//------------------------------// // Chapter 22: Luna's Plan // Story: An Odd New Friend // by Eon333MS //------------------------------// Princess Luna looked out to the world in front of her from her balcony in the Canterlot Royal Castle. It was late-afternoon, but there was plenty of time for sure. She took one last deep breath and closed her eyes before stepping off the balcony edge, now falling to the ground at incredible and increasing speeds. Canterlot was built on the side of a mountain, and Luna's room was in just the right place. As she dived, Luna missed the edge of the ground by inches and now seemed to race the nearby water fall towards the base of the mountain. Luna opened her eyes and playfully reached out towards the waterfall. She was falling almost as fast as the water and as she dipped her hoof in it; it felt as though she was playing in a gentle stream rather than a raging fall. Luna returned her hoof to her chest and looked forward and strait down. She was nearing the base of the mountain. Pity; she always felt she never had enough time to play with the waterfall. She opened her wings and angled upward. She stressed herself, but her body began to turn and face forward, but the change in pitch was slow and the ground was rapidly approaching. She kept onward, practically crushing herself under the pressure, but remained determined and confident. Success (as always)! Luna narrowly realigned herself and now flew parallel with the surface below her and glided away at incredible speeds. The tips of rugged pine trees below her passed by inches; one wrong flap, and they might tear away at Luna's underbelly. She kept flying low, favoring speed over height, and headed towards Ponyville. *** Luna was no Wonderbolt, but with the help of a few magic spells, she flew just as fast as one. She reached Ponyville, a trip that normally takes all day on a train, within only a fraction of an hour. She spent a few minutes more in the air circling the town and finding the building she was looking for. It wasn't hard to miss, especially considering it's the only giant oak tree in the middle of town. The lush green stuck out within the sea or boring, tan and yellow hay roofs. Luna softly landed in front of the wooded door of Golden Oak Public Library. She wrapped the door handle in her aura but- "Leaving without a word, Princess?" Luna froze at first in surprise, but quickly calmed down as she recognized the voice. She let go of the door handle and turned around to find two pegasi lunar guards standing there. Luna smiled a little at the amusing situation, "Every time, Pictor," She replied, "How do you two keep doing it?" "It's our swore duty to ensure your safety, Princess," The other guard said. His name was Crux. The two guards were undoubtedly the most loyal and dedicated of the Lunar Guard. No matter how many times or how she did it, Luna could always sneak out of Canterlot when she wanted without any other pony knowing except these two. It's always these two, every time. It was a bit irritating for Luna, but she could never really be angry at them. They did all this for her, after all. "I hope you're not planning on trying to find that alien." Pictor turned to face Crux, "What did they call it again?" "A Hue-min, I think," Crux said. "As a matter of fact, I am." Luna said, strengthening her tone, "There's more to it than my sister is letting on, and I intend to find out what." "But your majesty, it's dangerous. Surely you've at least heard of the damage it's caused." "I've read the reports, in detail, and it is those details, or lack thereof, that drive me here." Luna's voice softened a little, "I know it's a lot to ask of you two, but this is a delicate matter, and your presence will undoubtedly make things more difficult. Please, if you have to protect me, fine, but just...stay hidden like you always do." Crux and Pictor turned to silently look at each other. They seemed to agree with one another. Pictor said to Luna, "As you wish, Princess. We will await your call." "Thank you," Luna said. She turned to the library door again and grabbed the handle with her magic. Out of morbid curiosity, she waited a few seconds and turned back around. The Guards were gone, without a sound or any indication, just simply gone. Their ability to do that gave Luna and odd mix of security and uneasiness. She quickly dismissed the thought and opened the door to the library. Inside, Luna was met by shelves, piles of paper, and mountains of books, but nopony anywhere in sight. She called out, "Hello? Twilight? Anypony here?" "She stepped out," was the response. It wasn't Twilight, but the voice was familiar. Movement caught her eye and Luna turned to see a young purple dragon sliding down a latter, "Can I help you with anything?" he continued, all the while keeping his face deep into a comic book. He put his book on the shelf he recently slid down from, and just now realized who he was talking to. "Oh, Princess Luna." Spike started to blush a little in embarrassment or nervousness, "W... What brings you here?" Luna had only a few encounters with the young dragon, but Twilight had spoken about him endlessly, and much of it in praise. She had little trouble recognizing spike. "Well young Spike," Luna said, "I was hoping to find Twilight Sparkle. You said she isn't here, correct? Do you by change know where she is?" Spike shrugged his shoulders and lightly shook his head, "Sorry, I don't know." "That's...That's it?" Luna was a bit surprised by the reaction, "She hasn't told you anything?" "Nope. After that big fight with Princess Celestia, the local guards, and the alien, Twilight fell into panic mode again. She just told me to watch the library while she fixes some 'things'. Then she just up and disappeared." "Do you know what kind of 'things' she meant?" Spike shook his head again, "No idea, sorry. When she gets that why, I find it safer to just stop asking questions." "It's alright. I'm sure I'll find her." Luna turned to start walking out the door, "Thank you for the help