One Last KIll

Strange morning.

Princess Celestia stood on her balcony after raising the sun to begin the day. She enjoyed watching the way Canterlot seemed to glow this early in the morning. All the buildings just seemed to shine with new life. Too bad most of the citizens of Canterlot don't seem to care for anything that doesn't involve money. I doubt the nobles would care to see such a beautiful sunrise. And with the once happy moment ruined, Celestia retired to her bedroom with a sigh to begin her daily routine.

After showering, brushing, and adorning the proper regalia, she left her room and headed straight for the kitchen to meet Luna for breakfast. Upon arriving there, she noticed that Luna was not in her usual spot. Hmm. She must have stayed up late last night reading again. Ever since she found that book she hasn't been able to put it down. She's almost like Twilight.

Princess Celestia sat at her usual spot and was greeted by a butler pony named Spotless. What was peculiar about his name was that not only did he not have a last name, his first name contradicted itself on his fur pattern. Adorning his blue coat, were several white splotches here and there. Most of the staff members were very wary of him. They didn't know a lot about him, causing several rumors to be made. Some said he was older then Celestia. Others claimed that he once fought and killed a demon. And there were even those that claimed he could do magic, even though he was an earth pony.

But no matter what was said about Spotless, it was always out of earshot of said pony. Although not the toughest looking, he was still very intimidating. His mysterious history, and quiet attitude, only added to ponies being cautious of him. Not even Celestia's royal guard, nor Luna's night guard, could stand to be in the same room with him for too long. But Celestia trusted him enough to handle simple matters of butlery. One of said matters was preparing the royal family meals. They did have a chef for that, but she had quit for some reason after Spotless had joined. When he offered to take up her duties, both Celestia and Luna agreed.

"Good morning Princess Celestia. I trust you slept well?", Spotless greeted while pouring her a cup of tea.

"Yes spotless. That tea you made for me last night was just what I needed for a good night sleep." Celestia thanked, while taking the cup. She then turned to the adjacent seat in front of her. "I just hope Luna got as good rest as I did. Or at least some."

"Oh I don't think you should worry about that your majesty. Princess Luna would know better then to stay up late the night before a day like this."  Celestia did a spit take at that. Spotless kept a stoic expression, while pulling out a cloth from his breast pocket, and soaking up the mess. "Oh great Goddess I forgot her birthday is today!" Celestia exclaimed with worry in her voice.

After Spotless was finished, he discarded the used cloth into a nearby trashcan and turned to Princess Celestia. "I assume you forgot a gift? Otherwise, I imagine the tea was bad and you are finding an excuse not to hurt my feelings. Rest assured Princess. If the tea is bad, you can tell me. It will not offend me if you are honest."

"No no it isn't the tea." Celestia replied with a tired sigh. "It's just that...I remembered I promised Luna a really special gift for her birthday. That was over a month ago, and now I have nothing to show for it!" Celestia whined while covering her face with a hand. "I'm the worst sister ever."

"Now see here Princess. I can assure you, that without a doubt, you are not the worst sister ever. You have gone out of your way so many times, just to help Luna recover into society. Even after some, embarrassing moments at your expense, you kept at it. You are a very determined and caring sister. Luna knows this better then I do.  And you managed to keep your calm while helping her. For the most part... That incident with the rubber chicken and the-"

"WE ARE NEVER TO SPEAK OF THAT DAY!" Exclaimed Celestia while lowering her hand and giving Spotless a stern glare. On the outside, it would seem he was unfazed, but Celestia knew Spotless better then anyone. She could tell he was nervous.

"Forgive me for speaking of such times your majesty. From this day forward, I shall never even mention said object from 'that day' nor will I bring up that time," replied Spotless with a false bravado that Celestia could easily see through. I Give him credit for trying though.

Princess Celestia merely sighed. "It is alright Spotless. It's just that day.....never mind. It's in the past where it will stay forever. But...thank you for your words of encouragement." Spotless beamed internally with pride at that. "But that still raises an important question...what should I get for-"

"PRINCESS LUUUUUUUUUUUUNAAAAAAAAAAAAA! PRINCESS CELESTIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

Celestia turned her head towards the voice. What she was greeted with was a Night guard with a look of absolute terror on his face. The pony was in such a hurry that when they entered the eating hall, they tripped over one of the chairs and landed face first on the table. Celestia stifled a giggle while Spotless rolled his eyes.

"Ugh....Princess...creature....garden..." The guard groaned.

Celestia's smile instantly disappeared in place of a serious expression. What did he say? Celestia raised her hand and used her magic to lift the young recruit off of the table. She could tell by his age and look how new he was.The other ponies he was positioned with must have made him the informer. Ever since the attack on Canterlot, Celestia and Luna had started stationing both Royal and Night guard's at various locations around Canterlot.

Celestia used another magic spell to heal the bump on the guards face and straighten out his uniform. She then asked, "What has happened in the garden? What's this about a creature?" The guard took a deep breath to calm his nerves and adorned the most serious face he could. It was hard because he was still nervous about what exactly had happened. That and Spotless was right behind the Princess staring at him with his so called stoic expression. I hope he cant read my thoughts! Thought the nervous recruit.

Shaking off the nervousness as best as he could, he addressed Celestia. "Princess Celestia! Private Night Shade from division 30C-B34-," the guard started off but was soon interrupted by Celestia's voice.

"There is no need for that here. Just tell me what happened in the garden Night Shade." Celestia replied while holding that serious expression. Night shade gulped and started again.

"Y-yes of course your majesty. Apologies. Anyway, while performing our routine scout of your maze garden, we came across a strange creature lying on the ground. He appears similar to us in some ways but there were several big differences as well. He appears bipedal like us, he has hands and fingers with five digits. But that's where the similarities end. He doesn't have fur, except for the top of his head. He also lacks a horn, wings, or a tail. He was wearing some sort of strange clothing with pockets showing their contents. They were some silver looking...devices. I cant really say what they were. He also had a very large bag next to him. Sergeant Night Light ordered me to inform either you or Princess Luna of the creature, and retrieve further orders."

Strange creature in the garden? Celestia thought to herself. She pondered for a moment on what to do and finally addressed Night Shade. "Have Night Light and the rest of your squad confiscate his belongings. We cannot risk him using anything to harm us. As for the creature himself, bring him to the infirmary to be checked for any serious injury. Just because he could be dangerous, does not mean we should assume he is and label him an enemy. First impressions are everything. Inform me when he awakes. If he is like us, then he should be able to communicate. Now go."

The guard nodded and ran off to tell his superiors their new orders. Celestia leaned back in her chair and ran a hand through her hair once Night Shade was out of sight. This is going to be a long day.