Chapter Three: The Drift

"And would thou believe it?" Luna asked with a smile, her soft jade orbs gazing into the cruel draconic slits of the nightmare alicorn. "Mine flame has been secretly creating such beautiful dresses for mine self and mine children. Oh Obsolescence...we never should have doubted him."

Nightmare remains seated upon the plush carpet within Luna's dream realm, smiling a soft sad smile as she gazed longingly at her lighter counterpart. 'Yes...I believe it, Luminescence. I was watching through our eyes when you went to follow him into the maids chambers.' She remarked softly, letting out a quiet sigh.

"I have never seen such a beautiful work of art...so much detail and effort, so much love placed in every stitch and fold. For once, I'm honestly excited for the Gala to come, so I may show off mine beloveds craftsmanship." Luna commented, a serene and calm smile upon her muzzle. She let out a happy wistful sigh, her eyes off of Nightmare for a moment.

'When will you speak to the Sun bringer and our mate? I want their answer...' Nightmare states softly, still looking at the midnight alicorn. Her wings twitch slightly as she holds a baited breath, listening intently for an answer.

Luna looks back, her attention back on the nightmare alicorn before her. She lets out a small huff of annoyance, her mood soured by Obsolescence's repeated request. "Thou has already asked that thrice times, Obsolescence. I will speak with them when I feel the time is right." She states coldly, ruffling her wings.

"Thou knows only one of us may have control of mine body, as it is MINE body, and MINE life AND MINE children, I will do as I see fit for their protection. Whence I feel I can speak to mine flame about your request, I shall. Not a moment before." Luna says, her voice growing with her steeling resolve.

'Luminescence...please.' Nightmare whispers out, raising her bare unarmored hoof. Her draconic teal orbs pleading with the smaller mare resting upon the dream bed. 'Our stallion already knows of us. He already understands. I simply wish just for one night, of seeing through my own eyes. I only ask of you the chance to experience...to feel for myself what love truly is like. I wish to embrace our offspring within my own wings.'

Luna listens to the hollow and haunted whisper of Nightmares voice, her heart sinking within her barrel. She remembers all too well the loneliness of the shadows, what the freezing cold within her heart and soul of being held in the dark felt like. She closes her eyes and sighs, nodding slowly.

The midnight princess opens her eyes after a moment, her features softening as she gazes upon the mare before her. "Thou hath changed, Obsolescence...I can see this. I can feel the longing within your heart." She breathes out. "Thou hath mine word, I shalt speak with mine flame and dearest sister of thy request upon the rising of the beloved sun."

Nightmare Moon begins to try to smile sweetly, her razor sharp daggers within her maw beginning to show as she perks up her ears and sits up, hope filling her for a fleeting moment. She shrinks back however, upon hearing the icy venom within Luna's warning.

"But, understand one thing, Obsolescence...if thou even begins to think of darkness, of bringing harm to mine herd...I shalt rend your soul into tatters, and banish thou to oblivion. Even at the cost of mine life." Luna growls out, her ears splayed back as her wings deploy in a snap. "I will protect mine family from any threat, and thou will see me fight with unmatched ferocity that not even thou can rise above."

Nightmare nods quickly, her eyes wide with surprise at the dark alicorns very real promise. Though she had no concept of love or family previously, she did have access to Luna's memories and thoughts. If there was ever any clear honest truth, it was that Luna would turn reality upside down and rip apart the foundations of creation itself to protect that which she cherished the most.

'I understand clearly, Luminescence. As I had stated before...we are not the selfish blind foals of many moon rises ago. One has plenty of time to reflect upon ones actions when they have a thousand years of solitude to dwell upon it. I give you my word as the Goddess of all which is of the Night, I shalt not bring about harm to them.' The nightmare alicorn states softly, her tone quiet and gentle.

'And you should know...that if any foal even attempts to cause them harm...I would chase them to the ends of Tatarus and Heofon to smite them myself.' Nightmare adds, her voice thickening with her own icy steel. She turns her gaze out of the opened doors of the dream realm balcony. 'You should rest now, Luminescence. I await your answer when we speak again.'

Luna nods, her soft jade orbs focused intently upon Nightmares shined velvet form bathing in the moonlight and gloom of the room. She sighs and disperses the dream realm image, returning her own thoughts to pleasant dreams, allowing her mind to rest for the coming day.

Nightmare watches as the image of Luna fades from her vision, feeling the night alicorns presence slip and fade into the inky shadow and fall into her dormant state. The black alicorn turns and gazes at the mirror in the corner, her glowing draconic orbs studying her own form for a moment. She tilts her head quizzically as she looks on, waiting for the sensation of being alone once again to overcome her.

The minutes pass, she remains motionless as she waits patiently. Once her own mind registers Luna has fallen into her deep dream-state sleep, she wills her own power forward through the breach she formed; bringing her own life force to take temporary possession of the dark alicorns waking form.

Nightmare slowly opens the eyes of Luna's exhausted body, desperately attempting to knock off the vestiges of sleep. Without lifting her head, she gazes about the room with her teal draconic eyes, taking in the sights around her. Her ears twitch and swivel as she registers sounds, her nostrils flare as she inhales deeply to taste and sense the fresh cool night air.

Her gaze falls upon the analog clock illuminated by the moonlight pouring in through the opened window, noting the time she has left to exploit the weakness she found in Luna's captivity spell...before she must return to her proverbial imprisonment within Luna's heart.

She feels a warm brush of contact upon her back, drawing her attention. Craning her long delicate neck, she turns her head to see what it was, her gaze falling upon and studying the pilot of her affections. A small smile creeps across her muzzle as she stares intently, noting and memorizing every detail of his features she can.

Slowly, she rolls over in place as to not awaken him. She gently slips one fore hoof under his pillow, then drapes the other over his chest as she slides into an embrace. Though there was so much she wanted to say, so much she wished to do...she knew and understood now was not yet the time to act upon her plans and intentions. This was not yet the time to act and set her plan in motion.

Wordlessly she studied him, enjoying the contact through Luna's skin and fur, relishing in the warmth and soothing embrace beneath the plush comforter and in the slumbering pilots company. Nightmare has come to this every night for several weeks now, stealing into the night to experience what little freedom she could.

Her bare hoof traces the scars upon his chest and arm, the memory flashing briefly in her mind of the day she unwillingly attacked him. The taste of his crimson flow upon her lips still haunts her as she thinks. She lets out a soft sigh, nuzzling her muzzle against his neck lovingly, softly whimpering and silently begging for forgiveness from him.

Cuddling against him, she drapes her wing over his chest and her foreleg, the soft down feathers warming his skin as she pulls tight into her embrace. She can feel the rhythmic pulse of his heartbeat through her sensitive wings. Her ethereal mane and tail cascade over them, intertwining and weaving throughout their joined visage as she lets out a loving sigh.

She rests her head upon his shoulder, closing her eyes as she feels the rise and fall of his chest, the soft ticking of his heartbeat within her ear. Silently enjoying the contact she's longed for all of this time. Her heart skips a beat within her barrel as she relaxes, her mind fading to peaceful thoughts simply resting here.

Her sensitive ears catch a distressed sigh as Nightmare studies the room, her attention now focused intently on tracking it. She can feel the pilots breathing becoming labored and strained, hear his heart rate beginning to quicken and race. Something is wrong...

Nightmare lifts her head again and watches intently, her teal draconic orbs zeroed in upon Talons visage, watching his expression contort from what was a peaceful sleep to...anger...or fear? She watches for a moment, trying to drag out some of her power very slowly, as not to alert the Sun bringer or another pony of her presence.

Luna's horn alights dimly, Nightmares magic trickling in ever so slowly from the base out of the tip to probe the pilots mind, searching for the reason for his state of distress. It dawns on her quickly as she tracks the signs...he's having a night terror of his own again.

Thinking quickly, the Nightmare alicorn reviews her options within her mind. She can allow this darkness continue to torture the one she's come to watch silently from the shadows, or she can intervene and sweep away whatever it is plaguing his dreams, and possibly alert Celestia as to her presence.

'Perhaps...if I help him...he may give me a chance to prove my own worth.' She ponders. Nightmare continues to watch, her body's sensitive ears picking up the ever quickening pulse of the pilots heart within his chest. It feels to her as if his heart is about to red line and explode from within him. She licks her lips and steels her resolve. 'Some risks are worth taking. This...this is worth it.' She calmly decided. Mother damn it if she's detected!

She's watched every night of this mans suffering, always too slow to catch it before it escapes. Tonight, luck was on her side. She could feel the night terrors presence strongly within his mind. She had time and chance in her favor. Until now all she could do was embrace him within her wings and hold him comfortingly in hope that he would find serenity and solace within her care. Tonight however, it was prime chance to put an end once and for all to his duress and time of need.

She slowly and gently touches her already powered up horn to the pilot, pouring her very limited power into him so she could take the dive. Though this would force her back to her prison again very soon...she smiled at the reward of her sacrifice of tonights freedom, for the fleeting chance of finally slaughtering the demon vexing him.

* * * * *

Nightmare opens her eyes in the foreign dream realm, studying the gloom of the sights around her. It's night time under a familiar star lit sky, the sounds of the wind whispering in her sensitive ears singing softly to her. She looks around, her eyes catching the familiar lake nearby her once home, the castle of the two pony sisters. The once grand palace...before her fight and loss against Celestia.

She steps to the waters edge, feeling the soft damp grass beneath her bare hooves as she timidly strides to the border, her eyes falling upon her reflection within the glass like surface of the water. Staring back at her was her true form, a towering black alicorn with soft velvet fur and a billowing star field mane of the night sky.

