Chapter 19: The Letter

"What the hell is that smell?! Twi, did you try to cook again?! We're all lucky we're still alive!" the voice of Rainbow Dash pierced the relative calm of the morning, stirring Helm from his slumber. He was surprised that he wasn't already awake in the first place. His eyes barely fluttered open as his senses were startled awake, attempting to asses everything around him. His and Luna's bedroom door was shut but they could still hear everything outside.

"Keep talking Dashie, and you see that pan on the stove? It's going up your poopshoot diameter first. Then you can shit pancakes and eat those," the voice of the bookworm retorted in sarcasm and false anger. Helmuth was trying to register that in his mind but it was still trying to warm up.

That's wonderful to wake up to.

"As if, egghead! Unless you've got experience shoving things up an ass ya slut—OH WAIT! You don't!" Rainbow replied to her retort with what sounded like a 'wink,' if a wink could make a sound.

"Keep on mouthing off, RD. Please do; just keep in mind that I still know that spell that imitates a severe case of crabs for twenty-four hours. You seemed like you enjoyed yourself thoroughly last time."

"HA! Jokes on you! I'm bare down there!"

"That didn't stop me then, it won't stop me now. I can definitely fix that… still never found out if the carpet matched the drapes…"

What. The. Fuck.

"Fuck you, Twilight! I still never forgave you or got you back for that the last time!" Dash yelled back.

"Well I wouldn't have to remind and threaten you if you hadn't just randomly insulted my cooking, which I already know is subpar! So I suggest you shut the hell up before I shove my Limited Edition™ Elementary Differential Equations textbook down your throat and magically rust your twat shut," the magic adept added sternly.

"Bitch please; it sounds like you're implying that you could take me in a fight…"

The conversation of what sounded more like a borderline full blown argument continued in earnest between the two. Helm sighed as he was now fully awake and considered getting up to see what all the fuss was about. That is until Luna's form turned over, revealing that she was also just waking up.

"Pay them no mind, they're the best of friends and are always like this… always," she deadpanned.

"Did you want to go back to sleep?" he asked. If that was the case he'd go tell the two to knock it off. Luna shook her head.

"Nay, it's about time I get up. I have more meetings to attend today," Luna said, pantomiming a pistol pointed at her head and pulling the 'trigger.' Helmuth nodded.

"Alright. Might as well be productive today too. After all, got a date planned tonight with Rarity," he said, stretching his back out. Luna smirked at him as he turned around.

"What?" he asked, smiling back at her genuinely.

"You called it a 'date.'"

"…Yeah I guess I did. What of it?"

"I wouldn't even dream of hearing 'Helmuth,' 'woman's name,' and 'date,' in the same sentence… maybe 'Helmuth,' 'man's name,' and 'date…'" Luna quipped. The Lunar Guard rolled his eyes.

"Yes, yes, I've come around with women. Happy now?"

"Thrilled actually."

"Good. Then it's time we put our plans into action," Helm suggested. Luna nodded and stretched her arms out as well.

"…GAHH! TWILIGHT STOP!"

The two were immediately brought out of their stupors and they rushed to open the door, finding Rainbow Dash cowering behind the kitchen counter and Twilight in an offensive stance, a book levitating in her magical aura. One of the other doors opened up, revealing Applejack and she did not look pleased.

"Will ya two shut the hell up?!" she yelled, scowling at the both of them.

"Twilight's attacking me with a book!" Rainbow shouted back, flailing her arms.

"I told you I'd cram my book down your throat… though I'm thinking it's better up your ass…" Twilight stated professionally, tapping her finger against her cheek and looking elsewhere pensively.

"Alright girls, that's quite enough," Luna stated calmly, holding her hand out in a 'cool it' gesture, diffusing the situation (although playful) immediately. The rest of the girls came into the common room to see what was up.

