I walked along the dimly lit roads towards the central building beneath the burning dome thinking about sudden and brief appearance of Death. ‘We’ll talk later.’ Damn right we were. For starters, where had she been these past six years since the night of my “ascendence” and why was she here now? And with my upcoming trip to the Crystal Empire, her appearance did little to settle my ever-fraying nerves.

I paused outside the ornate chamber doors. It gave me pause to consider how ever since moving here, the council demanded their own meeting chamber and for it to be adorned with self-righteous embellishment. Makes a stallion wonder how far we’d drifted from our roots.

Well. Let’s get this over with. I pushed aside my misgivings and the doors. My hoofsteps echoed as I walked into the chamber. The soft murmurings of whatever conversation that had been going on died as I took my place at the table.

“Ahem.” A rotund, sleepy looking stallion stood at the head. “Now that everypony has arrived, I would like to call this council to order and will now formally take roll call.” He peered down his nose at his scroll.

I had to bite back a snort. To me, it seemed overly redundant considering that he just stated everyone had arrived. But the high councillor liked his lists. And his lists were numerous.

“Moonlit Shroud?” he called.

I looked at the petite mare to my left, trying to guess where she might stand on what I had to say tonight. She was maybe a decade younger than I, just venturing into the realm of marehood. She had been selected due to her potential and reputation to be caring and attentive to the needs of the many. As such, I doubted she would be keen on sending soldiers out to fight, but at the same time, she should be old enough to remember the rise of Nightmare Moon and recognize the need to stop potential threats early on.

She noticed my staring, and gave me a salacious smile. “Present.” She stretched in ways sure to show me just how limber and lithe her body was; her half lidded eyes an unspoken promise of pleasure.

I snorted and flicked my ears dismissively causing her to pout. She also had a reputation for being a flirt as well as being incredibly familiar with a good amount of the stallions in the Nocturne herd. I listened as the council leader continued on.

“Shadow Blossom?”

The old florist raised a hoof. “Present.” She was a kind soul and one of the community that had helped raise me back when she was young enough to deal with the antics of a young colt. I’d called her ‘mom’ once or twice on accident growing up, and when I did, she had beamed with a joy that I didn’t understand at the time. In later years though, I learned that she was infertile. Even though we weren’t exactly close, I still made sure to get her flowers with a note for mother’s day every year.

“Thunderhead?”

“Here.” he practically growled. I gauged him carefully from across the table. He was certainly dynamic within the herd, from everything I’d heard or seen. He was young and spoke passionately, but he also had one hell of a temper, and a disdain for the ‘daywalkers’ that ran deep. According to him, the Nocturne was due to rise above and be recognized as the superior breed of pony. According to me, he was an idiot who had clearly never been around an alicorn.

“Waxing Crescent?”

“Present.” Stupid lists.

“Midnight Oil?”

“Present.” The stallion next to him called out. Probably the most neutral and quiet of everypony here, and as such he was always a wildcard; I had no clue as to how he’d vote. All I knew about him was that he was the quiet, bookish sort. While he was valued by Nightcap for his knowledge, I found him lacking the insight necessary to use it well.

“And myself, Nightcap.” The stallion ticked off his name on the scroll. I rolled my eyes. “Now onto business.” He pulled out another scroll. “This council was called at the request of Waxing Crescent, Night Warden of the Royal Crown, emissary of Princess Celestia to the Nocturne, and former Captain of the Lunar Guard. The floor is yours, Night Warden.”

I coughed politely into my hoof as I rose. “Firstly, I bear bad news. Last night we lost one of our own, Onyx Gale. He was run over by a passing carriage after being thrown through a bar window by an inebriated off-duty guard.” I glanced towards Thunderhead, finding what I expected to see; a validated smile and fire burning in his eyes, eager to use this tragedy to his advantage. “I determined however, that Onyx Gale’s death was accidental. While the guard is inadvertently responsible, I find it implausible that he intended to send Onyx Gale through the window at the exact time a carriage was passing by, as that would require foreknowledge and timing unlikely to be found by your average pony, especially when drunk. I have already been informed that the Crown will be investigating this guard to determine fair punishment and possibly discharging him.

