Luna 1st Pony POV

“Lieutenant Force, you’re in charge of getting this small party back to Equestria. Ignis will likely be in bad shape when I get to him and I’ll need to take him directly to Canterlot. I apologize deeply for this circumstance but I trust you can get it done.” I order the pegasus mare.

She snaps into a crisp salute, despite having no guard gear on, and barks out, “Of course, ma’am! No apology needed. Bring him home.” She gives me a smirk and I cast my teleport.

Popping into existence I look upon the changeling colosseum with fear plastered across my features. Idiot. Stupid. Numbskull. You knew this would happen as soon as he described changelings in chains, but nooo let’s just wait at camp and see what happens! Now I’ll be lucky if he hasn’t killed himself through over exertion. Please be okay, Ignis.

Blitzing through the entryway into the colosseum I’m confused at the sight before me, changelings are pouring out of the hive and sprinting for the exit en masse. Did she evacuate the hive? Why?

Glancing into my scrying spell I see Chrysalis has assumed an elven form. That harlot! Seeing her naked form momentarily takes me back to the moment when I was tricked and captured during the summit. An innocent letter from Ignis asking me to meet him outside the colosseum to discuss something private. Only to discover a mostly naked Ignis standing there confessing his development of feelings for me.

I hadn’t even realized what my own feelings on the matter were until I heard the words leave that imposters lips. The happiness welling up caught me by complete surprise. We closed the distance for an embrace when I felt something stinging into my neck followed by complete darkness. Now I don’t even know what to do with myself, I’ve told nopony what happened but even Tia commented that I’ve apparently been more touchy with him since the incident.

Sprinting through the narrow hallways of the hive I’m brought out of my thoughts by a loud explosion that is shortly followed by small vibrations and rumblings throughout the entire hive. Glancing into the scrying spell again I see my paladin barely holding himself up on 1 knee with his body leaning against his Moonblade. Abandoning my priority over stealth I scream out for Ignis to run and escape, hoping to meet him halfway and teleport him out of there.

Now that my Umbral Cloak has faded due to my outburst I throw caution to the wind and transform into a cloud of stars as I speed through the cave system. Forcing my incorporeal form through the cracks in the debris blocking my path I arrive at the throne room just in time to watch as the elfs now blonde hair ignites into actual fire. Smoke is pooling at his feet as lines of fire shoot out from his feet standing in the center of a crater.

I pause in pure awe as he shouts for everypony to shut up and declares that we will witness “the indomitable human spirit.” He dashes forward at an impossible speed leaving a trail of fire in the air down the path he took to reach the changeling queen, and as I ignite my horn to blink next to him I’m caught in awe again as he creates three Strengthen runes along the blade of his sword. He’s going to use Equestrian magic to empower his own smite. Frighteningly genius. I’ll have to teleport him somewhere uninhabited or else this sword strike will likely kill somepony.

I blink right behind him and reach out of my hoof as he begins swinging his sword towards Chrysalis. He lets out a heart wrenching scream as his fiery hair burns even brighter, turning a dark shade of red. His moonblade begins glowing brightly and…. Vibrating? That can’t be good. It’s almost like the sword is crying out from abuse. It can’t handle that much mana.

I push my hoof through the fire on his back, surprised that it doesn’t burn me in any way, and I touch his back right as his sword is about to strike down the changeling queen. Glancing up I spot a large chunk of the roof falling rapidly towards us, it’ll crush all 3 of us. I wait until the last possible moment and as a web of cracks appear on the changeling queens chitin I begin channeling my teleport.

We appear in the old castle located in the everfree as I wrap him up in my wings as my vision is filled with bright light and my ear drums are assaulted by what sounds like tens of lightning bolts striking at once.

Opening my eyes I gently place his unconscious body on the group, after checking that he’s still breathing. Glancing at my wings and legs I let out a scoff at the absurdity of my own body. Spots of singed fur, dozens of scrapes and cuts, misaligned feathers, if I took that hit directly without defending myself it could even threaten my own life. With one lesson in runes he’s grown this much… his body nor his sword can handle it though. I glance at the Moonblade laying on the ground next to his sleeping body. The previously glowing swirls along the blade are completely extinguished, it doesn’t even look like a magical weapon anymore, just a heavily decorated fancy blade.

