Walking the early afternoon streets of Ponyville of this clear fall day, a cool breeze darts past me. Thankful for the fur on my body, without which I would need a heavy coat. The ponies around town are busy putting up decorations for Nightmare Night. According to Pinkie, 'this is the best night ever', but I have a feeling it’s because that’s just because of all the free candy being passed out. I’ve gotten used to life in Ponyville since the ceremony two months ago, but I still get some stares because of my wings and horns. I was able to keep the house Celestia gave me when I first came to this world, but I had it fireproofed just in case I have a fire-related accident.
Walking down the street towards home, a flowing samurai costume in a store window catches my eye. Moving closer to the window I notice there’s a discount on the costume, only thirty bits. Wondering if it will fit me I venture inside to ask the store owner.
“Welcome to the...” The shop owner freezes in her tracks as she sees me at the door. “I’m so sorry sir, I did not know a member of the Royal Guard would grace my shop today.”
I have gotten used to this since Celestia revealed me to the town. “It’s okay miss, you don’t have to treat me so formally in fact I would prefer you didn’t. I’m just here to buy that costume out front but I want to ask if you can make sure it fits me first.”
She walks to the window, grabbing the costume in the window before returning. She puts the costume down on the counter grabbing a measuring tape before walking over to me. Standing there she’s trying to measure me without touching me. “Miss, don’t be so afraid to touch me if you need to. I’m not going to snap at you for touching me.” She lets out a big sigh and returns to measuring me this time not afraid to touch me as she goes.
She walks over to the counter placing the measuring tape on the counter. “It should fit, but I’ll have to cut out a place for your wings if you want use of them while wearing it.”
“That’s fine by me. How long is the alteration going to take and how much do I owe you?”
She presses buttons on the cash register, the sound of the mechanisms clinking away. “It’s thirty bits for the costume and fifteen for the alteration.” Reaching into my saddlebags I pull out my bag of coins giving her fifty bits. “Here’s your change sir.”
I push the change back to her. “Keep the rest as thanks for treating me like a normal pony.”
She puts the five bits into the register with a small smile. “Thank you sir. If you don’t mind waiting, this shouldn’t take too long.” She walks into the back room with the costume as I walk out the door to wait outside the store. The sky is aglow from the sun as it’s starting to set, but I’m quickly interrupted from my view by a familiar voice.
“It is you!” The voice startles me a bit, causing me to turn and see who was talking to me. “What are you doing out here Blaze?” Twilight is trotting her way to me carrying a bag with her magic.
“I just bought a costume for tonight, so I’m just waiting for the shop owner to finish the alterations on it.”
“Well, I have to hurry home and put the finishing touches on my costume for this year, I’ll see you tonight.” As she trots down the street I wonder what costume she’ll be wearing tonight. Time passes; I feel the grumbling of my stomach, I hope the shop owner hurries up so I can go home and eat before the sun goes down.
“Sir! Your costume is ready.” She finished the alteration pretty quickly, but I wonder if Rarity will be upset I didn’t let her do it instead.
Walking up to the counter I grab the costume placing it into my saddlebags making sure there’s nothing that could ruin damage it. “Thank you so much miss, have a wonderful evening!” Walking out of the shop and down the street the only thought on my mind right now is getting some food. Trotting home, the grumbling of my stomach gets louder, urging me to hurry. The sun is almost below the the horizon as I rush through the door of my house, leaving the door open as I viciously attack the cupboards gathering a clutch of daisies and two slices of bread.
The sound of rapid knocking and rustling armor disturb my meal. “Sir Blaze!” Scarfing down the rest of the sandwich I walk out to meet whoever is asking for me. Walking into the hallway the figure of a Royal Guard is standing at my door. I approach the Royal Guard, almost choking as I swallow the last bits of the sandwich. “Sir Blaze, Princess Celestia has requested your immediate presence at the castle.”
“Allow me to grab my saddlebags and I’ll follow you to the castle.” Grabbing my saddlebags from the kitchen we fly off to the castle with haste. The trip to the castle is eerily quiet as the sun disappears over the horizon. The castle gates open as we approach from the air, giving us a clear shot to the castle doors. The guards at the doors swing them open as I land in front; this must be urgent. Galloping down the massive hall I’m met by Celestia as she paces a small section of the hall. “I came as quick as I could Princess.”
