Chaos Competition Chapter 10

Moonlight Modesty

Luna looked up at the night sky as she finished organizing the stars. Her horn glowed as she made some of the dots on the sky sparkle with a brighter glow, in order to give the sky more beauty.

“That should be good... Oh.” She looked aside as she came upon the crooked constellations that Discord had made many centuries ago. I can’t believe it. They’re... They’re still here...?

Her eyes teared up slightly as she remembered the complaints that she had made to her sister while ‘Wilder’ snickered and enjoyed her frustration. He never did put all of her stars in the right order, and had bewitched some of them to stay forever in that humorous way that he had put them.

After all this time... She smiled a little as she watched Discord’s stars with a nostalgic look. She could not make herself clean up the disorder with some of her perfect constellations.

Modest walked up behind her as he started at the stars as well. He startled Luna a bit as he spoke. “They really are beautiful tonight, Princess Luna. Just like every other night. You do a wonderful job with them.”

Luna gasped and quickly turned around. “Oh. P-Prince Modest. I...”

“I’m sorry for startling you, Princess, I didn’t mean to. I just felt like I should compliment your work. It really is worth the best of recognition.”

“Well... Well, thank you. We ap--I appreciate. Really.” She glanced aside and fidgeted nervously while he walked beside her. Oh, dear goodness, what is he going to...

“Do you mind if I stay here for a little while, Your Highness?”

“No. Not at all. Feel free to do so, Prince, I was on my way back to the palace.”

“Already? I thought you would enjoy the sight a bit longer.”

“No, I-I’ve enjoyed it long enough. There are many things that We--I, need to do. If you’ll excuse me--”

Modest chuckled a bit and shook his head as she tried to walk away. “Please come here. I wouldn’t want to think that my presence scares you off, Princess Luna. Is that so?”

“O-of course not. That’s not it. It’s just... I really am busy...”

“Could I ask you to spare a moment of your time? I am confident that it would not distract you. I just mean to get to know you better.”

Luna blushed a bit as she stared at him. G-get to know... Just... Just what is he thinking...?

He smiled sheepishly and blushed slightly. “Oh, dear. Do forgive me if that sounded bold. I meant--”

“Don’t worry, Prince. It’s alright. If you insist, I can stay just a bit longer.” She stepped closer to him and sat down again. She sighed and glanced aside uncomfortably. I can’t believe I actually did this... Now what am I supposed to do now?

He gave her a slightly puzzled look. He smiled a little and gazed around with a calm, content look. “Everything is so tranquil during the night... I think it’s the moment when one can truly think in peace. My kingdom sure does like peace and tranquility, so you can imagine how appreciated night is.”

Luna blinked with surprise and stared at him. “It... It is?”

“Sure. As much as the day. It’s all balanced.” He looked at her again. “Your night is as much appreciated in my kingdom as it is in here, I am sure. After all, who could live without either of those times, right?”

“Right... I... I am glad that they like it there, too...” She glanced down as she frowned just slightly. It just... took Equestria one thousand and two years to come to appreciate it as they do now... She sighed and shook her head. Well, you know what they have always said... ‘Better late than never’...

He leaned closer to her, but was careful to approach her gently. “...What are you thinking about, Princess?”

She blushed again and quickly snapped her head up to face him. “I-I beg your pardon?”

“Well, you seem so thoughtful... yet troubled at the same time. Is it something bad you’re thinking about?”

“Don’t you think that question is a bit personal, Prince Modest? They are my thoughts after all.”

Modest chuckled nervously. “Of course they are. Please forgive me for intruding.” He scratched his head, then stared ahead again without saying anything else. Some reserved attitude the Night Princess has...

Luna didn’t answer while she stared ahead anxiously while she nearly suffocated with her own thoughts. She just did not seem to find anything to say that was proper and enjoyable.

Why do I keep doing this? That was completely rude--it isn’t me! Why can’t I just answer normally, like Celestia...? He’ll think I’m a spoiled, jerk princess with no disposition to offer... That’s not me at all! I have to try harder with this... I... I have to be nicer... It’s not so hard, I really am nice...