anyway." Luna started to leave for the library but- "Wait!" Spike called out. He ran up to Luna. "Pinkie Pie invited me to a party celebrating Rainbow Dash's recovery. As much as I wanted to go, I had to turn it down because I had to watch the library. It's supposed to be at Carousel Boutique; you know, Rarity's place, the fancy dress shop. I don't know for sure if Twilight will be there, but at least it'll be a place to start." Luna wrapped a hoof around the little dragon, giving him a hug, "Thank you Spike, you're helping in more ways than you know." "Heehe, you're welcome, princess." His face became red with embarrassment as it was pushed up against Luna's coat. Luna let go of Spike and left the library. She quickly took flight, searching for the uniquely fashionable building standing out in a town full of straw roofs. *** Luna landed at Carousel Boutique without much difficulty. Luna walked over to the door, but just before pushing it open, she froze. Luna took a moment to turn around. She scanned the area left and right, but there was no sign of Pictor or Crux. They were somewhere nearby; they always are. Luna threw the thought away and proceeded inside Carousel Boutique. The door chime for the dress shop rang as soon as the door was opened. Rarity immediately appeared around down the stairs. She continuously walked closer to the guest and spoke as if it were a well practiced line of script, "I'm terribly sorry, but we are closed for the day due to unexpe..." Rarity's tongue froze for a moment as she just now realized who was only a few steps away from her, "Princess Luna! What a surprise," Rarity seemed to become a little concerned and pulled her head back a little, "W-what are you doing here?" Luna smiled a little at the gesture, "I'm searching for you." "Me?" "Well, you and your friends, actually. It seems whenever disaster strikes Equestria, you six are in the middle of it. Am I still welcome?" "Oh, of course, Princess," Rarity stepped to the side to allow more room for Luna. "Please, just call me Luna." Rarity closed the door behind her, "Very well, Luna. I'm sorry if I can't be of as much assistance today; I'm a bit reoccupied with a party at the moment." "So I've heard, for Rainbow Dash's recovery, correct?" "Yes princes - I mean - Luna. Would you like to join us?" "I'd loved to, for now though. This isn't entirely a social visit." "That's a bit disappointing. Care for a parfait, regardless?" Suddenly something flew though the air towards the two ponies. Luna barely reacted in time; she jerked her head back in a partial flinch and caught the object within her magic grasp. Rarity, however, was not so quick. The object smashed and splattered against her muzzle. It didn't knock her back, but it did cover her face in ice-cream, whipped cream, and bits of fruit. Pinkie Pie appeared out of nowhere and screamed out loud, "Did somepony say parfait?!" True to that, Luna found herself holding the parfait thrown to her; Rarity, however, was covered in hers. Pinkie Pie instantly recognized Luna, but did not make a formal approach like Rarity. Instead, her excitement seemed to reach new levels, and Pinkie started to shake all about, barely able to hold it all in. Pinkie Pie's grin stretched from ear to ear, and she screamed to no one in particular, "OhmygoshOhmygoshOhmygoshOhmygoshPrincessLunaOhmygosh!!!" She dashed from one side of the room to the other at an amazing speed. Pinkie then somehow managed to grab one of Luna hoofs between both of her own fore hooves and still managed to find enough balance to bounce up and down. "You totally just gotta' have to join the super duper just-as-awesome-as-Rainbow-Dash recovery party for Rainbow Dash!!" Pinkie started pulling Luna towards the stairs at the back end of the shop. Luna made an awkward and pleading face towards Rarity while tried to keep her balance more than actually resisting. Everypony made their way up the stairs and into the another room; it was likely part of the owner's living space rather than the shop. Luna's single free foreleg practically hopped along with Pinkie Pie. Rarity followed behind her and used her expression to give a silent apology. Inside, the room was decorated haphazardly, and obviously rushed. Streamers hung from random points and many of them already fell to the floor. Balloons hung here and there, but confetti was everywhere. To the side were a few tables holding various drinks, snacks, and a big blue cake. As they entered, Pinkie Pie screamed out loud, "Hey everypony! Guess who joined the party!!" Applejack and Rainbow Dash, the only other guests in the relatively small party, turned around to see who it was. Rainbow Dash became immediately excited. She took a step forward and said, "Hey Princess Lun-oooh-" Thump! Rainbow slipped and collapsed on her own step, face first onto the floor, "Nope. Still can't walk." Applejack took her hat off and waved at Luna with it, "Well, howdy there princess," She said, "Ah' hope you don't mind Dash here; she was let outta' the hospital a lil' early if ya' ask me." Applejack put her hat back on and started to pick Rainbow Dash of the ground. "Say, ya' int'rested in a parfait? We've been makin' 'em all day." "Well," Luna turned her head slightly and looked towards the ceiling within a moment of thought, "I suppose one couldn't hurt." Pinkie Pie screamed "Yaaay!" from behind, almost startling Luna. Pinkie dashed towards the table to the side, ducked behind it for a moment, and jumped back up with a bowlers hat and a fake grey mustache. "What's ya' suga' taday, pal?" she said with the accent of an aging stallion from a city, "Whip cream, ice cream, frozen yogurt, strawberries, raspberries, razz berries, snow berries, juniper berries, oran berries, holly berries, sujama berries, rawst berries, pecha berries; wow, we gotta' lot a' berries." "Uhh... Pecha berries would be fine." Luna said. "A'ight then, boss." Pinkie Pie dashed out of the room and into the adjacent kitchen. Everypony remained still, but kept their gaze towards the kitchen. Out of a mix