Chapter 05 – The night guard

When she regained her senses, the night had already fallen, everything around her was in darkness and the only light source came from a glass door that overlooked the balcony. The wind gently measured the thick curtains, giving a refreshing respite to the night princess's chambers.

Chysalis rose heavily, laboriously distributing her weight on her four hooves. She looked in all directions in search of her marefriend without success. Slowly but surely, she advanced to the balcony as a glare of green fire changed her appearance back to that of a charcoal-colored unicorn with emerald mane, her body was much more shorter than her usual self in that form.

-We can see that you have already regained consciousness- the deity of the night said, her gaze remained fixed on the horizon.

-I figured you'd be out here. You've never liked being locked in your room- added Chrysalis as she took a seat next to the indigo-colored alicorn.

-We've always liked to feel the breeze of the last autumn nights- said Luna without still looking at the distant horizon -The first snowfall of the year will fall soon and we will delight in her presence at the winter ceremony once more.

Chrysalis looked in the same direction as Luna and scan the sky where she spoted in the distance a floating city built by clouds and a beautiful lunar rainbow that crossed it from side to side.

-¿Clousdale?-

-The pride of the Pegasus, a city that travels all over Equestrita while maintaining control of the weather and seasons- the princess of the night replied.

“But it's just one of those pegasus you long to see, isn't it?” said a voice in her mind.

Luna's face was overflowing, her gaze remained fixed on the floating city ruled by Commander Hurrcane as if waiting impatiently for the arrival of the floating fortress.

-I don't like winter, our race can't generate self-warmth and winters often leave us quite vulnerable by other creatures- said the changeling princess.

-You didn't seem so uncomfortable when we were in Crystal's Empire- said the alicorn looking at her eyes.

-Obviously- the changeling replied, shaking her hoof as if she were giving it little importance -When we was in the empire I spent the nights by your side, also I got your scarf, that gave me enough warmth to withstand the snowfall.

They both continued to look at each other for a while. A pleasant silence enveloped them, for that brief moment it was just the two of them and nothing else mattered. Eventually Luna broke the silence with a simple but uncomfortable question.

-When will you return to the hive?-

Chrysalis broke eye contact and hidden her face in the locks of hair that now fell in front of her.

-My mother won't like to see me after these... months of absence, though with the amount of love you've helped me collect in this time I'm sure she'll forget about the whole thing-

-You don't seem really convinced- highlighted the princess of the night arching an eyebrow.

-I'm not- mused the changeling.

-Do you want us to accompany you?-

Chrysalis looked up for a few moments, the panic was reflected in her usually serene face -ARE YOU NUTS?!... DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA OF WHAT MY MOTHER WOULD DO TO YOU IF SHE SEES YOU?! ...-

-Calm down Crisi, it was just a suggestion, we suppose after fighting with King Sombra, meeting your family step to a much lower level of danger for us-

“If anyone should be afraid of us, well to you mainly” Luna ignored the comment of the voice in her head.

-It can be... However, I do not consider it prudent-

-We understand, you don't need to explain to us- said the alicorn quitting the subject.

“Actually, I'd expect her to, but HEY, it's not me who's in control.” She ignored the voice once more rolling her eyes in her mind.

-I really wish things were different. Perhaps in the future when I take my mother's place as queen, I’ll be able to do something to unite our kingdoms Lulu- said the changeling nuzzling Luna’s neck affectionately.

-We will pray to the ancestors to do so- the indigo alicorn replied, nuzzling her back.

-I'll leave early tomorrow-

Luna simply nodded slightly. Chrysalis really had no desire to confront her mother, yet she knew that the longer she postponed her meeting, the worse the punishment would be.

-Tomorrow we must be present at the ceremony of the fallen soldiers, but we will travel to our old castle as soon as the ceremony ends-

“Which is a shame I was hoping we could have a little fun”

-I understand, if everything goes well, I will let you know immediately. I may be able to send one of my subjects to deliver my message to you-.

-Thank you for understanding Crisi- said Luna.

“Do you really think that's what he's doing?” lately that little voice used to interrupt at the less opportune times.

Without saying any more Chrysalis stretch her neck to connect her lips with Luna’s. The indescribable feeling Luna turn on each time they touch was something she had begun to become addicted to and being honest with herself, she really loved it.

Before Chrysalis could deepen the kiss, Luna broke it. Rising her own head.

