Captain of the Nightby ArtimeusChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4EpilogueChapter 1“I take it everything is in order, Captain?” Princess Luna inquired, watching as the crimson-violet hues of the evening sky grew ever darker. A gentle breeze rustled the stained glass doors of the balcony, her sparkling mane billowing in tandem with the soft clink of the crystal panes. “Of course, M’lady,” Captain Shadow Noctis responded, standing beyond the threshold of the balcony entrance. “The remaining watchstanders have been reduced to lowest level alert, and exterior roving patrols have nothing significant to report; they have been dispatched to reinforce the Everfree border garrison. The castle is secure.” Something is amiss, the Captain thought to himself. The Princess had never ordered such a drastic decrease in interior security; to recall all exterior patrols and send them to the Everfree Forest was unheard of. Noctis had not been aware of any specific threats to the security of the border that evening. Nor were there reports of unrest from the more sinister residents of the lands beyond the forest. In fact, in all his years as Captain, he could not recall there ever having been a nocturnal threat or attack of any sort made against Canterlot Castle. A testament to the vigilance and discipline of the Nocturnal Guard, no doubt, he thought to himself. “Very well, Captain.” The Princess of the Night slowly turned from the balcony and proceeded into her chambers. “Come, let us walk.” “Yes, M’Lady.” Shadow took his place beside the Princess as they walked through the chambers and down the spiral staircase, into the Grand Hall of the castle. Their hooffalls echoed amongst the smooth stone and marble passageway. Princess Luna and Captain Noctis remained silent for some time. She spoke first, her voice almost a whisper. “Captain Noctis, how long have you been commander of my Nocturnal Guard?” she asked as they quietly strode towards the castle entryway. “Almost 10 years, Princess Luna,” Shadow answered. “How the seasons have passed,” Luna sighed softly. “And your father, and his father, both in my family’s service as well, were they not?” “Correct, M’Lady.” Shadow adjusted his breastplate as they walked. “My family has served as caretakers and guardians of the Royal Family for generations, and I have no doubt we shall continue to honor our oath. Such is our sworn duty.” The Captain reflected momentarily on this. It had been his birthright to one day become Captain of Princess Luna’s Nocturnal Guard detachment. His family had indeed served the Lunar House since the day the Princess was born. Long before that, however, they had fulfilled several positions within the Royal Family’s nighttime Guard Division, and upon her birth and adolescence, as an augment to Princess Celestia’s own Royal Guard. His lineage was that of a rare breed of pegasi, a nocturnal tribe with cat-like eyes and membraned, bat-like wings. Ever since the Royal Family requested that the well-adapted members of his clan serve as permanent guardians and wardens of the night, they had filled many roles and capacities; as couriers, aides, guardsmen, charioteers, planners, scouts, and most recently, as Captains of Luna’s personal Guard detachment. When the Royal Family announced that, upon the birth of their second daughter, House Noctis would occupy the leadership positions of the newly-formed Nocturnal Guard, there was widespread yet stifled uproar. The unicorns of the Guard believed they were far better suited to serve as commanding officers, for they felt having been gifted with magic made them superior to any other breed. The earth ponies, however, disagreed, claiming that their kind were wiser and better adapted to calculated and deliberate decisions, having neither the capability of flight nor the power of magic to assist them in hardship. They believed unicorns to be egotistic and vain, while the pegasi were ill-tempered and rash. Additionally, they claimed that their prevalent ancestral knowledge of the lands of Equestria, and its creatures, were of invaluable tactical importance. Of course, the Royal Family’s decision did not sit well with the pegasi either, who could not understand the favoritism the Family had shown towards the Noctis lineage. The fact that the pegasi were a warrior clan, and did not wear envy well, further aggravated the matter. As a young colt, there were many occasions when Shadow was forced to defend himself from the bullying and belittlement of other children, fueled by the blind jealousy of their parents. Being an only child and knowing that he would one day become the commander of a Princess’s personal detachment did not make his adolescence any easier. Constant military training and extensive studies further hampered his attempts to make friends or enjoy a simple childhood. Still, despite the envious eyes and adversities associated with his fate, he was raised and instilled with a sense of duty and pride the others could scarcely comprehend. Shadow’s mother and father would constantly remind him that their progenitors had served as the Royal Family’s closest advisors and aides for many years, and now they were hoof-selected to command their nocturnal forces in defense of the Lunar House. To be personally chosen by royalty was an honor that could not be surpassed. Shadow’s parents always knew how to encourage and empower him. Above all else, however, Princess Luna was Shadow’s most cherished friend. Princess Luna had grown very close to the Noctis family over the years. In fact, Shadow was born not 3 days after the Princess. As a result, he had been raised alongside her; his parents often looked after Luna while the Royal Family was away tending to business. Whenever she was around, Shadow made every attempt to spend time with her. They would often play games in the castle gardens for hours at a time. As Shadow and Luna grew older, their friendship became ever stronger. Soon, Luna came to trust only Shadow with her most personal matters. They would often spend quiet nights together in the castle gardens, gazing at the stars and conversing about whatever topic suited the occasion. Sometimes they wouldn’t say anything at all, merely stare into the inky blackness and wonder what the future held. Shadow treasured the time he was able to spend with the Princess in solitude, away from the stresses of his duties. He could only hope Luna appreciated it as he did. Princess Luna and Captain Noctis came to a halt and stood before the entryway of the Grand Hall, its massive engraving-adorned doors impeding their progress. Candlelight shone softly across the walls, casting dancing shadows. The final diffused slivers of evening daylight shone through the stained glass windows of the hall. The Princess turned to face him. “Shadow, ever since I was but a child, your family has been close to me, and I to them. In all these years, you have been my closest companion, and my family’s most trusted Captain. And when tragedy befell us, you were there to comfort me and take me in. I cannot adequately state my appreciation for all you have done for me. You are all I could have ever asked for in a friend.” Shadow was taken aback by this sudden outburst. Never had the Princess been so direct and forthcoming with him. Words found it difficult to form. “Princess, why…” A lone tear began to roll down her cheek. “Shadow, please, listen to me.” She lowered her head, eyes closed. Her mane seemed to have lost some of its luster. “There is something I must do… we have waited for far too long.” “Princess, I don’t understand, what is this-“ “This is not the time for questions, Captain Noctis.” Princess Luna cut him short. Silent tears were beginning to trickle down her cheeks. “I fear I do not have much time. My sister, she… she will pay for her thoughtlessness… they will all pay for their inconsideration. They will suffer. All we ever wanted was to be loved, as she is.” Luna spat the last sentence out through gritted teeth, her jaw clenched, eyes shut tight. Captain Noctis was having difficulty comprehending the rapidly unfolding situation. What should he say? What should he do? The Princess never spoke in such a tone. His heart was beginning to beat rapidly, apprehension and anxiety suddenly grasping at his mind. His fears were being realized; something was terribly wrong. “M’Lady… Luna, please, can you explain what’s happening? This isn’t you, something isn’t-“ Again, Luna cut him off. Her tears had suddenly ceased. She lifted her head and opened her eyes. Something else had materialized in their stead. A presence. “Captain, we must be on our way. We have work to attend to.” She magically flung open the doors to the Grand Hall and continued beyond, into the vespertine shades of the courtyard. Shadow moved forward and stood on the landing, watching as her figure receded into the gloom. As she strode down the marble steps, Luna glanced behind her. “Goodbye, Shadow.” A bolt of violet lightning shot forth from Luna’s horn and struck the Captain on the forehead. His eyes rolled back, his legs buckled, and he tumbled forward