Countless Moons

COUNTLESS MOONS

^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~

I looked outside at the moon. I've heard stories, of the Moon Princess, and her sister the ruler of the sun. Most aren't even true. It's been over a thousand years since anypony have seen the Princess of the Night. But we have lived out her legacy. We, her children, The Children of the Night. Hundreds of ponies were here once, maybe thousands, under the rule of the night, now it's only a few of us left, the ones who survived. I'm proud to be her daughter. Oh I am sorry! I didn't introduce myself! I'm Nightly Red. I'm the only child who has seen the Night Princess. And now I'm going to tell you my story.

^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~

I woke up at the exact time I always do. 10:00 pm. Sigh. I wish I could sleep in. Just once I looked up at the moon. It was full tonight. I silently prayed to Princess Luna for the beautiful sky. I yawned. My adoptive mother always said that once every 100 years the sun would cover the moon. That was the only time we could sleep in. We weren't allowed to look at the sun in the case of that we would leave to see more of it and never return. I fell out of my bed. oww! I also wish I was invincible. "Night Moons!" I yelled at my dopey younger sister as she jumped on me, her hoof ending up in my mouth.

She turned around and looked up at me innocently with the black eyes we all have, "It was all Eclipse's idea!"

I rolled my eyes and got up, "Eclipse, get out from under my bed. Now please" My little brother slowly crawled out, his gray coat shimmering.

He looked up at me, "I was just-"

I cut him off quickly, hoping to save myself time from the lengthy explanation he always gave, "If your bored ask mom to tell you the story of how our tribe came to be." The young colt perked up and galloped off his crazy younger sister falling in step behind him, singing the stupid chant she always does.

one pony, two pony, tree pony, any pony! one pony, two pony, sea pony, everypony!

I laughed silently and got ready for the annual Night Celebration tonight. It happens only ONCE every TWO YEARS

I heard faint voices down the hall, "No way Eclipse. You'll hear the story at the Night Celebration, and no buts!" My mother, Crescent Moon, was always strict about the yearly Night Celebration that the tribe hosted for each other. A whole night of fun and history

I got my dress out that I only wear for important events.

Actually this is my first and only time I'm ever going to wear it. I levitated it with my magic and I got dressed quickly. I then got my orange-yellow mane curled. I also curled my tail. This year I'm going to be telling the story. It's an honor only one out of fifteen young ponies get to have. No pony in my family have ever told the story. I trotted out of my room singing a lullaby.

"Hush now quiet now, Luna will never forgeeeettt you. Hush now quiet now, our mother will heeelllppp you!"

I heard a boyish gasp. I looked up and saw my little brother staring at me, black eyes wide. Then he laughed, "Girly girl, girly girl! My sister's a girly girl." I narrowed my eyes at him and he efficiently shut up.

My mother came up to me with her black coat and her crescent moon cutie mark shining. She kissed my forehead.

"I don't question the mayor's decision. You have the most beautiful voice."

I nodded and focused on my magic. I needed to practice my transforming spell. If this was going to be the best performance I had to transform into Luna. No other daughter had done it before. Ever.

My blue magic glowed around my horn. My tan coat shimmering into a dark navy blue. My mane and tail turning into my true mother's starlit hair. Or well that how the Elders said she looked. Drawing Moon drew a very realistic picture that is now my reference point. Wings started to take form. My cutie mark changed into the princess's. I heard my family gasp as they watched in shock. When I opened my eyes, I knew it worked. I looked at my hooves and glanced at my new mane. It was to much. I couldn't handle it.

I turned back into myself.

My family still openly gaped at me. I looked down but then glanced in the mirror and saw my eyes had turned into a deep dark green.

Everything else was the same, my boyish short mane, my round stocky tail, still light orange. My coat was still tan. My eyes were, green.Not black, not dark gray a least, GREEN! Green. something about my eyes reminded me of.. something. What?! I thought as a strange image flew through my head. I was worried but my mother snapped out of the dead silence before I could panic.

"We should get going," She handed my my cloak and i put the hood over my head as we headed out the door, towards town hall.

^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~

"Mother, did Princess Luna really used her magic to make us disappear from our families? Just like that?" I asked curiously on the way to Town Hall. My mom shook her head,

"No it's a story that the first Children made up." I gasped

^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~

I looked around quickly. Stage fright got the best of me. I looked out of the curtain. Several young fillies staring at the curtain expectantly. Crap. I-I can't do it! Mom always said the stories were fakes! That the first Children made them up. I can't lie anymore. That's not me. I looked at the exit. I made a decision and ran. I can't! I just can't! I've been lied to! I was to involved in my thought to notice that somepony was following me.

