A/N: This is the FOURTH story in a series, but in case you don't wanna go all the way back here's a summary of what's happened so far! Or, if you have, here's a refresher!

Recap of Stories 1, 2 and 3:

The return of the Lunar Stallions, guardians of the night and Princess Luna’s private guard. It was an event that shocked Equestria, and brought new attention to the Princess of the Night. With Luna herself once again on the throne at night, the descendents of the original stallions had come to her from all across the land. All of them bore special medallions that, after a mantra was spoken, would envelope them in the grey fur and dark armor of their post. Luna, respecting the right of bloodline, took them into her charge. After a thousand years of utter silence, there were soon seventy Lunar Stallions. One medallion from each ancient family, willing given with their strongest sons. There had once been hundreds, but fate had been kind enough to muster a hoof full after so long. They adored her. Luna loved them all and especially her lover, a pegasus named Aegis Shield.

At first, things were great. They were a slowly emerging force to be reckoned with. Crime went down in Canterlot and in the surrounding areas. After all, ponies that had piranha-like teeth, could see in the dark, and often had the strength of several ponies were nothing to trifle with. What few criminals the city had were running scared.

Then, another super-power emerged. The Moon Champion. She was the descendant of the one mare that ever stood among the Lunar Stallions, Princess Luna’s avatar of war. She hunted evildoers in the city of Canterlot, and struck them dead rather than arresting them. This sent the Princess into a fury. The Lunar Stallions were beaten, battered, and thrust aside by the brutality of the Moon Champion’s strength. Using teamwork and a sneaky trick, though, Luna and her stallions managed to outwit her. For her murderous crimes, she was put to death.

Later, an even greater threat emerged. Princess Celestia came across a black bauble on a black-gold necklace. It had once been Nightmare Moon’s, a super-weapon meant to augment her powers and strengthen her so she could take on Celestia in a coup. But when Celestia donned the necklace, she was gripped by its evil powers and turned into a Celestial Beast. Feral and doglike, she ravaged half of Canterlot to the ground, killing ponies and breaking buildings like it was nothing. She even held her love interest hostage, garbing him in black leathers and chaining him up like a pet. Rushing home from a Nightmare Night celebration with her Lunar Stallions, Princess Luna lay siege to Canterlot itself. After a terrible battle that claimed the lives of most of her forces, the necklace was wrested from Celestia’s breast and she returned to normal. Then, it was time to rebuild. With only twenty-four Lunar Stallions remaining out of the original seventy, the Princess knew that she would need to build an academy to raise the next generation of her warriors.

That was ten years ago, and this is where the next chapter of our story begins.

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Luna’s Story 4: Traitor Among Us
Part 1: A Bloody Birth

Newt Pippington Britishhooves, Pip for short, was rooting around in his parent’s basement. He had his own home, sure, but all of the old family stuff was still at his mother and father’s. He’d not been able to move all of his things yet. His father was a collector of all sorts of oddities, so it was always fun to go poking around in boxes for interesting things. Nightmare Night was coming up tomorrow night, and he really wanted to put together a dashing costume. Perhaps amongst all the boxes and chests he would find something interesting to put together. One could only dress like a pirate so many times and still be cute. Now that he was almost a fully-grown stallion, he would need something a little more grown-up. As per usual, Princess Luna was going to be attending the Ponyville Nightmare Night festival, and he wanted to look especially great for her. She was his favorite Princess, after all.

Shoving his muzzle into a burlap bag, he found it full of tennis balls and a set of rackets. He opened a chest, finding nothing but books. Mare-handling a vanity to one side to continue on, he poked through more dusty boxes. Picture frames of ponies he didn’t know. Stacks of old papers. Holiday decorations. Lots of holiday decorations. His parents didn’t enjoy Nightmare Night as much as he. He wasn’t content to throw a sheet over his head, call it a ghost and going out for the evening. He wanted to be something creative and original. He opened some drawers, sticking his nose into it. He let out a whinny when a spider jumped onto his face. He SMACKED himself upside the nose to get rid of it, falling over into a pile of junk. Showered in debris he poked his head out so he could breathe, shaking his head back and forth. Coughing at the disturbance of dust, he made to rise, but stopped. There was something cold and metallic pressed up against his soft underbelly.

The pinto stallion looked down, pushing a few things out of the way. It was a jewelry box, locked with a latch. “Shiny…” he said, English accent kissing the empty room. It was a delicate tongue, one that had made a few Ponyville mares swoon at him in the past. (He wasn’t really a lady’s stallion, but he’d gotten his fair share of kisses and batted eyes growing up.) Leaning down, he picked it up and rattled it a bit. It rustled like it was full of straw. Frowning, he freed himself from the mountain of junk and set it on the vanity. Lifting the latch, he popped it open. “What’s this…?” he said, leaning down. The jewelry box was stuffed with a scroll and a strange medallion.

Unfurling the scroll, he found it was also folded in half. He unfolded it, and found it was still not open. What was it, a road map? He unfolded AGAIN, barely able to hold the massive piece of paper. Hundreds of tiny, scratchy letters stared back at him. They were written in an Earth Pony’s mouth-pen, but followed very straight lines. There were diagrams of numbers corresponding to dates and times, tides, and what looked like a magic circle in the bottom right corner. There was an excellent drawing of the medallion, and a skeletal pony’s head as well. The teeth on it were triangle-shaped, and it looked like a piranha’s terrible grin. Pip marveled at it for a long few moments, turning it back and forth. He had no idea what any of it said, but it looked just amazing. This could go in a picture frame or something and somepony would consider it artwork, no doubt. He picked up the medallion that matched the picture, lifting it to the light. Inside was deep purple, almost black, and it was impossible to see through it. He thought it was a gem at first, but it couldn’t be. It wasn’t glass either. He couldn’t identify it. It spun slowly on its chain. “Hm.” He said, “Maybe I can make a decoration out of this…” he folded up the massive paper and put the medallion in his saddlebag.

Pip ended up with a few more odds and ends in his saddlebag over the next few hours. A ball of twine, some funny earrings, bandanna, and… and… he looked in his bag. He’d just built another pirate costume. “Bollocks…” he mumbled, turning his ears back. Deciding to stop for now and get some air, he cantered up into the basement.

Spending the evening with his mother and father, they invited him to stay for dinner to he accepted. Being a grown stallion he’d not yet learned to cook and feed himself properly, so any opportunity to have mom’s cooking was nice… Later the pinto stallion found himself stretched out on a couch with little memory as to how he got there. The fire was burning brightly in the hearth, and his belly was full. He could hear the murmuring talk of his parents in another room. He must’ve fallen asleep…

Reaching into his saddlebag with his nose, he pawed through his Nightmare Night treasures. Eh, maybe he could be a pirate again this year. If anything the Princess would recognize him, and that was one thing he wanted most. He’d harbored a pretty big crush on her Majesty for a long time, but he only got to see her once a year. So, Nightmare Night was very important to Pip. In his half-awake state, he slowly opened the odd scroll again. Sticking his hooves into the bag, he found he’d gathered up a good amount of fake jewelry, along with the medallion. Maybe he could be a successful pirate this year? One decked out with all his rings and treasures? That would be a neat idea. Sitting up slowly, he donned the earrings, a few golden bracelets, and the funny medallion as well. Smirking at his image at the wall mirror, he gave a half-hearted ‘Arr’ and chuckled. Shaking his head, he lifted the scroll to the firelight and unfurled it.

The picture of the medallion he wore was impeccable. It was surrounded by notes and scribbles that he couldn’t understand. The lettering was just the same, but the cipher was off. Maybe it was Latin? Or something similar? Suddenly a name caught his eye and he looked closer. The word ‘Luna’s’. It was there in the middle of all the jibberish. His eyes widened with excitement. Did this have something to do with the Princess?! He didn’t know, but suddenly he wanted to know what it all said. He didn’t dare write on it, so he got spare ink and parchment from his father’s writing desk on the other side of the room. Settling onto his belly with a business-like frown, the young stallion licked the tip of his quill and dipped it in the ink. He wasn’t the most brilliant of ponies, but he had had a foal’s code book when he was small, so sometimes he could crack ciphers after an hour or so. Scanning over the massive document that was as big as a road map, he leaned close. Sure enough, he found more proper nouns here and there in perfect English. “Is it a language, or a code…?” he mumbled. Maybe the proper nouns were all names, and all the rest was a code? Or did names just never change? He frowned at it all, but was now dying of curiosity.

He decided to focus around the area where he’d seen the Princess’ name. A little box had a couple of sentences in it, written in important-looking old red ink:

Ad kxo tuhb no kouh udt hodt.
Ke odt ucc olacj nakx jfadoj ke rodt.
Cijk udt fenoh, xidwoh udt mawxk.
R0 Luna's nacc udt tuhb ev dawxk.

Pip flicked his eyes back at his cutie mark, a compass. He was talented in finding things and finding things out. Codes and languages were another string of knowledge to him. Heaving a great breath, he worked by firelight. Eventually, he heard his parents retiring to bed. Promising himself he would only work until his eyes started to ache from needing sleep, and no later, he let his quill dance. Mumbling now and then, occasionally stopping to throw a log on the fire, he found a slow translation. ‘udt’ came out as ‘and’, a word that appeared several times in the message. Vowels, he discovered very suddenly, stayed vowels upon the translation. They just became other vowels. It could be spoken like a language, but it turned and translated like a code. Fascinating! Feeling alive and adventuresome, Pip worked hard until he had the entire couple of sentences translated on his scratch paper. Wouldn’t it be amazing if all this led to a treasure or something? A real treasure map to go with his pirate costume, that would just make his day! Circling the final product, he grinned a giant happy grin and stood. Holding out the paper, he recited aloud the fruits of his labor. “In the dark we tear and rend, to end all evils with spines to bend. Lust and power, hunger and might. By Luna’s will, and dark of night.” He frowned at the little passage. It made sense as a translation, and it was grammatically correct, but… it didn’t make any sense. Was it a riddle? A clue? Something else? “I should translate the rest of the--!”

Pip’s heart suddenly lub-dubbed so hard he fell to his knees with a gasp, his pupils shrinking into tiny dots. The amulet around his neck began to vibrate violently, surrounding itself with a purple aura of magic. His hoof leapt up to tear it from his neck, but it suddenly split itself open to reveal a serpentine eye. The stallion shrieked in fear, staggering backward and falling over the back of the couch. Crashing to the floor with a grunt, he felt it lower over his chest and then crush itself against the muscles there. The eye began to dart back and forth, glaring out at the world. Then, without warning, Pip’s body was wracked with the worst sort of pain he could ever imagine. As though suddenly every bone in his body had broken, and he’d been pitched into an icy lake. Screaming in wild agony he curled up in the fetal position as his fur suddenly doused itself in liquid night. White and brown swirled away, overpowered by oily grey.

Pip’s parents heard all the noise and came rushing out. “Pip? Pip!” His father rushed around the back of the sofa, then recoiled in horror. “PIP, NO! What have you done?!” The stallion made a lunge for the eyeball medallion that had fastened itself to Pip’s chest, pulling at it with his teeth. All the while, the suffering pony writhed and cried out for mercy. The medallion sprouted legs like an apocalyptic spider, digging into Pip’s chest and latching itself there.

“It hurts! It hurts! Papa it hurrr-aaauugh!” His teeth suddenly jettisoned themselves from his mouth in a fantastic spray of blood. Like violent, jutting swords new teeth sprang into his jaws. Triangle-shaped piranha teeth filled his mouth, making him look monstrous! The stream of blood waterfalled out of his mouth as he bled upon the floor.

“Timpany! Get my crowbar!” Pip’s father shouted. The frightened mare dashed like a dainty rabbit, quite quick for her age. She returned quickly from the tool closet, thrusting the iron bar into her husband’s mouth. Turning, he thrust it onto his own son’s chest, trying to pry the bauble out of his skin. Thrusting his entire weight upon it with a teeth-gritting groan, he cried out when it slipped and he fell. He looked at it in fear, for the tool had bent neatly in half.

“What’s happening to him?!” she rushed, putting her hooves on her son’s side. His legs flailed and bicycled wildly. All the while Pip screamed in pain. His muscles were growing larger. His blotches of brown were replaced with a syrupy, oily grey pelt, inch by inch until he looked like a grayscale stallion. Pip’s eyes flickered from their comforting brown to a terrifying gold. The pupils stretched into a serpentine gaze. Rising and squeezing his eyes closed the stallion BASHED himself wildly against the wall. Pictures fell from their places on the spackle. He bashed himself to it again, the lesser pain distracting him from the greater pain. “Trotter do something!” Pip’s mother shrieked in terror. The stallion leapt forward and tried to restrain his son, but was promptly tossed across the room like a rag doll. He landed hard right on the coffee table, shattering it into a million pieces and spilling Pip’s inkwell over himself. Ink blotted over the mysterious ancient paper, running over a good third of the writings.

Ensnared with dark magicks, Pip threw his head back and roared like an animal, showing off his terrifying teeth as something metallic began to unfold over his body. With the sound of many drawing swords, armor began to unfold over his frame. It wrapped him in a thick collar, then an insectoid-like spine unfurled like a horrible tongue upon his back. The tongue soon sprouted ribs, which embraced his sides and flanks like a silvery, clawed, grasping hand. The metal was hot! Then, it began to melt over him to form a carapace of armor, thickening as it went. It rushed up over his head and jutted outward into a dorsal fin atop him. It hardened like expanding ice, a metallic groan. The pain ended very suddenly.

Blood in his mouth and his mind completely gone, the beast that used to be Pip whinnied and reared with flailing hooves. He knocked more pictures off walls and pitched a grandfather clock over, bucking wildly and screaming like a wild pony. Pip’s mother and father shrank back into a corner, looking on in terror. What had become of their son?! Slathering and tongue-lashing about to spit the coppery taste of blood when he could, he hobbled about like a new-born foal, nose working hard. Sniff-ff-f-f-fffff-ff-ff-FFFFF!

“Pip? Sweetie?” Timpany tried, clinging to her husband. The monstrous pony’s ears perked, and his golden eyes gazed upon them with a mix of rage and hunger. “A-are you okay?” it turned to face them, the bloodshot eye decorating his chest glaring at them intently. Spittle and blood dripped, sticky, from his mouth as she approached. “N-now now, Pip. St-stop this! You’re scaring us!” his mother said, pressing herself back further into the corner.

“Pip! You take that thing off right now!” Trotter found anger hidden under his fear and stepped forward to challenge the animal that used to be his son. Taking it as a sign of aggression, the black armored pony whinnied, rearing up and flailing his hooves. He battered his father with bruises and launched him into a wall, making his mother scream. Turning and setting his sights on her he charged, crashing straight through the wall and out into the night. Her poor aged body buckled and she fell in a bloody heap. “Pip! NO!” Trotter rose weakly, staggering. “Take it off! Take it off!” he shouted. The grey stallion turned with a snort of air from his nostrils. Scratching the ground and summoning the ancient power of earth pony strength, he charged! His father cried out briefly, but was rammed mercilessly across the room and through another wall. The house shuddered. He landed in a terrible heap of moaning pain, but Pip followed. Leaping upon his father, his fangs flashed and he almost wasn’t able to stop him. Holding him back a few inches with all his might, Trotter whimpered as the tears ran down the sides of his face. The beast heaved and snarled, stomping on his father’s chest over and over. He could feel the ribs cracking and his strength failing. He was an older stallion, he just didn’t have the strength he once did. Raising his jowls to show off all his massive teeth, the feral stallion lunged again, knocking Trotter into a cabinet. He fell into a heap. “I love you, son… ah-!” Blood sprayed across the kitchen window.

Turning, the beast walked quickly to finish off the female. She whimpering, trying to pull herself from the debris. He sniffed at her from a distance. Was she friend? Was she foe? Did she need to be eaten? He cocked his head at her, watching her weakly pull herself from the debris. She snatched at a piece of wood and threw it at him a feebly. It swatted him gently on the nose and he snarled like a demon. Rushing forward with a thundering of hooves he leapt upon her.

The scream lit up Ponyville, but was quickly cut off. Lights started turning on in houses up and down the block. The monster lifted its head, perking its ears at all the new lights. Dripping with fresh blood from its mouth, it walked curiously out onto the sidewalk. “Sweet Celestia!” belted a voice that made it turned around quickly and snarl. A trio of ponies, all garbed in armor exactly like its own, stood there wide-eyed.

“A Lunar Stallion!” said the second one.

“He’s frenzied! Lookit all that blood!” The third growled, lowering his horn aggressively.

“But the Princess has all the unused medallions!”

“Obviously not.” The first grumped. “C’mon, before he hurts somepony!” The three of them closed ranks, scratching at the sidewalk as they made ready to charge. The monster’s chest inflated. Lowering its head it roared at them a great and terrible roar. Foals all over town suddenly wet themselves and cried out into the night for their mothers. If you’ve ever heard the T-Rex roar from Jurassic Park, dear reader, you’ve heard this terrible sound.

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Twenty-one Lunar Stallions stood solemnly in the great room of the barracks. In the middle of the group was Princess Luna herself. She stood, a neutral frown on her face, waiting and staring at the vault door. “It is done.” She said, for silence had fallen in the sacred birthing chamber of the Lunar Stallions. “Ready yourselves, my stallions.” She bade them. Everypony present steeled himself, rolling his shoulders and setting his jaw.

“Ready?” said Stalwart Hide to the group. There was nodding. “Ready Princess?” he asked his mistress. Luna nodded, flexing her wings briefly. “Remember, everypony, this is the roughest part! I expect you all to stand strong now, and act appropriately!”

“Yessir!”

“Yes Captain Hide!”

“Aye Aye!”

Stalwart Hide pressed his hooves to the vault, making the connection with the ancient structure. He spoke in a clear, loud voice. Reciting a long string of Ancient Equestrian, he bade the vault to obey him. “Efod!” he finished with a flourish. The massive, two-feet-thick door HISSSSSSSS’d open, pouring black smoke and heat out into the room. The Lunar Stallions held their breath, waiting for a newborn Lunar pony to come rushing out at them. Aegis Shield stepped in front of Princess Luna, ready to brunt off any rushing attacks.

Panzer Hoof leaned forward, licking his chops a little. This was it, the moment they’d been waiting for. The massive earth pony stallion inflated his chest, smiling grandly. There was a long silence. He frowned, as did the other Lunar Stallions. Was their new sibling not coming out? Pen Maker magicked an orange off of the waiting feast table behind them, rolling it into the dark vault to provoke some sort of reaction. “Hullo?” called Panzer Hoof bravely, breaking the silence.

The orange rolled into the blackness, and every Lunar Stallion squinted with his night vision. Before it came to a halt a fast-as-lightning pony SMASHED down from the ceiling, tossed it into the air and scarfed it down! The explosion of orange juice was just a little bit terrifying. The Lunar Stallions jittered a little, unsure. “Steadyyyy stallions.” Aegis Shield growled at them. “Steady.”

The black shape turned towards them, bright and glowing golden eyes lighting up the dark. It suddenly galloped out into the light, roaring at them fiercely.

A Lunar Mare. The very first Lunar Mare.

She roared and flashed her teeth back and forth, her face a mix of blood, sweat, and orange juice. Her head snapped back and forth like an eagle’s while she regarded the gathering. Were they friends? Were they foes? Did they need to be EATEN?! She wasn’t sure. The beast sniff-sniff-sniffed at them, nostrils wiggling animatedly.

“Gently… gently now.” Luna said in a smooth-as-silk voice. “Go forth, Panzer Hoof, but do not make any aggressive motions. She might decide to tear your throat out.” She kept her face, body-language, and tone pleasant when the beast regarded her quickly. Was that mother? Sister? Was she food? The intense gaze of the frenzied Lunar Mare could burn holes in the walls, it was so intense.

Panzer Hoof eased forward, smiling warily. He was the indestructible pony, the Lunar Stallion that was all but physically invulnerable. It was his special talent to take any and all abuse, and not feel a thing thanks to his Lunar Armor. But the saw-like teeth of the Lunar Mare could still tear him to pieces, so raw was her strength. She looked at him, intense draconic eyes scanning him up and down. She SHOVED her face into his, growling aggressively, but he made no moves and did not flinch back.

The Lunar Stallions looked on in awe. Panzer Hoof really was the immovable object. They’d all gathered to witness the birth of their sister (save the three Ponyville Lunar Stallions, who for reasons unknown had not attended). Proctoring the birth of a Lunar Stallion was a big, big deal, but the fact that Princess Luna had accepted a mare was unprecedented!

