Hello dear readers here Halsenbert once again with a new chapter of Moonbeam.

I hope you enjoy it and Im really sorry for the long wait. Almost a hole moth, man that's messing up. But without further ado… LET'S BEGIN!:

Read and review.

Author's note:MLP does not belong to me, as does its characters, the characters and OC's of this story belong to their respective authors, this story was made not for profit and with the sole purpose of entertaining.


Moonbeam

Chapter 18 – The Captain and The Ruler.

The corridors of the intricate castle of the two sisters were certainly much more dreary during the nights than the EverFree forest itself, or at least that was the thought that crossed Shayla's mind as she toured the interior of the castle in the company of the deity of the Sun.

The decoration was undoubtedly sublime, there were banners made of the finest fabrics that hung from the walls. A large number of valuables could be seen such as vases, paintings everywhere, and few battle armors that were also used as decoration. The carpets in the hallways were soft and plush and yet the zebra still preferred the forest, it really felt strange being in a place like that. She certainly did not see herself living in a place like that, perhaps inside a tree, but never in a castle, she did not find it "Natural".

Celestia and Shayla approached the room guarded by Epsilon. The huge wooden door adorned with a hull-carved nightscape made the Night Guard's Captain looks much smaller than she actually was.

The mare looked at the two of them, paying her attention especially to the strange colorful zebra that accompanied the deity of the Sun. Epsilon was quite intrigued by the fact that that zebra used so many colors in its fur and mane. However, after a quick look, Epsilon turned her attention to the rare bracelet carried on one of the zebra's front legs, which purple color emitted an unmistakable glow.

-Princess- said the guardian by bowing slightly without looking away from the zebra.

-Is my sister available?- asked the pearl-colored alicorn looking at the door of the room that remained firmly closed.

-I'm afraid Princess Luna wishes not to be disturbed for the time being. But she assured me that would be ready to go to the capital in time with you, your majesty- replied the mare by looking at the princess before rising up and focusing her amber eye once more on the zebra.

The extravagant zebra was unfamiliar with that kind of pony, having cared for Siegfried's wounds and his brothers Shayla noticed a big difference between them and the common ponies. While her own curiosity had led her to learn the anatomy of many supernatural creatures. That pony kind was still a rather intriguing mystery.

First of all were those wings built with rigid needle-thin bones, which were held by a bat-like elastic membrane and covered by a thin layer of soft fur.

Secondly, their eyes seemed to be more adapted to night-time activities, so their pupils could better perceive the changes in light allowing them to move more deftly at night or in low-light places.

Finally, the biggest difference Shayla noticed in them was in their teeth. Although their front teeth were very similar to those of a common pony being those extremely thick and resistant to crushing herbs, branches or fruits, the sharp tusks and molars they had seemed much more adapted to hold and tear meat. A fact that was interesting and somewhat horrifying if you thought about it from the point of view of a prey.

Despite this it also found great similarities, although their bodies had notable differences, their bone structures and muscles were not very different from those of the rest of the inhabitants of Equestria. They had bodies very similar to those of a pony, their hooves were smooth like those of any other stallion and had no claws like the ones a predator would have.

Despite all this, the zebra could not understand why the soldiers had exhibited such unwelred behaviour in front of Siegfried, Alcor and Merak. After all those ponies were also creatures that could bleed and feel like any other pony.

Now, however, Shayla's curiosity had just received a nudge of gigantic proportions. The mare in front of her emanated a rather abnormal aura even for her species. While that aura could be a characteristic of females of their breed, it did not seem natural at all. On the other hoof, she was not sure if that breed of ponies had the same date of heat as the others or if this particular breed began its season of heat at this time of the year. And although Shayla's nature prompted her to ask that question, the zebra preferred to restrain herself thinking that perhaps it would be an unsatisfied first approach.

It was enough to look at the mare's eyes... or at least the only one who was not covered by the lock of hair, to notice that the mare was completely different even in comparison of the three stallions she had just attended at the reception of the castle. Her curious nature made Shayla concentrate her full attention on that Night Guard... Inside her, a trace of unicorn-like magic could be perceived, although the zebra could not locate the source of that energy. And being honest, she couldn't deny either that the mare had a body… that really turned her on.

-She is Shayla, she is an excellent healer, I brought her to make sure she takes care of you… Your brothers had several blows and I would like to make sure that every pony is in excellent conditions... that includes you- added the Sun's Deity noticing the look that Epsilon was directing at the zebra next to her.

The Night Guard looked at her princess for a moment to respond with full respect.

-With all due respect, your majesty. I am in a better state than my brothers-

-Dear, you are covered in blood- the deity of the Sun added kindly.

