When the sunlight begins to shine on my eyes I force myself to wake up. It feels odd not waking up in my room, but until we get a new bed I guess I'll just get used to using the guest bedroom. Well... with Luna pregnant, I guess this would be the kids future room. I stretch a bit in bed and roll to my side to look at Luna. She's still asleep, sleeping with her mouth slightly open. I bring a hand.... hoof, I bring a hoof up and run it along her side. She lets out a quiet sigh as she closes her mouth, still asleep. I pause at her stomach and hold my hoof there.

"A little lower, honey." Luna tells me, her eyes still shut.

"Hmm, we sure did go through a lot for this, didn't we?" I ask as I move my hoof lower.

"Miles, you aren't going to feel anything yet." She says and she reaches down and holds my hoof.

"I don't know, I think I'm starting to feel a little bit of chub-"

SMACK

I laugh as she hits me a few more times, eventually pulling her in for a hug.

"I'm just kidding, jeez." I tell her as she huffs in annoyance. "Anyway, let's start getting ready to get to Canterlot, okay?"

"Okay... jerk." She says, hitting me one last time.

"You know you love me." I say as we get out of bed. She smiles and shakes her head at me. I go to the bathroom in the other room, the one in the guest room being too small for both of us, and start getting ready for the day. I start out by trying something... probably dumb. I punch myself, hard. What I expected to have happen, happened. But it still hurt.

"What was... that?" Luna asks as she comes rushing into the room. "Um... Miles, how did you... do that?" She asks as she stares at my now human body.

"All I needed was a bit of persuasion." I state simply as I start to run the water, working both the knobs to get it to the right temperature. I miss the simplicity from before.

"Miles... are you sure it's a good idea to keep switching back and forth?" Luna asks as she steps into the master bathroom.

"Well... I don't know. I assume that it's the Elements doing this to me, in which case I guess it's okay. But I'll need to run some tests before I get a definitive answer-"

"But what about you overloading? You tore off your potestatum anuls, shouldn't you be on the edge of death, or something?" She asks worriedly as she rushes to my side. I show her my hand and flip it from one side to the other, getting a confused look from her.

"I have a theory based on what Altum showed me on why I'm not becoming over exerted. But first, want me to get your back?" I ask as I offer her a space in the tub. She smiles and takes a seat inside. I join in behind her and sit as close as possible, having our bodies mesh together.

The water feels good, and sharing it with my wife makes it all the better. I begin by first making sure every part of her has an ample supply of water coating it before lathering her with different soaps of her choosing. As I rub in the shampoos, I begin to tell her what I saw. How humans engineered the ponies, what they were built for, and the glimpse into my lineage. It was pretty shocking for her, seeing how ponies were originally designed as slaves, including her parents. When I finish up her back I have her turn around and start on her front, moving even closer to her.

I begin telling her about my theory on why I didn't burn away immediately after pulling off my potestatum anuls. The machine from Outpost Zero was some kind of remnant from those Purgian experiments, but refined. It didn't require the three tubes nor the six wall enchants. I believe, at its base function, that it's made to change a persons soul and body, but not their mind. Since I changed with great stress on my soul, it must have made a body that could accommodate all of that power, thus, an Alicorn. I finish telling this as I finish washing her body. She motions for me to turn around and begins to rub my back, adding the soap to smooth out her movements.

Now, because of the Elements of Chaos, I'm in some state of limbo where my body and soul can't decide between the two of them. My guess is, the closer to either Element I am will dictate which body I am. Again, this will require tests to confirm and a few experiments to understand. Not to mention I need to gain knowledge about myself in each form to better utilize them properly... not to mention learn unicorn magic and flight. She promises that she'll help throwing me off of clouds until I get a hang of it... not looking forward to that.

"So... how exactly are you going to test yourself?" Luna asks as we step out of the bath and begin to dry each other off.

