harsh light.
Curiously, the light was not as harsh as she originally thought. No, the light was from soft stars that surrounded her, the constellations and universe she studied so much swirling around her in childlike joy. Blinking again, she rubbed at her eyes once more, sure she was hallucinating. Why was she among the stars? A thought came to her then. If she was amongst the stars, then surely she could see the best part of the night! Her head snapped to the space above her,smiling wide as her gaze locked onto the very thing she has loved since she was a filly.
Immediately, her ears pinned back, smile twisting into a shocked frown all while uncertainty, worry and a deep sense of foreboding filled her. It was stained, black covering at least half of it, decorating it in the shape of a unicorn’s head. Its horn was elongated, matching closer to that of the princesses rather than a normal unicorn. Horror began to fill her as she realized what had happened.
The beautiful, beloved moon was tainted by the very darkness it birthed.
CRASH.
Jolting awake, Painted Night slowly opened her eyes, vision blurry and distorted in her sleepy state. Blearily, she saw the now broken window and a figure standing in front of it. The creature was bent over, seemingly panting and perhaps its teeth were bared, but her vision refused to clear up enough to confirm that theory. Suddenly, she felt the bed move, somepony jumping over her and standing between her and the creature.
Yellow filled her vision, washing the room in its warm glow and it was then the young filly remembered the events of the previous day. The yellow flickered, disappearing briefly before flaring up once more. Right, Snow Star was hurt. She wouldn’t be able to take on this creature in her current state. She needed help, but no matter what she tried, Painted’s body refused to listen to her, urging her to close her eyes and return to sleep. And she had no choice but to obey, her eyes fluttering close just as the warm yellow encompassed her body.
Despite her body’s best attempts, she awoke once more, this time to her rocking back and forth. Whatever she was laying on was moving and so soft. Once more she was tempted with sleep, but something was telling her that something was wrong, so with great difficulty, she raised her head, vision still blurry as she took in her surroundings.
It looked like she was still in the castle, but everything was too distorted to tell so she tried to focus on whatever she was on. Her vision filled with black as she looked ahead, a stripe of dark blue going up its center. Squinting her eyes, she realized she was on the back of a pony. Was she being kidnapped?
The thought was sudden and while normally she would know better, she was tired and her brain was reacting to the here and now, so she began to struggle. She was leadened with exhaustion, but she moved enough to begin slipping off the pony’s back, her brief moment of success and happiness ruined at the thought of hitting the hard castle ground.
Bracing herself, she was surprised when something caught her. Looking at whatever it was, she noticed it was a wing, though it lacked the feathers of a normal pegasus. It felt like leather against her fur. This pony was a thestral and looking back at them only confirmed that when her teal gaze met bright blue eyes with slitted pupils. A lunar guard most likely and the thought had the filly’s face heating up in embarrassment at her escape attempt.
The thestral’s wing placed her back on his back, not once breaking his stride through the halls. Once more, Painted Night found herself wondering what was going on, an inquisitive grunt escaping her as she once more succumbed to sleep, her ears picking up the thestral’s words just before the darkness claimed her.
“Rest now, Painted Night. You are safe, our princess has returned.”
‘Third times the charm, yea?’
A soft giggle left Painted Night as she woke up once more. She was thankful this time was different, gentler, more natural of a wake up. Her vision wasn’t blurry, her mind was awake and her body was listening to her. Stretching her hooves out, she slowly sat up, a yawn stretching her maw.
“What time is it?” Movement from beside her caught her eye and she looked over to see Dusk Dagger sitting up as well, rubbing her eyes.
At her friend's question, Painted’s horn flickered to life, coalesced teal magic grabbing her curtains. Wait… Her curtains? Head whipping to the curtains, she studied them before allowing her eyes to travel through the room. Didn’t they fall asleep in Princess Luna’s room? And where was Captain Snow Star? What happened?
Taking a small breath, Painted knew she had to take it one step at a time. Focusing once more on the curtains, she barely opened them, shocking dousing the calm she felt as sunlight bled through, immediately warming the room. An annoyed groan sounded from her friend.
“The sun’s up? Why are we awake then?” Grumbling, Dusk pulled the comforter tighter around her, nuzzling into the pillow to try and fall back asleep.
Painted allowed the curtain to fall back into its place, the wards Princess Luna placed on them activating once more and cooling the room to its normal temperature. Her hoof reached out, stopping Dusk from curling up tighter and gently shaking her friend.
“Dusk. Before you fall back asleep, do you remember what happened? Why are we suddenly in my room? Didn’t we fall asleep in our Princess’s room?”
Opening an eye to look at the lighter filly, Dusk Dagger yawned, giving a half hearted shrug. “Yea, ma took us there after she picked us up from pa. Maybe she brought us here so she could talk to pa.”