“Come quickly, we must prepare for your assignment.” Following Celestia down the hall my mind races with possibilities of what could be so urgent on this night. We walk into a part of the castle I haven’t been to yet, the guards stationed at the doors wear dark colors and look very menacing. The crescent moon on the door make it clear to me, this is Luna’s side of the castle. The doors open as we draw closer, revealing a very intimidating looking chariot with Luna sitting upon it. Celestia leans down to me. “The Night Guard that were supposed to escort Luna to Ponyville for tonight’s festivities in Ponyville have gotten sick and cannot perform their duties. Luna herself requested your protection tonight, though it would be a good opportunity to show your worth to the rest of the guard. Make sure she has fun tonight, it is a night about her after all.” Celestia makes her exit, leaving me to escort Luna to Ponyville.
Walking up to Luna, I remind myself to be professional tonight when addressing her while we are in public view. Pausing at base of the Chariot, I bow to greet Luna. “Dragon Knight Blue Blaze at your service your Princess Luna.” She is wearing a dark hooded cloak enveloping her, refusing to acknowledge my presence. Setting my saddlebags down on the ground, retrieving my costume from the bags. “Princess, pardon me while I change into my costume for tonight.” Sliding the costume on, the Princess seems to finally shows some interest in my presence. Looking up at her I see a small smile, maybe being a little less formal would help her relax. “Luna, it’ll be okay. This is your night, so let’s make it fun.”
“You hath a way with words, fair Blaze.” Hidden under her cloak, her smile widens. Stepping onto the chariot we are rushed off to Ponyville. The night is chilly and the sky clear, the sky is black missing the stars and moon that should be there. Throwing off her hood; a glow comes form Luna as she casts a spell, slowly bringing the moon up into the sky and the stars appear across the sky as if a painter took a wide swipe with their brush.
Staring at the vast ocean of stars, I am enthralled by its charm. “The beauty of the night never fades, does it?” Luna leans against my left side, making my heart pound as the warmth of her body fills me. Twilight’s words soon fill my head. ‘You have to choose who you want to be with.’ Am I going to be able to choose so easily and will the other still be my friend? Shaking that thought out of my mind, I have to focus on making sure Luna is having fun tonight.
The Night Guard bring the chariot to a stop above the town center where we wait to descend. Gliding down to the surface, citizens take notice forming a circle around the spot I’m aiming for. As I land all commotion and music stops as they await an announcement. Standing up straight, then clearing my throat. “Citizens of Ponyville, Welcome the Princess of the Night, Princess Luna!” The volume I had to use almost took my voice away completely. Luna descends from the chariot landing beside me, her cloak turns into bats flying off into the night.
The mayor approaches her slowly, bowing just in front of Luna “Princess Luna, welcome to our humble celebration, please enjoy yourself.” I have barely met the mayor myself, but she seemed nice the few times I have been around.
“Thank thee madame mayor. Thy celebration will be most appreciated.” Luna walks off towards a group of ponies near the games section of the carnival. The ponies are eating food, dancing, and playing games like pumpkin chucking.
The closer we walk the better looks I get of the group, one pony wearing a purple mask, large hat, and purple tights trots over to Luna. “Princess Luna! Blaze!” The voice immediately gives it away. I would have never guessed that was Twilight until she spoke. “I’m so glad you both could make it, they are just about ready to start the storytelling of Nightmare Night.” The other ponies, whom I can now say are the other five of the troupe, trot over to us quickly.
The ponies around the stage fall silent as the mayor steps up to the podium. Luna walks walks off behind a building towards the woods, trying to catch up with her I round the corner but she is nowhere to be found. Frantically flying around the area looking for any sign of her. Good job Blaze, you lost the princess... I’m so dead... I have to ask the girls to help me, there’s no way around it. Quickly I find the girls where I last saw them, landing unable to catch my breath. Twilight trots over, putting a hoof on my back. “Blaze what’s wrong?”
“Princess... Luna... can’t find... anywhere.” I’m barely speak from anxiety, how could I fail the job I was given.
“Whoa there sugarcube, catch your breath then tell us what happened.”
“Princess Luna disappeared from my sight and I can’t find her anywhere!” Do I really care this much just because it was a job given to me? No, that’s not it at all. She’s a dear friend to me. I have to find her no matter what.
“Okay girls spread out and look for her, Blaze go with Rainbow Dash and check the Everfree Forest the rest of us will check the other parts of town.” Twilight rushes off towards the east side of town as she finishes giving out orders.