“At this time, does the council have any questions?”

Thunderhead’s smile had disappeared, but the dangerous glint in his eyes had not. He firmly tapped the table and I nodded to him to speak, readying myself for whatever game he wanted to play.

He rose to his hoofs to meet me, eye-to-eye across the table. “So what is your recommendation for bringing this guard to our justice?”

“Our justice, councillor?” I raised an eyebrow, and cocked my head trying to give an air of confusion. “I’m afraid I don’t understand your question.”

“Don’t play ignorant with me.” he snapped.

“Don’t use doublespeak with me,” I said calmly. “Say what you mean and mean what you say.”

“You know what I mean! The daywalker killed one of own own and must be held accountable before a trial of the Nocturne!” He slammed his forehoof on the table. “Celestia can investigate and discharge all she wants, but Nocturne must see justice done before it!”

The other council members around the table looked to me for rebuttal. Midnight Oil appeared bored, and Nightcap looked intrigued by Thunderhead’s words. Moonlit Shroud seemed eager for my rebuttal, and Old Mare Blossom’s demeanor said that she wanted a nap but was still paying attention.

I cracked my neck, trying to remain calm and keep the undercurrent of my temper in check. “Councillor, I feel the need to remind you that it is Princess Celestia to you, and that as citizens and subjects under her, that whatever justice the Crown seeks is our justice. The guard shouldn’t have to face two courts for the same crime.” I saw Midnight Oil and Shadow Blossom start to nod with approval.

Everypony could see the engorged vein that throbbed out of Thunderhead’s neck and I couldn’t help but be morbidly curious to see if his heart would give out under the pressure. He thrust a quivering hoof at me.

“There! You see!” he barked, spittle flying from his lip. “See how he defends the them over us! See how he abandons us, his family and herd, for them! Just how far does your treachery go Night Warden!?” He slammed his hoof on the table. “What caused you to turn your back on your herd? Was it the comfy nights you spend up in Celestia’s gilded tower? What did she bribe you with!? A pardon after the war? Your position? Your rank? What made you become her loyal little lapdog? Huh!? What is it!? Gold? Land? Sex?” His mouth upturned into a contemptuous sneer. “Does she allow you to come up whenever you want and rut her like a whore!?”

I barely kept my mask of calm; my blood was beginning to boil. It would be too easy to cross the table and begin beating his ass up one side of the room and down the other. I looked to Nightcap, seeing if he was going to call for order, but he sat back instead, enraptured.

“You should be grateful that Princess Luna isn’t here to see your vile betrayal!” he continued. “To see her beloved and trusted Captain abandon her favored ponies! She would be disgusted by you! By you and that wretched filth you call a daughter! Th-”

My wings shot out with a crack like thunder as the sound pealed off the walls. A low growl building in my throat as I circled the table, stalking towards him, crouched and ready to lunge for his throat. A small Nightmare Moon in my head said to rip out his throat, and another said his tongue. It’d be so easy they argued, and I knew it. Thunderhead had never served in the guard, much less received the kind of training I did from Luna. My eye slits narrowed as I was tempted to go for the kill. A small bead of sweat rolled down the side of Thunderhead’s face.

“I’d not say another word if I were you.” My voice was clear and cold and promised violence. “You talk like you are the biggest pony in the room Thunderhead, able to level vile insults as if you are untouchable.” I grabbed him by the fur of his chest and brought face-to-face with me. I could taste his fear in the air. “You are far from it though. So let me remind you of your place.” The horseshoe that touched his chest began to glow cherry red as the enchantments sprung to life. “As Princess Celestia’s Night Warden I summon you to her court in three days time. There you will repeat everything you’ve said here to her face and you will face her judgement.” I pushed him back, exposing the magical brand on his chest. Thunderhead stared in horror at the bright red marking on him and several others gasped. I didn’t bother explaining it to him, rather hoping he’d find out on his own what the brand would do if he didn’t show up or tried to lie.

