“Windigos? Are you certain?” Celestia asked, sipping a steaming cup of herbal tea as the two ponies in front of her nodded.
“Positive. There are no other creatures or organizations that fit the description. They have the motive, and certainly the means. I imagine they have plenty of treasure to utilize from unfortunate settlements that froze over ages ago,” Shifting remarked, Luna looking to her sister in worry.
“I agree with Shifting. It is fascinating, however, that such evil spirits are having others do their bidding for them now. We haven’t had a major incident with them in ages. They should still be confined to the northern areas; why they are branching out is a mystery.”
As Celestia nodded, Luna’s own eyes narrowed briefly. While her sister appeared the perfect calm ruler as she mused over the facts, the Lunar Princess could see past the mask- at least one of the ones her Sister wore on a daily basis. A slight crease at the edge of Celestia’s cheeks indicated genuine worry, and Luna felt her heart ache as the hints of tired wrinkles edged out from under her sister’s eyes. The usual mirth and sharpness behind the Solar Princess’s eyes seemed to be muted, if not absent, the lack of such causing even more worry to edge into Luna’s mind.
Dear Sister, this news is not the primary cause of your distress, that much I can tell. Are you not sleeping well? Something is bothering you; will you not let me help?
“I will contact Thorax, and see if he can subtly calm the populous with his subject’s abilities; perhaps blunt the impact this news will hold. The last thing we need is an outburst of hate and distrust right now. The Crown’s reassurances will only go so far however, as will the changeling’s ability to foster good will. Bombing an orphanage, even without any deaths, is beyond what kind words and a hug can remedy however. We’ll keep the full news from the public, at least until we have a proper response; that should buy us a few days of breathing room,” Celestia mused, frowning as she stared at the steam in her cup.
“Windigos, of all the enemies, why them, and why now? They cannot be bought, bargained, negotiated with, or otherwise destroyed, only defeated for a time,” she murmured, then seeming to snap out of her thoughts. “You have my full support to deal with them as you see fit, Drill Sergeant Sands. I’ll pass along your recommendations to my Royal Guard as well. I suspect most enemy operations will take place at night, as to maximize the fear and dread felt.”
Luna nodded, then reached over to give her sister’s shoulder a pat. “Thank you, Celly. Now back to bed with you. I think we’ll have enough busy days ahead of us.
Celestia’s ears perked up, the barest hint of a smile twitching at her features. “Is my younger sister ordering me to bed?”
“Yes, and if you don’t go, I’ll order Shifting to read you bedtime stories until you pass out.”
“Hey, don’t drag me into this!” Shifting piped up with a grin, watching as Celestia waved a hoof.
“Fine, fine. I’ll see you all later then,” Celestia grumbled, taking her leave out of the throne room. Luna then let out a tired breath, head shaking slowly.
“She is troubled, and I know not why,” she sighed, Shifting not able to do much other than shrug.
“I wish I could assist, but I don’t think it’s my business.”
A smile was the Stallion’s reward, Luna waving a hoof at him. “You’ve done enough, Shifting. We have a few hours of the night left, so let us try to get the facts into a cohesive form.”
“You’re talking about paperwork, right?”
“Oh yes. So much paperwork.”
Shifting followed Luna as she led him towards the war room, but he then paused.
“Hey, Luna?” the stallion asked.
“Hmm?”
“Considering this might be the last moment of peace we get for a good day or two, perhaps I’d best ask this now,” Shifting began. “Perhaps not tomorrow, or the day after that- but as soon as we both have a portion of the night free, would you like to have a formal date? Definitely within a week though, assuming we aren’t swamped with work.”
The request clearly stunned the Princess, her jaw moving briefly before she finally snapped out of her stupor with a happy nod.
“O-of course! Is-I do not wish to rush you. Did you not say but earlier this night, we were going to take things slow?”
Shifting blew out a breath, shaking his own head as a slight smile etched onto his features. “Between training and everything going on, I haven’t felt this…me in a thousand years. The emotional swings have subsided for the most part, as you know, but they are no reason to wait.” A gentle smile edged onto his features, genuine affection in his eyes as the stallion looked over to the Princess.
