Lunar Eclipse

Two months after the Return of the Nightmare, it was revealed to the general public that Princess Luna had returned, being redeemed. For most, this was a time of celebration. The night shone more brightly than ever, the moon no longer had its ominous shadow, and many believe that a time of unity and prosperity comes. For others, there is only fear: Twice Luna has attempted to bring ruin, and each time with loss of life amongst the Loyal Guards. The dozens who were injured or killed during The Return, as it became known,

The guards who survived the Night Shift were a new breed of Soldier, the first and only combat-tested unit in over two hundred years, and the first to take casualties in over fifty. A sense of shame and doubt hung over them despite being lauded for their courage by commoners and nobles alike, for above recognition they now craved only to do their jobs correctly.

The injuries were painful. Failure was understandable, if regrettable. The rehabilitation, however, was the hardest thing Eclipse Penumbra had ever done. After a full month of sleeping in a hospital while his fractured skull and horn healed, his muscles were weak and his body frail. It had taken over a month more for him to be able to run a full mile again. Learning to see properly with only one eye was going to take much longer. What Eclipse had lost in Depth Perception, however, he had made up for in perspective.

Eclipse grunted as he squinted at the long ledger. Two weeks back on light duty meant short shifts and (supposedly) easy work, a reward given to nearly all survivors of The Return. With the upsurge in requests for training pay, new equipment and additional recruits meant that the work that needed to be done had grown out of all reasonable control. Considering that the only other accountant in the guard, Paper Pusher, had been retired due to a level of incompetence and corruption the guard could no longer tolerate, it meant that Eclipse no longer had the time to do what he needed to do.

Returning to his small apartment every night was the worst part. The nightmares, of shadowy creatures waiting to ambush him. For that reason alone, he had taken to sleeping in the barracks, and most of the Survivors, as they were being called, had begun to do the same. Never one to go to bars or pubs, Penumbra found his evenings suddenly no longer quiet times of rest and relaxation. Now, the time he had to himself was filled with ‘what-ifs’.

What if I had been a bit faster? What if I ran instead of walked? Why didn’t I take Twilight Seriously?

These thoughts swirled through the head of the young unicorn stallion, who set his quill down, rubbing the scar along the left side of his face and muzzle. It still felt raw, and the stitches had left a marching line of pockmarks down his narrow face. His right eye was exhausted, for the first time since his freshmare year at Gryphonholm School of Scribes. A knock at the door of his cubicle drew his attention.

“Pen? Got those Resupply forms?” The mare at the door, now missing a hand, stepped in carrying a large mug of coffee. The beverage steamed as she set it down, leaning over his shoulder. Her left arm ended in a stump fitted with an archanotech prosthetic that she detested with a vengeance, claiming (accurately) that it wasn’t as good as the limb it replaced.

“Yes, Captain.” A new degree of formality had been introduced, and those in the Night Guard had begun to hew to their duties with a new level of motivation unseen anywhere else in the Royal Guard. “Form IRK-23, new Equipment and Training Fund Request. It just needs Celestia’s Stamp.” He looked up at her from his piles of paper, raising his eyebrow. “I just need more time to get the rest of these done. I’m good for full duty, Captain.”

“I know you’re ready to get back, but The Doctor says it’s for your own good. A low-stress environment should help recovery. You still having headaches?”

Eclipse nodded. “Every morning, but it eases off near noon. Until I see this stuff” he replied, waving an arm at the piles of forms and requests. “Paper Pusher had absolutely no system, and doing the Day Shift accounting is eating all the time I should be using for night. When are the new clerks getting here?”

She shook her head. “No idea. We’ve got interviews, but we’re more focused on getting more troopers for now. Orders, and all that. I know, I know” she said, waving her remaining hand to forstall his complaint. “The guard runs on paper, not coffee. With any luck, you won’t be dealing with quite this by yourself for much longer.”