"RED!? Nightly Red. Stop. Please?" I turned around, tears streaming down my face. "Red. Here. You'll need these on your journey," She handed me a bag of bits, "Go. I can see you need to go figure out the real story. Ha. You've always been a strange filly. Always needing to know the truth behind things." She kissed my forehead, and with a glance at my green eyes she started to plead, "Just... Return. Please." I nodded,

"Of course. This is my home. You're my family." She smiled. Then, my mother, my home, turned and trotted away. Without a single glance back.

Midnight Train

View Online

After I walked for a few miles I came across a train station. I looked up and gasped at it's smallish figure. I expected it to be larger.

I took the midnight train. Of course I did, why would I take the morning train. That was when I sleep. This wasn’t uncommon for my family. We were Night Dwellers. Over time it was illegal to be out in the day. Dad said it was because we did most of our work during the night.
Mom told me a different story.

As I gave the slightly drowsy young stallion my ticket that I had bought moments before, and moved to the train cart, I ran my hoof over my saddlebag. Inside was the rest of the money Mom gave me, and a map of the "capitol" called something like Canterdot or Canterlot...
The money was heavy. It was a lot I guess. It had been carefully, packed in my bag.

Anyway, so my mom told me that so many ponies awoke in the day got captivated by the suns beauty that they went out seeking more. I believe that story more.

^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~

I sat down on a bench. I thought about my family that I left for who-knows-how-long.
Mom always believed in me. She always appreciated and was happy about my magical ability. I was more magic-capable then any other unicorn in my tribe.

My sister. Oh dear Night Moons. She, like me, was a unicorn. But she couldn't even levitate her favorite book, but I always tried to help her with her magic. She was very focused. But, as a young mare, she focused elsewhere. Then there was the business she started with her friends, oh what was it called... oh yes NNN Pet Sitters The three N's for her and her friends names.

The train whistled and I looked out the window. Most ponies looked asleep on their hooves as they barely made it off the platform. One mare was still here, sleeping on the bench near me. I hope she didn't miss her train stop. I hope I didn't miss my train stop.

Another whistle and I watched the sleeping mare doze the whole way through our departure.She twitched in her sleep. Her drool spraying everywhere. I stayed where I was until I couldn't make out my hoof in front of my face. I looked around nervously.

A few hours later I saw a faint strand of sunlight. I shut my eyes and put the hood of my cloak back on.
The train screech to a stop. "Canterlot. Everypony left, we are at Canterlot." The little squeaky voice box spoke with exhaustion.

As usual with night travel, the landscape was nothing but shadows. I could see the sun on the horizon, and with knowing that that the sun was rising I ran to find shelter.

I stuck to the shadows. Every dark corner and alley way was covered in my search of a place to sleep. I still had many alleys left to cover, no matter how... scary it might seem. An alley cat jumped out of the darkest of shadows. I gasped. The black and orange cat looked at me, it's yellow eyes glinting. "Meoow".

After it spoke it leaped away. I glanced around and saw a dry-ish looking box with a small blanket on it decorated in stars. I shook my head. Too small. I glanced back at it while heading to the next alley way, sadly I could make out the distant shapes of other ponies. They don't sleep in the day?! I was very confused and snuggled my cloak closer to my body. I occasionally saw the beady eyes of rats and other creatures staring at me, but I chose to ignore them. All indistinct, all mysterious, and all scary.

I folded my ears down with fright as I heard a voice.

"Are you ok?" A young feminine voice spoke out. I turned around slowly and shrank back when I saw another pony looking at me. She stared at me expectantly so I answered her with a slight shake of my head. no.

The young filly held out her hoof, "Come with me. You look tired." I accepted gratefully with a nod of my head.

