Author's Notes:

It's alive! Sorry everyone for making you wait so long for an update. I started a new job about this time last year and between that and the differences in time zone with Emerald Nightingale, working on this chap was difficult. Again, I'm very sorry that I wasn't able to get this out sooner. The next chaps will be coming out much quicker. Please stick with me guys, we're almost done with crossovers for a while.

I slowly felt myself wake up, my entire body feeling like it was coated in a layer of lead and my head pounding with an awful headache. I let out a long groan as my mind started working again. One thought in particular shot through me and I bolted up from where I was on wobbly feet.

“Morning! Zinnia! Are you okay?!” I asked, whipping my head around the room. The girls were nowhere to be seen, making me panic a bit. Bolting up, I sprinted down the halls, desperately searching for them, barely registering that none of the guards were at their normal posts.

Quiet sobbing reached my ears as I neared the throne room again. I narrowed my eyes and ran even faster, crashing through the doors of the throne room and stumbling my way inside.

“Morning?! Zinnia?! Please tell me you’re in here!” I boomed, taking a moment to catch my breath.

‘Damn, that dream must’ve taken a lot out of me. I shouldn’t feel so tired from that short of a run,’ I noted as I collected myself. Looking around frantically, I saw Zinnia stood there, still as a statue, with Morning on the ground before her. Celestia and Luna stood off to the side, shock and fear in their eyes as guards surrounded Zinnia, holding her at weapon-point.

I frowned and pointed my left arm at the surrounding guards, silently thanking Hodge as the hidden gunbarrel within it was revealed.

“Guards, put those weapons down or I’m shooting them out of your hands,” I said with as much authority as a naked woman could.

“We cannot do that,” one guard said, not looking away from Zinnia. “She has attacked our captain and threatened the lives of the princesses.”

“And if you would put those weapons down, I’ll tell you exactly why it wasn’t her fault that she did that.”

“No,” Zinnia whispered as the guards shared a look, slowly backing away. “No, Vash… They’re right. I’m a danger…” She paused, sniffling slightly. “I-I should’ve just gone home the first night…”

I looked her right in the eye, smiled and said, “Zoey, can’t you just shut up and listen to a little story from your ‘Guardian Angel’?”

She went rigid at that before a small, almost reluctant giggle escaped her lips. “Huh… I coulda swore I’d made him up…”

“Vash, what are you trying to say?” Luna asked, tilting her head in confusion.

“Zinnia going out of control wasn’t her, or even the dragon in her’s fault. It was Darkrai’s. He left a piece of him inside her during one of their meetings back on Zinnia’s world,” I explained, giving Zinnia a sad look. “But, that shadow gunk that surrounded me allowed me to enter her mind and purge that piece of Darkrai from her mind… with a little help from Cresselia.”

“Huh,” the Draconid muttered, hugging her arms self-consciously. “S-so Darkrai was in my head? A-and I didn’t even know?”

“Apparently, but he’s gone now. The fact that you and I are able to talk to each other like this is proof of that,” I told her with a bright smile.

“What are you talking about?” Celestia asked. “Who are Darkrai and Cresselia?”

“They’re two Pokemon from Zinnia’s world,” I answered. “Think of them as two sides of the same coin. Darkrai representing nightmares and darkness, and Cresselia representing good dreams and light. That sound about right, Zinnia?”

“Y-yeah,” Zinnia nodded, shivering slightly. “They’re siblings, though I guess all the Legendaries are related. Though their official titles are ‘Harbinger of the New Moon’ for Darkrai and ‘Paragon of the Full Moon’ for Cresselia.”

“Well to me, Darkrai is the Harbinger of the Assholes,” I laughed. Zinnia managed a small chuckle before looking to Morning, tears building in her eyes again.

“I…” she breathed, dropping to her knees. “I remember everything… the rage, the… the need to kill…” She paused, holding her hands in front of her and whimpering slightly. “I-I hurt her… I…” Sniffling quietly, she slumped over, her shoulder shaking with her sobs.

I walked over to her, going down to one knee and taking both of her hands in my own. “Zinnia, that wasn’t you, that wasn’t even the dragon in you. You didn’t hurt Morning, and once she hears what really happened I know that she’ll understand. You can’t beat yourself up over this. If there’s anyone that you should be beating up over this, it’s Darkrai. And when you do, call me, I’d love to kick his ass again.” I added a quick laugh at the end of that, smiling as brightly as I could. Zinnia managed a small smile too, for all of a second, before she glanced at her hands and winced again.

