With their meal complete, and coffee consumed, Lux followed Luna towards the throne room once again. The moon shone brightly through the stained glass, its ethereal glow giving the castle an almost dreamlike feeling. The day guards in their gold and white were replaced by their night counterparts in blue and silver. They also had bat wings, different from the more eagle-like wings of pegasi or the alicorns. Lux was quite interested actually in how the Equestrian military worked. But first, he had a more pressing question that had bothered him since Luna asked for his company this night.

"Why do ponies not attend Night Court? You'd think they'd jump more at the opportunity to talk to one of their rulers personally," I asked her. People would kill for the chance to have my ear for a few minutes at three in the morning. You would think that the same would apply here.

"We... suppose it must be out of fear. Few ponies hath seen us since our return from exile, and fewer still look upon our visage without fear. Beyond the obvious of ponies simply sleeping through our night," she replied after a moment of hesitation. Once again it harkened back to that exile business. I still wondered what it was all about. She didn't seem ready to tell though, and I was willing to respect that.

"I see. I suppose adjustment is needed for everyone. Couldn't imagine how my people would react if I went missing for a millenium. Hopefully I don't have to find out," I reply as we walk through the doors to the throne room. Luna takes her place on her throne while I lean against a nearby column. The lovely scent of lavender wafts through the halls, one of my favorite smells. I deeply inhale and smile in contentment.

"We see that thou enjoys the scent of lavender, yes? Tis a simple herb that serves many purposes, but we find the smell calms the castle staff and allows a good night of rest. We place fresh bundles of it every eve," Luna says from her throne.

"Lavender has one of my favorite scents. Although, not to be rude, but don't you have better things to do other than place lavender everywhere? It would be a simple enough task for your servants I would think."

"A thousand years ago, we did indeed. Today, we find ourselves further in dear Tia's shadow than ever. She hath not needed us for a millenium, and she finds it difficult to give us new purpose in a world as peaceful as our modern times. Though mine nights are far more skillful than hers, we know not of the many changes our sister hath made to the political runnings of our country. But we digress, and simply say that we have an abundance of time upon our hooves," Luna replied. That feeling of purposelessness was all to familiar to me, as I felt it within my youth. I think I did anyways, not that I remember specifics. But something else caught my attention.

"You said you find it difficult during these peaceful times? What was your purpose before peace took this land?"

"We served as leader for Equestria's armed forces, in addition to caring for the dreams of our ponies. But in this era, the nightmares are simple to resolve, and we haven't fought a war in centuries. As much as we enjoy the peace this gives our subjects, part of us doth wish for battle and great turmoil in order to simply have a purpose."

"Ah, I see. I've encountered this problem before, especially with the introduction of the Pax Imperialis. Er, Imperial Peace, rather," I said, slowly approaching one of the stock still guards near the doors. "Many soldiers found themselves feeling out of place when war is practically unknown. But an old politician from Terra had an excellent saying. 'Speak softly, and carry a big stick.' Honeyed words and whispers of peace are far more appealing when the alternative is fighting overwhelming military superiority. After all, peace requires maintenance. Thus, my armies and navies began to view themselves as the watchers of our tentative union of nations," I continued, finally reaching the guard. I inspected his spear and armor. Frankly both were more decorative than useful. But such could be made up for with raw skill. Which I couldn't know unless...

"But politics aside, how would you care for a show, Luna? A spar between one of your guards here and I. Presumably you could magically blunt our weapons, yes?" I asked, with a flourish. She seemed to consider for a moment, before nodding. Once again my blade was enshrouded in a psionic aura, this one blue.

"It hath been many years since we have seen entertainment of this variety. We accept thy proposal, tis not like much happens here anyways. Quicksilver, would you be so kind as to face the honorable Lux?" Luna asked one of her thestral guards. He stepped forward and his spearhead was enshrouded in the same blue light.

"As you command Princess," Quicksilver said, perhaps a tad annoyed at having to move from his place.

