Phases of the Moon

by Kipakuta

Swelling Gibbous

The damage from Chrysalis' failed invasion had not been as bad as Discords', but the fact that Canterlot had been attacked, left a bad taste in the mouths of the citizens. Anti-fae sentiment spread as many ponies took it upon themselves to uncover any that may have been disguised. Celestia and Luna authorized a section of the OCFG to educate the populace on how best to treat fae..

To provide a sanctuary, the Diarchy promised amnesty to changelings who declared surrender. They were to be brought before the dual throne, and interviewed. As numerous Fae accepted the offer and were given naturalized citizen status, Celestia and Luna learned that the invasion had been an unpopular idea among many of the fae themselves, and had it not been for Queen Chrysalis' rank and position, they would never have supported it.

Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor spent their honeymoon touring the various towns and provinces of Equestria, partly to spread good cheer, and partly to stay away from Canterlot. The pair did have some lingering anger towards Fae, but they made it a point not to act unless provoked. By Ceresfest, life had returned to a mostly orderly routine. The wave of anti-fae hysteria had subsided enough that Celestia risked instilling a few as public servants, and having others trained as soldiers.

Luna was helping her sister with some of the abundant paperwork, when a military courier burst into the throne room. "Your Highneses, news from Northern Equestria." The messenger removed his helmet. "I am to tell you, that 'It' has returned."

Celestia set aside the scroll that she had been reading. "Retrieve Prince Armor and Princess Cadance at once." She said to one of the guards. The pony saluted then dashed out of the room. She then brought over a blank scroll and began writing a letter.

"Sister, What has returned?" Luna waved the messenger away.

Celestia turned one eye in Luna's direction. "The Crystal Empire."

Luna gasped. "Is it so? I wish to believe you, but-"

"I wouldn't joke about it," Celestia paused her writing. "But if it has crossed back across the shroud, then that means."

"Sombra is not far behind." Luna flared her wings. "Sister, let us mobilize our forces."

"No, Luna."

"But-"

"Sister, we don't know where the Crystal Heart is, that's why I'm sending Twilight and her friends."

"The bearers of the Harmonic Elements. And if anypony can devise a means to counter Sombras' abyssal magic, it is Twilight Sparkle." She had a sudden realization. "And should she succeed, she will be ready for Starswirls' own compendium. Sister, you do truly have this thought out."

"Should? Luna, you seem to have some doubt." Celestia finished the letter, then sprinkled some magic powder on it, and tossed it into one of the braziers next to the dais.

"She is but one pony."

"I'm not sending one pony, I'm sending eight." Celestia smirked

Luna quickly reviewed what she knew about them. Their niece was capable of channeling a massive amount of mana, but didn't know many spells. Twilight did, and had proven adaptive in applying what she knew. Shining Armor was sort of a middle ground between the two. He was able to tap into more raw power than his sister, and had a number of useful spells for his duties. In addition, Applejack, and Fluttershy were able to attune with the local flora and fauna respectively. (Never overlook what information you can get from the local wildlife.) Applejack was also a capable fighter, and alongside Rainbow Dash, could provide an impromptu squadron for Shining Armor. Pinkie Pies' talent was her ability to socialize, and a limited precognition, both of which would be useful in aiding the Crystal Ponies.

"I shall trust in your judgement, Sister."

- - -

23 Post Discord

- - -

She never stopped smiling.

Celestia and Luna had heard about the old temple through an informant, who had hoped to curry favor by turning in their raucous neighbors. The pair arrived to find that the temple was a popular destination and meeting place. Games, unusual rites, and open intimacy, were abundant and it took a while for the accompanying guards to disperse the crowds.

She never stopped smiling.

The one who was directing all the activity was an orange unicorn, with a red mane and tail, bearing a cutiemark of three tambourines. Distangling from her latest paramour, she sauntered over to welcome the Royal Sisters, inviting them to partake of the activities. Celestia ordered the guards to take her into custody.

She never stopped smiling.

