[Lumina’s POV]

The room was still barely lit from the moon’s rays through the window as I groggily woke up. One year of getting up early in the morning back at the academy was still etched into my wake-up system, so I wasn’t able to get back to sleep. I yawned while I took my time getting up, and noticed my arms were wrapped around something that felt like it was breathing. I looked up, and saw that Cyan was in my arms the same way as he was last night while still in a deep sleep. I also noticed his limp arm was still around me like last night as well. I sighed in content from how comfortable I was in that position. I knew I needed to get started on Cyan’s training like he asked me to do yesterday, but I took a moment to savor this good feeling I had as I reflected the events from last night.

I have to admit, Cyan did an amazing job brushing my mane and tail last night. I don’t think I remember the last time I felt so relaxed. It was also nice that I finally told him some ponysonal things about me, and yet he’s willing to help me work things out in my life while still continuing to be my friend. I have to ask though, now that I’ve told him so much about me last night, what does he think of me now? Sure, he said he had gained a higher respect for me, but what’s his opinion on how I… Went through so many ponies during that time? I know I’ve tried to not let what those ponies said get to me, but a part of me can’t help but feel that some of what they’ve said about me… Turned out true. I had sex with quite a bit of ponies, especially starting from an age that may not have been acceptable to do it. Why did I even saw so many ponies during that time? Maybe I should talk to Cyan about this, and see what he thinks. We both agreed to be honest with each other, but… Does he somehow see me the same way as everyone from school did, and is only helping me out of pity? I really wish that isn’t the case, but I can’t deny that to be a possibility.

Still, Cyan has just been so good to me over the past couple of days. I can’t believe we’re already in our fourth day of being together like this since we first met that late Friday evening. From what I’ve got to know about him over that time, I’m amazed at how much he values his friendship. I guess it makes sense though. I mean he loved and cherished his friends from Canterlot so much, they were probably more like family to him than his real one… I still can’t believe his parents would drop him like that after discovering his Shadow Magic. I’m still questioning how Wielders of this magic are so dangerous like the old hag warned me. Cyan has been the sweetest pony I’ve ever met, how can ANYONE even see him as some sort of monster?

With that question in mind, I slowly moved out of bed without waking Cyan up, sat on the floor with my knees, and laid my head over my arms on top of the mattress as I observed him. He looked so peaceful while he was asleep, even with everything he had been through so far. Everything WE had been through so far in just a couple days. I scanned lower down his body, and saw his boxers pitching a tent like yesterday. It must have been morning wood again. I was rather curious how big he was under there, but not enough to change what we had going to find out though. I looked back to the head on his shoulders, reached over, and lightly brushed a part of his mane to the side while I was still reflecting my thoughts.

Come to think of it, I’m concerned for how ‘involved’ his parents were in his life up to now. Sure, they have very big jobs to do during the day, and they had taken Cyan to special events, but he may not have been very fond of those if they’re all like how he expressed his time at the Grand Galloping Gala. How much time did they really spent with him? The three of them together as a family? It sounds like he’s an only child since he hasn’t mentioned any siblings. Were there times he had to look out of himself when his parents and friends weren’t around? How alone was he when Roxxie and Teala weren't with him? I guess I can see now why he loved and cherished his friends so much. Maybe it’s even why he sees how important friendship is as it seemed his friends were more involved in his life than his own parents… Does he even notice this? Does he see his parents’ ‘involvement’ as normal for him? I’m scared to even THINK of what would happen if Crystal and Mom were as ‘involved’ with my life as his family was. I didn’t have many, if not, ANY close friends while growing up to keep me company like he did. I’ve known for a while that friends may come and go, that it’s just part of life. Family though… I mean I thought they were supposed to be there for you, to support you, to love you, and make you happy… What about what Marine had told me back at the interview?

The two of you have every right to choose your own paths. I chose to serve in the Guard because I want to give everyone a chance to live happily, and not let any opposing forces that could put the country in danger. I grew up with some unfortunate circumstances Lumina, and I don’t want anyone, my family especially, to ever experience a possible worse fate than mine.

He even mentioned before that he would never force his son to join the academy like the old hag did with me. Was all of that for naught as soon as Cyan showed his parents his Shadow Magic? I mean what kind of parents would just drop their own foals like a hot potato after seeing something like that? It’s just… Unforgivable, no matter the reasons why. And for Cyan’s parents of all ponies to even drop him like they did just because he can use Shadow Magic, as if he was some kind of freak…

I couldn’t help but broke tears as I thought to myself while watching him. I tried not to make much noise so I wouldn’t wake him up. I did however reached out and gently held his hand in mine. I rubbed the back of his hand with my thumb, and my tears kept dripping down to the bed sheets as I kept watching him sleep peacefully.