Her ears swivel and prick forward, catching the sounds in a short distance. The sounds of battle. She turns her gaze ahead and watches, her draconic orbs narrowing at the sight. It's the pilot racing away and running, occasionally turning and discharging his weapon behind him in a blaze of flashes.

The rumbling sound of thunder also catches her ears in the distance, drawing her eyes back to the starlit heavens above her. Her eyes trace the beautiful jeweled tapestry that is the night sky, watching quietly as the scene becomes marred by rolling in thunderclouds coming to blanket the heavens. She flinches as she feels rain droplets fall upon her muzzle, causing her to glare up at the clouds in spite. She really hates the rain.

She returns her gaze to the pilot, her eyes tracing his line of fire, coming to a halt upon something she never expected. Galloping and gaining on him quickly, was Chrysalis, the parasite queen. Rage bubbles within her as she coils energy to her legs, turning quickly to give chase to the demon. She deploys open her powerful glossy black wings and furiously pumps them, her rage overtaking her as she takes to the sky.

She races forward, the details coming into view quickly. This night terror vexing him was no ordinary one, but something far worse. Chrysalis was a much more sinister version of Nightmares memories, her body not one of glossy black changeling armor, but of bone, green flame and metal. Her draconic eyes no longer glowing green slits, but brightly glowing scarlet red orbs. The parasites fangs even appeared longer and sharper as she bared them in her twisted skeletal muzzle.

Chrysalis reaches the pilot and takes him to the ground, her skeletal hooves beating upon his chest and shoulders as she stomps upon him repeatedly, the pilot feverishly trying to fight her back. He jams the body of the rifle sideways into her fanged maw, desperately holding back her attack as she chomps with a feral howl. Blood drips from her gaping skeletal fangs and mouth, ravenously attempting to devour him.

Nightmare sneers angrily and bolts forward, knocking the skeletal demon off of him with all of her force and might. She quickly recovers and stands over the pilot, letting out a loud hiss in rage as she covers him with her opened wings. Her body lowers into a defensive position, her barrel brushing gently against the pilots torso as she protects him. Her ethereal star field mane and tail fall and cascade upon him, enveloping him in its wispy protective magical embrace, gently caressing him to attempt to sooth and calm him.

'AWAY WITH YOU, FOALISH PARASITE! IF YOU WANT HIM, YOU MUST GO THROUGH ME FIRST!' Nightmare Moon seethes out angrily, her tone full of icy venom and malice. She's already at her limit of magic use, so her only option left here is physical combat against the demonic parasite before her. Her heart races within her barrel in the dream, the blood and rage roaring within her ears as her vision turns red with hatred. Even if she is outmatched now, she refuses to fall in this fight.

The skeletal Chrysalis scrambles back to her bone hooves, letting out a demonic rage filled howl that shakes the ground beneath them. She snorts angrily and charges forward, her twisted and warped bone and metal horn aimed right at Nightmares chest.

Nightmare leaps forward and tackles Chrysalis right under her jaw, driving her shoulder hard into the empty rib cage of the parasite and barreling through her. The bones burst and fly apart as she plows through the demon, Nightmare planting her hooves forward and skidding to a stop. She turns quickly and bounds to the pile of bones reforming into their shape, stomping and leaping to crush each and every single one of them with unrestrained fury and rage, bellowing out a fierce battle cry that ripples in the air with a ghostly echo.

Talon sits up wide eyed, his jaw hanging open as he watches the black alicorn grind and stomp the parasite queen into dust, hearing the sickening cracking and splintering of her skeletal frame as it breaks. This continues for a few moments as she rears back and repeatedly comes crashing down, the final blow crushing and shattering the parasite queens skull, snuffing out the glowing red orbs from existence.

She pants raggedly, saliva dripping from her gaped fanged maw as she regains her breath. Physical combat was never one of Nightmare's, or Luna's greatest strengths. Her power was within her magic, not all out brute force. Her heart thunders within her barrel as she turns slowly, panting. She gazes upon the shocked and silent pilot, a wide gentle smile creeping to her muzzle as she eyes him.

The heavens above them seemingly open and let loose the torrents of rain droplets they once held back, the chilling rain now falling to the waiting ground and pair staring one another down in the gloom of the night. Nightmare is the first to recover, a soft almost hidden blush flushing throughout her cheeks as she slowly takes a step forward.

Talon scoots back, his hand fervently searching for the rifle that was cast away from him from this nightmare alicorn coming to his aid. His fingers find the strap and begin to grasp it as he turns away, then turns back his attention ahead. He swallows hard as he feels Nightmares hot breath against his cold wet skin upon his neck and jaw. Turning slowly he sits wide eyed and speechless, looking into a fanged maw baring razor sharp high polished daggers at him.

Nightmare wordlessly pants, her breath softly coming out of her mouth as she eyes him. She extends a wing forward very slowly and holds it above her own lowered head as well as the pilot, shielding them from the rain as she smiles affectionately with a blush. Her draconic teal orbs tracing his facial features and meeting his own eyes. Her mane drapes in front of her muzzle slightly, obscuring one of her teal orbs from his view.

"Lu...Luna?" He asks cautiously, swallowing hard again. His heart races within his chest, watching as the teeth before him become more exposed when the alicorn smiles wider. The mare in question wordlessly shakes her head slowly, as she lowers down further to meet his eyes.

The black alicorn continues to stare at him, her words caught within her throat and feeling like she swallowed an entire apple tree whole. She's waited years for this moment, ever since she rescued him and flew the contraption called an aircraft out of Baltimare to keep him alive. Oh how she's craved this moment in the shadows, the one chance she could speak to him as herself, not as 'we' or as Luna, but as Obsolescence; herself! Her heart races within her with giddy excitement as she leans closer, so close she can pick up the intoxicating scent Luna was in love with. Her draconic teal orbs cloud with lust and pent up desire.

She feels a familiar presence drawing closer to her in the back of her mind, one she holds with great trepidation and fear, the one who could rip away everything she's working for. Celestia; the bringer of the dawn. Nightmare growls quietly for a moment, her glare focused once again on the heavens briefly. She flicks her cruel, hard gaze back to the pilot inches from her muzzle again when she hears him cough, seeing him trying to back up still.

The loud crackle of thunder rips through the air as a streak of lightning illuminates the night sky, her eyes flashing with the light as she gazes upon his form, her teal draconic orbs staring into his soul, studying and fawning over it. Nightmare licks her lips in anticipation, drawing ever closer to him. There's no going back now, she won't allow this chance to allude her! Not when she's so close!

The presence draws closer, she knows her time is nearly up. Without thinking and simply going upon instinct, she rushes forward and plants a deep possessive kiss upon Talon's lips, forcing him to the ground as she pushes into him. She breaks away after a few long moments, and gazes longingly into his eyes with her own draconic teal orbs, before closing them and whisking away out of the dream in a shimmer of black and blue sparkles.

Talon lays upon the ground staring up at the storm clouds looming overhead, the rain cascading down upon his form as he lays confused and surprised. "...What the fuck just happened?" He asks to no one, remaining motionless in his position, the rain crashing down as the mysterious black alicorns words echo in the air around him.

'I love you...'

* * * * *

Celestia quickly throws open the doors with her magic, a worried look of fear upon her features as her magenta orbs scan the room in haste. She quietly pants and lightly steps into the room, drawing closer to the bed. Her soft gaze focuses intently upon the sleeping pair in the large ornate bed, tracing Luna very carefully. She hears Luna and Talon's soft snores quietly echo in the still night air, the soft click tick of the clock keeping pace and time in its rhythmic tune.

Celestia steps closer to the edge of the bed, her horn alight and probing Luna to feel for the presence of Nightmare. She catches a small trail of the wicked alicorns fading magic upon Luna's horn, the trail leading directly to the pilot. She lets out a soft knowing sigh, shaking her head slowly.

'Lulu...' She thinks to herself, quietly turning and backing out of the room. She closes the doors as silently as she could, returning to the grand halls of the palace. She knows what she sensed. She knew she felt Nightmares strong presence. But that's not what scared her. No...what roused the sun princess from her chambers and caused her to gallop like a mad pony was far greater in urgency. She felt that charge of black magic shoot through her like a bullet. The same feeling she had when Nightmare had declared she wished and desired Eternal Darkness.

If there was ever any one thing above all else clear to Celestia, it's that she knew what Nightmare Moon was like. She knew once the alicorn of darkness had set her sights upon a goal, there was nothing short of death that would sway her from that path. It was ever so clear, Nightmare wanted something to do with the pilot. And whatever it was...Luna was clearly an obstical in the way of that plan. Time was of the essence, and she knew that was something that she just may be running out of.

The white alicorn quietly walks back to her chambers, now more alert than ever and desperately scanning the air for more magic. She finally reaches the room and steps in, returning to her large plush bed and slipping under the covers near to the sleeping lavender mare of her own affections. She turns and gazes at the moon through the glass window, letting out a quiet sigh. She knew no rest would be gotten this night, and surrenders to be lost in her thoughts as she awaits the time for dawn.

* * * * *

Luna awakens, feeling the familiar tugging upon her senses to lower her celestial charge for the evening. Her body feels even more tired and sluggish then before she crawled into bed. With a quiet cute yawn she cranes her neck, looking out of the opened balcony doors. She blinks the sleep out of her eyes, surprised at a rather unexpected sight.

Talon stands on the edge of the balcony gazing up at the stars, his arms draped over the stone railing as he leans upon it. In his fingers he holds a half way finished cigarette. He takes a draw off of the filter, his gaze never leaving the horizon as he stares up at his alicorns beautiful jeweled tapestry.

The alicorn quietly rolls out of bed, coming behind the already awakened pilot. She clumsily wobbles as she steps through the plush comfortable carpet, her bare hooves barely making a sound until she contacts the marble floor of the balcony. As she falls in at his side, she comes to a rest upon her rump and sighs, leaning into him sleepily.

