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Chapter One: The hourglass that never tipped4,111 words
Chapter Two: Unbalanced Scales4,635 words
Chapter Three: Grounding4,323 words
Chapter Four: Crash, Hope, Remembrance4,799 words
Chapter Five: Accelerated Adjustments4,136 words
Chapter Six: Bumps In The Road3,643 words
Chapter Seven: Step By Step3,885 words
Chapter Eight: Flames3,568 words
Chapter Nine: Forward, March!4,189 words
Chapter Ten: Honesty, And A Perfectly Packaged Date5,426 words
Chapter Eleven: Lunar Dances and Moonlit Knights6,208 words
Chapter Twelve: Shadows6,022 words
Chapter Thirteen: Cold Winds/To Be Continued...1,711 words

Chapter Ten: Honesty, And A Perfectly Packaged Date

Luna trotted happily down the halls looking over the nightly briefing that had been left with her breakfast. Celestia apparently had been in the mood for pancakes…at night.

Not that Luna was going to complain; her sister was a fantastic cook!

There was something however, that prompted the Lunar Princess to seek out her sister. It had been a brief exchange the day before; bidding her sister good-morning and excitedly telling her about her date. Something about Celestia’s reaction had been…muted? False? Not correct terms though; Luna just couldn’t put her hoof on it.

My sister should be in her study; for the hour or so of wind-down time we have before we retire. The bonus of that day off; showing us that we need some relaxing time!

Knocking on her sister’s door, Luna walked in on hearing the customary ‘Come in.’

We all need some down time. I just hope I’m not interrupting anything import-

Luna’s thoughts ground to a halt on seeing a dozen papers strewn out in front of Celestia, the other ruler sipping some berry tea as she looked over the documents.

“Ah, Luna! What can I do for you?” Celestia asked, clearly ignoring her sister’s surprised expression.

“I had a question, but now I have two. Isn’t this your relaxing hour?” Luna asked, easily picking up the shift in her sister’s demeanor. The other alicorn now looked to her tea, and then to the documents.

“Yes, but I wanted to read over a few things.”

Luna looked at a few of the papers, raising an eyebrow in curiosity. “The transfer of ruling power to Twilight and her friends? Is that not already settled, at least in a general sense?”

Celestia still refused to look at Luna, shrugging her shoulders. “Yes, but I merely wanted to review things. The whole ceremony, us flying off nobly into the sunset, as though never to be seen again, our ‘last’ raising and lowering of the sun and moon, the other ‘last’ things we’ll do…”

Letting Celestia talk, Luna sat down slowly; there was very little emotion behind her sister’s voice, as though she was simply reciting some wrote script. It was the same tone she took during difficult negotiations, keeping her mind on a single track.

“Of course, we’ll help her behind the scenes for a year or two, make sure she’s settled, but I’m sure she and her friends can handle things. I just hope I haven’t pushed her too hard; we have dropped odd hints which must seem random at times. Hmm. I suppose there is no other way to go about it, other than the ‘last time we do such and such,’ because for a generation, I suppose that is true. After that of course, plans will change, because Twilight and her friends will eventually-even if they ascend, t-they...”

“Sister.”

Luna’s simple word snapped Celestia out of her daze, the younger sister shaking her head. “We have been through this, Cellie,” Luna whispered sadly, “and it is a fact that will not change. That is not the reason you are distracting yourself though. I want to help- but I don’t know how I can. Why are you choosing such a personal and painful topic to occupy your thoughts?”

Celestia grit her teeth, setting aside her tea with a sigh. “As observant as ever. I was a fool to think I could hide conflict from you.”

“No, you still can; but this is something beyond your ability to conceal. Please, sister, what is it?”

Shaking her head, Celestia didn’t say anything at first. It only took a glance though- her eyes meeting Luna’s for a split second.

In an instant, a familiar set of eyes replaced the Solar Princess’s; predatory, leering, and looking back at her from a mirror as emotion overcame logic. It was a moment that Luna remembered quite clearly from over a thousand years ago.

Of course.

“Tia…” Luna whispered, genuine care and pity overcoming her surprise. “You are envious.”