"Well, now that everyone's here, I'd like to say a couple of things: I have more business to tend to today in approximately two hours. So when I leave, you all are very much on your own. As you know, I am not Nightmare Moon and thus do not control your every being. You may do what you wish, as always, but please try not to cause trouble…" Luna lectured lightly. The others nodded.

"Ah don't believe we done caused the last incident at the bar…" Applejack interjected.

"I'm very well aware of that, but I'm sure you know what I mean. Did you girls have any plans for today?" Luna asked.

"I need to get a few things in preparation for tonight and Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy volunteered to help me out… such dears they are," Rarity spoke while forcefully dragging Dash and Fluttershy to her side. Luna raised her brow and looked at Dash, who threw her hands up in the air in frustration.

"I guess I'm going shopping. Thanks Rarity," the prismatic haired girl admitted defeat.

"I don't really mind actually…" Fluttershy was able to get out. Luna chuckled a bit and nodded.

"I actually need to get more supplies so I can bake some more tonight!" Pinkie said jovially. Applejack then walked next to the pink-haired bombshell.

"And Ah'll go with her Ah suppose. Heard there was gonna be a farmer's market towards the middle o'town. Kinda curious to see," Applejack added. Luna nodded again.

"Very well, that just leaves Twilight. Did you have anything planned for today?"

"Not really. Was gonna read up on some stuff since it's gonna be quiet around here," the lavender haired girl responded.

"Fair enough. Then it's just going to be you and Helm here until later. Might finally give you two a chance to just hang out," Luna said, retiring back to the room and subtly winking over her shoulder at Twilight, who only blushed furiously. Helm only rolled his eyes and chuckled a bit.

"Well then, if that's the case, then we shall be off. Come along girls," Rarity instructed, leading the deadpanned Rainbow Dash and indifferent Fluttershy out the door.

"Might as well head out also. I want to finish that chocolate cake tonight!" Pinkie said excitedly as she started bouncing and striding out the door. Applejack followed after her.

"Ah honestly have no idea how that girl gets all her energy. Gonna have'ta make sure she doesn't break nothin'. See ya later, Helm!" she said as she walked out the door, winking a bit at the Lunar Guard. He only smiled as he recalled last night's events… that was a fun time. It was just him and Twilight in the room currently, with the latter sitting comfortably on the couch, legs stretched out and reading. She was in some dark purple mesh shorts that went to mid-thigh and a baggy white shirt… nothing to really write home about. However, what drew Helmuth's attention were, oddly, her legs. Her slender (bordering petite) frame left her legs looking very smooth and toned, and he found himself staring at them. He was able to yank his eyes away when he figured out that they would have time to themselves while Luna freshened up and ultimately left on duty.

"Got anything planned?" Twilight asked, taking the words right out of Helm's mouth. She had her book lowered and was looking at him.

"Other than an outing with Rarity tonight, not really. You and I could hang out if you want. As of right now though, I need to work out, so I'll be in the gym," he said, going back to his room to change.

"Wait! I'll come with you," Twilight said, interrupting his step and shutting her book, getting to her feet. Helm stopped in his tracks and raised his brow at her, running a quick finger through his dark hair.

"Please don't take this the wrong way but I never took you at first glance for a gym type," he said sheepishly. Twilight only giggled.

"Few do, and I don't visit very often but it's nice to get some real exercise in once in a while," the bookworm iterated with a smile. "I'll get dressed and meet you out here," she commented, disappearing into her room.

Helmuth watched her go and shrugged a bit before entering his room. He heard the water in the bathroom running and he figured that Luna was showering off in preparation for duty today, so he paid that no mind. Spying some clean workout garments, he donned the material quickly, making himself look somewhat presentable for the lavender haired bookworm before he strolled out, being surprised to find Twilight waiting for him already. At first glance she was clad in some black yoga pants and a lavender tank top that hugged her figure, defining her curves nicely. She didn't have the ass of Pinkie, nor the breasts of Fluttershy, but that didn't make her any less attractive. Still… that also didn't mean that the image of Fluttershy in a bathing suit yesterday wasn't still imprinted on his mind.