-Despite how much we would love to give you our love right now, there are still issues that require our attention and which we have delayed until you wake up.

The princess of the night stood up and walked back inside her chambers. Lighting her horn, the doors became wide open pushed by the magic energy. Before leaving she look at at her marefirend over her shoulders with a warm smile on her face.

-Will you be here by the time we get back... aren’t you?-

-That depends, are you thinking of giving me some reward if I behave in a good way until you come back?- answered the changeling playfully.

-Before you woke up we were doing a little research and we found things quite... ahem!... Interesting... we'd like to test- Luna was doing her best to keep a pokerfaced.

“Well, I'd certainly like to try some things too”

-Oh! I really should help you with that experiment, just to make sure it's worthy?- added Chrysalis with a sly smile.

-It’s a deal then- said the princess of the night before leaving the alcove making little jumps while humming a catchy tune.

Inside one of the deepest corridors of the castle walked a pony of sand-colored fur and mane of a slightly darker brown color. The mare wore a zarco colored cape that covered her almost entirely.

The pony stopped when she found herself in front of a steel hinged wooden door guarded by two white pegasus wearing golden armor, their tails and manes were of a bright blue color.

When they saw the sorcerer, the two Pegasus took a step aside to allow her passage. Without wasting time the unicorn opened the door using her magic and enters the room.

The room was not very large and did not have many amenities. Around the room were some torches lit with a fire barely enough to ward off the shadows of most of the room. In the center was a wooden table and four chairs placed on the periphery of which only one was occupied.

In the room were already four more ponies besides her. They all had a metallic blue fur color and yellow eyes which looks like reptile eyes.

-Damn I expected her to be the princess- grumble the only other mare in the room.

Just as her comrades, Epsilon still carried her combat armor however unlike the rest, she did not appear to have received any medical treatment, with the wound in her right eye being the most notable, nor did she seem particularly concerned about her physical appearance or at least that was the impression Clover had when she saw her.

-Calm down- Siegfried rebuked her.

-He's right you won't gain anything with that attitude- Alcor said, agreeing with his partner.

-I honestly prefer to be preparing Megrez's transfer. Since apparently, we are not worthy enough to bury our friend along with the rest of “The Heroes of Equestria”- said the pony without making the slightest attempt to disguise the poison she threw with every word.

-We're all upset about it and you know it, but you know well it wasn't the princesses' decision, it's the nobles who still don't quite trust us- Siegfried replied.

-In any case it is Merak who should be making the complaints not you- Alcor rebuked her, pointing to her brother who was sitting in one of the chairs silently.

It didn't take long for him to regret his words when the mare took him from the neck of his armor and lifted him from the ground effortlessly. She looked at him with her only eye, shoing her teeth and sharp fangs as if at any moment she would be able to pluck his jugular.

-Megrez was like a sister to me, just like each of you is. How you even dare to say that I have no right to have an opinion on it-

Alcor lifted his hooves in defence while Epsilon tightened her grip by bringing him closer to her raged face.

-Do you think I wouldn’t have given more than just my DAMN eye as long as I would be able to save her?-

-C-Ca-Calm down Epsilon I-I did not mean it in that way- babble Alcor clearly terrified.

-Everything seems the same as before but it's actually much worse because the blood we've shed for this... This... Damn bunch of ANIMALS DOES NOT SEEM WORTH IT AT ALL!- she said furiously.

- Epsilon!- Siegfried quickly approached his companion in a strange impulse of bravery that dissipated the moment the mare’s scared eye fixed in his direction.

-And to be clear, I'm not blaming the princesses and much less Luna!- she shouted with fury, letting loose her grip causing Alcor to land on his flank heavily -I KNOW PERFECTLY IT’S NOT THEY TO BLAME!. THEY HAVE BEEN VERY FRIENDLY WITH US AND IF IT WASN’T FOR THEM WE WOULD LIKELY BE SURVIVING FROM CARRION IN THAT FUCKING FOREST!-

With a single swirling of her powerful wings, Épsilon placed herself in front of Siegfried -So I'm not mad with none of the princesses- she took her breath before roaring again pointing to the newcomer with her hoof – IT'S WITH THE REST OF EQUESTRIA AND ITS STUPIDS NOBLE HOUSES WITH WHICH I AM REALLY MAD!-

-It's also a pleasure to meet you in person, captain Epsilon- said a voice from the door.