onto the steps. He came to rest on the cool grass of the castle courtyard, unconscious. A cloak of magical energy encapsulated him, and he disappeared from view. “I will miss you dearly.” With that final act of kindness, the Princess of the Night spread her wings, galloped into the courtyard, and took flight into the twilight pastels of the sky. Chapter 2The darkness. There was darkness in her eyes; those were not the eyes I have known for so long. Months ago. Yes, it must have been months ago. We were in the gardens. I should have suspected something. She had been so despondent. She was trying to tell me something. She was asking for help. Shadow awoke the next morning, the sun’s rays mercilessly pounding on his light-sensitive eyes; he quickly closed them. He rose slowly, raising a hoof to his temple. His head was pounding, his body covered in bruises from the tumble down the steps. He gradually inched his eyes open, adjusting to the daylight brightness of the scene around him. When he could finally see without being blinded, he began walking towards the courtyard exit. He glanced around, then upwards, and noticed something peculiar. Black smoke was billowing from beyond the tall hedges of the garden. He quickened his pace towards the archway and stopped short of the threshold. He could not understand the scene which lay before him. He wished he hadn’t awoken. The castle was in utter chaos. Fires were raging in several towers, fragments of masonry and stone blown away, scorch marks scarring the walls, shards of glass littering the ground. Canterlot citizens and Royal Guards were galloping everywhere, carrying water and medical supplies. Armored pegasi flew through the sky, doing what they could to put out the flames in the high towers. Unicorns were moving rubble from collapsed structures and magically holding together those on the verge of collapse. There were cries of pain lancing through the air. Children were wailing for their parents. Captain Noctis looked beyond, through a hole in the shattered castle walls. All of Canterlot was in disarray. The scene within the castle repeated itself for as far as he could see. Shadow stood, mouth agape, his body wracked with the agony of realization, his knees quivering. He nearly collapsed again. Did she cause this? An armored earth pony of the Nocturnal Guard ran past him, and then suddenly stopped. Lieutenant Nova turned and galloped towards him. His helm was gone; a trickle of blood was running down his temple, in bright contrast to his light grey fur. “Captain Noctis! We have been searching for you all morning; where have you been!?” The Lieutenant stared at him, poorly-hidden fury in his eyes, his chest expanding and contracting with the fatigue of heavy labor. “I was… I was just in the…” Shadow stammered, unable to grasp words. His gaze shifted past the Lieutenant. Several unicorns were magically lifting piles of rubble from a collapsed structure. There were several bodies underneath. Tears began to well in Shadow’s eyes. He hastily shut them, gritted his teeth and found a fragment of resolve, then addressed the Lieutenant. “I was attending to a personal assignment for the Princess. She sent me to inspect our garrison on the border of the Everfree Forest. When I arrived, I could not locate the Guard detail. I feared something may have happened to them, so I went searching through the forest. I have only just returned.” He clearly recalled the truth, but he could not divulge such information to the Lieutenant. Not until he had answers. Lieutenant Nova looked at Shadow intently. His features contorted into a scowl. “I see. I suppose we will have to verify your claim some other time, ‘Her Majesty’s Pet’. As you can see, we are rather preoccupied.” Nova held Captain Noctis in great contempt. The two had never seen eye to eye, and had competed viciously in training. Shadow had proven his superior aptitude in all faculties, relegating Nova to a perpetual second place. He had not taken his defeat with grace, and constantly reminded Shadow that, were it not for his heritage, he would have no place in the Guard. Soon after he became Captain, Lieutenant Nova began to refer to him as “Her Majesty’s Pet”, a condescending nickname which struck a chord with Shadow’s detractors. Time had not tempered Nova’s attitude. Shadow steeled his jaw. “Know your place, Lieutenant,” he growled. He then asked a question, one which he feared to know the answer to. “What happened here?” “You don’t know,“ Nova stated, rather than asked. Anger permeated Shadow’s eyes. Nova quickly straightened his posture and said, “My apologies, sir. There was an insurrection. We do not yet know the full details. Members of Command are attempting to piece together a full story as we speak. From what I understand, however,” Nova shifted his gaze to the ground, melancholy washing across his face, “it is likely that Princess Luna may have been involved.” Nova’s voice fell to a whisper. “Although… we have not located her, as of yet. And Princess Celestia has magically sealed her chambers. She will not respond to anypony. However, all have reported hearing... crying from within.” Nova sighed. “We are on our own for now, it seems.” Shadow fixed his gaze on the grass in front of Nova’s hooves. An overwhelming sense of anguish and dread overcame him. Was it possible? Could a member of the Royal Family, his lifelong friend, commit such heinous acts? Another scream of pain pierced the air. No. No, she could not have done this. She is not capable of doing this! If I had known… if I had done something… “We could use your assistance in the Labyrinth. Can you fly?” Nova’s voice shook Shadow out of his trance. He looked up and did his best to remove all emotion from his face. He spread his wings, sunlight diffusing through them. He flapped them a few times to ensure nothing was broken. He then quickly launched himself skyward and hovered a few paces from Nova. “Yes, it seems so. I can provide aerial support for a search party, if that is what you intend.” “Indeed it is, sir. I will be there shortly.” With that, the Lieutenant galloped away. Shadow watched as he vanished behind a pile of rubble, and then ascended into the sky. From his aerial vantage point, he was able to survey the damage in greater detail. As he flew in the direction of the Labyrinth, he assessed the surrounding areas. Fortunately (as far as such a thing as fortune could apply), the majority of the gravest damage had been contained within the castle grounds. It appeared that the battle had been centered on Princess Celestia’s tower and had spread outwards, with collateral damage leaking into Canterlot proper. The fires outside the castle walls were slowly becoming contained or extinguished as more support arrived from outlying settlements and regions. Pegasus support had been requisitioned from Cloudsdale, as hundreds of them were soaring through and above the streets of the city. Shadow did not want to think about how many innocents were harmed over the course of the night. Nor did he wish to consider what had happened to Princess Celestia, or why she had locked herself within her chambers. He did not want to think about anything. For now, he would do all he could to execute his duties as Captain of the Nocturnal Guard. He would save as many lives as he could that day. Then, he would begin his search for answers. He would discover the truth, and as all soon discover, the truth can have devastating implications. Chapter 3The sun was low in the sky. Captain Noctis stood atop one of the castle’s many spires, staring into the distant horizon. His armor was battered and caked with soil and broken bits of masonry, his helm tossed aside near his hooves. The evening breeze ruffled his close-cut mane, his wings quivering slightly. He stood there and watched as the sun slowly made its descent towards the edge of the world, and contemplated what his next course of action should be. The disaster relief forces were finishing their work. Down below, unicorns from all walks of life repaired the blasted stone and restored shattered glass. Exhausted earth ponies and pegasi were tending to the injured in makeshift hospital tents, while those survivors who were lucky did all they could to accommodate those who had lost everything. Still, the sound of children crying out for their parents echoed through the castle grounds, forever going unheard. It was too much to bear. Suddenly, horns sounded across the castle grounds. Everypony turned quickly, looking for the source of the trumpet blasts. Soon, their eyes and ears were fixated upon Princess Celestia’s tower. An entourage of Royal Guards was standing on the balcony, their horns playing the familiar aria of a Royal Proclamation. The detail lowered their horns as a Sergeant of the Guard stepped onto the balcony. He looked below, into the castle courtyard, where the majority of Canterlot’s citizens and regional representatives were still gathered. “Attention citizens of Canterlot!” he bellowed from above. “It is my duty to inform you that Princess Celestia has requested your presence in the Castle