With her ankles secured in manacles linked to a central chain, she seemed to pose little threat. A herald declared that she was being charged with Discordianism. The sisters cast a spell to determine what amount of Chaos Magic she had, and found themselves nearly overwhelmed by what they felt. They summoned their Elements; and six shards of glowing crystal appeared around the captive.

She never stopped smiling.

The light from the crystals seemed to trigger a transformation. There was the sound of bones grinding, and flesh being stretched. Her hooves shrank and split, reshaping into separate digits. Her teeth formed into sharp points, while her neck, spine and tail elongated. Her mane and tail turned dark while black spots appeared along her pelt. The fur on three of her legs became sparce, replaced with fine scales on one, coarse scales on another, and thick warty hide on the third. The sight and sound of the mutation caused everypony except Celestia and Luna to wince, but the creature seemed to actually enjoy it.

She never stopped smiling.

Angered by the predatory smirk, some of the guards drew swords and advanced. Luna halted them and walked up to the thing, demanding to know what manner of being it was. An explanation was given, along with the assurances that it had no intention of overthrowing the Diarchy. The Creature of Chaos, as it was being called, asked to be allowed to continue its' revelry, claiming an identity of an older, Pre-Discord diety.

It never stopped smiling.

- - -

1003

- - -

"Do you remember that day, Moony? I was incarnated in an age when ponies believed in legendary beings. I knew them, the other gods, the ascended heroes, and the mortals. Though they were never truly open with me, seeing me as more of a means to achieve their own desires, I would mourn their demise at my Brothers' claws."

"I never stopped smiling."

"But that day, when you stepped forward and showed me true Kindness, you finally gave me something to smile about. My first, true, friend."

"Aye, I remember."

"What happened to you, Moony? Why did you stop smiling?"

"I...became sick, Ringtail."

"I thought alicorns couldn't get sick."

Luna sighed. "I thought so also."

"It's good to see you smile again."

"It feels good to smile." Luna replied. "Now that I have things to smile about."

- - -

The work that Luna had been putting into restoring her public image had finally begun to reap rewards. She had been invited to appear on radio talk shows, give interviews and take time to meet with the leaders of local governments. Her free time was taken up by new projects, and the toys from the previous two years were donated to hospitals and other charitable purposes.

Occasionally she would wander, using an alternate ponysona that she had devised with two of her friends. With this faked identity, (And carefully forged documentation is necessary,) She would engage in conversation and partake of activities that would be unusual for a Princess.

Today, Luna as Cynthia, Lime, and Fleur entered a 7th terrace arcade. Surprise' Magical Circus boasted over 70 electrothamic and mechathaumic games, both stand-up and sit-down, an indoor golf course, an out-door golf course, a laser tag arena, a twelve-lane bowling area, and a large maze-like network of plastic tunnels. In addition to the signature large pony-shaped pizzas, the menu included a variety of fried side dishes, sodas, and a small list of beers and wines. For the entertainment of children, there were live performances, featuring both costumed ponies and animatronic characters.

"Most opportune is our timing." Cynthia said. "'Tis early in the afternoon, so the lunch rush is over, yet the young ones art still at their places of learning."

"As well they should be," Lime said. "Can you just imagine the scandal of being caught being truant?"

"I'm not sure what school was like for you, Lime," Fleur stepped lightly as they selected a table and sat. "But my father had my schedule filled up with all sorts of inane classes. Posture, etiquette, art appreciation. Did you know that there are even classes on how to move and pose to appear desirable?"

"I imagine that it was to boost his own status." Lime replied, levitating over a few menus to browse..

"I do love him, but I found it irritating nonetheless."

"Aye. Ones' parents do vex at times. Shall we be no different with our own foals when the time comes."

"Oh, absolutely," Lime grinned. "Bringing them here will be a reward for good behavior, not a routine."

"You have to make sure that they eat right," Fleur added. "And make sure that they eat enough too."

"Welcome to Surprises'," A waiter approached, carrying a pen and notepad. "Can I get you anything to drink?"

"We'll take a pitcher of Chicory Cola." Lime said, The waiter wrote the order on the pad, then left to retrieve their drink..