of curiosity and concern, they listened to the sounds of smashing glass, rolling fruit, the hissing of an angry cat, a rumbling chainsaw, various forms of pounding, and an explosion accompanied by a strong flash of light. But everypony kept their faith and after a moment or so, Pinkie Pie emerged with a delicious looking light pink parfait in a glass cup balancing on her head, as well as a smudge of explosive residue on her cheek. She said, "Here you go, one pecha parfait for you today!" before grinning ear to ear. Luna took the parfait and a spoon from the nearby table with her magic."Thank you, Pinkie Pie," she said before scooping some of the treat. Luna smeared the mix on her tongue; it was rather pleasant and much better than she'd expected. Delicious ice cream could be tasted, but strips of exceptionally sweet would tease at her taste buds as she swashed the bite between her cheeks. It more than savored her sweet tooth and Luna made a mental note to herself to try this again later. Luna was lost in thought for a moment, but Pinkie pulled her back to reality when she asked, "Well, how do you like it." "It's the perfect amount of sweet. I like it a lot!" "Yaaay!" Pinkie sat on her haunches and started to clapping her hooves in celebration. Luna's expression suddenly dropped as she turned to face the other ponies in the room. She sighed to herself before saying, "But I can't stay to enjoy it for long." "Aww, why not?" asked Rainbow Dash. "I'm afraid I'm not here for leisure. I'm here to investigate the little crisis that has been plaguing Ponyville for the past few days, and naturally, you're all in the middle of it. I need to know what's been going one and exactly what has happened. I believe there is more to this than just a simple monster attack." "Well, Ah don't see what else there is ta' know." Said Applejack. Her voice portrayed a bit of aggravation, "That thing's doin' nothin' but hurtin' ponies and it's gotta' go, one way 'er another." "Yeah," yelled Rainbow Dash, "Stupid alien... uhh, freak thing!" "Now I'd agree with you one most occasions, but this human has done several strange things over the past few days." Rainbow Dash asked, "Yeah? Like what?" "For one," Luna stepped closer and spoke colder, emphasizing her worlds, "it saved your life." "What? What do you mean? When?!" Rainbow Dash and everypony else was taken back and completely shocked. Rainbow Dash tried to take a step back, but lost her balance again and fell on her haunches. "How do you think you got from the ruins of my old castle back to Ponyville? For whatever reason, that 'monster' carried you and Fluttershy to safety." "I've heard of that," said Rarity. She started to stare at the floor and slowly shake her head, "But I didn't think it was true. Do you know why it's done that?" "I don't, and its only one of many reasons I am here. Rainbow Dash, I need to know exactly what happened. I need to know everything, even if it seems like a useless detail." "Sorry, Princess." Rainbow Dash said, "I don't remember that part. I was chasing the thing after it got away from the local guards. I was looking in the old castle because that were it was last time, but all I found was those giant spiders." Rainbow Dash started to depressingly stare at the ground, "I guess I got bit or something. I remember seeing Fluttershy's face, but... then Pinkie Pie woke me up at the hospital." "So that's really what happened," Rarity said. She started to look away. "So Flutteshy was right." "What do you mean?" Luna asked. "Fluttershy had been trying to defend the human this whole time. She wants everypony to stop fighting it. She thinks all this fighting was actually our fault." Applejack interrupted, "Now how da's that make any sense?" "Because almost every fight was started by a pony!" Luna exclaimed, "Rough Feather and Sharp Eye tried to capture it. Sticks and Stones tried to contain him-" "And what about it attackin' my sister; In ma' own house?!" Interrupted Applejack. "According to your brother, he took his own knife back, correct?" "Yeah, and almost killed Applebloom." "Exactly. It only almost did. Even after threatening to, the human didn't kill your sister. Maybe it hasn't killed anypony yet because it was trying not to. This whole time..." Luna lost focus on the ponies in front of her. Her eyes dashed back and forth as she stormed through thought, "I have to find...uh- Flutteshy!" Her focus returned, "Where is she?" Pinkie Pie started jumping up in the air with one hoof raised high, "Ooh, I know! I know! I know! I know!" "Uh, yes, Pinkie Pie...?" "She's hiding and drowning away her sorrows back at her house." "She still lives in a cabin nearby the forest, correct?" "Yes ma'am." Without a second though, Luna galloped back down the stairs, out the door, and took to the skies. She could end this, there was still a chance. There was still turning back, but who knows how long the chance would last. *** Luna flew quickly and quietly, hiding amongst the clouds and avoiding any public attention. She used her elevation to find the out of place cottage. As she landed, she could hear birds and small animals run away. Luna remembered the place once had an atmosphere of care and joy, but now it seemed gloomy and dark. Nothing was out of place, damaged, nor neglected in anyway, but feel of the warm home was very far off. Luna raised her hoof, and knocked on the door. She waited a few long moments without and answer and knocked again. "Fluttershy," she called out, "are you in there?" There was still no reply. Luna took the liberty of opening the door herself and slowly stepping in. Inside was dark and uneasy. The room was empty of anypony or any other animal. Luna started to become concerned. She called out, "Pictor, Crux, are you still here?" "Yes, your highness," replied Pictor. Without sound or any indication, the two pegasi started walking in through the front door. "Do you need something?" "Help me search, please. Something might've happened." Luna said. "As you wish," Crux replied. Luna looked around, though