“She has come a long way since staining her face with soot and following us into battle.” Luna purred softly, as not to startle the beast. There was lots of nodding. The Lunar Stallion core affectionately called her the ‘Soot-Stained Mare’, because she’d rubbed ashes or something on her face so she could fit in with them before the battle for Canterlot. She’d instantly become every-Stallion’s little sister after that… except for Panzer Hoof. They’d become very close, romantically. This was a big day for all of them…

The Lunar Mare growled back and forth regarding all the stallions gathered around. She was so pregnant with raw power and emotions she was bursting at the seams! She was starving. Starving and lusty too. This big stallion looked nice, she would keep him first. So many gathered stallions! They would all be just for her! And why weren’t there any other mares around? She’d love to kick the ever-loving shit out of anymare she could find right then. Just to show her she was the dominant. Leaning up with a sniffle-snorting sound, the piranha-like teeth in her mouth made their appearance and went for Panzer Hoof’s neck. The massive stallion shuddered, but did not dare move. Her mouth travelled up and to his mane, where she grabbed a hoof-full with her teeth. She started walking backwards, growling. Panzer followed her, slowly, back into the vault. When she’d shown him to the entrance, she did the unthinkable. She flashed him invitingly, flicking her tail up and showing off for him. The Lunar Stallions jerked their faces away, and Luna let out a ripple of laughter before stifling herself.

“Take her into the vault again until she calms down, Panzer.” The Princess whispered. Panzer nodded, stepping into darkness.

The Lunar Mare purred, wings opening as she rather playfully chewed on him with her razor-sharp teeth. His skin was tough, she liked that. She could chew on him more soon, when they found a nice dark spot to settle… in… to…? Her eyes blinked rapidly as the frenzy came to an end, sparkling with intelligence as her mind came back to itself. “P… Panzer?” she said, looking up at him.

“Glitter Star.” Panzer murred, nuzzling her happily. “Welcome into the fold.” He said, turning and walking her back out again. Glitter Star looked about. The beaming faces of the Lunar Stallion corps and Princess Luna greeted her.

“Welcome, new member of the corps!” Luna trumpeted. There was instant cheering and joy. A sister lunar guard! The Lunar Stallions had a mare in it now! Lunar Mare! Woo! They stomped their hooves in applause, rushing in around her like so many eager family members, embracing her and laughing wildly in their happiness. Luna pushed through them and embraced her, smiling grandly. “You are most welcome amongst us now. Welcome home.” she tapped the mare with her horn, blessing her. Good luck would follow Glitter Star around for a few days now, thanks to Luna.

The grey mare smiled bashfully as the crowd parted and saw her to the head of a massive dining table. A huge feast had been laid out just for her (extra-extra food, since there were over two dozen Lunar guards now, and they ate like nopony’s business). It even had a birthday cake on it with one candle, wishing her a transformation day. Food was already flying, cider running like water, and the great room exploded into celebration for their new little sister.

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Luna chuckled loudly when Aegis Shield nuzzled her. “No no no, I’ll have none of that. Shave it off.” She told him firmly, giving him a royal shove right off the bed. It was near the end of the night and dawn was approaching. The Pegasus had grown a mustache and slight beard while out on a week-long patrol check-up in the area around Canterlot. That meant surveying the regions and their Lunar Stallions, usually three or four to a town these days. Though there were only twenty-four Lunar Stallions remaining, they did their active parts to keep the peace and protect the weak.

Snickering, he clambered back onto the bed and tackled Luna playfully, rubbing his face fiercely on her soft belly. The Princess squawked at the bristles on his face, squirming and swearing at him while she laughed. “What if your belly is dusty?” he guffawed, “I might have to sweep you up!” he rubbed his rough chin on her, back and forth, eliciting another round of laughter as she flailed about.

There was a banging on the door, making both of them freeze. It sounded urgent. Luna flipped over, shoving Aegis towards the bathroom to cleanse and shave himself. She was still smiling broadly when she magicked the door open. “Ah, Falling Storm.” She said, inclining her head when he bowed and spread his wings upon the floor for her. “What news, so close to dawn?”

“Your Majesty, there’s been a terrible incident!” he reported, rising and saluting.

“What’s happened?”

“A Lunar Stallion has emerged in Ponyville, frenzied like a beast!” he said.

Luna gaped at him. “Who? How long ago was this?”

“I flew as fast as I could.” said the sky blue stallion, flexing his tired wings. “The Ponyville Lunar Stallions caught him after a bit of a scuffle, but he’s still frenzied for some reason.” He looked distressed, seeking guidance from her with his eyes.

“How long was he frenzied?” Luna asked.

“He still is, and it’s been over three hours.”

She squinted at him, not sure she wanted to believe him. A Lunar Stallion could, at most, be frenzied for up to half an hour when he first donned his necklace. Princess Luna was not surprised at the emergence of another Lunar Medallion, but for such a long frenzy… “We shall go and see to this.” She inflated her chest into her more royal posture. “Aegis Shield!” she called over her shoulder.

Knowing the official tone, the stallion came running. “Yes, Princess?” he was not in his armor and he was partly-shaven, Falling Storm saw.

“We have a new stallion, in Ponyville.” She said. “Finish your shaving, and we shall teleport there.” She nodded to Falling Storm, closing her doors so she could don her royal trappings.

=-----=-----=-----=

There was a crack of parted air and the royal Princess of the Night appeared in all her glory. Crown and regalia sparkling in the night, she fast approached the jailhouse and found it guarded by a pair of anxious-looking Lunar Stallions. There was a loose ring of ponies, standing around to gawk at the scene. “Report.” She told them, Aegis Shield and Stalwart Hide at her sides.

“We’ve got him locked up in th—!” There was a concussive roaring and the steel door strained violently on its hinges. Something was banging wildly at it. The stallion inside was not in a cell, but just inside the building itself. Luna scowled, leaning and squinting. “Or… not.” said the stallion lamely. “It took all three of us to subdue him. It’s definitely a Lunar Stallion, but he’s… black, not grey like the rest of us.” He said, making a mild motion with a hoof.

Luna stopped, cocking her head. Aegis Shield looked up at her with concern. “Have you your patrolling weapon?” she asked one of them. The Earth Pony nodded, hoofing it over to her. It was a nightstick, already stained with recent blood. Taking it in the grasp of her powerful magic, she approached the door. Leaning, she aggressively banged on it a few times. The monster beyond roared animatedly, bashing himself against the barrier. The metal squealed and bent a little, straining on its hinges. “Get back, if he had to be caged, he may need to be broken as well! Move these citizens away!” she commanded the four Lunar Stallions. They turned on their hooves, pushing the curious denizens of Ponyville back as far as they could. The crowd pushed back a little, but the earth pony Lunar Stallion stomped his hoof like a crack of thunder. They backed off after that, frightened of his raw strength. The bucking sounds against the jailhouse door increased in intensity, and the stone around the door began to crack.

Princess Luna licked her chops briefly, frowning nervously. The door crashed off of the building, tumbling across the ground as the monster emerged into the night. Panting feverishly, it whinnied and roared ferally. Luna whapped it lightly on the nose with the nightstick, standing perhaps five paces away while the nightstick did the work. He was already angry, she would need his attention. It gave a start, more surprised than anything. He stared up at the floating weapon. He followed it with his eyes, jowls rising. Rearing up he grabbed it in his teeth. Luna dragged him across the ground with it while he stubbornly dug his hooves in. She got a good look at him, the oily grey fur was odd, but the armor was definitely that of a Lunar Stallion. Turning, she addressed her stallions, “You will NOT interfere!” she told them, stepping forward and letting the monster have the club.

He crushed it in his teeth, shaking his head wildly back and forth to make sure it was dead. Then, he spotted her. She was tall! Taller than he! He recoiled, snarling savagely, showing her his teeth. His nostrils worked themselves. Luna made sure to move slowly, gracefully like silk. To panic the beast was to invite violence on herself. He sniffed at her, craning his neck to sniff-sniff closer without stepping closer. She smelled of rain pregnant wind, recent sex, and of recent eating. Trying to process an opinion based on looks and smell, he paused for a long time, growling at her while his golden eyes shone in the dark. Taking one slow step, then another, the Princess approached the bloodied, slathering beast. She could see the bruises, even with his midnight fur, where he’d been mare-handled into a cage. How had he escaped? Well, having seen him destroy the club Luna wouldn’t be surprised if he’d chewed his way out.

Luna was pleased when she allowed him to approach, looking unsure and growly. She could see the mild fear in his eyes, deep down. Newborn Lunar Stallions were just like foals in a way. While their armor embraced them they became powerful, wild animals that were completely on edge.

“Don’t do it Princess! He’ll eat you!” somepony suddenly shrieked in the crowd. That was enough to break her snake-charmer’s trance on him, for he snarled aloud and dove at her. Snatching her chest regalia by accident, he bit through the metal like cheese, shattering it into a thousand pieces. That had been an antique!

Mortally offended, Luna growled and dislodged a block of stone from the jailhouse itself by magic. “We shall have to do you the hard way, then.” She growled, heaving the massive stone in a high arc. It blasted over the beast’s head, his helm denting and his body face-planting into the ground with all the force of a cannon shot. She heard the bones in his face break, and he was unmoving. She let out a long-held breath, turning him on his side so he wouldn’t choke on his own blood. “Disperse the villagers.” She commanded the other four Lunar Stallions. They moved to obey her, and the Princess leaned over the unconscious Lunar Stallion. It would take more than a block of stone to kill an earth pony of her guard, she knew, and this monster was no different.

“Princess Luna.” A unicorn clad in cloak and pointed hat emerged from shadow, holding a lantern. “Is everything alright?” She was decorated with constellations, glittery stitching and a badge of office. She was ordained by Celestia herself to look after Ponyville and the surrounding regions, magic far more powerful than any other normal unicorn alive.

“Mage Twilight Sparkle.” Luna nodded somberly. Twilight had earned the rank through rigorous testing a few years ago, and it commanded respect. “I’ve everything under control. You don’t have to worry.” She gestured to the stallion she’d lay low with the brutality of stone and magic.

“Given the trail of blood and the two dead ponies, I’m already very worried.” Twilight gestured with her head, lighting a sparkling trail that led into a nearby alleyway. Luna leaned to see, and saw the dead body of a mare lying over a pile of rubble. The house was missing a wall. “Who is he?” she asked the Princess, gesturing. “One of your Lunar Stallions?”

“I don’t know who he is yet, other than a Lunar Stallion.” Luna said grumpily, turning and walking side by side with the Mage. They reached the house and peered inside. They saw the bloody remains of a stallion through a hole in the wall. “Dear Faust…” she mumbled. “He must’ve donned the necklace and frenzied himself right in the middle of the living room. The fool!”

“Looks that way.” said Twilight Sparkle warily. The mage was well-informed about the powers and abilities of the Lunar Stallions, having helped Ponyville house three of them for the past decade or so. Leaning, she examined the ruined coffee table and pulled up a ripped sheet of old-looking paper. It had massive ink-stains all over it, and scrawling written in some foreign language she didn’t know. “Look at this.” She said, turning to show Luna.

The Princess leaned over it. “That’s Ancient Equestrian.” She said, peering at it and mouthing along the lines as she read them.

“What does it say?” Twilight asked.

“Well it says a lot.” Luna said a little cryptically, for the lines she was reading gave her a bad feeling.

“Princess!” Twilight whined at her, suddenly sounding ten years younger.

Luna Looked at her apologetically, gesturing to a box of blood-red words. “This here? The mantra of the Lunar Stallions. It’s what gives them their power. Nopony was ever supposed to write it down.” She scanned her hoof briefly across it, then found what looked like the starting point in all the paragraphs of madness. “My name is Pitch Dark. If you’re reading this then I have failed and my armor has rejected me…” she trailed off.

“Don’t the Lunar Stallions have some sort of ritual to bind themselves to that armor of theirs?” Twilight was stepping through the hole in the wall to examine the stallion. Apart from being dead with a massive head-injury, he was battered with bruises and other cuts. His death must’ve been very violent. Luna nodded when Twilight looked back. “I know you have your secrets for the Lunar Guard, but that monster out there is--!”

“Not responsible for any of this.” Luna said firmly, cutting her off.

“What?!” Twilight Sparkle turned sharply. “Princess look at this mess! He’s destroyed this place and killed two ponies!”

Lifting her chest and spreading her wings with a royal authority, Luna spoke more loudly than before. “No Lunar Stallion is responsible for his actions when under the influence of the frenzy. It is law.” She talked down to Twilight Sparkle for the first time in a very, very long time. The unicorn scowled at her angrily, then turned back around to continue to examine the dead stallion. “This was probably some sort of terrible accident. You have to speak the mantra to activate Lunar Stallion armor, but… if he knew what it was, why would he not lock himself in the cellar or something? A newborn Lunar Stallion is no different than a wild animal.” She pawed through more debris and found scratch paper, broken glass that was stained with ink. “Translating.” Luna said over her shoulder to Twilight. “He didn’t know what he was reading.” She turned about as the mage came back to lean over the scrawling. By the chaotic arrangement of writing, and the trail-and-error notes, it was easy to see. The writer had been decoding Ancient Equestrian like a cipher. “Twilight, whose home is this?” Luna suddenly asked, looking over at her.

“It's…” Twilight screwed up her face in thought, noting the street and nearest landmarks. “The… Britishhooves household. Timpany and Trot-something.” She didn’t know everypony in town, but the friendly foreign family was certainly friends with everypony.

“Britishhooves.” Luna said slowly, turning and walking gingerly out into the alleyway again. “Britishhooves.” She said again. The time of year was what conjured up the thought, the connection and surname. She went back to the unconscious monster, seeing her Lunar Stallions standing wary guard. Luna knelt down, taking the stallion’s face between her hooves. Twilight followed, the bell on the tip of her pointed hat jingling idly. She nodded politely as the last of the crowd dispersed back to their homes. “Britishhooves.” Luna chanted again, pushing the beast’s mane back so she could get a good look at his face. Despite the oily black fur he did look a little familiar. She squinted, trying to see past the blood and teeth. Pulling back his bangs and placing a bandanna on his head in her mind’s eye, she stood suddenly. “Pip!” she said, pointing at him. “Pipsqueak Britishhooves!”

End of Part 1

Luna’s Story 4: Traitor Among Us
Part 2: Test Theory

An oily-maned stallion stood over a messy desk of black tomes filled with red words. Pentagrams were drawn all over the walls, filled with incantations so dark one would shudder to wilt one’s head to read them all. Salt, zinc, magnesium, iron filings, and other things were set in little piles around the room. “It’ll work. It’ll work!” Test Theory babbled to himself, writing furiously with his hoof while his horn glowed. “I know it will! It’ll be the scientific breakthrough of the century!” The exploding beaker of acidic fluid printed on his flank glistened with anxious sweat.

A pregnant mare lay strapped to an examination table behind him, whimpering in distress as she wiggled against her bonds. Ohhh, the foal! It hurt! She was very close to term, and had been easily snatched off the street in the dead of night. A rag and a little chloroform could go a long way, when one knew one’s way around a chemistry set and a few dark alleys. She sweated, looking fearfully around and squealing softly against the bags in her mouth.

The mad stallion turned, wielding charcoal, chalk and a wide diagram. “Now then! We’re all set!” his pupils shrank in excitement, and the mare began to wiggle harder, sweating and whimpering and moaning for mercy. The foal in her womb shifted, seeming to sense its mother’s distress. “Did you know that this spell is actually over a thousand years old? And to think ponies stopped using it! Pfft!” He leaned over her swollen belly, drawing several broad and sinister-looking runes on her.

“Mhhh! MHHHH! Mhhh-hm-hm-hmmm!” she tried to squirm away, to save her baby from the madpony and his probing hooves. Tears streaked her cheeks, leaving trails of moisture. How could she have been so stupid, going home by herself in the dead of night?! She began to weep openly when the unicorn stallion began mumbling black words over her.

The runes on and around her belly began to glow. Her eyes widened and she went slack a moment, peering over the ropes in horror. He wasn’t using magic like a normal unicorn, he was using words and magic circles like a zebra. It was foreign magic. Then his horn ignited and her dread increased. He was mixing magic, that mad-pony! The magnesium to one side began to smoke and idle, then crackle with white light. The massive pentagrams around the room began to pulse and warp like spinning wheels. “Yes! Yes-sss! YEEEESSS!” the stallion reared up, throwing his hooves skyward in wicked jubilation.

Suddenly the far window violently exploded and a trio of Lunar Stallions sailed courageously into the room! One of them skidded across the pile of iron shavings, breaking the perfectly-made sigil. The spell began to sputter and go out of control. They’d misbalanced the perfect equation the spell required! “This is the Canterlot Lunar Stallion Corps! You’re under arrest!” The door behind the mad scientist blasted off its hinges and Panzer Hoof thundered into the room on hooves the size of dinner plates. The room visibly shook at his titanic fury. The villain had only moments to look terrified before he was violently tackled into his alchemy table and his bookshelf smashed him. Panzer stood atop it to keep him there. “Save the mare!” he roared.

The two pegasi dropped the third pony, a unicorn, who lit his horn with a teeth-gritting grunt. Bolts magic arced back and forth as the Lunar Stallion conjured a dome-shaped shield over them. The two pegasi covered the pregnant mare with their bodies, working quickly with the ropes. “It’s gonna blow! It’s too unstable!” roared the unicorn to his comrades. “Get her out of here!” The two winged ponies wrestled the very pregnant mare out of her bonds and onto their backs. Panzer Hoof gestured harshly, and they took the doorway he’d bashed open on the way in, out into the adjoining alleyway. She shrieked and held on for dear life as they fled.

“She’s out, let’s go!” Panzer Hoof shouted over the roar of wild magic, thrusting the bookshelf out of the way and grabbing the ragdoll that was their suspect. “Clear out!”

“You don’t have to tell me twice!” The unicorn shouted, igniting his horn again and running for dear life. Panzer, the mad pony and the unicorn just crossed the threshold out of the building as the spell went completely haywire and imploded onto itself. The sudden reversal of space, time, and gravity SUCKED the building into itself until it was the size of a beach ball. It left a flat lot, not even a crater. The whole place was simply gone. All six ponies lay there panting, gasping, thankful to be alive. There was silence.

“You!” Glitter Star sat up, rubbing sweat and blood out of her eyes as she righted herself. “You’re under arrest! For kidnapping, for holding somepony hostage, for the gross misuse of Starswirl the Bearded’s Amnio-morphic spell,” She grabbed the mad stallion by the mane, slamming him face down into the dirt. She practically sat on him, pulling out her four-way hoof-cuffs and slamming an inhibitor ring over his horn. If he tried magic, it would electrocute him like a bolt of lightning. “And for being that bucking UGLY!” she finished with a flourish, kicking him for good measure. The stallion coughed heavily, laying in a pathetic heap of sweat and grime. Glitter Star stood there, panting viciously with all of her fangs out.

“And you’re dating her, huh?” the other pegasus Lunar Stallion grunted, snorting at Panzer Hoof.

“Yeah, isn’t she great?” Panzer snorted with deep, bell-like laughter. “Let’s get her to a hospital.” He said, righting himself and gently nosing the stunned, very round-bellied mare. “We’ll need to check on the foal as soon as possible.”
“Why stop me?!” the mad stallion suddenly yelled. “Why chance your foal being flawed?! I could’ve made it perfect!” Glitter Star roughly kicked the fallen stallion again. “Starlswirl the Bearded’s spell is perfect!” he just didn’t shut up, no matter how much she brutalized him. Her jowls rose to expose her jagged piranha teeth, and she dove to tear his throat out!

Panzer grabbed her in his great arms. “Stop! Stop!” he commanded.

“Neigh!” Glitter Star frothed at the mouth. The ancestors in the back of her head demanded blood! Demanded death! How dare somepony play God with a pregnant mare’s unborn foal?!” “Nei-i-i-igh!” she thrashed forward, her long teeth just aching to sink into his soft, inviting flesh. She scratched at the ground with her hooves while the mad stallion scrambled back in terror. She chomped at air, pure bloodlust in her eyes.

“Glitter Star! Control yourself! It’s the armor, it’s still sinking in!” Panzer roared, holding her tight from behind so she couldn’t turn on him and rip his head off instead. It took some doing, but soon the death in the Lunar Mare’s eyes frothed down into a hissing simmer. “Don’t let the ancestors control you.” He whispered heavily in her ear, growling it. “Just let them guide you. Easy… easy now…” he eased up on his crushing embrace, slowly letting her free again. Glitter Star stood there, panting loudly. She’d been so angry, wow… was this what it was like to be a Lunar Stallion—er, mare? On a knife’s edge when her emotion’s peaked? She turned to look at Panzer, thanking him with her eyes. Letting her go, he turned with a calmer voice. “You two. Take this mare to the hospital, straight away.”

