Star Bolt and Commander Mist both stood at attention outside the door waiting for their cue to enter; inside they could hear Princess Celestial giving here speech to the ponies of Canterlot. Commander Mist looked at Star Bolt, “Are ya ready for this Sparky?”
Star Bolt kept his stance and replied “Yes Commander, I am ready.”
Commander Mist smiled “Are ya sure because you look nervous.”
“No Sir, I am ready for this I am completely confident.”
The commander started to taunt him “Ya sound nervous too, ya sure you’re ready?”
Star Bolt started to get irritated, “No commander I'm not nervous, I'm fine I’ve been waiting for this honor almost nine years now, I’ll be fine.”
Commander Mist continued, “Ya know, one sign of being nervous is denial. Are ya in denial sparky?”
Star Bolt sighed, “Fine Commander I give up, I'm nervous, you happy now. I’ve never been so nervous in all my life, I’ll take the guards exam, and those dragons over this any day.”
Commander Mist smile and moved back to the position of attention, then replies, “Calm down sparky, I was only having a bit of fun. Ya know I was nervous when I became Commander of the guard too. All ya got to do is keep your composure and thank the Princess, then all it is, another ceremony where ponies congratulate you. A lot like the one last week when you rushed to get Luna’s carriage back to raise the moon on time. By the way, what was it that caused you two to be late again? I believe you said it was traffic, or some lizards or something like that.”
Star Bolt looked at Commander Mist “I told you a thousand times nothing happened, the princess wanted to see the great dragon migration, and one of the dragons from the entrance exam recognized me, and then he attack me. That’s all and furthermore I'm tired of you insinuating that Luna and I are involved in anything!”
Commander Mist didn’t respond instead he continued to look forward in the position of attention. Just then Star Bolt realized the door had already opened and everypony attending the ceremony was staring at him. Star Bolt had definitely embarrassed himself, so he just gave a quick and innocent smile, and then jumped back to the position of attention. Star Bolt and Commander Mist started marching down the aisle in perfect synchronization to a small mat where they both bowed before Princess Celestia, who was trying not to laugh during awkward silence that came after Star Bolts little outburst.
Princess Celestia looked at the two and announced, “Will the Royal Guard Star Bolt Please Step forward.”
Both ponies rose from their bow, then Star Bolt stepped forward as Commander Mist Stepped back, then they bowed once again. Princess Celestia the announced “Star Bolt the Pegasus, you joined the royal guard nine years ago During the Royal guard entrance exam. Since then, not only have you proven yourself in a manner of loyalty, but your dedication and skill has only given a good reputation to the royal guards and to all of Equestria.”
Princess Celestia raised her horn and taped both of Star Bolt’s shoulders while saying “So it gives me great pleasure in promoting you to the high position of commander, and herby awarding you the tittle of Commander Bolt.”
The crowed started to applause and Commander Bolt could only smile at his pride. Princess Celestia then continued the speech, “Arise Commander Bolt and if you have something to say then say it now.”
Commander Bolt stood up and turned around to the cheering audience, “I would just like to say, that this is a grate honor, I never did find out about my past but I'm proud of what my future will bring for this kingdom. Thank you your majesty and I will not fail you.”
The awards ceremony ended shortly after that, but both Commander Mist and Commander Bolt had to report to Princess Celestia shortly after. When they both entered her chamber, they both bowed, as Commander Mist asked, “Your majesty you wanted to see us?”
When they looked up, they notices that Princess Luna was also in the room, Princess Celestia tuned to the two, “Ah of course Commanders, we would like to discuss your positions here in the castle. Now that we have Commander Bolt here, you can finally go into retirement Commander Mist, and allow Commander Bolt to take your place.”
Commander Mist stood up and replied “Your majesty, I have been nothing but loyal to the Kingdome for many years, so with all due respect. I decline your offer and if I must step down from command then place me under Commander Bolt. I taught him everything I know, and he has gone beyond my abilities so I can’t think of a better leader then him…”
Commander Bolt stood up “No your majesty! I have worked under Commander Mist for almost nine years now, if anything I’ll be placed in ranks under his command.”
Celestia and Luna looked at each other and smiled, and then Princess Luna spoke “Your dedication and trust towards one another is inspiring. However since you both have the tittle of commander you can’t serve under each other.”