Celestia turned away, not wanting her sister to see the pained expression that shattered the carefully-curated mask that still struggled to stay in place.

“It is not right nor fair to you.”

Luna walked over to her sister, spreading a comforting wing over Celestia’s back. To her surprise, the contact causing the alabaster alicorn to shiver, sides shaking slightly.

“I am happy for you, I truly am, that is not a lie,” Celestia whispered. “I should be better than this, a better ruler, a better sister than to-”

“Tia, please be quiet,” Luna whispered, shaking her head, “just because our subjects think of us as other-worldly and without feeling, doesn’t mean we are. Have you forgotten which of us fell prey to a creature of envy, jealousy, and anger first?”

A sad chuckle left Celestia frame, Luna’s words clearly hitting home. “And you are right, of course. That doesn’t make me feel any less guilty.”

Waiting for a time, Luna’s ears pinned back at her next question. “Do you have feelings for Shifting as well?”

A loud snort left Celestia’s muzzle, the alicorn letting out a genuine laugh before composing herself. “Oh goodness no, I do think he’s a fantastic stallion, don’t get me wrong, because I fully approve of Shifting. It’s not him specifically; just how…relaxed you can be around him. That said, I don’t think I ever could fall for that sort.”

Luna blinked, her brow furrowing. “That sort?”

Celestia was quiet for a few moments, her wings drooping slightly. “When you see ponies as subjects, or a form of children for a thousand years, and they see you as a nigh-unapproachable Goddess, that view is very hard to break from, both from my perspective, and theirs, despite my efforts. You are lucky, in that respect. When you returned, you immediately showed that you’re just a pony like anyone else.”

“…by terrifying half of Ponyville?”

“And then by remedying the situation, yes. But my happiness for you and Shifting has brought out things I have since been able to ignore for a thousand years. And don’t you dare feel guilty about that though. If anything, it’s healthy to finally deal with it all, as much as it’s distressing.”

Luna frowned, her own wings now slightly slumping.

You do not speak much of those years; why is that? Are they that painful for you?

…perhaps I am naïve in assuming they are not.

“I cannot help you with this, can I, Tia? I wish I could…”

“Just keep being yourself, Lulu. That’s all I’ve ever wanted. Despite those horrible words I used during our argument on our day off, you are worth more to me than anything.”

Luna paused, a smile meandering on her features at Celestia’s remark. “I do promise to be dependable. Of all the things you could have said, by the way, it was hardly that mean. I was surprised though, why did you say that specifically?”

Celestia picked up her tea, draining the steaming cup in a single gulp. Her expression bordered on a frown, but her brow indicated the alicorn was deep in thought.

“How can I put this?” she whispered. “The thought of losing you again, of not having another pony I can truly depend on again, be it for conversation, support, or anything, that thought is…” The word seemed to stick to Celestia’s teeth like glue, refusing to leave until the ruler looked at the floor. “It is frightening.”

Luna drew a mental string between two ideas, venturing a guess. “Tia, is this about before, about the time you ruled without me?”

“Yes.”

The single word was so softly spoken that Luna almost missed it, but the single syllable carried a millennium of weight to it, soaked with pain and fear.

“I won’t ask, unless you want me to. It hasn’t gone unseen by me your unwillingness to discuss anything other than basic history of the past, and I will respect that. Just know I’m here for you, Tia. And I’m sure Shifting is too; I could order him to read you bed-time stories after all.”

A genuine chuckle left Celestia’s frame, the alicorn hugging her sister close with a sigh. “That won’t be necessary; but thank you, Lulu. Thank you for being so understanding.”

“Anytime, Tia, anytime.”

Celestia took a deep breath, letting it out slowly as she pushed her sister away to forelimb-length, a sly smile meandering onto her features.

“Now then, don’t you need to get ready for your date?” she teased,

Completely without shame, Luna nodded and welcomed the change in atmosphere. Quite literally bouncing out of Celestia’s room with a smile, she happily waved briefly.

“Indeed, I do dear sister, sleep well!”

Shifting shifted nervously at the castle entrance, adjusting the Lunar Knight breastplate for the umpteenth time. The rest of the armor was absent- but the newly upgraded piece was the perfect balance between formal and casual.