I don’t know why the fuck life had made a sweet colt like Cyan go through so much hardship at such a young age. I may not know exactly what I’m feeling for him right now, but I do know this: I’m not gonna let ANYONE harm this wonderful pony, or have him taken away from me. I think right now, I need him as a friend as much as he needs me as family. I KNOW there are big things coming ahead of you Cyan, and I’ll be sure to be there with you every step of the way. No matter what happens, I will never let you slip away from me so easily. I promise you that Cyan. Always.

With that thought in mind, I got up, picked up my training gear, and went to the bathroom to change. A couple minutes later, I went back in the room with my mane tied up in a ponytail, and wearing a sweatshirt and sweatpants. I walked over to Cyan’s side, and gently shook his shoulder. “Cyan… Cyan wake up,” I said before he grumbled a little in his bed, and groggily opened his eyes.

“H-huh? Wha?” He asked before he wiped his eyes, and sat up.

“It’s time to wake up Cyan. You wanted to start your super tough training with me right?” For some reason he looked around the room after I asked, as if he was evaluating where he was.

He must have had some kind of dream last night. That’s where his guardian Shadina teaches him his Shadow Magic right? I wonder what they do in there?

“Could I at least get a couple more minutes of sleep? Or even an hour?” He asked.

“Nope,” I responded. “This was how early I woke up back at the academy, and though I won’t be as harsh in treatment, I’ll be putting you through the same routines I did,” I then cast my levitation spell to float Cyan off the bed, and set him standing upright on the floor. “Now go and dress lightly. We’re gonna be working hard to make you a stronger stallion.”

Cyan looked like he tried to sport a smile despite how tired he was before he mumbled something I couldn’t hear. “Wait, what was that?” I asked with a raised eyebrow.

“It’s nothing,” he replied as he gathered a change of clothes. “I’ll be right with ya, and I’ll try my best to work out my tiredness this morning,” he said before he went into the bathroom.

Hmm… He doesn’t look to be 100 percent in good shape this morning. He may not be giving his all today even if he wanted to. I’m sure he’ll be better next time though. Right now I just need to see what he can do, despite the condition he’s currently in. Who knows? He may surprise me in the next session.

After a couple minutes, Cyan comes back out of the bathroom with a hoodie and black sweatpants, which was probably made from his Shadow Magic by the looks of it. “Ready to go then?” I asked.

“Ready when you are coach,” he replied jokingly.

“Let’s get going then,” I said before we picked up our bit pouches, and left our room. I picked up the key on the way to get back inside the pub when we were finished as we left the building. “Alright, while I was getting to know the city yesterday, I found a gym we can get into for some of the equipment I’m planning to use for your training, but we’re gonna warm up with a jog first,” I explained.

“Lead the way then,” Cyan said before I nodded, and I jogged along our path first before he followed.

“Two… Hours… How in Equestria… Did you even live after this?” Cyan asked in between hard breaths as we left the gym, finishing our routine for the morning.

“I’ve been through this kind of thing with the old hag years before I had the academy’s training drilled into me,” I answered as we walked. “If it makes you feel any better, I barely moved the first time I was put through this when I was around your age. It could probably be the testosterone, but you’ve done pretty well for your first day.”

That was a true statement. He wasn’t kidding when he said he was a good runner. I think it wasn’t until three-quarters along the way of our two mile jog that Cyan was having trouble breathing. Then there was the cool down stretches afterwards. My goddess I think this Roxxie girl put him through more hell than I thought she did. He showed quite the flexibility in his legs, and he certainly knew how to breathe in order to stretch even further. He also showed great strength with those legs as well. I think once we get to the sparring training, I’ll teach him some good kicks first, as they may be his greatest asset in a fight.

The only thing that we’ll need to focus on is his upper body strength. Sure, he had shown to have great mental strength just from seeing how much he could lift with his levitation, but he could barely get to ten push-ups while trying to maintain good form, which I think he was more worried about than the number of reps. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing, but he’ll need to get that into muscle memory before he can really work himself into it. Poor guy couldn’t even do one pull up though, and I could tell he had been struggling with that for a while judging by the frustration in his expression. I’m gonna help him change that though, that I’m sure of.