Cynthia removed a stack of 5 bit bills from her saddlebag. She set one on the table before Lime, and another before Fleur, then set one down in front of herself. "I will pitch in so that we may enjoy the arcade that they have here, and Dame Lime has already promised to cover the food. Dame Fleur, Be there anything of which you wish to partake?"

Fleur tapped a hoof on the table. "Well, the miniature golf looks interesting, but I'd also like to try that laser tag. Maybe we'll do both."

"We do have a few hours at our leisure." Cynthia said. The waiter returned and set a large pitcher filled with iced soda on the table, then placed three plastic glasses next to it."Oh, we do thank you."

"You ready to order now?"

"Yes, we will take one of your pony-shaped pizzas." Lime said.

"And what toppings would you like?"

"Are bell peppers ok with everyone?" Lime asked.

"Yes, and can we add alfalfa?" Fleur suggested.

"Sure."

"And extra oil," Cynthia stated.

"Ok, it'll be ready in 15 minutes." The waiter said. "Would you like an appetizer?"

"I recommend the cheese poppers." Lime said.

"Cheese poppers it is." Fleur agreed."

"Ok, lemme pass this to the cook."

- - -

Celestia entered Lunas' room. "Will you be attending the Gala tonight, or will you find some last minute excuse?"

Luna turned and posed dramatically. "Sister, I did not commission this dress from Rarity only to let it hang as a museum piece. I have told you that I will be there."

Celestia circled around Luna, examining the dress carefully. "I must say that this is a vast improvement over your first choice."

"Hah, in my time before, a stola that turned transparent when wet, was the height of fashion."

"I would have liked to see the other guests faces when they saw that." Celestia created a minor illusion of a monocle around one of her eyes, then animated it jumping off her face.

"Aye, sister." Luna grinned. "Will I surely turn heads with this." She motioned to the dress. "They may stare and marvel and want, but mine wit will be ever ready to rebuke those who would dare touch."

"I have no doubt about that," Celestia said. "And while the last two Galas have shown a shift in the the attitude and purpose of the event, It is still a long way from the bacchanals that you remember."

"I will at least have a chalice of drunkfruit."

Celestia escorted Luna through the hallways. "I'll put in a request with the palace chefs. Perhaps I might have one as well."

"A proposal," Luna began. "Have the chefs set out a single table with such fare. You will take one, as will I. Of the Element Bearers I know that Twilight Sparkle will be curious. Pinkie Pie will want to experience a new treat, while Rarity will not want to seem disdainful of our tastes. Rainbow Dash seems to me, to be one who would neither back down from a challenge, nor be shown up by the others. Applejack is more likely to not want a fancy thing, but Fluttershy would go with the majority. Thus, with us and five of the Harmonic Elements partaking, and the 6th, one who is perceived as being unrefined, abstaining, the high society ponies would be persuaded to take up the chalice."

"And next year will come the oratory contests. And open revelry the year after." Celestia smirked. "And bit by bit, the Gala is restored to its former glory."

- - -

"Sister, it pleases me greatly to hear that certain traditions have remained," Luna sat across the table from Celestia. "You have arranged for the Olympic committee to tour the restored Crystal Empire."

Celestia took a sip of coffee. "Yes. I believe that the Crystal Ponies could benefit from being included back into Equestrian society, so I suggested to the committee, that they should send their best interviewer to tour the Empire."

Luna nibbled lightly on a slice of honeyed toast. "And to sweeten the deal, you sent the Element Bearers to put on a performance for her."

Celestia smiled. "I see nothing wrong with a little occasional nudge here or there." She levitated a waffle from a tray to her plate, then garnished it with flower petals "It also allows Twilight to reconnect with Shining Armor and Cadance, and that benefits all three of them."

"And what if this 'Harshwhinny' does not deliver a stamp of approval?"

"If she doesn't, she doesn't." Celestia sliced a piece from the waffle and ate it.

"We shall see how that turns out. But let that pass."

Celestia paused. "Is something troubling you, Luna?"

Luna scowled. "Indeed. I have been debating what to do about the remnant that was found near the edge of the Empire."

"Remnant?"

