After nearly being put back into the hospital bed by Celestia's crushing and suffocating boob hugs. Mystogan finally recovered after a few more days of bed rest and they made their way back to Canterlot, Mystogan looks out the window in thought. A flashback of the recent events coming to him

--Crystal Empire Throne Room--

"So this 'Shadow Empress'. Any idea of who she is?"

Mystogan asked as he slides on his coat.

"We..do not know, but it seems that whoever threatened to try and kill off all the rulers made good on that threat, but failed entirely. They all made it out safely."

Cadence said as she tries to wrap the whole situation around her mind.

"I am also curious as to how they got passed your guards. The heavy armored soldiers should have been given away easily. The ones that posed as ravens, well that's another story. Did we happen to get a name of the 'Shadow empress'/'

"Yes, the soldiers have already beaten the info out of the stragglers they captured. Her name is Empress Nightshade.'

Well, this is just a guess, Princess. But i am assuming she attacked while all were gathered here because she doesn't have an army big enough to spread so thinly. I recommend you and the other rulers gather your resources and hunt down this empress.. Something tells me...she has grim plans for everyone. Also, what happened to my armlet? I woke up to find it missing."

Both her and Celestia looked down for a moment, then back up.

"It...fell to pieces after your last...'blood rage'. We could not repair it, and we had to use a spell that Twilight was still developing. But luckily, you didn't fully change. Otherwise we would have been in some serious trouble."

Said Celestia. The flashback fades back to Mystogan looking out the window. His thoughts broken by two pairs of arms wrapping around him. He looks from side to side to see Celestia and twilight hugging him closely.

"Mystogan...how could you have been so reckless? You were so dangerously close to becoming an aragami...the words you spoke to those invaders...you threatened to actually eat them."

Mystogan turns his head away from them both.

"I know what I said Tia. I was aware of my words. But you need to understand. When it comes to making sure you and twilight, and even Princess Cadence is safe. I let go full force. That, and the combination of fresh blood began to stir the aragami within me. And I don't regret doing so. I had every faith in Twilight would be able to bring me back before it got too late."

Twilight smiled lightly when she heard that coming straight from him. He really did trust her it seemed. She couldn't help but hug him a bit tighter. Celestia, although a bit upset at Mystogan, couldn't stay mad at him for long. The fact that he had admitted to trusting her former pupil and her friends made her extremely happy.

"Regardless of your intentions Mystogan...I was worried for you, as was Twilight and Cadence. To see you in such a state. It is not who you are. And it hurts us each time to see you struggling with your humanity and the monster."

"And what will you do when one day I will become that monster? I am sure you have found out why I don't seek out closer relationships. Because that person will eventually have to either kill me, or run away. It is simple logic."

'and i will keep on developing the spell should it ever get out of hand again, Mystogan. Until then, I have given you a 'magical limiter'. I should act the same as your armlet did. And should you start to go into 'rage mode', at least you will have control. For how long, I do not know."

"Well, it certainly beats having that damn piece of metal latched onto my wrist. Thanks again Twi. Knew I could count on you."

Twilight lets out an 'Awww..' and snuggles into him more, Celestia doing the same.

"You know Mystogan...when we get back I will have to tell Luna..and also..well the Gala will be coming up soon...and i was wondering-."

"Tia...do you really want me to go to some fancy gathering after the last dinner party I had with you and your guests?"

"B-but...I really had my heart set on inviting you to be my accompanying guest..my plus one. Please?"

She gave Mystogan though big puppy dog eyes, Twilight trying to stifle a giggle as Celestia tried to put on the cute act...and it was working. Every time she made those eyes at him, he had a very hard time saying no. He had one more counter argument though!

"Tia... think about it. After what had just happened. Do you think...we....really need some...big shindig such as this...? I mean..."

Those eyes just kept on working, and working...damn it all!

"Fine....but I am not dressing up...I don't do fancy clothes."

She gives the biggest smile and squeal a cute girly squeal

"I can deal with that!"

She said as she pulls him away from Twilight and hugs him all to herself.

"All I care about is that I have a date!"

Mystogan had finally gotten used to the boob smothering or spine crushing hugs, he just look up at her.

"I figured stallions would be lining up to have a chance to go with you on such an occasion, Tia. Being the Princess of the Sun and all. Surely you can find someone better than me."

