Chapter 1
A/N: This is my first fic and I'm still getting used to publishing and fiddling with all the small indent thingy wingy's. But anyway, I tried to get a feel for the story straight away but I'll let you be the judge of that. Also, I put all the dialog in normal English as a pose to using the old format, Thy, thee and hath and so on. Just to make it easier to read. Hope you enjoy it!!
The sun lifted over the horizon, gracing its warmth and light to animals and plants alike. Small birds started chirping and singing morning songs to the silent woods they slept in. Rabbits and small hedgehogs started to rise and travel around the forest floor. They had no fear in their eyes and rightly so. They scurried about in the bright yellow flowers and lush green grass, the orange glow from the sky turning bluer every minute. One of the small gray rabbits lifted its small nose and sniffed the air. After a moment it turned to the others and gave a silent exchange. All of the small animals moved deeper into the forest as the sound of galloping made its way over the small mound in the forest. It grew louder and louder before finally, the small animals watched as a white stallion in golden armour galloped past them in a blink of an eye. The small animals waited until the galloping vanished before continuing with the day as normal. The stallion galloped at an average pace, keeping himself calm and not running out of breath. Keeping himself focused on the path he carved through the forest, he soon burst out into light and saw what he wanted. The capitol of Equestria, Canterlot.
“ It is about time.” He muttered to himself. “ Come on Sirius. Last push and you can hit the hay.” Sirius broke into another gallop and wound his way alone the Canterlot path. He loved looking at the city and its towering buildings. That and the fact it sits on a mountain side never failed to stun him. Anypony who saw him staring at the capitol would be forgiven for thinking it was his first time laying eyes upon it. He quickly checked his satchel strapped to his side and nodded when finding it still full. Not long after emerging from the forest, he came to the gates. Slowing to a walk, Sirius nodded to the two guards on either side. Both of them snapping to attention at once. This was the only thing Sirius hated about his rank. He shook his head and gave a warm smile. “ At ease gentlecolts. No need for formalities around me unless the princess' are present.” He waited but as usual he got no reply. Just a nod and a slight movement in the guards' stance as they found a more comfortable position. Sirius carried on through the doors and felt at ease walking into the crowded main street of Canterlot. He knew there were some beautiful sights in Equestria but none compared to walking into Canterlot. He walked through the crowds heading towards the palace.
“ Morning sir.” Some said as he walked past.
“ Indeed it is. Enjoy Celestia's day.” Sirius replied to all of them with a warm smile that all the resident ponies had become so familiar with. Sirius took his time heading to the palace. Watching all the other ponies go about their business and having fun. The guard watched as a small colt ran up to him with a smile that broke across his whole face. The colt jumped in front of him shaking with excitement.
“ I want to be just like you when I grow up. A royal guard! Do you fight evil ponies and speak to the princess' all the time. I bet you do. I bet you-”
“ Soarin. How many times have I told you.” The colts obvious mother cursed at him. The colt didn't seam phased by it and kept his gaze on Sirius. “ I'm terribly sorry for my son-”
“ No apology needed ma'am.” Said Sirius shaking a dismissive hoof. He bent down to the colts level and grinned. “ You need strength, courage and skill to become a guard. Do you have that?”
“ I sure do!” Yelled Soarin. Sirius chuckled.
“ Then I'm sure you'll be one someday. Remember, a royal guards highest task is obeying the princess' orders. Id train yourself by starting with your mother here.”
“ I will!” Soarin yelled again. Sirius pulled back up and turned his gaze to the mare in front of him.
“ I shall be on my way now ma'am. Enjoy Celestia's day.” Said Sirius before walking around them and carrying on to the castle. He spotted two guards standing on either side of the doors as per usual and smiled at them both.
“ Guards.”