Eclipse stood, putting his officer’s cap back on and buckling his sword to his side, something he never left home without. Even off-duty Guards had been noted carrying sidearms in the form of short daggers and their duty swords when outside of the palace. “I’ll go drop these on Raven’s desk for her to see in the morning.”

She left, following a half-step behind him. “Actually, Raven is with the Princesses right now. I’ll go with you, though, there’s something I need to talk to Celestia about.”

The Unicorn’s eye narrowed. The order to expand the guard to its full capacity, nearly four hundred strong, meant pulling street patrollers from the nicer parts of town and transferring them in to fill gaps in the schedules. Though most of the Aristocrats were livid at the lowered security in their sections of town with the manors and micro-palaces they enjoyed, their private security was deemed sufficient to the task of patrolling their neighborhood.

The two walked in relative silence, troopers saluting as they passed. The intersection leading to the Royal Quarters had not only been cleaned up, it had been reinforced while they had been renovated. Double security leading to the Solar Quarter lead to most of the troopers, used to Day shifts, yawning. A sharp glare from Mithril caused them to snap to attention. Without hesitation, one of them stepped aside.

Mithril, however, hesitated for a moment, before starting to move forward. Eclipse instead narrowed his remaining eye. “Aren’t you forgetting something… Swiftsure, is it?”

The Corporal paled. “Uh… Right!” Looking embarrassed, he and his compatriots crossed their glaives, blocking the path, and assumed a more formal pose. “Your Identification and Pass Phrase, Ma’am? Sir?”

Mithril Weave nodded as Eclipse groaned inwardly. For Celestia’s sake, there were reports of Changelings again, not to mention the shades that had attacked the royal quarters less than two months ago. He was not in much of a mood for taking chances, and produced his pass identifying him as Lieutenant Penumbra, before leaning in to whisper his code phrase while Mithril Weave did the same. After checking their list and notes, they nodded, stepping aside.

“Apologies, Captain, Lieutenant. Still getting used to the new regulations. Won’t happen again.”

The Captain nodded. “See that it doesn’t.” Without a backward glance, she motioned for the lieutenant to follow her.

After they walked through, while waiting outside the door to Princess Celestia’s quarters, Eclipse looked sidelong at his commanding officer. “Were you seriously going to just let that go?”

She sighed. “It’s been a long day, but you’re right. That’s no excuse, and this should have been a good enough reminder of that” she said, lifting the magical prosthetic and grimacing. “Heh, I was right in my report though. You’ve got quite the eye for detail. By the way, I’m sorry for what’s about to happen next.”

Eclipse raised his eyebrow, opening his mouth to speak before the door swung open, revealing the Solar Monarch’s personal quarters.

As he’d hoped, Raven, Princess Celestia’s personal secretary, wandered out. “Raven, I’ve got the requisitions filled out. Can you-” he started, before she shook her head.

“Not right now,” replied the Unicorn, looking ragged. “Sorry, Lieutenant, but I’ve got about four hours to sleep before I’m back at it. Just hand them off to the new Quartermaster.”

At his confusion, she paused. “Uh, I guess nopony’s told you. You’ve been relieved of your duties as Night Shift quartermaster. Don’t worry, you’re not in trouble. Princess Celestia has a new assignment for you, given your… repeated requests to be returned to full duty.”

Eclipse could feel a sinking feeling in his gut despite her reassurance, but the careful look in the eye of his captain stilled his tongue. Instead, he gave a formal nod. “Yes, Raven. Does that mean she wishes to speak to me?”

She nodded, before pausing. “Here, I’ll do you a favour and take those forms off your hands.” Her gaze lingered on the left side of his face for a moment before she took the papers. WIthout another word, she strode off, rounding the corner in seconds with her practiced, efficient gait. At his side, the Captain cleared her throat.

“Ah, let’s get this done, okay? I promise, you’re not in trouble.” Together, the two of them entered the Royal Chambers.