“Right away, sir.” The pegasus and unicorn saluted, turning to help the mare along.

The pregnant pony rose, holding her belly. She was stained with grime, dirk, charcoal symbols and who knew what else. She was in a sorry state, but… she still found it in herself to smile at the gathered soldiers. “Oh, bless you, Lunar Stallions…” she whispered, her eyes soft as she leaned heavily on one of her two escorts. “Bless you! I’ll tell my foal every day about you!” she cried openly as she was led away down the deserted street to safety. Only Panzer and Glitter remained behind with the mad pony.

“As for you…” Panzer turned with a black growl, eyeing the oily-maned stallion laying on the ground. He gave a little yip of fear as Panzer and Glitter cast their shadows over him in intimidation. “Messing with a foal with that spell is enough to get you life in prison. Hope you like the color grey, it’s all you’re gonna be seeing for a long time.”

“Why be normal when you can be perfect?! Starswirl showed us how to mold our foals in the womb!” he belted, trying to stand before Glitter Star rudely shoved him down again.

“That spell is to prevent birth defects, and it was halted over a thousand years ago after the invention of prenatal care.” Panzer leaned and grabbed the leash of the chain that the cuffs were attached to. “Now walk, and don’t say a bucking word. Plenty can happen to you between here and the deepest dungeon in Canterlot.” He shorted hot steam from his muzzle as the madpony rose, limping forward as bidden. Glitter gnashed her teeth at him, then walked shoulder to shoulder with Panzer. Not bad for her first night out on the job!

=-----=-----=-----=-----=

“You know, as an organization you gotta admit the Lunar Stallions are pretty irresponsible with our medallions.” Falling Storm said idly while they loaded the unconscious newborn Lunar Stallion into what basically amounted as a mobile steel box. They chained the limp beast up in half a dozen manacles, put a muzzle on his face, and then locked the door with eight different mechanisms. He’d been frenzied when he’d been knocked out. If he woke up the same way, he might be more than a little pissed off when he woke up.

“Why do you say that?” asked the unicorn Lunar Stallion next to him.

“Well, a thousand years ago the Lunar Stallions dispersed. Why not just round up all the medallions and seal them away or something? Until Luna got back?” The sky blue Pegasus wondered. Falling Storm frowned in thought for a moment, tapping the steel box. “I mean, passing something down from father to son is nice and all, but these things are dangerous.” He jabbed a hoof at the grey-furred monster inside the box.

“War crimes, Falling Storm. War crimes. They were afraid, so they hid.” Luna had appeared behind him, wings unfurled. Both stallions jumped, turning about and saluting her. “At ease.” She said dismissively, turning and inspecting the steel trap they’d borrowed from the Ponyville jailhouse. “The Lunar Stallions followed me all the way up to my transformation into Nightmare Moon, and some even after I had. A hoof full of them followed me into darkness, never to return.” her voice took on a remorseful tone, but she soon buried it in her own inner thoughts. “You will take him back to Canterlot. The Lunar Stallion Academy is almost finished. Take him to the vault and keep him under heavy guard. He doesn’t leave it until he has his mind back.” Both stallions saluted. After they’d mare-handled the cage onto a cart, they were ready to go.

Twilight Sparkle stood nearby, frowning at Princess Luna. “What will you do with him, Princess?”

“Lunar Stallions do not remain feral for long after donning their necklaces..” She said thoughtfully. “He is descended from the original Lunar Stallions, so… he will be brought to live among the others.” The alicorn turned with a somber smile, looking at the destruction on the road, at the jailhouse… and she thought of the two dead ponies at the Britishhooves residence.

“I’d like to come and help.” The unicorn mage said, the bell on the end of her pointed hat jingling. Luna opened her mouth to forbid such a thing, but Twilight quickly added, “Ponyville deserves to know what happened to the Britishhooves household. If I were to come back with at least partial answers it would set their minds at ease.” There really wasn’t any arguing with that, to be honest. Such a terrible accident should not be forever shrouded in mystery. The citizens of Ponyville deserved to know.

Luna considered for a long few moments of silence. “I shall read your report before you deliver it to your fellow villagers.” She said with an air of authority. “Though they deserve to know why and how this travesty occurred, the Lunar Stallions are not without their secrets. The public does not need to know everything.” She folded her wings regally and turned her muzzle up a little. “You of all ponies know how knowledge can affect others when bestowed without restraint.”

Twilight Sparkle gingerly set her lamp on the ground and blew out the flame within. “Yes.” She said a little soberly. She didn’t like to be censored like that, but the purple mare knew she was going to be drifting into a place that was not only royal in nature, but specifically male. Twilight knew she would probably not be welcome amongst the powerful and mysterious Lunar Stallions. She would need to tread lightly. “I-I’ll just be there until Pip comes back to his senses and he’s on his hooves again.” Giving her hat bell a toss she sighed, nodding mostly to herself. “Go on ahead, I’ll join you in Canterlot before dusk.”

“Very well.” Luna nodded to Aegis Shield, who came close and raised a hoof to touch her shoulder. There was a pause. “Nightmare Night will not be the same without Pip, Twilight Sparkle.” She said a little sadly. “I do not think he will dare come back to Ponyville after… what happened.” She said delicately.

“No.” Twilight said glumly, turning away to return to the library. “I wouldn’t either, if it were me.” her head hung a little low and she started down the street. Aegis Shield and Princess Luna winked out of existence with a crack of parted air. Twilight briefly wondered why she didn’t just teleport herself, the guards, and the cage to Canterlot. Shrugging and deciding to worry about her own problems, she turned the corner to head for home.

“Twilight! Twilight!” Pinkie Pie suddenly appeared out of an alley, as though she’d totally been waiting for the mage the whole time. “Good morning!” Suddenly out of the alleyway piled a quintet of bubble-gum pink foals all shouting and squealing and laughing similarly to their mother. The purple mare briefly cursed the fertile stallion Pinkie Pie had married for unleashing another FIVE Pinkie Pies on the world. Berry, Chocolate, Lemon, Vegetable Pot, and Apple were their names, and they had just as much energy—if not more—than their mother. Only a mare like Pinkie Pie would have five children and sometimes talk about more. Ah well, when your husband was an ice cream store chain owner, one could have lots of foals and still live comfortably.

“Morning…” Twilight glanced at the horizon, seeing that it was barely past dawn. “Oh right. Good morning, Pies.” She smiled as the foals gathered affectionately around her and nuzzled at her legs and undercarriage. Such affectionate things. They definitely took after Pinkie Pie. Smiling lovingly, Twilight gave a flick of magic to send a cloud of ghostly butterflies up and down the sidewalk. They squealed and chased after them back and forth. Pinkie Pie chuckled, coming and hugging her friend.

“Why the face, miss frownie pants?” Pinkie Pie affectionately reached up and adjusted Twilight’s pointed mage hat so she could see her face better. Twilight smiled tiredly. “You look like you’ve been up spell-casting all night again!”

“There was an… incident.” The mage sighed a little. “Princess Luna was here in town for a little while, too.”

“Really?” Pinkie said. “Nightmare Night is tonight, I was sure she wouldn’t pop in until dark!” the pink mare looked excitedly about, as though Luna might be hiding in a bush nearby.

“I’m going to Canterlot to help out with what happened. I’m not sure if we’ll even be back for Nightmare Night.” Twilight paused when Pinkie Pie deflated in the mane like a tire. “B-but don’t worry, I’m sure the Princess will at least stop in Ponyville tonight. It’s tradition that she spend Nightmare Night in Ponyville after all. She won’t let you down.” Even as Twilight Sparkle said the words she wasn’t sure. After witnessing everything she had the previous night, she wasn’t sure Luna wouldn’t just forget about Nightmare Night entirely.

“Well, you be careful Twilight.” Pinkie Pie once again hugged her old friend with much affection. “If you don’t make it home for Nightmare Night, we’ll save you some sweets. Girls!” The pink mare called out to her gaggle of foals, mane re-inflating like a balloon. They turned and raced over, arranging themselves in a horseshoe shape around their mother. “Say goodbye to Twilight Sparkle!”

“Bye Twi-liiiight!” They chorused, then broke into the insane giggles that ran in the family.

Twilight smiled, trying to fight down the shudder working its way down her spine. In about fifteen years there would be five fully-grown mares with all the potent power of the Pinkie Sense—along with the boundless energy of their mother—running around Ponyville. As Twilight strode away, spirits lifted just a bit, she wondered if all the Pie clan mares bred like rabbits. She giggled to herself, a blush crossing her face.

Reaching the library at last, she found Spike leaning over a geography book. Ten years had made him take up slightly more mature hobbies, and lately he had been tracking dragon migration flight patterns. (The eventuality of moving out lay beyond Twilight Sparkle’s death, but they never spoke of it like that) He looked up when she came in. “Hey Twilight!” his adolescent voice croak-crackled, and she smiled at him warmly. “Check this out.” He pointed as she shouldered up next to him. Spike’s hand-drawn map looked just the same as the one in the book, and he’d colored his own based on the dragon breeds and families that lived there. He smiled at her toothily.

“Not bad!” Twilight said, taking off her hat now that she was home again. She hugged him briefly, still amazed that she no longer had to bend down. True though it was that dragons didn’t grow unless they hoarded items, if you have enough birthdays and Hearth’s Warming Eves-- it became an eventuality even in the pony society. Though a foot or two of height was a lot from Twilight’s perspective, he was still her ever faithful assistant. “Listen, Spike. I have to go to Canterlot for awhile.”

“Whut? But why?” he asked, looking up from his regional map. “Nightmare Night is tonight!”

“There was an accident in Ponyville and everypony is going to want answers soon.” Twilight said, levitating her saddlebags out and stuffing a few things inside. “I’m gonna leave you to run the library all on your own, okay?”

“I can already do that.” The dragon grumbled a little, watching her work a little frantically. “Wanna tell me what happened before you go?”

“A new Lunar Stallion popped up in the middle of town, and some ponies got… hurt.” She stopped, turning and looking at him meaningfully. The dragon’s expression fell. Going to him, she smiled and they hugged like brother and sister. “I don’t know everything about it just yet, but when I come back I will, okay?” She was gathering up parchment, inkwells, and other instruments. She didn’t have any books on Lunar Stallions or she would’ve grabbed those too. Truth be told there just weren’t any books on the mysterious nighttime guards.

“Promise?” Spike said, reaching and putting her mage’s hat on her head. He flicked the bell to hang off the back side of her. “And you’ll be back soon?”

Twilight nodded, and hugged him one more time before she headed to the door. The purple dragon followed, stopping in the doorway and waving. “Don’t worry Spike, all the bad stuff has already happened. This is just a fact-finding mission.” She smiled. Stepping out into a nice open space in front of the library, Twilight looked about. This looked like a good spot.

“Tell Princess Celestia I said hello!” Spike waved, then caught his head on the top of the doorframe. Grunting and holding the top of his head, he laughed embarrassedly.

Twilight smiled and nodded her head. “I will.” Her horn flickered, flickered, IGNITED like a beacon of light! Dust rushed away from her in a ring and a magic circle fifteen feet across appeared on the ground. Not drawn there, it simply materialized to magnify the significant power the mare wielded. It augmented her, aiming across the ethereal plain at her destination in the physical world. She cocked her head and looked towards Canterlot, reaching out with her mind’s eye. The magic circle’s symbols rushed back and forth to rearrange themselves, then locked in place. Purple glitters of light appeared from nowhere, all rushing to splash themselves against the purple unicorn’s body. She tilted her head back and closed her eyes, her mouth going slightly agape. The air began to whir and a flush found the mare’s face as she began to look like something was really making her feel good. Without warning she suddenly burst into a bright purple mist and darted away beyond Spike’s view.

Spike snorted and grinned, shaking his head. “Wish I could do that.” He huffed a little bit of green flame and turned to go back inside.

=-----=-----=-----=

Princess Luna made sure that the moonsteel bars were strong, tapping them with her horn. She and the quartet of Lunar Stallions had put their still unconscious prisoner into the birthing vault in the heart of the lunar barracks. Everypony could see him in there, and would be able to let him out as soon as he came to his senses. If he woke up feral, he wouldn’t be able to get through the bars. Win-win. “Keep him under guard at all times, you three. I do not want him ruining Nightmare Night for anypony if he wakes up still frenzied.” She told the three lower ranking stallions. “Aegis Shield, come.” She bade, and he followed silently.

Aegis Shield waited until they were out of earshot to speak, looking up at her. “What do you think?” he asked her curiously.

“We’ll need to wait until he wakes.” The Princess said. “That may be hours or days. I hit him pretty hard.” She gave her starry mane a toss, pausing at an intersection and then headed up the spiral stairs and out of the hidden barracks.
They’d moved the Lunar Stallion barracks to the underside of the Lunar Academy, so it wouldn’t be right under the noses of the Solar Guard. The old barracks had been carefully turned into a tomb. Even those who died in the battle for Canterlot a decade ago had been very respectfully taken there, to be among their brothers in the afterlife. It was morbid, but traditional.

Luna saw Aegis looking around the hallowed, pristine halls as they emerged up into the academy. “Don’t look too closely, or you’ll have nothing left to be impressed by when the academy truly opens soon.” She smiled playfully. He blushed just a little, keeping his eyes forward.

“What will we do about Nightmare Night?” Aegis Shield asked her.

“It must continue as planned. Ponyville has been kind to me, and I have never missed a Nightmare Night there.” Luna said. They finally came to a side door and emerged into the daylight. Luna inhaled the fresh air deeply, tossing her ethereal mane once more. “It will not be as joyful without Pip there, but--!”

CRACK! The part of air and swirl of magic startled them both when they stepped outside. Twilight Sparkle stood there, brushing a few flecks of magic off of her cape. “I’m here! Sorry, I had to lock on to your magical signature mid-flight. It probably made a loud noise, haha!” she chirped at their startled looks. A teleportation spell? Over such a distance? Astounding! “Alright Princess, what can I do to help?”

“We were just deciding what to do about Nightmare Night, and the upcoming Lunar Academy ball.” Luna said, nodding when the mare bowed. Aegis Shield looked her up and down, but the casualness of her demeanor said ‘longtime friend’, so he relaxed too. “I will of course return to Ponyville this evening for the festivities, but then I must return to sort this mess out and make ready for the academy to open.”

“The Lunar Stallions are going to have an academy?” Twilight said, her eyes getting big and sparkly. “Who will you hire as teachers? What will they teach? Will it be like the Solar Guard Academy? Shining Armor told me all about that, growing up!” she was chattering away, then looked past Luna at the massive building. “Is that it? Is that it there? Wow!” she said, bouncing on all four hooves a bit. A school, in Twilight’s mind, was just like a giant library. Something to be awed and inspired by. Eeee!

“Mage!” Princess Luna snapped a little, using the purple mare’s title. “Control yourself.” Twilight blushed furiously and coughed. She gestured. “This is Aegis Shield, one of my two Captains.” She introduced the armored stallion, and they shook hooves formally.

“Being a Lunar Stallion must be a very big honor!” Twilight smiled grandly. Aegis Shield nodded politely. “There’s not even any literature about you guys out there. I’ve checked!” she tittered at him like a bird over a brightly colored bug that it had never seen before. She peered at him curiously. Automatically, Aegis made sure to hide his teeth from her. If she’d never seen a Lunar Stallion up close (in ten years? With three living in Ponyville?), he didn’t need to scare her silly.

“There are a few books, Twilight Sparkle.” Luna said, thoughtful. “But… come to think of it, there is nothing written in the modern tongue about them!” Her brow suddenly rose in shock. Aegis Shield looked up at her with questions in her eyes. “All the knowledge I’ve passed along about them is by mouth. We’ve no literature!”

Twilight was aghast, her eyes big and soft. “No books? At all?” she was suddenly a foal again, her tears rising. How could there be a subject in all Equestria about which there were NO books? It was unheard of.

“Twilight Sparkle.” Luna suddenly turned, her serious-princess face upon her. “There are no books, public or classified, about the Lunar Stallions written in the modern tongue. This is a problem that must be remedied before the Lunar Academy is to open properly.” How had such an enormous oversight happened? She was about to recruit a bunch of new soldiers, and had no owner’s manual to give them! Preposterous! Twilight Sparkle fretted, very upset about the lack of books on the subject.

Aegis Shield watched the serious Princess and the fretting mage, unsure any input he had to give would be worth anything. Then it came to him. “Erm, your Majesty?” he spoke aloud, making Luna turn her head. “If there are no books or manuals about the Lunar Stallions, why don’t you commission a scholar to write one for you? Maybe a professor?”

Luna’s face lit up, and Twilight Sparkle’s mouth made a perfect ‘o’ shape. “Aegis, that is an excellent plan!” she praised, smiling grandly. Then without warning she turned to the purple unicorn, “Twilight, art thou up to the task?” she said, playfully using her old dialect.

Twilight’s eyebrows shot into her mane, beyond the brim of her hat. “What?! Me?! Write a book?” she said worriedly. “About… about something nopony knows about?” the weight of responsibility rammed hard across her shoulders, frightening her. “But I--!”

“Who better than my sister’s protégé, one of Equestria’s best scholars and smartest unicorns?” Luna lavished her with praise, already very much liking the idea. Twilight smiled bashfully. Well, she was just a little bit impressive when she put it that way. “And the element of Harmony to boot! Why,” Luna paused for dramatic effect, a broader smile going across her face. “Is is not one of the requirements for the coveted title of Archmage—to write a manuscript on a branch of magic not yet explored? It is why there are so few Archmages anymore!”

Twilight Sparkle’s pupils tripled in size. Archmage. Archmage Twilight Sparkle. Her knees knocked together as though a handsome stallion had just wandered up and slapped her on the flank. Arch. Mage. Twilight Sparkle. She wanted it. The most coveted title any unicorn could ever endeavor for. The last pony to hold it was Starswirl himself. She wanted it bad. Luna had dangled the perfect prize at her. “I’ll do it.” She said a little robotically, a great smile plastered across her face. Luna chuckled, a hoof over her mouth. “I’ll… I’ll need help, though.” She looked up, snapping out of her reverie. “A test subject. Can you lend me one of your Lunar Stallions for study?” Twilight asked Princess Luna.

“How about Stalwart Hide?” Aegis Shield suggested, looking up at Luna. “He was the second Lunar Stallion of this era, and even fought in the battle for Canterlot. He’s exemplary.”

“True, he is!” Luna was glad the ball was rolling, whole-heartedly agreeing with Aegis.

“That sounds interesting!” Twilight said. With severe lack of non-public knowledge available to her, the young mage was getting bouncy and excited. The mere idea of studying a Lunar Stallion, something the public knew little of beyond the obvious, was like discovering a new species! Just think of the papers and essays she could write! And a book, ohhhh a book with her name on it. All About Lunar Stallions, by Twilight Sparkle. Eee! She fought down a yes-yes-yes dance, giggling loudly.

As though by some vast, comedic cue Stalwart Hide in full armor swooped down from on high. “Princess Luna!” he called down in his deep bronze voice. “Good morning! I didn’t expect to see you up so… early.” he landed with an even clop of four hooves, bowing and spreading his wings upon the ground. “Vivas Noctus.” He said reverently from the ground. Luna inclined her head. Twilight was instantly fascinated by this. She’d never seen a pony bow that way, didn’t that dirty his wings? And what was that phrase? It sounded like another language. She would need to look that up later…

“You are uncanny, Stalwart Hide, we were just speaking about you.” Princess Luna said cheerfully. “This is Twilight Sparkle, she’s going to be writing a book out you and your fellow Lunar Stallions.”

“Er,” Stalwart Hide said a little uncomfortably. “Princess, if you created the Lunar Stallions and everything that has to do with us, why can’t you just--” he saw the searing glare Aegis Shield was giving him. “Er… right. Always willing to help, your majesty!” he amended.

“We prefer a third party’s eyes.” Luna said acidly, frowning for a few moments until he looked sufficiently sorry at her. “While I created everything Lunar Stallion related, it is because of that that I may miss something. It is like looking for errors in one’s own writing.”

“Your eyes just slide across misspellings and things like that.” Twilight put in, nodding. “Don’t worry, Stalwart Hide, I’m Princess Celestia’s protégé! You’re in perfectly professional hooves!” she beamed. Stalwart Hide wiped his face of the rather miserable expression on his face. The idea of a strange mare ‘examining’ him didn’t really appeal, much less so up close and personal. Most of the qualities of a Lunar Stallion were strictly physical, so he knew there would be a lot of poking and prodding. In the back of Stalwart’s head, the ancestors murmured with disapproval, not sure what to make of the purple mare just yet. They conferred and quietly debated, but gave him no offered opinion.