Still looks the same, but has that new stronger metal liner! I’m just happy I could keep my enchantments on it intact. I wonder when Luna will get here? Ugh. Over a thousand years old and it feels like I’m asking a filly to a school dance!

An awareness of a certain event in the next week or two then rose to the fore, prompting the stallion to smile. I suppose that may be more applicable than not. But I hope this is appropriate. I feel just odd without any armor.

“Shifting?” a familiar voice drew his attention, prompting the Commander to smile.

“Luna!” he piped up, gesturing to the expanse of Canterlot behind them. “Art thou ready for lovely night?” he asked, prompting a giggle as the Princess took his outstretched hoof.

“We surely are. What ‘tis the plan, my noble Knight?”

Shifting couldn’t help but chuckle as they walked towards the main city, levitating a small paper out from the satchel at his side.

“Well, first is the main activity. If that goes on for longer than planned, the other portions of the evening can be possibly pushed…erm, to another time.”

Luna grinned, clearly spying an opening. “Are you already planning for a second date, Shifting?” she teased as they walked, prompting the stallion’s ears to perk up as he stammered.

“I-not like- I mean-”

“Such boldness. Such audacity from my new commander!”

“Luna, I didn’t-”

“To think you’d be so forward on our first date…”

Shifting paused, his expression now deadpanned as his ears twitched. “This is payback for earlier, isn’t it?” he grumbled, prompting a pleasant laugh.

“For what? I can’t imagine paying you back for something….”

“Totally. Is.”

Luna’s giggle made the Commander smile as they meandered the streets, making their way to the industrial center of Canterlot. Pausing at a massive warehouse-like building, Shifting nodded to the sleepy night guard who waved them through. The earth pony clearly wasn’t paid enough to care about a planned royal visit, because the only sign of surprise was a slight widening of his eyes as Luna trotted after Shifting.

Pausing in a dreary reception room, complete with a worn couch, simple wooden table, and a few filing cabinets, Luna looked around, rather puzzled at the choice of location.

“A warehouse? I am intrigued,” she murmured, examining a small box and sticker that Shifting levitated over to her.

“Aaaand this is for you. Can you please write down your mailing address?” Shifting asked, prompting a smile as Luna accepted a pen.

“Did my sister clue you in on how much I adore the process of mail, Shifting?” Luna quipped as she scribbled on the small address sticker.

“A bit, but you’ve already mailed something to yourself. I wouldn’t want to repeat an experience completely,” Shifting grinned gesturing to the alicorn as they walked down the halls, dim lights illuminating their way.

Throwing open a large metal door, Shifting gestured to the massive interior room of the warehouse, flicking on a light switch that sent lights sputtering on across the roof. Dozens of large machines dotted a series of conveyer belts, magical gems sparkling as the wonders of magic and electricity were harnessed into the various devices.

“Miss Luna, may I present one of the primary packaging, sorting, and mailing centers of Canterlot. It is almost fully automated, actually,” Shifting declared, motioning for Luna to follow as they walked down a metal catwalk, stopping near one of the larger conveyer belts.

“I thought you might be interested in seeing how it all works,” the stallion remarked, motioning to the empty belt. “That sticker is enchanted to make the machines run slower so we can follow it through the entire process of being packaged, sorted among some other items, and then put out for delivery. I can explain some of the basic functions of each machine too, if you’d like.”

He waited a few moments, a few nerves creeping into his system. “What do you think?” the Lunar Knight finally asked, not able to read Luna’s expression.

His hesitation vanished as the biggest smile plastered itself across Luna’s face, her eyes lighting up with joy. As she turned to look at her date, Shifting felt his heart skip a beat. The stallion had never seen someone look at him with such utter adoration and elation, the Alicorn now beginning to hop up and down with excitement, green eyes sparkling with eager energy.

“When can we start?!”

Shifting trotted over to flick a large breaker, then motioned towards the conveyer belt. “Just place the package and off we go!”

The simple delight that radiated from Luna was enough to make Shifting’s entire frame glow.

