The switch
“A VACATION!?”
Princess Luna did her best not to smirk at her sister’s outburst. Getting any sort of reaction from Celestia that was not her usual pleasant manner of speech was certainly entertaining, but goading her into it wasn’t the point today. The two guards flanking the throne cast each other a knowing look. Understanding that the following conversation was best suited for privacy, they made their pardons. Celestia waved them away, practically shooing them, before returning to her younger sister.
“Luna you’ve made many suggestions before considering what to do with your time–watching your lovely nightfall, sleeping in during the day while I hold court. One could say that I’ve been quite lenient with how you spend hours,” Celestia said, resuming her graceful way of talking.
“Do cease speaking to me as one of your subjects, for I am not,” Luna flashed her midnight blues at Celestia as she strutted back and forth in front of her. “Nor am I to be treated as one of your subservient guards. Speak to me as your sister. Your equal,” she said tersely. “Half of the day is night, despite the difference in activity.”
“Sister, please,” Celestia reared up from her seat and descended. “Of all times to consider a sabbatical, must it take place starting now? Tomorrow is the Summer Solstice. It is an event that would enjoy your shared participation.”
Luna snorted. “Raising the sun is something you have done consistently for centuries. Yet every year you hold a silly festival celebrating the day you keep it hanging about the kingdom the longest.”
“For the public to enjoy,” said Celestia flatly. “I do believe you enjoyed the populace’s presence through your own nightly holiday.”
“An excruciating night it was,” retorted Luna. “Not only was the holiday in question one of fear through my previous failure at getting revenge, but you had neglected to properly advise me on how much change our own language and speech customs went through during my imprisonment.”
A tinge of bitterness hung on the last word. Celestia sighed deeply. “Certainly I am at fault for not setting up proper linguistic training,” she glanced at Luna, “which you resisted at my initial suggestion.”
“Forgive me if my first reaction to speech lessons was filled with mockery,” Luna rolled her eyes.
“You did decline,”
“I was addressing my subjects with the royal ‘We’ which, apparently, is something outdated that even you no longer bother to uphold.”
“Luna, according to my report from–"
“I was screaming at ponies who fled in fear of me!” Luna pressed her nose against her sister’s so they were eye to eye. “Despite how well things worked nearing the end of the night, that doesn’t disregard how I felt throughout. Sister, are you aware of a shorter term for engaging in merry activities?”
“Of course I am…” said Celestia quietly.
“Fun,” Luna recalled. “A word of three letters that had been invented during my absence. I am certain there’s a plethora of words that I have not yet attained. Current events mean nothing to me, sister. When the changelings invaded, I was at a loss because they did not exist before my banishment. I need to travel my kingdom. I need to see, feel, breathe what is different. Browsing the almanacs and records at my disposal is something I am not keen on. Do you understand me, sister?”
“Yes.”
“Do not get me started on the recent occurrence with that foul Discord,” said Luna, her eyes drifting to the stained glass along the hallway, “for I am still peeved.”
Celestia narrowed her eyes. “You do know I did that for your own protection.”
“Did you not think me capable!?” Luna wheeled on her. “Why in the time of raised chaos was I not stirred from my chambers? Together we drove that cretin back into his stone prison. Together we restored order to the land,” she was beginning to sound hurt, the subject was something she’s broached before with little answer. “Together we stopped him, even as he threw back his head and laughed, vowing his return.”
Celestia didn’t respond.
“Why?” pressed Luna.
“You know of Discord as well as I. That monster has a silver tongue, and uses it as a weapon to pierce the resolve of others. Dispatching the current wielders of the Elements of Harmony was nearly ineffective; even my prized pupil succumbed. We didn’t wield the Elements at that point. As powerful as you are, I did not dare to risk your resolve being speared by his words.”
This time Luna failed to respond. The Princess of the Night inhaled deeply, then after another moment, turned to her sister.
“I understand,” she said.
“So will you stay here with your moon until festivities are finished?”
“No I shall not,” Luna chuckled to herself. “I am standing firm on my decision to take leave. In my absence I fully intend to have the issue of my role solved by a temporary solution; one in good standing with us.”
A blue glow surrounded her horn and the hall doors opened. Six familiar faces galloped up to the courtroom at top speed.
“We came as soon as Spike finished reading the summons!” announced Twilight Sparkle, huffing a little from the exertion.
“Galloped all the way from the farm,” boasted Applejack.
“I was making grape juice!” Pinkie Pie pointed to her purple splotched legs.
