The Princess and I

by Flanagan

First published 2nd of July, 2013

I'm just a normal guy living my life... but the past year or so hasn't been to kind to me... then my life changed the day she (literally) ran into me.

My name is Aedan and I'm your average run-of-the-mill guy from Missouri. I served in the Marine Corps for about four years, now I've been out for a year and I'm making a living on the edge of St. Louis. It's not the best of conditions for a guy like me to have to deal with, but I adapt and overcome. Then one Saturday morning on my daily jog I ran into something (well in truth she ran into me) I'd never thought possible. She calls herself 'Princess Luna'. She's alone and confused, but most of all, she wants to go home. And guess who the poor guy is that decided to help her.

rated Teen for talking like a Marine and some... 'Adult' situations...

1: The Chance Meeting of a Lifetime

Today has been a weird day, but telling you this right now will leave you just as confused as I was when I first saw her. So I’ll start from the beginning, I woke up early, like I do every day because after being in the military for four years it’s a bit of an impulse. I looked to my clock, 0600, on a Saturday, a freaking Saturday. Mumbling under my breath I got out of bed, my body still wouldn’t let me sleep in, I’ve been out for nearly a year and I still can’t sleep in.

I made my way to my dresser and grabbed a pair of gym pants, I didn’t need to change my shirt, I was going to take a shower after I got done with my run anyway. I walked out of my apartment; just to be greeted by one of the most annoying people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.

“Hey there Aedan!” Larry said waving his hand enthusiastically, “Goin’ on a run?”

“What was your first clue?” I said rolling my eyes; he always asked me that in the mornings. His real name was Lenard, but he preferred Larry, he was a bit too cheery for my taste, but I always tried to entertain him in conversation.

“Well you always run and you’re wearing your trademarked gym pants.” He said pointing to my legs.

“Good job Sherlock…” I said, “You caught me.”

“You know that I’m quite the observer.” Larry said rather proudly, “It’s part of my charm.” I started to walk off but I was stopped by Larry calling my name yet again. “Hey man. My girlfriend and I are going to a party in a few weeks at the plaza, think you could make it?”

“Shouldn’t the person throwing the party do the inviting?”

“I don’t think she’ll mind if I bring a few guests.” Larry replied, “So whatda say?”

“I’ll have to check my schedule.” I said, knowing that the only thing I really needed to do was work, eat and sleep. And with everything happening in my life I needed to do it in that order.

“Oh, Ok.” Larry said waving, “I’ve kept you long enough, see you when you get back.”

“I doubt it.” I said walking down the staircase; it’s not that I was trying to avoid him. Ok, well maybe I was, but I’ve known Larry ever since I moved in almost a year ago and he was a good guy, but on the weekends I ran for hours on end, it was my way of letting go of all the problems I had for a short time. Not to mention he went to work on weekends to help pay his rent.

It didn’t take long for me to make it to the park that was one of the main reasons I chose that flat, it wasn’t the cheapest, but it was only a block from the one place I could really let go. I entered through the main gate and picked my usual path, I knew that it wouldn’t be very crowded for another three hours at least, that’s when all the families and couples young and old show up, which is also my cue to leave the place. There’d be too many people, too many eyes on me. If you haven’t guessed yet, I don’t like being stared at. I looked to my wrist watch, 06:10, plenty of time to get a good run in before everyone starts showing up.

About an hour had passed, the sun started to shine its golden beams over the park, replacing the cold night air with the warm welcoming heat of the early summer. It felt good, really good just to know that at that moment my only care was putting one foot in front of the other. That phrase had become far more special to me in the past year, one foot in front of the other, recovering from losses and still pushing forward. One foot in front of the other, it just empowered me.

The conversation I was having with myself was cut short however. Out of the corner of my eye I thought I saw something in the tree line. A deer I thought, that was strange, deer don’t normally come this close to the city. Why the hell would a deer be in the city? As I ran closer I got another shock, this deer already had its antlers, in May? None of it made any since, first off a deer this close to the city, second it already had its antlers in May, third why the hell was it running towards me?

Wait, the deer was actually coming towards me? This is NOT a normal deer; in fact this was the ballsyest deer I’d ever seen. I tried to avoid it but it’s a deer, I’m a human... it’s faster. In a massive thud the deer ran into me, sending the two of us flying into the air.

Fortunately nothing popped loose, but there was something off about this deer. After it ran into me it didn’t try to run away, it just stayed there lying on my chest. Then I felt something else, feathers, this deer had feathers. I was thoroughly confused, because lying on top of me was a deer with wings that didn’t run away from me the instant I saw it. But the ultimate surprise came in the seconds after I regained my bearing.

“H-hello?” it said in a refined feminine voice, “D-do you understand me?”

It was about this time that I thought I’d hit my head harder than I thought. Because now this deer was talking to me, I’m not exactly sure how out of it I was, but I answered it.

“Yeah…” I said rubbing my head, “Now could you please get off of me?”

“Oh, Celestia I apologize…” it replied when I felt its weight come off of me, “I didn’t mean to harm you, I just wish to know where I am, I’m very fortunate you’re fluent in Equestrian.”

“Celestia?” I said, “Equestrian? I’m not sure about you but I speak-“

It was then that I finally opened my eyes again, and what I saw I couldn’t believe. What I thought was a deer wasn’t a deer at all, instead it was a small horse, but it was different from any other horse I’d ever seen. It was a deep blue color for starters, sporting a horn like a unicorn and a set of wings. It had huge cobalt eyes, its hair and tail waved in some kind of imaginary wind; finally it looked like it had some kind of tattoo on her butt.

“That’s it…” I said struggling to my feet, “I’ve officially gone insane.”

“I assure you that you’re not insane creature.” she said, “I’m just as real as you.”

“And I’m Barney the dinosaur.”

“I am honored to meet your acquaintance, Barney.” She replied bowing her head, “I am Princess Luna, the mare of the night.”

“My real name’s not Barney… that’s-” I face palmed, I was actually holding a conversation with a figment of my imagination. “I’m going to see a doctor…” I told myself walking past Princess Leia or whatever she called herself.

“HOLD DINOSAUR!” she exclaimed actually grabbing my leg, “Please You cannot leave me in such a place!”

“Why not?” I asked, “You’re not real.”

“Because… I wish to return home…” Luna whimpered reaching for my hand, her eyes were starting to well up but they only allowed a single tear flow down her face.

Then I felt I had to help her, even if she wasn’t real, because when I was fourteen a little girl, no older than four gave me that look, that look has been burned into my mind.

“Alright…” I said letting out a sigh.

“THANK YOU!” Luna cried jumping onto me, knocking me back on my ass. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

“No… Problem…” I said struggling for air in her embrace, for something not real, she was pretty freaking strong for her size. When she finally let me go, mostly due to my weak coughing, I stammered to my feet again and looked around.

“But if I’m gonna help you; we’ll need to get back to my apartment.”

“Apartment? Ah your quarters... Where would that be located?”

“Just follow me…” I said starting to walk off, “But given the near impossible chance you’re actually real we’ll have to sneak around to the flat.”

“There is no need for such crude means of stealth.” Luna said nodding her head, “For I can do this.”

Her horn began to glow and after a few seconds she had faded into nothing. I froze for a few seconds listening for any kind of sound. “Ok…” I said looking around, “It’s gone now…”

“I still remain dinosaur.” Luna replied much to my surprise, “I await your further guidance.”

“I’m losing my mind…” I said to myself starting to run back to my flat.

It took about fifteen minutes to get back to the flat, the other residents were starting to wake up, but then again it was a weekend, most of them were still asleep. Running up the stairs I finally arrived at my apartment, only to be met again by Larry.

“Well you’re back early.” He said, slinging his backpack over his shoulder, “What gives?”

“I’m not feeling too good Larry.” I said rummaging through my pockets for my keys, “I’m gonna be sleeping it off for the rest of the day.”

“Oh that’s too bad.” Larry said with concern, when I finally found them “Maybe I should call my girlfriend, she is a nurse you know.”

“NO!” I exclaimed, opening the door and spooking Larry to the point he jumped away from me, “I mean no, but thanks for the concern. I think some rest is all I need.”

“Well ok…” Larry said still concerned, “I hope you-“

SLAM! I closed the door before he could finish. Pressing my back against my door I let out a sigh of relief, “Thank god I’m so antisocial…” I said, “But seeing and feeling things that aren’t real is a new thing for me.”

“As I have explained to you before…” a voice said directly in front of me. “I’m just as real as you.”

Suddenly Luna appeared only inches away from my face, her hair brushing against my face. “This isn’t happening…” I said shaking my head.

“That’s what I told myself when I appeared here just a few hours ago.” Luna said, “I was standing on the castle balcony one moment then in the next I’m in the middle of a forest and I’m running into the strangest creature I’ve ever seen.”

“And that was?”

“You…”

“Me?”

“Yes you…” she answered looking around “Barney are there any others here than the ones you ran past and the one you called ‘Larry’?”

“The world’s full of ‘em.” I said “Which begs the question, who the hell are you?”

“I thought I made that perfectly clear Barney.”

“Aedan…”

“Excuse me?”

“My name is actually Aedan.”

“Very well then, Aedan.” Luna continued, “I am Luna, pony princess of Equestria and keeper of the night.”

“A princess?” I asked raising my eyebrow.

“Yes, a princess.” Luna said, “And I expect to be addressed as such.”

“Well, Princess…” I said standing up, “We aren’t in Equester… and you’re in my home… not to mention I can change my mind about helping you at any given moment.”

That was the biggest buff I’ve ever made, I couldn’t let her out onto the streets. Who knows what sick perverted individuals would find her and do god knows what to her if I did that. Fortunately it worked, she backed away from me and bowed.

“Forgive me lord Aedan,” she replied “I didn’t mean to overstep my bounds, after all you were kind enough to help me. Now I shall be your humble guest.”

No one talked like that anymore, so formal, so proper. It actually made me feel like royalty for a second, but that thought passed my mind quickly for a more obvious one. How the hell was she going to fit in around here?

“Luna…”

“Princess Luna.” She replied, “At least give me that respect.”

“Princess Luna…” I reiterated, “Can you do that invisible thing all the time?”

“No.” she said, “At most I can do that for an hour, but I can transform into other beings for a much longer time.”

“Can you turn into something like me?”

“Truthfully, that is unknown,” Luna said looking me up and down, “Magic like that has yet to be done… But I can surely try.”

Her horn began to glow again, kicking off the shoes she had on a bright light began to surround her. Within seconds, she was completely covered by the light. I could see her shadow from inside; I was at a loss for words as I saw her shadow change from a pony into something that looked more and more human. Until finally the light faded away revealing a young woman, probably about my age or a bit younger stepping towards me. After the initial awe faded I noticed something completely different. She was naked head to toe, minus her crown and necklace.

So, let me just have a quick recap. Within just the first few hours of the day, I’ve been run over, met a talking pony who says she’s a princess, I’ve actually agreed to help her even though I have no idea how I can, and now she’s completely naked and just a few feet away from me. So yeah, me saying today being a weird day is a major understatement.

Author's Notes:

I hope I don't F%#& this up...

2: The Explaining

“For the love of GOD!” I said yelled instantly covering my eyes, “Why aren’t you wearing anything!?”

“I am wearing something,” she said, “My crown and my necklace.”

“No… why aren’t you covered up?” I said pointing in her direction. “Shouldn’t a Princess have some kind of… Oh, I don’t know… modesty?”

“What is this lack of modesty you speak of?” she said walking up to me. “I can assure you that I am quite modest.”

“Then where the hell are your clothes?”

“My clothes?” she said looking down, “You mean like a dress?”

“Well it doesn’t have to be a dress, but YES clothes!”

“We ponies only wear dresses or suits at formal occasions, such as the Grand Galloping Gala or the Canterlot Garden Party” Luna explained, “we don’t normally were clothing on a daily basis.”

“Well here we wear clothes all day.” I said trying to find my way to my bedroom blind, “I got nothing that’ll fit you, but you could still at least wear something.”

“You have my thanks Aedan.” Luna said from behind me, wrapping me in her new arms. “How will I ever repay such kindness?”

The darker part of every man’s mind started to light up inside my head. After all I had a beautiful, twenty-something (or so she looked) woman in my apartment who just asked how she could repay me for my kindness. But I knew for a fact that’s not what she meant, not to mention my morals were screaming at me like a psychopath. Rule number 76, never sleep with a female of a different sentient species, no matter how good they look.

“You’re ‘thank yous’ are enough…” I said gently pushing her off of me. “And I really mean that.”

“Then thank you again.” She said, I could only assume she was smiling, because if I turned around, I’d more than likely wouldn’t be looking up. She probably wouldn’t mind, hell she said she never wore clothes anyway, but I still wanted to show her a little respect.

Before I knew it the two of us were in my bedroom, Luna following me close behind. I opened my eyes, just to make sure I was in front of my dresser. I had to take a few steps to the left, but I still got there. The first thing I went for was obvious, a pair of boxer-briefs and one of my undershirts. I tossed them blindly at her, hoping that she would know how to put everything on. I waited for a few seconds, then turned around, only to see the shirt covering her face and the underpants draped on her shoulder.

I face palmed again "You don’t know how to dress yourself… Do you?”

“These articles of clothing confuse me.” Luna said awkwardly grabbing the undershirt. “What purpose does this serve?”

“It’s done like this…” I said taking off my own shirt. I couldn’t believe I was explaining how to put a shirt on, this must be what my parents went through when I was learning how to dress. “You put your head through this hole and your arms in the other two.” I put my shirt back on slowly, making sure she fully understood the concept. “You got that?”

“I believe I do.” She said from behind me.

I turned around to see her make the final adjustments with the shirt. It was huge on her, actually going down to her thighs. “Great…” I said, “Looks like you’ve-“ I was cut short by her taking the shirt of, revealing everything once again. “But you’re supposed to keep the damn thing on!” I said, covering my eyes yet again.

“Oh,” Luna said quickly putting the shirt on again, “My apologies.”

“It’s fine…” I said trying to hide the red in my face, “now put on the underwear.”

“Are you going to show me how to do that as well?” she asked, much to my surprise. There was no way in hell I was going to show her how to put underwear on.

“No.” I said quickly, “but you see the big hole?” I pointed to the pair that was now on the bed. She nodded, “Ok, you put both of your legs through that hole, then you put one leg through either hole.”

“Ah, I think I understand.” Luna said looking back to me, “would you be so kind as to watch me put them on? To ensure that I’ve done it correctly?”

“I think you’ll get the hang of it.” I said quickly, turning red again, I really didn’t get that part. I’ve seen naked women before, granted it’s been a while since I’ve seen one in my apartment. I guess it was because she was someone different, ‘royalty’ as she so claimed and from what I could gather given what I’ve seen very, very innocent. I turned around again waiting for her to give me the go ahead.

“I’ve done it.” She said proudly, “now I am clothed like you.”

I reluctantly turned around again, expecting to see her taking off the underwear, but fortunately she was a fast learner. She was sitting on my bed however, propped up on her arms and legs crossed.

“What now?” she asked.

“Well…” I began, “There’s more to clothing than a shirt and underwear…” I opened the drawer just under my underwear one and grabbed my only pair of shorts. “These are pants,” I explained, “They’re like underwear, but you wear them over it, and usually you tuck your shirt in as well.”

“I understand…” she said grabbing the shorts, “both through the big hole then one leg through the small ones?”

“That’s right,” I said proudly, “But make sure the buttons are in front. Or you’ll have to take them off and put them back on.”

“Alright…” she said raising her legs to put the shorts on. This time I watched making sure she did it right and because she was already wearing enough clothing to not make me feel uncomfortable. She got it right on the first try, that made me happy, because if not I would probably have to have put them on for her.

“Um, lord Aedan…” Luna said to bring me out of my thoughts, “how do I… use these?” she motioned to her hands then to the short’s buttons.

“Didn’t you button your dresses in Equester?” I asked

“It’s pronounced Equestria…” she said rolling her eyes, “And yes but that was with magic, and in this form I can only reverse my appearance back to my original form.”

“Ok…” I said awkwardly, I never thought I’d have to explain how to use your hands, but I thought since she was getting the hang of everything else so quick I could just show her real quick then she’d give it a try.

“Here,” I said gently grabbing the zipper “You hold it like this and pull up.” I went to the very top then moved my hand to the button itself, “And for this it’s just…” I slid the button through the whole “That easy.” Then I undid my work and looked back to her, “Now your turn.”

“Ok…” she replied moving her hands towards mine, with little hesitation I pulled back. I’m sure she wanted to do this all on her own, it took a few tries but on the fourth or fifth attempt she finally got the hang of it.

“Am I learning quickly?” Luna asked me looking back up to me.

“Yes, very.” I said, “In a few days I wouldn’t be surprised if you could ride a unicycle while juggling chainsaws.”

“Are you going to teach me how to do that next?”

She clearly couldn’t tell when I was being sarcastic, but then again, even the people I was close to couldn’t tell sometimes. Now that she was ‘decent’ by human standards I outstretched my hand to her which she gently grabbed with her own and stood up, we were kinda frozen in that position for a few seconds. But then I checked my wrist watch, 09:45, I’d been so busy helping Luna that I’d lost all track of time. I’d also forgotten that I was hungry.

“Come on Luna.” I said pulling her back to the kitchen, “Let me show you how we eat.”

I took another step, but Luna instantly fell to the floor. I went to help her quickly, I didn’t mean to be so fast, I thought she wouldn’t be so surprised by my action, but I’ve been wrong before and I will be wrong again, it’s just a part of life. Helping her sit back on my bed I made sure that only her pride was hurt.

“Are you ok?” I asked looking her over.

“I’m fine,” she replied, “but you must remember, I’m new to this body, I haven’t really adjusted to having only two legs.”

I knew what she meant, about adjusting to a new body. I knew it better than most, so this was something I could teach her relatively quick. “It’s real easy Princess.” I said taking both her hands, “Just put one foot in front of the other.” Again that phrase, one that I’ve heard over a million times in my life, but has found new purpose for me and now for a pony trying to pass off as a human.

“One foot in front of the other?” she asked.

“Yes.” I replied, “One foot in front of the other.”

We slowly made our way to the kitchen, Luna following my lead, still holding tightly to me as we continued. But when we reached the door Luna didn’t see that little bump thing that some doors had. She fell into me catching me off guard. The two of us fell to the floor she, obviously given my luck as of the past few hours, landed square on my chest, knocking the wind out of me yet again.

“I’m so sorry lord Aedan!” Luna said rolling off of me, “I didn’t mean to-“

“You’re fine…” I said pulling myself up with the couch, “I’ve fallen a lot more than you think I have.” I reached for her “But I’ve always gotten back up.”

She looked to my hand then back to me and smiled, grabbing my hand she stood back up. “One foot in front of the other.” She said.

“One foot in front of the other.” I repeated.

It didn’t take long for us to get to the kitchen; it was only five steps from where we fell any way. “This is a kitchen.” I explained, “This is where we cook, and eat.”

“I know what a kitchen is…”

“My apologies, I-“

“Do you have waffles?”

“What?”

“Waffles.” She repeated, “I love waffles.”

“Yeah,” I replied “I got some Eggos in the freezer.”

I went to my refrigerator and opened the top door, letting the cool air flow over my face. It took a few seconds but I finally found the waffles behind a bag of frozen peas that had been in there longer than I could recall, I needed to clean out my freezer, I thought to myself prying the box free from the icy grip of my fridge.

“Here they are.” I said showing them to her, “Waffles, just for you.”

“Wonderful!” she said her eyes doubling in size, “Let me have them.”

“Not just yet Princess.” I said stopping her from grabbing them, “I’m sure you want them cooked.”

“They aren’t already cooked?”

“Well, they’re cooked.” I said, “But they’re frozen… you need to put them in the toaster.”

“Toaster?” she asked, “What manner of machine is that?”

“That is.” I said pointing to the silvery cube on my counter, “Here, I’ll show you how it works.”

I walked her over to the counter and grabbed a few waffles out of the box, there were only four left, I needed to go to the store soon. Placing the four into the slots I pushed down the lever until I heard the familiar click.

“Is that all?” Luna asked.

“Not yet,” I said “We’ve got to wait now. And I should get my own food.”

Luna nodded watching the toaster thoroughly while I made my way back to the fridge. I opened it up hoping that the one thing I wanted was still in supply. I let out a sigh of relief, bacon, oh sweet bacon, only three strips left, but still bacon. Better yet there were a few eggs left too. Now I knew that I needed to go to the store, but now it was bacon time.

I grabbed what I needed for the breakfast of champions, a frying pan and the last few drops of veggie oil and walked over to my stove. Setting it on high I threw the bacon on the pan and let the heat of modern technology fill my apartment with the sweet aroma of the greatest of man’s delicacies.

POP! Luna jumped into me, almost knocking me into the stove. I turned around to see the look of pure fear on her face. “What’s wrong?” I asked.

“Y-your… your toasty!” she cried pointing to it, “It tried to assualt me!”

“No…” I said reassuringly, trying not to laugh, “That’s it telling you your waffles are ready.”

“Are… are you sure?” she asked looking back to me, “Are you sure it doesn’t wish to bring harm me?”

“I’m positive.” I said walking her back to the toaster. “Here I’ll show you.”

I literally drug her to the counter and pointed to the toaster, showing her the waffles had popped back up. Opening the cabinet I grabbed a plate, a fork and a knife. “You know how to use these?” I asked.

She nodded and grabbed them from my hands. Now that she had what she needed to eat I pointed to the waffles. Reluctantly she reached for them; seemingly to her surprise the toaster didn’t try to attack her. But that didn’t stop her from darting away from it and hiding behind the couch, poking her head out from the other side and glaring at it.

Cute, I thought to myself, hiding from an inanimate object while still trying to look mean. Then I remembered that my bacon was still on the stove, fortunately it wasn’t burned, Mr. King might have forgotten to pay the overall electric bill again. But this time it saved my meal. I grabbed the bacon and put it on the second plate I’d grabbed, then I poured what was left of the veggie oil into the pan and threw what was left of my eggs on to get them all ready. After a minute or two the eggs were finally over medium, just the way I like them. Smiling I walked over to the couch, Luna was still staring down the toaster, but I looked past that. I plopped down next to her and began the age old adventure were the lone hero goes on an epic quest to find the remote.

“What’s that?” Luna asked pointing to my bacon, “I know of eggs but that item next to it perplexes me…”

“This?” I said pointing to my bacon, she nodded, “This… This is a gift from the gods. The greatest gift the higher powers have ever given man, this… is… bacon.”

“It smells delicious.” Luna said taking a whiff, “What plant does it come from?”

I froze just before taking a bite, I’d almost forgotten that she was a horse, a vegetarian. “Well…” I began putting the strip down “It doesn’t really come from a plant…”

“Then where does it come from?”

“Do you have pigs where you live?”

“Of course.” Luna nodded, “They are an uncouth and sloppy race, but they are still loyal subjects nonetheless.”

“That’s where bacon comes from.” I said casually.

“The pigs make the bacon?”

“No…” I said covering my face, “the bacon comes from the pigs.”

“That doesn’t make much since…” Luna said rubbing her chin, “how does bacon come from-“ she finally put two and two together and looked to me horrified.

“You’re a carnivore!” she exclaimed falling off the couch and violently scooting away from me. “STAY AWAY FROM ME!”

“Easy Princess…” I said doing my best to calm me down, “if I was going to eat you I would’ve-“ I paused to rephrase what I was about to say, “I eat plants too, I mean I love apples.”

“STAY AWAY!” she cried again, backing herself into a wall.

I stood up and began to make my way to her. I was trying to be calm, but my old instincts kicked in when she started to throw pillows at me. I rushed her, held her down and covered her mouth. “I’m NOT going to kill you Princess.” I said staring her square in her terrified eyes, “I’m trying to help you, please understand that, I’m trying to help you get home… but if you keep acting like this it’s gonna be really, really difficult. So please calm down, eat your breakfast and try to remember how you ended up in a park just ten minutes away from St. Louis.”

Luna nodded quickly and with that I let her go, helped her up with one hand and gave her waffles back with the other. There were a couple minutes of silence after what had happened. Neither of us had touched our food, but then Luna broke the silence with a question.

“Do you have any syrup?”

“Yeah” I replied, standing up “I’ll get it for you.” I made my way to the cabinet and opened it up and grabbed that was left of the syrup. I really needed to go to the store. I popped the lid and handed it to her. Then I noticed that she was sitting on the one item I was looking for when we started this debacle, the damned remote.

“Luna.” I said touching her shoulder, she glared at me, but I really wasn’t in the mood for formality at the moment. “You’re sitting on the remote.”

“The what?

“The remote…” I said again pointing to it, “You're sitting on it.”

She looked down and saw it sticking out just a few inches. Standing up she grabbed the remote, examining it for a few moments before handing it to me. “What does this device do?” she asked.

“This.” I answered pushing the ‘on’ button, instantly showing the Cardinals game I swore I wouldn’t miss. I slid into my couch, but Luna had jumped over the couch like she had when I told her what bacon was.

“What sorcery is this?!” she exclaimed “No unicorn or alicorn can use magic in this way.”

“It’s not magic.” I said, “Its technology… even I really can’t explain it, all I know is that it’s a great way to explain things to people new around here.” I turned around and motioned her to sit down next to me, “Here sit next to me ask what’s happening on the T.V. and I’ll do my best to explain it for you.”

“Ok…” Luna said meekly walking around the couch, taking her place next to me. The two of us sat there the whole day, flipping through almost every channel deep into the night. I did my best to explain all of her questions. It was nearly 02:00 in the morning when she finally fell asleep on the couch, I picked her up as gently as I could and made my way to my room and laid her on my bed. Pulling the covers over her, I made my way back to the couch.

“That was interesting…” I told myself slumping back on the couch, “but tomorrow is gonna be really interesting…” because tomorrow I was going to take Luna to a place the likes of which she’d never seen. I was going to take Luna into society.

Author's Notes:

And that's how you teach a pony princess about a foreign society... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Television...

This may be subject to editing later...

I'm still hoping I don't mess this up and disappoint anyone...

3: The Preparation

The next morning came way too early for me, as if yesterday wasn’t weird enough, I somehow knew today would be even weirder. I absolutely had to go to the store, I was pretty much out of food and with Luna here I had to get even more. she also need clothes, because me walking around next to a woman my age wearing my clothes around the people I knew would cause me a great deal of grief. There was only one place I could go around here that would have everything I needed in one stop, Wal Mart. It was a twenty minute drive to get there, but at six in the morning on a Sunday, most guys and girls around here were getting ready for church. Normally I would be too but my priorities had drastically changed in the past twenty four hours.

I got up and tried to get all the kinks out of my body, I could literally sleep anywhere but that couch made me regret that ability. I walked into my room, expecting to see a human lying in my bed, but I saw a pony instead. Must revert back to her original form when she sleeps, I thought. In reality I didn’t want to see anything, I wanted yesterday to be a bad dream, but that’s not my luck, it’s never been my luck.

I walked over to her and sat down on the edge of the bed. “Luna.” I said nudging her gently, “Luna it’s time to wake up.”

Luna slowly opened her eyes and looked to me. I was then met with a look of complete shock. She fell out of bed covers following her to the floor. “GUARDS!” she cried “GUARDS! An intruder in the royal chambers!”

“Luna!” I said holding her down, “It’s me Aedan!”

“Lord Aedan?” she asked, “I… I thought you were just a dream…”

“Well that makes two of us.” I said shaking my head, “but now that we know that we’re both actually real, I need to get some groceries and you some clothes.”

“Can’t I just wear the clothing you have so graciously provided?”

“That would lead to too many questions, Luna.” I replied, “But to make sure I get the right sizes I need you to come with me.”

“I understand.” Luna said standing up, “Do I need to transform?”

“Yes… yes you do.”

“Very well…” she said with her horn starting to glow. “This will only take a moment.”

A moment was all it took, I was lucky that she hadn’t taken my clothes off from last night, or else it would’ve gotten awkward yet again, and we both really didn’t need that this early. After she was completely done ‘changing’ we went to the kitchen.

“What shall we have for breakfast?” she asked.

“I’m outta food, Princess.” I answered, “That’s one of the reasons we can’t stay here all day.”

“Where will we be going?” Luna asked her head tilted slightly to the side like a dog.

“The only place that has food, clothes and everything else we need.” I said.

“Lead and I shall follow Lord Aedan.” Luna said bowing.

“You can just call me Aedan.” I said, “I’m not royalty by a long shot.”

“As you wish.” Luna said, “We mustn’t delay, if we are in as dire need for supplies as you say we are.”

“Not just yet Princess.” I said grabbing her shoulder, “Yesterday I showed to the basics of getting dressed; now I’ve got to show you the harder parts.”

We went back into my bed room and I went to my dresser. I grabbed a pair of socks and showed them to her. “You know what these are?”

“Yes…” Luna said disgusted, “and I’m a princess, NOT an escort.”

“What?”

“Only escorts wear socks.” Luna said, “And I am insulted you think I would ever stoop to their level.”

“Ok…” I said putting the socks down, “Princess you’ve got to remember things here are different, if you wear socks here you’re not a whore.”

“I never was one.” She scoffed. “And if you believe that I was-“

“I never said you were one, but I don’t have a pair of sandals for you to wear…” I said trying to hand her the socks. “And these make wearing shoes a lot more comfortable.”

Luna looked to the socks for a few seconds then to me then back to the socks. “Very well…” she grunted taking the socks from me and putting them on without me even explaining how to.

“Wow, Princess…” I said impressed, “For not being an escort, you sure know how to put dem socks on.”

Luna glared back at me, but I couldn’t help but let out a chuckle. It was funny not to mention that she had her cute angry look on. After a few seconds I regained my baring “Alright… Alright…” I said waving my hands passively. “Let’s get you some shoes.”

I went to my small closet and started to look through what I had in there, I knew that most of my shoes wouldn’t fit her, but I did have a pair that I kept as a memory that might fit her. It took a while, but I found the sentimental tennis shoes and made my way back to Luna.

“Put these on.” I said, “See if they fit.”

“Why do you have these?” she asked, “These are by far too small for you.”

“Just a memory.” I replied, “Nothing more.” She nodded and took the shoes from me, much to my surprise and relief, they fit perfectly. At least I knew her shoe size now.

“Are we ready now?” Luna asked looking back to me.

“Not quite yet, Princess.” I said, “I still need to get dressed.”

“But you already have clothes on.”

“I need to wear something other than this.” I said pointing to my attire, “It’s all sweaty from yesterday, to tell you the truth I really could use a shower, but that’s not really important right now.”

“What is?”

“Getting you home…” I said “And getting you better clothes.”

“I shall be waiting right here then.” Luna said taking a seat on the bed.

“I think not…” I said gently making her stand up. “You might be comfortable with a complete stranger seeing you naked, but for me I’ve gotta wait until at least the fifteenth date.” Thank you, rule number 17.

“We’re dating?!” Luna exclaimed, her face turning red, “I’ve never-“

“Oh no, no, no, no…” I said doing my best not to laugh, “That was just a joke… but I still don’t want you to watch me get dressed.”

“O-ok…” Luna said, trying to hide her face behind her hair, “I… I’ll just wait on the couch.”

“Thata girl.” I said patting her on the head.

Luna walked into the living space, leaving me to get dressed. Odd, I thought to myself, I’ve never made a girl blush that quickly. I shrugged it off though, and I didn’t want to waste any more time. I went to my dresser, grabbed a new undershirt, my Superman t-shirt, the only clean pair of jeans I had left and my shoes. When I was completely done I checked my watch, 07:00, it took a lot longer than normal, but at least I had a good excuse.

“Princess Luna,” I said walking out of my room, “I’m ready to head out.”

Luna was sitting on the couch, watching the T.V. Transformers was on, decent movie, but we needed to get going. Had to beat the after church crowd to Wally world, I didn’t like crowds, too many people staring.

“Princess.” I said placing my hand on her shoulder. “Come on, let’s go.”

Luna was glued to the T.V. but with another quick nudge she finally turned her attention to me. “Do you know any of those people?” she asked. “How many of those creatures are out there?”

“That’s not real, Princess.” I said, “None of those people actually exist, we made it for our entertainment.”

“Oh… ok.” She said turning the T.V. off, “I’m ready to depart when you are.”

She got up and followed me to my door, but when we started to walk out, I heard the one thing I didn’t want to hear.

“Hey neighbor!” Larry said, “You’re actually up late to-“

Larry froze the moment he saw Luna, she froze when she saw him, and all I could do was face palm.

“Well, well, well…” Larry said with an approving smile, “is this why you were acting so weird yesterday? If so that also explains all the loud noises coming from your apartment last night.”

“No.” I said sharply, “This is not why-“

“My names Larry.” He said extending his hand to Luna, “I live next door, what’s your name?”

Luna looked to Larry with confusion then back to me completely ignoring his hand she began to speak. “Greetings Larry.” She began “I am Prin-“

“LUNA!” I interrupted, “her name’s Luna, she’s an old friend of mine from back home.”

“I see…” Larry said, still grinning from ear to ear, “Does Mr. King know about your ‘friend’? You know his policy about opposite sexes in the same room.”

“No…” I growled, “He doesn’t…”

“Well… should I tell him?”

“If you do I swear to God I’ll-“

“Easy there Aedan…” Larry said between chuckles “I wouldn’t do that to ya, but it is fun to get you flustered, your secret’s safe with me.”

“You’re too kind…” I replied.

“Don’t mention it.” Larry said watching Luna and I make our way down the stairs. “Where you two headed anyway?”

“Wal Mart.” I said hastily. “Won’t be back for a while.”

“Ok.” Larry said, “You two have-“

SLAM! The flat’s door silenced Larry, for now. With Luna close behind I went to the parking lot where she was waiting. My 2012 Chevy Cruz, “You got things like this where you come from?” I asked.

“Somewhat…” Luna said examining it, “Where’s the one that pulls this peculiar chariot?”

“There isn’t one.” I said, “It moves itself.”

“In the same fashion as a train?”

“Yeah…” I said scratching my head “that’s not how it works at all but that’s the closest I could describe it for you.” I opened the passenger door for her and took a bow. “Princess…” I began, “Your 'chariot' awaits.”

“You’re very kind.” Luna said getting inside.

I kinda slid like Bo Duke to the driver’s side; we were still trying to beat the rush. Opening the door I saw that Luna was slightly impressed with my little stunt. With a smile I got myself in the driver’s seat and adjusted the mirrors. “You buckled up?” I asked when I heard my own seat belt click.

“Buckled up?” Luna asked, “I don’t understand…”

Yet again I face palmed, it was becoming a very constant event in my life given the past day or so. “Here…” I said unbuckling myself and reaching across her. “I’ll get it.”

It took a bit of tumbling around, but I managed to find the seat belt. I drug it across her chest, avoiding touching her I mind you and stopped from clicking it in for her. “You just put this part in the slot.” I said completely strapping her in. “And to get out you push this button.”

“Ok.” Luna said looking at the buckle, “Let us be off.”

“As you command your highness.” I said turning the car on, “Let’s…”

After some careful maneuvering I finally got out of the parking lot and onto the road. The ride was quiet for the first few minutes, but then I remembered that I’d left my iPod in here a few days ago. Luna watched with some confusion as I wrestled with the steering wheel and the adapter of the radio, but I finally got it in. smiling back to Luna I pushed the button, filling the car with the sound of music.

“How did you do that?!” she said jumping in her seat a bit, “is it like what you said with that T.V. thing?”

“Yeah.” I said putting my eyes back on the road, “Something like that.”

“What music is this coming from there?” she said pointing to the speaker.

“Breaking Benjamin.” I answered, “And the song’s called ‘Better Days’.”

“I find this music enjoyable.” Luna said looking back to me. “May I have one?”

“The car… no…” I said to her disappointment, “But I can get you an iPod when we get to Wal Mart, so you can listen to music whenever you want.”

“Oh thank you Aedan!” Luna said wrapping me up, “You have been so kind to me.”

“It’s just who I am…” I said shrugging her affection off, “I was raised to help those who need it, you needed help and so I’m helping you.”

“If only there were more ponies like you in Equestria.” Luna said releasing me, “It would be a much better place.”

“Somehow I doubt that…” I said smiling at the thought, me… a pony… ha, “I’m far from perfect.”

“But you seem close enough.”

“Maybe to you…” I said pulling into the massive parking lot, “But there are plenty of people who’d disagree with that statement.”

I finally stopped in a spot a bit away from the actual store; it’s easier to find my car that way. Taking a deep breath I looked to my passenger and nodded, “Well…” I began, “We’re here…”

Author's Notes:

Oh god... Another more than likely failing attempt at writing this little thought inside my head... have mercy on me...

And now Larry knows... who else will learn of Aedan's peculiar guest?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FriqUwKLHE

SUCH A GREAT SONG!

4: The Superstore

The two of us walked towards Wal Mart, but before we just went in I had to lay down a few ground rules for the one who had never experienced the miracle of a place such as Wal Mart.

“Ok, Princess.” I began, “I want you to stay close to me, and tell me that you want to look at something so we can both stop.”

“I’ve been to downtown Canterlot, Aedan…” Luna said rolling her eyes, “I think I can handle myself.”

“First this ain’t Canterville…” I said forebodingly, “Second this is Wal Mart, it’s easy to get lost if you don’t know where you’re going. Third, there are people out there that aren’t as good as I am… and I want to make sure you stay safe.”

“You sound so much like a royal guard.” Luna said looking back to me, “did you ever serve in this world’s military?”

“Yes…” I answered reluctantly, “Four years in the Marines.”

“Did you enjoy it?”

“I loved every minute of it.”

“Then why did you quit?”

“I have my reasons…” I said stopping in front of the automatic door. “After you.” I said motioning to her.

Luna took another step, only to jump back into me when the door opened without her touching it. “H-how did it know I was coming?” she asked me “Is this place haunted?”

“No,” I said calmly, fighting a smile. “Remember technology.”

“Ah, yes of course…” Luna said turning red again, “Technology…”

After she had calmed down, we walked in, past a very confused greeter. Luna’s eyes doubled in size out of sheer awe at the inside of the store. But our first stop wasn’t the store itself, it was something inside. I grabbed Luna and lead her to the McDonald’s that always seemed to be inside a Wal Mart.

“This is where we’ll be eating.” I said walking up to the counter, “Just ask for what you want and they’ll make it for you.”

“Welcome to McDonald’s.” the cashier said rather cheerfully for working a minimum wage job on a Sunday morning. “May I take your order?”

“Do you have waffles?” Luna asked “I love waffles.”

“No ma’am.” The cashier said, slightly confused at the request “but we do have a grand slam breakfast, that includes, pancakes, hash browns, a bisket, bacon-“

“She’ll just have a full stack of pancakes…” I said quickly seeing horror growing on Luna’s face, “As for me…” I said looking at the menu, “I’ll take two bacon-sausage McGrid-“ I looked to Luna her face was full if disapproval and anger, “Better make that two full stacks…” I said grabbing for my wallet. “And two hash browns a piece.”

“Ten ninety-five.” The cashier said as I handed her a ten and a five. I stood there for a few seconds waiting for my change “Four O-five sir.” She said, “You’re food will be ready momentarily.”

“Thanks kid.” I said walking to a table, Luna close behind. We sat opposite of one another, waiting patiently for our meals.

“What are hash browns?” Luna asked

“You have potatoes in your world?” I asked back.

“Yes.”

“Are they sentient?”

“No… why would a vegetable have thoughts?”

“You’ve never seen veggie tales I take it…” I said chuckling, “but hash browns are chopped up potatoes that’ve been fried into deliciousness.”

“They sound good.” Luna said looking back to the counter, “I can’t wait to try them.”

“Sir.” The cahier said, “Your Order is ready.”

I got up, walked to the counter and grabbed our trays. “Thanks kid.”

“No problem sir.” The cashier said “We love to see you smile.”

“Then you’ll have to wait a long time…” I said tipping her with my change as I made my way back to our table. “Breakfast is served.” I said laying the tray down.

“It looks good.” Luna said looking over her pancakes, “What is this though?” she grabbed those small bow things that hold the syrup and showed it to me.

“Let me show you.” I said taking it from her, “you open it like this…” I peeled the label back and poured it over her pancakes, “and you have syrup.”

“Fascinating…” Luna said, “But could you please do it again… I’m still getting used to hands.”

“I got ya covered.” I said opening the other box, when I was pouring the second syrup box over her pancakes, I noticed that several people were watching me do so. Whispering amongst themselves, I was never good at reading lips, but fortunately one of the older individuals said ‘what a cute couple’ out loud to her grandkids.

Again someone thinking we were a couple, if they only knew the truth. Well in reality if SHE knew the truth she’d probably have a heart attack. Once we were done we headed deeper into the Wal Mart. Luna constantly tugging at my shirt and asking me what everything was. Then after some five minutes of nearly nonstop question asking we were finally there, the woman’s clothing section.

“We’re here…” I said letting out a disappointed sigh, “and I’m about to feel it in my bank account…”

“What is this place?” Luna asked looking around.

“It’s where the clothes you’re SUPPOSED to wear are.” I answered.

”What’s wrong with wearing your clothes?”

“Exactly.”

“What?”

“If you keep wearing my clothes… people will get…” I tried to think of a way to explain it to her without her red faced reaction. “Ideas…”

“I think I understand…” Luna said looking away from me, “So where do we begin?”

“Do I look like I know the first thing about women’s clothing?”

“This is something you don’t comprehend?”

“It’s not the only thing I don’t know a thing about…” I said looking at a pair of woman’s pants, “if only there were-“

“Ohmygod!” a voice called out from the forest of clothes hangers, “Aedan?! Is that you?!”

“Dawn?” I said looking through the aisles. “Holy… Dawn? Are you in here?”

“Who’s Dawn?” Luna asked, trying to find the origin of the voice.

“She’s an old friend of mine.” I answered, “We met in-“

“IT REALLY IS YOU!” Dawn said suddenly wrapping her arms around me. “Ohmygod it’s been forever!”

“What are you doing in Missouri?” I asked returning the embrace, “The Navy doesn’t really have any ports in the middle of the states.”

“I just got out.” She replied, finally releasing me, “and you know I’m from south Illinois, so I was seeing if I could get a job at the medical staff at one of the local hospitals.”

“Well, with everything happening around here they could use you.” I said with a smile, “God knows you’ve saved lives before.”

“I did what I could,” Dawn said, “Just like you,” it was then that Dawn finally caught a glimpse of Luna, “And who is THIS?” she asked walking to Luna, “New girlfriend?”

Luna went red and as Dawn began to laugh, “I’m only kidding, but seriously, I’m Dawn and you are?”

“Luna,” I said turning her to face me, “Her name’s Luna, she’s an old friend from back home… she’s staying with me for the time being, but the airliner lost her luggage and were here to get her new clothes.” I couldn’t believe I could come up with a story that actually made since in only a few seconds, sometimes I really impress myself.

“Well that’s nice of you.” Dawn said turning her attention back to Luna, “But I know for a fact that you don’t know a thing about woman’s wear, maybe I could take her and-“

“I think I can handle it.” I said, “I don’t want to impose you know.”

“You were just like that in Helmand…” Dawn said with a smile, “even when you-“

“I really mean it Dawn,” I said, “I got this.”

“I think we’ll be fine.” Luna finally said, “I believe that spending time with one such as myself is in order.”

“You sure Luna?” I asked, “You don’t know her.”

“But you trust her.” Luna retorted, “And if you trust her, I trust her. It’ll also be a way for you to get what you need while I acquire new clothing.”

“I guess…” I said looking to Dawn. “You sure you can take care of her?”

“Don’t be so worried.” Dawn said punching my shoulder, “But it’s good to see you haven’t changed when it comes to the people you care about.”

“And you haven’t changed either.” I said back, “I guess I could go get things for the apartment while the two of you get everything she needs.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Dawn said cheerily looking back to Luna, “Now what size are you?”

“This one.” Luna said pointing to herself.

“No.” Dawn said trying not to laugh, “Your pants size, it looks like you’re wearing some of Aedan’s old shorts.”

I promptly left before Luna could answer that statement. I’d had enough awkward moments in the past two days to last the rest of the summer. I headed to the produce section, grabbing everything from apples to potatoes, I doubted that Luna would ever touch anything that came from an animal and I didn’t know how long she’d be staying, so I got enough veggies and fruit for a while. Then I went to the deli, just because she was a vegetarian didn’t mean that I was going to give up my carnivorous habits for the time being.

After grabbing a few packs of lunchmeat and of course, more bacon, I went to the dairy isle. Taking a few gallons of milk and some cheese I started to head back to the woman’s clothing isle, but something caught my eye on the way back. My path went right past the toy section and at the end of one of one of the isles I saw something that stuck out to me given the previous days. ‘My Little Pony’ the sign read in bold letters ‘Friendship is Magic’ it said in smaller lettering. I looked up and down the aisle looking at all of the names, Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, Rarity, the list went on and on until finally I found the one I was looking for.

“Princess Luna…” I said to myself picking up the box, “She doesn’t look a THING like this as a pony… wonder who the hell made THAT call?”

“Can I help you sir?” a worker said walking up to me, “are you getting something for your daughter?”

“Oh… uh, God no.” I said putting the doll back, “but you might be able to help me.” I pointed to the pony toys in general. “What can you tell me about this?”

“About ponies?”

“Yes… about ponies.”

“Well it’s a T.V. show on the Hub… supposed to be for little girls, but for some reason a lot of adults, especially men really like the show.”

“Really?” I said surprised, “That sounds a bit… odd.”

“It really is, but that’s the only reason the show’s so popular. You actually are in the age bracket for being a brony.”

“A what now?”

“It’s what the adult audience calls themselves, I’ve ran into a few while I’ve been here and overall they seem like a really good bunch.”

“As good as a group who watches a show for little girls could be…” I added.

“I guess your right…” The worker laughed, “Anything else you’d like to know about bronies?”

“What would happen if… let’s just say… this one.” I pointed to the Luna doll, “Somehow came to our world, how would a brony react?”

“He or she would probably lose their mind,” the worker said, “Princess Luna is one of the most popular characters in the show and one of our highest selling products in this section. But that’s impossible, she’s not real you know.”

“Yeah… not real” I said, nervously rubbing my neck. “Thanks for the help.”

“No problem sir.” The worker said, “Always happy to help a customer.”

I now knew what Luna and I would be watching when we got back home, but first I had to find her and Dawn. I went back to the woman’s section; it was now full of people looking at outfits. Girlfriends asking their unfortunate boyfriends if what they were wearing made them look fat, lucky me, I thought to myself. The only woman in my life right now was actually a pony princess from a T.V. show for little girls that men watched who was trying to find a way home.

“Luna…” I called out. “Dawn?” there was no response, so I called out louder, “Luna! Dawn!” again no response, then I was starting to get a bit worried. Not crazy worried like ‘I just lost my child’ worried, but more like ‘I told them to stay here and now they’re not here’ kinda worried.

