Chapter 3

Ultimatum

It was almost three in the morning and certain Solar Princess had just woken up from a tense five hour sleep. She had a sense of anxiety plastered on her face, but that tended to always happen when her sister ‘went away.’ Celestia sighed heavily as she stared at the ceiling of her quarters under her covers. Feeling that she wouldn’t get back to sleep for a little while, she decided to flip on the large television that was staring at her from across the room. Perhaps some late-night news would ease her thoughts. Nightlife happenings always tended to be the most interesting in her opinion anyway. With her mind made up, Celestia magically turned on the television.

“This is Late Night News on 24/7 Equestria!” the newscaster’s voice rang out over the introductory credits.

“Good Evening, ladies and gentlemen and thank you for joining us on this particularly beautiful night. I’m Newspress and once again, thank you for watching. Let us get started shall we?”

The angle changed and Newspress turned to face the camera.

“The evening started off a bit less peaceful for our neighbors to the west as the Empire of Crystallia was a bit shaken up a couple hours ago. Copious amounts of gunfire and other signs of conflict were reported on the other side of the border; all is quiet now. According to Crystallian officials, a rogue soldier turned his weapon on his officer and comrades in arms.” Celestia snorted with her eyebrow raised.

“Rogue soldier? Creative, yet politics at its finest.”

“Crystallian Army officials say that the surprise attack left approximately twenty-two soldiers dead, and several others wounded, including a Captain, Two Lieutenants and A Sergeant Major, as well as leaving three vehicles damaged. Preliminary reports stated that those vehicles consisted of Armored Personnel Carriers as well as a Medium Tank, although officials immediately dismissed the proposition of a tank, stating that, according to the Border Militarization Agreement, no heavy armored vehicles are allowed within two miles of the border.” Celestia’s eyes widened.

“Twenty-two?! Oh man… Something must’ve really went awry. At least she’s alive, but I hope she’s alright,” she spoke out loud to no one. She sighed once more before turning off the TV again.

“Either way, crisis averted.” She whispered before drifting off to a quiet slumber once more.

Twilight was currently reading by a dim candle-light in the main room of her tree home. This was the third night in a row in which she’s stayed up well past her point of natural retirement, and it was starting to gradually take its toll on her. However, she simply couldn’t put her book down, especially when it consisted of magical interference in vector fields. Her eyes betrayed her own thoughts as they fought with her consciousness to close shut for the night. However, they shot open completely when there was a soft but firm knock at her door. Twilight didn’t really know for sure who it could have been, considering Rainbow Dash liked to drop in unannounced. She made her way to the door sleepily and unlocked it, peeking outside. She caught a glimpse of the armor-clad Lunar Princess, smiling at her in a tired manner.

“Luna!” Twilight exclaimed in a whisper, ushering her in before closing the door. The two embraced each other tightly, swaying with each other’s natural movements for a short while.

“Studying rather late into the night, as per usual I see,” Luna commented with a light chuckle. It never ceased to amaze her how studious the magic adept really was. They finally released each other.

“You know me, Luna. But enough about that… how did it go tonight?” Luna pursed her lips in thought as to how she could formulate what she wanted to say.

“It went, ‘alright,’” she replied unconvincingly. Twilight picked up on her tone immediately. Over the years the two of them have come to know each other deeply, easily sensing irregularities within the other.

“Alright, what happened?” Twilight asked softly. Luna merely studied her features before sighing in resolution.

“The mission commenced as planned, however it would not remain so in its entirety. I soon found out that I would not be able to complete my objectives without a large loss of life, a high probability of losing my own in the process. Overall, the mission was successful, and another threat has been averted, but still…” Luna explained. Twilight placed a hand on the side of Luna’s arm in a show of comfort. Luna then lifted her eyes to meet the gaze of her great friend.

“It’s okay, Luna. I understand. You’re doing great things for Equestria, I’m sure you’re already convinced of that,” Twilight reasoned. Luna formed the slightest grin on her face… almost unnoticeable.

“Just remember, we all worry about you. I worry about you,” Twilight added in with emphasis, moving her hand up to Luna’s neck. Luna visibly became less tense at the gesture and smiled.

“Do our other friends know of my doings?” Luna asked.

“No. Just me. You told me personally, and I feel that it is you who must tell others if and when necessary. It’s not my place to do so.”

“May I ask you something, Twilight?” Luna asked her with some apprehension. This put off Twilight slightly because Luna was usually not one to succumb to nervousness and fear.