-Blood that doesn't belong to me- replied the mare. The zebra's movement quickly caught her eye forcing her to focus her gaze on the alchemist once more. The zebra stepped forward looking at the mare's hoof, however Shayla stopped her advance at the sight of Epsilon's gaze.

-Shayla's sorry, yes, yes, yes. But to Shayla thinks that blood it's yours- the zebra said, pointing at the mare's foreleg.

Epsilon removed her hoof from the zebra's sight before returning her attention to the princess standing in front of her.

-I'm fine, it was a scratch, nothing to worry princess- Epsilon replied.

-Luna had already told me that none of you feel comfortable near a doctor, but I assure you that Shayla will not do you any harm, she just wants to help- The zebra nodded vigorously several times.

The princess low her head to be at the level of the mare, and then added with a soft tone. -She also has very good knowledge when it comes to the anatomy of rare creatures. As you can tell, it doesn't have racist complexes- said the ruler of the day winking at her. Epsilon only arched his eyebrow.

-...-

-...-

Noticing the mare's lack of response, the princess decided to take another kind of approach.

-Please- said the deity of the Sun by putting her best puppy face... or in her case, filly face.

Epsilon tried to ignore this, but the princess' insistence and huge magenta eyes ended up forcing her to give in.

-Okay- the mare reluctantly said -But you won't put a single hoof on me- she added addressing the zebra.

-Oh no, no, no. Shayla promises not to touch... just check- assured the zebra following the mare to the bathroom.

-And you'll have to stay out of the bathroom while I groom- added the mare looking over her shoulder to the zebra that followed her closely like a shadow.

Celestia wait until the corridor was alone once more before proceeding to gently knock the wooden door with her hoof.

KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK.

The sound of the hoof banging on her door caught the attention of the night princess, who had Chrysalis' foreleg among her own.

Luna let out a slightly exasperated sigh, before placing the Changeling's Princess' hooves under the mattress, proceeding to cover her with the blankets enough so that no one could see her from her bedroom door.

-Luna?- her sister called her from the other side of the door -I just wanted to know how are you, I'm very sorry… what I told you a few mometos ago, it was wrong, I... I just want you to know that I was just worried about you... And when I saw you all covered in blood I... for a second I...- Celestia let out a sigh, I didn't really know what to say, at the time-

Celestia tried to think of something on her way from the reception to her sister's room, but nothing came to mind, now she was standing there… in front of a door that seemed to have grown considerably, though it could also be a side effect of her anxiety.

-I'm really sorry, Luna- she finally said, recharging her forehead on the wooden surface.

Having received no response from the other side, Celestia turned around ready to go back to the reception... Maybe her sister was still upset... Maybe it would be better to wait for Luna to calm down a little bit. As much as it hurt to leave things like this, she will wait a little longer.

-We also regret what we told you Tia- spoke the indigo alicorn coming out of the room and closing the door behind her -It wasn't right of me. But I hope you understand that I have no regrets about anything else.

The Sun Princess looked at her younger sister with sad eyes.

-I understand, if you prefer to stay with Crisi... I could replace you at tonight's meeting- the monarch volunteered.

-Crisi's life is no longer in danger, apparently the spells they taught me in the militia worked well on her, now what she needs is to have enough rest, that's all-

It was true... partly... the spells she learned during the war had allowed Luna to treat Chrysalis' remaining wounds, though the greatest fate certainly lay in the changeling's ability to heal her worst wounds thanks to the energy the night princess had given her with that kiss on the Dungeon.

-I understand, but...-

-We era safe and sound Tia, We are also a princess and have duties to our people, We cannot neglect them for selfish reasons- Celestia kept silent -We suppose it was you who asked Epsilon to retire- added the youngest of the sisters, noticing the absence of her Guardian.

The deity of the sun just nodded.

-Understand, as soon as she gets back, we can leave- the princess of the night said, returning to her own room.

-Of course Luna- the deity of the Sun replied as her sister disappeared once more behind her bedroom door.

The deity of the Sun set out to retreat, her spirit somewhat decayed a little.

-KYAAAAAA- Epsilon's cry took her by surprise -I told YOU TO STAY OUT SIDE!-


-You're not serious your majesty, are you?- asked Caramel, the confusion present in his expression.

He and the princess were in the castle's back gardens. The light of the nocturnal stars illuminating the place with a dim and clear brightness, yet varying white and fluffy clouds had begun to cluster blocking most of the night sky.

-The creature leading that hive perfectly matches Zephora's description. I can't let them remain a threat to Luna's safety-

-But you can't split efforts looking for something that's hidden in the Everfree forest, it'll be a waste of time, not to mention that you'll end up not just putting your sister at risk, but you with her too-

-Even if it wasn't my wish... a confrontation will be inevitable. My sister and her guards attacked the hive in response to the abduction of one of her friends-

"Although I'm sure she's more than just a friend" the monarch thought to herself.

