Phases of the Moon

by Kipakuta

Full Moon Splendor

From the Journal of Princess Luna Artemicia Gaeity Clover

Knights scare me.

As I entered the city with a half-dozen Knights by my side, I felt the presence of something as powerful as myself or My sister, as Powerful as Discord, or Fortuna, but not incarnated like us. Instead, it was like an energy at rest within these ponies. But I wasn't the one to be on the receiving end of that power.

I moved the moon into the shadow of the planet. This would enable me to empower the spell I needed to use. With the light taking on a dark red tinge, my allies drew their weapons. I took a deep breath, then my magic, calling upon the Darkness for aid. A barely visible sphere of shadow appeared before me, and began floating towards the location of the entity known as Tirek. Were I alone I could simple turn immaterial and move through obstacles. Instead, the orb would take the shortest possible pathway around buildings, lampposts, and other obstacles.

We found him about to drain a unicorn. As I shouted out the order to step away from the civilian, I felt the knights empowering their weapons in their peculiar manner. As predicted, Tirek put up a resistance, but the weapons: halberds, swords, and spears tore into him, allowing the stolen magic to escape. Tirek screamed as he was wounded and de-powered, managing only the barest of hits on his highly trained opponents. The Knights, (Thank the Elements that I brought Justicars) stopped once all the stolen magic had been released, leaving him only with his own power. From there it was a simple matter to place the enchanted manacles that would teleport him back to Tartaros.

With Justice served, My allies declared their duties complete, and left. That was their right. Celestia and I may have formed the original Knightly Orders, but they were intended only to be a back-up to the Elements. I was the one who necessitated their need to act as a check against the Diarchy.

A heresy? Surely you jest. They are the opposite of. Their devotion to an ideal of Harmony empowers them in ways that even Twilight Sparkle is in awe of. Celestia and I used to be able to use this same ability. I shook myself out of my reverie as the moon started moving out of the shadow, the light brightening.

Had I brought Knights of Tenacia, I imagine would have had to nurse Tirek partly back to health before he could be returned to the prison realm. The thought caused me to chuckle. Yes, he had hurt my ponies, and was a danger to more, but I envied him not having to face 'Tencs.' There is a reason that I couldn't allow Celestia to reach Canterlot on THAT day.

Knights scare me. Chrysalis was smart to disable them before invading.

"Dame Lime, I applaud the creativity that ponies have in creating fiction about myself. I do not know whether the tabloids, or novelists have more imaginative works."

Lime smirked, riffling through a paperback book. "I know what you mean, some these ideas are just so over the top, that they are unbelievable," She reached for one of the tabloids. "Like that article about you and your sister stealing the youth from young ponies, to maintain your appearance and immortality."

"Or how about the one where you're having a secret affair with Trenderhoof." Fleur added. Luna chuckled.

"Such a ridiculous notion," Luna replied. "He is a forward-looking pony, with disdain for the past." She leafed through a tabloid, then selected one of the articles. "This one is a particular favorite of mine. It states that Sister and I won control of Equestria, by defeating Discord in a banana eating competition."

"You are what you eat," Lime quipped. Luna and Fleur glanced to each-other, then burst into laughter.

After the mood calmed somewhat, Luna spoke. "I wish to propose a like endeavor, where we write a fabricated story about ourselves. We need not adhere to closely to the truth, but rather, take the more interesting options."

"So this would be more like personal fiction," Fleur mused. "I have a few ideas for my personal character. A Pooka who works as a kids show host."

"That's interesting." Lime said. "I might have to look up some ideas for myself. Maybe I'll go with a Roani gadgeteer." She and Fleur looked to Luna.

""Twould be good to give ourselves time to do the proper research, but mine idea is to have been raised by bats."

"So how long should we give ourselves?" Fleur asked.

"I think one month is sufficient time to write a short story," Luna answered. "Though we may provide progress reports at our discretion."

"Agreed." Lime added.