“Right.” Luna said, huffing as though to wipe a slate clean. “I am going to bed. The sun is rising.” She stretched, yawned, and pulled Aegis Shield rather unceremoniously to her side. “Come to bed, Aegis Shield, lest I fall asleep on my hooves.” He smiled bashfully, bowing his head and following his Princess towards the palace. Twilight watched them go, an alarmed look on her face.

“They’re lovers. Have been since the Lunar Stallions got started back up.” Stalwart Hide put in. “It’s not a huge secret, but not many talk about it.”

“Are Lunar Stallions more potent in bed?” Twilight wondered aloud, stroking her chin. Stalwart Hide went scarlet, face-hoofing. Twilight legitimately wondered at the logistics of alicorn-Lunar Stallion relations. Did the breed provide them with the extra strength and endurance needed to bed a goddess? Well no, wait, Big Macintosh was with Princess Celestia… sort of… that was more of a secret though… her brow scrunched and she stood there, perfectly still, for over a minute. Stalwart Hide leaned with a frown, looking into her face. She didn’t respond, she was so deep in thought. He waved a hoof at her, but no, her eyes saw something elsewhere while she was thinking. A thought bubble appeared over her head, complete with a cartoon alicorn, a cartoon of each pony stallion breed, and then Solar and Lunar Stallions. Fancy mathematics began to add, then multiply… multiply?! Twilight gave a start, her cheeks flushing red, when Stalwart Hide poked her sharply. “What?!” she said loudly.

“I said what do we do first?” he grouched back at her.

The mage gulped a little, then cocked her head. She didn’t know where to begin. Where did one begin when documenting a brand new species or breed? Surely it would be no different for ponies than with animals? She rubbed her chin for a long for moments, the well-oiled gears in her mind turning. “Ah!” she said, thrusting a hoof up. “I must observe the subject in his natural environment!” The Lunar Stallion didn’t know whether to scowl or laugh at her. She talked like he wasn’t there listening. “Can I see where you eat a lot? Or maybe where you sleep? Isn’t there a barracks for the Lunar Stallions?” She was full of questions right out of the starting gate.

“Er, well sure.” He nodded. He wasn’t a hundred percent sure that civilians were allowed into the Lunar Barracks. But then again she was both an mage and Celestia’s prized student. Surely an exception could be made. Yawning a little, since he was used to sleeping in the day, he gestured for her to follow.

Once inside the Lunar Academy, they headed deep down into the mountain, past where the sun would ever touch. After entering a large atrium they stepped over some sort of invisible line that set off some of Twilight’s magical alarms, and suddenly they were in front of a set of double doors that hadn’t been there before. “Wow.” She said, looking them up and down. “So I guess you can’t get in unless you’re invited, huh? I never would’ve found these!”

“You’re with a Lunar Stallion, that’s part of what lets you see them.” Stalwart Hide pushed the doors open, revealing the spiraling staircase. He stepped aside so the mare could go first. Cocking her head, Twilight levitated quill and parchment to one side of herself. As soon as it was set in place in the air next to her, the pen started writing furiously. Every time Twilight seemed to notice something new or interesting even on the stairs on the way down, the quill would jerk about and write on its own. Stalwart Hide, being a Pegasus, had no idea how something like that would work, but it was fun to watch.

When they reached the bottom and emerged into the great room, Twilight stopped to look around. It reminded her of an old Neighway hall, where Vikings would share grog and tell stories around long tables. There was a roaring hearth with tons of spare wood, plenty of furniture to stretch out on, and lots of stylized wall art. The long table was, amazingly enough, long enough to seat every single Lunar Stallion. The room was big enough for a table so large. Twilight had no idea how they would’ve found a tree big enough to carve such a thing, or much less how it didn’t collapse on itself. She scanned it briefly, and found it covered with spells. Anti-shattering, Anti-scratching, Anti-staining, anti-heat, anti-cold, waterproofing, and so on and so on. If a Canterlot scholar sat down with an encyclopedia of spells to wrap around a table, of all things, all of them had to be there. The thing was meant to stand up to even a rowdy group of seventy stallions. Twilight’s quill dipped itself in ink again, and began writing about her predictions on the Lunar Stallion sense of community. “Wow.” Twilight said again, peering about and taking her pointed hat off in awe. “It’s much bigger than I thought.” She admitted.

“Princess Luna expects the best, but she also gives the best.” Stalwart Hide smiled with pride as she did a slow lap around the great room, admiring just about everything. “Living here is a privilege, even if it’s two or three stallions to a room.”

“Oh, can you show me the sleeping rooms, then?” The purple mare was already moving on and wanting to see more. In the short span her magic quill and paper had already written more than seven paragraphs of random tidbits of information. He led her along, perking his ears and listening. Nopony was home, it seemed.

“We’re all stationed in the towns around Canterlot, right now. The normal meet up is tonight for the Nightmare Night festival. All twenty-four Lunar Stallions are going to be there. Or they should be.” He smiled happily, looking forward to see his comrades like they were so many siblings.

“Twenty-four?” Twilight frowned as they passed bedroom door after bedroom door. “But the table out there has enough room for three times that.”

Stalwart Hide stopped a moment and looked at her seriously. “There were seventy of us, before the battle for Canterlot.” He whispered. “We lost a lot of good stallions that day.” Twilight wilted back a little, seeing the haunted look in his eyes. “But!” he heaved a quick breath, trying to keep the mood light. “With the Lunar Academy about to be unveiled, soon we’ll replenish our numbers.” He stopped and gestured to a door at the very end of the hall. “My room. Mine and Aegis Shield’s… though he doesn’t sleep here much anymore.” He snickered.

Twilight pushed the door open curiously, wrinkling her nose a little. It certainly smelled like a boy’s room. There was a bookshelf, which she approached with interest and scanned the titles. “Huhm…” she said, magic quill dancing as she did a slow lap around the room. There was almost nothing to it, it was strictly functional.

“Er.” Stalwart Hide felt a certain warmth in his cheeks while a mare walked around inspecting his room. Princess Luna never asked anything about the personal quarters of her stallions. If they wanted to live in filth or cleanliness, it was their own business—so long as they saw to their duties properly and observed good hygiene. “What do you—!”

“SHH!” Twilight, mage or no, was in investigation mode. She stuck her muzzle under his bed. She deflated, finding no secret journal or dirty magazines or anything of the sort. She opened his drawers, fiddled with his things. He watched her go back and forth, cocking his head curiously. What was she looking for? Whatever it was, she couldn’t seem to find it anywhere. “Jeez you’re boring!” she suddenly squawked at him, face-hoofing.

“Hey!” Stalwart Hide dropped his polite demeanor right then. “What’s that supposed to mean?!”

“There’s nothing personal here!” The purple mare declared, gesturing around. “No photos of family! No dirty magazines! No snack food rotting in the drawers! No stuffed animals from your foalhood! Nothing!”

The Lunar Stallion scowled at her and started to growl a little ferally. His jowls lifted, exposing jagged teeth. “You pompus, rude--!”

Suddenly she’d grabbed his head. “Wow, lookit your teeth!” she said in awe and adoration, peering at him. His teeth looked razor-sharp, triangularly shaped like a piranha’s mouth. “Say ahhh!” when he refused she kicked him a little.

“Ahh-!” he said, but as his mouth opened she turned his head to inspect his ears instead. Princess Luna, Stalwart Hide worried, you’ve left me in the hooves of a mad-mare.

Some Time Later…

Princess Luna and Aegis Shield came down into the Lunar barracks great room, chatting about the Nightmare Night festival that was only hours away. They only had to pick up Stalwart Hide and check on the black-furred prisoner, and they’d be on their way. After all, it took two Lunar Stallion Captains to pull the royal chariot. Luna did love to make an entrance. What the pair of them came across, though, stopped them dead in their tracks. “Twilight Sparkle!” Luna barked, completely taken aback.

Stalwart Hide was standing on four stacks of books, very much on display. Twilight Sparkle, her hat and cloak off to one side, was lying on her back underneath him, T-ways. She was armed with a tape measure, a magnifying glass, and had a strange instrument on her head. It had several colored lenses that could be adjusted for the light spectrum as well as magnification. “Oh thank the moon!” Stalwart Hide shuddered happily, seeing them approach.

Twilight sat up, scooting out from under him like she’d been working on a car (Er… cart, in Equestria). “Princess! I’ve just made a great discovery!” she said, cantering over and sticking her muzzle into her bag. She went to Stalwart Hide and broke a glass phial over his helm, then jabbed his underbelly with it. The stallion giggled, jittering on his hooves without meaning to. Aegis Shield cocked his head. “Lunar Stallion fur can withstand most crystallized substances! I tried glass, crystal, quartz shavings, everything! Nothing breaks the skin!”

“We should show her Panzer Hoof, she’d have a field day.” Grumbled Aegis Shield out of the side of his muzzle.

Luna snorted, stepping forward. “Stalwart Hide, you are done for now. It is time for the Nightmare Night Festival.” She pulled him off of the stacks of books before Twilight could stop her. “You may have him back later, Twilight.” She said loudly before the purple mare could protest. Stalwart Hide wanted to hug Luna so badly, it was only his dignity as a soldier that stopped him. “Come, I need you both to pull the royal chariot to Ponyville. Go and prepare, be ready in one hour to depart.”

“Yes Princess!” Stalwart Hide said way too loudly, rushing away and up the stairs like his tail was on fire. Aegis Shield tried very hard not to snicker at his comrade, and followed.

“What?” Twilight said, tilting her head. One of the lenses over her eyes made her eye look enormous, and the other made it look far away. “You’re looking at me like…” she flustered a little. “I’m just gathering information! Honest!”

There was a long silence and Luna smiled painfully. “Just… be gentler with my stallions, huhm?” she said. “They’ve been through more than you can imagine.”

“Sorry…” Twilight mumbled, remembering the stallion’s comment about the battle for Canterlot. She cleared her throat a little, looking to one side in embarrassment.

“You may stay here if it suits you, and compile your information. Draw some conclusions.” The Princess gestured. “With a total of six Lunar Stallions in Canterlot, I don’t think you’ll be disturbed down here.” Twilight nodded apologetically, and the Princess turned to go.

“Er, Princess?” Twilight called after her.

“Yes, mage?”

“Er… uhm…” Twilight wanted to think of something nicer to say, to let the Princess know she was taking it all very seriously. But nothing noble sprang to mind and she wilted. “Happy Nightmare Night.” She said a little glumly.

“Happy Nightmare Night, Twilight.” Luna smiled in a way that reminded her very much of Celestia. A soft, amused way that said she knew far more than she let on. Twilight could only guess at what it was.

Sitting at the long table after Princess Luna was gone, Twilight Sparkle put her cloak around her shoulders. Going to the massive hearth she put a few more logs on and stirred it with a poker. When the flames started to lick at the wood, she returned to her chair. She copied her notes down much more neatly, categorizing them and sorting them in order of importance. She kept the originals for safety, in her saddlebag. Sighing and feeling a little guilty for treating Stalwart Hide like a science project, she picked up her quill with her magic. Lunar Stallions are ponies too, not just Lunar Stallions, she wrote.

=-----=-----=-----=

“It would’ve worked faster if only I’d… maybe chosen a tighter matrix…” the mad pony stroked his chin, scribbling equations on the wall with a rock. There was a scraping of metal and rust, which made him jerk around. The little peeking door in his cell door had opened. He squinted at the light it allowed in. Golden, draconic eyes stared in at him.

“Test Theory.” Whispered the voice beyond.

“What do you want?” he said fearfully, backing up into the corner. He’d been beaten on by several Lunar Stallions on his way to that cell, he didn’t exactly have anywhere to run. Ponies were so sensitive with their foals…

“I have questions.” The stallion on the other side of the door said in a quiet hiss. There was a little crackle as a torch was thrust into a waiting water bucket out in the hallway. Darkness plunged over both of them, until only the two golden eyes remained. They pierced Test Theory’s very soul, and he shuddered visibly. “And,” there was a pause, some shuffling, and a pencil with notepad slid into the room. “A gift.” The eyes narrowed with amusement. Test Theory rushed forward like it was a morsel of food given to a starving pony. He scribbled furiously, then SLAPPED the wall with a slip of paper from the notebook. The runes and clumsily drawn sigils ignited. Light cast itself around the room, properly lighting the cell. The golden eyes stepped back a bit, slipping into shadow. “So it’s true. You’ve studied Zafrican runecarving.”

“I can escape with this, you fool!” Test Theory said, grinning broadly as he flipped the page. His pencil danced violently, scratching the sigils across the page. “Thanks for the ticket out!” even of the Lunar Stallion flung the door open right then, he wouldn’t be able to reach him before he teleported out. Not even the inhibitor ring on his horn could stop rune magic!

“Can Starswirl the Bearded’s amniomorphic spell be used on an adult pony instead of an unborn foal?” the stallion in the hall asked abruptly.

Test Theory’s pencil jerked to a halt. He slowly looked up at the shadowed face, frowning in a troubled way. There was mad science, and then there was MAD science. He slowly put the notebook down, casting the pencil aside. Rising on all four hooves, he slowly went to the door. “Maybe. Who wants to know?” he asked, squinting out into the dark and rubbing at his oily mane.

A fine bushel of chilled carrots invaded the room through the little peeking door, and then it slammed shut. “Your new best friend.” said the muffled voice from hallway. Test Theory dove on the food, noisily stuffing his face with hungry desperation. He heard whoever it was leave, but he knew that he’d be back. The unclean stallion decided to stay for the time being. This was interesting.

=-----=-----=-----=-----=

Pip’s eyes flicked open. He saw the moonsteel bars, and went to hold them. “Hullo?” he called out into the darkness with a quiet English accent. “Is anypony there? Where am I? Hullo!?” he called louder. He held his face with his hooves. “My voice!” he said. It was a full step lower than it normally was, deep and syrupy. He looked himself over with shock. “My fur!” He backed up and saw his face in a bucket of water that had been put in the cell with him. “My face!” he said, peering so closely his nose dipped into the cool liquid. Suddenly feeling his throat on fire he doused himself into it, drinking greedily. The stallion stopped suddenly, looking around in fear. “Who’s there?!” he said. “Who’s there?!” he shouted a little louder.

“Wow, I didn’t think he would sense us.” Three Lunar Stallions melted out of shadow, standing on the other side of the bars with somber expressions.

“Please!” Pip rushed to the bars and they stepped back quickly, like he might bite them. “Where am I?! What’s happened?! Why am I like this?!” he showed them his hoof like that would explain everything. “I’m not a grey stallion! I’m a white and brown pinto!” Saying it out loud made him sound all the crazier and he moaned pathetically, gripping the bars.

“Yeah, and I’m sky blue with a green mane.” Shrugged the pegasus. He didn’t sound sarcastic. Pip looked at him. Clearly he was ashen grey, but… but… “The armor changes you, kid. That’s just what it does. You’re not gonna remember anything from your first transformation.”

“My first what?” he said, leaning so hard against the bars his head almost slipped through.

All three Lunar Stallions winced. “We… might get in trouble for tellin’ you.” said the earth pony to Pip’s left. “But so long as you’re in there, you prolly deserve to know.” They looked at him with sympathy.

“What’s happened? How did I get here?” Pip asked, jiggling the bars a little with morbid anticipation. They told him everything. Within the hour, a great and mournful cry echoed up out of the lunar academy birthing vault.

End of Part 2

Luna’s Story 4: Traitor Among Us
Part 3: Nightmare Night

Princess Luna was all smiles as the crowd of grey armored stallions pressed in around her like children, rearing and whinnying happily. She chuckled, handing out blessings when she could and embracing those brave enough to take her hugs. They’d all been out on duty for several months now, and to see all of them together again was a sight to behold. Aegis Shield was shaking hooves, exchanging banter and gossip while the festival pressed on.

Nightmare Night was a big deal in Ponyville, for their tiny village was always graced with the presence of royalty. Ever since the first Nightmare Night that Princess Luna had returned, she’d always insisted on spending the night there. Not in Canterlot, nor Los Pegasus, or anywhere else with their fancier parties and streams. No, Ponyville was where her heart lay.

Games, sweets, and prizes were being passed out by ponies with fat saddle bags, and the stage was almost ready for Luna’s yearly speech. She’d teased several ponies with the promise of prizes for best costumes. “So then, we bucked him in the face!” One stallion had already had a few too many ciders, regaling Luna with the tale of a bar fight he and his fellows had broken up. The Princess chuckled good-naturedly. Truth be told there hadn’t been much ‘action’ comparable to the Battle for Canterlot a decade ago, but they were all eager to tell her of their exploits. Small-time thieves, bar fights, escorting frightened mares home in the dead of night-- A few of them had actually found love, much to the delight of their comrades. After all, they reasoned, there was no greater catch in all the world’s stallions than a Lunar Stallion. Luna agreed, poking fun at Aegis Shield, who blushed.

Excusing herself after a time, Luna made to mount the stage and head to the podium. Even after a decade she was not very good at speaking to attentive crowds, but she tried her best. At least her language lessons had brought her into the proper century, and she sounded more normal and approachable to everypony. The music from the band died down and everypony began to gather ‘round, happy to see the Princess in such good spirits on Nightmare Night. “CITIZENS OF PONYVILLE!” she concussed the night with the Royal Canterlot Voice, much to their delight. There was laughter and applause, and she made a show of bashfully lowering her voice. “Welcome to the tenth annual royal Nightmare Night festival!” she smiled and blimped her wings open, sending phantom bats in all directions. More applause and hoof stomping. “I have surveyed the crowds and have made my decisions for best costumes.” She gestured, and a pair of Lunar Stallions came forward with a quartet of golden trophies with crescent moon symbols on them. The crowd ooooh’d appreciatively, chattering for a bit while they admired the shine and sparkle of the trophies. “There shall be one for each gender, one for foals and one for adults!” she gestured to all four. The crowd went nuts. Last year they had only had trophies for the creative foals that had made their costumes themselves.

Aegis Shield smiled from his place in the crowd, making sure that the Lunar Stallions were grouped up and acting accordingly. They could party, sure, but they were still pillars of the community. They couldn’t get too wild. The Captain scolded himself a little when he finally remembered Stalwart Hide. He was still back in Canterlot with Twilight Sparkle, being studied. How could he forget? Smiling guiltily he called to a reveler for a bag of assorted candy to take home to his comrade. She obliged and pecked his cheek, wishing him a happy Nightmare Night. Aegis stuffed the little bag into his breastplate, promising to give it to his friend when he returned to Canterlot. He looked up, having not been paying attention.

Princess Luna was presenting a little earth pony filly with a trophy. She had glued gobs and gobs of cotton to her legs, and made little paper wings. When asked what her costume was, she flopped down on her cushion and curled up like she was asleep. ‘Pegasus asleep on a cloud’, she told them. The crowd ‘awwwww-ed’ loudly, she really was precious. Luna blessed the foal with a tap of her horn, presenting her with her trophy. She skipped off the stage, laughing merrily. The colt trophy went to a little foal who’d decided to be a space pony. He’d shoved a fishbowl onto his head, had vacuum cleaner parts all over himself for his astronaut suite, and had ever perfected a slow-motion walk to make it look like he was in lesser gravity. The crowd adored this and clapped voraciously. One of the adult ponies that won a trophy was none other than Zecora the zebra, who had rolled herself in flour. When asked what she was, they found out she was pretending to be a white earth pony. The crowd laughed and applauded, making her bow and chuckle with them. The stallion that won the male adult trophy had dressed up like death, weaving a complex spell around himself to make most of his body look like just a skeleton. Such magic!

When all the prizes had been handed out and the band was getting back into place to start the next dance, Princess Luna held up a solemn hoof. “I do have another announcement to make, and this seems to be the best place to make such an announcement.” The crowd quieted, looking up at her with adoration. “Tomorrow is the memorial day for the Battle for Canterlot, ten years ago.” She said. The Lunar Stallions exchanged wary glances with each other. It was always odd, having Nightmare Night be so joyful and then remembering their fallen brothers the next night during their remembrance day. “I shalt be leading the ceremonies for those that wish to attend in the Royal Gardens, for those who wish to come. All from Ponyville have my royal seal of approval to attend, and the guards shall not impede you at the gate.” There was a ripple of appreciation from those gathered, and a few made a quiet promise to try to come. Canterlot was some distance away via train, but not unattainable.

