was normal, and she was happy. It would be a matter of time until she was captain. That would be the best thing ever! She was keeping an eye on the guards (both Luna's and Celestia's) for her bosses. All of a sudden, she heard one of Luna’s guards talking about something big. REALLY big. She hid behind a wall when she heard two bat ponies whisper to each other.

A bat pony named Nightshade spoke. “Are you ready for the revolt here in a few days?” A revolt? What for? Was it for the terrible food the cafeteria serves? If it is, the grey mare would gladly join.

“That Princess Luna will never see it coming!” Another pony named Locus replied.

Nightshade said, “Glad nopony knows we are of the Cult of Nightmare Moon. Everypony thinks that we died out a long time ago. No... we are still kicking today."

Locus said, “We shall have our Goddess Nightmare Moon back! The night will last forever!" Both guards laughed as Lightning thought to herself. Why would the guards be talking about this right in the open? The castle walls aren't exactly the thickest. Oh well... bat ponies weren't the smartest anyway.

Nightshade peeked over his shoulder to check if any pony was sneaking up to him. No pony was there... except Lightning who was hiding. “Good. I hate wearing this heavy outfit. I miss my Shadowbolt uniform. Sleek, fast, amazing. Our armor is really uncomfortable."

There was no time to loose! The princesses could be in trouble! Lightning quickly ran to Princess Luna. She told her everything she had heard, about the guards, the cult, the Shadowbolts, everything! Luna told her to go get her sister on the double and keep quiet about this. The blue alicorn didn't want to cause panic. Quickly as she could, Lightning did as she was told. She ran to the throne room to where Celestia was signing some sheets. Doesn't she ever take a break? It must be exhausting being a ruler.

Lightning bowed at the Princess's hooves. “Princess, your sister needs help! This is really important! The fate of Equestria depends on it!”

“What is the problem? Why does my sister need me?”

“It is a matter between you and Luna. You must hurry. I'll help escort you.”

"Let's go."

Celestia got down off her throne and they both galloped over to her sister’s room. Lightning trailed behind Celestia, keeping a keen eye on any bat ponies sneaking around. Pushing open the grand door, they sat down inside exhausted. There was little time to chat, Celestia had to get back to her duties. But helping her sister was more important. Celestia and Lightning called out.

Celestia greeted Luna in a bear hug. "I'm so glad you are safe Luna."

"What is the matter dear sister?"

The white alicorn flicked off a piece of dirt that collected on her shoulder during the run. “Lightning told me about how your guards are going to revolt against you."

Luna dropped her jaw in horror. “What was the revolt for?”

"The guards want to turn you back into Nightmare Moon. We can't let that happen."

"Oh, that cult again. I thought you destroyed them. I think they are called the Shadowbolts."

“Come again?” Celestia and Lightning asked. How could they be back?

“The shadowbolts are an aerial stunt team and cult devoted to me, sort of. They wanted to overthrow you to being Nightmare Moon back. I never wanted it, so they did it by force. Now that the spell has left me, the Shadowbolts want me back to my original power.” Said Luna.

Celestia shook her head. “I can't believe I forgot about them. It's been so long. I'd hate to see you turn back into that horrible mare.”

Luna and Celestia gently put their horns on both of Lightning's shoulders. “Thank you for telling us about this. I am promoting you to second in command as your reward.” Celestia winked. "You will be my guard still, right?"

“Yes, and I always will. Thank you your majesties; it's been an honor.” Lightning straitened up when the princesses gave her a salute.

"No, thank you."

As Lightning blushed, the three came together. "First," Luna began. "We need to find a way to capture the guards." The plan consisted off finding out how many member of the cult were actually there. With Lightning's ears, that wouldn't be a problem.

"I have even a better idea." Celestia suggested. "How about you turn into Nightmare Moon at midnight? It's the perfect atmosphere. The guards will think that they won and night will be eternal again. I'll deal with my solar guards attacking you. You can change back to normal when I arrest your guards and charge them for treason." With this, there wouldn't be any more cult members for a long, long time.

"Great idea!" Lightning replied. "This plan will not go wrong! Is it settled?" All three nodded. "Then let's do this!" The three rushed off, giddy for what was about to happen.

Author's Note

Nightshade is a former member of the Wonderbolts and Spitfire's older sister. She left after her dad the former captain made spitfire captain. She formed the Shadowbolts out of the criminal pegasus devoted to the cult of Nightmare Moon.