“Anything, Luna.”

“Do you… do you approve of what I’m doing?” she asked meekly. Twilight had to take a couple of seconds herself to formulate a response.

“While the loss of life saddens me, I can understand what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. I guess in a weird sense it’s you’re ‘own way’ of helping out. But from all the conflicts I’m sure you’ve prevented, it goes a bit beyond that. While I personally would attempt a more diplomatic approach, sometimes I suppose there is no option beyond force,” Twilight mused. Luna felt a bit relieved at that statement.

“Very well,” Luna nodded while checking the time, sparing a few more moments to talk with Twilight. “My apologies that I must cut our meeting extensively short, but I must return to the castle,” Luna informed. Twilight only nodded in understanding.

“Of course. It’s always nice to see you, no matter the length of time.”

“I shall be in touch when I am able,” Luna said as she slowly walked to the door.

“Luna… you know you don’t have to do this alone… right?” Twilight called after her with a more somber tone. Luna only looked back at her with heavy eyes, believing that yes, she did bear the responsibility of her actions, past and future, solely. Luna only nodded in acknowledgement.

“And… Just make sure that this isn’t the last time we see each other,” Twilight added with a slight teasing inflection. Like a few others who knew, she was still worried for her safety. Luna raised her eyebrow as she turned to meet Twilight’s gaze over her shoulder.

“I shall ensure that,” she said with a grin before closing the door after her. Luna sighed somewhat dreamily before walking straight, the chariot resting about a hundred feet in front of Twilight’s front door. She gingerly climbed in and sat herself down, not even bothering sitting properly, and ultimately stretching out on the bench seat, using her helmet as a makeshift pillow.

“Princess? To Canterlot?” the pilot asked softly. Luna nodded in response, not even opening her eyes (a small grin on her face as well).

“Please. And no need to rush. A little nap would be most pleasant right now,” Luna replied, slipping part of her hair over her eyes, ensuring a nice cat nap on her escort back to the castle.

Morning had arrived and Celestia was sitting at the dining table for breakfast. This time was one of the few long moments that she would be able to share with Luna throughout their duties during the day, especially since Luna tended to sleep during Celestia’s reign. Celestia waited somewhat anxiously, because it was habit now to worry that Luna, for some other reasons, might not come to the breakfast table. Fortunately, true to her word, Luna walked in right on time, to which Celestia embraced her tightly.

“Glad you could make it, sis,” Celestia said in a joyful mood.

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Luna replied sincerely, albeit extremely exhausted. She still managed to give her older sister a smile. With that, they sat down to some food while making some small talk.

“So, I saw the news last night at around 3 ish,” Celestia brought up. Luna stopped eating to raise her brow at her sister.

“Pray tell. Was anything mentioned?” Luna asked, emphasis on the last word.

“Quite an ordeal so it seems,” Celestia added.

“How did they disguise it this time?” Luna asked curiously.

“Rogue soldier,” Celestia said sounding genuinely unimpressed. Luna couldn’t help but chuckle heartily at that.

“Seriously? A rogue soldier? Not even a ‘foreign agent’ or ‘foreign terrorist?’” Luna asked incredulously. Celestia only smirked a bit. Conversation was pretty dull and drab. She could tell something was bothering her little sister.

“What’s on your mind?” Celestia asked with that knowing tone. Luna once again stopped eating to gaze at Celestia.

“I am not sure what you’re referring to. Nothing is wrong,” Luna replied, going right back to stuffing her face.

“No, I think something is wrong. You look like you’re harboring something that’s weighing you down,” Celestia pressed on.

“Forgive me if I disappoint you, for there is nothing pestering me at the moment,” Luna said resolutely.

“Maybe you’re just emotional today. Or maybe it has to do with the fact that over twenty combatants were killed by this ‘rogue soldier,’” Celestia retorted right back, pulling out that card. Luna’s eyes widened and her jaw dropped slightly, quivering a bit.

“O-over twenty?” Luna asked meekly, confirming what she was fearing. Celestia only nodded. Luna’s thoughts were overwhelmed. Over twenty? I took over twenty lives? Luna continuously thought. She then dropped her fork and just laid her head in her hands, pressing against her temples in an enormous bout of frustration. For Celestia, this was very difficult to see. Everything was slowly starting to catch up to Luna… the gravity of it all at least. She felt terrible that Luna was making herself bear the burden alone.