“I never really realized it until recently, actually. But between your support and having a duty, I can remember,” Shifting whispered, standing a bit taller. “I remember all of the good, everything I’ve done, all of my friends…The shadows in my mind are in full retreat, and I want to keep it that way. Seeing where things go between us is about as positive a thing as I can think of. Besides, a few simple outings will be nice,” he paused, noticing the tender smile on Luna’s features.
“I don’t think a simple date or two qualifies ‘rushing’ things though. If, for whatever reason, it feels like we are, then we can adjust to such. However, if you desire to make out on the second date, perhaps that might be a bit hasty….”
Shifting only manage to hold back his chuckles for a moment, watching as Luna’s face promptly brightened to a shade that would make a tomato proud. “I-I’m sorry, Luna. I couldn’t resist. But my point does stand though,” Shifting gasped, waving a hoof at the fuming yet amused Alicorn.
“I don’t know what the date will be yet, but I wanted to ask if that’s something you would like to pursue, at least once we have a break from this craziness.”
Luna took a few deep breaths, waiting until the blush had faded from her cheeks slightly. “I’d very much like to pursue such things; and if you feel it is appropriate, I will follow your lead. I look forward to our date, Shifting, whatever it may be.”
The stallion couldn’t resist, waggling his ears with a wide grin. “Whatever? Does that second date option truly hold such appeal? Such candor and boldness, Luna. I had no idea you-”
“Silence you cheeky stallion! You….” words failed the flustered Princess, yet Luna couldn’t keep a smile off her face as Shifting cackled.
“Forgive me, I’m done though. I’ll let you know when I have it all planned.”
Luna nodded, pausing as they now stood near the doors of the war room. A sly smile edged onto her features as the Alicorn looked over Shifting with a smile. “Hmm. That old armor suits you; perhaps it should be made an official matter? That would be more paperwork though…bah. Perhaps at a later date,” Luna mused as she promptly trotted away into the room, leaving Shifting gaping at her.
“You evil, evil creature.”
“Come, Shifting! There is paperwork to be vanquished!
“So, so evil.”
“Next group ready! Stand by, GO!” Shifting bellowed, watching as the trainees dashed into the obstacle course. While not outfitted with combat training tools, the animated mannequins, stairs, spinning barrels, swiping wooden arms, and other oddities still provided a challenging test of agility and stamina.
I’m certainly not surprised that Silty traversed it with ease; that mare and her group have been pushing themselves after every formal training. Come to think of it, it’s the same ones who helped me during that fire yesterday.
His gaze then drifted to a burly station, the Drill Sergeants mouth curling up into a smile. Said thestral paused, instructing a few recruits that had been struggling the lap before. He then traversed the course behind them; calling out advice before each segment.
I have to say, Bitter Blade has come rather far in a short few weeks. Not top of the class; but he seems to have taken quite well to helping those under his skill set. Silty seems to have her own set group that is going above and beyond the requirements, while Bitter has been helping the ones lagging throughout the program. Hmm. With a bit more training, I think there’s a job that would suit him quite well.
As the final group of twelve recruits ran through the course, Shifting nodded in approval as they all stood at attention, sides heaving and sweat dripping from their brows. He had pushed them the past five days; making sure they all met the physical requirements and then some. Teaching over thirty at a time had been taxing but necessary; evaluating each on their readiness and skill.
I hope Luna understands why I’ve been so busy; but at least now I have an idea for our date!
“Good. Starting tomorrow, that course is going to get a lot trickier. Everyone seems to be caught up in every aspect except for combat. So, this next week or two is going to be interesting for everypony as we review and learn new techniques. Everyone is dismissed; be back here tomorrow at the usual time.”
The trainee’s disbanded, leaving Shifting to check his pocket watch with a satisfied nod.
Alright. I’ve still got a bit of time…
It was a quick matter to shower and change out of his full armor, an action which still left the stallion feeling bare, despite still wearing a small breastplate with the Night Guard insignia. It wasn’t full formal wear, but still above simply going…naked. Having a permanent recall spell on his armor did assuage Shifting’s nerves somewhat.