the living room, the kitchen and the dining room. Nothing was out of place, no evidence of something actually happening. The area was simply dark neglected. Luna called out again, "Flutteshy, are you here? Please, let me know. I need to talk to you. I need your help." There was still no response. After a few more quick glances here and there, she returned to the living room, confident there was nothing of interest on the first floor. She took to the stairs, slowly ascending as if each board was ready to break under her hooves. The stairs ended in a hall. To one side was a balcony, the other were doors to various rooms. Luna slowly opened the first door. Inside, a single window gave the poor, but only illumination in the room. To one side was a bed, its sheets clean and well made. To the other side was a shelf with various nic-nacs and collectable items. In the center of the room, just beside the light's direct shine, sat the shy and quiet Fluttershy. "Just go away." Fluttershy suddenly said. Coming from the cold, motionless state, it surprised Luna, but she collected herself quickly. Luna began to slowly step closer to Fluttershy as she continued, almost crying as she spoke, "I don't care what you do to me. I don't care what you think. I won't tell you where he is." Luna remained quiet, but as she stepped even closer, she noticed a few odd items laying on the floor close to Fluttershy. There was a square, but greatly wrinkled and dirty, dark colored cloth. Next to that were pieces of small, heavily tinted glass-like material. They seemed to be the shattered remains of some larger object. Between her hooves, Fluttershy was holding some extraordinarily strange object. Luna could barely identify it as bowl-shaped and a bit dirty, but as for what it was or its functionality, she was unsure. Fluttershy hadn't bother to look away from the object in her hooves. She must've noticed Luna's presence, but at the moment, didn't care at all. She stared at the object like it held some sort of secret, as if it could change the world, or at least her own. She stared indefinitely, but gently; her gaze was hazy and unfocused. She seemed lost in the object and forgetful of the world around her. Luna sat down beside Fluttershy and remained silent. For now, she just listened as Fluttershy continued, "All this fighting... I... I... " Fluttershy started to choke on her own words, "I didn't want it to be like this. Not at all. I just wanted to help him." A tear started to slowly flow down her eye. "Even before I ever saw him, before I had any idea who he was or what he was, I just wanted to help him. All I knew is that he was hurt; All I wanted to do was to help." Fluttershy dropped the object as tears began to flow faster, and she held her eyes within her hooves, "He must've been so scared and in so much pain. There was so much blood on the ground, we followed it into the barn. And I, I..." Luna used her wing to pull Fluttershy closer and give her a hug. Fluttershy wrapped a hoof around Luna's back and started crying into her sides. Luna continued to just quietly listen and be there as something to lean on, both physically and emotionally. Fluttershy continued, "I wish I could do it all over again. I wish I'd've done it differently. I... I..." Fluttershy choked even more on her breath. "Shh, shh, shh." Luna said. She used her wing to slowly stroke Fluttershy's back. She spoke with a smooth, motherly voice, "Luna's here. Luna's here. Just relax..." "How can I?" Fluttershy asked. She kept her gaze away from Luna, and simply stared forward, "Your here to try and find Dave, aren't you? Just like the rest of them. Or maybe you want to put me in a dungeon for what I did?" "Not at all, my little pony." Fluttershy finally looked up at the kind princess; her eyes were wet with tears, but they started to fill with hope. "R-really?" She asked. "Yes. You see, I've never seen my sister act this way about anything before. She claims to know a much about their kind, but it seems all she knows are reasons to hate them. Alien or not, I think there is more to them, or at least this particular one. I want to end this conflict more peacefully, but I need your help." "Why would you need my help?" Fluttershy's muzzle dropped and she stared at the ground in a more depressing state, "What could I possibly do." "The same way you've been helping this entire time. By simply being there." Fluttershy looked back up again, "What do you mean?" "I think that the human has great level of respect for you. When it had the commander of the Ponyville Guard in his claws, you appeared and his anger had pacified. When it held the life of a filly and threatened to end it, you appeared and it suddenly chose to run away. When your life was in danger, it risked his own to save yours." "But what does it all mean?" "It means the human isn't a raging monster like my sister believes. I think maybe, maybe..." Luna lost focus as the thought to herself for a few seconds, "maybe if we can prove to my sister that it isn't so violent, maybe stage one last act of heroism," Luna stood up, feeling triumphant, "she'd become acceptant of the human, and put an end to all of this!" "Do you think it will work?" Luna returned her focus on Fluttershy. Her second of glory already died down. "Not if we can't find a way to implement it first," she said. They both stood there for a few seconds, each brainstorming but also hoping the other had a better idea. Somepony called out from behind them, "I think I might know a way." Luna and Fluttershy immediately turned around to find Crux there. Luna wasn't all too surprised, but Fluttershy fell to the floor and nearly had a heart attack. Crux continued, "What if we were to ... arrest Fluttershy for attacking Princess Celestia. Throw her in the dungeon within the castle and make sure the that human about it. If the it really is like you think it is, then it might try and come to the rescue." Luna pondered for a moment, "That...That just might work. If we can cause the human to commit one more act of