“So does the academy give you a day to rest your sore muscles, or do they drill you until you become pudding?” Cyan asked as he was starting to get some energy and breath back.

“They usually give us the weekends off, but the rest of the week? No,” I responded. “Same thing with the old hag, but we’ll take a day off before you get to training again if you’d like.”

Cyan looked down in deep thought for a moment before he turned back to me with a determined expression. “No, I want to be put through the same thing you and my dad did,” he responded. “If you two are able to do it, then I should be able to as well, especially with Dad’s blood running in my veins.”

“Now that’s what I’d like to hear,” I said as I patted his back. “Don’t worry about tomorrow though. Next time we’ll be focusing mainly on fighting styles, which will give your muscles some time to repair themselves, but you’ll probably get hurt along the way.”

“Well Roxxie did always say ‘No pain, no gain,’” he replied. “Plus, I’ve had my share of scrapes and bruises from sparring with her, so I think it shouldn’t be too much of an issue.”

“Alright then. How about we grab some breakfast before we head back?” I asked.

“Sounds good. Know any place that sells something nutritious?”

“I wish I could cook us something from the pub’s kitchen, but I’m not sure if Barley would allow that. We’ll need something good in protein, and would keep us not hungry for a while.”

“Well eggs would be a good start. What if we had oatmeal?” Cyan asked.

“You’re good with oatmeal?”

“Oh yeah. In fact Mom makes the best oatmeal I’ve ever tasted. I’m not sure any other would compare, but it’s still healthy, so why not?”

“Alright, eggs and oatmeal it is then. Plus it may be cheap judging by where we can get some. Let’s go take a look around,” I suggested while we continued walking.

“Sure thing,” he replied.

We found a nice diner a couple minutes later before we sat down at a booth and made our orders. Cyan and I talked about what we would do today before we check in the library to meet Nil. He wanted to find a book store where we could get something for Barley as a thanks for letting us stay. Apparently he was into poetry from what RB had told him. Who knew? It sounded good to me, and we can get it gift wrapped after we buy it, so that’s one thing we decided to do for today. Plus I’d like to buy a copy of that Pony Sutra book I checked out earlier. Could be something interesting to learn from, you never know.

I thought it might be good to also look around some clothing stores so he can get some new ideas on designs he could make with his Shadow Magic. I also need to find a few new bras and panties, one of the former being used for training. I think the one I had wearing then was starting to get uncomfortable for me. *Sigh* I just know Cyan won’t be comfortable with that though, especially with the store I was planning to shop for daily wear. At least I won’t get into teasing him related to that though. He wanted to keep them to a low degree, and I’m planning to hold onto that.

After we had our breakfast, we paid for the food before we left the diner, and went back to the pub to shower and change for the day. When we got back, Orange and RB were sitting in one of the pub’s tables before they saw us. “Morning guys,” RB greeted us. “Went out on an exercise or something?”

“It was more like hell than a simple exercise,” Cyan replied. “I’ll definitely be feeling something the next morning, but I guess I’ll have to get used to it.”

“Well I think it’s nice that you two are doing something like that together,” Orange added in. “We should probably get into something like that as well at some point, especially you Rooty. I think I’m starting to see a gut from all of those cinnamon rolls you’ve been eating.”

“Hey, I’ll have you know those are damn tasty rolls, and at least I’m getting some physical activity working in the pub,” RB defended.

“Oh yeah, ‘cause walking around behind a bar is just LOADS of exercise,” Orange said while rolling her eyes. “I mean look at Cyan there. Sure, he may be younger, but he looks fit enough to beat you in a race even if you were flying.”

Girl, you have noooo idea.

“Anyway, can we speak to you for a moment Lumina?” Orange asked me.

“Sure. You wanna hit the shower first Cyan?” I asked him.

“I’d like that. I’ll wait in the room when I’m done, so I’ll see you in a bit,” he replied before he walked over to our room.

“So what do you guys need?” I asked with the three of us alone at the table then.

“Remember that I would find something to help you uh… *ahem* Sate your physical needs?” Orange asked with a hint of red.

I followed suit as I recalled the conversation we had yesterday. “R-right, I remember,” I replied. “Have you thought of something?”

“Well…” Orange said. “Rooty and I talked after our session last night, and after we discussed and cleared up our concerns… We’d like to… Invite you to join us tonight,” she finished while pushing her fingers together, looking down, and still blushing like before.