“Well...” He chuckled a bit and rubbed the back of his head. “This is some... awkward silence, isn’t it?”

“I like silence. I thought you liked peace and tranquility. B-but...” She quickly started to think as Modest gave her an uncomfortable look. “But, I-I do agree. It is rather awkward... I am not sure what to--I mean, we could just talk about other matters... Like...”

He gave her a gentler look as he noticed how hard she tried to make a pleasant conversation. I think she could use a little help, couldn’t she?

I can do this! It’s just talking--I am capable of such a simple task! I can handle it on my own, since when was conversation so irrationally difficult?! “For... For example... How are the affairs in your kingdom? We haven’t heard of anything as of yet. Perhaps nothing exciting has occurred lately?”

He frowned just a bit with a puzzled expression. “Nothing exciting?”

“I-I meant... Well... You know, nothing that would be considered... important--”

“Um...”

“In the dangerous sense of the word! As in... in danger. Nothing that would be alarming for the other kingdoms, I mean. A-are we glad that nothing like that has occurred...”

Modest chuckled a bit. “Well... Not all kingdoms can be the center of such thrilling drama, Princess. I’m afraid we don’t have such luck where we come from--”

Luna raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me?”

“Well, I meant, not that your kingdom is dramatic, or anything, but with everything that has occurred...”

“It’s not like we like to be the center of that kind of attention, Prince Modest. The events just happen, and I assure you they are not for popularity. They are events that have endangered Equestria.”

“O-of course, that’s not what I meant, really... I just intended to make a little joke, is all... Um...”

“Is that what you think of our kingdom? A joke?”

“No! Of course not, I respect it as I do my own! I just think that you should lighten up a little, Princess Luna. I’m trying to make some--”

“What you think I should do or not should not be voiced out with such a disrespectful manner, Prince Modest. I know what I must do. I am a princess, after all. But I must let you know that you are not the only one who believes other royals could change some things in themselves for the better. I, for one, believe that you could use some more discretion and formality in your approach.”

“Hey, that wasn’t--”

“That’s precisely what I mean.”

Modest frowned as he stood up to face her. “Well, I believe that you could give me some lessons in formality, Princess? You have practiced for so many years, after all, haven’t you?”

Luna scoffed a bit. “Oh, I could give you so many lessons in much more than just formality, believe me. But I’m afraid that you would not learn in one thousand years what I possessed since I was born.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

She rolled her eyes as she looked at him again. “Only that if you are the way that Royalty is headed, Prince Modest, then I daresay that the noble family of the present and future leaves much to be desired. I shudder to think what is leading the present world nowadays.”

“You sure are one to talk, Princess Luna. Perhaps you have forgotten that you and your sister currently rule this thrilling kingdom of yours. Not to mention that your end of the royal family is not that well endowed, if I do say so myself.” Modest set his hoof down and raised an eyebrow. “Allow me to elaborate, please. I do not wish to make a statement without proof.”

“Whatever you say will be meaningless, Prince. Unlike you, my sister and I happen to be of a very renowned and worthy family, recognized for its accomplishments and powerful, mighty members--”

“Mighty?” Modest let out a laugh. “Oh, I do believe your relatives are mighty, alright!”

“Of course they are! My parents raised the sun and moon before us and ruled this world for quite a few centuries before we came along. They witnessed the wonders and were involved in the events that forged our very lifestyles and existences. They banished the Changelings from this kingdom for the first time, and founded most of the knowledge that we used to continue our rule. My sister and I followed after them with our own major accomplishments.”

“Hmm. Oh, really?”

“Yes. In fact, many of them we achieved them while we were still at a very young age.”

“And when you say ‘young’ what is the supposed definition of that? I’d imagine it might be quite relative for you, princess.” Modest raised an eyebrow as he smiled wryly.

Luna held in a growl while she composed herself and continued to explain. “...We expanded the growth and development of this kingdom and continued to prosper on the land. I was responsible for many political achievements and alliances that made many accomplishments in this day possible. My sister also succeeded in gaining the love of all our supporters far and wide. We defeated the Changeling Queen and King Sombra of the Crystal Empire when they sought to siege our kingdom, and we only required the help of a good friend of ours! Then--”

“I do not need a history lesson, princess, as flattering as that may be for you, since it appears history is the only thing you can successfully teach. You seem a bit outdated, but I suppose that would be the work of your vacation on the moon.”