“ Captain.” They replied opening the doors for him. Sirius walked through the large metal doors and the sun fell of his back as the doors closed behind him. He took a deep breath as he walked through the main hall and travelled up the red carpeted stairs. The sun casting sharp shadows on everything. Soon he found the doors he wanted. At the end of the long, high ceiling corridor stood the door to the throne room. They were large and bright gold, almost shimmering in the absent of light. Sirius didn't stop as he used his magic to open the doors. A dull blue light came over both doors and the swung open slowly allowing him to walk through. Instantly he was bathed in sunlight from the windows on either side of the large room. He let his teal eyes however fall upon the two large figures seated on two thrones at the opposite side of the gargantuan room. Princess Luna and Princess Celestia. Regal rulers of Equestria and princess' to all. Both the princess' eyes fell upon Sirius as he walked into the room. The walk seamed to take forever but nevertheless, he always enjoyed speaking to the princess' whenever his superior, General Rigel, allowed him to. He stopped at the foot of both their thrones and bowed low.
“ Your highness'.”
“ Rise captain Sirius. I trust you brought us our foundations?” Came the soft velvety voice of the sun goddess. Princess Celestia.
“ Indeed I have princess'. Here are the plans you asked for.” Said Sirius as his horn flashed and a paper scroll pulled out his satchel. Luna smiled happily at the sight and took it in her firm darker blue magical light. She brought it up and let it unravel itself to face her and her sister.
“ Have you thought of a name yet your highness'?” Asked Sirius.
Luna frowned and thought for a moment but Celestia let her grin widen. “ I was thinking of ponytown.”
“ A Fine name indeed.”
“ Actually sister. Do you not agree that Ponyvile sounds more elegant than Ponytown. Rather easy to say and fitting, considering it will only be classed as a village for the next century.” Said Luna while bringing the scroll closer to her. The scroll had upon it foundations for a small village soon to become filled with ponies. There were only seven buildings on it. Some housing with some shops and a library that was to be carved into the towering tree.
“ My sister makes a valid point. Thank you Luna.” Celestia said with soft smile. She turned to face Sirius again. “ Ponyvile it is. Now why don't you find Rigel. I'm sure he would like to talk to you.”
“ As you wish your highness.” Replied Sirius before turning and leaving in the same manner in which he entered. Celestia waited until the doors firmly closed before turning to her sister with a knowing smile.
“ You should promote him.”
“ I beg your pardon Celestia?”
“ You should promote him and take him as a student. Who know's what he could do with your help-”
“ I think not sister. Alicorn magic is for you and I and you and I alone.” Stated Luna firmly. The princess of the sun rolled her eyes and pulled out a scroll with a map of Equestria on it.
“ Has the dispute between Manehatten and their mayor been settled yet?” Asked Celestia. For the past week the rapidly growing village was having issues with its mayor. The mayor of the village didn't want Manehatten to grow and become a city but wanted it to stay a village where everyone knew each other and nopony could find themselves getting lost. The village however urged the mayor to reconsider and expand the boundary’s and become a city. Luna shook her head.
“ No. The ponies of Manehatten are in uproar as of now. I suggest giving the citizens what they want.”
“ And feeding the growing size? Housing the growing size?” Questioned Celestia.
“ To be fed with the surrounding farm lands and housed in the new buildings I shall schedule.” Replied Luna with a grin. She loved showing her sister that she knew what she was doing every chance she got. Whether it be raising the moon without braking a sweat or running Equestria.
“ Very well then Luna. I'll leave it to you to sort out. Now! I do believe we have some things to sort out on our very own doorstep.”
“ Being?” Asked Luna Sceptically.
“ Its nearing midday...” Celestia pressed. Luna's ears fell as she remembered.
“ The royal diaries.” She stated rhetorically. Celestia chuckled at her younger sister while rising of her throne.
“ Oh Lune, you make it sound like a punishment. We need to do this so we remember everything that happens in our everlasting lives.”
“ I know.” Replied Luna rising as well. For the past two centuries, Luna and Celestia had taken up writing down everything that happened to them during their lives. So as to never forget anything and remember everypony in their forever lasting lives. “ So If that is all, I bid you farewell Celestia.”
“ Oh Lulu formalities are only for in front of other ponies. Brighten up-”
“ I'm the goddess of the night.” Luna said flatly. Celestia held back a chuckle.