I grab the sword with my telekinesis and slide it into the scabbard around his waist before teleporting both of us back to Canterlot.

Ignis 1st Person POV

Exhaustion Level: 0
Movement Speed: 30ft
Hit Points: 63/63
Experience: 79,500/64,000

Level Up!

Exhaustion level zero? How long was I out? Also that puts me like 5,500 XP from level 11. Does that mean I killed Chrysalis?

“Quests.”

Glancing at my quests to see if one appeared that involved Chrysalis I see a quest titled Oath of Vengeance. Looks like a subclass quest appeared since I vowed revenge against Chrysalis, but to my absolute dread it’s still in progress. So I got awarded experience for defeating her, then? If the quest isn’t completed then she’s definitely still alive, but with this much XP it’s the only explanation.

Well let’s not waste any time then, “Add 1 level to Wizard.”

Instantly a 6 sided die appears and lands on 5.

Hit Points: 70/70.

Now that wizard is level 8 I need to come up with what I want to do with my Ability Score Improvement. I could round out my odd stats, 16 Constitution and then either 16 Wisdom or 14 Charisma. Nah, let’s just take a feat. What do I choose though? I could do Defensive Duelist and get more AC, that’s always useful. I could take Dual Wielder and use my Shadow Blade and my Moonblade at the same time, that also adds +1 AC. Both are very tempting. What’s this?

Strike of the Giants (Fire Strike) once per turn add 1d10 to a melee weapon attack. Oooo, that’s tempting as well.

It’s only once per turn, meh. I would’ve taken Dual Wielder without a second thought but my off-hand weapon can only be used with my bonus action. Summoning the shadowblade and activating my bladesong are both bonus actions. I also can already attack with booming blade or green-flame blade with my bonus action thanks to my bracers. Defensive duelist also uses my reaction so I can’t combine it with the shield spell. Maybe I should just take fighting initiate and take the Defense fighting style. That gives me a +1 AC as well, and it’s unconditional.

Wisdom Saving Throw.

4 + 6 = 10.

Suddenly the feat options automatically selects Eldritch Adept. Then Devil’s Sight.

Ah that’s much better. I truly thought you were dead, I was unable to even feel your presence to attempt my influence. Now I’ve got my hooks in you and I fully intend to never let go, bladesinger.

Ah fuck. What the fuck is this? She can exert influence over the system? How is she even talking to me while time is frozen?

I'm directly inside your psyche, of course I can even interact with you in this interesting state. Seeing this, though… what are you?

Hell if I know. I woke up in this body with this strange reality warping system already attached to me.

“Choose spells, Greater Invisibility and Resilient Sphere. Unprepare Locate Creature and prepare Greater Invisibility and Resilient Sphere.”

Spellbook configuration confirmed! Level up complete! 5th Level Spell Slot unlocked! Simulating Long Rest.

Time unfreezes and I open my eyes. Judging by the soft feeling of a pillow behind my head and this plain white ceiling I’d wager I’m back in the Canterlot castle medical wing. Before I give any indication that I’m awake I ponder on my situation with Nightmare Moon. I thought Luna said she wasn’t her own entity? Did the elements split them? Did Nightmare just make Luna think she was responsible for everything to increase her suffering? I wouldn’t doubt that last option, the villains here are all quite sadistic.

Hearing a snore to my left I look over and see Luna’s sleeping head resting on the edge of my hospital bed. Even though her mane is a cloud of stars it still somehow looks quite messy and unkempt, has she stayed by my side this entire time?! I start to reach out towards her to pet the top of her head but pause when I hear a murmur to my right. Looking that way I see Force ungracefully sprawled out on a couch on her back with her wings unfurled. She murmurs something again in her sleep as her back right leg twitches. Glad to see she made it back, too.