Most ponies in my tribe were taught not to trust strangers. I was taught it too, but she looked trustworthy enough.With her pink and white mane bouncing she took the lead, I followed very far behind. Every time somepony came close to me I flinched back, which of course they thought was weird and stared at my curiously, well some of them did, others just stuck their noses up in the air and "Hmfed" at me. To take my mind off it I started to sing,

"I'm in a city of the unknown, I have no idea where to go, I am lost in vain, and my hoof is throbbing in pain. I laughed quietly at continued,
I am in Canterlot, city of wonder, And all I see is what's well under my expectations. I guess that nothing is what it seems, but I guess that's expected in dreaaaammms. I sang louder, which got ponies attentions, but I didn't care,
I'm here to see Luna, Princess of Night, I will stop at nothing to find her alright, I realized that I seem different, but it doesn't mean I can't fit innnnnnnnnnn.
The city is more than I expected, starting with its size. I can't believe thiss isn't a disqui---
I then noticed all the ponies stares and I averted my gaze. I looked up and saw a castle. I caught up with the filly and smiled at her to thank her. She tried to stop me as I galloped towards the castle. Before I reached the gates a bunch of stallions in armor stopped me.

"HALTE" One stallion with a mustache spoke at me. I shrank back. "Who may you be? Show yourself!" I realized I had to talk to them. I gathered up my courage and put down my hood,

"I am called Nightly Red and---" The filly from before interrupted me,

"And she's with me. We must see Luna." Mr. Mustache bowed and let me and the mysterious filly pass.

I turned to her, my hood back on, "Who are you?" She smiled.

"I am Minutte. My mother works here as a royal adviser, so they know not to mess with me." she giggled. I smiled at her and continued to walk by her side. When we reached the front gates of the castle more guard were there. But this one was... B-biggerr

"Stop. Hello Minutte," he turned to me, his nose looking down at me, "and you are?" I shuffled my feet and looked up slowly, not willing to take off my hood and turned to Minutte, she shrugged. So I answered him,

"A traveler," The guard looked at me curiously,

"Where are from young one," I answered as vague as possible,

"Somewhere... far." The guard didn't seem satisfied with that answer but before he could question me further Minutte took that moment to but in,

"Well Sir um Prince Armor, we should be going," "Prince Armor shook his head and looked at me eye level, "What is your name?" I stared right back at him challenging the so called "prince.",

"That's for me to know," I pushed him out of my way and went in to the castle. Minutte laughed behind me and was talking about his face, of something like that. I just let her talk.

The Castle

View Online

The castle got darker as we walked in the halls so I lit up my horn in a gentle blue haze so we could see. Most ponies (Earth and Pegusi) found that light unnerving, but I found it comforting. It was the first spell my father taught me. You see, my brother and mother were Pegusi, but my father, my sister, and me were unicorns. My father always embraced the night saying, "The world was so full of possibility in shadows. Maybe that was a monster by the closet, maybe just a pair of saddlebags on a chair. Maybe that was a just a dog in the distance, but maybe a timber wolf. Shadows made things possible."
But to me the only thing shadows made possible was hope. Hope, oh what that word means I will never know.

Minutte brought me to a dusty uninhabited room, "Do you wanna sleep here for now?" I nodded and looked outside, Was this what clouds looked like? Was the sun really yellow? Questions crossed my mind every second. I yawned, realizing how tired I am.

^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~

Even in my declaration of tiredness I was wide awake. I was also a little hungry since in my escape I didn't remember food. I turned on the light in my room, well borrowed room. but, a few minutes later I remembered my mothers silly saying, 'when your not tired and it's time to sleep just lay back and try, because even if you can't sleep, the rest of us are exhausted'
So I finally took my adoptive mom's advice and closed my eyes.

^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~

I awoke when it was near darkness. I looked at the clock, 10:00 pm , sigh. Still same time. As always. A full moon shown through the windows. The night was always more comfortable for me. It was like being wrapped in a familiar stary blanket. I grew up at night. Not a hint of sun.

I remembered where Minutte told me her room was, RRLRL (Stands for Right Right Left Right Left) so with that in mind I focused on teleporting there. My blue magic glowed and wrapped around me. I opened my eyes and I was at a fancy door. I looked inside and saw a navy blue, tall unicorn in there. She unfurled her wings. WINGS?! Oh crap. It's Luna. I saw her flowing mane and recognized it from my transformation. I suddenly couldn't think of anything better to do then drop to the cold floor and bow. She probably heard my ungraceful thud and turned around, she stood over me shocked as she saw me bowing. "Who art thou? Why art thou in my quarters?" I looked up at her, my green eyes flashing.

"I am called Nightly Red, dear princess. And you are my mother." Luna looked even more shocked but regained some of her pride and asked me,

"How may I be your mother, you delusional foal?"

