Adventures to the Unknown!
"I am going to go see Nessie, Sister can't complain that she's Messy! Pip and me are going to be, the Bestie... friends on our way to Nessie!" Luna cheerfully sang her heart out to her little song she made up a day ago.
Normally, seeing their Lady of the Night happy was the goal of the Opliptera Night Guards, but ever since she made that song up, she never... stopped... SINGING IT! Even the Captain of her Guards, Rouge Shield, was running low on patience, and calming the other Night Guards, as well as the morning shift of Celestia's guards.
"I am going to ask her to quiet it down! Please go back to your stations or so help me I'll--" Captain Shield soon came face-to-face with an upset Luna.
"Do I hear complaints about my singing? Would you all like to sing-a-long? " She asked the Captain in front of her, and a few nervous guards behind her. If the guards were anything like Celestia's, most would have went along with her request. Shield, however, was not like other guards.
"NO! We have had enough of that song! Lady Luna, we understand you are happy, and I cannot wait until you come back from your trip. But must you sing that song over and over?" Captain Rouge said to her Princess. The unaware Royal Guards had no idea such protocol could be broken, but they didn't know how forgiving Luna was either.
"Well, if you insist, I shall stop. I'll wait until I can teach Pip anyway!" Luna said. The crowd around the nearby halls sighed with relief there torment was over. "Speaking of... Captain Rouge who will be escorting us along the journey? I fear both Sargent Fury and lil, I mean, Private Blitzen are on a special assignment for now."
Luna smiled to herself. She had asked both of those two members of her own Private Guard to come up with a new series of pranks for her sister while she was away. It was an order so secret, that she didn't even discuss the details with her own Captain. It was her first "Black Ops" mission for the two newest non-Opliptera Guards. She looked to her Captain before she answered.
"Well, I have a couple choices. From Celestia's wing, we have Sargent Holy Armor, the cleric, and his partner, Private O'Roy. Or, we also have the siblings from the Night Guards, Lieutenant Polaris Blade, and his most trusted Private, Sirius Blade, his sister. Of course, Lunar Flame may be substituted if you prefer. I believe his wing is still healing though." She reported to her Lady of the Night.
"Hmm, I'l take the siblings along. In truth Captain, do you trust the Lieutenant to protect myself and lil Pip? I don't remember what monsters are out there after a thousand years, but if they fail in their protection of that colt." Luna raised her voice ever so slightly. Twilight may have been the first pony friendly to her that last Nightmare Night, but it was little Pip that stole her heart, and gave her the title of favorite Princess, something she occasional used when Celestia would argue with her.
"Should any harm come to him... Well, I'll have myself to blame, but I shall be very angry at the ponies who let him get hurt!" Captain Rouge thought about this. It was a well known secret that she and the Lieutenant were considering marriage, but were holding off until one or both left the Night Guard. Still there was nothing in her mind that said he wasn't anything but a brave Guard and loyal until the end.
Putting aside her need to protect her special somepony, she answered honestly. "I would trust him with my life, and her with everything else!" she said. Luna looked her over and nodded, and that decision was finally made.
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Princess Celestia was anxious to see Luna off. She still didn't believe in that imaginary creature, but the months of bickering petty threats and hundreds of photos of 'proof' and dozens of eyewitnesses made her on giving up on trying to get through to Luna. She hugged her sister tightly with her graceful wings. "Please, do stay safe. I believe all the major monster problems have been resolved over the years, but there are prankster Kelpies and other spirits still out there!"
"I shall Sister. I love you so much, but I shall bring back proof! I know she is still alive!" Luna said before leaping off to fly to Ponyville to meet her little colt friend. Her Guards flew behind and guarded her flank as she descended.
"I hope you do find her, sister. If just for closure." Celestia said to herself.
Luna had picked up little Pipsqueak and after much assurance that everything would be ok, and a very nice letter from Celestia as well, they were on their way! Luna for her part was so excited, she asked lil Pip to join in her new song!
"Oh no! Private, fly higher! It's that song again!" Lieutenant Polaris warned his sister before the two below started to sing.
"I am going to go see Nessie, Sister can't complain that she's Messy! Pip and me are going to be, the Bestie... friends on our way to Nessie!" she sang, while Pipsqueak sang a slightly different version for his song.
"AHH! It's still in my head, brother!" Sirius complained as the song danced in her head, with no way to get it out.
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Soon they came to a nice clearing and decided to make camp for a rest. As the journey was going to be a long one, the plan was to walk during the day, wake early, fly a bit with Pip on the Princess' back, and then continue on foot again until night. The first camp was a good distance aways from Ponyville and near the foot of the Canterlot Mountains. Luna smiled know if she needed to, her sister was somewhat closer to them watching over their journey.
Pipsqueak finally finished his tent and sat near the Princess, and was very eager to talk to her after the fun day of singing. He would never admit it to anypony, but he sort of liked being around his favorite Princess, it made him feel special. "Well, I got all I had to do done with that tent. I am so happy to be here with you Princess." he told her, and she nuzzled him for a little bit.
"As am I Pipsqueak, as am I." Luna said, but embraced the you colt in a tight hug before she continued. "I have missed you so much, and once we head out tomorrow, the real adventure begins!" Luna was excited. According to all the evidence she was given over the years, Nessie was supposed to be in a lake North of Canterlot. Reports varied, but she had a few lakes in mind that she remembered from all those years ago.
"Miss Luna, you are so pretty. Tell me how you move the moon or *yawn* or how you make the.. sky ..so..." Pipsqueak tried to ask, but his energy was spent during their long walk, and all that singing made him very tired. Luna held the colt for a little while, and whispered something in his ear that made him smile before she lowered him into his tent.
Luna smiled, but had something important to ask her escorts. "Lieutenant, Private, come!" she ordered and the two stealthy Night Guards swooped down from a nearby tree. They saluted to her Majesty, and she dismissed them without saying anything. "Do you know anything about these lands? I asked the others and very few travelled these non-populated areas much anymore. Anything from your clan traditions?" Luna asked both the Blade clansponies in front of her.
"I know from history this area used to have some terrible river monsters. If we do travel near these bodies of water, I suggest that we use caution. Kelpies and tricksters I don't worry to much about, but things like the Ukoy were never killed." Lieutenant Polaris reported to his Lady of the Night.
