//------------------------------// // Chapter Two // Story: Falling For The Night // by Drunk Luna //------------------------------// "Royal Lunar Guards, quick march!" In the castle's sprawling courtyard, Phoebus and fifteen other guards marched forward in formation in four lines of four. "Halt! Order... arms!" Phoebus grabbed his sword and waited as the Celestial Guards saluted Celestia, and she retired for the night. "Royal Lunar Guards, attention! Royal salute! Present... arms!" Luna's royal anthem was played, and she gazed down at her guards from her vantage point on the castle's balcony as they saluted her. Her swanlike neck curved in a graceful arc as she lowered her head and illuminated her horn. Slowly, she raised her head, and the full moon rose with it until she had placed it up in the sky. Then, she sent a wave of glittering pink and purple light from her horn. The wave swirled and danced, and then shot upward and became a pink nebula. Stars twinkled and flew to their respective places in the sky at Luna's command. When she was finished, she nodded to her guards, signaling that they were permitted to go and wait for her to hold night court. *** Unlike Celestia's court, Luna's night court was often empty. Tonight was no different. She dismissed her guards quickly and turned away from her throne, her eyes saturated with sadness. The other guards fell into formation and walked out of the room, but against his better judgment, Phoebus stayed; he couldn't allow his princess to be distressed. "Your Majesty," he said softly, raising his hoof. Luna turned and looked over her shoulder, surprised. "What are you still doing here?" she asked, her eyes overflowing with tears. "Did I not dismiss you?" "You did, Ma'am," Phoebus admitted, "but I can't leave you like this. Like your other guards, I took an oath upon my life to protect you. Are you all right?" "That is none of your concern! I am perfectly safe, I am not in danger. There is nothing you can protect me from," Luna snapped, glaring at him. Phoebus took a deep breath, knowing that what he was about to say could cost him his future. "With all due respect, Ma'am," he said slowly, "I believe it is my concern. I am indebted to you, as all of your guards are. It is my duty to protect you from physical and emotional harm. May I ask what troubles you?" Luna's eyes softened, and she took a step forward. "Walk with me, Captain Nocturnus," she said, her voice soft. *** The castle gardens were in full bloom. The warm evening air was fragrant with the countless flowers that adorned the sprawling fields. Moonlight gently illuminated the paths that led through the gardens as Luna and Phoebus walked. "Isn't it a beautiful night," Luna sighed dreamily, looking up at her clear sky, which glittered with stars. It was a statement, not a question. "It is, Your Majesty," Phoebus agreed. "You truly are an incredible artist, Ma'am." Luna glanced at him. "I am glad you think so," she said sadly. "Not everypony agrees with you, I'm afraid. Why do you think I became Nightmare Moon? Nopony wanted to enjoy my night." "Your Majesty, may I speak freely?" Phoebus asked. The magnificent blue alicorn nodded, and he continued. "I think the most beautiful things happen at night. Couples come together under Your Majesty's moon. Ponies get married under Your Majesty's stars. Young lovers share their innermost secrets under Your Majesty's night sky. Some of the best parties are thrown at night. So many wonderful things happen after the sun sets." A small smile lifted the corners of Luna's mouth. "Please, enough of this 'Your Majesty' nonsense," she said. "Call me Luna or Princess Luna. Just don't tell any of the other guards." The slightest hint of a smirk played at the corners of her mouth, and her eyes glinted mischievously. "Yes, Your-- Princess Luna," Phoebus stammered. Luna nodded, pleased. "You know, Captain," she said, "I feel like having some fun. Why don't we go for a swim?" "A swim, Princess Luna?" Phoebus gaped. He had to do his job, but Luna was technically his boss, and he was a bit scared to defy her,. "I will take care of your superiors if you get in trouble," she promised. "Take a swim with me, Captain Noctornus; that is an order, not a request.”