"A fragment of Sombras' horn. It emanates the same type of magic that he himself has tapped into."

Celestia exhaled. "Have it brought to me."

"You do have a place for it?" Luna quirked an eyebrow.

"I'll put it with certain other troublesome things."

"Oohhhhhhh." Luna nodded, understanding.

"No shadow can stand up to the light," Celestia said, picking up her waffle with a hoof, and rolling it. "And I am the Light."

"Indeed." Luna cleared her throat. "May I inquire into the plans for this years' Summer Sun Celebration?"

Celestia held the waffle over a candle with her magic, rotating it slowly. "Is that still a thing? I thought I outlawed it."

Luna took a sudden interest in the pattern of the tablecloth. "The proposal must have been misplaced." It was simply amazing how the weavers could create such an elaborate colorful display simply with tones and shades of white thread, and skillful embroidery.

"Ah well, it was a silly idea anyway. The Summer Sun Celebration should be a joyous occasion for us. and if it isn't, then I''ll have to fix that."

Luna looked to Celestia. "Perhaps we should invite Ringtail."

"NO!"

Luna laughed as the force of Celestias Royal Canterlot Voice swept everything off the table.

- - -

1004

- - -

Luna giggled as she cantered along the hallway, resisting the urge to break into a gallop. Draped around her barrel was a saddlebag stuffed with letters addressed to her, addressed to Luna. Her smile seemed to brighten the moods of the ponies she encountered and exchanged pleasantries with. The guards stood up straighter, the staff seemed more proud of their work, and even the old castle seemed a few centuries younger.

She entered her room, placed the saddlebag on her desk, then began pouring out the letters. Among them were several dark blue envelopes with a copy of her cutiemark. These ones were sorted out and placed into a separate pile. A quick count came out to six.

A small strip on the side of the envelope was perforated to allow a pony to tear it open easily. With a *rip* she could get the form inside. Written on these forms-freely available at any post-office-were dream requests. Luna took a large scroll, and began copying the requests onto it, burning the letters after they had been transcribed.

On the wall next to her desk, was a framed copy of the first such letter received after Luna had first instituted the 'Request a Dream' program. This one was special, since the requester was Pinkie Pie. With her work itinerary filled out, Luna turned her attention to the other letters.

Another quick sorting failed to bring up anything from one particular pony, so she went with the next priority; fan mail. This meant actually opening letters at random and reading them to see what was worth replying to.

'Dear Princess Luna,' The phrase caused a pleasant tingle in her chest. The writer then continued on, talking about how much of a kinship they felt with her. An appreciation for the night, drama, and emphatic poetry. The writer signed with the moniker 'Amarantha Gloomwolf.'

"Such evocative names have ponies adopted," Luna mused. She took a blank scroll, and wrote a reply.

"Dearest Gloomwolf. We laud the creativity of thy moniker, and we wish to express our sincerest thanks for thy praise and commiseration. Thou may callest thyself as 'gloomy' but thou clearly has a passion that must be nurtured. It is this selfsame passion that allowed ourself to be both the prior bearer of the Element Jollity called Laughter, and to act as the Shining Blade of Equestria. We bid thee not to be consumed in feelings of futility and irrelevancy, but to laugh, to stand defiant of such impulses. Our hope is that the night will inspire thee and others of thy sphere, to craft more poetry, prose, and action.

Her Royal Highness

Princess Luna, Grand Mobile Element of the Lunar Orb, Sovereign of the Order of the Starry Night, Head of the House of Night."

With the letter completed and tucked into a stamped envelope, Luna went through the rest of the mail.

- - -

Three chalices stood on a wheeled cart. Luna levitated one and brought it over to the pony resting in her bed. "It is most fortunate that you were able to be here today."

"It was necessary." Bad Apple said, taking the chalice in his hooves. "I missed the date last year, and I knew you were sad, even if you understood why."

"Who can say where you will be next year," Luna replied. "Let that pass. Here and now, I will share my sacraments with you."

Bad Apple swirled the wooden chalice. The translucent liquid within gave off a faint white light, and seemed to draw in heat. Had the chalice been metal, Bad was certain that it would have frozen his frogs. "Right, this is?"