Her eyes brightened suddenly, a smile stretching her mouth. Jumping up, Dusk unraveled herself from the comforter, suddenly wide awake.
“Or maybe Princess Luna has returned! We can show her our gift!” The words slowly sunk in to the lunar student, her teal gaze locked onto her excited friend.
As soon as they did, Painted Night gasped, memories from last night slamming into her. Something broke into Princess Luna’s room and Private Night Mist brought them here! Jumping off her bed, she glanced back at her friend.
“Dusk, I think something happened. I’m going to the Princess’s room to check it out. Do you want to come with me?” Noting her friend’s sudden lack of energy, the unicorn frowned. “Oh! You can go back to sleep too! I don’t want to ruin your sleep schedule!”
The silver filly shook her head, hopping off the bed and trotting next to Painted. “Too late for that Paint! I’m wide awake now and if something did happen, then I will be like your personal and protect you from it!”
Painted watched as Dusk opened the door, giving a teasing bow as she did. A snort escaped Painted as her friend spoke, grin full of mischief. “After you, Princess.”
Rolling her eyes playfully, Painted peeked out of her room, surprised to see no guards by her door. Of course she didn’t expect a Lunar Guard, not with the sun up and blazing the world in her bright light, but she always thought that at least a Solar Guard took over while she slept. Frowning at the thought, she made her way into the hallway, grateful for the wards tinting the windows. It was still bright, but nothing she couldn’t quickly adjust too.
She wasn’t five hoof steps away from her room when the sound of a slamming door echoed through the hallways. Her body froze and she glanced back at Dusk, who’s sheepish smile and hoof resting on her door showed it was an accident. Painted remained frozen, ears swiveling about, straining to hear any incoming noises. Seconds turned to minutes and nothing happened, no brief sounds of incoming ponies, no buzz of wards activating, nothing.
Relaxing, she looked back at Dusk again, the two fillies devolving into soft giggles. Neither knew why they froze, Painted Night was given free passage through the Lunar halls, so it wasn’t like they were doing anything bad, even if it felt like they were. Like they were breaking some unspoken rules and wasn’t that thrilling to the two fillies.
“Sorry about that, Paint. I tried catching the door with my magic, but I couldn’t get a good grip on it.” Dusk explained, falling beside her friend as they continued down the hall.
Shaking her head, she easily forgave her friend, though she was concerned by Dusk’s inability to grab the door. Ever since the accident, Dusk’s magic has been wonky. Painted initially thought it was magic overexertion from their training, but all the books she read says Dusk should have recovered from it by now, or at least enough to grab doors with it.
A soft sigh escaped her and Dusk perked up, tilting her head. “Are you okay, Paint? You seem… worried.”
Silence filled the hall as Painted reflected over Dusk’s question, her friend patiently waiting for her answer. “I-I don’t know, Dusk… I don’t know if I had a nightmare, or if some of the things actually happened last night… It’s scary…”
Her admittance hung in the air as they continued their walk, both briefly noting they were reaching the end. Dusk smiled and gently bumped into Painted, leaning against her in assurance.
“Don’t worry, Paint. Whatever happens or happened, it’ll be okay! We have ma, Princess Luna, if she is back, and each other! We can handle anything!”
Seeing her friend's optimism, Painted couldn’t help but agree, gently bumping her friend back. “Yea, you’re right. Besides, I’m probably overreacting and just had a bad nightmare!”
Reaching the corner, the fillies slowed to a stop, Painted peeking around and looking down the hall to her teacher’s room. Blinking, Painted noted Snow Star standing guard at the door. Retreating behind the corner, Painted looked at Dusk, tilting her head.
“You’re mom is standing guard, shouldn’t she be asleep?”
“She should be, but if she isn’t that means that Princess Luna must have returned suddenly!” Dusk spoke excitedly, peering around the corner at her mom.
Pulling back, Dusk faced Painted, smiling softly. “See? Everything is fine! Princess Luna is probably sleeping and we should get back and join he-”
CRASH.
Both fillies jumped at the sudden noise, both peering around the corner once more. Nothing seemed different, except the worried frown Snow Star was now wearing, her yellow eyes flicking to Luna’s door, yet remaining at her post.
“Something is wrong, Dusk and I have to figure out what’s happening. Maybe I can help?”
“What if something dangerous is in there? What if you get hurt?!”
“I’ll be fine! You and Snow Star will be right outside and I can protect myself long enough for you guys to get inside!”
“Paint, how are you going to get inside?! Mom doesn’t look like she’s going to let you in.”
Pulling back, Painted rubbed at her chin in thought. How would she get in? She could have Dusk distract the captain, but she would notice the door opening before the filly could slip inside. Dusk could lead her mom away, but if something does go wrong, they won’t be right by the door to help her. That only left…
“I’ll teleport in.”