"Isn't that big tentacle monster? I could have swore we handled that years ago, according to our stories." Private Sirius interjected.
"No, the creature was very weak when we captured it and dragged it out of the water, but it escaped and is much stronger when it is nearer to its lair. So long as we keep a safe distance from the water at night, we should be ok." the Lieutenant said. Luna acknowledged both of their opinions.
"What of Lake Serpents, Rogue Dragons? There are other creatures of the water, but Sister assured me those were dealt with." Luna asked. Both of the escorts shook their heads, no dragons or dragon-like creatures had been reported in many years, even in this area.
"Well, alright then. Please get some rest. I shall watch over you my children as you sleep, and protect Pipsqueak as he were my own. Good night." She ordered the two to rest which they both were eager to do after the long flight. Luna looked once more up to the Canterlot Mountain, and mumbled a very low goodnight to her sister above.
Elsewhere a creature looked over the camp site, anger in its eyes, and hunger growing in its belly. It was hungry, but knew fire meant danger. It watched the camp, and waited for something to happen.
Luna was getting ready to rest, and put out the small fire near the camp. She went to wake the Guards for their duty to watch her and her guest, when she sensed something nearby. She ignored it, but on instinct placed a small shielding spell around the entrance of little Pips tent. She woke her Guards and as Polaris stretched out, he froze.
"Princess, what... is that?!?" He pointed with a single hoof, but otherwise stayed still. Luna slowly turned, readying her magic for an attack if the creature was dangerous. As she turned she saw it.
"A Sianach? Here?!? Lieutenant get the Private ready, I am going to speak to it!" Luna ordered and the Guard shook his sister up, who was ready to fight until she saw the creature. For those two guards there, it was a large red-eyed deer like creature. It's antlers were huge and sharp, and it hovered near the tent sniffing the smalls of the sleeping colt. Unlike a deer though, its teeth were sharp and that meant one thing: It was a carnivorous beast!
Both Night Guards positioned themselves, ready to fly towards the creature if it foolishly attacked the Princess. Because it had a name, they waited for Luna to talk to it, but readied themselves and their lives for her defense.
"Sianach! Please hear me, I can see you hunger, and can offer you what little we have! In turn, leave this little colt alone, and hunt elsewhere. I shall not hurt you." Princess Luna looked into the eyes of the creature and stared. It stared back, but sensed the pony in fron of it was willing to fight for its colt. It growled, and seemed to motion for the offered food. Luna turned to pick up the pack of food, but the creature ripped into the tent, and Luna blasted the creature back with a strong magic force, blasting some of its defensive antlers off. The two opliptera guard swooped in next to their Princess flashing their weapons.
"HOW DARE YOU TRY TO HARM MY CHILD! RUN FOUL CREATURE! She yelled in the Canterlot Royal voice and her eyes glowed with visable anger even the Night Guards feared. The creature scared for its life and afraid for losing more antlers simply did what was asked of it, and ran away. While it turned Pipsqueak had woken up and saw the creature, but stayed still in fear of being gobbled up. when the creature left, a calmer Luna ran to the side of a very scared Pipsqueak.
"I wanna go home. I am so sorry Miss Luna, I can't go anymore. I don't wanna be gobbled up!!!" Pip said as he cried. Luna was saddened. She wanted to share this adventure with her little colt friend but found herself crying with the little colt too.
"We have failed you Our Princess, we shall await our punishment at--" Lieutenant Polaris tried to say, but Luna motioned him to be silent.
"No, the fault was with me my children. We shall head back after we rest. If you two spot ANYTHING else, wake me immediately. Especially if it is that foul creature!" Luna hated how greedy that Sianach for not only trying to eat her friend, but making him cry was too far for her.
She held her small friend and kissed his head, as he fell asleep again. The guards talked over the recent events while searching for the evil creature the rest of the night. Little did they know, another creature had heard the commotion some distance away, and was on its way over to see what that noise was.
Pipsqueak woke up the next morning, seeing his Princess hold him over his sleeping bag. He was so happy she was protecting him, but felt bad that they had to go back. He looked around for the guards, but he didn't see anypony around. He looked for his little back he had snacks in there, but saw some strange creature trying to open it up.
He was scared it was another of those saw nock things the other ponies were talking about. But as it turned around trying to figure out how to open the bag, he realized it was a pegasi filly. She seemed to have very odd wings, but Pip decided that maybe she was special or something. "After all, the bat ponies with Luna had different wings, so why can't this filly?" he thought to himself. As she was about to run off, Pip jumped out of Luna's grip and jumped in front of the surprised pony.
"AHH! No eat! No eat! I no food!" she yelled, covering herself with her large wings. Pip looked at her oddly, trying to figure out a way to get her out of hiding, when he got his bag, and opened it. he reached for a snack, and she peaked out, looking at him.
"I am a friend, who are you?" Pipsqueak asked. She was trying to reach for the snack, when two Night Guards dropped down on either side of her, and the Private escorted the young colt away.
"Princess, we found another creature! She was near the colt and--" Luna jumped up and was charging a spell as she galloped towards the little figure between the guards when the little creature cried.
"Please! I afraid. I scare. Sorry! Please... NEED DADDY!" the little filly-like creature cried out, as Luna halted, and observed the creature was scared, and not a danger.
Luna ordered her Night Guards to stand down, and Pipsqueak ran towards the terrified creature, and gave her the snack, which she bit out of his hoof, and ate greedily. "HAPPY HAPPY! Yum Yum!" she cried out and sat in front of the colt, starring at him.
"It can't be... it isn't possible! Lieutenant, are you sure there were no dragons sighted here?" she asked her guard.
"As far as I know, but is this another Kirin? She seems to have scales like Blitzen." he asked his Lady.
"Yes, and no. This is a type of pony-dragon, called a Longma. If I recall they are very special mixes that... " Luna paused and looked for a stick on the ground. She picked it up, and looked at the little filly. "Little one, could you go get this stick as I throw it?"
"Yes Yes, nice lady! I get then, more Yum Yum!" the filly said excitedly wagging her tail like a dog, and trotting in place excitedly.
