Chapter Two: Shadows

The pilot stares for a moment, un moving as he watches the teal draconic orbs gazing at him mere inches from his face. He swallows hard, his hand slowly moving to the pull cord for the nearby lamp. The glowing orbs disappear for a second, then appear again as they blinked slowly.

He rips on the light cord, nearly pulling the lamp over as he does. The light shines brightly within the chambers as he pushes himself back off of the bed in the scramble, falling to the floor with a loud thud.

He's breathing hard, his hand scrambling for the pistol on the top of the night stand surface as he takes aim, drawing the muzzle of the pistol and pointing it at the source of the glow. What he finds on the other hand, surprises him.

Luna sits up on the bed, her eyes wide with confusion and a tight frown upon her lips. She blinks slowly, her soft jade orbs tracing him as she looks at the weapon within his shaking hands. She draws a soft breath.

"Mine flame...why are you pointing that weapon at me...?" She asks, her voice shaken and hollow. She swallows hard, her heart thundering within her barrel. She watches in fright as he cocks the hammer back on the pistol, the pilot rising to his feet and glaring at her.

"Parasite!" He hisses out, getting closer to her and peering into her eyes. "Where's Luna?!" He demands, breathing hard. "What have you done with her?!"

The midnight alicorn blinks slowly, completely confused. She slowly inches her way off of the bed, rising to her hooves. "Mine flame...I am no impostor..." She breathes out. "Please lower the weapon, mine love." She whispers, her wings tense and held tight at her sides.

"Your eyes! They glowed like Chrysalis's!" He all but shouts out. He keeps his pistol trained on her as he backs away. His eyes flick down to the bauble hanging on his neck, seeing the star bob lazily and glow a soft iridescent hue. No indication or reaction like it did before with the parasite queen. His eyes flick back to the midnight alicorn.

Luna gasps quietly, knowing what he meant. He confused the eyes of Chrysalis for the eyes of her darker half, Obsolescence. Nodding in understanding she closes her eyes for a moment and lets out a sigh of relief. This would be an easy fix.

"Love...our machine can see through the parasites glamour. Let us travel there, and I shalt stand before its looking glass. Thou shalt see I am no parasite." She says as calmly as she can, her soft jade eyes gazing into his own. "I assure you that I am Luna...Your angel!"

"Bullshit!" He motions with the pistol, keeping it trained upon her form. "Walk." He demands. "And if I see your horn light, I'm pulling this trigger!" His heart pounds within his chest, the blood roaring within his ears. Images and memories flash in his mind briefly, images of the war, his fight against the parasite. Memories of his own death. He's taking no chances this time.

Luna slowly turns to the door, walking as softly as she can to the exit. She pushes open the door with her fore leg and steps out. The guards stationed outside of the door tense up as she emerges, followed by the pilot who is training the pistol on her. They begin to step to him, weapons of their own drawn and confusion upon their features.

"Halt." She says quietly, her eyes flicking to them. "Do nothing, mine stallions. I am managing this situation. Clear the way to the hangar." She says softly, continuing to walk. They nod slowly, still confused as they race ahead and carry out their orders.

The pair walk ahead quickly in the empty halls, passing no pony as they make their way to the once ball room. Luna sighs with relief once they reach the doors, pushing them open once again with her fore legs. She does not protest or argue, she shows no aggression. She knows however, she's going to have to prove to him her innocence so she can explain.

"Stand over there." He points, still holding the loaded pistol near her head. "And nothing funny, parasite, I will fucking kill you if you try anything!" He growls out, slowly walking to the opened canopy of the war bird, while keeping the pistol trained upon her head.

She obeys, not looking at him as she steps to the forward landing gear of the aircraft, coming to a rest on her rump as she gets into position. She stares straight ahead, her expression calm and relaxed as she looks directly into the camera of the nose landing gear. She sits motionless as she does, her breathing quiet and steady.

"Mine love...once I prove this to you, I want you to listen to me so I can explain." She calls out, her eyes still trained on the nose landing gear. Her ears pick up the sound of the war machines computers powering up, switches being flipped and clicking.

Dark Fury as well as several other Lunar Stallions come to the outside of the opened hangar bay doors, confusion upon their features. "Comrade! Vhat is ze meaning of zis?!" The Lunar Elite Guard calls out. His golden eyes flick from the princess sitting down in front of the banshee, then back to the pilot who is standing in his underwear upon the side steps, one hand moving inside of the cockpit, the other holding the strange weapon. "Stop zis foalishness!"

"Stay there, Captain Fury. It's alright." Luna calmly states, her gaze not leaving the nose camera. "Return to your stations. I am in no danger." She draws a soft breath, still looking ahead. Her eyes show she's calm and relaxed, knowing this is about to be brought to a quick end in a matter of moments.

The pilot activates the nose camera of the war bird, peering at the screen. The image displayed is exactly what he sees, simply Luna. He cycles the computer to display the Infrared Laser Targeting, then back to its normal view. The image remains unchanged, just the night alicorn he's become so familiar and in love with.

He lowers the pistol and places it inside of the cockpit, stepping down from the fuselage slowly. Luna remains seated, her gaze now on him. "Satisfied?" She asks calmly, no traces of anger within her voice. A soft smile crosses her muzzle. "It's just me, mine love. It always has been." She coos out softly.

"Your eyes...They were just like that night." He breathes out shakily. The alicorn steps forward to him slowly, her wings opening and wrapping around him. She nuzzles him softly and nickers.

"Calm yourself mine flame. It's alright...I forgive thee." She whispers. The guards continue to stand and watch the display quietly, the air thick with tension. They have no idea how to react to the strange display. First the princess was held at gunpoint by the seemingly rouge commander, then suddenly she's embracing him.

"I will explain in our chambers. For now...lets us return." She says softly, keeping one wing wrapped around him as she turns. The doors of the hangar open again, Celestia and a very confused Twilight sparkle standing at the opening.

"Is everything alright?" Celestia asks, stepping in. "We were summoned by a Lunar Stallion, saying that you two were having an argument?" The white alicorn asks, an eyebrow raised. In truth, she knew what happened, she sensed the dark power for a fleeting moment just minutes before the guard came knocking on her bedroom doors.

"Everything is fine, mine sister." Luna assures her. "Just a small case of confusion. we have already corrected the issue." Luna smiles sweetly for a moment. "Return to thy rest, this is already taken care of."

Celestia nods slowly, her magenta orbs still trained on the pilot. She had a good idea of what the pilots reaction was, and had figured this would eventually happen. 'lulu...you should have told him about her a long time ago.' She thinks. The regal white alicorn lets out a soft sigh and turns, walking back to her chambers. Twilight remains motionless and confused for a moment, before turning herself and following her love.

Luna releases her wing, stepping forward and walking back to her chambers, leaving the pilot and dark fury standing in the hangar near the war bird. Dark Fury comes closer to the pilot, watching him as he digs through the lower section of his tool box and retrieves a pair of fatigue pants from it.

"Comrade...vhat happened? Vhy vere you fighting vith ze princess? Did she tell you zat you couldn't come over for borscht tomorrow night vith me and ze others?" He asks calmly, an eyebrow raised in curiosity.

"I have no idea what the hell happened, Fury." He discordantly says, watching the alicorn walk down the hall slowly and quietly. "I seriously have no clue what the hell just happened."

"Da...Go to her, comrade. Ve vill talk about zis more tomorrow zen." The stallion chuckles in his thick and husky Slavic voice. "Make her some good borscht. Zat alvays makes ze vife happy after a spat, yes?"

The pilot nods. "Yeah...something like that." He steps forward, making way after the night princess. The guards all return to their posts, leaving the hangar once again empty and alone with the war machine.

He makes his way back through the halls, passing a few Lunar Stallions that eye him warily. They say nothing as he passes, still confused by what just happened. He approaches the hall leading to Luna's chambers, to be stopped by a waiting alicorn resting on her haunches, leaning against a nearby wall. "Commander." Celestia calls out, looking at him.

Talon walks to Celestia. "You know something. What the hell is going on Sunny Butt? I'm gone for four days and suddenly she gets a new trick with her eyes?" He asks, confused.

Celestia sighs and looks at him, her own magenta orbs peering into his softly. "No...she's been able to do that for a very very long time. Listen to me. Whatever she says in there, just listen to her and let her finish. I had a feeling this would happen, just not this soon."

"What would happen? Is Chrysalis making a comeback tour? Did her magic break? What is it?" He quickly asks, growing more confused by the second. "Her eyes glowed, Celestia! They were those glowing slits just like the parasites!!"

"I can't tell you...that's up to her to explain. It wouldn't be right if I was the one to say it. Just listen to her, trust me. It's not as bad as you think." She says calmly, rising to her hooves. "I'm off to bed, just please listen to what she has to say. That is lulu, trust me."