heroism, this time in front of my sister... surely she'd stop trying to simply execute it." Fluttershy asked, "Are you sure it's going to work?" "I'll make it work if I have to, I promise." Crux spoke again, "Well then, Fluttershy, I suppose you have somewhere to be now." Fluttershy looked at the princess and the guard, quickly switching gaze from one to the other as she took a moment to think. "You're going... to arrest me?" She got up from the floor. Crux slightly shook his head, "Not really," he said, "I was just going to take you to Canterlot castle. I wasn't really going to through you in that old dungeon, either. Me and Pictor were just going to somehow tell the human that you are in a dungeon so it can try to rescue you." "But isn't that a bit dishonest?" "Yeah, so what?" *** The move took the rest of the evening. After a few spells all around, Luna, Fluttershy, Crux, and Pictor could fly at blurring speeds with only a few flaps of their wings, however, the great speed terrified Flutershy and she wasn't able to fly so fast. She understood the urgency and flew as fast as her courage would allow, so the flight to only took a few hours. Pictor had chosen to fly ahead and prepare a room for Fluttershy. Just before taking off ahead, they had all agreed to a few more details of the plan. Fluttershy was going to reside in the dungeon for the next few days, but Pictor would stay to provide company and to ensure that Fluttershy was taken care of. He would also be responsible to make sure the plan didn't fall through because of any curious guards in the area. Luna and Crux decided to afterwards quickly find the human and make sure it knew about Fluttershy's captivity. The evening sun had set and Luna had risen the moon just before taking off from Canterlot Castle again. Unlike the rest of Equestria, Luna knew where the human was. She knew whenever and wherever a dream took place in her kingdom, from that of a pony or otherwise. The human was in the Everfree Forest, or at least had dreamt in it last. The night was still young, and it was here that Luna began her search. *** Luna glided through the trees of the Everfree forest and landed softly. She began her search in the general area she last knew the human was. She searched around, looking for some kind track or any leads as to where the human had gone. After a few minutes of searching, Luna had come across an odd house that seemed to be build out of a hollowed out tree. Perhaps the human had taken shelter inside? The mere possibility demanded further investigation. Bottles hung from the branches by strings and light spilled from the crude windows. The hut seemed inhabited. Luna stepped closer and knocked on the door. Behind the door, Luna could what sounded like clay and glass tapping against a table and being moved around followed the hooves stepping across the floor in quickly loudening intervals. The door soon opened by Zecora, the alchemist zebra. Zecora seemed shocked at first, but quickly recollected herself. She greeted the princess at her door, "Princess Luna, what surprising site; how are you this night?" Luna was also a bit surprised to see Zecora. Granted, she never did bother to learn where the zebra lived for certain, just assumed Zecora lived in Ponyville, but it still surprising nonetheless. "I am doing well, Zecora, may I come inside?" Zecora stepped aside and joyfully said, "Of course, of course, no need for the slightest remorse." Luna stepped inside, after ducking her head under the door frame, and sat down by the table and cauldron in the center of the room. Bottles, fumes, notes, ink, and all matter of material, both organic and not, were scattered across the table. It seemed Zecora was working on something, a potion no doubt. Zecora began to pour things into a small kettle over an open fire on the other side of the room. She began to mix them with a long wooden spoon. Without turning around, she asked, "So why stray so far from the road; need you something from my little abode?" "Actually, I could use a little help," Luna took one last deep breath, solidifying her tone and preparing for whatever might unfold, "Zecora, I know the human was here. Where is it now?" Zecora froze in place from absolute shock. After a short moment of quiet, motionless thought, she resumed her stirring. After another short moment, she said cold and emotionlessly, "Though your knowledge I do not doubt, I don't know what you're talking about." Zecora walked over to the counter to the side and reached down into the cabinet beneath it. She pulled out a tray, balanced it on her head, and stacked two cups atop of that. Luna remained in her seat and watched carefully. Luna noticed the dramatic shift in Zecora. Individual strands of her coat seemed to stand on end. Her movements were slightly slower and more cautious. She acted as though a great danger was in the room. Luna could tell for near certain now. Zecora was lying, and worse yet, she is hiding something. "Really?" Luna continued, "You haven't heard of the dangerous monster roaming around Ponyville?" Zecora began to fill her cups with the mixture from the small kettle. "I mean not to cause any woe, but I truly do not know." She put the filled cups back on the tray, now being carried in her mouth, and walked over to Luna. Her nervousness increased. Suddenly a swift dark figure appeared out of nowhere behind Zecora. She twisted around, now jerking and flinching as her nervous state finally boiled over into a heart stopping shock. Zecora tripped over her own hooves and fell to the side. Crux stood there, holding his chest and muzzle high as he looked down at the startled zebra with a dark glare. "Liar..." he hissed. As Zecora held a forehoof to her face in a desperate attempt to shield herself from the attacker, she noticed a blue glow to her side. Zecora had dropped the tray in her fall, but it did not hit the ground nor did the cups spill a single drop. They were all now being held in a magic aura, and as Zecroa turned her head to see, she saw Luna resetting the cups