"Princess are you sure you want to--" Private Sirius was interrupted as the stick flew into the river, and before everyponies' eye, she did something impossible. She WALKED on the water! She grabbed the stick and ran back to the group, and rubbed against the small colt, expecting another snack.
Pipsqueak hugged the filly and gave her another snack. She hugged him back and nuzzled him as well. The two went off and played, as the adult ponies talked. "Princess, excuse my language but what in the HAY is that?!?" Private Sirius asked.
"A Longma. They are like Kirin, Dragon-Pony hybrids, but from a far-Eastern land. I don't know how she is here! Her father must have lost her, but how did she survive out here alone?" Luna asked herself, and saw the excited filly leapt into the air, and its Piscine-like wings unfurled, and she flew into the air for a brief while.
"What should we do? I mean, we can't leave her here and she seems to really have bounded with Pipsqueak. Plus she needs some serious speech therapy and--" the Lieutenant stopped when both mares stared at him angrily for the last suggestion.
"Yes, we should try to bring her back with us. I can contact the Dragons of that land, and see if any of them have missing family. But, let's try and get them back." Luna ordered and the guards walked towards the two playing young ponies, and then, as they came closer, Pip spoke to the Princess.
"She knows where Nessie is! She knows where she is!" he said excitedly. Luna heart jumped in her chest and she was going to have him repeat himself, but held back.
"Pipsqueak, we really should go back. I know last night was scary for you, and we should get you back." Luna offered the colt, when an angry Longma filly stood between her and the colt, as to defend him.
"He stay, I bring to Nessie! Please?" she asked the Princess and the guards before her, and Pipsqueak looked excited to continue as well. She began to walk around and spread her wings to fly, and wanted to show them the way.
"Are you sure you wish to continue, little one? I don't know what else lies ahead, but if you want to come, we shall." the Princess asked one more time.
"Yes, I want to go, and can she come? She is really nice and is fun!" Pip asked in a sweet way, and Luna's heart melted at the sight. She nodded, and the small colt climbed onto the Princesses back, and the other ponies who could fly got ready to follow towards where the excited Longma filly flew.
The flight to the location where the young filly claimed to see Nessie seemed to be around the same location as the reports indicated, but as she was only a little one, she did get tired, and so the group rested nearby another riverbend, and a new lake that was a short hike away. The filly seemed very excited to land, despite the long flight. Perhaps due to her larger wingspan, she didn't have to flap as much as the other adult ponies
"I remember this spot, from long ago. Of course, this river wasn't as strong flowing, but I suppose time changes things!" Luna declared very happy she had begun remembering locations. Her Guards were prepping the camp site, and scanning around for creatures as Pip got up to stretch and help with his belongings as well.
As he did so, he noticed the filly was gone. "Princess? Where did the 'Longma' filly go? I can't find her anywhere, and I wanted to share more snacks with her!" Pi said, but Luna had seen her run towards the water.
"Well, it appears she is hungry. Pip, I know you may not understand, but some creatures, like that filly, eat--" Luna was explaining about how she was a hunter, when she was interrupted by the filly dropping a slightly chewed up fish.
"Yum Yum, for pretty lady! He can have too!" she said excitedly. She took a portion into her mouth, and chewed it in front on the two ponies who were not used to seeing meat being eaten.
"You... you killed the fish! You don't need to eat them! I have snacks and candy, ponies don't eat fish!" Pipqueak tried to reason with his new friend, but she merely looked at him, shrugged, and took the other portion for herself. Pip looked to his Princess, wondering why his friend acted that way.
"Oh Pip, I am so sorry. It'll be ok. She is part Dragon and they eat meat, like the Griffons do. I'll make sure she doesn't do so again around you, if you'd prefer?" Luna said, trying not to let this cultural incident damage the young friendship developing. Pip nodded his head, and Luna walked over to the filly.
"Hi nice lady! Want Yum Yum?" she asked, but saw the Princess was uneasing about the remains of the fish that were there.
"No little one, we don't eat that. We eat snacks, and things like this. " Luna pointed to some food that they brought with them like sandwiches, cookies, etc. "What is your name little one? Where is your mommy and daddy?"
"Daddy went away. Be back soon. Mommy... " she looked down, and teared up, but held back her tears. "It ok, she love me. I am Awkuwa. AW-KU-WA!" she said her name slowly to the curious Princess.
"You are Aqua, or--"
"AW! KU! WA! Not that one, Awkuwa!" The filly repeated herself, and the Princess noticed it was in fact three distinct syllables, not two, like in the previous word she guessed.
"Alright little Awkuwa! I am Princess Luna, and I wish to learn more about you, but only after we find Nessie. Then, would you like to join us home? We can help find your Daddy." Luna asked the filly. In truth, while she was fascinated with the creature, she didn't want her to live alone any longer. She worried the monsters, or eventually something else, would take her life as a lonely filly.
"Yay! I can go! I like him! He hugs and likes Awkuwa!" she said proudly. Luna listened, and did see she still needed a little help with her speech patterns, but that would come in time. The fact she could speak was very reassuring to the Princess. She smiled and kissed the filly on the head, and she seemed really excited by the action, and charged away from the Princess, to repeat that action to little Pip repeatedly.
"Princess! The filly won't stop kissing me!" Pipsqueak said in a slight panic, but knew she was trying to be nice. Luna laughed and separated the two, and after a big meal, they settled in for some much needed rest.
"I am so close to seeing her again! I know she has to remember me!" Luna said to herself as she watched the stars in the sky, and made sure the two tired children rested easy.
"Princess Luna! There is an odd creature asking for you some distance away!" a slightly scared Private Sirius said to the awakened Princess. She got up and followed the Private to a nearby hill, and slowed as she saw a large creature, with a lion-like body and strange head in front of her. She recognized him, but he was far from where he normally lived.
"Haha! Sphinx! What are you doing here? I am not due for another riddle from you until five hundred years or so." She asked the odd creature, who laughed at her assumption it was here for her.
"Princess, it has truly been a while, but I find myself here not of my will, but through some odd magic. Also, I am here for your colt. Though he is young, he must be tested by a trail of riddles, or questions. You know this is my way." he explained to the Night Princess.
"What of little Awkuwa? She is innocent, and unable to understand much outside of survival! Please, leave her out of your duty!" Luna asked the ancient creature before her.