"I'll have to go to Topaz and use the equipment there, or what's left at least. I may have to go to New Garnet and use what's there, not to mention I'll need to deal with the Unfamiliar."

"Miles, try not to kill any of them. Fluttershy and the others have worked really hard at gaining their trust just to go down there. Don't undue that." Luna tells me as we finish up and leave the bathroom.

"... I'll try, but I'm not making any promises. There will be reparations for what happened to my people-"

"Don't forget, they have felt their share of pain as well. At least you still have a home planet." She tells me as I begin to get dressed.

"Yeah, but they still have a population. I'd take people over a planet any day." Luna frowns at that and drops the subject. We eat a light and quick breakfast, Luna telling me that we'll eat properly when we get there, and head out for the train station. Though she assures me it's perfectly fine to teleport, I don't exactly feel comfortable letting her use magic in any which way or form. Call me paranoid, I don't give a fuck. Plus, Twilight also insisted it yesterday.

"You better not become overly protective over the next six months Miles." Luna warns me as she takes a seat in on the train.

"Trust me, when I become over protective, you'll know." I say as I take a seat next to her. "Where's Twilight? Taking the train was her idea in the first place." I ask as the train begins to move along, gaining speed... quickly? Well, gaining speed at least.

"Don't fret Miles, I'm here." Twilight says as she enters our compartment, closing the door behind her. "Good morning everypony." She says as she takes a seat across from us, to which we reply. "So, I've never been to a Royal meeting before. Mind giving some pointers to us, Luna?" Twilight asks, summoning a note and quill.

"Of course. Like always, treat everypony with respect-"

"Uh-huh." Twilight mumbles as she writes down what she says.

"Try not to yell or cause a ruckus, many of the ponies in there will be of the older generation." Luna says, then points a hoof at me. "Not. A. Word. Mister."

"I wasn't going to say anything." I say as I put my hands up. "Old lady...."

"This is suppose to be a Royal event, so hold yourself to that standard. No slurping drinks. No lewd jokes. NO SWEARING, Miles." She says as she glances back to me. Meh, as long as Blueblood stays the fuck away, I'll be fine. "This is suppose to be a casual Royal meeting, so attire is optional, though most of the ponies there will be dressed one way or another."

"Of course." I mutter, getting a smack on the arm from Luna. "You're abusive when you're pregnant." I complain as I don't rub my arm... didn't hurt.

"I love you too." She chides before turning back to Twilight. "And above all else, this is basically a casual political meeting as well. So everypony will lie, cheat and deceive you to try and gain whatever it is they are after. Don't promise anything, never shake hooves unless you know all of the details; which I can guarantee you don't. And above all else, DO NOT tell anypony how you feel about anything... EVER. Those ponies will find a way to use it against you for either their own gain or to bring you down. DO NOT TALK ABOUT YOURSELF! If all goes according to plan, nopony there will know either of us are pregnant-"

"Blueblood knows." I tell her. She looks at me with a scared, shocked expression as she grips the arm rest.

"Blueblood... knows... about us?" She asks timidly.

"He even knows about me, I think." Twilight adds.

SNAP

The room goes quiet when Luna breaks the armrest off of the wall. She stares between the two of us with pinprick eyes as she tries to comprehend what we told her.

"Is this why you're so secretive?" I ask, breaking the silence. "Also, is this how they do things now, or back a thousand years ago?"

"Miles." Luna grumbles as she sets the piece of wood down. "It's politics, they don't change."

"Well, in that case, don't worry so much. I've had plenty of experience in the political game." I say as I lean back in my chair.

"... no you haven't." Twilight states.

"Yeah I have. I'm a Spartan, back in Topaz Falls people listened to our every word. Nothing went through the military without our knowing and influence, nothing. Trust me, these ponies have never dealt with Spartan politics before. Just do me a favor, don't leave my side." I say to Luna, getting a warm smile in return. "I need a shield-"

SMACK

"Now, there are a couple of other things you should know in order for relevance sake. Starting with family members and their livelihoods..."