=-----=-----=-----=

Stalwart Hide stood trembling in his armor in front of a crowd of dozens. Princess Luna sat on a massive black throne. Between himself and Aegis Shield was a powder blue mare with a silvery mane, chained up and bound. “Axepony, is your axe sharp?” Luna said, referring to a ceremonial script she hadn’t read in ages. The words had to be said, there was nothing she could do about it. Stalwart died a little inside. So cold, so heartless for such a terrible event about to take place. Did she not care at all?

“Yes, your majesty.” said the earth pony from under his black hood.

“How many swings will it take?” the princess asked, still on the script.

“Only one, merciful and quick.” He responded, also with words chosen for him. He hefted the great weapon up, turning it until it shone in the lamplight. Trixie whimpered, shaking. She glanced over at Stalwart Hide, begging him mercy with her gaze.

Luna looked over at the crowd, then up at her sister on the balcony, licking her lips. She hadn’t done this in over a thousand years, and even Celestia not in the past hundred. Stalwart Hide slowly escorted Trixie to the executioner’s block and helped her to her knees. He didn’t want to. He wanted to sweep her up and gallop away. It wasn’t all her fault. Her armor, her ancestors, had poisoned her into a monstrous weapon! Did Luna take no responsibility for her own legacy?! They removed the manticals and chains from her body, stepping slowly back. Stalwart Hide looked felt to faint, shaking even under all his heavy armor. Princess, he begged silently, don’t do this! There’s another way! She could be rehabilitated! The Princess of the Night took a deep breath. “Axepony, are you ready?” she said ceremonially. Stalwart Hide locked eyes with Trixie, who whimpered at him pathetically. Her eyes were large and soft, begging him to save her. To somehow get her out of this horror. After checking his axe’s edge one more time, the hooded earth pony nodded.
The axepony was not cruel when he said, “Any last words? They’ll be taken into record.” Stalwart Hide saw only the slight movement of the hood’s muzzle, and the coil of large muscles when he steadied himself for the swing.

Trixie cast her eyes to the crowd, to her princess. This had all gone wrong, so horribly wrong. She turned her head to look back at Stalwart Hide, then the other lunar stallions. She looked up at Luna again, who was looking down at her with sorrow in her eyes. Leaning down at last and shaking like a leaf, she had to try several times to draw enough breath to speak. She lowered her head to the block and stretched out her neck. “V… Vivas… Noctus.” She whispered, crying softly.

The axe fell. Stalwart Hide cried out like a wounded dog as the severed head flopped wetly onto the ground like a bursting watermelon. He vomited violently and Aegis Shield rushed to his side to steady him. Stalwart flared his wings, shoving Aegis away as he was wracked with sobs. The Princess looked down at him with pity on her face. Blood and gore rushed up around his hooves as the rest of the scene vanished around him. The head of the Moon Champion settled as the body fell to one side, the fantastic spray of gore getting all over his front. He looked at his hooves in mortal terror, his eyes shrinking into pinpricks. “Oh Gods!” he cried, burying his face in his hooves as the red goo dribbled down his body and all around. “Oh GODS!”

“Stalwart.” A feminine voice made him flinch. He dared to peek between his hooves. “Stalwart.” said the head of the Moon Champion. How was she still speaking?! He felt icy hot terror crawl up his spine as he gaped in horror. “Why?” She mewled. “Why didn’t you save me?” she whispered, blood flooding wildly out of her mouth as her eyes drifted in different directions. Stalwart screamed, holding his head in his hooves.

Stalwart Hide jerked awake with a heart-wrenching shout of agony. Drenched with sweat and palpable fear, he clutched at himself and panted. Turning suddenly, he wretched into his wastepaper basket. Moaning incoherently, he lay limp and half out of his bed for a few miserable moments. Suddenly sensing movement in his room, he jolted when he felt a device attached to his head. It looked like a straining bowl, covered with wires and blinking lights. “Muhh…?” he managed, pawing at it.

“That must’ve been some dream you had, tossing and turning like that. That’s delicate, be careful!” Twilight Sparkle said from his bedside, startling the poor stallion.

Stalwart’s brain took a few moments to register past his night terror, see through his cold sweat and understand the mare in front of him. “Miss Sparkle! I’m naked!” he told her, pulling his blankets up. She stared at him blankly, her eyes flicking up and down him. Of course he was. Stalwart Hide meant he wasn’t wearing his armor, and was pretty uncomfortable with Twilight Sparkle getting a good look at his normal form. Why? Well, with her overwhelming personality and thirst for knowledge, she came across as pretty intimidating. “What’re you doing in my room?!” he demanded with a sleep-deprived scowl.

“I’m measuring your brain activity so I can compare it to your Lunar Stallion form.” Twilight gestured to the machine that was steadily spitting out a stream of paper with wiggly lines on it. She picked up part of it to show him, but he couldn’t make any sense of it.

Stalwart Hide wiped his brow, kicking off his sheets with a grumpy murmur. “I think that’s enough of that.” He groaned and turned over sorely, clutching his medallion. Twilight stepped back instinctively when he flared his wings and raised his voice. “In the dark we tear and rend, to end all evils with spines to bend. Lust and power, hunger and might, by Luna’s will and dark of night!” his medallion burst with wild magic that blinded all of the Twilight’s internal radars. She recoiled with a yelp as his fur stained grey, his eyes flashed to gold, and his feathers imploded like fire crackers. Bat-like wings extended and his teeth sharpened while armor clacked into place all over his body. Lunar Stallion! He stepped off the bed, stretching sorely and doing his best to forget his nightmare, which, he noticed, Twilight had not even bothered to ask him about. How callous was she? Could she not see him tossing and turning in his fretful sleep?

Twilight found herself splayed out on her back, her pointed hat pressed over her face. Bicycling her hooves for a moment, she righted her hat and looked up at him. “Wow! Password-oriented, permanent enchantment matrixes!” she was on her hooves again, squinting at the eye on his breast very slowly. “I’ve never seen such a tightly-woven spell!” she stared at it, looking at the medallion on several plains of existence. Material, ethereal, magical, mythical, elevated, and even outer. Every single shade of existence that the she could see, the medallion showed up like a brightly glowing star. “Fascinating…” she mumbled, wide-eyed. Her vision flicked back up to his scowling face then her drifted up to his sharp, dorsal-finned helm. “My scanner!” she yelped, seeing the pieces all over the floor. “You wrecked my scanner!”

“You snuck into my room and put something weird on my head!” Stalwart Hide shouted back grouchily.

“I had permission!” she defended.

“Not MY permission!” he leaned into her face, snarling with all his pointed teeth.

She recoiled at the sight of all the predatory teeth, leaning back and lifting a hoof like she might need to bolt at any moment. Then she quickly regained herself. “I needed the data to help the Princess!” the scholar corrected her hat, bell jingling dangerously as a bell could… jingle. “If I put it on your head and told you to go to sleep you wouldn’t have been able to!” she shouted.

“I’m not your science project!” roared the Lunar Stallion, flushing angrily.

“The Princess gave you to me to study to help that poor pony locked in the dungeon!” Their noses pressed heatedly together, until they were both red in the face from all the pressure. “I have to gather as much as I can about Lunar Stallions for my textbook!” They both sobered up a little at the mention of their original goal.

“Then at least ask before you stick something weird onto my body.” he told her impatiently while they slowly came down from their shouting. “You even came into my bedroom without asking. How’d you like it if I snuck into your room and did something to you?” The implication of the sentence hit him as soon as he’d said it. Both of them flushed, looking to one side. They knew he hadn’t meant it that way.

“W-well, I wouldn’t. I’m sorry.” Twilight Sparkle said, hiding under the brim of her pointed hat for a few moments. “I’ll ask from now on.” She turned and clicked off her machine. Gathering up the bits and pieces of the shattered helmet-thing she’d put on his head, she stuffed them into her saddlebags and hauled the whirring machine away as well. He followed her out into the great room where her cloak was spread out over the couch. It was wrinkled in such a way that he knew she’d at least cat napped on the sofa the night before.

“You know, I don’t think Aegis Shield would mind if you took his bed. He doesn’t sleep in the barracks anymore, after all. It’s better than a couch.” Stalwart Hide offered trying to make peace after the argument. “I can’t speak for the other stallions, though.” He smiled a little awkwardly, but suddenly there was a great break in the silence. A whole gaggle of Lunar Stallions came down the stairs and into the great room, talking animatedly. Filtering out to their own activities, a few of them stopped to greet their Captain as the mage slipped out behind them. He soon forgot his nightmare.

=-=-=-=
Later…
=-=-=-=

Princess Luna arrived at the Lunar Stallion Academy doors, smiling for the thousandth time at the grand building. Turning, she went into the Lunar Academy and down into the dungeons. She found the three guards ponies there, playing cards around a small table. They jumped up when she cleared her throat, bowing low. “Falling Storm, report.” She asked the pegasus on the right. Glancing over into the vault she saw the new Lunar Stallion hadn’t moved much, but there was a cold puddle of vomit in one of the cage’s corners.

“Your Majesty.” Falling Storm saluted before speaking. “Our little brother has--”

“Pipsqueak.” The Princess interrupted. “His name is Pipsqueak.”

“Er, Pipsqueak woke only briefly in confusion.” Falling Storm said. “Like any other Lunar Stallion he didn’t remember what happened during his frenzy. We told him.” He winced when she narrowed her eyes at him angrily. “He cried, threw up, then passed out.” Falling said, scuffing a hoof warily on the ground.

“You are lucky I’m in no mood to stomp on your wings, Falling Storm.” Luna said dangerously, “Such a thing needs to be done delicately, and you lot are as gentle as a baton to the face, doing that.” She walked roughly past him and to the bars installed on the vault. She peered in at the limp stallion, and lit her horn with magic. She turned his body over and laid it on the nest of straw. He stank of blood, tears, and vomit. His fur was matted from sweat and he looked like garbage. “Wake up, Pip.” She said, a bit of power behind her voice.

The stallion gave a start, bicycling his hooves. “Whuh?!” he said, flailing about and sitting up. Straw stuck to his fur and he looked around blearily. Then he saw the alicorn standing on the other side of the bars. He rushed to her, his breastplate CLANGING against the moonsteel as he clutched at the bars. “Princess Luna!” he said, pressing his muzzle as close to her as he could. “Thank goodness you’re here!”

“Pip.” Luna saw he was himself again, smiling and favoring him with a peck on the nose. He flushed and jittered a little, the feeling of relief flooding over his face. He didn’t sense the magic that flowed over his body, soothing him. Alicorn magic was sneaky like that. “Back to your senses, I see.”

“I don’t know what happened, Princess! One minute I was sitting in my parent’s living room, the next minute I was in here and they were telling me I murdered them both! And my fur is all grey! And I’m wearing this heavy armor!” he shifted back and forth. Luna could see the foal she’d met over a decade ago in his face, still as enthusiastic and energetic as ever. She smiled gently, petting his mane with a comforting hoof.

“Shhh-shhh, you will be alright soon enough. We’re going to help you, and get that armor off of you for starters.” Igniting her horn, Luna motioned for him to step back. He did, and she magicked the barred door open. The three guards bristled nervously, but she calmed them with a look. Not even a frenzied Lunar Stallion could topple an alicorn, they knew. The grey stallion slowly emerged from the cell, ears turned down, looking dirty and pitiful. Pip looked at his Princess at her eye-level, a feat in and of itself. He’d grown! She opened her mouth to comment on it, but no, this was not the time for foalish things. The Princess looked him over for a moment. The armor was the same, the symptoms of transformation the same, he was just like all the others. “We shall get you out of this armor, bathe you, feed you, and let you rest. You are not a prisoner here, Pip.” She told him kindly. He gave her a small smile, looking comforted as he cast his eyes bashfully to the floor. It felt weird, being so close to the Princess again.

“Let’s see then.” Falling Storm came up and pawed at Pip’s breastplate a few times. “All you have to do is tap the eye, see?” he reached up to teach the new Lunar Stallion how it was done. As he pressed onto the symbol, the armor crackled and began to retreat. Pip jittered nervously back and forth while the great weight on his body began to fold up and compact itself. The armor withdrew itself into a series of metallic ribs, then rolled themselves into a silvery spine. The helmet melted soundlessly away over his chest and soon Pip’s colors returned as a medallion made itself known as a weight on his chest. The Princess and the stallions gathered peered at him. He was a white and brown pinto, though a very filthy one. “Come on, little brother.” Falling Storm smiled, extending a wing over Pip’s hunched shoulders. “Let’s get you cleaned up.” His voice was deep but comforting.

Princess Luna waited in the great room, infinitely patient, while Pip bathed, groomed, and was trimmed up by his brothers. They saw to his fetlocks, his hooves, and tangled mane. Lunar Stallions didn’t exactly play dress-up with each other, but it was a big part of military life to always look trim and excellent, so they knew what they were doing. Pip sat quietly, letting his three big brothers fuss over him for over an hour. Sure, they’d let him bathe alone, but beyond that they were the ones molding his look. When he finally emerged, fresh as a daisy sandwich, the Princess nodded approvingly.

Pip was a handsome thing, white with light brown splotches all over his body. As a young stallion he was already growing out into the barrel-chest of an adult pony that was in good shape. His tail had been trimmed short, as was tradition for military, and his brown mane had been brushed to a nice sheen. He looked very good!

Princess Luna sat at the head of the long table, smiling broadly. He cleaned up very well, much to her approval. Spread out in front of her was a rather large meal, and Pip was shown to a chair. “Leave us.” Luna bade the other three gently.

Pip sat next to the Princess at the great long table. Where the other Lunar Stallions were, there was no telling. Probably all off doing important things. “Princess,” Pip was straight to the point, though in a small voice. “Is… is it true? Did the armor make me crazy? Did I… did I murder my mom and dad?” he looked up at her with such soft-eyed innocence that the dark alicorn swept around the table to embrace him with her wings and arms.

“Yes.” She whispered softly as he buried his muzzle in her chest to weep anew. She stroked his back and mane over and over. He sat on his haunches with his fore-hooves around her middle and she in a chair. “It is true. Thou art not the first to do such terrible things during the frenzy.” Luna sighed quietly, nuzzling the top of his head and scalp. “Shhhh-sh-sh-shhhh…” she shushed him like a mother to her fretting foal. “There is nothing you could have done differently, Pip. You were not in control of yourself. The magic seized you, and ran wild while the armor measured your abilities.” He sniffled a little in her wing-hug, tears streaming quietly down his cheeks. He couldn’t even look at her. Just lay pressed up against her and tremble quietly. “You are the product of a long, proud line of stallions… a thousand years, in fact, waiting for this day.” She smiled, pulling his face into her view so he would look at her.

“Th-this day?” Pip whimpered, snot dribbling out of his muzzle.

“You are a Lunar Stallion by blood.” Luna smiled at him encouragingly. “Descended from a family so old that none remember it all… waiting for my return.” She said the last bit a little coyly, but it was true. Turning her head, she gestured around her. “All this? All the stallions you’ve met and seen here? They’re like you. Destined for greatness, to walk with me.”

“W-walk with you?” Pip echoed softly, looking up at her. He’d always worshipped Luna like the goddess she was, especially around Nightmare Night and on the nights a full moon could be seen. Lunites were not uncommon, since the Princess of the Night’s return.

“I know you will want time to mourn, Pip.” Luna whispered, cupping his cheek so she could hold his eyes with hers. “But do think about it. You have a home here, by birthright, to be among the most elite warriors in Equestria.” She thought she saw a glimmer of hope in his eyes as she spoke, and Luna smiled quietly.

=-----=-----=-----=

Twilight Sparkle coughed a little, straightened her hat, smoothed her cape and knocked on the door. “Enter.” It was Celestia’s neutral tone. The purple mare stuck her head in to find the white alicorn on her bed reading. “Ah! Twilight! What a wonderful surprise!” The white mare rose with a genuine smile, closing her book. Feeling nine again, the unicorn rushed up to her and happily extended her neck. Celestia nuzzled her like a mother. “My my! You still look so beautiful in your mage’s regalia!” she praised, making Twilight blush.

“Thank you Princess, it’s so good to see you!” Twilight crooned a little when Celestia nuzzled her. It was like being near a favorite aunt, a mother, or some other beautiful feminine figure that meant the world to any filly. She felt at ease, and soon bowed. “I’m here in Canterlot to study the Lunar Stallions for Princess Luna!”

“Oh really? Luna is usually so secretive about them.” Celestia said mysteriously, favoring her student with an amused smile. Turning, out of habit, she took the mage’s hat and began to brush her mane. Twilight keened just a little at the intimate attention. “What have you found out so far?”

“The one Luna gave me to study is a jerk.” Twilight said with a foal-like scowl. Celestia’s lips rose a little higher. “He’s defensive and grouchy, and his room is strictly functional… it’s hard to get a reading on him!”

“Maybe he doesn’t want to be read?” Celestia said gently, tucking one of Twilight’s ears down so she could brush behind it. “Be patient, my student. Nopony will just give you their thoughts and secrets like the pages of a tome.” She said.

Twilight huffed a little, but nodded. “You’re right. I need to stop treating him so poorly. I just… wanted to get as much information as I could as quickly as I could.” She trailed off for a moment. “I think I’ve offended him.”

“Perhaps an apology to start?” Celestia said serenely, running the brush oh-so-gently through Twilight’s mane. “Perhaps if you became his friend it would be easier on both of you.”

“You’re right, Princess.” Twilight said, her face lighting up. The days of the friendship reports had ended years ago, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t apply what she’d learned to Stalwart Hide! “You always know just what to do!”

“It comes with being centuries old, my most faithful student.” Celestia chuckled softly, setting the brush aside as Twilight rose. “Things tend to move in patterns.”

“I should go find him right now and apologize!” Twilight Sparkle decided, levitating her pointed hat atop her head. Celestia eyed the jingling bell, flicking her gaze over a few different plains of existence. Interesting… “I’ll visit again real soon, Princess!” The purple mare turned and bowed to her Princess. “I’m going to be here for awhile, I think.” She said.

“Good luck, Twilight.” Celestia nodded, smiling.

=-----=-----=-----=

“Aww-hhhhhh-yessss…” Glitter Star slowly splayed herself out on the massive bed, satiated in every sense of the word. The carpeted floor was littered with empty food containers, her bits purse, some accessories, and a pair of Lunar Stallion medallions. Moaning in a low, sultry way, she licked her lips a little and looked next to herself. A flushed, frizzy-maned Panzer Hoof lay next to her, winded from their vicious lovemaking. Well, more like sexual Olympics. Or, rather… celebratory ‘caught your first major bad guy aren’t you awesome’ sexing night. Or… yeah, there was no polite way to put it. Glitter had helped catch a major villain on her first night as a Lunar Stallion a few nights ago, and they’d gotten together to stuff their faces, giggle, kiss, and enjoy some private time together to celebrate.

Panzer smirked, leaning and kissing her while they both tried to catch their breath. When he saw her shiver, he sidled over until they were pressed together. She turned, burying her face in his massive barrel chest with a loud purring sound. He had the good nature to blush when one of her hooves wandered where it pleased while they rested. “That was…” he couldn’t find good wording for it, and smiled shyly. Though he was the immovable object, the indestructible pony who could not be stopped—he was actually quite shy in bed. Glitter had coaxed him there after several years of dating, and even now he was still such a gentlecolt when the act itself was over. He always wanted cuddles, would lavish her with gentle kisses and let her rest in his massive, hot embrace. Those muscles and iron-like body were much warmer than they looked. He’d once told her that his body temperature was much higher than a normal pony’s, because of his special talent.

There was a long silence while they lay there staring contentedly at each other. Then a broad grin raced across her face. “We should do it in our Lunar Armor.” Glitter giggled loudly. “Just to see what it’s like!”

“I would break you in half.” Panzer snorted, rolling his eyes. She laughed aloud and shoved his shoulder. “I would!” he said, red-faced. “Earth ponies get much, much stronger in our Lunar forms!”

“Hyeh-heh-heh-heh!” Glitter embraced him, trailing one of her legs invitingly over his groin. He murred despite himself, hunching and blushing a little. “Break you in half. I bet you say that to all the mares you rut the brains out of! Big oaf!” she teased, kissing his cheek. Panzer snickered a bit, putting her in a playful headlock and scrubbing her mane with his hoof. She squawked, wiggling furiously until he let her go. There was no mitigating his massive strength, even in his normal form. Glitter Star soon settled down, lying on her side to regard her lover. “…I love you.” She whispered meaningfully, “You know that right?” She was touching her muzzle to his. His expression softened, and they embraced quietly. Kissing her, he pulled the sheets up so that they might make love once more before sleep.