"Nnnope! They don't hold a candle to you Mystogan. Simply because you would go with me because we are close and not because I am a Princess. Because you are my friend."

"Well...if I get called a monkey again, I can't promise the party will go without a few nobles being sent to the medical wing."

"And I will glare at you...but be laughing like a schoolfilly on the inside. Just don't go overboard. Please, Mystogan?"

"Sure thing Tia. Now could you do something for me?"

"Hmm?"

"Could you put me down now?"

"Hmmmmmmm...nope!"

She said as she continued to snuggle into him. Mystogan was slightly annoyed by this. But...at the same time it was rather nice. So he did all he could do, nuzzle into the warm soft bosom of the Sun Princess. Twilight still trying to hide the giggle she had been supressing.

"And tonight, YOU are the one that's gonna get to sleep with me."

She said with a big grin.

"In that case, If I feel you starting to try and feel me up. I will be leaving you to sleep by yourself. But I am a heavy sleeper, so maybe I won't notice."

"Indeed you are Myst. The first time I slept with you, you didn't budge at all!"

Twilight's eyes widen a bit.

"T-The first time?!"

Mystogan sighed a bit.

"Yeah, she took me to her chambers and had her way with me...not in a sexual sense, but yeah. We pretty much slept nude together, used her as a body pillow. Was pretty nice."

Twilight placed her hands over her cheeks with a heavy blush.

"Celestia..you and him...fully naked...?"

"Mhmmm, and he loved every moment of it."

Mystogan lowers his eyes in an unamused stare, but she was right. He really did like every minute of it.

"As did I. He is quite the lovely heated pillow, and quite snuggable."

And with that, Mystogan was stolen away into one of the side rooms of the train car with the Princess for the night, lewd thoughts running through Twilight's mind as she sits there, wings slowly rising at her own thoughts.

--Night of The Gala--

"You are Princess Celestia's date?! You like dog you!"

Shimmering said as she finally heard the news, the others crowding around the threshold of his door. Mystogan slid on his shirts and coat after coming out of the shower and getting his shoes and pants on. He looks over to the four mares and shakes his head.

"I don't like these fancy parties. But she asked me. I still don't understand why."

"Maybe..she had a thing for you Mystogan. After all, you are the only human in Equestria, and you are a capable warrior. Maybe that attracted the princess to you."

Shadow Step said as she tried to get a few glimpses of her half naked commander before he slid his shirts on.

"Well, Shimmering and Shattering know how I feel about these kind of 'get togethers'. Don't you ladies?"

The twins both giggle and nod.

"Mhmm, I swore you were close to just kicking all their asses..."

Said Shimmering as she remembers that evening very fondly, never knowing such an awesome being would ever be her commanding officer. Mystogan finally has himself ready for the looong evening ahead. he makes his way passed the mares and looks back to them on his way out.

"I look forward to our s'mores night tomorrow, that's for sure. I will be in late ladies, don't wait up for me."

"Good luck stud!"

They all shouted to him with a thumbs up and winks. He rolls his eyes in turn but smiles.

"Thanks, don't go too crazy while I am not here."

He closes the door behind him. What's good is that they seemed to have not noticed his armlet was missing, so he was ab le to leave out the...details of what happened about his trip to the Crystal Empire and his 'near death experience'. He didn't want to trouble his soldiers about it. Mystogan walks out of the barracks, and to the garden that he was told to meet Celestia in. He makes it there to find he must have made it early. The night was cool and crisp, no snow or anything, but still a bit chilly, not that it bothered him. He leans against the railing and looks out at the city below, going deep into though like he always does, a few minutes pass. Until he feels someone tapping him on the shoulder gently,. He opens his eyes and turns around, seeing Celestia all dressed up. . Mystogan's eyes widen at how beautiful she looked in that outfit. His jaw nealy dropping to the floor as he starred...and starred. This making Celestia giggle.

"You..like how I look Myst?"

"You look..very very beautiful Tia...no lie.."

"And you are looking handsome as always, dear. I noticed you slicked your hair back for the evening, looks good like that..."

He said as he turns his head away with a heavy blush. This made her giggle again, walking over and grabbing his hand and pulling him along.

"Come on silly boy, we gotta get to the Gala! Twilight and her friends are already there I am sure!"

She said as she drug him behind her. Mystogan barely able to keep up with those long legs of hers. Once they made it into the Gala, everyone smiled and waved to the princesses as they made their entrance, but once Mystogan came into view, they all gasped and started whispering.

