A Changed Town

Moonlight walked across the training ground, a group of guards sparring and preparing for their evening postings scattered about the place, almost oblivious to their existence, the General walked through the area, a sea of thoughts and questions swimming around in his head. Combined with a feeling of nervousness he hadn't felt in years.

Sure, he had been on guard assignments within the castle before, but that wasn't what was concerning him. What was however, was the fact that he, personally, had been called for an audience with Princess Celestia herself. It wouldn't have been the first time speaking with her of course, there had been plenty of moments with his recruits and fellow guardsponies around, and even then, he wasn't the focus of the meeting. But something felt different about this... Maybe it was because he may be the only one there... Maybe it was just worries that this may indicate some kind of problem with the Changelings...

Moonlight sighed, "This isn't the time to be concerned... Maybe later, but not before you even know what's going on." He mumbled to himself.

After another few minutes of walking, Moonlight found himself within Canterlot Castle, he always hated having to patrol here... Too quiet... The kind of quiet where all you can hear is your own footsteps, no birds chirping outside, definitley not the shouting and background noise of Canterlot's usual busy streets.

Occasionally a group of Celestia's Elite Royal Guard would be seen guarding a particular door. Some saluted Moonlight as he walked by. Merely out of respect, they weren't required to, as they operated outside of the usual guard. Not all of them were bad ponies, but a vast majority of them were incredibly self-absorbed and egotistical, that was one of the reasons Moonlight had turned down a request to join them back in his younger years. They retained little respect for others and were only concerned about themselves outside of an emergency. Granted, they would gladly give their lives protecting the royal family. But that was it. Most of them showed no concern for the general public. Most of them.

Truth be told, there was nothing really 'Elite' about them... They are just given the title to symbolize that they are to prioritize the lives of those on higher rungs of society instead of those in more need. Although Moonlight knew that wasn't the case for all of them, he had many old friends in their ranks, and those that saluted him were good examples of ponies who knew more than just their title of 'Elite'... Examples of those who would give their lives for the public as well as a princess.

Moonlight's footsteps echoed throughout the silent hallways of the castle, he stopped at a door, much larger than the others, guarded by 4 'Elites'. One of the guards saluted, before recieving a strange look from the others.

"General Moonlight. Princess Celestia told us you were coming." The saluting guard stated.

"Dude, you're not meant to salute him! He's not one of us!" One of the others replied.

"Oh, really? So everything he did in Aliktor should just be ignored then, huh? He's done a lot more than we'll probably ever get the chance to do. I think he deserves some respect. Don't you guys?" The saluting colt replied.

After a moments hesitation, each guard aside from the arguing one saluted the General.

"Aliktor... That brings back a lot of memories... Not a lot of good ones, unfortunatley... I don't like to call Griffon territory that anymore... Not after everything that happened there." Moonlight said, his eyes lost in his own memory.

"I understand sir, I'm sorry, I meant no disrespet by bringing it up..." The colt replied.

"Don't worry yourself about it... Now, if you don't mind, I believe I have an audience with Celestia."

"Of course, sir." The colt stood aside, pulling the door open as he did so.

Moonlight exchanged a glance with the one colt who didn't salute. "You know, you could learn something from your friends here."

All he recieved in response was a cold scowl. 'Disappointing' was all Moonlight could think before walking through the doorway.

The throne room of the castle was one of the largest rooms in the building, window panes depicting noteworthy events in Equestrian history. The one that caught Moonlight's attention was one of his own past. The glass was sperated into two sides... One, depicting a number of large, unyielding Griffons. The other, a great army of Equestrians... The Griffon War, is what it had become known as, Moonlight had experienced those days firsthand...

"Ah, General Moonlight. I see you recieved my message." A voice came from across the large room.

Memories for another time, Moonlight thought, before turning to meet the gaze of Princess Celestia. After a moment of silence, Moonlight bowed his head. "I did."

"Good." Celestia walked over to another window pane, the most recently added. Shining Armor, the Captain of the Royal Guard, and his wife, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, or just 'Princess Cadence' for short, standing above an army of dark faces, each one with a set of turquoise eyes. "I've called you here because you and the other Generals are the closest thing we have to leadership among the guard."

Moonlight looked confused, "What happened to Shining Armor?"

The Princess looked down with worry, "That's just it, we aren't sure... He was supposed to be back from his honeymoon days ago... He was making a stop in Ponyville before his scheduled return to Canterlot."

"I see... Any news from the town?"

"No..." Celestia looked back up at the glass pane, a worried look spread across her face. "I've sent letters to my student, Twilight Sparkle, who resides in Ponyville... But she hasn't responded to them... I fear for their safety, given the current state of Equestria..."

Moonlight remained silent, waiting for the Princess to continue.

"This is why I've asked you here... I would like you to investigate. Assemble a group to accompany you. If the situation is as I fear, then you cannot travel there by train. You, of all ponies are aware of what importance stealth holds..."

"I understand... How soon are we required to leave?" The General asked.

"As soon as you are able, I expect you'll need some time to select those able to accompany you."

Crimson led the investigating team back toward the castle, their lawbreaker in check, following along with the group. Since leaving his pharmacy, Cruicible had been cooperating with the guards, maybe looking for some sympathy.

The castle's gates were now in view, the old stallion sighed, accepting his fate as they drew closer. After passing through the gates, Crimson and Shockwave broke off from the group.

"Alright everypony, great work today, we appreciate the help." Crimson called after them.

Shockwave sighed, "Well, today was... Interesting. To say the least. I, for one, can't wait to get home and rest for the night..."

"Heh, I'm with ya', but something you'll learn is that once one thing is out of the way, something else pops out at you." Crimson responded. "Speaking of which..."

Crimson trailed off, glancing at the main entrance to Canterlot Castle's main hall, the figure of Moonlight Shadow stepping out and heading toward the gates.

"Moonlight, how did everything go?" Crimson asked.

The dark grey stallion looked up at Crimson and Shockwave. "Funny thing about that... Remember how earlier today you were talking about a vacation?"

"Hah, so they finally saw the light and fired you, huh?" Crimson joked. "Permanent vacation, if you ask me."

"Very funny." Moonlight responded with a sarcastic laugh, "The two of you should come with me, I can explain along the way..."

Shockwave sighed, "You just had to jinx it, didn't you... Erm... General Crimson..."

Crimson laughed, "Don't say I didn't warn you, rookie."

"You two, let's go." Moonlight said, walking past the two of them, "We've got some work to do."