I searched through the section, hoping to see them looking at outfits that Dawn would think make Luna look ‘cute’. That wouldn’t be too hard; I thought to myself, she was already cute no matter what she wore. I didn’t find them in the normal area, so I had to venture where no other man ever dared, the women’s dressing room.

“Luna?” I said poking my head inside, “Dawn? Are you two in-“

The moment I took another step in side someone ran into me, again knocking me flat on my ass. I looked to who it was, Luna, why was I not surprised? Dawn came running out of one of the other stall. The moment she saw the two of us on the ground she covered her mouth.

“Oh my god…” she said frozen there, “Aedan are you-“

“I’m fine Dawn…” I said, “But what happened while I was gone?”

“We gathered several outfits…” Luna explained looking up to me. “I was trying on what Dawn calls a ‘bra’… but I haven’t really gotten it…”

It was then I noticed she wasn’t wearing a shirt, only an unstrapped bra. “Here…” I said grabbing the straps, “I’ll get it for you.”

I looked over her shoulder and easily attached the bra. Luna looked up to me, and I looked right back at her, we were frozen in the position for a few seconds until finally Dawn broke the silence.

“Guys?” she asked “Are you two going to get up soon? Or am I gonna have to leave?”

“We’re fine.” I said rising while I helped Luna up. “Looks like the two of you’ve gotten the hang of things.”

“I guess…” Dawn said rather embarrassed, “Luna had no idea about any of her sizes… it was almost like she’d never worn clothes in her life.”

“You have no idea…” I said brushing some fluff of Luna’s bare shoulder. “Thanks for the help Dawn… I don’t know what I would’ve done if you weren’t here.”

“I should get my shirt on…” Luna said darting back into her dressing room, leaving Dawn and I alone.

“How’d you know how to put the bra on so fast?” Dawn asked.

“I’ve undone plenty.” I replied, “Just doing it backwards.”

“Oh…” Dawn said turning slightly red, “I guess that’d explain it.”

“You think?”

“I probably should be heading out…” Dawn said, “I’m sure Andy’s starting to wonder what took me so long.”

“I won’t keep you then.” I said shaking her hand, “Be sure to tell Andy I said hi.”

“Will do.” She replied wrapping me up in her arms, “It’s really good to see you again.”

“You too…” I said returning the embrace. “Seeya ‘round.”

Dawn left the dressing room the moment Luna walked out of her stall, my clothes back on her. “Where’s Dawn going?” she asked.

“Back home.” I said, “She’s done here.”

“Oh… I see.” Luna said stepping next to me. “How do you know her?”

“What?”

“How do you know her?” Luna repeated

“She was a Corpsman when I was in the Marines…” I explained, “I actually warmed up to her pretty quick compared to everyone else I know, even thought about asking her out, but she already had a boyfriend then and judging by the ring on her finger it turned out well for her.”

“You two seem very close…”

“Well she did…” I paused my thought, remembering that I still had a promise to keep to Luna. “You still want that iPod?” I asked.

“Absolutely!” Luna exclaimed, her eyes doubling in size.

“Then let’s go to electronics.” I said looking to a massive pile of clothes. “These yours?” I asked reluctantly.

“Yes.” Luna said still smiling, “now will we be making our way to lectrons or not?”

“Yes…” I said letting out a sigh, she got the hang of shopping better than I wanted her to. “Let’s go…”

We made our way to electronics, the moment we arrived Luna froze in sheer awe. Row after row of T.V.s music of all genres blaring from dozens of radios, people playing everything from computers to Xboxes, but we weren’t there for any of that. I took Luna to the iPod section, dozens of the little things were displayed for all to see. She pressed her face against the glass, like that kid in ‘A Christmas story’ when he saw the red rider BB gun. I also noticed two teens admiring the view as well, but they weren’t looking at the iPods.

I stood between them and Luna, staring them down like only a Marine could. It worked, they backed off quicker than anyone I’d ever seen. Today’s youth was so non-confrontational it made me worry about our future as a country.

“This one.” Luna said pointing at a particular iPod, “I want this one, can I have it?”

It was a navy blue cased one, figured that much, but it also had a crescent moon on it, I looked at it closer, the iPod literally had her name on it. A Princess Luna iPod, can these ‘bronies’ make a pony out of everything? I thought. Then I saw the price, 284.95, my wallet started to hurt. But I was trying to make her as comfortable as she could be in my world, so I decided to take one for the team.

“Sir.” I called to the guy at the desk, “Are these still in stock?”

“Just that one sir.” He replied, “People have been buying those like hotcakes.”

“Then let me be the last one to buy it.”

“I don’t think I can do that…”

“Trust me, you can.”

“Alright sir,” he said walking off “just let me get its box.”

I turned back to Luna and raised my arms. “And it’s yours.” I said.

“THANK YOU AEDAN!” Luna said engulfing me in her embrace, “You’ve been so kind!”

Everyone in the electronics section stopped and stared at the two of us. I looked backed to Luna and awkwardly returned the affection. “Don’t mention it…” I said “now could you please let go of me?”

It was then that Luna noticed everyone was looking at us. “Oh… Sorry…” she said, her face turning red again, “I guess I got carried away.”

“It happens…” I said rubbing her head, the guy reappeared with the box in hand.

“Here you are sir.” He said handing me Luna’s iPod, “Will that be everything you need?”

“That’s plenty…” I said reaching for my back pocket and sighing. “That’s plenty…”

The two of us made our way to the front of the store, pulling two carts full of clothes and food. It took nearly ten minutes to get there, but when we finally arrived what I feared most became a reality. Every isle that was open was nearly ten carts full, the after church rush was in full swing.

“Great…” I grunted, “Looks like we-“ I turned around and noticed something, Luna was gone. “You have GOT to be kidding me….” I said to myself. “Of all the things that could happen… she had to run off, and of course it had to be before we were leaving…”

I had to stay with our stuff, or else these people would take everything before I could take two steps away. I was forced to trust Wal Mart with a person who would more than likely trust anyone who would smile at her and given how she looked that would be everyone in the damn store. The next twenty minutes were the longest I had in almost a year, I didn’t even know it was my turn in line until the lady behind me started to yell at me. Reluctantly I made my way to the cashier, who looked at all of my stuff in sheer awe before giving the obligatory greeting.

“Good morning sir.” She began, “Did you find everything you were looking for today?”

“I found more than enough…” I sighed, “Just run everything through the meter and get it over with.”

“Have someone staying with you for a while?” she asked.

“Yeah, and I don’t know for how long…”

“I’ll get this done as fast as I can sir.” She said ringing up the item, one of those frilly lace bras, 39.95, this was going to take a while.

Nearly five minutes and 450.00 in and she wasn’t even halfway done. I could literally hear my wallet crying, but the worst part was Luna hadn’t shown back up yet. I was starting to get worried again, I even turned my attention from the price meter to into the store to look for her. Finally after nearly fifteen minutes, she was done. I looked at the final price tag, nearly twelve hundred dollars. Luna owes me big, I thought to myself. I was about to hand my card to the cashier when I heard the relieving sound of Luna’s voice.

“Aedan!” she called out “Aedan!”

“Over here Luna!” I called back waving to her, “I’m over here!” Luna quickly ran to my side smiling all the way. “Where did you go?” I asked her, “You had me-“

“I got these for you.” She said handing me two small boxes, “The man I got them from said they’d help us both relax.”

I looked down to what was in my hands, one was a box of KY his and hers, and the other Trojan magnums. I looked back to her, she was still smiling as if she had done a good thing, then to the cashier, she was doing her best not to laugh at the situation.

“That’s very nice of you.” I said to Luna, “But I don’t think we need these.”

“You don’t want them?” she asked disappointed, “But I couldn’t wait for us to try them…”

It was then that the cashier, the lady behind me and about thirty people around me started to laugh out loud. I covered my face, but Luna looked around the crowd with great confusion. “What did I say?” Luna asked still looking around, “Why are all of them laughing?”

“No reason…” I said dragging my hand off my face and placing the KY and Trojans at the register. I looked to the price tag 1,234.98. I think I died a little inside when I saw the price, but I paid nonetheless. After finally grabbing everything we started to walk out, but the cashier stopped us.

“Sir.” She said giggling, “You forgot your KY and Trojans.”

“Thanks…” I said grabbing them from her, not bothering to look her in the face. “You’re FAR too kind…”

“That’s the Wal Mart policy.” She replied, “We always will help out when we can.”

“Thank you, young one.” Luna said bowing “I don’t know what would’ve happened if you didn’t remind him.”

“Come on Luna…” I said under the sound of the thunderous laughter of everyone around us.

“What was the matter with them?” Luna asked me following me to my car, “Do they find it humorous that we have been under a great deal of stress and we need to relax?”

“I’ll explain that to you later.” I said, it didn’t help that everything she was saying could be turned into an innuendo. We finally made it to my car, but I wasn’t sure that we could fit everything inside, again with something that could be turned into an innuendo. I needed to stop thinking about that.

I was just about done loading my car when I heard a voice I never wanted to hear again from behind us. “Aedan?” she said, “Is that you hiding behind all those bags.”

“Of all the things that could happen…” I muttered under my breath, “this is the worst… possible… thing…”

“Is she another friend of yours?” Luna asked.

“No.” I replied turning around, “That’s Amanda… my ex…”

Author's Notes:

And that's what happens when you take royalty to Wally World...

Dawn seems nice at least... but oh god... the ex is here too...

possible editing later, please tell me how I'm screwing up... I'm shooting blind over here with no editor...

Also if anyone could find a good humanized Luna pic for this please let me know, you'll have my thanks.

5: The Ex

“Your ex?” Luna asked, “What’s an ex?”

“My ex-girlfriend…” I explained waiting for Amanda to stop walking towards me, “she’s an absolute bi-“

“Oh Aedan…” she said hugging me, “it really IS you…” much to my disapproval she kissed my cheek.

“What are you doing here Amanda?” I asked whipping the thick red lipstick off my face, “I thought you hit the goldmine in the relationship department.”

“Oh I come here when he forgets to deposit my ‘allowence’ into my bank account.” Amanda said looking past me. “Now who is THIS little morsel you managed to pick up?” she said trying to step past me to Luna, “and why haven’t you introduced us yet?”

“Must’ve slipped my mind…” I growled, staying between Luna and her, “Sorry about that.”

“Don’t worry…” Amanda said with a smile, crawling her hand up my chest “It’s SO easy to forgive you. Now who is she?”

“Her name’s Luna…” I replied, “She’s staying with me for the time being.”

“Are you still living in Mr. King’s flat?”

“What does that matter?”

“Does he still have that rule about opposite sexes cohabitating?”

“No.”

“You’re a horrible liar…” Amanda said with a smile, “Maybe I should tell him what you’re planning.”

“You wouldn’t…” I said nostrils flaring.

“You know I would.” She replied, her smile growing bigger. “Don’t you remember anything about me?”

“I remember enough…” I said, “I remember you being cold, sadistic, controlling, deman-“

“You haven’t mentioned my… other traits…” Amanda said drawing nearer to my face, “Like my kiss… or how I am in bed.”

“I remember the negative…” I said, pushing her off of me. “That’s it.”

“Pity,” she said drawing away, “We spent so much time in it.”

“What’s she talking about Aedan?” Luna asked lightly grabbing my arm.

“Oh my…” Amanda said looking to Luna, “You STILL haven’t told her about us… I thought a new couple always talked about their exes first.”

“We’re not a couple…” I growled, “She’s just a friend who needs a place to stay for a while.”

“Of course…” Amanda said looking Luna up and down, “Just a friend.”

“You’ve wasted enough of Luna and I’s time Amanda.” I said turning around, “Let’s just-“

“Call me Amy…” she said touching my shoulder, “everyone calls me Amy.”

“Goodbye Amanda…” I growled brushing her hand off.

In my attempt to get the hell out of there I left a gap between myself and Luna. Amanda took that opportunity to get closer to Luna than I ever would’ve allowed. Even when we were dating she hated it when I so much looked at another girl. We actually got into a fight because Dawn called me to ask how I was doing, after I got out. Ever since we’d broken up it felt like she’d been stalking me, not to hurt me, well hurt me physically that is. She always seemed to show her face when things were calming down or starting to go good in my life. Just to screw it up, now she was going to try to convince Luna that I was no good and that she should leave. I couldn’t let that that happen, this area was full of bad people, bad people that would take advantage of her innocence, or worse.

“How well do you KNOW Aedan?” she asked.

“I know him very well.” Luna replied, “Aedan is a kind and-“

“You don’t know him at all.” Amanda interrupted, “He can be very violent, abusive even especially to woman.”

Oh that bitch, I thought. Straight up lying to Luna so she could accomplish her goal.

“I even have this scar from one of our… fights.” She pointed to a cut on her neck. Again a load of bull, she got that scar when she fell off a jet ski at the lake last summer, a reminder for being stupid.

“He wouldn’t hurt me.” Luna said, “He wouldn’t hurt anyone.”

“That’s what I told myself.” Amanda said gently placing her hand on Luna’s shoulder, “but I was wrong, just like you.”

“How dare you…” Luna growled, I was shocked, I never heard a woman sound so angry.

“Excuse me?”

“Aedan has been nothing but kind to me, he has given me a home, clothing, he has taught me as best he could about this place…” Luna slapped Amanda’s hand off her shoulder “and you have the nerve to tell me he is NOT a good person, in fact you tell me that he secretly wishes to hurt me… we have a word for you where I come from, but given my nobility, it would be unbecoming of me to call you it.”

“Are you trying to call me a bitch?” Amanda asked, clinching her fist.

“That wasn’t the term I was going to use.” Luna said, “but if it portrays your true nature here, yes I am.”

Mother of all things holy, I thought to myself. Luna said what I’d been thinking for nearly two years. I think I kind of fell in love with her a bit right there and even though I hadn’t seen the show yet, I already knew who my favorite character was going to be. My awe was cut short however; Amanda never really took well to being called what she really is.

With little hesitation she tried to punch Luna, it was there that I was put in awe once again. Luna blocked the attack with absolutely no effort, wrapped Amanda’s arm up with her own hit her carotid artery and took her to the ground with a leg sweep. Amanda whimpered in Pain as Luna stood up and looked over to me.

“I will not tolerate such blasphemous lies about one who has done so much for Me.” she said walking to me, “I’m sorry that I had to-“

“You are amazing!” I said wrapping her up in my arms, “You did the one thing I couldn’t do to her!”

“I was only defending your honor.” Luna said, “Someone who spouts lies like that deserves even greater punishment.”

“You slut!” Amanda said rising, “do you know how much an outfit like this cost?!”

“I’m sure you can afford another one.” I said helping Luna into the passenger’s seat. “I’ll see you around Amanda.”

“DON’T YOU-“

The sound of my car door slamming drowned the sound of her screaming, I helped Luna buckle up and with Amanda still trying to rip the door open I drove off. Actually making her slip and fall onto the ground again, I doubt I ever laughed like that in my entire life; so much justice was done in just a minute or two.

“I don’t think I’ve seen you smile yet.” Luna said gaining my attention. “It’s nice to actually see you happy.”

“I’m surprised you knew how to do that.” I said, “I thought you were a princess.”

“Indeed I am.” She replied, “And being one requires you to know a little in the art of self-defense.”

“But how did you do it?” I asked, “I thought you were still getting used to the new body.”

“The technique has similarities, even in this form.” She explained, “But I must confess, I am slightly surprised that it worked out so well.” Luna looked off into the sky, then back to me, “Now tell me something… what is your past with her?”

Somehow I knew that was coming, even though I told her she was my ex I felt she’d want to know more. Talking a deep breath I began to tell her the story that only few people had the pleasure of knowing.

“I met her when I was still in the Marines.” I began, “At first it was all happy, cheery, ‘can’t-wait-to- see- you’ and all that good stuff. Some of the guys warned me about her but as a typical man I didn’t listen to them.” I looked to her when the stoplight in front of us went red. “After the third month or so, she turned into the woman you met, she had to control everything. It was like her soul purpose was making my life miserable.”

“Why did you stay with her?”

“Love is blinding sometimes I guess.” I answered, “but I finally left her about six months ago, when I walked in on her testing her gag reflex on some guy I didn’t know.”

“How was she testing her gag reflex?” Luna asked, “Did she have a popsicle stick in her mouth?”

“Something like that…” I said smiling a little, “I’ll go into further detail with you when you’re ready.”

The light turned green and we started moving again. After a few minutes of just listening to the sound of silence, Luna decided to speak again.

“I can’t imagine anyone treating you like that.” She said, “You seem like too good of a man to be given such a hand in life.”

“First off, I’m not that good, second, bad things happen to the best of us.” I said, “I know that more than most.”

“Why is that?

“I don’t care to really think about it.” I said, “Because it’s not what’s happened to you that’s important, it’s how you come out of it that makes you who you are.”

“Your words ring very true to my ears Aedan.” Luna said placing her hand on my shoulder.

“Glad that someone understands.” I said pulling into my parking spot. “Now are you gonna help me with all YOUR clothes or what?”

“What make you think I’ll do manual labor?” she asked, “I am a princess you know.”

“The fact that I explained that you’re a normal person here and that it looks bad if I’m carrying everything while you just sit there and look pretty.”

“I believe I understand.” Luna said with a smile, “Let’s get started shall we?”

I nodded back to her and the two of us got out of the car. I walked to the back, and opened the doors and trunk. I had no idea how I did it, but I managed to fit every last piece of clothing and scrap of food into my small ass car. Marines are probably the best stuffers of things into tight spaces to ever exist, again with something that could be turned dirty. Luna and I grabbed what we could and started to make our way to the door. I was almost done shifting the groceries in one hand to the other when the door suddenly swung open, nearly knocking me down the stairs.

“Holy mother!” Larry said grabbing my hand, “Sorry Aedan, I didn’t mean to-“

“It’s fine Larry.” I said, quickly releasing myself from his grasp. “No harm done.”

“Doesn’t mean I should feel bad about nearly knocking you over.” He said looking me up and down. “If you fell something could’ve broken or popped loose.”

“I’m tougher than I look.” I said

“That’s hard to believe.” Larry said, “Hey Mary and I are gonna be heading out to a late lunch in about an hour do you and Luna want to come along?”

“I think the two of us’ll be busy for the rest of the day.” I said walking past him, “Maybe next time.”

“That’s what you always say.” Larry said opening the door further for myself and Luna, “I hope you two get situated soon.”

“Thanks Larry.” I said making my way up the stairs, “See you later.”

Larry made his way to his car and drove off to his girlfriend’s place. Not really sure why he stayed here, his girlfriend’s flat was bigger and it allowed opposite sexes cohabitate. Probably was too expensive, real estate out here was a tad ridiculous. After about another twenty minutes we finally got done with all the stuff in the car and put away in its place. I plopped myself on the couch and clicked the T.V. on just in time for the Cardinals game. I was about to get lost in the voice of Joe Buck when Luna interrupted me with another question.

“You seem to keep ignoring Larry.” She said, “Why?”

“I don’t ignore him.” I said “I say ‘hi’ to him and all that.”

“That’s not what I meant…” Luna said, “He’s trying to be your friend, but you just keep pushing him to the side.”

“Look,” I said looking back to her “it’s not like I don’t like him, I just-“

A loud knock came to my door, probably another Jehovah’s Witness; they’ve been coming around this place more often than not the past month. I guess they think if you live in an apartment complex your soul needs extra saving.

“No I don’t want to hear about our savior Jesus Christ…” I said opening the door, “Now please-“

I froze; God must think I’m entertaining, because the past two days have been just piling more grief on top of itself. Mr. King was standing on the opposite side of the door, looking up to me from behind his thick rimmed glasses.

“I got a call about you having a woman living with you…” he said in his pinched nose voice.

“Amanda…” I grunted under my breath.

Author's Notes:

Well this was a product of a very long day... (04:00 a.m. to now) please tell me if anything is wrong here more than likely edits will be done in the morning... Evil woman try to mess with Luna?! LUNA SMASH! Also... NO ONE CALLS LUNA THAT!!!

Happy July 4th everybody I hope your day was better than mine when it comes to the fun department was very busy remember to thank those who have given a lot more than they've had to so you could celebrate! (Vets, active duty *Me* and those brave and honored few who lay at rest)

6: The Landlord

Mr. King was a short, fat, strange little man in his fifties. He always wore a pair of gray gym shorts and a wife-beater two sizes too small. Normally he was modest enough to have a bath robe on, but I wasn’t granted that courtesy this time. Come to think of it he looked like the stereotype for a landlord, but as I already knew he wasn’t here for a visit.

“Well?” Mr. King asked, “Is it true? Do you have a woman in there?”

“Ok, first who called and told you that?” I asked, “Was it Amanda?”

“I keep tips confidential.” Mr. King answered “Now do you or don’t you?”

I never really thought of Mr. King as an intimidating figure, after all I was about a foot taller than him, but I needed this apartment. It was the only one I could really tolerate around here, even if the maintenance on this place sucked it was still better than living in my car.

“I know that you were in the Marines and you served in Afghanistan three times…” he began, “But that doesn’t excuse you from my rules. No cohabitating…”

He tried to walk inside, but I stepped in front of him. “You automatically believe your ‘source’?” I asked, “You won’t even let me try to defend myself or even nullify such a claim?”

“I guess I could let you try…” Mr. King said adjusting his glasses, “You are quite the punctual tenant… unlike that Larry fella…”

“Ok…” I said trying to think of something quick, “How do you know that whoever told you that I had a female in here is credible? I know a few people that have it in for me.”

“The source has known you for quite some time.” Mr. King replied, “And she insisted that I at least check it out.”

“She huh?”

“Yes…” Mr. King said, “She…”

“It was Amanda…” I said, “Wasn’t it?”

“Like I said I keep my sources confidential.” Mr. King reiterated.

“You know she hates me right? All she wants to do is cause me grief and misery…”

“I don’t care how anyone feels about you.” Mr. King said, “A woman in YOUR apartment is a strict violation of one of my few rules, and if you do have one in here you’ll be packed away by the end of the day.”

“Don’t you have to give a person at least an entire day?” I asked, sarcasm intended.

“My flat, MY rules…” Mr. King said, menacingly, “Now out of my way!”

“Mr. King you really should-“ but it was too late Mr. King had pushed through me like it was easy, probably because his center of gravity was all just right there. I braced myself for an explosion to come from Mr. King’s mouth, but to my surprise there was nothing. I looked inside my apartment to see Mr. King on his knees looking under my couch and everywhere else that could possibly hide a person. I followed him into my bedroom expecting to see Luna hiding under the bed or in the closet. But she was nowhere to be seen. After another ten minutes of searching every corner of my apartment Mr. King decided he’d seen enough.

“Alright… he said taking heavy breaths, “I guess you DIDN’T have a woman in here… sorry for wasting your time.”

“No big deal…” I said looking around my apartment, “We all get bad information from time to time.”

“I guess…” Mr. King said walking out the door, “See you in a few days when I collect.”

“Bye.” I said closing the door behind him. I slammed myself on the door and slid to the floor, “THAT was too close…” I said to myself, “But where did Luna go?”

“Right here.” Luna said appearing inches away from my face, “I must say if you didn’t delay him I may haven’t had the time to turn into my true from and clock myself.”

“Yeah…” I said looking around, “All part of the plan… glad you caught on so quickly.”

“Indeed...” she replied turning back into human from, “I’d hate for you to lose your home because of me.”

“Wouldn’t be the worst thing I lost to a woman.” I said getting up, “I bet you’re hungry, let’s get you something to eat.”

We were right next to the fridge when my door opened again; I forgot to lock the damn door. I knew that Luna didn’t have time to change pack to a pony and go invisible. For once I hoped it was Larry, but given the recent past I knew that wasn’t the case.

“Sorry to bother you again Aedan…” Mr. King said poking his head inside, “but while I was crawling around I think I dropped my-“

Mr. King’s eyes fell squarely on Luna and myself. I quickly threw her behind me, hoping that that was enough to distract him or make him think that she was never there. But again the past few days and my luck with them bit me in the ass.

“I KNEW you had a woman in here!” Mr. King roared, “I don’t know how you managed to hide her form me the first time, but now you’re gonna answer to me!”

“Mr. King,” I began, “Please let me explain.”

“The only explaining you’ll be doing is to her when your packing everything up and leaving.” Mr. King said “Now start-“

Mr. King finally got a good Look at Luna, then his demeanor changed completely. “Well, well, well…” he said slicking back his comb over, “What’s her name?”

“Luna…” I said, “her name is Luna.”

That was another thing about Mr. King; he was one of those perverts that I was worried about Luna would run into. I swore that he was a pedophile, because almost every time I saw him outside the flat, he was always in the park staring at the kids on the playground in the park. He walked closer to us, trying to get a better look at Luna and even though I couldn’t see her face I knew that he made her uneasy.

“Come on Aedan…” Mr. King said, “Let your landlord get a good look at his guest…”

“Your guest?” Luna asked from behind me.

“She sounds beautiful too…” Mr. King said rubbing his hands together “And yes MY guest.”

“I am a guest of Aedan…” Luna said, “Not you.”

“On the contrary my dear…” Mr. King replied, “Aedan is living in my flat, therefore a guest of his is a guest of mine.”

His logic was valid, but I think I knew what he was trying to do and I didn’t like it. It only took a few seconds for my suspicions to pop into reality.

“You know Aedan…” he began, “I could make an exception for you and your friend…” a creepy smile grew across his face, “That is IF she’s willing to do something for me.”

I could feel Luna cringe behind me. To tell you the truth I cringed a bit too. Like I said, Mr. King is a creepy looking old man, easily mistakable for the penguin and now he was trying to get something from Luna. I’m sure I could guess what it was instantly, but it wasn’t gonna happen, not ever. I’ve had enough to deal with enough bull shit for the past few days, and I’m NOT under any circumstances going to let this perv slide.

“Go to hell Mr. King.” I growled stepping to him, I didn’t care if it cost me my apartment anymore I wasn’t going to let him so much as look at her ever again.

“Excuse me boy?” he asked, “Do you remember who you’re talking to?”

“I’m talking to a sick, fat, dick head that doesn’t know his place.” I replied stopping only feet in front of him. “And if you don’t get out of my apartment right now your skin will turn a lovely shade of blue.”

“I make the rules here sonny boy…” Mr. King said pointing his finger into my chest. “Not you.”

“Maybe you didn’t hear me…” I said grabbing his hand and crushing it in my grip, “get out… or I actually start squeezing HARD.”

Mr. King began to squirm in my grasp as I drug him to my door. Throwing him out I stood in my door way, the light coming from inside made my shadow engulf him.

“I’m going to tell you one more time…” I growled grabbing him by his wife beater, “If you so much as come within ten feet of her I WILL break you…”

“You’re dead Aedan…” Mr. King hissed, “I’ll make sure you can’t get an apartment for twenty miles in every direction.”

“And I’ll tell the cops you’re trying to solicit sex from your tenants for lodging.”

“You wouldn’t!”

“Test me…” I said, “For the love of all that’s holy TEST me.”

I dropped Mr. King back onto the floor, where he promptly scurried like the cockroach he is back down stairs. Even though he was gone I was still livid, mostly because of him, but also everything that’s happened. Meeting Luna, deciding to help her, seeing her naked, teaching her the basics of how to live in this world, every single awkward moment, Amanda and finally Mr. King. I guess it was just a bit too much for me at the moment, slamming the door behind me I turned to the fridge, Luna was looking at me like I’d just killed someone in front of her eyes. Doing my best to calm down I walked to her side.

“Still hungry?” I asked.

“I… I’m good now…” Luna said, sheepishly “Can we just watch T.V. now?”

I could tell that I scared her. I didn’t mean to, but she had never seen me like that, so her reaction was understandable. I walked over to the couch and sat down, Luna close behind. The Cardinals were still on, beating the Cubs 10-0, at least I had that going for me. Luna uneasily took a seat next to me, looking at me like I was a time bomb with a few seconds left. There was a few minutes of silence then Luna asked what I’d been expecting.

“Are you ready to eat?”

Ok, maybe it wasn’t what I was expecting, but I was starving. “Yeah…” I replied, “I’ll get it for you.” I got up, went to the fridge and grabbed a few apples and grapes from the fruit drawer and made my way back to the couch. “Here you go…” I said handing her an apple. “You like apples right?”

“Yes…” Luna said examining the apple, then Luna asked what I expected. “Why did you have such an outburst?”

“Stress…” I answered, “It just spilled over right there.”

“Well…” Luna said looking out the window, “Thank you…”

“For what?”

“Defending my honor,” Luna said, “Thank you for protecting it.”

“Hey you did it for me earlier…” I said, “and I wasn’t going to let that sicko get anywhere near you.”

“You would make a wonderful royal guard.” Luna said, “You are strong, moral, and a sworn protector of the innocent.”

“I probably wouldn’t make it in your guard.” I said shaking my head, “Too many variables against me.”

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing really,” I said looking back to the T.V. “The game’s almost over, you want to watch something else?”

“Even though you showed me how it works…” Luna said looking to me, “But I still now little of what’s on and where it is.”

It was then that I remembered what I was going to watch with Luna when we got home. I got up, ran to my room and grabbed my computer; hopefully Mr. King hadn’t cut the wireless to my room yet. I grabbed the HDMI cable and ran to T.V. spooking Luna a bit, after some fumbling around a bit I finally attached the cable and ran back to the couch.

“What are you doing?” Luna asked.

“Technology…” I replied typing YouTube into the browser. And I knew exactly what I was going to look up as well. Once the screen was loaded I typed in the longest search I ever thought I could. ‘My Little Pony Friendship is Magic episode 1’ “This is what you’re from Princess.” I explained, “Tell me if you remember any of this.”

“Ok…” Luna said confused, “But I don’t see how this could include any of my life.”

The screen loaded showing only a simple book with a gold unicorn on it. “You ready?” I asked her, she nodded, “Ok then…” I said pushing the play button, “Here we go.”

Author's Notes:

What's with the serious overtone all the sudden?
I mean first we're all 'awww how cute, little awkward moments' then we've got this... well to tell you the truth I don't think I'll never really be able to truly escape my seriousness when it comes to writing... and we haven't really had any conflict yet so I say 'SEND IN THE ANTAGONISTS!'
Oh well, let's get on with this, I promise that it'll get light again very soon... and I mean that...
The sad part is I based Mr. King off of someone I once knew... there are people about there like that... as sad and wrong as it seems...

As usual please tell me if I messed up somewhere along the way and all of you have a great weekend!

7: The Hero

After about fifty minutes of watching the show I was actually impressed, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. The characters were well developed, the writing was good and the animation seemed to just draw you in. but my counterpart had a much different opinion. Luna just stared at the screen blankly mouth wide open eyes on the verge of tears. Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to watch this with her present, after all it pretty much showed her that she was the product of someone’s imagination and wasn’t supposed to be real.

“You ok Princess?” I asked placing my hand on her shoulder, but she just kept staring at the now blank screen. “Luna? Princess Luna are you ok?”

“My entire life…” she said still staring, “all of my memories, my feelings, my home, my race… it’s all a falsehood… I-I’m not… I’m not real…”

Suddenly Luna buried her head into my chest, crying uncontrollably. Now I knew it wasn’t a good idea to watch the show with Luna. I underestimated how devastated she would be, and just a few hours ago I told her that something from the T.V. couldn’t be real, that’s what probably ran through her mind.

“I refuse to believe it…” she said between sobs, “I REFUSE to believe it!”

“Hey It’s ok Princess…” I said embracing her softly, “It’s ok…”

“YOU said that those Transforgers were fake!” Luna cried, “Completely fake!” she looked up to me, seeing her that said actually burned my soul, “What if I AM just a figment of your imagination? What if I’m not real?”

“Then everyone that’s seen you, touched you and heard you are just as crazy as I am.” I replied reassuringly, “Trust me Princess; you’re just as real as I am… I don’t know how but you are… and I’m going to do everything I can to get you home.”

“You’ve been nothing but kind to me ever since my arrival…” she said burying her head into my chest again, “I wish I could repay you.”

“You don’t need to,” I said lifting her chin up so she could look at me, “I’m here to help, It’s just that simple.”

Even though a reward would be nice, but she’d just gone through possibly the most traumatic experience anyone could go through. I didn’t want her to think that she was nothing more than a figment of someone’s imagination. She was a lot more than that.

“It’s like what I told you yesterday…” I said, “One foot in front of the other.”

“How does that make any sense?” She asked, “That was just teaching me to walk.”

“There’s more to it than that…” I said smiling, “It’s about being able to keep going no matter what life throws at you, getting up after you fall, becoming more than you were supposed to be.”

“More than what I’m supposed to be?”

“That’s right…” I said, “More than you’re supposed to be.”

“I-I’m still going to need time…” Luna said sniffing.

“Time’s all I got Princess,” I said as she laid her head back on my chest. “Time’s all I got…”

We sat there for what seemed like hours, her head resting squarely on my chest. After the ‘S’ on my chest was thoroughly soaked I looked to the clock, 23:00, damn still thought in military time. But most of all I was tired, and Luna probably needed the rest too.

“You ready to go to bed?” I asked brushing my hand through her hair. She replied with a simple nod of her head. “Alright…” I said picking her up, “I’ll get you to bed.”

I carefully cradled Luna in my arms and made my way to my bed. Placing her gently in my bed I pulled the covers over her. “Goodnight Princess…” I said beginning to walk off.

“Luna…” she said softly, wrapping up my pillow “You can just call me Luna.”

“Alright Luna…” I said with a smile, “See you in the morning.”

I walked back into my couch and plopped myself down. She actually wants me to call her Luna, after just two days she’s already considering me close enough to drop formalities. I’d never become this close to someone this quick, not even Dawn. Smiling I closed my eyes, only to be rudely awoken by a knock on my door.

Grumpily I stood up, too tired to care who it was, even IF Mr. King called the cops on me I could still tell them about what he did to Luna. Just thinking about that made me mad, trying to take advantage of a person like that, disgusting. I opened the door with the most welcoming look a man who’s been awake for nearly a day and has dealt with nothing but B.S. for even longer could. I expected Mr. King and a cop, but again I was wrong.

“Hey Aedan…” Jamie said, “How you doin’?”

“I’ve been better…” I grumbled, of all the times anyone on God’s green earth could stop by, why now?

Jamie lived in the room under me; she was about my age, slender build, a runner’s body actually. She moved in about three months ago, Mr. King let her in without even looking at a background check, but what was really the kicker was that he placed her in the room next to his. I’m sure that freaked her out, but this was the first time we’d said anything other than ‘hello’ to one another.

“What are you-“ I was cut off by Jamie’s lips pressing against mine, the force behind it nearly knocked me off me feet. Finally after a few seconds she released me.

“Thank you…” she said squeezing me tightly, “Thank you…”

“For what?” I asked pushing her away from me, “What did I-“

“That sicko has been harassing me ever sense I moved in…” Jamie explained, “Last night he threatened me, saying if I didn’t sleep with him he’d kick me out… I can’t afford anyplace else… I thought… I thought…”

“You don’t need to say anymore.” I said, “I understand.”

“If it weren’t for you… I don’t know what I’d do…” Jamie said through happy tears, “and after what you did Mr. King is scared that you’ll beat him to death if he tries it with anyone else.”

“He should be scared.” I replied, “I’m not going to stand idly by while he takes advantage of us anymore.”

“Everyone else in the flat knows what you did…” Jamie said, great I thought to myself, unwanted attention, “You’re a local hero now.”

Hero, a word I hadn’t been called in a long time. Not since I left the Marines at least, maybe because I didn’t let people call me that. But may little explosion of anger had an effect I didn’t expect, I’d given the flat hope. I didn’t know that Mr. King had held such a tight grip, but since I stood up to him, everyone else was starting to rise against him.

“I’m just doing what should be done.” I said, “I’m not a hero.”

“But nobody was brave enough to do that before you.” Jamie said, “That’s why you’re a hero.”

Jamie then placed a small piece of paper into my hand. I looked at the small paper, 573-232-7649. Oh wow, she gave me her cell number.

“If you need anything…” she said sliding her hand down my chest, “and I mean anything just give me a call, I’m never too far away.”

“Uh… Thanks?” I said awkwardly looking to the ceiling, “I appreciate it.”

“So do I.” Jamie said walking away from me, purposely shaking her hips with every step, it was kinda funny, but I knew what she was trying to do. I had an admirer, weather I liked it or not.

I closed the door behind me, shaking my head, I can’t catch a break, I thought. Walking to my couch I looked to the clock once again, a quarter to midnight, I really needed some sleep. Falling onto my couch I finally closed my eyes, tomorrow was Monday, thankfully I still had about a week’s vacation left. Hopefully nothing else would happen in that time, but I didn’t think about that, because even though that couch was lumpy and about a foot and a half to short it was something to sleep on.

The next morning came early to me yet again, this time 0530, I’d only gotten about five hours of sleep, but then again I have gone a week with as little as five hours of sleep before. I got off of the couch, working out the kinks yet again, I really needed a new couch, but after dropping over twelve hundred dollars on Luna my wallet had had enough pain for the month.

I walked to my bedroom to check on Luna, she was still sleeping peacefully. I wondered what she was dreaming about, but no one can look into someone else’s dreams and if they could that’d be kinda creepy. I closed my bedroom door and silently made my way to the refrigerator. It was a perfect time to eat something that Luna didn’t quite approve of.

I pulled the bacon out from under the huge bag of apples I got at Wal Mart and threw them over to the stove.
Grabbing the pan I made my wave to the stove, with a huge smile I opened the bag and threw the bacon on the pan.

“Screw you PETA.” I said, letting the delicious aroma fill my nostrils.

Some ten minutes later I was at the back end of a bacon and egg sandwich when I heard another knock on my door. I thought I was the only guy in the flat to ever wake up before six, finishing my sandwich I walked over to the door, wondering who the hell would be up at this hour.

“Just a sec.” I said undoing the locks; I didn’t want to take a chance as long as Mr. King was still here, “How can I-“

It was Jamie again. Does this girl even sleep? She just stood there for a few seconds, making it very awkward for me. After all, our first real conversation started with a thirty second make-out session.

“Can I come in?” she asked.

“Sure.” I said before I remembered that there was a talking pony princess sleeping in my bed.

“Thanks…” Jamie said walking past me, purposefully brushing her hand across my chest.

I’ve seen enough videos via the internet to know where this was going. And even though Jamie was a very, very good looking girl I couldn’t do something like this right now. Rule 51; never sleep with anyone if you have a guest living with you. Why couldn’t I have scared the hell out of Mr. King a month or even a week earlier? Why does God think I’m so entertaining?

“Nice place you’ve got here.” She said taking a seat in the couch.

“You should know.” I said, “Every room in this flat is designed the same.”

“I guess…” Jamie said with a smile, “but I like your set up.”

“My set up?”

“Well yeah.” She replied looking around, “It’s very spacious, plenty of room to move around.”

“Maybe because all I have is a couch, a T.V. and a table that acts as both an end table AND a T.V. stand.”

“That’s true.” Jamie said getting off the couch, “But I really like how there really isn’t anything in the way.” Jamie walked towards me stopping only inches away from my face, “So much room for… activities.”

Jamie leaned in closer but I stopped her before she kissed me. “Jamie…” I said, “I know you’re trying to show your appreciation, but you don’t have to do it like this… maybe a fruit basket would suffice?”

“I don’t think a fruit basket would really show how much I appreciate what you did.”

“I think I have an idea…” I said looking to the door.

“Then let me show you…”

Jamie leaned in once again, but before she could make contact a strange sound rose from my bedroom. I knew it was Luna turning back into a human, but Jamie had no idea. Using the opportunity at hand I stepped away from Jamie and opened the door for her.

“It’s been nice talking to you Jamie.” I said, “But I’ve got a busy day planned and I really need to get started.” Gently pushing her out the door I waved, “I’ll see you again some time.”

“Ok…” Jamie said confused, “I’ll-“ I closed the door behind her before I could hear her finish.

“Who was that?” Luna said whipping the sleep from her eyes, “I thought I heard someone else in here.”

“There was…” I said dragging my hand across my face, “But she’s-“

I froze midsentence; it was the first time I really got a good look at Luna in my clothes. My shirt dangled all the way down to her thigh, I wasn’t complaining because all I could see was leg for miles. I don’t really know how long I was staring at her, but a combination of my morals screaming at me and her voice snapped me out of my trance.

“She’s what?” Luna asked.

“Huh?”

“The person you were talking to.” She reminded, “She’s what?”

“She’s gone now.” I answered, Shaking my head, “You hungry?”

“Yes…” Luna answered with a raised brow and a cute smile, “now could you answer me a question?”

“Shoot.”

“Why were you staring at me for so long?”

I could feel my eyes shrink into tiny dots, I really didn’t know why I was staring. I knew that I was caught, but why couldn’t I think of a good excuse? You’re good at this Aedan, I told myself. Why are you having trouble right now?

“I’m exhausted…” I said fake yawning, “I guess I spaced out…” Sloppy, but it’ll have to do for now.

“Well, it might be a good idea to return to your slumber.” Luna replied.

“Yeah that’s all I really need.” I said walking to the couch, “just some sleep.”

I fell onto the couch and in a matter of minutes I was actually graced with the one thing that I was being generally denied for the past few days. I didn’t know what I was going to do when I woke up, but with Luna around I knew it was going to be an experience.

Author's Notes:

Well... that could've gone a lot more smoothly... at least they're becoming close friends...
HOLY SHI- Who knew that Aedan would be such a chick magnet?
Damn you moral code!
Apparently Luna's got nice legs... wonder what's next for our dynamic duo? Only time will tell...
You know the drill, what did I do wrong and how can I make it better? Hope all of you are staying safe this July 4th weekend, I know I have to.

8: The Rainy Day

I woke up about two hours later to the sound of the T.V. blaring. I tried to comprehend what was happening but before I could find out which way was up I was being violently shook in place.

“Aedan!” Luna said fearfully, still shaking me like a rag doll. “Aedan the T.V. has been cursed!”

I looked to where she was pointing. The T.V. had that blurry snow screen on. She must’ve tried to operate it while I was asleep. “What happened?” I said whipping the crusties out of my eyes.

“I was waiting for you to rise from your rest…” Luna said, “But I grew impatient, so I decided to turn on the T.V. and watch the Cardinals, but when I did it did…” she did her best to hide behind me. “It did THAT!”

“Ok… Ok…” I said getting up. “First, the Cardinals aren’t playing today, but I like the fact you thought about watching them play before anything else. Second, I didn’t take the computer out of the T.V. that’s why it’s acting funny.”

I walked over to my computer and unplugged the HDMI cable. Letting the T.V. go black screen, then I took the remote from Luna and turned it to the local news.

“This should give us an idea of what todays-“

A thundering boom filled my apartment, taking me and Luna by surprise. I walked over to the window and poked my head behind the curtain. A thunderstorm just decided to roll into town, Missouri weather, I thought. It looked like we were going to stay another day inside. That might’ve just been a blessing in disguise, given the fact I hadn’t showered since I ran into Luna. My mother would probably kill me if she knew I didn’t shower for two days. Then I looked to Luna and remembered that she didn’t shower either. At least I knew what the plan would be for at least an hour.

“I think we both need to clean up…” I said, “You can use the shower first.”

“The what?” Luna asked, I face palmed, of course Luna didn’t know what a shower was.

“Follow me…” I said dragging my hand off my face. I lead her to the bathroom, it was barely big enough for me, but with Luna inside too, it was especially difficult to maneuver.

“Is this showering?” Luna asked, “because I don’t think I require it if it consists of being smashed into such a confined place.”

“This isn’t showering.” I said pointing to the actual shower, “You do that in there.”

“How so?”

“You just step in…” I said opening the door “and turn the ‘H’ or ‘C’ knob… ‘H’ is hot and ‘C’ is cold, the heat or chill depends on how far you turn the knobs.”

“So it’s a bath standing up?”

“Exactly.” I looked back to Luna, “Got it?”

“I believe so.” She said walking into the shower, “Thank you Aedan.”

“My pleasure.” I said starting to walk out, hearing the sound of the shower turn on.

“Aedan…” Luna said just before I walked out, I spun around, not even thinking. After I came to my senses I covered my eyes, expecting to see the same thing I did three days ago, but all I saw was a soaking wet person in my shower wearing a shirt.

“You’re supposed to take your clothes off…” I mumbled.

“But you’ve been telling me you wear clothes all the time.” Luna replied.

“Not in the shower…” I groaned, “Now I gotta do laundry today too.”

“Will you show me how to do that next?”

“Might as well…” I said rolling my eyes, “but first we both need a shower.”

“I understand…” Luna said grabbing the bottom of my shirt and lifting it up.

I went to cover my eyes again, but my soaking shirt flew onto my face. Is this really happening? I thought, in all the cosmos, of any sentient being God could choose to deal with this, he had to choose me.

“Aedan…” Luna said again.

“Yes?” I said pulling off my shirt off my face.

“I need help getting off.”

“What?!”

“I need help getting this off.” Luna said pointing at her bra.

I officially think that God is taunting me now, because a beautiful, soaking wet young woman, wearing nothing but a drenched pair of boxers that were too big for her and a frilly pink bra asking me to help her take it off. I’m surrounded by hotties and I can’t touch any of them. Damn you, moral code, damn you to hell.

“Yes.” I said, making my way to her “just hold still.”

It was impossible for us to adjust any other way than face to face. So wrapping my arms around her shoulders I reached down to the clasps and undid them with ease. The one thing I knew how to do when it came to woman’s clothing. The bra fell to the ground and my eyes somehow stayed on her face. It was the first time I got a good look at her eyes. They were like deep blue sapphires, welcoming and warm, very trusting, just like hers.

“I should get outta here…” I said turning around, “leave you to your privacy, use that canister by squeezing the top, soap will come out.”

“Thank you Aedan.” Luna said from behind me, “I shall inform you when I’m done.”

“Thanks…” I said closing the door behind me, trying not to think about those eyes. Some fifteen minutes later I decided to check on Luna, because even though she was a girl, meaning that she could spend hours in the shower. I still would enjoy at least a drizzle of hot water. “Luna?” I said knocking on the door, “Luna are you-“

I poked my head inside, the shower was still running, but that wasn’t what drew my attention. The bathroom was full of suds and Luna was standing in front of the mirror, trying to shake herself dry.

“Luna…” I said covering my eyes, “You’re supposed to use a towel…”

“Oh, I’m sorry Aedan…” Luna said, “I know about towels, but I’m just used to drying off like this.”

“Well it’s faster with a towel…” I said reaching blindly for one of my spares. “Here take this.”

“Thank you again Aedan…” Luna said grabbing the towel, “I guess I’ll-“

Luna slipped on one of the many suds piles on the floor, and obviously I was in the direction of the fall. She fell into me and the two of us hit the tile hard, well I hit the tile hard. I opened my eyes, knowing I wouldn’t see anything anyway, but the towel I’d given Luna was on her head, not her body.