With a much softer expression on my face I turn back to Luna and place my hand on top of her head. After rubbing my thumb along her forehead, near the base of her horn, her snoring stops and her eyes flutter open.

“You’re awake!” Luna practically screams before ramming into me at full force and wrapping her forelegs around my neck. She then quickly pulls away and gives me a hard glare before scolding me. “You absolutely idiotic hero! What were you thinking?! OH LOOK AT ME I’M A BLADESINGER I’LL JUST FIGHT THE QUEEN OF CHANGELINGS WITH A BODY THAT CAN BARELY MOVE! Who am I, Ignis?! I’m you! Seriously, why?! No, wait I get why and I’m proud of you, but why not wait for me to show up or ask for help?!”

I just give her a soft smile and resume petting her head before answering. “I knew you were watching over me. I trusted you, and you came through.”

She looks slightly embarrassed as she jerks her head to knock my hand off. Then she stares at the ground, “Isn’t it supposed to be the other way around? Either I’m supposed to be the one in danger, or we’re supposed to be in danger together. Don’t make your princess save you.”

I just give a quiet chuckle, “You’re right. It won’t happen again, my Goddess.”

“Oh hush, you.” She then looks up into my eyes and gasps. Uh oh. “What happened to your eyes?!”

It’s my turn to flash a face of concern. “What do you mean what happened to my eyes?!”

She ignites her horn and a small mirror appears in the air before floating in front of my face.

My eyes are a solid deep red now, with a white vertical slit down the middle. They resemble dragon eyes or….Nightmare Moons… oh. My hair looks like dads. Before I can even offer an explanation to Luna about my eyes I can’t help but to grab my hair in my hands as I stare down at it. I feel tears welling up as I remember my mother. I knew it caught on fire during my outburst but… you were supposed to go back to silver… da-damnit.

I squeeze my hair in my hands and clench my eyes closed. I’ve cried more times since I came here than I ever did during my short life as a human, but this is the first time it’s been from pure grief.

After some reassuring words and another round of hugs I wipe my eyes and look back up at Luna. “I imagine they’d be red regardless, but my pupils are like this because of Nightmare Moon. I was able to resist her during the fight against Chrysalis but she caught me by surprise right as I woke up. It seems I’m now able to see perfectly normal in complete and total darkness, even if it’s magical darkness. I don’t feel any different right now though, so her corruption must be pretty weak as it stands.” I’m lucky the system didn’t force me to take a level in Warlock, all things considered.

“By the way, how long have I been unconscious?” I ask.

“A full week if my math is correct. It took us 3 days to make it back to Canterlot and you’ve been asleep for 4 days since then. It’s currently 0830 making today day 8.” LT Force decided now was a good time to chime in.

Luna looks at the pegasus then back at me as she realizes she’s still basically laying on top of me. With a squeak she flails for a bit before clumsily falling off the bed, landing on all fours. With a quick cough she speaks up, “Indeed. You were asleep for just over a week.”

The guard just laughs, “No need to be embarrassed just because I’m here, your Majesty. I know he’s the only guard you have right now and the two of you have grown close. It’s no secret to anypony working in the castle.”

I catch a specific wording she used and butt in, “If I’m her only guard does that mean you’re still choosing to stay with the day guard?”

Luna answers for her, “Not quite. She submitted her request up the chain on her side, but she was presented with an offer to be the personal knight for Princess Cadence.”

“And I’d rather be the direct #2 for a Princess than just another officer in a guard, no offense to either of you.”

“Hey, no need to apologize for doing what’s best for your career. I get it. Congratulations, Force.” I offer the pegasus my congrats.

Said pegasus then stands up and makes her way towards the door, “And now to carry out my final order as Day Guard Lieutenant Unstoppable Force. Princess Celestia wanted to be alerted when you woke up. I imagine she’ll be here shortly….. Glad to see you back on your feet, sir.” With that she makes her exit and closes the door behind her.

“Such a shame, I really like her. Unfortunate that this other random princess recognized her worth before she could switch over.” I state with a slightly disappointed tone.

“Oh shush. This is a big moment for her, you should just be happy for her.” Luna scolds.