Theatre, beyond the gardens. It is here that the Princess will address the citizens of Canterlot, and by extension, the citizens of Equestria. She asks that all who are available be seated within the next half-hour,” and with that short declaration, the Sergeant and his detail retreated into the tower. Below, the citizens glanced at each other solemnly. Some immediately collapsed into tears, while others began shouting and cursing the Princess for remaining in her chambers while her citizens suffered. Others still simply went about their way, too exhausted and grief-stricken with the events of the day to have any opinion on the matter. Captain Noctis picked up him tattered helm and slid it snuggly onto his head. With a deep sigh and a final gaze beyond the horizon, he spread his wings and soared down to the courtyard below. He landed near one of the larger tents, where two Guards saluted as he passed by. He returned the salute and continued walking, doing his best to block out the moans of agony emanating from within. He slowly made his way through the courtyard and into the castle gardens, where the uninjured were tending to the young and old. Shadow set his gaze forward, consciously making an effort not to meet anypony’s gaze. A small stream of citizens had begun to follow him through the gardens, mumbling softly. The rumors had already begun to circulate. After all, was it not Princess Luna who had caused such horror the night before? That is what they say. And who has been her lifelong friend and closest confidant? Was he not with her the night of the incident? And where was he during the attack? Perhaps he had been secretly assisting her. Is that why none could locate him the morning after? Shadow did his best to pay no heed to these rumors. They did, however, worry him, for their accusations were not baseless. From the outside looking in, Captain Noctis would most certainly have been suspicious of himself. No doubt others in the Royal and Nocturnal Guard felt the same way. He was sure Lieutenant Nova was at least partly to blame for soliciting such questions. He would have a discussion with him later. As he entered the outdoor theater from the south, Shadow made a right hook and quickly proceeded to the rear row. He could scarcely blame anypony for not wanting to sit near him. Others had already begun to filter in from the north and south entrances. Pegasi were landing among the slowly filling seats as the earthbound ponies made their way through the aisles. Shadow sat quietly, observing as a platoon of Celestia’s Royal Guard entered from the west and took their positions, flanking the center stage of the theater. Several minutes passed, and soon the auditorium was completely full. Soft mutterings and hushed voices filled the night air. Suddenly, a bright flash and a ball of white energy encompassed the stage. Everypony shielded their eyes. The blinding light quickly dissipated, and below, on the stage, stood Princess Celestia. Her eyes were closed, her face the image of sorrow. Her body was battered, the plumage of her wings charred and ruffled. The theatre fell into deathly silence. Slowly, majestically, she stepped forward to the edge of the stage and raised her head, her eyes now filled with the sting of grief and tragedy. “Fellow subjects, citizens of Canterlot, and representatives of Equestria, welcome,” she began. “I have called forth this gathering to speak about the terrible events of last night.” Her gaze swept across the crowd. Shadow locked eyes with the Princess, if only momentarily. He shifted uncomfortably. In a hushed tone, she continued. “I regret to inform you that my sister, Princess Luna, is no longer with us.” A stunned gasp swept through the crowd. Whispers began with a renewed fervor, the implications of her statement settling heavily amongst the gathered ponies. Captain Noctis felt his jaw slacken, his mouth fall slightly agape. His head was pounding, his heart searching for a way to escape through his breastplate. A bead of cold sweat fell from his temple. This cannot be. Celestia continued, “Please, mares and gentlecolts, allow me to clarify.” She began to pace slowly. “My sister, for reasons I shall make clear, is no longer the Princess Luna you once knew. Last night, a long-concealed and powerful darkness rose from within and took dominion of her body, converting her into a malevolent and malicious creature.” “She assumed the title of Nightmare Moon; this being, whatever she may have been, threatened to cast all of Equestria into eternal night, refusing to lower the moon. No doubt it is clear to all of you the devastation such an action would have wreaked on the land.” “Last night, this Nightmare Moon launched a furious assault on my chambers. It is then that she made her intentions clear. Having grown tired of Equestria’s citizen’s shunning the night and worshipping the day, bitter and resentful that they loved me more than my sister, she would cast the land into eternal darkness. I could not allow this to occur. We engaged in a fierce battle, the consequences of which you have seen with your own eyes.” Celestia stopped pacing and raised her head to the crowd, tears welling in her eyes. “No words can describe the sorrow and heartache this has caused me. My regretful actions, made in haste, have caused widespread suffering amongst my people. I do not seek your acceptance of my apologies, for what I have done cannot be forgiven. I accept that the burden I must carry will remain with me for the rest of my days. I am so sorry.” The Princess began to weep. The crowd stirred ever so slightly, none daring to say a word. Tears streaming from her eyes, Celestia continued. “During the fray, Nightmare Moon’s rage-fueled power became clear. Her tenacity and persistence were overpowering. I was quickly becoming fatigued, losing what strength I had left. I had no choice.” She paused, again locking eyes with the crowd. Tears continued to fall onto the stage. “I entered Canterlot Tower and opened a chamber, sealed by a powerful protection spell only I could unlock. Within, I gathered Equestria’s most powerful sources of pure magical power, the Elements of Harmony.” Again, the crowd stirred. The Elements of Harmony were mythical, legendary artifacts containing the purest and most powerful forms of magical energy known to Equestria. Their existence could not be confirmed, and for centuries, the artifacts were the trappings of fairy tales and bedtime stories. This revelation shattered many perceptions for the gathered crowd. She continued. “With their power at my disposal, I…” Celestia lowered her head, anguish saturating her heart-wrenching sobs, “I did what had to be done. I have taken responsibility for raising and lowering both sun and moon, for I have banished my sister, Princess Luna… the monstrosity she has become… to one thousand years of desolation and solitude. I have bound her body and soul within the moon.” The crowd could no longer contain themselves. Pandemonium seized them. Shouts of joy, anger, despair, and every emotion thereof echoed through the stadium. Ponies held their heads in their hooves, sobbing. Members of the Nocturnal Guard quietly slid off their helms, dropping them to floor, and stared at the night sky, the bright white disk hanging silently above. Others were simply too stunned to move, too exhausted to react, their emotions deadened and worn away. Princess Celestia remained on the stage, quietly sobbing. She was whispering something to herself. I’m so sorry, she mouthed, over and over. In the back row, above the commotion, stood Captain Shadow Noctis, an empty shell of his former self. He could no longer sense anything. The scene before him began to lose shape and focus. Sounds were becoming suppressed, smothered. The dull pain within his weary body faded into nothingness. She’s gone. With sudden ferocity, emotions welled within and overcame him. A flood of horror, agony, grief, and misery washed over him, overpowering rational thought. He gritted his teeth, fought for control. His eyes clamped shut of their own accord. He began to stomp the ground beneath him. “Dammit, dammit, DAMMIT!” he cursed between his teeth. New emotions began to arise. Anger began to replace remorse, rage overwhelming sadness. He looked up, a burning fury climbing, finding release. “CELESTIA!” The crowd became silent. Everypony turned around, looking directly at Captain Noctis. He leaped into the air, his wings unfolding with explosive force. He soared directly onto the stage, landing mere paces away from Princess Celestia. Her face was in a state between surprise and shock, the dampness under her eyes shining softly in the moonlight. He started towards her, but was stopped abruptly as several Royal Guards rushed forth and seized him, tackling him to the ground. He struggled under their combined might to free himself, to no avail. He simply stared upwards, his gaze locked fiercely with that of Celestia’s. “How could you!? HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO HER! She was your sister! Did you even try to save her? Did you try to free her!? DID YOU!?” Celestia