on the tray. Despite everything, Luna did not seem angry at all. She looked as shocked as Zecora was, a complete contrast to the lunar guard. "You hiding something, I can tell!" Crux continued; he verbally scolded the zebra and physically accused her with a jabbing hoof, "What do you know about the human, and better yet, why do you feel so obligated to keep it from her highness, huh?!" Luna intervened. "Relax Crux," she calmly said. Luna's aura expanded to envelope the Zebra. She gently picked Zecora off the floor and back onto her hooves, all the while putting the tray and the cups on the nearby table. "You needn't worry about her," Luna continued, "If she was willing to hide it, I'm sure she has a good reason." Luna's aura shrunk till it only held one of the cups. She levitated it to close to her muzzle and blew against the top to cool the hot contents. "I trust her completely," Luna said. She tilted the cup, drinking its delicious contents, "Tis very good tea, by the way; thank you." Luna's calm state seemed to spread into the room, or at least set a good example. Both the angry guard and the frightened zebra dwindled down in their emotional states and began to add to the civil interaction. Crux took several steps back, evicting himself from the two mare's conversation, but still kept his eye on Zecora. At first, Zecora tried to offer her cup of tea to Crux, but he silently rejected it, so Zecora kept it for herself. After a few seconds, Zecora broke the silence, "I am sorry if my actions were oblique, but you are correct, I have reason as to not speak." She kept her muzzle towards the floor, unwilling to make eye contact. "Then what reason may that be?" Luna asked. "I'd given my word, even if myself I have stirred." "To whom? A friend?" "A friend indeed, it was a friend in need." "Zecora, I want you know, I may be here to end the violence this entire ordeal has caused, but I am not like my sister, nor the enraged citizens of Ponyville," Zecora's hears erected, and Luna took notice, "I hope to find a more peaceful way to resolve this, but I can hardly be diplomatic if I can't meet the human at all. Please, I need your help." Zecora sighed to herself and still couldn't so much as look at the princess now. She was crossed, morally torn, and though silent she may be, Luna was sure a great storm raged through Zecora's mind. What could me more important to her: Loyalty to her friends, or to the princess? After a few long seconds, Zecora finally looked up and said, "I promised to keep him from harm's path, to hide him so that dwindle may all the wrath. I know what it's like to be a hateful aim, and I promised to save him from this domain. Princess... can you promise me the same?" Luna smiled, "Of course I can. As a matter both of us will," Luna turned her attention to the dark corner of the room, "Isn't that right, Crux" Crux was taken back, a little shocked at this, "Well, I- Uh - I'm supposed to-" Luna angled her head; her smile disappeared and her gaze turned to a soul piercing glare. Cruz's confidence went from a shattered mess to a fine powder. He quickly gave in, "Uhh, yes your highness, I promise not to harm the human." Luna's smile returned as quickly as it disappeared. She moved from angry to gleeful in an instant, "Great!" she exclaimed. Her attention turned back to the Zecora, "I promise, I will help keep the human safe, even from my sister's hooves. So, where is it hiding, there is little I can do if I don't meet the human," Luna was grinning ear to ear, excited for some good news. Zecora's expression, however, dropped like lead having noticed the princess's expression and realized that she didn't exactly have the news Luna was looking for. Zecora rubbed her mane with a hoof nervously, "Well, this is quite the situation, you see...uh... I don't really know his exact location." Luna's smile disappeared again, "What do you mean?" she asked. "He's left, to somewhere; perhaps for fresh air? However, your search may need not cease. I know he left towards the southeast. Look for a oak tree, one bigger than all else you can see. Find a branch to perch, and it would be the best place to resume your search." Luna's smiled again. "Thank your Zecora, Thank you very much." Luna put her cup down and got up, ready to go. "Come now, Crux, I think we're nearly there." Luna started for the door, but suddenly stopped in midstep as a thought came to her mind. "Actually," Luna said as she started to turn back around, "There is one more thing I need from you." "Of course my liege," Zecora said, "what is it do you need?" "Something every simple; Our friend, Fluttershy, has been arrested for assaulting my sister in the human's defense, as is being held in Canterlot castle. Make sure the human knows about this." Luna resumed her leave, this time with a broader, albeit more satisfied and devious smile on her face. *** Luna quickly left the hut and took to the skies above the tree line. Crux followed closely. As Luna reach high enough, she began to look around. It was still dark out; her moon and the stars littered everything above her. Her eyes quickly adjusted and Luna immediately began to look around and search. While hovering in the air, twisting and turning, Luna quickly discovered a great obstacle; she had no idea which way was southeast. Luna turned to her guard with hopeful eyes, "Crux, which way is southeast?" "Ummm," Crux said as he started to think. His eyes lost focus in deep though. After a few seconds, he pointed on hoof behind him and said, "If Canterlot's that way...than..." After a few more seconds, he pointed in another direction with this other forehoof, "That way!" he exclaimed. With little patience and no hesitation, Luna dashed away through the air into the direction Crux pointed. She kept her eye out for the big oak tree, and found it within a minute. She flew around it for a few laps, trying to find the best place to land. She quickly found a large opening in the trees and a suitable branch. She landed without effort in the tree. She now had a great