“ Then in that case. Be a sister to me and not just a co-ruler.”
Luna stared at her sister and finally smiled. “ Alright Celly. You get what you wished for. But I can't find the will to fly all the way to the castle.” She said. For you see, Luna kept her so called 'diary' far away in their castle which most ponies call the 'Castle of the royal pony sisters'.
“ I can't imagine why you would have it in there? Why not replace it here, In your chambers. I do not need to set a hoof out the palace.”
“ Well I certainly enjoy the flight and the forest around it.” Replied Luna sheepishly. Celestia nodded and looked out one of the large windows lining the throne room.
“ My day seams to be barren of any rain clouds. Thank Cloudsdale for that. So I think you're in for an easy flight.”
Luna started for the door giving a small chuckle. The light reflecting of her flowing blue mane. “ Its possibly incredible that you think some clouds would stop me. I'll see you upon my arrival sister.” Said Luna as she left. Luna used her magic to close the large doors and headed down the red carpeted hallway. She hated writing down her life. She could remember it perfectly at all times so she saw no point in the matter. But she had to. To make her sister happy as she liked to do. Luna came to the main doors to the palace and used her magic to open it. Both guards on the other side snapped to attention, unknowing who was coming out the door. As soon as their eyes met the form of Princess Luna they fell to their knees in a low bow.
“ Your highness.” They both said in unison.
Luna smiled. “ As you were.” In reality she loved the respect she had. Adored it to the point where she felt sad to see other ponies having to bow before her as if they were bellow herself. She shook her thoughts and took flight.
Sirius entered the royal guards section of the palace and smiled at the familiar sight of golden armour, swords and disciplined rules. This section was lined with the standard walls and windows but it leaned slightly more towards something you would be forgiven for thinking it were barracks. He walked through the main golden doors which had their guard insignia upon it and entered into a massive chamber. Sirius loved this one room at the entrance for its stained glass roof. The light flooded through and gave of different colours as it travelled through different coloured glass. Casting blue, red and golden lights into the large room. The captain gazed for a moment before continuing to his destination. The main dining hall. Sirius knew there would be ponies in there that could tell him the whereabouts of the General and his time spent looking for his superior would be shortened greatly. Sirius walked out of the large entrance hall and into a small corridor which lead him into the main dining hall. He found it to be full with earth ponies, pegasi and unicorns feasting on their usual lunch. None of them took notice of Sirius until he cleared his through. One unicorn, upon noticing Sirius, Stood bolt upright from his seat. Putting his hoof to his head in a salute and was soon followed by the entire hall. Again Sirius found himself shaking his head at his rank.
“ Would one of you gentlecolts please tell me where General Rigel is?” Asked Sirius. The closest guard to him took a step forward.
“ Inside his office sir. I do believe he has had some pressing issues to work on.”
“ Very good. Well, don't wait for me.” Sirius said motioning a hoof to the waiting food. The guards hesitantly lowered themselves to their seats and instead of the fun and chatting atmosphere Sirius received when he entered, he felt the room turn to a sort of stoic atmosphere. The guards where sitting bolt straight and eating as formally as possible. Sirius knew he wouldn't be able to convince them to return to their antics so left for Rigel's office. He felt eyes on him as he walked casually across the hall and out another set of doors taking him into yet another corridor. Sirius heard the sounds of chatter start up again as the doors closed and smiled. “ When will they learn.” Sirius walked through some more corridors, passing armoury rooms, blacksmith rooms and training halls until finally coming to the doors of Rigel's office. He stood before the relativity small wooden door when compared to the dinning hall and entrance doors and eyed the nameplate upon the door. ' General Rigel. Leader of the Equestrian Royal Guard.' Sirius shivered when a stream of thoughts past through his mind. That nameplate would read General Sirius in the coming future because he was next in line to lead. Sirius suppressed his thoughts and brought a hoof to the door and knocked twice. There was a pause in which Sirius questioned if Rigel was actually in there but was stopped when a voice said calmly from the other side.