"Good morning, angel." He breathes out, his free hand coming to the alicorns long graceful neck and side, stroking her beautiful ethereal star field mane gently. Luna nickers softly and relishes in the contact of her flame, nuzzling deeply into his bare chest and side.

"Good morning, mine flame." She lovingly coos out. She alights her horn and grasps the pilots fire tube within her magic, taking it to her own lips and enjoying what has long since become a custom for herself. She inhales deeply from it, then exhales a stream of smoke through her nostrils and mouth slowly. Smacking her lips she smiles dazedly and returns it to him.

She yawns and looks upon her night sky, the moon ready to dip below the horizon and the sensation becoming stronger within her chest. "I love you, mine flame." she murmurs, trying to ignore the building sensation within her for a few more moments. "What brings you to be awake at this early hour? Are our children already awake?" she asks.

"No." He breathes out another stream of smoke, flicking the ash over the railing. "I...I couldn't sleep that well angel. Crazy dreams and all." He mutters. He looks at the clock behind him, raising an eyebrow. "You're going to piss off your sister you know. She's a stickler for schedules."

Luna rolls her eyes and grins, taking another pull from the now depleted fire tube, then casts the finished filter into the sand filled bowl upon the balcony table nearby her with her magic. "Neigh, mine love. She knows I never was a morning pony." She yawns. Luna slowly turns her attention back to the horizon and wills the moon down to rest with her power, making way for the dawn.

The pilot grunts and sighs, shaking his head. "I'll need you to make more of those today angel. We're down to our last box of them. He casually remarks. "So...sleep well?" He asks, letting out a stifled yawn.

Luna shakes her head and lids her gaze, letting out a small huff. "I'm afraid not, mine flame...I spent much of mine sleep speaking with Obsolescence. She is becoming somewhat of a nuisance as of late, with her continued curiosity about the life we share."

The images of his night terror flash in his mind briefly for a moment, forcing him to shake it off as a chill races down his spine. "Angel...I've been meaning to ask you. Do you still do that space pony dream thing?"

She tilts her head questioningly for a moment. "You mean dream walking? Sometimes. But it's become somewhat difficult lately for me. I can't seem to get enough rest of my own to produce the spell. Though I have not sensed any distress within mine kingdom of nightmares from mine subjects.

"So...that wasn't you?" He asks shakily, his thoughts tracing back to his own nightmare again. The images flash for a second of his mind, seeing the black alicorn standing over him. Her words echo in his mind, ringing loudly.

Luna looks up at him, curious now. "What do you mean, mine love?" She asks and raises an eyebrow. "Is there...something you would care to share with me?" She yawns again, brushing her star field mane from her vision with her bare hoof. "What is it?" She asks, while pursing her lips forward in curiosity.

He sighs, sweeping aside the memory nagging at him within his mind. 'If I tell her...she's going to be pissed.' He thinks to himself. With a quiet snort he shakes his head. "Nothing... It was nothing, angel. I just had a dream about you is all."

The midnight alicorn smiles sweetly. "I hope it was a good dream then, mine flame. I always dream of you and our children. Though..." She yawns wearily again. "I have no idea why I'm so exhausted...I feel as though I have not slept at all."

He nods slowly and sighs, turning his attention to the horizon as he sees the sun begin to creep slowly over the mountains and alight the skies with the coming dawn. "Part of being a parent. Until they're grown, sleep will always evade us I'm afraid."

Luna quirks an eyebrow with a grin. "Perhaps. I was curious about a couple of things...and I wished to speak with thee about them." Her thoughts dance to the previous night when she learned of his secret project. She smiles serenely and lets out a wistful sigh of love, leaning against him more.

"Fire away." He quips dryly.

"First, and most importantly...I am going to speak to Tia today to arrange a leave of absence for us and our children, mine flame. I wish for us to go into the wilderness and enjoy a family outing after tomorrows Canterlot Fair."

He raises an eyebrow and shakes his head, wide eyed in surprise. "You mean a camping trip? I thought you hated the outdoors. You told me last year when I brought one up that you preferred the 'comfort of your new bed' last time we spoke of this."

Luna nods, grinning. "It was because I didn't wish to sleep anywhere but the bed thou crafted, mine flame." She retorts, her grin becoming wider as she lids her gaze to him. "You built that with your own hands, because mine old bed was not large enough for us together. Now...I feel that we deserve a few nights away from the palace, to enjoy time together as a herd."

As he's about to speak, Luna chirps in with another add on of her statement. "We will also be 'camping' as you say...in the royal gardens just beyond the palace main garden, for safety of our treasured twins, mine love. It is secluded, yet close to home, as well as just outside of the training ground for mine Lunar stallions.

"You know...I was speaking to Dusty a while ago...she did offer to watch the twins for a bit so you and I could enjoy some alone time." He quips. "We could also go for a flight together if you want."

Luna nods with a smile, turning back to their chambers and begins to walk slowly back to the large ornate comfortable bed. "Fair Dusty would make an excellent foal sitter for our offspring, mine flame. I trust her implicitly." Luna quips. She reaches the bed and bounds back onto the mattress, nestling back into the warmth of the inviting comfort.

He sighs and follows her, closing the balcony doors and drawing the curtains closed again, casting the room back into darkness. 'Ok...something's not right here.' He thinks, also returning to the bed. He comes to a rest and lays back down beside the midnight alicorn again, turning to face her. He inhales a deep breath and looks her in the eyes. "And what was the second thing, angel?"

Luna thinks for a moment quietly, recalling her conversation with Obsolescence. She did promise her she would speak to her flame about allowing the nightmare alicorn out for a free day, but shoos the thought away for the moment. She drapes her foreleg and wing over him, snuggling closer to her pilot. "We will speak of it later, mine flame. For now, let us rest whilst we still can, before our children awaken and begin their day.

He nods slowly, closing his eyes. The images of Nightmare Moons fanged maw flash in his mind again, making him not want to return to sleep. He ignores it and lets out an annoyed huff. "I love you, angel."

"And I am in love with you, mine flame. I always have been...and I always shall be." She murmurs, nuzzling him deeply. She pulls tighter against him with her wing and smiles serenely, relishing in the contact. Even though she's feeling exhausted, she couldn't be happier or more content. A blush crosses her muzzle as she day dreams about her flame, and the day she will receive the beautiful gift he's working so hard on in complete secrecy. Luna giggles softly to herself, enjoying knowing of the secret, but being able to play along and act as if she was clueless. 'Oh...I love him so much, mother.'

Thirty minutes pass, Luna almost having of nodded off to sleep before she hears the soft click of the door opening to her chambers. She opens one eye, glancing at the clock with a soft smile. She's exhausted, but never, ever too tired for her treasured fillies. The sound of hushed giggles and soft hoof steps echo in the air as she tracks their positions, closing her eye again and feigning sleep.

Luna counts the seconds within her mind, waiting for the final moment before her children would normally bound onto the large plush bed to surprise their mother like every morning. Right as the twin fillies leap, she turns over quickly and catches both of them within her waiting fore hooves and snuggles them deeply, wrapping her large, elegant and soft wings around them.

Stardust Kiss giggles and squeals loudly with joy, nuzzling against Luna's barrel with love and mirth. "Good morning mama! The sun is out to play today!" She excitedly announces. Moonlight Way yawns and nuzzles against her mother as well, wrapping her short spindly legs as far as she can around the midnight alicorns chest and embracing her.

"Yes, it is!" Luna answers with a soft smile and gentle tone. She yawns a small cute princessly yawn and squeezes the two fillies gently within her grasp, a loving and warm smile crossing her features. Releasing them from her embrace, she allows them to slide down her sides before she rolls over, lifting her head to gaze upon them.

Moonlight Way rises to her hooves unsteadily upon the plush mattress of her mothers large and comfortable bed, wobbling before falling to her rump. "Time to wake up mama!" She chirps out, happily bobbing in place. "Today you promised to take us swimming after our lessons." She yawns out. Her stomach rumbles loudly and causes the filly to blush. "And we're hungry."

Talon rises from the bed and smiles at the three alicorns, turning away to search the nearby dresser for a fresh set of fatigues. "Well we can't have that." He calls out while getting dressed. "I guess it's time to go grab some breakfast then!"

The fillies nod furiously with wide joyful smiles, Stardust Kiss unsteadily trotting to the pilots side of the bed. Her hooves sink into the plush soft mattress as she walks, before she finally reaches her destination. Falling also to her rump she looks up at him, her wings twitching with excitement and open upon her back. "Good morning papa!"

After putting on his black under shirt, he turns and bends down, scooping the treasured filly of his into his arms, embracing and cradling her carefully. "And good morning to you sweetheart. Did you two sleep well?" He asks, glancing at the clock for a moment. 'How about that....closing their drapes gave us an extra hour of sleep just about!' He muses in his thoughts.

Stardust Kiss quickly rears up and plants a playful kiss upon his cheek, happily being held as she turns and nuzzles into her fathers arms. "I did papa! And thank you for the stuffed bunny, it's so warm to snuggle!" she chimes musically.

"Yeah! We really like our presents you got us when you visited auntie Candy and uncle Shiny!" Moonlight Way happily announces. She bounds off of the bed with a flap of her short feathery wings, landing gently at the already standing midnight alicorns hooves.

Luna leans down and nuzzles her cheek against the fillies own and smiles, letting out a gentle happy sigh as she strides slowly to the opened door of the chambers. "There will be no studies today, mine children. Today mama and auntie Tia are taking you to the royal swimming pond. But first, we shalt enjoy a breakfast."