The inside of the room was filled with items collected over a millenia of rule. Antiques of all eras, magical knick-knacks, arcane doodads and the empty cage where Philomena SHOULD have been were pressed against the walls or on shelves, leaving the main sitting area open for two large overstuffed couches. The remnants of a banana bread cake were scattered on a coffee table like a defeated army of crumbs, and the tea set looked like it was from the far east.

It was, however, the two ponies sitting on the couches that demanded his full attention. Coming to a stiff salute, he and the Captain gazed at Princess Celestia while Princess Luna sat on the parallel couch. She sipped slowly from an oversized mug as Celestia finished speaking to her in soft tones and turned her gaze to the newcomers.

“Captain Weave, Lieutenant Penumbra. I was hoping you’d stop by. Thank you, my little ponies, for taking the time out of your busy schedules. I know how hectic things are right now,” she said with a small and pained smile, “but it truly does warm my heart to see you working to protect my sister and I.”

Carefully avoiding staring at Luna, whom he had only seen during the announcement of her return to palace life a few weeks ago, he nodded when Mithril Weave nudged him. “I, ah, am honored to serve, Your Highness. The real heroes are the ones who didn’t get to clock out at the end of their shift.”

Princess Luna, he noted, winced at that. Celestia took no notice, however, and simply nodded gravely. “Actions always have consequences, and it grieves me.. US,” she said, finally glancing at her sister, “when any of my subjects falls in service to Equestria. That being said… I am well aware of the debt I personally owe the two of you. Without you interrupting the shades, they may well have succeeded in capturing me. You and the commotion you raised ensured that they didn’t get far before Shining Armor overtook them and retrieved us.”

Despite knowing that he and Mithril Weave had done their best, Eclipse couldn’t help but feel a bit embarrassed by the praise. It was a duty, not a choice, that had driven him, and training overtook instincts when confronted with danger. Rather than saying as much, he simply nodded. “You don’t owe me anything, Your Highness. I’m just glad that you and your sister are safe.”

She shook her head. “That is all well and good, but I made a vow similar to yours. A Monarch has duties to those who give their utmost to Crown and Country, and for that reason, among others, I wish to reward you in particular. As I heard Raven say, you have been relieved of your duties as Quartermaster of the Night Guard. However” she said, raising her hand much like Mithril had to forstall him, though he would not dream of interrupting her, “That is not because of any failing on your part. It is because the Night Guard is being disbanded tomorrow morning.”

Mithril Weave stiffened, her eyes wide and nostrils flaring as her feathers stood on end. Eclipse, however, paused, his mind racing. If she’s disbanding the Night Guard, and it’s not a punishment, AND Princess Luna is back… that must mean… For a moment, the throught escaped him, before it drove home.

“You’re re-forming the Lunar Guard?”

All eyes in the room focused on him, and Eclipse blinked, realizing he had spoken out of turn. Instead of vaporizing him (not that he suspected she would actually do that), she simply nodded. “How very astute. Mithril told me you are clever and quick-thinking.” Turning to the Captain, she smiled. “Your judge of character speaks volumes to your leadership. It seems only fitting that you become the Lunar Guard’s new leader.”

Mithril paused, swaying a bit as she processed the rapid fire news. For a minute, all was silent, before she said “I… Your highness, this is all a bit much. I would be honored to serve wherever you deem necessary, but I would ask some time to think it over. I’m sure you could find somepony more qualified than I to-”

The white alicorn shook her head. “Take what time you require over the next week. Sleep on it, for I do not ask you to forsake the Day for the Night at the snap of a finger. For now, perhaps I and my sister may have a moment with the Lieutenant?”

She nodded, seeming grateful for the implied dismissal. Before she could leave, however, Princess Luna spoke for the first time. “A moment, Captain” were her words, before standing and leaning over to Mithril Weave, speaking too quickly and quietly for Eclipse to catch the words. However, Mithril relaxed, nodding, before bowing. Though Eclipse burned with curiosity at the exchange, he kept his attention focused on Celestia as Mithril Weave nodded again and left, shutting the doors behind her with a soft “thunk”.