“Luna…”

“Yes Aedan.”

“The towel I gave you wasn’t for your hair, it was for the rest of you.”

“Oh… I apologize Aedan…”

“It’s fine…” I said lifting her off of me as I rose, “just make sure you put it around your chest.”

“Ok…” Luna said, “Done.”

I opened my eyes again, Luna had wrapped the towel around her body now. “Perfect.” I said, “Now go get some of YOUR clothes on. It’s my turn to take a shower.”

“If you insist.” Luna said walking out of the bathroom. “Good luck.”

“Not gonna need it…” I said watching her close the door behind her, but what I did need was Mr. Clean, Luna had somehow used almost every last drop of my shower gel, but it was just enough for me to have a quick one. After about five minutes the hot water cut and I was bombarded with ice, fortunately I was already done. I stepped out and grabbed my real towel and wrapped it around my waist, the bathroom was still covered in suds, but right now I didn’t care, I just wanted to get a clean set of clothes on.

I stepped out of the bathroom, letting the steam pour around my feet; it felt good stepping out of a shower. Kinda like feeling the world with a new set of skin. My rambling thoughts were cut short however, by the one who had been doing it for the past seventy-two hours.

“Aedan!” Luna called from inside my bedroom, “Aedan I need help!”

“Coming Luna…” I said rolling my eyes, probably needed help putting her bra on.

I walked inside my bedroom to see my suspicions were correct; Luna was facing away from me reaching desperately behind her, trying to grab the dangling straps. I also noticed that she was wearing a rather small pair of blue panties, no doubt Dawn’s suggestion, but they really did seem to fit Luna’s personality. Cute, fun but with a lot of innocence, I stopped just inches behind her and shook my head.

“We’ll do this together…” I said gently grabbing her hands, after a couple of seconds I’d finally gotten Luna’s hands wear they needed to be to strap the bra. “There you go.” I said “you did most of that by yourself.”

“Thank you Aedan.” Luna said turning around, “I-“

This time Luna froze mid-sentence, after all it was the first time she’d seen me without a shirt on. I just smiled as I watched her cheeks get even redder while she was frozen. Finally, I thought an awkward moment for her, but in truth it was a bit awkward for me too. After all I was wearing nothing but a smile and a towel wrapped around my waist while Luna was wearing nothing more than a set of blue panties. She stayed there staring into me for what seemed like forever until she looked back up to me.

“I should get a shirt…” she said sheepishly looking around, “it’s a bit cold in here.”

“I got it.” I said reaching for one of the shirts Dawn picked for her, “Here you go.”

“Thank you…” Luna said hastily grabbing the shirt and throwing it on.

It was a yellow shirt, a very well fitting yellow shirt I might add. But I didn’t have much time to admire it however. Luna darted into the living room a few seconds after she put it on. At least she remembered how I feel about new people watching me dress. I threw on one of my old Cardinals shirts, boxers and my gym pants and made my way back into the main room. Luna was sitting on the couch, watching the local news. I didn’t even think she realized I walked inside until I sat next to her.

“Want to watch anything else?” I asked.

“I’m not sure.” She replied, “is there much else to watch?”

“Not really…” I said, “Daytime television is a bit grueling and repetitive.”

“Then it seems we don’t have much of a choice.”

“Well… we could play Halo.”

“Halo?”

“Yeah, it’s a video game.”

“Video game?”

“Oh dear…” I said letting my head fall, “I’ve got a LOT of explaining to do…”

It took me nearly an hour and a half to explain everything I could to Luna. After she told me she understood enough I grabbed a small case from under my table. “Behold…” I said holding the case to the ceiling, “Halo… four.”

“Four?” Luna asked.

“It’s the forth one…” I explained, “We’re just gonna do multi player on this one, we can play the others after we’ve had enough.”

I assumed that it would be a quick match, given the fact that Luna had never played an Xbox before. But after nearly three hours of getting my ass handed to me by a pony princess I realized I may have taught her too well. It was even getting to the point where she was getting into name calling. I didn’t know what a coltcuddler was, but it probably wasn’t that flattering.

“I think we’ve played enough…” I said, putting my controller down, “What do you think?”

“I think you’re getting tired of losing.” Luna said with a smile, “I find this to be the most fun I’ve had in centuries.”

“Wait… centeries?”

“Yes, in truth I am thousands of years old…” Luna corrected, “Don’t you remember the show?”

“Oh… right…” I said looking away, “I’m just a bit shocked, you don’t look a day over two hundred.”

“Too kind Aedan.” Luna said giggling, “too kind.”

“I try.” I said looking back at the window, “You want to do anything else today?”

“I really don’t have a clue what to do…” Luna said looking back to me, “We could always enjoy each other’s company.”

“I haven’t done something like that in years.” I said placing my arm around her, “Maybe we can watch a movie.”

“I’d like that.” Luna said handing me the remote, “You pick.”

“Will do.” I flipped through the channels until I hit AMC, luckily instead of playing The Walking Dead or Mad Men reruns, it was actually announcing that The Searchers was getting ready to start. Awesome, I thought, now Luna will get to see an amazing movie and I was going to get to rewatch a classic of American cinema.

We stayed there, eyes fixed to the screen for hours. For some reason it felt nice not to worry about anything for a little bit. Even though I had a pony princess cleverly disguised as a very beautiful girl sitting next to me, a landlord who was probably plotting to kill me, one woman that wanted me dead and another who wanted me in her bed, for the first time in a long, long time, I truly felt at peace.

Author's Notes:

!Disclaimer! I have nothing against Mad Men or The Walking Dead, both are great shows, but AMC stands for American Movie Classics You'd think shows like that would be on HBO or Showtime, but I digress.
And that's how Gamer Luna was born folks!
Stupid... sexy... Luna! <- Aedan's thoughts
Stupid... sexy... Aedan! <- Luna's thoughts
Good to see them both having fun and watching a classic western starring The Duke himself
You people know what I'm going to ask... mistakes? where? how do I do it better? all that jazz

9: The Dielemma

The next few days passed with little incident, sure there were a few hiccups and Luna still needed help with putting her bras on. It was going relatively well, Jamie did stop by from time to time, but using my wit and legendary sarcasm I was able to avoid her affection. The day came early for me, as it usually did; I worked out all the kinks in my back and looked to the clock, 05:33. I woke up later than usual, odd, maybe taking care of Luna was taking its toll. I laughed to myself, I’ve dealt with a lot more stressful situations in my short life, and even though this one was defiantly unique compared to the others, I could handle it.

I made my way to the refrigerator when I heard the familiar sound of Luna turning back into a human. She seems to be getting on my schedule, so I went back to the couch and sat down, waiting for my name to be called. And as usual I didn’t have to wait long.

“Aedan.” Luna called from inside, “Aedan I need your help.”

“Coming Luna…” I said getting off the couch.

Making my way to the bedroom I opened the door, just as I suspected Luna needed to strap her bra. Today she was wearing all black, lace to be exact. Obviously something Dawn picked for Luna so she could look seductive for someone if she wanted to. To tell the truth, it would’ve worked on me, and every straight guy in the country for that matter. But Luna didn’t know that was the purpose of what she was wearing; to her it was just something to keep her ‘modest’. It was actually funny to me. Luna was a huge tease without even knowing it.

“Hold still…” I said grabbing the straps, “And it’s done.” I said once I put it in place.

“Thank you Aedan.” Luna said turning around, “I don’t know where I’d be without you.”

“I try not to think like that…” I replied, “But you really should learn how to do that by yourself. Someone would more than likely find it odd that a woman has to ask the help of a man to actually put a bra ON.”

“I’m trying…” Luna said, “But it’s just a tad hard for me… even though I’ve gotten used to this form.”

“Well let’s hope you don’t get too used to it.” I said handing her a shirt, “We still need to find out how to get you back.”

“Yes… but has there been any progress with our issue?”

“In order to have progress you need to know where to start…” I replied stepping out of the bedroom, “and if I knew where to start I’d need to be a whole lot smarter than I am now… I’d need to be-“

That moment I realized something, I only had a few days of vacation left and Luna was still here with me. She needed something to do while I was at work, maybe even a job, but with background checks being a second nature these days she needed more than a name. I might’ve been thinking way too deeply into the situation, but all that rambling thought gave me a chance to think of something that could take care of both problems in one false swoop.

I ran to the counter and grabbed my phone. Hopefully Mr. King hadn’t cut my phone line yet. But when I heard the dial tone I smiled, my problems might just be solved within the next fifteen minutes. Luna poked her head out of the bedroom, no doubt wondering what the hell was going on inside my head, but that question would be answered soon enough. I knew that May was normally his off month, but I hoped that at least someone would be in his office. My question was answered after the customary two rings.

“Mr. Freeman’s office, this is Ms. Bates speaking how can I help you sir or ma’am?”

“Hey Cathy, Its Aedan…” I said relieved “Is Gordon in?”

“I’m sorry Mr. Ryan, but Mr. Freeman isn’t taking any-“ the phone cut abruptly but the line wasn’t droped. I heard another, familiar, male voice on the other. I waited for a few seconds but in the end the result was exactly what I expected.

“Mr. Aedan Colin Ryan…” he said in the most formal sarcasm I’ve ever heard, “How’ve you been?”

“I’ve been just fine Mr. Gordon James Freeman…” I replied with my own over bearing sarcasm, “and you?”

“Government pay is very good, Aedan…” he said.

“You should’ve tried getting paid on MY side of the government…”

“That would’ve changed my opinion on it a bit I guess…” Gordon said, “But I know you wouldn’t call unless something important is going on… so… what’s happening?”

“Gordon…” I began, “I’m gonna need a favor…”

“Name it buddy.” Gordon said, surprising me a little.

“Just like that?” I asked, “But you haven’t even heard the favor?”

“After what you did in Afgan, I still think I owe you.” He replied. “So what do you need?”

“I need to make someone appear…”

“What?!” Gordon said shocked, “You want to make someone APPEAR? Aedan I’ve made plenty of people disappear… but if you want to make someone appear I suggest you find a nice girl and wait nine months.”

“I’m gonna need that to happen by Monday…”

“Why would you need something like that? Are you getting into something you don’t want anyone to know about?”

“No Gordon…” I said, “I need it to… well… It’s really hard to explain it over the phone… could you make a flight out here?”

“I’m in D.C. Aedan…” Gordon said, “I couldn’t get a flight until Monday…”

“Is there any way that you could make it out here before Monday?” I asked “My options are REALLY limited right now.”

“Well… Senator Green is going on the campaign trail again… he owes me a favor after I cleared his name in that adultery scandal a few months back.”

“Thanks Gordon…” I said letting out a sigh of relief, “This means a lot.”

“I just hope this is worth it Aedan…” Gordon said, “It’s your fault I’m spending tax payer dollars on this.”
“You do that any way.”

“Whatever…” Gordon said, I could hear him roll his eyes, “I’ll be in St. Louis tomorrow, around ten… you still live in that raggedy ass flat?”

“Yes.”

“Alright, I’ll be there around eleven, need to get nice and cozy you know.”

“Yeah I know…” I said “See ya tomorrow.”

“You too Aedan… take care.”

“Always do.” I replied hanging up the phone.

I turned around only to see Luna inches away from my face, trying to look over my shoulder. I hadn’t explained the phone yet, granted I rarely used that thing, but I should’ve at least told her what it was. I waited for the inevitable, and in just a few seconds it came.

“Why were you talking into that strange object?” she asked, “Does it talk back?”

“It kinda does…” I said turning back to the phone, “It’s called a phone, it lets you talk to people all over the world.”

“We have letters to do that where I’m from.” Luna said examine the phone, “Does this serve a similar purpose?”

“Actually yes, it does.” I replied, Luna really seemed to be understanding my world more and more, damn I’m a good teacher. “But you don’t need a pen or paper, you just dial the number you want and talk to whoever you want to.”

“It seems a bit impersonal…” Luna said, “You don’t need to put any effort into the conversation…”

“That’s one way to look at it…” I said confused, “but it makes everything faster.”

“You are willing to give up the connection with others just for ease of use?”

“You make it sound like a bad thing.”

“I just find it odd…” Luna said walking over to the couch, “Who were you talking to anyway?”

“A friend.” I replied “A friend that might help us with our… predicament.”

“Ah wonderful.” Luna said happily, then her elation turned into concern, “Did… did you tell them about me?”

“Not yet.” I said to Luna’s relief, “But we can trust Gordon, he’s been a friend of mine since preschool.”

“You have another friend?”

“I have a few.” I said slightly insulted, “Like Dawn… but I’ve known Gordon since I was three, we grew up together.”

“You must be very close to him.” Luna said intrigued.

“He was like the brother I never had.” I explained “we did everything side by side… until we got out of high school.”

“What happened?”

“Life…” I answered, “I joined the Marines, he went to college… graduated Ivy League in only two years… got a cozy government job and I got some of digital cammies and a rifle.”

“You sound upset about that.”

“Oh God no I’m happy for him I really am, but our jobs kinda separated us…” I said waving my hands “that is, until Afghan…”

“Afghan?” Luna asked.

“Afghanistan.” I replied, “We were reunited on my last mission in Afghanistan… when I… you know what never mind, I bet you’re hungry, want some oatmeal?”

“Um… sure.” Luna said walking over to the counter, “I am rather hungry.”

“That’s what I thought.” I said grabbing the Quaker man box from the cabinet. “The Cardinals are playing in an hour or two, I’ll bet you want to watch them play.”

“I still really don’t comprehend the concept of the baseball that infatuates you, though I am starting to throughly enjoy it.”

Typical woman, I thought, she didn’t understand the sport, but she loved watching it. Maybe she was getting too used to being human, and it’s only been five days. I brushed the thought out of my head and took my place on the couch and a few minutes later, after her oatmeal was done Luna sat next to me. We pretty much sat there the rest of the day, I didn’t mind, the only thing that I was missing were my morning runs. But I knew tomorrow that Gordon would be here, and I had to think of a way to explain it to him without him either having a heart attack or thinking I was completely insane.

I woke up in the middle of the night. Before I finally fell asleep I drank about five glasses of water, so it was no mystery why I woke up. The mystery however was why I couldn’t get up instantly, but I opened my eyes I figured it out though. I was mere inches away from Luna’s horn and the rest of her body was curled up on my lap, well as much of it as it could be. I didn’t know that she fell asleep on the couch with me I zoned out around ten. Luna and I had been watching Late Night, I’d assume she’d get up and go to the bedroom, but as I could see that wasn’t the case. Letting out a deep sigh I looked down to her, she looked so peaceful, like she was placed there on purpose. But I really needed to go and she was in my way. Reluctantly I carefully dug under her flank and softly placed her head on my shoulder, after I was sure that her head wouldn’t fall back over I wrapped my free arm around her wings and rose slowly.

I could feel her heart beat, the slow rise and fall of her chest with every breath, her wings rustling ever gently. She was very peaceful right now, it even made me smile. I felt like a firefighter or something, taking a young girl away from danger, it felt like I was doing something that should’ve happened when I was in the Marines. But I couldn’t think about her, not now. I had to get Luna to bed so that if I did have any company at this hour, more than likely Jamie if that was the case, she needed to be hidden so I didn’t have a lot of explaining to do. My thoughts were cut off by a sudden burst of Life in my one of a kind roommate, she wasn’t ‘awake’ awake, more like those ‘My eyes are open, I can talk, but I’m still asleep’ awakes.

“A-Aedan?” she asked sleepily. “Aedan are you-“

“I’m here Luna…” I said without thinking, “Just getting you back to bed.”

“You’re so caring… always there when I need…” Luna said slowly growing a smile, “You would be the perfect mate for...”

“What?” I replied almost dropping her, “I’d be the perfect what?”

Luna didn’t respond, she’d gone back to actually sleeping, but that didn’t mean that I didn’t hear what I thought I heard. The perfect mate…? Me…? For who? Some girl I’ll randomly happen to run into? Jamie? Her? Why the hell did THAT just run through my mind? I’m a human; she’s a pony, except when she’s human… THEN is it ok? RULE 76, RULE 76! I had no idea what I was thinking about or for how long, stuff like this happens to me all too often, the thinking part, not the perfect mate thing. After standing there for God knows how long before I remembered that Luna was still in my arms. I walked into my room and laid her on my bed, covering her up with my covers I looked her over one last time, so very peaceful.

I left the bedroom with that, nothing more, nothing less. looking to the clock I died a little inside, 4:03, but I pressed onward to the couch and promptly fell into it. Gordon was still coming in the morning and even though he wouldn’t care about what I looked like. I still needed to get SOME sleep before I had a talk that I was sure to last the whole day.

Author's Notes:

We know Aedan's last mane now! (Good God that's about as Irish as you can get) And that he has a friend in the government! A powerful friend! (he might be a reference to something popular )
Why does Aedan keep bringing up this mysterious 'her'?
Why doesn't Aedan get into details about Afganistan?
Aw... Luna's so cute when she- wait... the F&%# did she just say?!?!
Well tomorrow may be interesting for the two of them... We'll find out soon enough.
Hope I didn't disappoint anyone with this chapter... I'm really trying to keep the standard I've already set for myself for this fic.
Also, I may have to slow down updates, gotta go to work and not sit in front of a computer all day soon, I'll try not to keep you guys waiting.
and here we go... What did I do wrong? how can I make it better? What do you think I should do next?

10: The Friend

I decided not to think too deeply into what Luna said in her sleep. Probably just rambling nonsense anyway. After all she is a princess, I’m just the guy she happened to (literally) run into in the park, nothing more. The next day however, came with the resounding sound of a loud banging at my door. Groggily I opened my eyes to see that the clock had barely moved, 06:00 sharp. God had already decided that today was going to be fun for him at my expense… again. I stumbled to the door, not caring who the hell was there, whether it be Kate Upton or Lucifer himself, I really could care less. I opened the door, thousand mile stare along with it. I wanted to see who the hell wanted to bother me now, but when a massive splash of ice cold water met my face head on I knew exactly who it was.

“Aedan!” Gordon said embracing me, “Been WAY too long!”

“I’d say the same.” I said with a smile, “Still carry that crowbar?”

“Never know when a zombie apocalypse is gonna happen.” He replied releasing me so he could finally get a good look at me, “Damn…” he said looking me up and down, “Kinda glad I hit ya with a super soaker, you look like you’ve been through hell.”

“I was up very late last night…” I said balancing myself against the door frame as I whipped the water off my face, “Kinda got a bit on my plate… why the hell are you here so damn early?”

“I thought you were the morning person…” Gordon said, “And Senator Green’s flight came in five hours early… now I’ve got a question for you. You call me asking me to make someone appear out of thin air and when I ask you why you tell me to meet you at your apartment… what’s this about Aedan? Nearly forty thousand taxpayer dollars where dumped in this little excursion. I hope it was worth it.”

At that moment I heard Luna ‘changing’ in the bedroom. “I hope so too… Come in,” I said stepping aside for him, “We should get started.”

“If you say so Aedan…” Gordon said throwing his coat on my hanger, “I really don’t know what’s so important that you-“

Gordon froze the second he saw the perfectly built woman standing in the bedroom door way, desperately trying to clasp her bra on. “Aedan…” Luna whined, “I really need some help right now.”

“Coming Luna.” I said walking past my dumbstruck friend. “What did I say about learning to strap these things?”

“I’m trying Aedan,” she pouted, “but I lack eyes in the back of my head.”

“You’ll get used to it…” I said clasping the straps together, “By the way…” I turned her to face the still drooling man at the door, “This is my friend… Gordon Freeman.”

“Ah Mr. Freeman.” Luna said with a smile walking up to him, “I’m Luna; it’s a pleasure to finally be aquatinted.”

If Gordon wasn’t so busy staring at the rest of her he’d noticed that Luna had extended her hand. The two stood there long enough for it to even start getting awkward for me, and that’s saying a lot given the past five or so days. I stepped between the two, momentarily breaking Gordon’s trance.

“Luna.” I said, “Why don’t you get some of your clothes on, Gordon isn’t used to seeing you like this.”

“Oh, I’m sorry Aedan.” Luna said turning slightly red, “I forgot… I’m gust used to wearing this or less around you.”

“Just get on a shirt and some pants.” I said, “It’ll give Gordon and I some time to talk.”

“I shall Aedan.” Luna said walking back to the bedroom, “I’ll return momentarily.”

“We’ll be here.” I replied watching her close the door behind her.

I turned my attention back to Gordon; he was still staring in the general direction that Luna went off to. I only thought stuff like that happened in cartoons, kids cartoons, but I could always count on good ol’ Gordon to prove me wrong. I waved my hand in front of his face, no response. Then I punched his shoulder, at least he responded to that, but his response was not really what I wanted.

He rose a fist and presented me with it. “Aedan…” he said, “You’ve got to give me a fist bump for that…”

“It’s not like that Gordon…” I said covering my face, “She’s a friend and she needs my help.”

“And that’s why you have possibly the hottest woman I’ve EVER seen walking around in nothing but panties in you apartment?” he said patting my back, “I’d love it if she needed MY help right about now.”

“I’m sure your opinion would change if you knew the full situation Gordon…” I said looking to the door myself.

“Why’s that?” he asked, “If you ask me you have a world class hottie living with you and-“

“She technically doesn’t exist…” I interrupted.

“What?”

“She isn’t supposed to be here… well she’s not supposed to be in our world.”

“She sure as hell looks like she belongs to me…” Gordon said scratching his head, “Why would you say something like that?”

“Well Gordon…” I said looking off, “this might come off as a bit strange to you… but have you heard about the ‘My Little Pony’ show?”

“Yeah.” He replied to my surprise.

“Really?”

“Yeah I love that freaking show, been watching it for nearly a year and a half now.”

Well, Gordon’s a brony, this’ll be easier than I thought it was gonna be. “Well Gordon, who’s your favorite character in the show?”

“Probably Twilight, she’s got the cute/smart vibe, as for non-main characters, I’d say Sweetie Belle or Princess Luna.”

“What if I told you…” I said doing the best Morpheus impersonation anybody’s ever heard “That one of those characters traveled to our world.”

“I’d probably tell you that you’re crazy.” Gordon said, “There’s only one way they could do that, but that’s a theory so far out there that-“

“I’m ready!” Luna said popping out of the bedroom and gaining both our attention. She was wearing a white button up blouse, probably not the best choice given the fact her bra was deep purple, and a pair of form-fitting khaki pants. “How do I look?”

“Stunning…” Gordon said pulling his jaw off the ground, “What were you talking about again?”

“Ponies in our world…” I said rolling my eyes.

“Oh right…” he said, “That would be something, but then the Multiverse theory would have to be true.”

“Multiverse theory?”

“Yeah… the multiverse… the concept is that once something is imagined a separate universe is created with those characters inside it.”

“So things like Halo, Superman and Lord of the Rings, could technically be one hundred percent real?”

“Exactly, but the concept behind it is way too farfetched…” Gordon said whipping the fog off his glasses, “I’m sure you understand how ridiculous that idea is.”

“Gordon…” I said, “what you just said… the multiverse thing… it’s real.”

“Somehow I doubt that you have no proof.”

“You see her.” I said pointing to Luna, “That’s Princess Luna from your pony show.”

Gordon froze for a second, looked to me than to Luna then back to me. “You’re kidding… You’re kidding right?”

“I’m not…” I replied seriously, “Luna… show him.”

“Are… are you sure?” she asked.

“I trust him more than anyone else we’ve met Luna, I promise it will be ok.”

“Very well Aedan…” Luna said as her eyes began to glow, “I trust you.”

Gordon watched in pure disbelief as a bright blue sphere enveloped Luna, only showing a shadow in the middle, slowly taking the shape of something completely different. When the ball finally faded it revealed the dark blue pony I had come to know in the past few days. Gordon remained frozen, he was going through the exact same thing I’d gone through on Saturday.

“Is… he ok?” Luna asked me shaking off her clothes.

“I just think he’s a little shocked…” I said smiling, “Well Gordon… do you believe me now?”

“P-P-Prince…” he said pointing at her and trembling, “P-P-Princess… Princess Luna…” and with that my overly macho best friend fainted onto the hardwood floor of my kitchen.

“Well... Shit…” I said looking to the now limp body, “That didn’t work out like I wanted it to…”

“Is… is he dead?” Luna asked worried, “oh Celestia I KILLED someone!”

“He’s not dead…” I said grabbing him, “He’s just knocked out, all he needs is some rest…”

I was right about that, all Gordon needed was a little rest, nearly five hours of it, but rest none the less.

“Ow…” he said rubbing his head, “What… what happened?”

“You fainted after Luna showed you that she’s a pony.”

“Yeah right that was just a-“ Gordon froze the moment he saw Luna again, she was standing right next to me, with a look of worry only a pony could pull off.

“Are you alright Mr. Freeman?” she asked, “I’m sorry I frightened you like that I hope we didn’t start off on the wrong hoof…”

And once again Gordon fainted. I covered my face and slowly drug my hand downward. “Please go back to human form…” I grumbled, “Or else this will last forever…”

“I think that’s a good idea too…” Luna replied with a smile, “I’m sure that if this cycle continues he’ll fall into coma before long.”

“Just turn back into a human…” I said fighting a smile, “Please…”

This time we didn’t have to wait as long, only thirty minutes, but that didn’t matter I was still going to remind him about this at every given opportunity. “What… just happened?” he asked sitting up.

“You saw a pony from the television show you love and decided to faint the moment you saw her.” I said with a raised eyebrow. "Twice..."

“What time is it?”

“Quarter past eleven…” I replied, “You’ve been out for nearly six hours.”

“I’m so sorry about that Mr. Freeman…” Luna said apologetically “I never meant frighten you…”

“Aedan…” Gordon said pulling me close to him, “would you be so kind as to explain to me what the HELL is going on?!”

“With pleasure…” I said gently prying his hand off my shirt, “but you’ll need to calm down and let me start from the beginning.”

“Alright I’m calm…” Gordon said looking to Luna, “Now start explaining…”

It took me nearly two hours but Luna and I had pretty much gotten everything that needed to be ‘said’ said. From running into each other, the most awkward day of my life, Wal Mart, even Mr. King, I left out Jamie and Luna’s little subconscious speech though, had to focus on the major matter anyway. After we were done, Gordon just stared at us blankly, as if his brain had turned to mush. Luna and I looked to one another then back to him, still no response.

“I guess it’s a lot to take in…” I said shrugging my shoulders, “We could get something to-“

“This…” Gordon said looking at the two of us, “This is huge… bigger than anything that anyone has ever done… I… I don’t know how but she’s here… the real Princess Luna… is in your apartment… and she is so freaking hot… God she’s hot…”

“I think I get it…” I said placing my hands on his shoulders, “You have a slight infatuation with Luna… but right now I need you to focus on me.”

“Yeah you’ve got my attention.” He said completely ignoring me, I could feel his stare making Luna uncomfortable. So I punched him as hard as I could in the shoulder. “Good God Aedan!” he said reaching towards the pain “The hell was that for?”

“Pay attention to me Jackass…” I growled, “I’ve gotta go back to work, but I can’t leave Luna here all by herself as long as Mr. King still runs this place.”

“You really care about her…” Gordon said smiling “Don’t you?”

“I promised to keep her safe, and if I’m not here but Mr. King is… I won’t be doing my self-appointed duty.”

“So what do you need me for?”

“Luna doesn’t exist in this part of the multiverse right?”

“Only as a child’s television cartoon character…”

“But not among us.”

“Right.”

“I need you to make her…” I said, “I want you to make her exist in our world as one of us.”

“You know what you’re asking right?”

“I’m asking you to make someone show up out of thin air.” I answered, “So… can you do it or not?”

“Well I can…” Gordon said, “but making a person just appear in all government data bases is a lot more difficult than removing them, not to mention I’d have to go back however many years to make it all happen.”

“But it can be done?”

“Yes.”

“Then let’s get started.”

“Why does it need to be so detailed?” Luna asked, “Can’t I just-“

“One slip up in a fake identity could land you in a federal prison for a very long time Luna…” Gordon said reaching for his briefcase, “And I’m pretty sure none of us want that.”

The briefcase clicked open, revealing a massive amount of gadgets and gizmos that I’m sure us regular folks wouldn’t know existed until twenty years from now. Gordon looked to the both of us and with the small click of a button his computer spring to life.

“Now…” he said with a smile, “Where would the radiant night princess like to be born?”

Author's Notes:

Gordon Freeman everybody ... F&%$ING GORDON FREEMAN!
Now you know this story would never happen... because a plane came in EARLY!
Apparently Luna's his kryptonite ... As well as the more macho they appear, the greater the likelyhood of fainting
Wonder what crazy back story a retired Marine and a very powerful government agent can cook up for the Princess of the night? We'll see soon enough folks...
and please tell me if the quality is being diminished, I want to keep the standard that I've unwittingly set for myself high.
the usual... what's wrong? what can be done to improve it? and what do you think should happen next?

11: The Identity

“I’m sorry?” Luna said “I was born in Equestria on an Island called Heavenshore, about two hundred miles away from the actual continent.”

“I understand that Princess Luna,” Gordon said looking up from his computer, “But Heavenshore doesn’t exist in our world, you need to choose a place to call your ‘home’ until we actually get you home.”

“I’ve been telling everyone we’ve met that she’s a friend from back home.” I said, “So she’d be from Kansas City.”

“At least I’ll have a large population to pick her parents out of.” Gordon said, “I’m assuming that you want her education to be the same as ours on account she’s such and ‘old’ friend?”

“Yes…” I said “So she went to Nashua Elementary, Then New Mark and finally North Kansas City High.”

“Sounds good to me…” Gordon said typing the information into his computer.

“Oh crap…” I said, “We forgot her parents…”

“Already taken care of.” Gordon said smiling, “She is the only daughter of the recently deceased Donald and Margret Connelly… I didn’t think they’d mind having a daughter dropped on them.”

“So I have a last name?” Luna asked.

“You do now Ms. Connelly.” I replied with a smile, “You’re starting to become a regular member of society.”

“How old would you say she is?” Gordon asked.

“Over one thousand.” Luna and I said simultaneously.

“No…” Gordon said pinching his glasses, “How old would you say she looks?”

“She looks a bit younger than us…” I said looking her up and down, “Maybe twenty-two or twenty-three?”

“Going with twenty-three.” Gordon said, “And I’ll have her graduate the same year as us.”

“I’m twenty-four…” I said, “And YOU turned twenty-five last month.”

“Ever heard of skipping a grade?” Gordon asked, “She skipped third and went right to forth.”

“You’re just making her sound impressive.”

“Isn’t she?” he asked looking over to Luna, “Look you need to have oddities in stuff like this, or people will start to ask questions.”

“If you say so, Gordon.” I said rolling my eyes, “You’re the expert.”

“That I am,” he said smiling proudly, “Luna Jennifer Connelly was a straight A student her entire educational career. 4.3 GPA outta North Kansas City… attended University of Missouri on an educational and Tennis scholarship-“

“How do you know she even plays Tennis?” I asked.

“I don’t…” He said with a grin, “but I think he’d look great in a tennis outfit.”

“For the love of God Gordon…” I said slowly dragging my hand down my face, “I thought you said you were trying to make it real…”

“I’m actually quite good at tennis…” Luna said sheepishly.

I looked back to Gordon; he was slightly pumping his fist in triumph. He had me on that one I guess, but there was still a lot more to go over than her talents and smarts. We still had to take care of the bigger things, like a Social Security Number, credit cards and all the other things that people these days have.

“What about Her Social?” I asked, bringing Gordon back to the task at hand. “Do you have a brilliant plan for that one?”

“Of course I do.” He said turning back to his computer, “I’ll just mix her ‘dad’ and ‘mom’s socials and…” he lowered himself to the computer, “she has a valid, never seen before Social…” he looked back to me a sarcastic grin plastered across his face, “You’re welcome…”

“Forgive me if I withhold my enthusiasm…” I said rolling my eyes, I looked over to Luna, she had smiled at my comment, not sure why but it was nice to see that she was understanding my humor.

“Your enthusiasm is one of two things I live for Aedan.” Gordon said, “And seeing Luna in a bra is the other…”

Once again I found my face covered with my hand. I’d been doing that more often than not lately and it was always for something involving Luna. Gordon only laughed at my reaction and went back to typing Luna’s life story into God knows how many government data bases. I really didn’t know the details of his job, but I knew that if he were caught by any enemy of the state that all of national security might get compromised. I never realized how powerful of a friend I had until my platoon was supposed to escort him to Camp Leatherneck.

“Did I miss anything…” he said peering over his glasses and rubbing his rugged red beard, “No I think I’ve got everything covered.”

“Would you mind checking it over again?” I asked, “Just to be sure.”

“If you want me to I’ll look it over one more time,” he looked over the bio he designed for Luna once more “but I’ll look over- aw damnit…”

“What did you forget?” I asked.

“Something really basic…” Gordon Replied slowly dragging his face dawn his face.

“That doesn’t answer the question…” I said smiling, “What did you forget?”

Gordon looked back up to me and sighed, “How tall would you say Princess Luna is in human form?”

“I don’t know… five-eight… maybe five-nine.”

“And how much would you say she weighs?”

“One thirty-five or one forty… give or take a pound or two.”

“Ok…” Gordon said typing a few words into the computer, “Now I’m done…”

“Are you saying that you typed her WHOLE life story…?” I said raising my eyebrow, “But forgot the simple height and weight increments?”

Gordon looked to his computer, then to Luna and finally back to me. “Yes…” he said ashamedly.

“Out of all the things you could forget…” I said throwing my hands in the air, “You forgot the two things you could figure out just by looking at her… damnit Gordon you had one job!”

“Can you make someone appear out of thin air and make it look like they’ve been there for twenty-three years?” Gordon snapped back, causing me to let out a chuckle as I shook my head. “Didn’t think so…”

After a few more minutes of watching Gordon double and triple check everything to make sure. Gordon finally rose from the couch and sighed.

“Everything is done.” He said adjusting his glasses, “Luna’s now a well-respected, hardworking and capable member of society.”

“That’s amazing Gordon.” I said patting him on the back, “Don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Don’t mention it.” He replied extending his hand, “It’s the least I could do for you after what you’ve done for me... Hell I still think after this I STILL owe you.”

“It was my job… I didn’t do anything special.”

“That’s not what your superiors thought.” Gordon said, closing his computer and making his way to the door. “Especially after-“

“Where are you going?” Luna asked, “You only just got here.”

“Yeah,” I added, “I thought we were going to try to find out how to get Luna back home.”

“You never said anything about that.” Gordon said, “and I would have no idea how to, that stuffs for quantum physicists… and I don’t know any of those personally.”

“So where should I look?” I asked, “If you don’t know anything about this then who?”

“I’d start out at the university.” Gordon said opening the door; if they don’t have someone here locally they could point you in the right direction.”

“You still never answered my question.” Luna said perplexed, “Where are you going?”

“Kansas City.” He answered stepping out into the hall, “I haven’t seen my parents in two years, I’m sure they’d hate me if they knew I was in the state and didn’t visit them.”

“Tell Angie and Markus I said ‘hi’ for me then.” I said waving.

“Might as well… it was good to see you again Aedan.” He said with a smile and an extended hand.

“You too Gordon.” I said returning the gesture, “Maybe the time between our next visit won’t be so extended.”

“I can only hope.” Gordon said releasing my hand, “You know how busy I can get.”

“And you know how uneventful my life is.”

“How uneventful your life WAS…” Gordon corrected, “Like I said Aedan, THIS is huge… for you… for her… whatever the outcome, it WILL change you both.”

“Thank you for the… odd sentiment.” I said raising my eyebrow, “I think I’ve kept you long enough.”

“I really think could stay longer.” Gordon said, “But like I said, need to see my parents… see ya ‘round.”

“You too Gordon.” I said watching him disappear down the stairs, “Stay safe.”

“You too Aedan,” he called back, “Call me if you need me.”

And with the sound of a closing door, I knew Gordon was gone. That guy still hasn’t changed, I thought, still the same since we left high school. I turned around to walk back into my room, but Luna blocked my path. The look on her face told me she was concerned, for what I didn’t know, but my answer came soon enough.

“So…” she began, “I have a new name?”

“That’s a fact.” I said, but my answer seemed to bother her, “What’s the matter? That will make things a lot easier…”

“Am I never going home?” she asked, mist starting to form in her eyes. “Will I ever see my sister… my friends… will I ever see them again?”

I finally understood what troubled her. The identity thing to her was a sign that I thought we were going to be here for a long, long time. I didn’t even think of it that way, I just wanted her to have a good back story in case anyone asked questions, but seeing it from her point of view, it was devastating.

I must’ve looked like one of those jerks that made promises to people because it was what she wanted to hear. That was far from the case, I really wanted to help her get back. I knew what it was like being far away from home, from the people you cared about. Luna and I had that much in common at least.

“It’s gonna be fine Luna.” I said placing my hands on her shoulders, “I’ll start looking for one of those quantum physicists right away, I’ll get you home, I promise.”

Luna looked up to me with watery eyes for a second, then wrapped her arms around my waist. “You know just what to say and when to say it.” She said burring her head into my chest, “I don’t know where I would be if you hadn’t found me in that forest.”

“I don’t really like to think about that either.” I said patting her on the back, “but let’s get back to the task at hand, I’m sure everyone you care about is doing everything to get you back too.”

“I hope so too.” Luna said looking back up to me, “Can we leave this place?” she asked. “Only for a while?”

I looked to the clock, it was already a quarter to three, and Luna and I really hadn’t eaten since last night. It didn’t help that Luna had a pouty face that nothing in the universe could say no to. So with those two things AND thinking about how I could cheer Luna up piled on top of one another, I really didn’t have much of a choice when it came to a decision.

“Sure Luna,” I said reaching for my keys, “Where would you like to go?”

“I really don’t know.” Luna said releasing me with a small smile, “Just… just anywhere but here.”

“Ok… I got a place in mind already.” I said finally getting to my keys, “You wanna see some more of St. Louis?”

“I would love to.” Luna said, “Where shall we begin?”

“Might as well start out with the most noticeable land mark…” I said, “The Arch is maybe twenty minutes away if traffic is good.”

“It sounds wonderful.” Luna replied stepping past me, “I’ll be waiting by your car.”

“You won’t be waiting for that long.” I said smiling back, “Just need to grab a camera, might as well take a few snapshots of us runnin’ amuck in the big city.”

“Sounds fun.” Luna said walking down the stairs, a gleeful bounce in her step.

I heard the flats front door open then quickly close. Now all I needed to do was find my old camera, then we could really kick this thing off. After a minute or two I found the camera and headed down to my car. Luna was waiting there for me leaning over the hood like a pinup girl. I smiled to myself and pushed the unlock button on my keys.

“Get in.” I said opening the door. “Because we’re about to have a day on the town.”

Author's Notes:

Well... Gordon and Aedan are quite the team, are they not?
Luna Jennifer Connelly... ... ... ... sounds ligit...
Hmmm Human Luna in a tennis outfit... WIN!x100
Human Luna... 5'8" 135lbs? ... ... ... ... Very well built young woman if I must say so myself.
Again Afghanistan is brought up for only a few seconds... the F&%# happened there?!?
Watch out St. Louis... here come Aedan and LUNA!

please tell me if the quality is going down, I'm doing my best to keep it as high as possible.
What's wrong? what can be done to fix it? how can it be better? you know the rest.

12: The Scrapbook

It was nearly ten at night by the time Luna and I finally got back to the flat. Both of us were thoroughly exhausted after, but at least our outing had taken a lot off of Luna’s mind. And truthfully it took quite a lot off of my mind as well, this week was easily the most awkward and stressful week I’ve had in a very long time and seeing Luna just being normal was a huge confidence boost. She was finally enjoying herself; sure I had to do a bit of explaining while we were out, but with everything considered she and I were getting into a reasonable schedule of things. We didn’t say much to one another when we walked into my apartment. In truth we didn’t really have the energy to do so. We only had enough to make our ways to our respective sleeping spots and waited for the next day to come.

I woke up, early again I might add, made some breakfast and made my way into my room to wake Luna up for the day. I was slightly surprised to see a beautiful woman in my bed except for a pony; I was also slightly surprised that I was surprised about that I found that surprising. She must’ve been getting so used to walking around in human form that she was doing it subconsciously now. I never saw her sleeping in human form, it blew my mind slightly, seeing her in human form sleeping reminded me of her, but only for a few seconds. I was compelled to just stand there for a while, not really sure why, but I decided to grab my computer instead and let time do its thing. I needed to take care of a few things anyway.

Nearly an hour later I heard a strange noise come from my bedroom. Luna must’ve woken up to find that she hadn’t transformed back into her original pony form. A few minutes later Luna finally poked her head out of my room, wearing one of my old Cardinals shirts.

“Luna…” I said, “Don’t you have shirts YOUR size left?”

“No…” she replied, stepping out of the doorway, “And I no longer have pants…”

I turned my attention to Luna yet again and sure enough, all I as was leg for miles, just like the first time. But this time I remembered that I recently got done with something that I really wanted her to see.

“Come on Luna.” I said patting the couch “I’ve got something I need to show you.”

Luna came over and sat next to me, slightly confused about what I wanted her to see, but I knew that she would appreciate what I had spent the past hour on. Setting my computer on the ground I grabbed a large binder. Placing it on my lap I turned my attention back to Luna, her head was tilted to the side like a puppy.

“What is that?” she asked.

“It’s a binder.” I answered, “Remember when I grabbed the camera yesterday?”

Luna nodded, allowing me to continue my monologue.

“Well I decided that we should have some memories of your time here with me.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I thought that you know, since I never really have royalty stay with me so I decided to make a few of the memories permanent.”

“I see.” Luna said “Is that the product of your endeavor?” she asked pointing to the binder on my lap.

“That’s a fact.” I said patting the binder, “We’ve already got thirty pics in this baby.”

“Thirty?” Luna said surprised, “in only one day?”

“Well there were a lot of moments while we were running around.” I said opening the book to its first page, “Like this one.”

Luna looked at the photo in question; it was just a simple picture of her with her hand out the window and the wind blowing in her hair. “Weren’t you driving at this time?”

“Sure was.” I said smiling, “I’ve been known to do a foolish thing every once and awhile.”

“I see…” Luna said, “Where was this one again?”

“That one and the fifteen or so after that were at the Arch.” I answered, “Remember?”

“Ah yes…” Luna said turning slightly red, “I remember now.”

“Never knew that someone like YOU would be scared of heights…” I said smiling, “I thought you could fly and stuff like that.”

“Not in this form.” Luna said, “And the swaying at the top was unnerving nonetheless.”

“I guess you got me on that one…” I said, “But when you latched onto me like a leech in front of those boy scouts it was absolutely priceless.”

“I didn’t find it funny at all…” Luna said turning red again, “Especially when they started to say you and I were kissing in a tree.”

“Oh yeah…” I said looking away, “forgot about THAT detail… but overall it was fun, right?”

“Oh absolutely.” Luna said growing a smile, “You were quite the tour guide.”

“I do my best,” I said, “Hey here’s one with both of us in it.” I pointed to a photo on the next page. It was Luna and myself standing in front of Bush Stadium.

“I remember this well.” Luna said giggling, “You went on for nearly half an hour about the statue we stood in front of for the nice gentleman who took the photo.”

“That statue was Stan Musial…” I said, “And he was Baseball’s perfect knight… and by the time you go back home you will know that.”

“I think after your speech I know enough about ‘St. Louis’s favorite son’ for three life times.”

“Then spread the word in Equestria,” I said sarcastically, “Stan the man should be known in as many universes as possible.”

“I’ll try to remember that.” Luna said giggling, flipping the page over. “Where were we in this one?” she asked pointing at yet another photo, “And why do you seem to be taken back?”

“That’s the veteran’s memorial…” I said taking a deep breath, “It’s pretty important to me… helps me-“

I was halted by five knocks on my door in rapid succession. I left my seat and made my way to the door. It was a workday, Friday actually, and it was ten in the morning no one should’ve been in the flat either then myself and Luna. I opened the door and what I saw caught me a little off guard.

“Hey there Aedan.” Larry said, I could smell the liquor on his breath and the sadness in his voice, “You busy?”

“I was in the middle of something…” I said looking back to Luna.

“Oh… Ok… I understand…” he said turning away.

“But,” I said quickly grabbing his shoulder, “I could always make time. Do you want to come in?”

“Thanks…” he said walking past me into the apartment. He just sat down where I was sitting, completely ignoring the fact the Luna was there wearing nothing except for one of my old shirts. There was nearly five minutes of silence before Luna finally broke the tension.

“Um…” she began, “Hello Larry.”

“Hey…” he replied not even bothering to look at her, “What’s your name again?”

“Luna… Larry what’s wrong?”

“Mr. King is kicking me out of my apartment…”

“Why the hell is he doing that?” I asked shocked, “I’m going to talk to the son of a-“

“It won’t do any good…” Larry said still staring into nothing, “He’s not budging for anyone.”

“Why is he even kicking you out?” I asked, “He needs a good reason to do something like that.”

“I’m late on my payments…”

“You’re always late on your payments.” I said, “Your job doesn’t give you the check until a week after he collects.”

“That’s the problem…” Larry said finally looking at me, “I just got fired…”

“Oh no…” Luna said placing a hand on his shoulder, “That’s awful.”

“I’ve been working there for since I was sixteen…” Larry said tearing up, “And just after I pick up manager they decide to let me go… It’s… It’s…” Larry clinched his fists in anger “It’s NOT FAIR! I GAVE YEARS OF MY LIFE TO THEM! And THIS is how they REPAY ME!”

Larry slammed his fist into the sofa, causing the whole thing to shake. I’ve seen Larry drunk, I’ve seen him upset, but this, this was on a new level and with the two combined, I really didn’t know how to handle the situation at hand. But Luna did, much to my surprise. With no warning she wrapped Larry up in her arms, allowing him to cry into her shoulder.

“I know what it’s like…” she said stroking his back, “Being angry… feeling betrayed by the ones you thought were on your side…” she pushed him away so he would look her square in the eyes as she continued, “But you can’t let your emotions get the best of you, I did that once, and I paid the ultimate price…” she pulled him in resting his forehead on hers, “You can’t let it control you…”

I for one was shocked, I had no idea the Luna could be so, so understanding, so compassionate. Larry and Luna were frozen there for what seemed like forever, it was probably only a few minutes but after what Luna did time seemed to stand still. After the long silence Larry pulled Luna into him once again, letting the tears fall.

“T-thank you Luna…” he stuttered, “Thank you so much.”

“I’ve been there before Larry.” Luna said, “But with the ones who care about you, you won’t stray from the light.”

“I could talk to my boss…” I said to get their attention, “she holds my word in a high regard, I’m sure he’ll hire you if I recommend you.”

“Really?” he said bouncing to his feet, “You’d do that… for me?”

“Well…” I said looking off into space, “What are friends for?”