Luna entered the passageway that had been carved into the the side of a mountain. The dark gray stone radiated a kind of aura, that made her horn feel like a magnetic pole being forced into close proximity with an identical pole. She ignored the feelings of squeezing suffocation, and followed the directions that had been provided to her. Down the main passageway for forty strides, take the first turn to the left, and stop at the entrance of the first room.

The room had been furnished to resemble an economical apartment. The majority of the space was a bedroom/rec room, with an alcove that served as a kitchen, and a smaller adjoining room where the occupant could clean themselves in private. The lighting was powered by a privately-owned power station that was a mile away from the mountain range.

Lounging on a bench next to a writing desk, was a unicorn with a deep black coat, and a white mane and tail. He wore a cotton dress-jacket that held the insignia of his position and service, and a pair of pince-nez spectacles. "General Crescent Sliver." Luna called out.

"Princess Luna." The unicorn greeted. They exchanged salutes, then Luna pulled a lever in the wall. Crescent Sliver trotted over to the cell door and pulled a second lever on the other side of Lunas', disengaging the lock on the cell-door, allowing it to be opened. "Welcome to my humble home, your Highness. May I bring you something to eat or drink?"

"I am satiated for now," Luna replied as she entered the cell. Crescent Sliver returned to his bench "I was informed that we were to have a dialogue regarding our respective roles."

"Indeed. Certain information about you and your deeds would enable me to fulfill my role better."

"Before I allow thee to begin, I must stress two things, General."

"And those are?" Crescent Sliver readied his writing stick.

"First, existence outside of this temporal life that ponies live, is difficult to translate into terms that are easily comprehended."

"I'll leave philosophy to the philosophers." Crescent replied. "I'm more interested in Luna the pony."

Luna chuckled. "I thank thee. The second thing is this. The moon is a part of me, like thy blood is a part of thee. I am not the moon, and thou art not thy blood, though we would die without that vital part."

Crescent nodded. "I'm familiar with the idea of conceptual anchors."

"Aye, Then shall we begin?"

Crescent wrote something down, then looked to Luna,."First, I'd like to ask a series of questions. There are no right or wrong answers, but it'll help me get a feel for you." Luna nodded. "Ok. First question. Who has it harder? A knight who must dedicate themselves to one of the Harmonic ideals, never backing down in the face of adversity? Or a destitute beggar?"

"The destitute beggar." Luna replied. "As hard as the life of a knight is, they never want for food or shelter."

Crescent Silver wrote down the response. "You're running late for a meeting with the Parliamentary council. As you enter the building, you notice a pony who has fallen off of a tall ladder."

"I stop to help."

The questions continued for a while, covering many hypothetical situations. Some of them seemed to require some thought, as they introduced conflicts between harmonic ideals that Luna cared deeply about.."Ok, last question. You find that something is missing from your room. Witnesses report that your sister was the last pony seen leaving your room. Whe-"

"I declare a bug hunt."

"Pardon?"

Luna sighed. "I activate the Chrysalis Protocol. I am being made to think that Celestia has taken something of mine. I know my sister, she wielded Charity and Fidelity. The answer is that someone is impersonating her," Crescent resorted to short-script to write the answer. "The simplest explanation is that it's a fae, since disguising themselves is part of their innate magic, and Celestia's form is impossible to copy with a conventional costume due to her size, shape, proportions, and ephemera."

"Thank you, This gives me a clearer picture of who you are."

"And I am?"

"Honest, impulsive, joyous, and decisive," Crescent replied. "Those are just a few of your dominant traits. Most of all, I notice that you became worried when I introduced conflicts between your previous Harmonic affinities."

"But that was necessary for the evaluation."

"Right. Now we get to the real interview. Tell me your earliest memory."

Luna, Bad Apple, and several armored ponies were seated around a large table. A map depicting a portion of Northern Equestria was unrolled and written on. ""So, this be the infamous 'Vaults Vale.'" Luna peered closely at the map.

"They couldn't have picked a better spot," One of the soldiers said "The northern portion of their compound is right up on the border with the Griffon Kingdoms."