Ugh. Being without armor should feel a lot more natural than it is. That’s what I get for wearing it for hundreds of years. The stallion mused. Alright. So, a short stop to see Celestia as she heads in for bed for the matter of courtesy, then meet with Luna to see what she wanted to talk to me about, and THEN leaving a note of contact for the factory CEO for the day. I should be able to tour it tomorrow beforehoof…
Trotting down the hallway, Shifting couldn’t help but grin at his perfect timing, catching Celestia just as she was trotting down the halls for breakfast.
“Ah, Shifting! I believe my sister is still wrapping things up in the dream realm,” Celestia remarked, ears flicking up as Shifting shook his head.
“Actually, your Highness, it’s you I was looking for.”
“Oh?”
Glancing around and seeing that they were alone, Shifting began to open his mouth- but abruptly shut it as Celestia gestured with a wing towards a room off to their left. Following her inside, Shifting looked around at the neatly-kept guest room, once of many within the castle.
“I assume this matter requires a bit of discretion?” Celestia asked, the stallion then shrugging his shoulders.
“More out of respect than anything. I…”
Words, don’t fail me now!
Standing a bit taller, Shifting gestured outside the halls, towards where he assumed Luna would be walking around.
“I simply wished to inform you that I’ve asked Luna on a date; and she accepted. That was a few days ago, and I finally have an idea of where to go,” he then paused, a sincere smile meandering onto his features. “It may not be law or required, but I felt it appropriate to let you know, as her older sister. We may all be adults in our own right, but you’re her family. So, I simply wish to respect that.”
Celestia blinked, the Alabaster alicorn looking over the stallion with a keen eye, expression neutral as he spoke. She then smiled fully, a soft titter leaving her muzzle.
“Thank you, Shifting Sands,” she began, impressed at the genuine demeanor of the pony in front of her. “The fact you are willing to do so speaks wonders about your character; I am slightly disappointed I won’t be able to play the part of the scary and overprotective sister, as it certainly isn’t required. You’ve shown time and time again you have Luna’s best interests in heart, and when she’s with you, even in brief moments, I haven’t seen her that happy and relaxed in ages. You don’t need my approval, Sergeant, but you certainly have it.”
Shifting let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding, the stallion all smiles as he nodded. “I-thank you, Princess-”
“Just Celestia if we’re out of the public eye, especially since you’re now dating my sister. Speaking of which, what did you have in mind, if I might ask?”
Shifting paused, fishing out a small and neatly itemized plan of the next evening; specifically, a few hours of it.
“I plan on touring the establishment first, so I can at least somewhat explain to Luna what it all does. It’s mostly automated now, but I think she’d find it interesting.”
A bit of mirth crept into Celestia’s gaze, the alicorn letting out a soft chuckle. For a fraction of a second, Shifting then saw something slide into the Alicorn’s gaze as she looked over the list, but then it was gone, the ruler all-smiles as she continued to read the parchment.
“I think this is perfect, Shifting. Am I to assume you came up with this after examining our activities on that day off we took?”
The unicorn nodded, accepting the levitated schedule back.
“That’s correct. I tried to combine one or two things the newspapers mentioned, and just hope she likes it.”
Celestia let out a hum in thought, walking with Shifting towards the door. “To be fair, I think Luna would be content doing anything with you, Shifting. That said, I think you’ve picked a fantastic activity. Now then, I think she’s in her study at about this hour. From what I understand, she wants to discuss something with you-I’m not sure if you got that message yet however.”
Shifting nodded, bowing his head respectfully as he trotted off. “Thank you, Princ-erm, Celestia,” he remarked, making his way down the halls.
Knocking on the ornate door, Shifting waited patiently until- “Come in!”
Making his way inside, Shifting glanced around the orderly room, noticing rows of bookshelves, and two large desks inside the study.
“You wanted to see me, Luna? Celestia mentioned that on my way here,” he asked, ears twitching in curiosity, especially on observing the wide grin sliding onto the Alicorn’s features.
“I did! But first, I wanted to get an update on your recruits; it has been almost a week since we have last talked. I’ve been just as busy as you have,” Luna sighed, flopping onto her desk and shoving a pile of papers out of her way.