“Lets go Blaze.” Dash takes off towards the forest with me following close behind. We pass over many clearings of the forest but no sign of Luna, but suddenly Dash stops midair. “Look down there, someone in behind that statue.” We approach the statues and Dash is right, there’s a figure behind the statue. The statue is of a fearsome looking pony, but it is falling apart from years of neglect. “Hey there.” Dash slowly approaches whoever is behind the statue. Landing on the other side I slowly get closer to get a better look. To our surprise it’s just Fluttershy trembling behind the statue.
She seems like she hasn’t noticed us yet. “Fluttershy, you haven’t seen Princess Luna come by here have you?” She suddenly shoots me a sharp stare as those words reach her.
She’s barely able to move, whatever it was scared her deeply. “They took her away!” My attention is immediately peaked.
My anxiety quickly turned to fury, I could feel the fire wanting to escape inside me. “Who took her? Where did they go?” Fluttershy is trembling too hard, finally she points her hoof at the statue.
“You little foals won’t be able to save your precious princess from me.” Turning my attention to the statue I notice it’s not made of stone anymore and is looking directly at me. Immediately I take a defensive stance against this mare.
“Let Princess Luna go!” I focus my attention on the black mare, but if I’m not careful with how much fury I have I’ll end up burning Fluttershy and Dash; I have to get my emotions under control.
The black mare cackles loudly. “Surely you jest, you have no chance to compare to my power.”
I can’t hold it back anymore; the fire inside my throat starts spurting out as I breath. “Give Luna back, or so help me I’ll turn you to ash!”
She only cackles more at my efforts to intimidate her, sending a wave of darkness over the clearing. “You’ll never see your precious princess again!” She morphs into a black mist quickly retreating into the woods, vanishing from my sight.
Letting out a quick stomp in anger I turn my stare to the sky as I release a massive flame. “AHHHHHHHHHH!” Letting out all of my anger in a powerful burst. A sudden calm and quiet comes over the clearing as the flames dissipate. Preparing to take off to go after that black mare I feel a tug on my tail. Turning around Dash is standing there with a worried look on her face.
“Blaze, this is bad! That was Nightmare Moon, if she has the Princess we have to hurry! Follow me.” Dash takes off deeper into the forest under the treeline encouraging me to follow. Galloping as hard as we can we rush through the woods until we come up to a massive chasm. A lone rope bridge spans the chasm, but I don’t trust its weathered age, dash flies up and over the chasm with me in close pursuit continuing our fast pace to wherever dash is leading me to. Stone structures jut out along the path, fallen prey to the elements and lack of care. The path opens up to a clearing where the ruins of a castle stand in front of us, this place looks like it has been abandoned for hundreds of years.
“You foolish ponies, you’ll never defeat me!” Her voice is coming from behind us, when did she sneak up on us? Quickly turning around, meeting her gaze at me. She walks close to me cackling as she moves closer, closing my eyes the thought of losing Luna forever forces a tear down my cheek. The woods are quiet and the air still; nopony is making a sound. A light nuzzle is felt on my right cheek. “Thou is most adorable when flustered.” Opening my eyes in disbelief I see Nightmare Moon nuzzling me but her image shifts slowly into Luna.
“BUWHAHAHAHA! The look on your face was just priceless.” Dash is laughing so hard she can barely breath. “I can’t believe how easy it was to fool you.” She’s right, I fell right into their plan and I can’t help but laugh at my own silliness, but the laughter dies down. “We really should get back to town so everypony doesn’t worry.” Dash flies off back towards town, leaving Luna and I behind.
Luna steps back away from me, unfolding her wings as she prepares to fly. “Luna... I...” She folds her wings, turning to face me. “I was so scared of losing you. I know I was assigned to watch over you tonight, but if you would have just asked i would have come anyway because you’re...” The words are blocked, it feels like there is a lump in my throat causing the words to disappear. I stare at the ground hoping the words will be easier to say if I’m not looking at her. “You’re... special to me.”
The wind gusts from the flapping of her wings, snapping me out of my stupor and forcing me to play catch up with her. I’m not sure what to do, my feelings for Luna and Twilight are starting to make me feel bad for having any to begin with. This decision I have to make is weighing on me each time I see one of them, if choosing will make one of their hearts break how am I supposed to make a choice? Ponyville slowly comes into view, lit up by all their decorations with the ponies running around in costumes. The stirring emotions settle inside me as I take in the experiences from first Nightmare Night, even though I was tricked by everypony; I’ll have to repay the favor later.