Astartes is a young ninja on the run from his clan. After coming to terms with his current life, superhuman powers and all, he attempts to take it only to be ported to the land of Equestria. How will he cope with his new life surrounded by ponies?
Astartes is a young ninja on the run from his clan. After coming to terms with his current life, superhuman powers and all, he attempts to take it only to be ported to the land of Equestria. How will he cope with his new life surrounded by ponies? Will his skills and abilities from his past life prove an asset or a liability?
Warning: I am not entirely sure of every aspect of Shinobi and will undoubtedly have some mistakes. Please bear with me.
Silence took hold of the village as the moon had rose and was glowing an eerie shade of white revealing all below. In the ambiance, a clash of metal could was heard and a low groan soon followed as a body hit the dirt.
The now lone ninja dragged the body to a shadow under a nearby tree. The young man removed his cowl and looked up through the tree to the celestial being above. He began to weep. "How has it come to this?" He said to himself through choked tears. A small litany of misdeeds and a few harrowing disagreements had left him banished an branded an enemy of his once loving clan, even to his family, who had begged to have the banishment rescinded. Alas, the clan elders stood by their decision and the man was therefore, not to return.
He was Astartes, or 'Star' to friends. A 19 year old Shinobi with coal black hair and maroon eyes. People say that his eyes were a foretold sign of his future...that only death would lay in his wake. At a young age, he was avoided by other children as he was singled out by the elders of the clan to be groomed into the clan's champion. Upon reaching puberty, Star had joined a small task force of elite Shinobi that were 'different' from other people. Each of them possessed unique superhuman capabilities. Star's was to move at unnatural speeds. He had first demonstrated this in his first kill in which he had slit the throat of a Fat-cat [business man] before he hit the floor. the Fat-cat's wife never even saw a shadow. The group always carried out their duties respectfully and concisely. Until they were told to slaughter an orphanage to eliminate a Feudal Lord's only heir, thus placing a more desired family in power. Star had approached the elders and besought them to not lay waste to the children. He was met with scorn and was told to kill...or be banished for eternity.
He chose option 2. He was restrained and branded with his clans mark of shame: the Nightshade Flower.
With people who were once allies now on his trail and one already at his feet dead he knew he would be dead soon. No one could save him. He lowered his head. "This is it, isn't it?" he muttered to himself, chuckling solemnly. The only bright thing in his life was the white god above him looking down. He raised his Ninjato. No one would miss him. He had no one left. All he prayed for in that silent moment was for the pain of this life to end.
A flash of light and a cry of startled wildlife lit up the forest.
Star felt like he was falling for what seemed like hours in a dark tunnel that had no bottom. He wondered if he was dead. But that was soon to be the least of his problems.
He suddenly landed with a hushed tap and quickly assessed the situation and location that he was in. He was no longer standing in a lush forest. The floor was now stark white marble with a magnificent sheen, a brilliant contrast to his current attire. the walls were also made of the same marble and had colossal columns that went up to the rather high roof. Adorning the walls were tapestries of what seemed like key dates to some battles and stained glass windows that depicted creatures of all kinds, mythological and otherwise. The roof was covered in some sort of gold filigree and was carved into very intricate sculptures that all led down into a crystal chandelier from which emanated no light currently.
In front of him was a lush red carpet that had led up to an exuberant and regal throne that was carved alike the roof and had a tapestry above depicting two winged unicorns surrounded by 6 blinding lights of different colours. Purple, pink, red, yellow, green and blue. They all fired a beam that was aimed at an unseen foe. The winged unicorns in question were polar opposites in colour. One was as white as the room and bore a image of the sun on it's flank whilst sporting a mane that looked as though it was a rainbow. The other was a deep purple and had an image of the moon upon it's flank and sported a mane that looked like the stars in the night sky.
After taking in the scene around him, Star heard someone clearing their throat. It certainly got his attention, being in an unknown place.
In front of him were two winged unicorns, both alike to the ones that were shown in the tapestry that he was just observing. The manes of the unicorns were as they were in the picture also with one unnerving difference...They moved.
And if things couldn't get much weirder...the white unicorn began to talk.
"Hello? Can you understand me?" it said, an almost motherly tone in its voice.
"Wha-?" is the only word that Star could usher. 'It can talk?' He thought to himself.
Yes I can it giggled.
"How are you talking!" " And where am I?" " And how did you know what I was thinking?!" Star began almost panicking now.
"Calm yourself creature, we mean you no harm if you do not harm us." it once again replied.
"Sister, what exactly is this creature?" the dark one finally adding to the conversation
"I do not know Lu-Lu, but I would like to find out." It answered.
Lu-Lu? Star pondered.
"Yes, that is the nickname I use for my sister Luna." "I am Celestia, princess of the Sun and co-ruler of Equestria!" she declared proudly.
"And you may call me Luna, princess of the Moon and co-ruler of Equestria." the dark one also chimed in.
Star just stood there, baffled. What the hell was happening? Why was he here and what was his purpose here.
"What is thy name creature" The midnight unicorn spoke up once again, this time with a curious tone.
"Astartes miss, I'm a Shinobi" he replied.
"Shinobi?" she asked "What is that? now on the precipice of interest.
"I'm trained in stealth and espionage, sabotage and assassination." Star slowly and cautiously uttered.
Both princess recoiled in horror. "You kill ponies?" they both sputtered in horror, clearly disturbed by his words.
Well, not ponies. Humans.
"But you have still killed regardless!" Celestia cried out.
"It was not a life that I had chosen, but it was a life that was forced upon me." "It was not my choice to kill and I remember every one with sorrow and regret." he was almost in tears now picturing all of the faces of victims to his blade poisons and traps.
"While it worries us to think that thy hath slain many a pony, it is calming to know that thy life is filled with sorrow over those lost.." Luna proclaimed, as if trying to forgive Star for his 'past life' as it would seem now.
"If I may ask..why am I here?" Star piped up after choking back the tears.
"We don't know actually." Celestia said and looked up, pondering possibilities.
"Thou simply appeared!" Luna proclaimed in a voice that rocked the very room.
After assessing the predicament that he was in, he turned and noticed the guards that were surrounding the hall. He would not likely escape this room with this many in attendance. So all he could do was talk.
"And what happens now, milady?" Star asked and turned to face the princesses again.
Celestia spoke up. "Well.. we don't know much about you yet. Would it be okay if we had you take some tests?" "Basic tests such as lifespan, health, diet and capabilities."
Star pondered the thought.
"There would be some...er.. intimate exams to get an idea of your anatomy." Celestia spoke and blushed slightly at the embarrassing statement.
Star found himself blushing at the thought.
"Who would be performing the exams?" He asked.
"I think I have just the person!" Celestia beamed. Her horn began to glow and a pen and parchment began to levitate in front of her.
Magic! God damn magic! What the hell? Star could understand the wings but magic was something else. He thought it never existed. Then again, he wasn't in his world, so far as he could tell. That was why she could hear his thoughts! Celestia finished her writing and put the pen down. In a flash, the parchment was gone.
"There, the message is sent." Celestia began to smile.
"Forgive me princess, but to whom?" Star questioned, slightly nervous.
"My very academic and faithful student. She is a unicorn named Twilight Sparkle. I bet she would look forward to meeting you!" Celestia declared proudly as though Twilight was her own daughter.
"Now, if you will follow my guards, they will lead you to a room that will be prepared for you during your stay here." A group of 3 guards moved from around the room into a triangle behind Star and turned to the door.
Star hesitantly followed them as the left the room, hearing the princesses whisper as he went.