We walk out of the train station and into the main street of Canterlot. The city is alive with activity as ponies fixing buildings and repairing roads. The fight here really took a toll on the city, but they should be able to cope. I can't help but notice a difference in the work though. The ponies here seem.. as if they're only doing this because it's their job. It's nothing like Ponyville. A carriage with four pegasis pullers drops from the air and lands before us. Luna steps forward and takes a seat on the carriage, Twilight and I following after her. The carriage take to the air and brings us to the back of the castle, where we land indoors.

"Your majesty." An earth mare servant greets as she bows to us. "If you all will follow me, the gathering has already begun-"

"But it's barely nine." I blurt out, getting a slight kick from Luna.

"Thank you very much." Luna says with a slight incline of the head. She bows to her and leads us away. "Miles, just promise me you won't punch anypony, okay?"

"Well..." I look down at her and see the worry in her eyes, making me fold. "Alright, I promise not to punch anyone." I tell her, getting a smile in return. "Now lets get this over already." We walk off after the servant girl, going through the maze of halls until we end up in some room in the heart of the castle.

The room we end up in reminds me of the throne room, only lacking the throne and having tables set up around the side of the room. True to Luna's word, there are several elder ponies in either light dresses or suit jackets dotting the center. There are a handful of younger ponies as well, and even a foal in the back, but one thing is certain. They are all unicorns.

As soon as the three of us step into the room, all eyes turn on us. I reach slowly into my pocket and press a few buttons on my phone, getting a vibration as a confirmation.

"Announcing the Element of Friendship, Princess Twilight Sparkle!" The mare bellows to the crowd. Twilight looks between the two of us before stepping forward and bowing nervously. She walks quickly into the crowd and over to Celestia's side, trying to avoid all of the eyes on her.

"Announcing the new rulers of Equestria, Queen Luna and King Miles Eremita!" Luna and I both go rigged as everyone, Celestia included, bow to us. Not just the head tilt and neck incline bow. The, get on your knee and kiss the floor, bow.

"Should we says something? They aren't getting up." I whisper to Luna.

"I think so, I don't normally get this kind of reception." She whispers back to me. I think about it for a moment longer before stepping forward apprehensively.

"Thank you for your hospitality. I know I'm not the kind of leader you are all expecting, being human. Just know that I intend to do what is necessary to keep my home, and its allies, on the right tracks to a brighter future." I say aloud, getting the ponies in the room to stand and stomp their hooves lightly. I look back to Luna before we both walk into the fray of politicians and officials. Immediately, we become surrounded by several ponies as they begin to ask questions, along as to squeeze in some brown nosing.

"My liege, how exactly are you going to ensure a brighter future?"

"King Eremita, what do you determine to be the necessary actions that we have to take?"

"Queen Luna, how far along are you?"

"Queen Luna, will your sister be your birthing partner or will the castle maiden take the honor?"

"How do you expect to handle our problems along with those of our allies?"

"Do you have any schools lined up for the young one yet?"

"Will your rule be mostly military operations or do you plan on being socially active as well?"

"Do you wish for a filly or a colt... or a human?" Why does Luna get all of the easy questions?

"ENOUGH ALREADY!" Diamond Heart bellows as he pushes a few ponies out of his way. "Back off you vultures, let the ponies breath." He says, getting a few scoffs from the others.

"Thanks you Diamond." Luna says with a slight incline of the head. "And to answer your questions, about one month. I would love to have my sister as a birthing partner, if she would be willing-"

"I AM!"

"Okay then, yes. She will be. No, we don't have any schools lined up yet. And... I just wish for the child to be healthy. I will love it no matter what it comes out as." Luna tells them, getting warm smiles from all of the mares.

"And you, sir?" One of the stallions asks me.