“Yes, what is it that you require our talents for?” asked Rarity with the tiniest hint of irritation in her voice. “You look lovely in the daylight, I might add,” she complimented to Luna. “Perhaps you should visit us more often before nightfall. I’d love to have you visit my boutique. The honor of customizing a lovely dress to suit your slender frame would be mine.”
Dash flew up to Celestia, bowed as best as a flying pegasus could, and put up her hooves. “S’what’s the emergency? Did some big ugly monster show up causing trouble around here? I’ve got some right hooks saved up from Discord.”
“Emergency?” scoffed Celestia. Luna ignored her, walking up to Twilight Sparkle's group.
“Attention my fair group of ponies! It has been a plan of mine for some time now to take an extended break from Canterlot to see the world and take note of what has changed in my extended absence. Thanks to help from you fair six,” she shot her older sister a knowing look, “I’ve made some adjustments to modern life. During my leave, I wish for one of you to take my place as Princess of the Night.”
The collective gasp from the small group brought a smile to Luna’s face. The sharpest had come from Twilight Sparkle, who practically had stars in her eyes.
“Applejack,” she walked over to the orange mare, “you are the living embodiment of honesty. A stalwart pony who cares for her friends, her family, and her livelihood. Pinkie Pie,” the bouncy pony stopped her excited jumping for a bow, “as the Element of Laughter you bring joyfulness to other ponies’ hearts. All ponies should strive to follow in our footsteps to make daily life fun for all!”
“Rarity, the Element of Generosity, you are the pony I have had the least amount of time to become sociable with, yet I have read and learned much of you over the months,” said Luna, smirking as Rarity puffed out her chest. “Generosity is an admirable trait that all should strive to uphold,” she turned to Rainbow Dash, “as is loyalty, something you’ve shown time and time again, according to the many ponies’ lives that you have saved. Truly, you know when to display your courage through actions that benefit all.”
Luna turned to Fluttershy, who was otherwise hiding behind her pink hair. “The Element of Kindness, Fluttershy,” the butter-yellow mare shrank at Luna’s approach, though the movement was nearly imperceptible, “thanks to your aid during Nightmare Night, I was able to get a jump start towards better understanding the changed speech of my populace. Aiding me during the night was one of the most memorable experiences I have of you, as well as one of my most cherished.”
Twilight Sparkle took a graceful bow as Luna approached.
“Bearer of the Element of Magic,” said the Princess quietly. “Twilight Sparkle, prized pupil of my sister and one of the most talented in the land; of all the ponies here today in this room, it is you I know the most. A pony with exemplary power and one most learned amongst your group.”
Compliments like this were something Twilight was used to from Celestia, but to hear it from her younger sister was making her head spin. The huge grin on her face only stretched wider. Luna resumed her steady pacing back and forth.
“Only one of you may take my replacement role,” Luna casually strutted towards her sister. Not wanting to seem overly concerned, Celestia faked a yawn.
“A pony to represent myself. A pony fitting to take control of my titan in the sky. A pony with the grace, the inner power to command, to lead with their heart, to be an example upon others!” Luna’s wings flared out. Twilight tilted her head back and stood.
“A pony like you,” Luna pointed her hoof past Twilight. “Fluttershy!”
“WHAT!?”
The collective response from the six ponies made Luna laugh. Instantly she glanced back to see her Sister’s face. Though she did not make a sound, her jaw had dropped with the rest of them.
“M-me?” Fluttershy peeped, taking a step backwards. “Ruling? Um… but, why me?”
“Yes, sister,” Celestia cut in, noting the shocked reactions on the faces of everypony else. “Please explain your reasonings as to why you picked Fluttershy.”
Luna stepped forth until she was in front of the shivering yellow mare. Fluttershy squeaked once the Princess halted her approach.
“My reasons? They should not be any concern to the rest of you. Yet if you must know, I shall discern why. Fluttershy is the bearer of Kindness. In my leavings I have desired to pick Fluttershy’s presence over the night. There shall be a kinder night. One eschewed of fear!”
Twilight looked absolutely floored. “Princess, please, you’ve met Fluttershy before. I know I’m in no position to make any decision to direct-“
“Which is why you aren’t,” finished Luna. Anger briefly flashed across Twilight’s face. “Fluttershy will do a fine job with your assistance.”
“Assistance?!” shouted Twilight incredously.