He stays motionless, watching as the regal white alicorn walks away, returning to the Solar wing of the palace, bound for her personal chambers. With a heavy sigh, he turns and resumes his gate, coming to the ornate heavy oak doors of the night princesses chambers.

Talon pauses for a moment, his mind a blur of chaotic thought, steeling his resolve before he pushes open the doors. The sight that greets him, is the midnight alicorn resting upon the bed, looking at him. Her soft jade orbs peer at him, a small sad smile upon her muzzle as tears glisten in her eyes. This was a conversation she never wanted to have.

"Ok...explain. What the hell was that..?" He asks, coming to a rest in the nearby chair he used to sleep in years ago. He keeps his focus trained on her, watching carefully as she licks her lips, listening to her as she draws a soft breath.

"Obsolescence..." She begins. "Or Nightmare, as you've come to know of her." Luna lets out a soft sigh and nods, turning her gaze back to him. "Ever since I set her free in Horseshoe Bay on our wedding night, she's since become harder to suppress and manage. She's been breaking through with her power."

He's quiet for a moment. "How long has this been going on?" He responds. "Does this mean you're going to be evil again?"

Luna shakes her head slowly, a larger, warmer smile crossing her muzzle. "Neigh, mine love. She is merely becoming more and more curious about the new life that we have. During my banishment...I did not know of love. We did not know it's soothing embrace, its magic and splendor."

She draws a breath, her jade eyes focused intently on her flames, tears forming and rolling slowly down her cheeks and wetting her fur. "She remained quiet and content, until the birth of our children, mine love. Obsolescence has begun to surface more recently, because of you."

"Me?" He asks, raising an eyebrow. He reaches over to the nearby desk with his satchel upon it. He retrieves a cigarette and lights it, focusing back on the alicorn. He breathes out a stream of smoke. "What the hell does she want with me?"

Luna sighs, still smiling gently. "Obsolescence...is mine other half. We are one in the same, yet completely separate. She is the darkness, and I am the light." She closes her eyes and breathes deep, opening them again. "She wants to see for herself...the life that we share."

"She is no threat, mine flame. Please have faith. Though she once looked upon creation with hatred and disgust, she only looks upon life now with love within her heart. I feel that she would never allow harm to come to our children, or you, mine love. Her soul cried out for the grave as mine did when you were taken from us. Her own heart screamed for vengeance, for deliverance. " Luna whispers softly. "Losing you would kill us both..."

The pilot finishes his cigarette, putting out the depleted filter into the glass bowl upon the desk beside him. He exhales the final stream of smoke, looking at her. "Well angel...you've never lead me wrong before. I don't see you starting now by any stretch of the imagination." He sighs. "Lets just get some rack time for now. We will deal with this later. It was that power that saved us on our wedding night...So I suppose I owe her a thank you." He says, while getting up and stripping off his fatigue pants again. He returns to his side of the bed, laying beside the midnight alicorn.

Luna nods and rolls back upon her side, facing the pilot and coming eye to eye with him. She alights her horn and turns off the newly placed lamp, ushering the room into darkness, illuminated only by the moonlight from the opened balcony doors, and the iridescent glow from the bauble. "I love you, mine flame." She whispers out, nuzzling into him lovingly. She inhales deeply, filling her lungs with the sweet scent she's loved for so many years. The scent of fuel, exhaust, and that sweet musk she's yet to discover the source of.

He wraps his arm around her and pulls her close, gently stroking her mane and neck. "I love you too. Sweet dreams..." He yawns out, holding her tightly within his embrace. They stay like this as the minutes tick away, not moving. He hears her breathing stabilize into slow, deep breaths, her body relaxed and calm. He chuckles to himself, knowing she's fast asleep. With another yawn, he too drifts off.

Luna opens her eyes, awakening to find her bed and chambers seemingly empty. The air is still around her, the only sounds the ambient whispers of the wind in the night. She sits up upon the bed and looks around, an eyebrow raised. "Mine flame...?" she whispers.

'He isn't here, Luminescence. Our stallion is not within our keep. I've brought you here to talk.' A silken dark voice says quietly. Luna turns her attention to the source, her eyes focused in at the movement. The black alicorn steps forward, her teal draconic eyes boring into the night princesses.

"Obsolescence..." Luna breathes out, her heart rate increasing. Fear begins to well up within her. She hasn't been brought back to this place in years, since the fight against Chrysalis in Horseshoe Bay. "What is it you wish to speak about?" She asks quietly, remaining seated upon the bed within the dream.

'I wanted to tell you...sorry. I did not mean to cause such commotion. I only wished to see him for myself.' The nightmare alicorn whispers. Nightmare comes to the edge of the bed, resting upon her haunches as she stares at Luna. Her features are calmed and relaxed, her unarmored black velvet coat shimmering as her star field mane and tail gently sway in the cosmic breeze.

Nightmares features soften, her draconic orbs turning to the ground, gazing at her bare hooves upon the silken ornate blue rug. 'I meant no harm. I promised you on that special night...that I would not bring harm to our kingdom. I hath given my word that I only wished to help. Now...there is something else I desire.'

Luna swallows hard. "I won't give him to you. I won't give mine children or mine flame to you. I sealed you once in the chains within my heart, I will do so again if you dare threaten to take them from me." She steels her resolve, narrowing her jade orbs. "And I'll give mine life if it means protecting mine herd from thy dark heart."

Nightmare flinches in place, hearing the cold words directed at her. She sighs wearily, turning her gaze back to the midnight alicorn. 'We are one in the same, Luminescence. The heart of our stallion belongs to us, they are our offspring. You cannot deny me what is rightfully mine. And I will take them by force if you challenge me.'

Luna rises off of the bed, coming muzzle to muzzle with the larger dark alicorn. "Then as mine flame would say...'Take thy best shot' as it were. Thou sees for thyself through mine eyes what mine love is. Thou feels within mine heart what love feels like. Thou experiences the joy I cherish with mine children. But thou shalt not steal it for thyself." She growls out.

'All I ask is one night, Luminescence. One. Single. Night. I gave you the strength to defy Gods and Demons. I gave you the courage to stand against the injustice of creation, the lies of the dawn. I cast out her betrayal, shown the ponies that her light could only blind and burn. I have given you power beyond measure. One. Night. That's all I wish.' Nightmare slowly asks, her once powerful and dark voice now but a hollow whisper. Her wings are held loosely against her sides, her features remain relaxed and non aggressive. She almost appears submissive to the smaller midnight alicorn before her.

Luna steps back in confusion, studying the black alicorn before her for a moment, before coming to a rest upon her own haunches. Her jade orbs trace Nightmares form, searching for any signs of deception. She finds none. "I will speak with mine flame and mine sister about thy request. We shalt see what they say." She says quietly, a small smile creeping to her muzzle. "I believe you, Obsolesence."

'That name...it means Darkness.' Nightmare sighs out. She turns her soft gaze to Luna, shaking her head slowly with a sad smile. Her eyes betray the deep pain she's hidden so long within her heart. 'Though by nature Darkness I may be...I no longer harbor the hatred of nights long passed. I wish to be given a new name.' She pleads with the smaller alicorn.

Luna is taken aback with more surprise for a moment, blinking in confusion. She purses her lips forward in thought, before nodding and turning her attention to Nightmare again. "I will also consider this. Thou hath mine word."

Nightmare nods, a wider smile and joy crossing her features. She grins at Luna, bearing her razor sharp teeth within her maw. The night princess shudders at the sight, swallowing nervously. Luna closes her eyes and dispels the dream world, casting the images away to find herself in a more peaceful dream, memories of joyous times with her fillies at the airshow last hearts and hooves day. She looks around within the memories and sighs contentedly, returning to her restful sleep.

Luna awakens from her sleep, feeling the familiar tug on her senses from her celestial charge. She sighs and bleary opens her eyes, yawning quietly. Looking around within the dark chambers, she sees the pilot sleeping soundly, his rhythmic breathing causing her ear to twitch. Not wanting to rise from the comfortable bed, she alights her horn and wills the moon down below the horizon with her magic. A soft smile creeps its way across her muzzle as it sets, a contented sigh leaving her lips as she nuzzles deeper against the pilots bare chest.

The sky begins to alight with the soft grey of dawn, her beloved sisters celestial charge taking to the skies. Luna snorts quietly, burying her snout under the cover and draping a wing over her eyes. Once comfortable, she begins to nod off again slowly.

The door to their chambers creeks open slowly and quietly, soft muffled hoof steps echoing within the room. Her ears twitch registering the sound. Her eyes shoot open dreading what's next. Before she could react, and with no warning, the bodies of two fillies impact her, leaping onto the bed.

"Oof!" Luna grunts out in surprise, her wing now pinned against her neck and head. She feels the weight shift off of her, before suddenly the two fillies in question dive and tunnel under the large plush comforter, coming up beside her and against her back.