"Fuck that noise, I want a girl." I say, getting another smack from Luna. The crowd around us laughs as Luna glares up at me. Oh yeah, no cussing. "But, in all honesty, I agree with Luna. I want a healthy child and don't care if it comes out one way or another."

"And... the other issues?" One stallion asks, getting nervous looks from the others.

"All in due time, but first things first, I must speak with my sister. If you'll excuse us." I say before ushering Luna over to Celestia. Luna trots forward to nuzzle up to her older sister, receiving equal affection. "Thanks for warning us about all this." I tease as I nod to Shining and Cadence.

"I was in the hospital before this Miles, I didn't know either." She tells me.

"So, what happens next?" Cadence asks as she steps forward. "Is Miles really going to be king?"

"Give it a few minutes." I say quickly, getting shocked looks from everyone.

"What do you mean by that?" Celestia asks cautiously. I just smile to her, not giving her anything.

"Miles, please don't do anything dumb." Shining begs me.

"Hey, I went to college for sixteen years, I think I know how to formulate a plan." I defend, getting unsure looks from all of them. "Wow, no confidence at all, thanks."

"It's not that we don't have confidence in you Miles," Shining starts, "It's that we have confidence in what we know. And we know how our system works. You can't just quit being King because you don't want to be King-"

"No, but if I can get everyone to agree to not have me as King, then we can make some progress." I tell him as my phone vibrated lightly, telling me to begin. "Wish me luck."

I turn around and grab a glass from a passing waiter. I give it a few flicks in attempt to get everyone’s attention, but end up breaking the glass. Well... at least I have their attention. The crowd of ponies goes silent as they watch me, waiting for me to begin.

"So, I was talking with Luna last night and we decided that we wanted to have the baby in Ponyville," I say, getting a gasp from the crowd. "Now, I know what your immediate reaction will be. I know of your tradition of having royalty born here, but here's where we come to an impasse. You all see me as your king, but I do not wish, nor will I willingly be, your king." Again, the crowd goes slack jaw from my statement, staring at me in utter confusion.

"You can't just not be king because you don't want to-"

"Why not? Who has the authority above me?" I counter.

"Us." Blueblood says as he steps forward. I smile as he walks before me, holding his head up high. "We do more than just sit around and babble to each other. We are charged with keeping the traditions of Equestria strong and alive. We will not simply allow you to refuse your duties."

"Good point, Blueblood." I say, getting a shocked look from him. "This is where we come to the ultimatum. You see, I may be your king at the moment, but I am still a servant of Terradisia. And, luckily for me, Terradisia is a recognized nation by Equestria, The Griffin Colonies, and even The Crystal Empire."

"And your point is?" He asks, raising an eyebrow.

"My point is, if I am your king, but subjugated to Terradisia, then who really rules?" I ask, seeing everyone in the room slowly come to the same realization. I look over to Luna and see her smirking at me, I knew this would play out our way. All I need now is for-

"No." Blueblood mumbles. "No, you're bluffing. There is no way you'd pull something like that. I don't believe you have it in you to-"

"Blueblood, sometimes I could just kiss you." I say, getting him to gag a bit. "I'll give you two chances. Let me live as my own person, raising my child the way I see fit, or loose Equestria. Your choice." I give them a minute to think it over. I motion to Luna and the others to back up as the crowd mumbles to each other. Once they're out of the way, I back up myself and pull off my Spartan necklace. "Times up, Night Fury, you have the green" I say into the necklace.

"Roger that," he replies. Everything remains quiet as I wait for him to get here. A few of them start giggling as nothing happens, but that ends when the windows start vibrating.

Two I.T.A.'s; or Infantry Transit Aircraft, pop up from outside the windows, one on the left and the other on the right. The main hull is a rectangle box with sliding doors on either side of the vehicle with four arcane engines extending from each of the corners. The engines can swivel in all directions to hover, or fly, in practically any direction. The cockpit sits at the front with three panels of C.A.G. (Computer Aided Glass) going over the top at different slopes. On the bottom of the sides of the cockpit are two large cannons with a thirty millimeter machine gun hoisted at the bottom.