"Princess, if I may." Another soldier looked to Luna.

"Aquilis Wind Wolf."

"My Proposal is to lead three squads of Pegasi from a vantage point of 900 meters above the Vale, while the rest of the force remains at the rendezvous point."

"Will you be able to muster sufficient cloud cover for the endeavor? We cannot risk your troops being spotted by the target."

"A four gallon tank of water weighs about thirty-four pounds and converts to 4000 cubic meters of cloud. Multiply that by thirty pegasi and it's gonna be a dark day for Any Random."

Bad Apple chuckled. "I like this pony."

"Of course, I will need a couple of hours to set it up, so while you're sneaking around, we're gonna be busy with the preparation," Wind Wolf said. "Just try not to die on us, Agent 7777."

"Do not worry about that." Luna told the Aquilis. "Though the task is difficult, and some would say even reckless, He has proven too wily for any who have tried to terminate his endeavor."

"Your Princess has faith in me." Bad said to Wind Wolf.

Wind Wolf walked over to Bad Apple. "I still don't see why she sends you, instead of one of my scouts."

"It is because this is his mission," Luna said. "He has taken this task upon himself to complete. We may aid him, but he wishes to be the one to complete it. Wouldst thou begrudge a Knight of their ideal?"

"The safety of my flight is my primary concern, your Majesty."

"And I am certain that your soldiers are comforted to have such a leader in you." Luna said.

"Well, I'd better get going," Bad Apple turned to leave.

"Aye, We shall have them land the Zeppelin five miles to the southeast, so that you may depart." Luna escorted him out of the room.

"And by this time tomorrow, hopefully we'll have this wrapped up," Bad Apple replied.

The Spring Season kept Luna busy with numerous tasks and duties. Shortly after the raid on Vaults vale and Any Randoms' trial, she had a few important cases to settle. The first concerned a future nephew and niece, while the second involved reclaiming her old lands. After these, came the memorial service for Clover the Clever, and awards ceremonies for the soldiers involved. It wasn't until a few days before the Summer Sun Celebration when Luna was able to get some time for herself.

"Sister, May I speak with you?" She bowed before Celestia.

Celestia motioned for her to rise. "Luna, you have my ear whenever it is available."

"I have a few proposals to submit for your approval." Luna took some scrolls from a saddlebag.

Celestia took the scrolls with her magic and unrolled them. "Let's see what you have here. You wish to institue a new Knightly Order?"

"Aye, You felt it, did you not, when those three called upon the magic within their staff?"

"If I hadn't witnessed it myself, I would've dismissed the idea of Faith in fate," Celestia rubbed around her horn. "And we never established any criteria for forming a new Knightly order. The six that we had were the result of years of debate."

"Have we learned many things from the experience," Luna said. "Not all of it of good nature."

"I would suggest that this be proposed to the heads of the orders. They could provide some advice and insight to creating your 'Order of Fortuna' and might be able to establish protocols in case this situation arises again."

"Good sooth, sister." Luna accepted the scroll back from Celestia.

Celestia read over the second scroll. "I don't know if this one is a good idea. You would be reminding Antonia of the trauma she suffered, in exchange for information that might not be of any benefit to Equestria."

"So the knowledge of Si'Mu'Zes' magic would bring more harm than good, do you think?"

Celestia rolled up the scroll. "Give her a few years, but keep an eye on her. She is one of your subjects, not a scientific curiosity."

Luna blinked. "You said one of mine, not one of ours."

"It's not my blessing that she bears," Celestia replied. "And you need to look out for the well-being of your little ponies."

"Yes, I shall." Luna said, taking the scroll.

"Now, your third proposal, is a very good idea. A Diamond Dog pack with members from both the Aegeman, and the United Colonies. The two groups have been seperated for far too long, and we'll need to get them harmonized. But do send this to King Minos for approval first."

Luna examined the mustard yellow pegasus that kneeled at the base of the throne dais. "Professor Do, We are well aware of your history as a writer and an archeologist, but it was our impression that thou specialized in societies in Guianeigh, Pindoramane, The Neighndes and Patagoneigh."