Star was lead to his room by the guards that led him from the throne room. The walk through the castle was unnerving to say the least. So many ponies were going about their day, throwing about glances at him. What on Equestria was he? If what Celestia had said was true, they would soon find out.
The walk to his room was painstakingly long. The door was dark ebony that was at least 10 feet high. The handle was made from a dark metal that was smooth and seemed icy to the touch. As the guards opened the door, they ushered Star inside . The guard at the head of the small squad spoke up.
“The princess’ student will be along tomorrow. Please acquaint yourself with this room. If you need anything then please don’t hesitate to ask the maids on the hallway but please don’t leave until called for.”
“Thank you gentlemen” Star spoke to the group.
“Gentlemen?” The guards spoke in unison.
“Err...Gentlecolts?” the Shinobi tried again.
“Ah” the group finally replied.
As the door closed, Star turned to get acquainted with his new room.
The room was rather dark with black, lush carpet that felt almost like it was heated by some unknown source. A fire crackled in the back of the room quietly leaving shadows dancing on the back walls. The walls were a dark grey which allowed some vision during this time of the night and had Candelabra along each wall that were lit. The windows were the biggest feature of the room which showed a magnificent feature of the castle. The garden and a pool. The window overlooked a vast garden that had flowers that Star had never seen and trees that seemed to move and breathe with nature itself. The pool in the center was carved from what looked like obsidian and had a miniature waterfall in the background that poured water that was as black as the night itself. The final feature that made Star begin to tear up was the moon. The moon was huge! It shone with such radiance that the sun paled in comparison. Its surface was brutalized by scars of years of torment but it did not mar its beauty and perfection surrounded by stars upon the billions. Star remembered under the tree earlier today when he had wished for it all to just go away. Now he felt that his life could be something here, away from the grooming and destiny to be a killer. He could make the most of here.
He approached the bed that had been set out for him and it was black satin and what felt like down feather pillows. “This room is really something!” Star claimed as he began to undress. The Shokozu came off with ease and soon took his padded shoes off and was left in nothing but his underwear. As he settled down for the night the lights dimmed even further which brought his eyelids even further down. Sleep finally took him.
Star was awoken by a loud rap upon his door. He stumbled from bed and approached the door still rubbing sleep from his eyes. He reached for the handle and pushed it down only to have the door blown open, sending him flying back towards the bed. Star took a more defensive stance behind the bed, waiting for the culprit to emerge.
“Where is he?!” A voice was heard from the corridor. A rapid clopping of hooves could be heard just outside the door.
“Twilight please wait! You don’t want to spook Astartes!” A familiar voice cried out, far more distant than apparently Twilights.
“But princess, I really want to meet him!” she retorted almost instantly.
“You want to meet me, eh?” A voice came from behind Twilight which made her fur stand on end.
“Wha- where did you come from?” She said as she took a step from Star and fell on her rump.
“Sorry if I scared you. I didn't know if you were here to harm me or not.” Star tried to explain.
“Oh nononononono! I wouldn't hurt you! I’m Twilight Sparkle, student to princess Celestia.” She chirped lightly.
That explained the reason she was here. She was the one that was going to be examining Star today . “Where is Celestia?” Star asked “I’m sure I heard her.”
“She probably gave up.” Twilight giggled. “I think she thinks that I’m too curious for my own good. She also holds court today.”
She was a small unicorn that was about 3ft tall which is about half the size of Celestia. She was purple with Dark purple hair that contained lighter highlights in it. The mark on her flank was what looked like a series of explosions in different shades of purple. Star looked back to Twilight only to find her blushing.
“What?” Star questioned.
“Erm...I’m sorry I didn’t expect you to look like that. Not that it’s a bad thing!” She said awkwardly whilst scratching the ground with her hoof.
Star looked down at her embarrassment. He may have been a Shinobi, but he was only a man at heart. In a flash, he was gone and reappeared dressed in his Shokozu minus the cowl.
“Wow…you really are fast! Rainbow Dash would really love to meet you.” She pointed out as she raised her head again.
“Erm…ok, now about these questions that you were going to ask me...when are we going to start?” Star began to change topic to bury his own embarrassment from her observations.
Twilight smiled. “We can start whenever you feel comfortable. We can even do it here if you like.”
“That would be nice.”
“Ok!” Twilight moved towards the door and closed it, giving them some much needed privacy. She ushered Star towards the fire to sit and begin the questioning.
“Alright, first question. Where are you from?” She asked with almost unnatural curiosity.
Star replied matter of factly “I’m from a world called Earth. It is a world with incredible biodiversity and humans are the dominant species on the planet.”
“Ok and what do humans eat?”
A small smile crept up Star’s face as he prepared his answer “Humans are Omnivores. We can eat Vegetables AND meat!”
Twilight audibly gasped as she heard the news and took a step back.
“You eat innocent animals?” she cried out.
“No, we usually ate animals that were not sentient. They have no higher brain functions and can’t converse like we are now.”
Still unnerved, though somewhat calmed, Twilight pressed on.
“What is the average lifespan of a Human?”
“To my knowledge, Humans live for about 70-80 years.” Star responded.
“Only 80 years? The average pony lives for around 150-200 years in Equestria.”
Star’s jaw dropped. 200 years?! What kind of time is that? Think of all of the stuff you could do.
Twilight continued.
“What age is classed as an adult and how old are you?”
“Humans are classed as an adult at 18 years old but are legally allowed to reproduce at 16. Also I’m 19.”
“Wow, ponies are classed as an adult at about 40 years…wouldn’t that be weird!”
Jesus. That would seem awkward to those that didn’t know about Star’s species. Still it would be funny to see those embarrassing moments when he may prove that a ‘child’ could kill them in a blink of an eye. But enough of that.
“Ok and what are Humans capable of? Are you guys particularly strong? I certainly know that you are fast!” She babbled on.
“Erm…actually, that is kind of my special thing. Some humans have abilities that are considered way above normal.” Star continued.
“An average human can run at about 15mph I think but I can run to such speeds at a moderate distance that it looks as though I am teleporting.”
“Most humans are not all that strong or fast either. Some are just born with a gift, like me. We usually rely on our wits to outsmart the enemy.”
Twilight piped up. “Can I have a demonstration of your speed? Please Star?” Her eyes grew to cartoonish sizes and stuck out her lip.
No soul alive could truly resist that kind of face. It was heart wrenchingly cute. Even for a killer like Star.
“Ok, I guess I can show you a trick. Now watch closely. I’m going to get Celestia’s crown.” Star had a quick stretch.
“HA! Fat Cha-“Twilight was cut off by a slight breeze to see Star standing there with Celestia’s crown in hand.
Twilight stood there in awe!
“By Celestia…”
“That is how I acquired it Twilight, yes.” Star chuckled.
Soon a shouting and heavy stampede could be heard in the distance.
“Search the castle guards! Not a spot left un-searched! Find that crown!” A captain could be heard ordering men down each corridor.
“I think that I should return this right away…”Star laughed before disappearing from sight.
Twilight blushed furiously once he was out of sight.
Star appeared in the throne room with a shocked crowd giving him space as he ‘materialized’ in front of them. Celestia sat above them upon her throne with her mane in her face with nothing to keep it back. Star turned only to be grabbed by a white aura and floated toward the princess herself. The princess started to change the look of surprise to a smug gron as she put 2 and 2 together and capture the crown-napper.
“Ah, hello Astartes. I was wondering what the ominous wind was before my mane fell. It really nice ability you have there but I think I will be taking that back now.” Celestia chuckled.
