Transformation

Celestia's alarm clock beeped loudly, only to be turned off by a black hoof that had as many holes in it as swiss cheese. The alicorn mare got out of bed and walked toward the balcony. Her transformation was almost complete. While there were still white patches, she already had the insectoid wings, faded blue mane, fangs, and hole-filled hooves. Even her cutie mark started to fade.

When she got to the balcony, she instantly changed back to her original form. She hated having to keep this from everyone, especially her own sister, but she just couldn't afford to cause an alarm. One thing's for sure though, she cannot continue to raise and lower the sun once the transformation's complete. Soon, she'll have to let someone else take over, but who and how will she tell her replacement.

Her horn lit up as she concentrated heavily on her task. The strain was a little much on her, but it had to be done. When the sun was raised, she walked back into her bedroom and changed back into her real form. Apparently changelings couldn't stay in their disguises forever. There was a knock at the door. "One second," Celestia said before she got back into her disguise. She opened the door to reveal Luna. " Good morning, Sister."

"Good morning," Luna greeted back. "I trust you've slept well."

"I have."

"That's good…" Luna looked down.

"Luna, is there something bothering you?"

"No, is something bothering you?"

"No, why would you say that."

"Because you keep locking yourself in your room and when you do get out, it's to date a random guard."

"Maybe I just need a rest from going public."

"A break is one thing, but this has been going on since Twilight's coronation."

"I know, but… Forget it, you wouldn't understand."

"Then help me. What is wrong with you?"

Celestia remained silent before she closed the door in Luna's face. Luna stood there in silence for about half an hour before walking away. This behavior was not at all like Celestia. Something was up, but the question was this: "What was it?"

Twilight sat at a wooden bench awaiting the one o'clock train from the Crystal Empire to arrive. She had a cup of coffee sitting next to her which she took a few sips from every few minutes. She didn't normally drink coffee, but she needed something to keep her awake after a rough night. Her thoughts about Celestia and Flash Sentry were constantly clouding her mind. She wasn't even sure she could properly do the proper research.

"Excuse me, your majesty." A male voice said. Twilight looked up to see who was speaking and saw Flash Sentry, complete with his golden armor and a spear was tucked under his wing.

Twilight stood up. "Hello, Lieutenant. Thank you for coming."

"You're welcome, it's good to see you again, your majesty."

"Lieutenant, how many times have I told you to just call me Twilight?"

"How many times have I told you to call me Flash?"

Twilight giggled, "Fair enough."

"So...what did you want to talk to me about?"

"Well...I'd prefer to talk at my home…"

"Hmm... I'm not sure...if people keep seeing us together then they might talk."

"Well...we'll just have to risk that, Flash."

"I guess we will, Twilight."

Luna walked through the palace garden. Her thoughts were not on the flowers; it was on her sister. Ever since Twilight's coronation, she locked herself in her room and won't explain why. It is very troubling for her, but there's nothing she could do, not if Celestia won't tell her. At this point, Luna needs a little relief, especially since she's the one who has to do all of Celestia's paperwork. What's next? Is she supposed to raise and lower the sun too?

"My… my… You seem to have a lot on your mind, don't you Princess Luna," a feminine voice said.

Luna turned to the source of the voice. She could have sworn that it was Discord, yet this draconequus was female. Then again, this is Discord. He has done stranger things. "Good morning, Discord. What tidings doth thou bring?"

"Only that of a princess that needs a laugh," a male voice said from behind."

Luna turned to look and, sure enough, there was Discord standing right before her! So who was this other figure? "Discord, is this one of your cohorts, or one of your tricks."

"Hurtful," the figure said, "Is that any way to make an impression on someone you just met?"

"Then what is tine name?"

"Eris. I'm actually Discord's little sister."

Luna was surprised to hear that considering that Discord never really mentioned his family, but one thing that she has learned about Discord's family based on this scene was…

"If you've seen one, you've seen them all." She was not that far off. Aside from her feminine figure and white mane, Eris looked almost exactly like Discord.

"It's weird, I know," Discord said, "But at least she more fun than you and Celestia. Speaking of, where is she?"

"She is locked in her room.

"Still?"

Luna nodded. "I know that something's wrong with her, but she won't tell me what it is."

"Well, I know Celestia was no fun before, but sheesh."

"Discord, this is no laughing matter. Now, I've already informed Twilight Sparkle and she will try to get to the bottom of this, but if you find out anything, let me know."

"Will do, but are you sure she's not just playing sick?"

"She's not sick, but she seems to be flirting with an alarming number of guards."

"Oh?" This sparked Eris's interest.

"Yes, though it is just an assumption. I don't know the full story yet."

"Aw…"

Luna raised an eyebrow before looking at Discord. "Any other relatives I should know about?"

"I have an older sister named Babel."

"Is she as crazy as you or Eris?"

"Sadly, no."

Twilight and Flash entered Twilight's home. Twilight closed the door behind Flash. "So…" Twilight sat down on the couch, "How have you been Flash?"

"I've been good, I guess, it's a little rough dealing with the other guards, since they're a bit…"

"I know… But maybe I can give you some relief."

Flash raised an eyebrow, "Oh?"

"Yes. It's that mission I was talking about."

"Uh-huh…"

"Well…you see Princess Celestia has been acting strange lately. She's been…um…well… She's locked herself up in her quarters, and when she comes out…she…well…asks a lot of the royal guards out on dates…"

Flash swallowed, "Ah… And…you want the Princess to ask me on a date, hoping I can figure out what's going on, right?"

"Correct, and when you've finished, report what you've learned."

"Uh…I dunno… One Princess is sorta enough for me."

Twilight blushed, "Um…thank you… But as long as you don't…Um…well-"

Flash's eyes widened, "Oh, definitely ABSOLUTELY not."

Twilight shot Flash a look, "Even if she orders you to do it?"

Flash started sweating, "W-would she do that?"

"Under normal circumstances, no. But if she's in heat."

"IF SHE'S IN WHAT?!" Flash screeched.

Twilight gave Flash a strange look, "Flash…surely you know how ponies-"

"I know what 'heat' is… But it's just…I mean… I really don't want to deal with THE RULER OF OUR COUNTRY IN HEAT!"

"I don't know whether or not she IS in heat or not, that's why I need a guard to report to me that I can trust."

"O…kay…"

"Are you sure you'd be willing to do this?"

"I…guess…it's for the good of Equestria, right?"

Twilight smiled, "Right…but…"

"But what?"

Twilight touched Flash's leg with her hoof, "Promise you'll stay faithful to me?"

Flash nuzzled Twilight's cheek. "You have my word."