“I’m going to bed,” Luna said softly, interrupting Celestia’s thought process while she got up from the table and walked to the door.

“Sleep well, Luna,” Celestia called out, but her younger sister didn’t respond as she softly closed the door.

“That does it. I will not sit by and allow my sister to destroy herself. If she is to continue these missions, she shall no longer go alone. She shall not bear the burden on her lonesome…”

A majority of the day had passed, with Luna having nothing accomplished other than sleeping nearly the moment she fell on her bed. It had been nearly fourteen hours since she hit the bed at seven in the morning. Luna awoke from her groggy state and checked the time. 9 PM. Luna shot up in despair.

NINE AT NIGHT!? I FORGOT TO RAISE THE-

Luna’s thoughts were cut short when she looked outside and saw the moon where it should be. She sighed in relief and smiled.

Celestia must have taken it upon herself rather than wake me. I’ll have to thank her later. Especially since I left so abruptly…

Luna continued to muse in her own thoughts, especially since those of the previous night’s endeavors came rushing back. She immediately felt down once more… who wouldn’t? However, she didn’t have time to wallow in them due to there being a knock at her bedroom door.

“Enter,” Luna deadpanned with a sigh, still groggy from just waking up. At the close of her word, Celestia walked in the door and greeted her with a smile, sporting very casual attire, most likely due to her retiring to bed soon.

“Good evening, Luna. Sleep well?” Celestia asked, sitting on the bed next to her and enveloping her in a hug.

“Oh thou hast no idea how much akin to a log I slept… I needed that very much,” Luna said somewhat dreamily, still wishing she could sleep a bit more. Celestia giggled in response. She loved sharing these moments of closeness with her sister. Reminded her that they still were, in fact, human.

“Luna, there’s something I need to tell you…” Celestia began uneasily. Luna turned towards her with a brow raised.

“Oh? Forgive the pun but, pray tell?”

“I know what’s been bothering you Luna… and don’t try to dismiss me. I know I can’t dissuade you from doing what you’ve been doing for almost two years, but I refuse to have you bear your burden alone,” Celestia explained in a heartfelt but stern tone. Luna sighed.

“Celestia, I appreciate your concern and I love you very much, but I still am adamant that you do not accompany me on any of my—”  

“I know, which is why you’re taking on a partner that is not me,” Celestia interjected. Luna’s eyes widened.

“Celestia! I told you that I am not taking company with me!”

“Well, now you are if you hope to continue.” Luna’s brow furrowed.

“You would give me an ultimatum and risk the safety of our nation… for this?” Luna asked, becoming somewhat irritated.

“Your missions are covert, only known by select individuals and thus, off the public record. All I have to do is walk down to ECIB, press one button, and delete your file and all of its contents off the mainframe. Like it never. even. Happened. Then, I will bar the ECIB from reissuing an agent status to you, which prevents you from operating in any covert manner by Equestrian Law, and lastly, I will strip you of your rank of Captain in the general armed forces,” Celestia said with a smug grin. She had planned this out perfectly. She could tell, mostly in part due to Luna’s jaw hanging ajar.

“You… would not DARE attempt such a feat!” Luna seethed. Celestia leaned in close so her nose was touching Luna’s.

“Try me.”

Luna hardened her stare at her older sister and they remained this way for a good minute. Then, Luna reluctantly wavered and backed down. Not that she’d defy her sister with force, everyone knows what happened last time she threw a small temper-tantrum in the castle. Many guards on patrol report that they saw the Lunar Princess being flung out of the castle with enormous force before landing in the moat to ‘cool off.’ Luna returned her somewhat softened gaze to Celestia’s.

“Very well. However, this does not mean I shall enjoy it. This will be purely professional in nature. Dost thou have anyone in mind?” Luna deadpanned, clearly in annoyance. Celestia nodded.

“Actually, yes. While you were sleeping I was observing the training of several of our branches which are stationed here in Canterlot. After hours upon hours of meticulous observation, I spotted someone and immediately knew they would be the one for the job. I took the liberty of offering him the position and briefing him on your activities in secrecy. Needless to say, he was quite floored with amazement and as a result of that, accepted the position without hesitation.”

“I see, and who might my new… ‘partner’ be?” Luna asked, not enjoying that word right now.

