The Capital city of Canterlot, the most well known city in all of Equestria. The mountain top metropolis is home to thousands of the wealthiest ponies and half of the Governing Body of the whole nation. It was where they lived and worked. But sadly, that's all they did. Two months out of every year, the four Princesses and their Senators would convene and attempt to fix every issue they could.
Princess Celestia and Colonel Firebrand dealt with the international relations, Princess Cadence and General Shining Armor handled the Healthcare system in Equestria, especially with their first child on the way. Princess Twilight and Spike managed the Education System and Princess Luna and Colonel Nexus worked with the people in and the National Defense.
But when not handling their respective areas, they'd be juggling the budget of each town and city across Equestria and maintaining and ratifying the laws in existence. For the past few days, they'd been handling complaints about the budgets in Manehatten that had been on a steady down fall since week. Nexus and Firebrand and put together a plan to help it level off but it would take time. Cadence and Twilight didn't understand why.
In the council room, the seven ponies and one dragon listened to the red and blue unicorns as they explained their plan.
"A plan to fix it instantly still has a chance to fail." The dark red unicorn known as Firebrand explained.
"And if it fails, it would make it harder to fix and take even longer. If we have a plan that gradually effects the situation, there's still time to fix it in the case of it going wrong." The dark blue unicorn with metal legs referred to as Nexus added.
"Well it sounds like you're confident." Princess Celestia said.
"Is it leveling off or not?" Nexus asked.
"Yes it is. What is your plan for when it levels then?"
"We're working on it Princess." Firebrand reassured. "So long as it levels off, we'll have time to work out something to bring it back."
"Well then, all in favor of continuing with the current Manehatten budget plan?" All eight of them raised their hoofs and that ended the debate.
"I'll be sure to keep up on it to make sure it's not going to tank." Nexus said glancing at his cracked watch. "And seeing as that was the last issue before the session was over, I believe we're done here."
"Indeed we are." Luna said sanding up.
"As always, Senate will be called back if needed." Celestia said following her sister.
Nexus let out a sigh in contempt and left towards the elevators as the others stayed behind and began their usual post session chat. He never had enough interest to stick around and listen. He always had enough work to keep him busy for the next two months after session so it was best to get on it ASAP. He rounded the corner and was once again thankful to see the elevator to the Tower of the Night.
He clicked the button and watched the door slide open for him.
"Senator, wait!" Princess Twilight called to him running towards him. She skidded to a stop only a few feet from him and caught her breath.
"Well that's not lady like." Nexus joked.
"Ha ha. I almost never get tired of that." She replied sarcastically. "Going up?"
"Where else?"
The two stepped into the elevator and Nexus hit the button for the top floor. He leaned onto the side and twisted his right rear ankle. It creaked slightly and Nexus let out a groan of mild pain. "I'm getting' old." he said dimly.
"Just change them out." Twilight insisted as the continued to rise.
"Not going to happen."
"Why are you so stubborn? That set's ten years old now? They're going to give out eventually."
"And I'll let 'em. They're one of a kind. The only plates of living metal there are in the world. The only set of mechanical legs that can feel like skin. They even radiate heat from energy usage that it didn't have before. There's no way I'm droppin' 'em just because they're a little old."
"Alright then Pack Rat." Twilight said with a slight giggle. "But your age isn't why I'm here."
Nexus glanced up at the illuminated numbers for a moment before deciding to play a little game. "You got until we stop to tell me exactly what you want and go."
"Oh! My friends and I had a party for when I officially moved to Ponyville in the castle and it turned into a full on celebration." Twilight said quickly. Three floors to go. "And I've been inviting the Princesses along with their advisers but I never get a chance to ask you."
"Why not have a letter sent to me or have Luna ask for you?" Two floors.
"You leave before I get a change and I have to get back as soon as we're done here."
"Could've done this before." less than one floor.
"So will you come to my Anniversary Gala?" *DING*
"No. Sorry." Nexus said as the doors opened.
"Why?" Twilight whined following out.
"You heard what I said when we adorned. I've got work to do."
"All work and no play makes Jack a dull pony."
"I don't like putting off my work. It takes a while and it might as well be taken out before it takes up more time. I can't spare a day."
"It's a full week event. I'm sure you'd love a week off."
"I would." Twilight smiled hearing him say that. "But I can't."