"Mama Mama!" The twin alicorns squeak out in unison, excitedly nuzzling the midnight alicorn. "Time to get up! The sun is out to play!" Moonlight Way chimes in, bouncing excitedly on the cushy springy bed.

Luna rolls her eyes and grunts in annoyance, covering herself tighter under her wing. "And Mama is too tired to play..." She yawns out. "Five more minutes..." The pilot stirs and yawns, sitting up in bed as he feels the movement beneath him.

"I'm up...I'm up." He croaks out, stretching out his arms. The sounds of joints popping fill the air as he yawns, his attention on the two treasured fillies. He grunts and smiles, yawning again. "Ok you two...I'll be out in a minute. Just let me get up and dressed."

Moonlight Way excitedly nods and flaps her small feathery wings in joy as Stardust Kiss bounds off of the bed. Moonlight continues to bounce excitedly, agitating the night princess even more as she does. Luna sulks in defeat and whimpers quietly, before she herself rises from bed.

Moonlight way bounds off of the bed next, turning excitedly in circles twice in place before prancing excitedly after her sister, exiting the room. Luna yawns loudly and stares at the analog clock upon the night stand, her tired lidded gaze scowling at it.

"You could just go back to bed you know. I'm used to the early wake up calls from the Navy." Talon says with a smile, finding his fatigues and getting dressed.

Luna snorts and turns her gaze to him, glaring daggers at the pilot. "A mothers work is never done." She murmurs, climbing out of the bed. The midnight alicorn slumps into the washroom groaning quietly, closing the door behind her.

The pilot smirks at the door, his ears picking up the sounds of his alicorns usual morning activity while he laces up his boots. Once he finishes, the door opens again, Luna somewhat stumbling tiredly in place as she covers a yawn with her fore hoof.

"We find we need to place darker drapes within their chambers." She yawns out quietly, stepping to him. She slowly nuzzles him lovingly for a moment, then turns to walk out the chambers doors.

"Agreed. Or give them a later bed time." He mutters, following the princess out of the room, bound for the royal kitchens. Though they have their own duties they must tend to every sunrise, they always do their most important one first; properly feeding and caring for two growing alicorn fillies.

The pair walk quietly together in close contact, the pilots hand resting on Lunas withers as they walk. The sounds of hushed giggles echos in the grand halls, hearing the musical laughter of their children.

They find their way to the royal kitchens, where they come to the sight of a flurry of morning activity. Palace chefs work feverishly on their usual routine, preparing the meals of the palace staff and regal alicorn princesses. They enter and also find the fillies in question already seated at the small counter placed just for them, their wings twitching excitedly as they talk and giggle together.

"Good morning, good morning!" A silken mares voice says behind the pilot and princess. Luna and Talon turn around, finding Dusty Shine standing by the doorway with a tired smile upon her muzzle. She's wearing a white lace robe, the sash tied loosely around her midsection. The robe extends beyond her croup, resting just down to above her hocks.

Luna rolls her eyes with a soft smile, her jade orbs focused upon the earth pony mares amber ones. "Thou art entirely too cheerful this early in the day, fair Dusty." She lets out another soft yawn, making her way to the coffee pot on a nearby counter.

Talon smiles. "Day off?" He asks, looking at her robes. "You're normally in uniform by now."

Dusty Shine nods, still a sweet smile upon her features. "Yep. But I wouldn't miss breakfast with my two favorite trouble makers for all of the bits in Equestria!" She says cheerfully, walking to the two energetic fillies and taking a seat beside them upon her haunches.

Stardust Kiss and Moonlight way both lean over from their seats, throwing a loving hug upon the blue maned Earthen mare, wide grins upon their muzzles as they embrace her. Luna eyes the display with a smile of her own, returning to the table her flame and herself always sit at every sunrise, two full cups of coffee held within her magical grasp.

The pilot takes the cup he's given from the alicorn, returning the gift with an affectionate kiss. "Thank you." He says, taking a sip. "So...what would you two like for breakfast today?" He asks the twins, setting down the cup upon the tables surface.

"Pancakes!" They cry out jubilantly in unison. He smiles, nodding yes. The pilots gets up, making his way to the counter, stopping short as he feels a tug on his flight jacket. He turns around, finding Luna's horn alight, a magical shimmer grasping the corner of it.

"I wish to help." She murmurs, rising to her hooves. "Breakfast would be more fun if we work together on it, wouldn't you say?" she asks with a smile.

Talon raises an eyebrow. "No offense honey...but last time you cooked, we had to replace over half of the kitchen. And I really don't think your sister is going to find it funny for a third time."

Luna blushes brightly, puffing out her cheeks in mock annoyance. Dusty Shine and the fillies giggle melodically for a moment, making her turn an even darker shade of red upon the regal midnight alicorns muzzle. "Oh you blow up one stove and suddenly you're a bad cook!" She whines.

"Um actually princess..." Dusty raises her hoof slowly. "One stove, two microwaves, a toaster oven and three cabinets..." She supplies. "And don't forget the wall that they were attached to..." she trails off.

He sighs. "How about I cook, and you help without using magic this time?" He says with a sly grin, raising an eyebrow. "I don't think you can make anything explode if you work with your hooves..."

Luna sighs in defeat and hangs her head, her ears twitching in annoyance. Suddenly one of the palace chefs speaks up. "Or you can all go rest in the royal dining rooms, and let us do our jobs?"

The group turns their attention to the speaking mare, finding Lemon Hearts smirking smugly, tapping her hoof. "As much as we love seeing you try your hooves at culinary arts, we are paid by both princesses to provide meals for every pony."

Dusty Shine stutters for a moment, nodding quickly. Talon and Luna look at one another and shrug, then turn their attention to the head chef, Mrs. Lemon Hearts again. "Works for us." Talon says, nodding. He clears his throat and holds out his hand, pointing to the open doorway leading to the dining room.

The two fillies and dusty all rise to their hooves and quietly walk, talking amongst one another as they exit and head out. Talon comes close to Luna and embraces her gently, stroking her withers and back.

The midnight alicorn sighs and grumbles, turning slowly as she nuzzles against her flame. Her tail swishes lazily behind her as she hides her mirth. "Mine flame...thou art lucky I love you so." She murmurs as she walks beside him.

"I don't think luck quite describes it." He quips, walking beside the alicorn. "I think blessed would be a better word angel. I couldn't imagine a life without you, or the twins."

Luna smiles and blushes deeper hearing his words, chewing on her inner cheek within her maw. Her heart begins to race hearing him, her face flushed and hot. 'Even after all these years...he's still just as perfect as he was the day we embraced.' She thinks, her heart happy and content.

The wait within the dining hall is short, the fillies happily munching on their stacks of delicious pancakes dripping with syrup and butter, the pilot quietly reading a local news journal, the alicorn and maid talking together. It's a normal start to a normal day, a peaceful, happy day that the midnight princess has come to love and cherish every moment of over the years.

An hour has passed since breakfast, the twin fillies long since with full belly's and ready to start their own days. Today, they're returning to the study of the Sun princess to further train their budding magical prowess, and to learn the wonder of the world.

Talon walks with a smile as he escorts his treasured children, watching them as they prance happily with joy and excitement at the prospect of learning. The three walk the grand halls, passing solar guards, palace staff and maids, all waving happily or saying good morning to the two loved twins.

Once they reach the door, the pilot leans down and embraces them both in his arms, holding them tight. "Now you two do your best today. You've made me proud, and I'm glad to see you learning so much." He says to them as he's kneeling.

"We will papa!" Stardust says, her wings twitching with joy. "Auntie Tia is a fun teacher!" She exclaims. "And today she promised she would teach us about cutie marks!"

Moonlight Way nods excitedly. "Yeah! She said to us that she was about our age when she and mama got theirs! So we might have our own too!"

"Now there's no need to rush on that." He says, still smiling. "You'll have plenty of time to explore yourselves and learn your special talents in life. For now, just focus on your studies and magic. The possibility are endless for your potential."

"He's right you know." Celestia adds in, the doors to the study opening. The regal white alicorn opens the door wide and smiles down at the fillies and pilot, her eyes showing joy. "There is plenty of time to learn the world and what your special talent is, my little ponies."

Talon looks up and grins at the elder white alicorn. "Oi! Kids! Lookie there!" He exclaims, putting on his best Australian accent. "Today we find the great white sunny butt! With one sit, she could squish ya!"

Celestia raises an eyebrow. "That's still Princess Sunny Butt, commander. Are you implying my flank is big?"

Moonlight Way looks up at Celestia, grinning mischievously. "To us, you're huge."

The white alicorn lowers her head down, coming eye level with the fillies, grinning a Cheshire grin. "Big enough to gobble you both up I'll add. Hold the fire sauce this time." She winks.