With the machine guns pointed inside; thanks to the P.V.A.S. (Pilots Visual Aiming System), the doors facing us slide open as Night Fury and several Military bots leap out. As they crash through the glass windows, four mounted machine guns open fire, spying the top of the room to avoid harming anyone. The ponies scream and take cover under tables or pull out blades to defend themselves. The bots fire stun bolts at any who try to resist, as ordered, and we quickly take the room.

"Welcome to Terradisia!" Night Fury yells over the crowd as he tosses me an E.A.R.

"So, here's my second chance. Either do your jobs and keep Equestria from falling to Terradisia, or we will take over. I'll give you ten seconds to comply. One. Five. Te-"

"ALRIGHT!" Diamond Heart yells as he comes out from under a table. "You win Miles, let us deliberate the terms of this agreement like civil ponies. There is no need for violence."

"Violence?" I ask as I walk towards him. "This isn't violence, Diamond. This is Spartan politics. This is how a people, raised in war, peacefully come to terms. Your rules only apply to us when we allow them to. So! Lets get on with this already." I say as I pull a table over and sit at it. "Who will lead the deliberations for Equestria?"

"I-"

"As your king, I will send forth Celestia to represent us." I say, cutting off Diamond. Everyone looks to the back of the room as Celestia stands and walks towards me, glaring at me slightly.

"I accept." She says as she takes a seat across from me. "And who will represent the Terradisians?"

"As Grand Captain of the Spartan Regiment, I humbly accept the honor." I say, bowing my head slightly. “So, I'll begin by apologizing for the rude entry. It was necessary to set the correct mindset."

"Are the ponies who were shot okay?" She asks quickly.

"They are. These were police guns and are permanently set to stun. They will be fine soon enough." I assure her, getting her to sigh in relief.

"Okay. So what exactly is it you want then? I get that you don't want to rule, but I have the feeling that's not that is at stake."

"You would be right. You see, my wife is pregnant," I start out, sounding very business-y. "And we want to raise our child in our own borders. The problem is that your ruling will not allow such a thing."

"It is our tradition to have royalty be born here, but I think we can overlook it this time." She says with a sly smile.

"But! Princess!" Blueblood gasps as he runs up to her. I look over to Night Fury and motion towards him. "You can't be serious! There-"

CRACK

Everyone winces when Night slams the butt of his rifle against Blueblood’s forehead, knocking him out cold. Celestia looks down at the unconscious unicorn and huffs in annoyance before summoning a scroll and quill.

"I am going to write out the agreement between our two nations. It is my hope that, after this, we never have to come at ends again." Celestia says to me as she scribbles away on the scroll.

"We usually keep our documents electronic." I state, getting an irritated look from her. "But I guess we can overlook that."

"So, you wish to drop your rule-"

"Yes."

"Allow Luna, your wife, to have the freedom to chose where to raise her children-"

"And to be able to assign my own successor!" I tell her to add. She gives me a look before writing it down as well.

"Of course. Am I to assume that we can continue being allies after this?" She asks irritably.

"Unless any of you are plotting something against us." I say as I look around the room. All of the ponies shake their heads no, making me chuckle slightly. "I think that's a yes."

As Celestia continues to write out the last of our agreements, Luna walks over and read from behind her shoulder. She nods a few times before coming to my side and... well, the look. I don't know how else to describe it. She just shifts her weight to the side, frowns a bit, and gets this really intense look in her eyes. Not quite The Stare, but... still terrifying.

"There, done. What do you think?" Celestia asks.

"I think it's great." Luna says happily, still giving me the look. "Don't you? Dear."