view of much of the Everfree forest and maybe a little dirt in her coat, but it didn't bother Luna. Luna put a hoof to her chin, squinted her eyes and pinched her lips together, trying to look for something and at the same time tying to think of what to look for. "Hmmm," she said to herself, "Surely you're looking for a place to rest for the night. Someplace hidden." Luna slowly scanned the horizon, "Where...would...you...go...?" She heard rustling from below. Instinct took over instantly and Luna froze, standing as still and quiet as she could. She slowly looked down to see what it was. It was an odd creature, one that stood tall, with two long limbs protruding out of a torso that stood on... Luna's eyes widened and her heart raced upon realization. It only stood on two legs. It's the human, right below her. Her racing heart began to panic. What would she say. How would she introduce herself. She may only get once chance; she has to do this right. It seemed the human had not noticed her yet. For now, Luna planned to just watch and follow the human. She'll think of something eventually. Unfortunately, Luna's plan began to fall apart as soon as she made it. She notice the human had started running and charge at the tree. At first Luna through she had been spotted and was being attacked, but it wasn't the case. The human seemed to had taken a few steps up the tree and grabbed on to a branch that should've been out of his reach. The human pulled himself up the branch and started to cling to the tree with all his limbs as he climbed upwards. He was heading right for Luna now. On the inside, Luna was panicking and part of her wanted to simply flee, but she used her well practiced discipline and royal posture to keep calm. The human climbed as high as Luna was. He sat on a branch only feet away, but still hadn't shown any reaction to her presence. Has it still not seen me, yet? The human gazed out of the opening in the tree. It gazed out at the breathtaking view of the forest and the beautiful night sky. It seemed to like it. It took in a long breath of fresh air and released it slowly. It turned its head a little and jerked back, suddenly and slightly, before freezing entirely. Ok, now it saw me. At first, the human did absolutely nothing. After a moment of silence, Luna said, "Well, how do you like my night sky?" The human began to move again. This time it looked up and down at the princess, as if wondering if she was real. He finally responded with, "Who the hell are you?" “I apologized if I frightened you with my sudden appearance. I assure you I mean no harm,” Luna said. An apology, a little kindness, and a basic introduction, that should do well. She continued, “As for who I am,” She stretched out a hoof, pointing to the stars in front of them, “I am Princess Luna, ruler of the night sky.” The human's voice sounded masculine and most akin to that of a stallion; Luna decided to identify him as that, at least for now. Unfortunately, the human did not give another sample of his voice because he did not respond this time. Instead, he made a silent expression on his flat muzzle that portrayed a level of distrust and frustration. It seems he did not believe Luna, so she simply asked, “Do you not believe me?” Immediately the human's expression changed, “What, no, I’m just… tired is all.” Luna waited for a few seconds, hopeful he had more to say. Eventually, the human continued, “What do you want anyway? Don’t you ponies have houses or some better place to sleep, ‘cause I doubt you’re here for this view.” He used one of his claws to point at dark sky in front of them. “You are correct,” Luna replied, “In truth; I came here hoping to ask you a few questions.” Luna managed to lose even more of the human's trust. So much so, that he shifted away from Luna. His voice turned colder and even a bit resentful as he asked, "What kind of questions?" “Well,” Luna put a hoof to her chin, taking a moment to best phrase her sentence, “Questions about your world.” “What do you know about the ‘my world’?” “Well, you see, as princess of the night, one of my unique magical abilities, and one my duties, is entering the dreams of other ponies. I can watch them and interfere if necessary. And, believe it or not, during a night’s rest, a pony will have several dreams during the night. The first few dreams a pony will have are actually memories, and are the reason why those extra dreams are never remembered. But my powers are not limited to pony kind.” Luna moved closer towards the human, “I have seen your dreams and your memories. I’ve seem much of the human world, but I know not of what I saw. What I have observed has left me with both disgust and awe, but curiosity has led me here still,” She pulled back to her original spot, “I was hoping you could elaborate these scenes.” The human seemed to relax at that. He leaned back against another branch, resting as he pondered the idea. To Luna's delight, he finally responded, “Meh, why not?” He sat up, and seemed more intrigued at the idea now. He tried to playfully mimicking Luna speech patterns and said, “What alien scenes do you wish me to describe?” “Well… I watched as an unmoving, metal dragon with a small tale made up of flame, screech across the sky at unbelievable scenes. It would make the oddest roar as dozens of flashes are sent to the ground below, bringing destruction to a city full of creatures… many of them just like you.” “It sounds like a jet to me.” “Is that what it’s called? Anyway, that city was made up of gigantic towers of metal and glass, as well as many smaller, stone buildings. Some of the towers held onto life despite huge scars that bled fire, but others had already fallen, adding to the destruction that flooded the streets below.” The human seemed impressed. Luna continued, “The streets were filled with these many alien, metal beasts, diverse in so many ways, some crawled on the ground and others flew in the air, but all of them seemed to share a similar thirst for utter destruction. And among them were creatures just