Princess Celestia then spoke “That is why my sister and I have decided to split the chain of command into two.”
Both commanders were confused, Commander Bolt then spoke, “Two, your majesty? I'm afraid I don’t understand.”
Princess Luna tried to explain, “Usually there is one commander and for the past fifteen years it has been Commander Mist. However at night the commander leaves duty to rest. So I have decided to make two commanders in charge. One for day and one for night, that way if I need assistance than I don’t have to wake the day commander and have him feeling tired the next day.”
Princess Celestia then added, “All we need to do is decide, who will take what position, day or night.”
Before anypony could say anything Commander Mist Spoke with grate hast, “I'll take the day shift, Commander Bolt will take the night.”
Commander Bolt looked at Commander Mist, “What?”
Immediately after that Princess Celestia spoke also with hast, “Done.”
Both Commander Bolt and Princess Luna looked at Princess Celestia and spoke at the same time, “What?”
Commander Mist without allowing anypony else to speak, continued, “Than it’s settled we will take our leave and Commander Bolt will report here at daybreak.”
Commander Bolt tried to speak up, “don’t I…”
Princess Celestia interrupted him “Than take your leave, and report here at daybreak in your night armor, Commander Bolt.”
Commander Bolt tried to comment but Commander Mist turned around, and dragged him out of the room with unicorn magic.
Commander Bolt was a little confused. After shutting the door he turned to Commander Mist and spoke, “What in Celestia’s name, are you doing?”
Commander Mist started trotting away and replied, “What? That? I was only giving you your chance, that’s all.”
Commander Bolt replied “Chance? What chance? What are you talking about?”
Commander Mist spoke as he was trotting away, “If you keep acting dumb then soon she will believe it and then she will never know how you feel.”
Commander Bolt knew exactly what Commander Mist meant, but he couldn’t stop convincing himself that a petty guard will never have a chance to be with a princess, especially one of such beauty.
Commander Bolt sighed as he trotted back to his quarters to prepare for the night. A few hours later, right as the sun began to set; Commander Bolt approached the Princess Celestia’s chambers. The door was already open and before he could knock out of respect Princess Luna spoke “Please come in commander we’ve been expecting you.”
Commander Bolt entered the room and bowed, “Commander Bolt, reporting for duty your majesty.”
Both Luna and Celestia stood in front of him; Celestia looked at Luna then spoke, “Well sister, it seems everything is in order here so I’ll take my leave, and get some rest.”
Luna turned to Celestia, “Of course sister, you get some sleep, and I’ll see you at dawn.”
Princess Celestia started to leave the room, but as she trotted by Commander Bolt, she whispered ever so softly to him “Good luck Commander.”
Commander Bolt turned around and watched in amassment as Celestia left the room. He could only think to himself “Is she and Commander Mist both in on this together? It would figure that senile old stallion trying something like this. I’ll have his head on a…”
Before he could finish that thought Princess Luna spoke “Star Bolt? Can you come here please?”
Commander Bolt rose from his bow and approached Princess Luna, “Yes your majesty?”
Princess Luna gave Commander Bolt a stare that only a disappointed mother would give a disobedient colt. Commander Bolt quickly corrected himself, “What I meant to say is, Yes Luna? Sorry, old habits and all.”
Luna laughed, “That’s ok, just remember, now that your commander you can call me Luna whenever you want. Either way your new duties as night commander begin tonight, first on the agenda, check the guard shifts to make sure every guard is present. Then report back here with the guards who pull my carriage, we will go on my nightly rounds through the kingdom. From there it’s all waiting for dawn. I usually like to walk through the Canterlot garden. Would you care to join me?”
Commander Bolt started to blush, “Uh… sure Luna It would be safer that way. I’ll go check the guards and return with the carriage pullers.”
After checking the guards Commander Bolt escorted Luna and here carriage through all the surrounding cities on Equestria. Then they walked through the garden together, this was the time that they got to discuss more than just royal duties. Princess Luna spoke about here competing against here sister as a little fillies, and Star Bolt got to talk about his royal guard training. It was Commander Bolts chance to tell her how he felt, but he let it slip by every time. This routine continued the same every night for a few months and the stories always passed the time. They talk about past event like, when Luna and Celestia defeated Discord together with the Elements of Harmony. Or when, Star Bolt discovered an unusual electric apple growing on the thunder grounds. The two couldn’t have become better friends towards one another but Star Bolt still had his feelings.