"Um... I can't read Equestrian." I say as I look over the paper. I feel a twitching in the back of my head, probably from Luna glaring at me. "But It'll do." I say as I take the quill and sign it. I move it over for Celestia to sign and motion for the bots to regroup, getting them to march back into the I.T.A.'s.

"There, it is done." She says as she rolls it up and passes it on to a pony in the back. "Who will be the next leader of Equestria then?" She asks nervously.

"Well, that is an interesting question." I say as I stand up and begin to march around the room. "Who among you are capable of ruling this nation? Now is the time to step up! Come on! WHO CAN LEAD!?" The crowd of ponies rush around me and begin to yell out names, ranging from Blueblood to Shining Armor. None of the ponies yell for Celestia. As they continue to shout, I glance back to Celestia and watch as she lowers her head in shame, until Twilight steps forward.

"CELESTIA DESERVES TO CONTINUE RULING!" She announces loudly.

"HERE HERE!" Cadence adds as she takes her side, followed by Shining.

"She had her chance, and look how that turned out!" An elderly mare yells. "You're only for her because she allowed you to become an alicorn!"

"Seems that way." I say as I hold my hands behind myself.

"She nearly lost Canterlot to the Changelings!" Someone else adds.

"Twice if I'm not mistaken." I add.

"She couldn't stop Discord, three times!" Shouts another pony. "She just sends in her lackeys to do her dirty work instead!"

"It does seem that way." I mumble.

"She may govern the sun, but that doesn't give her the right to govern us!" Most of the ponies in the crowd start to cheer when that pony says that. I nod and walk back to Celestia. She looks up to me with tear filled eyes as their words continue to stab at her.

"Enough!" I yell, getting all of them to stop. "I will choose someone who holds the people of Equestria at heart. Someone who puts ponies above all else. I will choose a leader who has the capacity to keep this nation, and its people, safe. I will choose someone I look to for inspiration in leadership, admiration in devotion, and someone I hold in the highest of regard." I say as I smile down to her. "Celestia, will you please continue your rule in Equestria?" I ask as I kneel before her.

"You know, sometimes I really want to punch you in the face." She chuckles as she wipes her tears away.

"Hey now, I do cool tricks when that happens." I tell her, getting her to chuckle again. She reaches forward and wraps her forelegs around me, hugging me lightly. I return the gesture, feeling a weight lift off of me as I finally console with Celestia. "I'm sorry, for so much more than just this Celestia. Just know that everything I've ever done was never meant to hurt you." I whisper to her, getting her to squeeze a bit tighter around me.

"I know Miles, and I forgive you." She whispers back before releasing me. "I accept the responsibility of ruling this nation-"

"And hey, now at least you know which cabinet members you can trust now." I say as I glance back to the others.

"Yes... I'll have to have a nice long talk with all of them." She says as she looks back to them. They all try to avoid our gazes, well... all except Diamond. He's laughing his ass off. "Well, you are relieved of Equestrian duty then. What will you do now?"

"My work has just begun." I say as I lean back in my chair. "I have food producers that I promised to the griffin people. I, apparently, have an Unfamiliar civil war to quell and subdue, and I have a baby on the way. I'd say I have plenty on my plate."

"Aren't you on maternity leave?"

"I'm the Captain. I still have to do my job. But that doesn't mean I won't be there for Luna-"

"Darn right." Luna says as she moves to my side. "You better be there for when I need you." I laugh a bit and cup her jaw with a hand, getting a warm smile from her.

"Now what kind of man would I be if I left just as things were getting good? Sorry, but you're stuck with me."

Alright my Bronies, espect time jumps for the next few chapters. Things are going to speed up for a while, then slow down a bit, then BAM! one last time skip. In other news, the Spartan Oc calling will be closing in roughly four or five chapters. So if you have any left, now is the time to add them. We will now be comparing Oc's against each other at this point. This is to create a tier listing in case we exceed the quota. And lastly, don't forget to add your questions for the Q/A chapter.

Brony on!