She likes it, she really likes it!

As he explained the process of how the machine in front of them wrapped up the small wooden box, one thought couldn’t escape the stallion’s mind as a pair of green eyes were still burned into his mind’s eye.

I’d like nothing more than to have Luna look at me like that again…

Shifting led Luna through the process, following her now-packaged wooden box along the conveyer. He couldn’t explain every intricate detail of the machines, but the few-hour tour taken previously let him answer most of her questions. Everything from the automated packing machine to the rapid-fire flipper that sorted packages by scanning the magical signature on each had Luna bouncing with excitement, the alicorn dashing to the next station to watch the box zip this way and that around the warehouse.

Even with the slightly-slowed down process, it came to an end far too quickly for her liking so it seemed. As the small wooden box was deposited neatly into a large fabric container to be transported out, Luna’s ears pinned back slightly, the fascinating journey of the package having reached its end.

Shifting, however, had only a sly smile on his features. “Hey, Luna?”

The alicorn turned around, and her green eyes lit up once again as her date levitated four more small boxes over to her.

“I had a feeling you’d want to take a look more than once. Remember, you can’t open them until they arrive!”

Shifting’s heart did a flip in his chest as a look he was quickly starting to adore re-entered Luna’s gaze, the alicorn happy accepting one of the boxes as they walked back to the start of the entire conveyer system once again.

“You are the best, Shifting!” Luna remarked happily, setting the item down and sending it on its way. As she eagerly watched it traverse the warehouse, Shifting couldn’t help but continued to smile. The inner workings of the mail system were interesting to him; but definitely not to the extent that Luna enjoyed it. And yet he was perfectly content to follow his date down the walkways, occasionally remembering a detail about the machines he had forgotten as Luna eyed the box on the conveyer belt.

She was happy, and looked more carefree than the stallion had seen her in a while.

What more could I want for her, for any pony I care about?

His smile only grew as they went through the process three more times, the stallion inwardly itching for a few future events to occur.

Just wait until she opens the boxes!

After running the system a final time at full speed, Luna let out a satisfied huff, trotting over to Shifting as the final box plopped into the fabric container,

“That…was INCREDIBLE!” She squealed, hopping up and down and gesturing to the warehouse. “I had no idea such fascinating devices could sort and package mail so efficiently! No wonder the cities are able to deliver the items on time! This is amazing, Shifting! And you knew about how the machines worked, and how long it took and…..” a very un-princess-like squeal then left her muzzle, the alicorn calming down briefly as she looked at her very amused date.

“Thank you, Shifting,” she whispered, reaching down to nuzzle the top of his head ever so slightly before backing up, curiosity entering her gaze.

“What’s next on your schedule?”

Snapping out of his surprise-affection-induced surprise, Shifting pulled out the small bit of paper and let out a hum, checking the time on his worn pocket watch.

“I don’t know if we have time for both of the things; how about a short meal before Night Court begins?” he suggested, a smile and a nod Luna’s reply.

“That sounds lovely.”

“Sounds good! Now then, stand still please,” the Knight instructed, walking a bit closer and tapping the ground with a hoof. A rune etched itself onto the ground as magic surrounded the pair. The two vanished in a flash of light- but not before a telekinetic nudge turned off the power to the warehouse.

Reappearing on a grassy hill, Shifting nodded in approval as a picknick basket appeared next to them. The small grassy area was set into the side of the Canterlot Cliffs, the view of which overlooked the main city. One of many elevated parks, they were only accessibly to Pegasi, or after a very long hike up the worn stone stairs that wound through and up to the mountain peak.

The lights of Canterlot glittered down below, half of the city slumbering while the late-night scene was in full swing. A light breeze blew this way and that, making sure no clouds or fog obscured the clear night sky.

“It’s gorgeous,” Luna whispered, letting out a long, peaceful breath. Shifting could almost see what little tension threatened to creep in vanish, the Princess clearly enjoying the simple sound of nothing but the wind and distant hum of the city.

Note to self; just relax for next date with that book.

“I haven’t been to these parks too often; but I’m glad I discovered them. It’s a nice place to relax once in a while, especially whenever I need to think, which does in fact happen more often than many would imagine.”

