Bats in my Belfry

This little tale actually comes from late in my second year as a Dream Beauty of Ponyland, and was an incident more embarrassing than anything else. You've all heard of Princess Luna's Bat pony watch guard, haven't you? Those creepy night ponies in the purple armor with the fuzzy ears from all the ledgends? Well, I know more about those night ponies firsthand, that any of you other ponies could possibly imagine...

"Lady Twilight, is there anything we can do for you?"

"Lady Twilight, just let us know if we can get something for you- just give the word!"

"You look tired, Lady Twilight... could I get you something to drink?"

Uggghhhhh... if there's one thing I really don't like about being a Dream Beauty, it would be these guys. The bat ponies of the Night Watch, those mysterious Pegasus offshoot sub-race with leathery wings and bat like eyes. Once the royal guard of the fallen Princess Luna, these fanged fellows now follow whatever Dream Beauty is currently using the Star Shine lantern to fulfill Luna's role as the protector of pony dreams.

"Moon Shadow, would you please stop brushing my mane so hard?" I yell at the bat mare running a brush through my mane. "You're not getting the tangles out, you're making them worse!"

"Oh! I'm so sorry, my lady!" The dusk-colored mare apologized, lowering the painful wire brush she was holding in her wing. "Should I start applying the polish to your hooves now, instead?"

"Yeah, go ahead." I sigh, reclining in the obsidian throne I was perched upon, and looking at the other bat mare that was sitting in front of me. "Moonglow, could you go easy when you apply my lipstick this time? I don't want that red gunk smeared across my face again!"

"Sorry, my lady." The other mare apologized. "I swear it won't happen again!"

It was right after I had started my duties that I discovered my new 'servants', the simply flew up to me one night and introduced themselves. Oh, my predecessor had told me about them- they had served her in a similar manner- but to actually have these wierdoes following me around everywhere, catering to my every whim... it can be disconcerting, to say the least. At least it's only during the night hours, though- they return to their slumber during the daytime. Good gravy, why can't they just go and live with the small colony of bat ponies in New Equestria? But no, I'm stuck with an army of vampire wannabies.

"My lady, morning is almost here." Moon Shadow declares, putting the finishing touches on my hoof polish. "Should we close up the Dream Court for the evening?"

"Patience, Shadow." I reply, sitting up in my throne again. "Let's wait until Nocturne arrives to deliver his report."

It is custom for the reigning Dream Beauty to hold nocturnal court once a month, so that ponies in the waking world from all across Ponyland can come and air their grievances on any unhappy dreams or nightmares I had given them. Majesty allows me usage of the Dream Castle throne room for this night of the month, and I myself get to pretend I am a reigning monarch, wearing my ancestor Princess Twilight's crown, and a suit of purple nocturnal regalia. The bat mares usually serve as my ladies in waiting at the evening court, I usually customarily close out the night with a report from the commander of my Guard,

I have most of the male bat pony guards serving nocturnal duty for Dream Castle, easing the burden on Queen Majesty's guards. As I look up, I see three bat pony guards in full armor fly in through the window, when they all trot up and bow before me.

"Lady Twilight, we have finished our rounds for the night." their captain says humbly, lowering his head before me. "I am pleased to report that all is safe and sound with the slumber of the ponies of Dream Valley."

Nocturne.. as loyal a servant and friend that any Dream Beauty could ask for, it is he I rely upon to spread good dreams on this one night I am busy and must stay awake. Whilst Moonshadow has been the bat pony I have confided in the most, it is Nocturne whom I rely on to get things done for me that relate to my Dream Duties in the waking world. He is through, carrying out his duties with a speedy efficiency that you normally don't find in the daytime ponies. He is both the strongest and most gentle bat pony I have ever known.

"Very good, captain, you have once again carried out your duties with a remarkable ability and skill." I saw with a smile, trying to stifle a yawn. "I trust, as always, you were not seen by the ponies of Ponyland?"

I was hopeful they had been able to carry out their nocturnal duties without being detected- I still hadn't revealed my loyal 'servants to most of the denizens of Ponyland, and wanted said revelation to come slowly and diplomatically.

"Uh... actually, my lady..." The bat pony in armor stuttered, looking down at the ground to avoid my gaze. "There was an accident involving one of my lieutenants, and the Pegasus pony Heart Throb..."

Suddenly I felt my heart sink in my chest, as I realized that this wouldn't be any simpler than anything else in my life had been since I took up my 'special talent'. Rubbing my temples with my hoof, I sighed and looked down at the remorseful stallion before me.

"What have your foolish subordinates done this time?"