struggled to find her voice, “Captain, I did… what was necessary…” “Necessary?” He continued to writhe as the guards picked him up and held tight. “It was necessary to banish her for one thousand years!? Is that your idea of mercy?” He shook his head with dismay, and yelled, “I will ask again, did you try to save her!?” Celestia looked at him with bitterness in her eyes. “What would you have had me do, Captain? Have you not seen the devastation wrought by her? I am fully aware that she is… was… my sister. I had no… other… option.” She said the last words with finality. His rage quickly fading, Shadow met her gaze. It was his turn to allow tears to fall. “She was still there, Princess. I saw her, I saw your sister. I spoke with her. She was still in there… she was still there… ” Princess Celestia closed her eyes, and whispered two words. “I know.” Shadow tensed. His eyes widened. Adrenaline filled his muscles. He swiftly flung open his wings, knocking away the guards holding him captive. But instead of charging the Princess, he leaped into the sky and flew as fast as he could in the direction of Princess Luna’s castle tower. Two Royal Guard pegasi sprung into the air, ready to give chase, when the Princess intervened. “No, leave him be.” She gazed at the moon with tearful eyes. “I know the fathomless pain he must feel.” Within Princess Luna’s former chambers, Captain Noctis lay, and wept silently. Chapter 4“Shadow, can I tell you something, and can you promise to speak nothing of it to anypony else?” Shadow shifted his gaze from the stars above the gardens to Luna. “Of course, Princess. What’s wrong?” Luna rolled onto her side and locked her gaze with Shadow’s. She said, “There’s been something on my mind lately. It is very strange of me to have these thoughts, but… do you believe the citizens of Equestria hate me?” Shadow rolled onto his side as well. “Of course not; what makes you say such a thing?” he asked with genuine concern is his voice. Luna sighed, rolled on her back, and stared into the night. “It is nothing, I’m sure, but lately, I have been wondering. Everypony enjoys and cherishes the warmth and sunlight of the day. When darkness falls, however, and I raise the moon, everypony goes to sleep. They shun the night, and fear it. They tell terrifying stories to their children about fanciful creatures which supposedly roam my domain.” She sighed again, this time with noticeable sadness. “My sister, Celestia, receives all the praise for bringing forth the day, while I am relegated to a life of solitude and darkness. How is this fair?” Shadow shifted slightly, pondered her statements for a moment, and said, “Luna, nopony hates you. Trust me. Do you know what the night signifies to them? Some consider it the most beautiful and romantic part of their days. They walk along the sands of the beach, enjoying and cherishing their time with one another, gazing at the moon’s wonderful glow and listening to the gentle crash of the ocean surf. Others enjoy the cool breezes and soft, melodious sounds of the night while they spend time telling stories around a campfire with their friends and families. Yes, it is a time when most ponies rest their weary heads, but that does not imply that they scorn the night. My tribe, for example, has learned to appreciate the true beauty and wonder of nocturnal hours.” He looked intently into Luna’s eyes and smiled. “So you see, we don’t hate you. It’s simply that no pony’s told you how much they love you in person yet.” Her eyes widened, and she began to blush. She quickly turned her hide skyward once more, and giggled softly. “I suppose you’re right, Shadow.” She shuffled closer, resting her head on his chest as it rose and fell rhythmically. “I suppose you’re right.” He awoke with a start. The doors to the chamber swung open with a small creak, and beyond the threshold stood Lieutenant Nova. Quietly, he stepped forth into the room and made his way to where Captain Noctis lay. He sighed gently, then removed his helmet and placed it on the bed. He sat on the edge, and said, “You know, for a long time, I believed I would have been a better Captain than you. I felt that my loyalty and devotion to the Princess far outweighed yours. Now, though…” he sat silently for a moment, contemplating his choice of words. “Now that she is no longer with us, I understand. You knew her better than any of us could hope. Today, you displayed to us just how much you cared for her, and the lengths you would have gone to protect her. You were the best of the Nocturnal Guard physically and mentally. Birthright or not, you would have been the perfect choice for Captain. And I would have been proud to serve with you either way.” He sat up, placed his helm on his head, and began walking towards the door. “I am sorry for ever having doubting your loyalty, Captain,” he said over his shoulder. Shadow lifted his head and looked in his direction. “Thank you, Nova,” he said quietly. Nova simply smiled, nodded in his direction, and continued beyond the threshold, shutting the doors as he departed. Noctis lay there, momentarily allowing his mind to drift, trying not to concentrate on memories. He had suffered enough for millennia. Somber shadows of the past would have their place, but not tonight. There was nothing more for him to see, nothing left for him to do. He sat up and slowly looked around the room. The room he had known for years and years felt lifeless and empty, drained of color. Even the breeze carried an expressionless visage, melancholia permeating the air. His gaze shifted to the balcony, where a shadowy form was standing. The phantom began to walk forward, her mane billowing in the calm winds. Princess Celestia took form. Shadow immediately rose from the bed, found his footing, and bowed. “Your Majesty,” he greeted her. Princess Celestia elegantly walked towards him, bent down, and nuzzled his neck in a compassionate embrace. Noctis raised his body and met her gaze. “Princess Celestia, please accept my humble apologies. Such an outburst from a Captain is disgraceful and inexcusable. Again, I apologize for my reprehensible-“ The Princess hushed him, a warm and understanding smile creasing her lips. “There is no need to apologize, Shadow. Your reaction was understandable, and completely warranted. I know how much you cared for my sister.” His eyes grew watery. “I loved her,” Shadow said, his voice quaking. “I know you did. She loved you too.” He held back no longer. He allowed the full momentum of his loss to crash through his resolve, and collapsed into Princess Celestia’s embrace. He buried his face into her neck; Celestia’s eyes could no longer stay dry, either. “She will be missed profoundly, Shadow.” The two stood in the moon’s glow for an eternity. Epilogue1,000 years later… The Nightmare Moon memorial was erected on the edge of the Everfree Forest as an enduring reminder of the tribulations on that fateful night, so long ago. Time, as it always must, has obscured the history of the events surrounding her banishment. Very few remain who remember the name of Captain Shadow Noctis. Those who do know only fragments of his story; that he was the last of Princess Luna’s Nocturnal Guard commanders stretch the extent of their knowledge. There is one, however, who remembers the name as clearly as a bell ringing in the morning air. She placed a letter in a small crevice in the memorial, enchanted to withstand the weathering of the seasons. The letter reads as follows: “My dearest Luna, Centuries will have passed by the time you read this, and I will be long gone, a name in the annals of the Canterlot Archives, should I be so lucky. I cannot help but feel partly responsible for the events of your final night upon the earth. Perhaps there was something I could have done to rid you of the dark presence you carried within. Perhaps I should have warned your sister so that she may have been prepared. Such are the speculations of a wandering soul who will reflect upon his choices for eternity. We miss you, Luna. Your sister and I have mourned for you, our grief permeating our every waking moment. The passing of the seasons have done little to dull the edge of our sorrow. For you see, you were loved, after all. The Nocturnal Guard has been disbanded; those who wished to stay found service with your sister’s protectors. I did not wish to continue my duties. I politely declined, and bid my farewells. In my stead, Lieutenant Nova will command the forces of the night. He is a good colt, and I can think of no better replacement. For now, I pass the days wandering the lands of Equestria, doing what good deeds I can. Occasionally, I will return home to my clan, where I will be welcomed with open arms and warm meals. And yet, I often catch myself gazing into the night sky, soaring through the moonlit clouds, wondering if you can still hear me. I never did get a chance to tell you properly, as I should have that night in the gardens so long ago. Even though I will be dust upon the winds of time as you read this, if you ever chance upon it, know that I loved you, and that I will always love you. Goodnight, Princess Luna. Yours forever, Shadow”