“Vash…” she mumbled, just loud enough for me to hear. “I… I have blood on my hands…” Taking her hands back, she turned the left one over, the side of it streaked with blood. “Literally. I… I can’t be here if there’s even the slightest risk that Darkrai is still in my head…”

“Zinnia, before I went inside your mind you said you trusted me. So trust me when I say that Cresselia and I kicked the everloving shit out of Darkrai and he is gone from your head. Forever.” I finished, emphasizing and drawing out that last point. “In fact, I’ll tell you exactly how I did it, but not here. We might wanna go somewhere private considering some of the details of my story.”

“We’re interested in your story too, Vash,” Luna chimed, walking up to our side and placing a comforting hand on Zinnia’s hand, giving the Draconid a soft smile. Celestia joined her not long after, resigning herself to just smiling. I flinched a bit at seeing Luna, Nightmare’s face appearing before her own for a brief moment. I shook off the sight as quickly as it appeared.

“Well, my complete story involves personal details of Zinnia’s life, so it’s up to her if she wants you to hear anything like that. Whaddya say?” I asked

“I don’t mind,” Zinnia shrugged. “I… kind of owe them something after all this. And don’t say I don’t, because I feel like I do.”

“Yeah, and I feel like there should be dangly bits between my legs, doesn’t mean they’re there,” I joked, sticking my tongue out at her and winking. “But, if you’re okay with sharing things with them then that’s up to you.” I stood up and offered her my left hand (without the gun being out) to help her up. “Now, let’s go find a comfy place to talk. And maybe we should grab a few snacks. This is going to be a long and entertaining story. And there’s one bit that I know you’re going to like.”

Zinnia giggled, taking my hand and standing slowly. We turned to leave, Celestia ordering the guards to take Morning to the nurse to make sure she was okay and to stitch up any cuts, the mention of which made Zinnia wince. Just as the guards left and we reached the doors leading towards our bedroom, the main doors were flown open, Patty charging in, seeming to be in a frenzy of panic.

“What the fuck happened?!” she cried, bare naked with twin scythes drawn. “Where is everyone!? WHO HURT MY BABY GIRL!?!?!”

“Oh, hi Patty,” I said in an impression of a certain frenchman. “And the answer to your question is Darkrai, but I already took care of him. You can go back to having insane sex with Hodge now, or you can come and listen to the awesome story of how I saved the day. Spoiler alert, lasers will be involved.”

The Displacer blinked slowly, seeming to come to her senses before she blushed brightly. “We, uh… We just ended up playing strip Twister. But yeah, let’s go.” She turned to follow us, dismissing her weapons and snapping her fingers, thin but covering clothes appearing on all of us.

“Aww, I kind of liked walking around the castle naked,” I whined playfully. “I was starting to feel really sexy in this body.”

“Fine,” Patty shrugged, snapping her fingers again and making my clothes disappear. “Not like I’m gonna pass up the view.”

“I must say, it is a very nice one,” Luna giggled.

“I concur,” Celestia nodded, staying behind me and her eyes locked on a certain part of my anatomy.

“Good to know I can get a good reaction from you two no matter what gender I am,” I laughed as I entered the bedroom and took a seat in a chair in the corner of the room. “Now, who wants to hear the story of the great and noble hero Vash the Stampede… not to mention handsome, and how he defeated the douche bag Darkrai?” I asked in the voice of a stereotypical storyteller.

“Oh, just shut up and tell us,” Zinnia giggled, taking a seat next to me and leaning on my shoulder. “Hope you don’t mind. I just… I need to be held right now.”

“Not at all,” I enthused, wrapping my right arm around her. “I’m yours for the night, remember? And I don’t skip out on my promises.” I then cleared my throat and retold the story of what happened in Zinnia’s mind. From my initial meeting of Darkrai, to the fights with all of the corrupted memories, finishing off with the final defeat of Darkrai. I briefly considered leaving out what Cresselia and I did together, but I figured that Zinnia could use a bit of levity. What I did leave out though was the arrival of Nightmare Moon, I… I don’t know exactly why I did that, but I just didn’t feel comfortable talking about her. I finished my story with, “... and then all the stuff Cresselia gave me started to glow, I warned her, I think she said something that I couldn’t quite make out and my Angel Arm fired a golden beam right in the back of Darkrai’s head. And that children, is the story of how Vash saved Christmas, and Zinnia. The end.”