Suddenly, Eclipse was aware of the fact he was alone with the princess he had sworn to lay his life down for, and the one that nearly made him do just that. The two princesses were a study in contrasts though, and his remaining eye quickly darted between them. While Celestia remained calm and regal, her sister seemed uncomfortable, refusing to make eye contact with the guard as she took another sip from her drink. Finally, he worked up the nerve to speak.

“I was told I was being reassigned by you. Am I not also transferring to the Lunar Guard?” he asked, trying to keep the tinge of hurt out of his voice. Despite his efforts, some must have leaked through as the princess studied his face. After a moment, she cleared her throat.

“If you would, please, this is an informal meeting from here on. Your helmet and armor, I would ask you to remove them if it would not trouble you greatly.”

Eclipse paused. Technically, he was on duty, and the new regulations were draconian about being ready at all times. However, this was a request from his monarch, and by the sounds of it, he wasn’t to be on duty much longer. Aware suddenly of the fatigue in his knees, he shifted a bit before finally reaching up and removing his helmet. As he did so, revealing the smooth scar, Princess Luna gasped. Celestia, however, simply looked pained.

“You must be tired. Take a seat” she said, indicating the couch that Luna had vacated. Though uncomfortable at the thought of sitting while his monarchs stood, Celestia demonstrated her legendary mind-reading powers as she sat back down, touching Luna’s arm and leading her to do the same.With a glow of magic, the table moved between the couches and the tea set came to life. Offering him a cup, she continued. “I know you’ve been pushing yourself hard to rejoin the guard proper, and while I appreciate your efforts, it’s high time your talents are put to better use. I’m afraid the reward I mentioned earlier is a bit of a double-edged sword, however.”

Not inclined to refuse the offer of tea from Celestia, Eclipse took the cup and sipped. His eye widened at the minty taste. This is, without a doubt, the best cup of tea I have ever had. I suppose a thousand years or more would make one an expert on the subject, though. The thought nearly brought a smile to his face, but the presence of the two other ponies in the room drove it away before it even arrived.

“My sister, as you know, has been back in Equestria for only two months. Sister, perhaps this request should come from you?”

Eclipse switched his gaze to Luna as she stirred, drank deeply, and then spoke. “Eclipse Penumbra, thy services to the Guard have been exemplary, and thine courage in the face of mortal peril is without question. However, there is a request I wish to make of thee. Mine sister and I have discussed this, and it is clear to us that thy assistance in a matter of… personal importance would be most appropriate, if thou wouldst be agreeable.”

“What my sister is saying is that we require your help with a… small matter. Actually, this has to do with your training in the Gryphon School of Scribing. You trained in secretarial arts, did you not?”

Eclipse nodded, downing the last of his tea and setting it down. “I did, your Highness. I was third in my class, and it’s the reason I joined the guard as an officer rather than enlisting. I enjoy working with numbers, forms, and… well, that kind of stuff. I’ve never wanted to hurt anypony.”

His response seemed to satisfy the two, who exchanged a glance. Celestia spoke again, smiling softly. “Then I would be most honored to offer you the position of Adjutant in the Lunar Court. Not the Guard, but the Court itself. My sister has been having… trouble adjusting to today’s Equestria, as it is far different from the land she knew a thousand years ago.”

Thankful that he had already swallowed, the former lieutenant would have spat out his drink. A whirl of thoughts clouded his mind suddenly, each chasing the others around in a frenzy.

She killed over a dozen guards. Maybe not personally, maybe not in her right mind, but she KILLED them the same as if she had the sword in her own hand! Tartarus, she tried to do the same thing before! I knew those guards, I had coffee and doughnuts with them. How can…. How can she even ASK this of me? How can I stand next to Nightmare Moon?!? She wants me to… help Princess Luna ‘adjust’ somehow?