=-----=-----=-----=-----=

It was an animated night at the Pig and Whistle tavern. The Lunar Stallions had rented the place out so they could all get enough to eat and not have to worry about any other patrons at the establishment. They did eat a lot, after all, so going OUT to eat as a group busied an entire establishment for the duration of the evening, even if there were only twenty-four of them. Stalwart Hide and Aegis Shield, the two captains, sat at the bar while their soldiers partied and unwound for the evening. Aegis snickered a little, lifting his cider mug again. “What about you and the mage? How’s the study going? Well on your way to publishing a textbook about us?”

“She’s the worst.” Stalwart Hide moaned, facehoofing and leaning on the bar some. He stared into his drink. “She’s been poking and prodding and attaching weird machines to me since she got here. It never ends!” he drank deeply.

“That bad huh?” Aegis smirked.

“And not only that, she’s Princess Celestia’s protégé! So she thinks she can just jerk me around all whinny-nilly!” Stalwart grumped, raising his hoof to call for a new cider from the bartender. When he received it he sighed, pushing the bits across the table. “What is it with us, Aegis?” he said a little wryly.

“What?” Aegis said, looking over at his best friend.

“Attracting mares that are far more powerful than us? Moodier and more dominant than us?” Stalwart was kidding and Aegis laughed genuinely, patting his friend’s back. The face of the Moon Champion flicked across Stalwart’s vision, but he dismissed it as the horrible memory it was. She was a casualty. One of many. Nothing more.

“’Eyyy, she may just need a good mounting to make her calm the buck down, righ’? Tension can do that to a mare!” said a drunken Lunar Stallion to Stalwart Hide’s right. He'd been listening in on the whole conversation, and the liquid courage he'd been drinking made him more than a little friendly. Stalwart Hide glared.

“Well at least she’s only there for the study, right?” Aegis Shield joked.

“In fact, when was the last time Captain Stalwart Hide was seen with a mare?” the drunken stallion asked his fellows. There was some guffawing, but they all knew he meant well. “We’ve got one Captain hitched up with a Princess! We should totally work on the other one now!” There was laughter and raising of many cider mugs.

Aegis Shield rolled his eyes, smiling sympathetically at Stalwart Hide. “She means well, at least.” He said. “Princess Luna asked her to study Lunar Stallions, and you got offered up as the prime example. Maybe you should be flattered?” he snickered just a little. “And, she’s keeping it professional if what you’ve said is true. I mean, at least the mare isn’t going to bust in here and shout--!”

“STALWART HIDE! I NEED YOU!” Twilight Sparkle bucked the door in and shouted over the crowd of partying stallions. Cider and food sprayed from over two dozen mouths, and uproarious laughter shook the entire establishment. Hooves pounded on tables, heads thrown back and tears streaming down faces. Never had such a perfect line been shouted over a group of half-drunken stallions plotting about how to get their other Captain laid. They laughed, and they laughed, and they laughed some more.

Stalwart Hide lost his entire mug, shattering it on the floor as he had his first heart attack. Panting and clutching his chest, he turned around slowly. “How did you find me here?!” he demanded, turning around and going to her when the laughter had died down.

“That’s not important!” The purple mare shook her head. “There’s been a development! I need you.”

“At least take me out to dinner first.” The stallion said acidly, glaring his fellows away.

The mage flinched, her face turning scarlet. “Th-th-that’s not what I meant!” she barked at him, stuttering. She looked around, suddenly very much aware that she was the center of attention in a tavern full of armored stallions. She gulped and stepped back a little. “C-can we talk outside?” she said a little warily. He nodded slowly, aware of her sudden mousey-ness. They stepped outside.

“What is it?” he asked. “I’m off duty.”

“I wanted to apologize.” Twilight took off her hat meekly, staring at Stalwart Hide’s hooves. “I haven’t been treating you very well.” She turned her ears down. “I’m sorry.”

“S…. s’okay.” Stalwart Hide said, genuinely surprised at her. “You just got excited, I guess. Lunar Stallions are really different, and not a lot of ponies know a lot about us.” he scuffed his hoof on the sidewalk a little. “It’s a unique opportunity. I can’t blame you for getting carried away.”

Twilight smiled embarrassedly.“I… uhm…” she paused awkwardly, trying to think of something clever to say now that her apology was done with.

“We can start over tomorrow night.” Stalwart Hide put in for her.

“Oh, yes. I’d like that.” She smiled, a little rosey-cheeked.

“See you tomorrow, Twilight Sparkle.” He bowed a little.

“W-wait.” Twilight stopped a moment, taking off her pointed mage’s hat and playing with it in her hooves. He perked his ears a little. “I… I didn’t ask you this morning. What was your nightmare about? You looked so awful when you woke up.” She was saying it in a small voice, trying to extend an olive branch to him. To soothe him at least a little. After all, what sort of nightmares could drive a Lunar Stallion to such distress? There was a long silence. He studied her with a neutral expression. She waited a few heartbeats, then blurted. “I-I’m sorry! I shouldn’t be so intrusive!”

“It’s fine.” Stalwart finally decided. “You’re studying Lunar Stallions, I suppose it’s okay for you to know. Tomorrow is memorial day for the Battle for Canterlot.” He tried to explain it shortly. “But there are other ponies who died that nopony will remember, or want to remember.” She cocked her head at his cryptic words. “Just… just meet me here tomorrow night, and I’ll show you what I’m talking about.” Twilight nodded eagerly, glad he was trusting her with something so sacred. The Lunar Stallions were known to get moody and morose on their own holiday. If he was willing to share, this could be a great ice-breaker for them. She might even learn some Lunar Stallion history, that would be great!

“See you tomorrow, Stalwart Hide.” She bent at the front knees and touched the rim of her pointed hat. The bell jingled mysteriously. He liked the sound. Turning quickly before things turned even more awkward, she strode away into the night and left him alone.

Stalwart Hide turned, shaking his head, to return to the tavern. He jerked to a halt when he saw that all the windows were filled with muzzles pressed curiously up against the glass. Lots of golden eyes stared out at him, blink-blinking curiously. Was that Captain Hide’s marefriend? How had they never seen her before?! The poor stallion was bombarded with questions as soon as he came back in. “She’s a coworker!” he snapped with authority. “Princess Luna assigned us together. She’s studying Lunar Stallions.” There was talk and chatter and laughter. Stalwart Hide groaned at the ‘give her SOMETHING to study’ jokes that instantly started flying left and right.

=-----=-----=-----=-----=

Test Theory looked up quickly, pushing his oily mane out of his eyes when he heard somepony coming. He shoved his notebook under the straw he was supposed to use for a bed and whipped out the book he’d been given to read while in his cell. He hunched over it and furrowed his brow when the little peeking door slapped itself open. He looked up slowly, glaring. “What?” he demanded. “I’d like to rot in this cell in peace if you don’t mind.” He scowled at the golden eyes that stared at him.

“It’s me.” It was a familiar deep voice. “I come bearing gifts.” There was a black chuckle from behind the door. Test Theory rose, warily closing the book. As he looked on, a thin grocery bag pressed through the little opening. He snatched it before it hit the ground. Peering inside he found a tiny wine bottle, celery, some oat cookies, and a set of artist’s charcoal. The mad stallion smiled gratefully. “Feel like chatting now?” the golden eyes said lowly, flicking to one side to make sure the hall was empty.

Test Theory nodding, going and hiding his gifts under the straw. The prison food was barely food at all, those would sustain him much better. “You wanted to know about the amniomorphic spell.” He said, scratching himself rudely as he came back to the door to whisper. “Why?”

“I have plans. None of your concern.” said the stallion in the hallway. “But, I understand you’re a bit short on test subjects.” He whispered, the implications more than a little crazy. “Suppose you devised a way to use the amniomorphic spell to mold a grown pony. Could you do that?”

“In… in theory.” Test Theory scrunched his face a little. It was more complicated than changing an unborn foal, still ripening in the womb. A grown body had solid bones, an intelligent mind, hardened muscles… everything was where it was going to be. Molding a body that is finished forming was like molding a marble statue that was already done. Risky at best, catastrophic at worst. “I could do it if I had enough time and runes on these walls. What do you plan?” he really wanted to know.

The Lunar Stallion in the hallway stared at him in a long and icy silence. The villain stared back at him. They were at a crossroads. “I’ll give you a hint.” He shuffled in the hallway a little, reaching into his saddlebags. Leaning a little, he lifted an object for Test Theory to see. The mad stallion pressed his muzzle to the little window in his prison door and squinted. It was an arrow. A thick one, yes, but still an arrow. “Do you know what this is?” said the Lunar Stallion softly, his voice heady with pride.

“Yes?” Test Theory said, sounding unsure. “What of it?”

“Take a closer look.” The shadowy figure bade him, almost shoving the arrow’s head up his nose in the process.
Test Theory squinted further, until he caught the sudden glimmer of yellow metal in the half-light. He gasped, eyes widening and scrambling backward in fear. “Solar Steel?!” The mad pony whispered, a hoof over his mouth. “You made Solar Steel into a weapon, are you crazy?!” he was whispering loudly now, and the Lunar Stallion quickly hid the arrow away again. It was a well-known fact that Solar Steel (as well as Lunar Steel) could only be made by the Princesses themselves. Concentrated sunlight (or moonlight) made into a metallic form that mortals could shape with enough effort. The only catch was, it could only be made into defensive things. Bars on a cage. Armor. Shields. Those sorts of things. To take a piece of Solar Steel and craft it into a weapon, even something as tiny as a singular arrow--- it was such an enormous blasphemy that even ponies like Test Theory recoiled in revulsion. It was not only illegal and unheard of, but ponies just didn't even talk about such things. It wasn't an option. “What could you possibly want to do with that?!” the scientist wanted to know, shoving his glasses up his nose to squint at the Lunar Stallion in the hall.

“I’m going to assassinate someone.” He saw the Lunar Stallion’s face contort into what may have been a smile, or a grimace of some kind. It was hard to tell in the dark.

“What? Who?” Test Theory had to know, just HAD to know! “That’s the most unbelievable overkill I’ve ever seen! Who could you possibly bear such a grudge against?!” his voice was rising above a whisper to a panicked sort of shriek, and the stallion outside his cell hushed him.

“Work with your runes and formulas. I want you to try and have it figured out as soon as possible, how to mold an adult pony into a certain shape.” The dark-hidden pony ordered him. Test Theory made a face as he got into his saddlebags again to produce a sheet of paper. “This shape.”

The scientist unrolled the paper, and gaped at the rather detailed drawing. “This is…” he trailed off, his eyes flicking up at his mysterious ‘friend’. A slow, rather mad smile began to rise on his face. “This is going to be fun.” With that he turned away from the door. The peeping door slapped closed with a clank of metal, and the mysterious stallion was away. Test Theory looked over his shoulder with a broad, not-quite-there-in-the-head grin. He liked his new friend. He liked him very much. This guy was crazier than HE was!

Shoving a fresh oat cookie in his mouth, Test set to work right away.

End of Part 3

Luna’s Story 4: Traitor Among Us
Part 4 – Carbuncle

“Alright, one more time.” Twilight Sparkle said, smiling genuinely. “Then we’re done, I promise.”

“Promise?” Stalwart Hide scowled. The purple mare nodded, and he heaved a sigh. With absolutely no pride or emotion, he spoke the words. “In the dark we tear and rend to end all evils with spines to bend. Lust and power, hunger and might, by Luna’s will and dark of night.” There wasn’t a shred of excitement in his tone. He gasped a little as the magic rushed over his body. He twinged to grey, grew his bat wings, and so on. The armor appeared, blah-blah-blah… Lunar Stallion. It would’ve been more exciting if it had been the first time he’d performed the transformation for Twilight Sparkle. But no, this was the twenty-third time, and it had more than lost its charm. For the past hour and a half, she’d been sitting on a bench across from him and asking him to transform over and over again. The royal gardens were nice and private, so it was an ideal place to study the flow of magic that a Lunar Stallion underwent when his regalia took over. Twilight had written pages and pages of notes and little charts for it all. “Finally.” Stalwart Hide sighed, flopping forward onto his belly.

“Are you fatigued?” Twilight asked eagerly. “Does transforming take energy from you?”

“Yes. And no.” Stalwart Hide answered the questions in order. His belly suddenly growled loudly, and he cocked his head. “We done? I’m hungry.” He complained, rising to leave.

“Oh wait, please.” Twilight raised a hoof, hurriedly stuffing her things into her saddlebag. “I’ve been studying with you all night, at least let me buy you dinner.” she said, smiling. “I can drop my things off and I’ll treat you, anywhere you like!”

“Really?” Stalwart Hide said, cocking an eyebrow. “Lunar Stallions eat a lot, I wouldn’t wanna drain your purse. My tab is prolly better.”

“Oh nonsense!” Twilight said, chuckling. “I’ve been poking and prodding at you all night, you
deserve a tasty reward!” She donned her pointy hat, jingling the shining bell mysteriously. Pushing it back so it was behind her head and not dangling in her face, she smiled at him genuinely.

Stalwart thought for a few moments, then shrugged inwardly. Eh, what was the harm? She was
offering him food for all his help, and he was certainly hungry. Once she’d stopped being such a twa-- er, stopped looking at him like a science experiment, she hadn’t been half bad. She was genuinely curious, organized, and always spoke aloud so he could follow along with anything she found out. “Alright then. Lead on.”

The pair of them ended up at a place called the Spice and Fire, a rather nice Mexican place. The dim lighting and candles strewn about gave it a very cultured look, and the bright colors on the spackled walls were certainly a nice change from all the dark stone and such they’d been around all day. “This is nice.” Twilight commented, looking around. After the waiter had taken their order, the purple mare smiled across the table at him. “So how did you get mixed up into the Lunar Stallions?”

“Princess Celestia sort of fired me from the Solar Guard, after I made an inappropriate comment about her sister.” Stalwart Hide said. Twilight gasped, her eyes widening. He smiled a little bashfully, and told her the story. Princess Luna had been in a coma, and he’d called her Sleeping Mare. The stressed out and worried Princess Celestia had cast him out of the group of guards that had been watching over the dark alicorn, and his demotion followed soon after, followed by his dishonorable discharge. Nopony wanted to be around the one that Celestia herself had cast down. “And then, I found out that Princess Luna was looking to hire a singular Lunar Stallion. This was back before all the others showed up. It used to be just Aegis Shield.”

“Wow, that’s fascinating!” Twilight Sparkle said, leaning forward with her chin on her hooves. “So what happened?”

“Luna gave out a series of qualifications to this big crowd. Then, some tests. I was the last one left standing, and she invited me to become the second Lunar Stallion in a thousand years.” His chest had inflated with pride.

“That’s quite an honor!” Twilight said, smiling grandly. “You must be very proud!”

“Oh yeah.” He said, nod-nodding. “What about you? How’d you get to be a mage?” he pointed
at her with a curious hoof. “There’s only a few per Equestrian region.” Twilight blushed and told him her story, about how she’d saved not only Equestria, but her home town on multiple occasions with the help of her friends. Also, how she’d helped prevent a changling invasion and prevented the downfall of the nation with only her wits to guide her against a fake Princess Cadance. “Wow.” Said Stalwart Hide, impressed. Their food arrived, and they dug in. Stalwart Hide with ghusto. It was only after he’d cleared his third plate that Twilight Sparkle began to stare. He hadn’t been lying when he’d warned about the Lunar Stallion appetite, it seemed. The flicking revelation made a connection in her mind. Lust and power, hunger and might. It was literal. Interesting! (What was the difference between power and might? She’d have to inquire later…) She found herself smiling at him wider and wider, until he paused and cocked his head. “What?” he asked.

“Nothing.” Twilight said, fighting the slight warmth in her cheeks. It was a little disturbing to see a stallion with such piranha teeth tearing away at a burrito, chimi-changa, tortilla rolls, tacos, chips and so on. He had to tear his food with teeth shaped like that, he couldn’t bite it off like a normal pony. She considered suggesting that he transform back to normal—but she knew she shouldn’t. She’d made him do it over and over that night, so if he was comfortable like that she wouldn’t push the issue. She did notice, however, that the more he ate the happier he became. The vague notion that the fastest way to a stallion’s heart was through his stomach, but this was on a far larger scale. By the time Stalwart Hide had reached the sixth plate, she found herself staring at his chest and belly. S-surely his legs were hollow or something?! Where was he putting it all?! While the stallion was distracted by interesting cultural Mexican wall decorations, the mage gave his body a brief scan.

Stalwart Hide’s body was in hyper-drive, her senses saw. It was quickly breaking the food down, sending energy to all parts of him. The armor was connected to him on a magical level, and it was like looking into a fuel tank. Whatever he put into it was turned into a common sort of energy, and stored as a rather literal pool of power. All ponies had energy pools like this, but the Lunar Stallion’s seemed to be on a much grander scale. It was almost like a unicorn’s mana, or magic potential, but he was a Pegasus so… it was all the armor. It drove him to eat a lot to power itself. Interesting! “Twilight?” she heard him ask loudly.

She blink-blinked out of her scanning, looking up at him guiltily. “Uh-whuh?” she said, rubbing her eyes a bit like she’d gotten dust in them.

“I said are you okay? You’re staring at nothing.” He said.

“Oh, yes! I’m fine.” She quickly took another bite of her food, which had grown cold over time. Chewing thoughtfully, she watched him polish off the last of a grouping of nachos. She wanted so badly to puzzle it all out. If the armor literally used his body like a battery, it’s no wonder he had to eat so much. Perhaps the hunger and might bit of his mantra went together? Lust and power, hunger and might? Maybe if he fed the hunger he received might from the armor, in return? She frowned at her plate in thought, and the purple mare of course ran the rest through her equation. If slaking hunger granted might-- perhaps, then, having sex granted a Lunar Stallion power? Oh, dear Celestia! “Erk!” Twilight flinched like she’d been slapped, and her soda cup LAUNCHED itself into the stratosphere! Her jolt of emotion had sent it into the heavens. Her face went scarlet and her back knees pressed together as her tail tucked.

“Good one!” Stalwart Hide said, watching the cup go until it was beyond even his sight. He put a hoof to his brow to block the moonlight, grinning. Crunching the last chip out of the chip and salsa basket, he smiled at Twilight Sparkle. That had been impressive! His smile fell a little. “You okay?” he saw her red face. “You’re not choking are you?” He made to stand and rescue her.

“I-I’m fine!” she said, forking food quickly into her mouth so she wouldn’t be able to talk. The Lunar Stallion cocked his head, suddenly unsure she’d done that for entertainment.

“Listen, tonight is the memorial night.” said Stalwart Hide. “I don’t expect you to come if you don’t want to.”

“Oh no, I really want to!” Twilight said eagerly. “It’s all a part of Lunar Stallion history! Everypony remembers where they were when Canterlot was saved by Princess Luna and her Lunar Stallions!” she smiled gaily at him, but he frowned at her a little.

“It’s a day to remember our dead, Twilight. It’s not a happy holiday.” He said slowly. Twilight’s face fell, and he went on. “But there is something else you’ll need to see as well, if you want to understand everything about us. I’ll have to show you after the ceremonies and such.” He promised. The purple mare nodded, ever-eager to learn.

=-----=-----=-----=-----=

Test Theory turned his head slowly, pushing his oily mane out of his eyes. Scratching himself in a rude place, he surveyed his work. It was just a rough draft, but in theory it might all work. Frowning over a series of runes he’d drawn on his little sketchpad, he slapped the page on the wall and quickly stepped back.

Magic began to arc back and forth, lighting the cell like magnesium was burning white. Squinting and hiding his brow under a raised hoof, he watched the runes glow and wiggle off the page. They peeled free and attached themselves to the wall. The massive fitted stones rippled this way and that, like they were made of water. Twisting, turning, molding like so much taffy—something living and terrifying began to mold its way out of the stony surface. The mad scientist pony stepped back quickly so he wouldn’t be touched, grinning from ear to ear. Eyes widening so he didn’t miss a thing, he watched a broad shape slowly, slowly melt forth from the wall.

A stallion’s head, crested with massive curved teeth, silently moaned at him as it tried to pull from its prison. It wasn’t a real pony, just a creation—a terrifying image. The stone pony pulled and tugged, trying to separate from the wall, but it got stuck at the shoulder. It opened its mouth and its body language said ‘roaring’, but it had no lungs to fill to do such a thing. Test Theory grinned nastily, then turned from it as the spell wore off and the head sucked itself back into the wall. The bricks remolded back to their original shape, and he made some notes on his progress as he went.