Stardust Kiss gulps nervously, her ears pinned back. "You can't eat me! I'm too adorable to be a snack!" She says, turning on her hooves to bolt. A magical golden aura surrounds both of the twins, Celestia levitating them within her magical grasp and bringing the twins to a rest upon her back before releasing them.

She chuckles quietly. "Yes, you both are far too sweet and adorable to eat. So I'll just settle for tickles and kisses!" She sings out happily whilst turning around. "Have a good day Commander! I'll take wonderful care of these two treasures."

He nods. "I will princess. Good luck with the lessons today." Turning on his heels as the study doors close, he makes his way for the next stop of the morning: The engineering bays near the hangar. He sighs wearily, not looking forward to the long discussion with Professor Vendington about his 'ideas.'

"Captain Fury, Please send in the next petitioner." Luna says, her eyes glancing over a scroll Twilight had left her. She scowls at the absurd list, annoyed. 'Why do I have to deal with the ERS? This should have been solved yesterday.' She thinks, letting out a huff of air.

"Da, Princess." Dark Fury salutes, opening the large ornate doors to the throne room. A familiar white mare with a flowing purple mane steps in quietly, nodding silently with a smile upon her muzzle to the Lunar Elite guard. She steps to the dais of the throne, coming to a polite bow before the regal midnight alicorn.

Luna stares at the scroll for a moment longer, her eyes not falling on the new mare within the room yet. "Good morning." She quietly says, still distracted by the scroll. She chews on the inside of her cheek. "How may I help you today fair subject?"

Rarity rises from the polite bow, coming to a rest upon her haunches, still smiling at dark alicorn. She clears her throat, still not speaking. She stares intently at Luna, watching as she's distracted.

The room is silent for a moment, the only sounds of papers being shuffled and quiet breathing heard. Luna's left ear twitches and swivels for a moment, before she speaks. "Fair subject...what may I help thee with..." She trails off, her soft jade orbs moving away from the scroll held within her magical grasp, finding Rarity sitting at the dais of the throne. "Fair Rarity! Hello hello!" Luna happily exclaims, rising off of her throne to descend the steps.

Rarity giggles softly. "Greetings, Princess Luna." She smiles, eyeing the regal midnight princess. "Did Twilight dear leave you with day court today, darling?" She asks, concern laced within her voice.

"Yes, mine sisters flame hath shirked her duties today. Tia mentioned to her that the newest story from her favorite Trottingham author was just completed, so she's barred herself in the royal archives and is reading it." Luna says, rolling her eyes. "You would figure some pony like Twilight wouldn't get excited about comedy's about royalty."

The white unicorns right eye twitches and she scrunches her nose in disgust. "Oh dear. That isn't the story about Princess Celestia and that strange stallion she attacks with the bedroom toy is it?"

Letting out a sigh of defeat, the alicorn hangs her head. "The same one. Though I'd love to know where that crazy author got the idea for the way my character was portrayed. I don't dress in costumes or call myself the name of a fictional play character."

Rarity raises an eyebrow. "Batmare? I know darling, I know. Though I have to admit, the story was rather engaging to read while Fluttershy and I were at the spa in Ponyville. I'm still curious as to why he would make the main character such an odd stallion."

They hear Dark Fury clearing his throat for a moment, causing both the alicorn and violet maned fashionista to turn their attention to him. Dark Fury holds up a fore hoof. "Da...princess, if I may offer?"

Luna nods slowly, encouraging him. It was rare when this special guard and friend of hers would speak, and when he did it was always sagely advice or something of grave importance. This, she looked forward to. "Yes Captain Fury?

He coughs, a somewhat sheepish smile upon his features. "Zis book you speak. I read it, da? Laughed so hard I spit hot borscht! Ve should bring writer in at Gala. Show vhat real Sun princess like."

Luna nods, unsure. "We could...that would be an interesting idea...It would show him better how we actually are." She says slowly, catching the gruff sound of the Lunar Elite guards husky laughter. She eyes him as he speaks.

"And have Sun princess scare vith replica toy! Show him in Mother Equestria, you no play vith toy, toy play vith YOU!" He says, grinning wide and holding out his armored hoof to accentuate his point.

Rarity giggles at the Lunar Elite guards joke, understanding the punchline immediately. Luna on the other note, face hoofs at the remark, her ears splayed back in annoyance. This is about to be a very long day. She grumbles.

"My my, he certainly has an adorable sense of humor." The white unicorn says between laughs. She lids her gaze at the guard with a seductive grin, causing Dark Fury to somehow suddenly blush, then snap his attention forward again. She turns her attention back to Luna. She didn't seem to have noticed.

"Indeed, mine guards have had one since mine flame hath come. Now they're all filled to the brim with rhetorical humor." She mutters. Clearing her throat, she looks the fashionista in the eyes. "So, what brings you to Canterlot, friend? Is there something I can do for the Element of Generosity?"

"Oh nothing grand darling, I was simply here for more materials and some light shopping. I only wanted to say hello today and visit with the twins. How is the Commander doing these days? I haven't seen him since the last sky dance." She says with a smile.

"Sky...dance? Oh! Thou means the air show!" Luna says musically. "Well you didn't have to come in through the courts today, you know you're always welcome to the palace at any time. Where are you staying whilst you're in Canterlot?"

"Just a small hotel nearby. I couldn't really get a room at my regular lodging, they were full up wouldn't you know? But that's alright, I didn't plan on an extended stay anyway. You know, things to do, dresses to sew. I have been busy since the war, darling. Princess Celestia had given me the entire line for the nobility, thus keeping me with a constant flow of work." She sighs out.

"Neigh, that simply won't do!" Luna grins as she speaks. "Thou shalt stay in the palace in a guest room. No friend of mine will reside in anything less than perfection." Luna states happily. She turns to Dark Fury. "Captain, what other petitioners do we have today?"

The Lunar Elite Guard shuffles the papers on the clipboard with his hoof, clearing his throat. "Ve have ze former prince, blueblood ze gelded. Today is hearing for duty removal. After him, ve have notzing."

"Hmm..." She thinks for a moment. "Deny mine nephew entry, he has not served out his term I feel. If we have no pony else, then day court is adjourned. Captain! Please escort the fair Rarity back to her hotel and assist her with her personal belongings. I expect her to be cared for a guarded with your very life."

The guard salutes quickly. Rarity stammers for a moment. "Prin--Princess Luna!" She gasps out in surprise. "I wouldn't want to impose dear! I don't mind the hotel. Please don't go out of your way for me."

"Neigh, mine decision is final. Thou shalt also join mine family for dinner, I believe the girls would love to see thee." Luna smiles sweetly. Rarity nods quickly and returns the smile with an honest one of her own, embracing her friend in her fore hooves.

After a few moments, they break away from the embrace, the fashionista turning on her hind hooves and walking down the ornate long red carpet out of the throne room, a seductive saunter in her step as she sways her hips and swishes her tail slowly.

The Slavic Lunar guard traces her movements with his eyes, a slight blush upon his own muzzle.

Luna watches the display, an eyebrow raised. She's never seen Dark Fury act like this, so taken with any pony. He's normally rather stoic, with exception of being around this particular mare. She grins knowingly, turning away and exiting the throne room bound for the pilot.

The walk through the grand halls is quiet for the princess, only passing the usual activity of ponies walking to their destinations and stations. She alights her horn with a soft dark blue glow, her magic probing the area to home in on her flame. She can sense the bauble within her mind and heart calling out for her.

She slows her gate as she nears the point her heart detects, hearing the faint sounds of the pilots voice in the halls. She smiles serenely, continuing forward until she heard another voice. The voice of a mare. She stops.

"Commander, are you really sure about this? I mean...your wife can be pretty scary when she gets mad. I don't want to think what would happen if she found out about what we're doing and takes it the wrong way..." The mares voice quietly murmurs.

"Relax. If there's one thing I know about angel, it's that she's pretty trusting. All we have to do is just keep this under wraps. Just act normal, and she'll have no idea what we're up to, Dusty." His voice echoes in the halls, the sounds of his boots clacking against the marble floors become louder as he approaches.

"You're right. But I'd love to see the look on her face when she finds out! I'll bet it'll be worth getting on camera. So you'll be able to sneak out into my chambers again tonight?" She asks, her voice sounding cheerful.

Luna swallows hard, her heart racing within her barrel. She backs up and ducks behind a corner, her ears strained forward to listen. She doesn't like what she's hearing one bit. 'Sneak..sneak out?! What in Heofon?!?!' Her mind screams.

"Yeah, no problem. Luna sleeps like a log. Believe me when I say she'll be clueless as hell about this. And the kids? They have no idea either. I swear, being a stealth pilot in my day sure has its advantages. Be it in the sky or on the ground, you can sneak around pretty much anywhere. Not like she hasn't been oblivious all this time anyway." The pilot says as they're walking by, passing the midnight alicorn unknowingly.