“An Equestrian Special Forces Corporal named ‘Phaseshift.’ Fair skin and of standard race of humans, so no magic ability on his part. Fairly well built and quick on his feet, a rather sharp analytical mind and excellent cloak-and-dagger mentality. Can hold his own rather well in a fight, as was told to me. Quite the crack-shot with a rifle as well. He’s fiercely loyal, but also rather sarcastic. Nevertheless, he’s a good guy, I made sure of it,” Celestia said. Luna nodded pensively before sighing audibly in annoyance.

“I see. Well, when do I get the pleasure of meeting this fellow?” Luna asked with some disdain. Celestia only grinned.

“Actually, right now! Come on in, Phaseshift!” Celestia called out towards the door, which opened a second later. In walked in the ESF soldier, clad in his uniform sans headgear. He was a bit tall, essentially seeing eye-to-eye perfectly with Luna (in the literal sense), short cut black hair, emerald green eyes, and true to Celestia’s word, he sported a lean muscular build. Although he had some stubble on his face as well as an angular jaw with a cleft chin, he looked considerably younger than Luna could have thought. She expected someone who had a great deal of experience, maybe even with gray hair. Then again, this lad was only a corporal. Phaseshift walked to the two and gave a polite bow.

“Please rise, there is no need for formalities. Phaseshift, as I’m sure you’re aware, this is Princess Luna, your new superior,” Celestia said, introducing the two.

“Charmed,” Luna responded less than enthusiastically and more sarcastically.

“An honor to meet you as well, Princess,” he quipped back lightly. Luna almost formed a grin at the semi-sarcastic retort… almost.

“As you already know, my name is Phaseshift, but feel free to call me Phaze for simplicity. ‘Phaze’ with a ‘z,’” he clarified somewhat optimistically.

“Very well then, I shall refer to you as ‘Phaze with a ‘z,’” Luna said with little emotion, sporting a barely noticeable sardonic grin; not being able to resist the attempt at poking fun at her ‘against-her-will’ subordinate. Phaze recoiled slightly at this.

“My apologies, Princess, but I believe that I—”

“… asked me to refer to thou as ‘Phaze with a ‘z.’ Therefore, I shall refer to you as such,” Luna interjected. With luck, he’d get annoyed of her little by little and quit on his own. She’d only be too happy to turn him loose. Celestia only rolled her eyes. She somewhat knew that this would be an entertaining match-up of partnership.

“Well, I’m going to let you two familiarize yourselves. I’m heading off to bed. Goodnight, Luna!” Celestia said, embracing her sister before walking out the door, leaving the two in Luna’s room together. Luna saw her sister out before turning back to Phaze.

“Very well, I am Luna and you are ‘Phaze with a ‘z.’’ Now that we’re done with the fucking ‘Formality Pleasantries,’ allow me to be very clear on something:” Luna began before dropping her tone rather low. She got closer to Phaze until their gazes were mere inches apart, his face under enormous scrutiny from Luna’s stern, piercing orbs. Phaze never faltered in the slightest.

“As of this current moment. I do not like you. I do not care who you are, where you are from, nor what you have accomplished, for as my subordinate, your previous material accomplishments mean absolute manticore shit to me. The only things that matter to me, are your skills in Cloak-and-Dagger warfare, your ability to handle various weapons and equipment, vehicular and handheld, and ensuring that you do not drag the mission behind. If thou falls behind, I wilst leave thee behind without moment’s hesitation. If thou gets wounded as a result of thy foolishness, I wilst not drag thy ‘sorry ass’ out of harm’s way; do I make myself clear?” Luna finished her rant. Phaze only had a brow raised. If he was honest, yes, the Lunar Princess did intimidate him. Was he intimidated? Yes, definitely. Was he scared? No, not in the slightest.

“Yes, your highness. You have made yourself crystal clear,” he responded in kind.

“Good. Chances are trouble might be brewing to the north. Intelligence will give me the full report but as of right now, we leave for Greifenraum in one week at precisely midnight. Be there or I will leave you behind. Understand?” Luna asked with a less than optimistic attitude.  

“Yes, Captain,” he replied still semi-sarcastically, referring to her by her military title rather than her regal one. Luna furrowed her brow slightly.

“Very well. You’re dismissed,” Luna said, waving her hand, well, dismissively. Acknowledging, Phaze stood at attention and saluted properly before starting out of her door. Luna watched him go and only sighed in defeat.

Next Op was going to be a bit different.

Next Chapter: 4: An Understanding Estimated time remaining: 1 Hour, 30 Minutes