//------------------------------// // Night Shift Duties // Story: Spiders and Magic: What If Luna Revealed Her Feelings Before Twilight Sparkle? // by Maximus_Reborn //------------------------------// Chapter Four “Night Shift Duties” Princess Celestia sat in the throne room, scanning through several documents. Much had transpired in the past few months. An Outworlder came into their lives and gave a positive reaction to those around him, especially to her younger sister. Whether Luna would admit it or not, she was slowly but surely changing with great hesitance. However, there was more to it, and Celestia felt it was time to bring this to light. Peter had more than earned their trust, risking his life multiple times, but there was something that concerned the alicorn, a matter that needed to be discussed personally. She had already sent a letter earlier in the day, requesting his presence. If her instincts were sound, he would arrive shortly. Suddenly, the large doors to the throne room creaked open, causing the alicorn’s ears to perk at the sound. The guards stared down Peter as he stumbled about, frowning at the considerably smaller stallion. However, Princess Celestia managed to smile and simply nodded, prompting the knights to exit the room without objecting. Once the throne room had been emptied, the alicorn placed all documents to the side. “Good afternoon, Peter,” Celestia politely greeted, sitting with a firm and eloquent posture. “Thank you for coming to see me.” Peter stretched his limbs high overhead as he approached the princess, pausing once they were hoof-lengths apart. “Don’t mention it, Princess Celestia. I’m just surprised that you summoned me.” Celestia chuckled under her breath, shaking her head. “Please, Peter. When it’s just the two of us, speak to me as freely as you would with my sister. I’m not nearly as uptight as you may have already guessed.” Her smile remained bright and earnest. “Just ‘Celestia’ will suffice.” Letting out a relieved sigh, Peter paused before nodding. “Thanks, Sunny. I’ll be careful though. Folks seem to think I have a complete disregard for authority.” He glanced to the side, shrugging. “Then again, I am a masked vigilante part of the time, so that may have something to do with it.” “That’s not quite the way that I see it. I believe you were underappreciated in the circumstance,” Celestia firmly declared before lifting her gaze. “That’s actually what I wanted to talk with you about. Luna mentioned your… financial issues, but I have a proposition for you.” Peter tilted his head to the side. “Huh? What do you mean? I always have financial issues. Next thing you’ll tell me is that the sky is blue and water is wet.” Celestia chuckled at the stallion’s response. Ponies almost never talked to her so brazenly. She was co-ruler of the world, and those around her always seemed to walk on eggshells in her presence. While Celestia appreciated the respect given to her, she could feel at points that some would patronize her or come off as condescending just to avoid potentially stirring the ire of the sun princess. It was almost impossible to speak casually with utmost honesty with anypony. Not even her students could bring themselves to do that. Celestia often pondered if she carried herself in such high regard that she was unapproachable, never wanting that to be the case. Unlike Luna, who was very by the book, Celestia was not nearly as formal, never afraid to speak lightly or, heaven forbid, with humor. Yet, as Luna warned, Peter spoke with no tact whatsoever. Some would have taken it as a sign of disrespect, but Celestia found his demeanor earnest, albeit very unorthodox. However, there was high level of charm to the Outworlder. While still very considerate, Peter was still honest to a fault. The corner of Celestia mouth curled into a smirk. Not just that, but the stallion was also the only one that regularly earned reactions from Luna with his presence alone. To Celestia, Peter was a friend and a much needed distraction. Chuckling, Celestia nodded with a smile. “Is that so? Well, it just so happens that I have a proposition for you. One that would not only be a solution to your ongoing financial issues, but greatly aid my sister and I.” Peter arched a brow. “What would that be?” “How would you feel about having the position as a full-time knight?” The alicorn retrieved a slip of paper via telekinesis, pausing to read through the wall of text. “You will have many benefits, such as free insurance, provided housing in Canterlot, as well as discounts to various establishments throughout Equestria.” Peter’s eyes widened at the question. “Huh? Really?! Wow! I mean, that’d be cool, but I don’t think I’m qualified for the job.” The stallion shook his head. “I mean, I have no military experience, and I doubt there’s armor around here that fits me. I noticed that I’m way smaller than most stallions. Then again, it was the same way back on my world.” Peter arched a brow as he held a hoof inches away from his face. “The spider bite gave me