The pilot raises an eyebrow as he sets down Stardust Kiss, the black alicorn filly upon her hooves, glancing at Luna. "Oh so I see how it is. I get to go to work and you get to spend the day sunbathing with sunny butt?" He quips with a grin.

The night princess gives him a sultry grin. "You could always just tell the engineers you need a day to rest, mine flame. Thou art a prince now, after all." She breathes out with a smile, stepping out into the hallway. The twins bound and prance around her long elegant legs with jubilant smiles and seemingly endless energy, excitedly flapping their wings as they dance around their mother.

He sighs, shaking his head with a grin. "I just may do that." He replies, stepping out as well after his alicorn and fillies. He quirks an eyebrow when he notices she left her regalia and crown off, deciding it must be the day off for the princesses after all. Hey, there's nothing wrong with them taking a break for family time!

* * * * *

Rarity awakens within the still unfamiliar chambers, letting out a low groan of annoyance as she blearily opens her eyes. Trying to get up, she feels a weight upon her withers pinning her down. 'Drat! He's still in the same position he was in last night.' She grunts, closing her eyes again and silently fuming.

The white unicorn's ears twitch as she hears him snoring loudly again, that same irritating snore responsible for part of her torture of the night. Her nose still burns from the other part of this wretched night from hell.

"Da...more....borscht." Dark Fury snores out as he continues to slumber, completely unaware of what happened the night prior. With his free foreleg not pinning down the fashionista, he scratches his unarmored belly with his hoof, letting out a loud snort before resuming snoring again.

Rarity's eye twitches as she sulks, still unable to believe what happened, the events of last night unfolding in her mind. Being the Element of Generosity sometimes had its huge and fun advantages. In this case, she cursed her luck for all that it was worth.

Hours ago after several drinks with the Elite Lunar guard, Rarity had decided she was done trying to learn of this stallion, only hearing of borscht this, mother Equestria that. It was adorable at first, seeing some pony with so much enthusiasm and drive. It was even somewhat informative of how many ways one could cook that dreadful dish.

However, upon deciding she wished to go to bed, Dark Fury had drunkenly offered to escort the fashionista to her chambers for the evening, saying it was his sworn duty given to him by the princess. She agreed, knowing if there was ever one thing you could count on, it was Stalliongrad ponies tended to take their duties very very seriously.

They walked, or more like drunkenly strode about the halls, Rarity feeling somewhat sorry for the clearly inebriated stallion, and instead offering to help him to bed since her guest quarters were only two doors away within the Lunar wing of Canterlot palace.

Upon entering the chambers of the proud Lunar Stallion, she noticed that he was having exceptional difficulty removing his armor for bed, his double vision from all twelve glasses of Vodka making this a nigh impossible task for a Pegasus to manage alone.

Magic, when utilized by a sober Unicorn is child's play. Magic while used by a blind drunk Unicorn on the other hoof...stupid wouldn't quite cover it. Something as simple as undoing a button, could easily turn into tearing open some ponies head... or worse when magic is not properly controlled and utilized in a safe and careful manner.

Rarity snorted in annoyance, her head throbbing and every little sound playing whack a mole with her brain due to her splitting headache caused from that ever evil creation of Celestia's...a hangover. She wouldn't have been in this predicament had she of not stumbled backwards and tripped over an ill cast armored hoof bracer from the Lunar elite guard as she assisted him climbing into bed. Yep, this was indeed karma from some past life or event coming to bite her hard upon her illustrious toned and perfectly manicured flank.

In her drunken panic of being pinned down by the now completely knocked out stallion, she even went as far as to try and knock him off, bite him; anything she could to awaken him so she could gain her freedom. All in vain. Dark Fury is a legend among heavy sleepers, being drunk and full with five full bowls of his favored meal only making it that much worse.

But that's not quite what made things so horridly arry. Being in bed laying next to a possible love interest? Why not. It's been ages and now seven unanswered heat cycles she's had to contend with. One would say this could have been a blessing, especially when said stallion was the head of the Night Princesses most elite and powerful guards.

'BRRRRRPPPT!' She scrunches her nose and holds her breath, fearing that very dreaded uncouth sound. That, which has been her second and most hated aspect of this hellish nightmare of a stay at the palace. Apparently, potatoes cause this stallion to have an extreme exhaust problem. The smell strikes her like a fright train as her eyes tear up and water, causing her to curse silently and sulk.

Rarity recalls that was the very problem that had nearly knocked her senseless. After Fury had fallen beside her and accidentally pinned her down under his massive and powerful foreleg, he let out the loudest, longest rump trumpet the fashionista had ever had the displeasure of being forced to experience. This stallion put Rainbow Dash and Applejack to absolute shame, even on their fabled taco eating contest nights.

She feels the pressure upon her withers lessen finally, her using the glorious golden opportunity to shimmy out from under her captors powerful, yet very unintentional embrace. After a few moments of trying, she succeeds with one good push and falls to her rump upon the floor.

Rising unsteadily to her hooves, she curses quietly, glaring daggers at the still sleeping stallion. She turns her nose up in disgust and turns, nearly galloping out of the room with everything she has to escape this nightmare. First thing, shower. She needs to scrub the toxic gas from her coat and hair. Second, scrub her brain with some kind of bleach. She never wants to remember this night, ever. As she finally exits the room and closes the door behind her, she stops, slides down the heavy oak door slowly and falls to her rump panting. Her ears catch the familiar loud trumpet again, causing her to scrunch up her nose again. With a heavy annoyed sigh and gritted teeth, she gets up and walks to her intended chambers, rushing to her bath.

Within his own chambers upon the rigid and almost stony stiff bed, Dark Fury awakens with a yawn and a mighty stretch, the last and most recent part of his usual morning routine drawing him from his sleep. He sits up and yawns, scratching his head with his fore hoof as he smacks his lips, his mouth parched from snoring.

"Hmm...strange. Vhen did I return to bed?" He asks himself aloud, dazedly looking about the room. His golden eyes flick down upon the white sheets of his bed, finding a long deep purple strand of hair draped upon it leading to the stiff pillow. His nose picks of the scent of flowers and honey, his eyes opening wide with surprise.

"I vas...valking Rarity to chambers..hers..no, mine? Niet! Ze deeveetsu...ze beautiful Rarity...she vas in my bed. Da! yes...and...and...she stay vith me? Da...yes, zat is vhat..." His mind pieces together what he can only hope. He glances at the nearby mirror he uses to dress in his formal Lunar Guard armor every time before his shifts, his eyes immediately focused upon the multiple bite marks trailing his neck to his shoulder.

With his eyes growing to the size of dinner plates and possibly the largest grin this stallion has ever adorned within his life, he shakes his head in disbelief. "Da! I am ze STALLION!" He nearly shouts, his husky slavic voice ringing in the still air of the room, as he pumps his forelegs into the air in victory.

* * * * *

In the royal dining hall, The pilot, midnight alicorn and Dusty Shine all sit content, enjoying their usual morning conversation over coffee and the morning news articles. The twin treasures sit at a smaller table just for them, munching away happily at today's delicious spread provided by the palace chefs.

Celestia and Twilight quietly walk in, their own regalia and crowns off today as they enjoy the start of their three sunrises and sunsets off of royal duties. This has been a time the three alicorn princesses have planned for, so that they may each partake in the coming Canterlot Fair as well as take time to rest.

"Good morning Tia." Luna casually says, setting down her cup upon the polished cherry wood surface of the table. "Did you sleep well, mine sister?" she asks with a soft smile, after letting out another soft yawn.

Celestia sighs, hiding her fatigue behind her masterful calm regal mask. "I did lulu. And good morning to you as well." She calmly states with a serene smile. Her bare hooves clip clop quietly against the polished marble tiled floor as she steps slowly, making her way to the alicorn fillies table. She leans down and nuzzles them both affectionately with a gentle smile. "And good morning to my two favorite nieces!" She cheerfully sings out.

"We're your only nieces." Moonlight Way retorts with a grin, wrapping her short spindly hooves around the elder white alicorns neck. She gives a playful nuzzle and kiss to Celestia's cheek, giggling the whole while with joy.

Stardust Kiss smiles up at Celestia, her muzzle dirtied by muffin crumbs and butter smears as she grins wide, her eyes closed and a happy expression upon her features. Celestia gently rubs her hoof into the filly alicorns mane, letting out a soft chuckle of her own.

Twilight yawns as she takes a seat at the table with the trio, pouring herself her favorite drink, the black aromatic gold called coffee. "Good morning every pony." she murmurs, levitating the full cup within her magical grasp and taking a deep sip. "So, today is swimming for the twins?"

Luna nods with a smile. "Thou art correct, fair Twilight. Will you be joining us today?" she asks, while bringing her own cup to her lips.

"After I help the commander with today's engine test, I was planning on it." she cheerfully replies. "Our famous aircraft gets a new ability today, if the test works out." Twilight adorns a happy smile. "Oh how I love seeing advances in Equestrian science! Imagine how well this could help the new Equestrian Royal Air Force! It would make for a much more efficient and faster division!"

Luna quirks an eyebrow and tilts her head quizzically, turning her confused gaze to her pilot. "Mine flame? What does she mean? Does our machine have a new talent?" she asks, now very curious.

He huffs, smiling. "Surprisingly, Professor Vendington came up with a way to allow our bird to have vertical take off and landing ability. If this works out, we'll be able to hover in place, fly in a new range, and even land in smaller areas safely. It would also help in situations like we experienced at your old castle a few years ago."

Luna runs the thoughts through her mind, memories flashing in her thoughts of the castle of the two pony sisters, where they faced down against the Timber wolves, shortly before their first air combat mission together against the dragons attacking Canterlot, the ones that had shattered the tranquil skies and peace...leading to the war.