Celestia raised the crown from Star’s hands and lowered him to the ground and began to replace her crown that was holding her mane in place.
“That was my intention princess. I was simply showing Twilight what I could do.” Star began to laugh along with her.
“Could you have at least done it when I wasn't holding court? You terrified everyone, especially my guards.”
“I’m sorry Celestia, it won’t happen again…during court.”
“I’ll be ready the next time you try.” As soon as the words left her lips, the crown was gone again and Star was nowhere to be seen.
Celestia gasped and looked about in confusion before crying out “ASTARTEEES!” She was cut off as her mane fell in front of her face, stopping her shouting and she began chortling quietly as her subjects looked around in panic.
Laughter could be heard from the back of the court as a shadow could be seen barely leaving the throne room.
“Oh yes, this change in life could be very fun indeed.” Star declared as he walked back to his room, crown in hand . “And I think I will have some grand friends to go along with me.”
Star had walked out into the castle grounds; crown still in hand, to think things over. How much of this world would he see? Was he ‘allowed’ to go? Time would tell. Star had moved to the pool that he had seen from his window the night before. It was still as dark as the night it seemed to represent.
A pop of magic was heard and as Star turned, Twilight appeared and approached with a he grin on her face.
“I think you may have terrified the entire court.” She chortled.
She continued with a large laugh on her face
“You also made Celestia laugh the hardest I have ever seen.”
“I think it was her mane falling that did it. It sort of bopped her on the nose.” Star chimed merrily.
Twilight burst out laughing.
"Bahaha! I wish I could have seen that happen!"
Twilight wiped tears from her eyes before moving onto the topic that she had come to talk about.
“Would you like to come to Ponyville with me?” She asked with flushed cheeks.
“Pony wha?”
“Ponyville. It’s where I and my friends live. I would like to introduce you to them if you would accompany me.” She beamed, blush now struck from her face.
“Am I allowed to leave?” Star questioned, not wanting to anger the princesses by leaving a potentially dangerous creature loose.
“I told the princess my findings. She said that it will be okay as long as you don’t hurt anypony, though I don’t think that you would.”
“I don’t know. I bet some of you look very tasty. I could just eat one or two of you...” Star put on an evil grin and laughed manically.
“I doubt you would do that after you have met them. They are all really nice.”
“Ok then, let’s go!” Star announced with a solemn pose, finger pointing ahead.
“All right drama queen.” Twilight joked as her horn lit up with a bright purple flash.
And they were gone.
A swirl of colours later and the duo appeared inside a large wooden room with walls that seemed to be distorted and stacked with books all the way up into the ceiling. There were 2 doors and a set of stairs. One door led to what seemed like a kitchen which was small and basic and the other led under the stairs, most likely a broom cupboard of sorts. The stairs wound up one wall and led to a small corridor.
“Where are we?” Star asked whilst shaking his head, obviously not completely with it yet after the teleportation.
“My home in Ponyville.” Twilight declared proudly.
Star looked around to see that the walls were practically just bookshelves. Nothing but goddamn bookshelves! Such a variety of books!
“Jesus, there are so many books! I could sit here and read for hours!”
“You like reading?” Twilight almost yelped at the news.
“Yeah, it brings me peace of mind to sit and forget the world for a while. It keeps life from getting too full of problems.”
Twilight looked at him with a solemn smile on her face before shaking her head and began to speak again.
“Well, now that we have you here, let’s go and meet some of my friends. I think we should go see Pinkie at Sugercube Corner.” Twilight offered, hoof to her chin . “I’m as ready as ever.” Star replied, smiling all the while.
“Ok. Oh! One thing…” Twilight piped up again. “Don’t be offended if you get some cautious looks. Some ponies will be taken aback by your appearance. Even more so by your ability to talk.”
“Don’t worry. It would take more than that to offend me Twi.”
Twilight blushed. Already with the nicknames?
“Ok, let’s get going.” She told him as she began to turn to the door.
Star followed Twilight out into the street only to see a myriad of ponies of every colour and size. From the small colts and fillies to ponies the size of full sized horses.
The door clicked shut behind them and they began to walk down the street, with the sun now perfectly above them. As they continued to walk, Star began to notice all the looks that he was getting and all the whispers that he could pick up on.
What is that thing?
Is it a pet?
Did Twilight make it?
Star shrugged and picked up his pace slightly to get out of earshot. They continued down the road until the bakery came into view. The building was…pink. The living incarnation of the colour pink. Christ above was it pink. The door was pink; the window frames were pink and the sign outside was pink!
“That is really pink…” Star piped up.
“If you think that was pink, wait till you see Pinkie!” Twilight remarked.
The duo walked inside and was met by being tackled through the door by a pink ball of fuzz. As they tumbled to the ground, Twilight landed on her side and Star rolled on his hip and landed on his feet. Only to be hit again, and this time he was pinned to the floor.
“OH! You’re the pony that Twilight went to Canterlot to meet!” The pink fuzz-ball squeaked.
Pink. Good god the pony was pink. Nothing but pink. All pink are belong to this pony.
“I presume that you are Pinkie then?” Star wheezed currently having the life squeezed out of him.
“Yeah that’s me Mr! Twilight told me that you would be coming around! Ohmygod! We have to throw you a party! Oh I can’t wait! We could invite all my friends and I’m friends with everyone!” The pink ball of energy rambled on.
Star stuck his hand over her mouth to quiet the energetic ball of fur who seemed to lose all cohesiveness to her words after a while.
“If I must have a party thrown for me, please keep it with your close friends please Pinkie. I’m not a fan of big functions just for me…” Star said timidly.
“Are you sure?” Pinkie said with her head cocked to one side.
“Yes please Pinkie.” Star assured the pony.
“Well if you say so mister...”
“Astartes miss, but you can call me just Star.”
“Okie Dokie Lokie Mr Star.”
Pinkie slowly stepped off Star and he rose from the dirt road and brushed himself off.
Twilight walked towards the two of them.
“Well that was interesting but at least now you know Pinkie Pie.”
“Yeah, anybody else that is going to tackle me?”
“I sure hope not. It would be rather stressful to have to drag your butt around if you hurt yourself.”
Twilight turned back to Pinkie
“Ok Pinkie, make sure to inform the other Elements about the party, I’ll get Star acquainted with the town’s layout and take him to see the Mayor's clerk to get registered as a civilian.”
“Okie Dokie Loki Twilight!” Pinkie then turned and hopped, skipped and bounded back into Sugercube Corner.
Star had heard a part of what Twilight had said and had questions for the unicorn.
“You said that we were going to get me registered as a civilian. What does that entail?”
“Well, it is really just a formality but it says that you live here and lets you work and find housing should you desire.”
Star seemed quite confused.
“Does this mean that I’m no longer staying at the castle?” Star asked.
“Nope, you will now be living with me for the time being. I have a spare room that you can sleep in until you desire to find work and find your own house.”
“And the princess is okay with this?”
“She is the one that said that it would be fine in the first place seeing how she sees you more of a practical joker than a threat to Equestria. You and Princess Luna would get on like a Dragon and a hoard!”
Star remembered the umbra winged unicorn.
“Ah yes, I do believe I recall the winged unicorn.”
“Alicorn.” Twilight quickly corrected him.
“That is what they are called?” Star looked intriguingly.
“Yes, they are a mix of earth pony, unicorn and Pegasus, having the abilities of all the species of pony.”
“It seems pretty damn impressive if I must say so.” Star quipped.
“Indeed. Now come. We must head to town hall to have you registered to the city records.” Twilight said as she turned to walk down a nearby street toward a large building with a dome on top.