“And if you ever as so much as mention my daughter again-” My eyes narrowed, locking on his. “-nopony will ever find you. Am I understood?”

He nodded, wide-eyed and shivering.

I looked to Nightcap, refolding my wings. “Mark it that the council has been notified of Onyx Gale’s passing and the Crown will deal with the one responsible. I have returned the body and entrusted it his loved ones.”

He scribbled hurriedly on his list. “Oh, um, I guess that leaves your request for troops.” He nodded for me to proceed.

“The Crystal Empire has become a recent concern of the Crown and has entrusted me to lead a team in for reconnaissance and to disrupt any major threats. I am calling on Penumbra, Antumbra, Fang, and Sledge.”

“I see,” Nightcap said as he looked to the other members. “Do we approve his request? Those in favor say aye.”

“There will be no vote.” I said abruptly. “Have them report to the castle tomorrow as this council’s recompense for allowing slander against the Crown to happen in its proceedings.”

I turned and left the room, leaving Nightcap to bluster in his seat.

“I screwed up.” I said as I flopped onto a cushion before Celestia’s fireplace. “And made an ass of myself.”

She settled alongside me, a steaming cup of tea suspended in her magic. “I’m listening.”

I recounted how the council meeting went. Celestia was far less incensed by what Thunderhead had said than I was, and only gave a mischievous smirk when I told her about the court summons. I don’t know how deep her well of patience and tolerance ran, but it was far deeper than mine.

Regardless, I laid there, head resting on my hooves studying the runes on my horseshoes as she sipped her tea. Smelled like some sort of mint brew.

“I won’t deny that it could’ve been handled better.” She ran a hoof through my mane, before slipping it under my chin, raising it to look at her. “But you are a warrior first and foremost, not a diplomat.” She smiled warmly at me, and I could feel my worries and stress melt away. Celestia just had that effect on ponies. “Luna was like that too.” I could hear a tinge of sadness in her voice, but also happiness from fond memories.

“Well, she did groom me from time I earned my cutie mark.”

Celestia looked at the crescent moon on my flank. “Even your cutie mark looks similar to hers.” She rubbed her chin in serious thought. “Does that mean you can move the moon as well?” Her ears waggled as poked me with her wing.

I laughed. “No, but I can’t recall having ever tried either.”

“So how does one earn a cutie mark of the moon anyway?” she asked, pouring herself another cup of tea.

I looked my cutie mark. “You know, I have no idea.”

Celestia paused and raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“Well that’s just it. I don’t know.” I shrugged. “I just woke up one night and found it there and no memory of having any sort of epiphany in my sleep. It just showed up. And then few days later Luna did too. Landed right in the middle of the village and claimed that she was there to claim the child of the night.” I chuckled. “The adults were so confused, thinking that we were all children of her night. They were even more stunned when Luna finally found me and took me as her protégé. Said that I had a big future ahead of me and she held great expectations.” I stared into the flames of the fire. “From then on, Luna was basically my mother, teacher, and best friend for a long time.”

I glanced over at Celestia, who was staring at me with the strangest look in her eyes and her brow was furrowed. “What?”

She shook her head quickly. “Uh...nothing. Just had a...thought.”

“Celestia,” I put my hoof on hers. “What was it?”

She pursed her lips and shook her head. “I’m sorry Waxing, but you reminded me of something I hadn’t thought of in a long time is all. Something I don’t much care to consider any further than necessary. So please,” she rolled her hoof out from under mine and patted it. “Let it go.”

I sighed unsatisfied. “As you wish.”

My ear perked at some muffled talking came from the balcony window. Celestia turned to look as well.

“Uh, are you expecting somepony, and by balcony no less?” I asked in a hushed whisper.

She shook her head and we both rose. She stayed by the fire, horn lit and ready as I ventured forwards. I put a hoof on the knob. Celestia gave me a nod and I flung it open.

“See, I said he’d be here!” A thestral with only one fang gestured at me.

My nose wrinkled as I smelled the alcohol on his breath.

“And I said that sneaking onto the Princesses balcony is a bad idea regardless.” A female thestral glared at him.