The midnight alicorn smiles, reminiscing over the memories of her and her flames past, enjoying the moments where they first discovered their love, and how wonderful their time together was that fateful night.

"That...that sounds grand. I would like to see this for myself!" She exclaims with joy. "Why don't we all go, and then go to the pond after?" She suggests with a grin. She doesn't notice her elder sister studying her cautiously, Celestia's horn alight for a brief moment and probing Luna for Nightmare Moon's energy. The elder white alicorn senses none.

Celestia clears her throat. "I think that sounds delightful. It would do a lot of good for our fillies to finally see their fathers work." She speaks up with a soft smile. The fillies take notice and look up at Talon, their features betraying their excitement. They stare wide eyed, their wings open and bobbing with enthusiasm.

He nods. "Alright. Sounds good to me." He responds, taking a bite of his own breakfast. Dusty Shine finishes her plate, rising to her hooves.

"I'll report to the control center then, Commander. Good luck on your test flight today." she says with a gentle and contented huff. The blue maned Earthen pony mare quietly steps out of the dining room after a polite bow, being excused by the princesses.

* * * * *

Talon and Luna kneel down and embrace their children together, standing beside the silent warbird within the hangar. "Now you two be good and stay with your aunts, mine children" Luna coos out lovingly. "We'll be quick so that we may partake in our fun."

Talon nods, rising to his feet. "And I'll make it a good show for you." He quips, placing on and securing down his flight helmet.

"We will mama." The twins reply in unison, being scooted along by the elder white alicorns long elegant wing. They quickly walk with Celestia to the safe area just outside of the hangar, to stand with the group of ponies behind Twilight Sparkles large soundproof bubble spell.

Luna lets out a happy sigh, turning to the war machine, then bounds onto the folded canard with a flap of her powerful wings. She slowly steps into her usual seat she's missed for so long, climbing down into the copilots position within the cockpit of the ageing warbird.

Talon climbs up the side steps of the fuselage, getting seated into the pilots seat and begins to activate and power up the on board computers and systems. Luna finishes placing on her headset, a serene smile upon her lips as she goes over the controls within her memory, touching the panels with her bare hooves.

"Ready, angel?" He asks, turning back to glance at the midnight alicorn. "You can just wait with the kids if you want, it's just a test flight and quick run over the city." He asks. He watches as Luna finds the canopy close lever, the alicorn pulling upon it with her fore hoof and bringing the glass down upon the cockpit.

"Neigh mine flame...I missed taking to the heavens with thee. We have not been together in a flight for several weeks now, and I wish to spend time with mine husband." She answers into the headset, a loving smile upon her muzzle as she lids her gaze to him.

"Initiate scram jet sequence!" He calls out into his flight helmet, nodding to Luna and turning around to face forward. He feels his alicorns hoof come to a rest upon his left shoulder, his own hand rising to grasp it. He gives her fore hoof a gentle squeeze, their way of silently communicating their love for one another.

The engines of the aircraft slowly whine to life, then begin to howl loudly into the thunderous banshees cry. They idle for several minutes in place, the engines warming up slowly before they taxi out to the flight line. Luna waves happily at her children and the group of on looking ponies, the fillies returning the gesture with excited waves of their own.

'Operator to Talon One, you have clearance for take off at any time. Good hunting, Commander.' They hear the voice of Dusty Shine call out to them over the radio, the crackle of static followed for a moment after the end of the transmission.

"One to control, we read you. Talon has the ball." He responds, pushing the throttle forward slightly. The engines flare up loudly, the hot exhaust trail causing the air to shimmer behind it from the heat.

Celestia, Twilight and the fillies all watch in awe from behind the safety of the bubble shield, their view perfect and clear. The canards of the warbird deploy slowly, the wings spreading out wide into their daunting and terrifying forms. They stare on in wonder as doors upon the war machines back and belly slowly open and raise.

"That's new..." Twilight comments raising both eyebrows in surprise. "I thought only the missile bays could open like that?" She asks, turning to one of the engineer ponies nearby.

A white Pegasus mare with golden eyes smiles at her, puffing out her chest in pride and shooing a lock of wheat colored hair from her face. "Those are the new exhaust and lift ports we just installed last night, your majesty!" She replies with enthusiasm. "We placed a large fan in the nose section behind the banshees cockpit, and venting ports below the engines! It can even use those now to turn sharper in the air, much like an Equestrian Pegasus! It was an idea given to us by Fleetfoot of the Wonder-bolts Academy." She muses with a grin.

Twilight nods, returning her gaze to the aircraft as she hears the faint sound of the machines high pitched howl. Before their eyes, jets of flame erupt from under the tail section of the warbird, then a powerful whirlwind from the middle of its long massive black body.

The war machine lifts slowly and unsteadily into the air, rocking slightly as it begins to hover in place. Every pony begins to cheer wildly as it lifts higher and higher above the ground, the landing gear retracting within its form as it continues to hover. Celestia waves happily with her fore hooves in the air as the nose of the warbird turns to face them, coming face to face with the group.

Inside of the cockpit, Luna looks around through the canopy glass, a wide approving smile upon her muzzle. "What magic is this, mine flame? Has our machine learned how to lift itself now?" She asks into her headset.

"Afraid it's not magic, angel." He replies, looking over the various screens as he tries to keep the machine steady. He increases the throttle and vectors the aircraft's exhaust, turning the nose of the machine skyward as they move forward slowly. They begin to pass over the watching ponies below from a safe distance. "Some aircraft back on Earth have this ability already. This is just the first time one of these could do it."

Luna nods, somewhat confused but never the less enjoying the experience. "I for one am glad it can now, mine flame. This opens up visit opportunities to every city in Equestria now. There is nowhere our machine cannot go if we can land much the same way"

He continues to do hovering maneuvers around the area, slowly going forward over the gardens, then changing the direction of the jets to reverse in air. With the new modifications provided by the royal engineers, the once brutal war machine has become the first multi-role aircraft in the history of Equestria.

"Mine love, lets give our children something to enjoy. Lets do a small show?" Luna asks, a wide and content smile upon her muzzle. She glances down over the edge of the canard from her co pilots position. She can see the fillies excitedly pointing up at them and smiles upon their muzzles, visible from even a hundred feet above the ground.

The pilot glances at the fuel gauges upon the screens, seeing that he still has roughly an hour of flight time remaining in the half empty tanks concealed within the warbird's wings. "Yeah, we can do that!" He laughs out. "You buckled in, angel?" He asks, his eyes flicking to the mirror he has placed upon the cockpit controls.

He sees her lift a hoof to point out her harness's draped snugly over her barrel and legs, a wide sultry grin upon her lips. "Mine flame, I learned after our first flight with thee to always use these straps." She says with a giggle.

He nods and starts flipping the various switches in sequence, the doors and hatches closing as he ignited the afterburners. Twin jets of focused blue fire erupt's from the aft of the warbird, rocketing it forward as the banshees cry thunders loudly throughout the sky. He pulls back hard upon the flight stick, the pitching almost straight up as they race into the heavens.

On the ground, the fillies and group watch in wonder and joy seeing the show, the aircraft suddenly jetting through clouds in a series of twists, turns and rolls. The warbird aligns with the runway and comes dangerously close to the ground, doing a high speed very low elevation flyby for them before darting back into the heavens again.

This continues for several minutes, the pilot and midnight alicorn putting the war machine through its paces and trademarked maneuvers, before finally slowing down to the runway again. The pilot returns the machine back to its hovering state, the hatches and doors opening once more and bringing the warbird of legend into a slow decent to the ground. The landing gear lowers as it sets down with a very soft bump within minutes, the engines finally winding down to a whisper.

Several minutes pass, Talon guiding in the aircraft back to its hangar and resting place before shutting down completely. The canopy opens slowly once inside and the canards folded in, the pilot and alicorn stepping out and removing their headgear.

Celestia canters into the ballroom now hangar with the fillies in tow, a wide smile upon her features. "Remarkable! I never knew this machine could do that!" she excitedly comments, her magenta orbs tracing its sleek curves and high polished steel body.

The fillies leap around their parents legs with joy, jubilant smiles upon their excited features. They cheer happily as they prance about. "That was fun!" They shout in unison.

Luna turns and looks to her flame, lidding her gaze with a soft loving smile after letting out a happy sigh. "I would say our test was most successful, mine love." She whispers to him, nuzzling his chest affectionately.

* * * * *

`

The sun shines brightly, few clouds gracing the sky and giving soft shade on occasion. The pilot rests upon a chair at the edge of a large oval shaped swimming pool behind the Lunar wing of the palace, newly built compliments of one scorching summer driving the midnight alicorn batty last year.

He sighs, lowering his aviator glasses to look upon his alicorn splashing and playing in the water with the twins and Dusty Shine. His glances around slowly also noting the heavy Lunar Stallion presence stationed all around the perimeter.

"What seems to be troubling you, Commander?" Celestia asks, rolling onto her side and gazing at him with her soft magenta orbs. "You should be swimming with your family and enjoying your day off, not sitting under an umbrella and resting with an old mare like me." She musically giggles out.

Talon grunts, looking at the white alicorn beside him. "You probably wouldn't understand even if I told you about it, Sunny Butt." He groans out. "Remind me again why I even get days off? You know I should be in the air right now sweeping the badlands to check for the parasite, not relaxing around a pool."

She sighs, shaking her head sadly. "Talon..." She lifts her fore leg and rests a gentle hoof upon his arm. "The war is over. It's been over. Mother herself restored everything, and sent Chrysalis far far away, somewhere into the stars, not upon our soil. You've gone into flights over the parasites former dwellings many many times, never finding a trace they were even there. Calm yourself, please."