I was suddenly enveloped by Larry’s arms, for a guy who didn’t really look that strong he sure as hell could squeeze hard. “Thank you Aedan!” he exclaimed “Thank you!”

“Uh… no problem…” I said awkwardly casting my gaze over to Luna, who was smiling in approval.

“But I still don’t have a place to stay for the weekend…” Larry said looking up to me.

“Mary’s still your girlfriend right?”

“Yeah…”

“Then stay with her…”

“Oh yeah… I guess I forgot about that.”

“No problem Larry…” I said looking back to him, “and one more thing…”

“Yes Aedan?”

“Let me go…” I said pointing to his arms, “This is getting really weird.”

“Oh…” Larry said finally releasing me, “Sorry about that… I guess I got carried away.”

“It happens to the best of us.” I said over Luna’s giggles, “I’ll help you get your stuff out of your apartment if need be.”

“I already did that.” Larry said walking past me, “but now I need to sleep the liquor in me before I drive to Mary’s flat.” He stopped at the door and turned around, “Thank you again Aedan.” He said, “It really means a lot.”

“I do what I can.” I said rubbing the back of my head, “And more if I have to.”

Larry then disappeared down the stairway, leaving Luna and myself to our own devices yet again. I turned to go back to the couch, but I was stopped by Luna’s embrace.

“That was very kind of you.” She said digging her head into my chest “And you’re starting to open up to others.”

“He needed help.” I said brushing it off, “And I’m going to help him, it’s that simple.”

“I don’t think so.” Luna said looking up to me, “You’re changing.” She leaned into me closer stopping only when her lips were inches from mine, “And you’re changing for the better…” she pushed away from me and walked back to the couch, “Are we going to proceed with looking at the scrapbook or not?”

I seriously thought right there for a second she was going to kiss me, and for some reason that thought got my heart racing. That and the fact that rule 76 didn’t start blaring in my head until after she made her way back to the couch. God, what’s happening to me? I thought, again Luna’s sleep talk popped into my mind, ‘the perfect mate’, but for who?

“Aedan?” Luna asked, throwing me off my train of thought. “The Scrapbook?”

“Oh, yeah… sure thing Luna.” I said sitting next to her on the couch, “Let’s start back up where we finished.”

The two of us sat there for hours, recanting every story behind every picture taken. We still didn’t know how she got here or how to get her back, but thanks to Gordon we had a lead. A lead that we would get to work on in the next few days, but that lead would have to wait, because the two of us were just enjoying one another’s company at the moment, and in reality, I knew that Luna and I couldn’t really ask for much more than that.

Author's Notes:

So... I couldn't really think of how to write their night on the town... so I decided to work with an aftermath kinda thing.
I'm only afraid of heights when I can't fly. -Luna
The multiverse shall know the name of STAN THE MAN!
Woah... Larry you're bringing the writer's serious nature back... total buzzkill...
Luna with amazing life advice to the rescue!
Wait... did they almost? ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... yup they almost did
As usual... is quality still good? what's wrong with it? finally... how can it be better?

13: The Visitor

I woke up at four in the morning, it was Friday, my last day off before I had to go back to work. I should’ve slept in, just to get back into the schedule, but I got up to go running anyway. It was the first time in the past week I woke up to run, with everything happening I really didn’t get a chance to keep my routine up.

I drug myself off the couch and slugged my way into the bedroom, Luna was still sleeping like a rock, still in human form. Quietly I made my way to my dresser, but maneuvering was slightly difficult because of the piles of worn clothes strewn throughout the place. I’d have to talk to her about using the hamper again when she woke up.

It didn’t take too long for me to grab my pants and shoes and after double and triple checking that my door was secured enough for me to feel comfortable leaving Luna alone in the same building as Mr. King, I was off. I didn’t take long into my run to start thinking about Luna and how I was going to get her back to where she belonged. Weird, normally when I run I think about my time in the Marines, back when I was fast, back when everything was normal. But not this time, this time I thought about Luna I could barely go twenty feet without her popping back into my thoughts when I was trying to think of something new.

This never happened, I always would think about ten or twenty things when I ran, but this time my thoughts enveloped her, probably because we’ve pretty much attached at the hip for the past week. It did feel weird not having Luna with me while I ran, but during our run to Wal Mart I failed to get her excursive gear, that was probably a good thing, I think I’ve caught enough people staring at Luna’s more ‘noticeable’ assets as it was anyway.

My run lasted barely thirty minutes, less than half of what it usually takes, but I needed to get back to the flat before Luna woke up. I didn’t want Luna to get worried and go looking for me, that would be way too much to deal with early in the morning, also adding the freaks in this neighborhood, that’d be a tad too much for me to deal with at the moment.

I ran up the stairs to my apartment and checked the door, unlocked. I pushed the door open, ready to do whatever needed to be done. But what was inside I didn’t really expect I saw Luna on the couch watching the morning news and sitting next to her was Jamie. Luna let Jamie in, not sure why but I was relieved to see that it was only Jamie, anyone else I may have been worried.

“Good morning Aedan,” said Luna as she popped up from the couch. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

“You have?” I asked, “When exactly did you wake up?”

“When you walked into the bedroom,” she replied. “I didn’t want to worry you if I got up unexpectedly.”

“You’ve been worrying me ever since you got here,” I said smiling while I placed my hand on her shoulder, “You’ve just been so busy acquainting yourself that you haven’t noticed.”

“Well I knew how to do everything here I wouldn’t really need you.”

“What are you two talking about?” Jamie asked to gain our attention, “She’s never been to St. Louis before?”

“Yeah,” I said quickly. “She’s from Kansas City, like me, but she’s been in Colombia at the university for a few years she decided to-“

“Pay you a visit and all of her luggage on the plane got lost,” Jamie finished, “She’s also looking for a job because she’s planning to live here.”

“H-how… how did YOU know?”

“I popped in about twenty minutes ago to see if you were awake,” she explained, “I was slightly surprised to see a girl like Luna answer the door, but she was nice enough to let me in, I asked the obvious and she answered.”

“Oh… yeah, that makes since.”

“You think?” Jamie said letting out a giggle alongside Luna. “Why did you never introduce me to such a wonderful person?”

“Yes Aedan…” Luna added. “Why didn’t you introduce me to Jamie?”

“I guess it slipped my mind…”

“Well I forgive you for your mistake.” Luna said, “So long as you don’t do it again.”

“Whatever you say, princess.” I replied with the utmost of sarcasm.

“Well aren’t you two are adorable,” Jamie said smiling. “The two of you make a very cute couple.”

“We’re NOT a couple.” Luna and I said simultaneously.

“I know,” Jamie said letting out a laugh. “But the two of you just seem to be that close.”

“We’ve been friends for a long time,” I replied. “We’ve never been anything more.”

“Ok, ok I get it…” Jamie said rolling her eyes, “You’ve been just ‘friends’.”

“That’s right… just ‘friends’.”

“You don’t have to keep saying that, or else I’ll start believing something different,” Jamie smirked. “But as I said already, I was here to see if you were awake and as you know I must’ve just missed you.”

“Which begs the question,” Luna interjected, tilting her head like a puppy. “What did you want to speak with Aedan about?”

“Well…” Jamie said scratching her chin, “I was going to ask him to dinner and a movie Saturday, IF his schedule allowed it.”

Luna and I were taken back by this revelation. I knew that Jamie had shown a growing interest in me, but for some odd reason I didn’t think for one second that she was going to ask me out. She sat there on the couch waiting for me to say something, probably ‘yes’, because like I said before, she’s a very good looking girl, but I still had an obligation to Luna and this would postpone her getting back home yet again.

“Well Jamie…” I said trying to think of the most polite way to say no. “I am really b-”

“He’d love to,” Luna interrupted. “Aedan really needs to get out more.”

I was speechless, never in my life had another person made me go out on a date. I cast my eyes over to Luna, the smile on her face was cute, yet deviousness almost as if she had planned it. No matter what Luna was going to have to answer for it when Jamie left, which now didn’t look like it would be long.

“That’s fantastic,” Jamie said getting up. “I’ll be ready at six; YOU can pick the place… Oh and Aedan…” she said brushing her hand across my chest as she walked past me to the door. “I hate Chinese food.”

And with that the door closed behind her, leaving only me and the reason for the dumbfounded look on my face left in the room. I turned my attention to Luna she still held that smile.

“And THAT was for?” I asked.

“I think you need to get out more,” Luna replied still smiling. “I think you’ll thank me for it in time.”

“I could think of a few things to do to you right now,” I said stepping before her. “Seriously why did you do that?”

“You need it, THAT’S why,” She said. “You’ve been working so hard trying to make me feel at home, you’ve spent a great deal of your currency on me and you’ve made me an identity AND a life so I could stay safe… in truth my entire time here I haven’t seen you do anything for yourself.”

“You realize that you’re on a foreign planet, you have no knowledge of the world around you and you have no money… I’d do this for anyone in that situation.”

“And yet you fail to admit that you haven’t done anything for yourself over the past week.”

“That’s not the point,” I said. “You spoke for me when I was going to-“

“Aedan,” Luna interrupted wrapping her arms around me and staring me square in the eyes with her own two sapphires. “For too long I’ve seen you stressed out, giving everything for someone you didn’t even know, even letting me stay in your home when you had no idea how I was going to react.” She leaned in closer, “You need to have time for yourself.”

“What about you?” I asked, “You still need my help, you and I still need to-“

I was interrupted by Luna’s finger pressing against my lips as she drew even closer. “You’ve taught me enough about your world for now,” she whispered. “I can take care of myself.”

“Are you sure?” I asked. “Because I’m sure I could-“

“Yes I’m sure.” Luna replied rolling her eyes. “I’m not a child you know, I’m-“

“Over one thousand years old?” I asked with the utmost sarcasm.

“Exactly,” She replied, finally releasing me. “The day is still early, do you have any plans for it?”

“I didn’t have plans for anything until YOU set me up with Jamie.”

“Are you still upset about that?”

“I’m not upset…” I said, folding my arms. “I’m just shocked that you’d do that.”

“Don’t you like her?” she asked. “I wasn’t trying to make it too obvious for her but… well it’s a little-“

“I like her…” I said. “As a friend.”

“Just a friend?”

“Yes…” I reiterated. “Just a friend.”

“You seem to only have friends and enemies Aedan,” Luna said concerned. “Why don’t you wish to have anything more than what you already have?”

“I’m content with what I have…” I replied trying to walk past her. “That’s all you can ask for.”

“Content isn’t happy…” Luna said placing her hand on my shoulder.

“It’s close enough for me,” I said brushing her hand off. “What about you? Are you happy in your little pony world?”

Luna paused for a second, as if I said something that struck a nerve, not a big nerve, but one that was enough to rate a reaction like hers.

“I am content…” she said looking away.

Maybe what I said was a little bit too personal, I’d never seen her like this. She was that ‘woman’ mad, as in ‘I’m angry but I’m not going to tell you why because you should know why’ kind of angry. But I’m a guy; I didn’t know what she was angry about.

“Uh Luna…” I said passively, “you still wanna watch T.V.?”

“I suppose…” she said sitting on the opposite end of the couch, away from me.

Now I really knew she was angry, every time before today she would sit next to me. I was kind of lucky come to think about it, because if we were in a relationship I’d have to sleep on the couch anyway. Several hours had passed and the local channel was starting to show the Cardinals getting ready to play the Dodgers. I looked over to Luna; she still looked pretty upset over what I had said earlier. I still had no idea what I said to make her so upset, but I also knew that now wasn’t a time to let my pride get in the way.

“I’m sorry…”

“What?” Luna asked, finally looking over to me.

“For what I said earlier… I’m sorry…”

“Are you?”

“For what it’s worth… yes I am.”

“Then I forgive you.” Luna said scooting to my side.

“Just like that?” I asked.

“Just like that…” Luna replied, “I realize I was wrong for speaking for you… and now you have to do something you don’t want to.”

“Don’t feel too bad, princess.” I said, “I’m used to THAT kind of thing happening, besides, I actually might have some fun.”

“Glad you’re looking at it with an open mind,” Luna said growing a smile.

“Might as well…” I said chuckling. “Haven’t been on a date in months.”

“Aedan…” Luna said. “There was something that I wanted to ask you.”

“Go for it.”

“While Jamie and I waited for you we did talk a little.”

“I know…” I said confused, “You told me.”

“I know but there were a few things she asked me that confused me a little.”

“Ok… what were they?”

“Well…” she said thinking back to a few hours ago. “She asked me how you were in bed.”

“What?!”

“I know, she asked me how you slept in a bed… I told her I’ve never seen you sleep in a bed, so I couldn’t tell her.”

“Is that all?” I asked covering my face with my hand.

“Oh no…” Luna said continuing, “After I answered that she then asked me if I had ever slept with you.”

“And what did you say to that?” I asked fearing the answer.

“I told her that we did sleep together on the couch,” Luna answered to my horror. “And I told her that it was wonderful, you just seemed to encompass me and make me feel special.”

“Oh God…” I quivered. “THAT’S why she was talking to me like that…”

“Like what?” Luna asked. “I answered her truthfully, is that a problem?”

“Luna…” I said pulling her close. “Apparently there WAS something I forgot to tell you about…”

I pulled her into me again and whispered the meaning of both phrases into her ear. When I looked at her face I saw that it became as red as a tomato. I was slightly surprised that she’d never heard those terms, but then again, she was from a show for little girls.

“T-THAT’S what that means?” she stuttered.

“Afraid so…” I replied.

“So she thinks we’ve….”

“Yup…”

“I-I didn’t mean to… to…”

“It’s fine Luna, you didn’t know.” I said reassuringly, “But it will make Jamie and my date a tad bit more awkward for me.”

“You really think so?”

“Yeah, it’s no big deal…” I said. “You just want to watch the game now?”

“Yes…” Luna replied. “I could use something to get my mind off of what I’ve just heard…”

The two of us sat there, thinking about what just happened. After the game was over we just went about our daily business. Knowing that tomorrow was going to be the real challenge.

Author's Notes:

Well... Here's another chapter for y'all... Hope it's still up to the standards of this surprising out of nowhere popular fic!
Oh... Jamie's back! and she was talkin' to Luna...
Well that's nice... WAIT?!?? Luna just set Aedan up on a DATE?! With JAMIE?!?!
What were those two talking about??? ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Oh... My... GOD!!!
Aw... their first fight ... wait that's not good...
Warning! The next few chapters things will start to get very serious involving Luna and Aedan... what kind of serious??? wouldn't you like to know.
Questions for you... STILL good quality? What's wrong? How can it be better?

14: The Job

I woke up earlier than usual, around 03:00 in the morning. My mind was still trying to warp around the fact that Luna had set me up on a date with Jamie and that she misunderstood her question about sleeping with me. The kinks in my back were probably the main reason I woke up, that damn couch really needed to be thrown out, but still, Luna. Why did she do that? Why would Jamie ask such a personal question to a person she barely knew?

Those questions would have to wait, I needed to run. To clear my head a bit, anything to get myself back into focus. Because today wasn’t just any normal run-of-the-mill day, today was the day.

I crept into my room, hoping that Luna wasn’t awake. Fortunately, she was still out cold. I was starting to wonder about her, she was supposed to be the Princess of the night and she was sleeping, at night. However, I needed to get some fresh air so I went to my dresser, pulled out my running pants and proceeded to put them on, unfortunately for me my balance hadn’t been the best since I left the Marines and Luna’s ‘remodeling’ of my bedroom was working against me. I tripped over a chair and fell face first into my bed, causing Luna to jump what I swear was ten feet into the air.

“BY MY SISTER’S BEARD!” she cried, grabbing the bed lamp as if it were instinct.

“Easy Luna… it’s just me,” I replied, throwing my hand in front of my face. “I was trying to get ready to run.”

“Aedan… You scared me half to death,” she said putting the lamp down. “Why would you do something like that?”

“I wasn’t trying to… but it’s hard to see in the dark, not to mention that you’ve adjusted everything in here.”

“Oh… I’m sorry about that Aedan… I was only trying to make this place feel more like home.”

“I understand that, but you should go back to sleep. You know what day it is right?”

“The day you bring me to your place of business,” Luna answered. “To see if I can’t get a job.”

“Exactly,” I replied smiling. “Now get some sleep, I’m sure you woke the neighbors.”

Sure enough when I stepped outside I received a great deal of negative remarks, but the funniest one was probably the guy that told me to be more gentle with whoever I had in my apartment. If that guy only knew the half of it, I got done with my run relatively quick it was 04:30 by the time I got back to the apartment. When I opened the door the smell of smoke filled my nose, Luna had tried to use the toaster, but she put whatever was trying to cook was now nothing more than a black shriveled version of what it once was.

“I’m SO sorry Aedan!” Luna cried, desperately trying to grab whatever was inside. “I was going to surprise you with breakfast, but-“

“It’s fine Luna…” I replied walking to the smoldering toaster. That could be another reason this place was so cheap, I was one of the rooms that didn’t have a smoke detector. “What were you trying to make?”

“Waffles…” Luna answered, I should’ve known.

“That’s very nice of you Luna, but I think we can grab something on our way there, I’ll take care of this and hop in the shower,” I said pouring the ashes out of my toaster into the trash. “You just need to throw on some jeans and a… top that keeps you modest; my boss will take notice if you waltz in wearing one of MY shirts.”

The two of us got ready pretty quick. I needed to be there by seven, but I had to get Luna in to meet my boss before my shift, and I’m sure Larry would be there too. So I had to make my case for two people, well one person and a pony disguised as a person before my shift started. We finally arrived around 05:50. As I predicted Larry was there too, but before we stepped out of the car Luna had one rather silly question.

“Who’s Denny?” she asked. “And why are we in front of his house?”

“This isn’t someone’s house Luna,” I said trying to fight a laugh. “It’s a restaurant, like the McDonald’s in Wal-Mart, only bigger… and people tend to stay here longer.”

“Ah, is this where we shall dine before we go to your place of business?”

“Well kind of…” I replied. “This IS my place of business, I’m the day manager.”

“So you hold a high office here?” she asked.

“Yeah I guess so, I’m pretty much right under the general manager.” I said opening my door, “Come along now, I need to see if I can get you and Larry a job before seven thirty.”

Luna nodded and proceeded to exit the vehicle, not without my help, of course and the two of us made our way to Larry. He was wearing some casual button up shirt and a pair of shorts, pacing back and forth in front of the door like a dog that really needed to go to the bathroom. I never really knew that he could get that nervous about something as simple as a job interview.

“Hey you two.” Larry said nervously rubbing his arm. “Been waitin’ for ya.”

“I can see that Larry,” I said raising an eyebrow, “but you really don’t need to be so nervous, I’ll be doing most of the talking.”

“You will?” Larry asked surprised, “but I thought this was-“

“I’m helping you out right now Larry.” I interrupted, “Just let me handle it.”

Larry nodded nervously towards me about the same time I turned my attention to Luna to give her a pep talk, but when I did I just saw her looking up to me with a smile. That smile, I could get lost in a smile like hers. Maybe Gordon was right, Luna was letting me come out of my shell, turning me into the person that she saw in me.

“Aedan?” Larry asked, “Are we going to go inside anytime soon?”

“What?” I replied, coming back to the real world, I really didn’t know how long I was staring at her but I realized that the three of us still were outside. “Oh yeah… follow me to the back office, I’m sure Mrs. Burns would like to have a good look at you two.”

The two followed me past the hustle and confusion that comes with working at a 24/7 diner to the back offices, where the person in question was awaiting the three of us. Mrs. Burns was a woman in her early thirties, but she looked about my age, jet black hair, piercing green eyes. I found it odd that a woman like her was already a mother of three, because she didn’t look it at all. She always had a smile on and was always more than willing to help someone out. I was lucky that I found her after I got out, granted she probably would’ve given me a job regardless, since her husband is an actively serving Chief in the Navy.

“Oh Aedan.” She said giving me her copyrighted ‘welcome’ hug. “I’m glad to see you’re back from your vacation, things were starting to get crazy here without you.”

“I was only gone a week and a half.” I replied, “I’m sure Dane couldn’t screw it up THAT bad.”

“Bless that boy’s heart.” She said shaking her head, “He tries so hard, but he just can’t get the job done like you can.”

“I’ve had plenty of experience leading small groups of people.” I said brushing off the compliment. “He’s just trying to pay through college.”

“That’s why I gave you the day manager job so soon.” She continued, “I knew you could handle it…” her eyes finally left me and looked to the two behind me “and who are these two lovely young people?”

“Mrs. Burns…” I began, “This is Larry Donavan and Luna Connelly, both friends of mine.”

“I see.” See said walking past me to get a better look at them, “Hello, I’m Maria Burns, wonderful to meet you.”

She extended her hand to Larry first who nervously grabbed it and shook it with anticipation. After Larry had removed his jitters via an overly long hand shake she turned her attention to Luna, but instead of accepting it she bowed humbly before her.

“Greetings Mrs. Burns,” she began, “I am Luna Connelly, and I request to be granted permission to work alongside Aedan and yourself.”

“So formal.” Mrs. Burns said nodding, but I could only lower my head and pinch the point between my eyes and sigh. “But you can just call me Maria or even 'M', Aedan is the only one who still calls me Mrs. Burns.” She turned around slowly enough for me to pop back to attention. “Isn’t that right, Mr. Ryan?”

“Just a habit.” I replied, “You know, used to it and all.”

“Oh, I understand Aedan,” she said walking back to her desk, “I’ve been married to a military man for the past fourteen years.” She sat down in her chair and offered the three of us the chairs around her office. “Now I’m sure you didn’t bring these two here just so I could say ‘hi’.”

“Well Mrs. Burns…” I began “You’re right… you see, these two need a job, Larry just got laid off his job of over ten years and Luna is an old friend from back home staying with me until some… ‘Issues’ are taken care of.”

“Well we go through waitresses faster than anything…” She said Looking Luna up and down, “and she fits the type perfectly… as for him.” She turned her attention to Larry, “I could use a new bus boy… old one went off to college in Colorado.”

“So they have the job?” I asked.

“Of course they do.” Mrs. Burns replied, “Anyone who’s a friend of yours is as good as hired in my eyes.”

Mrs. Burns then stood up and walked to her closet and opened it, revealing a plethora of uniforms. Grabbing one men’s and one woman’s she tossed them to their respective new owners with a smile.

“Welcome to the Denny’s family.” She said, “You can get to work right now.”

“Oh thank you Maria!” Larry exclaimed hastily throwing his new shirt on, “I’ll do my best not to disappoint you.”

“I’m sure you won’t.” Mrs. Burns said with a smile. “Just head on back there, Alfred will bring you up to speed.”

Without a second’s hesitation Larry darted towards the direction Mrs. Burns was pointing. It was good to see Larry happy, especially after his little ‘episode’ yesterday. My ‘good job’ state was short lived, because I realized that Mrs. Burns had made Luna a waitress, possibly the worst choice for her given what I knew about her.

“Uh… Mrs. Burns…” I said the second Luna walked out the door. “Did you just make her a waitress?”

“Of course I did.” She replied, “and a pretty little number like that will easily make enough money in tips that she can help take care of her ‘issues’ you were talking about.”

“But… Mrs. Burns…” I said reluctantly, “Luna… well… she…” I tried to think of something clever, but my mind was running a blank, mainly because my mind kept reverting to Luna’s smile again and again. I had to focus quickly; but Mrs. Burns beat me to it.

“Oh, don’t worry Aedan.” She said, “I’m sure your girlfriend will be able to take a few gentlemen looking her up and down once or twice.”

“Yeah that’s the… wait what?”

“I assumed the way you were looking at her and vice-versa that the two of you were a couple.” Mrs. Burns said, “Was I wrong?”

“Yeah that’s wrong!” I replied shocked, “Luna’s JUST a friend… JUST a FRIEND…”

“Oh I’m terribly sorry about that.” She replied, trying not to laugh at my reaction, “But the two of you-“

“Are just friends…” I said again, “And if it’s not too much to ask-”

“Of course you can keep an eye on her.” Mrs. Barns said finishing my statement, “I’d know I’d feel a little protective of my ‘good friend’ their first day of the job.”

I grunted at her while I made my way to the actual dining portion of the Denny’s. Her response was an outburst of laughter, but I was already gone before she had stopped. If she only knew that the new cute waitress she had hired was actually a princess from another part of the multiverse.

If anyone other than Gordon found out… oh God… this was a terrible mistake. I should’ve just let her stay at home and answer the door for only a few people, now she’s going to experience the world through the eyes of a waitress, which through my own experience, wasn’t all that fun. Damn you hindsight, why can’t you be foresight instead?

The first few hours of the day went off without a hitch. Larry had loaded in two hours what it normally took Alfred and crew a whole day to do and Luna was actually doing quite well as a waitress. Maybe because I’d purposely send her to the tables with two or less old people so she could get the hang of her new job, but in this business even I can’t be there all the time.

I went to the bathroom to take care of normal manly body functions for no more than five minutes. When I came out I saw Luna standing next to a table that no waitress, old or new, should’ve taken. At the table were the Trents; five man-children ranging from seventeen to twenty five, notorious womanizers and well known for harassing our female workers on and off shift. Furious, I went over to our head waitress, Debbie, cliché I know, but that was her name.

“What the hell Deb!” I whispered in furry, “Luna just started working here today!”

“Hey it was either her or me.” Debbie replied, “And there’s NO way I’m serving THOSE boys again.”

“Where the hell is James, Anton, David… or any of our waiters for that matter?”

“On break…”

“All of them?!”

“Well… yeah they saw you go to the bathroom and they all rushed outside.”

“When they get back… You send them to me…” I growled, storming off to the table.

“Hey where you goin’?” She asked.

“I’m getting Luna out of there…” I seethed, I was seeing red, and if Mrs. Burns were out here, she’d see red too.

The Trents would come down here some days cause a scene and promptly leave before anyone could call the police. Their favorite tactic was to either wait outside and surround one of our waitresses and begin to harass her until myself or another man showed up, or sit inside and see if a girl would come to take their order. It just had to be Luna, I thought, these bastards are going to try something on Luna. I grew angrier and angrier as I continued to think about it, the moment one of them tried anything, oh there would be hell to pay.

As I neared the table Luna left, a slightly confused look on her face. Walking up to me she seemed a bit concerned. “Aedan.” She began, “I’m having some trouble understanding their order.”

“What was it?” I asked, calming myself down.

“Well they said they wanted several things… but they weren’t on the menu.”

“Such as?”

“Well one said they wanted my clam… but we lack clams according to this.” That sparked some rage, but I waited to see what else they asked for. “Another asked for a ‘gang bang’ I think he meant Grand Slam… another asked for a ‘B.J.’, but I didn’t know what it stood for, one asked for a ‘My Dickens’ Cider’, but there is no Apple Cider of that brand… the only thing I could really get them was when one asked for a crème pie.”

‘Crème pie’ was the moment I nearly lost it. I stormed past Luna right towards their table, eyes that if I were Superman, would’ve been glowing red. The Trents ignored me for a moment, fist bumping and high fiving one another for their actions. Finally the youngest, and easily the stupidest, of them noticed me.

“Oh!” he said in a high pitched voice, “If it isn’t ol’ Faggot himself! I thought you finally realized that we’d all kick your ass eventually and ran outta town! Guess you’re dumber than we thought!”

His brothers proceeded to ‘tool’ praise him, but I was unmoved by his enlightened words.

“Aw Speechless big boy?” the middle one asked.

“Bra, I think he scared…” the oldest said the sound of his brothers egging him on, “Yeah I bet you scared, hell you’d probably bitch out even if lil’ Trent came at you.” His brothers all did that annoying Jersey Shore ‘Oh’ thing that kids today thought were cool. I remained, still unamused by their primitive banter.

“You need to leave…” I growled, “Now…”

“What was that?” the second oldest asked, “Big boy growing some backbone? That’s new… normally you back off because you know you can’t take us.”

“You’re harassing my workers,” I said trying to keep my calm, “Leave before I call the police… again.”

”Bra he’s as scared as ever!” The youngest said, “Gonna hide behind the pigs again!”

“I knew he’d be too chicken to fight us.” The oldest said, “Oh hey boys, looks like our meal’s back.”

The moment I turned around I saw Luna, smiling, God that smile again. She also had a Grand Slam and a Boston Crème Pie. Stepping next to me she placed said palter on the table. “I apologize; I couldn’t get everything you asked for.” She said, but I got you your Grand Slam, your pie and some Cider.”

She did her best to pass the plates out, while I watched making sure they didn’t try anything. It seemed like my presence had stopped them, until she passed the pie to the second youngest, which grabbed her arm and smiled.

“This ain’t the pie I wanted…” he said licking his lips.

“Oh I’m sorry, now unhand me.” Luna said trying to free herself from his dirty hands, “What kind would you like?”

He pulled her in closer “Yours…” He whispered reaching around her and giving her a pinch.

Her little whelp was the fuse that lit the keg brooding inside me, I shouldn’t have let it get that far, but what I was about to do would rectify my previous lack of action. His face promptly met my fist, then the table. The other four brothers jumped back in their seats while Luna clung to me tightly. The restaurant fell silent the four still conscious brothers staring in disbelief at their downed brethren, a small pool of red forming under his cheek.

“Oh you gonna PAY now boy!” the oldest said taking a swing at me.

Though it had been over a year since I’d trained in hand to hand combat, once you train with Recon you never forget. His attack was predictable, a right haymaker directed to my face, easy to block and easier to counter, a proper strike to the solar plexus sent him to the ground, gasping like a fish out of water. That was two out of five, no doubt the others were going to try to preserve that they believed to be their ‘honor’. I was answered quickly, the youngest tried to get me from behind, but with a single elbow strike to the chest he keeled over like the weakling he was, I didn’t even bother to go halfway on him. Three of five, getting close to ending it, a strike to my stomach, the second oldest, he actually looked like he knew how to fight. I waited for the moment of his next blow, the moment he dropped his shoulder my fist hit the side of his neck, sending him to the floor, just as limp as his younger brother. I looked back to Luna after they all lay there beaten.

“You ok?” I asked through heavy breaths.

She nodded; eyes wider than ever. I began to calm down, but then I remembered, there were five… where was the middle child? My Question was answered in the sound of a thud behind me. I turned around to see the missing brother face down on the floor covered in what I could only assume was a grand slam. When I looked up I saw Luna, wielding a plate in both hands staring intently at the downed man’s body.

“Are you unharmed?” she asked, looking back up to me.

I nodded; she dropped the plate and rushed to my side holding on so tight that I thought that no one would be able to pry her off.

“It’s alright Luna…” I said softly rubbing her back, “It’s ok… I’m here.”

The Denney’s was still silent, still in shock at what they’d seen. It wasn’t until Mrs. Burns walked out of her office and saw the five men on the ground surrounding Luna and I that a word was mentioned.

“Oh, my God…” she said covering her mouth, “Wha-what happened?”

“Aedan is not fault, Mrs. Barns!” Luna exclaimed. “These uncivilized beasts forced his hand!” she kicked the youngest, who was trying to struggle to his feet, right in the balls, quickly sending him back to the ground, writhing in pain.

“I… I don’t know what to say…” she said, looking at them. “Good God Aedan, what have you done?”

The entire restaurant cast their gaze to me, I tried to think of the right words to say, but I never got the chance. The sound of police sirens cut my train of thought.

Author's Notes:

Well, the day started out well enough... Mrs. Burns seems nice enough...
Luna in a waitress outfit? me gusta? ... ... ... me gusta...
Oh no not the Trent boys...
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... can't really say more than that...
again... Quality? wrong? better? editor?

15: The Cell

There wasn’t much I could do the moment the police rushed through the doors. I thought it was a bit excessive when they drew down on me, but I had just beaten four grown men relatively easily, so I understood their concern. I put my hands behind my head and turned around, waiting for them to take me away.

The moments after that were all a blur. I remember three police officers slamming me onto the table, two to hold me down and one to cuff me. I remember seeing the looks of terrified customers while the police tried to get statements and calm them down. I remember a lot of screaming, panic and confusion, but what I remembered most was Luna.

The look on her face, fear, I’ve seen that look far too many times in my short life. She tried to run to me, past several police officers, their line held, but only for a moment. She got by them only to be swept up in the arms of a hulking policeman, thrashing in his grip she reached out to me. At the time I couldn’t hear anything, but I could only guess she was screaming my name, begging them to let me go. I did my best to calm her down from my position shaking my head and mouthing the words ‘it’s alright, everything’s gonna be fine’.

I was lying of course; I didn’t know how all of it was going to turn out at the time, but at that moment I would do anything to put her mind at ease. After they forcefully threw me in the back of one of the seven vehicles that were outside they took me to the station. Which is why I’m here sitting in an interrogation cell waiting for the guy who will try to get a confession out of me.

“Could I at least get some water?” I asked the two way mirror, “I’m kinda thirsty.”

“You’ll get nothing until you start talking.” A gruff voice said from the other side of the room.

I looked over to the door to see an imposing man, roughly six foot two, two thirty-five. My size actually, more than likely the beginning of the good cop/bad cop thing. He walked over to the table and placed a file in front of me, showing the faces of five familiar men.

“Why’d you do it?” he asked staring me square in the eyes, “Why’d you assault five men?”

“I was defending a coworker.” I answered, “Don’t you think I should know your name first? This might be a little bit easier for both of us if we can be civilized.”

“Civilized?!” he yelled, “You want me to be civilized about you brutally beating five innocent men, one of them still a minor! How do you expect me to be civilized!?!?”

“Sir, I can assure you that I did everything I could before it turned violent. I asked them to leave, I said I would call the cops, but they didn’t listen and if I hadn’t done what I did the whole situation could’ve been a lot worse. Now please, I’m calm, I’m complying and I’m willing to tell you everything… I just want to know your name.”

The officer grunted, he wanted to stay cold, but he knew I was right. “Officer Fairchild…” he replied reluctantly.

“Officer Fairchild,” I said, “I’m-“

“Aedan Collin Ryan,” he interrupted, “only son of Jack and Caroline Ryan, born December 18 1988 at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City Missouri, Joined the Marines January 23 2007 as 0311, went Recon, served four years including three Afghanistan tours, where on the last tour you received a-“

“Ok I understand you know about my past, but what does that have to do with anything now?”

“You’re in a lot of trouble, Mr. Ryan…” Officer Fairchild said.

“I can see that…” I said, lifting my hands a jingling the handcuffs locked tightly on my wrists.

“This isn’t a laughing matter!” Officer Fairchild snapped, “You could go to prison for a long time because of this… and because of what I’ve seen on your file, you might not do to good in there.”

“I’ve been through worse,” I replied, “But like I said I was defending a coworker, anyone in that restaurant would tell you that they were harassing a waitress, they would tell you that I tried to get them to leave before it became-“

“About that waitress…” Officer Fairchild said, “She’s not much better off that you are right now.”

“What?” I said shocked, “what the hell are you talking about?”

“She attacked one of them from behind…” He explained, “With a plate, and I’ve also gotten a report saying she assaulted another young woman in the Wal Mart parking lot.”

“S-she was protecting me…” I stuttered, oh God, I’ve drug Luna into something I can’t control. “Who knows what would’ve happened if she didn’t hit-“

“That’s not the point right now,” Officer Fairchild said, “She struck that young man with something that one could reasonably consider would cause death or serious bodily harm… you’re both lucky that none of them suffered any permanent damage.”

“Officer Fairchild please…” I said, doing my best not to sound like I was begging, “If this falls on anyone, let it fall on me… Luna didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Not according to the reports.” He said waving the papers in front of me, “How could you involve a girl like that in all this? Clean record, an upstanding citizen… now she’s facing almost as much jail time as you.”

“Officer Fairchild… for the love of GOD, DON’T SEND HER TO JAIL!” I nearly shot out of my chair, but I managed to remain calm so I didn’t end up getting slammed back to the ground. “Please… don’t...”

“You care about her…” Officer Fairchild said raising an eyebrow, “Don’t you?”

“I’d do anything for her…” I replied, fighting the urge to allow a single tear form in my eye, “I’d do anything to keep her safe.”

“Even beat the living hell out of five men?” he asked.

“I think I already proved that I would.” I said staring him square in the eyes, “Please… leave her out of this. I’ll take the full blame… just don’t send Luna away.”

“I’m I getting a confession?” Officer Fairchild asked.

“If it keeps Luna safe…” I began, “Then yes… I beat all five men, with no help whatsoever.”

“Alright… That’ll be cataloged into the file…” Officer Fairchild said making his way to the door, “You know you can be locked up for a very long time for this…”

I didn’t respond; I just hung my head down low. I’d put Luna right in the middle of something she never deserved to be involved in and I was about to pay the price. My own wellbeing didn’t matter to me, all my thoughts revolved around Luna. Where would she go? Who could she trust? Who was going to take care of her? And most importantly, how was she going to get back home now? Gordon and I were still the only ones who knew her secret, how would everyone else react if and when she couldn’t conceal herself? I sank my head into my hands; I failed Luna, just like I failed her.

I didn’t know how long I was in that room and frankly, I didn’t care. My mind was still on Luna and how everything would turn out for her since now I was more than likely going to be spending the next decade or more in prison for beating five delinquents that deserved it, but that’s the justice system for you. Far from perfect, but we work with it as best we can.

I may have stayed in that state for quite some time if not for over hearing the door to the room opening. I looked up, hoping to see someone other than Officer Fairchild, but that wasn’t the case. He walked up to the table sat down and placed a single glass of ice water before me.

“You’ve got a great girl out there you know.” He said to get my attention.

“What?”

“Luna…” he said, “We let her go after your confession… three hours ago…”

“It’s been three hours?” I said shocked, “Oh God… is she alright?” I tried to stand but Officer Fairchild motioned me to sit back down.

“She’s still pretty shaken up by the whole mess.” He explained, “But she’s alright, physically that is.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Emotionally she’s pretty torn up, all she’s been doing is begging to see you, saying it wasn’t your fault…” He leaned in to the table, a small smile on his face, “Even asked us not to send you to the moon.”

“Wonder where that came from?” I asked, letting out a chuckle.

“Well regardless, you’re free to leave.” Officer Fairchild said, shocking me.

“Wait… why?” I asked, “I confessed to beating the Trents.”

“The Trents dropped the charges.” Officer Fairchild explained, “Especially after we received over twenty eye witness testimonies saying the same thing you told me.” he grabbed my wrists wielding the cuff’s keys he unlocked my bindings with a smile. “I’m sorry you had to go through this, I’ve got a lot of respect for veterans…” he extended his hand for a solid shake, “especially the ones who’ve given more than they should.”

“Thank you Officer.” I said with a smile, “Now where’s the way out?”

“Just follow the hallway,” he said with a smile, “Double doors on your right, I’m sure you’ll notice a few faces.”

I nodded and made my way to the door in question; a rare jump in my step, but then again, it’s not every day that you get off of charges like mine scot-free. Now I could just go back home, sit on the couch and do nothing but watch T.V. with Luna. That last part I was looking forward to the most, just relaxing with the girl who had caused me so much trouble over the week yet somehow made all of them disappear at the same time.

I finally arrived at the double doors that symbolized my freedom and paused. “One foot in front of the other…” I smiled to myself as I opened the doors, revealing the front desk. There were the usual police officers walking back and forth, people either being processed or reporting something to the officer at the desk. None of them mattered however, I was looking for the one person who filled my thoughts for the past three hours.

It didn’t take me long to find her, mainly because I felt her plow into my chest while she squeezed me hard enough that I may have been able to drop a few pants sizes. I could tell she’d been torn apart by the whole situation, so I did what any guy in my shoes would’ve done. I returned the embrace.

“I told you it would be alright…” I whispered softly, letting her know I wasn’t going anywhere.

“They… they told me they were going to take you away…” she said fighting her urge to cry. “Because you took the whole blame… you said I didn’t do anything. You were willing to go to prison in my stead.”

“What else was I going to do?” I asked, lifting her chin up so she would look at me. “You wouldn’t make it a day in prison.”

“Just don’t do it again.” She smiled nestling her head back into my chest.

“Not in a thousand years…” I smiled, running my hand through her hair.

“Well aren’t you two just adorable…” A female voice said gathering my attention. I looked up to see none other than Mrs. Burns and Larry standing next to one another, smiles of approval on both their faces.

“Wha-what are you two doing here?” I said not even realizing Luna was still in my arms.

“Well… We both came here to plead your cases to the cops.” Larry explained, “About ten minutes after we got here we saw Luna walk through the doors…”

“And lord the poor girl…” Mrs. Burns said walking to the two of us, “She was devastated, poor Larry had to use all his strength to pull her away from the doors and even then she didn’t stop demanding to see you.”

“Really?” I said looking down to Luna, finally seeing she looked as if she balled buckets.

“It was hard to watch…” Larry added, “So ‘M’ and I decided to stay here with her until we knew more about what was going to happen.”

“I don’t think you had to do that.” I said, finally releasing Luna. “I’m sure I would’ve been fine.”

“We didn’t stay for you.” Larry said chucking, “Only god knows what would’ve happened if we didn’t stay here with Luna… he she could’ve been arrested again for causing a scene.”

“I couldn’t imagine…” I said, smiling because the thought of a dark blue pony princess blasting through the police station like the Terminator ran through my mind for a second.

“Well I’m glad that we could get this whole thing worked out.” Mrs. Burns said with a smile, “How does another week off sound to you Aedan?”

“What?” I asked, “I already took my time off this year.”

“Well after your first day back at work I think you might need more time.” Mrs. Burns said with a smile, “And I wouldn’t want you to spend all that time by yourself…” she began to smile deviantly, “So I think I’ll give your ‘friend’ a week off, I’m sure you both need the release.”

My face went red, while Luna approached Mrs. Burns to hug her. “Thank you, Mrs. Burns!” she said happily, “I’m sure Aedan and I will use the time you’ve given us to its fullest potential.”

“Just don’t spend it too well…” she said smiling, “I’ll need you both able to walk when you two get back.”

My eyes widened as Larry let out a laugh at a very rare bit of her ‘adult’ humor. I would’ve joined in with Larry normally, but seeing that it was directed towards Luna and myself, it really sucked the jollies out of it. Not to mention that Luna had no idea what she was talking about, but that was something I’d come to expect ever since I’d taken her in.

“That’s very kind of you, Mrs. Burns.” I said walking next to Luna, “I’m sure we’ll find some way to pass the time.” DAMNIT! Walked right into that one…

“Oh, I’m sure you will.” Mrs. Burns said, Larry was literally on the floor now, laughing like mad.

“Well…” Luna said confused, “Again thank you for the kindness, Aedan and I appreciate it.”

“Yeah…” I sighed, again running my hand down my face. “You’re too kind…”

After Larry finally stopped laughing, mainly because he couldn’t breathe anymore, Mrs. Burns was kind enough to drive Luna and I back to the Denny’s where my car was eagerly awaiting my return. After a few short good byes and a very stern talking to the male staff, Luna and I got into my car and proceeded to go back home. The first song on my iPod’s playlist? Breaking Benjamin, Better Days.

Author's Notes:

Well... that's not good...
Officer Fairchild... intimidating....
More Aedan back story!
Woah... leave Luna out of this!
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... How far are you willing to go to protect the ones you care about?
it all worked out!
Awwww wasn't that a cute back and forth between the two of them?
Oh wow... Aedan set himself up for that one
Another week off? I wonder what shenanigans will ensue THIS time...
As usual... Quality? What's wrong? Could it be better?

16: The Parents

After what happened at work the weekend passed like it was nothing. Now it was Monday, 04:00 to be exact. I decided to move a large amount of clothes out of my room into the living room so I wouldn’t wake Luna up while she slept and cause a seen in the early morning among my fellow tenants. Pulling on my pants I went off for my run, knowing that Luna would more than likely still be asleep upon my return.

Two hours later I jogged up to my door and pulled the handle, still locked, good; she hadn’t woken up yet. That meant I could surprise her with waffles in bed. I made my way to the fridge grabbed what I needed and proceeded to make Luna’s breakfast, just the way she liked it. About five minutes later I was finally done and ready to surprise the night princess with her favorite morning meal.

I walked into the bedroom and there she was, still sleeping peacefully, as she always did. I decided to make it more interesting for myself, so I crept over to the curtains. Knowing that the sun would grace us with its presence in a few minutes, I pulled the curtains aside, showing the beauty that only a Missouri morning could offer. It wouldn’t be long now, I thought, not long until the sun would shine over the horizon, waking the woman in my bed.

The Sun’s rays struck the wall at first, but eventually they migrated lower and lower until the sun began to glisten on her long, beautiful hair. Initially Luna just groaned and tossed her head the other way, throwing the covers over her body. She obviously wasn’t a morning person, or pony for that matter (not sure why that came as a shock, she is the princess of the night). I waited a little bit longer, hoping I wouldn’t have to force the surprise on her, but it seemed that she really wasn’t giving me much of a choice. So I poked Luna on the side with the tray.

“Luna?” I said gingerly, “Luna its wake up time.”

“Five more minutes…” she said batting the tray away, “My sister does this all the time.”

“Well, if I wait five more minutes your food will get cold.” I replied, maybe that will wake her up. “I made you waffles.”

The second the ‘W’ word crossed my lips Luna sprang up like a puppy for a squeaky toy. “Really?!” she said excitedly.

“Why else would I tell you that?” I asked; my sarcasm thick enough to cut with a knife. “Now are you hungry or not?”

“Of course I am!” Luna said, jumping up and down in joy, which made it hard for me to focus on her face adamantly. “Deliver them to me at once!”

“Alright… alright…” I said handing her the try, “breakfast is served.”

Luna grabbed the tray with no hesitation, ready to devour her most beloved meal, but after a few seconds of looking around she saw something was missing. “Where’s the syrup?” she asked, almost in a pouting manner.

I’d forgotten the syrup; well I was bound to mess up something anyway. God himself knows it’s impossible to please a woman, that’s why he had Joseph take care of Mary when she was pregnant with Jesus. I went back to my kitchen to grab what she wanted, but then a dark thought passed through my mind. Luna had unexpectedly had a great deal of fun at my expense because of her nativity, now it was my turn to capitalize on that weakness.

I walked back into the room, a devious smile on my face, wielding the Luna’s coveted syrup. “Here it is…” I said, trying not to laugh. “I’ve got the syrup.”

“Wonderful!” Luna said happily, “may I have it please?”

“So…” I began, “YOU want MY syrup… on YOUR waffles?”

“Yes…” Luna answered with some confusion. “I want your syrup…”

“On your waffles?”

“Yes… on my waffles…”

“So…” I was literally fighting the urge to bust my gut at this point, but I somehow managed to keep it down. “You want MY syrup all over YOUR hot waffles?”

“Yes already!” Luna cried letting out an exasperated sigh, “Pour your syrup all over my waffles before they get cold!”

I couldn’t hold back anymore, what she said was just too perfect. I actually tripped over one of the chairs that Luna had moved and landed squarely on the ground. Ignoring the initial pain I continued to lose it, God I impress myself sometimes.