Not as much pride as I thought...

I looked at her, and stood up. "Because I," I looked at my cutie mark, a crescent moon with a magic symbol behind it, "Am one of many of your Children of the Night."
The princes gasped and ran her eyes over me. I lowered my hood. Luna turned around and walked into her room, slamming the door in my face.

I stayed at her door until dawn. Then I walked back to my room. Minutte said she'd see me at dawn anyway.

Trying to pass the time, I pulled out a story. Thick and heavy, I admired its cover, It had a small moon cycle design, which I hadn't noticed before. The title was, Legends of the Night the title shone, almost like it had it's own life source. I ran my hoof over the title again, It dimming and shinning as I did. I never did notice this book here before, and worried I was being a 'delusional foal.'

My door squeaked as it was being opened, I turned around, "Minutte finally! I hope you brought the----" Not Minutte I stared with disbelief as I saw the Midnight blue princess at my door. I regained my posture and bowed quickly, "Princess Luna!"

She sighed and smiled, "Daughter." She walked up to me, "So my children aren't gone after all."

I looked at her, "I hope your are not disappointed Night Mother,"

She looked through the window, "No. I am overjoyed. But a little shocked." I felt bad for her, thinking all her Night children were dead. "But tell me one thing Night Dweller, Why are you here?" I sighed and looked up at her,

"To find out the truth."

She nodded, "Ok,but the truth of what?"

I looked down now, "Of our story," I whispered, "Of the children's story."

She smiled at me, "how long do I have to tell you?"

I smiled back and spoke to her mind 'as long as it takes'

^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~

Princess Luna came to me the following night, Saddlebag in hoof. She levitated my totally forgotten dress out of it, "It's beautiful, wear it tonight?" I looked at her incredulously,

"What for?"

"Breakfast, um er I mean dinner with Tia. My sister." I nodded Ah yes, Mrs. Sunny Bright Shine. Probably going to resent this I put on my Night Celebration dress. Luna watched me with interest. "Your good at magic, are you not?" I nodded again, "Well we can just say you are my student, named..." I looked up alarmed but then calmed down, seeing reason in her words,

"My name will be Gari,"

^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~

As I walked in to the dinning hall, yes hall. Eating gets it's own hall, I saw a purple alicorn on the side of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. I stopped short of entering and hung to the shadows, shuffling my hooves and looking down. Celestia was the first to look up. She saw me at the door and stared at me. Luna looked at where her sister was staring and saw me. "Gari! Come, sit, eat!" She smiled at me and I smiled warily back. I stepped forward and the purple alicorn got up,

"Hello I'm Twilight Sparkle," I acknowledged her with a nod and sat near Luna. This is going to be a looonnnggg night.

The Library's Secret

View Online

As the first course arrived it was already an awkward conversation. Princess Celestia and Twilight Sparkle did not know when to stop asking questions. As I started eating they noticed my discomfort and stopped talking. I looked up at the light above me and turned it off with a simple 'dimming' spell. Twilight looked at me with a new appreciation, "So where'd you learn your first spell Gari?"

I looked at her and spoke quietly, "My... father, he taught me a light spell," I got up as the princess spoke about having to teach herself as a young filly and such, I looked at my Mother one last time, and saw her blue eyes staring at me sadly, "I'm sorry princesses, I am not hungry, and I have a- um place to be," I walked off as Minutte walked in sleepily, not noticing me.

^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~

I kept to the shadows, as usual. I walked past a library, I looked inside and saw a book gleam back at me. I walked towards the book in the library, and open the it to the bookmark it had in it, it was a picture of me!

I read what was written underneath it.

Filly #302, Cougari.

Cougari was a different filly than most. Yes, she asked me questions, Yes she laughed and joked around, but she also calmed everypony down better than I could have. Even being an orphan, she was so... happy. Everypony seemed to accept her as the "leader" of some sorts. And when we arrived in town, she made sure everypony had somepony to live with. She seemed concerned as I erase the fillies and colts memories of the flight and of me. I also managed to be invisible to those ponies who didn't remember me. When she had to leave (and was very reluctant) she accepted the memory transfusion. As I started to erase her mind she gasped. She had a powerful magic surge and her eyes became a blinding white. As she did this, all the ponies eyes turned black. I stopped the transfusion and stepped towards her. When I stopped my spell, the light became faded. When I was able to see her again I found her passed out on the path. A couple who I recognized stepped forward and laid her on their back. I gently nuzzled 'Gari's ear and stepped back. I flew off silently. When I got back, I realized I didn't erase her whole memory, just buried it. That won't be a problem. Right?