"10 paces, to allow for some maneuvering. No magic aside from weapon manipulation, not that either party utilizes such," I stipulated. He gave a nod before standing across from me. I drew my sword and he readied his spear. We both looked for Luna to begin the spar.

"Ready... begin!" she shouted, raising a hoof.

The spear had the reach advantage, meaning that I needed to be smart in order to avoid a solid stabbing. In addition, his lower height gave some other advantages when it came to fighting, as he could target my legs much more easily. I would also have to aim my strikes lower, further reducing my already comparatively abysmal reach. With this in mind, I carefully advanced in a bit of a fool's guard, blade held point towards the ground, leaving me relatively exposed. As I got into range, he took the bait. Propelled by his leathery wings, he attempted a simple stab to center mass. Efficient. Unfortunately, I quickly brought my sword up and deflected his spear. As he pulled back for another strike, I launched my own attack on his hooves while he adjusted their position on the haft. He took a step, back, attempting to maintain range whilst simultaneously trying to ward me off with the butt end of his spear. I didn't allow it, merely continuing to close in while carefully parrying what I needed to. Then, I pressed my attack. I flowed from one cut to the next, occasionally pausing in a guard stance to protect myself from a riposte. But consistently he took steps back, until finally he backed into a pillar. Our fight ended with my longsword at his neck.

I had gleaned much from this. While individually a more than passable fighter, he lacked a certain battlefield awareness. In addition, despite the relatively short bout, he was huffing and puffing. While his strength certainly did not mark him as out of shape, perhaps the guards lacked endurance training. He also fought defensively and with a degree of hesitation, which would be a boon if these were police or some equivalent. Not so for a professional soldier. And this says nothing of the fact that I swear I saw one of the Solar Guards sleeping on duty earlier today. With a bit of a frown, I sheathed my sword and extended a hand, which he shook with his hoof. Without a word he returned to his position by the door.

"Understand I mean no insult by this Luna, but even for peace time your men are... lacking. Not that this is particularly anybody's fault, peace breeds complacency after all," I stated, climbing my way up the dais to stand before her. "All of this was my elaborate way of showing that your skills are needed, even if your sister does not wish to acknowledge it. The nations of this world seem content to allow Equestria to continue as is, but how long shall such last? How long until some crisis sees a tyrant into power, who gazes upon your land with greed?"

I stare into her eyes for a few moments while she chews her lip. Finally, I see a small fire ignite within her. Minuscule for certain, and it will take her time to feel as though she has a place here. As well as words from others that I cannot give. But for once she seems hopeful, and I smile in satisfaction.

"I suggest you bring this up in the morning to your sister. But in the mean time, best to consider how you will present this to Celestia. While I am certain she is a fierce foe when provoked, she seems much more... reactive than proactive. A byproduct of age, if I had to guess."

"Thou art correct, this must be approached carefully. We must beseech thee to not bring forth our sister's flaws so readily, however," she replies, the last part with a bit of an edge to it. These two were very close indeed. Though I suppose I would treat my siblings the same if they lasted as long as I. It was siblings plural, right?

"As you say."

I then took my place again at a nearby pillar. I left Luna alone as she seemed to be deep in thought, which was good as I too had much to consider. Primarily concerning what exactly this world was. Natural psionics were a key feature of many worlds life-seeded by a handful of ancient civilizations. So far as I am aware, it is impossible to naturally evolve the biology required to pierce the veil into the dimension of pure energy that lay next to ours. Beyond that was the whole moving celestial bodies with magic situation. If I had to guess, the two of them psionically interfaced with a machine that then manipulated the sun and moon. They did not have the power to move an entire star without aid, otherwise I could have just launched Sol itself at an invading fleet, a conclave of Imperial Psions being more than a match for the two mares. All in all this screamed of those strange societal experiments the ancient empires that came before mine used to run to pass the time. Likely the thought being tested here was how a naturally magical society would evolve when they literally have to move the sun themselves. However, there was still one issue. How did Luna manipulate the stars? I would have to ask her later. Actually...

