One surreptitious rendezvous later, Celestia and I, along with Luna and my family, sat in the massive dining hall. The small talk flowed smoothly; Luna was consistently cracking everyone up, Celestia seemed content to observe, offering her contributions along the way. Dinner was a fantastic spread of fish, salad, and a Northern Equestrian bread that I couldn’t get enough of.

“So,” Jen interjected, “I believe you were going to tell me a story, Celestia?”

Tia nodded, a bit of a gleam in her eye. “I did indeed, you are all familiar, of course, with the attack on this very castle some months back?” When everyone nodded, she continued. “A number of my guards lost their lives, my protective detail among them,” Tia closed her eyes for a second, doubtless remembering those brave ponies, “The attackers attempted to kidnap My Sister and I, for what ends I can only guess.” I cast a look around the table; Mom was staring at me, she knew I was featured somewhere. She was always too perceptive for her own good. “I had thought all was lost; at the very least, I would allow myself to be taken to prevent further bloodshed. The Griffon soldier held me hostage until someone knocked on my door.” She smiled at me, her hoof trailing up my leg under the table, “Within the span of a few moments, both of my captors were dead, and I was being led to safety by none other than your Son. It is only due to his heroism and that of his allies that I sit here before you.”

Every head at the table swiveled in my direction; I just kept sipping my wine, trying hard not to think about how close we came to death, not only Tia and I but all the castle staff we rescued. “Right place, right time, Celestia.”

Luna spoke up, “I beg to differ unless you have some special talent for finding trouble, and extricating yourself just as quickly.”

I chuckled, “Dead on, Luna.”

Celestia smiled at our exchange, “When it was all said and done, thirty of my Subjects and myself owed our lives to Zack; he even stayed behind to cover our escape, sustaining a grievous wound in the process. It is not a deed the Crown takes lightly; as such, your Son is something of a hero, and one day it may well be widely known, but due to the nature of his work, we have chosen to keep his involvement under wraps.”

Mom cleared her throat. Dad and Jen were still in mild shock by the look of it. “I always knew my son was a hero, Celestia, from his professional to his personal life; I am beyond proud of the man he is.”

I’m sure I was blushing a bit, “Thanks, Ma.”

“Wait, so not only were you here during the attack, but you saved Celestia and her staff?” Jen had recovered it seemed.
“From one angle, kid, yeah, but I had help, it wasn’t a one-man show. There were quite a few people and ponies who fought and some died to hold off those assholes. I won’t take credit for the whole thing.”

Luna huffed, clearing her throat softly, “Many sacrificed coming to our aid, and their sacrifice will be written in the rolls of honor for the rest of time, both human and pony alike. But only one man held that balcony while the staff was evacuated, do not denigrate yourself, my friend, what you did was remarkable, worthy of Our own Guard.”

I barely had an answer for that, so I went with what I could, “Thank you, Luna.”

She waved a hand, “Tis nothing but an observation, my friend. We may be a touch biased because you saved Sister.”

Celestia watched with a smile, still lightly playing footsie (hoofsie?) under the table.“In any case, and whatever you choose to call it, heroism was displayed, and heroism will be rewarded.”

“Jeez boy, I knew you were in it, but that’s amazing. I had no idea.” Dad had a smile on his face, “I hate the idea of you getting hurt, but damned if I’m not proud of you, Son.”

“Thanks, Pop.” I scratched the back of my neck, a little uncomfortable with the whole thing, I kept what I did away from my folks because, in their worst nightmares, they couldn’t imagine the danger I was in every time I went out. “Just a scratch, by the way, nothing serious.”

Celestia shot me a pointed look, but let it drop, she was tracking what I was laying down, thankfully. ”Well enough seriousness, would everyone like dessert?”

A chorus of affirmations from the table and a few minutes of pleasant conversation later, and I was eating the most amazing cake I’d ever had. The laughter carried on, everyone was all smiles, and I couldn’t be happier with how they were getting along. I’d expected nothing less, but the nerves had still made an appearance. Now I was on to how to tell them about Celestia, and I’d have to talk to her first. Dessert went by quick, in pleasant silence, until Luna spoke up.

“You know, Dear Sister, I believe we should celebrate this auspicious occasion.”

Celestia quirked an eyebrow, “How do you mean Luna.”

Luna chuckled wickedly, “Would you all like a personal tour of Equestrian nightlife?”

Oh, Lord.

“I am so IN!” Jen whisper-shouted, eyes wide and a grin on her face.