powers, but I’m still the nerd from Queens. Nothing can change that.” “There’s no need to be so modest,” Celestia softly declared, smiling. “You may not be properly trained, but Luna told me how you carried yourself during your second bout with the dragon. You’re very attentive, protective, humble, and your strength is mighty. I would be honored if you accepted this gesture.” She straightened her posture, levitating the paper closer to the stallion until he retrieved it. Celestia’s expression stiffened. “It’s not quite the same job as the guards in the castle or the knights stationed around Equestria. You have only one job.” Blinking, the stallion held a bewildered expression. “Okay. Now, I’m curious. What exactly did you have in mind?” Celestia chuckled. “Simple. You will be working the nightshift alongside Luna as her personal knight and guardian.” The alicorn stood from her seat, walking across the throne room. “As you may have already learned, my sister does not trust easily. She spends her nights alone, watching the land. Although there are guards stationed around the castle at every hour, nopony is positioned to watch over her. That’s Luna’s doing, seeing as she doesn’t like for anypony to get close.” “Well, she’s no damsel in distress, that's for sure. Luna’s probably the only princess in history to suplex a dragon with magic,” Peter said offhandedly, folding his hooves. Celestia stopped by the nearest window, glancing at the stallion from the corner of her eyes. “Perhaps, but Luna has always been like that, even before she grew as powerful as she is now. Even so, my sister is not invincible. I shouldn’t let her pride place her in danger that can be avoided with a bit of precaution.” The princess sobered, narrowing her gaze on the stallion. “For your presence to be so readily accepted by my sister speaks volumes. The fact that she’s made an exception for you means that Luna trusts you. The very same can be said for myself.” “And here I just assumed that she didn’t like me that much. Can’t say that I’m blame her. I was unpopular in elementary school, middle school, high school, college, and my job...” Peter muttered nonchalantly, scratching the side of his cheek. “Okay. Never mind. I was just outright unlikable. You sure Luna’s not just hanging out with me out of pity? Is she really okay with this?” Celestia responded with a bout of mild laughter “Of course she is!” Celestia hastily declared, waving a hoof dismissively. Sobering, the alicorn cleared her throat. “Luna doesn’t pity. She simply ignores that which doesn’t interest her,” Celestia grinned, arching a brow. “Please, Peter. You can sustain a livelihood for yourself and stay close to Luna. I know that you like her, and I can tell that she really likes you, too. You’ll be her personal bodyguard. My sister loves a strong stallion.” Her tone was playful, light. “You can certainly use this opportunity to impress her. You could even officially start tonight. Do you accept? ” Peter paced in place, slow to respond. “Well, Canterlot does seem like a nice place, and I wouldn’t have to pay train fare every day anymore. Plus, it sounds like it’ll beat a photographer’s pay easily, and I won’t be freeloading off of Twilight.” The stallion paused, inhaling deeply before sighing and turning to face the alicorn. “Okay. I’ll do it. Can we just keep the identity a secret? I won’t be Spider-Mane as a knight. I’ll just be… Peter Parker, your friendly neighborhood knight and Luna’s glorified bodyguard.” Celestia clapped her hooves together, squeaking involuntarily. “Good! Thank you so much!” A low silence filled the air as Peter stared blankly at the princess, grinning sheepishly. “That was… different.” Straightening her posture, Celestia cleared her throat while a faint pink glow filled her cheeks momentarily. “Even I am not above outbursts on occasion.” “I never said it was a bad thing. That’s why I like you and Luna,” Peter declared, nodding. “You’re princesses but… normal. At least to me. Then again, I am a guy with radioactive spider blood, so my idea of normal is probably not what you’d expect.” Celestia grinned under her breath. “I’m okay with that as well. I’ll tell you my sister’s nickname if you keep this between us.” Peter snorted involuntarily as his head shot up sharply, chuckling. “Hoo hoo hoo! Now, that I’d love to hear. Deal.” The alicorn walked to her chair, retaking her seat before sorting through the documents. “I’ve already made certain adjustments. After I show you your new living quarters just outside the castle grounds, we can get you situated and started tonight.” The princess trailed off, her eyes widening at a sight. “Oh, goodness.” Peter tilted his head to the side. “Huh? What is it?” Slow to respond, Celestia managed a smile as she narrowed her gaze on the stallion. Peter followed her line of sight, glancing to the side, and his eyes widened at the sight of an image materializing over his flank. An emblem of a spider, matching that of the insignia on his costume’s chest formed into existence. Peter