^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~

I-I couldn't believe it. I... was...

I heard hoofsteps coming towards me. I turned around and saw Princess Celestia. She saw the book I was reading and saw my picture on the page. She turned and glared at me. Her once kind eyes filled with hate. I freaked out. I teleported out of that freaking room. Out of that freaking castle.

I... was... a number. I meant nothing to her. I was foal #302! I had a name. A name that was not mine. It was some random name. She said I was an orphan. That no pony wanted me even when I wasn't taken. I can't believe that she took me. I could of had a happy life. I could of been living with a family, been happy another way. Yeah I was still a foal. Still I'm almost a teenager now. She could've told me! She could've told me before I found out myself. Why was her diary, her obsessive, daft diary, even in the library! I can't believe she put some magical spell on me and took me. I started to tear up. I didn't notice when a young stallion stood over me. He gently touch my ear, "Miss, your crying." I looked up my eyes wide and looked wider with tears. He looked down at me sadly. He laid in the street near me and sighed quietly.

~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~

I guess I feel asleep, because when I woke up I was on a bed. I looked around in a panic and saw the stallion from before on the couch on the other side of the room. I walked out the bedroom door. Me being quiet as usual started to make some toast and pancakes. The young stallion from the other night looked at me in surprise as he walked down the stairs and saw me in the kitchen. "Hello miss. Um what are you doing?"

I looked up at him and just stared. I regained my posture and turned back to the food. "I am not a 'miss'. I am named," I coughed, "Cou-Cougari." The name felt familiar on my tongue, but it was different all the same.

He laughed really annoyingly, "Sorry Cougari! I am sorry for calling you miss. I am sorry for bringing you here without your consent, but you seemed so sad back in the alley way." He looked at me for a bit while I cooked and changed the subject to a whole different one. "Where do you live?"

I turned to him and blinked, "How far are we from the castle?"

He tilted his head, "Completely different topic but, ahem, about two miles. Why?"

I smiled, "Because I live about two miles from here." I put the breakfast on the table and brought syrup and whipped cream from the fridge.

He gaped at me as I sat down to eat pancakes and toast but he snapped out of it long enough to sit down to eat.

~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~

I was walking toward the castle, the young stallion, whose name was Flaring Song, (or Flare) insisted on coming with me, I was almost there as royal guards stopped us. "HALT! Who goes there!" I stood up straight and looked the guard in the eye.

"Excuse me?!" I glowered "I am Gari! The Princess of the Night's personal student!" He looked me up and down in shock. But, so did Flaring Song. The guard shamefully looked down and moved away,

"Yes of course. Sorry Ms. Gari. Welcome back."

I looked through the window and saw a pair of eyes staring at me. But my attention got thwarted by a pony screaming. I looked around and saw Minutte gallop towards me, a grin splayed across her face. "Red! Omagodomagodomagod!! I had no idea where you were!" Her voice became fuzzy as I looked past her into the window. The eyes were gone.

The Eyes

View Online

My pretend student looked at me with grief in her eyes. I looked back at her sadly. Poor Cougari. I should have known it would be her who would come. She made her apologies and made a quick exit, right before the little filly cleaned up our plates and tiredly asked us if we wanted dessert. Tia got up, saying she was going to retire for the night, Twilight Sparkle going right after her. I sat at the table for a while until I decided to go to the library. I took a step in and noticed something was wrong. I looked down and I saw Tia crying. I stepped forward and laid near her, turning to her I spoke, "T-Tia... Are you... Are you ok?" She turned to me sharply.

Her eyes filled out with a hidden rage, but also with regret. She showed me the book, "How could you Lulu. All those years ago... I thought you'd LISTEN!" Her voice squeaking with hidden emotion.

I sighed, "How much did you read Tia?"

She looked at me sharply, "All of it."

I frowned and took the book from her, "Then you know why I did it? Why I took them?!" My voice rose, "How dare thou judge thee! I did it for thy! I felt unloved. I felt like an orphan Tia. I felt unneeded in this world! Why Would they need me when they have you?! CELESTIA! HIGH AND MIGHTY!" My voice dripped with sarcasm and rage. I stood up, "THEY NEEDED A FAMILY CELESTIA! THEY HAD A RIGHT TO A FAMILY! AND WHO WAS I TO STEAL THAT RIGHT FROM THEM?! WHO WAS I? I WAS JUST LIKE THEM TIA!"