The two rounded the corner before coming to a nice oak door with a winged crescent moon carved at eye height.
"Do you ever take time off? Even I need some rest."
"The last time I took time off I died."
"I read the reports Nexus. There's nothing that can kill you in Ponyville. Just come down for a week. You can even bring your family."
"I'll be happy to send them." Nexus opened the door and walked in hoping to leave this conversation behind him.
"And you?"
"Again, thanks, but no thanks. I have a lot of work to do."
"Come on." Twilight pleaded following him inside. "You really think they'd go without you?"
"Who'd go with you where?" a light brown mare with a long black mane and blue eyes said trotting into the main living area from the spiral stair case.
She stretched her wings and bowed to the Princess. Twilight bowed back and the pegasus stood straight before nuzzling Nexus under the chin.
"So what were you two talking about?" she asked leaning on Nexus.
"Twilight's just trying to invite us to her week long Gala in Ponyville, Dust."
"Oh that sounds fun. Why not?" Dust said happily.
"I could set you two up in the nicest room in the castle. And if you want, I could pay for you two to spend a day at the spa!" Twilight said.
"Ooo, That sounds really nice!" Dust said with enthusiasm.
"Why would I go to a spa?" Nexus asked. "Get a hooficure?"
"They have herbal baths. Maybe you could try one of them."
"Come on Lunar, it sounds like it'll be a great time." Dust pleaded.
"Where we goin'!?" a young voice called from the balcony.
A little navy blue pegasus with emerald green eyes and a single white streak in his light gray mane flew in.
"Astral." Nexus said gesturing to Twilight.
"Oh!" the little colt said realizing his faux pas. "It's an honor to see you again Princess Twilight Sparkle." He said bowing.
Twilight giggled and bowed back. "And to you as well young Astral Wind Nexus."
Astral quickly jumped up and hugged Nexus. "Where we goin'?"
"Princess Twilight has invited us to the Ponyville Gala. And your father's going to take us."
"Is Auntie Luna going to be there?"
"Auntie?" Twilight asked with an eye brow raised.
"She's already going. You can go talk to her before dinner if you want. You know what she likes to eat before dinner?"
"Powdered doughnut holes!" Astral gasped with excitement.
"Honey, he just had a flying lesson." Dust said. "I don't think he should have any sweets until after dinner."
"Aw, please Mommy!" Astral said putting on his big soulful eyes.
"Yeah, pwease Mommy?" Nexus said pushing out his lower lip in a similar pout.
Dust sighed in sadness knowing she couldn't resist her son's pouty face. Her husband's not so much. "Okay. Don't eat too many though. Don't want to spoil your dinner."
Astral's eyes lit up and he flew up and kissed her cheek happily. "Thanks Mommy!" he said shouting sprinting out the door.
"My, he's grown." Twilight said. "How old is he now?"
"Five and half. Sharp as a knife too." Nexus said with a look of aged pride.
"And what was with him calling Princess Luna, Auntie?"
"It wasn't my idea." Nexus said chuckling.
"First time Luna held him she told him she was his Auntie. And seeing as Lunar and I are only children, it wasn't an issue. It's kind of cute hearing him say that actually." Dust explained.
"You know, he can come too." Twilight said. "There'll be a kid's zone."
"Kid's zone?" Nexus asked.
"Pinkie Pie ropes off a whole section of town and turns it into a place just for kids to play and have fun."
"Really? We could bring Ephi too!"
"Ephi?"
"You'd know him as Ephilates. He married Hestaria just after Dust and I married. They even had a little girl too."
"I'll be sure to have a room for them too."
"Come on Lunar. Pwease?" Dust said pulling the same face Astral made.
Nexus groaned in frustration. "He really does get it from his mother's side. FINE! Just enough with the eyes!"
"Yay! When will you have us?" Dust asked happily.
"Monday will be fine. I'll let the maids know to have my two best rooms ready."
"Thank you Princess."
"No worries. Have a nice day you two!"
Twilight bowed to them and they both bowed back before she left. Nexus groaned slightly annoyed and glared at his wife.
"What?" Dust asked.
"You just love dragging me out of my comfort zone don't you?" Nexus asked putting fake anger in his voice.
Dust put on a mischievous smile and gave Nexus a kiss on the cheek. "Yes I do. Now help me pack my dresses." she said flicking her tail in his face as she trotted by.