The group looked at the mare who had just made her entrance. Commander Hurricane wore his military uniform, perfectly neat. The commander was flaping her wings slightly suspended from the ground.

-I may not hear clearly, Commander, but I never said it was a pleasure- the mare replied without looking at her superior.

-It is enough captain Epsilon, step away from Lieutenant Siegfried and return to your seat please- Captain Caramel said, followed by Celestia who closed the doors behind her.

-Your Majesty- the mare replied bowing, her comrades doing the same, -Would you be so kind as to tell me why the heck did you decided to invite this plague to our meeting?-

-ÉPSILON!-

-CAPTAIN!-

Exclaimed in unison Siegfried and Caramel. The sun's deity simply lifted a helmet to demand silence before responding with her usual tranquility.

-Although I share the pain they are going through at the moment and I completely disagree with the decision that the council agreed to with Miss Megres's situation. I am afraid that this is an issue completely out of my reach as in our current situation it could cause a greater problem with the noble houses of the kingdom if I begin to impose my decisions on those of the council-

-We understand your majesty and I'm sure Epsilon understands it too- said Merak as he helped Alcor to stand up.

-That's right, Epsilon just has an anger control problem, that’s all- Siegfried replied as if it didn't matter to him.

-Who you say has anger management issues, EHH!?- replied Épsilon by looking at him with killer eyes.

-You just afirmed my point dear sister- Epsilon simply turned her gaze ignoring Siegfried Statement.

Clover let out a sigh -Your majesty I think it would be better if you made clear the reason for this meeting-.

-Yes, I suppose you're right- placing herself at the head of the table the ruler of Equestria continues -Commander Hurricane is already aware of your actions in combat and the enormous support all of you offered during the war against the crystal empire-.

-Despite being such a young rookie-trained commando with only five members, they have shown a performance well above the level of any tactical team of pegasus, unicorns and earth ponies I've ever seen- continued Hurricane taking the word -Your teamwork, the level of concentration and above all your unique characteristics have made all of you worthy of much more than the nobles are willing to give you- she continued -Fortunately I am not like Platinum or PuddinHead and I let myself take more for the combat talent than for social status, so I'm the only one who's voted to keep you active as part of our kingdom's army-.

Faced with the unbelieving gaze of the soldiers the commander added -And that is why when princess Celestia told me about the idea she had for you I immediately agreed with her. We decided to do this in all secret tonight, so if you agree to this tomorrow all Equestria will be notified of your new assignment with my full approval and the one of the Royal hose of Equestria.

-I don't understand princess, what does all this mean?-.

-We have decided to form a team specialized in combat tactics that is able to work under the direct orders of the royalty and which will be responsible for responding to any threat that is above the capacity of the royal guard, this force will have privileges higher than those of the Royal Guard and its main mission will be to maintain the security of Equestria and its future-

-So you will make us part of a special team?- said Alcor looking forward to the sun's deity.

-Indeed- captain Caramel replied -Your squad will be in charge of fighting the battles that we as royal guards cannot face on our own. However, your team can only be called to combat under the strict orders of the princesses and because of that your missions will be of high-risk. Your team will respond to death risk missions and there is a high possibility you would be asked to work in absolute secrecy and of course in the complete shadows, which implies total anonymity as you will have complete freedom to carry out your own judgments on anyone who represent a danger to Equestria or the princesses.

-Great now we'll be like ninjas- said Siegfried, Epsilon simply looked at the white alicorn unconvinced, but she said nothing.

-Yes, something like that. However, your main priority will be to protect the kingdom. Unfortunately, that means that, no one outside the high command of the royal guard and we as princesses will know your names, your locations or your occupations. That way you’ll be able to investigate and act without others noticing your real purpose- answered the deity of the Sun.

-All right your majesty, if this is our destinies path, we promise that we will serve royalty and only royalty. We’ll protect the princesses from anyone who threatens their integrity- Epsilon responded by bowing with the respect and devotion that was rarely seen on her.

Immediately her comrades followed her kneeling and lowering their heads waiting for their princess order.

-Well now it’s done, from this moment on I declare you four the first members of The Night Guard- stated Celestia, placing her horn on each of Epsilon's shoulders, -You can stand up know Knights of the night.