Luna watches as they continue down the hall a short distance, stopping right at Dusty Shines chamber doors. She holds a baited breath, eyeing them from the shadows. Her heart thunders in her barrel, nightmares racing through her mind as she feels her heart cracking within her.

"I still can't believe you picked me of all mares commander. I know there are far better ones than I am. But I have to admit...I am really glad you did. This has been so fun." She giggles out, blushing. "Luna is so lucky, she really is. I still say it's a shame she found you first." Dusty Shine says, pawing the ground while looking at the pilot in the eyes.

Talon nods. "You're the right mare for the job. I couldn't think of any pony else I'd rather ask to take care of things for me. Luna is typically so busy, that when we do go to bed at night, she just falls asleep these days. And I'm not stupid enough to ask Rarity. This is more her thing, but there's no way in hell she could keep quiet about this."

The blue maned Earthen pony nods, still smiling, her lidded gaze focused intently upon him. "If it were any pony else Talon, I'd say no. But since it is you...I couldn't possibly turn you away for anything you ask. I'll see you tonight." She winks, turning and entering her own chambers after embracing the pilot in her foreleg, then closing the door behind her.

Talon turns on his heels and adjusts his flight jacket, whistling with a bounce in his step as he walks back to the hangar. He didn't see the midnight alicorn watching from the shadows in the corner.

Luna stares ahead blankly, her mind numb from confusion. She struggles, staring off into empty space as she processes what just happened. 'Mine flame...Dusty Shine...could they be...?' She asks herself, chewing on her inner cheek within her maw.

Talon sits back in the chair in Luna's study, glancing over paperwork given to him by the engineers. He sighs, drinking a cup of coffee as he glances over reports and schematics before him. He doesn't hear the door open, the midnight alicorn stepping in.

'As much as I enjoy being a part of the Equestrian Royal Air Force, this is such a pain in the ass.' He mutters under his breath, his eyes tracing the logs and information written down. He closes his eyes and rests his head in his hands for a moment, still not paying attention around him.

Luna quietly steps to the desk, her draconic jade orbs focused intently upon her love as she holds a small frown. Her wings are held tight against her sides as she fights to keep her rage in check within her mind. She clears her throat.

He looks up for a moment, his gaze falling upon his alicorn. He smiles, getting to his feet. "Ah! Angel. How was day court today?" He asks cheerfully. He looks at her eyes for a moment, noticing they're shape. "That bad?"

The regal midnight alicorn nods, not saying a word. She draws a soft breath. Her eyes looking into his own with intensity. She can feel the darkness within her greedily calling to her, the rage filling her blood as her mind is clouded. "It was...a normal day. Mine love, I need to speak with thee."

He steps to her to give her a loving hug like always, but stops when he sees her take a step back. He tilts his head in confusion for a moment, then backs away himself and sits back down again. "Sure angel. What's on your mind? Are you alright?" He asks warily.

She comes to a seat by the desk, gazing at him. She closes her eyes for a moment and draws a breath, crafting her words carefully within her mind before she speaks. Once she finishes, she opens them again and stares into his resolutely.

"Do you still love me? Do you still find me attractive?" She asks, her voice sounding shaken and somewhat cold.

Talon raises an eyebrow in complete confusion, not expecting this question. "You're kidding, right? What the hell makes you ask that?" He retorts. He leans back in the chair while looking at her. "Of course I do. I'd be a complete idiot to say otherwise."

She cuts him off. "Am I the only mare for thee? Art thou still happy being bound to us in marriage?" She asks firmly, her mind and heart slipping further into Obsolescence's control as she sits. She doesn't understand what's going on.

"What?" He asks in shock. "Yes, you're the only one. And yes I'm still fine with being married to a nutty space pony. Where the hell is this coming from Luna?! Did that jerk Blue Balls say something in his hearing today?!" He demands, getting up. "Seriously, he's in a mighty hurry for my boot in his ass."

Luna searches his eyes for a moment with her own, desperately looking for something, anything. Any kind of a hint of deception or lie. She finds and senses none, only his honesty and love. She nods slowly, the darkness releasing her heart as the light regains control for the moment.

"No, mine love. I was simply curious." She says quietly, her gaze falling to the papers upon the desk. Her eyes flicker back to normal as she turns away, letting out a sigh of relief. "It's not uncommon for stallions to become bored with their mares after a period of time if they're not being tended to. I wanted to know the state of our relationship." She murmurs.

He comes to her side and kneels down, taking her muzzle in his hand gently. "Angel, I am many things. Bored is not one of them." He says with a soft smile. "You're perfect the way you are. I told you years ago I would stay by your side until you sent me away. I told you I would defend you until the last missile and drop of blood within me. I meant it."

Talon sighs and smiles. "I'm not going anywhere. And I don't know what gave you any idea that I was, but it's wrong. You gave me a family, a home. You're a perfect wife, a great mother and a dear friend. I would be a fool if I were to even consider giving any of that up for anything."

Luna nods, a small smile creeping cross her muzzle as she eyes him, her features softening and relaxing. She drapes her wings around him in a tight embrace, nuzzling him affectionately as she closes her eyes. She breathes deep and smiles serenely, content with the answers she's heard. "I believe you." She whispers happily.

"On my world angel...we take an oath when we're intertwined and bound. 'Until death do us part.' That's the agreement we take in marriage. I may have already died once, but we never did part. And technically, we had an official wedding before the twins were born. So that sured up the deal." He breathes out, holding her. "I'm not going anywhere."

Luna nods happily, content and happy within the embrace. Her mind slowly inches back to what she had seen earlier, but she sweeps it away quietly within the back of her thoughts. The clock chimes loudly within the study, catching her attention. The pilot releases his hold on her and rises to his feet again, looking at the clock.

"Schools out for the day. We need to go get the twins and save sunny butt from the insanity." He grins. "I wonder what they learned about today?"

The alicorn rises to her hooves, a small smile upon her features as she adjusts her wings slowly. "Mine sister had said she wished to teach them of the formation of the Equestrian industrial age whence we became a productive super power in Equis. It is also the same year span Equestria united and allied with the great Dragon Nation and Legatus." She states quietly.

"I wonder how the big lizard is doing these days. We never did see him much after the war. Think he misses us?" He asks, walking to the study door. Luna falls in at his side, shaking her head.

"Legatus has been very busy managing the expansion of the Dragon Nations borders, as well as keeping peace with the Griffon kingdom. It is very likely that Equestria has not crossed his thoughts as of late, since the feather brains are often the cause of headaches for the dragon kind.

He nods, opening the door and stepping out. Once the two exit, they close the door behind them and turn to walk in the direction of the solar wing. "I swear, that Braxon guy is going to start some serious trouble. Those Griffons have no idea when to stop being so belligerent." He sighs. "We had a country on Earth that was the same way with probably the dumbest human you could imagine running the show over there. He always tried to start trouble with my nation, but was often viewed as more of an annoyance then any kind of threat."

Luna raises an eyebrow quizzically while looking up to him. "What was the solution in dealing with the pest?" She asks.

"We didn't have one last I knew. We couldn't just go over there and put a stop to it, the rest of the world would have seen us as a bully. And they also had an even bigger country keeping tabs on them because they didn't want to deal with us that close to their own borders." He quips. "That, and the rest of the world pretty much ignored the nation anyway, as they were viewed as the annoying little kid who teased everyone, but was really the big nerd so to speak."

Luna nods slowly, still confused. Her star field mane and tail sway lazily behind her as she walks, keeping pace with the pilot. "Ah, an annoying little foal of the world. That would best describe King Braxon of the Griffon kingdom then."

Talon glances out of a window as they walk the halls, his eyes falling on the two flags flying proudly in the courtyard and main gates of the palace. He smiles at the familiar banners, turning his attention back ahead. "Speaking of kingdoms, you never did really explain something to me when I asked about it."

Luna pauses in her steps, the pilot also coming to a stop. She sees his gaze fall back outside of the window, her own eyes tracing the familiar banners in his line of sight. "What is it you wish to know, mine flame?" She asks.

He draws a breath, his eyes still trained on the familiar striped banner flying proudly outside, high above the grounds upon a high polished pole crafted out of Lunar Steel, the peak at the top a golden star crafted of Solar Steel and crystal. It casts a prism of light upon the grounds, as well as light upon both flags waiving lazing in the gentle spring breeze outside.

"Why did you order my nations flag to be flown along side of your own? Last I checked angel, this is Equestria, not the United States of America." He asks quietly. "I'm honored that you would fly that...but I've been a part of your world for years now. I sworn my allegiance and loyalty to you."

Luna clears her throat and smiles, her soft jade orbs gazing lovingly to her flame. "Because mine love..." she breathes out quietly. "To know where one must go in life in the path which they tread, they must first know where it is they had traveled from. I fly that banner proudly for you, so that you can remember those ideals as you have so readily and proudly held to all this time. And it gives my heart great pleasure and pride in knowing it was from such a wonderful place that I had found the love I had wished for so many centuries ago."