Nexus couldn't help but sigh smelling her shampoo as she did so. Dust giggled as he followed her up the spiral stair case.
In the room above the Nexus' apartment, Princess Luna was just settling into her cushion with a good book and her regale off when a quick succession of knocks came at her door.
"It's open." she said thinking it was one of the servants with paperwork for her to fill out.
She was pleasantly relieved her favorite "nephew" happily running through the door. "Auntie Luna!" Astral shouted jumping at her forelegs wide open for a hug.
"Astral!" Luna set down her book and opened her forelegs to greet the young colt.
Astral hugged the Princess of the Night around the neck as tightly as his five year old muscles could, the force of his jump nearly toppling her.
"Oh my." Luna said pleasantly surprised embracing the young pegasus. "You have grown haven't you?"
Astral let out a giggle as Luna poked his belly. "Auntie Luna, why don't I see you?"
"The explanation would be lost upon you little one." Luna explained setting Astral down next to her. "I along with your father are busy most of the time. I do wish I could spend time with you. But I know you don't come up here just for my company."
Almost on cue, a white pony in an a messy apron pushing a cart holding a single silver tray passed through the still open door. Luna levitated the dish and thanked the servant as she brought the tray down next to them. The servant bowed and reminded her that dinner was almost ready and she just waved them off. When she lifted the lid, the sweet, sugary smell of the powdered doughnut holes filled Astral's nose. He quickly leaned over the cushion they were sitting on and scarfed down three.
"Slow down." Astral looked up to Luna and gulped the mouthful of pastry. "We don't want you getting a … tummy ache!"
While Astral was looking up at Luna, she'd reached behind him with her wing and started tickling his tummy with the last feather on the end. Astral squealed with laughter and tried to get away but tripped over Luna's right foreleg. He tumbled over into her lap in a giggling mess, Luna laughing just as hard. Luna leaned over and kissed Astral's nose lightly. The young colt reached up and tapped Luna's nose with a smile. She smiled softly at him and nuzzled him as he giggled.
"I love you Auntie Luna." Astral said nestling into Luna's lap.
"I love you too little Astral. Now, what should we read today?" she asked looking up to her book shelf.
"Legend of the Shadow Pony!" Astral exclaimed happily.
"Bold choice." Luna said levitating a large but thin book from her shelf. "Will you help me read it?"
"Yeah!"
"Okay then." Luna popped a doughnut hole and opened to the first page as Astral reached for another doughnut hole.
As she read aloud, Astral followed along stumbling once or twice with a few words he didn't know. But Luna was more than happy to slow down and help him learn another word.
The first page had Celestia sadly bowing her head to the moon. On the adjacent page, a black unicorn mare in golden armor stood in the throne room of Canterlot Castle with Celestia pointing to the door.
A long time ago, the magical land of Equestria was saved from the eternal darkness of Nightmare Moon. The eldest sister abandoned the castle she once called home because after years of horrible dreams she would have at night. And even upon her leaving, the dreams still haunted her. One day, she asked bravest warrior to go to the castle and find the cause her many sleepless nights, certain it was something not of her control. Her name, was Gilded Heart.
Luna turned the page and took a doughnut hole in her mouth before continuing. The next two pages were the profile of the castle with Gilded Heart sitting outside the ruined gates.
"Despite the Princess' instance, Gilded Heart went alone to face the demon of the castle. She was not afraid of something she could not see. She walked into the castle and was overcome with dizziness.
"What happened?" Astral asked looking up to his aunt.
"Let us read on and find out." Luna replied with a smile.
The feeling soon passed and she continued through the passages. She soon heard whispers from the darkness around her. This is why she wished to face the creature alone. Lesser men would sooner run then face these voices. The sounds around her seemed to be coming from the stone bricks. As though the castle itself wanted her to leave.
"Did she leave?" Astral interrupted again taking another doughnut hole from the plate.
"Oh no Astral, she stayed the whole night."
"Does she beat the monster?"
"We shall continue to read to find out."
Luna turned the page to reveal the black mare lit by her, white glowing horn as she walked down a dark hall way. Behind her a set of white glowing eyes followed.
Gilded Heart was unfazed by the dark shadows around her. The sounds egged her on rather than scare her off. As she traveled deeper she could feel something behind her. Every time she peered behind her, she found nothing but the empty hall she was in.