“ Enter.” Sirius opened the door and walked into General Rigel's quarters. Out of all the office's and quarters in the canterlot guard, Rigel's was by far the most high tailored and pristine. His desk faced the door which Sirius entered and behind it stood a gargantuan semi circle window. Two glass doors were centred in the middle which lead out onto a balcony which overlooked the palace and half of Canterlot. Sirius let his eyes fall from the incredible view to stare at Rigel. The white stallion had his torso and hoof armour on but had his helmet sitting on his desk. Revealing his combed brown mane and green eyes better. Sirius walked forwards and gave a short bow.
“ General. I-” Started Sirius but was stopped by Rigel raising a hoof.
“ In a moment. Allow me finish this.” Said Rigel lazily as his green aura of magic worked a small quill on some parchment. Sirius rose and stood patiently. Quick scribbling echoed through the room and after some time, Rigel put the quill down and raised his head slightly. “ Now then. As if by magic, I find that you successfully retrieved the plans for our newest settlement. I shouldn't be questioning really. A guard of your rank. Its to be expected but can you blame me for wanting my successor to be as good as, if not greater than I?”
“ No sir. A very wise choice as a matter of fact sir.”
“ Sirius. Drop the sir if you please.”
“ But sir-”
“ That's now an order.” Rigel pressed. Sirius stared at Rigel but let a small smile creep onto his muzzle.
“ Alright then … Rigel.”
Rigel chuckled ever so slightly. “ Now I'm glad you got your scrolls of the new foundations. Tell me have our highness' thought of a name yet?”
“ Ponyvile was what they both decided on if I remember perfectly.” Said Sirius. Rigel thought for a moment and nodded once.
“ Rather nice. And have our princess' got any news for me. As you are the last one to confer with them?” Asked Rigel. Sirius shook his head. Rigel nodded once again and pulled out another scroll with a small burst of green magic. “ Now on to more pressing matters. Its been two weeks since Starswril sadly passed away and that leaves us with no means of conjuring new spells or magical talents. I need you to ask the princess' what our next actions should be in that front. We need new ways of conjuring new defence and offence spells, as you know.”
“ I am aware. But you yourself Rigel said our guard is the most formidable force in all of Equestria. Nothing could possibly be greater than ourselves.”
“ Sirius if you are to become General you must realize that there are always foes somewhere out there that are greater in either magical strength or military might. Its never wrong to want to better ones self.”
Sirius mentally slapped himself for being so stupid. He hid his embarrassment and quickly tried to change the subject. “ Have the princess' given any new order yet?”
Rigel perked up and brought another scroll over. “ Actually I got this as you were on your way over. Its a new task and one I'll be taking upon myself and you know what that means?”
“ I'll be acting General until your return.”
“ Correct.” Praised Rigel. “ The matter at hand is in fact some issues to do with the expansion of Manehatten. The mayor doesn't see it but the ponies of the city want nothing but expansion. What are your thoughts on this Sirius?” He asked. Sirius thought for a moment. He knew as well as everyone else that Manehatten was the fastest growing city. Second only to Canterlot. He also knew of the situation of the city and all its resources surrounding it. With that in mind he came to a conclusion.
“ I feel its right to allow the city to expand. The resources surrounding the city is more than enough to sustain the population.”
Rigel gave a proud grin. “ Very well said. Now I'll take a battalion on pegasi with me, that leaves you with only seven others pegasi battalions. That and the rest of the guard. Shouldn't be too much for you to handle.”
“ Not at all.” Replied Sirius.
“ You know to hand everything off to General Soazin for the night guards yes?”
“ That and to order all royal guards to turn in for the night and let Princess Luna's guards take point.”
“ Very good. Now then I'll send for the pegasi-” Rigel stopped as another scroll appeared in a flash of blue light before being caught by his own green magic. Sirius watched with slight alarm as Rigel's face turned from one of curiosity to one of concern then to nervousness.
“ General Rigel?”
Rigel stared at the scroll for a moment before coming too. “ Its seams Princess Celestia herself will be attending.” Rigel said stunned.