“Oh, don’t you even go there!”

“For your relatives I meant those of further distance, princess. You know, the poor princess that nearly lost her groom and that overbearing--”

“I can tell you good about them as well! In case you do not remember, Prince Modest, it was my niece that effectively banished the Changelings once again, with Shining Armor’s help. As if that was not enough, she also helped in the liberation of the Crystal Empire and became its rightful princess and ruler.”

“Well, then, princess, let me have you put your tales where your mouth is. What can you tell me about Prince Blueblood? I have heard nothing but unpleasant tales of him even before I came to Equestria.”

Luna huffed at the prince’s smug attitude. “I can tell better tales of him than I can tell of you, that’s for sure.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yes, really! Sure, Blueblood may have become a bit... difficult to handle since his family decided to expand their noble lineage in the Eastern Kingdom, but that does not give anypony the right to throw bad rumors left and right! I admit, his attitude leaves much to be desired, but none of us have the right to judge the way he decides to go about things. Are you going to tell me that you’re the perfect prince?”

Modest scowled at Luna’s questioning, sharp look. “I definitely cannot say you’re the perfect princess.”

“Exactly. Perfect or not, Blueblood’s family does a good contribution to the wellbeing of this kingdom. If it wasn’t for his family’s contribution, we would not have the expanded branches of Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns that--”

“Education, wow. A mighty achievement. Too bad Blueblood himself doesn’t seem to enjoy the pride and accomplishment of the family and instead basks in the luxuries that it provides.”

“Alright, and what can you tell me about your family?! We have never heard anything major, even in the Western history!”

“In case you may not have noticed, my family and line favors modesty over publicity. We have done great deeds to keep the Western Kingdom up and running, nearly as much as you folks have here. But of course, we don’t go around boasting like spoiled little royalty descendancy.”

Luna growled a little. “I think our conversation here is finished, Prince Modest. I really am sorry I bothered to stay here so long.”

Modest nodded and started to walk back. “I’m sorry I ever thought this would be a good idea, princess. You and your sister are clearly total opposites of each other. I see why she is always the one to welcome and ‘win the favor of’ all the guests!”

Luna blinked and gasped a bit. Why did Celestia ever say that I would like him...? She glared at him before she turned around and started to walk away as well.

I’ll stick to keeping company to Princess Celestia from now on. Modest let out an annoyed sigh and looked up at the palace. He did not turn back to look at Luna as she walked the other way.

Suddenly heavy clouds appeared on the sky, though neither of them saw where they came from. They crackled lightning for a bit before thunder boomed through the land and showered it all with icy rain.