Her gaze turns to the banners outside in the beautiful sunlit skies. She smiles and breathes deep, her heart content. "And I do so to honor and thank that place, for giving me the life I lead so happily." She steps to him and nuzzles deeply into his flight jacket, nickering quietly as she does. Her wings twitch and bob slowly as she relaxes, enjoying every second of the moment.

After several minutes of holding one another in their soothing embrace, the pair return to their walk to Celestia's study. As they arrive to the large ornate doors, they hear the fillies giggling melodically inside. The sounds bring a smile to the midnight alicorns lips as they draw closer. The doors are cracked slightly open, allowing the pilot and night princess to see in.

The sight they find as they peer in brings a large grin to both of their faces. Sitting in the center of the room upon the large area rug, the regal white alicorn is holding a pair of dice within her magical grasp. She's overlooking a board game; Ponopoly. Upon her back, the slightly larger of the twins, Stardust Kiss is resting, with her muzzle set atop of Celestia's head, her small black feathery wings bobbing in place idly, whilst her soft wispy pink mane and tail drape down along her sides, golden ribbons and lace weaved carefully and beautifully within them.

Moonlight Way, the smaller dark purple alicorn filly of the twins is sitting upon her rump grinning wide as she counts out the large pile of play paper and coin bits, clearly having of been the winner in the game so far.

Luna traces the scene with her eyes, noting one very interesting fact. Her elder sister seems to have been given yet another make over by the pair, her ethereal pastel mane having been tied in several unbalanced places with bright pink ribbons and curlers, and obviously unprofessionally done cosmetics upon her regal white muzzle. A large pink ribbon adorns the base of her tail, with a series of smaller ones down the length to the tip.

Celestia rolls the dice upon the board grinning whilst she counts out the spaces upon the board, the grin falling as she nears the ending point with her playing marker. She lets out a groan. "Again on the Boardwalk?" She sighs out musically, pushing Moonlight the pile of bits due with her bare fore hoof. "I knew I shouldn't have taught you economics today. You've gone and emptied my treasury!" She laughs out, eyeing the two red blocks upon that board space.

Stardust Kiss lets out a similar groan, rolling her eyes. "How did she beat both of us auntie Tia?" She asks, rising off of her perch and slipping down to the plush rug slowly. She lets out a small cute yawn as she looks up at the significantly larger white alicorn.

Celestia takes the various pieces of the board game within her magical grasp once more, packing everything away in the small tin box neatly in their respective places. "She simply composed a winning strategy, young one. You should be proud of your sister being so smart." She breathes out happily. "I know I am."

Moonlight Way bounds to her twin sister and nuzzles up against her with her muzzle, then falls to her rump again beside the black alicorn filly. "It's ok Star, I didn't eat all of the candy this time!" She grins out, lifting a small wrapped confection to her sister, the edge of the wrapper held within her teeth.

Stardust gasps happily and takes the piece, returning the gift with an affectionate embrace and a draped wing over the slightly smaller indigo filly alicorn. She alights her horn which sparks and crackles at first, flickering for a moment before alighting with a white aura of magic. The spell encompasses the piece of candy for a moment, before slipping off the wrapper and allowing her access to the sweet treat.

The pilot takes the opportunity to knock on the door before pushing it open slowly, entering the study. The three occupants of the large room turn their attention to him, wide excited smiles upon the treasured fillies muzzles.

Celestia eyes the pilot with a wry grin of her own, once seeing her beloved younger sister entering with a serene smile on her lips. She turns her attention to Luna. "How did noon day court go today, sister? The white alicorn asks, rising to her bare hooves. Her regalia and bracers rest upon the far off study desk, her crown sitting upon a nearby end table.

Luna side steps as the fillies tackle the pilot to the ground, stepping to her elder sister. "Things went as well as could be expected. The Equestrian Revenue Service had sent in petitioners today proposing stricter laws for taxes to impose upon our subjects, a couple of wedding blessings and meeting with Miss Heartstrings and Miss Melody for the Gala event. Nothing out of the ordinary."

Celestia's gaze flicks to the pinned down pilot and overly excited energetic fillies pouncing upon him, hearing their melodic and happy giggles as they greet him as any happy child would their parent. She turns her magenta orbs back to the dark alicorn. "The ERS? What did you tell them?" She asks cautiously. Luna was always the more strict of the two when it came to taxes for Equestria.

"I told them no. The existing law itself is already far too strict as is, and I do not believe imposing tighter constraints would benefit the kingdom. I told them to take a walk and never to bring about such frivolous changes again. The laws are in place to help run our nation, mine sister. Not to fatten their purses and bolster the coffers of greedy ponies alike." She states resolutely.

"And what about the Gala, lulu? How did you manage the Canterlot Symphony Orchestra this year?" She asks, relief coming to her heart upon hearing Luna's previous response. "Did you book them for the full night this year?"

Luna shakes her head, grinning a sardonic Cheshire grin. "Neigh, mine sister. I had also booked a second artist to perform later in the evening for the entertainment. I am sure that thou will appreciate my lively choice."

Celestia raises an eyebrow. "Tell me it's not Cyril the rock pony again. He didn't understand that nobility was not the group to form a 'mosh pit' as you called it, and his performance was questionable at best."

"Neigh, Tia. I have him set for Nightmare Night this year. We will be hosting the Gala with the lady Scratch this time. Mine flame listened to her melodies, and had stated she would be best fit to not only serve at the Grand Galloping Gala as entertainment, but at future air displays as well. She as mine Talon would say, 'Drops harder than Skrillex' does." Luna says coyly, alicorn mischief dancing in her eyes.

Celestia face hooves and rolls her eyes. "Only if she promises not to utilize that behemoth speaker system of hers. Those stained glass windows were rather expensive to replace, lulu."

"I know, Tia." Luna says grinning. "We loved the Bass Cannon as she called it. It was most fun to watch the nobility have a conniption fit as it were. As I stated...entertainment." The midnight alicorn says darkly, looking down at her regalia bracer, appearing bored. "We should book her more often."

"Perhaps...but we should leave our pilots music out of it this time. I don't really see a positive reaction coming from any pony with exception of Fancy Pants this time to questionable songs like that one." The white alicorn murmurs.

"Thou art a fuddy duddy Tia. It's clear mine flame knows how to party. Even miss Pie couldn't keep up with the last one." She says still grinning sadistically. "And you are so much more fun once you're loosened up."

Celestia blushes deeply at this statement, the memory glancing her mind. "You're not allowed to alter the punch this time lulu!" Celestia chews on her lower lip for a moment. "And we said we wouldn't speak of that again..."

"Thou means when you started dancing on the dining table top with the lamp shade upon your horn, whilst singing i'm a silly pony?" She grins. "I found it quite fun, as did Twilight as I recall." She says musically, laughing. "Oh...that was such a wonderful party after the days of the war. We should do that again some time."

The white alicorn quirks an eyebrow, a sly grin of her own. "Yes, and your binge on those marshmallow treats Pinkamina Pie had brought. Moon pies as she called them. I remember when you had ordered a thousand of them to be made that night."

Luna puffs out her cheeks, a sheepish smile upon her lips. "Well...we didn't know I was bearing two treasures yet, Tia. Cravings are interesting and strange things, mind you." She sighs. "Now I remember why we agreed never to speak of this again. I still haven't forgotten the taste of those confections."

Talon clears his throat, getting their attention. "Um, ladies. I hate to interrupt, but we do have two hungry fillies here, and I believe we also have plans with Fury for this evening. Perhaps we should consider moving this along?" He asks, glancing at the clock upon the wall.

The two regal alicorn sisters turn their attention to the clock, seeing the time for themselves. Luna pales at the sight, nodding. "He's right, we should get going." She turns, her attention now on her fillies waiting patiently to embrace their mother.

Talon glances at Celestia. "Nice look. You should go with that more often." He says, snickering. "It really suits you, Princess Sunny Butt."

Celestia raises her eyebrows, having forgotten all about the fun she had playing dress up with the twins during their lunch break from the lessons. She glances down seeing the fillies, noting the gold and silver ribbons upon their forms, her eyes tracing the detail and intricate weaves and braids. She turns her own gaze to a mirror, visibly blanching when she sees she herself was dolled up rather unprofessionally, almost comically so by the fillies honest attempts to make their favored aunt prettier. She swallows hard and laughs nervously.

Moonlight Way steps forward, her tail swishing quickly behind her as her wings flap excitedly. "Keep it!" She says jubilantly, cantering in a circle in place. "We worked so hard on you!" She turns to face Stardust Kiss, who is also feverishly nodding with approval.

Celestia glances back at the image in the mirror, letting out a defeated sigh and smile. If it makes the little ones happy, why shouldn't she? "I think I'll wear it a bit longer, Commander. It's adorable." She muses.