"I shall, as Awkuwa Kounsel has been tested before. I shall say, her Father still lives, but I fear he may have forgotten her. Now, the colt?" the Sphinx asked.
"Yes, this way. Do not harm him!" Luna said, and the two long-living creatures walked towards the camp.
Pipsqueak woke up, and saw a giant creature before him. It smiled as Luna waited at the side, and allowed Pip to face the creature alone. "Hello Mister monster? May I help you??"
The Sphinx smiled. "I am here to asked a simple question or riddle, something that can be profound, or a simple statement of fact. You must answer, and then I may give you an answer to any question you seek. If not, you will not be ready to continue this journey. Do you understand?" It asked.
Pip swallowed his nervousness, and agreed to the creatures request. He may be young, but he was going to be brave for his Princess. "I am ready!'
The Sphinx closed its eyes. "Oh to the Powers of the Universe. Give this small Colt a Question he must answer, or turn away to journey another day!" An image floated near Pip's head. "Answer this Universe ordained question now!" The Sphinx commanded.
Pipsqueak looked, and saw a math problem. He may have been young, but it seemed to him it was 'three plus three' written in front of him. He thought about it, to make sure it wasn't a joke, and he answered confidently. "Six, Mr. Monster!"
"HAHAHAHA! You are incorrect you... wait, you were given THIS question? " The Sphinx seemed betrayed by the Universe, and accepted he had been beaten. "Very well, ask any question, but I shall only answer this one, and no other for another fifty years, should we see each other again."
Pip knew what to ask right away. "Where is Nessie?" He asked simply, as this was the purpose of his journey.
"She is near the Lake between the two Mountains. But beware, for as you shall be excited to meet her, your Majesty will feel much sorrow." The Sphinx said, and Luna tried to stop him from disappearing, but he was already gone.
"What did he mean?" Luna asked herself. She ignored the cryptic answer and looked to the young colt, and the now awakened Awkuwa filly.
Pip jumped excitedly, his journey and adventure had been fun, but he missed home. "Look Princess, that lake is right there!" He motioned his hoof towards the direction of the mountains, and in the distance, you could spot a glimmer of water from the spot they were.
"Well then. Everypony ready? We are nearly there!" Luna declared, picking both filly and colt on her back, and flying fast towards the lake in the distance.
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The Lake was certainly a sight to behold, and almost everything Luna remembered those years ago. She was so eager to introduce her guests to her friend, and was ready to search the waters. But the little ones, as well as herself and guards, were quite hungry, so they decided to eat before their search. Awkuwa opted to walk along the lake to eat, and as she caught her food, she yelled out happily.
"Nessie! Nessie! She is here!" she announced, and the large creature came up, and nuzzled the small Longma, who showed not fear, but happiness of seeing her friend. The creature itself had a long neck, and a gentle round head. It appeared to be very docile, like a water herbivore. It playfully licked the face of the filly as she pet it and cheered its name.
Pip and the Guards came closer and stared at the creature, but Luna held back. "No, you... you can't be her! You are so small, and different!" She announced, and the creature and other ponies looked at her. "You all don't understand, this cannot be my Nessie!"
"Your Majesty, you were correct about there being a creature as you described, The Private shall take the photos soon, but what do you mean?" Lieutenant Polaris asked his Princess. Something was odd about his Princess' behavior. She looked like she had seen this creature before, but what she said would mean perhaps this was another creature?
The creature then made a series of low noises. Luna came closer, and used magic to link her mind with the creature, and after a brief time in its mind, she pulled away crying. Luna was not crying for fear, but what seemed to be tears of sadness. Her Guard stood by concerned, but little Pip raised his hoof, and ran towards her first.
"How did he know! Why didn't she tell me! I loved her, and she let them, let them---" Luna pouted more loudly, and Pip was unsure how to approach this. He had seen his own mother cry at times and he knew, sometimes, just being there for her cheered her up. If that didn't work, a simple kiss would with a slight nuzzle.
He bravely approached the Princess, and scooted himself under her front legs. He looked up to her face, and even though she wasn't his mother, he went to kiss her, when she looked over at the colt, and their lips, ever so briefly met and for a few seconds the two were kissing each other.
Now from Luna's view, it was an accident and she regretted the action immediately. To Pip, his entire world froze at that magical moment. He finally realized that those feelings for his princess was a crush! He liked her!!! He didn't know how, but he wanted to be his Princess' special somepony one day.
The young colt opened his eyes to see a blushing Luna staring at him, and her tears stopping slowly. She hugged him tightly and whispered so many thanks to him. The colt was proud he had helped his princess feel better. "She died. My Nessie, they killed her. My sister's Royal Guards... thought she was a dragon. That Nessie, she is her daughter. I...am sad it isn't her, but I am happy, she is ok." She confesses why she cried to her little colt friend.
Pipsqueak listened to the Princess tell her stories on how she used to play with Old Nessie before, sneak away to talk and just get away from the Castle for a bit. The most fun rides around the lake, and scaring away little birds and silly things like that. "You can still make new memories, but with this new Nessie!" Pip suggested. Luna knew he was right, but was upset the way she found out this way, however she had new happy memories to make!
They walked back together, and played with the creature for the rest of the day, and after several pictures were taken they were more than ready to go back home. Luna had her duties, Pipsqueak missed his family, and Awkuwa had her Father to go home to. Tomorrow was the day they would all head back, and tell all what they found on their journey.
Days had passed, but Luna was back in Ponyville to drop the young colt off home. She had her guards escort the filly to Canterlot to investigate more on her missing family. She thought it prudent to talk to the little colt a bit before dropping him off. "You know Pip, I am sorry about all those creatures that we had seen out there. I shall let your mother know, and if she has any questions, she can write me for more details."
"It's ok, but Princess, can I write you too?" Pipsqueak asked, hoping he could just spend the rest of the day with his beautiful Princess friend.
"Of course. You are a wonderful friend, and I love you as such!" Luna said proudly, but the little colt used this opportunity to kiss the Princess again on the lips, and she pulled back somewhat angrily. "Pip, you mustn't do that! Why would you... Oh."