I knew these troublemakers and shouldn’t had been surprised that they might do something like this. I turned back to Celestia. “Should I kick them over the railing or let them in, your Highness?”

“Depends. Do you know these ponies?” she asked, looking them over carefully.

“Regrettably.” I said.

“Oh that’s just cold.” The drunk one complained.

Celestia sighed. “Very well. Let them in, but please lead them to my study instead. I’ll be along shortly thereafter.”

I nodded and stepped aside to let the four in.

“Sorry about this,” the female muttered as she stepped inside.

I didn’t reply, and instead closed the door behind them and without a word, lead them out of Celestia’s chambers and into the study a few doors down. The room was cozy, with many bookshelves filled to the top with ancient tomes and scrolls. Several pillows were laid about to rest on and in the far corner sat a small table with a supply of ink, quills, and scrolls for Celestia’s writing needs.

“Everypony, go ahead a take a seat.” I said as I grabbed a set of spark rocks and began to light the small furnace. “Admittedly, I wasn’t expecting you so soon.”

“Heh, well, you probably shouldn’t have expected us at all.”

I paused and threw a curious look over my shoulder.

“We explain when princess get here.” The largest stallion of the bunch said, his voice sounding like a series of boulders smashing and rolling over each other.

I turned back to the furnace and struck the rocks together, lighting the dry tinder inside. Blowing on the ember softly, I watched it grow to a small flame that quickly caught on the rest.

The study door opened and a maid stepped inside carrying a tray with a pot of tea and six cups on her back, followed by Celestia. Once the tray was set out properly, Celestia thanked the mare as she left, gestured for me to come join the group. I sat down with the fire to my back and Celestia across from me, where she began to serve the tea.

“So Waxing, care to tell me who your friends are and why they decided to land on my private balcony?” she asked pointedly.

“Well, these two are the Umbra twins. She’s Penumbra and he’s Antumbra.”

The two on my left waved their hooves respectively and Celestia nodded to them.

“The big guy is Sledge.”

“Hello Princess.” he rumbled. He reached for the dainty cup of tea before him, but ended up crushing the little thing with his large hoof. “Aww.” he whined, ears folding back against his head. “Sorry.”

“Well that certainly won’t do.” Celestia swept the broken dish away with her magic before summoning a sturdy mug from the kitchens in her magic and filling it part way with tea. “How’s that now?”

Sledge grinned and hummed contentedly.

I then pointed at the last stallion to my right. “And finally this is Fang.”

He clicked his tongue at the princess, earning a wing slap from Penumbra who gave a disapproving shake of her head.

Celestia studied my picks for my mission. “Certainly a colorful bunch aren’t they?”

Sledge’s face scrunched up and scrutinized each of us carefully, before studying Celestia, who stared back at him curiously.

I cleared my throat. “Sledge, she means that we’re very interesting, not actually colorful.”

“Oh.” He nodded slowly and studied Celestia some more. “Princess is very colorful too.”

Celestia chuckled good-naturedly, “Well thank you.”

Sledge beamed and his attention went back to his tea.

“So why are they here?” Celestia asked again.

I turned to Fang pointedly. “They haven’t shared that yet.”

“Ah right,” he rubbed the back his head. “After the Captain here left the Hollow this evening, Thunderhead persuaded Nightcap to reject his call for assistance, unless some guard was brought forward to the Council. But,” he raised a hoof, stalling me as I opened my mouth. “Old Mare Blossom and Moonlit went behind him anyway and came to us individually, saying you needed our help. So naturally we came as quick as we could!” He grinned.

“I think you left out the part where you stormed into Nightcap’s house and knocked him out cold saying, ‘Nocte vult.’” Penumbra said, her eyes narrowing.

I buried my face in my hooves. “Really!? Did you have to go and do that! And stop saying that! The Night Guard isn’t active anymore!”

“Eh. Seemed like the right thing to do at the time.” Fang grumbled.

“Oh!” Sledge perked up. “Miss Shroud say that she want favor in return!”