“I am! Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy for her, but I’m still allowed to be disappointed. Until we gather up the thestrals we are in desperate need of help.”

With a sigh Luna replies, “I know. I will admit if we had more guards we likely wouldn’t spend as much time together, though.”

“I’m your personal knight though?”

“Yes, but Equestria firmly believes in a healthy work life balance. You don’t even really get to take advantage of your down time.”

“Oh unless you’re a princess, I suppose? Your sister especially, but even you to an extent have some of the worst work life balance I’ve ever seen.”

“Touche.”

Moving on to a different topic I ask Luna to catch me up on any current events. “So, what have I missed? Any new global problems pop up during my beauty sleep?”

“Thankfully no. We still haven’t heard from the dragons, but we’ve received letters of thanks from the other leaders around the globe. Many of them mentioned you specifically. Your quick thinking to figure out a way to root out the imposter changelings saved many lives that night, Ignis. There’s only two things of note, for some reason we’ve had a few different instances this week of guards showing up to their duty station for the day only to have no partner. The first time we thought somepony was just hungover in their bunk, but turns out the schedule only had 1 guard. It’s only happened 3 times, but the fact it happened at all is quite strange. The officers in charge of that are known to be quite consistent in the performance of their duties. There’s an investigation going on to see what’s causing these problem schedules. On my side of things there’s been 1 particularly nasty recurring nightmare I’ve been trying to solve, but have made no progress.”

“That sounds weird, but the nightmare is more interesting to me. What’s happening in the dream?”

“It’s a small unicorn filly in a completely dark void space and they’re always crying to themselves while covering their eyes with their forehoofs but when I show up to comfort them they always wake up. I haven’t been able to make any progress in figuring out what she’s so scared of.”

“That’s quite concerning. Do you know where she’s located? We can pay her a visit today once Celestia stops by and I get discharged.”

“I gave her appearance and cutie mark to one of the ponies in the census department and they tracked her down for me. Apparently she’s actually here in Canterlot at one of four orphanages in all of Equestria. I was actually planning to visit her as soon as you woke up.”

“You didn’t have to stay by my side this entire time, Luna. My condition would’ve improved or not regardless of your presence.”

“Yes, but I wanted to be here when you woke up.” She gives me a soft smile.

Suddenly the door clicks open and two alicorns walk in. One of them is Celestia and the other is a pink Alicorn with a heart on her ass. Celestia looks at me and then speaks. “Glad to see you’re in good health, Ignis. Allow me to introduce you to the only Princess you haven’t met yet! Ignis, Luna, this is Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, she acts as our outward facing diplomat and is often away from the castle visiting foreign lands. She is also my niece.”

The new alicorn then looks at me with a bright smile and waves, “Hi! You can just call me Cadence, by the way. I’ve been so looking forward to meeting both of you! Auntie talks about both of you all the time in her letters! I heard you gave my coltfriend a run for his bits during your initial physical examination.” Looking from me to Luna her smile grows even bigger and she trots over and gives Luna a hug. “Auntie Luna! Can I call you Auntie? I’m so happy you’re back, I never got to meet you before the incident but Celestia has been so much happier since you came back. I’m glad you’re both ok!”

Luna responds before I do, “How about you just call me Lulu or Luna? That way you can just call Tia auntie without adding her name. I take it your domain is Love? That’s quite interesting, I always assumed our domains had to be a physical thing, but yours is a feeling or rather an emotion. I hope Tia doesn’t work you too hard, traveling is much too tiring for me, I’d hate for it to be my entire job.”

“Oh I love it! I get to meet all sorts of creatures and absorb their cultures. I get to spread love to all the corners of our plane! We should have dinner sometime, I’d love to hear any advice or wisdom you have for me as a newer Princess. Auntie just gives me vague answers and tells me to keep forging my own path.” She looks over to Celestia and gives her a pouting face.

Luna just chuckles as Cadence walks back over to Celestia and then gives her reply. “There is merit to my sister's words. I wouldn’t mind answering any specific questions you have, I think you could also give me some help with the more modern trends and customs. Will you be in the royal dining hall tonight?”