Luna finally recalled that accident those days back. What was a simple peck on the lips to her, was something more to her little friend. Rather than hurt him later, she decided the truth was important to tell now. "Pip, we cannot. You are too young, and I have a special somepony. Big Mac... he's a such sweet stallion and... "
Pip was sad, but not crying. He felt hurt, but knew his Princess was with a good stallion. "Princess, I understand. Can I ask you something though?"
"Yes, of course, my little Pipsqueak!" Luna said, holding her friend tightly. She hated hurting his feelings, but had to be honest.
"Can I be one of your special guards one day? I know I am small, but one day I want to serve and protect you, if I can." He asked, expecting to be told he was too young again.
"You shall. When you are ready, I'll call you to serve. I know you'll be an excellent and brave guard for me. Just don't grow too fast, ok little Pip?" Luna playfully bopped his head, and played with him one more time. Both shared laughs and enjoyed being together for just a little while longer. They soon finished playing and once they finally got to his house, they went their separate ways.
Pip looked up as his Princess flew away. "I'll be ready for you Princess. I promise."
Princess Luna arrived back at the castle soon after and was greeted with a tight hug by her sister. Princess Celestia noticed Luna seemed slightly mad at her. "You knew, didn't you? That's why you didn't want me to go. Why did they kill her?" Luna hugged her sister as she asked, not wanting to cry again at the memory.
"Sister it was a different time. I never told you, as I was unsure of the fact it was your beloved friend until you kept bringing her up. I am very sorry for doubting you all those years ago and more recently especially. I just didn't want to see you hurt." Celestia answered her sister. "We do need to discuss what else you found. I am told by your guards that this Kirin-like filly is a Longma? How did she survive out there, and do you know anything else about her? She does seem to love water, as she ran straight into a fountain when she arrived!" Celestia recalled and laughed at the recent memory.
Luna broke the hug and remembered all that happened concerning Awkuwa. "Yes, I know her name, and I had a run-in with our old friend, the Sphinx. He mentioned her Father is alive, but unaware of his daughter being alive. I shall contact the Dragons and hopefully ask about any of the Elders knowing about dragons missing family." She stating as they caught up.
"Alright sister. We shall need somewhere for the little filly to stay until we find out more. Still, it is very exciting to her that at least some dragons and ponies are getting along to make such an excitable filly. I wish you the best of luck sister. Oh, before I go... your two agents were caught and confessed their involvement in your operation! We nearly had ourselves a civil war because of those pranks, and while I am still upset with them, I shall defer to you concerning their punishment." Princess Celestia stated, and Luna shied away.
"Sister, you can't be serious. I had nothing to do with that! But I shall talk to them, and yes, I better go now bye!" Luna walked away trying to hide her involvement, and a smile she had imagining how the pranks went. She after all, had to go see her Private Guards and find out what had happened while she was away...
Princess Celestia was anxious to see Luna off. She still didn't believe in that imaginary creature, but the months of bickering petty threats and hundreds of photos of proof and dozens of eyewitnesses made her on giving up on trying to get through to Luna. She hugged her sister tightly with her graceful wings. "Please, do stay safe. I believe all the major monster problems have been resolved over the years, but there are prankster Kelpies and other spirits still out there!"
"I shall Sister. I love you so much, but I shall bring back proof! I know she is still alive!" Luna said before leaping off to fly to Ponyville to meet her little colt friend. Her Guards flew behind and guarded her flank as she descended.
"I hope you do find her, sister. If just for closure." Celestia said to herself.
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Nearby, Sergeant Fury watched his Princess leave with the colt, Private Blitzen. "She is gone now, and Operation: Luna Eclipse is a go! Blitzen, you have any suggestions for a good prank that is both low risk for our capture, and harmless fun for the Princess?" Sergeant Fury asked his Private.
Blitzen was a special colt called a Kirin who had sworn himself to Lady Luna sometime back in exchange for giving him a normal pony life, and to grow up more for his special somepony in Ponyville. Despite his youth he was still considered an equal amongst the other Privates. "Yes Sir, I have a few ideas. I have ordered some herbs from the Zebra, Zecora, in Ponyville. I have a special mixture in mind that we can put in the Princess' cake she is making. It'll make whatever the tasty frosting it is mixed with taste like muddy water or something else nasty, Sir!" the Private reported.
"Hmm, I believe that is a good start. Good job, Private! I have another plan that may involve a little revenge for Luna's special books being leaked out. We will need to get her out of her chambers for a while, and get some of her personal scroll seals, but if it works she'll be as embarrassed as her sister!" Sergeant Fury told the young Private who giggled at the thought. While the leak of those books did result in Luna finding Big Mac, she was still mad at her sister for all that had occurred..
"Permission to create a distraction with the other Night Guards, Sir?" the young Private asked.
"Permission granted. Remember, nopony must know why this is happening!" he warned his eager Private who ran as fast as he can to wake the sleepy Opliptera Guards up for his plan.
"Now we wait." Sergeant Fury said to himself. He loved a good prank, but a Royal prank was too good to pass up. He went over the checklist he had been given by the Princess of the NIght, and destroyed the scroll to prevent anypony from know about this mission. They were two guards alone, in an opening salvo of the new Royal Prank war!
Sergeant Fury had gotten the seals he needed to prepare a fraudulent letter to the student of Celestia in Ponyville. Luna had pre-written these long before the trip, and asked Twilight to research on an embarrassing issue that Celestia asked of her. She knew Twilight enough that she would complete the task, and send as much information as possible back to her sister, and would no doubt embarrass her. It was all on Sergeant Feather Fury to sneak this message with the others being sent out tomorrow.
Between him and the stack of scrolls was about four Royal Guards guarding the mail for Princess Celestia. Using a magic spell cast by his unicorn Private, he was able to stick to the walls, so long as he kept flapping his wings at a slow steady pace. He had to be careful while he was sticking to the walls, his wings did still move air around him, and any of the pegasi guards would feel the wind currents.
He managed to wait until an opening was presented, and the letter was dropped on top of the others without anypony noticing. Sergeant Fury smiled, knowing that part one was handled. It was up to the Student of the Princess to do the rest. He flew out silently, and chuckled as he entered his barracks, and nodded to his partner in crime the job was complete. The Private smiled back, said his prayers to his Princess, looked at his picture of his very special filly, and slept dreaming of her most lovely singing voice.