"Luna, are there any good spots for stargazing in the castle? I apologize for leaving so early, but I have much to accomplish before sunrise," I ask, hoping she won't be too upset at me taking my leave. She seems torn initially, but then I see her spark with an idea.

"We maintain an observatory on the castle grounds, if thou wishes to follow us," she said, before stepping down the dais and beginning to walk towards a door.

"Princess, I couldn't possibly ask you to lead me yourself," I replied politely. I had a feeling I knew what her response would be though.

"Nonsense, we shall treat thou as the guest of our castle you are. Besides, we hoped that perhaps you wouldn't mind us joining thee. We always love to talk of our night sky, and thou must admit that our Court is hardly bustling at this hour," she countered. Precisely as expected.

"Of course, it is your castle after all. That and I did promise to keep you company."

"Indeed thou did."

After a few minutes of walking, we found ourselves in the castle's observatory. A great telescope dominated the room, with a variety of books on astronomy lining the walls. There are a few pillows for sitting scattered around, and Luna takes the opportunity to claim a few. While she settles in, I think on how best to phrase my question.

"We know thou wanted to ask us something, Lux. We will not take offense at any questions thou may have, provided they are within reason," she says from her position on the pillows behind me. Few people could read me like a book, and it would seem I would have to be more careful than ever within these walls. Perhaps I should have stayed with Twilight. I got the feeling that I had willingly walked into a lion's den.

"I was simply curious as to how you set the stars in their place. The moon makes sense, but I cannot wrap my head around your carefully curated night skies, as gorgeous as they are," I said, turning back to look at her. My flattery scored me a blush, it appeared.

"We thank thee for thy compliments. Few stay up long enough to witness our greatest work, and fewer still tell us they enjoy it. But to answer thy question, we merely bend the light from the stars themselves so that they appear where we desire them to. Even our sister lacks the power to move objects so far away, let alone us."

I nodded in satisfaction at her answer. Nothing truly beyond explanation yet.

"Out of curiosity, would it be possible for me to see the night as it naturally appears? I wish to try locating where I am based on the relative positions of the stars in the sky," I asked, hopeful. She frowns for a moment, furrowing her brow once again in thought. Finally, she replies.

"We suppose it would be okay for this night. But thou must realize this is a large favor, one we expect repaid in full."

"I expect nothing less, Luna. Simply name your price and I shall satisfy it however I can."

"We have nothing in mind at this moment in time, but we shall return to thee if we think of anything," she stated while her horn glowed a soft blue. Eventually, the stars rearranged themselves into presumably their natural state. I snapped my fingers, summoning the small cube containing the Imperial star charts. Luna looked warily at the box in my hand.

Without giving an explanation, the holographic charts sprung to life in the room. Unlike previously, this time I ensured it was projected as large as I could get the thing to. The Milky Way swirled before myself and the alicorn, millions upon millions of pinpricks shining within the air, alongside the colorful swirls of nebulae and other stellar phenomena. Several dozen pieces of text sprung up from the three-dimensional chart, each pointing to important worlds within the Imperium. From Terra itself, to the Imperial Fleetyards in Deneb, to the birch world of Eternity within the center of the galaxy. I smiled as I surveyed my domain.

"Princess, I present to you my Imperium, such as it is," I said proudly. She looked at the hologram in confusion.

"Where, precisely? We recognize this as some galaxy, but we fail to see where thy domain stands," Luna said, standing up and squinting her eyes at the labels on the map. Realizing the maps weren't in Equestrian, I quickly changed the settings so she could read them.