He looks down and shakes his head. "Look...mind if you keep something under your crown?" He breathes out quietly, glancing at her from the side. She perks up her ears in attention, concern washing over her features.

"You know anything said between you and I stays between us my dearest friend. What seems to be in your thoughts?" She asks quietly, scooting closer to the pilot. She licks her lips and listens attentively, her gaze focused fully upon him now.

He's silent for a moment, before letting out a strained huff of breath. "You can't tell this to Luna, or the children. This stays just between us. All of it...no matter what you hear." He mutters, his eyes falling ahead again back to the sight of his beloved family enjoying their play time.

Celestia nods quickly, growing far more concerned. She can sense something is deeply troubling him now, something she sensed in passing several weeks ago, but has since been very carefully hidden...even from her. "I promise you Talon. I won't ever breathe a word. What is it?" Her own voice laced with genuine concern and gentle coaxing. She's been waiting for this.

"I've...I've been having a lot of trouble sleeping lately. I keep having the same nightmare over and over again, and until last night it always ended with me getting taken down by the predator hunting me." He hangs his head, a look of shame washing over him. His voice becomes shaken, his military training and hardened mental state crumbling before her as the images flash in his memory.

"It's Chrysalis...only she's much much worse now Celestia. She's stronger, faster...my weapons don't even scratch her. She's some kind of a twisted hellish demon...and those damn eyes. Those fucking red glowing eyes!" He says through gritted teeth.

If Celestia wasn't worried before, she's flat out in shocked terror now. She swallows hard, listening to him. She can tell through his rising heart rate and his tone he's being dead serious. She pins back her ears, her wings tightening against her as she comes closer to him, trying to comfort the distressed pilot. "Go on..." She encourages him.

"Every night it's the same thing...Luna's magic isn't keeping them away anymore. I always find myself in that hellish nightmare, trapped at your old castle. It always starts the same. I'm searching for Luna, I find the bug, she chases me down, kicks the shit out of me and rips me apart." He shakenly whispers. "And the problem is...I feel every bit of it. I wake up still feeling the pain."

Celestia's eyes open wide, her eyebrows raised in absolute shock. The pilot lifts his arms and raises the bottom his shirt, showing her something she never expected. Running the length down his side was a series of faint bruises, and one very fresh looking red streak, almost appearing as if he was sliced then healed by very amateur magic.

"I woke up with those this morning...those are new. Usually I just awaken feeling sore and worn out. I've been hiding this from angel for about a month now. That's why I flinched when you went to hug the crap out of me after getting back from the Crystal empire that day." He breathes out in a low pained tone. "I can't even embrace my own wife now without it hurting like hell."

She shakes her head slowly, her jaw agape as she listens. Her heart sinks in her barrel as he speaks each word, her own mind simply going blank. She knows of this magic...she knows of this black evil magic that was long since banned from use in Equestria, five hundred years ago.

"But that's not the worst of it...I wish it was, but there's something even heavier weighing on me that I can't shake. And that's what changed last night. Getting my wings clipped by that parasite I can take. Feeling like...like I'm a traitor. I can't..." He whispers out.

"A traitor?" Celestia asks, surprised. "What in the name of Heofon makes you feel as a traitor, commander?"

He's silent for a moment more, turning to look into her soft magenta orbs gently gazing into his. "Last night...Luna...or I hope it was Luna anyway...she saved me. She was just like that night in Horseshoe bay. Black fur and all. What gets me is her eyes though...they weren't like before. They were almost...pleading."

Her heart drops into her stomach. "Bl...black fur?" She stutters. "Talon...did she say anything? Anything at all?!" She urgently asks. "Tell me everything...take your time and be very specific. This is very...very important."

He licks his lips, glancing back to Luna. He sees her carrying both of the twins upon her back as she swims, her musical laughter echoing into the calm spring air as she paddles around slowly, Dusty Shine splashing the cool refreshing water upon the fillies laughing happily.

The memories flash in his mind as he turns back to her, breathing hard now. "It started to rain...It never rained before. She was there in the storm after killing the queen. She stepped to me...those fangs in her mouth...it didnt look natural. She almost looked like...like a Nightmare version of angel. The same teeth Luna had when she bit me during that breakfast when I first came here."

He continues, the images playing behind his closed eyes like a movie to him. "She was there staring at me for only a few moments, coming closer to me. What makes me feel like a traitor was..." He swallows. "I know this is going to sound stupid."

The white alicorn gently drapes a wing around him as she sits up in place, giving him a gentle squeeze in her warm and comforting embrace. "Go on Commander. Just say it. I promise you no matter what it is, I won't tell lulu or be angry." She gently smiles, trying to coax him to finish.

"...she kissed me." He breathes out quietly. "I...I didn't kiss back or anything...but she just pinned me down and went for it. Then she just...i don't know, she poofed from the dream. But it's what she said that had me scratching my head and waking up with one hell of a cold sweat." He sighs out.

Celestia nods slowly, swallowing hard. "And...what was it she said to you, if I may ask?" She questions quietly, her tone continuing to be soft and concerned. "Did she threaten you or anything?"

"No...she said she loved me." He responds. "But...that can't be right Celestia! It can't! ...I'm married to Luna. I have children with her. Kissing another woman---mare...whatever. That's a huge no no. That's flat out betrayal." He says with a strained voice. "That's a failed mission in my book."

She lets out a gentle calm sigh of relief, nodding her head. She smiles at him and squeezes her wing against him again, looking forward to her beloved family playing together in the water. "Talon...you did nothing wrong. And neither did Obsolescence." She comments.

"Obso wha?" He quirks an eyebrow. "...The hell do you mean?!"

She giggles musically. "I guess you never did get a chance to learn of Equestria's customs in their entirety...though this would fall under a rather obscure and outdated one that isn't very widely used."

"I'm sure you've heard lulu call your family, you and the twins her herd, right?" she asks. He nods in response, bringing a smile to her features. " A herd as it were, commander...means that lulu has already accepted the ideals of allowing what's called a 'beta mare' in the relationship. For example..." She motions with her fore hoof to the maid Dusty Shine playing in the pool, tossing back and forth a large inflated colorful ball to the children.

"You could in theory ask Dusty there to be what's called your beta. Or second mare. This still means that you and lulu would be married, but you would have another helping hoof with any duties, and thus she would become a part of the royal family. This also implies that you would get the extra...frills...of it so to speak." She blushes, quiet for a moment. "That also means if you ever so desired, you could even ask myself or Twilight..."

Talons jaw almost slams to the ground in shock. "Wha...?" He asks, his sun glasses sliding down the bridge of his nose, his eyes wide with surprise. "How the hell did this come from my trouble with this nightmare?!"

Celestia giggles quietly behind a held fore hoof. "I'm getting to that. You see...that mare that came to your rescue was Obsolescence. Nightmare Moon as you've come to know her. She and lulu are one in the same. Two hearts, two souls, one mind. It was only natural for her to fall for you in time."

The pilot face palms in annoyance. "Oh you have got to be fucking kidding me...you are right? ...Right?" He asks, glancing at Celestia. He sees her muzzle turn pink with a bright blush, her cheeks becoming flushed and hot.

"Not this time, my friend. And I was serious when I said that you could even ask Twilight or myself to be that beta mare. Though...you understand we'd be a package deal..." she says with a growing smile, wriggling her eyebrows.

He pauses for a moment, then shakes his head. "Heh...nope. Not that crazy." He says quickly. "I could handle Twi. She's easy to please, just throw a book her direction and you'll be ignored for the better part of a day. You? I'd be bald in a week from tearing out my hair."

Celestia playfully scoffs, feigning hurt. "Oh Commander, you wound me." she chides gently. "Though I would imagine it would be fun. Then at least I would get lulu to bake moonshine cakes more often."

Talon rolls his eyes. "I still don't see how you can eat so much cake."

"Magic, sweetie. Magic." She quips with a smile. "Any normal mare would have a flank as big as a house...if they had my diet." He nods slowly in agreement at her comment. "My point is my dear friend...you have nothing to be concerned about. You didn't betray lulu. And I had a feeling that Obsolescence was visiting you last night. I sensed her presence not long after you two went to sleep. "

Now she had his attention. "Ok...explain." He retorts.

"At first, I thought she may be wanting to cast Equestria back into eternal night again. When she set her sights on a goal, she'd destroy any pony or anything in her way. But now I know what it is I sensed...it was her love for you. Her deep desire to be noticed and seen by you, Talon. She must have awakened from lulu when she sensed your nightmare." Celestia says with a very relieved sigh.

"To simply state the facts, your nightmare ended at the hooves of none other than Nightmare Moon herself. And thus proving my original theory correct, that love had broken the shell upon her stone heart, and showing she honestly does have a heart full of fire and passion, rather than ice and hatred. You my friend, have just tamed yet another alicorns heart. Bravo!" Celestia says with a wide Cheshire grin adorning her lips. "You sure are full of surprises."

He sighs and hangs his head in annoyance, his eyebrow twitching. "You...you can't be serious." He says through clenched teeth. "So what are we going to do about it?"

"Well...the easiest thing would be to just ask Obsolescence herself what she wants. I've been sensing her appear every night for a short time, but she never leaves your chambers. No magic, nothing. She just simply appears, stays stationary for a while and leaves when it's time for lulu to lower the moon." She draws a soft breath, smiling serenely. "So we just wait for lulu to fall asleep tonight, Obsolescence will appear and you can just talk to her directly."

"And what if she goes psycho again? Then what?" He retorts. "I hate your plans like this sunny butt. I never know if I'm the mouse, or the cheese." He watches Celestia's smile grow almost sinister in appearance, not knowing that was even possible.