That image will haunt me for a while… and I am perfectly okay with that… hehe.

"Hey there, Helm… You gawking at me in the name of science? Or are you just happy to see me," Twilight said with a joking inflection, blushing at having his eyes on her.

Fuck!

He immediately averted his gaze towards her eyes, which were looking at him expectantly.

"Heh…heh… Science. Definitely science. For research and math and shit," he responded incoherently, walking towards the door. Twilight busted out laughing and she followed after him, shutting the door behind her.

Luna had been enjoying her shower thoroughly. She had reverted her hair back to its stagnant form in order to cleanse it out nicely, while bathing her body soothingly. Eventually, the heaven of showers must come to an end, and she exited out of the bathroom-turned sauna whilst humming "Bad Medicine." After toweling off, returning her hair to its ethereal form, and putting on some underwear, she strut out to the kitchen in order to grab a quick something to eat, until something caught her eye:

"Mail… very well then."

She spied a few marked envelopes on the ground by the door, recently dropped off most likely, and picked them up, examining the fronts.

Brochure… Information brief… Night court report… Meeting brief…

All seemed to be in order, until she read the last envelope:

Ministry of the Armed Forces…?

Setting the other envelopes aside, she carefully ripped the top open and slid out the letter, addressed to her personally, and began to read:

Princess Luna of Equestria,

The General Army is setting up another outpost fifty miles west of Las Pegasus, however we lack the certain people required to get things going, in a manner of speaking. Looking at the service records of other branches, one of your Lunar Guards came to light. Your personal guard Helmuth M. Nightwing has an extensive list of technical skills adorning his record, on top of direct service to the crown, which is always extraordinary.

As per governmental regulations and checks and balances between the branches of the armed forces, Pfc. Nightwing is to be promoted, and temporarily commandeered by the Army. He will report to Royal Guard High Command in Canterlot one month from now and will then be transferred to the Las Pegasus Outpost where he will help head the technical setup of the new base for approximately six months.

Marshal Contrail

Luna just stared at the letter… she really had not thought that something like that would happen. Helm, literally her closest friend and Guard, was going to be taken from her, albeit temporarily.

"How about I stick this letter in your ass and twist, Contrail?" Luna said to no one in particular as she stormed off to her room, reemerging a few minutes later dressed in full ceremonial military garb and slamming the door shut as she left.

You're gonna get it when I see you soon…

Helm and Twilight exited the elevator on their floor coming from the gym, stretching one last time and wiping the last remnants of a light sweat from their brows before they began walking back towards the room.

"That was fun, Twi, gotta admit!" the Guard remarked jovially. Twilight smiled back at him.

"Mhmm! I definitely needed that… owww…" she replied, rubbing part of her lower back, most likely a bit sore from stretching wrong or overexertion.

"Well, now that we have a ton of time on our hands, would you like to—is that Luna?" Helmuth broke his speech, the two turning their attention two the Lunar Princess walking towards them, going to the elevators. She threw them a casual wave before beckoning Helm over wordlessly. He looked at Twi oddly but complied, walking over to her.

"Hey Luna… need something?" he asked. Since the two were essentially at eyelevel, Luna just stared at him for a couple of seconds before closing the distance between their bodies and embracing him in a rather tight hug. This threw him off guard (pun completely intended) at the suddenness but nevertheless he reciprocated.

"Hey, what's wrong?" he asked. She separated from him and just looked into his eyes with pure adoration, gracing the humble Guard with one of the most genuine grins he had ever seen… before she broke their touch and continued on her way, nodding towards the bookworm before she entered the elevator, which subsequently closed her from view.

"Ummm… I know she and I are really awesome and close friends but even I'm not that oblivious to know that something is up," Helm commented. Twilight walked up to him and they continued on towards the suite.

"I know, but I'm not sure what could be bothering her," Twilight pondered.