They had been walking for about 5 minutes when they arrived. The clerk at the front desk got the fright of his life as the biped and unicorn arrived.
Twilight began.
“Hello. I would like to have my friend, Astartes, added to the records for residents of Ponyville.”
The clerk gave a horrified and disgusted look in Star’s general direction.
“What the hell is that thing?!” The clerk shouted, clearly shocked from the tall creature’s appearance.
“I’m a human good sir.” Star retorted.
“It talk too?! Well what would this thing possibly do for Ponyville? He looks so frail and thin. I bet that he couldn't even run one mi-“The clerk was suddenly silenced by the piece of paper that he had just been writing on being abruptly shoved into his mouth. The clerk probably never saw Star twitch.
“Whaph waf tha? “The clerk questioned fearfully.
Twilight finally chimed in.
“My friend here is rather fast and I can bet that you didn't even see that happen.” She chuckled to herself, Star soon following suit before speaking again.
“So, can I please register? I would like to contribute to this town. It seems nice enough.” Star spoke as solemnly as possible.
The clerk spat out the paper and moved his tongue around his mouth to remove the taste of ink before speaking again.
“Sure…”The clerk said in a hushed voice, obviously embarrassed by the speed of Star.
“Thank you.” Stat replied with a smile from ear to ear.
About one hour later, after sifting through forms and parchment for what seemed like an age, Star and Twilight finally left the Town Hall and began to head home.
Star stretched as his equipment dug into his back after resting on it all the while inside as Twilight turned to talk.
“Well now that you are a registered citizen here, you can find work and buy housing. Just remember that you are always welcome to stay with me until you find somewhere that you can move into.”
Star began to smile.
“I think I may have to hang about for a while, but I sincerely thank you for the offer Twi.”
Twilight perked up in surprise as though she remembered something important.
“Oh, Star!” she beamed.
“What? What is it?”
“I forgot to tell you. Pinkie’s parties are always on the same day she plans them.”
“Well what does that mean?”
Twilight laughed as she began to speak.
“It means that you should get ready to party for later, because it is a certainty.”
Star began to sigh before breaking out into a small chortle as they trudged down the road home.
Star had spent the most of the afternoon walking through Ponyville introducing himself to the residents. Some more friendly than others. It goes to show that something’s never change, no matter what world you reside in. One in particular was a grey Pegasus that was walking in his direction with a small purple unicorn filly by her side trotting along merrily. The Pegasus had stumbled and landed at his feet, face full of dirt.
The little filly zipped to the mare’s side.
"Mama, are you all right?" She asked
The Pegasus spoke up, apparently not hurt regardless of the distance fell.
"Yes Dinky, I'm ok. This happens an awful lot so I'm used to it."
"It doesn't mean I should be any less worried about you."
Star felt some tears pulling at his eyelids. The little filly was tugging on his heartstrings. He finally spoke up.
"Would you like some help there miss..."
The Pegasus looked up to meet maroon eyes staring into hers.
"Ditzy, but everyone calls me Derpy!" She happily chirped.
"Why do they call you Derpy?"
"I....get into accidents an awful lot. I can't help it. I'm just accident prone I guess."
Ah well, that would explain the tumble. But upon further inspection he noticed that only one of her eyes was staring at him.
The other looking at Dinky.
"Your eyes are....awesome!" Star proclaimed, making the Pegasus take a step back and blush. The unicorn smile grew from ear to ear!
"Mama, did you hear that? Somepony who didn't say something bad about your eyes!" As she trotted around in a fit of what seemed like joy.
Star chuckled as Derpy's blush further increased.
"People always said that my eyes were bad because people believed that they were the eyes of a killer. I didn't like that but it stuck. So I guess that we are in the same boat miss."
"Indeed." Derpy said as she began to tap the ground lightly. "I will have to buy you a muffin some time from Pinkie to say thank you sometime for making sure I was ok."
"I'll hold you to that." Star began to laugh and started to turn only for Dinky to speak up. "Wait! Mister we didn't even get your name!"
Star turned and said with a smile to the duo behind him.
"Astartes, but you can call me Star!" He declared followed by a heroic pose! The mare and filly began to giggle.
Star waved his goodbyes and turned for the library to prepare for his party.
Star opened the door to be greeted by a most peculiar sight. It wasn't a pony. It was smaller and scaled. It turned and stopped in shock looking at him before calming down and opening its mouth.
"You must be Star. Twilight wouldn't stop talking about you. She is stuck upstairs in her research journals"
"That you little dude." Star quipped and the small dragon piped up.
"I'm Spike Mr." And he held out a small clawed hand. Star gripped it and shook it before beginning upstairs.
Twilight was busy writing in 3 books at once. All this new information that she had learned in only one day! All this had to be recorded before it was lost in her rushed writing. And what did she feel about this Human? He was really kind but how much did she really know about him? She sure knew a lot about his species by now but not about him. She began to think of how she could ask him about all this information and began to hatch a devious plan. That plan was soon torn from her thoughts as a knock could be heard on a door outside hers. A voice spoke up.
"Twi? Where are you? I don't know my way around this place yet.."
She opened her door and looked to find him 2 doors down the corridor and began to laugh at him.
"I'm in here you silly goose."
Star turned and began to blush at his own stupidity.
"Ok...Twilight, could you please show me to my room. I need to get settled in and then I need to bathe for the upcoming party."
"Well your room is the one across from my room." Twilight lifted a hoof and pointed to a door. "And as for somewhere to bathe, we have a shower downstairs. Follow me"
Twilight began to walk back down the stairs and through the kitchen to a room in the back with Star following closely behind. They entered a room that was tiled white with a toilet and sink, towel racks and a cubicle with what seemed like a grey cloud with a light orange tint surrounding it.
"Is that a cloud?" Star questioned, clearly befuddled.
"Yeah, if you want to wash, just squeeze it and it will rain on you. The orange tint will heat the water to your liking." That was impressive. Clouds in Star's world were not touchable. This was baffling his mind but at the same time amazing him. He turned to Twilight.
"Thank you Twilight. I'll be taking a shower now if that's ok."
"Ok Star, shout if you need anything."
Twilight turned and left the room, door closing with a click.
Star turned to the cubicle and began to undress, losing all but his boxers. He finally lost them as he stepped into the glass cubicle. Finally unconstrained by all that cloth he could finally feel himself free and began to stretch to clear out all his aches and pains. He turned to the glass tube and stepped inside and pinched the cloud only for a slight rumble before hot water began to hit his body soaking his hair and running down his body. He closed his eyes as he felt his muscles unwind. It was an interesting day and would soon become more interesting. Inside the shower he found bars of soaps and what looked like shampoos and began to clean his body, starting with his shoulders, arms and torso and began to work down to his legs and toes. He finished his body scrub with his manhood which was standing on end after the water and suds had run down his form. With all his sensed dulled by the shower, he didn't notice the door click and a pair of lilac coloured eyes taking in his nude form.
Star adorned a towel to cover his delicate areas as he gathered his clothes and began his climb the stairs and walked into his room. The room was basic, it had a single bed that looked like a king-size for a pony that was Twilight's size. Across from the bed was a small table with a drawer that had a large loop, probably for a hoof so other species of pony could open it. The same could be said for the Chester Drawers on the side of the room opposite the door. Star began to move towards them and knelt down to sort through his gear. He unstrapped the Ninjato that he always carried and places it on the floor and moved on to all the secret pockets in the folds of the Shokozu to reach all his darts and poisons. He opened a drawer and placed them in the very back, not wanting anyone to use them without utter dire reasons. His sword would be enough, he thought to himself. He continued to place all his tricks and traps in a similar manner when he heard an opening door as a gasp behind him.
