//------------------------------// // Chapter 8. - The Dark Ponies // Story: Reflections // by Amethyst Flower //------------------------------// Luna began to recover from all that had happened recently as the days wore on. She wasn't having as many reflections and wasn't feeling near as weak or vulnerable as when she first arrived. One thing that continued, though, was her curiosity of who those dark colored ponies were. They continued to come out every night to bask in the moonlight, and this struck Luna as rather odd. She had no idea that there was actual ponies who really, truly enjoyed her moon anymore now days. I have to find out who they are! Luna thinks, determined, one day. Twilight may not be able to, but I will! Garnet has Luna meet all the royal guards and a few important crystal ponies. Luna also tours the Crystal Empire and learns a bit about it's security system and other important things. Things are completely fine in the Crystal Empire; Luna thinks that Garnet, herself, could take care of it awhile Cadance was sick. But now that Luna is here and has stumbled upon a mystery, she is glad that she is here and does not want to leave. Twilight and Spike leave after a small visit with Cadance. When the younger princess was still here, Luna could tell that Twilight was wanting to get back to her kingdom as fast as possible and do research. Twilight seemed equally interested in finding out who those mysterious, moon-loving ponies were. Luna doesn't tell anyone about the dark ponies, deciding that it would probably be best if no one found out. It is her and Twilight's little secret. Luna thinks once about telling Celestia, but then decides against it, fearing that her older sister would try to take over. This is Luna's mystery and she -with perhaps, still, the help of Twilight Sparkle- will figure it out, and prove that she is worth more than raising and lowering the moon. "Are you alright, your Majesty?" Garnet asks one day, on Luna second week in the Crystal Empire. Luna snaps out of the daze she is in and asks, "What?" She had been thinking about the dark ponies mystery. Garnet gives her a small smile. "Are you alright?" "Oh, yes, I'm fine. I'm just thinking about things," Luna says. "What sort of things?" Luna almost sighs. Garnet is so persistent. "Royal things that you would probably not at all understand. No offence of course." "None taken. Cadance has tried to explain some royal things to me before and it was quite befuddling." Luna nods, and shifts in the hard, crystal thrown that she is sitting on. How can Cadance stand this uncomfortable thing?! Luna wonders. "Yes, royal matters can be rather confusing at times," Luna says to the crystal assistant. "Speaking of royal matters, one of the guards was telling me that our forces are becoming a little weak. They were never that stable in the first place, especially after Sombra, but they appear to be weakening even more. Perhaps you would like to check into it, just in case," Garnet suggests. Luna frowns and nods. "Yes, I'm really not fond of unstable security systems. A lot of things have been happening the last several years in Equestria, and I don't want another incident here." "Of course not." Luna sighs. "I really wish that Prince Shining Armor would get over his shock so that he can get all his guards back in order. I'm trying my best but they appear confused as to why their captain is unable to give them orders." "Yes, I've tried explaining it to them several times, but they appear to be a bit dense," Garnet says. Luna nods, for she too noticed this. "Well, I'll speak to the guards again and maybe Shining Armor, and try to get something done about the security," Luna says, already trying to plan how in Equestria she would do this. *** That night, when Luna raises the moon, the dark ponies come out like they had been doing ever since Luna arrived. She watches them and finally decides to do something about her curiosity. She is going to go talk to them. Besides, as much as they love her moon, they should like her. Right? Luna silently flies off of her balcony and down to where a dark pegasus lurks in the shadows. "Hello," Luna says softly, using her night voice. The pegasus jumps back. Suddenly Luna realizes that all the dark ponies are now looking at her. Gasps are heard and they all look at her with looks of aw and wonder. A big, dark unicorn pushes through the crowd and bows eloquently at Luna's feet. "Great Princess Luna of the Night," he says. "Who... Who are you?" Luna asks, as a thousand questions fill her. "We," says the unicorn, "Are the ponies of the night." ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Twilight has been going through her books ever since she got back. Apple Jack comes into Twilight's study and tell her she should get some sleep. Twilight shakes her head. "No, I have to solve this mystery for Princess Luna." "What exactly is this 'mystery'?" Apple Jack asks. Twilight pauses, wondering if she should tell her earth pony friend. "Oh, just a little something that has to do with the Crystal Empire ponies," she finally says. "Perhaps we could help you, Darling," comes Rarity's voice. Twilight looks up and sees her four other friends peeking through her study door. Silly eaves-dropping ponies, Twilight thinks to herself, slightly amused. "Oh no, I couldn't ask you to stay up all night and help me," Twilight says. Rainbow Dash's eyes grow wide. "You're going to stay up all night doing research?! You're worse of an egg head than I thought!" Fluttershy, Rarity, and Apple Jack each shoot Rainbow Dash a small glare. Pinkie Pie clicks her tongue in disapproval. Twilight simply smiles at her friend's criticism. "Perhaps, but I really want to help Princess Luna." "Come on, Twilight," Pinkie Pie says, in her high-pitched voice, "let us help you!" "Well, alright... I guess it would be okay..." Her friends start picking up books. "So what are we lookin' for?" Apple Jack asks. "Well, anything on dark colored ponies that seem to be rather active during the night... that... live in the Crystal Empire..." Twilight says, hoping that Luna won't be upset with her for sharing this mystery. Twilight's friends' eyes widen. "There's actually such a thing?" Rainbow Dash asks. Twilight nods. "Apparently." "Well, maybe we should look in some of your history books then, for starters?" Fluttershy suggests quietly. "That's a good idea," Twilight says, picking up some history books. "Well, let's get to work. We'd better keep busy if we're going to pull an all-nighter." "Woo-hoo!" Pinkie squeals, diving into a pile of books. "An all-nighter!" The six friends start going through all Twilight's books, searching for anything about the dark ponies and their history.