could only blink at the sight as he tapped his flank repeatedly, learning the mark was permanent apparently. Celestia grinned, nodding. “I believe you have found your calling in Equestria. Congratulations on earning your cutie mark.” Peter sheepishly chuckled, taking hold of Celestia’s hoof with one of his own. “Well… thanks for helping me find my purpose.” -u- Inhaling deeply before sighing, Luna growled under her breath. She stood on the balcony, keeping her royal blue gaze fixed on the horizon. Thoughts spiraled through her mind as she repressed the violent urge to strangle her sister for her transgressions. As of late, Celestia had grown increasingly bold in oppressing her, but this was an act of treason of the highest order. She went behind her back again. That was irritating on its own, let alone who Celestia involved. Luna did not need somepony watching her. The extra eyes were distracting, and it felt as if she was incapable of doing her job on her own. However, the fact that it was Peter, a bumbling excuse of a pony, made the situation unbearable. He was not fit for this duty, and Luna knew that her patience would not last. In spite of her initial protests, Luna could not bring herself to scream. A part of her reveled in the idea of spending more time with Peter, and a sense of glee churned in the mare’s chest at the notion of knowing he was a resident of Canterlot now. Unfortunately, she could not remove her own frown from her face as Peter sat along the balcony railing, rocking in place. The fool was undisciplined, acting as if he wasn’t on the job. “Where is your armor? A knight should always be in uniform,” Luna spat, growling. Peter stretched his hooves high overhead. “There wasn’t any that fit me. In case you missed it, I’m smaller than most guys on this planet.” He paused, waving a hoof dismissively. “It’s no prob. It’ll take a little over a week, but I’m working on having something custom made to fit my size.” As if accepting the answer, Luna narrowed her gaze to the horizon. “Good. At least you have taken some precautions. If you are to represent me, I must have you dressed accordingly. It is protocol.” “Just nothing really bulky. I need some leg room. I’ll modify my costume to honor you,” Peter added, earning a hesitant nod from the princess. The pair sat in silence for a brief duration before Peter turned to Luna, oblivious to the mare’s disgruntled demeanor. “By the way, when is your birthday, Luna?” Luna’s brow twitched. This was getting rather redundant. He always pelted her with seemingly random questions, some more idiotic than others. The alicorn paused, her mind slowly registering the stallion’s question. Luna’s hoof shot out, smushing Peter’s head against the railing. She continued to press, despite the stallion’s strained protests, and the guards positioned below the balcony shared a glance and merely shrugged at the commotion. These sort of spectacles having become the norm since that particular pony started visiting. “If you are to work under my wing, you must practice discipline!” Luna scolded, her pupils disappearing behind a bright light. “You are a knight. Start acting like one!” Peter flailed his hooves about before easing into place, nonchalantly arching a brow as his face continued to be smushed against the railing. “Uh, Canterlot talk or Shakespeare in the park? Okay, I’ll try it.” He cleared his throat. “Nay, nay, my fair lady. Doth Mother know you weareth her drapes?” Luna offered no response as her brow twitched involuntarily. Peter hummed under his breath. “No? How about this? I refuse the invitation thou doth make to speak…” Luna removed her hoof, glaring at the stallion while giving out a frustrated sigh.“Stop. Just… stop. Your Old Canterlotian is horrendous.” “I thought it was pretty good,” Peter grumbled as he rubbed the aches out of his cheek. “You really need to lighten up and learn how to take a joke, you know? Our job is important, but it’s okay to have a little fun in moderation.” His eyes widened at a belated realization. “So, um, when is your birthday?” Luna exhaled, lifting her head with a huff. “December 22nd. Why do you want to know all of a sudden?” Peter shrugged. “Why wouldn’t I? Just wanted to make a mental note so I can get you a gift when the time comes.” “I… appreciate the sentiment,” Luna whispered, feeling the temperature in her face rise before she cleared her throat, “but it is unnecessary. I have no need to celebrate birthdays anymore, given my long lifespan.” He grinned. “Speaking of which. How old are you anyway?” Luna’s eyes shot open at the offhanded question. Not ignoring his sixth sense for danger this time, Peter ducked underneath the mare’s swinging hoof, but the alicorn lost her balance, squeaking as her momentum shifted. She crashed onto the floor, landing in a heap, and Luna felt her pride diminish. She was not usually so careless to bumble in such a degrading fashion. Just as she rolled onto her back and readied to pull herself back to a standing position, Peter took advantage of the situation. The stallion pressed his hooves against her own and pinned the mare to the ground. A look of disbelief flashed onto Luna’s face. Not only did she put herself in a precarious position, but this fool had the nerve to pin her down. Their faces were only inches apart. The princess could only growl as the stallion chuckled innocently.   