//------------------------------// // Chapter 37 // Story: Normal Life // by Hiver //------------------------------// Something was going on but I couldn't quite put my hoof on what. As I approached the castle I started noticing things. The guards seemed more active, the patrols had been doubled and the guards at the entrance had been substantially reinforced. For one thing, an officer was present. Last time I saw a officer anywhere near a gate was during the changeling invasion. I came to a stop halfway down the street towards the castle and glanced at Skitter. “Any ideas?” I asked her with a frown. She stopped next to me, looking thoughtful before she shook her head. “No, sir. If the swarm knows anything, they have not told me. There are a lot of guards, though. Has there been another threat?” Shrugging, I continued towards the gate. “No idea, but it looks like it. Can't be Discord, though. I think we would have noticed that.” To say the least. Approaching the checkpoint, we were stopped and as the guards started their security scan as I turned to the officer. “Lieutenant, what's going on?” The earth pony shrugged. “No idea, sir. Orders from up high, increased security.” “...Directly from Princess Celestia?” He nodded in confirmation. “Yes, just before she left the castle.” Wait... Celestia upped security and then fucked off to somewhere!? Well, crap. This was bad. I nodded. “I see. Thank you.” They finished their scan and allowed us inside. As we entered the outer courtyard I turned to Skitter and said; “Okay... let's head for the Throne room. Somebody there might know what's going on. If it's important enough to pull Celestia away, it's important enough that somebody should have woken Luna up as well.” Skitter nodded, said; “Yes, sir.” and looked around, looking somewhat tense. “Are you okay?” I asked as we trotted on. “If there is a threat, sir, I am responsible for keeping you safe.” she answered before she sighed. “With the guard on high alert, we are at risk. I would prefer it if we could retreat to the tower for security, but the throneroom should be as guarded.” Oh. “...I'm not a very easy assignment, am I?” The changeling actually smiled faintly at that. “Could be more difficult, sir.” “Sorry.” “It's part of the job.” I shook my head and lead the way through the castle, passing through two more guard checkpoints on the way. Whatever it was, it was big. But whatever it was, Celestia clearly thought she could handle it, possibly with the help of the Elements. ...However, this was also the Princess that thought releasing fucking Discord was a good idea. I suddenly had a sudden urge to duck and cover. I had a bad feeling about this, the hairs at the back of my neck were standing up. Passing the last checkpoint outside the throne room, we walked inside. It was uncommon to see the large room this empty. Luna was on the throne like I predicted, but there were only three other ponies there. Princess Cadance and Shining Armor along with Captain Shield Deflect, the leader of the castle guard. Luna looked up from her conversation with Cadance when we walked inside and smiled, getting down from the throne to trot over. “Page.” “Luna.” I said with a tense smile, giving her a quick nuzzle when she got close enough. “What is going on?” She smiled wider and said; “Rather wonderful news, they should be here at any moment.” as she spread her wings. “You see-” The doors to the throneroom opened behind us and I turned to see Princess Celestia and Twilight Sparkle enter, talking quietly with each other. I suddenly relaxed slightly. Oh thank Luna, whatever it was was already over. That's the best kind of crisis situation. You find out what they were after they were already dealt with and without you really noticing. Following along beside Luna as she trotted up to them, something caught my eye and I leaned to the side... what in the world, it almost looked like Twilight had wings. Looking at her head, I confirmed the horn before leaning to the side for a better angle. Yes, those were a pair of purple wings. I glanced at Luna who was all smiles before I pointed my hoof at Twilight. “...Is it me, or does she have wings now?” Celestia nodded with a gentle and very happy smile. “Indeed. My faithful student has ascended to become an Alicorn.” I looked at Celestia and then back to Twilight who looked kind of embarrassed about the entire situation. Finally lowering my hoof, I said the only thing that came to mind. “Huh.” Well, that was a thing.