The four ponies stood and showing their respect, they militarily saluted her with their hooves on their hearts while reciting -From the shadows we will watch, the nights we will keep safe and our princesses and their kingdom we will protect. That is our oath as knights and guardians of the night-

Surprised by the knights devotion Hurricane simply took off her hat and returned a bow followed by captain Caramel and Clover The Clever.

-Very good... captain, commander you may now retire, we will see you tomorrow at the ceremony of our fallen comrades, your presence is no longer required at the moment. I am very grateful for your attention and your time- once they receive the order from Celestia the soldiers bowed and immediately leave the room.

Celestia waited until the steps of the ponies and the flapping of Hurricane’s wings were no longer hear from the other side of the door before addressing the Knight of the night once more.

-Now my little ponies, I would like to assign you your first job as a night guards-

The knights remained in their posts awaiting their orders.

-Since our confrontation with King Sombra I have noticed my sister’s behavior been a little bit strange, I am sure that you too have noticed a change in her- the ponies nodded –I am worried about her and I would be much better if I knew that I have someone who can be by Luna’s side to protect her, even if that means protecting her from herself-.

-Princess, forgive me if I misunderstood you, but... it sounds like you are asking us to keep an eye over Princess Luna- Siegfried asked, looking at the alicorn with a confused expression.

-I know it's strange what I'm asking you right now but it's important that Luna is safe, I'm afraid that Sombra has affected her in some way- Celestia took a break before continuing -During that fight I was caught inside an extreme powerful nightmare. Luna managed to free me after defeating Sombre, but I am distressed that during the battle she was forced to do something that may have affected her emotionally. I think she somehow feels guilty about the disappearance of the empire, and I wouldn't want that guilt to lead her to take any action that may be… let’s say... desperate.

-I understand- Merak said.

-So you’re afraid she might hurt herself if the situation goes on like this?- inquired Alcor.

-That's right, first Discord's betrayal and then the rebellion of the empire. With everything that has happened in these years it has been very difficult for me to pay attention to Luna and I think all these things have been piling up in her, that is why I thought that you could help me with this-

-You can count on us, we'll keep princess Luna safe and sound, we’ll accompany her at all times to make sure nothing bad happens to her- Epsilon replied.

-Thank you- before leaving the princess turned to the knights -By the way one more thing. I'm sorry Megres can't rest along with the rest of the soldiers tomorrow at the ceremony, so I talk to Luna and she agrees that her last stop must be in the gardens of our old castle. After all, I think the place that saw your friendship born is the best place for her rest in peace.

-Thank you, your Majesty!- they exclaimed in unison gratefully, as they made a pronounced bow.

-You don't have to thank me for anything, it's Luna you should thank, after all she was the first one who decided to give you a chance-

-We will thank Luna for her generosity and kindness as soon as we see her- and without saying more the deity of the Sun left the room followed by Clover.

After a few minutes walking through the underground corridors, the princess spoke.

-Have you heard from Zephora?- asked the deity as they took a different path to return to the palace.

-Yes, your majesty. I have received the news that Zephora and his tribe have settled inside the EverFree forest, and have hidden the elements inside the old castle as you requested-

-Excellent, I was thinking of leaving Luna in charge of that area, I was worried that she might be lonely, but now that the night guard will be by her side and with the tribe of zephora on the periphery I have nothing else to worry about-

-Excuse me for asking this your Majesty, but... If you're so worried about Princess Luna, why leave the elements in the castle where you plan to send her?-

-Because I hope that having the elements near her, the magic of the elements would be able to help her-

-I understand your majesty-

-Tomorrow I will go to see Zephora while Luna attends to Megres’s funeral-

-All right Princess, I'll let Zephora know about your arrival-

-Thank you Clover. I'll see you tomorrow I think I've abused your time long enough-

-You don't have to worry about that your majesty-

And that said Clover bowed before lighting her horn and opening the door that overlooked the inner corridors of the castle taking a path as the deity of the Sun took the other course to her own chambers.

Author's Notes:

Author's Note:

All right here is the new chapter.

Gradually the puzzle is forming there are still things that I do not have at all clear how I will address them, but everything will arrive in due time.

I thank “nightfuryshadows” for allowing me to use her image as cover for this story do not forget to stop by her channel in devianart there are excellent art pieces there.

So soon I hope you're having an excellent time reading this fic.

See you at the next chapter. No not forget to review. BYE

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In memory of Victor Fidel Beloved grandfather and mentor.

March/1938 - October/2018