Luna stifles a laugh, hiding her mirth behind a held fore hoof. She herself having to of adorn a similar look compliments of two mischievous fillies playing spa ponies with the midnight alicorn.

"I wish mother could see thee, mine sister. She would be amused by such a wondrous sight of thou being so good with mine children." She states quietly, fluttering her wings gently.

Celestia blushes happily. "Years of practice, lulu. Years and years of practice. And don't forget mother will be visiting again before the gala this year. As she has every solar cycle since the birth of our treasured twins."

"And I look forward to it, mine sister." Luna says with a smile, turning to walk out of the study. They follow the excited fillies cantering and bounding out, the pilot walking with them. Luna listens intently to her children telling her flame about their studies today, a wide smile crossing her muzzle, her heart content and warm. 'Mine beloved family...I am so fortunate.' She thinks, musing happily.

Dark Fury steps into the private dining hall of the alicorns, escorted by two of the palace chefs pushing steel dining carts into the room. Seated at the large ornate table in the dimly lit hall was the three regal alicorn princesses, the pilot, two fillies and one white unicorn mare with a flowing violet mane and tail.

"Da! You vill enjoy zis, comrades! I make special family recipe of hot borscht! It give great strength, and filling! You try." He calls out, grinning. "And ve have drink from homeland vith it! Wodka!"

Celestia and Twilight look at each other, swallowing nervously for a moment. They remember their recent experience with said drink all too well, causing them to somewhat shrink in their seats. It was anything but a pleasant night for the royal couple.

"What's wood caw, mama?" Stardust Kiss asks, looking up at the midnight princess with curiosity. "Is it like juice?"

Luna looks down and sighs, shaking her head. "I's something you and your sister are far too young to even know about, or try. Ever." She whispers. "It's a mama and papa drink only. Not meant for growing fillies."

Moonlight Way scrunches up her nose, sniffing the air. "It smells very potato-ey." She whispers, licking her lips. "I'd rather have apple juice."

"And apple juice is good for you darling. My friend Applejack makes it fresh on her farm just for growing fillies like yourselves." Rarity answers happily, smiling serenely at her. "I even brought some of Applejacks special home made fritters for you to have for desert after our dinner!"

Dark Fury comes to his seat as the silver dome lids are lifted off of the service cart tops. The dishes resting underneath the covers consist of a crimson porridge like soup with the bowls, a rich potato and beet aroma wafting from the steaming dishes.

"Ah! Borscht, from my homeland. You like, promise!" His thick Slavic voice rings in the air. The fillies scrunch up their noses in quiet disgust, unsure what to make of the meal before them. The Lunar Elite guard smiles wide at the sight of the food, taking in a deep loud breath.

"Captain Fury...what exactly is this dish?" Celestia asks, eyeing it warily. She swallows hard, the crimson fluid within the bowls making her nervous. She's never eaten, let alone seen anything like it.

"Princess. Is bowl of Heofon, just like mother used to make. Almost as good as Goulash. Da, its good!" He responds, taking a large spoon full of the meal and downing it. Every pony and pilot included watch intently for a moment, as the stallion digs in with gusto.

The regal white alicorn eyes the dish with a degree of fear, before dipping a spoon in held within her magic. She takes a careful test sip of the meal before her, bracing herself for whatever horror is about to grace her muzzle.

There weren't really any words that Celestia could use to describe the sensation and emotion she felt upon trying it. What's above the worst, most awful thing you've ever eaten? Whatever it was, she would have to put her scribes and top researchers on looking into it. She swallowed hard, trying to skillfully hide her discontent behind centuries of her practiced trademark calm regal mask.

"This is...an interesting dish." She says quietly while holding her fakest smile ever. It's quite...delicious?" She says, taking another forced spoon full, then quickly downing a few gulps of the tall glass of Vodka beside her. If she's going to have to endure this, she'll see to it she has at least some form of enjoyment for it.

"Da! Yes it iz!" Dark Fury rumbles out in his deep Slavic husky voice. "Good for growing fillies and colts! Great for skinny princess! It vill put on muscle and make strong, like bear!"

Celestia flicks her gaze to Twilight and her younger sister Luna, disbelieving as she watches them almost guzzle down the strange dish. She blinks in confusion, forcing another spoon full of the gruel down. "I see." She says politely. "Perfect for our two treasures then."

Stardust and Moonlight both swallow hard, unable to process what to do. On one hoof, they are hungry and want to eat. On the other...this might be a fate worse then death to a filly. They look to each other, then to Rarity seeing the fashionista grapple with the same decision.

Rarity leans down and whispers to them. 'Just do your best girls...I promise I'll give you an extra apple fritter if you eat some of this. Just say you're full on half of it.' She hurriedly says to them as quietly as she can. The fillies nod in response and both take spoonfuls of their own. Surprisingly...they like it!

The pilot finishes his bowl before the others, bringing his utensil to a rest within the empty dish. After patting down his lips to be polite, he takes a deep drink from the glass beside him, skillfully hiding any emotion from the group. He couldn't stand the dish, but he's tasted far far worse on board the Enterprise.

"So, comrades, you like dish, da? I make even better one next time. Vith fire ruby sauce, from Stalliongrad! Ve vill enjoy together, and sing of Glory days of families!" He chuckles out happily. The stallion finishes his large bowl of the questionable dish, patting his belly with an armored fore hoof.

Luna nods happily, alighting her horn and refilling her bowl from the nearby pot still resting on the service cart. "That sounds grand, Captain. We believe thy should give our other Lunar Stallions this dish as well. They would benefit from something so delicious." The dark alicorn says contently, beginning to almost inhale the second serving.

Twilight, Celestia, Rarity and the pilot all stare at the night princess, slack jawed and wide eyed. They couldn't believe Luna actually loved this dish. Celestia shakes her head slowly in shock, finishing the final forced spoonful down her throat, and now her third full glass of the Stalliongrad Vodka. Her vision seems somewhat blurred, but she can still function for the moment.

"Well thank you graciously for the meal, Captain. I'm afraid I must go lower the sun soon, however. As well as tend to another urgent matter within my chambers. Please excuse me. " Celestia says quietly rising from the table, a serene smile upon her features, hiding her true contempt for the dish.

"Yes, come back for more anytime, princess Celestia. I have always more for you, da? Always time for borscht." Dark Fury rumbles out with a smile, finishing his second bowl already.

Celestia nods politely, turning to exit the room, Twilight hot on her hooves following her out. The pilot gets up next, glancing at the clock. "That means we need to get the twins ready for bed, and Luna to raise the moon. Thanks for the eats, Fury. Next week, I'll cook you something from my home."

"Dh! Good, Comrade! I look forward." The stallion says with a jubilant smile. The fillies finish their bowls quickly, then sluggishly rise out of their chairs and bound to the marble floor. They follow the pilot out as well, beading for their own chambers for their own routine. Luna gives a polite and grateful nod to the Lunar Stallion, a content smile upon her muzzle.

"Thank thee, Captain. Thou shalt see some extra bits in thy pay this week as a show of gratitude." She promises with a smile.

Dark Fury chuckles. "Princess, I give thanks. Anytime you hungry, just ask. We make together." The alicorn walks out after the pilot, leaving the fashionista and the guard alone. Dark Fury takes another deep drink from his own glass, smiling at the white unicorn.

Rarity laughs nervously and takes a gulp of her own, eyeing the stallion with a soft well placed smile. "So, Fury is it? Tell me about yourself..."

In the chambers of the two fillies, Luna sings them her lullaby as she does every night, after the pair helped the little ones brush their teeth, brush out their manes and tails and prepared them for bed. The moon has since been raised, the stars overhead in the jeweled tapestry that makes up the night sky glistening beautifully.

The fillies yawn and murmur quietly, their lidded gazes turning to soft dream filled snores. The midnight alicorn as always kisses them goodnight, blessing them with Lunar magic to grant peaceful sugar sweet dreams of love and confections. They quickly fall asleep as shadows overtake the room, the pilot closing their drapes tighter than before for hopefully what will be an extended sleep.

They quietly exit the room and close the door bound for their chambers. Luna is silent the entire walk. Once inside their own room, the pilot removes his fatigues, the alicorn her regalia and crown. She sighs heavily and bounds onto the bed from the floor, nestling into her usual spot.

"You alright angel? You've been quiet for a while now." Talon asks, looking to her. Luna looks up from her resting position at him with a soft smile, her jade orbs looking into his own eyes.

"Yes, mine love. I am simply tired after the long day is all. I would like to sleep soon." She quietly murmurs, returning her muzzle to beneath her wing, craning her long delicate neck like a swan.

Talon eyes this display with curiosity, never have seeing her sleep in this position. He shrugs and yawns, taking to his side of the bed and pulling the covers over her and himself. "Alright then...Is there anything you would like to talk about or do before bed?" he asks.