Luna smirked at the joke, accepting a levitated bundle of seasoned vegetables wrapped in a thick tortilla.

“Before you ask, I have no idea what these are called other than ‘vegies inside a pastry,’” Shifting remarked, taking a bite with a grin. “But my goodness are they tasty.”

“Mmmf!”

Apparently, a happy mouthful of said food was a good reply as any from Luna, the Princess settling down on the grass. They didn’t speak for a time, only watching the sights as they ate. It was Luna who finally glanced over to her date, sincerity shining in her lively emerald eyes.

“This has been one of the nicest nights I’ve had in a very, very long time, Shifting,” she mused, a slight smirk on her muzzle as Shifting’s ears immediately stood up at attention. “It is a curious thing, and I mean this in the kindest way of course. Perhaps I’m wrong, but this is how I feel about it least. Whenever I spend time with you, I feel as though there is only one expectation to fulfil. There’s no strange lofty ideal as a Princess, no duties; only the expectation that I be…me.”

Her smile twitched, lips quivering ever so slightly. “I don’t think I’ve realized how much I appreciate that, being around somepony who not only expects such a thing, but wants that. So, thank you, Shifting.”

The Knight, having listened attentively nodded, looking over to the Princess briefly before his own brow furrowed. “You are most welcome, and are correct, Luna, of that I want to make clear,” he remarked, “I didn’t ask you on a date because I wanted to spend time with some façade of a Princess, neither did I maintain my loyalty for a millennium for that same reason. You garnered such feelings- not the mask you wore. I’m honored, and simply glad you feel comfortable enough to be yourself around me. I hope never to betray that trust.”

A soft huff caught his attention, an ever-so-slight smirk on Luna’s features now apparent.

“Somehow, I don’t think that will ever be an issue. If you do, I would assume it to be of a misunderstanding rather than ill intent.”

Shifting nodded in agreement, plucking a few strands of grass up to examine them. “And you’d be right. Creatures, myself included, are far more likely to be ignorant or simply idiotic rather than malicious. That’s a comfort, I think.”

He then grinned, not able to resist a soft chuckle. “I guess we didn’t need an art book to get philosophical. I do enjoy such topics though.”

“Perhaps we can explore that on our next date?”

Luna’s words, spoken with a bit of hesitation, caused Shifting to glance over to her. The alicorn sported an adorable blush on her cheeks, only occasionally glancing over to the Knight.

There’s a time for jokes, and then a time for not.

Shifting reached over a hoof, giving Luna’s a soft squeeze briefly as he nodded. “A second date? I’d really like that, whenever we can fit it in. I’m just happy we could have this short time during a crisis.”

Luna’s blush didn’t abate for a few moments, her eyes flickering down to her previously-held-hoof. “I’m glad too. But perhaps in trial, the best relationships are formed?”

“…are you suggesting I thank the Windigos?”

A snort left Luna’s nose, the Alicorn then clutching her sides to contain her laughter at Shifting’s completely-serious tone.

“N-not entirely!”

A soft chime broke Luna from her reverie- the Alicorn summoning a simple spell and frowning at the magical report that scrolled in front of her.

“Hmm. Interesting.”

“What is it?”

She angled the spell, a simple note shining in the light.

“It would seem we have an interesting development that couldn’t wait. I told the staff to not contact me unless absolutely necessary.”

Shifting’s eyes widened as he read the short note, the words a stark contrast to the peaceful night.

‘Message from unknown source for Commander Sands. An enchanted parchment appeared inside, and will not leave the throne room. A strange voice requested him as the words appeared on the scroll, and it has been blank since.

Commander’s eyes only.’

“You sure that all will be well?” Luna asked, the pair now outside the throne room doors. The pleasant and calm moment of their date was still a pleasant afterglow in their minds, but business and the safety of Equestria took priority.

At least for now.

“I’ll be fine. Whoever this is enchanted a message for me, specifically, and spoke from it. I imagine they’d be able to detect a presence near the parchment other than me,” Shifting explained, waving to Luna as she grumbled in agreement, not able to resist an adoring look over her date as he was now fully-clad in his armor.

