//------------------------------// // Guarding the Night // Story: Fireflies // by ytsebrony20 //------------------------------// Chapter One: Guarding the Night The sun was setting when Princess Luna prepared for her nightly duties. Her sister, Princess Celestia, was getting ready to retire for the night; she passed the dark mare on her way through the castle halls. They bowed to each other, signifying the exchange of guardianship. Celestia was off to bed and Luna proceeded to her watch tower. Through the telescope, she browsed across the parameter of Equestria. Everything looked fine and well; everything was still at peace. As the sky grew darker, Luna spared a glance over at the setting sun, just enough to see the last beam of light disappear over the horizon to the west. Then she turned to the east. Her moon started to rise. The moonlight gave Equestria a whole new life. It’s silver light bathed the land in a certain majestic glow. She smiled; she preferred Equestria in this light. It was easier on the eyes and much more peaceful. With the parameter check done, Luna flew down to the land below. Tonight she wanted to check on Ponyville. This was her favorite town; the six ponies she was closest to lived here. She flew up to Rainbow Dash’s house in the clouds. Peering through the window, she could see Rainbow Dash snoring loudly in a deep sleep. Luna’s horn glowed as she closed her eyes. Her mind left Ponyville and was transported onto a runway in the sky. With a quick examination, Luna could tell that she was in the Wonderbolt’s Academy grounds. Rainbow Dash was in a full Wonderbolt suit, sliding her goggles on to complete the outfit. The other three Wonderbolts joined her. “Are you ready, newbie?” Spitfire teased. “Ready as I’ll ever be,” Rainbow Dash replied. Together, they flew off. Jets of rainbow, fire and smoke combined into one jetstream behind the storming pegasi. They all took turns doing complex maneuvers, but the topper was Rainbow Dash’s Sonic Rainboom. The other Wonderbolts played off of the rainboom, adding their own flavor to the wave of color. Luna saw that all was well in Rainbow Dash’s dream. In a flash, she was back in Ponyville. Leaving Rainbow Dash’s house, she searched for more dreams to watch. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were having a sleepover at Rarities house. They took turns with sleep overs; some were held at Apple Acres. Scootaloo’s wings flapped lazily but happily in her sleep. Luna wondered what her dream was. Her horn glowed, and she was soaring through the sky. Scootaloo was flying like an ace flier. She kicked unwanted clouds out of the way and made the sky clear for the earth ponies underneath. “Nice moves kid,” said Rainbow Dash with an approving arm around her shoulder. “Come on, Dash. Last one to Cloudsdale is a withered feather.” Scootaloo took Rainbow Dash by surprise and got a head start. Rainbow Dash was quick to catch up though. She could easily take Scootaloo on but she stayed behind, just enough to let Scootaloo win. “Wow, kid. Your even faster than me.” Back in Ponyville, Scootaloo smiled wide in her sleep. Luna saw that all was well; she proceeded onward. She passed by the library and notice some unrest. A quick glance inside revealed Spike squirming in his bed. This did not look well. Spike was at the train station in canterlot. Twilight had her things in a bag as if to leave; but there was nothing for spike. “I don’t understand. Aren’t I coming with you?” Spike tried hard to fight back the tears. He wanted to show that he was a tough dragon, but this situation made his heart sink. “No, Spike. I don’t need you anymore.” Twilight’s words were cold and heartless. Spike couldn’t hold it back any longer. Hot beads streaked down his scaly cheeks. “Twilight, please don’t leave me. I don’t want you to go.” Luna couldn’t watch anymore. She decided to intervene. In a puff of smoke, the train and Twilight vanished. Spike wiped the tears, confused on what just happened. Luna emerged through the smoke. “I am most sorry for this unfortunate dream.” Spike jumped, shocked to see Princess Luna; but quickly remembered his manners and bowed to her. “Rise, Spike. I want to talk with you. Why are you having this dream?” Spike stood erect. “Ever since King Sombra tried to take back the Crystal Empire, I have been having this dream every now and then. It’s what I saw in his evil door.” Spike shuttered at the memory. “But, you do understand that it was just a trick. You know that Twilight loves you and needs you in her life. She will never leave you.” “I know. The vision still haunts me. It’s unforgettable.” Luna touched her horn to Spike’s forehead. “From now on,” she announced, “This nightmare shall not plague your sleep again.” Spike felt a warmth spread through him, but as soon as the warmth came, Luna had gone. Spike looked around for her; instead he found a train pulling into the station. Emerging through the doors came a distressed Twilight Sparkle. “Oh, Spike. I missed you so much.” She unexpectedly hugged the small dragon. With a smile and a few happy tears, Spike returned it. Seeing that this dream was well now, Luna left. Spike was tucked into his blanket with a smile. Continuing her dream patrol, she proceeded all throughout Ponyville; encouraging the good dreams she found and dispelling any nightmares. Every mare and stallion was able to find peaceful sleep under her watch. Her round about Ponyville was complete. She was just about to head back to Canterlot when she spotted a pony out in the fields of Apple Acres. A cluster of fireflies floated around her. This was very odd to find a pony awake during Luna’s night. Curious, she approached the pony. “What are you doing out so late?” Luna asked softly. The pony was unphased, almost as if expecting Luna to show up. “I couldn’t sleep.” The young dark blue mare chased down a firefly with an outstretched hoof. She caught it, cupped it in her hooves long enough to examine it, and then let it fly. Her mane almost matched the color of the bug’s light. It was a soft golden yellow color. Luna wasn’t sure if she ever met this pony before. She thought she knew every pony in Ponyville but this one somehow escaped her knowledge. “I’m sorry,” she started, “what is your name?” The mare turned around with a soft smiled. “Name’s Firefly.”