Chapter 1“I take it everything is in order, Captain?” Princess Luna inquired, watching as the crimson-violet hues of the evening sky grew ever darker. A gentle breeze rustled the stained glass doors of the balcony, her sparkling mane billowing in tandem with the soft clink of the crystal panes. “Of course, M’lady,” Captain Shadow Noctis responded, standing beyond the threshold of the balcony entrance. “The remaining watchstanders have been reduced to lowest level alert, and exterior roving patrols have nothing significant to report; they have been dispatched to reinforce the Everfree border garrison. The castle is secure.” Something is amiss, the Captain thought to himself. The Princess had never ordered such a drastic decrease in interior security; to recall all exterior patrols and send them to the Everfree Forest was unheard of. Noctis had not been aware of any specific threats to the security of the border that evening. Nor were there reports of unrest from the more sinister residents of the lands beyond the forest. In fact, in all his years as Captain, he could not recall there ever having been a nocturnal threat or attack of any sort made against Canterlot Castle. A testament to the vigilance and discipline of the Nocturnal Guard, no doubt, he thought to himself. “Very well, Captain.” The Princess of the Night slowly turned from the balcony and proceeded into her chambers. “Come, let us walk.” “Yes, M’Lady.” Shadow took his place beside the Princess as they walked through the chambers and down the spiral staircase, into the Grand Hall of the castle. Their hooffalls echoed amongst the smooth stone and marble passageway. Princess Luna and Captain Noctis remained silent for some time. She spoke first, her voice almost a whisper. “Captain Noctis, how long have you been commander of my Nocturnal Guard?” she asked as they quietly strode towards the castle entryway. “Almost 10 years, Princess Luna,” Shadow answered. “How the seasons have passed,” Luna sighed softly. “And your father, and his father, both in my family’s service as well, were they not?” “Correct, M’Lady.” Shadow adjusted his breastplate as they walked. “My family has served as caretakers and guardians of the Royal Family for generations, and I have no doubt we shall continue to honor our oath. Such is our sworn duty.” The Captain reflected momentarily on this. It had been his birthright to one day become Captain of Princess Luna’s Nocturnal Guard detachment. His family had indeed served the Lunar House since the day the Princess was born. Long before that, however, they had fulfilled several positions within the Royal Family’s nighttime Guard Division, and upon her birth and adolescence, as an augment to Princess Celestia’s own Royal Guard. His lineage was that of a rare breed of pegasi, a nocturnal tribe with cat-like eyes and membraned, bat-like wings. Ever since the Royal Family requested that the well-adapted members of his clan serve as permanent guardians and wardens of the night, they had filled many roles and capacities; as couriers, aides, guardsmen, charioteers, planners, scouts, and most recently, as Captains of Luna’s personal Guard detachment. When the Royal Family announced that, upon the birth of their second daughter, House Noctis would occupy the leadership positions of the newly-formed Nocturnal Guard, there was widespread yet stifled uproar. The unicorns of the Guard believed they were far better suited to serve as commanding officers, for they felt having been gifted with magic made them superior to any other breed. The earth ponies, however, disagreed, claiming that their kind were wiser and better adapted to calculated and deliberate decisions, having neither the capability of flight nor the power of magic to assist them in hardship. They believed unicorns to be egotistic and vain, while the pegasi were ill-tempered and rash. Additionally, they claimed that their prevalent ancestral knowledge of the lands of Equestria, and its creatures, were of invaluable tactical importance. Of course, the Royal Family’s decision did not sit well with the pegasi either, who could not understand the favoritism the Family had shown towards the Noctis lineage. The fact that the pegasi were a warrior clan, and did not wear envy well, further aggravated the matter. As a young colt, there were many occasions when Shadow was forced to defend himself from the bullying and belittlement of other children, fueled by the blind jealousy of their parents. Being an only child and knowing that he would one day become the commander of a Princess’s personal detachment did not make his adolescence any easier. Constant military training and extensive studies further hampered his attempts to make friends or enjoy a simple childhood. Still, despite the envious eyes and adversities associated with his fate, he was raised and instilled with a sense of duty and pride the others could scarcely comprehend. Shadow’s mother and father would constantly remind him that their progenitors had served as the Royal Family’s closest advisors and aides for many years, and now they were hoof-selected to command their nocturnal forces in defense of the Lunar House. To be personally chosen by royalty was an honor that could not be surpassed. Shadow’s parents always knew how to encourage and empower him. Above all else, however, Princess Luna was Shadow’s most cherished friend. Princess Luna had grown very close to the Noctis family over the years. In fact, Shadow was born not 3 days after the Princess. As a result, he had been raised alongside her; his parents often looked after Luna while the Royal Family was away tending to business. Whenever she was around, Shadow made every attempt to spend time with her. They would often play games in the castle gardens for hours at a time. As Shadow and Luna grew older, their friendship became ever stronger. Soon, Luna came to trust only Shadow with her most personal matters. They would often spend quiet nights together in the castle gardens, gazing at the stars and conversing about whatever topic suited the occasion. Sometimes they wouldn’t say anything at all, merely stare into the inky blackness and wonder what the future held. Shadow treasured the time he was able to spend with the Princess in solitude, away from the stresses of his duties. He could only hope Luna appreciated it as he did. Princess Luna and Captain Noctis came to a halt and stood before the entryway of the Grand Hall, its massive engraving-adorned doors impeding their progress. Candlelight shone softly across the walls, casting dancing shadows. The final diffused slivers of evening daylight shone through the stained glass windows of the hall. The Princess turned to face him. “Shadow, ever since I was but a child, your family has been close to me, and I to them. In all these years, you have been my closest companion, and my family’s most trusted Captain. And when tragedy befell us, you were there to comfort me and take me in. I cannot adequately state my appreciation for all you have done for me. You are all I could have ever asked for in a friend.” Shadow was taken aback by this sudden outburst. Never had the Princess been so direct and forthcoming with him. Words found it difficult to form. “Princess, why…” A lone tear began to roll down her cheek. “Shadow, please, listen to me.” She lowered her head, eyes closed. Her mane seemed to have lost some of its luster. “There is something I must do… we have waited for far too long.” “Princess, I don’t understand, what is this-“ “This is not the time for questions, Captain Noctis.” Princess Luna cut him short. Silent tears were beginning to trickle down her cheeks. “I fear I do not have much time. My sister, she… she will pay for her thoughtlessness… they will all pay for their inconsideration. They will suffer. All we ever wanted was to be loved, as she is.” Luna spat the last sentence out through gritted teeth, her jaw clenched, eyes shut tight. Captain Noctis was having difficulty comprehending the rapidly unfolding situation. What should he say? What should he do? The Princess never spoke in such a tone. His heart was beginning to beat rapidly, apprehension and anxiety suddenly grasping at his mind. His fears were being realized; something was terribly wrong. “M’Lady… Luna, please, can you explain what’s happening? This isn’t you, something isn’t-“ Again, Luna cut him off. Her tears had suddenly ceased. She lifted her head and opened her eyes. Something else had materialized in their stead. A presence. “Captain, we must be on our way. We have work to attend to.” She magically flung open the doors to the Grand Hall and continued beyond, into the vespertine shades of the courtyard. Shadow moved forward and stood on the landing, watching as her figure receded into the gloom. As she strode down the marble steps, Luna glanced behind her. “Goodbye, Shadow.” A bolt of violet lightning shot forth from Luna’s horn and struck the Captain on the forehead. His eyes rolled back, his legs buckled, and he tumbled forward onto the steps. He came to rest on the cool grass of the castle courtyard, unconscious. A cloak of magical energy encapsulated him, and he disappeared from view. “I will miss you dearly.” With that final act of kindness, the Princess of the Night spread her wings, galloped into the courtyard, and took flight into the twilight pastels of the sky.