“I’ll get set for Night Court then; and then wait to hear your report. Or if all is quiet, I may poke my head in if that seems appropriate. Good luck, Commander Sands,” she turned to leave, and then shot him a gentle smile. “And thank you for a lovely evening.”

Shifting bowed extravagantly, a pleasant giggle his reward as the pair parted ways. He took a deep breath and trotted into the throne room, where indeed a large parchment floated in front of the throne.

How odd.

The magical scan he set off on the object yielded nothing; the cacophony of spells entwined around the artifact only told him that it was, in fact, heavily enchanted.

“Well aren’t you a strange object! Let me see if I can find a quill…” Shifting mused, then paused as the parchment glowed, two sentences appearing;

‘Commander Shifting Sands? I can hear you.’

“Alright, what do you want? You requested me, and me alone; that is the case. You also apparently can speak from that thing?” Shifting remarked, sitting up straight.

The parchment glowed, a deep rumble leaving from it. It was only then that Shifting realized it was a chuckle.

“Indeed,” the deep voice spoke; the word writing itself as well on the artifact. “I can never separate voice and writing, only the writing. Odd, but oh well,” the serious tone was abruptly lost, the user apparently thinking to itself before returning to its original somberness, voice slightly distorted with a concealing spell. “I come with a message, warning, request, and two simple questions.”

An odd way to phrase it…

Shifting’s eyes narrowed slightly, his protective runes on a hair-trigger for deployment. “What is it, then? Why this secrecy? Who are you?”

The voice sighed, and Shifting could imagine somecreature shaking their head.

“Good questions, but none of which are relevant at this time. The message and warning is this; if I cannot stop this fanatical group in the coming few months, thousands will die. Now, here is my full message and warning.”

That got the Knight’s attention, the pony waiting as the voice continued.

“I don’t know who they are working for, and I cannot even tell you where they are. At the slightest hint of discovery, they will scatter, and I won’t be able to disrupt them. Be on your guard; know that the immediate threat you currently face is not the only one striving for the destruction of Equestria. I dare not give you too much information lest you act- and I am sorry for that. Only know that you must be cautious. My request may clarify what this potential threat is, however. I must ask, no, I beg of you to obtain these supplies for every single city.”

The parchment began to write- no words being spoken. Shifting saw the first few items and quickly retrieved his own paper and quill, scrawling the items down quickly.

As each item was listed, the room got colder, Shifting feeling a very alien chill up his spine.

‘Essential supplementary supplies:

- Oxygen equipment
- Immune-boosting supplements
- Sanitary items for close-contact with patients
- High-hazard protective gear
- Recommend shelter-in-place supplies for all citizens
- Ect.’

It wasn’t a fear he had encountered often. But the mental imagery of the few times Shifting had come across it…

An entire village dead, sprawled out in their huts.

Houses aflame, ponies desperately burning any and all items their dead loved ones had touched, or even breathed upon.

The Commander’s breath caught in his chest as another image burned itself into his mind’s eye; his entire family sprawled out in front of him, desperately clinging to life. An audible sucking of air reached his ears, and the Knight realized he was borderline hyperventilating.

No. Not this again. Who would be….

“Ah. And now you understand, at least in part. Good. See these preparations through, and we may very well get through this trying time. If I fail, these supplies will blunt the effects. If I succeed and nothing comes of it, you can blame it all on a voice from a scroll.”

Shifting narrowed his eyes at the floating parchment, voice now a deadly hiss. “This group is seeking to unleash this?! And you cannot tell me what it is? Who are you?”

The voice paused, an audible tiredness creeping into the deep tone. “First, my two questions. Commander, did you find the Satyr’s paw in a body of water? Did you destroy it after it was used?”

Shifting stared at the parchment, runes slowly starting to activate across his body. “Who. Are. You?! How do you know of that thing? How do you know of me?” he growled, prompting a sigh from the voice.

“I am a friend, one who may owe you an apology, and one who may have to beg your forgiveness. Please, did you find the paw in any sort of water?”

Pausing at hearing the genuine regret in the voice, Shifting continued to stare at the scroll.