Silence reigned for all of five minutes before Celestia piped up. “What’s Christmas?”

“Hearth’s Warming, hun,” Patty explained, chuckling to herself. “With a few changes here and there. I’m sure Vash can explain it another day.” She then sighed, leaning back on her hands and frowning. “I just… I can’t believe I didn’t pick up on that.”

“Me neither…” Zinnia mumbled before she sat up, frowning playfully. “Hang on a second. You fucked a Legendary Pokemon in my head? I don’t know whether to feel violated or jealous.”

“Yes Vash, do explain to us again why it was absolutely crucial for you to sleep with that whore… I mean, Cresselia?” Luna asked in a threatening tone, her horn glowing with her magical aura.

I gulped nervously and replied, “Well, like I said before, she said it was so I could get the power necessary to defeat Darkrai. And that’s the truth. Oh, and Zinnia, get this. Apparently she’s a ten-thousand-year-old virgin. Crazy, right?”

“Actually, I can believe that,” the Draconid said with a shrug. “From what you said, she was terrified of sex, probably because any ‘Dream Warriors’ she had to give that final gift to abused her trust of them.”

“I guess,” I frowned. “But I can’t see how anyone could do that to her and feel right. Even if she is a Pokemon, she still has feelings. So, other than questions about human holidays, does anyone else want something cleared up?” I asked, my frown turning upside down.

“Yeah,” Patty said, sitting up. “You said you think you heard Cresselia say something as you were blasted out, right? What was it?”

I scrunched my face up and tried to recall what she said. “Yeah, I think she said, “Fire at will,” and there was something after that but I couldn’t make it out between the sound of her fight with Darkrai and the noise that the Angel Arm makes when it charges. She probably just called me Dream Warrior again,” I shrugged.

All the girls shared a quick, concerned glance before turning back to me. “Vash…” Luna said. “Do you… do you know how it makes a girl feel when they’re scared of something hurting, and a man shows her how good it can be?”

“Uhhh…” I drawled, not sure how to respond as I gaped like a fish. “No?” I finally admitted weakly.

“I think she may slightly like you, dude,” Zinnia provided. “Like, like like you.”

“What?!” I shrieked, a dark blush on my face. “Th-that’s… I mean she… and I… she’s a… and I’m… I… uh… there’s just no way she could like me that way,” I managed to get out with a nervous chuckle while I rubbed the back of my neck.

“Are you sure?” Patty asked. “Because I could bring her here. We could just ask her.”

“Vash, you’re an idiot,” Luna deadpanned.

“Thicker than the castle walls,” Celestia commented as she shook her head and dragged a hand down her face.

“Uhh…” I drawled again, not quite capable of processing what Patty just said.

Zinnia sighed, nudging me in the arm. “Let’s just leave it for now,” she said. “I’m tired and feeling guilty, so I need snuggle sleeps. Who’s with me?”

“I’m in, it’s been a long day, and nothing sounds better than snuggling up to a warm body or two,” I said, the events of the day catching up to me as I let out a long yawn.

“That sounds lovely, count me in,” Celestia nodded.

“Same, missing one Night Court won’t hurt anything,” Luna smiled.

“Patty, you wanna join the snuggle pile?” I asked with a smile.

“Pass,” the Displacer sighed. “I’ve… got some stuff to look into.”

Zinnia shrugged, smiling softly. “Suit yourself.”

“Alright Zi, you get in first, we’ll pile in around you,” I laughed. Zinnia nodded tiredly, collapsing onto the bed face-first before rolling to face us. She held her arms out almost pathetically, pouting with big, shining eyes.

‘Dammit, that’s adorable,’ I thought as I got into bed. ‘But, can’t say it outloud or that’d make her upset.’ I then smiled at her and put her head to my chest, an action that Celestia mirrored.

“Sleep tight, Zinnia,” I yawned. The Draconid hummed sleepily, cuddling closer to me and planting a tired kiss on my cheek. I smiled one last time as I slowly drifted off to sleep.