As time passed, Princess Luna started to change, here stories showed less enthusiasm and then she started to talk less. One night, Commander Bolt had to say something. “Luna? Is there something on your mind that is troubling you?”
Luna stopped trotting and looked back at Commander Bolt, “Am… am I... do you think… I'm a bad ruler?”
Commander Bolt was surprised; “Of course you’re not Luna! Your subjects love you, why would you think such a thing?”
Luna hid her face, “Because I’ve noticed… well look around. What do you see?”
Commander Bolt looked around and described their surroundings, “Well I see the Hedge labyrinth, I see the statue of Discord, I see the statue of victory, and other hedges in the garden.”
Luna continued, “What else?”
Commander Bolt looked around and was more detailed with his description; “I see a beautiful moon, elegant stars, the dew glistening off the grass, and all in all, a beautiful night.”
Princess Luna started to tear up, “And do you see anypony out enjoying it?”
Commander Bolt looked into the distance, and didn’t see anypony at all. But he didn’t want to tell Luna that, she was upset as is. Princess Luna looked at his face and could see the answer to her question. Then she continued as she started to cry, “Nopony likes my nights, they all don’t love me! I’ve been patient, thinking that maybe it’s just my imagination, but it seems like nopony appreciates what I do. I know that the moon can’t grow food or warm up the world as much as the sun, but I can’t do anything else, I can’t do what my sister can, I can’t fill the world with light. So ponies shun my night… and me. I'm a bad ruler aren’t I?”
Luna leaned forward and cried on Commander Bolts shoulder. Commander Bolt was thinking as fast as he could. Hearing Princess Luna cry like this was hurting him badly. He thought for a second then spoke, “Luna? You’re not a bad ruler. The reason you don’t see anypony out is because only under your peaceful moon, the ponies of Equestria can feel safe enough to rest when they are most defenseless. You give them comfort enough to drop their guard to sleep. That all there is to it, Besides would a bad ruler go investigate a flashing light in the Everfree Forest, or pick up an unconscious colt lying in an electrified crater? No! You saved my life that day and I can defend you from every dragon, timber wolf and even Cerberus himself and that would never repay how grateful I am for that.”
Commander Bolt gently pushed her back and wiped the tears from her face. Then continued “You’re not a bad ruler, the love your subjects give just isn’t as direct as they think. In fact I… well what I mean to say is… I… I lo…”
at that moment another guard galloped up. “Your majesty dawn is approaching.”
Princess Luna looked at the guard and wiped the rest of the tears from her face, “Oh yes, my apologies, I must’ve lost track of the time. Commander Bolt let us return to the castle.”
Commander Bolt couldn’t believe his luck; this was his chance, the perfect chance, and his only attempt at it. And he blew it… again. Commander Bolt started imagining him beating the life out of that guard, and then kicking and stomping him while he was on the ground.
Princess Luna looked back, and smiled, “Commander Bolt... thank you, I feel much better now that understand how everypony truly feels. I think I know how to handle this now. Let’s return to the castle sister awaits our return.”
Commander Bolt felt better that he could cheer up Princess Luna; he nodded his head and replied, “Of course, your majesty.”
They both returned to the balcony where Princess Celestia was waiting to raise the sun. When Princess Luna went to the balcony edge to lower the moon, Princess Celestia trotted up to Commander Bolt and asked very quietly. “How did it go today?”
Without even trying to play dumb Commander Bolt spoke, “Blew it… again.”
Princess Celestia laughed a little then replied, “Well, there is always tomorrow night. You’re free to go get some rest if you want, we will wait for Commander Mist here.”
Commander Bolt bowed and said, “Thank you your majesty.”
Then he turned around and trotted out the door. While going down the hall he passed Commander Mist who was on his way to begin his shift. Commander Mist spoke, “How is it going sparky?”
Without missing a beat or even stopping Commander Bolt replied, “Blew it again… gota try tomorrow.”
Commander Mist laughed a little as he went by, “Well, at least you’re not dumb today.”