"Who is that with Princess Celestia?"

"He looks like..some kind of freak if you ask me."

"I know who that is! That is the mighty God Eater! He saved the Princesses from the dragon that attacked the castle awhile back!"

"That thine thing? Oh surely you jest!"

So many remarks made towards him, but he did his best to suppress his anger for Tia. He wanted this night to be a good one for her. But if things did head to south, he made a back up plan that only he, Dash, Applejack and Pinkie knew about. And if Discord were here, he would be proud of this idea. Mystogan simply stood by Celestia, seeing others with angry faces. He grinned wickedly and looped an arm around hers and pulled her closely.

"Now now my sweet princess, a gentleman needs to keep his lady at his side during such events. Nice, and close."

Celestia arched a brow at his sudden behavior, but when sh looked around and saw all the angry stallions focusing in on Mystogan, she giggled lightly.

"That is mean, Myst."

But funny, yes?"

Yes, yes it is."

They both laughed lightly and continued walking the floor, just enjoying each others company and letting Celestia do her thing with the important ponies. Mystogan heard his name being called out by multiple voices. He turns to see it was Twilight and his other friends rushing up to him. Rarity bursting out in front to tackle hug him, sending both of them to the ground. Celestia could only watch with wide eyes, but laughs afterwards.

"Oh Mystogan darling, its been so so long since I have gotten to see you! Me and Sweetie miss you very very much!"

"Gah..good to see you to Rarity. I have been...rather busy as of late. Such is the life of a unit commander."

He said as he wraps his arms around her in a warm hug, smiling gently as he feels her nuzzling into his chest. After a good few minutes of that, she lets him up. He looks at them all and drops his jaw again as they are dressed very nicely. Each one wearing their own dress.

"All of you look...very very beautiful. Rarity must have went all out this time huh?"

"I sure did! Mostly because I wanted you to see them. And it makes me happy you like them."

Mystogan and the girls carry on with their conversation, although Mystogan also hears more of those snobbish nobles talking about him, some good, but mostly bad mouthing him. Thinking he couldn't hear them. It was getting to the point were it was starting to make Mystogan slightly angry. if it wasn't for Celestia begging him to come with those damn eyes of hers he would be sitting in the barracks with his unit enjoying the evening. But, for some reason, being with Celestia and all his friends from Ponyville made the night worth it. Mystogan also noticed that Luna had made an appearance, but she actually skipped out on the rest of the night since she didn't have anyone with her. Poor mare. Hell, Mystogan would have gone with ehr just to see her smile, but Celestia got to him first after all.

"Pardon me ladies, but Mystogan is my date after all. I am gonna steal him back now."

Celestia says after waiting patiently for Mystogan to return to her side. Before he was dragged away, he gave the thumbs up to his partners in the soon to be executed crime. The three of them smiled wickedly and dispersed from Twilight and the others. He then returns to give Celestia his full attention.

"So Tia. Now that I actually have some time with you. Why don't you tell me more about yourself before you became the ruler here? I would like to know more about the little filly that snuck into the royal kitchen every night to get some cake."

Celestia's eyes went wide and blushed in embarrassment.

"Lulu told you that didn't she...?"

"Mhmm. I think it's rather adorable though. Just a sweet little filly who wanted a midnight snack is all. But, she also told me that habit hasn't died out either."

"Oh Lulu....when I find you.."

She grumbled to herself. Mystogan only smiled and shook his head, Lightly taking her by the hand and smiling up at her.

"Don't worry Tia, all that cake has been kind to you. It has put curves in the right places on you. It's no wonder every stallion that looks at me is upset tonight. The curvy and sexy princes of the sun picked little ol' me for her date on this fine night."

Celestia blushed heavily as she was complimented on her beauty and her form, fidgeting with her hands as she lowers her eyes a bit, but smiles widely.

"You really think I am that beautiful Myst? Truthfully?"

"Tia...I may not act like it a lot, but I am a health young male. I steal glimpses of you whenever I can. And it doesn't bother me that you are more larger than I am. You are practically a deity anyways. So it comes as no surprised you would be built like an amazonian. I still think you are...well...very sexy..."