I was in a swirling, inky darkness. I could barely see anything in front of me. I didn’t know what else to do, so I started walking. Time seemed to pass slowly and I didn’t even know if I was even getting anywhere, but I still kept going. Eventually, I heard the faint sound of voices somewhere. I picked up the pace a bit, or at least tried to and started searching for who else was in the darkness with me. Just when I was getting desperate, a familiar figure emerged from the shadows a few feet in front of me, Luna. She smiled just as the darkness started to enter her body. I tried to stop it from happening, but I couldn’t move. All I could do was watch as she screamed in agony. As the last bit of darkness entered her body to reveal we were in the throne room, Luna had changed. Now it was Nightmare Moon standing before me.

“You failed,” she chided, smirking at me. “You didn’t even try to stop it from happening.”

“That’s not true!” I shouted, my eyes tearing up. “I did everything I could! Something was making it so I couldn’t move.”

Nightmare ignored me, and now I was surrounded by her, each of them repeating the phrase, “You failed.”

I shot up in the bed, my face covered in a cold sweat and the nightmare still fresh in my mind. I shuddered a bit as I looked over to Luna. I let out a quiet sigh and gently slipped out of the bed. I tiptoed out of the room and started walking down the halls. I kept going until I opened the door to the infirmary. I sat down by Morning’s side and lit a candle that was nearby so I could get a better look at her. She had a bandage around her head and she seemed to be twitching and mumbling something that I couldn’t quite make out. I smiled down at her and held one of her hands with both of mine in an attempt to calm her down.

“Shhh, everything’s fine. I’m right here, Morning,” I whispered to her. “I’ll always be right where you want me.” This seemed to do the trick because she stopped twitching.

‘I don’t know what I’m so worried about,’ I thought with a weak chuckle. ‘I’ve already saved Morning and Zinnia. Keeping Luna from turning into… her should be easy compared to that.’

“Vash?” a quiet, tired-sounding voice called out, and when I turned around I saw Zinnia stood there in the surprisingly covering set of pajamas she’d put on before bed, a bathrobe now hanging on her shoulders. “Are you okay?” she asked worriedly, moving to my side.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” I told her with a smile. “I just couldn’t sleep. Guess I’m too used to cuddling up to some warm scales.”

Zinnia winced at that, pulling a chair over and sitting next to me. “...I’m sorry…” she muttered, refusing to look at me. “I’m sorry I brought him here, even just a small part of him.”

“I’m not sorry you brought him here,” I said sincerely. “Because you did we were able to drive him out of your head before he could make you one of his pawns.” I took one of my hands away from Morning and tilted her head up to force her to look me in the eye. “I’m glad both of you are safe. Plus, because of you I got to meet Cresselia. I’m sure she’d thank you herself for that.” I finished with a warm smile.

The Draconid spluttered slightly, giggling madly. “Oh, shut up!” she cried, giving me a playful shove. “You’re an idiot, Vash. But you’re the good kind of idiot.”

“Hey, I’m not an idiot,” I pouted, “I’m idealistic. There’s a big difference.”

“Nnng,” I heard a voice beside us grunt. “It’s good to see you two are carrying on as always,” Morning chuckled while rubbing the side of her head.

“M-Morning?!” Zinnia cried, turning to the naga’s side with wide eyes. “Oh my Arceus, Morning, I’m so sorry!”

“You have nothing to apologize for,” Morning told her, pulling the Draconid into a hug, letting her rest her head against her chest as she stroked her head. “You were not yourself.”

“Glad to see you’re awake again,” I told her with a soft smile. “I was starting to get a little worried.”

“No need to fret,” Morning replied, puffing her chest slightly. “It will take more than that to do me in. My fortitude was high before, but it has increased greatly since my transformation.”

“Alright, glad to see your pride is still intact,” I told her with a chuckle and kissed her on forehead.

“How?” Zinnia asked suddenly, surprising us both. We turned to her, seeing tears lining her eyes. “How could you tell? I-is that why you tried not to fight b-back?”

“There was a number of things, that dark aura surrounding you was nothing like anything you’d displayed before.” Morning started, trying to wipe the tears from Zinnia’s eyes. “I noticed your “Shadow Claw” was purple not black so I guessed it wasn’t a move related to that. Plus, your eyes… they were slowly turning pitch black. If that was not a sure sign of corruption from an outside source, then I don’t know what is. And yes, that is why I did not try to harm you. Though I did try to subdue you non-violently. But my paralyzing stare had no effect.”

Zinnia said nothing, just stared at her for a moment before bursting into tears and burying her face in the sheets of the infirmary bed. Morning and I started rubbing her back, trying to calm her down.