"I feel thy fear young one." a raspy voice called.
Gilded Heart froze in place and took in her current surroundings. From the corner of her eye she saw a shadow pass through the wall behind her. Gilded Heart ran quickly after the shadow thinking it could have gone down a corridor she missed; only to find nothing around but the wall. Gilded Heart couldn't feel anything.
"What was it?" Astral asked before stuffing another doughnut hole into his gob.
"Patience is a virtue little one. Though one you don't seem to have the privilege of having." Astral giggled as Luna continued.
"Show thyself coward!" She shouted to the shadows.
But no answer came. She tried to use her magic to push aside the bricks in the walls but her horn would not light. No amount of effort could she find her power. So instead, she was to find a way to the other side of the wall. As she went, Gilded Heart hummed a song her father use to sing to her when she was afraid. The melody soothed her nerves and helped keep her thoughts clear.
"Cowardice?" the voice mocked as she turned another corner. "Come closer and thou will learn the meaning of cowardice."
Gilded Heart was still undeterred by the voice.
On the next pages, Gilded Heart was back in the throne room where a black mass sat in the left throne.
"What's that Auntie Luna?"
"What are you?" Gilded Heart ask as she followed the catacomb like halls before her. Luna read to get Astral to pay attention. He quickly picked up with Luna as she continued.
She rounded a single corner before being back where she'd started in the throne room. In front of her, a dark force loomed over the youngest sister's throne; the vague outline of a pony inside. She asked her question again and was only met with a deep resonating laugh. The laughter didn't sound as though it was coming from the shadow itself, rather the castle itself.
"I am what thou fears most. I am the darkness within every creature of this land." The shadow said to her.
Gilded Heart stood firm and said loud enough that the beast was certain to hear, "If I am to slay thou, I must know thy name."
"I am known by many names Gilded Heart, but thou may call me Jugi, the Pony of Shadows."
"Have thou been tainting my Princess' dreams?"
"I have. And the same fate shall now befall thou!"
Luna was about to turn the page when a knock at the still open door came. She craned her neck around and saw a pair of light gray bat ponies waiting for her attention. One, much older than the other, had a pale purple mane and yellow, serpent-like eyes. On her back, the young one sat with her pale pink mane back in a pony tail and her yellow eyes fixed on the plate of half eaten sweets.
"I'm sorry to be interrupting anything Princess." the eldest one said as the filly hopped off her back.
She tried to stop the filly, but she ran straight for Luna and jumped to her back with a smile and hug.
"Hi Miss Woona!" the foal said happily hugging her.
"Hello to you Gale." Luna responded by nuzzling to top her her head.
"Night n' Gale," the older bat pony said trotting up to the three without waiting for Luna to say she could come in. "How many times have your father and I told you not to go into Princess Luna's room without her saying it's okay?"
"It is quite alright Hestaria. I do enjoy seeing your daughter." Luna replied. She noted Gale was constantly eyeing the doughnut holes as she looked to her mother and her. "What may I help you with?"
"It's dinner time. Nex said come up and see if Astral was still up here with you."
"Mommy?" Gale asked.
"Yes Sweetie?"
"Can I have one?" she asked pointing to the plate.
"After dinner Gale. If it's okay with Princess Luna."
"And how many times must I say that you may call me Luna, Hestaria?" Luna asked mimicking Hestaria's previous tone.
"Sorry Pr - Luna. I'm just not quite that comfortable saying that."
"You will adjust. Come Astral, time to eat." Luna said folding the corner of the page they were on.
"Aw! Please Auntie Luna, can we just get to the battle!?" Astral begged.
"We will pick up when I return from Ponyville next week."
"Next week! That's like a bazillion days!"
"Bazillion million days!" Gale added with a giggle.
"I promise we will finish it then. I have to pack tonight so I cannot finish the story after dinner. Remember what I said?"
"Patience is a virtue." Astral replied with a pout.
"Good. Now…" Luna gently pushed Astral off her lap as she stood up. She then levitated Gale down next to Astral as she started to take a step towards the door. "Last one down's a rotten egg!" With that she started to run out the door. Not so fast as to leave them behind; just enough for them to catch up.
The children ran as fast as they could past Hestaria who rolled her eyes and gave chase, strangely determined to not be last or at least have her daughter be last.