“ The princess? What could she want with something so mediocre as a small dispute?”
“ Logic escapes me. She will be here within the day and will be expecting to leave upon her arrival.... Well there goes my nice long stress free task. Sirius, I want you to pick the highest ranking pegasi and send them to me. In the meantime I will start preparations for our departure.” Said Rigel rising from his desk. Sirius nodded and left without another word. He thought it weird and an anomaly that Celestia would want to attend something so small. Sirius shrugged it off and turned down one corridor passing a grey guard.
“ Captain.” He said with a salute. Sirius only nodded and carried on walking.
The princess of the moon entered the castle of the royal pony sisters with forced enthusiasm. She hated coming all the way out here. Rolling her eyes, she trudged through the doors and down the long hall into a large circular room. The room had windows which gave a panoramic view of the Everfree forest sitting right on its doorstep. Luna walked into the middle and sat. Her horn lit up while closing her eyes tightly and for a moment, nothing occurred. The princess of the night sat motionlessly as her horn proceeded to go about its magic. Almost when you would think nothing was ever going to happen a crack of sound darted around and echoed through the room. Suddenly there was a bright flash of blinding white light and hovering before her was a large brown book. It had upon it the exact same mark that Luna had as her cutie mark. The princess opened her eyes and the book flipped through pages filled with writing and some intricate pictures and soon stopped at a blank page. Luna gazed at the page before words suddenly started to appear on them. Not words, full sentences and soon paragraphs.
“ So I am here yet again doing this boring old nasty diary nonsense. I feel I have to speak to you directly though. So as, if anypony or anything where to read this it would sound as if I am speaking to you through these words. I suppose that is for the best. Perhaps for the better sake of you and me. My sister tells me this is for the best. To right down my life so anypony can read it and look into what I feel and think at any point in my immortal life. That I have to put down into words my entire being. Speaking of putting my life into words, this book I have been left with is rather hideous. But who am I to judge.... I find myself laughing but you can't hear it. Celestia thinks we have just that exact right. The right to judge. Because we are the princess' and we are meant to judge accordingly. But I feel it is wrong to judge. To have the right to call somepony beautiful or disgusting. If I am to be perfect, most ponies chatter about the dark and mysterious creatures that live in the land are to be feared and not communicated with. If that is true then why is it I am able to have a conversation with any of my subjects. After all I am the princess of the night. I command the darkness in all the lands. I only venture out of Canterlot for this recording of my life story and for the pleasure of the night alone. That or when I am needed.
No. Sadly the ponies of Equestria do not think of me like that. They see me in the same light as Celestia, although some part of me wishes they did the exact opposite. For I would be able to see all the creatures that come out during my night. Even if they are not ponies.... I'm ranting.
Getting back to today's events. Nothing out of the ordinary. Me and my sister sat on our thrones for the better half of my sisters entire day. Boring and meaningless is what I say. But we must do it. As Equestria's princess' we must show our loyalty to our subjects. Even if we are made to sit hours on end with no contact with the outside world.
Manehatten, on another note. Seams to be having a rebellion within the village. The village wants to expand to a city but the mayor want have any of it. I personally think its rather critical that the mayor demonstrates her authority in the village. As she is the one to keep the whole village in order. Even if that mayors goals are a lost cause, the village will become a city.
Nothing more of importance has occurred today so I shall bid you a farewell.”
The words stopped flowing onto the pages and Luna let the book vanish in yet another blinding white light. Of which didn't effect the moon princess in the slightest.
“ It seams it is time already.” Spoke Luna as she watched the burning orb of the sun slowly make its decent behind the tree line and casting a purple colour over the entire sky. Twilight it was called. The moment between day and night. The moment when the sun, even when bellow the horizon, has its light reflect of the sky and back onto the land. This was the part of the never ending cycle Luna loved the most. The point in which it was neither Luna's night or Celestia's day. A neutral point.