The Castle was readying itself for another busy day. Private Blitzen just got his delivery of herbs and another letter he promptly hid from his Sergeant. He got the herbs and set them aside to mix them later, but had to practice morning exercises first thing. His Sergeant found the herbs, and looked them over, and snuck a quick look at his other letter, which turned out to be a cheesy love letter he felt bad looking over.
The two finally met up, and the Private showed him how much of the herbs to mix in the cake mix. Princess Celestia was eager to eat as much cake when her sister wasn't around as she could, and a big one was nearly ready. The frosting sat there, and the two mixed the herbs into the delicious frosting mix and rushed out quickly.
Sergeant Fury watched over the last preparation while Private Blitzen excused himself to check on the letter, which he opened and read each word with a warmth in his heart, before realizing somepony had opened it! Now, it was no secret about his love down in Ponyville, but Blitzen was quite offended his Sergeant who he trusted, had looked through this and the other special letters! He devised a plan then and there to get back at the unsuspecting pegasus. "I'll get him back and he will even help me do so!" he said to himself, and grabbed a bottle fro under the Sergeant's bunk.
He marched back to his Sergeant and gave him a cake from the barracks, but this frosting had laxative mixed in it. Blitzen laughed as he watched both the Princess and commanding officer eat the treats, and the reaction the poor Princess had when she took her first bite. "What is the meaning of this Lu---" Celestia realized Luna was in fact still gone.
"I want the guards to check the kitchen staff, and find the jokester responsible. I was hoping to share this cake, but it seems the frosting has been tampered with as I ate it." the Princess said. One thing that got her mad almost as much as something hurting her Ponies, was somepony messing with her cake time. NO ONE messes with a Princess and her cake time!
She made her way to the kitchen to order more frosting when the two of Luna's guards hoofed each other, congratulating themselves one prank was working well. Sergeant Fury went to attend a staff meeting and left Blitzen to head for the barracks. Blitzen happily waited for the laxative to work its effects, and to write his beloved another song for her to sing for the next visit.
Sergeant Fury was not only angry, he was very embarrassed. He knew he wasn't feeling himself during the staff meeting, but as his stomach gurgled and his body gave in, he had to leave and deal with the issue as quickly as possible. His Captain was mad, but she understood when the other male Royal Guards told her he was having issues in the restroom.
Still, Feather Fury was never one to take a prank like this laying down. Especially as he knew it was his own Private, lil Blitzen, who had done this to him! "He may find this funny, but I know one thing he treasures I can destroy as he sleeps to get even!" He talked to himself, as he snuck in and prepared the shaving tools.
Sergeant Fury had met the young Kirin a few months back. But unlike other colts his age, he had a particular facial feature they did not have. a beard. Normally, only creatures like goats would grow something like a beard that young, and the other Royal and Night Guards used to mock him, until their respective Captains told them to knock it off. Still, seeing a young one wear this white fur on his chin lead to Feather Fury himself asking why he never shaved it off.
"I wouldn't dream of doing that, Sir! I have had this since I was young, and I believe all Kirins have one, even my adopted Sister. Though I would advise never telling her that! She is very sensitive about her facial fur, Sir!" Private Blitzen had told him. It was through that off conversation, that this prank would find its target.
Blitzen slept next to a picture of his home and his sweetheart in his bed. He always liked waking up to those two things, and his Commanding Officers allowed him to do so, because of his being a colt. He woke up, kissed his picture of his special crush, and hugged the picture of home as usual. However, he notice his chin was tingling, and white fur was present next to his head as he got up. He trotted to the nearest mirror and a feeling of panic as well as anger overwhelmed him, almost to tears. "My beard! Who shaved my precious beard?!?"
As tears came to his eyes, Sergeant Fury came to call upon him for morning drills. "Oh, looks like the little Private has finally grown up and learned to shave!" He said mockingly to him. Blitzen was confused, as his Sergeant was never cruel to him, unlike other guards who teased him. He, however, soon realized the murderer of Blitzy beard was and the Sergeant added, "Now, we are even! Let's get to those drills, Private!" he ordered, and marched ahead.
"Yes, Sir!" Blitzen said. He was very angry. Two things you NEVER touch that belong to a Kirin, are their loved ones, and their beard. He hurt the latter, and feared for his Sergeant if he ever touched the former. Still, Blitzen let it go, as he didn't want to be in trouble by prolonging a prank battle with his Commanding Officer. He marched out to follow when he heard the Royal Canterlot Voice call for guards.
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The Private, and soon Sergeant, ran together to see what had happened to the Princess. When they entered they saw the Princess' own student, Twilight Sparkle, sitting near the Royal Alicorn blushing embarrassingly. "I am so sorry Princess but your letter said--"
"I know what the letter said, and I am very glad you did such, thorough, research on this topic. However, I did not write this! The Guards responsible for this idea of a prank are going to step forward and explain themselves right now!" Princess celestia had said.
Nopony present knew what the 'issue' that Twilight was visiting for, other than it was some sort of mare issue, and that was all. The two pranksters standing at attention winked at each other, happy that Phase Two was complete! Yes, the Princess was embarrassed, but Luna had planned this, and all they had to do was follow the clever plan!
"I will NOT REPEAT MYSELF! Who is responsible for this! Was it your troops, Captain Shield?" she accused the Opliptera Captain.
"I assure you that my troops would rather die than dishonor the one who rescued Lady Luna." The Captain said, but like most of the Shield clan, she didn't know when it was a good time to stop talking. "I expect YOU to apologize to my Guards. I shan't take that accusation, and raise the your undisciplined Royal Guards are to blame. I would also say this is Lady Luna because--"
"ENOUGH! YOU ARE RELIEVED OF YOUR POST!" Celestia shouted, but regretted raising her voice, as the Night Guards were very upset that their Captain was being ordered step down, and started to face off to the opposing Royal Guards who supported Celestia. Twilight hid under Celestia's wing and tried to calm those she could while Celestia regretted being so harsh.
A stallion shover one stallion on one side, and then another, and soon, both sets of guards were fighting among themselves, trying to defend each other's honor. It was a scene of chaos, that all started from a simple prank letter. Despite the Princess asking and even raising her voice to calm the opposing sides, anger fueled each side, and it was in that moment, somepony decided to end it all.