-Sooner or later they will attack us for revenge and I prefer something to be done now that we have the advantage, than to expect those creatures to take the lead as King Sombra did-

The pegasus watched his princess walking back and forth non-stop. Caramel understood the princess's restlessness perfectly, but the fact that Celestia's sister was involved in the matter clouded her judgment with ease.

-I understand your posture princess... and I assure you that I will always be the first to be willing to watch over your well-being and Princess Luna's too. But let's face it, they know the forest much better than us, even you who have lived in this castle for so long do not know what inhabits this place. The royal soldiers will have less opportunity being this an unknown territory- the stallion said, asserting every word.

Celestia stopped her nervous walk before looking at the lonely tombstone in the center of the garden. That piece of engraved marble made it very clear to her how fragile life really was. The kingdom had weakened, the war against Cristal's empire had considerably reduced the number of soldiers. The kingdom's economy was almost on the ground, farms could barely produce enough food because of land's over-exploitation, the vast majority of the workforce was physically or emotionally injured and in the worst case buried underground and tons of snow.

She was even forced to close several schools to avoid diverting resources from the troops on the first line of defense. Equestria was at its worst and did not have the resources to send a group in search of that threat without putting her sister or herself at greater risk. She really had her hooves tied up this time.

-My sister and I have been in charge of this kingdom for several decades, I always knew that it would be difficult to rule such a vast kingdom. But the smiles of the inhabitants of this land always gave me the strength I lacked to move forward- The pearl-colored alicorn closed her eyes recalling those years of peace and harmony that had covered her kingdom for so long ago.


Flashback

PUFFF

One of the clouds that ran through the sky at that moment took the form of a pear with wings, before beginning to flap and traverse several circles of light adorning the sky.

-It's not fair!- squealed a small alicorn with indigo fur, little Luna still did not have her CuttyMark yet and her little horn barely sticked out of her fluffy blue sky mane.

The small alicorn focused heavily on an attempt to collect enough energy in her horn before a small spark of light came out of it and began to float in front of her. The brightness of the sphere of light was dim and pleasant, a type of light that emitted a heat of its own that seemed to fill the heart of any pony on contact.

-Wow- exclaimed a young Celestia, her size was only smaller than that of an average pony, her pink mane contrasted with the colorful mane she now wore proudly. On her white flanks could be seen a small golden sun. Next to her was an elongated creature with dull expression and whose body looked like a zoo combined into a single animal.

-It's beautiful!- added the young white-furred alicorn by approaching her forehooves to the sphere that was levitating in front of her little sister -Look, isn't it amazing?- said the pearly alicorn by taking the sphere of light between her hooves, while her little sister smiled cheerfully and proudly at her.

-If you ask me, I would honestly prefer it to have many more colors, maybe a little pink, some blue, might a bit of green- the draconequus answered looking at the dial with some boredom. The creature snapped the fingers of its lion's paw instantly exploding his cloud creating a small shower of colorful sparks falling around all three of them.

-Oh come on Discord, don't be like that, Luna tried quite hard... plus- add the alicorn looking at her little sister fondly who gave her back an involuntary little smile -It's a pretty impressive spell- Celestia took the draconequus' eagle claw.

-Oh my Celestia!... if you want to ask for my paw at least we have to have a date first- the chaos deity mocked without changing its boring expression.

-Oh sush you- Celestia replied -Just sit still- she added, and placed the sphere on her companion's claw.

-Come on Tia just fill yourself with courage and tell me that you lov...- the draconequus looked at the sphere of light in its claw in complete incredulity.

For some reason that faint brilliance caught his attention completely, setting aside any sarcastic comments that could occur to him at that very moment.

-You even managed to keep him quiet- Celestia joked, she and Luna start giggling at Discord's expression.

The laughter of both however did not seem to distract the draconequus who remained staring at that sphere of light for a while longer. As the heat of that light ran through his body ending inside his chest.

-I suppose so- replied the young Draconequus.

End of Flashback


-I totally miss those days, captain. That time when we were young and without all these duties at hoof. Those were good times, why couldn't all be happy moments, why do we have to suffer so much in this world?- asked the princess, opening her beautiful magenta eyes by looking at the stars.

-I think life has these bad times so that we can treasure the good experiences even more- Caramel said, approaching his princess.

-I suppose that makes sense- she said more calmly.

Caramel looked at the princess's mane waving no-stop, in the moonlight she looked as spectacular as a lunar rainbow, those long lashes that adorned those beautiful eyes that day by day made him remember that he still had much to live for.