Those last couple words faded off, but Celestia was able to hear them just enough. She was just about to hug him tightly when something was suddenly thrown at Mystogan. He turns around slowly to see the culprit. It was none other than Blueblood. Celestia's arrogant and annoying nephew. Celestia's smile turned into a glare and a frown.

"Blueblood, what do you think you are doing?!"

"Why getting rid of this freak for you dear Aunt. I am sure he was giving you trouble!"

He said tossing another rock up and down in his hands.

"So...you like throwing rocks at someone who gets close to your Aunt do you?"

He said as he went to Celestia's side and wraps an arm around her and places his hand on her rump. rubbing it gently.

"Go ahead...throw another one, give me a reason."

Other than Celestia's face turning bright red from his...sensual touching, he anger quickly subsided when he did so. But Blueblood's only increased as his face turned red in anger.

"You sick scum! Get your hands off of my Aunt and leave this place, you kind isn't welcome here!"

He said as he chunked another rock at Mystogan. This time though, Mystogan caught the rock and crushed it within his grip. Mystogan grinned darkly and suddenly charged forth at the unicorn, grabbing him by his shirt collar and shoving his head into one of the cakes that was on the food tables. It was now time to go with with plan, Mystogan has had enough of these snobby ponies for one night. He throws Blueblood down and runs onto the stage, grabbing the microphone.

"Alright you Snobby pompous nobles! You wanna play dirty and whisper dirty rumors behind my back and ruin a wonderful night for everyone else? I will play you game then!"

He shouted into the microphone with a wicked grin.

"Dash, AJ, Pinkie, Do it now!"

"Yes sir!"

The three mares shouted as they began to throw food at all the nobles they could get their sights on. Rainbow opening the doors to the outside garden as a bunch of random animals start to flood in the Gala. Mystogan jumps in the air and lands onto one of the chandeliers. Watching from below at the chaos. What was even more amusing, is that some of the nobles actually got into it, even Fancy Pants himself was throwing pies and pieces of cake and such at his fellow nobles, even more so when his wife was enjoying herself as well. As he watched everything unfold below, he caught Celestia's gaze. It was a mixture of shock, slight anger, and the overpowering laughter she tried to suppress from the puff of her cheeks.

"Oh you are gonna get it later mister...you...just wait...bahahahahaha!"

"Oh come on Tia. I told you I was gonna start something if they did! Better than taking out my god arc and hacking them up. Besides, this is amusing! Oh heads up!"

Just in time, she ducked as a flying cupcake flew over her. Twilight and the others just starred in absolutely shock at what was going on. Animals running amuck. eating all the food they could find if it wasn't being flung through the air, tables being turned upwards to act as shields. It truly was utter chaos. And they all knew who it was who orchestrated it. Mystogan jumped from one chandelier to the other, swinging on it as he did.

"HA, take that Blueblood!"

Fancy Pants shouted as he nailed the unicorn in the face with the punch bowl. Dash and the others were still going full on force with throwing food at the others, having been hit a few times themselves, they only laughed and came on stronger with their assault.

"You will pay for this, I swea-!"

Blueblood shouted, but was cut off by more food to this face, this time at the hands of...Rarity?

"Take that you brute!"

She shouted with a wicked laughter. Even Rarity was getting her hands dirty, that's rare. Mystogan jumps down and lands beside Celestia and grabs her hand.

"Come on, Tia!"

He said as he took her out of the gala, Luna watching from the upper floor as her sister is taken out of the room.

""Tia is so very lucky to have someone like him."

She said as she went back to watching the chaos with a grin on her face. Mystogan and Celestia finally made it out into one of the more quiet gardens that was hidden by the bushes and overlooked the city. Celestia caught her breath and Mystogan grinned evilly.

"Myst....I should be very upset with you about all that...but that was just too much fun! Even some of the nobles got into the fun!.."

"But?"

"Well...I was hopping to get a dance with you before things got out of hand. I am sorry for what my nephew did...he ruined a perfectly good moment..."

"Tia..what I was saying back there. It wasn't just in the moment. I meant every word I said about you. And to be honest, I wouldn't have minded a dance with you either, but perhaps we can still have one."