"All of it is mine, or mine by proxy. Though I suppose if you want specifics, here," I explained as I shifted it to a political overlay. The member states of the Galactic Imperium were now outlined in their flag colors, with their names and heraldry centered on their territory. "The thirty-two member states of the Galactic Imperium. All bow to me as the currently undisputed Emperor of the Milky Way, though admittedly only this," I pointed to the Empire of Humankind, which took up nearly the entire Orion arm, "Is directly administered by me. The other states are largely autonomous, aside from taxes and when the Imperial Charter is amended with new laws from the Senate. In exchange for living under the Senate's laws and paying taxes, they are guaranteed the protection of the Imperial Navy, free trade and free movement between other member states, as well as access to the technologies researched by other members. It's my great work, my magnum opus."

Luna swallowed before asking, "How large?"

"Well, you need to be clearer on what metrics you're after, but in terms of citizens around eight-hundred trillion sapient individuals, give or take a few billion, swear allegiance. In terms of star systems, only a few million I want to say. We tend to ignore stars that are difficult to reach or lack resources," I answered, trying my best to seem casual. Frankly even I tended be to shocked at the numbers my staff provided on the regular in regards to the state of the galaxy. Luna simply plopped back down onto her pillows. While she processed, I looked at the night sky. The AI in my head began to search for recognizable features to pinpoint my position. Now I merely had to pray I was in the same galaxy...

"I always loved the night sky because it inspired me. When I was a boy, all those centuries ago, we had just begun to launch manned missions to Mars, the next planet over from Terra," I began to think aloud. "I wanted to go further, for mankind to dance amongst the stars like the comets that shot over the night sky. Greed and selfish ambition nearly stole that dream, my world bathed in the fires of war as we voraciously consumed the last of our easily accessible resources. But the dream and my faith sustained me when no other could, as I worked to unite what was left of our species," I said, before making eye contact with Luna, "And now I claim the very thing I used to hold in reverence as my own. Egotistical, it it not?"

Luna simply looked back in silence, which was quite fine. For once I spoke without the expectation of any answer, merely voicing my thoughts. Turning away from her, I continued to fondly gaze at the stars above.

"We don't think it egotistical at all. That, or we are equally as prideful. We claim the moon as our own, that which we adore and revere as well," Luna finally said, walking over to stand by my side. "Not even a millenium of exile upon it could dull our love for our wonderful moon."

"Was it lonely up there?"

"Only as much as it has been down here," she replied with a sad sigh. "The Nightmare bore most of the mental burden of being alone.. I was more in a sort of... unaware state."

"And what exactly was the Nightmare?" I finally asked, seeking an answer to the question that burned in my mind. Something so terrible as to force her own sister to sentence her to exile on the moon. She stiffened slightly, but eventually did begin to formulate an answer.

"Long ago, we ruled together with our sister over the ponies much like we do today. But few people appreciated the night, and many spurned us in favor of our sister. Eventually our jealousy of the adoration the ponies gave our sister boiled over, and we transformed into Nightmare Moon. Tis at this moment we lost control of ourselves, and attempted to kill our sister in order to claim Equestria and be its sole monarch. As a result, we were banished to the moon for a millennium. However, Twilight Sparkle and her friends wielded a set of powerful magical artifacts known as the Elements of Harmony upon our return from our banishment, cleansing us of the Nightmare. We have been trying to atone since then," she answered, the guilt and pain plain upon her face. She never made eye contact with me once during her tale.

I sat back with a sigh. At first I thought it some form of dissociative personality disorder, but the way she described the way it was removed from her and how it seemed to almost possess her correlated with one thing.

"I wouldn't have thought someone of your caliber idiotic enough to make a pact with one of the creatures beyond the Veil," I thoughtlessly said aloud. My eyes widened at my own statement, and I cursed myself for lapsing. I opened my mouth to apologize, but she turned away from me. She began to shake.

"Thou art correct in thy words, we art a terrible pony, undeserving of our place here," she said miserably. "Perhaps it would hath benefitted all if we simply died alongside the Nightmare."