“Having fun?”

Test Theory jerked about so fast that bones in his neck cracked like knuckles. “You scared me!” he said angrily, dropping his voice and going to the door. The little peeping door was open, and the same golden eyes stared in at him. “Did you bring me more goodies?” he said eagerly. “I’ve finished my books, so I’m quite bored when I’m not working, you know.”

“Report on your progress, first.” The pony out in the hallway showed him a slender little bag of items. The tops of some celery stuck out invitingly at him, and Test Theory licked his chops. “Have you been making any progress on the spell?”

“Yes, yes of course. But, I’ve hit a snag.” Test Theory turned and showed him a page of runes that really didn’t make sense to the stallion standing outside. “It’s doable, changing a grown pony with the Amniomorphic spell, but it needs a power source.”

“A power source?” the pony in shadow cocked his head.

“Yeah.” The mad scientist said, flipping a few pages. “Normally, the amniomorphic spell works on a foal just fine because the mother is supporting the foal’s life. But with a grown pony, you would need a substitute for the mother.”

“A substitute?” The Lunar Stallion narrowed his eyes. “You mean another mare? To serve as some sort of cataclyst?”

“Yes.” Test Theory moved about to show him another series of numbers. “In order to shapeshift you like you want, you’ll need to bring a mare in here to serve as your ‘mother’ while the spell is going on.”

“How?” the stallion wanted to know. “How does another mare serve as my mother?”

“Think of it like this. I had to work with the original spell as a blueprint.” Test Theory said. “Before you’re born, your mother is your source of power. She keeps you going, feeds you, and her body keeps you strong until you’re ready to be born.” He tried to explain. “Same goes with this spell, though you wouldn’t be in her womb, just near her, as a source of power.”

“Can it be any source of power, or does it have to be a mare?”

“The spell specifically requires a source of feminine magic or life-force to function.” The mad pony said, turning with a grin. “Don’t tell me you’re getting cold hooves, friend?”

“No.” he said thoughtfully. “But I do have a spare source of feminine magic to give you. It doesn’t have to be a live mare. That would be hard to accomplish. I’ll bring you something just as good.” He lifted the little grocery bag, which the prisoner snatched with an animated giggle of mad glee. Slowly, the peep-door began to slide closed.

“Oh wait, I had a question for you.” Test Theory suddenly turned. The peep-door was still open a smidgen, but not much. “You still have your solar steel arrow. How do you know it will work? Yes it should cut through anything, but are you sure it will do what you want?” the mad scientist squinted into the little slit to try and see his friend’s face.

The Lunar Stallion backed away into shadow so his face wouldn’t be exposed. “Hm, you’re right. I should test it first. Keep working, I’ll get back to you with what you need.” The was a mild chuckle in the blackness, and soon Test Theory was left alone.

=-----=-----=-----=-----=

The royal gardens bordered a small pony-made river and had a few ponds in it as well. Dotting every body of water were floating candles, affixed to little paper lanterns. The lanterns were decorated with moon and star symbols, names written on them in Ancient Equestrian. The names of the fallen from ten years ago, at the Battle for Canterlot.

Pen Maker stood quietly at the water’s edge, staring at the lantern marked with Hammershot’s name. Next to him stood his wife and son. “Hey buddy.” He said softly to the lantern. “Good to see you again.” His eyes were soft. His loving wife leaned into him to support him, and their young foal nuzzled at one of his front legs. “I uh… I brought the missus this year. And our son. I named him after you. His name is Shot Put.” He gestured to the little colt, who whinnied a little and hugged his Dad’s leg. The soldier smiled down at his son, swallowing. “I… I still remember you. And the night in Ponyville. And our battle together.” He bowed his head, and his wife coo’d quietly, putting an arm up against him. The burly unicorn sniffled a little, tears starting down his face. Always, every year there were tears. The Rememberance Night was a time for weeping for the Lunar Stallions, but it never got any easier each year. “I miss you.” He whispered, tilting his head back and sniffling. “I wish you could have met my family here.” Pen Maker was just sort of talking now. Talking to a lantern with his best friend’s name on it, floating quietly on the water. “I’m sorry I couldn’t save you…” he suddenly confessed, hunching forward with quiet sobs.

“Oh no, honey no… not this again...” Pen Maker’s wife whispered worriedly, pulling him into a huge while he wept. “You did everything you could have that day. Shhhh-sh-shhh…”

“Daddy…” Shot Put pressed up against his father, watching the little lantern glow quietly as it drifted on the water. Whatever the lantern meant to his daddy, it sure did make him sad. He turned to hug his father’s leg again, putting on his bestest smile.

Pen Maker held his family close, squeezing his eyes shut. This night in particular brought back the pain and loss to any Lunar Stallion, and the battle fatigue to boot. Igniting his horn quietly, he gave the lantern a little push so it could be amongst its brothers out on the pond. He glanced across the placid body of water and saw a tall figure standing alone. It was Princess Celestia, garbed in a black hood and garb. He scowled at her angrily. Why did she come every year and just stand there? Hadn’t she done enough when she’d become a monster and gotten so many ponies killed?! Pen Maker hated her, hated her so much for everything that she’d done. They’d put the Moon Champion on the chopping block, why not her milky hide?! He clenched his teeth and then his eyes, feeling the pouring tears and regretting his savage thoughts. “H’oh Hammershot…” he whimpered as his wife stroked his mane over and over.

Twilight Sparkle and Stalwart Hide walked among the clusters of mourning ponies. All of the Lunar Stallions were there putting flowers by wooden epitaphs, speaking to name-lanterns, speaking in hushed voices. They were recalling better times, raising toasts to the dead with cider. It was gloomy, to say the least, but nopony that called himself Lunar Stallion would miss this night. To honor one’s fallen brothers was paramount. “Did you… lose anyone close to you that day?” Twilight asked in a soft voice, looking over at Stalwart Hide.

“I’m a Lunar Stallion Captain.” Stalwart said a little stiffly. “I was close to all my stallions.” Twilight felt stupid after he’d said that, but he knew she meant well. “We ate at the same table, trained together, went out drinking together… you’ve gotta remember Twilight, there were only seventy of us. Pretty small class, you’ve gotta admit.” His tone was apologetic, after his snapping.

“That’s right… just seventy…” Twilight said a little whispily. She surveyed the crowd, spotting Celestia across the pond. “There’s Princess Celestia!” she gestured. “I wonder why she’s here?”

“There are some ponies that still blame her for what happened ten years ago.” Stalwart said gently. “I think she stands there out of guilt, to soak up all their hate.” Twilight stared at him in mild revulsion. “Think about it, Twi, she killed all those ponies and she was never punished for it. Wouldn’t you be angry if someone you loved died that day?” he said a little stonily.

Twilight looked across the pond at Celestia. Her face was hidden under a dark hood, but her blowing mane and size betrayed her identity. She couldn’t imagine what must’ve been going through her mentor’s head, standing there and watching the gathering like she was. She longed to go and comfort her, to tell her it was okay, but something told Twilight that would be incredibly inappropriate, so she did not. “I… understand.” She finally admitted, sticking by Stalwart as they walked.

“Captain.” A stallion or two saluted as they walked past, their eyes flicking over Twilight Sparkle curiously. The Captain wasn’t married, and never spoke of a marefriend, who was she? Sister? Lover? Relative? A little bit of gossip started up, but not much, considering the gathering they were all attending.

“Captain Hide.” They found Princess Luna and Aegis Shield in the crowd, placing a name-lantern in the water. ‘Tree Knot’, it said in Ancient Equestrian. The unfortunate soldier had been grabbed out of the sky, turned upside down, and suplexed into the sidewalk by a brutal foe—he’d given his life for Canterlot, like all the other dead that were being celebrated. “I trust you’re well tonight?” Luna said, nodding a bit. She was dressed a long black garment, simple and body-covering to mute her normal radiance. Twilight bowed briefly, as did Stalwart.

“As well as can be expected, Princess.” said Stalwart a little bitterly. “I’m sure Tree Knot is happy to be remembered.” He gestured to the lantern that was floating in the water of the pond, out towards its brothers. Luna smiled kindly, in a sad way. “The honored dead should always be remembered for their sacrifice.”

“Indeed.” The dark alicorn said.

“Good evening, Princess.” Twilight greeted a little softly.

“Ah, Twilight. How goes the research?” Luna said conversationally.

“Very well, Stalwart Hide and I are making plenty of good progress.” Twilight smiled a little, feeling shy and small. Here she’d come to a memorial ceremony and they were talking about her writing a book. It felt so small next to the event. “I uhm…” she trailed off a little. “I’ll be sure to include everypony there,” she gestured to the lake of floating lanterns with names on them, “In the book as well.”

“You shall have full access to personal files, do not worry.” Luna nodded. “Come Aegis, we need to speak with everypony and offer condolences.” The stallion next to her nodded, offering a polite smile to Twilight and Stalwart as they were away. Twilight was at first offended that they’d shuffled off so quickly, but she looked over at Stalwart and remembered again. This was a night of mourning, not a night of friendly chatting. She sighed, deflating.

“Come on Twilight, you can meet some of my friends.” Stalwart smiled gently, putting an arm briefly around her. He could tell she was sort of floundering. He offered up a small smile, and led her along. “Oh hey, there’s Panzer Hoof.” He steered her towards a specific stallion, a titanic Earth Pony with a mare at his side.

“A female Lunar Stallion?!” Twilight blurted before she could stop herself.

Glitter Star turned, smiling gingerly. “The one and only.” She said. “I’m still new though, don’t worry.” She offered her hoof and they shook firmly.

“Panzer, Glitter, this is Twilight Sparkle.” Stalwart explained who Twilight was and why she was there. The pair of them nodded, smiling politely. “So Glitter, are you still getting used to being called a stallion?” Stalwart smiled just a little bit playfully.

“Eh, I figure it’s like being a knight. You get called ‘sir’ whether you’re male or female.” Glitter Star said smugly, cocking her head with a grin. Stalwart chuckled a little, nodding.

“Oh, Twilight. This is Panzer Hoof. I’ve told you about him, remember?” Stalwart introduced the massive stallion, who nodded politely. “My special talent might be physical endurance under pain, but Panzer here is unstoppable! You literally cannot hurt him!” he praised his soldier, whapping his chest a few times. Panzer had the decency to blush just a little bit, smiling. Glitter Star chuckled a little, putting a wing comfortingly over his back.

“Oh yes, I remember you talking about Panzer. Nice to finally meet you!” Twilight shook his massive hoof, feeling like a foal in front of him. Her eyes flicked to Glitter and it took all of two seconds to see they were a couple.

“You too.” Panzer Hoof nodded politely.

The rest of the evening was spent in quiet socializing, honoring the dead and raising toasts. Luna gave a short, restrained speech about bravery and loyalty to the crown, but it was rather muted. She knew that her stallions were weary, and didn’t keep them long with flowery words. All of them were visiting their nightmares just as much as their honored dead this night. But, it was necessary. They had to remember that day so they could learn from it, and tell their future generations about the horrors of open warfare. Even just one battle had rocked Canterlot to her knees, and they would carry the burden of what that was like forever.

Near the end of the ceremonies, Luna stood with Pip at the edge of the lake. He had no name-lantern for his mother and father, but rather a pair of little candles. He wept, and the Princess held him with one wing, as she’d promised she would. Even her newborn Lunar Stallion needed comfort this night.

=-----=-----=-----=-----=

Twilight Sparkle and Stalwart Hide were walking along a private, separated park area near the palace. It wasn’t really a part of the royal gardens, but it wasn’t a part of the park next to it either. It was a sort of in-between landscape area where few ponies treaded because it was so overgrown. Stalwart kept looking around, as though suspecting that they were being followed. “What’s wrong?” Twilight asked softly.

“Not many ponies come this way, I like to keep it that way.” He opened his wings to move a branch for Twilight to duck under. “If they knew what was here, there might be trouble.” His golden eyes flicked back and forth.

“Would you like me to turn us invisible?” Twilight offered, the bell on her hat jingling mysteriously. Stalwart shook his head no, only ushered her through the underbrush and out of sight. The purple mare followed quietly, for the armored stallion was moving as stealthily as he could. Finally, they came to a little clearing.

“You have to promise that, whatever you learn here, you tell the truth about it all in your book.” Stalwart stopped to tell her. Twilight nodded, a little confused at his scowling face. “Don’t let anypony dramatize it for you, or tell you a different version of what I’m about to tell you, okay? I was there. I lived it. If you’re going to put it in a textbook, it needs to be the truth.” She nodded again as he spoke, and he gestured towards the middle of the clearing. There, under a shaft of silvery moonlight, was a standing headstone.

“Who’s that?” Twilight asked timidly, taking off her hat to be respectful.

“The Princess called her the Moon Champion.” Stalwart whispered, walking side-by-side with Twilight until they came near and saw the name. Trixie Lulamoon. The unicorn startled back with a cry, going pale. “What? What’s wrong?” Stalwart asked.

“I know her! I knew her! Dear Celestia!” Twilight’s hoof rushed to her mouth as her eyes got wider and wider. “Trixie! Trixie’s dead?!” Her memory recalled the haughty showpony, that suave and confident mare that had only briefly plagued Ponyville over a decade ago with her magic show. “I can’t believe she’s… wh… what’s this?!” the two of them started walking faster as they came nearer to the grave.

“What the buck is thiiiis…?” Stalwart Hide whispered with growing eyes. His pupils shrank in horror as they stopped at the edge of a huge hole in the ground, at the gravestone’s base. Somepony had dug the grave out! There was a massive pile of dirt to one side, a shovel, and a pair of tarps to cover the whole thing. The armored stallion rushed forward to peer down into the hole and instantly recoiled in revulsion.

The coffin was open. Trixie’s remains were still inside. A decade of quiet decay had turned her into a mere skeleton with whispy stretches of yellow and green, parchment-like skine remaining. The simple death garb had long since been eaten away by time, along with most of the rest of her.

Twilight’s morbid curiosity made her glance down as well, and she recoiled, turning as pale as a sheet. “Somepony--” She tried to speak but bile rushed up into her throat. She covered her mouth as the taste of acid filled her mouth. She dashed to one side to spit and moan, feeling ill. “Somepony dug her up?!” she gagged. Stalwart was leaning into a series of bushes, and a bunch of wet slapping sounds told her he was more ill than she. “Why?! Why would anypony do that?!”

“She was the Moon Champion.” Stalwart Hide leaned on a tree, gagging softly and wiping his mouth. He had sweat beaded on his face and he was trying not to hyperventilate so hard. “We have to tell the others. This is now a crime scene!” As Twilight looked on she saw him morph from friendly stallion to full-on royal guard mode. “Don’t move, Twilight! Anything you touch could be evidence!” he spread his wings and launched himself skyward to sound the alarm.

Twilight could not help herself, as soon as Stalwart was gone, she leaned over the lip of the open grave again. Trixie’s skull it was… disfigured. The horn had been broken off with a careful tool of some sort, and… and… sweet Celestia. Twilight fought another wave of bile in her throat.

Trixie’s carbuncle was gone. The ‘gem’ that was in the base of all unicorn horns, the source of their magic—it was gone. This was sick. Really sick. It was be like un-stallioning a male corpse, or ripping the wings off a pegasus’ body. Carbuncle’s never truly decayed, and some believed they represented a unicorn’s soul, or essence. Somepony had dug out Trixie’s grave and stolen it. This was evil, really sick and twisted evil. The lavender mare leaned on the gravestone, her hoof over her mouth. Stalwart would not be happy if she threw up on the crime scene.

End of Part 4

Luna’s Story 4: Traitor Among Us
Part 5: Stallion Down

“I want this area secured, now!” Stalwart Hide was rushing back and forth as groups of Lunar and Solar guards were lining the area with neon tape. “Nopony goes within five paces of the grave without my sayso!” he shouted aggressively while lines were drawn and little flags placed down. The Lunar Stallions may have been soldiers, but they knew all about keeping a crime scene ‘clean.’ Even walking around on it could damage evidence, and there was sure to be some somewhere.

Twilight Sparkle had been escorted to one side, and allowed to stand nearby. She fretted a little, pushing the hanging end of her hat back. The bell tinkled in the moonlight, humming quietly before stilling. A couple of unicorn stallions looked at it briefly, turning their ears forward. How odd it was, having that on the end of a hat. Not a normal bell, either… they let her be, though. They knew she was with Captain Hide.

Princess Luna arrived on the scene at last, accompanied by Aegis Shield and a squadron of Lunar Stallions. “Make way!” she trumpeted, stepping quickly past the tape they’d set up between trees. Igniting her horn, she enchanted her steps to have her a few inches off the ground. Turning, she did the same with her escorts. “There, now we shan’t disturb the ground.” She nodded.

“Stalwart, what did you find?” Aegis asked as they drew near. Luna levitated Stalwart Hide a few inches from the ground as well with a nod.

“Very little.” Stalwart Hide said, his face angry. “There’s nothing much here to look at. Somepony dug her up,” he lowered his voice. “And stole her carbuncle.” He gestured with his eyes, lidding them in a disturbed way. He then quickly filled them in on what had happened since he and Twilight had arrived.

The Princess gasped, going and leaning over the edge of the open grave. She winced at the decayed remains of her fallen Moon Champion… but sure enough there it was. A broad hole had been very, very carefully cut in the center of the skull’s forehead. The horn had been cast aside, not stolen… which was odd, since dark magic sometimes used powdered unicorn horn (though Luna would never tell others she knew this). But, the carbuncle was missing. “Disturbing…” Luna shuddered back, not wishing to look upon the corpse anymore.

“What should we do, Princess?” Stalwart wanted to know. He wasn’t a unicorn, but he understood what a huge evil this was. Not only grave-robbing, but stealing somepony’s very magical essence—sinful! Sinful in the worst ways! He gulped a little, looking over at the lip of the hole. “Shouldn’t we… you know, rebury her? Should we move the remains elsewhere?”

“I'm not sure. Somepony knew she was here.” Luna said warily, looking at her two Captains. “Only the three of us really knew other than the gravediggers, and they knew not who they buried.” She surveyed them briefly. “Did either of you ever tell anypony the Moon Champion was buried here, this past decade or so?” Luna asked critically. Both stallions shook their heads vigorously. Of course not. If anypony had known where the Moon Champion, murderer of seventeen ponies, was buried—the grave would’ve been defaced, vandalized… or dug up. Both males shuddered, and Luna turned to survey the scene again.

Luna tilted her head a little, her eyes narrowing. There in the mud next to the shovel and mound of dirt were some hoof prints. She wandered over to them slowly while the two captains helped organize the other stallions on the scene. The Princess squinted down at the hoof prints, trying to discern something from them. Thankfully it had rained recently, so the fresh mud had made a nice cast. She lit her horn a little, looking at them from several angles. Whoever it had been had dug out the grave with a shovel, leaving all the dirt in one pile, and then had fled off towards the street on hoof. The space between the park and the royal gardens had sidewalks nearby, perhaps he or she had left more? The dark alicorn lit her horn a bit brighter. “Hm, stallion-sized.” She murmured, cocking her head. “Our thief and graverobber is male…” she followed the muddy prints along the path, noting the ones that were Stalwart’s and Twilight’s. They had come from a hidden path. The criminal had come from the underbrush. Hmm. Spreading her wings to push aside a few branches as she walked, she followed the impressions out of the brush and emerged at the edge of the park. Mud was slung across the grass. “He dragged his hooves here, to be rid of the muck. It must’ve been all over him.” She frowned, imagining a dark figure slathered in muck and holding a glittering unicorn’s magic essence in his hoof. “Monster…” she mumbled.

Then, she came to the sidewalk. The stallion had still had mud on him when he’d come to the sideway and tromped away. Leaning eagerly, she found the impressions on the sidewalk. Maybe she could see the serial number or something. A pony’s horseshoes said much about him, after all. What Luna saw, however, sent ice down her withers. No. No that couldn’t be right. She glanced over her shoulder. None of her stallions had come this far yet… no… no it couldn’t be. She stopped, her mouth agape and her wings cautiously closed. She looked over her shoulder again, seeing a Lunar Stallion or two mucking about in the underbrush for clues. One was coming right for her, it was Pen Maker. Quickly, Luna reached and slashed her hoof across the evidence, destroying it.

“Any luck, Princess?” Pen Maker stopped to bow for a moment. “Did you find anything?”

“It seems the criminal fled in this direction.” Luna said, stepping up onto the sidewalk and gesturing to the ever-vanishing trail of muddy hooves. She stood upon the muddiest ones to block Pen Maker’s view so he couldn’t see what she’d done. The stallion turned, following the trail slowly and calling to another stallion to join him. Luna let out a breath, fretfully looking down at the terrifying evidence she’d found.