“I will! I’m looking forward to it.” Cadence then looks at me then back at Luna then back at me before tilting her head ever so slightly. She then leans over to Celestia and whispers something in her ear. The solar alicorn simply shakes her head in response to whatever Cadence said. The love princess then looks back to Luna, “I can definitely give you some pointers!”

Cadence's horn then lights up for a second before she looks at me, “Looks like duty calls, sorry we couldn’t talk, Ignis. You should come by the dining hall for breakfast tomorrow morning, I have some questions I was hoping you could answer for me. Nothing serious, I promise!” She then teleports out of the room.

“That one has far too much energy for me. Is she always like that?” I ask looking towards Celly.

“No, but she was excited to meet both of you. I mainly just wanted to stop by and check on your condition but it looks like you’re completely healed….. Absurd. I would like an explanation on your appearance though. I was watching your fight with Chrysalis and your new look causes me some concern. At first I thought you’d been possessed by Daybreaker.”

After explaining the intricacies of my race to Celestia and explaining the Nightmare Moon debacle she promises to have Twilight look into ways to combat the corruption without the elements. She says that she would prefer to not use them unless the corruption enters a more advanced stage, since the outcome of the elements is often unpredictable. After that she told me I was free to leave the medical wing whenever I felt like it, and she promptly left.

Once I got dressed Luna and I stopped by the dining hall so I could grab a bite to eat and then we set out for the Canterlot orphanage. After knocking on the door an elderly looking unicorn mare opened the door. After quickly panicking and dropping into a bow Luna gently told her she didn’t have to do that right now. “This is an unannounced visit, miss. No need to panic, we're just here to visit a pale yellow unicorn with a pattern of dots for a cutie mark. She’s been having some troubling nightmares and I wanted to stop by and check on her.”

The elderly mare stood up before replying. “Oh thank goodness. The poor dear wandered in here sometime last week apparently nopony knows who her parents are. I can’t believe somepony would just abandon their foal like that. Please follow me, if you could get her to tell you her name that’d be lovely. We haven’t been able to get a word out of her.”

While we’re following the mare Luna speaks up, “Her name is Cursive Hoof. I had some ponies in the census department figure out her name from my description of her appearance, they also correlated it to the report our foal services department received from you all when you took her in. Once they connected the dots, getting over here was one of my top priorities.”

We walk into a room with several beds and spot the filly drawing something while sitting on her bed. Luna calls out her name but receives no reaction. Once Luna gently prods her with her hoof the filly jumps and turns with a look of pure fear. I see Luna ignite her horn and they just stare at each other for a while. Every now and then the filly nods or shakes her head.

Getting bored of watching them have a telepathic conversation I look around at the pieces of paper scattered around her bed. One of them catches my eye and I pick it up. My face contorts to a look of confusion at the drawing, it’s some strange creature… it has two heads, one of them a unicorn the other a plain pony head. It has eyes and mouths down both of its necks and they connect to just a blob of mass at the bottom.

After staring at it in confusion for a few seconds I decide to ask the filly about the drawing. It’s quite unsettling to be honest. It almost looks like a hydra but with pony features, and I really want to confirm if this is what I think it is and why she drew it.

“Hey Cursive, what is this drawing of? Did you see something like this?” The filly just keeps staring at Luna, and I can feel my heartbeat quickening as a feeling of dread sets in. “HEY! Filly! Why did you draw this?!”

“Ignis!” Luna puts a hoof on my shoulder as I raise my voice towards the filly.

“What, Luna? I need to know why she drew this!”

“That’s fine, but you don’t need to yell.”

“She isn’t answering me?!”

Luna’s reply makes my blood run cold.

“Ignis, she’s deaf.”

Author's Note

ifykyk.

If you don't know, it'll be explained next chapter.

If you're thinking I didn't do enough setup or teasing for this I want you to go all the way back to when Luna had a block on her schedule for a couple of interview for potential Lunar Guards that she apparently blocked out the schedule for but forgot to select names for the interviews. :P

Thanks for reading!