“Well, we’re starting on the catch-up combat training tomorrow; they’re all caught up in every other aspect. I would feel comfortable assigning them low-security details, even with their current spotty combat experience. I’d say within a few weeks, they’ll be full qualified as Night Guards, and a few can start helping me train the next batch. I’ll have my hooves full training another batch regardless,” Shifting relayed, watching the Alicorn curiously as she hummed.
“That is good to hear; you’ve certainly exceeded my expectations…”
“Do I sense a ‘but’ coming?”
Luna giggled, waving a hoof at the stallion with a shake of her head, then getting up to stand in front of him. “The but, is that you’re assuming all your time in the future will be simply training.”
Shifting blinked, head tilting curiously. “Is that not my assignment? I don’t understand.”
Luna grinned gesturing to the Sergeant’s breastplate. “Hmm. I think your other armor is much more suitable…”
The stallion’s eyes widened, the realization of what exactly Luna was getting at starting to fall into place. “W-wait, are you saying…”
Standing up to her full height, Luna spread her wings slightly, looking down at her loyal Sergeant. “Sergeant Shifting Sands,” she remarked, eyes aglitter with mirth and determination, “Due to your exemplary actions, I and my sister have agreed to offer you a new position.”
A slight tremor ran up Shifting’s limbs, excitement starting to build in his frame.
Luna…are you-
“I would prefer to wait until the Night Guards are fully trained, but our enemy lacks that restraint. As you recommended, I believe an elite force of ponies are needed at this time, operating above and beyond what the Night Guard can handle.”
Luna spread her wings fully, levitating a familiar and cleaned-up amulet over to Shifting. A pearly-white moon shone back at him, expertly crafted into the dark blue, almost black amulet, the pendant having been re-strung on a sturdier cord. A new rank was now etched into the metal, and warmth blossomed in Shifting’s chest as Luna smiled down at him, returning the item that he had once surrendered.
“I admit that it is sudden, but Equestria needs your unique talents once again. This cannot wait any longer; and I think you have more than proven yourself. I have decided that it is time the Lunar Knights make their reappearance, Shifting. Will you lead them? Will you select, train, and oversee the creation of my old guard once again, Commander?”
Shifting drew in a sharp breath, emotion tightening his throat as the stallion carefully donned the pendant. With a tap of his hoof, his armor weaved itself around the Sergeant’s frame, complete with full breastplate, gauntlets, and saber. As a familiar helmet buckled around Shifting’s head, the unicorn drew his weapon and placed it point-first into the floor.
“Your highness, I am honored by this duty,” Shifting couldn’t help but grin, his eyes narrowing in excitement as he saluted his Princess sharply.
“And I accept!”
Luna bowed her head with a smile to the loyal pony, levitating a small stack of papers over to Shifting. “Then let us make it official, Commander Shifting Sands of the Lunar Knights!”
It was only as Shifting signed his name that the full weight of responsibility began to settle on his shoulders; and yet it was all bolstered by the knowledge that he could do this!
I’m not alone in this effort. I’ve trained hundreds on my own- and now I have the support of Luna and the Night Guard! The Lunar Knights will return in all of their splendor; of that I promise!
“So, to clarify, Luna,” Shifting asked, signing the last form and reading through the summaries of each briefly. “I am to oversee all the training? I assume I can appoint a committee and the like? If I am reading this correctly, the accelerated training and such is simply due to the current crisis? I can handle the training of perhaps a squad or two of each on my own, but past that is beyond my ability, especially if I am overseeing security and such.”
Luna nodded, not able to resist looking over Shifting head-to-tail briefly. Judging from the slight blush on her cheeks, he wore the armor rather well…
“Correct. We don’t have any others who can train as of yet- so you must oversee the final training of the basic Night Guard, and then the Lunar Knights once others can take over your previous Drill Sergeant position,” she explained.
“I actually have a few ideas about that; candidates to train others as well as who may be suited for the Lunar Knights,” Shifting mused prompting a raised eyebrow.
“Oh?”
“I’ll run a test tomorrow or the day after. Those demonstrating a certain tenacity will be allowed in- since this position will require lethal force. The stallion I previously had some respect issues with, Bitter Blade, has shown remarkable patience and initiative in teaching struggling students.”