“Yes of course! Somepony shall need to teach her the basics of magic before she’s raising my moon by tonight. I see nopony more fitting than my own sister’s most intelligent student. Once she’s captured the nuances of it I’m sure Celestia will finish the lesson to instruct her on raising my titan across the night sky,” the tone in her voice was filled with the sincerest excitement. “It’s only nine on the hour. Let’s get on with this shall we?”
As if it were a lance drawn by her hoof, Luna pointed her long blue horn directly at Fluttershy’s forehead. Magic glowed from the spiraled fluting and parted her pink hair aside. Instantly the room was aglow with a bright blue pulsing as a great amount of magical energy was shifted from pony to another. Their bodies were enveloped with bright blue colors. Both of their forms began to change. Luna's shrinking into a less leggy pony and Fluttershy grew taller and lankier. The air sizzled slightly as the magic ground to a halt. Luna gasped at the effort.
“OOF! That was quite exciting,” she inspected herself and stretching her wings, realized they were now a smaller, shorter size comparable to an average pegasus. Instead of the cosmic flowing mane she once wore, it had returned to a softer, bright blue hue. The horn on her head was half the size now. The armor and decorative hoofwear she still wore hung loosely from her neck and hooves.
“Mm… you look quite nice,” Luna began removing her armored pieces as Fluttershy stirred. The new alicorn looked at her shaking limb, then stood. A long yellow horn spiraled from her forehead now. The plumage on her back was much longer too. Fluttershy stretched her wings, gasping at their new size. For the most part, her pink hair didn’t change its length. The tip of her tail barely scraped the ground.
Luna’s horn burst with magic and all of her current unfitting jewelry teleported onto Fluttershy.
“My…you look so regal, Fluttershy,” commented Rarity, looking her over. “Goodness, you certainly did grow.” Rarity glanced over to Luna. “Is she taller than you just were?”
“I believe so yes,” Luna inspected Fluttershy with interest. “I did not relinquish all of my magic of course, but, as you are aware, ponies of each breed have a well of magic inside. Adding my magical prowess to her did not remove any of hers. So henceforth it compounded its effect physically. Note her wingspan and length of her limbs.”
“Oh my,” Fluttershy said. At least her voice hadn’t changed. “What…what happens now?”
Celestia had returned to her seat on the throne. “Well…let’s get started. Luna, you may as well introduce Fluttershy to her new guard.”
“Stellar idea sister!” agreed Luna, skipping down the hallway. “The rest of you are free to return to your daily work. Aside from you, Twilight,” she called out. “You must stick around! Come come!”
Fluttershy shakily made her way down with Twilight trotting close behind her.
***
“So um… what now?” asked Fluttershy, shakily stumbling around. Puberty had left her with longer legs before and walking was bothersome for her back then. Fluttershy took a few unsteady steps forward, and nearly tripped onto the rug.
“Now I shall introduce you to my, well, “Luna giggled. “Your temporary subordinates. They slumber during the day and serve the will of their Princess at night.” Fluttershy cocked her eyebrow at Luna, who rolled her eyes. “They are your guards at your beck and call. Currently they nap but it’s time to wake them up.”
Luna had brought the two friends into a guards’ barracks. It was dimly lit. The sound of slumbering stallions filled their ears. Armor gleamed in the light close by the door. Twilight flicked an ear; the faintest of hushed whispers was coming from the back of the room.
“It is time for your very first lesson, my dear Fluttershy,” Luna announced. “Enunciation. You voice must boom clearly from your mouth, the words traveling far so all must hear.”
“Oh…I’m not one for raising my voice,” said Fluttershy quietly.
“These guards are in a deep rest preparing for dusk,” continued Luna. “Where they shall awaken, do some exercise, bathe, put on their armor and stand guard by your side until dawn breaks. With the power of your speech, you shall stir all of them awake.”
“There’s so many of them,” noted Twilight, beginning to feel less sore about Luna’s choice.
“In these barracks they number eighty,” she mentioned. “Unfortunately, on occasion they number eighty-one,” Luna’s voice rose at the last number. Any trace of hushed whispering vanished.
“Enunciate clear and loud!” said Luna theatrically. “Let your voice boom like that of a manticore’s roar!”
Fluttershy timidly danced on her hooves. “Um…wakey wakey everypony?”
There was not a single reaction from any of the guards. If anything, they snored louder. Twilight coughed.
“Louder!” demanded Luna.
“I really don’t raise my voice too-“
“Louder!” Luna stamped her hoof. “As I once did one year ago. Tell them to rise!”