Chapter 2The darkness. There was darkness in her eyes; those were not the eyes I have known for so long. Months ago. Yes, it must have been months ago. We were in the gardens. I should have suspected something. She had been so despondent. She was trying to tell me something. She was asking for help. Shadow awoke the next morning, the sun’s rays mercilessly pounding on his light-sensitive eyes; he quickly closed them. He rose slowly, raising a hoof to his temple. His head was pounding, his body covered in bruises from the tumble down the steps. He gradually inched his eyes open, adjusting to the daylight brightness of the scene around him. When he could finally see without being blinded, he began walking towards the courtyard exit. He glanced around, then upwards, and noticed something peculiar. Black smoke was billowing from beyond the tall hedges of the garden. He quickened his pace towards the archway and stopped short of the threshold. He could not understand the scene which lay before him. He wished he hadn’t awoken. The castle was in utter chaos. Fires were raging in several towers, fragments of masonry and stone blown away, scorch marks scarring the walls, shards of glass littering the ground. Canterlot citizens and Royal Guards were galloping everywhere, carrying water and medical supplies. Armored pegasi flew through the sky, doing what they could to put out the flames in the high towers. Unicorns were moving rubble from collapsed structures and magically holding together those on the verge of collapse. There were cries of pain lancing through the air. Children were wailing for their parents. Captain Noctis looked beyond, through a hole in the shattered castle walls. All of Canterlot was in disarray. The scene within the castle repeated itself for as far as he could see. Shadow stood, mouth agape, his body wracked with the agony of realization, his knees quivering. He nearly collapsed again. Did she cause this? An armored earth pony of the Nocturnal Guard ran past him, and then suddenly stopped. Lieutenant Nova turned and galloped towards him. His helm was gone; a trickle of blood was running down his temple, in bright contrast to his light grey fur. “Captain Noctis! We have been searching for you all morning; where have you been!?” The Lieutenant stared at him, poorly-hidden fury in his eyes, his chest expanding and contracting with the fatigue of heavy labor. “I was… I was just in the…” Shadow stammered, unable to grasp words. His gaze shifted past the Lieutenant. Several unicorns were magically lifting piles of rubble from a collapsed structure. There were several bodies underneath. Tears began to well in Shadow’s eyes. He hastily shut them, gritted his teeth and found a fragment of resolve, then addressed the Lieutenant. “I was attending to a personal assignment for the Princess. She sent me to inspect our garrison on the border of the Everfree Forest. When I arrived, I could not locate the Guard detail. I feared something may have happened to them, so I went searching through the forest. I have only just returned.” He clearly recalled the truth, but he could not divulge such information to the Lieutenant. Not until he had answers. Lieutenant Nova looked at Shadow intently. His features contorted into a scowl. “I see. I suppose we will have to verify your claim some other time, ‘Her Majesty’s Pet’. As you can see, we are rather preoccupied.” Nova held Captain Noctis in great contempt. The two had never seen eye to eye, and had competed viciously in training. Shadow had proven his superior aptitude in all faculties, relegating Nova to a perpetual second place. He had not taken his defeat with grace, and constantly reminded Shadow that, were it not for his heritage, he would have no place in the Guard. Soon after he became Captain, Lieutenant Nova began to refer to him as “Her Majesty’s Pet”, a condescending nickname which struck a chord with Shadow’s detractors. Time had not tempered Nova’s attitude. Shadow steeled his jaw. “Know your place, Lieutenant,” he growled. He then asked a question, one which he feared to know the answer to. “What happened here?” “You don’t know,“ Nova stated, rather than asked. Anger permeated Shadow’s eyes. Nova quickly straightened his posture and said, “My apologies, sir. There was an insurrection. We do not yet know the full details. Members of Command are attempting to piece together a full story as we speak. From what I understand, however,” Nova shifted his gaze to the ground, melancholy washing across his face, “it is likely that Princess Luna may have been involved.” Nova’s voice fell to a whisper. “Although… we have not located her, as of yet. And Princess Celestia has magically sealed her chambers. She will not respond to anypony. However, all have reported hearing... crying from within.” Nova sighed. “We are on our own for now, it seems.” Shadow fixed his gaze on the grass in front of Nova’s hooves. An overwhelming sense of anguish and dread overcame him. Was it possible? Could a member of the Royal Family, his lifelong friend, commit such heinous acts? Another scream of pain pierced the air. No. No, she could not have done this. She is not capable of doing this! If I had known… if I had done something… “We could use your assistance in the Labyrinth. Can you fly?” Nova’s voice shook Shadow out of his trance. He looked up and did his best to remove all emotion from his face. He spread his wings, sunlight diffusing through them. He flapped them a few times to ensure nothing was broken. He then quickly launched himself skyward and hovered a few paces from Nova. “Yes, it seems so. I can provide aerial support for a search party, if that is what you intend.” “Indeed it is, sir. I will be there shortly.” With that, the Lieutenant galloped away. Shadow watched as he vanished behind a pile of rubble, and then ascended into the sky. From his aerial vantage point, he was able to survey the damage in greater detail. As he flew in the direction of the Labyrinth, he assessed the surrounding areas. Fortunately (as far as such a thing as fortune could apply), the majority of the gravest damage had been contained within the castle grounds. It appeared that the battle had been centered on Princess Celestia’s tower and had spread outwards, with collateral damage leaking into Canterlot proper. The fires outside the castle walls were slowly becoming contained or extinguished as more support arrived from outlying settlements and regions. Pegasus support had been requisitioned from Cloudsdale, as hundreds of them were soaring through and above the streets of the city. Shadow did not want to think about how many innocents were harmed over the course of the night. Nor did he wish to consider what had happened to Princess Celestia, or why she had locked herself within her chambers. He did not want to think about anything. For now, he would do all he could to execute his duties as Captain of the Nocturnal Guard. He would save as many lives as he could that day. Then, he would begin his search for answers. He would discover the truth, and as all soon discover, the truth can have devastating implications.
Chapter 3The sun was low in the sky. Captain Noctis stood atop one of the castle’s many spires, staring into the distant horizon. His armor was battered and caked with soil and broken bits of masonry, his helm tossed aside near his hooves. The evening breeze ruffled his close-cut mane, his wings quivering slightly. He stood there and watched as the sun slowly made its descent towards the edge of the world, and contemplated what his next course of action should be. The disaster relief forces were finishing their work. Down below, unicorns from all walks of life repaired the blasted stone and restored shattered glass. Exhausted earth ponies and pegasi were tending to the injured in makeshift hospital tents, while those survivors who were lucky did all they could to accommodate those who had lost everything. Still, the sound of children crying out for their parents echoed through the castle grounds, forever going unheard. It was too much to bear. Suddenly, horns sounded across the castle grounds. Everypony turned quickly, looking for the source of the trumpet blasts. Soon, their eyes and ears were fixated upon Princess Celestia’s tower. An entourage of Royal Guards was standing on the balcony, their horns playing the familiar aria of a Royal Proclamation. The detail lowered their horns as a Sergeant of the Guard stepped onto the balcony. He looked below, into the castle courtyard, where the majority of Canterlot’s citizens and regional representatives were still gathered. “Attention citizens of Canterlot!” he bellowed from above. “It is my duty to inform you that Princess Celestia has requested your presence in the Castle Theatre, beyond the gardens. It is here that the Princess