"I'll be waiting on the balcony hiding, and listening in. If Obsolescence does show up and somehow becomes violent or attempts anything, I'll step in and put a very quick end to it. You'll be completely safe, I promise."

He nods, as he continues listening to the white elder alicorns plan. "But the only problem is she may sense me...so before hoof we will need me to adorn something of lulu's or even Dusty's. I have a few spells in my study that I could use to hide me from her, but the only sure way to guarantee it is with some ponies most prized possession. Their energy and love will obfuscate my own, thus rendering me nearly invisible to detection."

"So...like a stealth mode. I get it." He comments, leaning forward in his seat and thinking. "She'd just see another Luna if we used one of her items...But she wouldn't be able to detect Dusty at all."

"That's if she hasn't seen miss Shine through lulu's eyes already. We would be wise utilizing something else..." The thoughts race through Celestia's mind, a smile creeping to her lips. "Twilight has a mane pin I gave her for our wedding day. I know it's her favorite item because she kisses it goodnight before she kisses me." She giggles. "Oh I swear that mare is adorable sometimes." With a happy sigh and a nod she turns to look upon the pilot. "I'll enchant that with the spell and wait upon the balcony. Just be sure you keep your routine completely normal until then, and act accordingly. We can't let lulu know or Obsolescence will learn of our plan."

"Heh...can't say this is my first covert mission...but without a doubt my strangest one. Alright, it's a plan then. Lets do this." He agrees. "At this point, I just need some answers. I don't care how...I just need to know I'm not going crazy."

Celestia rises to her hooves and tosses her mane to and fro, shaking out from her head to her flank. Her wings flutter and ruffle as she stretches out. "Then it's a date, Talon. For now, relax, lets go enjoy a swim." She says grinning. Before the pilot can respond, she gallops forward and leaps into the pool, resulting in a massive splash that hits several of the nearby guards with a wave of water.

He watches the alicorns all giggle melodically as they play and splash happily in the water, letting out a sigh with a smile. 'One way or another...we'll get this figured out. I just hope she's right.' He thinks.

* * * * *

Hours after the playtime and relaxation at the pool, Luna takes her time bathing with the fillies in the large washroom within her chambers, all the while singing them a soft melody in her ancient language, soothing the children.

Within the solar wing of the palace, Talon is in Celestia's study. He watches as her horn dims after completing the spell. With a tired huff, she comes to a rest in the newly replaced chair at the desk.

"There, all done. Now all we can do is wait." The white alicorn says with a soft yawn. She tiredly sighs, leaning back in the plush ornate chair. "Oh my heavens...I wish I had slept better last night."

He nods. "I've been saying that for a while now." He folds his arms after setting down his drink, looking at the alicorn in the eyes. "So...this is really bugging me now. I just have to know."

Celestia raises an eyebrow in question. "What is it you would like me to tell you?" she asks, curious. She watches as he fidgets and looks away for a moment, before he lets out a huff of annoyance.

"Were you serious about the herd thing? Like...all of it?" He asks.

"Every word." She answers with a soft smile, a light blush upon her regal muzzle. "There are times that I may joke or pull your hoof, Talon. This is a serious matter however, and I was absolutely serious about every bit of it."

"Even the 'I should pick you' bit?" He asks raising an eyebrow.

Celestia blushes furiously for a moment, her cheeks flushed and hot. "Well...it's not as if I have not shared many things with my little sister. Be it the occasional daisy sandwich, muffins, breakfasts...my cakes on rare occasion...we share everything. You wouldn't be out of the question in that aspect of her life, if you both so desired." She responds, looking away for a moment herself.

He grins seeing an opportunity to have fun at the white alicorns expense. "Oh? Is that right? So I could have both of you...? Ok, I'll bite. But first you have to give me a reason why, that I wouldn't expect to ever hear from you." He chuckles out.

She scoffs, blushing even more now. "Well...it's not as if I've come to find you as an attractive stallion despite my preference in mares, mind you. Or the fact you're sweet, kind, gentle, honest and in all aspects a hero." She stammars out quietly. Her magenta orbs flick to him, studying for a moment before she figures out the game he's playing. With a sultry seductive grin, she counters.

"I mean really...? Have you heard lulu at night?" The alicorns tone almost growling out and oozing with a seductive touch."Even with every soundproofing spell in Star-swirl the Bearded's collections, we can STILL hear you two! Maybe I just want a part of the action?" She says in a singsong voice. Now it's his turn to be caught off guard.

"Ha ha...heh..." He coughs "Heh...Oh hell no." He eyes her as she leans forward upon the desks surface, her fore hoof tapping upon the tabletop. He has no idea she just turned the tables and now she's playing with him. In his eyes, she's dead serious.

"Oh come now, Commander. Maybe even I want a...belly rub?" She asks, batting her long eyelashes at him. She grins inwardly when she sees him squirm, knowing she's already won her probably best counter troll ever. This, she's so adding to her diary and laughing with her love later about after this is all over.

He's sweating profusely as he shifts uncomfortably in his chair. He wordlessly mouths incomprehensible words, incomplete sentences as he tries to respond, the words caught in his throat. As he finally begins to gather his shattered resolve, there's a knock at the study door.

"Enter." Celestia calls out, her soft gaze upon the doorway. The door opens and in steps Dusty Shine. The mare steps forward with a soft smile, her mane and tail hanging against her soft fur from being still damp and freshly brushed.

"Princess, Commander. I'm just letting you know that dinner is ready, and as per your request you will be dining in the gardens this evening." She clears her throat, a soft smile upon her muzzle. "And if I may say, the palace chefs went all out on your flat dish this time."

"Pizza." Celestia supplies helpfully. " It's a dish from the commanders homeworld, Miss Shine. I assume you'll be joining us for dinner? It is your vacation after all, and you are a welcomed friend of the family."

Dusty Shine steps back in surprise, a shocked grin on her features. "Princess? My...my vacation? When did...?" Celestia cuts her off quickly, holding up her fore hoof.

"With the Commander being forced to enjoy the next several days with lulu and I taking personal time off, there will be no flights unless Canterlot somehow falls under duress, my little pony. So this means that you're being also placed on paid vacation with us, and I am formally requesting you to enjoy a few well deserved days off." The white alicorn says with a soft smile.

The Earthen pony mare nods furiously, smiling wide. "Oh! Thank you so much your majesty! I'm really grateful for this!" She says with a very cheerful tone.

"Dusty, you're lulu's best friend, and a dear friend of mine. No need to be formal with me." She says musically, her every feature soft and gentle. "Please meet us in the gardens, we will be on our way shortly. I hope you're hungry!"

With a happy nod, Dusty quickly turns out of the study with a bounce in her step, making her way to the gardens to enjoy this rare chance. They can hear her humming happily to herself as the melody echos in the halls. Talon looks back to Celestia.

"About Dusty." He begins, clearing his throat. "I want her to have the night of the Gala off. No maid duty, She's going as a guest." He states calmly. Celestia raises an eyebrow curiously, pursing her lips forward in thought for a moment.

"Are you saying you've chosen her as your second?" She asks, now very curious. 'This is going to be good.' Celestia muses in her thoughts.

"Negative ma'am. But she did express to me in a recent conversation how she's always wanted to attend one. This year is special for angel, being the gala actually falls on our anniversary this year. I simply think it would be more fun for her if her friend was to attend this time, rather then act as service." He replies quietly.

She nods, rising from her seat. "Consider it done. I'll ensure that she receives a ticket and she sees a dress maker for the occasion. How very kind of you to consider that, Talon." She quips with a smile. "You continue to surprise me."

The two walk out, finding Luna already walking in the Solar wing with the twins in tow beside her long elegant legs. They all converse together on the way, the children excited at the prospect of their favored meal, with the possibility of Applejacks famous apple fritters for desert.

* * * * *

The sun is beginning to set, ushering in the early part of twilight and dusk, the heavens alight with a soft and gentle lavender hue. Torches are lit throughout the area, illuminating the quiet and peaceful gardens with the glow of candle light.

Sitting around several tables spread throughout the seating area just outside of the hangar, are the alicorns, pilot and Dusty Shine. The tables contain a large spread of several pizzas cooked by the palace chefs, three pies already gone as nearby guards on duty have been requested to help themselves to a share of their own.

The fillies prance and frolic jubilantly in the peaceful gardens together, playing with one another as well as their aunt Twilight. She chases them playfully as they play a game of tag together, the lavender alicorn helping tire them out for bed.

Luna nuzzles up against the side of the pilot, her eyes closed in quiet joy as he strokes her neck and mane gently from their sitting positions upon the chairs. Celestia leans back in her chair, patting her soft full belly with a hoof, a wide smile of enjoyment upon her muzzle.

"I never can get enough of that delicious dish. Why didn't pony kind come up with this long ago? It's such a huge hit here in Canterlot." She comments, taking a sip of her tea.

"I agree, mine sister." Luna says with a soft yawn. "Mine flame did all of Equestria a great kindness upon showing us some of Earths confections and delicious meals. It has even allowed several new businesses to form in a few city's, and has grown to be quite popular among our subjects." She murmurs, letting out a soft contented sigh.

"Well...I don't know about it being a 'great kindness', angel. I just wanted a pizza and figured you space ponies would like to try some." The pilot says dryly. "Besides, it's always a good night for pizza, especially on days off. Hell, the kids love it!"

"Mine flame, they each ate three slices each. Considering we have enough trouble getting them to consume vegetation without bribing them with sweets...this is most certainly a favorable dish indeed."

"I don't know about you girls, but I'm stuffed!" Dusty Shine exclaims, a a quiet burp erupting from her sauce stained lips and muzzle. "Whoo...I ate too much."

Talon helps himself to his fourth slice of the savory dish, taking a bite out of it with a contented smile as he chewed. After swallowing his bite, he grins. "Nah, there's always room for pizza."