The next night Commander Bolt approached just as the moon rose, while he was on his way to the balcony, he past Princess Celestia in the hall. She stopped to speak with Commander Bolt, “Good evening to you commander can I ask a favor from you?”
Commander Bolt Stopped and bowed, “Of course your majesty what do you need from me?”
Celestia got close to speak with Commander Bolt quietly, “Luna is acting very strange today, she seems to be either angry or irritated at something so can you please keep an eye on her, I don’t want here to do anything that might hurt herself.”
Commander Bolt replied “Of course, I won’t let anything happen that brings here any harm. You have my word.”
Princess Celestia smiled,” I knew I could count on you, I have business to take care of in Manehatten and I won’t return till dawn so the keep an eye on the castle, also.”
“Of course your majesty, leave everything to me. And have a safe journey.”
Princess Celestia continued down the hall and out the castle gates while Commander Bolt continued to the balcony. When he approached Princess Luna, he spoke, “Sorry if I was late, Princess Celestia was telling me about here trip to Manehatten tonight.”
Princess Luna spoke in an unusually serious way, “That quite alright commander go see to the guards shifts then return here.”
Commander Bolt felt uneasy; she never called him commander when they were alone before. He just put that thought to the back of his head and replied, “Yes, your majesty.”
Commander Bolt checked each checkpoint just as he did every night, but on his way back while he was trotting through the court yard, he heard a loud boom like lightning.
Commander Bolt looked up and saw a Black and Blue tornado coming off the balcony where Luna was waiting. Commander Bolt didn’t think he just acted, “I got to protect the princess!”
He took off from the courtyard and flew to the balcony, but no matter how hard he tried the winds were too strong. The tornado grabbed and threw him against a nearby tower. Hurt but not down, Commander Bolt flew towards the window below the balcony and raced up the stairs as fast as his hooves and wings together could take him. When he got to the door the tornado had vanished. Standing in front of him was a black and blue mare.
Commander Bolt Yelled at the mare with anger, “Hey!?! Who are you? And what have you done with Princess Luna!?!”
The dark mare looked at him and smiled but didn’t say anything. Commander Bolt didn’t like this at all; he yelled again, “did you hear me? I asked you a question and I expect an answer! Where is the princess? What have you done with her? WHERE IS LUNA!?!”
The mare continued to smile as she spoke “My, my, my, you really are devoted aren’t you Commander? But don’t you recognize your princess when you see her?”
Commander Bolt couldn’t believe what she just said; could this really be Princess Luna? She seems so sinister and evil, Luna was kind and graceful, this can’t be her, but he did feel a presence inside her, “Princess Luna?”
The mare smiled and nodded her head, “Actually I have grown tired of that name you can call me Nightmare Moon.”
“Nightmare Moon?”
Nightmare Moon looked off the balcony, and spoke, “I’ve waited long enough for Equestria to show its love for the night. So maybe they will love it more when the sun never rises again. And as for you commander I want you to decide, will you lead my army?”
Commander Bolt was confused, “What?”
Nightmare looked back at Commander Bolt, “Yes you have proven your loyalty numerous times, and I can’t think of a better leader for my troops than the great Commander Bolt, with every great ruler there is a grate army, and I want you to lead that army. Do you accept?
Commander Bolt has never had his feelings split up like this before, she is still Princess Luna, but she isn’t the Luna he fell in love with. Nightmare Moon is more powerful than him so saying no would be a death sentence, but saying yes is considered treason against Princess Celestia. Maybe if Luna is inside Nightmare Moon than maybe she could be free somehow, but how? A group of guards rushed into the room which their spears at the ready, “Commander! Stand back we can handle her.”
Commander Bolt yelled to them, “Lower your weapons and stand down, that’s an order
The guards looked at Commander Bolt in confusion, one guard spoke up, “But Commander she…”
Commander Bolt turned to the guards, “You dare disobey my orders, and point your spears towards your Princess!?!”
All the guards lowered their weapons and couldn’t believe what Commander Bolt said. Nightmare Moon asked “Then do you accept my offer?”
Commander Bot replied “Yes your majesty, I accept. I will lead your army to victory, for the night... and for my Princess.”
Nightmare Moon looked off the balcony and spoke, “Good, then with you by my side, tomorrows dawn, will be a dark one."