I lifted my head. Celestia and I both raised an eyebrow. “And what might that be?” I asked dryly.

Sledge scratched his chin. “She said after you get back, she want you to come over for dinner and plow her garden.”

I sighed deeply and rubbed my temples as Fang started snickering. I’m sure she does. Celestia was staring at me strangely for the second time tonight, only this time it was like the way a dragon might stare at a priceless gem.

“I think it is weird favor.” Sledge continued. “I’ve never seen garden at her place. Have any of you seen her garden?”

Fang laughed louder and wiped some tears from the corners of his eyes, and Antumbra’s cheeks reddened with guilt which caused Penumbra to groan in disgust.

Deciding to get things back on track I spoke up. “Well, thank you for...passing that along Sledge.” He gave a toothy grin. “Moving on, the reason I called on each of you is that there is a possible growing threat in the Crystal Kingdom. Our job is to get a threat assessment and to halt any immediate risks to Equestria. Each of you hold a special set of skills that I consider vital to this mission.”

I looked to each of them. “I do not know how long this mission will take exactly or the scale of the danger we may face. I won’t force any of you to go, so if you wish to stay, step out now.”

None of them budged. “Like I’d miss out on the fun?” Fang blew a raspberry.

“Very well, be ready to leave in two days time with whatever supplies you need.” I looked to Celestia. “Do you have anything your Highness?”

“Feel free to grab whatever you need from the armorers and forgemasters and enjoy the hospitality of the castle until you leave. Other than that, good day, good luck, and godspeed.”

With that broke up, my team heading to the garrison to grab bunks for the next few days.

“Waxing.” Celestia stopped me before I stood up. “If you don’t mind, I have a few questions about your ponies.”

“Hmmm?”

“I recognize Fang’s name but can’t place why. Only that he is certainly flippant. And Sledge is...different. I’m only concerned that those two may not be up to the task.”

I waved her concerns away. “I wouldn’t worry about them. Does ‘Fang’s Raiders’ sound familiar?”

A flash of recognition sparked in Celestia’s eyes and she nodded.

“Figured that would. Despite his mannerisms, he’s an expert in the unconventional and sees rules as things to be broken.

“And Sledge is,” I ran a hoof through my mane trying to come up with the right words. “He wasn’t treated well as a foal. Nopony is certain, but I think he might have been dropped on his head at least once. He’s got a gentle heart, but when it comes time for a fight, he’s a monster like I’ve never seen. I’m not hoping for an all out confrontation, but if it happens, I want him there.”

“Okay then, if you’re confident and trust them, then I will to. One last thing-” She rose to her hooves and embraced me before I could react, resting her head on mine. “Promise me you’ll be careful. You might be immortal, but you aren’t invulnerable. You have ponies here that need you to come back.”

“I know.”

“Your daughter loves you. She- she spent all day today asking why I was sending you away.” She sniffled a little.

“Are you...crying?” I asked as I felt something warm drip on my ears. “Please don’t. I’ve seen enough crying mares today and I’m not sure I can handle one more.” I rubbed her back with a hoof.

She gave a shuddering laugh and leaned back so I could see her wiping her eyes. “Waxing, I-” she paused and smiled at me sadly. “I’ll miss you when you’re gone.”

“I’ll be back before you even know it.” I gave her a small nuzzle on her neck and broke away. “Promise.”

I slumped onto my empty bed at home exhausted. Celestia had been reluctant to let me go, but ultimately understood that I had to leave eventually. Tomorrow was going to be busy with preparations and handling some final matters. Ready for some deserved rest, I pulled the covers over me and closed my eyes.

A soft hoof rested itself on my chest.

“I was wondering when you’d come to bed.”

I cracked my eyes and recoiled as I stared at the powder-blue mare lying next to me under the covers, head resting on the opposite pillow.

She cracked a smile. “You seem surprised. Didn’t I say we’d talk later?”

Author's Notes:

Finally! This was fun and easy to write in some spots, and others, well, it felt like pulling teeth. Regardless, it's up! Let me know if you catch any errors I may have missed when editing.