like you. They were all covered in nearly every in of their bodies with armor. Some even wore masks, making them only distinguishable from their foes. There seemed to be two factions fighting in that city; one wore gray armor and the other wore a light green. The way they fought was unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Each warrior held with them some kind of devise that would expel a flash of light, the sound of thunder, and invisible death. The warriors from either side would fall and die quite a distant from the nearest foe. It was a form of warfare I have never seen in my long life.” Luna paused as a cue for the human to speak. Eventually he took it and started explaining, “Well, sounds like a typical battle to me. I don’t know how you horses fight, but I haven’t seen anything that would suggest it be like humans. Hmm,” He took a moment to ponder and decide what to say next, “I guess one could say much of our history is written in blood. In retrospect, we are very violent. We’ve had wars for every reason, and with each war, every side looks for a new way to defeat their enemies, and with that, somewhat ironically, we grow as a species. War and destruction is the one thing we’re so terrifyingly good at. We can spend generations creating grand and breathtaking cities,” He briefly paused again, lost in a moment of thought. Luna heard this before, without much thought, she said, ”And destroy them in the blink of an eye,” finishing the human's sentence. “Yeah…” The human's eyes squinted and his head tilted, now looking at her with nervous curiosity, “How did you know?” Luan seemed to have lost his trust again. Luna turned her head, looking downward, as if a bit embarrassed by her own answer, “It's just how my sister had described you humans.” “Your sister?” “You’ve met her before. Her name is Celestia. She’s the Princess of the sun,” Luna use her muzzle to point at the human's discolored limb, “and the pony who gave you that scar.” The human seemed to anger at the news. His claws clenched into a ball and his brows angled in great, almost predatorily anger. With a voice gushing with cold rage, he asked Luna, “What the hell do you really want?” Despite his anger, Luna couldn't help but make a small, devilish smirk, “If you’re so inclined to know, I’ll show you.” Luna quickly charged and released a nice little sleep spell. The human flinched and tried to block it, but the spell hit his limb and effortlessly flowed around his body and into his mind. His limbs dropped as the spell worked its magic and cause him to immediately fall into a peaceful sleep. However, the peace wasn't to last. Luna quickly realized that the human was about to lose his ballance and the wingless creature was ready to fall out of the tree. As he did, Luna quickly snatched him with a levitation spell, and caught him before he could impact the ground head first. As Luna hovered to the ground, she noticed the human had overcome the spell and began to thrash about. Another sleep spell quickly calmed the agitated human. As Luna getly placed the human on the ground, she whispered into his ear with a lulling sweet voice that said, “Sleep now, my little human, you’ll need it for tomorrow.” She left the human to peacefully sleep under the giant oak tree and the beautiful night sky. The human would get a good night sleep and Zecora would warn him of Fluttershy's apparent fate. He'll try to rescure his friend and Celestia will have to see and admit that humans, or at least this one in particular, aren't such bad creatures. Luna flew off towards Canterlot. Everything was in place, all she had to do now was wait. *** The next day's afternoon at a stopped train between Ponyville and Canterlot Quill Point watched as the train stopped and listened to the screaming breaks as it did. Quill Point personally though this was all haphazard and inefficient, but as a member of the royal guard, she was obligated to serve the princesses and follow every order without question. It didn't keep her from having any, though. Princess Celestia was so concerned about the alien in Ponyville, that she ordered practically everything to be searched. Quill Point and her team had been tasked with searching this train for any sign of the alien. She understood the severity of the case, but it still bothered her that the ponies here weren't even given the courtesy of a proper warning. They've got enough to worry about already. All of the ponies aboard the train had to be removed from the carts, and Quill Point had been tasked with watching over them while the rest of her team searched inside. There was herself, a mare on the small side, but a royal guard, despite the odds and everypony who though she couldn't do it. On top of being the only mare, she was also the only unicorn on the team. There was two pegasi brothers named Amber Clad and Ruby Helm. They fooled around every chance they got, and particularly enjoyed tormenting Quill Point as if she were a younger sister. However, when it came time to work, they could definitely work, and their foalish personalities remained hidden from any commanding officers. The last member of the team was their leader, a earth pony stallion by the name of Stone Molar. He stood a bit larger than the average pony. His work ethnic was cold and efficient, but his personality was very kind and affectionate. Quill Point kept her concerns to herself. She knew this was going to be a long day. It had only been minutes since the train had been stopped, but Quill Point noticed another pony had already left his or her cart and was galloping towards her. The pony was a pegasus stallion with a pink coat and green hair. As he rushed closer to Quill Point, she noticed his face was full of terror. Quill Point herself began to fill with concern. Oh no... she thought to herself, Please, not here; not now The frightened pegasus cried out to her, "Please, help. It's here! IT'S HERE!!" "What's here?!" Quill Point called back. "The human. The human is here. He's hiding in the caboose." Oh Lauren, NO!!