She stood up as well, towering over me, "I TOLD YOU NOT TO LUNA! I TOLD YOU NOT TO AND YOU DISOBEYED ME!"

I yelled right back at her, "I DID WHAT I THOUGHT WAS BEST! I THOUGHT WE WERE EQUAL IN THIS TIA! I THOUGHT WE COULD BOTH MAKE DECISIONS! WHY ARE YOU ALWAYS THE ONE WITH THE LAST WORD?! WHY DO THOU HAVE MORE POWER?!" I shook with rage, my blue eyes glowing, "WHY DO I ALWAYS MESS UP TIA?! I THOUGHT WE AGREED TO THIS!"

Celestia stood taller, "YOU LIED TO ME LUNA! YOU LIED TO YOUR SISTER! I THOUGHT YOU FELT ENOUGH HAPPINESS!" She took a deep breath, and with tears running down her face she asked, "How long Lulu? How long has this been going on?"

I sighed, "After you told me no, I thought of what I could do to change your mind:

I walked into my chambers. I looked down unto the land below. I could see all the prissy ponies walking around, their mane high and stiff, with spectacles down on the tip of their muzzles. Walking around like they owned everything. I looked toward the orphanage, which was close by the castle. There were little foals playing, but one filly was sitting. Her face muddy, but tear streaked. I looked towards her and had a funny feeling in my stomach. Somepony did that to her. I took my hood and flew down there. I walked inside, and there, sitting on a fancy chair, counting bits, was the head of the Orphanage. I spoke quietly to her and she nodded repeatedly. I turned and trotted away. After awhile I took flight, looking for a perfect place. I found one, about 100 miles east of the castle. I was afraid that Celestia would find out what I was going to do. But I put that fear behind me and right before midnight I flew towards the orphanage. I tapped on the window, and a few colts and fillies got out of their beds and gazed at me in wonder. I put a spell on them, and they could fly. I led them up. Higher and higher until we reached the clouds. All of the foals were chittering excitedly. All but one. She looked at me and didn't say anything. As we reached the safe haven, I told them I will be back soon, and to keep themselves safe until then. Some of the older colts took it upon themselves to look after the younger foals. But, the poor young filly didn't want me to go. "Do you have a name?" She nodded, "Drawing Moon." I smiled. "Welcome Drawing Moon. Welcome daughter." She smiled at me and trotted away to the cave they found hidden between rocks."

I looked at Tia, "I know what I did. I know I shouldn't have done it behind your back, but..."

Tia sighed, her eyes still conflicting with emotion, "We are not done talking about this Luna."

^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~

I snuck out of my bedchambers early the next morning. Hoping to escape Celestia's questioning. It worked for a while. Tia came up to me after lunch, "She didn't know did she?"

I looked at her, confused, "Who?"

Tia sighed, "Gari."

I shook my head, "No, Gari doesn't know."

Tia frowned, "Didn't know."
"What?"
"Where do you think I found the book Luna?"
"What do you mean?!"
"It was between her hooves. Her face was shocked to see it. Ever notice she wasn't here yet? She got scared and teleported away Luna!"
"Tia! How could you not tell me this?!"
"I didn't tell you because you didn't need to know!"
"IT'S NOT THOU'S BUSINESS TO KEEP THINGS FROM ME TIA!"
"I know what I saw Luna."
"ITS NOT THOU'S BUSINESS TO KNOW WHAT THOU SAW!"
"Lulu calm down..." Celestia whispered.
I heard muffled talking outside the door. Cougari...

The Saddened Royal

View Online

Flare and I walked in the castle, with Minutte on our hooves. She looked from me to Flare awkwardly and suprisingly didn't ask me any questions. As I walked towards my room, Minutte guided me away, almost nervously, "Um, yeah Red. I... Don't think they want you in there right now, you better come with me." I looked at her in confusion but continued to walk with her anyway.

She led me to a dark room. It had its door open slightly and I could hear yelling, "IT IS NOT THOU'S BUSINESS TO KNOW WHAT THOU SAW!" I could hear the mumble of the ever so quiet reply.

Minutte turned to me, "They have been arguing ever since you left Red. Maybe you need to go in there to show them you are alright... or something like that."