will address the citizens of Canterlot, and by extension, the citizens of Equestria. She asks that all who are available be seated within the next half-hour,” and with that short declaration, the Sergeant and his detail retreated into the tower. Below, the citizens glanced at each other solemnly. Some immediately collapsed into tears, while others began shouting and cursing the Princess for remaining in her chambers while her citizens suffered. Others still simply went about their way, too exhausted and grief-stricken with the events of the day to have any opinion on the matter. Captain Noctis picked up him tattered helm and slid it snuggly onto his head. With a deep sigh and a final gaze beyond the horizon, he spread his wings and soared down to the courtyard below. He landed near one of the larger tents, where two Guards saluted as he passed by. He returned the salute and continued walking, doing his best to block out the moans of agony emanating from within. He slowly made his way through the courtyard and into the castle gardens, where the uninjured were tending to the young and old. Shadow set his gaze forward, consciously making an effort not to meet anypony’s gaze. A small stream of citizens had begun to follow him through the gardens, mumbling softly. The rumors had already begun to circulate. After all, was it not Princess Luna who had caused such horror the night before? That is what they say. And who has been her lifelong friend and closest confidant? Was he not with her the night of the incident? And where was he during the attack? Perhaps he had been secretly assisting her. Is that why none could locate him the morning after? Shadow did his best to pay no heed to these rumors. They did, however, worry him, for their accusations were not baseless. From the outside looking in, Captain Noctis would most certainly have been suspicious of himself. No doubt others in the Royal and Nocturnal Guard felt the same way. He was sure Lieutenant Nova was at least partly to blame for soliciting such questions. He would have a discussion with him later. As he entered the outdoor theater from the south, Shadow made a right hook and quickly proceeded to the rear row. He could scarcely blame anypony for not wanting to sit near him. Others had already begun to filter in from the north and south entrances. Pegasi were landing among the slowly filling seats as the earthbound ponies made their way through the aisles. Shadow sat quietly, observing as a platoon of Celestia’s Royal Guard entered from the west and took their positions, flanking the center stage of the theater. Several minutes passed, and soon the auditorium was completely full. Soft mutterings and hushed voices filled the night air. Suddenly, a bright flash and a ball of white energy encompassed the stage. Everypony shielded their eyes. The blinding light quickly dissipated, and below, on the stage, stood Princess Celestia. Her eyes were closed, her face the image of sorrow. Her body was battered, the plumage of her wings charred and ruffled. The theatre fell into deathly silence. Slowly, majestically, she stepped forward to the edge of the stage and raised her head, her eyes now filled with the sting of grief and tragedy. “Fellow subjects, citizens of Canterlot, and representatives of Equestria, welcome,” she began. “I have called forth this gathering to speak about the terrible events of last night.” Her gaze swept across the crowd. Shadow locked eyes with the Princess, if only momentarily. He shifted uncomfortably. In a hushed tone, she continued. “I regret to inform you that my sister, Princess Luna, is no longer with us.” A stunned gasp swept through the crowd. Whispers began with a renewed fervor, the implications of her statement settling heavily amongst the gathered ponies. Captain Noctis felt his jaw slacken, his mouth fall slightly agape. His head was pounding, his heart searching for a way to escape through his breastplate. A bead of cold sweat fell from his temple. This cannot be. Celestia continued, “Please, mares and gentlecolts, allow me to clarify.” She began to pace slowly. “My sister, for reasons I shall make clear, is no longer the Princess Luna you once knew. Last night, a long-concealed and powerful darkness rose from within and took dominion of her body, converting her into a malevolent and malicious creature.” “She assumed the title of Nightmare Moon; this being, whatever she may have been, threatened to cast all of Equestria into eternal night, refusing to lower the moon. No doubt it is clear to all of you the devastation such an action would have wreaked on the land.” “Last night, this Nightmare Moon launched a furious assault on my chambers. It is then that she made her intentions clear. Having grown tired of Equestria’s citizen’s shunning the night and worshipping the day, bitter and resentful that they loved me more than my sister, she would cast the land into eternal darkness. I could not allow this to occur. We engaged in a fierce battle, the consequences of which you have seen with your own eyes.” Celestia stopped pacing and raised her head to the crowd, tears welling in her eyes. “No words can describe the sorrow and heartache this has caused me. My regretful actions, made in haste, have caused widespread suffering amongst my people. I do not seek your acceptance of my apologies, for what I have done cannot be forgiven. I accept that the burden I must carry will remain with me for the rest of my days. I am so sorry.” The Princess began to weep. The crowd stirred ever so slightly, none daring to say a word. Tears streaming from her eyes, Celestia continued. “During the fray, Nightmare Moon’s rage-fueled power became clear. Her tenacity and persistence were overpowering. I was quickly becoming fatigued, losing what strength I had left. I had no choice.” She paused, again locking eyes with the crowd. Tears continued to fall onto the stage. “I entered Canterlot Tower and opened a chamber, sealed by a powerful protection spell only I could unlock. Within, I gathered Equestria’s most powerful sources of pure magical power, the Elements of Harmony.” Again, the crowd stirred. The Elements of Harmony were mythical, legendary artifacts containing the purest and most powerful forms of magical energy known to Equestria. Their existence could not be confirmed, and for centuries, the artifacts were the trappings of fairy tales and bedtime stories. This revelation shattered many perceptions for the gathered crowd. She continued. “With their power at my disposal, I…” Celestia lowered her head, anguish saturating her heart-wrenching sobs, “I did what had to be done. I have taken responsibility for raising and lowering both sun and moon, for I have banished my sister, Princess Luna… the monstrosity she has become… to one thousand years of desolation and solitude. I have bound her body and soul within the moon.” The crowd could no longer contain themselves. Pandemonium seized them. Shouts of joy, anger, despair, and every emotion thereof echoed through the stadium. Ponies held their heads in their hooves, sobbing. Members of the Nocturnal Guard quietly slid off their helms, dropping them to floor, and stared at the night sky, the bright white disk hanging silently above. Others were simply too stunned to move, too exhausted to react, their emotions deadened and worn away. Princess Celestia remained on the stage, quietly sobbing. She was whispering something to herself. I’m so sorry, she mouthed, over and over. In the back row, above the commotion, stood Captain Shadow Noctis, an empty shell of his former self. He could no longer sense anything. The scene before him began to lose shape and focus. Sounds were becoming suppressed, smothered. The dull pain within his weary body faded into nothingness. She’s gone. With sudden ferocity, emotions welled within and overcame him. A flood of horror, agony, grief, and misery washed over him, overpowering rational thought. He gritted his teeth, fought for control. His eyes clamped shut of their own accord. He began to stomp the ground beneath him. “Dammit, dammit, DAMMIT!” he cursed between his teeth. New emotions began to arise. Anger began to replace remorse, rage overwhelming sadness. He looked up, a burning fury climbing, finding release. “CELESTIA!” The crowd became silent. Everypony turned around, looking directly at Captain Noctis. He leaped into the air, his wings unfolding with explosive force. He soared directly onto the stage, landing mere paces away from Princess Celestia. Her face was in a state between surprise and shock, the dampness under her eyes shining softly in the moonlight. He started towards her, but was stopped abruptly as several Royal Guards rushed forth and seized him, tackling him to the ground. He struggled under their combined might to free himself, to no avail. He simply stared upwards, his gaze locked fiercely with that of Celestia’s. “How could you!? HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO HER! She was your sister! Did you even try to save her? Did you try to free her!? DID YOU!?” Celestia struggled to find her voice, “Captain, I