“What?” Dusk asked incredulously, blinking in disbelief at her friend. “There’s no way you can perform a teleportation spell this far away! You’re going to end up stuck in a wall somewhere or worse!”
Painted night shook her head. “It won’t be from here. I need you to go to your mom and distract her. I’ll creep close enough to perform a small teleport, one that shouldn’t lead me astray or bring me harm.”
“I don’t know, Painted… Do you even know any teleportation spells? I’ve never seen you use one before.”
Sighing, Painted lifted a hoof, making a so-so motion. “I have one that I have been studying for almost a year now. I’ve never practiced it, but it’ll be fine! I’ve always been a quick learner with magic and I’ve never had a spell backfire on me!”
“I don’t know, Paint…”
“Please, Dusk… I have to make sure the princess is alright, especially after my nightmares…”
Dusk stared at her friend, watching her mood drop and worry rise. She had to help her friend, Painted tried to help her sneak out to see her ma after all, it was only right to repay her.
“Fine, but you have to tell me about these nightmares later! And if you succeed with the spell, you have to teach me it too!”
Painted immediately brightened, smiling as she nodded. “Of course!”
“Promise?”
“Pointy promise!”
Tapping the tips of their horns together, their promise was sealed and Painted hugged Dusk tightly. Dusk returned the hug, just as tightly.
“Thank you, Dusk. You’re the bestest friend anypony could have asked for.”
“Hehe, I know! Now come on, let’s get you into that room!”
Releasing each other, Dusk saluted Painted and galloped around the corner, her voice fading as she did. “Mom! Mom!”
Peeking around the corner, Painted watched as Dusk collided with the captain, easily diverting her attention away from the corner. Painted couldn’t hear them from here, but she could see how successful Dusk was, constantly moving and demanding her mom’s attention. Nodding to herself, Painted began to creep closer, horn alighting in a soft, teal glow.
Her creeping was slow, quiet and successful so far, even as her horn began to blaze with magic, the spell building so she could release it the second she was close enough. Soon, she grew close enough to hear Snow Star tiredly reprimanding her daughter for being up and wandering the halls. Dusk sat attentively, ears pinned back as she listened to her mother, briefly looking up to meet eyes with Painted.
Exchanging nods, Painted took a deep breath. ‘Here goes nothing.’ Just before she released the spell, she looked back, meeting gaze with the Lunar Captain.
“Painted Night?!”
The spell released, teal blinded the two unicorns and Painted Night was gone.
Stumbling, Painted Night found herself face planting into soft carpet. Groaning softly, she brought a hoof to her head, rubbing away the incoming headache. Finding her hooves, she slowly stood, glancing up to see the ceiling of Princess Luna’s room. It worked! She successfully teleported and she didn’t end up in a wall!
Excited by her success, she stepped forward, immediately falling back with a soft gasp of pain as something dug into her hoof. Falling to her haunches, Painted fought the tears building in her eyes, bringing up her hoof to examine it. A shard of glass twinkled at her, almost mockingly. Gritting her teeth, her horn flickering before lighting up once more. Her magic gently gripped the shard and counting to three, she pulled it out, watching as blood welled up from the small cut. She would need to wrap it for a bit.
Looking around, Painted’s mouth fell open. The room was trashed, wood, glass and pottery strewn around her haphazardly. It looked like someone broke in and took a bat to everything. Slowly she stood, tucking her hoof to her chest as she looked around more. Her search led her to the cracked open bedroom door. Surely whatever did this was in there. Once more her horn lit up, glow barely noticeable even in the void like darkness.
Sweeping away the debris, she made a path to the bedroom and as she hobbled her way closer, she faintly heard what sounded like crying. Her magic failed her then, suddenly snuffing itself out as magical exertion hit her. She wouldn’t be able to do much more than a simple shield if this creature attacked her, but she had to continue one, she needed to make sure her Princess’s room was safe for when she returned.
Stopping in the doorway, the crying was louder, confirming to the filly that it was indeed something crying. Her gaze landed on a lump on the bed, the origin of the crying. She leaned forward, trying to determine what it was without drawing closer, but the creature fell still, its crying coming to an abrupt halt. Suddenly, large bat-like wings sprouted from the creature and it uncurled, body now facing her. Its eyes snapped open, revealing slitted, teal eyes, eyes that immediately landed on Painted Night.
The filly could only stare and shake in fear, taking a step back as her and the creature stared at each other. Her horn sparked and it was then she could see the creature's shocked expression. Its jet black fur covered a rather equine face, though its cheeks were obviously dampened by tears. More tears built in its teal eyes and Painted Night could only stare. Its eyes seemed so familiar to her… A gasp escaped her and her mouth opened as she spoke, voice nothing more than a soft whisper.