I looked at her worried face, and reluctantly shook my head, "I think that will only make it worse, friend." She nodded but Flare stared at me quizzically. He opened his mouth to say something, but I held up a hoof and spoke to him, "Thank you for caring for me. But, you must be busy and I think it will be best if you go now." Flare stubbornly shook his head, and I glared at his defiant face. "Flaring Song. Go."

He shook his head again staring me down, but then his eyes drifted over my shoulder and widened considerably, "He doesn't have to go young Cougari."

I turned around and saw Luna behind me, I immediately bowed, albeit sadly I agreed, "Yes Moon Mother." I looked up at her, she had sadness in her eyes. "Princess? Are you alright?"

She shook her head, "I will talk to you soon Cougari."

"Princess, My name. It's Nightly Red. I will not be Cougari." She looked at me. It like she wanted to say something, but headed off without a word.

I saw the Sun Goddess step out of the room, moments after her sister left, "Cougari." She looked at me like she saw a ghost, but her gaze softened as she continued speaking, "I have many questions for you, but most can wait till morning. Get some rest, my little pony." I pretended to walk away as I crept towards the corner of the room and let the shadows encompassed me. She turned to Flaring Song and Minutte, "Minutte, go to the kitchens and help Chef. And you." She pulled her undivided attention unto my rescuer as Minutte galloped off. "Your name."

The confusion showed on his face, "What?"

Celestia sighed, "What is your name?"

Realization dawned, and I felt like face-hoofing, "Flaring Song, my Ladyship. But, ponies call me Flare."

She nodded, and cued some guards to come forward, "These guards will show you to your chambers. Food will be brought to you." He left moments later. She looked in my direction. "Cougari."

I sighed and came out of hiding, knowing she saw me. "Yes Princess. I'm sorry for spying. I wanted to make sure Faring Song would be alright. Princess, if you are angry with me, it's okay... but do not be mad at Princess Luna at my dispense."

The White Princess's glare softened, "Long ago, my sister disobeyed my direct instructions. I believe that is a reason to be angry."

I took a step towards her, "Princess Luna followed her heart to do what she believed is right, and though you say she disobeyed you, you have to remember that Princess Luna is your equal, not your subject. If you did what she did, whatever that might be, and disobeyed her instructions, what would she do to you? What would she say?"

Princess Celestia looked down, her expression thoughtful, "She would be angry at first, but would find it in herself to forgive me."

I nodded, smiling that she finally understood my point, "Goodnight my Lady." I bowed and headed towards my room. "I'll see you tomorrow sometime, for those questions?"

I heard her mumble a polite and quiet 'goodnight' as I headed down the long, decorated hall. I smiled to myself, Goodnight indeed.

^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~

I didn't sleep at all that night. But, that was normal for me I guess. I looked out to the distance, asking my family for help. When I left I knew it would be very long before I came home, but I missed my family, and didn't care so much for the truth anymore. I just wanted to know if my loved ones were okay.

It was dawn when I stepped out of my room and headed down the corridor. I turned throughout the castle and after a while I ended up at the grand entrance. I stared ahead, knowing all it took was one step, one step to leave and never come back. I forced myself to look away and slowly headed back towards my room with my head down, and ears and eyes drooping. Suddenly, I was exhausted.

As I got into bed I reflected on the past few days. I knew that I would have to keep up my guard for the next week or so. Princess Luna was as mysterious as the old stories said, and I was downright confused. When my tribe learned of the Night Watcher's return, we rejoiced and looked expectantly towards the sky, hoping for a glimpse of our grand mother. But, as hours trickled to days, which turned to month, then years, we lost most of our hope. But, my father never stopped looking. He was a dreamer, a practical dreamer, yes, but a dreamer nonetheless. Soon. I looked out my window, unto the night sky and spoke to my family, Soon I'll be home again.

Leave Them Behind

View Online

I awoke to the sound of pacing outside my bedchamber. I moved out of bed and quickly combed through my orange bedridden mane. When I was presentable I opened the door slowly, surprised at who stood there. "Flare?" I giggled as I saw his bedraggled appearance.

"Oh uh... Cougari! I mean Gari... uh I think. Hi... uh..." I let out another spurt of laughter at his awkward approach. He releases a smile. "Hey Cougari." He finally settles with. I nod my head in greeting, not trusting myself to speak as I take in his appearance. I float my manebrush over and hand it to him. He frowns as he looks at it.