In all honesty, I had no clue what to do. I had expected rage, or some other form of anger at me for how I insulted her, but agreement? I was not prepared for that. And I was especially not prepared for what she had just said. Unable to come up with any words to smooth over the situation, I simply acted. I scooted over and embraced Luna, who seemed so small now, around the base of her neck. As I drew her close, I realized the shaking was from her crying. Excellent job Lux, you managed to make a woman cry in a single sentence. Truly the greatest wordsmith of our time. I squeezed her tighter, the sort of peytral upon her chest digging into my side slightly. Eventually, after about a minute, I said something.

"Just because you made a single mistake doesn't mean you are a bad pony. And it most certainly does not mean you deserve death. I've made countless mistakes that arguably resulted in worse, but my people have forgiven and forgotten," I stated.

"But hath thou forgiven thyself?" Luna choked out, a simple statement that stopped me in my tracks. I licked my lips.

"No. I suppose I never have," I finally replied, thinking of the nightmares that plagued my sleep every day.

We sat in silence for what felt like an eternity. Which is really saying something considering most days barely registered as a moment within my memories. At some point one of her wings had slipped around me, returning my hug. I still doubted I would get used to the odd feeling of a hug. I felt magic begin flowing out of her eventually; it appeared she was projecting her soul elsewhere at the moment if my recognition of psionic patterns was correct. As I began to truly start dozing off, a small ding resounded in my head, and a another blip was added to the star charts that swirled above me and the blue mare. I looked up, and smiled at where it was.

"Well Luna, it appears some pressure will be off Twilight's shoulders," I said, breaking the silence. She didn't immediately respond, but soon the glow around her horn disappeared and she looked at me inquisitively.

"Your world is at least in the Milky Way, and it's not terribly far outside the existing hyperlane network. I'd give them two years to bore another hyperlane to my position, perhaps less if they actually put some effort into it," I answered her unasked question, while pointing at the new blip. "What do you call your planet anyways?"

"We named it Faust, after a goddess once worshipped within these lands long before our time," she replied. The blip renamed itself from 'unknown planet' to 'Faust.' We were on the arm opposite of Terra, closer to the galactic core. I gave a slight hum to myself; they were incredibly lucky to not have been naturally linked to the hyperlane network. This area in particular used to be an absolute warzone, claimed by a bunch of genocidal maniacs. Later it was desolated by the Abyssals, and that was after being one of the galactic core civilization's first conquests once they left the core. It took centuries for it to be rebuilt.

"That is truly wonderful!" Luna exclaimed, though she seemed to realize something that put a bit of a damper on the happiness she held for my discovery. Thinking back on our night, I carefully chose my next words.

"But, you still get to deal with me for quite some time. And even were they to arrive tomorrow, I still have a debt to repay to you and your sister."

"Indeed thou does, my friend," Luna replied. I frowned at the second half of her sentence. Luna took a step back at my expression. "Unless thou doth not consider us a friend as of yet. Per-"

"No, I was merely frowning because I cannot remember the last time somebody called me friend," I quickly interjected. She gave me a sad look at my words. And then, a great confidence filled her.

"Then we shall be your first in however many centuries it has been, Lux."

"I would like that very much Luna."

I once again made myself comfortable on the myriad of pillows, and soon the exhaustion hit me like a freight train. I fell asleep under the stars, as Luna continued whatever duties required her to project her soul elsewhere. Unfortunately, it appeared the presence of my newfound friend would not prevent my usual nightmares.

Or at least, so my subconscious initially thought.

Author's Note

Boom, another chapter complete. Fair warning I may slow down when I get back to college, but I intend to maintain at least weekly chapters. Hopefully more, course load willing.

To be 100% honest, I initially intended to have a more standoffish Luna. It came off a bit forced though, so I scrapped it in favor of this. I feel far happier with this, though I do wonder if perhaps I swung the pendulum too far in the opposite direction.

Not to worry though, Lux Aeternus will face his fair share of detractors soon enough. From both expected as well as unanticipated places.

But that aside, I think this next chapter will shed some more light on Lux, pun intended. While much of his personality has been shown already, there are some sides we have yet to see. Conquering the entirety of a galaxy is no bloodless task.