-You're right, the kingdom hasn't recovered from the damage we suffered during war yet, but I can't ignore Zephora's warning either- she said, looking at him right in the eye -Caramel, I want you to stay here with my sister, I'm sure you'll be able to keep the castle right safeguarded until the situation stabilizes.

-But majesty I don't think it's the best...- The princess put her helmet on the stallion's lips.

-I know that your duty is to protect the kingdom above all else, but I assure you it will not be for long, I am sure that in a couple of months we will have the support of the noble houses and they will help us rebuild our kingdom-

-You really thinks they will help out of sheer charity, you know how greedy the nobles can be and although there are their exceptions, I am sure that most will not provide their support without first receiving something in return-

-I am aware of this Caramel, but we cannot rebuild the kingdom without everyone's support. I will do what I have to do to protect my subjects and if that means I have to give in to some requests I will be willing to do so.

-But Princess Celestia...-

-I know that what I am asking you is out of your duties, I understand your anguish, but I cannot let my people continue to suffer because of me either. There are sacrifices a princess must make to ensure the proper functioning of her kingdom. With all the work I'll have for the next few months, it's going to be impossible for me to take care of Luna. I don't want to leave her alone either, but I think the stress is affecting her, I really want her to take a time away from the stress that comes with being a princess, a little time alone with her special pony may help her forget about all these problems for a while, and maybe she will smile again like she used to before all this.

-You are also a pony and as such you have the right to take time off from time to time-

-I will when things stabilize I promise you so-

A pleasant silence was made present as the stallion watched the deity of the Sun levitate a pair of flowers up to the marble tombstone of Megres.

-I don't think anything can get close to the castle without Zephora detecting it. Clover and a couple of sorcerers will also be nearby to keep the castle shields active at all times. And with you guarding the surroundings with your soldiers, I'm sure Luna won't be in any danger. And in the worst case Luna will have her guards by her side at all times, they are very capable ponies and I know you will know how to guide them in a fight if necessary.

-I don't doubt them, they're really awesome creatures, but... I'm sure you've already noticed that the soldiers still can't get used to them- he said, looking away -Despite all that Lieutenant Siegfried and Captain Epsilon have sacrificed for the kingdom, many ponies are still afraid of them-

-The ponies are afraid of what is different and that is why they end up rejecting anything other than themselves, even between the three races there is still a lot of friction and unethical practices. I do my best to diminish them, but I can't be so arrogant as to think that I'll get rid of them completely in such a short time. However, I hope that the day will come when we can all live in peace and harmony.

Small winter stars began to fall from the sky drawing the attention of the princess and the captain.

-I know you're striving to make us all happy and what's happened lately has affected you a lot, but it's not time to give up. If necessary, I'll take care of carrying you by myself until the end of this journey, so that after crossing this storm you could see sunrise once more- remarked the captain.

Celestia took a couple of snowflakes on her hooves, observing the artwork with that kind look that characterized her so much.

-The pegasus have begun to spread the winter throughout the kingdom, I hope that this year we can have an splendid Heart's Warming Eve together- the princess said looking at the castle tower behind her, behind the windows of that balcony located at the top of the tower was the room of her beloved young sister.

-Dear Sister-

The deity of the Sun moves her eyes to meet the gaze of her younger sister, who was accompanied by Siegfried, Alcor and Merak. The pearl-colored alicorn assumed that her sister had left Chrysi under the care of Epsilon.

-Are you ready Luna?-

-Yes, dear sister. We must leave now or else we won't make it in time for the meeting- said the dark-blue alicorn.

After saying goodbye to the captain of her royal guard, Celestia turned around and began advancing followed by Luna and the Night Guards. Caramel simply stood in place watching them embark on the flight back to the capital.

-I also hope I can spend the Heart's Warming Eve with you princess- the stallion said as he laid his gaze on Megres's tombstone, while the snowflakes covered it little by little.

-I never told any of you soldier, but I always thought it was unprofessional of you to love Princess Luna more than you loved our kingdom… It is ironic that I am now the one who shares a similar feeling to my beloved princess, worrying more for her wellbeing more than my own kingdom's one- added the captain before turning around and went back to the castle to organize his troops. The stallion did not notice the mare watching him from above, her amber eye looking at him from the other side of the tower's window.


Author's note:

Well here's the new chapter, it's really not as long as the last chapters I've uploaded, but I hope that doesn't bother you XD.

I wish you a nice week and see you on the next chapter. ALLONSY…


In memory of Victor Fidel Beloved grandfather and mentor.

March/1938 - October/2018

In memory of Carolina López Beloved aunt and life's example.

May/1947 - February/2020