“Are you going to give me the syrup or not?!” Luna said frustrated, “I want it on my waffles NOW!”

I let out another explosion of laughter, this was just too golden, but I’m sure Luna would do something rash if I didn’t give her what she wanted soon. “Here…” I said trying to catch my breath, “Take as much of it as you want… I’m done… I’m done…”

I went into the living room, still tickled by my handiwork and planted my happy ass on the couch to start a day of doing absolutely nothing. I was only there for a few seconds before I heard a knock on my door.

“Who the hell could that be?” I said to myself. “Everybody should be at work…”

I walked over to the door and opened it, much to my horror I recognized the two people standing on the other side immediately.

“MOM?!” I exclaimed, “DAD?! What the h-“

“It’s so good to see you again baby!” my mom said wrapping me up tighter than a constrictor. She was about Luna’s height, but a few pounds more and I dare not say that.

“I’m just glad we actually ran into ya…” My dad added, “We thought you’d be working.” Jack Ryan (Tom Clancy would be so proud of my grandparents for that one), my size, about twenty pounds more, in other words, a man you don’t want to mess with.

“It’s good to see you guys too.” I said awkwardly, “But what made you come out and pay me a visit?”

“I can’t see my son when I feel like it?" My mom asked shocked. “Especially after I didn’t see you for all those years? And when you-“

“Your mother’s just worried about how you’ve been adjusting…” My dad interrupted, “We both know that you loved the corps, and when you had to leave we were worried that you wouldn’t really be able to accept ‘civilian’ life.”

“I’ve been doing fine dad.” I said reassuringly, “I’ve got a job, my car, this apartment-“

“A good girl?”

“Yes and a good… what?”

I turned around to see Luna groggily step out of my bedroom. Wearing one of my shirts and barefoot, she slugged over to the couch and plopped down. “Aedan…” she wined “Where’s the remote? I wish to play the ‘Skyrim’ you showed me yesterday.”

I started crying inside, really? Really God? What the hell have I done to deserve this much torture? However, my mom and dad, especially my dad, looked to the woman on my couch with approval.

“And who is this little gem?” My mom asked nearly startling Luna off the couch, “Oh, I’m so sorry dear… I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

“Good job son…” My dad said patting me on the back, “you managed to find one even better looking than the last one.”

“W-who are these people Aedan?” Luna asked staggering back to her feet. “Should I be acquainted with them?”

“You’re sleeping with her and you didn’t even mention your parents?” My dad said, much to my embarrassment. “Back in my day I’d had to meet your grandparents before I slept with your mother.”

“DAD!” I yelled, my face red, did he seriously just say what I thought he said.

“What?” He said, actually thinking he didn’t say anything wrong.

“Forgive my husband.” My mom said extending her hand, “My name is Caroline Ryan, I’m Aedan’s mother.”

Luna was slightly taken back by the revelation, but it didn’t take long for her to accept my mother’s hand. “Good morning Mrs. Ryan,” she began, “I am Luna Connelly, a close friend of your son’s.”

“Oh you don’t have to be like that dear,” My mother said waving her off, “I know what young love is like.”

“Mom…” I said with a sigh, “we’re NOT dating; she just needs a place to stay until she can get back home.”

“Of course son…” my dad said nudging my arm with a smile and a wink. “When’d you run into her?”

“Actually Mr. Ryan I ran into him.” Luna corrected, “In the park, slightly over a week ago.”

“Worked the ol’ Ryan charm that quick eh son?” My dad said approvingly, “My record was three weeks, on your mother.”

“Sometimes I really think you try to make me sick…” I said, allowing the smallest of dry heaves.

“Oh please, you don’t have any charm,” My mother said out of nowhere, “I just liked you for your looks.”

“Is this really happening?” I asked looking to the ceiling, “Why can’t you give me a break?”

“We’re just pushing your buttons son, no harm done.” My mom said with a smile.

“Yeah, we believe that she’s just a ‘friend’.” My dad said, at least now I was certain where I got my sarcasm from.

“So how’s life been out of the service?” My mom asked taking a seat on the couch. “You look like you’re doing fine… could stand to gain a few pounds though.”

“You said that about me while I was in mom…” I replied, “But I’ve been doing well, job pays nice, life’s generally goin’ good.”

“This place seems small for two people…” My dad said looking around. “You ever thought of getting a bigger place?”

“Like I’ve said, Luna’s just a guest here. She’ll be on her way soon.” I grunted.

“You could still get a bigger place,” he continued. “I’m sure your job pays you enough.”

“I don’t want another place,” I replied. “I like this one just fine.”

“That’s our son…” My mom said shaking her head, “Never really was the one for company, I’m amazed that your ‘friend’ is even staying here.”

“She needed help, so I’m helping.” I answered, was it really that hard to believe that?

“And there’s our son again…” My dad said, “Always helping the helpless…” he turned his attention to Luna. “Has he told you about Little Sara yet?”

“Little Sara?” Luna repeated confused.

“D-dad…” I stuttered, “Please don’t.”

“But it’s a good story.” My dad argued, “It was his freshman year, hell I don’t think he was fifteen yet… little girl runs up to him cause there’s no one to turn to he looks up sees a dog’s been chasein’ her, he grabs his pack and beats the dog away…”

I couldn’t believe it. My dad had just opened a can of worms the likes of which I’d never seen. Memories of Sara flooded my mind, form the point I saved her from that dog, helping her with her homework, the way she followed me everywhere, taking her to the movies, her adorable smile, her deep soulful blue eyes. A smile and eyes that you could get lost in, just like… just like Luna’s. My flashback was halted by the sound of my dad’s voice yet again echoing through my mind.

“Sara was like the little sister he never had, those two did everything together for years, hell she even convinced him to join the Marines…”

“She sounds like an amazing young girl.” Luna said with a smile, “Is there a chance I could ever meet this ‘Sara’?”

That’s when even my dad went silent and the apartment’s charm dropped straight down to the slums and Luna was the only one who didn’t know why.

“What’s wrong?” she asked us. “Was it something I said?”

“Sara died three years ago…” I answered, “While I was in Afghanistan, her mother set their house on fire… killing everyone inside…”

“Aedan’s blamed himself for it ever since…” My mom said the only way a mother could, “That’s why he decided to live out here instead of closer to home…”

I had to leave at that point; Sara’s death was heavy on my mind ever since it happened. Especially on account that I was supposed to be back home when it happened. I was going to take her to see ‘Despicable Me’ in theaters the day the fire happened; she even had it marked on her calendar. I promised her, then the next day we received word that we had to stay another three months. I still remember the last words I said to her… ‘See ya ‘round squirt’… Squirt… she hated being called that, but I did it anyway. All because I thought it was cute when she got mad. If I’d known that was the last time I’d ever talk to her… what would’ve I said then?

Before I knew it I was outside, right in front of my car. I reached in my pockets, of course you wouldn’t have your keys on you, I thought to myself, now you’re gonna have to face them again so you could drive for god knows how long to get Sara’s death off your mind. I turned around to head back up, only to see Luna standing in my way.

She looked sad, regretful even ashamed for letting me relive one of the two worst moments in my life. We were frozen for a few seconds, in some sort of grief stasis until I finally broke the silence.

“Are you going to get out of my way?” I asked, “Or are you-“

Without a single warning in the world she grabbed my face and jerked me to her level, pressing her lips tightly to mine. I initially wanted to jerk away, more or less out of surprise, but soon my moral code began to wail in my mind like a bomb shelter siren. RULE 76! RULE76! Constantly being repeated inside my head, but after a few seconds, I couldn’t hear it anymore, I tried to listen for it, but it just wasn’t there. It seemed to disappear nearly instantaneously after Luna kissed me. Wait was that coming out right? She… kissed… me? Oh for God’s sake, just kiss her back…

I felt Luna’s arms ensnaring my neck and I decided to stop thinking and just return the favor. Wrapping my arms around her waist I caressed her body, one hand staying around her lower back while the other migrated up her spine to cradle her head. I didn’t care about the fact that she was actually a pony, because she obviously didn’t care about the fact that I was a human, rule 76 was now null and void. I just wanted to kiss the girl kissing me.

I still have no idea how long we were like that, whether it be a minute or an hour. The only thing I remembered was the sound of my dad making a coughing noise to get our attention. We looked up to my parents, again, nodding and smiling in approval.

“Just a ‘friend’ huh?” My dad grunted, along with a hint of a chuckle.

The two of us quickly separated and dusted ourselves off, not sure why but we did, and looked to my parents with wide eyes. The amount of awkward tension was thick enough to cut through with a knife, at least for me and more than likely Luna. As it was to be expected, my parents broke the silence.

“It’s been very nice meeting you Luna.” My mom said walking to their car, but I think it’s time we head on out.

“See you around son…” My dad said walking up to me, “You be good to her…” he whispered in my ear, “Luna Ryan has a nice ring to it…”

Before I could respond my parents were in the car, ready for the long drive back to Kansas City. Leaving Luna and I in a state of confusion, bliss and an awkward silence.

“So…” Luna said rubbing her arm, “what do we do now?”

“How… how about we just go back inside…” I answered. “The way I see it we still have a week to figure it out…”

Author's Notes:

Aedan.... you sneaky, sneaky clever devil you
Oh God... ... ... ... ... ... his parents...
YAY! SKYRIM!
hmmmm Jack Ryan... ... ... Why am I so clever?
We've all been in Aedan's shoes once or twice...
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... so THAT'S who that mysterious 'her' was...
IT FINALLY HAPPENED!!!
Side note... I wanted to hold that off for a few more chapters... but YOU forced my hand! ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!? IS THAT NOT WHY YOU'RE HERE?!? ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!?
I would also like to ask all of you... who is your favorite human in the story? (Aedan is obviously out of the question) Leave a comment telling me why.
The usual... Quality? What's wrong? how can it be better?

... ... ... wait... ... ... doesn't he STILL have a date with Jamie?

17: The Talk

A few days passed since my Parents came for their all too brief visit. It was Thursday now and I needed to run so I could clear my head of the thunderstorm of thoughts and emotions inside. Why did she do that? Why did I let her? Was it a onetime thing? Was that her first time? (If it was I couldn’t tell, she was a damn good kisser) Did she want to do it again? Does she want to go further than that? If so, HOW much farther, but the question and emotion that weighed heaviest on my mind was the very question I asked myself the moment she pushed herself into me. Did she do it because she loves me?

By the time I got back to my apartment I’d chalked it up to the fact that it was a highly emotional, highly sensitive environment and she just couldn’t respond any other way. She’s still a pony princess and I’m still a normal guy with guilt issues, I doubt she really meant anything by it. I mean, hell we’ve barely known each other for a week, it never happens that fast. Or at least I don’t think it happens that fast…

I opened the door to see Luna staring blankly at the Skyrim loader screen. We hadn’t really spoken to one another since Monday, for obvious reasons. Maybe she was going through the same thing that I’ve been going through. If she was she didn’t show it though, she’d been playing that game for the past few days, splitting her time between a Breton mage and a Dark Elf thief. I always played as a Nord or an Argonian, but that wasn’t really important. What was important was that we’d said nothing more than a ‘hello’ since we walked back inside Monday. It was so damn quiet around this place minus the occasional ‘arrow to the knee’ statement a guard would say when she walked past someone. I might not really care much for talk, but hearing nothing from Luna somehow was driving me crazy.

I sat next to her, watching her play for a few minutes. It mostly consisted of her riding through the mountains on her horse. Sure I’ve done that many times, but the lack of conversation was just too much for me. I needed to start something so I decided to use the game as the reason to start something.

“Did you just ride a horse up the side of a mountain?” I asked.

“Yes I did…” she said, growing a cute smile.

“Doesn’t that defy physics?”

“After everything that’s happened over the past week…” she said finally looking over to me, “You truly think that physics is relevant?”

“I guess you’ve got me on that one…” I said, “What are you doing anyway?”

“I must take down the one they call Mercer…” she explained, “He has dishonored our guild and must pay for his misdeeds.”

“Glad you take your duties so seriously…” I said letting out a chuckle, “You mind pausing that for a second?”

“Sure…” she said laying the controller on the table, “Where shall we be going?”

“We really aren’t going anywhere…” I said turning the Xbox and T.V. off. “I wanted to talk…”

I could see the blood run from her face, but that didn’t stop me from continuing what I was going to say. “About Monday…” I began, “Did… did you-“

“It was an impulse…” she interrupted, looking away. “I was… I was emotional and what I did was very unbecoming of a princess…”

“But every other time,” I said, making her look back at me. “You just gave me a hug… that time… THAT time…”

“That time was different…” she answered. “I really don’t know what had come over me… but this past week… you’ve been there… more than anyone else ever has been… I… I just felt… something, something that just overtook me, I acted upon my impulse.”

“Just an impulse?”

“Yes…” Luna answered quickly, “Just an impulse.”

“Well…” I said smiling, “That’s one hell of an impulse…”

“Absolutely…” She said laughing slightly, “one hell of an impulse indeed…”

I slipped back into the couch and let out a sigh of relief, finally something that didn’t end awkward for me. After a few hours of watching Luna slay dragons, slaughter droves of bandits and return the Thieves’ Guild to its former glory, a question popped into my head. I’ve told Luna so much about our world, but I’d never asked her about hers’.

“So what’s it like?” I asked.

“This world is truly fascinating…” Luna said the moment a cinematic for a dragon kill popped. “I could be anything I wish, do anything I want and yet I still may never accomplish everything this game has to offer.”

“Not what I meant…” I replied rolling my eyes. “What’s Equestria like?”

Luna dropped the controller, her mouth gaping and pupils transforming into tiny dots. I guess she really hadn’t thought about her original home for a while, odd, given the fact that I was trying to get her home. Then I thought I hadn’t really done that either, maybe tomorrow we could hit up the university and ask a few questions. Then again when I started asking questions the professor may ask questions neither of us wanted to answer.

“I… I really wouldn’t be able to tell you much…” Luna said snapping me out of my thoughts. “I was still very young for an alicorn when I fell into madness, so my memory isn’t the best… and I have very little knowledge of the world outside the castle walls.”

“You seem to carry yourself well in our world.”

“Because I have one to guide me and give me confidence…” She said with a smile, “In Equestria it was not so much the case.”

“I believe I don’t follow…” I said, “What do you mean by all that?”

“I was never… well… as ‘graced’ as my sister when it came to social skills…” She answered, “And being one of the few known alicorns I was never really that… approachable.”

“I would never in a million years think you’d be unapproachable.” I said with a smile, “With a face like that I’m sure they’d show up in droves.”

“You’re too kind Aedan,” she said trying to hide the red in her cheeks, “But that is simply not the case.”

“Well you’ve had to at least make a few friends…” I said, apparently that made her react the same as when I asked about her home.

“No… not many friends…” she said, “Again, as I have said before, I’m not that approachable.”

“I guess that means you’ve never really had someone ask you out?”

“Oh, heavens no!” Luna said her face, “Never in my long life have I had a suitor, well... there was one who tried, but my sister and I trapped him in the frozen north.”

“That seems a bit much, don’t you think?”

“Well he DID enslave an entire race so he could forcefully take my hoof…”

“I guess that would rate your reaction.”

“I believe that too…” Luna said laughing at the thought. “And in truth… well… um… I… uh… never considered… um…”

“Considered what?” I asked.

“Well… I never… Um… I never… considered… taking one…” She answered, nervously twirling her hair.

“Are you telling me that in over a thousand years of life…” I said raising my eyebrow. “You’ve never had a boyfriend?”

“Um…” Luna said looking off into space, “No… I haven’t… In fact…”

Luna drifted off into silence, peaking my interest even further. “In fact… what?”

“Well… you… you were my first kiss…”

Oh, shit… this just got awkward. I mean, I’ve kissed a lot of women; I’ve slept with a lot of women. Hell, before my little code I cheated on almost all my girlfriends, but after Sara died I decided that I would change. I didn’t want her looking down on me and seeing me do stuff like that. Then Amanda happened, giving me a dose of my own medicine, I probably deserved that. Now Luna’s telling me that I’m the first male of any race that she’s kissed? I didn’t deserve that honor, not after what I’ve done to amazing girls like her before, even if she tried a hostile takeover of her home world, but that was ages ago.

“Aedan?” Luna asked, taping me on my shoulder and effectively bringing me out of my thoughts.

“I’m good.” I said, blinking rapidly. “Um… anything else you want to talk about?”

Luna pondered my question for a moment before looking back to me with a smile so seductive that I became positive that all the times she ‘unwittingly’ teased me she was doing it on purpose.

“Well…” she began running her hand across my chest, “There IS something that I could think of…”

“A-and THAT would be?” I stuttered, fearing the answer.

“I can’t seem to find the dadreic dagger that has the chance to kill an opponent instantly.” She said turning back to the T.V. “Do you know where to find it?”

“Yeah!” I answered relieved “I know how to trigger that quest.”

So with that I carefully walked Luna through hours of questing through the vastness of Skyrim. It actually almost made me forget about what happened on Monday, but I did catch myself staring at Luna more often than not during her seemingly endless questing.

The hours turned into night quicker than both of us anticipated and by God we were both tired. Luna lazily threw the controller on the table and stumbled over to the T.V. to turn it off, even though the remote was right next to her. I didn’t bother telling her, I just sat back and enjoyed the spectacle before me. It was fun watching her try to fine the off button, not to mention she had the classic combo of one of my shirts and no pants on… (I’m not perfect)

After a few seconds I finally decided to just flip the remote to turn the thing off. It surprised Luna a little, but she just shrugged it off slugged her way back to the bedroom.

“Good night Aedan…” she yawned.

“Night Luna…”

“Would you wish to join me?”

“Say what now?!” I said spinning around in my seat.

“The bed is large enough for two…” She explained rubbing her eyes, “I don’t know why we haven’t just shared it this whole time.”

“I-I…” My eyes widened at the very thought of doing what she proposed, “I need an adult…”

“We both are adults…” Luna said with a confused look.

“I’ll be fine out here Luna.” I said quickly, “Hell, this might be the most comfy couch on the planet.” (That was a lie, but I really needed a scapegoat.)

“Very well…” Luna said turning back to the bedroom. “Sleep well Aedan, may nightmares never greet you.”

“You too…” I said turning back to the T.V. “Night…”

There was no response after that, so I’d assumed that she’d just fallen into bed. I sat there for a few minutes, staring into nothing, dead tired but wide awake. Then I remembered something, the whole reason Luna was staying with me in the first place. I ran to my phone and dialed a few numbers, hopefully he wasn’t asleep yet.

“This is Gordon Freeman…” the voice on the opposite end mumbled, “Now to whom do I have the pleasure of speaking to after I’ve finally gotten into bed?”

“Wake up and smell the ashes Mr. Freeman…” I said sarcastically, “It’s Aedan.”

“Oh, hey Aedan.” Gordon replied, his voice springing to life. “Whatcha need?”

“Another favor…”

“Alright… what is it this time? A giraffe that you have to convince everyone is a Mexican luchador?”

“Well it’s not that complicated.” I chuckled, “But I am gonna need to get into the university.”

“Can’t you just walk in?”

“Not if I want a one on one with the professor who’s going to explain to me the multiverse theory.”

“Oh, yeah…” he said, I could hear him fumbling around, no doubt looking for his suit case. A couple minutes of silence and I finally got the answer I wanted. “Ok… the guy you’ll be looking for is a Professor Harold Moore. He’s got a few theories that may or may not explain Luna’s being here.”

“Thanks Gordon.” I said, “What about-“

“He’s apparently not doing any classes this semester,” Gordon interrupted, “but you still may be able to find him around the campus.”

“Where the hell am I supposed to find him on a college campus?”

“Oh… I don’t know…” Gordon said. I could feel the sarcasm in his voice, “The science wing?”

“Ok… Luna and I’ll head up there tomorrow… and Gordon…”

“Yeah buddy?”

“Luna kissed me…” Now why in God’s name did I tell Gordon that? He didn’t need to know that happened. I could hear the phone hit the ground I was brought back to reality, awaiting Gordon’s more than likely fanboy response.

“Aedan… man…” he said, “Why?”

“She learned about Sara…” I said reluctantly. “My parents decided to make a surprise visit… and then things escalated from there.”

“Wow…” Gordon said, pausing to think about what to say. “Did you like it?”

“What?!” I exclaimed. “No! Well… maybe… I don’t know… We were… I was… Oh for God sake Gordon what do you think?” (What the hell was going on with me right now? This quite literally has never happened to me.)

“I don’t know what to tell ya Aedan…” Gordon said, “I really can’t tell you anything more than to just be careful… as much as I’d love her to stay here, We both now she doesn’t belong in our world.”

“I know…” I sighed, “and you know that I’ll get her back… because I made her a promise…”

“And if you make a girl a promise…” Gordon began, horribly impersonating Master Chief, “You keep it.”

“We’ll head to the university tomorrow…” I said, “Hopefully this guy you found will be there.”

“Good luck Aedan…” Gordon said yawning fiercely, “You’ll need it.”

Author's Notes:

A few Skyrim shoutouts here and there... wonder what they'll talk about?
JUST AN IMPULSE?!?!?! <- the reader <- me.
Luna's been out of the loop for a long... LONG time...
As you can see Luna x Sombra IMO is the WORST ship in existence, I hate it to the core and everyone who likes it is bad... and they should feel bad...
Oh... crap he got her first kiss... wonder what else he might be the first to get from her?
Oh hey... Aedan was a dog at one point... he's NOT perfect!
Luna wants Aedan to join her?!
Gordon, knows everything!
Why does Aedan seem so confused right now? I mean... just an impulse... right?
Good luck indeed... You'll be taking Luna to a place full of drunken frat boys... may God help you both...
Took a few days, but it's here... I hope that I haven't screwed this up with this chapter and I hope you still like it... and as normal... Quality? What's wrong? What can be better? (I may change a thing or two with this one... mainly the overused reason)

18: The Drive

After my short talk with Gordon I promptly fell into the couch that I have gotten to know so well over the past eleven days, knowing full well that tomorrow would quite possibly be the day I’d never get to see Luna again. That messed with my sleep pattern a bit, after all I have been watching over her the whole time she’s been here. Well, that and she kissed me, her FIRST kiss, something like that isn’t really forgettable, nor is it easy not to think about. I tossed and turned, but eventually, my body decided that enough was enough and I was graced with a few fleeting moments of sleep.

When I finally woke up, I saw that it was 07:00, funny, the day I kinda needed to wake up early and I sleep in. The college Prof. Moore was at was maybe an hour away, mainly because of traffic. The second I prayed myself off the couch my nostrils were filled with a familiar, beautiful aroma. I looked to the kitchen to see Luna hovering over the stove, completely unaware that I had woke up. I decided that I’d not try to have some fun at her expense, remembering full well how it ended the last time. So I just walked up next to her quietly to see if she was doing what I thought she was doing.

“Hey Luna.” I said spooking her a little, “Whatcha doin’?”

“Oh, Good morning Aedan…” She replied trying to hide the fact that she been startled, “I awoke no more than an hour ago. When I saw that you were yet to rise I thought a surprise would be nice.”

“Surprises haven’t really been that good to me for a while…” I said smiling.

“I think you’d find this surprise welcome.” Luna said returning the smile, stepping to the side. “For I have made you bacon!”

Sure enough, Luna had cooked an entire bag of God’s greatest gift to the world. Granted most of it was burnt to hell, but it’s the thought that really counts. I was surprised that she would even touch it after I told her what it was… and the reaction afterwards, but bacon is bacon and she cooked it, for me.

“Well… thanks Luna.” I said looking over the plethora of blackened strips, “But you really didn’t need to-“

I was cut off by at least five of the overcooked pieces of bacon forcefully being shoved into my mouth. The taste of ashes was almost enough to make me gag, almost, but the look on Luna’s face was full of pride for what she had done. I didn’t want to just spit the black soup in my mouth out right there, so I had to man up. Taking a gulp that would put almost any alcoholic to shame, the overwhelming flavor charred bacon nearly caused me to unload the dinner I had from two weeks ago, but I managed to hold it all in. My entire body shuttered the moment I felt it finally drop into my stomach, but Luna just stood there, smiling proudly at her work.

“Well?” she asked with anticipation, “How do you like it?”

“It’s delicious…” I said fighting a gag. “You… you really know how to cook.” (Normally I would have no problem with a woman cooking for me, but Luna didn’t belong in the kitchen.)

“I’m so glad you enjoyed it!” She said giving me a quick hug. “I’ll get onto making you more!”

“NO!” I yelled quickly reaching for her, again spooking her, “I mean… I’ve eaten plenty, and your cooking is just too amazing to cross these lips again.” (Oh God, I hope Luna was still horrible at noticing sarcasm.)

“I am honored that you feel that way.” Luna replied, her smile widening “I’ll be sure to cook this again soon.”

Well, it was good she still didn’t realize when I was being sarcastic, but now I stumbled into possibly having to eat more of that atrocity that she cooked. However we still needed to go to the college and sense we’d get there around nine or ten it was going to be hell for me. I never went to college, well I never went there to study, I went for the girls and booze. Now I was going to have to drag Luna through possibly thousands of guys that were exactly like I was once. The thought was unsettling to say the least, but before we could go anywhere I needed to get changed and Luna needed to rethink her choice of attire.

Her outfit was fine, that is if she were on a beach. She was wearing a white tank top; partially see through because I noticed the navy blue bra underneath that stopped just above her hips, showing some of her amazing stomach. A skirt that stopped about halfway down her thighs revealing those godlike legs to me once again and finally, some ankle socks and the shoes I’d bought Sara for her eighth birthday, but I’d misread the box and got her some adults sevens and not kids.

“Luna…” I said trying to think of a good to put it lightly. “Before we head out… you might need to change before we head out.”

“Why?” she asked looking down to her outfit, pulling at the straps of her top, causing me to used much of my will power to not look down. “Am I not ‘modest’ in your world’s standards?”

“You’re actually a catholic school girl compared to what I’ve seen some women wear in public these days…” I answered, “But where we’re going… you might want to cover up more.”

“Are we heading to a location that is colder?” She asked.

“No…” I said shaking my head, “but, picture if you will, a small city filled with guys like the Trents…”

“I’ll put on some pants…” Luna said, her pupils shrinking at the thought, “and one of those ‘turtlenecks’ Dawn got for me.”

“Good Idea…” I said, fighting a chuckle. “I’ll throw something on out here, you go ahead and get covered up, just don’t take too long.”

“Indeed…” Luna said disappearing into the bedroom, my eyes unwittingly following her as she did so.

Dressing for me was easy, just had to find an undershirt, a shirt some pants and my shoes. Five minutes later I was done, now all I had to do was wait for Luna and all she needed to do was change her top and bottoms, surely it wouldn’t take long. About two hours later I realized that she was a woman, maybe a pony woman (or mare if you want to be specific), but a woman nonetheless. Cautiously I walked to my room, wondering what the hell was taking her do freaking long. It only took me a few seconds to find out.

She was just standing there, already wearing a pair of form fitting jeans, but no top, except for the bra of course. I was admiring man’s idea of a perfect figure for maybe two seconds before I finally remembered what I walked over here in the first place.

“Luna… what the hell is taking so long?”

“I’m SO sorry Aedan…” Luna said looking downward, almost as frustrated as I was, “But I can’t decide which top matches my bra…”

“Wait… What?” I asked, “You can’t decide which top matches your what?”

“My bra…” She repeated. (Women…)

“Why does that matter?” I asked, “It’s not like if I take your top off I’m not going to be turned off because your bra doesn’t match your shirt.” (Where the hell did THAT come from?)

There was an awkward silence to end all other awkward silences between the two of us for a few seconds. I mean I could hear her heartbeat it was so quiet. It wasn’t until Luna finally decided to say something.

“Um…” she said trying to hide the fact she was blushing, “Which do you think?”

She showed me the choices, but she kept herself covered up. That was odd, hell I’ve seen her naked… multiple times (not that I’m complaining, but still…) why the hell was she becoming self-conscious all the sudden?

“The one on the right…” I said, “It’s more… blue or whatever you like?”

“A-are you sure?” She said looking to the shirt in question, “I was thinking this one would be more appropriate.”

I face palmed, Luna really needed to get back home, she was becoming too much of a human girl. “Then wear THAT one…” I grumbled, “We still need to get to the university this month you know.”

“Very well…” She said, gently placing the one she wanted to wear on my bed. “Um... Aedan?”

“Yeah?”

“Would you mind taking a short leave?” She asked, turning red yet again, “I really should get fully dressed.”

“Uh… Yeah, sure…?” I said, even more confused than I was before, “I’ll be on the couch.”

Weird, the once ‘completely fine with walking around naked in public’ Luna was now shy about her features. Well at least she as acting shy about it in front of me. I decided that it was mainly because that she was getting so used to wearing clothes that she was starting to get used to being clothed and someone looking at her like that made her nervous. A few minutes later I was alerted to her presence by a gentle touch on my shoulder. I looked up and sure enough there she was a small smile on her face.

“Do you like it?” She asked.

“What?”

“My clothing…” she replied pointing to herself, “Is it worthy?”

“Uh… yeah…” I answered, raining an eyebrow, “You finally ready to head out?”

“When you are Aedan…”

“All right…” I said getting off the couch and grabbing the car keys, “Let’s roll out.”

We made our way to the parking lot, passing Mr. King along the way, but he scurried into his office the moment I looked in his direction. Apparently he didn’t care anymore about cohabitation anymore. (Score one for me) I opened the door for Luna and made my way to my side. When I hopped in I expected to see her fumbling with the buckle or at least asking me to help her get it on, but she’d already done it. So the two of us were off to hopefully (and finally) get Luna back home. We were barely into the first song of my playlist before Luna decided to start up a conversation.

“So…” she began, “This Prof. Moore… is he the one who will take me home?”

“I don’t know.” I replied, “But he may know how you got here, or maybe even a way to take you back to where you belong.”

“That would be nice…” Luna said twirling her hair, “I do long to see Equestria yet again… even if only for a fleeting moment.”

“I’m sure you’re just as sick of this place as I am.” I said with a smile, “You’re probably chomping at the bit to get outta here.” (Pun DEFINATLY intended)

“True this world is full of vile, deprived individuals… the air is full of the stench of pollution and it seems that everyone is only looking out for themselves…” she paused for a moment, to look out into the city, but then continued. “But no matter where you are… you can always find a reason to stay.”

“I guess you’re right about that.” I said shrugging my shoulders, “Reasons are the thing that keeps us going in life.”

“What are your reasons?” Luna asked, catching me off guard.

“MY reasons?” I repeated.

“Yes… YOUR reasons.”

“Well… for a long time I kinda lived for myself, never really letting anyone in my little circle… except Gordon of course.” I began, “Then… like my parents said… I was about fourteen when I met Sara… It’s kinda funny…” I began to laugh at the thought, “I met her pretty much the same way I met you… minding my own business… then suddenly I was on my back wondering what the hell just hit me.”

“Really?”

“Yeah…” I continued, “Seeing her like that… I couldn’t leave her… Sara changed my life that day…”

“And she became a reason.” Luna said growing a smile.

“I guess you could say that… She needed a big brother figure too… her family was pretty broken up… her dad was an alcoholic and her mother had to stay medicated so she wouldn’t go crazy… not to mention neither really cared much about her.” I paused, because I’d be damned if Luna saw me cry. “We were inseperable for about four years… then I joined the marines, to protect people like her… we stayed close through letters and skype, and whenever I got the chance I took leave so I could see her… S-she was… important to me…”

“I can see that.” Luna said with a gentle smile. “But why did she die?”

“I thought I’d already explained that…” I said reluctantly. “Her mom stopped taking her crazy pills… she must’ve thought she didn’t need them anymore… then she trapped Sara and her husband in the house and lit the damn thing up, killing all of them… And I couldn’t save her…”

Now it was hard for me to hold back and I was certain that Luna was noticing, mainly because the look on her face was the exact same as when she consoled Larry after he got laid off.

“You must’ve really loved her.” Luna said placing her hand on my shoulder.

“It was hard not to…” I said forcing a smile, “She was adorable, corky, innocent, trusting… a lot like…” I stopped the moment I noticed Luna was staring at me intently, awaiting the rest of my story.

“A lot like what?” she asked, leaning in closer.

“Well to be honest… a lot like you…” I answered, “I mean hell, you have the same eyes… and smile.”

Before I knew it Luna was once again inches away from me, like a praying mantis getting ready to go in for the kill she leaned in again, but my duty as the driver meant I needed to keep my eyes on the road. So I turned back to face the pavement before anything bad happened, and not a moment too soon. The stoplight had just went red, sending my car into a sudden halt that spooked the hell out of both of us.

“Let’s just listen to the music…” I said turning my attention back to Luna, “Shall we?”

“Indeed…” She replied, shaking off the little jolt I’d put in her. “I’ll let you drive for now.”

The next forty minutes seemed to pass relatively quick; even with the silence between the two of us, but that was easy to look past. Finally through traffic and stop signs we were at our destination and just my luck, they looked like they were switching classes.

“Well…” I said looking to Luna, “We’re here…”

Author's Notes:

Well it took a while, because of downed internet but it's here now!
Luna made Aedan bacon!
Too bad it was so burnt up...
Good God can I make visuals... especially for human Luna
Aedan may have had a freudian slip...
Luna... becoming self-conscious abort her body??? Weird...
Bringing up Sara again... but... this Sara may be the thing they both need
Brace yourself Luna... College boys are coming.
As usual... Quality? What's wrong? How can it be better?

19: The Professors

College… Yeah college, where poor kids work their asses of to become something in life and rich kids do nothing but sit around and get degrees they don’t deserve. That’s what Gordon told me about college when he was there, he may have not been the richest guy on campus, but he sure as hell worked to be the smartest. It obviously paid off for him, given that he has a comfy government job that pays him enough in a year to support a family of four.

Now all I had to do was get Luna and myself to the labs or whatever college people call it before I catch an overzealous frat boy grabbing Luna’s ass. That might be difficult, because when we rolled up I’d noticed that they were changing classes. This was going to be interesting.

“Ok Luna…” I said getting out of the car, “Let’s see if we can’t find this guy…”

“Have you already forgotten his name?” She asked, slightly worried and confused. “I thought you-“

“Easy there, Luna… I still remember his name,” I said to calm her down, “I just didn’t feel like wasting energy on saying it.”

“Oh… Well… please don’t scare me like that…” Luna said looking into the campus interior, “This IS the first time we even bothered an attempt at returning me home.”

I tried to think of something clever as a response, but in reality she was right. I hadn’t really been doing what I’d promised her I would do. I’ve just been dragging her along on very stressful, awkward misadventures that miraculously ended well. Maybe God WAS watching my back on this one, but he was definitely having his fun with me first.

“We’ve been busy…” I answered hastily, “But that doesn’t matter anymore, we’re here now… so let’s just-”

“I would possibly go so far as you didn’t want me to leave…” She continued, looking back to me with a deviant grin. “Maybe you’ve just been stalling this whole time.”

Ok… first off, THAT wasn’t the truth, second, why the hell would she say something like that? I mean yeah it’s nice to have someone to talk to every now and then, but for her to go so far as to accuse me of… ‘pony-napping’ or something along those lines was quite the stretch. As if it were instinct, my hand found my face and slowly drug itself down, only prompting a giggle from my counterpart.

“I only meant it as a jest.” Luna said regaining her composure rather quickly, but still keeping that adorable grin. “Now are we going to find this Professor Moore or not?”

All I could do was grunt in response and continue forward with the plan at hand. Find Professor Moore, ask him if ‘multiverse travel’ is possible and see if there’s a way to do it on earth, after that… I had no freaking clue what to do, but she could bet her ass that I’d figure something out.

We started making our way into the crowd and instantly people (mostly jocks, nerds and other male stereotypes) stopped to get a long hard look at Luna. It didn’t really bother me, hell I’d probably call of them gay if they didn’t try to get a look at her. After all even though she was wearing a turtleneck, it wasn’t a loose fitting turtleneck, it hugged her body (especially the curves) very nicely. Hell I caught myself admiring it for a second or two, but then I started to hear some of the louder whispers.

“Who is THAT?” one of them asked.

“I don’t know, but I would love to ram it in for a quick score.” Another answered, obviously a jock or sports junkie who needed to be taught a lesson in respect, but I held onto my anger and focused on the task at hand. Luna probably didn’t even her him, well I hoped she didn’t hear him.

After a few minutes of passing through the gawking crowd, some of them even women, also with their own little conversations (The one that caught my attention was the one that hoped I wasn’t her boyfriend.) we finally made it to the other side of the campus. Only to discover another parking lot, nearly void of cars before myself and Luna. My hand met my face for the second time in the past ten minutes, but this time it was not an awkward one it was one of frustration. All I had to do was drive for another minute and I would have found this place and I wouldn’t have had to stare down the dozens of college guys eye-humping Luna, but that was in the past and second I didn’t even know if this was the building in question.

“It seems we have arrived!” Luna said excitedly, jumping up and down.

“What makes you so sure?” I asked, “I can’t even see a…”

Sure enough, a sign that explained that we were entering the college’s scientific wing. I didn’t want to give Luna the satisfaction of letting her know that she was right, so I just walked past her avoiding eye contact, but I could tell that she had a smug look screaming ‘I told you so’ on her face.

While we made our way across the lot I noticed something that I thought was awesome. A Delorean, the license plate reading GRT SCT, (I don’t care if that guy's a psychopathic murdering criminal, I need to shake his hand) odd observations aside the two of us walked into the closest building (per say the instructions on the map Luna previously pointed out) to see nothing overly noticeable inside. Then the inner bell rang, flooding the once empty halls with kids that had the stereotypical look of nerd. (They probably played Dungeons and Dragons too)

And just as you would assume nearly all of them froze the moment they saw Luna, leaving the two of us in a cliché awkward silence as we became surrounded by the students. I took a deep breath and took my place next to Luna among the obviously sex-starved college students and began to move deeper into the school. Their inward conversations were both hysterical and creepy at the same time, I heard several of them saying they’d love to see her in a slave Leia costume (Now that they mentioned it I thought I’d like to see it too) then there were those who said she had the beauty of a night elf, and they’d love her to meet the ‘real’ them on the internet. Putting the strange analogies and phrases I’d never understand in three lifetimes to the side we continued until we found the one room we were looking for. It was just a plain door, nothing special about it, except for the name on it of course ‘PROF. MOORE’ it read in bold letters. Smiling I walked up to the door.

“Are you ready to see if we can’t get you outta here?” I asked confidently. Luna nodded; her smile growing as I opened the door. “Then I won’t keep you waiting…”

Gently I swung the door open, revealing an empty classroom and a chalkboard full of random numbers and equations, but more importantly, a man writing said equations. The two of us practically ran to meet him but with only a few rows between us he rose his hand in a halting manner.

“Not one step closer…” he said, still not bothering to look at us, “this equation requires my full concentration…”

“Well… sorry to bother you…” I said ignoring him and pressing forward, “Are you Prof. Moore?”

The man let out a deep sigh, placed the chalk down and faced us. He was an older man. Late sixties, early seventies, blue eyes with a noticeable lack of hair in the top of his head. (Which his ears were trying to make up for)

“Professor Moore…” I began, “I’m-“

“I’m Not Professor Moore…” he interrupted with a condescending tone.

“Then who are you?”

“I? I am Professor Emmett L. Brown… but my students call me Dr. Brown.”

“Dr.… Dr. Brown?” I asked in disbelief.

“Yes…” he said raising an eyebrow, clearly unaware of what I was talking about. “Dr. Brown.”

“What kind of car do you drive?”

“A Delorean …” he answered, “What does that matter?”

“And the plates?”

Luna and Dr. Brown raised an eyebrow at me for a moment, but then the good doctor put two and two together. “Ah… I see what you did there… and yes my expertise is the science of time…” (WINNING at its finest) “But I don’t know anyone named Marty.” (So close to having a heart attack of awesome)

“Sir... I NEED to shake your hand right now…” I extended my hand which he graciously accepted.

“I’m glad to see that there are still a few people out there that get that little reference I made.” He said taking his glasses off to wipe them on his coat. “Now may I ask to whom I am speaking to?”

“I’m Aedan Ryan And this is Luna Connelly.” I said in an introductory manner.

“Well it’s wonderful to meet the two of you…” Dr. Brown said with a smile, “but may I ask why are you here? Neither of you look like students.”

“We’re not.” I replied, “We were trying to find Professor Moore so we could ask him a few questions.”

“About what?”

“Well…” I said trying to think of a way of saying what I was going to say without looking like an idiot, “The questions were about multiverse travel.”

“Ah one of the many questions I have myself.” A voice from behind the three of us said.

I turned around to see a younger version of Dr. Brown, mid-forties, thick head of brown hair and a friendly smile.

“Professor Moore, I presume?” I asked extending my hand.

“You are a very astute young man, Mr. Ryan.” He said walking up to me to shake my hand, “I AM Prof. Harold Moore; your friend informed me that you may be coming today…” He then turned his attention to the only person without a ‘Y’ chromosome in the room. “And THIS must be Ms. Connelly.” He walked up to Luna and bowed graciously.

“Indeed Professor, it is rather wonderful to finally meet your-“Luna was cut off by the sudden light grab of her hand, which then Professor Moore pressed lightly against his lips.

“Please,” he said with charm beyond any means of human measure, “Just call me Harry.”

Both Luna and I’s faces went a little red at that, be it for completely different reasons. Who the hell was this guy to just come up to Luna and do something like that? And why was I getting upset at a guy nearly twice my age flirting with her? (Not like he stood a chance, he’s not really her type.)

“Excuse me Professor…” I said doing my best not to sound mean, “But I you don’t mind-“

“Oh, I’m terribly sorry Mr. Ryan,” Professor Moore said finally turning his attention back to me, “I didn’t mean to impose, are the two of you by chance a couple?”

The force with which my hand met my face could’ve destroyed the continent, maybe even the planet. I was just so tired of explaining the situation what came out of my mouth threw me and Luna for a loop.

“Yes!” I said, throwing my hands in the air, “We’re a couple, madly in love! And I take offence to whoever tries to butt in our blossoming relationship!”

“My sincerest apologies…” Professor Moore said, trying to fight his laughter, “I had no idea that you felt about her that way.”

“Well I do…” I said, laying a massive coat of sarcasm on my words, “Now if you don’t mind, please stop hitting on a girl almost half your age. The two of us have some questions for you.”

“Ah yes of course.” He replied straightening his sweater-vest, “Mr. Freeman said you would want some answers…” He walked past Luna and Dr. Brown and stopped at the chalkboard. “What would you like to know?”

“Well first off what is the multiverse?” I asked.

“An excellent question, Mr. Ryan.” He said wiping away some of Dr. Brown’s equation, much to his disapproval I may add. “Our universe is just as it says it is… ONE.”

“Not sure I follow…”

“Universe…” he continued. “It is derived from the Latin words Unum meaning ‘one’ and ‘vertere’ meaning ‘to turn’ so universe essentially means ‘turned into one’.”

“Still not really following…” I said scratching my head.

“He’s saying that everything is one essentially.” Luna explained, “That it is singular and there is nothing else like it.”

“Correct Ms. Connelly.” He said shooting her a wink, much to my disapproval. “But it’s very hard for any of us to imagine that there is only one of something.”

“There’s one of a lot of things.” I said, “That’s how animals die out right?”

“Yes, but they never started out alone and for a very long time there were many of that animal.”

“So you’re saying-“

“That like a species of animal our universe is not the only one of its kind.”

“When are we going to get into the ‘Multi’ part of this conversation?” I asked, “How can there me multiple universes?”

“Why because of you.” He said pointing at me.

“Me?”

“Yes… you… and me… and her, and him…” he turned around and began to scribble on the board. “Your imaginations are, just like the universe, limitless with untold amounts of power surging through them.” He looked back to face us “To put it simply in our own minds we are like God, shaping worlds, solar systems… even entire universes with our thoughts alone.”

“So you’re saying that whatever we’ve thought of in our lives that differ from our reality there is a universe that it has actually occurred in?” Luna asked.

“Correct again Ms. Connelly.” He said turning back to us, “but this reality won’t accept our contrasting thoughts, so another universe, completely different than our own is created somewhere in the vastness of reality.”

“So you believe that there are a multitude of universes…” I said raising an eyebrow, “In our heads?” the strange thought crossed my mind that I was just some guy’s random thought for a second, but I ruled that out as nonsense, because I know I’m real… … right?

“No.” the Professor said quickly, “I believe that once something is imagined that a whole new universe is spawned, making a near endless amount of universes each with its own history, cultures and religions.”

“And inhabitants?” Luna asked.

“Oh, of course.” The Professor said with a smile. “From a world exclusively inhabited by aardvarks to zombie hordes, if it is imagined then it exists!”

He threw his hands into the air and began to twirl around. This guy was very much into his work, and he may have continued is euphoric bliss if not from the help of his colleague.

“Dr. Moore is quite the enthusiast…” Dr. Brown said shaking his head, “He can get quite caught up in his fantasies of near endless realities and other such nonsense.”

“It’s NOT nonsense.” Professor Moore said snapping out of his state, “In fact I believe that MY theories are more grounded in reality than YOURS.”

“Don’t even get started with me Harold!” Dr. Brown erupted, “You always had your head in the clouds! Even when I was teaching you in this very school!”

“Hold it right there!” I yelled before it became an argument that contained words more than six syllables used consecutively. “There’s no reason to get into arguments about this… their all theories… right?”

“I suppose…” Dr. Brown said wiping off his lab coat. “I’ll see him again soon enough.” And with that he was gone, leaving the three of us to our devices.

“That man taught me everything I know.” Professor Moore said with the upmost respect, “I sometimes think he forgets how much his own studies influenced mine.”

“That’s really nice but I have another question…” I said to get the Professor’s attention again. “Is it possible for someone, or something, to travel through these… other universes?”

“Yes.” He replied; much to Luna and I’s surprise.

“T-that’s amazing!” Luna said excitedly, “How could you-“

“But that technology doesn’t exist…” Professor Moore said, “The amount of power and money to create a machine that could potentially cause a rip in our reality and another’s is just illogical…”

“But it IS possible?”

“Everything is possible within the halls of human imagination, but we have yet to imagine a plausible means of creating the technology to cause a rift between realities…” the Professor’s tone grew even darker, “and for a good reason.”

“What?” I asked, “Why would that be a good thing?”

“Humanity wouldn’t be able to handle such a machine without eventually exploiting it.” He answered, “As a human if you see something you can’t have… you want it…now imagine if we were to create one of those machines and used it to go to a world where El Dorado actually existed… the inhabitants would be destroyed due to our greed… in turn imagine if we happen on a superior race to us, better technology, better weapons… we would be destroyed with little effort.”

“I can see your point.” Wincing a little, but Luna just stared at him blankly, a lot like she had when I showed her the pony show. “But if what you’re saying is true…”

“Travel between realities is very, VERY possible.” He said, “But you would need unbelievably amazing technology or magic to accomplish it.”