“Hush now, there’s no need for tears,” Morning told her. “Everyone is safe, and no one has come to any major harm.”

“That’s not the point!” the Draconid screamed suddenly, and a wave of what I can only describe as pure power escaped from her. “I could have hurt you all! I could have killed you! You should have killed me first, it wasn’t worth the risk!”

“That was my choice to make,” Morning told her firmly, putting her hands on Zinnia’s shoulders. “I chose to place my faith in my friend. I swore an oath to defend lives, not take them. And Zinnia, my faith was not misplaced. And because of that, both of us are still here.”

Zinnia broke down then, burying her face in Morning’s chest and sobbing openly. She kept muttering “It wouldn’t be worth it…” quietly between sobs, holding Morning tightly. When Zinnia finally stopped, Morning smiled down at her.

“Zinnia, I am a living shield and sword. That is what it means to be Captain of the Guard. And while a sword may cut things down, a shield is used to protect precious things. And although I have not known you long, you have become one of those precious things to me. And for that, I’d gladly risk my life countless times.”

Zinnia huffed quietly. “Then you’re just as stupid as he is,” she said, nodding in my direction, before a small smile broke through her sadness. “Guess that’s a good thing though, huh?”

“Yeah, that’s a good thing,” I told her as Morning and I wrapped our arms around her.

“I truly am glad to see you are yourself again,” Morning said. “Your eyes are too beautiful to be swallowed by darkness.”

Zinnia chuckled, shaking her head. “Now don’t go falling in love with me, Morning. I don’t think Vash would like one of his marefriends leaving him for a woman from another dimension.”

“No, but he’d certainly love watching us go at it. You bouncing on my tail, or you using that toy and “Double Team” clones on all of my holes,” Morning smirked. “And Vash does not have to worry about me leaving him. We are in a shared herd, remember?”

“That’s true,” the Draconid shrugged with a smile. “I might have to introduce you to my girlfriend. Or, marefriend for your benefit. Same idea, different word. I think she’d like you.”

“And I’m sure I’d like her too,” Morning smiled. “Though I might have a little trouble dealing with her at first if she’s anything like you.”

“She’s much sweeter,” Zinnia laughed. “Though can you trust me when I say not to attack the embodiment of pure evil? She’s evil incarnate, but she’s not evil.”

“I get it, she just got the powers of pure evil when she got displaced,” I nodded. “I get it, just because she picked a bad guy’s costume, doesn’t mean she is one. Don’t worry, we’ll treat her just like we treat you,” I smiled with a thumbs up.

Zinnia smiled. “She’d like you too, Vash,” she said suddenly. “Not as much mind you, but she would, once she got to know you.”

“Heh, I’m sure I’ll manage no matter how much she ends up liking me. But I’m glad you think she would,” I smiled at her. “Well girls, I think we should head back to the room. After the day we’ve all had we could use some sleep,” I said, putting an arm around both of them.

“That sounds perfect. These infirmary bunks aren’t nearly as comfortable as the ones in the royal suite,” she nodded, moving to get out of the bed.

In a blur of motion echoed with a short growl, Zinnia had Morning in her arms, her coil draped over the Draconid’s shoulders. “I’d prefer you not to go anywhere,” she sighed. “But I get the feeling you’d come with us anyway, so the least that can be done is I carry you.” As Morning opened her mouth to protest, Zinnia shot her a quick glare, silencing the naga before any words could escape. “Do. Not. Argue.”

“Fine,” she huffed, crossing her arms under her chest. “But just know that I am perfectly able to slither just fine right now.”

“Don’t care,” Zinnia said simply.

“Oh come on Morning, I think you look pretty cute like that,” I tried to assure her with a smile.

“Vash, dear, would you like to sit on my tail?” The naga said, staring daggers at me as the tip of her tail wiggled in front of my face.

“Umm, no?” I answered.

“Then do not say another word about me being carried. Or I’ll find out how deep I can put it inside you,” she warned, a no nonsense look on her face.

“Yes ma’am,” I gulped.

Zinnia couldn’t help but laugh. “Okay, now I’m just imagining the tip of your tail sticking out of his mouth,” she giggle-snorted. “I know it’s not possible for that to happen, but I’m imagining it.”

“Well, there’s nothing stopping us from seeing how far I can actually go,” Morning smirked down at her.

“I volunteer as tribute~”

“Heh, of course you do,” I said, patting Zinnia on the head as I snickered.