"I'm sorry! I thought you were still downstairs." Twilight said as she dropped all the sheets that she was holding in a purple field of magic. Twilight's eyes spotted the scarred surface of Star's back and a dark flower image on his shoulder.
"What happened to your back Star?" Twilight voiced her clear concern at the image.
"I was banished by my clan. The nightshade on my shoulder showed that I was a toxin that was needed to be purged."
"I'm sorry. It must have been hard on you to be forced to leave all you hold dear." Twilight began to sniffle.
Star turned around and held her close to him and wrapped his arms around her small frame. She felt warm and soft.
"Don't cry Twilight. I was banished because I didn't want to kill children. It was my last assignment before I came here. And I couldn't carry out such a brutal task."
She looked up from the hug and saw tears in the man’s own eyes. He was clearly in pain from recalling the memory.
She looked him solemnly in the eyes and began to speak.
"Hey, whatever happened then was painful. Maybe that is why you were brought here. To get away from it all and to enjoy yourself. I'm sure the party tonight will cheer you up." She continued to hug Star for some time before he released her from his grasp and reached for his clothes.
"I hope you are right Twilight..." Star sighed before picking up a more valiant pose. "Perhaps tonight will prove a merry occasion!" He proclaimed as his towel fell from his waist, bearing all for the unicorn in front of Twilight blushed furiously and began laughing at his predicament as he scrambled to cover himself from her view.
"I swear that was not meant to happen!" He expressed as his cheeks began to redden.
"I'm sure it wasn't Star." Twilight laughed before turning and leaving him to his predicament.
Perhaps he would find tonight really fun.
Day soon took to night and no room seemed prepared for any kind of party. A knock was soon heard upon the door.
"Twilight! The door!" Star spoke up.
Twilight popped into existence next to him dressed in what seemed like a onsie. Wait. A onsie? Pajamas?
"Twilight?"
"What? Oh! I forgot to tell you! You told Pinkie that you wanted a small party and what better small party is there than a-"
"Slumber party!!" Pinkie burst in through the door, still hovering in mid-air adorned in a bright, you guessed it, pink onsie.
"Geez, calm down Pinkie-what the?" A blue Pegasus stopped in the doorway wearing a cyan onsie. She had one hell of a mane however. It was all the colours of the rainbow. Rainbow....Rainbow Dash?
"Your Rainbow Dash I take it miss?" Star asked.
"The one and only!" She beamed with pride.
She moved into the room all the while looking this new creature up and down.
"Are ya yappin on 'bout yourself again Dash?" An earth pony followed Dash in wearing a tan onsie. She stopped to look the Human up and down. "I see yer the feller Pinkie called us here for. I'm Applejack"
Star replied swiftly. "I'm Astartes miss."
"Astartes? What a charming name. It sounds so high class." A voice came from the doorway as a pearl white pony waked in dressed not in a onsie but what seemed like a red velvet night gown. She saw the source of the voice and therefore the name and her eyes lit up with what the human was wearing.
"Darling, what on Equestria are you wearing? You simply must allow me to craft you some clothes other than those." Star felt somewhat taken aback by the sudden act of generosity.
"You don't have to do that miss. These clothes are specialized for me."
"No! I insist. It will be a welcome challenge for me to test my skills as an artist of fabric! And you may call me Rarity Mr Star." There was no one else walking through the door but sounds were still coming through the door that sounded like 'umms' and 'errs' and stutters.
"Fluttershy, you have to come and say hello the guy." Dash called out to the door and an 'eep' was heard from the door before a yellow hoof and a head came around the door frame.
"Umm...Hello mister." The pony known as Fluttershy spoke up in a voice that was barely more than a whisper. "Hello Fluttershy. It's nice to meet you. It's nice to meet all of you actually." Star turned as he spoke, facing each pony in turn.
Fluttershy trotted in and closed the door as Pinkie chimed in.
"So what should we do first?" She practically radiated enthusiasm.
"How about we discuss what our talents are?" Dash offered an idea.
"I like that!" Twilight spoke up.
The ponies and Star all sat in a circle and Pinkie began.
"I'm Pinkie Pie and my special talent is PARTIES!"
"I'm Fluttershy..and, um...my special talent is my love of animals. I house many at my cottage near the everfree forest."
"Ah'm Applejack and mah talent is growin' and harvestin' apples."
"I'm Twilight and my talent is magic" Star could have guessed that with the teleportation everywhere.
"I am Rarity dear and my talent is fashion!"
Dash touched off from the ground and flew around the circle in a flurry of wind.
"I'm Rainbow Dash, and my talent is speed. I have always wanted to join the wonderbolt stunt team since I was filly and they know speed." Star was intrigued.
Speed was HIS game. he came up with a plan.
He spoke up.
"Speed eh?"
Twilight began to smile, knowing what was coming up.
"What would you say to a challenge Dash?" Star offered.
Dash began to laugh.
"A challenge? I'm all for competition! What have you got in mind dude?"
"A race. From here to Town Hall and back."
"You think that you could beat me? I could fly that distance in ten...seconds...flat."
"I could do it in less than one." Star arrogantly claimed
"You won’t be talking high and mighty when I leave you with nothing but dust!"
Dash glided to the door and stepped out followed by Star. The other mares followed suit behind them.
Dash began stretching and Star stood there in his Shokozu. When both were ready, they took their place upon a line that Pinkie had been drawing in the dirt of the road with her hoof.
"Is everypony ready?" Pinkie shouted to the night.
"Yeah!" Dash yelled.
"Let's go!" Star shouted.
"On your marks, get set, GO!" Pinkie waved a green flag that seemed to appear from nowhere.
Dash began to flap but was instantly frozen in place as Star began to take his first step forward.
This was after all, his game.
Star took a nice stroll to the town hall and sat there and waited for dash to round the far building. and round it she did.
Like a god damn bullet.
She saw him waiting and it only brought her to speed up even more. She did not want to lose this one.
Star saw this and stood up and prepared to run once more. only this time, Dash did not freeze. She actually kept moving. At a severely reduced speed but moving none the less.
Star was coloured shocked as he began to run the home stretch.
Rounding the corner, he could hear the cheering of the ponies they had left at the door and a slow rumbling creeping up behind him as dash tore up the road behind him. He knew that this one would be close and he smiled from ear to ear at the prospect.
The gap between the competitors closed exponentially as the neared the dirt finish line. The cheering ponies now moving to give the two some space for the inevitable.
*THUNK* *SMASH* "Ow!" "Oof"
Dash and Star had crash landed in a heap at the back of the library covered in a plethora of books.
Star got up and looked at the predicament that they were in and began to laugh.
"I don't really know who won that one. I guess i'll settle for a tie."
Dash surfaced from under all the books.
"What?! I totally beat you!"
"You tumbled into the back of me. That is why we landed here."
The remaining ponies walked in giggling at the scene of destruction that had unfolded in the nanoseconds of the crash.
Twilight looked around in horror at the pile of books now all over the floor.
"STAAAAAR! DAAASHHH!" She bellowed.
The two culprits spoke in a nervous unison.
"We're sorry."
After cleaning up the mess, the night progressed swimmingly. Stories were told. Jokes were cracked and tears were shed.
Star had shown off some of his talents using his sword and speed to cut an apple into hundreds of paper thin slices before it hit the floor. and his ability to hide when he was the last to be found during a game of hide and seek. To be fair however, he was hiding in the tree, at night, wearing nothing but black and was only found because twilight teleported him to them all after they had given up.