Luna let out an intrigued hum at that, sitting down to listen in curiosity.
“With a bit of training, he’d make a good Drill Sergeant. All of this is going to be a tad rushed; but I agree with your assessment. I’d rather have ponies with some training that was rushed, rather than no combat experience. It goes against what I’d prefer, taking things slow, but we are out of time. The bombing demonstrated that.”
Luna nodded, blowing out a frustrated breath. “Indeed, and that is the challenge I am presenting to you. Let it be known, Shifting, your appointment to this position is rushed- but not because you aren’t ready. I’d prefer to have you finish training the recruits, and then move onto the Lunar Knights. But as you said, we are out of time,” she smiled, the gesture making Shifting’s heart glow with warmth. “Personally, I think you’ve been worthy of this position ever since you saved my life. You just needed to prove to me that you could handle the responsibly; and training thirty recruits has done just that, among a list of other things.”
Shifting was all smiles, letting his armor fade away with a quick spell, and prompting a slight pout from the Princess.
“I thought you looked fantastic in it…” she grumbled, prompting a chuckle from the Commander.
“Oh? I’ll keep that in mind for our date- of which I finally have a plan. Miss Luna, are you free tomorrow night?” Shifting asked, bowing his head and offering a hoof formally, trying his hardest to not laugh.
His gestured earned the stallion a genuine blush as Luna placed her hoof in his, nodding eagerly. “I most certainly am. What do you have in mind?”
Shifting let her hoof go- with a bit of reluctance, however. He shook his head, then waved a hoof to the city outside her window. “The main activity I would like to remain a surprise, if that is acceptable. However, I thought a simple and quiet meal overlooking the city would be nice. If you’d like, I also might have reserved the first edition of a classical art manual, discussing what each artist may have meant with their various pieces. If the historian was correct, very few have had a chance to read it.”
Waiting for a response, Shifting spent the majority of his energy trying not to fidget; he had spent hours getting everything in place, and perusing activities that seemed to fit Luna’s fancy…did he-
The smallest sniffle caught his attention, the stallion’s ears snapping upright as Luna swiped a forelimb across her eyes, a wide smile on her face despite a bit of quavering in her voice.
“Shifting, that sounds lovely,” Luna managed to say, her loyal Knight leaning forward, a bit of worry shining in his gaze. She waved him off, letting out an embarrassed huff and managing to regain a bit of decorum; yet that was slightly shattered by the wide grin that refused to leave her muzzle, nor the dampness that refused to vacate her eyes.
“Sorry, I…I haven’t had a pony ask me out on such a beautiful outing in ages. If I may ask, did you cheat and ask my sister?” Luna questioned, prompting a proud grin from Shifting.
“I am wounded! I most certainly did not cheat and ask your sister!” Shifting proclaimed, then dropping his gaze to the floor with a bit of reddening on his cheeks.
“I did however, look through the items you visited on your day off, from various papers. And then a bit of guesswork, and what I know about you. Oh, I did tell Celestia about our date though, and she approved. I thought it only fitting though. I don’t want your sister to feel as though I ignore her familial position.”
The stallion jumped slightly; a blue hoof bringing him close for a brief hug. “That’s very sweet, Shifting, and thank you. I think my sister appreciated that much more than she portrayed,” Luna remarked, letting him go with a giggle.
“I am impressed by your detective skills, and rather flattered. I look forward to tomorrow; may I at least get a hint for the main activity?”
Shifting smiled, tapping a hoof to his chin in thought. “A hint? I don’t think that’s fair! Besides, during a mystery, it’s the process that is the interesting part!”
Luna’s eye twitched slightly; her glare definitely softened by the smile on her face. “That is an interesting clue…”
“Oh, I did mean to ask, you can eat dairy, correct?” the stallion asked, prompting a perplexed look from Luna.
“Yes? Why?”
Shifting trotted forward, leaning in close- “Because I’d hate to make my jokes too cheesy.”
Luna promptly face-hoofed, letting out a groan. “That was horrible, Shifting. Shame on you.”
“At least now I can make up for such jokes with my Commanding presence!” Shifting grinned, prompting a sigh from the still-grinning Alicorn.
“Oh no.”