“What...?” Modest looked around to see that the rain was quickly becoming troublesome. “Great. Something else to trouble Princess Celestia with. Where is the weather patrol when you need it...?”

~~~

Luna grunted as she tried to move through the flooded garden. “Where is the weather--patrol--when you need it?!” She pulled her hooves out, then screamed a bit as she fell into the mud again. She gasped when she saw that she was sinking slowly. “What...?!”

Modest raised an eyebrow. “Well, what do you know. I found a stick in the mud in here.”

“Don’t you think that it’s a little weird for it to rain at night?!”

“I guess you must take care of the weather a bit better.”

“Prince Modest, why don’t you go make yourself comfortable in your little room?! You’ll be useful for at least that much!”

“I should, shouldn’t I? My business here is done.”

Luna grunted and made her horn glow to grab some of the nearby branches. “Ngh...” I can do this. No need to ask for help. I’m a princess, and I can do this.

Modest shook his head and started to walk away. He only took a few steps before the ground crumbled beneath him and made him slide down to the same spot where Luna was sinking.

“What do you know. A mudslide.”

“Why should I? This was my problem alone.”

“...You are far more unpleasant than I initially gave you credit for, princess.”

“Thank you very much, Prince Modest, the feeling is mutual. Now, I’ll have you know, in case you haven’t noticed, that we are sinking. I tried to pull myself out, but got you here instead.”

“Thank you for that, by the way. Way to bring others into your problem, princess. Very nice.”

She rolled her eyes. “Whining in my ear, like every rightful gentlecolt should.”

“I did try to be a gentlecolt! Apparently you don’t take kindly to them.”

“I don’t take kindly to--” Luna screamed a bit as she sank deeper. B-but how?! I hardly moved! She could not say much as she went deeper again.

Modest sighed as his horn glowed a dark purple. His magic surrounded a long hanging vine and turned it into a strong rope that he tied to the nearby tree. “Oh, good. Nearly midnight, finally she gets quiet. Well, princess, that’s not even--” He turned around and raised an eyebrow when he did not see much of Luna. “Princess? Princess Luna?”

“Mmph--mm!” Luna let out muffled screams and pushed her hooves through the mud.

“Princess Luna!” He dove deeper into the mud as he searched for her with his hooves. When he finally managed to grab her, he did not hesitate and pulled as hard as he could. “Ngh... Princess! Hang on!”

He made sure that the rope was securely tied before he started heaving Luna and himself out with plenty of effort. When he felt that he nearly slipped, Modest quickly called out to the Royal Guards, but did not let go.

Luna coughed and opened her eyes, looking at him and the rope. She shut her eyes closed and focused to make the mud a bit easier to thread through.

Finally, she and Modest were out, panting from the effort.

She quickly looked at him as he vanished the mud from his cloak. “Prince Modest, are you alright?!”

“I’m fine. How about you? You nearly sank down there.” He gave her a worried glance.

Luna blushed slightly and cleared her throat. “I’m okay now. I...” She sighed and gave her a soft, sincere look. “Thank you very much for helping me. I... I really needed it.”

“...You’re welcome. That really was something hard. I hardly even--”

“And, Prince Modest? I... I also would like to apologize, for the fight from earlier. It was very rude of me to behave that way towards you, Your Highness.” She bowed her head a bit.

“Oh, Princess, you’re not the only one who should apologize. I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have acted like that, either. I mean, I don’t know what happened.” He blushed slightly as he rubbed the back of his head. “It was very, very immature... Honestly I...”

Luna smiled a little with a sheepish look. “Wasn’t it?”

He sighed and have her a small smile. “I hope you can forgive me. I assure you, I really didn’t mean any of it. I just...”

“I understand. We both got carried away for something that was absolutely pointless. And embarrassing, too...” She shook her head. “I did not mean any of it, either. It... It was a misunderstanding.” She looked aside with a brighter blush on her face. “Truth be told, I... I was nervous. I am not as confident as Celestia is... I really did not know what to say to this kind of...”

“I’m sorry I put you in that spot. I didn’t mean to. And, yes, it was my bad, you don’t need to say otherwise. I should have known this would be difficult to you. But I was nervous, too. I didn’t know if you actually didn’t like me or were just, um, shy. But, how about we put this misunderstanding behind us, Princess?”

“You’d be willing to do that...?”

“Sure. I had my fault in that too. So let’s clear it up with a fresh start.”

Luna frowned a bit as she looked at herself. “I wish our fresh start could be a bit more... presentable.”

Modest looked up at the clouds. “Well, it’s still raining. We’re already wet, so this should be no problem. Come.” He stood up and walked with her right beneath the clouds. He smiled as the water washed away the mud and dirt from them. “See? We’re clean enough. Though I won’t refuse a bath after this...”

She chuckled a bit and smiled again. “Very well, then.”

Modest bowed a bit. “Allow me to introduce myself, Princess. I am Prince Modest of the Western Kingdom. It is a pleasure to reside in Equestria as a guest, and a delightful honor to be in your presence tonight.”