"STOP EVERYPONY!" a small voice shouted and let loose a small bolt of lightning upward to silence everypony present. "I did it, please! My Captain has nothing to do with this, she is a kind-hearted Soldier and loves you, Princess Celestia! I am the one who snuck the letter to send to Miss Sparkle!" Blitzen confessed, crying in fear for a near mini-Civil War that was brewing after the Captain was nearly forced to step down..
"No Private! I did it! I also sabotaged your cake, Princess Celestia. Please, let the Private go!" Sergeant Fury confessed as well, with the Opliptera Guards shocked that their Brother pegasi and servant of Lady Luna did such a thing. Both of Luna's Guards stood to face the Princess together, as the Sergeant held the crying colt, make sure his sobs and the resulting diamond-like jewels were being cleaned-up.
Celestia was happy that everything was calmed, but livid she found the pranksters. "Everypony, except the two guards, the Captain, and my student, please leave." she said calmly, and the other ponies left. Once alone, she turned to her student. "It seems this was a prank, my most Faithful Student. I apologize for my reaction, and to the Captain, I didn't mean what I said."
"Of course, Lady Celestia! I apologize for my behavior as well. YOU TWO are on my list, starting TODAY!" Captain Shield said to the bowing guards, and she left hiding tears after her yelling match with the Princess. She prayed that she never had to do that again.
"Yes, it would appear you two have some explaining to do. Before you do, I will say it was cruel of Luna to have you two pull these pranks off. Yes, I am fully aware it was her, as only my sister can write a letter like I can to fool Twilight." Celestia said, and the unicorn was very embarrassed again.
"No, your Majesty. We were given instruction that we are to be punished should the prank be discovered. I, however, have already upset the young Private enough, and I shall take our punishments." Sergeant Fury said, and shot a flirtatious glare at the purple unicorn next to the Princess. She simply blushed, but scowled at him for involving her in the joke.
"I want you both to apologize to Twilight, especially you little Blitzen. She never deserved this involvement." Both Guards apologized, and Blitzen even kissed the hoof of the Librarian, who smiled at the Kirin colt.
"I forgive you two. But next time, you shouldn't be involved in somepony else's battle." She added cheerfully, and even hugged the still teary-eyed colt. The Princess nodded to her student and she set off back to her home.
"I expect so much from my Sister's own Private Guard, and even if you two were under orders, we shall have to discuss punishment at a later time. For now, do not let me catch you two doing anymore pranks. I'll talk to my sister about this when she comes." Princess Celestia hugged the two Guards, and they bowed to her before being dismissed.
As the two guards left Celestia sat back of her throne, thinking about what just happened. "Oh Luna, I underestimated you! You are quite the clever prankster, aren't you!" Princess Celestia said to herself, and hid the scrolls of advice about her problem away, still laughing that Twilight would do such a thing without confirming with her first.
"I don't care how long it takes for you to finish, you to eat this cake, and clean every room in the barracks until Lady Luna gets back. I swear, I work with such useless Donkeys around here! No offense, Officer Earl!" Captain Shield was ranting
"None take ma'am" The passing Donkey said cheerfully.
"Anyway, the cake is in the fridge and it is all you two will eat until you are done. I better not EVER catch you two making me stick my neck out for you like that again. Have a nice night, ok?" Captain Shield finally finished, and flew off as there was much paperwork she had to file.
The two were left to their tasks when the stallion decided to speak up. "Blitzen, I am really sorry about shaving your beard, buddy! I guess I got caught up in the prank war." Sergeant Fury said to his partner.
"It is ok, Sir. I am so sorry for making you get in trouble for the laxative frosting. I, just thought you were looking at my letters. You have no idea what my Sweetie did for me, so I guess I got jealous. Sir." Blitzen confessed to his Commanding Officer.
They hugged briefly, and Feather Fury and he talked through the issue, sharing why Blitzen was in the Private Guard in the first place. "It's because she saved my life, and I wanted to spend my life with the filly who was willing to do that. I could have lived a long time, but I simply didn't see life without her as an option. That is why I serve Lady Luna, Sir." He stated honestly, as he cleared some gum off a chair.
"Wow, this Sweetie sounds like a special mare. Hehe, I guess I am a little jealous! Never had much luck with the mares, but yours was very brave. I did look at the letters, but only to see what they were, nothing more than that. I am still sorry." Sargent Feather Fury said.
"I accept that, and now I see why the Opliptera call you their Brother. You are a good stallion, Sir!" Blitzen said, cleaning a particular stubborn stain off the ground.
"Hehe, by the way... do you think I have a chance with that cute purple Unicorn? Twilight Sparklie?" The sergeant teased the colt.
"Sir, I say go for it. Besides, what is the worst that can happen?" Blitzen said, remembering his previous run-in with the unicorn, and hid a giggle. They talked the rest of the night, and managed to clean up most of the barracks by morning, and got to sleep during their normal day-shift.
Blitzen got up after a precious few hours of sleep, and saw an odd creature with its head in their barrack's fridge. He motioned a hoof to shake the Sargent nearby awake. As the Sergeant got up, a little filly with unusual looking wings pounced them. "HI HI! Your Yum Yum tastes so good! Want some?" she said very excitedly to the older pegasus who was not believing what he saw.
Blitzen was simply staring at the creature who shared the same physiology as himself, but instead of being a unicorn like himself, she was a pegasus with dragon-like wings. Wings that despite all his self-control he stared at and drooled over and forgot all about what he was thinking about moments earlier.
"Private, stop staring at the little filly's wings! I swear you and wings... She is obviously lost, and we need to find out how she got her and report to the Captain." The Sergeant told his partner who blushed at being caught staring. They both dressed and got ready as the filly continued eating almost all their muddy-tasting cake. The two guards were prepared and prepared to take the filly to their Captain.
As they walked down with the filly bouncing behind them, and occasionally hugging both of the two males, the older pegasus had to add one more tease to the young colt. "So, does your filly knew about your love of wings? I could have swore she was a unicorn and --"
"DON'T EVER mention this to her! I mean, please don't say anything about that, Sir!" Private Blitzen yelled with an almost scary veil of threat behind his unease. The older stallion nodded and remembered to 'never' tease with the Kirin's love life or odd wing fascination.