did… what was necessary…” “Necessary?” He continued to writhe as the guards picked him up and held tight. “It was necessary to banish her for one thousand years!? Is that your idea of mercy?” He shook his head with dismay, and yelled, “I will ask again, did you try to save her!?” Celestia looked at him with bitterness in her eyes. “What would you have had me do, Captain? Have you not seen the devastation wrought by her? I am fully aware that she is… was… my sister. I had no… other… option.” She said the last words with finality. His rage quickly fading, Shadow met her gaze. It was his turn to allow tears to fall. “She was still there, Princess. I saw her, I saw your sister. I spoke with her. She was still in there… she was still there… ” Princess Celestia closed her eyes, and whispered two words. “I know.” Shadow tensed. His eyes widened. Adrenaline filled his muscles. He swiftly flung open his wings, knocking away the guards holding him captive. But instead of charging the Princess, he leaped into the sky and flew as fast as he could in the direction of Princess Luna’s castle tower. Two Royal Guard pegasi sprung into the air, ready to give chase, when the Princess intervened. “No, leave him be.” She gazed at the moon with tearful eyes. “I know the fathomless pain he must feel.” Within Princess Luna’s former chambers, Captain Noctis lay, and wept silently.
Chapter 4“Shadow, can I tell you something, and can you promise to speak nothing of it to anypony else?” Shadow shifted his gaze from the stars above the gardens to Luna. “Of course, Princess. What’s wrong?” Luna rolled onto her side and locked her gaze with Shadow’s. She said, “There’s been something on my mind lately. It is very strange of me to have these thoughts, but… do you believe the citizens of Equestria hate me?” Shadow rolled onto his side as well. “Of course not; what makes you say such a thing?” he asked with genuine concern is his voice. Luna sighed, rolled on her back, and stared into the night. “It is nothing, I’m sure, but lately, I have been wondering. Everypony enjoys and cherishes the warmth and sunlight of the day. When darkness falls, however, and I raise the moon, everypony goes to sleep. They shun the night, and fear it. They tell terrifying stories to their children about fanciful creatures which supposedly roam my domain.” She sighed again, this time with noticeable sadness. “My sister, Celestia, receives all the praise for bringing forth the day, while I am relegated to a life of solitude and darkness. How is this fair?” Shadow shifted slightly, pondered her statements for a moment, and said, “Luna, nopony hates you. Trust me. Do you know what the night signifies to them? Some consider it the most beautiful and romantic part of their days. They walk along the sands of the beach, enjoying and cherishing their time with one another, gazing at the moon’s wonderful glow and listening to the gentle crash of the ocean surf. Others enjoy the cool breezes and soft, melodious sounds of the night while they spend time telling stories around a campfire with their friends and families. Yes, it is a time when most ponies rest their weary heads, but that does not imply that they scorn the night. My tribe, for example, has learned to appreciate the true beauty and wonder of nocturnal hours.” He looked intently into Luna’s eyes and smiled. “So you see, we don’t hate you. It’s simply that no pony’s told you how much they love you in person yet.” Her eyes widened, and she began to blush. She quickly turned her hide skyward once more, and giggled softly. “I suppose you’re right, Shadow.” She shuffled closer, resting her head on his chest as it rose and fell rhythmically. “I suppose you’re right.” He awoke with a start. The doors to the chamber swung open with a small creak, and beyond the threshold stood Lieutenant Nova. Quietly, he stepped forth into the room and made his way to where Captain Noctis lay. He sighed gently, then removed his helmet and placed it on the bed. He sat on the edge, and said, “You know, for a long time, I believed I would have been a better Captain than you. I felt that my loyalty and devotion to the Princess far outweighed yours. Now, though…” he sat silently for a moment, contemplating his choice of words. “Now that she is no longer with us, I understand. You knew her better than any of us could hope. Today, you displayed to us just how much you cared for her, and the lengths you would have gone to protect her. You were the best of the Nocturnal Guard physically and mentally. Birthright or not, you would have been the perfect choice for Captain. And I would have been proud to serve with you either way.” He sat up, placed his helm on his head, and began walking towards the door. “I am sorry for ever having doubting your loyalty, Captain,” he said over his shoulder. Shadow lifted his head and looked in his direction. “Thank you, Nova,” he said quietly. Nova simply smiled, nodded in his direction, and continued beyond the threshold, shutting the doors as he departed. Noctis lay there, momentarily allowing his mind to drift, trying not to concentrate on memories. He had suffered enough for millennia. Somber shadows of the past would have their place, but not tonight. There was nothing more for him to see, nothing left for him to do. He sat up and slowly looked around the room. The room he had known for years and years felt lifeless and empty, drained of color. Even the breeze carried an expressionless visage, melancholia permeating the air. His gaze shifted to the balcony, where a shadowy form was standing. The phantom began to walk forward, her mane billowing in the calm winds. Princess Celestia took form. Shadow immediately rose from the bed, found his footing, and bowed. “Your Majesty,” he greeted her. Princess Celestia elegantly walked towards him, bent down, and nuzzled his neck in a compassionate embrace. Noctis raised his body and met her gaze. “Princess Celestia, please accept my humble apologies. Such an outburst from a Captain is disgraceful and inexcusable. Again, I apologize for my reprehensible-“ The Princess hushed him, a warm and understanding smile creasing her lips. “There is no need to apologize, Shadow. Your reaction was understandable, and completely warranted. I know how much you cared for my sister.” His eyes grew watery. “I loved her,” Shadow said, his voice quaking. “I know you did. She loved you too.” He held back no longer. He allowed the full momentum of his loss to crash through his resolve, and collapsed into Princess Celestia’s embrace. He buried his face into her neck; Celestia’s eyes could no longer stay dry, either. “She will be missed profoundly, Shadow.” The two stood in the moon’s glow for an eternity.
Epilogue1,000 years later… The Nightmare Moon memorial was erected on the edge of the Everfree Forest as an enduring reminder of the tribulations on that fateful night, so long ago. Time, as it always must, has obscured the history of the events surrounding her banishment. Very few remain who remember the name of Captain Shadow Noctis. Those who do know only fragments of his story; that he was the last of Princess Luna’s Nocturnal Guard commanders stretch the extent of their knowledge. There is one, however, who remembers the name as clearly as a bell ringing in the morning air. She placed a letter in a small crevice in the memorial, enchanted to withstand the weathering of the seasons. The letter reads as follows: “My dearest Luna, Centuries will have passed by the time you read this, and I will be long gone, a name in the annals of the Canterlot Archives, should I be so lucky. I cannot help but feel partly responsible for the events of your final night upon the earth. Perhaps there was something I could have done to rid you of the dark presence you carried within. Perhaps I should have warned your sister so that she may have been prepared. Such are the speculations of a wandering soul who will reflect upon his choices for eternity. We miss you, Luna. Your sister and I have mourned for you, our grief permeating our every waking moment. The passing of the seasons have done little to dull the edge of our sorrow. For you see, you were loved, after all. The Nocturnal Guard has been disbanded; those who wished to stay found service with your sister’s protectors. I did not wish to continue my duties. I politely declined, and bid my farewells. In my stead, Lieutenant Nova will command the forces of the night. He is a good colt, and I can think of no better replacement. For now, I pass the days wandering the lands of Equestria, doing what good deeds I can. Occasionally, I will return home to my clan, where I will be welcomed with open arms and warm meals. And yet, I often catch myself gazing into the night sky, soaring through the moonlit clouds, wondering if you can still hear me. I never did get a chance to tell you properly, as I should have that night in the gardens so long ago. Even though I will be dust upon the winds of time as you read this, if you ever chance upon it, know that I loved you, and that I will always love you. Goodnight, Princess Luna. Yours forever, Shadow”