"Moon Dew." Luna said. "It is condensed water, but it has been infused with moonlight."

Bad Apple chuckled. He had heard about Pinkie Pies' experience with rainbow water. "So I won't get drunk, but it'll still feel potent."

"'Twill test your mettle with such fare." Luna said with a smile. "In times before, many a warrior was humbled by the experience."

He lifted the cup to his lips and took a small sip. The intensely cold liquid rushed across his tongue and down his throat, with the burn following almost immediately afterward. He quickly passed the chalice back to Luna, and took several deep breaths.

"You are most wise, my love, A deep draught would leave one in intense pain." Luna set the chalice on the cart, then leaned in to give him a passionate kiss. Drawing back, she levitated the second chalice. This one was copper with a large shallow bowl, and held a peeled apple immersed in wine. "This one is called 'Drunkfruit.' It is a personal favorite of mine, and others."

"I know fruit infused wines have been a trend," Bad accepted the chalice. "And I've heard about wine-soaked cheeses."

"This is special," Luna said. "You are familiar with the modern derivative, 'Apple bobbing.'

"A big shallow tub of water and apples. i'm guessing that the original version used wine, and all fruits.

"Aye, 'twas common at Ceresfests." She sighed, eyes twinkling as she recalled her participation.

Bad leaned down and bit into the apple. his teeth gouged deeply into the softened meat of the apple, almost completing a bite. As he lifted his muzzle, the apple was drawn almost out of the wine, before the weight caused it to separate from the bit portion, and fall back in. The wine splashed onto his shirt, hooves, and the bedsheet. Luna held a hoof to her mouth to stifle the urge to laugh.

Bad chewed then swallowed, before giving a blushing grin. "I can see how it would be a challenge. The drunker you are, the less delicate you are, and the harder the game is, yet the game itself leads to getting drunk," Bad Apple passed the chalice back. "Sorry about the mess." .

"Worry not, the palace staff will not question such stains." Luna winked. She returned the chalice to the cart, then brought over the third, which was empty. Bad Apple recognized it immediately.

"Ah, it's to be that kind of night, is it?"

"Did you think I would pass up the opportunity?" Luna gave a chuckle.

"Of course not." They said in unison.

- - -

"Cavalier Stare, what is this that We are looking at?" Luna looked upon a small assembly of ponies, with a few Diamond Dogs and changelings in the group. They all wore specially designed armor that had been forged to a metallic blue-purple color, with Lunas' cutie mark enameled on the brows of their helmets.

"Your Majesty, these are the latest graduates of the Lunar Guard." Golden stare motioned. "I have personally checked their records myself, so I know they surpass the standards of the Royal Guard."

"We think that thou places too much focus on records, and not enough on appearance," Luna replied. "They seemest as though street urchins with wooden swords, could defeat them."

Golden Stare slowly turned his head to look at Luna. "If your highness has doubts about their readiness, perhaps you'd like to test them."

"Have we an umber hulk in captivity?" Golden Stare shook his head. "A rust monster, perhaps." Another shake. "A rebellious dragon, a defiant gryphon, a trio of Sirens."

"Perhaps they could undertake a covert mission to recover your sisters' pastry stash." Golden said. One of the guards raised a hoof. "Miles Tabanus."

The Changeling lowered her hoof. "Sir, we're guards, not soldiers, Sir."

Luna looked down on the Assembly. "This mission be strictly internal, You will not be leaving the Castle grounds.Your objectives are thus. Locate Celestia's stash of delicious, cream-filled pastries, some of which are chocolate and have a chocolate coating, take the entirety of the collection into custody, and deliver it to Our room." The guards nervously glanced to each-other. "DISMISSED!" The assembly quickly left the room to go about their task.

"A Word, your Highness." Luna nodded. "Isn't my nephew posted as your sisters' door guard today."

"Aye, The Destrier Dark Skies." Luna smirked. "But this mission will help them become familiar with both the layout of the castle, and the schedules of the inhabitants."

"What if they get caught?"