The princess turned and headed outside the castle, shutting the doors firmly as she left. Luna looked up at the sky as her mane flowed without wind before bending her knees and shooting up into the vast air. The sun had dipped bellow the horizon and was casting its last light, signalling Luna's moon to rise. The moon princess pivoted in the air and squinted to the opposite side of the sky. The darker end to be precise, and felt herself shiver with content. She closed her eyes and began the process which she had done so many times before in the past. Her horn lit up and the constant and soothing rhythm of her wings keeping her aloft died out as she concentrated. She cast her magical lasso out into the the sky and felt it disappear over the horizon before she felt what she was looking for. Luna hooked her magic around the celestial body of the moon and tugged at it ever so slightly. And like rolling a gargantuan ball, it started moving up and over the horizon with Luna merely guiding it into position for its nightly trip across the sky. The princess let go of the moon and smiled as she opened her eyes and saw the oversized ball of white roll onto the black and dark blue field that was the night sky. Her stars which she had placed so intricately many a year ago came out to greet her. This was what she lived for. To have the night bow to her command. Luna smiled and turned before darting to the palace with new found ecstasy.
“ Princess' Luna.” Came the sounds of two night guards standing post at the palace doors. Luna loved having her own entire royal guard. More than that, she loved how her guard portrayed her in every detail. From their purple armour to their bat like wings.
“ It feels rather cold out here. Would you both care for some tea?”
“ No thank you your highness'” Said one of the guards. Luna nodded and entered the palace doors and was instantly greeted by two of her favourite ponies. General Soazin and Nightfall. A normal coloured blue unicorn and a dark grey pegasus, magnificent skills in their field and some who Luna would like to call her friend. The stallion and mare bowed low before their princess.
“ General. Nightfall.” Luna acknowledged tipping her head slightly.
“ As always, it is a gift to see you your highness.” Said Soazin.
“ And might I say.” Said Nightfall. “ It is a particularly beautiful night you have given us.” Luna frowned for a moment but smiled nonetheless.
“ I'm flattered but it is beginning to get a little old now isn't it?”
“ We thought nothing of it your highness. After all we have to regarded you with the highest of respect-” Replied Soazin
“ I refer not to the formal language you use Soazin. I mean the compliments you both speak as a habit to try and always get on my good side. If there is one thing I've learned from you both, it is that you never make an effort to compliment me more than needed unless one of you has something to say that I am not going to like. So I ask, what is is?”
Soazin smiled slightly realizing the princess had already found them out. Her young image hid well her vast knowledge well. “ Princess it seams that uh …”
“ It seams,” Continued Nightfall. “ That princess Celestia left to gaze over the proceedings in Manehatten herself. She is not here.” Luna felt herself twitch a little. Her sister left firstly without telling her. And secondly this is the one hundredth and twenty second time she has taken it upon herself to deal with some matters and not let Luna attend. Not only that. Her sister told her to sort it out herself without the need of her big sister. The moon princess held a stoic face, betraying no emotion as she felt the annoyance for her sister keeping her behind closed doors.
“ Doesn't she trust me.” Luna mumbled to herself as she started walking towards the throne room. Nightfall and Soazin following in tow.
“ In fairness your highness she did appoint you to lead Canterlot until her return.” Stated Soazin.
“ That's no different than what I do now. I look after and keep Canterlot in check during every night.”
“ The princess did add for me to tell you another key point-”
“ And what would that be Soazin.” Asked Luna coolly. Soazin visibly paused for a moment before continuing.
“ She stated that the day is completely different than the night-”
“ Oh doesn't she know I already know that.” Barked Luna. There was a long pause and silence filled the room. Luna stood motionlessly for a moment before slicing the ice by chuckling loudly. “ But that is my sister all over. Trying to look out for her little sister at all times. And how exactly long is she not with us?”
“ Three days your highness.” Said Nightfall.
“ Very well. I will be retiring to the throne room. Please, only disturb me if there is a problem.”
“ Yes your highness.” Both ponies said in unison. Luna stopped and turned around giving both ponies a quick smile before closing the doors to said throne room. They had walked there inadvertently while chatting. The princess of the night casually made her way to the throne and made herself comfortable for the night – and day – ahead.