“I could have a drink or two,” Mom said.

“I haven’t been out in a minute; I’m game,” Dad added with a smile.

I turned to Tia, “How would that even work?”

“We have a few disguise spells for when Luna and I need some time away from the castle. And I believe she is correct; it isn’t every day we have such guests. Captain Blaze knows how to reach us should the need arise. And it has been an age since I was out during your night Lulu.”

Luna looked ready to burst with excitement; it was easy in those moments to forget she was an immortal Goddess; she just looked like an excited kid. “Very well, Andrews family? Meet us in the main hall in thirty minutes, and we will show you an evening like no other.”

We all nodded our assent, “Ready Break!” Mom shouted, to laughter around the table. They headed back to their rooms, Luna skipping off down a side hallway, humming to herself. Leaving Celestia and I alone, she gestured for me to follow as she made her way out of the room and up the stairs.

“Tell me, Zack?”

“Hmm?”

“Has your family always been this wonderful?”

Well, if that doesn’t make me feel all warm and fuzzy. “Yes, they’ve loved and supported me no matter what, I always felt like I mattered growing up. I wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world.”

“I can tell, I expected nothing less from the people who raised you to be the man you are. I hope this plan of Luna’s isn’t too much too fast.”

“No worried, Tia, my family rolls with the punches. I haven’t seen Jen this excited in a minute. We’ll have a great time.” I checked the hall and leaned into her, “Thank you for having them; it means the world.”

She leaned right back into me, kissing my cheek, “Anything for you. My love. I love them already.”

We walked like that, with her head on my shoulder, my arm tight around her, all the way back to her…our room.

Twenty minutes later I was dressed in a simple button-down and some black slacks, waiting on Tia, I guess some things are universal.

The Goddess herself was still in the bathroom, refusing to let me get even a peek at her outfit, or her transformation until she was ready. So there I sat, on the edge of her bed, admiring the floorboards. Having time to think, I felt a smile cross my face, I never in a million years thought I could get so lucky, even with all the things that had happened as of late, I was in love, I had an amazing job, and a wonderful family. What more could a guy want?

“Well, what do you think?”

I looked up and got my answer.

That, that is, the more a guy could want.

Celestia stood there, in a red dress that fell just below her knees, tight in all the right places, emphasizing her curves, down to a pair of strappy black heels that showed off her mile-long legs. Her appearance was what struck me the most; her multi-colored mane was a deep warm red, curls cascading down her shoulders; her usually white coat was a dark grey, those beautiful purple eyes shown auburn. I was speechless.

“I take it you like the new me?”

I worked hard to get my marbles off the floor, “I like you, period.”

“Fantastic save my love.” She answered playfully, shooting me a wink. “Shall we?” She gave me a fantastic view as she headed to the door, the sway in her hips made me want to stay in tonight. Her hand met the knob, and she shot me a smoldering look over her shoulder. “Catch me, and I’m yours.” With that, she turned the knob and bolted, laughing. I went for her like I was trying to break records.

A few minutes later found us waiting in the main hall, Celestia leaning her head on my shoulder. Mom came down first, decked out in a purple dress, Jen followed shortly after that, all black all the time. Dad was lagging, but that was to be expected.

“Jennifer, Sandra, you both look lovely,” Celestia said with a beaming smile.

“Thank you, Princess.” Jen smiled, “You look stunning yourself.”

“Thank you, Celestia.”

“Dad’s sure taking his sweet time, huh?”

Mom rolled her eyes, “You know your father, gonna be late to his own funeral.”

“I. have arrived,” Luna announced, walking into the room with a flourish.

Damn Son

Luna’s dark blue coat had turned a deep black, her mane a pale yellow, she’d kept her eyes the same azure color. Her floor-length blue dress accented her coat and eyes beautifully, she looked as ethereal as her namesake and had a serious goth vibe going on. I’d always said that Luna was a hammer, but this new look killed it.

“Close your mouth, love,” Celestia whispered in my ear with a smirk.

“Sorry,” I whispered back.

“Not at all, Luna turns heads everywhere she goes, I would worry about you if you didn’t look at least a little bit stunned.” She said playfully, “That was your one free pass.”

I nodded, “Message received.”

Dad finally came down the stairs; he had a dark charcoal suit on that I didn’t even know he owned.

“Looking good old man.”

“I can still put the dog on when I need to, Son, don’t you forget it.”

I laughed, “Never could bro.”

Celestia chuckled, “Now that we are all present, the night is young, let us make it one to remember.”