Luna grinned smugly. "Then shall I have legitimately reclaimed my title of 'Pranking Queen' from Celestia"

Golden Stare looked out the window at the moon. "Yeah, Laughter Day isn't over just because the sun is down and your sister is in bed."

"And should they succeed, shall we share the spoils of conquest."

"Sounds like a Celestian Gambit."

"Oh?"

Golden Stare coughed into a hoof. "She's known for crafting plans that no matter what the outcome, she benefits in some way."

"Perhaps the name should be changed to 'Alicorn Gambit.' Sister is not the only one who uses them."

"If that were to be put in a memo and distributed, sure." Golden Stare replied.

"Shall we write it tomorrow." Luna said.

- - -

"Princess Twilight Sparkle," Luna addressed the newly ascended alicorn. "Walk with me, this night."

"As you wish." Twilight replied. Her voice seemed subdued. After the celebration, Twilight had spent many hours scouring the library for information, and seemed to be starting a sub-branch in the room that Celestia had set aside for her use. The books were arranged in familiar tower-like structures, not so much for the purposes of reading, but to act as pillars of stability for her mental state.

"I may not have a refined sense of sympathy like Princess Cadance, but I can tell that this new turn of events causes you much distress." Luna said as they walked out onto a large balcony. "Your life has been spent in the study and pursuit of knowledge. Both your head and your heart were in accord," Twilight nodded. "'Twas that selfsame accord that allowed you and your friends to return me to my senses."

"But now my head tells me one thing, and my heart wants to go in another direction, I know this." Twilight said. "I'm searching for answers, but I keep finding the same stock explanations. Yes, I've achieved something that very few ever come close to, but what am I supposed to do now? What use is a 'Princess of Friendship' that can't be with her friends?" She paused to wipe tears from her cheeks.

"There exists a means to reconcile this situation." Luna began.

"Tell me, please." Twilight kneeled before Luna.

"The Rite of Abdication." Luna replied.

"Abdication..."

Luna nodded and motioned to the stars. "It is a means devised by my sister to enable members of the peerage to dissolve their domains and discharge their duties. Most would not, but it exists in case that ones' estate would fall into the hooves of incapable or unworthy successors. Some have tried to twist the process to bypass a generation and bequeath their domain to the grandchilder, but let that pass," She reached down and took Twilights' hoof with her own. "You do not have to be a Princess."

"But I ascended," Twilight protested, spreading her wings. "A winged unicorn, a horned pegasus. Whatever you call it, I achieved it. All by realizing the true power of magic and friendship."

"That part will be more difficult to resolve, but we shall research the process together."

"But if I give up Alicorn-hood, what will my friends think, what will Celestia think, my family?"

"Would you rather have them bear witness to a sorrowful princess, or a happy archivist?"

"I want to be the happy archivist." Twilight said, her voice almost cracking.

"And I would that you be so, Dearest Twilight." Luna stroked Twilights' mane with her other hoof.

"Thank you, Luna." Twilight sniffled, leaning in to hug her.

- - -

Lunar Axioms

#1: Turning the clocks around to face the wall, will greatly improve the mood of everyone nearby.

#2: Ingenuity and improvisation can set the stage for any occasion. 2b: Being friendly with the castle servants can increase their chances of finding extra supplies for a cause.

#3: Claiming to be a 'Special Guest of the Princess' will get one through any security checkpoint.' 3b: -Almost- any security checkpoint. 3c: Even the most rigid, by-the-book guard can find a loop-hole.

#4: Never underestimate the influence that the opening act can have on the festivities.

#5: Ponies and other beings function best in groups of more than -one-.

#6: There is no music, which cannot be improved by an application of the Royal Canterlot Voice.

#7: One who has authority over the attendants, can declare an end to any celebration.

#8: Where you place the responsibility, is where the respect will go.

#9: Nothing will make you feel insignificantly smaller, than being at the base of the Lecture Dais.

#10: Sisters who transcend time, share a love that also transcends time.

Comments

[Dusty Sage]

"Happy archivist." That's Twi in a nutshell: guardian of all that knowledge.