Celestia giggles. "And apple fritters according to our treasured twins. I for one am pleased they have such healthy appetites for growing fillies. If their eating habits and Luna's past are any indications, I'd say they'll grow into absolutely beautiful mares once they're older."

Luna nods and murmurs quietly her eyes still closed as she relaxes, a soft smile adorning her muzzle as she nuzzles affectionately. She lets out a quiet huff and nickers very softly to her flame. Her ears are turned outward and down, her wings hanging very loosely and relaxed upon her sides. She's clearly very happy with her current position.

The fillies trot up to the group panting softly and out of breath, tired smiles upon their features. "Mama...we're tired and want to go to bed." Moonlight Way yawns out. She turns to look at her sister who is staring at a nearby torch upon a post, her gaze lidded and displaying her fatigue.

"...And that's my que." The pilot breathes out, giving his midnight alicorn a gentle squeeze with his arm around her. "C'mon angel, lets get these two ready for bed." Luna nods, letting out a wide yawn. She smacks her lips quietly for several seconds, before nodding tiredly to the pilot.

Luna rises to her hooves and walks slowly to her children, lowering her head and long elegant neck to them to nuzzle and love on her cherished treasures. She nickers and clicks quietly to draw their attention, gently pushing against Stardust Kiss with an extended wing.

"Come mine children, let us go to your beds." She happily states with a loving, warm gentle smile and a lidded gaze upon them. She takes a soft breath and turns, her illustrious jade orbs glancing at the pilot affectionately.

He starts to rise to his feet when he feels Celestia's hoof rest gently upon his arm, turning his attention away from the departing alicorn and fillies to gaze at the elder white alicorn princess.

"Remember the plan, Commander...I'll be waiting on your balcony for you in half an hour. Just keep lulu occupied and away from there. " She whispers, giving him a quick wink. He nods, silently confirming to her he understands. Turning, he walks away, jogging up to Luna's side, following the twins to their chambers.

The walk is uneventful and peaceful, the fillies walking side by side in front of their parents, quietly enjoying the time together as a family as they make may for their sanctuary. Talon walks closely to the night princess, his hand softly stroking her withers and back to keep her calm and content.

Luna's ears and wings twitch every so often slowly, her features betraying her happy and peaceful mood. This is her favored time of the day, when she gets to speak of bed time stories and sing to her children.

They reach the fillies chambers, the pilot taking his usual seat upon a large comfortable sitting cushion while Luna helped the twins into their respective beds. She sighed happily watching them nestle and snuggle into their positions, before closing her eyes and drawing a soft breath. Her horn alights dimly in a aura of dark blue magic, her power willing the moon into the heavens as she feels her sister lower the sun.

Talon closes the drapes slowly, casting the room into darkness, illuminated only by the soft glow of Luna's horn. He smiles and stands beside her for a moment, then falls to one knee as she begins her lullaby she sings for them every night.

~*~My children, my treasures...how you're so dear to me. You'll never know what love and joy you bring.

My children, my angels, how I love thee...You're my whole world, my starlight, my soul and my dreams.

May your sleep be as sweet as can be, may you travel to places of peace. But always know I love you, hold you dear to me. I'll always keep you, as my one true dream.

My children, my wonders, how you mean so much to me. You'll always mean, so much to me.

My angels, my darling angels...May you find your peace. Know that you'll always be held in my wings.

I was lost, with no light to see. It was you who gave me a sense of where to be. My children, my angels. My precious dreams.

Always know that I truly love thee... ~*~

Luna's words echo gently in the still air, her magic weaving lazily and forming small pools of starlight upon the ceilings and walls of the chambers. The room is cast into a gentle glow bathed in her Lunar magic, draping the room in shadow and peace.

The fillies yawn sleepily and quietly begin to nod off, soothed by their mothers graceful and beautiful melody. Luna opens her eyes and gazes lovingly at them, continuing her lullaby.

~*~My children, my treasures...how you're so dear to me. You'll never know what love and joy you bring.

My children, my angels, how I love thee...You're my whole world, my starlight, my soul and my dreams.

May your sleep be as sweet as can be, may you travel to places of peace. But always know I love you, hold you dear to me. I'll always keep you, as my one true dream.

My children, my wonders, how you mean so much to me. You'll always mean, so much to me.

My angels, my darling angels...May you find your peace. Know that you'll always be held in my wings.

I was lost, with no light to see. It was you who gave me a sense of where to be. My children, my angels. My precious dreams.

Always know that I truly love thee... ~*~

The twins snore quietly, their wings twitching gently beneath the plush comforter as they slowly kick and twitch in their slumber. Luna walks forward slowly, lowering her head to them and kissing their cheeks gently. The midnight alicorn blessing them with Lunar magic, bidding them peaceful and restful sleep and sweet dreams. Heofon help whatever nightmare is foalish enough to dare try the children of the Night Goddess.

"Goodnight...mine children." Luna lovingly coos out softly, turning carefully to exit the chambers. Talon also kneels down between the beds and kisses their cheeks goodnight, before rising to his feet and slowly creeping out of the room after the alicorn.

They exit the chambers, the door closing with a soft click behind them. He turns to her, looking surprised. "Angel...that wasn't your usual song...what changed?" He asks quietly. Luna turns and smiles up at him, her ethereal star field mane and tail swaying slowly behind her.

"I felt this was a special night, mine flame. Mine heart...it had a new song I wished to share with mine herd. It was as much of a song to them as it was to you, mine love." She leans forward upon her fore hooves, giving him a slow passionate kiss. She holds it for a moment, before backing away and letting out a quiet breath.

"I love you...mine flame. Thou means more than life itself to me...You blessed me with a family. You gave mine life meaning again. Those words...were the whispers within mine heart. And I meant every word and note of the melody." She says, breathlessly.

"I love you too, angel. I always will." He says, embracing her tightly in his arms. "No matter what happens Luna, I'll always cover your wings. You can count on that for as long as I draw breath. You're my mare. And I'll always be true to you." He holds her tighter for a moment, before letting go.

Luna yawns out and stretches, extending out her long graceful wings to her sides for a moment, quiet clicks and pops are heard in the air, before she lets out a satisfied sigh. "Tomorrow eve is mine normal estrus cycle, mine flame...I hope thou art prepared. Sleep well tonight, thou shalt need thy energy." She says with a seductive tone, giggling softly.

"Heh...I'll keep that in mind." He grins, turning to walk to their chambers a short distance away. They enter the room, the pilot glancing and seeing a white feather peaking out of the corner of the balcony door glass. "Angel, I'm going to take a shower before bed. Would you like to join me?" He asks, closing the door behind them.

Luna bounds up onto the large ornate bed, nestling under the plush comforter and laying her head upon the pillow. "Neigh, mine flame. I have already bathed today with our treasures. I will happily take one at sunrise with you, however." She yawns out, unable to keep her eyes open.

He nods. "Oh...alright then. Well if you fall asleep before I come out, sweet dreams, angel." He calls out, walking into the washroom of the chambers. Luna slowly nods, her eyes closed as she takes in a deep breath.

He closes the door, turning on the shower valve, stepping away from the shower and allowing the water to pour into the empty area, the water splashing loudly and flowing out. He watches the bauble upon his neck carefully, waiting for the star within it to begin to fade in its glow, color shifting from its normal soft red to a light iridescent blue color.

The minutes tick away on the clock as he watches, counting down the moments he knows the alicorn is slipping into her sleep. Skillfully sneaking out over recent times to help Dusty Shine work on his surprise gifts has helped him time her normal routine down to the second, years of observation helping him translate the baubles hidden signals and meanings to him.

When he feels the time is right, he shuts off the water, steam having filled the room already. He cracks open the door and peers out, noting the entire room is cast in darkness. Shutting off the lights, he listens intently, hearing the quiet snores of the midnight alicorn echo in the room.

Talon quietly opens the door and creeps out, coming to a stop near the chair, He turns and looks out of the balcony, seeing Celestia peering in, then hiding around the corner just beyond the door. Opening the doors like usual, he nods to the elder white alicorn showing he's ready to begin the plan.

Celestia slowly raises her fore leg and points with her hoof to the chair, silently telling him to take a seat and wait. He does so, turning to watch intently at the midnight alicorn slumbering in the bed.

The minutes pass, the air thick with tension for the pilot. He silently watches, then finally sees what he was waiting for. Upon the bed, he sees two glowing draconic teal orbs appear slowly, Luna's eyes fluttering open as predicted.

Nightmare extends her fore hoof out, searching for the pilot aimlessly as she gains her barrings, the exhaustion of Luna's body weighing heavily upon her. She lets out a soft moan before sitting up. The sound of metal striking against flint catches her ears. Her head violently jerks and focuses intently upon the source, seeing a glowing red ember of light in the corner.

She narrows her eyes, seeing a cloud of smoke rise into the air suddenly, bathed in the moonlight. The sound of rustling catches her ears next as she scans the area with her eyes for movement.

The pilot exhales a stream of smoke from his cigarette, leaning forward in the chair. "So...you're Obsolescence. Let's talk." He says with a calm but firm tone, his steel gaze locked upon her form as he eyes her warily.

Nightmare feels the breath catch in her as she gasps softy, seeing the pilots face come into view within the moonlight. She smiles slowly, eyeing him longingly and nodding happily.

Author's Notes:

First: I hope you enjoyed the mini Dark Fury short. If you liked it, let me know! I'll do those in separate chapters from now on.

Secondly; PLEASE write a review, your thoughts on this chapter. Your words, comments, up votes etc WILL affect the outcome of the story, so I seriously need to know folks! Beyond that, thanks for reading, WAY more to come! =^~^=