"Why are you here?" I speak up as he grabs the brush and runs it through his mane.

He cracks another sheepish smile. "I was instructed to leave, but I couldn't without saying 'bye to you."

A faint blush covered my cheeks. "Oh. Uh, okay. Goodbye Flaring Song."

"Goodbye Cougari. Promise you'll visit me if you have any time. I could show you around Canterlot, or something..."

His awkward return of the brush and the way his hoof scuffed the ground made me smile broadly, and against my better judgement, I agreed. As I watched him walk off, I realized the time. It was late into the night, and knowing the White Princess had questions for me, I walked to her chambers, albeit I got lost every few turns. Thankfully, the door was open and the faint glow of candlelight filled the room. I stepped inside, "Aren't you supposed to be asleep Princess?"

I hear faint chuckling at the back of the room. "Yes, I suppose. But I was waiting for you. Come here Gari. Let us watch the stars."

I narrowed my eyes, my adaptation to nocturnal vision cutting through the dim light. "Princess... I just have time to answer your questions. I apologize." As I approached the alicorn I watched her sigh and turn to me.

"Gari, the questions I have to ask... are about your home." I kept my expression guarded as she approached. "As in... where do you come from?"

I frowned as I answered, "Somewhere."

The Princess' eyes widened at my short reply, but she asked another, "What is your relationship with Princess Luna?"

I let out a short breath, "She's my teacher."

"Where exactly do you live?"

"In the castle at the moment."

I smiled a bit, enjoying this. I knew not answering the Princess was treason but I didn't care. Her questions were unjustified.

"Where did you grow up?"

"With my family."

"Where is your family, friends, neighbors, and life before you came to Canterlot located." I could tell she was losing patience, so I took a step back.

"Altogether. Princess Celestia, I apologize for not answering your questions the way you want me to, but I never will. So, if that's all, then..." I turned and walked away, chin up and eyes almost closed.

"Gari... I just need to know... because" She sighed, and I stopped in my tracks, not turning around. "I need to know because I think I could help you, all of you."

"Thank you your Highness but, I disagree."

^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~

It was past midnight, almost dawn when I left my room again, this time running into one of the night guards. They are pretty strange looking, thanks to the enchantment placed into the armor. The leathery bat wings protruding from either side of the saddle-like plate of armor protecting their sides. Their fangs glisten as they talk and their tufted ears signify their bat-like qualities to a point. But, then the pony qualities shine through. The hooves, to the fur. The only difference is the cat like eyes they posses. It's all an enchantment, or they would like you to think that. The species is Thestrals. AKA bat pony. These creatures are very much real, but not at all scary. The one I ran into was one of the two new recruits, by the name of Nyx. Soon after, the other came clumsily crashing in. His name was Erebus. These two were twins,both having the same black fur and purple wings. The only difference being the eyes. Nyx had purple, like her wings. Normal for the eyes and wings of bat ponies to correspond. But, Erebus had a strange color altogether. His eyes were the color green, a rare color in all Thestrals. So, of course, when I saw them I was pretty jumpy, even if they were the only ones who understood my nocturnal life. I smiled brightly at the pair, "Hey guys! You on duty tonight?" They nodded simultaneously, Nyx giving me a friendly nod while Erebus smiled back.

"Yeah! We were assigned to be your guards tonight." Erebus spoke with a slight hiss to his voice.

I frowned at the news. Not because they were my guards, but because I had guards in the first place. "Thanks Erebus, Nyx." I nodded. "But, I really don't need guards." I spoke to them lightly.

But, Nyx spoke up in refusal. "That is what we said, but even we can't deny the request of Princess Luna."

My eyes widened, scanning the area quickly before stepping towards the two. "Repeat what you said." I ordered, my voice low.

"Princess Luna requested us, as in specifically, to guard you until you leave. From now on, we are your personal guard." Nyx informed me with conformation in her voice.

I nodded, still a little perturbed. "I... Uh... Okay, I guess if Princess Luna commanded it." She dipped her head and told them to follow her. She walked in the direction of her room.

^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~

I stared out my Diocletian window, having perfect view of the Canis Major constellation, I traced the outline with my eyes. I felt stupid. I could have avoided this whole thing. The drama, the "meeting other people", and certainly the Princesses, if I just stopped asking questions. But I was too far. Too far in to stop now. And my questions... Now I was certainly not going to leave them behind.