“Well thank you for the information.” I said extending my hand, “Luna and I will be off now.”

“My pleasure,” He said with a smile, “but if I may ask… why did you even WANT to know something like this? I know you two aren’t grad students working on a thesis like your friend said you were.”

(Goddamn it Gordon, you could’ve told me what you had planned BEFORE we showed up.) “Well… um… uh… We… we were just curious.” I said trying to free myself from his grip without being hasty.

“A sudden curiosity in a much understudied field doesn’t happen very often Mr. Ryan.” He said staring me square in the eyes, “Much like looking into Bigfoot or ghosts, the interest is normally peeked after something pertaining to what is inquired has to occur.”

“Can’t a guy just be a little bit curious from time to time?”

“Don’t try to play the fool with me Mr. Ryan, I saw ‘Ms. Connelly’s’ expression while I was explaining the theory, what does she have to do with your interest?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I said yanking my hand away out of his grip, “Can’t she just show some interest?”

“Elation doesn’t turn into despair in a fraction of a second Mr. Ryan.” He said coldly, “What does Luna have to do with my theories? Especially when it comes to traveling between realities?”

“You leave her out of this Professor,” I growled, “She’s not an object, and if you come after her you need to remember, I’ll be in your way…”

“Aedan…” Luna said as she opened the door, “Please… let’s just go home.”

“I wouldn’t want to keep your ‘girlfriend’ waiting Mr. Ryan…” the Professor said with a smile, “You run along now, there’s some work I need to accomplish.”

Professor more turned back to his chalkboard, leaving me to stare him down before I head Luna call for me again. I made my way back to her, still glaring at the Professor until we walked into the hall. He seemed nice enough, but our little private conversation made me worry a bit, and he looked the part of a man determined to do anything to prove his theories. It didn’t take long for us to get back to my car, maybe because I was preoccupied with what Professor Moore had said about Luna, but I put it behind me the moment I got behind the wheel.

“Well… THAT was a waste of time…” I said looking into the rearview mirror.

“So close to going home…” Luna said holding back a tear, “But still… so far… impossible even…”

“Hey, easy there Luna, if it were impossible than how’d you get here in the first place?” I asked.

“I… I still don’t know…” She said looking out into the campus.

“Well, that means it’s possible, just not with what we got,” I said trying to cheer her up, “That means you got here somehow WITHOUT human intervention.”

“But how else did I get here?” She asked, “If not technology than what?”

“He said maybe magic…” I said pulling out into the road, “Know anyone capable of sending you across space and time?”

“There are only a few with that potential power…” Luna replied, pondering for a moment. “But I doubt that any of them could conjure a spell such as that without the other noticing.”

“But there’s a chance?”

“I suppose… but if I may ask something unrelated.”

“Anything.”

“Why did you tell the Professor that we were a couple?”

I could feel the knot in my throat grow to epic proportions, I’d hoped that she didn’t hear me when I said it, but on account I was partially yelling it when I said it I hoped against hope.

“Well…” I began, “I’m just tired of explaining that we weren’t a couple, so I just took the easy way out.”

“So were not a couple now?” Luna asked.

“No…” I answered, “Hell, you’ll probably forget about me the moment you get back in YOUR reality.”

“I believe I understand…” Luna said looking back out the window.

The drive didn’t take that long to get back to the flat, but for Luna it took long enough for her to get some needed sleep. The moment I pulled into my space I gently shook her.

“Hey Luna…” I said “We’re back home.”

“YOUR home…” Luna replied sadly, “I wish it was mine…”

“It will be soon enough.” I said reassuringly, “We just need to figure out how to make it happen.”

“I wish it were that simple Aedan.” Luna replied somberly, “But as the days pass it seems like it is nothing more than a fool’s hope.”

“A fool’s hope is still hope Luna.” I said throwing my arm over her shoulder, “One foot in front of the other, remember?”

“Yes I remember…” Luna said resting her head on my chest as we walked, “You always know what to say to make a girl feel better… don’t you?”

“I just shoot from the hip and pray I hit the target.” I said laughing a bit, which Luna replied with her own small giggle.

The two of us walked back up to my apartment in step, but while I was about to unlock the door Luna’s hand gently pushed it back down before wrapping me up in an embrace that I knew very well.

“Thank you…” She whispered, looking up to me while she buried her head into me, “Thank you for everything.”

“I think you’ve said that plenty of times already…” I said shifting to unlock the door. “But Now I think we could both use some sleep.”

“I’m not tired yet…” Luna replied, migrating her hand from my stomach to my neck.

“Well…” I said smiling inwardly, “What do you think will tire you out?”

I looked down to her, noticing that one look that many men would die to see. Luna inched up closer to me until she stood on her toes, but before anything weird (or awesome) could happen I remembered something that made me almost forget the entire day.

“What day is it?” I asked her.

‘Um… Friday…” Luna answered confused, “Why does that matter?”

“Oh my God…” I said, the blood rushing from my face, “I’ve got that date with Jamie tomorrow…”

Author's Notes:

Well it took a forever and then some but it's finally here! Work and injuries can be a bitch (Dog bites are bad for you heath, don't get them kids)
Well, they seem to have had no issues except for the staring but hell I'd stare too.
Dr. Brown... a Delorean... GRT SCT plates... God I'm epic sometimes. (The readers who inspired that know who you are)
Well, well, well... only the slightest bit jealous Aedan?
science... Science... SCIENCE!!! (don't understand any of it)
Aedan with a bit of fourth wall breaking? I can live with that...
So close... but SO FAR AWAY!
Well Prof. Moore seemed nice enoug- ... ... ... uh oh... will he return later?
Well it's getting quite steamy all the sudden ... ... ...
AW COME ON! <- you (the reader) <- Me (The writer)
And now Aedan... prepare yourself... cause it's Jamie's turn!
I'v also started a Steam account. If you want to find me, look for Flanaganisking or unclalc. I'm trying to figure out how to play DOTA 2 as the Dragon Knight, you'll also get a chance to hear my awesome voice. FOR THE RADIANT!
The usual questions are implied, feedback (positive or negative) always appreciated.

20: The Date

One hour left… sixty minutes remaining before I go downstairs and pick Jamie up for our date (Which Luna decided to set me up on in the first place) and to tell you the truth I was slightly pissed off about that whole fiasco, but I did look past that because she seemed more worried about it than I was. Luna was just pacing back and forth, babbling nonsense and listing off ways the whole thing could go wrong.

“What if she despises what you’re wearing?” She asked, stopping in front of me. “She may reject you before you enter her abode!”

“I really don’t think she’ll mind this set up.” I said looking myself over, standard loos fit jeans and my shirt with the iconic ‘S’ displayed across my chest. “We are just going to a steak house after all.”

Luna paused and looked to me with disapproval. I responded by rolling my eyes, “People like steak in my world… you’re not going to change that.”

“Well what if she doesn’t like steak?”

“Then I see no future in the relationship…” I grunted, “That YOU set up I might add.”

“Well maybe if you had ben more forward with what several phrases on YOUR world meant…” Luna responded with quite the amount of spunk, “We might not be in this situation in the first place.”

“Can’t we just agree that we both dropped the ball here?” I asked, letting out an exasperated sigh.

“If it pleases you…” Luna replied rolling her eyes. (Was it just me or was I hearing jealousy in her voice?)

“Well I guess there IS something I guess I could do without…” I said stepping into the bathroom. “You think I should shave though?”

“What?” Luna asked clearly not listening.

“My beard,” I repeated, “Haven’t shaved in a while…” (I was one of those guys who could shave in the morning and have five o’ clock shadow at noon.)

“Well…” Luna began, “Personally I like it… the rugged look that is… it gives you a stronger aura of masculinity.”

“Now you’re just saying that.” I replied with a smile, “Answer me honestly.”

“I mean it honestly,” Luna said nodding, “Not too long and not too short, ‘rough’ would probably be the best words to describe it. Much like that Jason Statham human we saw on the T.V. earlier today.”

(She thinks I look like Jason Statham… That’s awesome) “Well I have a bit more hair on my head than him don’t you think?”

“You indeed lack the bald spot.” She replied with a giggle.

“You’d better believe it.” I said with a smile, “I’d be really depressed if I had a receding hair line at twenty four.”

“Indeed…” she replied, looking me up and down, “It truly brings out your eyes.”

“What?” I asked.

“Uh… um…” Luna stuttered, twirling her hair while she tried to figure out an answer. “Your eyes…” she finally said, “it really brings out your eyes.”

“I could say the same about you.” I said with a smile, “You have very beautiful eyes.”

Luna’s cheeks flushed red despite her attempt to look away to hide the fact. “You… you don’t mean that…”

“Of course I do…” I said turning her to face me again, “It was the first thing I noticed about you… you know… other than the horn, the wings, the hair and the general pony body.”

Luna did her best not to laugh, but a few short, adorable giggles managed to squeak their way out. Why was she so damn cute? Almost everything she’s done while she’s been here has been downright adorable. Hell, I couldn’t even get mad at her; even if I knew she was the reason for the grief that I’ve dealt with for the past few weeks.

“Aedan?” Luna asked, bringing me back to the real world with her voice. “I… I think I should tell you something…”

“Of course Luna.” I replied, “What is it?”

“You don’t have to go…” She said sheepishly.

“Excuse me?”

“If you don’t want to… you don’t have to go.”

“Well Luna… in truth I never wanted to go.” I said, prompting a smile to come across Luna’s face, “But YOU set me up on this, YOU made me promise that I would ‘entertain’ a date with Jamie… and when I make a girl a promise-“

“You keep it…” Luna interrupted downtrodden, “but now that I know you truly never wanted to be with her I thought you could cancel and… You know… spend the night here with-“

The sound of my phone ringing interrupted Luna and caught my attention at the same time. I wondered who it could be, maybe Gordon, but he rarely ever calls me, my parents? No, it’s a Saturday night; they’d be at a movie by now if I knew them. Which brought me to my original question; who the hell was on the other end?

“You’ve got Aedan.” I said bringing the receiver to my ear, waiting for a response.

“Aedan, it’s Jamie.” The voice on the other end of the line said, “I just wanted to know if we were still on for this evening.”

“Uh… yeah… but why the hell are you calling? You live just downstairs…”

“Yeah, I’m really sorry I didn’t tell you but I moved a few blocks away.” Jamie explained, “Even IF Mr. King stopped harassing me, I couldn’t stand living there anymore, and it was just my luck that a better cheaper apartment just went on the market, so I snatched it up before anyone else could get it.”

“Well that sounds nice…” I said looking over to Luna, “But that still leaves me in the dark on where you live now… how ‘bout an address?”

“I’m sure you won’t need it,” Jamie answered, “Just take a left out of your parking lot and drive straight for ten minutes, it’s the big building on the left.”

“You expect me to find this place witho-“ I was cut off by the sound of a dead phone line before I could finish. “What the hell is she trying to do?”

“What do you mean?” Luna asked; I hadn’t realized that I was thinking out loud.

“Nothing Luna…” I replied, “Just trying to understand something I never will…”

“And that is?”

“Women…”

Luna managed to keep her laughter inside that time, but a smile did grow across her face. “Surely they can’t be that problematic to comprehend.”

“Easy for you to say…” I grunted, “You’re one of them.”

“Whatever you say Aedan…” Luna replied rolling her eyes, “What time were you supposed to fetch her?”

“Now would be a really good time to do it.” I said walking past her to grab my keys, “Especially on account she decided to keep her address to herself.”

“Well… Have fun.” Luna said forcing a smile, “Return in a timely fashion.”

“Yes mother…” I replied sarcastically, but now that she mentioned it this was the first time that I’d left Luna to her own devices ever sense we met. It wasn’t like I was trying to make it like that, she needed someone to show her how things work here, but it secretly worried me that she was going to be by herself for I don’t know how long.

“I’ll see you when you return.” Luna said, snapping me back into reality once again. “Now don’t let me keep you, Jamie is waiting.”

“Yeah…” I said opening the door, “See you in a few hours.”

It took a lot of convincing myself that she’d be fine alone for the duration of this little ‘date’ she’d unwittingly set me up on, but I finally managed to get into my car and head off in the direction that Jamie had told me to drive off in. About ten minutes later I came upon a building that I hoped was the one Jamie had so loosely described to me over the phone. It was nice, I mean really nice, way better than the flat that I was currently living in. I didn’t take in the sight for too long, because I still needed to get Jamie, head out to the steak house, bring her back, tell her how much fun it was (even though it wouldn’t be for me at least) and finally get back home to Luna so I could tell her that the deed had been done and to never EVER set me up like that again.

“Let’s get this over with…” I said letting out a sigh as I stepped out of the car.

I walked up to the front door, but as I went to open it the knob jerked away from my hand. I was initially spooked a bit at it, but when the door fully opened I was met with yet another surprise.

“Larry?” I asked, “The hell are YOU doing here?”

“Oh, hey Aedan.” Larry replied cheerfully, not answering my question, “I was just taking out the trash and-“

“But why are you here?” I asked again, “Shouldn’t you-“

“My girlfriend, Mary, lives here…” he interrupted, “Remember when you told me that I should move in with her for a while?”

“Oh… yeah…” I said, feeling like an idiot.

“Well we decided that it would be a lot more practical just to keep it that way, so we don’t have to spend more money than we have to on living… but that begs me to ask you a question.” Larry said smiling.

“Go for it.”

“What the hell are YOU doing here?”

“Oh… uh… well…” I began, thinking of what to say, “I kinda have… a date… with one of the tenants…”

“Oh really?” Larry asked, “Did you and Luna have a falling out?”

“What? NO!” I snapped quickly, prompting a laugh or two out of him, “Luna actually set me up on this… and we were never dating to begin with…” (Seriously, how many times do I have to explain that… to the same people?)

“Well, whatever you say big man… I always thought the two of you were a pair made by God himself.”

“What the hell do you mean?”

“Well look at you…” Larry explained, “Big, strong, noble… but you’re no fun, you always seemed miserable and you’re very antisocial, hell I’d never seen you have conversations longer than three sentences before Luna arrived. But Luna…” He continued, “Luna is one of those souls that you meet once in a lifetime, innocent, lovably awkward, kind, you just feel like a better person around her… not to mention her looks are beyond comparison, if it weren’t for Mary I’d even try my luck with her and-”

“I think I get it…” I said cutting him off, “but now I really need to-“

“Please let me finish…” Larry said raising his hand, “Before Luna came along you seemed like you just hated the world and most of the things in it, but now that she’s here… you’ve lightened up, you’re even smiling for Christ’s sake, even if she’s just an old friend like you claim there’s no denying that with her you’re a better person.” Larry paused for a second to place his hand on my shoulder, “If Luna wasn’t there that night last week… you wouldn’t have let me in, you wouldn’t have offered me a chance at a job and I may have gotten into my car drunk and died in an accident.”

“I think you’re thinking a little too deeply into this Larry…” I said brushing his shoulder off of me, “I’m still who I was when you met me.”

“Sure… you’re just a happier, more helpful version now… and that’s all because of her.”

It was then that Larry’s words really hit home with me. He was right about who I was before, I was cold, unfeeling hell I even hated the world some days. He was also right about the night he was at my door drunk, the old me would’ve slammed the door on his face and think nothing of the consequences that followed. Was Larry actually right? Was Luna making me a better man?

“I should really be going…” I said, slightly star struck at the revelation, “Jamie’s waiting for me to get her.”

“Oh Jamie?” Larry asked impressed, “She’s our neighbor now, moved in a few days ago. I didn’t know that you two were-”

“Jamie and I aren’t a couple either…” I grunted. (Same quote, different person/pony)

“So this is the first date?”

“The one Luna set me up on…”

“You allowed that?” Larry said taken back a bit, “I’d never thought that you’d-“

“Aedan!” Jamie exclaimed, popping out from behind Larry and wrapping me up, “You managed to find this place, very impressive…” she began to look me up and down, “I’m also liking the attire…”

“You don’t look too bad yourself…” I said with a nod, she was wearing a simple white button up blouse, a pair of nicely fitting jeans and sandals, “You ready to head out?”

“More than you know…” Jamie replied biting her lower lip and taking my hand.

“See you two later.” Larry said, continuing his previous mission, “Have fun.”

“Oh we will.” Jamie said snuggling closer to me. (This might be a long night…)

It actually didn’t take long for us to get to the restaurant, if fact it was about five minutes away from her apartment, but that didn’t stop her from staring at me nonstop until we arrived.

“I hope this will do.” I said parking.

“It’s not Chinese…” she replied nodding, “so we’re off to a good start.”

We walked into a rather busy looking steak house; people were sitting all over the entrance waiting for a table to open. I just walked up to the hostess, Jamie looking in all directions behind me.

“I don’t think we’ll be able to get a table…” she said concerned, “we might be here for hours.”

“Relax; I know what I’m doing.” I said with a reassuring smile turning back to her. “It’s all about being prepared.”

I turned back to see the forced smile of someone who really didn’t want to be working on a weekend but was anyway. “Welcome.” she said “I’m sorry but the wait for two is two hours…”

“Don’t be so sure.” I said, “Look on the list there should be a Ryan for two.”

The hostess sighed but did what I requested. After a few seconds she looked up with that same false grin. “I’m very sorry Mr. Ryan, you’re table is ready now.”

Jamie and I were escorted to the sounds of disgruntled families and couples alike, I just smiled I always thought reactions like that were funny.

“How did you-“

“I called when this placed opened earlier today…” I answered Jamie before she could finish, “at eleven.”

“So you plan ahead?” she asked.

“If you did what I did for as long as I did it you would too.” I said with a nod.

“I think I’m starting to like you even more.” Jamie said with a smile.

“Don’t get too attached now…” I replied. “We haven’t even eaten yet.”

The two of us were promptly sat down at a small corner booth away from most of the commotion, but we could still see what was going on for the most part. Just general nonsense and other shenanigans that happen at every restaurant, we were given our menus then finally left to our own devices.

“So…” I began, “what do you think you’ll be getting?”

“Not sure yet…” Jamie replied examining the menu, “Debating between the rib eye and the sirloin…”

I already knew what I was going to get, the twenty ounce ‘mammoth’ steak, (Not sure why they called it ‘mammoth’ I’ve eaten steaks twice that size.) but I was hungry given the fact that I’d forgotten to eat lunch after Luna tried to surprise me by cooking again. After a few more minutes of looking the menu over a waiter finally stopped by our table, pen and pad in hand.

“Good evening you two.” He said with forced charm. “I’m David, and I’ll be your waiter this evening, would you like to start out with something to drink?”

“Sure.” I said, putting the menu on the table, “I’ll take water and a bottle of Stag.”

“Water and a Long Island ice tea.” Jamie said seconds after me.

After checking our I.D.s David looked to us once again, “Have you decided on anything yet?” he asked, “Appetizers? Main Course? Desserts? We have a lovely couple’s special that includes all of that for fifteen percent off.”

“Well we aren’t…” I paused for a second, realizing how futile it would be to even mention that fact that I was set up to do this, “Bacon cheese fries, the ‘mammoth’ steak; rare, and-“

“The chocolate lava cake.” Jamie added, “and for the main course I’ll take the sirloin; medium well.”\

“Alright…” David said taking the menus “the appetizer will be here in a few minutes.”

The moment he left Jamie looked to me with a raised eyebrow, “Rare huh?” she said smiling. “I didn’t know you were THAT much of a man.”

“If it doesn’t flinch when I bite into it, it’s wrong.” I said shrugging my shoulders, prompting a small giggle out of my counterpart.

“And you have a sense of humor.”

“Strange… People say I have no sense of humor because I don’t laugh.”

“Well maybe if you were more open…” Jamie said reaching her hand across the table, “People would see the real you and realize that you were worth being around… I’m sure Luna feels the same way.”

“Actually she does.” I said, smiling at the thought of my roommate, “She’s been trying to get me to be more open since she’s showed up.”

“Well it’s working.” Jamie said winking at me.

At that moment our drinks and appetizers found their way to our table, I ate most of the fries, given the fact that I was starving, but Jamie didn’t seem to mind. After the fries were gone there was a lull in the service, which prompted yet another conversation.

“You know you never told me where you worked.” I said.

“Oh,” Jamie said slightly surprised by my interest, “I’m a secretary at a law firm; it’s kind of a summer internship.”

“You’re going to college?”

“Yes I am, St. Louis University, School of Law. I’ll be a junior next year.”

“So you’re…”

“I turned twenty one yesterday.” Jamie answered before I could finish my statement.

“Well happy late birthday then.” I said raising my beer.

“Thanks…” she replied clanging her Long Island ice tea with it. “I just wish I got a present for it.”

“Did your parents send you anything?”

“My dad’s in jail and my mother is dead…” Jamie replied, forcing me to cringe in my seat a bit before she started laughing, “I’m sorry, I was just kidding, I got a nice necklace from my mother and my father gave me enough money to get a better apartment.”

“Well that’s nice…” I said, “Your family must have deep pockets.”

“Mom’s a surgeon and dad’s a big shot lawyer.” Jamie explained, “The only reason I didn’t have a better apartment is because I wanted to make it on my own for a bit, and you can see how that turned out.”

“Yeah…” I said, “You’re here with me…”

“I don’t count that as a bad thing.” Jamie said smiling.

Finally the main course arrived, and I readily devoured everything, (minus the bone of course) leaving Jamie in awe. I doubt she’d ever seen a marine eat before, but given how I’ve seen some guys eat I was being a gentleman.

“That… was… well… impressive…” Jamie said, “I don’t think I’ve seen a human being eat that much in under ten minutes.”

“When you’re hungry, you’re hungry…” I said casually, “nothing much else to it.”

“I suppose.” Jamie said taking a bite out of her own steak, “But I really can’t wait for the desert to arrive, I haven’t had cake in a while.”

The desert arrived not long after Jamie mentioned it and I was more than happy to let her eat most of it, she was the one who ordered it after all. Finally after a few more minutes the check came. Jaime reached into her back pocket, trying to go for a wallet I presumed, but I wasn’t about to let that happen.

“You’re not going to pay for this.” I said grabbing my own wallet.

“Really?” Jamie asked, “Are you sure?”

“A may have been set up for this but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to be the gentleman.”

“Well thanks.” Jamie said, smiling “I can see why Luna likes you so much… and not just for-“

“Look Jamie…” I interrupted, “What Luna said that morning… we never-“

“Ready to leave?” She asked standing up, “Because I think we both should be getting back home.”

I looked to my watch and sure enough it was a quarter past eight. I’d ben with Jamie for nearly two hours. That little voice in the back of my head started to go off. ‘Get back to Luna, who knows what could’ve happened in two hours!’ It kept repeating, but I put its concern to the side. I’d been pretty much smothering Luna since she came here, I’m sure she enjoyed the time alone. Within ten minutes we were back in front of Jamie’s new flat, standing at its doorstep.

“Well… I had fun.” Jamie said with a smile.

“Yeah me too…” I admitted, maybe Luna was right, maybe I did need this. I was starting to think that she knew me better than I know myself. Maybe she did…

“Aedan?” Jamie said bringing me out of my thoughts.

“Yes?” I replied, “Need anything?”

“I was going to ask you if you wanted to check out my new apartment.” Jamie said, giving me that one look that everyman should know.

“Uh… sure…” I said, against my better judgment.

The two of us went in, up the stairs and finally stopped at the last door to the left. With some fidgeting Jaime finally found her keys and revealed her humble abode. (It was actually pretty snazzy, full of things that I don’t think I could afford even with a month’s salary.)

“Well… this is nice.” I said looking around, “And you’ve got a good view of the city, bet it’s quite the sight on those-”

I was interrupted by the slight brush of something hitting my back and then falling to the floor. I turned around to see Jamie, lacking her blouse. (And a bra for that matter) Admiral Ackbar was screaming at the top of his lungs inside my head, but outwardly I remained calm. Thinking quickly I pointed out the one thing that may deescalate the situation.

“Is that the necklace your mom got you?” I asked pointing to her neck.

“Um… yes?” She said slightly surprised, “I didn’t really think you’d notice it.”

“How could I not? It’s very nice.”

“That’s not the only part of what you’re seeing that you find nice…” Jamie said in a sultry tone, making her way to me. “Is it?”

“Well… the jeans are nice.” I said doing everything in my power not to look down.

“Oh come on Aedan!” Jamie said grabbing my face, “I took it off so you could look!”

Then my head was forced down, indeed they were nice, not as nice as Luna’s but… wait, where the hell did that come from? Regaining my composure I went back to looking at her face.

“Look Jaime…I know what you’re trying to do, but we barely know each other…” I said, trying to make her understand, “Hell I-“

I was interrupted yet again by a kiss powerful enough to knock me onto the couch. Once I was down, Jamie decided to turn it up several notches. My rules were null and void right now and truthfully I may have needed this, it had been several months. (Not to mention I haven’t done that one thing guys do since Luna showed up) So I was very tense, but something in the back of my mind was echoing, louder with every second until I finally heard the words themselves ‘Luna’ it kept repeating ‘Luna, Luna, LUNA!’

The moment I heard the name screamed its loudest I managed to rip Jamie off of me, Sweat was pouring out of me and my breaths were heavy and short. Jamie actually looked concerned for my wellbeing.

“Are you alright?” She asked, “What’s-“

“I can’t do this…” I said rising off the couch, “I’m sorry I can’t do this…”

“What? Why?”

“I just can’t…” I said running to the door, “I had a good time though sleep well.”

I slammed the door behind me before Jamie could protest to my actions. I really had no clue what had come over me, I had a hot girl practically delivering herself on a platter to me and all I could think about was the girl I’d left back in my apartment. I grunted inwardly, why did she have to pop into my head at that critical moment, why was I constantly thinking about her, why wasn’t I driving home yet?

What normally took ten minutes took five when I finally pulled into the parking lot. The time did give me a chance to clear my head, but that didn’t stop the swirling torrent that was my thoughts form subsiding completely. I walked up to my room, grabbed my keys and went for the door, but to my surprise the door was ajar, someone had come inside. I opened the door and to my disbelief there was no one there. The T.V. was on, Xbox too, Luna had been playing Minecraft, but where was she now?

“Luna?” I said walking around, “Luna where are-“

I finally managed to get a good look around my place, to my horror there were telltale signs of struggle. Even my door looked like it was busted into. Panicking I searched every possible place that Luna could’ve been and anywhere I wouldn’t think to look, but she was nowhere to be seen.

“Oh, my God…” I said to myself, “S-someone’s… someone’s taken Luna…”

Author's Notes:

Ok, another long wait but it's here now... (I pulled an all nighter to get this up so please tell me what I missed) I'm also not going to be able to post for a while because of the range (My fellow military bronies know what I'm talking about) so I hope this will suffice for the time being.
Luna seems more worried than Aedan obout this doesn't she?
'You don't have to go' ... ... hmmmmm I wonder what she's actually means?
Jamie moved... great...
Larry with the revelation!
What a nice dinner... Aedan likes it rare folks... that's a man's man!
He's going in to Jamie's apartment! DON'T DO IT AEDAN! <- You (the reader) wait for it... <- Me (the writer)
IT'S A TRAP! (Ackbar face)
Damn Aedan's got some steel nerves (that or something else is afoot)
x20 Luna's GONE! SOMEONE TOOK HER!
You should know the drill by now people...
Also along with a steam account I'm on Xbox live, Flanaganisking (shocker) that's if you want to se me get owned at Halo and every other game I attempt online.

21: The Sacrifice

The terrifying thought that went across my mind for only a second; after all she may have been killed by a creeper or something and thrown a tantrum. I’ve seen her do it, and God is it brutal, but this wasn’t like that at all. The food she had grabbed wasn’t thrown around the room, she hadn’t ripped the cushions out of the couch and even if she was that upset I highly doubt that she would beak the door that way it was.

“Luna?” I called, still not wanting to believe what was in the back of my mind, “Luna where are-“

I stepped on what remained of a lamp, the lamp from my bedroom. Someone had thrown it at something, because it was far too broken up to have just been dropped, not to forget the trace amounts of crimson liquid on several edges of it. My blood began to boil as well as chill, furious that someone had come into my home by force and possibly harmed someone I cared about as well as terrified for the same fact. I nearly hit my knees, but before I fell into despair I noticed something, a piece of fabric, fabric that didn’t belong to me, or Luna.

Somebody’s clothes… but who’s? It looked relatively new, sporting one of those patterns from a UFC fighter’s t-shirt brand or something close to that. The thought of the Trents went through my mind and then what they might do to Luna if they ever got their filthy hands on her, but the thought was fleeting. The Trents weren’t even smart enough to remember their own address let alone find another person’s via the phone book and track them down. Besides, Mr. King would’ve seen… a light bulb began to shine inside my head, Mr. King rarely misses something going past his office, maybe he saw whoever broke into my apartment, but Mr. King wasn’t really good about releasing information, but I had a few ways that may persuade him to release the information to me.

It’s been over a year since I’d kicked down a door, mainly because I’d left the Marines behind and it was rather difficult for me to do it in the first place, but the hinges flew off revealing a very surprised looking fat short man sitting in front of his computer, a Kleenex and a bottle of lotion in hand. I didn’t bother with talk, though he did manage to utter the first few words of what I assumed was ‘what the hell’ before I grabbed him by the throat and slammed him into the wall. The look on his face was one I hadn’t seen since I left the Marines, pure, unadulterated, primal fear and I wasn’t about to miss the golden opportunity that it gives for talking.

“Where is she?!” I roared, pressing my hand deeper into his throat, “Where’s Luna!?”

“I… I…” He wheezed struggling in my grasp, “I… don’t know what you’re talking about…”

“Bullshit…” I growled, dragging him up the wall to where he was near the ceiling. “Now talk… I can do this for a very long time.”

Mr. King was silent, letting me believe that he was ready to talk. I released him allowing his fat ass to fall in the floor, he tried to scurry away, but I wasn’t about to let that happen. I grabbed him by his cankle and drug him across the floor and into the corner, leaving him with no option except answer to me.

“Now I’m going to ask again…” I said politely, “Where is Luna?”

“I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about boy…” Mr. King hissed, pointing at me, “But now you’ve got to pay-“

He was interrupted by my hand wrapping around his own and putting it into a very uncomfortable position, one of the few things I’ve kept since I’ve left the service. “Maybe I should explain something about me…” I said, wrenching his hand even more, “You see this shirt…” I said pointing to the ‘S’ “I’m not exactly like the guy this shirt represents… I’m willing to do a lot of things to get what I want…”

“Go to hell…” Mr. King frowned; I just sighed and applied more pressure, making him scream like a little girl.

“Please let me finish…” I said, “You see… you already know that I was in the Marines, Recon to be exact…” I explained keeping him pinned in my grip, “But what you probably didn’t know is what I did there… you see, as Recon you have to go into some really nasty places to get information before the main force shows up…”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“It means that I’ve done things… things I’m not necessarily proud of as a man, but I did it to protect my fellow servicemen and woman…”

“I-I still don’t understand…” Mr. King stuttered.

“It means that over those years I accumulated a certain set of skills…” I said forebodingly, “Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you…” (I may have been paraphrasing Taken but I was telling the truth) “Tell me who came in here and took Luna and that will be the end of it… but if you refuse…” I let go of his hand, grabbed his coffee mug, shattered it against his desk and pressed it against his face, “That’ll be very hazardous to your health…”

“Ok… Ok…” Mr. King begged, “I-I’ll talk… please… just don’t hurt me…”

“Alright…” I said slowly pulling the shattered mug away from his face, “start talking…”

“Alright…” he groaned rubbing his hand, “Some guys came in… maybe three, four…”

“What were they wearing?” I asked, presenting the scrap of clothing “was it something like this?”

“I don’t know… my door was barely open.” Mr. King answered quickly, “It was dark minus the front light, and I closed my door after I saw them walk in.”

“You didn’t even bother to see who they were?” I asked clinching my fist, “Don’t you have a log or something?”

“People come in and out of this place like shit through a goose, Ryan…” Mr. King replied, “It’d be a waste of time and money to do something like that.”

“You’re not really telling me what I want hear Mr. King…” I said standing over him, the office’s light only revealing a towering shadow over him “Was there anything else.”

“Well…” Mr. King said doing his best to think about what happened, “I heard some guys, maybe the ones you’re looking for… something about a reward… and something else about… ‘College shit’ in their words…”

“Thank you Mr. King…” I said stepping away from him, “I think I know where to go now…”

“N-now what?” he asked, “What are you going to do to me?”

“First…” I snapped, causing him to fall back on his ass again, “I want you to call the police, tell them that there’s been a kidnapping, and tell them everything you told me…” I began to walk out of the room leaving Mr. King confused.

“Wait!” He said, stopping me only for a moment, “Where are you going?”

“I’m going to get the son of a bitch who took her…” I growled under my breath before Mr. King could try to stop me again.

I knew exactly where to go, Professor Moore, that guy was smart enough to do what the Trents weren’t capable of doing (other than read). He also more than likely had the cash to hire some thugs to break into my home and take Luna by surprise. It didn’t take me too long to get to the college, no more than twenty minutes, But then again I paid no heed to stoplights and speed limits. I didn’t really bother to find a parking spot, I just stopped as close as I could to the college, I’m sure that they could pay for new grass anyway.

Blowing through the door I ran as fast as I could to the Professor’s classroom, the door tightly sealed. I did my best to look inside, but the glass made it very hard to look inside. The lights weren’t on though, so more than likely they’d be somewhere else. I continued my search deeper into the building, frantically inspecting each room as I passed it. First floor, second floor, the closets not a single trace or clue of a whereabouts, my heart sank, I’d promised her three weeks ago that I’d keep her safe. I hit my knees, my only lead turned out to be fruitless; at least that’s what I thought. Before I could shout I heard something, a door slamming in the distance.

I rushed in the direction of the sound, knowing full well that it could’ve just been a janitor closing the door on one of his closets. I didn’t want to take that chance, I had to find Luna, I had to save her, but most of all… I had to make the people or person who took her pay.

While lost in thought the echoes of the door faded, leaving me with no clue which way to go again. I waited and I listened, hoping that who or whatever had closed the door would do it again. The sound came again, this time much closer and to my right. I followed the sound until I stood before a single door; ‘AUDITORIUM’ was in big bold letters on the frosted glass.

I’d already checked this room when I initially ran through the building searching for any hint of life. At that time when I checked the door it was locked, but this time when I fiddled around with the handle it squeaked open, allowing me access inside. I quietly made my way inside, the lights were barely on, but I could make out the outlines of some of the desks that were closer to the lights. I made my way down the alley, trying to be as quiet as possible. There were still at least two people in here with me and I didn’t want to alert them if they were the ones I was looking for. Then suddenly the lights went all the way up, revealing two figures standing at the auditorium’s stage. I slid myself behind one of the desks, hoping that they hadn’t noticed me, fortunately they didn’t.

I poked my head around the desk to see if I could get a quick look at the two that were down there. I didn’t get to look that long but I knew that they weren’t janitors because both their attire was way too formal for guys who clean up other people’s mess. I did my best to remain calm, they just might be two teachers working late and they chose this place to get their work done, but needless to say I was ready to react if they turned out to be the ones I thought they were. I continued to sneak as best as I could down to them. (It’d been a while since I’ve had to creep around somewhere, so I wasn’t necessarily at my peak form)

After managing to get a few rows closer I finally managed to hear them, but I only stumbled on the end of their conversation. “I accept…” one of them said in a voice I recognized, “No run along I wish to begin studying the specimen as soon as possible.”

Professor Moore, I bit my knuckles to restrain myself from exposing myself to whoever he was talking to. (I’d prefer a one on one beat down anyway) I heard the sound of footsteps off in the distance then though opening of what I could only imagine was a fire exit. Maybe thirty seconds after that I heard it open again, this time multiple people entered, but their steps sounded like they were stuttered, as if they were carrying something. Stopping I heard whoever the others were place something on the floor.

“Ah… excellent… I can’t wait to…” Professor Moore paused, “What did you do?!” he roared, “I specifically said that she was NOT to be harmed… Don’t say she gave you no choice, she just one girl… I don’t care that she ripped you’re oh-so-precious shirt, you’re lucky that I found you and offered to pay you nicely… fine here’s your money, now leave me to my work…”

Once again I had to use all of my will to remain in place, Luna was here, Professor Moore had hired some guys to do it and there was someone else involved that made some kind of pact with him. Needless to say waiting to hear the door close again was the most stressful time of my life outside the Marines, but in time I finally heard the sound of the door shut, leaving me to do what I had to do to get Luna out of here and back with me.

“I wish that they hadn’t done this to you my dear…” Professor Moore said sadly, “I’d prefer you’re input on what I was doing to you while I furthered my knowledge of your kind… but I guess I’ll have to go into this blind… now where did I put my notes...? Damn, I must’ve left them in my classroom, don’t worry now, I’ll be back in a minute.”

One minute was all I needed to Get her out of here, I thought to myself, but I don’t want to raise an alarm by beating the Professor to a bloody pulp, so I had to stay myself yet again and wait for my enemy to leave me to myself. I heard the sound of footsteps approaching me, that’s when I made myself as small as possible and given my size that’s rather hard to do. To my relief however he casually walked past the row I had concealed myself in, smiling happily to himself as he did so then the sound of an opening and closing door. I was finally alone, time to make my move.

I sprang up and looked to the stage and let out a sigh of relief, Luna was in a chair next to several tables with instruments I didn’t want to imagine where they’d be put while he was ‘studying’ her. I ran to her as fast as I could, nearly tripping over myself as I did so, I didn’t have much time and we needed to leave. Once I stood before her I saw that she had been tied to the chair around the waist, wrists and ankles. (What the hell was this guy planning to do to her?) The thought quickly left my mind when I noticed something else about her, a cut across her cheek with a matching bruise, someone had hit her, hit her hard. My blood began to boil, but a few deep breaths managed to calm me down to an extent.

“Luna?” I asked gently grabbing her face, “Luna wake up…”

She was unresponsive, still out from whatever had hit her, so I began to shake her slightly in hopes of getting a response. “Luna…” I said softly again, “Its Aedan, I’m here…”

This time there was a sign of life, a small grumble while her eyes barely opened; this was enough for me to stop shaking her and wrap my arms around the entirety of the chair. “Oh thank God…” I said fighting back tear, “thank God I’ve found you…”

“A… Aedan?” She replied weakly, “You… you’re back already?”

“Yes…” I said laughing a bit, “I’m already here; now all we have to do is go home…”

“I… I remember a knock at the door…” Luna said trying to reach for her head, but the bindings were still tightly in place, “Wha? What is this?”

“It’s alright Luna… I’m here now…” I then went to untie her hands, but as I did so Luna just had to make some remarks.

“This will certainly require some explanation…” She said weakly through a smile.

“I’ll get right on that…” I said returning the smile, fighting the knot, whoever tied this had to have been a boy scout or something, “but first I have to-“

A sharp pain rocketed across my back, causing me to roll over in pain then a shot at my left leg, why did he have to hit my left leg? I fell to the floor doing my best not to fall completely over I balanced myself on my fist. Luna looked to me in dismay, too weak to act on my behalf as another sharp pain jolted up my spine sending me completely to the floor.

“I’ve found my notes…” The Professor growled as I tried to struggle to my feet, only to be hit yet again by whatever he was wielding, “How did you know where to look?”

“A little birdie told me…” I shot back doing my best to hide the pain.

“I knew putting my faith in those hoodlums wouldn’t work…” he growled reaching for his phone, “Oh boys… we have a visitor… attend to him…”

The door opened revealing a small group of men that terrified me at the realization that Professor more had hired them. “Oh, look what we got here boys…” the eldest Trent said cracking his knuckles, “the faggot that cheap shotted us when we were about to score on his piece of ass.”

“I’m gonna bleed you so hard…” the middle one said, pulling out a switch blade and licking it, “Then we’ll make her bleed… but not like you…”

“Gentlemen please…” Professor Moore said rolling his eyes, “Just see to it that he’s taken care of properly… and you know what I mean.”

All the Trents nodded and surrounded me, my body tensed up, like hell I was going down without a fight, but what happened next threw me for a whole new loop. The youngest Trent pulled up a chair while the second oldest and youngest helped me into it. They all then grabbed chairs of their own and surrounded me in a half circle, Professor Moore making his way to me the whole time.

“You look surprised.” He said with a smile. “What did you expect?”

“I expected…” I began only to be cut off.

“Oh please, you think we can’t be the slightest bit civilized?”

“Says the guy who started beating me from behind…”

“You were getting in the way of progress.” Professor Moore said turning back to Luna “THAT progress…”

“What do you want with her?” I asked getting up, prompting the Trents to follow suit, until he motioned them to sit down again.

“I want to study her…” Professor Moore explained, “She is a gateway to knowledge beyond compare! A being from another universe… a universe created in someone’s MIND! Could you imagine the benefits?”

“You said that it would be a bad thing for travel between universes…” I said stepping even closer, “You said it would result in disasters that would be too much for anyone to bear.”

“That was before your little friend showed up.” Professor Moore said kneeling next to Luna’s once again unconscious form, “If we could learn from her how she traveled to our world, we could find so many things… meet so many cultures… the only limit is our imagination!” His smile grew uncomfortably larger with every second he looked at Luna, prompting even the Trents to look onward awkwardly.

“That still doesn’t explain the sudden change of heart…” I said snapping him out of his euphoria, “Why?”

“Ah yes… ‘Why’.” He said stepping away from Luna and back to me, “I may be a man of science, but I need money to pay for it, and our government has said they would pay me quite nicely if I were to offer my services in the study of this specimen.”

I was about to go postal on him for calling Luna that. She might not be human, but she has her own thoughts, fears, aspirations, interests, she was just as human as us, maybe even more so, but the sound of the door opened once again revealing the one person I never expected.

“G-Gordon?” I said shocked, all my rage replaced by surprise, “what the hell are you-“

“Aedan!” He said happily embracing me, “Glad to know you see it the Professor and I’s way, don’t worry we’ll take good care of Luna while she’s with us.”

“I… I don’t understand…” I said looking to Luna then him, “What… what’s going on?”

“Luna’s coming with me now Aedan…” Gordon said patting me on the back, “Don’t worry Professor Moore and I’ll take good care of her.”

“You… you TOLD him…” I said in disbelief, “YOU TOLD HIM ABOUT LUNA!”

I normally hit guys with glasses, or my friends for that matter, but I had been betrayed by the man who has had the title since preschool. My fist met the side of his face squarely, sending him to the ground with a violent thud. He looked back up to me shocked at my reaction.

“THE HELL AEDAN!” he yelled holding his face, “I thought you were done with her!”

“You can’t just tell some psychopath that there’s a girl from another universe living with me so he can hire thugs to break into my house, beat her and then kidnap he so he can perform experiments on her!” (That’s the first time I think anyone has EVER said that.)

“What?” Gordon said getting up, “He told me that you and Luna made the choice together… that you’d-“

“Afraid not…” Professor Moore said as his steel can slammed across the back of Gordon’s head, rendering him unconscious.

“NO!” I yelled reaching for him, but the Trents finally sprang into action, all five of them holding me back.

“I knew the moment I saw you looking at her that you’d never give her up willingly… so I called your friend her and… ‘Explained’ your situation.” He looked down to Gordon still lying motionless in the ground, “For being so smart he is quite gullible… he told me everything…”

“So you know everything about Luna…” I said still struggling in their grip. “That’s all he told you…”

“Not true…” The Professor said stopping just in front, of my face. “He told me a lot about you too… even the things you didn’t want her to know…”

He raised his cane again, but before he could strike a voice rang throughout the auditorium, Luna’s voice. “AEDAN!” she cried, struggling in her bonds.

“Oh, good she’s awake…” the Professor said turning his attention back to me, “Now she can see the secret you’ve been keeping from her.”

The Professor’s cane fell on my left leg again, but this time on the inside, sending my prosthetic lower leg flying across the floor. The sudden shifting of weight caused me to fall down to my knees (well technically knee), the weight of the Trents amplified on me, there was no way I was getting out of this. While the Professor and the Trents proceeded to beat a downed man. Despite my own pain I kept hearing her call my name, ‘AEDAN!’ I heard again and again ‘AEDAN!’ Then before I lost consciousness I looked over to Luna one last time, I was about to mouth something to her, but I noticed that her eyes shined as brightly as new headlights.

Then a sudden, blinding flash of light filled the entire auditorium. I could only hear what happened next yelling, screaming, what sounded like a laser cutting through the air, chairs, desks and all sorts of other things being blasted away. Then as quickly as it happened, silence, cold dead silence, minus the sound of hooves coming my way. I was still in a haze when I opened my eyes the first time, but I could see a figure standing over me, eyes glowing as a sphere over took it. I shook my head again and felt the soft touch of a hand that I have come to know… Luna’s.

“Are you unharmed?” She asked as I finally managed to see straight, “I thought you-“

I decided it was my turn to act on an ‘impulse’ before she could finish her statement. I grabbed her face and pulled her into me, initially she jerked away, but it didn’t take long for her to just melt into me. I didn’t know how long we were like that, but the only reason we were separated was due to a lack of air.

“I…I…” I managed to say still holding her close, “Oh God I thought I’d lost you…”

“I’d thought I’d lost you too…” she whispered back, finishing her statement with a gentle kiss of her own.

“Never again…” I said pulling her forehead to mine, “I won’t let anyone take you ever again…”

“Aedan…” Luna said softly, smiling at my promise “Does… Does this mean we’re a couple?”

I tried to laugh, but the pain was just too much at the time to do so. “I guess we are…” I said with a smile, looking around to see the devastation she had wrought on our foes. “Are… are they…”

“No.” she replied, “They’re not dead; I only had enough power to incapacitate them… for quite some time.”

“Then I guess they wouldn’t mind if we left…” I said finally letting Luna go.

“I think your assumption is correct…” Luna replied.

However, as she rose I saw something get up behind her, Professor Moore reaching into his coat. To my horror it was a pistol, Beretta M-9 and he was pointing it right at Luna. Without thought for my own wellbeing I drug Luna back down to me, rolling myself in between her and the Professor. Then came the unmistakable sound of a bullet leaving the chamber, almost instantly I felt a sharp pain in my lower back then the sound a woman screaming followed by more shots, then… all I heard… was nothing…

Author's Notes:

All I should really ask are the normal questions... I think this chapter speaks for itself.
P.S. I was up for a very... VERY long time to get this up for you guys, the next one will more than likely take some time though rest and all that stuff the normal human beings need

22: The Hospital

“Aedan!” I heard in the distance, “Aedan!” I knew that voice; it was a voice that I never thought I’d hear again…

“Sara?” I said dragging my hand down my face, “Sara… where are you?”

“Aedan quit being such a bum and get down here breakfast is ready!” she replied, never taking heed of my precious call.