A darker thought followed that one, quickly pushed aside but still gnawing at the gate.
If Celestia had killed her a thousand years ago, how much pain and suffering could have been avoided?

The tension in the chamber was suddenly very thick, and the soft sounds of crickets could be heard from the garden where the first two guards fell during the attack. A pin striking the floor would have been deafening. The Lunar Princess sat stock still, her expression blank as she looked at the pony furiously considering his path before her. Celestia, however, maintained her regal bearing.

“I do not ask you to choose now, but it is not a request I make lightly. Raven has been attempting to help, but she is worn ragged. This duty and office would come with, among other things, Quarters in the Lunar Wing, higher pay, and a better dental plan.”

Her last four words pulled him out of his stupor. “Dental… ah, I mean… I’m sorry, your Majesty...s… I’m just… a bit overwhelmed.” What he wanted to do was scream “Are you SERIOUS?” at her, but one did not do that to the pony responsible for raising a giant flaming ball of gas every morning. Instead, he found himself speaking nearly against his will. “I would… be honored to accept.”

Looking down, he removed the Sun Emblem stuck to his breastplate, setting it on the table before taking a deep breath. You don’t even know her. If Mom caught you judging somepony you just met based on stories… that sword still hurt less than the paddle.

“What would my new duties entail, precisely?” he inquired as he looked back up. To his surprise, Luna had a pleased expression on her face, as if something she had been dreading had failed to come to pass. Smiling somewhat less radiantly than her sister, she leaned forward. Her eyes kept flicking back between his good one and the vivid scar, he noted. “I don’t mind if you stare. A Lot of ponies do.”

She shook herself. “Apologies. ‘Tis most inappropriate to draw attention to a grave wound. However, I did not expect that thou wouldst accept this post so quickly. Mine needs are simple: I do not know the Equestria of today, and the duties expected of myself are… difficult enough for that even without assistance. I require a skilled scribe to transcribe during my court, as well as assistance in mine duties. In short, a variety of tasks.”

Eclipse continued to sit, somewhat nonplussed. This was not what he had expected coming into this meeting. Reward? Perhaps in the mind of Celestia, to whom handing out tokens of favour was second nature. To him, it was a gut punch: Being a guard was his life for the last three years. Before that, however, it would have been any scribe’s dream to serve in a royal court.

His dreams had been nightmares of late, however.

Her somewhat more regal voice cut a contrast to the relaxed informality of Celestia. Setting down her own now-empty mug, she stood up, while Eclipse did the same, sensing something coming.

Instead, however, she simply stepped around the table to stand before Eclipse Penumbra. “Look into mine eyes, Eclipse Penumbra.”

Raising his gaze, his right eye stared into hers. For the first time, he saw the depths of shadow lurking behind them, something he saw in the eyes of Royal Army troopers cycling back from peacekeeping in Saddle Arabia: A haunted look given to those who have done things they regret.

The same look he saw in his own eye every night.

Placing a hand on the side of his face, she traced the scar. “If thou wilst vow thy services to the Night, then this oath I make to thee: Never shall I rest until the Night is as comforting as the Day to My Little Ponies. Thy sacrifices thus far are a credit to yourself and your training, but more so to the character you display. Thy diligence would be a great boon to Mine Court of Night.

He shivered at her touch. Her hands were cool as an evening breeze while her gaze was steady and unwavering. It took only a moment to make his decision. Duty was paramount before personal desires, and too many had died in service to that ideal to discard it now.

If she is dangerous… if she cannot be trusted… then shouldn’t at least one of us keep an eye on her? I’ll be at her side… and close to her back. But Celestia says she is redeemed. Then again, a thousand years ago, she said the threat was over.

But don’t you DARE doubt her! She is your PRINCESS and Monarch!

Loyalty and mistrust, duty and exhaustion, all warred within him for a full minute before he nodded. “I stand by my words, Your Highness. I would be honored to Serve the Night.”

The joy beaming from Luna’s Face could have lit up a full moon.