If looks could kill, Peter’s life would have been snuffed out on the spot, evident by the widened gaze and flushed features the mare bore. She could not let this act of treachery stand. Luna’s horn glowed, but Peter gently slapped the appendage, earning a high-pitched ‘ow’ from the alicorn as well as causing its magic to short out. The princess struggled uselessly, cursing the hidden strength the unusually small stallion carried. This day was not one Luna wanted to remember. “Again. How old are you?” Peter questioned, keeping his hazel gaze inches away from Luna’s royal blue irises. Luna blankly stared at the stallion, unaware of the glowing pink tint in her cheeks. “A true gentlecolt would never ask a lady such a question.” “Is it because your age counts into the quadruple digits?” Peter innocently asked, causing Luna’s mouth to twist into a scowl. “You are so insensitive,” the mare grumbled, blankly staring to the side. A low silence filled the air as Luna attempted to squirm free to no avail. Her bemused gaze morphed into an irritated glare. “I should destroy you.” The stallion grinned. “You’re just proving my point, you know? If you really wanted me dead, you would have done it a long time ago. It’s because you like me that I’m not already in Tartarus or sitting on the moon right now.” Luna glanced to the side, avoiding Peter’s knowing gaze before her ears lowered shamefully. “Only because I allow it.” “You’re really not helping your case with those responses,” Peter casually shrugged. “Just admit it already. You like me.” Inhaling deeply before sighing, Luna closed her eyes and scoffed. “I like nothing.” “Except your sister, ice cream, and maybe me,” the stallion grinned, causing the mare to exhale. She would not budge, refusing to yield to the Outworlder’s demands. Peter let out a mock sigh. “I can stay here all night, no problem. Super strength proportionate to that of a spider and all, but wouldn’t it be even more embarrassing if your sister found you like this?” Luna gulped as her complexion paled. The idiot had a point. Celestia always teased Luna for a number of reasons. She would never let her sister live it down, seeing her so helpless and pitiful under the grasp of a babbling twit. There was a chance Peter would let her up, but Luna exhaled, knowing the stallion was as stubborn as she was. This further fueled her irritation. For the first time in eons, Luna was as helpless as newborn foal. She loathed this stallion at points. However, she hated herself as well, considering that a small part of her didn’t mind this compromising position. Peter’s grin widened. “I’m waiting… Moonbutt.” Luna’s eyes widened at the name. “How did you hear about that name?!” “Celestia told me,” Peter bluntly replied, paying no mind to the mare’s increased whining. “I think it’s cute. I wonder what everypony else will think.” Luna’s cheeks flushed to a shade of pink as a defeated glare surfaced in her eyes. “Fine. I yield, but I swear on my good name that if you tell anypony this, I will kill you.” Peter was digging his limbs into her body, causing the mare to grimace. She sighed. Countless eons. Only Celestia knew her true age, and Luna hated the constant reminders. The mare rolled her eyes, her face burning. “One thousand, six-hundred and eighty-three.” Luna slammed her eyes shut, waiting for the idiot to pelt her with laughter, but Peter simply relinquished his hold before taking a seat next to the telescope, leaning against the railing with his hooves behind his head. Luna furrowed a brow. “Aren’t you going to laugh?” Peter shook his head. “No. I actually like older girls, and that’s way too many candles to put on a cake anyway. Unless you like the taste of wax in your cake, or would it be cake in your wax?” Luna huffed a response, returning her gaze into the telescope. “Just mind your tongue. I won’t be as forgiving next time.” Peter stole a glance at the mare from the corner of his eye, spotting the crimson blush on her face, and he chuckled before leaning closer, planting a soft kiss on the mare’s cheek. Luna’s mind spiraled into a frenzy as she stared wildly at the stallion. She wanted to chastise him for his action, opening her mouth, but no words came out, only a brief inhale. Peter nodded, easing back before standing upright and leaning against the nearest wall for support. Everything was changing, and they knew it. However, both ponies would sit in a silence for the rest of the night, contemplating their own fates. Yet, the princess couldn’t fully contain her smile as the the spot on her cheek practically burned. Meanwhile, Celestia watched the sight from inside the castle with a knowing smile. “Just a little more…” To be continued...