Fluttershy’s ears flattened against her head. The assertiveness training she remembered from Iron Will bubbled forth. This was her job now, and whether or not she entirely agreed to it, this was her duty. She must not let her Princess down.
“WAKE UP!” Fluttershy yelled at the top of her lungs.
Luna’s horn magically pulled the windows open to let in her Sisters’ morning sunlight. Dozens of midnight blue stallions woke at once; a few stumbling out of his top cots onto the floor. Their leathery wings flapped in the darkness. Fluttershy took a cautious step back. A few guards closest to them were shocked to see Luna peering up at them, and the butter-yellow alicorn at her side.
“ATTENTION ALL!” began Luna, not wasting any time. “YOUR PRINCESS IS GOING ON VACATION FOR TWO MONTHS! IN THIS INTERIM ANOTHER PONY ALREADY CHOSEN BY ME IS TAKING OUR PLACE!”
Wild whooping and cheering erupted from the crowd. Luna stamped her hoof, continuing down the barracks.
“THIS DOES NOT MEAN YOU SHALL BE ENJOYING THE SAME VACATION THAT I AM. MY REPLACEMENT SHALL SERVE AS YOUR NEW LEADER AND SHALL BE TREATED WITH THE SAME RESPECT AS I.”
Luna reached the end of the hall, her blue eyes narrow. “Do I make myself clear?”
“CRYSTAL!” shouted the guards, all looking pleased at this sudden development. At the far end of the barracks, Luna got a pretty good view of the row. All seemed present. However, she sensed another pony that shouldn’t be. A sliver of a tail poked out from underneath a bottom cot on the right row.
“A-HA! WHAT EXACTLY ARE YOU DOING HERE!?” Luna yelled, pulling the hidden pony out by her tail and hanging her upside down. “YOU! YOU WERE TOLD NOT TO BE HERE!”
It was a mare. Like the other night stallions, she had a dark coat, with folded batlike wings, golden slitted eyes and a toothy (and guilty) smile.
“WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS, BLOSSOM!?” pressed Luna. The female guard wriggled in her magical grip, and was eventually dropped by Luna onto the floor with a loud thud. A few nightguards snickered nearby.
“My name is Midnight,” she hissed under her breath, her voice smooth and not gruff like Fluttershy assumed. “Geez, what’s the big deal? I’m just uh, hanging out here.”
“The Royal Night Guard does not hold company for vistors. Only registered guards who have passed training reside here,” seethed Luna. “However, as I am currently no longer in a position to designate punishment, your fate will be decided by my current replacement.”
It wasn’t a particularly long walk over to Luna, but with all eyes on her, Fluttershy felt it the longest. Finally she reached Luna and the offending guard. The mare stared up to her with worry in her golden yellow eyes.
“How shall you reprimand her?” asked Luna, who at her current height, was smaller than both Fluttershy and the guard.
Fluttershy quivered, unsure what to say. Luna expected action. The mare in front expected punishment of sorts. The nervous alicorn gulped.
“Please go.”
“What?” asked Luna.
“Just go. Home–or wherever. You shouldn’t be here so please. Please go.”
The mare’s batlike wings flared out in surprise and darted out of the room fast as she could. Luna rolled her eyes.
“Well that’s fine. You at least made a decision, but a day sitting in the royal dungeon would not have hurt.”
Fluttershy paled. “The dungeon?! I could never drop even the worst pony I knew into a dank dark dungeon filled with spiders-“
“The royal dungeon,” stressed Luna. “Is a very comfortable time-out place for unruly members of the Guard. You shan’t worry of them like that. If anything they’d probably prefer a dark, cool dungeon compared to that.”
A few stallions nearby nodded and murmured in agreement.
“Now that she has been taken care of, let us leave your guard here to rest. There are more things to be learned before I depart at dusk,” Luna pranced down the hallway. “Come, come! It is time for you to learn magic! Twilight Sparkle! To the antechamber!”
Twilight let out an elated gasp. “Really! We’re going there to train!? Luna, wait!” she cried, galloping after her.
“Um… see you all tonight,” Fluttershy said with a light smile. “Sorry to disturb you all. Have sweet dreams.”
The guards mumbled back to her. Most of them were already shutting blinds and turning under their covers. Fluttershy walked to the exit, nearly tripping over her legs at the doorway. That prompted some scattered snickering from the guards. Fluttershy sighed to herself.
“This is going to be a long two months…”