"Time of the month?"

Twilight couldn't help but giggle, even though she playfully socked him in the arm.

"Probably not, but it obviously has something to do with you," she clarified.

"Me? You sure it's not just the stresses of being a ruler?"

The two of them entered the suite and closed the door after themselves.

"I don't think so. While stress is rather common, since I've seen it all the time with Celestia… no. The way she looked at you could write novels," Twilight replied.

"I noticed that too, and that was a very interesting look. Any thoughts?" Helm asked. Twilight led him to her room where a large vanity stood. She beckoned him to stand in front of the large mirror and he did so, just staring at his reflection.

"What do you know about Luna's history since she was a child?" Twilight asked.

"The only prominent thing from over a thousand years ago that she told me was that she was rather close with her and Celestia's father, right?" he confirmed. Twilight beamed.

"Indeed! You may not accept this at first but she sees her father in you. You look like him too," she threw out. This made him look at her incredulously.

"I look like Field Marshal Quasar, former co-ruler of Equestria and Ruler of the Night? I find that hard to believe," he dismissed. Twilight shook her head.

"I figured you'd say something like that, but tell me: When she accepted you as a personal guard, did she happen to be almost unnaturally drawn and friendly to you?" Twilight speculated. The Guard's brow raised again.

"Ummm… yeah actually, now that you mention it, she was a million times friendlier and easy-going than others had made her out to be."

"Did she happen to also naturally stay gravitated to you?" she asked.

"Isn't that kinda what 'making friends' means?" he replied with a twinge of sarcasm.

"You're missing the point, jackass," Twilight retorted, sensing his sarcasm and attempt to annoy her. He couldn't help but chuckle.

"But yes, even when Windfire was present, she seemed to spend more time talking or just generally being around me."

Twilight motioned for him to look into the mirror. He did, seeing his figure clad in work-out clothing… that is, until Twilight cast an illusion spell that distorted the clothing he was wearing, make it look like Helm was actually donning the uniform of an Equestrian Field Marshal from over a millennia ago. Helmuth had never put any thought toward it, but the resemblance was actually quite prominent.

"Woah…" the Guard mouthed, noticing that his figure, the hair, and especially his eyes matched perfectly. Twilight nodded as she stood next to him.

"The resemblance is almost uncanny. There's a psychological saying that women are subtly attracted to men who bear the traits of their fathers," Twilight explained softly.

"I look like your father too?!"

"Shut up! Hahaha," Twilight said, socking him again playfully as she giggled at the joke.

"But in all seriousness, she's upset because she's attracted to me?" he asked, looking for clarification. Twilight shook her head again.

"Not in that sense. She found solace romantically in Seafire. However, you remind her almost perfectly of Quasar, and she had been denied a father's influence for over a millennia. Realize that in the entirety of the life of an AeroMage, Luna and Celestia are still quite young. I infer that Luna was subconsciously looking for something, or someone, to fill that void," the lavender haired girl lectured.

"Luna had told me stories from her childhood, and she seemed particularly attached to him. I suppose there's merit in what you say. Should I talk to her and find out what's got her so worked up then?" Helmuth looked towards her for advice.

"Not yet. If I know her, even though she's greatly loosened up, she's still quite private about her feelings. Let her come to you about it."

"Very well. Well, now that that's been dealt with, we have about five hours to kill. Did you want to do anything?" he asked.

"We can always read, study, and discuss things?" Twilight asked somewhat hopefully. Helm shrugged and smiled.

"Right… 'Study,'" he added suggestive inflection on that word with air quotes. Twilight blushed enormously.

"NO!"

"Hahahaha! I'm just yankin' your chain, Twilight. But in all seriousness, that's as good as anything I suppose. Come, let us get started then," he beckoned her out the door. The two picked up the math book that was on the table and opened it between them; Twilight instinctively leaning into his body while he had no qualms with putting an arm around her, pulling her close.

Studying. Literally studying.