“Yes, a lake. It was washed up on the shore, and it is indeed destroyed. I threw it into a furnace and watched it dissolve after being used.”

A loud sigh echoed through the chamber, as well as a dull ‘thunk.’

Did…whoever that is just hit their head on a table?

“I…was afraid of that. I am so sorry, Commander Sands,” the voice whispered. “You had more foresight than I did in destroying that accursed object, and for that I am grateful. I tried to look for the paw for years; and yet it eluded my grasp. No doubt that cursed item made its way into one of the many streams near the mountain peak I threw it off of, and made its way into your life. They say such evil has a mind of its own.”

“What?!”

The scroll cleared, and Shifting took a reflective step back. Two eyes, clouded by concealing magic looked back at him; and while the face and color was blurred, the genuine regret behind the gaze was almost palpable.

“Thank you for your time, Commander Sands. If I fail, I may send a creature who can help- watch for him. Please store the potions I will be brewing; they will mitigate the coming storm, if such a thing is to come to pass,” the voice mused, now sounding more tired than anything. “I hope we never have to meet, Commander, for such an event would mean great tragedy is upon us all. But perhaps the fate of Equestria will deem otherwise. If nothing else, I do indeed beg your forgiveness for my error and failure. Until we meet speak again, farewell.”

“WAIT! Who are you? Are you-”

The parchment cleared, a single signature making Shifting’s jaw drop.

‘Good luck to us both, Commander.

-The First Wisher.’

Shifting was still staring at the now-normal parchment, blank except for the signature when Luna poked her head in a few minutes later.

“Shifting? What-”

Shifting’s rear limbs gave out, sending the Commander thudding to the floor.

“Who was it?”

Shifting levitated the parchment over to Luna- who promptly copied his wide-eyed stare.

“This…cannot be,” she whispered.

“It is. And all I know is that he, if it is a he, says is a friend. I have a list of supplies he begged me to force-order for all cities.”

Luna’s face grew cold as she read over Shifting’s copied list, a curt nod in reply. “I do indeed think all major hospitals are due for an overhaul.”

“I have sufficient funds to subsidize a good deal of these as well,” Shifting added, prompting a shocked look from Luna.

“Shifting? Why? I’m sure we can find the money, especially considering the royal treas-”

The Commander shook his head, looking at the list of supplies with an almost hateful expression. “That will take too long. I’m not about to wait on a threat that nearly cost me my family- but did cost me a great deal more,” he hissed, then pausing. His expression softened, looking over to Luna. Regret that would have usually accompanied the thoughts of his millennium-old choice was now replaced with a warm glow in the stallion’s chest as two curious and concerned eyes looked back at him.

“You know, whoever that was, he begged my forgiveness. I would have felt much differently in the past about such things. But now? Using that paw; I’m starting to think it wasn’t that bad a choice after all. In fact…” A determined smile edged onto the Commander’s features, his nerves burning away.

“I’d say I’m rather glad I did. Now then, Princess. I think we have some more paperwork to fill out,” he then reached over and gently ‘booped’ Luna on the nose with a hoof. “And, in the spare time, plan another date.”

Author's Note:

I love the fact Luna is a bit of a nerd, in her own respect. It's adorable. I could see the two just following the item, Luna just absolutely ecstatic as it is boxed, sorted, and then up for delivery.
Shifiting: 1 Bad Date Ideas: 0

Poor Celestia though...we get a hint of what has been bothering her. A thousand years of lone rule being viewed as a Goddess- what would that do to a pony?
I've taken a different view on her than most; taking into account those unique 1k years, so I'm curious as to what you all think- and I know I may ruffle some feathers with all this. As for Twilight's implied life...it's an uncommon view, but I'm going off of what resources I have. (A tweet, from M.Mc. in this case.Tweet Link And just what logic I can muster.)

I won't touch too much more on those matters in this fic, however. That's for another time...
Hmmmmmmm. Who is this mysterious individual? You didn't think I'd let the topic of the Satyr's paw disappear that fast did you?
Shifting was, after all, the second user of the paw.

As always, feedback is appreciated!