“My name is Princess Luna of the Kingdom of Equestria. It is a pleasure and honor to have you here too, Prince Modest.” She nodded her head formally, then looked up at him again. “Thank you.”

“No problem. I’m glad we started it right. Now we should be able to talk more easily, right?”

Luna gave her a shy smile. “Um... Yes. Yes, we should.”

“Good. Then let’s talk about what we like. That’s always a good way to get to know somepony. And please don’t worry about your social skills, Your Highness. You’re doing just fine.”

She sighed. “Well, I’ll try my best, really... Since it is obvious that I like the night, I should also mention that I enjoy... I enjoy the classics of culture, Prince Modest. I am afraid I am still catching up to the times, so while I do, I get comfortable with the collections of classics that I’ve always known.”

“I don’t hold that against you, the classics are good.”

“Heh. But that does not limit me from wishing to have fun. Have you ever spent a Nightmare Night with your subjects? It is a truly delightful experience. I had one, and look forward to many more.”

“Nightmare Night? My subjects always have a great time with it. I’m glad the occasion was passed on to the other kingdoms, because I honestly don’t think that our little ones could have as much fun without it.”

“What about you?”

“Well, I like the tranquil seasons... I am a very peaceful guy. I enjoy music very much, but I don’t like bragging about it.” He laughed nervously. “I also like studying the natural resources of the world.”

“That is very interesting indeed.”

“I hope that the subject soon reaches this kingdom so that you and Princess Celestia may learn about it. Let’s see... I like going for walks, as you may have noticed already.”

“I like that too. I always enjoy wandering around the palace during my night time watch. There are so many things to see, even then!”

“I agree. Speaking of your watches... Princess Luna, how do you handle sleep? I’ve always been rather curious about the issue. I hope it’s not uncomfortable to explain.”

“Of course not. I don’t have much problems with it. I sleep during the day, but not even all of it. I suppose I only need a few hours of rest to be able to function correctly. Celestia doesn’t need to sleep all night, either, but... Well, we are capable of sleeping for twelve hours and feel great afterwards.”

“I guess those are the perks of being an alicorn.”

Luna laughed a bit. “Especially an alicorn with such a strong connection to the moon or the sun.”

Modest laughed with her and continued to talk with her. He looked down as he noticed that his hoof was over hers. He said nothing about it, just smiled and continued talking.

She glanced down and blushed when she saw it, too. What’s this...?

“Is there a problem, Princess?”

She looked at him and shook her head. “No, not at all.”

He glanced at her again and leaned closer without thinking much about it. Seems like we have finally broken the ice and made up. That’s very good, especially on a night as... nice... as this one. Should I...

Luna looked up at the gray clouds above them with a doubtful expression. Well, it finally stopped raining. And everything didn’t go all that bad in the end. Seems like we’re finally becoming friends, like Celestia mentioned. She looked at him without saying anything. Will he...

Modest shook his head and sighed as he looked away. “That... That was some freak rain back there, huh?”

“Oh, yes.” She looked down and smiled a little. “I don’t know what happened. I guess it must have caused plenty of accidents or something.” She looked up and saw the servants and guards that hurried all around the palace and the grounds.

“I hope nopony was hurt.”

“Yes, hopefully.”

They glanced aside as silence fell again. They did not feel comfortable letting it linger, though, so Modest quickly thought of a way to break it for good.

He sighed and stood up. “This has been a wonderful night, Princess Luna. Despite all that happened. I’m glad I got to know you better.”

“I can say the same, Prince. Have a good night’s rest.”

He shook her hoof and nodded. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Don’t stay out too long.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t. But I do have to see more into this rain...” She waved at him and started to walk away. Well... That was foolish.

Modest frowned a little as he walked away. Maybe I should have stayed a bit longer...? But, what if that was getting too close, and she just didn’t want to say anything out of courtesy? It’s best not to push it... He sighed and turned around in the gardens to enter the palace.

Luna looked up at the guards as they stood before her to report. “Okay, no accounts on the rain... We’ll just consider it an unexpected malfunction--an accident. Mistakes like that happen all the time. Please do call a night weather patrol to complete their shift here. This needs to be cleaned up as soon as possible.”

“Yes, Princess!”

She shook her head as she looked at herself. Ugh... The grounds are not the only ones that need cleaning... I really do hope the Prince won’t think anything of this... She smiled a little and giggled at her thoughts before she continued her walk.

Celestia smiled as she watched Luna and Modest from the window in her room. She giggled slightly and put a hoof over her mouth. Oh, Luna... She shook her head a bit and turned around to walk to her bed.