The hoofprint she’d found on the sidewalk had a serial number on it alright. But not one she was expecting. It was not from a shop in Canterlot, or a make and model that could be traced to somewhere to a barn in the surrounding regions. The serial number on the horseshoe’s imprint made with the mud had read ‘LSC-C1013ANNM.’

Lunar Stallion Core – Circa 1013 After Nightmare Moon

One of her Lunar Stallions had dug up the Moon Champion. Clenching her teeth and trying very hard not to panick, the night time Princess swallowed heavily several times. This could not be. Such a terrible crime, her stallions would NEVER do such a thing! She trusted all of them with her life, why would any of them do such a sick and twisted thing?! She fretted back and forth, lifting and lowering her front hooves in a stressful little dance of discontent.

“Princess!” Stalwart Hide, Twilight Sparkle, and Aegis Shield were approaching. She turned quickly, masking her distress as fast as she could. “What did you find, anything?” Aegis Shield wanted to know, stepping forward.

Luna considered for a long time. No. No she could not reveal this. Paranoia would grip her precious soldiers and send them into a disarray. She would need more evidence. “Nothing yet, Captain.” She bade him officially, turning. “Continue your search.” She nodded.

Twilight Sparkle and Stalwart remained. “Luna, is there anything I can do?” the purple mare asked. “I want to help.”
“Thou art helping, Twilight Sparkle.” Luna said with a smile that needed some effort. “Writing to help open the new Lunar Academy.” She turned to Stalwart Hide. “Captain Hide! This is no place for a civilian mare like Twilight. Away with the both of you for the moment. I will give you our full report on the morrow.”

Twilight wilted at being cast aside like that. She could be helpful! She was a national hero, a mage, an element of harmony for goodness sake! “Princess, are you sure?” she asked, cocking her head with a hurt expression.

“You heard the Princess.” Stalwart said, turning and standing sideways between the two mares. “C’mon, we’ll try and relax this evening. Maybe you can prod at me for an hour or so before bed.” He offered something for them to do as insentive. Luna smiled just a little, and Stalwart nodded solemnly. Twilight sighed and slowly turned about. She and Stalwart started down the sidewalk, away from the sceene.

Luna’s expression slowly lowered into a scowl, and she looked at the scuffed hoofprint under herself. This was bad. This was very bad. If she told her stallions, they would be at each other’s throats. If she told Twilight, the poor mare would be frightened out of her wits—walking among her soldiers was supposed to help her feel safe, not paranoid. The moon princess didn’t know what to do. If somepony had come to steal Trixie’s carbuncle, it had been for a reason. The corpse had not been harmed other than the skull damage, and nothing else pointed to malice. It had almost been surgical.

=-----=-----=-----=-----=

Luna emerged into the Forge (with a capital “F”) with her wings open and her head tilted regally back. The dirty, sweaty ponies that filled the room made way for her with loud chatter of excitement and shock. The Princesses were never down in this hell hole! The Forge was the place where all of the Canterlot Military’s goods were made. Iron, steel, wood. Arrows, spears, wing-swords. All of it. Even horse shoes.

A rugged stallion with a massive chest and a slick of oil across his face came forth and bowed. “Princess, it’s so good to see you!” he shouted over the hissing of cooling metal and the clanking of hammers to hot metal. “We don’t get a lot of visitors down here! I’m Shining Glory, it’s good to receive you!” His wings flared open excitedly and there was a bounce in his canter as he escorted her majesty towards a more quiet corner where they could speak.

Luna looked around as they walked. Sparks crashed out from under hammers as ponies busily worked on metallic gear and armaments. Though Equestria was a utopian and very peaceful nation, it did maintain an army like any other. That meant gear and weapons. She watched a stocky-looking mare pour liquid metal into a long casting, then make a wide gesture at another mare who was operating a series of chains. She nodded, wiping her brow and pouring another glob of the white-hot liquid into the cast. It looked to be a wingsword, by the shape of it. The lunar alicorn cleared her throat a little as she walked, eyeing a trio of stallions that were arguing over a new spear design posted on a bulletin. The heat looked serrated, and Luna knew that if you ever stuck such a spear into an enemy it would be no easy task to pull it out again. If it wasn’t a killing blow the soldier using it would be unarmed. Hm.

Finally, Luna and Shining Glory came into a side office and shut the door. He shuffled some dirty papers off his desk, yanking a sorry-looking rolling chair out of a corner and shoving a box of nails off of it. “Sorry, sorry.” He said, quickly pushing the chair out for her to sit on and going behind the desk. “So! What can I do for you? I’ve got license to operate with both Solar and Lunar steel, if you’re looking to have something made!” he smiled enthusiastically as Luna eased herself into the chair.

“I am here to speak about horse shoes.” Luna said.

“Horseshoes? Sure, we’ve got thousands of them.” He said, frowning a little.

“Lunar Stallion Horseshoes. Lunar Steel.” Luna corrected, clearing her throat again. The air in the office was heavy and oily like the work going on outside it. “How many do you have in stock?”

“Lunar Steel horseshoes?” Shining Glory scratched at his chin. “Er well, we don’t keep them very much, sorry. Your majesty has never given us much Lunar Steel to work with.” He smiled apologetically, like he was trying not to blame her for something. “I trust the Lunar Steel cage bars turned out okay?”

The Princess nodded quickly. “Yes, of course.”

“I tell ya, Princess. Nothing can get through your Lunar Steel. I wish you’d make more, we could build bridges with the stuff!” he slapped a hoof on the pile of paperwork in front of him. “At least the rivets!”

Luna had no intention of solidifying enough liquid moonlight to make enough bolts to support a bridge. Making even a single bar of the stuff took time and serious effort on her part. She didn’t even want to get started on the Lunar Stallion armors. Those had taken years upon years to make, and there were HUNDREDS of them littering the world. She had recovered seventy, yes, but there was more out there. She shook her head quickly. “I want you to pull your files, please.” She said delicately. The stallion stared at her. “I want to know how many horse shoes were made with Lunar Steel this year only.” Luna said, gesturing to his filing cabinet.

“Sure, of course.” He went, put the key in, and opened it. “Lesse…” Shining Glory reared up on his back hooves to paw through the files. “Luh-Luh-Luh… Luh… Lunar… Lunar! Here it is!” he pulled out a thin little folder and brought it to his desk. Flipping it open, he scanned down the charts and orders that had been made. Luna could see her own signature, as well as a few others including Aegis Shield’s, Stalwart Hide’s, and some other Lunar Stallions’. “You don’t let us have very much Lunar Steel, your Majesty, there’s not much here.” He apologized to her, turning his ears back and flipping a few pages. “Ah yes, here it is. Around new years you commissioned twenty-four sets of horseshoes for your Lunar Stallion Corps, and had them shipped to various outposts across Equestria.” Luna deflated at this news. That meant those horseshoes could’ve fallen into anyhooves.

“Serial number?” Luna was afraid to ask, but needed to hear it.

“Uh?” Shining Glory was briefly confused that she wanted sucha mundane thing. “Oh, sure, its… LSC-C1013ANNM.” He read it off to her rather mechanically, and heard his Princess sigh aloud. “Is something wrong, Princess? Did you misplace a set?” he flipped the folder closed with a concerned look on his sweaty, oil-slicked face. “Do you need us to make more?” he cocked his head attentively.

“No, that’s alright. Thank you, Shining Glory.” Luna rose regally, turning. “I learned all I needed to.” She nodded when he got up to bow, and Luna showed herself out. A cold shiver ran down the dark alicorn’s spine, despite the intense heat of the room. She almost didn’t notice the massive blasts of sparks going back and forth in the Forge around her as she walked slowly out. So it was true then. One of her Lunar Stallions had dug up the Moon Champion and stolen her carbuncle. Why, though? What possible purpose could such a thing serve?

When Luna emerged, Aegis Shield was waiting for her out in the hall. “Everything okay?” he asked, frowning in disapproval that she’d gone into such a dangerous workshop alone. When he was sure her mane was not on fire or anything, he smiled at her a little.

“Not at all, Aegis.” She whispered, dipping her head briefly to nuzzle him. They were alone in the hallway, was the only reason she’d done such a thing. He murred quietly, nuzzling her back under the gentle curve of her jawline. “Who can be at ease when something so terrible has happened?”

“Maybe it was a revenge sort of thing?” Aegis asked, turning on his hooves and starting forward with her. “If somepony knew where she was buried, or stumbled across it in the past ten years… maybe desecrating the corpse was their way of getting revenge?” he looked up at her with a concerned face. “She did kill a lot of ponies, Luna…” he lowered his voice to whisper to her, looking up into her eyes.

“True, yes, but why now?” Luna wondered. “It has been over a decade since her rampage, and suddenly somepony pops up to desecrate her resting place? Why?” she scowled at her ignorance and lack of facts. She kept the horseshoe bit even from Aegis Shield. She felt very guilty for keeping something from her beloved, but if he learned that a Lunar Stallion had done something so vile—he would take it out on his soldiers, no doubt, to find out who it was. She would need to bide her time and see what else turned up. Surely her stallions would uncover something she could use. She had faith in them. Well, most of them. One did not belong anymore.

=-----=-----=-----=-----=

“Help! Help-help!” A mare’s voice shrieked from the darkness of an alleyway. “Somepony help meee!” she cried out into the dark night. Her husband lay still on the ground, bruised and bloodied in the muzzle and head. Surrounded by a chain-wielding, sneering bachelor herd of a gang, she shrieked in fear as they closed in around her.

Glitter Star and Panzer Hoof happened to be patrolling nearby, and their ears perked. They nodded at each other, and Glitter took wing. Panzer galloped forward on his massive hooves and they turned a corner into the alleyway. The great earthpony reared, flailing his hooves and stomping the ground so hard the earth shook. The gang stopped, turning as one. “In the name of Princess Luna, I command you all stop!” he shouted.

“P'eh!” one of the bachelor herd stepped forward, paint under his eyes to make him look scary. He had an open wallet with a hoof pulling money for a cutie mark. A thief. “You don’t scare us none! There’s over a dozen of us, and just one of --Y’AHH!?”

Glitter Star dive-bombed out of the sky, landing on his back and driving him face-first into the ground. Taking his chain-weapon from his hoof with her teeth, she literally CHOMPED through it and spat the pieces to one side. More than one of the gang members went pale at the power of her piranha-like teeth. “Boys.” She snickered, lifting a hoof and throwing out her chest impressively. “Last chance, or I’ll hafta arrest every one of you… after Panzer is done with you, that is.” Panzer inflated his chest, scraping at the ground a few times.

The gang members looked back and forth at the two Lunar Stallions, then at each other. Feh! There were still over a dozen of them. A silent command was given, and they gang-rushed at both armored ponies with a group-sized shout.

Panzer gave a shout, rushing headlong and using his chest like a battering ram. He crashed into his group of enemies with a roar and they leapt upon him. He kept going, massive weight on him and all, while they beat at him with their chains and lead pipes. He crashed sideways into a wall and dumpster, launching a couple of them off and bucking wildly. Giving a whinnying shout, he gagged when one lucky gangster got a chain around his neck and across his face like a bridle. Rearing savagely and flailing back onto his back, he crushed the criminal mercilessly with a roar. Flailing about in a rush of bodies, his dinnerplate-sized hooves connected with chests, faces, and legs. He heard a bone or two snap as they crashed wildly back and forth. They beat at him mercilessly with their chains and pipes, but there was no stopping the invulnerable stallion. Panzer Hoof was a living tank! Not even the monstrous solar beast guards could dig their teeth into his hide, what chance did a ragtag group of gangsters have?!

Glitterstar dove back and forth, dodging bolts of magic and flying rocks. Flaring her wings she slammed into one pony and bashed his head against the brick wall. Turning with a wild buck of her back hooves she sent another’s head snapping back as he crumpled into the ground. The ancestors sang their praises. Battle! Glorious, bloody battle! Their new mare companion was excellent at it! Lined up like a choir, the ancestors raised their voices in a battle hymn to urge her forward. Super charged into a frenzy, Glitter grabbed another twirling chain in her teeth, yanking it back and face-planting the stallion that had been using it. She jumped on his back with a punishing crack of her guilded hooves, giving a shout of battle as she leapt upon the next one. They dog-piled on her and she sank her fangs into somepony’s neck. He cried out into the night, bleeding terribly and reeling. Wiggling free of the chaos she turned again and rammed another with the crown of her helm. She yipped when a lead pipe kissed the side of her muzzle, but she returned the favor with a one-two buck to the nose. Blood dripped from her nose, but it hardly mattered. The rush, the glory, the battle hymn of the ancestors drove her on.

The battle continued, and the two Lunar ponies were positively fearsome. Finally, knives started coming out instead of pipes and chains. A gangster rushed for Panzer Hoof and he danced wildly back and forth as they tangled. His earth pony strength was far beyond any of them, he would not be denied. A spray of sparks went off his helm when his enemy tried to jam him in the eye, but suddenly he was caught off guard. The attacking pony stepped forward, not back, in his spinning assault of twin knives. He turned the blade backward, used his momentum and stabbed!
Clang!

All six gangsters stopped, craning their necks. The knife had connected with Panzer’s front right ankle, just above where his gauntlets were. The blade had struck flesh but… not gone through…? Wait, no! Blood! A light drip-drip-drip of blood appeared at Panzer’s ankle, decorating the pavement. They looked down at it, shocked that their opponent could actually be harmed after all that effort. The dancing knife stallion grinned. “See? He can bleed!” he shouted. “And if he can bleed, he can die!” he turned back the other way, his knives dancing once more. Spinning them about, he rushed to attack again. Panzer threw out his massive chest, used his breastplate as a shield and then simply head-butted the enemy to the ground. The crack of skull-on-helm was sickening, and the knife pony fell.

Glitter stood there panting, all of her foes fallen. Slathering about the mouth and craving more battle, she gave a rather haunted bark of laughter. The ancestor’s song of battle roared in her burning ears, and she reared up in magnificent joy. The power! It felt good! H’ohh sweet Faust it felt good! She turned in time to see Panzer fell his last few opponents, snickering. “Well that wasn’t too ba-yeelp!?” she gave a shout as she was pounced on from behind.

Out of the shadows sprang a knife-wielding stallion, painted with oils and gang signs on his fur. Wrapping both front hooves around her neck before she could cry out, he squeezed to choke her and brought his knife to her neck. “Hey you!” he shouted at Panzer. The Lunar Stallion turned, panting with exhaustion from taking on so many foes. “Back off! Right now! Or I’ll cut her throat out!” He almost comically looked as though he’d mounted her from behind, for his whole body was pressed down on hers, gagging her and pressing his weapon hard at her. Glitter grunted and wriggled back and forth. Panzer did not move. “You think I’m kidding, Lunar freak?!” he shouted angrily. “I’ll do it! I’ll do it!” he jabbed the knife at Glitter’s jugular threateningly. “Now get outta here, out of the alley, or I’ll find out if Lunar Mare’s bleed red too!”

“I don’t need to go anywhere.” Panzer smirked just a little, scratching an itch on the side of his muzzle. Silently, he watched Glitter’s bat-like wings open in their quietest way. The last bachelor herd stallion panted through his clenched teeth, looking back and forth in wild fear and anger. “You seem to have forgotten where you are.” He pointed a little, smiling.

“On a Lunar Mare’s back.” Glitter giggled a little. “A Pegasus, to be exact.” Suddenly her wings gave a hard, and powerful thrust. The frenzy of the ancestors launched her skyward and took the rogue with her. She bucked, grabbed at the knife, turned, and threw him into a dumpster from a five-story height. The shock of the body hitting the container made the lid slam closed, and she landed on it daintily. Throwing her chest out, she crowed her victory and lifted a hoof to show off to all who looked upon her.

“Oh-hoh, very good.” Panzer laughed, shaking his head and limping forward a bit. “Got a little kiss from that knife, though.” He complained, letting his weight off of his ankle.

“I didn’t know you could bleed.” Glitter Star hopped off the dumpster, turning towards the citizens they’d just saved. “Everything’s going to be okay, ma’am. We’re Princess Luna’s Lunar Stallions.” She saluted the mare officially.

“My husband, he’s hurt.” The mare said, kneeling next to her unconscious stallion. “Please, help him?” she said, her eyes big and soft. Panzer nodded slowly, coming forward to help the poor couple—

Until an arrow of pure solar steel struck his shoulder and exploded with the force of a grenade.

Panzer whinnied ferally, flying against the wall like he weighed nothing. A horrifying explosion of armor shards and blood blasted across the brick wall. He slammed into it hard, sending cracks spider-webbing across the surface. Nightmarishly his front left leg went flopping wetly across the pavement, smatters of bone and chunks of muscle going everywhere. Blood waterfall’d out of the muscled stump and he crumpled to the ground with a roar of white-hot pain. He clutched at the blasted-open wound, puddles of blood rushing away from him. “AHHHHH! OH GODS! G'AHHHHHD'S! MY ARM!” he roared, his back arching and his body convulsing. “MY ARRRRM!”

Glitter Star stared in horror, her mouth agape. What had just happened?! She wheeled around as the civilian mare screamed and pointed. A figure was perched atop the building that made up the alleyway’s left wall, poised with a bow and quiver. It was a stallion. Roaring in anger, Glitter made to launch herself skyward but the shadow drew out another arrow and she halted. His first assault had just cripple Panzer Hoof. Could she dodge an arrow? She didn’t know. She spread her wings wide, walking sideways and hunching in front of her screaming, injured fellow soldier. The warning message clear, the shadowy figure retreated. “Damn him,” Glitter looked over her shoulder at the two civilians, then at the bleeding-out Panzer. Reaching quickly into her patrolling belt, she drew out her flare signal. She pointed it high, clenching her teeth over Panzer's writhing agony of hot, screaming pain. She pulled the trigger, sending the blast of light high. No one was going to believe this. Somepony had toppled the indestructible Panzer Hoof.

=-----=-----=-----=-----=

Test Theory looked up when the light tap-tap-tap hit his cell door. “Who is iiit?” he called snarkily, though he already knew.

“Just a friend.” A Lunar Stallion’s eyes appeared in the slot of the peeping door. “How goes the spell?” there was some shuffling in the hall while he played with his saddlebag.

“Just fine. Did you test your little toy?” Test Theory pushed his oily mane out of his eyes. He saw the eyes bob up and down a bit. “And?”

“It works really, really well.” There was a black chuckle on the outside of the cell. “Surprisingly well. It cuts through metal like cheese.”

“I would expect so, it’s Solar Steel.” The mad pony shuddered at the image of somepony getting shot with such a thing. A weapon like that could topple the gods with a shot to the heart. He didn’t want to imagine it, and he was into things like the amniomorphic spell. “Did you look for a mare yet, or a power source?” he asked further.

“I already have it for you.” He chuckled. “Keep it well-hidden.” The shadowed stallion lifted a little hoof-sized bundle, pushing it through the little peep-door hole at him.

Test Theory took it with a troubled frown, slowly undoing the fabric. He unrolled the bundle and gaped when a powder-blue gem rolled out into his hoof. It was shining ,glittering, brimming with unicorn magic. “This is a carbuncle!” he gasped, looking up at his ‘friend’. “Did you kill somepony?!”

“…Yeah. “ said the Lunar Stallion. “Yeah I did.” There was a low, angry growl in his voice. “Pretty sure I killed somepony else tonight with my new toy, as well. Now, you’ve got your power source. Get back to work.” The peep-door of the cell door slapped shut, and the mad scientist found himself alone again.

Test Theory lifted the carbuncle gem to his gaze. Pushing his glasses up his nose, he admired the twinkle of the thing. It reflected in his eyes, practically possessing him with its beauty. “Well, ask and you shall receive.” He smiled a little warily at the stone. It was bursting with raw magical material. He would need to make some cloaking runes just to hide it. If somepony scanned his cell and found a raw carbuncle in his straw bedding, he would probably see a chopping block for it (Princess Luna had executed somepony a few years back, so all of Equestria knew the death penalty still existed for the truly evil). Laying it on the floor, he began to make his final calculations on his notepad. The spell was almost ready, and now he had his catalyst. His truly twisted friend wanted to be the monster he’d drawn on the big piece of paper before? Well, he could certainly give him his wish. Then, Test Theory was gonna mold himself a new face with the same spell and disappear into obscurity. Even when they discovered he was gone, his newly molded face would protect him forever. But first, the Lunar Stallion. He could only honor a fellow madpony’s wishes.

End of Part 5