"Your Majesty," Daring Do began. "I normally work in that area, but there are few opportunities to work inside the Nation."

"So thou art volunteering to work for us."

"Yes, your Majesty, for two reasons-"

"Professor. We are not yet seated on our proper throne. Please address us as 'Highness.'"

Daring Do nodded. "Yes your Highness. First, I wish to use my skills to aid you in uncovering any artifacts pertaining to your rule. I feel that I'm highly qualified, and that I will be of great assistance with cataloging any unusual relics. I know of the previous cultures, and I get along well with the Roani."

"It is good that thou art well-inclined towards our devoted. And thy second reason?"

"Because the planned dig sites will be well guarded, and there is little risk of unsavory treasure hunters coming along."

"Thou art referring to thy adversaries." Luna gave Daring Do a small smile. "We have had wanted posters distributed, which bear Ahuizotls' likeness. He is easily recognizable, and will be detained on sight. Dr Caballeron on the other hoof, is not so easily found."

Daring Do shrugged. "That just turns it from a vacation to a relaxed routine. I know him, and I know how to deal with him."

"At the very least, We can promise that there are no death-traps outside of Si'Mu'Ze's tunnel complex."

"I appreciate the concern, Princess, but it's nothing I can't handle."

Luna descended the dais and shook hooves with Daring Do.

"Twilight Sparkle, I thank thee for undertaking this task, and I am looking forward to hearing thy results"

Twilight laid a stack of folders on the desk between her and Luna. "I almost didn't want to do it, after seeing the pain that it caused, but Cheerilee said that her spouse was worried about being a heretic,"She opened one of the folders and presented the documents. "I was able to lay those fears to rest, and my own as well."

"Thou knowest well the value of compassion, and thy deference to it is a sign that sister speaks wisely in calling thee her number one student, out of all the ones that she has taken under her wing."

"Thank you, Princess Luna," Twilight smiled. "Anyways. my findings indicate that while my initial hypothesis was correct, I failed to account for an unknown factor which caught me by surprise. First off, Going by what the archeologists have uncovered in Dineighstra, the Roani did practice Haemomancy."

"Aye, and as one of their most learned, Si'Mu'Ze would have been familiar with it."

"Blood Magic is currently under strict regulations, since while it is potent, it is dangerous both to the user and the recipients. To even study the subject requires one to undertake a training course, and register with the Ministry of the Arcane. In effect, Toola Roola is currently an outlaw."

"That can be easily resolved. There is no need to send an imperial police force,"Luna levitated a scroll and quill, then began writing. "Do continue."

Twilight flipped to another page. "What complicates things is that there is apparently a non-terrestrial mana source that Si'Mu'Ze discovered. This in itself is rather unusual, since while such a thing has been a subject of conjecture, there hasn't been any coordinated effort to expand beyond the orbit of the Sun and Moon."

"Perhaps it is time to change that. We might benefit greatly from exploring the boundaries of the sky."

"I'd be willing to help in any way that I could," Twilight said. Luna held up a hoof.

"That will be an idea for later consideration. We should discuss the mana node first."

"Right," Twilight cleared her throat. "This, is where things get a little complicated. With some reluctance, Toola Roola showed me how to tap into it. Somehow, The mana inside the node is separate from the rest of the Universal flow. Celestia showed me how to tap into Sombras' magic, and that had its' own flow. But this, it was...stagnant."

"I am not sure I follow. One of the Axioms of Magic written by the ancient Ipponian philosophers, states that mana flows."

"This mana doesn't." Twilight said. "It's stagnant, and it's been stagnant for a long time, many millennia apparently. It feels wrong too, like a festering wound in Reality."

"That would explain much of what we've seen and felt. but the question now is, why is this so?"

"I'd like to help research this, if only to ease another pony's fears of becoming a monster."

"I will make sure that thy name is on the short list." Luna gave Twilight a reassuring smile.