They approached the Captain's office and as they opened the door, they saw the Captain and Lieutenant making out and simply stared. "YOU TWO! OUT! NOW!" Captain Rouge ordered and they shut the door immediately and backed away.
Both partners, and even the filly started to laugh. Just as they stopped laughing Princess Luna came down the hall and greeted them and looked happy she found the special filly. "Lady Luna, the Captain and Lieutenant are... busy in there, please don't--" Private Blitzen tried to warn the princess, but she saw the two Opliptera were doing what she imagined Blitzen was warning her about.
"Captain! You and the Lieutenant! Such impropriety! You know you should have told me he was your special somepony, and I would have allowed a short leave." the Princess casually said, not particularly caring of the breach of protocol. She after all, trusted her Captain, and her love life was her business.
"I apologize Lady Luna! I, also need to inform you of those TWO! Do you know what they did? I nearly lost my rank as Captain yesterday defending them, and I want permission to punish them!" Captain Rouge Shield said, trying to change the focus from her, and to the two guards who were still on her 'list'.
"No need, I am aware as I gave them the order. I however will talk to Celestia myself regarding her stepping over my own guards. I mean, it isn't as if our two ranks were on the brink of fighting, right?" Luna innocently asked. Seeing all silent in front of her gave her the answer she was fearing. "Oh dear..."
"I want more Yum Yum nice lady!" a small filly interrupted her thoughts and forms of apologies that Luna was preparing in her head. She was excitedly hovering and her Piscine-like wings caught the guards present attention, beside Blitzen.
"Everypony, this is Awkuwa. She is a Kirin-like filly we found while out on the adventure. I'll explain more in a little while. For now, I would prefer to tell my guards this only once, so could you wake the Night Guard for a meeting, Captain?" Luna asked her Captain, who was happy to do so.
..."and that is where I was this whole time, my dear Children. I found my new friend, Lil Nessie, and this small filly, and I simply ask you all watch her as she were your own. Until I find some place she can stay." Princess Luna told her guards some moments later. All the guards looked tired but were ready to do as their Lady requested, and some of the female guards even played with the filly, calling her 'cute' and 'adorable'.
"You two, come with me" Luna directed her voice to her two Private Guards and they followed. She lead them to a separate room and closed the door. "How did Celestia find out it was me behind the pranks? I gave you both explicit instruction to not saying anything and, well?" Their lady Princess waited for their answers, and then Sergeant Fury answered.
"She knew we were not able to trick Miss Twilight Sparkle, and guessed it must have been you. We both said nothing, although the only witness to that was Miss Sparkle herself." he spoke plainly. Luna however could easily confirm this, as she knew both guards before her had know idea how Celestia wrote her letters.
"Very well. Still, to satisfy my sister's anger, you two are off-duty for the next two weeks. I'll arrange transport tp Ponyville, and all I wish to order you, is to have fun. I cannot guarantee the Captain's punishments won't be lifted, but I shall see what I can do. Is that understood?" Luna asked the two before her.
"Yes Ma'am! Thank you Princess Luna!" Both guards said, and with that, they were going to run to the barracks, when Luna asked for Blitzen to stay behind.
"Here, there are some bits and a reservation for a nice place for you two to stay in Ponyville. You may visit your home as well, and of course see your beloved one. Just... don't have too much fun little one, and that goes for your Sergeant too!" Blitzen blushed, as he knew what Luna implied as a tease, but did worry about what Feather Fury would do with himself in Ponyville.
"Yes, I understand Lady Luna. I thank you again for my ability to serve you, and cannot wait to be back! I shall have fun as well." Blitzen said, and excused himself as Luna continued to look over a few photos she took of her trip.
Both Blitzen and Feather Fury were ready to go on their punishment to Ponyville, when Feather Fury asked Blitzen. "Hey! Doesn't that unicorn librarian live there?!?"
"Sister, I have come up with nothing from the dragons, but I may have a solution with your permiss--" Luna was saying as she ran into a cellophane sheet as she walked into Celestia's Private Chambers. Luna looked cross at her, but knew the prank war was back in full swing again!
"Haha, you always fall for that little Sis, but what is it you were asking?" Celestia asked her sister as they sat in the bed together.
"I think I may know the best pony to teach and maybe come to figuring out what issues little Awkuwa is going through. But as she is your student, I wanted to ask you first." Luna asked, knowing her Sister was concerned for the filly too.
"I'll ask Twilight. Who knows, perhaps helping raise a filly for a little while will inspire her to get out more and have a family of her own one day." Celestia said as she poured some tea for herself and her sister. Both sipped the tea, but began to laugh at the thought of Twilight Sparkle actually finding love.
"Sister, that isn't right to make fun of her! I am sure Twilight is fully able to find love one day." Luna tried to stop laughing at the thought. "Besides, I think you underestimate her... just trust me on this!" Luna said, her mind somewhere else at the moment.
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Below in Ponyville, Twilight was spending an evening under the stars with a certain pegasus Sergeant. "I am so glad you asked me out, but I hope I am not boring you with the constellations. I know I am not the most exciting mare around." Twilight said to her guest, unsure if this was a regular date idea or not and over analyzing what she was doing at the moment.
"Don't worry, I can listen to you talk all night!" Feather Fury added and simply looked upon his newest date and listened to her words with apparent eagerness." I hope Private Blitzen is ready to leave for Cloudsdale or somewhere else tomorrow. I like this unicorn, but she is so nerdy. I guess it is cute, but I don't think I would like to hear this on every date! I hope Blitzen is doing better than I am." He thought to himself as she repeated the lecture on the history of constellations.
Blitzen meanwhile, was at a mini-sleepover with his special filly friend Sweetie Belle and her friends Scootaloo and Apple Bloom. He was telling about the pranks they did towards poor Celestia, and despite all that they did, they got a vacation out of it. "It has been fun, but I still miss my beard... " Blitzen lamented. All the fillies present however complemented the new look, and it cheered him up greatly. Perhaps it wasn't a bad thing. I hope Sergeant Fury is having fun too! The Private thought as the sleepover continued into the night.