The night was now late and everyone was ready to sleep. Dash and AJ began bickering about who should take the couch and who should take the chair. Rarity and Fluttershy prepared their spaces on the floor. Twilight slept near one of the bookcases.
Star slept under the largest window. With his white god looking in upon him.
"A great ending to a great party." Star muttered before his eyelids became heavy.
Morning came faster than hoped for Star. He truly loved the night. I t was his hours of solace. To go about his business or do nothing, all without being bothered by ponies finding him. He had gotten a lot of attention as ponies began to actually say hello and even walked up to talk to him now and again. Star thought that someone had pulled some strings to loosen up the residents of Ponyville.
“I bet it was Fluttershy. If the shyest of all ponies could talk to me, what was stopping everypony else?”
Star rose from bed to look at the disaster zone behind him. Applejack and Dash were curled up on the couch together, obviously not able to settle their differences for the couch. What was so special about the couch? The chair looked just as comfy [it was more of a beanbag really]. Rarity and Fluttershy had taken to the blankets that had been brought for the occasion. They looked really cute snuggled up near each other, like young siblings. Twilight was….not where she laid for the night. Her blankets weren't even near the bookcase. Star turned to the rest of the room…only to find that she had moved behind him and was snoring quietly into a book that she must have picked up during the night. She looked very cute.
“When was the last time that I got some exercise? I feel like I’m getting slower. Especially when a pony can beat me…” Star quietly chuckled and rose from his bedding and rolled it up. He went to Twilights desk and got hold of some of her parchment and a quill. He reached for the inkwell and began to write.
‘Ladies, I have gone to exercise. I will be back when I have finished. Star’
Star placed the letter on the center of the table before he departed from the library.
Star walked down the main street past the town hall and onward towards the park. The park always seemed like a nice place to visit. And today he could just do that.The morning had barely begun the sun just over the horizon. Only a few ponies were moving around at this time of the day, all seeming to get stalls ready or opening shops.
The Shinobi arrived at the park. The park was as silent as the graves that he had sent his victims to. He began to think more on what he had done prior to his arrival. One pony who knew what he had done and looked past it almost instantly was Luna. She seemed to know what he felt when she tried to comfort him in the throne room. She was nice, nicer than he deserved to be treat.
Star shrugged. Now wasn't the time. Now was the time to train. He soon found a tall tree with strong branches. From this height, if he fell, it would really hurt. It was some motivation to hold on at least. He began to pull his chin to the branch and the return to a dangling position. He repeated this at least 250 times before landing with a thunk. He was right about how that would hurt but it wasn't the furthest that he had fallen. He got up and stretched before preparing for a few miles jog to get his legs back into shape. The miles took him around the park at least 3 times and by the time he could run no more, the sun was almost at the peak of its journey. He knew that he should get something other than training done today but first thing first.
He needed to get something to eat before he passed out from famine. “I suppose that I’ve earned a snack at Sugercube Corner.”
Star half walked, half stumbled down to Sugercube Corner. When he arrived and entered, a familiar face welcomed him into the store.
“Star!” A flurry of pink yelled as Star was tackled into the flooring.
“Hi Pinkie….ow.”
The duo pulled each other off of the floor and walked over to the counter after exchanging pleasantries and small talk. “So what can I get you Star?”
“Well….” It suddenly struck Star that, in his time here, he had never found a job, therefore having no money. He looked down in embarrassment as Pinkie looked at him in a perplexed manner, head cocked a perfect 90 degrees.
“What’s wrong mister frowns a lot?” Star looked into her eyes and began to glow red from the awkwardness of the answer.
“I just remembered that I don’t have any money…” Pinkie began to laugh at his situation, further causing Star to blush.
“If you don’t have any money…why don’t you work off the food? I’m sure the Cakes won’t mind.”
Star liked the idea. He was not of a baker but he could wait and take orders. It could also get him some money if he played his cards right. He got his blushing under control.
“I think that would be a great idea Pinkie.”
“Ok handsome man, wait here and I’ll ask the Cakes about this. They’re minding the foals in the other room.”
Handsome? Pinkie looked at him and began to smile before turning to the door behind her. As she left, Star couldn't help but get a glance at her plot.
‘Man she has a nice ass’ what?! Did he really just think that a pony had nice ass? He had been thinking like this all morning. He wasn't sure what to think of it all as of late. These ponies were all sentient and they treat him like best friends from the get go. They were all nice and they all had their brilliant qualities.
Twilight’s companionship when she had first met him.
Dashes Competitive spirit.
Rarity’s Generosity towards him instantly. Applejack’s honesty about him.
Fluttershy’s Kindness to him without even knowing him.
Pinkies ability to make him laugh, no matter the circumstance.
Star was beginning to see them less as the ponies he pictured from his past life and more as companions in his new life. It would take a while before he could come to accept these new feelings but he thought that he was beginning to like these girls.
Pinkie came bounding in with a huge grin and a huge plastic mustache and glasses combo that made Star lose it. “Wha- AHAHAHA! Why?! What was th-HAHAHA!” He continued to roll on the counter as she began to laugh just as hard. As the two of them subsided. They both composed themselves and looked back at each other.
“Ok Star. The deal is that you can eat what you need. You will need to work here till we close. We would also like to offer you a job here waiting and taking orders. It lets me and the cakes work our super-duper baking magic in the kitchen without losing customers.
You’ll get paid too! Something for all your hard work, you know?” How did she say all that in one breath? Star considered it. He could use the money and it would give him something to do in his down time. At least until something came up. This seemed like a way more than reasonable offer and a smile crept up to his face as he looked to Pinkie.
“I accept!” Before Star’s lips could close, a hoof shot out and pulled him over the counter and into a ridiculous bear hug from the pink pony that was squeezing the life out of him.
“AWESOME! WE CAN HANG OUT SOOO MUCH MORE OFTEN! IT’S GONNA BE SO MUCH FUN!”
Star bet on it.
After about 3 hours of taking orders from fillies, colts, mares and stallions alike, Star began to depart. That shop is god damn popular! There were 2 birthday parties in the time Star was in today alone. Probably because Pinkie was the QUEEN of parties. They made Star feel socially awkward but he worked there, so he would have to get used to it for now.
He headed for the library with a jingling in his hidden pockets and headed to the library.
He poked his head in the door and called out for anyone.
“Hello? Spike? Twilight?” A clopping of hooves could be heard upstairs as a purple figure came into view at the top of the stairs. Twilight had a look of concern about her face. A pop of magic and a bright flash later and Twilight plowed into Star, bowling him over into a cuddle.
“Where were you?! Spike, me and the girls thought the worst!” Twilight looked like she was about to pick up the waterworks where she had left off when Star began to return the hug. He held her head close to his chest as he moved his mouth close to her ear.
“I wouldn't leave Twilight. It’s too much fun here. I actually went out to exercise then I went to get something to eat at Sugercube Corner.” She looked up from his chest and looked confused.
“How did you get something to eat without any money?”
“The cakes offered me a job after Pinkie went to go talk to them about me paying off some food that I was hoping to get. I think Pinkie convinced them to give me a position.” Star was practically beaming at this point as he felt the worry of Twilight melt at his words.
“That is really nice of them! Bless Pinkie and the cakes.” Twilight was still lying on Star at this point, not showing any sign of moving as she lowered her head back to his chest. Star began to feel something stir…down below.
He suddenly rolled slightly to the side to move Twilight; hopefully she wouldn't have felt his rising erection.Twilight looked slightly disappointed as Star moved, obviously not knowing what she had narrowly avoided. She looked up to his face.