"Neigh, mine flame. Perhaps tomorrow eve, whence the moon is high. I'm afraid it will be another few days before mine estrus cycle begins." She mutters, closing her eyes tightly and burying her snout further into her wing.

He raises an eyebrow. "Um...alright?" He says quietly. He didn't mean his question in that sense. He sighs and turns out the light, rolling over and faces away from the midnight alicorn.

An hour passes, the pilot remaining awake and watching the clock, listening intently for the rhythmic sound of the alicorns breathing. Once he establishes she's asleep, he quietly rolls off of the bed and grabs his uniform in his hands, tip toeing quietly out of the room. He opens the door into the darkened hallway, stepping out silently and getting redressed at the door. He sneaks out.

Luna opens her eyes as she hears the soft click of the doors latch, rising from the comfortable ornate bed. She narrows her eyes and glares hard at the door, chewing on her inner cheek in pure unbridled anger. She's going to get to the bottom of this once and for all.

She alights her horn and casts her Lunar magic, melding herself into the shadows as she quietly slips out of the room, stealing into the night in pursuit of the pilot through her invisibility spell.

She watches her flame quietly walk the grand emptied halls to the maid Dusty Shines quarters, following closely to him. Her rage bubbles further as she watches him avoid patrols and guards alike, reaching the chambers in question. He knocks quietly, the door opening after a few moments.

Luna watches the doors open, revealing the Earthen pony mare open the door and greet the pilot with a whisper the alicorn couldn't understand. Dusty is wearing an even more revealing robe composed entirely of black lace, with a silken sash. She adorns dark blue socks bearing crescent moon symbols, much like Luna's own cutie mark.

The alicorn slips inside the room quickly before the doors close, following the pilot inside and into the large foyer of the maids chambers, staying within the shadow and avoiding touching anything, so she does not reveal her presence. She watches silently, glaring at the pilot. Her heart begins to crack further, disbelieving he actually snuck away and came here after all.

'Once I find out what he's doing...mother herself won't be able to help him.' She thinks, chewing upon her lower lip in anger. She scowls at Dusty, the darkness within her heart greedily calling to her. Her mind begins to cloud as Obsolescence's power begins to surface once more.

"So, are ya ready for this commander? I won't be gentle about it this time." Dusty Shine says with a seductive voice.

Talon sighs. "Born ready. Let's get to work so we can finish this quickly. I do need some sleep after all, Dusty." he breathes out, taking his usual seat at the table. He picks up the fresh cup of coffee Dusty had waiting for him, drinking down a large gulp. Before him on the table are rolls of fabric and sheets of paper, scissors and various prints.

"I still don't know why you simply didn't have another mare handle this for you. I can name any number of them that would jump at an opportunity like this." The earth pony mare says, taking her own seat. "So, which one do you want to do tonight?"

The pilot eyes the patterns, looking over them carefully for a moment, before nodding. "I think we should finish the one for Luna. The two others are nearly completed, I just need to get the rest of the gems stones for the trim to finish them. I already have Captain Jolt working on finding some discreetly for me."

'Gems?' Luna asks herself, peering around the corner. Nothing could have prepared her for what she had seen. Upon three ponyquin stands setup beside the table, were three matching very elaborate and ornate silken dresses in process. Two of them sized for a small pony or a foal, the other almost large enough to fit..an alicorn.

Luna gasps quietly, her eyes tracing the dresses being made. She steps closer and looks from the shadows, her eyes falling to the pictures upon the patterns next. She sees a drawing of the completed dress in full color detail.

The dress depicted in the picture appears similar to the one used at her formal wedding four years ago, just prior to the birth of the twins. It has a long elegant flowing train, beginning just after her croup. The fabric is silk and lace, studded and dusted with stardust and diamonds. Small scraps of finely cut, polished and crafted steel adorn the sash and trim for extra show pieces, the clasps being perfect replicas of her own cutie mark.

She watches intently as the pilot threads a needle carefully, turning his attention to the upper part of the dress upon the largest of the three ponyquins , and begins to sew pre cut patches of fabric.

Dusty Shine stands beside him, watching his movements carefully. "Ah ah, Talon. You need to use a double stitch here just like I taught you. It's for added strength, and hides the seam better for a more balanced presentation."

He nods, changeing the pattern and continuing his work. "Say Dusty. Mind if I ask you some personal questions?" He asks her, not pausing from his work. He gets her attention.

"Sure. What would you like to know?" She asks in response. She watches as he licks his lips and sighs quietly with a huff of air.

"Luna seems pretty down lately, and I just don't know if it's something I'm doing wrong. I was thinking of maybe taking her for a camping trip or something. Even a flight to lift her spirits. But with the twins and everything lately duty wise, it seems nigh impossible just to get a few minutes to ourselves." He says, his voice sounding strained.

"And wouldn't you know it? She asked me today if I still loved her." He scoffs. "Of course I do! If I didn't, you think I'd be here trying to make this for her?" He remarks, somewhat annoyed.

Dusty Shine pauses, taking a seat at the table across from him, working on the opposing side of the dress. "It just sounds to me like she's feeling insecure. Why not let me watch the twins sometime? You two totally deserve some alone time after everything you do. Between you helping Princess Celestia build the new ERAF, and Miss Luna always working so hard on assisting the other princesses with day court AND her midnight courts, she really needs a break."

'He's...sewing? What in Heofon is he up to?' Luna asks herself, Obsolescence's power and presence once again fading back into the corners of her heart. She comes to a rest upon her haunches and watches intently, her jade eyes and sensitive ears studying everything before her carefully.

"I just hope she likes this dress for the Gala this year." Dusty Shine remarks with a grin. "Oh what I would give to wear something like this, and actually attend instead of just being a maid for it."

He coughs for a moment, setting down his cup and getting back to working on his section. "I'll mention it to Sunny Butt that you need the time off. As far as the dress is concerned, I'll give you a hand with it after we finish these. I can only imagine how hard it is to sew with hooves instead of fingers."

"Like you wouldn't believe." Dusty comments with a degree of sarcasam. "That's why I couldn't believe you asked me instead of any of the unicorn maids. They would be able to make a far better dress than we could in even a fraction of the time."

He nods. "Yeah...but it always means more when you build something with your hands, or hooves in this case, rather than using magic or machines to do the job. I want this year to be special for angel. So that's why I picked this route. It's what we would call a gift from the heart. You know what I mean?" He responds.

A tear rolls down Lunas cheek as she watches, a happy loving smile crossing her features. She never once expected this. She never expected him to go this far to make her a gift. And what a gift it was. Her heart begins to thunder within her barrel with joy. 'I love him so much.' she whispers to herself.

The midnight alicorn watches the process for an hour more, the pilot and earthen pony mare working at a steady pace and completeing several sections of the elaborate dress. It's nearly complete now, minus just a few trim pieces. Dusty yawns quietly looking at the clock.

"Talon...I really need some sleep, I have an early shift tomorrow after the twins wake up, and I'm on duty for the command center." She rolls her eyes. "Mind if we finish this later? We have completed a lot in three days, and we still have several weeks before the Gala is even a thought."

He nods, also yawning and looking at the clock. "Yeah. Lets pick up in a few days, your next day off. Thanks for the help dusty." He murmurs, rising to his feet again and walking to the foyer. He passes right by the midnight alicorn, not noticing her presence close by.

"And Talon?" Dusty speaks up. "Just make sure you show Luna you love her. Us mares can get pretty insecure about silly things. As long as she knows you're there for her, you can't lose." Dusty says with a smile.

He smiles with honesty. "Thanks. I'll try a bit harder on that. Hopefully Luna feels better soon..." He says looking down. "Because it makes me sad, to see her upset...and I'm one hell of a lucky guy to have her." He whispers.

Luna watches as he exits, following behind him quietly after the doors close and they enter the hallway. She adorns a happy loving smile, her heart never once having of slowed down a bit. 'Mine flame...It is I who is the lucky one.' She thinks to herself, tears of joy rolling down her cheek and matting her fur.

Luna quickly darts out of an opened window in the grand halls, taking to wing and racing ahead of the pilot back to her chambers. She undoes the spell once inside, leaping onto the bed and positioning herself back how she was before he slipped out.

Minutes pass, the pilot returning to the darkened room and quietly sneaking back to bed. Once he strips down and slips back under the covers, he feels the alicorn suddenly grasp him sightly within her fore hooves, her heavy warm wing draping slowly over him. Luna nuzzled deeply into his bare chest, a contented sigh from her lips.

He smirks at this and closes his eyes, pulling her closer to him. He has no idea she was actually there the entire time, or that she knows now that not only could he be trusted, but just how deep his love for her truly was.

Author's Notes:

Yeah....you thought he was cheating didn't ya? =p Get your minds out of the gutters people. Our hero isn't ready to double the fun on that scale. Not yet...anyway. ;D