“I’m guessing this is some sort of human reference that I’m out of the loop on,” Morning sighed.

“We’ll see about showing you some of our Earth movies,” Zinnia told her with a smile. “I think you’ll enjoy Hunger Games, especially the later ones. Lots of drama.”

“I think I would enjoy seeing your entertainment with you.”

“Yeah Zinnia, you should show her The Trouble with Tribbing too,” I smirked. “The star of that is a real hottie.”

“I hate how you know about all that without me telling you, y’know?” the Draconid grumbled. “Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate what you did, but… well, that was a lot of personal shit you had to see. I haven’t even told Umbra about any of that!”

“Yeah, if I could have avoided it, I would’ve,” I sighed. “How ‘bout this, you get to poke around in my head sometime?” I suggested with a grin. “Get to learn all about baby Vash.”

Zinnia mulled it over for a second before shrugging. “Honestly? I’d prefer it if there was some sort of selective mind-wipe spell. But I guess that’s easier to do.” She smiled a little then. “Thanks Vash. It’s cool, really.”

“Alright, and just know that your secrets are safe with me… except for some of the porn titles. Those are too amazing not to share.” I snorted.

“Hey,” she chuckled. “If you can find them, watch that shit. The content’s better than the titles.” She paused, smirking slightly. “Just make sure you actually watch it and don’t turn it off five minutes in so you can fuck one of the girls.”

“Trust me, I don’t think I’d want to miss a second of Futa Fever. The poster was very… intriguing,” I said with a smile and wink.

“Oh god, that one…” Zinnia muttered, eyes widening. “That one was a shocker. You know that’s not fake? The studio cast a real hermaphrodite for that video.”

“Then we'll have to watch it together sometime,” I laughed. “I’d love to hear commentary from the main actress. And afterwards we can hold an in-depth interview,” I finished with a wink.

“Hell, we can recreate it,” the Draconid chuckled. “I’d have no problems doing that. We could even make it better with three!”

“It seems the two of you are on the same wavelength again,” Morning laughed.

“You’re gonna be a part of it all,” Zinnia told her with a smirk. “Nothing’s getting you out of that. I’ll tie you up if I have to, but you’re watching my porn.”

“Something tells me you might tie me up even if you don’t have to,” she shot back. “But I have no problems watching your porn,” she smiled and hugged the Draconid’s neck. “Or helping you recreate it.” She finished with a purr.

“When you’re better,” the Draconid said with an air of authority. “You can watch the videos first, of course, but I’m issuing a chastity ‘till you’re one-hundred percent healed.”

“You won't have to wait long,” Morning smirked. “I am nearly better already.”

“I’ll be the judge of that,” Zinnia said with a smirk. “I think you might need a visit from a… specialist doctor once you’re better.” Pausing, she shot me a smirk. “A ‘Deep Doc’, huh Vash?”

“Sounds like sound medical advice to me!” I beamed and started laughing.

“I really should start questioning my taste if this is what I’m attracted to,” Morning replied with an overdramatic sigh.

“Doubt anyone else could keep you this entertained though~” Zinnia sang. “In both ways.”

“True,” she smiled. “I suppose I can overlook a few quirks in exchange for that and all the good in you two.”

“Aww, you’re too sweet.” I grinned.

“Sweet?” Zinnia said in confusion, a slight smirk creeping onto her face. “I thought she tasted a bit tart, personally.” Morning let out a long groan while Zinnia and I just laughed.

“That's what I get for trying to have a moment.” Morning huffed.

“Aww~” Zinnia cooed, nuzzling her. “I’m sorry, pretty naga lady~ Please don’t be grumpy!”

“Yeah, we’ll do anything to make it up to you,” I said with my best innocent expression and tone.

“And to think I nearly had a quiet life guarding Trottingham,” Morning chuckled, smiling a bit. “Instead, I get to deal with you two and your shenanigans.”

“Hey, you’ve been saved from a life of boredom!” Zinnia cried. “A faceless, forgotten guard, mindlessly patrolling the city streets. Who’d choose that over getting to fuck a pair of aliens and the rulers of the country whenever they want!?”

“Believe you me, I wouldn't trade coming to the Castle of the Two Sisters for anything in the world. Even without all the great sex.”

The Draconid grinned cheekily, nudging me with her foot. “She said we were great!” She whisper-cried, positively giddy.