"How so? The musicians are all inside and-"

Mystogan pulls out his MP3 player and ear buds, placing one in his ear and reaching up to place one in one of her ears, scrolling through and finding the odd but perfect song he had in mind. They started out slow with the song, Mystogan taking one hand into hers and wrapping the other around her waist. Leading her along in the dance as the musicn was slow at first, then picks up the speed as the song does so as well. They began to dance about the garden as the large moon shone it's light upon them, twisting and spinning, going along with the music. This was the first time Celestia heard music like this, and it excited her, And the fact that she was dancing with the man she has come to love made it all the more better. A big smile on her face as the two locked eyes as they danced. Mystogan was getting into it as well, his breathing slightly increasing along with his heartbeat as he starred into those beautiful purple eyes. Why was he getting like this all the sudden? Was it because of the heat of the moment? Or was it something deeper he was scared to admit to himself because he knew exactly what it was he was afraid of? They kept on dancing to the song. Celestia's own heart racing as well as the moment they shared held for what seemed like an eternity. He lead her so well in the dance, and she was surprised at his footwork, able to take her into spins and such with their size difference. The music continued to elevate her excitement as she danced with him. The serious look in his beautiful deep blue eyes, it drew her to him more and more. The song finally started to end, Mystogan coming to a stopping point in the dance as he looks up into her eyes once more. She in turn looking into his. She kneels down before him and wraps ehr arms around him and nuzzles into his neck lovingly, her hands gripping on the back of his coat. Mystogan only smiled and wrapped his own arms around the Sun Princess just as affectionately. All was quiet.

"Mystogan...would you please return with me to my chambers...? After the night I had with you...I don't want it to end. Please come and sleep with me and keep me warm on this cold night."

"Of course Tia...you know I would be happy to slumber with you...despite the things I say around the others. I always enjoy your warmth against me. I am ready when you are."

She smiles lovingly at him and takes her hand into his, they both walk through the castle and to her bedroom. They both shed every piece of clothing they wore, climbed into her bed and got close to one another. Celestia wrapping her limbs around Mystogan and pulling him close. She smiles to him as she looks into his eyes, reaching up and stroking her fingers through his long raven black hair.

"Thank you Mystogan...this night wouldn't have been right without you. I am very happy to have had you come with me."

"I would do anything for you Tia, to see you smile like this. I don't know why, but I get this feeling that something is happening that I am scared to let happen. I think I...I..am starting to really fall in love with you Tia. I am not sure if it's just the heat of the moment...or I am genuinely letting myself slip because I am growing all the more closer to you...and you know what could happen to me one day... Tia I-."

He was cut off by one of her fingers being gently placed upon his lips. her voice becoming warm and loving.

"Listen to me Mystogan, should these feelings be for the now or not. I want you to know. I am going to protect you with every fober of my being. You have become very precious to me. Over the time you have been here, you have made friends with my former pupil and her own friends, you command my strongest unit, and most importantly...you have gotten closer to me and my sister. Even after what we did to you. That is quite a selfless thing Mystogan. Not to mention all the great deeds you have done to make sure everyone was safe from the dragon, and the invasion back in the Crystal Empire. If these feelings you feel are genuine, please don't hold them back. I want to know how you truly feel about me."

Mystogan closed his eyes, gritting his teeth a bit at his thoughts.

Do not give in you fool! You do this now, there is no turning back! You will leave her heartbroken on the day that you will have to die!

But what if she really can protect you?! Isn't that a risk worth taking to make her happy? To make YOU happy?

Don't do it you idiot!

No, do it! Make her the happiest she has ever been! Both you AND her deserve it!

Mystogan does something he would have never thought he would ever do. he leans up, locking his lips with Celestia firmly, giving ehr something that she has been wanting from him for a long time now. Though in shock at what had just happened, she slowly closes her eyes and kisses him back, running her fingers through his hair a bit more. The kiss goes on for awhile. After slowly parting and locking eyes once more he speaks.

"Tia...I really really am falling for you. This isn't just in the moment. It's real. I have been suppressing my feelings for so long and I just can't do it anymore. Do you really think you will be able to protect me from myself should things get out of hand..? I don't want to leave you behind should my life have to end. I know that would bring you great heartache. And that's not what I want..."

Celestia smiles and pulls him closer to her.

"You won't have to worry about that Mystogan...I promise you this. I will make sure that the monster that dwells within never comes out. I love you Myst, with all my heart and soul."

"And I...I love you to Tia."

Author's Notes:

Alright then, here is another one for you all. Also, the song where they dance...don't ask why I used it, it just felt right. XD

Like and share.

May the darkness grant you peace.