I blinked a couple of times before I used my pinky to clean out whatever gunk was in my ear to see if something was blocking my hearing. “Come again?” I asked.

“We’d like you to join us in a threesome tonight,” RB replied bluntly with clarity like crystals.

My eyes widened at the statement while I blinked a couple more times in shock. “I… Don’t know what to say,” I said. “I mean… Are you even okay with this? You two are engaged, and I don’t want to bring up any ideas.”

“That’s why we had to discuss our concerns last night,” Orange answered. “You and Cyan have been so great to us, and I want to do what I can as your friend to help you in return. Rooty feels the same way.”

“I have to put something out here,” RB added in. “Even from what Cyan and I talked about yesterday, I was still uncertain about what would happen if I went through this, but if you two had laid out some ground rules for each other where seeing other ponies is included, then I can relax a little. Lumina, you’re drop dead sexy, I’m just getting that out of the way. Even so, I’ll always love Orange, and I would never do anything to hurt her as my wife, AND my sister. So you can be sure that if we do go through this, you can guarantee that nothing will come up for me to change my decision to marry her and come after you,” he then wrapped an arm around Orange and hugged her closer. “Orange will always be number one on my list, and I’ll never do anything that could lose her. So the threesome tonight, though it will be our first, will only be casual with no strings attached.”

“So what do you think Lumina? Do you think you’d be interested?” Oranged asked.

I was still at a disbelief at what I had just heard. A part of me was curious to what Cyan and RB were talking about, but I was mostly focused on what they offered. I had always wanted to have a threesome, and I didn’t care whether there were two guys, or a guy and a girl I would do it with. Heck, I’d be okay doing it with two girls even. I’ve wanted to see what being in an orgy was like too, but I don’t think I should worry about that at the moment. I was given an opportunity to not only do it with no consequences, but I could finally get something to sate my physical needs.

I took a moment to really think about this while I recalled everything I’ve experienced so far, up to last night when Cyan and I had that conversation last night. Sure, we had not only reestablished our ground rules, and I opened myself more ponysonally to him. I was telling the truth last night that I really did want to become a better mare, a better pony in general. I think part of doing that would be weighing my priorities, and look at the bigger picture of what’s really important to me. I looked to the direction where Cyan left as I thought about it, and I smiled before I turned back to Orange and RB who were patiently waiting. “You know? I think I’m going to be okay without it,” I answered.

It was the couple’s turn to look surprised as they looked at each other, than back at me. “R-really?” Orange asked.

“Sure,” I replied with a shrug. “I mean I can’t deny that sex is just fucking amazing, but it’s not like I need it to live. I think right now, I’d like to try and save myself for someone I see as special to me, which I would think could make the sex all that more amazing to do. I mean I’ve done okay going without it for four years so far, I don’t see how keeping that going could hurt me in any way. If I really DO need something, I’ll just, I don’t know, find an adult store and buy a toy or two. Whatever the case, I think I can manage myself just fine while keeping my emotional feelings in check,” I walked over to Orange and held her hands in mine. “Thank you for attempting to go so far for me, but I think I should be fine. In fact, I think I feel better now than I was yesterday when I talked to you.”

Orange was still shocked a little for a moment before she smiled at me in response. “I’m glad to hear that Lumina. And you can be sure that we’ll help you however we can if you need anything,” she said.

“Thanks Orange,” I said before we got into a hug while I minded her wings. “Cyan and I will do whatever we can to help you guys as well.”

“Thank you Lumina,” she replied before we pulled back.

“Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to take a shower, and get ready for the day. So we’ll see you later tonight?” I asked.

“Of course. Enjoy your day Lumina,” RB replied with a smile.

“Thanks. You too,” I said before I walked back to my room.

That actually went better than what I had thought. Frankly, I’m a little bummed that I won’t be having that threesome, but not very much. I’m sure waiting for the right pony to have sex with will be worth it in the end. I can just feel it in my heart. I’m sure there’s an awesome stallion or mare out there who’s thinking the same thing right now, and they may be the one for me. Cyan and I will be travelling Equestria for a while, so I’ll bound to run into my special somepony sooner or later. They’ll probably come when I least expect it. In the meantime, my main priority right now is watching over Cyan not just as a friend, but as family as well. He needs me as much as I need him, and I’m not gonna let anything tear us apart, no way no how.