I began to wonder that the hell was going on; even though it had been three years I knew that that was Sara calling my name. I also wondered why she wanted me to come down… last thing I remember I was on the cold floor of a college auditorium holding onto Luna for dear life when a sharp pain entered my lower back, after that it was all a blur.

As I began to get up I noticed that the floor was much softer than I remembered, in fact it was a lot like a bed. I finally opened my eyes, just to have them seal shut once again, the sun seemed to be blasting me through a window, a window that the auditorium didn’t have.

“The hell is going on?” I asked myself shielding my eyes from the sun’s rays.

Was I dead? (I felt pretty alive, but then again I’ve never died before so I couldn’t tell) As my mind continued to race I felt a hand land gently on my shoulder. I finally opened my eyes to follow the arm that final lead me to the face of the girl I’d die for.

“You’re finally here…” Luna said with a smile.

She was wearing a beautiful sky blue dress, but I really didn’t take that much time to look at it. I instantly wrapped my arms around her and presses my lips against hers, Luna quickly followed suit even to the point of returning a softer, gentler kiss when I finally released her.

“You have no idea how happy I am that you’re alright…” I said pulling her into my bare chest, “You have no idea…”

“I’m sure I could guess…” Luna replied, trying to burry herself even further into me. “And I am equally as ecstatic…”

After what seemed like an hour I finally let her go and had a look around where we were. I’d never been in a room like this, but there was something about it that made it very familiar, from the window next to the bed to the bookshelves next to the door, this room was almost like a dream.

“Luna…” I asked letting her go, “Where are we?”

“Somewhere you know…” she said rather cryptically, prompting a raised eyebrow from me. “Just get up and look around…”

“You know I can’t do that…” I said throwing the covers off myself, “I don’t have-“

My eyes doubled in size the moment I looked down, there plain as day were my legs, both of them and not just from the knee down on the left side. It was my full, flesh and bone… leg. I reached for it fighting the tears in my eyes, it was a hard thing to do, even Luna had to wipe away a tear or two. Then reality hit me like the rock that killed the dinosaurs, there was no way that this was real.

“This is a dream?” I asked coldly staring at my leg “Isn’t it?”

Luna’s expression went from happiness to remorse within a fraction of a second. Lowering her head she leaned in close and placed one of her arms on my shoulder.

“Sadly, you are correct…” she sighed, “But only on the assumption that this isn’t real…”

“What do you mean by that?” I asked looking to her for answers, “And if this isn’t real how are you answering me like this?”

Luna took a deep breath as she stood up to open the window so some air could come into the room. “Aedan…” she began, “You’re unconscious… and this is where your mind has decided to go…” she looked out the window and then back to me, “It is quite peaceful, unlike the rest of your mind.”

“The rest of my mind?” I asked, “What the hell are you talking about? And why haven’t you answered me?”

“My conscious is inside your mind Aedan…” Luna explained, “And it was here that I found you while I was searching.”

“You’re inside my head?!” I exclaimed, “How can you-“

“It is one of my duties in Equestria…” Luna said calmly, “I watch over and protect those who sleep from harm.”

“So you’re what… a dream warden?” I asked.

“I’ve never been called that…” Luna replied, smiling at the thought, “but yes, like a dream warden.”

“You didn’t go to the more… intimate parts of my head when you were looking for me… did you?” I asked fearing the answer.

“Not entirely…” Luna said with a smile, “But I would be very grateful if you saved me from… what was it called? The Sarlacc…”

(Oh great she saw my Slave Leia fantasy from after we left the college) “I… I have no idea what you’re talking about…” I said quickly, “but-“

“Who were those men?” Luna asked throwing me off guard.

“What?”

“There were men, all dressed in a uniform, they were with you…” Luna explained “who were they?”

I took a deep breath and faced her, “You mind sitting down?” I asked patting the bed, “This might be a long talk.”

Luna took her nodded and sat down next to me, patiently waiting for me to tell yet another story I’d be better off forgetting. “They were in my unit…” I began, “First Marine Reconnaissance Battalion, I won’t get into too many details… but I was with them the whole time I was in the Marines… Gibson, Heart, Porting, Aguilar, Martinez… we went through S.O.I. and B.R.C. together… we were very close by my standards…”

“What happened to them?” Luna asked.

“Remember when I first told you about Gordon? You know… my last mission?” I asked back, she nodded and I continued, “They were with me when we extracted him out of his hole in the ground in Afghanistan, but the route we took back… no one cleared it previously, stupid call from our new lieutenant, but we had to follow his orders… and it cost us…”

I took a deep breath, fighting the urge to cry and beat the hell out of the bed at the same time. “Ambush happened about twenty minutes into the way back… took out the first vic in our convoy, everyone inside just showed up about a week before… they didn’t stand a chance… RPG hit the last vic, that had Gibson and Aguilar… they were dead in seconds…”

I wiped away a stray tear as Luna looked on in disbelief, even when I told her about Sara I didn’t cry, but this was just too much for me. “We were caught in between a rock and AK-47 fire… Heart got hit exiting his vic… right in the femoral artery; dead in about a minute… worst part was he got engaged before we left… left a nice girl behind… I was in the same vic as Gordon and Martinez, we got him out without a scratch, I yelled for my superiors, but they were in the last vic with Gibson and Aguilar… I was in charge of the ones left…”

“I wouldn’t know what to do...” Luna said drawing closer for what I assumed was support.

“I don’t think anyone does until it actually happens…” I said shaking my head, “It was all instinct from that point, I called for defensive positions, Porting took down the rocket, but he didn’t get down in time… He was dead before he hit the ground. I ordered a few guys to call it in so a Cobra could save our asses… when they finally got the call in They said they’d be there in ten minutes… the longest ten minutes of my life…”

Luna brought herself closer to me, trying her best to ease my pain. To tell the truth, she was doing a good job. I’d never known a person that could put me at ease like her, even if she caused me a great deal of stress in the time I’ve known her.

“What happened next?” she asked snapping me back to reality. (Well a version of it anyway)

“Oh, the Cobra made it…” I said shaking my head, “but not after three more of us got killed and an RPK took off everything under my knee… Martinez managed to pull me to cover… but he got hit too… I blacked out before the whole thing was over…”

I paused and looked over to my counterpart and bit my lip, “When I woke up I was in a hospital bed, surrounded by docs, that’s actually where I met Dawn and… my left leg below the knee was gone… That’s why I had to leave the Marines… in their eyes I was unfit for service.”

“That’s horrible…” Luna said her eyes welling up, “You gave them more than anyone should give and they just threw you out like garbage?”

“Oh they didn’t just ship me off without something…” I said, “They decided my actions were enough for a Silver Star…”

“A what?”

“A Silver Star… it’s a pretty big honor to get one… but I was just doing my job… like everyone else there…”

“What happened to Martinez?”

“He died on the operating table… I was the only one left… it-”

“Aedan!” Sara yelled popping her head through the door, “How long are you and Luna going to be up here? You’re breakfast is getting cold!”

I was speechless, it was Sara, there was no doubt in my mind about that and I may have forgotten that this wasn’t real if not for one major detail. She looked older, like she had grown up to be as old as she would’ve been if her mother hadn’t killed her. I turned to Luna expecting an answer, but she looked like she ignored me and spoke to Sara instead.

“We’ll be down in a minute Sara.” Luna said with a smile, “We still need to discuss a few things.”

“Fine…” She replied rolling her eyes, “Just don’t take too long.”

“We won’t…” Luna replied, turning her attention back to me, “You’re probably wondering why she knows who I am…”

“Well… I am now…” I said scratching my head, “but why has she Grown up? She wasn’t a teenager when she-“

“This is the part of your conscious that holds your greatest desires…” Luna explained, “And you’ve wanted to see her grow…”

“So this place is…”

“Your dream home…” Luna answered, “You are a very simple man Aedan, you don’t crave power, control or money… you just want a simple house and the ones you love safe and well.”

Luna and I walked down the stairs to reveal a very quaint scene; the only thing that seemed out of place was the seventy-two inch screen. I guess nobody’s perfect, God knows I’m not. The two of us made our way into the kitchen, where a plethora of Bacon and other delicious food stuffs were laid upon a table; it was enough to make a grown man cry. Luna herself couldn’t help but let out a small giggle when she looked over to me.

“You still know that none of this is real right?” she asked.

“Don’t spoil it for me…” I said awestruck, “This is just-“

It was at that moment I saw a person sitting at the table, facing away from me, but this person was a kid. (How could a kind be in my deepest desires? I hate kids…) I was about to ask Luna when it turned around, again I was speechless, he looked just like I did when I was his age. Before I could thoroughly process what the hell we going on he popped out of his seat and ran in my direction, past me and straight to Luna. Wrapping his arms around her as best he could he began to squeeze. The only thing she did in response was pat him gently on the head.

“I… I don’t understand…” I said looking at him, “What… Why did he run to you… and why is he even here?”

“You’ve been thinking about me more often than you think Aedan,” Luna explained, still running her fingers through his hair, “And this place holds your greatest desires, even the ones you don’t realize yet…”

It was then that the boy finally looked at me long enough that I noticed that there was one thing different about him. His eyes, his eyes weren’t a greenish-blue like mine; they were cobalt, just like Luna’s. I hit my knees the moment he released her and ran to me. He clung pretty damn tight for someone so freaking small. I looked back up to Luna, who couldn’t help but smile.

“His name is Donovan…” she said in a whisper.

My heart skipped a beat, Donovan was my grandfather’s name, I liked that name so much I told myself at a very young age that it would be the name… the name of my son. It didn’t make any sense, I haven’t thought about having kids since I was thirteen, when I decided that there were more pressing matters, like woman. Now there was one in my deepest desires apparently and he was nearly a perfect carbon copy of me, minus that one major detail.

“Why… why does he have your eyes?” I asked in disbelief.

“Honestly… I don’t know… This is where YOUR deepest desires reside.” Luna said with a smile, “It may be coincidence, or it may be that-“

Luna was suddenly cut off by a massive tremor that nearly took both of us off our feet. It didn’t last long, but it certainly allowed for a change of subject.

“What the hell was that?” I asked.

Luna turned her attention to me with the saddest eyes that I had ever seen on a human being, “You’re… waking up…” she explained, “Soon you will be returned to reality… and all of this will be a memory… I will be a memory.”

“What are you talking about?” I said growing even more worried, “I don’t-“

I was cut off by the feeling of her lips pressed against mine one last time, but this time felt different; she was clinging to me as if she would never see me again. I returned the favor as yet another, far more violent rumble shot through the house.

“Goodbye…” She whispered softly, letting a tear fall from her cheek, “I love-“

Before she could finish I was swept up in some kind of vortex, I watched in horror as the small house was torn apart. I reached out for her, but she just looked up at me, tears flowing like a river in her eyes.

“LUNA!” I yelled reaching for her, “I WON’T LOOSE YOU AGAIN!”

I tried to fight the vortex, but it was no use, the harder I struggled, the farther I floated away. The more I did nothing the farther I floated away. All I could do was yell at the top of my lungs, which I did with vigor.

“LUNA!” I yelled one last time before being engulfed in light, “LU-“

“Hey, calm down, buddy!” A familiar voice said as I felt pressure being applied to my shoulders.

“G-Gordon?” I said weakly, my strength had seemingly left me, I was awake and Gordon was at my side.

“That three day nap take its toll on you?” he asked with a smile, I just glared at him, knowing that it was his fault that I was wherever I was at the moment. When he saw that I wasn’t really in the friendly joke mood he lowered his head in shame. “I’m so sorry Aedan…” he whispered, “I really thought-“

He was cut off by me suddenly grabbing his shirt and throwing my forehead into his nose followed by a swift fist to the jaw. Blood erupted from his nostrils as he fell to the floor clinging to his nose. At that moment I finally felt all my strength leave me, my body allowed me to give what Gordon deserved before it felt like it completely shut down. The moment I laid my head back onto the pillow I saw that there were six other people in the room. Dawn, Larry, my parents, Mrs. Burns and Officer Fairchild were standing on the other side of the room, their jaws hitting the floor for what they had just seen.

“Long story…” I grumbled, staring up at the ceiling.

“A story I already heard.” Officer Fairchild said making his way to me, “Gordon told me the whole thing, how you went in there and stopped the kidnappers… and after I saw what you two did to them… I never want to be on your bad side...”

I glared at Gordon, who was staggering to his feet, still trying to stop the blood from flowing. I wondered if he told the good officer if he was involved in the whole thing, but my thoughts were cut short by Officer Fairchild’s storytelling.

“I mean stabbing someone with a metal cane after being shot in the back AND losing your prosthetic limb… damn son, that’s impressive.”

I looked to him with absolute confusion, then back to Gordon. He wasn’t saying anything but his eyes were begging me to play along. I may have hated him at the moment, but for all it was worth, he had been my friend for twenty years.

“People do amazing things on adrenaline…” I said, looking back to Gordon the moment I heard hi let out a sigh of relief.

“I’ll say…” Officer Fairchild said nodding, “You must’ve hit that professor in one hell of a way, because after the surgery he was yelling and screaming about how that Luna was from another dimension.”

I took an unusually large gulp, Professor Moore was still alive, that meant the Trents might still be out there. Thankfully my mind was laid to rest only a few seconds later.

“We managed to arrive about the same time they started firing… we got you and Luna to the hospital as fast as we could.”

“Hospital?” I asked finally noticing a steady beeping sound and I.V.s injected into my arms.

“Where else would we send someone after they’ve been shot?” Officer Fairchild said with a grin, “You got pretty lucky, the bullet passed through you with no real damage other than your coma.”

“My WHAT!?”

“I’m sure that your friends can bring you up to speed…” Officer Fairchild said, heading out the door, “I promised that I’d meet you when you woke up, now I’ve gotta get back to the station to finish my reports.”

Before I could respond he was gone, leaving me with the five people who remained in the room. I looked to the ones who didn’t betray me, hoping I’d get an answer from them before I resorted to asking Gordon.

“Well…” I said, “I’m waiting…”

“You were in a coma for three days…” Dawn began, “I came as soon as I heard what happened…” She slowly made her way to me and gently did her best to give me a hug without making it hurt. “I’m so glad you’re alright.”

“I knew you’d be fine…” My dad added coming up to me and slapping my shoulder. (Much to my silent disapproval, I mind you) “Ryan’s are made of tougher stuff than most.”

At that point my mom and Mrs. Burns decided to chime in. I only managed to gather small bits and pieces of the collective conversation before it became a muddled overtone of inaudible babble.

“STOP!” I yelled silencing all of them at once. Pointing to my mom I nodded, “You first…”

“Well Aedan…” She began, “As you know… you were… you were shot… W-we… we…”

At that point my mom broke down and wrapped her arms around me, reminding me of the still very present pain that was in my stomach. I grunted inwardly, but didn’t retaliate, I’m sure if put in the same situation I’d do the same. (Actually I wouldn’t I just told myself that so I didn’t focus on the pain in my gut.)

“I thought you’d never have to deal with this kind of thing again after you left the Marines!” She cried, “Dammit Aedan why do you do this to me?!”

“Bullets like me…” I said trying to make light of the situation, but that didn’t sit well with her, she stormed out of the room, before I could say I was sorry. Making a face I shrugged and pointed to Mrs. Burns, “I guess you’re up…”

“I just came to make sure that my star employee was getting better…” She said with a smile, “And it looks like just that, I’m glad that you saved Luna from those horrible men… I’d hate to imagine the things they would do to such a pretty young girl.”

That thought crossed my mind more than once, especially after I saw some of the tools Professor Moore was planning to use on her. Huge needles, a scalpel, drills and a whole load of other things I didn’t want to know about were on the table next to her, including some things that you would use for… less scientific endeavors. Nodding I finally pointed to Larry, who looked a bit shocked that I had chosen him to explain what happened next.

“Well, you see what happened was…” he began, “The Cops arrested the Trents and Professor Moore, and the ambulance brought you both back here.”

“Both?” I asked.

“Yeah, Luna was shot too… don’t you remember?” Larry said confused “Or were you so pumped with adrenaline that you didn’t notice?”

The adrenaline started pumping through my veins at that comment. That’s why Luna was acting the way she had in my head, she didn’t think she was going to survive. The machine that monitored my heart rate skyrocketed, the pain in my stomach was completely gone, I had to get to her, no matter what damage I inflicted on myself.

“Whoa there son!” My dad said, putting his hand on my shoulder, “what’s the rush?”

“Luna…” I said with rare fear in my voice, “I have to get to Luna…”

“She’s in the I.C.U.” Dawn said, “I’ve actually scheduled my shift so that I could keep an eye on her for you.”

“You work here?” I asked.

“I thought I made that clear when I ran into you in Wal Mart.” Dawn replied.

“I need to see her…” I said trying to get up, nearly forgetting that the lower half of my leg was still missing. “I was in a coma, that means I’m in the-“

“You were moved once you were stable.” Dawn interrupted, “She’s two stories down, on the ground level.”

“Then I need to get there…” I said searching for my leg, “Now…”

“I don’t think you’re in any shape to-“

“NOW DAWN!” I roared, scaring everyone left in the room, it took a second, but I finally composed myself enough to not sound like a psychopath, “Dawn, please…”

“I-I’ll see what I can do…” Dawn said, pulling out her cell phone, “But no promises…”

“I wasn’t asking permission…” I said to get my point across.

Dawn nodded and put her cell phone back into her pocket. Allowing me to turn my attention to trying to find my leg, in my haste I failed to notice that it was already in front of me, in the hands of my friend Gordon. Holding it like a peace offering.

“Forgive me…” he whispered the moment I ripped it from his grip.

I said nothing him as I finally managed to strap on my limb correctly, grabbing my IV, I left the room, Dawn was the only one who trailed me, the others were just frozen in awe. I hobbled to the elevator and pushed the button while I waited I noticed dawn was right next to me, waiting as well.

“Why’d you follow me?” I asked.

“You need someone with a good reason to let you in Aedan.” Dawn said with a playful wink, “Who better than someone who actually works here?”

“Good point.” I said as I heard the ‘ding’ sound an elevator makes the moment it shows up.

The door opened revealing a doctor and a patient waiting to go. Dawn and I made our way on with no resistance, but if the doc knew I’m sure he’d try to say something. “Man I hate it when I get a bad splinter…” the patient said, “there can’t be anything worse than a bad splinter…”

The other three of us in the elevator looked at or counterpart with a raised eyebrow, but he just kept on complaining.

“What could be worse than a splinter?” he whined, “Nothing… that’s what.”

“You could get shot…” I said, not bothering to look at him.

“Now who here has been shot?”

“I have…” I said pointing to my gut and leg, “Twice…”

The door finally opened at the ground level, where Dawn and I promptly left the elevator. Our fellow commuters stayed behind, their jaws wide open at the revelation I had given them. A few quick turns and the two of us were finally at the I.C.U. where a guard tried to stop me.

“You can’t come in here sir.” He said sternly, it actually surprised me, he seemed confident that he could stop me even though I was a good head and a half taller than him.

“He’s with me Jim.” Dawn said quickly, “He just needs to see someone… someone very important.”

“Alright Dawn…” he said stepping to the side, “just make sure he doesn’t get into any trouble.”

(If that guy only knew what my life had been like for the past few weeks)

Dawn and I made our way past him and into the I.C.U. Doctors, nurses and patients alike were going in and out of the doors at a fever pitch. It was utter chaos, but a chaos that Dawn and I both knew was nothing compared to what we’ve been through before.

“Last time I checked on her she was in that room.” Dawn said pointing to the door on the middle right. “Given her condition, I doubt they moved her.”

“Then let’s go…” I said darting across the hall, I placed my hand on the knob to open it, but someone on the other side beat me too it.

“Oh, I’m sorry…” The Doctor said, “I didn’t realize that… you’re not supposed to be back here…”

“Dr. Johns, this is Aedan.” Dawn said quickly so I wouldn’t say the wrong thing, “He was the one with her when-“

“I know…” Dr. Johns said, looking at his chart, “it’s good to see that he’s finally awake, but after what you’ve been through you really shouldn’t be walking around.”

“I heal quickly…” I said looking past him. “Can I go in?”

“Absolutely not!” Dr. Johns said pressing his hand against my chest in a failing attempt to stop my advance, “The only reason she’s still alive is because of the machines… if you go in there you could mess with the delicate balance that’s keeping her alive.”

“What are you talking about?”

“She was shot…” he explained, “And the bullet is lodged into one of her arteries, and we can’t perform the surgery until we get some answers."

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“That woman’s a complete anomaly…” he continued, “Her blood is one of a kind… in fact, if I didn’t know any better I’d say that it’s equine in nature…”

“So… that means?” I asked; I could hear Dawn’s hand slamming into her face.

“Her blood is more like a horse’s than a human’s…” Dr. Johns answered, looking at me like an idiot, “And-“

“I know what equine means doc,” I interrupted, “but what do you mean that you can’t operate?”

“We don’t have any blood that comes even close to being compatible with hers.” he answered, “She’d bleed out the moment we made the incision.”

“Then how is she still alive?”

“The round acts like a plug,” Dr. Johns explained, “But a very weak plug; it’s only a matter of time before it pops loose… then…”

“Then what?” (Why did I ask that I already knew the answer?)

“She’d be in God’s hands then…” He said shaking his head, “Damn shame too, pretty young thing like that to die at the start of her life… I-“

“I need to see her.” I said quickly.

“I thought I made it clear that you couldn’t.” Dr. Johns said sternly, “There are too many moving parts and-“

“Why does everyone here think I’m asking permission?” I growled, towering over him. I could tell that he was intimidated, but Dawn and her charm stepped in before I go progress any further.

“She’s very close to him Dr. Johns.” She said putting herself between me and the good doctor, “Couldn’t you at least give him a few minutes with her? alone?”

Dr. Johns looked up to me and then Dawn, “Twenty minutes…” he said under his breath, “That’s all I’ll give you.”

“That’s all he needs,” Dawn said as I passed to two of them and entered the room.

The sight broke my heart, there was Luna, lying comatose on a hospital bed with all sorts of things strapped and prodded into her and it was all my fault. If I hadn’t gone on that date then I would’ve been able to stop everything that had happened to her, but I just had to keep an appointment I didn’t even set up. I just had to be the nice guy.

I carefully made my way to her bedside, making sure that I didn’t touch any of the cords that lead to God knows where. Kneeling at her bedside I looked her up and down, she just looked like she was sleeping, nothing more, her serenity nearly brought me to tears. Then I just heard the monitor, giving a steady, but weak beep.

“I broke my promise to you…” I said, placing my hand on her face, “I said I would get you home… I said I’d keep you safe…”

She just laid there, unresponsive to my remorse. I couldn’t hold it in anymore; a single tear fell down my cheek and onto the floor. Leaning towards her I gave her a small peck on the forehead. I really didn’t know how long I was sitting there afterward; my thoughts were solely focused on Luna and everything she had said to me before I woke up. I wondered if she was in her own head now, I wondered if she could hear me.

Then I remembered the last thing she said to me, and how she didn’t get to finish it before I came to. I had to tell her the same thing before I was thrown out of her room.

“Luna…” I whispered, leaning to her ear, “Luna… I… I…” (Oh for Christ’s sake say it! It’s just a few little words!)

The second I finally managed to formulate that one sentence in my mind I froze, the chaos outside of the room had come to an abrupt halt. The only sounds being made came from my breathing and Luna’s heart monitor. Suddenly I was thrown off my feet and slammed into a nearby wall, unleashing the pain that I had been suppressing ten-fold. I couldn’t describe the noise I made when I hit the wall, closer to a grunt than a shout, but needless to say it hurt like hell. I opened my eyes expecting to be held down by at least ten men, but I was just floating there, dangling like a puppet by some unknown force.

My struggle was instantly stopped by the sound of footsteps approaching slowly. I looked to the sound and at that moment my heart skipped a beat. A woman was standing there, perfect body, flowing blond hair, eyes that I swore were pink and a face that looked remarkably familiar had one hand outstretched in my direction. She looked furious, almost like she was about to kill someone, yet there was also a hint of relief in her eyes. (like when your dog gets lost but finds its way home kind of relief, but more intense) Keeping her hand in my direction she made her way to Luna, I tried to break free of whatever she was doing, but it was no use, I was too weak and she was too strong. A smile came to her face when she touched Luna, but it instantly faded the moment she turned her attention back to me.

“What have you done…” she growled, “What have you done… to my sister…”

Author's Notes:

Here y'all go! I know ya been waitin' fer it!
Where is Aedan? IS HE DEAD?!
Hey Luna's there too... AWWW they finally kissed with out an awkward moment or being shot at afterwards!
That's what happened to Aedan's leg...
BACON! Man's greatest desire!
Why is there a kid in THIS part of his head? He doesn't even... WHY DOES HE HAVE HER EYES?!
NO HE CAN'T WAKE UP! LUNA NEEDS TO TELL HIM SOMETHING!
I think we'd all do that to Gordon right about now...
At least Officer Fairchild is on the case... now we know it'll get done right and I wonder who impaled the professor?
Good thing that everyone was there to explain... WHAT... THE F&%K?!? HE SHOT LUNA!!!
That guy with the splinter is a B#@$H... (don't swear until you're at least sixteen kids... at least not in front of your parents)
Luna cant get a transfusion? but that means... x100
JUST SAY IT AEDAN! ALL OF US ALREADY KNOW YOU DO!
the f&%k just threw Aedan into the wall? ... ... ... ... ... ... Oh Sweet baby Jesus look who finally showed up!
All of you know the drill... I'd also ask you to take a gander at my blog, and tell me which story you think I should put effort into next... I really want to do them both but I'll let the people who've got me this far (You the readers) choose my next tale.

23: The Sister

“What… did you just say?” I asked.

“What did you do to my sister?!” She yelled, whipping her hand towards me, the pressure on my chest had doubled, making it hard for me to breathe. “I have searched across dimensions to find her! And when I finally am able to travel to her location, she is near death and you stand over her!”

She walked towards me slightly raising her hand, which caused me to be pushed up the wall to the ceiling. I continued to struggle in her grasp, but given that it failed the first time I should’ve known that it was futile. My attempts didn’t amuse her either; her eyes began to glow like Luna’s had in the auditorium. Closing her index finger and thumb together I felt my throat closing.

“I want answers creature!” she roared, slamming me into the ceiling, “now speak!”

“Kinda… kinda hard to do… if I can’t breathe…” I said, coughing with every pause.

Realizing I was right she loosened her grip around my throat. Taking in a much needed gulp of air I looked back to my captor. Some of the furry had left her, but it was still obvious that she was ready to beat the living piss out of whatever hurt Luna. (So was I, in fact if I was able to convince her I didn’t do it, I’m sure we could have some fun after we found a few certain hospital rooms.)

“Talk…” She growled, dragging me out of my thoughts, “before I regret allowing you a breath.”

“Look lady-“

“Princess Celestia…”

“Look Princess… I didn’t do this to Luna…” I said with as much sincerity as I could muster, “I would never hurt her… she’s too important to me.”

“Is she?” Celestia replied, raising an eyebrow, “Then why is she here?”

“I could ask you the same thing.”

“Excuse me?”

“How the hell did you end up here?” I asked, “When Luna arrived she had no idea how she arrived, but you-“

“I tracked her down…” Celestia explained, “All creatures from my world have a distinct magical signature, it didn’t take long for me to find her… getting here was the problem.”

“How did you get here?”

“The same way my sister did,” Celestia answered, “Via an inter-dimensional spell, the only difference is that I knew that it was being cast on me.”

“What?”

“My pupil…” She said letting out a sigh, “She believed that she could recreate the effects of a mirror that exists in our world.”

Celestia lowered her hand allowing me to descend, but only to the point where I wasn’t squished up on the ceiling. She had a very calm look about her, but any man who has been in a relationship could tell that she was furious as she explained what had happened to Luna.

“I told her that she must learn to control her new powers as an alicorn, but she was determined to prove that it could be done…” Celestia’s free hand clinched into a fist, while she tried to maintain her composure, “against my authority she continued to dabble in the attempt… even going so far as to test it on a subject.”

“Luna…” I said.

“Not exactly…” Celestia continued, “Twilight had tried to test the spell on an apple… She was in Luna’s room at the time, and according to her a gust of wind blew the apple away, sending the spell in my sister’s direction.”

“And the rest is history?” I asked.

“As one would say, yes…” Celestia said nodding, “But none of that matters now, I’ve found her, but she is near death… and YOU were the only one here…” Her eyes began to glow again, “So I shall ask one last time, what have you done to my sister?”

“I already told you…” I said feeling the pressure on my chest rise again, “I didn’t-“

“From the little I’ve seen in this world, your case for innocence isn’t very convincing.” Celestia interrupted, “You’ll have to do better than just-“

“S-sister?”

It became so quiet in the room that I could hear the blood flowing through my veins. Neither of us believed it at first, but the second time the both of us knew for sure that what we heard wasn’t just our imaginations.

“Sister…” Luna whispered weakly, “I-is… is that you?”

Celestia immediately released whatever hold she had on me and ran to Luna’s bedside. Within a few seconds I was on the floor, the breath was knocked out of me and my leg had been knocked off due to the impact. (After all the times I’ve fallen in the past few weeks THIS was the time it decided to do it?) She really didn’t care much for my wellbeing, which was understandable, but she could’ve let me down easy so I wouldn’t have to crawl to my limb.

“Yes Luna…” Celestia replied with a smile, gently wrapping up Luna’s hand around her own, “I’m here… you’re safe now…” Fighting back tears she pulled Luna’s hand to her face, “I thought I’d lost you all over again… one thousand years without you is one thousand years too long.”

“W-where’s Aedan?” she asked, “is… is he alright?”

“Who’s Aedan?” Celestia asked, looking around the room, ignoring the fact that I was sitting there strapping my leg back on.

“That would be me…” I said finally hearing the ‘snap’ that told me that the damn thing was set on properly. “Aedan Colin Ryan…” I said bowing sarcastically, “at your service.”

Celestia’s eyes shrank into tiny little dots, placing her sister’s hand back on the bed she walked towards me. “Did you keep my sister safe?” she asked, her lip quivering with each word.

“You could say that…” I said, “But given the past few days I guess I-“

Suddenly I was engulfed by an embrace that could only be defined as world breaking. My wounds roared in protest to the sudden affection, but I knew from my own experience how it felt to meet someone in her position. (I swore that Gordon’s mom would’ve never let me go if not for his insisting.) So I just hugged her back, fighting my own discomfort. It was during this embrace that I actually took notice of Celestia. My first thought was damn this girl is huge; she was only an inch or two shorter than me. (Not to mention she was as strong as an amazon) Her features were also a mirror reflection of her little sister, minus the more… notable aspects about her figure that stood out. (Two of them were squished against me as I was trying to think)

All that being said there was one thing that bothered me, she was clothed. I expected to see her naked, but instead she was in a beautiful two piece dress, pure white, the top half covered her chest, (be it barely) while the lower half flowed from her hips to a few feet behind her , leaving her amazingly tone, sun kissed stomach visible. I may have been lost in admiration of her for some time if not for her sudden, short bursts of tears.

“Thank you for watching over her…” She whispered, whipping away a few stray tears. “I am eternally in your debt.”

“Just doing the right thing.” I said shrugging my shoulders, “But I do have to ask you one thing.”

“Of course,” Celestia replied, releasing me. “What would you like to know?”

“Why are you wearing clothes?” I asked, pointing to her ensemble, “and how do you look like that? When Luna arrived she was a pony, and when she finally turned into a human she wasn’t exactly what you would call modest.”

“As a princess, Luna is quite modest.” Celestia replied, summoning my hand to cover my face.

“She was butt-ass naked…” I said bluntly, dragging my hand down, “But you’re here, you’re human and you’re wearing something that covers you up… why?”

“I had some time to prepare.” Celestia replied looking to her figure, “Twilight has been to a world similar to this one, bet it a few differences.”

“Like?”

“Well in this world, my complexion matches yours, and my mane is one solid color. According to Twilight; the skin and manes in the world she visited matched her coat in our world.”

The thought of color coded people ran through my head for a second, but it was gone after a few seconds simply because of how ridiculous it sounded. Hell, they were probably all in high school and broke out into a musical number in the cafeteria. Again the thought was there only briefly, having been replaced by yet another question.

“How did you do that force thing?” I asked.

“Force… thing?” Celestia asked with a cocked eyebrow.

(Even though she was from a place that had no T.V. it was still a crime that she didn’t know what Star Wars was, Luna loved them by the way, but I didn’t have the heart to the heart to tell her that there were three prequels)

“When you threw me against the wall,” I said pointing to the place where she had held me. “How did you do that?”

“Didn’t Luna explain to you that we are magical beings?” Celestia responded.

“Well… yes, but she can’t do magic in her human form, she flat out told me she couldn’t… how can you?”

“As I have said, I had time to prepare.” She explained, “I managed to learn how to control a very small fraction of my magic while in this form.”

“That was only a fraction?” I asked looking to the red smear on the wall, “I’d hate to see you at full power.”

“Indeed…” She said nodding, “And I wish you could find it in you to forgive me for jumping to conclusions so quickly. I had to make a choice once, and it cost me the one thing I loved being away from me for one thousand years… I wasn’t going to let anything take her away from me again.”

“I know the feeling…” I said finally reaching for my stomach, unable to deny the pain anymore.

I knew I was bleeding again, but when I looked to my hand and saw nothing but red I realized that it was a lot worse than I thought. At the same time Celestia noticed a red spot on her stomach. Rubbing the blood between her fingers to make sure what it was she looked to me with concern.

“Are you injured?” she asked, seeing red bleeding through my patient’s gown.

“What was your first clue?” I asked with a smile.

Rolling her eyes the Princess walked over to me and placed her hand over my wound. I was about to ask her what she was doing, but then I saw her eyes glowing. Before I could say anything a pain that I could only describe as indescribable (ironic right?) shot through me, the feeling was so intense that I actually latched on to Celestia as she did whatever she was doing, holding back my cries of pain, but several grunts did manage to make their way out. (If someone knew I was in there with a woman that looked like Celestia and heard the noises I was making, they’d probably assume something COMPLETELY different was going on.) It may have only been a few seconds, but it seemed like hours. Celestia finally removed her hand from my stomach and smiled.

“It is done…” She said softly.

I wondered what she was talking about until I felt her hand go behind my back and pull my gown to the front. I was about to protest, but the moment I saw my stomach I was in awe. The hole that was once there was gone, the only evidence was a scar and the blood that had once poured out of it. I looked to Celestia in disbelief, but all she did was smile back.

“You are healed.”

“T-this… this is AMAZING!” I said bringing Celestia into my arms.

“It’s the least I could do.” Celestia replied, “After all you watched after my little sister in my stead.”

My thoughts immediately shifted back to Luna, both of us seemed to have forgotten the peril her life was in. Blowing past Celestia I went back to Luna’s bedside, she was out again, that little sprit of life seemed to be nearly all she had left.

“I can feel her fading…” Celestia said from behind me.

“Then how is she still a human?” I asked. (Weird thing to ask but I asked it)

“The spell she cast to become human…” Celestia began, “It must have been a high tier transformation spell…”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning she only changes if she wills it.”

“So even right now… as she lies dying…”

“The spell will continue to have its effect on her until death…” Celestia said with misty eyes, “Which I fear is closer now than ever.”

“Can’t you heal her?!” I yelled, “You healed me! Why can’t you heal her?!”

“As I have said, I can only preform a fraction of my true abilities in this form, and healing you was a strain to say the least.”

“Can’t you turn back into a pony and do it?” I asked, “Luna can use magic when she’s a pony… so can you!”

“The spells we used were very different.” Celestia said, “Luna used a very powerful will based spell, I used a spell that only allows me this form in your world.”

“Then how the hell were you planning to get back?”

“I planned to cast a reversal to Twilight’s inter-dimensional spell…” Celestia answered, “But it seems that I must wait until she has healed.”

“Our people can't heal her.” I said.

“What?” Celestia asked, “This world looks decades if not centuries ahead of ours, why can’t she be-“

“They don’t have her kind blood…” I interrupted, “If they operate she’ll bleed out, if they don’t… she’ll bleed out…” I placed both my hands on her shoulders and spun her to face me, “You’re the only one who can save her now…”

“I can barely hold my time stop spell as it is…” Celestia answered, “If I were to allow it to fade I would be discovered and-“

“God dammit Celestia!” I roared, “Who cares if they find you, your SISTER is dying! You’re the only one who can save her!”

My anger faded the moment I saw the slightest hint of fear in her eyes. I calmed down, realizing that I was probably just as afraid of losing Luna as she was. So I gingerly placed my hand on her shoulder.

“Please…” I whispered. “Save her…”

After a few seconds of deep thought I suddenly heard the chaos return from outside the room. She had set time in motion once more and hopefully it was just enough for her to bring Luna back from the brink. Taking a deep breath she removed Luna’s gown, revealing a wound that was almost in the exact same location mine was. Placing her hands over the area she took one last breath, then her eyes began to glow.

I watched in awe as I witnessed exactly what happened to me, but far more intense. The ground itself was shaking violently, several loose items around the room began to move and Celestia’s hair seemed to be blowing in the wind. I continued to watch as Celestia gritted her teeth in reaction to her own pain, but I could tell that she wasn’t about to give up on the attempt. She was just like me; she would give and do anything to save Luna. Tears trickled down Celestia’s cheek as she continued her attempt to save her sister; I was even considering stopping her because it looked like it was too much for her. However when I tried to pull her away she reacted harshly.

“DON’T!” She roared through her teeth, “You said I was the only one who can save her… That’s what I’m doing!”

Wisely I backed off, after all only a fraction of her power was used to throw me ten feet into a wall like a grain of said in a dust storm. I looked on, praying that nobody walked into the spectacle I was witnessing. Celestia was putting her all and more into dragging her sister back from the brink. She was so focused she didn’t even realize that her nose began to bleed. I’d seen enough; I had to make Celestia stop, because if I didn’t I think she would’ve killed herself. I ran to her, but not before she screamed at the top of her lungs and a Blinding light engulfed the room.

It was like getting Flash-Banged, my ears were ringing and I couldn’t see anything except for white. Staggering to my feet my vision finally cleared, just to see Celestia standing over Luna like she had just before, but her eyes were dull, nostrils dripping blood and didn’t seem to be breathing. Seconds later she started to fall and if not for me being so close to her she would have met the floor with force. I finally got a really good look at her face then, that look had been burned into my mind.

“C-Celestia?” I asked, shaking her gently, but she was unresponsive, so I shook harder, “Princess Celestia… wake up… Princess… … … PRINCESS!”

Finally a weak cough rose from the lungs of the woman in my arms, relieved I pulled her close to me. I’d seen enough death in my short life and I was glad that I didn’t have to see it again. After a few moments I heard something barely audible come from her mouth.

“What?” I asked looking back to her, “What did you say?”

“I… It’s…” she said weakly raising her clinched fist “It’s done…” she said opening her and to reveal a bloody pistol round in her palm, “I… I saved her…”

My ears finally stopped ringing, so I could hear the steady, strong sound beeping from the heart monitor. Gently sitting Celestia up I rushed over to Luna’s side, sure enough the only this there was blood and a scar, which looked exactly like mine. I couldn’t help but choke up when I saw her chest rise and fall, placing my hand on her scar I let go a fair share of happy tears. I nearly jumped out of my skin when I felt another hand laid itself over mine, but as I followed its origin upwards to the face I had become so acquainted to over the past few weeks.

“A-Aedan?” Luna said weakly, “Aedan… it that-“

“It’s me Luna…” I replied brushing away the hair on her face, “I’m here…”

A small smile grew across her face as her other hand reached for my own. “You saved me again…” She whispered dragging her fingertips from my eyebrow to my jawline.

“No…” I said shaking my head, “I didn’t save you… your sister did.”

“S-sister?” Luna said confused, “but that was just-“

Luna’s eyes finally fell to the direction where Celestia was trying to recover, but when Celestia noticed that she was awake, she completely ignored her own pain and moved to the opposite side of Luna’s bed. Her smile had doubled, not only was she awake and alive, but her sister had come for her. (Not to mention the guy who had been taking care of her for three weeks, but I won’t nitpick)

“I thought I’d never see you again…” Celestia said giving Luna a kiss on her forehead. “Please don’t ever do that again.”

“I don’t plan on it…” Luna replied, letting out a week laugh before looking to me with those beautiful cobalt orbs she calls eyes.

Drawing closer to me I leaned in too, but only to rest my forehead against hers. I didn’t need any affection right now, I was just happy that she was alright. I don’t really think either of us knew how long we were like that, because Celestia broke the two of us out or our little trance.

“It seems the two of you have grown quite close…” She said with a smile.

“Yes…” Luna said turning a shade of red when she looked back to Celestia, “In my time here we-“

“I never thought you’d open up to someone so quickly.” She interrupted, “You’ve only been gone for two days.”

Both Luna and I’s jaws fell from their place. Luna had been here for ten times that long easy, but Celestia said that she had only been gone for two. We looked to one another then back to Celestia with the most confused looks possible.

“Um… sister…” Luna began, “I have not been here for two days…”

“Oh, really?” Celestia said raising her eyebrow, “Perhaps space and time flow differently in this universe… how long have you been here actually? One day? Three?”

“She’s actually been here for three weeks…” I said to Celestia’s disbelief.

“T-three… three weeks?” She stuttered.

“Three weeks…” Luna and I replied, both nodding simultaneously.

“Luna… You must think I’m terrible big sister!” She cried, burying her sister’s head deep into her chest without warning.

Luna tried to respond, but her head was literally enveloped by Celestia’s breasts. I did my best not to look at the events unfolding, but I’m a man, not a saint. (Granted it was hilarious watching Luna struggle to break free of her sister’s embrace.) A second or so later Luna’s head emerged, gasping for air, Celestia went in for another hug, but was stopped by Luna’s forceful hand.

“It’s fine Tia…” She grumbled, her face red as a chili pepper from what just happened, “You didn’t know how the laws of physics and time worked here.”

“I should’ve never let Twilight convince me to try to sleep that hour…” Celestia said shaking her head. “If I hadn’t left for that hour I may have gotten here sooner.”

“You were awake for two days?” I asked, slightly surprised that someone like her could pull that off.

“If your sister disappeared and you would do anything to find her would you sleep?” Celestia replied, the slightest hints of anger buried in her voice.

“Point taken…” I said quickly.

“Needless to say I am happy you are here nonetheless.” Luna said with a smile, “But now that you’re here I must ask how?”

Celestia just looked back to Luna with a raised eyebrow, almost like she expected her to know the answer.

“Twilight?” Luna asked.

“Twilight…” Celestia replied letting out a deep sigh.

“That explains enough then…” Luna said bringing her index finger and her thumb to the bridge of her nose.

“You two talk like this kind of thing happens often.” I said raising an eyebrow.

“Well, not necessarily like this,” Celestia started, “but often if something magical goes array…”

“Twilight is somehow involved…” Luna finished.

“Makes sense enough I guess…” I said, the three of us began to laugh, but the sound of the door opening silenced us in an instant.

“Aedan…” Dawn began, “I convinced Dr. Johns to give you another ten minutes, but that’s-“

Dawn froze, we froze, the world itself stopped turning for that second and that second only. I thought to myself in the silence about how I was going to explain what was happening, while she was trying to figure that out herself. Unfortunately, Dawn beat me to it.

“What… just happened?” she asked blinking rapidly, “and who is she?”

She actually gave me an offer to salvage the situation, but in truth is was fed up with making up clever backstories for ponies who were trying to pass as humans. So I did the only thing that I thought could be right.

“Take a seat Dawn…” I said pulling up my own chair, “This might take a while…”

Author's Notes:

Aedan... TEL HER THE TRUTH!!! TELL HER THE TRUTH BEFORE SHE... (dramatic pause) SENDS YOU TO THE MOON!
Twilight messed up... wow THAT'S original... <- You (the reader) IT WAS THE ONLY THING I COULD THINK OF! <- Me (the writer) *If you can make fun of yourself the troubles you have in life will be far less stressful*
Color coaded humans doing a choreographed dance sequence in a high school cafeteria? PREPOSTEROUS!
LUNA'S UP! Celestia dropped Aedan!
Now Celestia knows the truth! and Aedan got to experience the sun's embrace
Now what's Tia doing??? ... ... ... Sweet merciful God Tia's a living healer!
I DON'T CARE ABOUT YOU BEING FOUND OUT! SAVE LUNA! x 1,000,000
AW S%&$! AW S%&$! Can she do it? I hope she can do it!
Princess Celestia???....... Princess CELESTIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! <- 1,000,000,000 cool points if you can get that little reference
SHE DID IT! x 1,000
LUNA'S ALIVE! x 2356 <- another billion cool points if you get that one too
Awww... aren't they so CUTE!
TWO DAYS?!?! Don't beat yourself up Tia, Aedan took care of her... well except for that whole kidnapping and attempted murder debacle...
HOLD UP TIA! You'll sufficate her!
Well at least Luna knows how she got there...
Oh... ... Hai Dawn... look I need to tell you something...
Well I hope this one is up to standards still, same questions apply... I've also been listening to a band called Otherwise lately, check out their stuff, if you like Disturbed, Five Finger Death Punch, Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace or any other band like that I'll bet you like Otherwise

24: The Truth

“They're ponies...?” Dawn asked with a raised eyebrow. “From a T.V. show… for little girls…?”

“Yeah…” I replied, rubbing the back of my neck, “I didn’t expect you to believe me right away…”

“I’m starting to think you hit your head a bit too when you were jumped by the Trents and Professor Moore…” Dawn said immediately crossing her arms. “How do you expect me to-“

Suddenly a piece of hospital equipment began to levitate across the room, leaving Dawn speechless. I however, cast my gaze to the individual responsible for the sudden spectacle. Celestia was slightly flicking her wrist as her hand made elegant motions in the air, commanding the object like a true Jedi. (I swear to God, if she stays for a longer than a day I’m showing her Star Wars… even the first three)

“H-how… how are you doing that?” Dawn asked stepping out of her chair to back away. The only thing that stopped her was my hand and calm words.

“It’s alright Dawn…” I said, “Celestia is just showing you some of her magic.”

“This is one of the simplest spells where I come from Dawn…” Celestia said calmly, placing the object down at her side, “I doubt that there are any unicorns in my kingdom that cannot carry an item in this fashion…” She then began to twiddle her thumbs remembering a few unnamed individuals. “Well maybe there are a few… but they are very young…”

“So… you’re a unicorn?” Dawn asked, in even more disbelief.

“Oh, heavens no…” Celestia replied waving her hand in Dawn’s direction, which prompted a small flinch.

“Then what are you?”

“My sister and I happen to be alicorns.” Luna answered, to Celestia’s disapproval, “The most powerful kind of pony, we have the aspects of all three races, the magic of a unicorn, wings of the pegasi, and the strength of an earth pony.”

“But… you’re humans…”

“That’s magic.” I explained, “Just like Celestia had been doing to that… whatever you call it…”

“The I.V. irrigation pole?” Dawn asked; her tone flat and unamused.