“Why did you move? I was feeling really comfortable there…” A blush playing about Twilight’s face as she spoke.
“Sorry Twilight, I er, need to go for a cold shower.” Star began to shuffle his way towards the bathroom as Twilight began to stand on all hooves.
And followed Star towards the bathroom.
As soon as she heard the door close, she made her move. She wanted to see him again…without clothes. She wasn't sure why but it made her feel all fuzzy and warm when she did. She approached the door and… *CLICK* Damn! Star locked the door! She wouldn't be able to see him now…unless…
Twilight ran to the far bookshelf as she heard the shower begin. She looked up on the higher shelves and found a small red book and brought it down with magic. She ran to her room, book in magic, and locked her door once inside. She went to the far wall and began to read the small tome.
‘Scrying surfaces’
She read the procedure and faced the wall in front of her. She memorized the steps to the spell for a moment before beginning to gather magic in her horn. She cast it on the wall as a purple oval began to form on her wall. The oval began to show an image as the spell came to an end. It was inside the bathroom!
Twilight could see Star in the shower. Naked in front of her eyes…and he was clueless that she was watching him. Between his thighs was a throbbing hard-on that Star was looking at with worry.
“Why won’t it go down?” Star began to move, causing the water to run along his shaft and caused him to shudder. Twilight watched, almost in a trance and felt a moistness between her nethers as she continued to watch. He didn't look all that big when compared to a stallion but something about him made her long for him. Why was he so special? Her fore-hoof began to worm its way from her stomach, to her clit. She began to flick it slowly at first, wanting to savour the moments she was witnessing. Star seemed to be getting frustrated at his body’s refusal to co-operate.
“To hell with it…one couldn't hurt” Star muttered as he began to move his hand to his member and slowly began to move it back and forth, caressing it, causing him to pant. Twilight was starting to get very hot and bothered and watching the human play with himself, only served to feed her libido. She moved further down into her delicate folds and moved slowly around her flower, eliciting moans of pleasure from the mare. She closed her eyes as she picked up the pace, now only needing the image of Star.
Star also began to pick up the pace, now slightly hunched over as pleasure began to slightly buckle his legs as he felt his length throb painfully. He wished he had some better form of release. And so he began to think of promiscuous images. A fellow Shinobi from his village, wearing nothing but her weapon straps. His member began to leak pre-cum all over his hand, soon washed away by the cloud’s water. He needed something more. Something to really tip him over the edge.
Twilight was nearing her own orgasm, now freely moaning as she watched Star jerk his cock. She needed something to push her to her limit. She began to think of Star with her in different positions that she had seen in her adult books. Him holding her in his embrace, filling her and caressing her. Making her feel wanted and loved, as though they were bound eternally as lovers. It sent her into frenzy with her hoof. She tweaked her clit with her magic one final time and came hard. She forgot to hold back her voice as her climax rocked her to her very core. She began to tingle from head to toe as she screamed out loud.
Star was trying his hardest to blow what felt like the biggest load in his life but it was not surfacing, not giving him the relief that he required! He began to think more erotic. Women in lewd positions, skimpy clothes and talking dirty. His mind also crossed to Twilight and her friends presenting their plots to him, giving him an eyeful of their rears. As the though passed his mind, he felt his climax approaching. He heard a moan from inside the house as he neared the precipice.
It tipped him over the edge.
He felt his testicles convulse as he came, spurting rope after rope of thick white cum, splattering the wall in front of him with his seed. His essence and orgasm did not seem to slow for a good 30 seconds. That was probably…no, was, the greatest orgasm that Star had ever had. And he attained it from staring at pony flanks… He was hoping he could do that again.
His member finally began to subside as he stopped the shower. He picked up a towel and began to dry himself off. Hoping that when he was dressed, he could find out the source of the scream. Twilight was still living in the afterglow of her orgasm. She couldn’t even think at this point. Just lying there, with her hoof between her legs. That was until she saw the bathroom door open in her scrying portal. Panic took her. She knew that Star would want to find out the source of the scream she made when she had her orgasm. She began to pick herself off of the floor and placed herself under her covers and pretended to be asleep, safe under her blankets.
“The portal!” She harshly whispered as she lifted her head to close the portal. It returned to a purple oval before closing into itself, leaving nothing but the wall behind it. She heard the door open as her head hit the pillow, eyes closed, praying that Star would not notice anything amiss.
Star’s head peeked in and noticed that the room was dark, with the window open slightly and saw Twilight asleep, facing him with a smile on her face. He began to smile and sighed happily.
“I guess it was nothing. Good night Twilight.” He whispered.
As his head rounded the door he noticed a small glint of liquid on Twilight’s floor. The door shut with a click and Twilight raised her head with a sigh.
“Goodnight Star” She rested her head on her pillow as sleep took hold.
Twilight woke up with a smile upon her face. She had remembered the previous night fervently. What a rush! The mare had never felt anything so incredibly strong before. The human was still quite the enigma to, well, just about everypony really. She wanted to know more about him. About his past, his family, his abilities...and his feelings for ponies. She wished that she could.
The months stopped rolling , or at least that is what it felt like, ever since the Human Astartes came into Equestria. The season changed to autumn about a week ago and it would soon be time for the Grand Galloping Gala once again . Twilight sat up in bed and brought a mirror in front of her face. "Agh!" she squeaked.
Bed-mane looked horrid. And this was some grade-A bed-mane. She looked across the room towards her vanity. On it was an ornate hairbrush that possessed a heart scale from a dragon in the back of it. It was a gift from her mentor and teacher, Princess Celestia. She highly treasured the item. She brought it over with her magic and began to apply the bristles on it to her mane and attempted to tame the beast that was attached to her head. After a good 10 minutes of battle with her hairy adversary, she head a shift of bed springs in the room across the hall from hers. Astartes was getting up.
She put her brush back onto the vanity and turned to see if he was getting up. She walked up to the door and was about to knock when
NGGGHHHH
She was taken aback. Was he snoring! He just got up didn't he? She knocked on the door.
"Star?"
"Hugh! Wha-"
"Are you getting up?"
A rustling was heard in the room ."I dont think that I'll be getting up till later Twilight" A drawer could be heard opening. "What do you mean Star?" She was now beginning to feel concerned. "I mean that I wont be coming out till later. I feel really....er, really tired Yeah that's it" She was now adamant.
"Star. open this door!" She began to rap on the door with her hoof.
"No Twilight! I don't want you to see me right now!" A further shuffling could be heard.Twilight was now panicking. What did he not want her to see? Did something happen? She thought the worst and began to rear, bringing her back hooves up high.
"I'm coming in!" Was the last thing that she shouted before kicking the door wide open with her back hooves and turned to see...
Red.
Star was now tucked under the sheets facing the door with a sullen face. He looked horribly upset. What was causing her serious grief was the trail of blood that was leading from him to the window and to the dresser that he must have walked over to before retreating to bed.Twilight began to scream.
"WHAT HAPPENED?!" Twilight couldn't find anymore words than that. She was terrified for Star. How much blood had he lost. What was the damage. What caused it?! She sprinted up to the bed and threw the cover from the human with her magic to observe the damage.
The sheets were stained red as the sheets flew away, Star clutching his bare chest with one hand whilst the other was bound around his sword, stained in black blood. The damage was severe. His entire chest was lightly lacerated, whilst he grasped a deep wound near his shoulder. blood was pouring from him profusely.
Star spoke up. "I didn't want you to see me like this..."