“Of course she did,” I beamed. “Both of us are incredibly sexy. I mean, I look good no matter what gender I am,” I said, striking a quick pose and winking at them.

“Well, both this and your normal body certainly can take large insertions,” Morning smirked.

“Oooo~” Zinnia cooed, eyes wide with a massive, shit-eating grin on her face. “Vash, are you gonna need a Rawst Berry after that sick burn!?”

“No, I think I’m gonna need a straight up Full Restore,” I sighed, slumping over. “And a Nurse Joy,” I finished with a small smile.

“I’ll see what I can do~” the Draconid teased.

“Glad to hear it,” I smiled, opening the door to the bedroom and holding it open for them.it open for them. Zinnia smiled, giving me a quick peck on the cheek as she passed by.

“Thank Val~” she cooed with a smirk.

“Well, I can't just give up my chivalrous nature just because I’m a woman at the moment,” I chuckled as I closed the door behind me. “And you’re welcome.”

“Glad to see you’re all here,” Luna said, sitting up in the bed.

“I guess we woke you up when we left, huh?” I said, rubbing the back of my head.

“Don't worry about it,” she waved off. “I am used to being up at this time.”

“Still feel kinda bad about it though,” Zinnia shrugged. “I mean, you’re adorable when you’re asleep. More than normal, I mean. You’ve got this little twitch with your ear, and-”

“That is more than enough,” Luna frowned, stopping her. “And there is nothing to feel bad about. I will have plenty of time to rest during the day. So you can see my twitching ear all you want then,” she finished with a small giggle.

“I am so recording it.”

“Heh, I might have to do that too,” I smiled. “You are right about her being adorable in her sleep. Like when she…”

“Vash, if you do not stop talking right this instant, then I’ll borrow Zinnia’s toy and make you stop,” she warned with narrowed eyes and a blush on her cheeks. I instantly clammed up, making it a point to look at the suddenly interesting carpet.

“Hey,” Zinnia chuckled, shaking her head. “That reminds me, I’ve got a surprise for you that Vash can’t know about.”

“Aww, why can't I know about it?” I pouted, looking at the Draconid.

“Because it’s a gift for your marefriends,” the Draconid teased, smirking mischievously at me. “Don’t worry, they’ll let you in on it if they want to.”

“Oh, something is very worrying about the way you said that,” I gulped.

“Oh, calm down Vash,” Morning giggled, still in Zinnia’s hold and now with her arms draping around the Draconid’s neck. “Would Zinnia really do anything that bad to you?”

“Well… I guess not,” I admitted with a sigh. “I still don’t like being kept in the dark about this.”

“Oh, quit your complaining,” Luna chuckled.

“Yeah, Vash.” Zinnia laughed, setting Morning down so she was sat up on the bed, making sure not to wake Celestia while she was at it. “You’ve enjoyed all of my surprises so far…” She paused, her face falling slightly. “Well, all the ones I planned, anyway…”

“Hey, no more sad faces from you,” I said, poking her nose. “We all agreed what happened wasn’t your fault. Isn't that right, Morning?”

“Yes, please do not beat yourself up anymore,” Morning offered with a soft smile

“I know, I know,” the Draconid sighed. “But… it’s not that easy, y’know? Morning, if you weren’t able to finish a mission despite your best efforts, wouldn’t you blame yourself even if someone told you it was out of your control?”

“I suppose you have me there,” Morning sighed. “Just know that we're here for you. So come here,” she said, holding her arms open.

Smiling, Zinnia climbed into Morning’s coils, allowing the naga to wrap her arms around her as she cuddled into the embrace. I smiled as well, Luna and I joining in the hug.

“Room for one more?” A certain voice chimed in, and another set of arms wrapped around us.

“Tia, when did you wake up?” I asked.

“My group hug senses were tingling,” she replied with a warm grin.

“A useful sense to have,” Zinnia giggled quietly before a yawn escaped her lips. “Oh, wow, I’m sleepy…”

“Yeah, me too,” I nodded, letting out a yawn as well. “It’s been a long day for me between the undead monstrosities and the shenanigans with the griffins. I’m looking forward to a good night's sleep.” I finished, laying down in bed.

“Mhmm…” Zinnia hummed in agreement, snuggling further into Morning’s hold and using her chest as a pillow. “So comfy… night night…”

We all said our goodnights and I closed my eyes and silently hoped for no more nightmares that night.