“Yeah that…” I said, “Celestia can’t change into a pony in our world though… however… Luna can.”

“I’m still finding this very hard to believe…” Dawn said shaking her head, “I mean… Celestial somehow levitated the pole, but Luna being a PONY? Aedan I’m just finding this to be pretty farfetched…”

I looked to Luna, but her eyes were already on me. Nodding simultaneously, Luna turned back to face Dawn, her eyes a dazzling white. Soon after she became engulfed in an orb of light, everyone in the room covered their eyes as not to be blinded by her spell. Seconds later Dawn’s eyes fell on the dark blue creature that now sat where the beautiful young woman that was staying with me had previously been. I really didn’t know how she was going to react. Was she going to faint like Gordon? Was she going to scream at the top of her lungs? All the questions in my head were finally answered when the dead silence of the room was cut by the sound of Dawn’s voice.

“Aedan…”

“Yes Dawn?”

“That’s a unicorn… in a hospital bed…”

Luna sighed and unfurled her wings, “Alicorn…” she said disapprovingly.

“Ok… Alicorn…” Dawn said starting to get out of her chair, “I think I’ll just check myself into the psych ward now…”

She walked to the door but I managed to beat her to it before she could put her hand on the doorknob.

“You don’t need to do that Dawn…” I said laughing to myself; it was hard to believe those three weeks ago that I was having the same reaction she was right now. (At least she didn’t faint like Gordon did.)

“I’m seeing a freaking PONY Aedan!” Dawn whispered intensely, “And that amazon sitting next to her is moving metal like Magneto!” (Wow… didn’t know Dawn knew that much about comics.)

“Um… we can hear you…” Celestia said, her eyebrow cocked and arms crossed over her chest. Luna mirrored her sister, but on account she was a pony now it was absolutely adorable.

“And now they have super hearing…” Dawn whispered quickly at me.

“We wouldn’t be able to hear you if you were actually whispering…” Celestia replied, rolling her eyes, “Now please… sit with us, we haven’t given you any reason to fear us…” a small, devious smile grew on Celestia’s face, “yet…”

Dawn jumped out of her skin a little bit, but Luna’s hoof quickly met her face. “Forgive my sister… As royalty we rarely get a chance to have a small amount of fun at the expense of others.”

“See Dawn…” I said smiling, “Celestia was just messing with you… nothing more.” (I decided to leave out the details of my first interaction with Celestia, God knows what Dawn would’ve done if I told her about the whole ‘thrown up against a wall’ thing.)

Dawn uneasily sat back in her seat, smiling awkwardly as she tried her best not to stare at Luna, but as everyone knows… the more you try not to stare at something the more your eyes fixate on it. I looked to Luna and nudged my head towards her awestruck audience, taking my hint, Luna changed back into the form that Dawn and I knew best. However, that didn’t stop Dawn from staring.

“Um… Dawn?” Luna asked with a sheepish grin, “Could you stop staring at me like that… it’s making it awkward for everyone here…”

“Oh, I’m so sorry!” Dawn said quickly averting her gaze, “I didn’t mean to-“

“Jesus calm down Dawn…” I said rolling my eyes, “At least Gordon didn’t act like this when he first met Luna.”

“Gordon… knows?” Dawn asked, to which I responded with a nod. “Who else knows about… this?”

“So far… me… you… and Gordon,” I answered, resenting the last name on the list of the privileged few. “But I’m regretting telling the last one right now.”

“Gordon?” Dawn asked shocked, “but you two have been friends since preschool right? What could’ve-“

“He’s the reason Luna got kidnapped…” I replied coldly before she could complete her thought. “He’s the reason I got shot… the reason Luna almost died…”

Celestia’s ears perked at the last end of my statement. Leaning to my direction, she gave me one of those ‘I’m going to destroy you’ smiles as she placed a clinched fist under her chin.

“This ‘Gordon’…” She said, noticeable anger in her voice, “Is he… anywhere close by chance?”

“He’s been dealt with accordingly.” I said quickly, fearing what exactly she might do to him, (Given what she did to me because of assumption I could only imagine what she would do knowing that it was his fault that her sister nearly died.) “I’m sure that-“

Suddenly the doors opened again, and it just HAD to be Gordon. (I swear there has to be someone writing this shit somewhere, stuff like this isn’t supposed to happen in real life.) He froze momentarily, noticing that there was one more person than he expected in the room with us. Then he got a good look at the extra person, I doubted that he noticed that she looked an awful lot like Luna, because even from where I was sitting I could see his eyes travel downward.

“Is there something wrong?” Celestia asked, snapping Gordon out of his tata trance. “Why are you looking to these?”

Celestia pointed to her breast and inadvertently poked them, causing a small giggle to ripple through them. At that point even I was staring; she just had one of those bodies that you just had to look at. (Not to mention her choice of attire made it hard for anyone not to look in the first place.)

“What?” Gordon said, “Oh… I’m terribly sorry I’m-“

“DAVE!” Dawn yelled surprising everyone in the room, “His name is Dave! He’s a friend!”

Luna and I looked to Dawn dumbfounded, but then we put two and two together at the same time. If we told Celestia that he was Gordon, she may do unspeakable things to him in front of our eyes. Nodding to one another and then to Dawn, we decided to play along.

“Good to see ya Dave…” I said forcing a smile, “Been a little bit hasn’t it? Right Luna?”

“Oh… yes… Dave… it is quite nice to see you Dave.” Luna said through her teeth, “Because that’s your name… Dave…”

“Guys what the hell is going on?” Gordon asked looking to the three of us, “and why are you calling me Dave? Don’t you think the nice woman would like to know my name’s actually Gor-“

Dawn quickly drug Gordon down to her level and began to whisper something in his ear. At first he was very confused, but within a few moments his face turned into a mix of elation and sheer terror, the latter being the only one that remained when Dawn let him go.

“Well…” Celestia said; her eyebrow elevated out of anticipation, “What is your real name?” She rose her hand off her knee, causing Gordon to flinch out of fear.

“DAIVD!” He managed to squeak out, trying his best not to sound terrified (He failed miserably) “I-I let them call me Dave… but I like to be called by my real name when I meet someone new.”

“Well… I am pleased to have your acquaintance David.” Celestia said bowing her head. “I am Princess Celestia… I take it that you have already met my sister?”

“Yup!” Gordon responded quickly, “That’s why I let her call me Dave!”

Even a blind man could tell that Gordon was trying way too hard to convince Celestia of the falsehood that was his new name, but she just stared back into his eyes, almost as if she was looking into his very soul. A few tense seconds passed and the only thing that moved was Celestia’s brow. Finally she leaned back in her chair satisfied with what ‘David’ had to say.

“Very well then…” She said casting her gaze over to Luna, “I believe that you know what happens next.”

Luna looked to Celestia with confusion for a second, but with the nod of her big sister’s head I saw her eyes well up, ready to burst. I placed my hand on her shoulder, ready to ask her what was wrong, but Luna managed to beat me to the punch.

“But…no…” She whimpered, “Not yet… I just-“

“What are you talking about?” I interrupted, “What happens next? I think you’ll have to be a bit clearer on that topic.”

“I thought my presence would be an indicator to my goal.” Celestia said with a long sigh before looking to me. “I’m here to take Luna home.”

“WHAT?!”

“Luna doesn’t belong here…” Celestia explained, “She belongs in Equestria, with her kind.”

“You can’t just do that!” I said, “Who the hell do you think you are?”

Celestia looked to me with a raised eyebrow, (She’s been doing that quite a lot since she’s showed up) but fortunately she remained calm at my little outburst.

“You know very well who I am.” She said taking a deep breath, “And you know who my sister is… that being said you know that we both have duties to attend to in our world.”

“Yeah I know… but…” I tried to think of something to say to convince her otherwise, but arguing with a God-like deity from another universe is a rather difficult task. Then I remembered something from the one episode of that show I did watch.

“You can do both!” Gordon suddenly shouted, saying exactly what I was thinking.

“What?” Celestia asked, tilting her head much like a dog.

“You can do both…” he repeated, smiling to himself, “For one thousand years, it was you who raised the sun AND moon… That alone proves that she doesn’t need to go back to Equestria.”

I looked back to Celestia, who had to process the information for a moment, not that she didn’t understand what he said, I think she was processing it on a more emotional scale than logical.

“David…” She began softly, but you could feel the anger in her voice as she continued. “Though I can do both, it is very taxing on my body, not to mention the added strain of my duties as a princess… Luna and I share an equal load, without her… my life would become far more difficult. Not to mention-”

“But you still don’t need her.” Gordon reiterated, at that statement Celestia stood up and walked over to Gordon taking a deep breath she continued.

“I may be capable of accomplishing our duties alone…” she began, “but she is, and always will be my little sister… she is my blood… and I do need her, there are so few of us left… without her…” Celestia’s initial anger was suddenly replaced with sadness as she turned her attention back to her sister, “I refuse to live without her… not again.”

There were some heavy emotions running through the room at that moment. Celestia was furious at Gordon (or David in this case) for saying that she didn’t need her, but she was also full of sorrow, anyone could tell that she absolutely loved Luna with all her heart. (Especially given the whole ordeal that I saw just before Dawn walked in on the three of us.)

“Tia…” Luna said, bringing everyone’s attention to her, “I-I don’t want to go…”

Celestia and I’s jaws dropped, her big sister had the keys to the kingdom and she was denying them. Hell the whole reason I took her in was to help her get back, and now she wanted to stay? (Not like I wanted her to go, but seriously, why she would possibly deny the opportunity to go back blew my mind.)

“I have traveled across dimensions…” Celestia said awestruck, tears welling up in her eyes, “I have nearly died to save you… are you not grateful for the sacrifices that I have endured to bring you home?”

“Words cannot describe how grateful I am to you sister…” Luna said, “but-“

“Why would you deny your only chance at going home?” Celestia interrupted, placing her hand on Luna’s head, “Did you develop Stockhoof Syndrome in your time here?”

“No I didn’t…” Luna said brushing Celestia’s hand away, “Something else happened.”

Celestia looked to her sister confused, not exactly sure how to react to her sister’s revelation. To tell you the truth, I really didn’t know how to react either, there were only a few reasons that I would decline returning to where I belonged. Then it hit me harder than one of those Acme anvils in the loony tunes. I told her something three days ago and before I came to, she managed to get out the first few words of the most feared and desired sentence in all of humanity.

“What else happened?” Celestia asked, her interest peaked, “Whatever it was it must be important for you not wanting to go home.”

“I think I could explain…” I said raising my hand to get Celestia’s attention.

“Please do.” She replied before I could continue, “My sister was never very forthcoming with important information.”

“Well…” I began looking to the far side of the room. (How was I supposed to explain this to a powerful God-like pony? ‘I love your little sister and she loves me too’? Sounded to blunt, but then again it was better than what some people would say. Given my options I really saw no other way of explaining it.)

“Three weeks ago, we ran into one another, literally…” I continued, “I decided to take her in… and during that time, I’ve been embarrassed, insulted, threatened, arrested, assaulted… even shot.” I stood up from my seat and walked over to Luna, her face was slightly red upon remembering most of those moments. “Hell we’ve been through more than most people go through in a lifetime, but no matter what it’s turned out alright, because she’s been right there with me, Luna’s had my back… and I’ve had hers... because of that we’ve gotten very close… closer than I could’ve ever imagined…” I placed my hand on Luna’s shoulder and looked back to Celestia with a smile, “I love your little sister…”

Celestia, Gordon and Dawn’s jaws unhinged themselves from their skulls. I guess that was quite a surprise for all of them to hear, Luna on the other hand had a completely different reaction. Her eyes and smile became twice the size, a single tear forming on either side of her face. She jumped out of the bed wrapping her arms as tightly around me as she could and then she tightly pressed her lips against mine. This time it didn’t last long, the sound of opening doors made sure of that. I looked to the door, only to see several people behind the three that had just seen me confess my feelings for Luna; only two of them were nodding in approval… my parents. (Ok God and/or writer… if you do exist… stop it… stop it right now…)

“That’s my boy.” May dad said starting a slow clap, “Working that ol’ Ryan charm… even here no woman is immune to it.” (Why me? Will this cruelty ever stop?)

“Leave him be Jack…” My mother said elbowing his side, “He finally admitted that he likes her, let him have his moment.”

Celestia was the first to come out of her dumbfounded trance, but instead of addressing me or Luna she turned to face the small crowd behind her. Instantly everyman in the crowd, including my dad’s, eyes shot directly to Celestia’s chest. She looked to all of them for a few seconds then followed their eyes to what they were staring at. Letting out a long sigh she shook her head.

“Why are the males of this world so infatuated with these?” She asked grabbing them to get a better look at them. Needless to say it didn’t help them to stop their staring. “For the life of me I see no reason for such ogling, the only thing I notice is how they send pain through my back.”

“We can talk about that later…” I said to get her attention. “The fact of the matter is that-“

“I love him too Tia…” Luna said sheepishly, “He has given so much to me without any need for reward other than a thank you… He has shown his willingness to even pay the ultimate price to protect me and there is no garter love than the one that makes you willing to give your life to save another.”

Celestia looked to the two of us and shook her head, (not exactly a good sign) “I’m so sorry sister…” she said sadly, “but you cannot be with him.”

It was Luna and I’s turn to have our jaws drop, we’d finally admitted that we felt something for one another, (though I’m sure it had been there for a bit longer than I’d admit) and she tells us that we can’t. Who the hell is she to tell her sister who she can and can’t fall in love with? I was about to say something, but someone I never expected spoke out in protest first.

“You think my boy isn’t good enough for your sister?” my dad growled, it was very rare to see him that angry, but when you did see it you knew that you insulted either him or his family.

“No…” Celestia replied calmly, turning back to face him. “He is worthy of my sister, far more so than her previous suitor, and given the stock of potential mates I have seen in my short time here, Aedan clearly stands above the others when it comes to physique and looks.”

(Ok… Celestia thinks I’m hot… for a human.)

“But I mustn’t allow such a union…”

“And why not?” I asked, “Don’t you want to see her happy?”

“I do… more than anything I’ve ever wanted.” Celestia replied looking back to me, “But you know she doesn’t belong here.”

“What are you talking about?” My mom asked, “If Luna doesn’t belong here then where does she belong?”

“In a land far too alien for the likes of your species…” Celestia answered, “I simply can’t-“

“How…?” Luna whimpered, fighting back tears.

“What?” Celestia asked turning back to face her.

“How… how could you…” she continued, sniffing. “HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME!” she roared, her eyes glowing the purest of whites, “This is the first time I have EVER felt this way about anything! And YOU want to take it away from me?!”

“Luna…” Celestia whispered, “Please…”

“NO!” She roared back, the flow of tears “I finally found someone to care about who feels the same way! He doesn’t want any power or money he loves me because I’m ME!” A brief silence fell on the room, prompting everyone except the three and my parents to leave us to our devices. “How… how can I even call you my sister?”

Anyone could tell that her last sentence cut through Celestia like a lightsaber through warm butter, but she maintained her calm. (Don’t really know how she managed to do so, maybe just a lot of practice.)

“Luna…” Celestia said softly to her sister, “Do you really think I would do something so cruel to you?” she tried to turn Luna’s face so she could see her, but Luna was having none of it. Taking a deep breath she sat next to Luna, who instantly twisted her head in the opposite direction.

“There is always a reason behind what I do Luna…” she continued, “I’m not acting out of cruelty, I’m doing this to protect our subjects.”

“In the same way you did so long ago?” Luna added; her tone soaked in anger.

“Luna if you stay here then Equestria will be left without its night guardian… as well as losing one of its best defenses… You know very well that current events have been spiraling downward… who knows what ancient threat may arise at any given moment these days.”

“Then I’ll just come with you.” I said without thinking, “From what I’ve seen your guard could use better training.”

“What the hell are they talking about?” My dad asked. “Subjects, guards, Equester… I don’t get it…”

“Dawn… please explain.” I said keeping my eyes on the other two. Luna’s sorrow was replaced with a small smile at my suggestion, but the elder just shook her head.

“I couldn’t allow that either…” She said sadly, “The risk is too great.”

“What risk?” Luna asked, finally facing her sister. “What harm could possibly come out of him traveling to our world?”

“He may tear it apart our reality.” Celestia answered much to our surprise.

“What do you-“

“He is from this dimension,” Celestia explained, “there is a risk that when he enters ours that me may tear it apart just because of his presence there.”

“I came into this world!” Luna replied, “No ill came of it!”

“And you have no idea how lucky we are for that…” Celestia said softly, “That was another reason why I never wanted Twilight to test her theory… she may have murdered countless life forms in alternate realities, it was only when I knew you were still alive that I mounted this rescue mission.”

“So there is a chance that he may be able to come with us?”

“Only if you want to risk every living soul in Equestria…” Celestia replied, “Is that something you really wish to do.”

Luna froze for a moment. I personally couldn’t believe that she may have even considered taking a risk like that. I did the only thing I could think of.

“No…” I said for her, “I won’t risk that many lives…”

“Aedan…” Luna whimpered, her eyes were unable to produce tears anymore, “But I-“

“I’ll be fine Luna…” I said, bringing her close, “I’ve lost loved ones before… I can do it again…” (I was lying of course, the thought of losing her tore my entire being apart.)

“If ya love her…” A voice said from behind me, “Then you shouldn’t have to lie to her like that…”

I turned around to see my dad standing right behind me with a smile I hadn’t seen since I was eight years old. Pulling me into himself he gave me a bear hug that would’ve crushed a normal man.

“Dad…” I managed to say. “Dad I-“

“Now you listen here boy.” He said releasing me, “Your mother and I have been married for nearly twenty seven years, but there was a time that I’d thought I’d lose her.”

“We were just out of high school…” My mom continued, “I was about to go to college, and he was getting ready to go to boot camp. We didn’t think that we would be able to stay together… we did only start dating a few months prior to graduation.”

“We both called it off, saying that it was for the best…” My dad added, “But it didn’t take long for us to realize that we were lying to each other.”

“Four years…” My mom said placing her hand on his shoulder, “Your father traveled the world for four years while I ran around the world trying to become a better architect…sure we tried to stay in touch, but we never did anything else.”

“I’m not seeing the point of this…” I said looking back to Luna.

“Let us finish son…” Mom said, “the years passed… we were both about twenty-eight… I finally found a nice apartment in Kansas City… and guess who my neighbor was?”

“Dad?” I asked.

“You bet your ass I was.” He said proudly pulling mom in close. “We got married a few months later… and the rest is history.”

“I’m still not understanding all of this…” I said scratching my head.

“What we’re trying to say son…” my dad began.

“Is that if you love someone… and I mean really love someone…” My mom continued, “The universe has a funny way of bringing you back together, even if she’s… well a… pony.”

“You believed that?”

“We saw her do that ‘headlight’ eyes thing…” Dad said with a smile, “I’m inclined to believe in just about anything right now… even a weird hybrid bat/bird/horse/lion/lizard/eagle that acts like Q from Star Trek”

“Oddly specific…” I said raising an eyebrow. “But she’s a pony… I’m a human… the only…”

The little wheel in my head began to turn. It may have been a long shot but it was worth at least asking.

“Celestia.” I said to gain her attention.

“Yes Aedan?” she replied, “What do you need?”

“Luna can turn into a human right?”

“Yes… that’s how she was able to hide herself…”

“And then back to a pony… right?”

“Correct.”

Then the wheels started turning in side Luna’s head as well. “I could change him into a pony!” she said excitedly, surprising Celestia a bit. “Would that work?”

“That may decrease the chances greatly…” Celestia said pondering, “But you would still run the risk of destroying the world.”

“You did the same thing coming here.” I said, “I guessing you turned into that human before you came here as a precaution?”

“Yes but…”

“Your world didn’t end when you took that form in your world…” I said rising an eyebrow.

“That’s different!” She replied, “I already belonged there!”

“And Luna was a pony when she came here…” I pointed out, “One could stand to reason that the same effects would happen in your world.”

“Well yes but…” Celestia said worried. “Are you willing to risk everything for just one?”

“I think I’ve proved that already…” I said throwing one arm around Luna and placing my free hand over my newest scar.

“What about your life here?” Celestia asked, “Are you willing to give up everything you have? Your friends? Your family?”

Honestly I hadn’t thought of that until she brought it up. Was I really willing to leave the one place I had ever called home? Sure I was living an average life, nothing really special about it, but I had great friends in Dawn and formally Gordon. I had parents that even though made most of my recent meetings with them ungodly awkward, but I still loved them.

“I…” I was trying to find an answer to the unanswerable question. Either choice would break a heart, if I chose Luna then everything I once knew would be gone and everyone who cares about me would lose me forever. Yet if I chose to stay, Luna’s heart would shatter, along with mine. As I debated it inside my mind the answer came from one of the other people in the room.

“If you love her…” My dad said. “Then stay with her… I couldn’t think of a better reason to leave.”

“I’ve made plenty of people disappear…” Gordon said with a smile, “After all that’s happened… it’s the least I could do.”

I was still upset with him, (after what he did I’m sure that anyone would be) but he was willing to wipe my slate clean so I could go to God knows where with someone I’d meet three weeks ago. (Love makes you want to do stupid things… I mean REALLY stupid things.)

“Follow your heart…” Dawn added, rubbing the small diamond on her hand, “It’ll always lead you to happiness.”

I didn’t know what to say, the people that were closest to me were telling me that if there was a chance to go with this girl that I should take it and not look back. That was a big revelation, sure they may have not wanted me to go, but they were willing to let me chase my feelings. My mix of elation and terror were soon cut off by Celestia’s calm, understanding voice.

“Even if we WERE considering the thought of Aedan coming to our world…” She said rubbing her chin, “There would still be some moral implications…”

“Moral implications?” Luna and I asked simultaneously.

“Absolutely,” she continued, “There is a significant age gap between you two; you are far too young-“

“If you look at her records I’m technically older by eighteen months…” I said sarcastically. That prompted a small giggle from Luna and a cocked eyebrow from her older sister.

“Very well…” She said crossing her arms, “What of your feelings? You are a ‘human’ or so you say, my sister is a pony… is this not an issue to you?”

“Well… honestly it was at first…” I answered, slightly ashamed that my once mighty moral code was torn to shreds by a girl that I’d known for three weeks. “But as the days passed, I saw that there was a lot more to her than just a misplaced pony… I saw a young woman who was just as lost as I was in this world, she taught me to open up, she showed me that there was more to life than what I had and oddly enough… she showed me how to be more human…”

Celestia along with everyone else looked at me somewhat dumbfounded, (More than likely wondering how the hell a pony posing as a human could teach a human how to be human) but it was the truth. In her short time here she had taught me a lot about things I already thought I knew, compassion, humility, humor… Not to mention reminding me true loyalty and the meaning of sacrifice, which after I left the military I seemed to have all but forgotten.

“Even if you truly feel that way, there is still one problem…” Celestia said, “My sister and I may have survived is because we are in essence immortal…”

“She sure as hell wasn’t immortal when she got shot.” Gordon said.

“Perhaps the longer you spend in this world the more you become like the inhabitants…” Celestia explained, “but that being said an Alicorn can’t die my normal means, and on our reality… magic is normal, under most circumstances that is… Aedan may not survive if we were to take him.”

Luna’s eyes shrank, but I remained adamant, “I’ve proven how far I’m willing to go for her…” I said looking to Luna and then my parents and friends “They have already given me their blessing, all I really need is yours.”

There were several moments of silence, most of it consisting of Celestia looking over Luna, myself and the rest of the crew. Finally she let out a deep sigh.

“Very well…” she said shaking her head, “if you are willing to risk so much… and if the risk of our reality being destroyed by your arrival there is at the absolute minimum I suppose we could endeavor in taking you with us…”

Luna and I instantly lit up, and within seconds we were in each other’s arms but before we could continue our celebration we were cut off by Celestia yet again.

“But I should bring up one last thing…” she said, you could almost feel the chill in her words as she spoke, “You are mortal… Luna, in our reality at least, is not… your lifetime will be nothing but a moment… a blink of an eye to her…”

“Then let me make that blink the best she’s ever had…” I replied, “Let me make that single ‘moment’ in her life the most unforgettable moment she’ll ever have… let me love her.” (God I sound SO cheesy right now.)

My thoughts were cut short my Luna jumping onto me like a spider monkey and squeezing me so tightly that I couldn’t breathe. The fact that I was going to die someday seemed to be overshadowed by what Celestia and I had just recently said, but I just returned the embrace and pressed my lips against Luna’s. (Hell, I’ll worry about the future when it gets here, I’ll be happy with Luna now)

The act was enough to even let a small smile to run across Celestia’s face as he watched her sister pretty much grope some guy she didn’t know very well. (Different cultures I guess) After a few more seconds of Luna testing her grip on me she finally granted me a few moments to breathe.

“I guess it’s settled then…” I said with a smile, “I’m coming too.”

“If that is truly what you wish…” Celestia said, “I pray I’m wrong…”

“I’ll get to my computer in a few minutes buddy…” Gordon said patting my shoulder, “You won’t be needed ‘round here anymore.”

“Thanks Gordon…” I said, before I could catch myself. Dawn. Luna, Gordon and I all covered our moths and looked back to Celestia with terror, expecting her to go postal or at least force choke him, but she just stared him down with her ever so present raised eyebrow. (Granted if she was looking at me like that I may have been intimidated)

“So… YOU are this Gordon I have heard about?” She asked, her shadow enveloping him completely.

At that moment Gordon hit his knees and wrapped his arms around the one leg that was exposed in her dress. “I DIDN’T MEAN TO!” he begged, “FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY DON’T SEND ME TO THE MOON!”

It was pathetic to see a grown man groveling like that, (in truth it was also a bit funny, though I’d never admit it) Celestia however continued to stare at him, her expression unfeeling.

“You are the one responsible for the near death of my sister…” she said coldly, commanding him to rise, “You are the reason that I may have lost my sister… forever…”

Gordon continued to cower in her presence while the rest of us looked on, our curiosity beating out any fear we had. “It’s your fault that she’s here; it’s your fault that I nearly lost MY life in order save her…”

“I’m so, SO SORRY…” Gordon whimpered, “Please… don’t-“

“Silence…” She said sharply pushing her finger against his lips with her eyes beginning to glow, “You nearly cost Equestria not only it’s co-ruler, but my one and only sister… one of the few that still carry the bloodline of my father… I must think of a punishment most fitting of your crime…”

She paused for a second as wind began to whip up around her causing loose objects and her hair to sway from side to side. Then in a flash of light everything stopped swaying, Celestia’s hair fell flat on her shoulders and her eyes stopped glowing. I expected to see an ash pile, but to my surprise Gordon was still standing there, tears still pouring out of his eyes.

“I… I…” I said, still noticeably shaken from the experience, “I don’t-“

“But I must return to Equestria with haste…” Celestia interrupted, “so your heartfelt apology will have to suffice…” Before Gordon could let out a sigh of relief however, Celestia pulled him in close to issue one last warning, “But if you EVER do it again…” she growled, her eyes glowing.

“Never again!” Gordon replied quickly, the terror in his eyes returning.

“Good…” Celestia said with a smile as she turned to Luna and I once again, “Are you ready for our journey?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be.” I said, Luna nodding at my side.

“Then let’s not waste any more time.” Celestia said waving her hand at the wall, causing a tear between realities.

I was expecting it to look more epic, but it was just a simple archway that was glowing in with bright blue light. (No lightning, no gale force winds, no Kurt Russell… overall it was very disappointing)

“I can’t wait to show you the world I’m from.” Luna said with a smile tugging at my hand, (I guess it still hadn’t registered that I might DIE because of this.) but before I could take another step I was spun around by my dad one last time.

“I… I guess this is it…” He said, forcing a smile, “I guess we gotta say goodbye…”

“I guess so…” I said, having the realization hit me harder than ever, “I guess-“

“Let me just say something first…” he interrupted, “I know that your mother tells you stuff like this all the time, but you’re my son too…” his eyes began to water, fighting back a torrent that he’s been keeping pent up for nearly a quarter of a century. “I’m proud of you Aedan…” he managed to say before a single tear fell from his eye, “I love you.”

That took me back, nearly so much that I could feel my legs buckle under his words. Dad was never the one to show emotion, he was the typical Irish dad in that aspect. (As well as the drinking and church going but that wasn’t the point here.) He finally said what I always knew, it was exactly like all those sappy movies and T.V. shows. I wrapped him up as best I could, knowing that it might just be the last time I could ever get the chance.

“I love you too… dad.” I said back, finally letting him go. “I always will.”

“That’s my boy…” he said forcing that smile again as he patted my shoulder, “Now run along… the girl’s waiting for ya.”

“I will dad…” I said, “But-“

“You can’t leave without saying goodbye to your mother!” My mom said, constricting me without warning.

“Goodbye mom…” I said with a tear in my eye. (Both from her squeezing me so tight and my sadness.)

“You better write when you can.” She said half-jokingly, “I don’t want to go months without a peep again.”

“Will do…” I said laughing a bit.

I then turned to Dawn and Gordon, who were fighting their own emotions at the moment. First I went to Gordon, he was still shaken, his blood dried onto his shirt after I punched him a few hours ago. He turned away, ashamed for what he had done and possibly fearful for what I was about to do. The slight fear became very noticeable when I sent my hand in his direction for a solid shake.

“You’ve been that best damn friend I’ve ever had Gordon…” I said wrapping him up without warning, “A few hours of being tricked isn’t going to change that…”

“Just be good out there man…” he said pushing away with a weak smile, “You’re fulfilling the fantasy of over thirty million people right now.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” I chuckled.

Finally I turned to Dawn who just shook her head at me with a smile. “You’re a crazy bastard…” She said standing on her tiptoes so she could hug me better.

“Would you like me if I were any different?” I asked lifting her up so she could look me square in the eyes.

“I guess not…” she said rolling her eyes, “Now put me down, you’ve got places to be.”

I nodded and took my place next to Luna and Celestia, ready to take the next big step in my life, but before I could my dad just had to say one last thing.

“Take care of him Luna…” He said wiping the tears out of his eyes, “That’s my son you’ve got there… that’s MY son…”

“I will Mr. Ryan…” She replied nodding before looking back to me with loving eyes, “I’ll return the favor tenfold…”

Luna then planted one of those kisses on the cheek that the moment you get one you know what happens next, but that had to wait. Now we needed to go through a portal that could easily kill me or send the world on the other side straight to hell. Needless to say I was nervous, but when I felt Luna’s fingers entangling mine I knew that I had to take it on faith and with one last deep breath I took that step into the portal, and no matter what happens… I know at least that Luna would be at my side… and that’s all I could really ask for.

Author's Notes:

I'M SO SORRY THAT THIS TOOK SO LONG! (but then again you can't make a writing schedule when you're a Marine)
At least it's 2,000 words longer than the longest chapter right?
Dawn has seen... but she does NOT believe...
Celestia put those thins away... they're distracting!
Oh hey Gor-uh... I mean Dave! Yeah! DAVE! (Aedan goes head to head with the forth wall here )
Is he gonna say it? Is he gonna SAY IT?! IS HE GONNA SAY IT?!?!?
ERMIGAWD! HE F&%$ING SAID IT! x infinite!
Oh... hai... mum... and dad... (DAMN YOU AWKWARD WRITER!)
We will ALL fall at the sight of Balloonestia!
AWWW They love each other ... ... WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEY CAN'T BE TOEGHTER?!?
Stay away from Aedan Tia... Luna might go Nightmare on your ass.
Wow... that's a really REALLY good reason...
Oh... an idea! Go with the idea!
Aedan's dad?! With life lesson advice!?!?!
Aedan dropped his code... for the girl that ran into him... awww
Aedan with the cheesy feels!
AW S&%# Tia know about Gordon!
A good ruler is a merciful one... even when she has to give mercy because she doesn't have much time.
A portal to another dimension and Kurt Russell isn't there?!?! BLASPHEMY!
Aedan's dad with the FEELS! (Insert every sad looking pony pock here)
Now that we've said our goodbyes... we must take our leave... wait... oh GOD... THEY FORGOT TO TURN HIM INTO A PONY!
You know the drill people... get to it!

25: The End (Epilogue)

I woke up earlier than usual. (Mainly because the sun was blaring directly in my eyes) It could’ve been three or four in the afternoon, I was never really good at telling time via the sun and my watch had run out of batteries a week ago. This place was different, I mean really different from what I was used to. (Given the fact that two God-like entities moved the sun and the moon that really shouldn’t have been a shocker, but still)

Groaning softly to myself I reached for the bed sheets to throw over my head, but it had to be my luck that someone decided to hog all the sheets, again. I really couldn’t be that mad at her, I mean she’s a busy woman, helping run the country and all that night business. (But all that was no excuse for hogging the damn sheets) I was about to yank my share away from her until I felt something twitch on my chest, I looked down to see that it was her hand, resting peacefully like it was meant to be there. Now I couldn’t take back what was mine, even when she slept she knew exactly what to do to stop me in my tracks, but I could take what she offered me. Cradling her hand in my own I began to run my fingers through hers, which prompted a response from the individual sharing the bed with me.

“Aedan?” Luna said sleepily, rubbing her eyes, “What time is it?”

“About three or four,” I answered, brushing my thumb across the top of her hand.

“Why are you awake so early?” she asked, “We still have at least four hours to sleep.”

“Well someone’s sister decided to shine the light I my eyes…” I replied bluntly, “and when I went to make some shade via the bed sheets, I saw that someone had acquired all of them for herself.”

Luna looked down to see that every last sheet was wrapped and bundled up on her side. “I’m so sorry Aedan…” She said, noticeably embarrassed, “I really didn’t mean to-“

“Sure…” I interrupted rolling my eyes, “You said that all the other times…”

“I speak the truth!” Luna snapped back, (God it was fun to get her flustered, not to mention that it was as cute as hell) “Tis a lie if you believe I steal the sheets while we try to-“

I decided to cut her off right there and drag her into me for our usual early ‘mourning’ kiss. Just like all the times before she melted into me, her hands fell squarely on my jawline before wrapping themselves around my neck in an attempt to pull me in even closer. Finally after a minute (or five I really couldn’t tell) she decided to be the one to break it off, burying her head in my chest and wrapping her hands around my waist she closed her eyes softly.

“Must you always do this to me?” she asked bringing one hand back and slowly circling it on my chest.

“Would you love me if I didn’t?” I replied.

“More than likely,” She replied with a small giggle, “but it certainly does help your cause.”

“It does eh?” I said smiling deviously reaching my hand around her body, “Does it help me see what’s under those sheets?”

“It’s not like you haven’t seen what’s under them before.” She giggled, looking up to me with bedroom eyes. “Besides don’t you know what day it is?”

I looked to her a bit confused at first, but when I saw the calendar on the opposite side of the bed I remembered what she was talking about.

“Of course I do…” I said putting on my best poker face.

Luna just looked at me with a cocked eyebrow “You should know by now that you’re a horrible liar.” She said with a sigh, “Now let’s try to get some sleep before then.”

“Fine…” I grumbled defeated, “But only because you asked nicely.”

“Of course,” Luna said snickering as she passed me my half of the sheets, “You can have these back, I’ll probably get them back in an hour or two.”

Rolling my eyes I accepted the sheets and fell back into bed, knowing full well that she was right. The two of us fell back to sleep rather quickly, it didn’t take much longer than twenty minutes before we were off in dream land. By the time I woke up again my covers were gone yet again, but so was Luna. I looked around to see her in the last parts of her spell to change her back into pony form. I really didn’t care how she looked, I loved her just the same, but there was one thing that bothered me.

“Luna.” I said gaining her attention.

“Yes Aedan?” she asked, placing her crown on her head, “What is it?”

“Why do you still turn back into a human when you’re not working? You know I don’t care how you look.”

“I was doing it to make you feel more at home.” She replied, “After all that is how you are used to seeing me.”

“I know but when-“

“I thought you said you knew what tonight was about…” Luna interrupted sounding very disappointed, “I’ve only been planning this for the past two months.”

Luna turned her back to me faster than that pink friend of hers when she heard the slightest mention of candy. I could see her face through the mirror, and she didn’t look happy. (Oh great… now you’ve pissed her off…) I quickly jumped out of bed and went to her side while I thought of a way to rectify the situation. (How could I forget about tonight in just a few damn hours?)

“Luna…” I said, trying to get her attention but she was obviously having none of it, “Luna… please look at me.”

Again no response, I felt horrible, this was supposed to be a big night for her and I had all but forgotten about it. She’d been planning this evening since the week after I got here, sure I was busy meeting all of Luna’s friends and extended family (I really wanted to punch her so called ‘nephew’ in the mouth and teach him the manners he should have as royalty but I contained myself well enough.) and there also was that one teal unicorn that I swore followed me everywhere. (And all she ever seemed to look at where my hands) However after all of that and I started to settle down and get acquainted around the castle a bit more Luna promised me a big surprise on one evening, this evening.

“Luna,” I said again nearly sounding like I was whining, “Come on, I-“

“Two months…” Luna said still not bothering to look at me, “Two months and you forget about it.”

“Luna, come on…” I said placing my hand under her chin so she would finally look at me, “You know me well enough to realize that I’m sorry.”

“I know you’re sorry,” She replied placing her hoof on my hand, “but when you do these things… forgetting such important events, I just… you know…”

“You don’t need to think like that.” I said smiling. “After all I left steak, ribs AND bacon behind to be with you… that’s love Luna… no matter how you look at it.”

Luna let out an adorable giggle just before she gave me a quick peck on the cheek, “You’re forgetting your Skyrim and Halo…” she added.

“I guess you’re right.” I said letting out a chuckle, “Now let’s both get ready for tonight, I know how important it is to you.”

Well in all truth I was the only one who needed to get ready, these ponies always walk around naked, I on the other hand preferred to be a little more dignified. Fortunately one of Luna’s other friends was a top notch designer who from the very moment she met me, she saw me as a challenge. She managed to make one of the best suits that I had ever put on (Minus my dress blues of course) within a matter of days, now all I had to do was put the thing on and meet Luna in the garden so she could do whatever she had planned.

It took me about ten minutes to get fully dressed, but by that time Luna was long gone, she did have to raise the moon after all. I thought little of it as I made my way down the halls towards the garden, every passing maid and guard taking an extra-long look at me as I did so. (For a human I clean up nice I guess) Along my way I met the only pony that could at least stare directly at my chest.

“Evening Tia.” (Oh, she hated it when I did that, but the face she always made when I did made me crack up inside)

“Good evening Aedan…” Celestia responded, forcing a smile and looking me up and down. “You seem to be well dressed tonight.”

“Gotta date with Luna in the Garden.” I explained, “It’s pretty important to her so I decided to put on my Sunday best.”

“It’s Wednesday.” Celestia said confused.

For the first time in nearly a week my hand met my face, (New record for my time in this reality) I really needed to explain human terminologies to these ponies one day. “I should get going.” I said dragging my hand down, “See you when I get back.”

“If I’m still awake that is.” Celestia pointed out.

“Yeah whatever, talk to you later.” And with that I continued my path towards the outside, where Luna was undoubtedly waiting patiently.

After getting lost in the castle once or twice I finally found myself outside of the castle. Fortunately I was in front of the garden and from inside I saw a single light blue beam pulsing from deep within. I took that as a hint to delve deeper into the garden. I made my way on the path; the light becoming more and clearer as I got closer, also there was a slight hum in the air that got louder as I approached as well. I continued deeper and deeper, the light and humming sound growing until the path ended abruptly, but I was still a ways off from my goal.

“I’m real sorry about this Rarity…” I said looking up and down my suit before taking another step.

I was a few minutes in to my hike when the sound of the humming stopped getting louder and the light seemed to be pulsing through the bushes that were just in front of me. Pushing the bushes aside I became temporarily blinded but the sudden surge of light, but after I adjusted I saw a shrine in the middle of a small brightly glowing pond. I looked up to see that Luna was lying upon the main pedestal of the shrine, looking at me with loving eyes.

“I see that you’ve finally made it.” She said with a smile.

“Well, maybe if someone had given me directions…” I said sarcastically, stepping into the clearing.

Luna laughed slightly at my sarcasm, but soon returned to just looking back to me. “Step forward.” She said motioning to me.

I looked to my suit yet again and let out a deep sigh. “I hope she can forgive me twice…” I grumbled taking my first step into the water.

At first I was surprised, the water had come right to my waist, but the pool wasn’t too cold, nor was it too hot it was just right. While I waded through the water Luna rose from her perch and playfully bounced from pillar to pillar until she chanced back into her beautiful human from right before splashing down in the water with me. This time however she wasn’t naked, she was wearing a beautiful black dress, showing just the right amount of skin to drive any sane man crazy. We continued to approach one another until finally we fell into one another’s arms, she was the first to offer a kiss, but the force behind it literally knocked me on my ass… hurling both of us into the water. But the sudden dunk didn’t stop her; she continued to focus her passion on me even when we were both submerged. The second we finally separated we were still under water, and soon after we were gasping for our breath, both dripping wet head to toe. Then I felt Luna’s warm embrace yet again.

“Aedan Colin Ryan…” she said lovingly, staring squarely into my eyes “Do you love me?”

“I don’t think you have to ask that.” I replied putting my hand under her chin. “You and I both know what I’ll say.”

“Are you willing to do anything for me?” she asked, pulling me in close, “Are you willing to change your very livelihood for me?”

“How many times do I have to say it?” I asked back, placing my hands on her hips, doing the same thing that she was doing to my face.

“Are you willing to give everything you have to me, so I may give everything I have to you?”

“Of course.” I replied, dragging my hand up her back to find the zipper, “I’ll give anything to you.”

“Then it is settled…” Luna said happily as her eyes began to glow again, turning back into her pony form before I found the zipper. (Need to be faster next time)

Her eyes were still glowing as she shot a beacon of light into the sky. I followed the trail until I finally saw what it had made, an odd constellation, looking like a cartoonish flame in in front of a shield and moon. I was about to ask her what it meant until I saw a blue orb surround me, it engulfed me completely for a few seconds but just as soon as the thing surrounded me it was gone leaving me very confused (especially on account that Luna seemed to be as tall as me, if not taller now.)

“Wha-what happened?” I asked.

“I created an alternate form for you.” She answered, “Just as I have made one for myself.”

I looked down to see that I was on all fours and that my hands and feet were replaced by hooves. Luna had turned me into a pony, excitedly I reached my forehead, but I felt no horn, so I reached for my sides, but felt no wings.

“Hey what gives?” I asked, “I’m just like that one friend farmer friend of yours… I’m nothing special.”

Luna smiled at me for a second before stepping towards me yet again. “That’s where you’re wrong.” She said softly, “You are the STALLION who captured the heart of the moon.”

“You could’ve at least made me something cooler…” I said looking at my dark grey hooves and light grey coat. “Maybe a black and red male version of you.”

Luna laughed at the thought for a moment and then she continued to look me over. “I didn’t choose this form.” She said, “You did.”

“Now how did I-“

“You never wanted anything more than what you needed Aedan.” Luna interrupted, “You are a hardworking, down to earth individual, no lust for fame, money or power, just the few basic needs that everyone truly needs.”

“So in my soul I was always an earth pony?” I asked looking at my ass, realizing that the new constellation in the sky matched what was there. “And what does this stand for?”

“Yes.” Luna replied stepping around me so she could get a good look at my new tattoo, “As for this…” she said brushing her hoof lightly across it, “Your name in old Irish means fire, the shield represents your willingness to defend what you love… and the moon should be self-exclamatory.”

“I guess that makes since…” I said shrugging my shoulders, “But can I-“

I was cut off by a searing pain where my mark was, I looked to see that there was a golden outline of what looked like an exact copy of Luna’s mark. Looking to Luna for answers I saw that she was in the middle of carving my mark into her, a single tear falling from her eye as she did so. Once she had finished she looked at me with the most loving look I had ever seen.

“It is done.” She said with a smile.

“What?” I asked looking at my still glowing flank (Or whatever they call it)

“Ancient rituals for ponies,” Luna explained, “Long ago if two of our race loved one another enough they would magically bond their souls.”

“We’re… soul bonded now?” I asked, eyes doubling in size.

“Yes, the purpose of the soul bond is to never allow the souls to be apart, granting the two eternal love without the pain of loss…”

“But… I can die… if you did that you would-“

“The spell was usually attributed to the mare.” Luna continued, “Meaning that the two would know eternal bliss with one another when SHE passed from this world to the next.”

“So… I’m immortal now?” I asked.

“So long as we don’t run into any problems like we did on your world.” Luna said with a smile.

“I think that won’t be a problem.” I said laughing at myself. “But… if it’s not too much to ask… can I become human again?”

“The spell acts in the same way mine does,” Luna answered, “All you have to do is will it.”

I looked to her with a cocked eyebrow, but decided to go with what she said. So I began to think human, sure enough I was surrounded by the light for a few seconds yet again and after it was gone I felt a few feet taller again. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Luna grabbing a single rose from a nearby bush and place it in her mouth before changing into a human once again.

“I’ll be yours…” She said with a smile, the rose dangling between her teeth, “If you’ll be mine.”

I made my way to Luna and while I wrapped my arms around her I pressed my lips to hers, removing the rose in the process.

“Well, Luna…” I said softly dragging the rose from her lips to her chest, “Consider me… yours…”

Author's Notes:

The FINAL end all cahpter! ERMAHGAWD! x 534654367898976389760437582... wait ... it's... it's over?
Yay the universe didn't blow up!
Dammit Aedan don't forget that stuff.
There is no greater love than a man who is willing to sacrifice bacon for the woman he loves.
Aedan's already met the mane 6? Wonder how that went down?
Celestia... you're supposed to know those kind of terms...
Through the garden Aedan must go... because he's late, he's late, for a very important date...
A shrine in the middle of a wading pool... interesting.
HOT STEAMY WATER ACTION! to quote M. Bison... 'YES! YES!'
Aw... how sweet... wait... she... SHE TURNED HIM INTO A PONY!
But's he's an earth pony... I was expecting an alicorn
Well at least that's a good reason for him being an earth pony...
Cool cutie mark bro... now all you... dafaq did Luna do now?
she made him immortal! (well kinda...)
Oh la la... things are heating up quite a bit aren't they?
and now Aedan is hers... and Luna is his.
Well that was fun, wasn't it? I had fun writing it and I'm sure all of you had just as much fun reading it!
Huge thank you's to guys like Skeeter the Lurker, Zamairac, The 12th Doctor, Louisaro, Soldierforce, The Changeling Spy, Spacecowboy, neonrainbow, Le_dragonbroneE, RoadrunneR, Ancient Mariner, The Walrus King and all the others who I forgot to name on this list for the help, advice and general support that they have given me in this little endeavor of mine...
All of you deserve this saucy Luna pin up!
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Enjoy if you feel so inclined!
P.S. I hope you stick around to read more of my stories, I've got plenty more where THIS came from.