"We need to get you to the hospital now!" Twilight began a teleportation spell and in a flash, the two of them were in the hospitals emergency care room. The mares and stallions gazed upon the creature in front of them with horror as they saw the gravity of it's injuries. They then moved to the small purple unicorn who could only choke two words past her tears.
"Help him." The doctors and nurses leapt into action, a nurse pulling a gurney from the corridor and the doctors spread the weight of the Human between them and lifted him onto the mobile bed as they began to run him to an operating room, Twilight by his side all the while. The dual white doors that were rapidly closing on the group were her cut off point. After that. only fate could pull him through...and his chances were slim. She saw Star lay up slightly, looking around in a daze before focusing on Twilight with a smile. A god damned smile.
"I-I'll be alright T-T-Twi...." His head fell back with a thud as he blacked out and was swept through the double white doors. Twilight could no longer do anything for him. She broke down in the middle of the corridor and began to weep.
Hours flew by and Twilight had let her friends know what had happened and they had all come running to her aid. Spike had also sent a letter to Princess Celestia and told her about the severity of his injuries. She had replied almost instantly by appearing in the hospital to comfort her student. As she arrived, Celestia was bombarded by the small unicorn who had hugged her mentor for everything that she was worth.
"Did he not tell you of anything Twilight?"
"No princess, not even where he went or what he was intending." Spike piped up. Twilight had now stopped her tears and took on a more composed state.
"What was he doing?" Celestia rubbed her head and re-adjusted her crown, now firmly seated upon her head. She reached out with her mind to her sister.
"Luna...Luna!" Celestia projected her thoughts to her sister.
"Ugh, yes sister. What is it." a groan of a thought came back.
"I need you to help find out where Astartes was last night."
A gasp came through upon the mentioning of Star's name.
"What has happened to him?"
Celestia sighed, she knew that the news would hurt her sister. Luna had taken quite a fascination with the human boy. He was always out under her night sky and he enjoyed it thoroughly. She would be distraught to hear the news.
"He....has sustained mortal wounds from something, dear sister..."
"What?! How?" Luna thought in great concern. What could the Shinobi have done that was so reckless and dangerous?
"I would not usually ask you for help at this time of day Lu-Lu but I need you to find out what happened whilst I comfort everyone. Try the Everfree. It seems the most obvious place that he could have gone."
Luna sighed and stretched her legs and wings She would not usually do this. But her new subject had just been injured and he had taken her fancy on a large scale. He was one of few who really enjoyed her nights.
"I shall fly and search the forest."
"Thank you Lu-Lu."
Luna began her speedy journey over to the forest. What had possessed him to go and attempt to brave the forest? She hoped he pulled through. She would hate to see him go so soon. She flapped her wings as hard as her lithe frame could manage as she sailed over Canterlot with ease. At this rate she could be over the everfree in 2 hours.
Celestia was waiting outside the operating room consoling the elements and the hospital occupants about what had happened when a doctor and nurse left the operating room. The doctor began to remove the gloves on his hooves and raised his head with a small smile.
“I have good news…and bad news…”
Celestia stood as the other mares and Spike rose from behind her, peeking out from the side of her. They were all desperate to hear the news. “The creature will live. It was very difficult with everything muddled up since he is not a pony. That is the good news. The bad news is…he will most likely not be able to move much without healing that is beyond any of our means. We would look to you and your sister, Princess…”
Luna was now over the forest, searching for anything that could have caused such terrifying damage to the human. “Star said that he was trained in assassination. I thought that he would be more of a capable fighter than… Luna stopped as she smelt something. Something smelt rancid. Like something had crawled into a sewer and died. She slowly descended to ground level and began to look around, looking for the source of the horribly offending odour. She wandered for almost an hour, following her nose till her eyes finally caught a glimpse of something that was out of the ordinary. Blood. A large amount of blood was slowly leaking from around a large rock that was blocking the creature on the other side. Luna rounded the corner slowly, not wanting to startle the injured animal and found something that shocked her enough to elicit a scream…”Celestia must be notified!” Luna thought as she began to talk mentally to her sister to inform her about what she saw before her wide-eyed.
The Alicorn was now consoling Twilight personally as she had opened the floodgates and was crying uncontrollably. “It’s my fault Princess. I should have kept an eye on him!” Rainbow Dash interjected. “Twilight, he probably left in the middle of the night, didn’t you tell us that he had come in through the window in the morning?”
*Sniff* *Sniff* “Yeah?”
“So don’t blame yourself. You couldn’t have known that he was going to go and get himself hurt.”
Celestia was considering her plan of action. Would she really use some her most powerful and oldest magic’s for this stranger to their world? What would Luna think? Would her sister agree to assist her? She would have to think about this later. Suddenly, Celestia heard her sister project her thoughts to her.
“Celestia, you would not believe what I have found”
“What is it Luna?”
I have found the corpses of two Ursa Major. I…I think that Star killed them.”
Celestia could not believe what she was hearing. The small and frail looking human had managed to take down TWO of some of the largest predators that Equestria had to offer barring things the size of dragons.
“Apparently this mortal has potential that we overlooked…he may be able to help us with our upcoming predicament in a month”
“Indeed sister. I will need your help here at the hospital. His wounds are severe and he may not move again without our help.”
Within an instant, Luna appeared near her sister, shocking all the ponies on the ward including the elements behind the alabaster Alicorn. She neared her sister and turned to the room that Star was now residing in. They entered the room to find Star laying on the bed in the corner. The bleeding had subsided and he was lying on the bed, unconscious. The sisters walked up.
“Let’s save this crea- citizen, dear sister” Celestia turned to her sister with a smile upon her face.
“Indeed sister.”
The duo of Alicorns began to channel magic through their horns and moved to touch the body of the still Star. The human began to glow. Slowly, his wounds began to knit together and consciousness began to find him, slowly groaning. The magic then turned pure white and lifted the Shinobi as magic began to enter his eyes and mouth. Power filling him with every moment he was held in suspension. The man landed on the bed with a thud. Star awoke to find all his friends staring intently at his form as he rose from his bed. He rose to speak and said but one word before slumping back down:
“Sup”
The princess and her ponies began to giggle as Twilight spoke up.
“We were so worried about you. You left without telling us and came back so hurt. What were you doing out there?”
Star shuffled about on his bed.
“I don’t want to talk about that…”
Applejack saw him refusing to speak and snapped at the Shinobi.
“Now listen one cotton pickin’ minute. Twi finds you bleeding out on her floor, she brings ya to the hospital and has both princesses come to help and you still don’t wanna talk? I think you owe her that much.”
Celestia moved slightly, bringing all eyes upon her.
“Actually, my little ponies, I know what Astartes was doing.”
“What Princess?!” the elements shouted in unison.
“Star was exploring the Everfree forest…and came across 2 Ursa Majors. Luna found their bodies in the forest.”
The silence was tangible. Not one pony dared speak at the news they had heard. Star finally spoke up in the smallest voice that he could muster.
“I-I didn’t mean to kill them. They scared me and charged me. I was just defending myself.”
Celestia flashed her signature smile towards the man. The ‘Caring and knowing mother’ smile.
“I understand my dear. Actually it allows us to tackle another problem that me and my sister were having.”
“And what would that be Celestia?”
“The Grand Galloping Gala is coming up and we need something from you. If you think that you are up for it.”
“And what would that be what, Princess.”
Luna stepped up with a sly smile. “We have invited the head ambassadors from the Gryphon nation, a nation built on combat and war, to the Gala, and they will no doubt want something from us and will be very boisterous. We need someone that is capable of guarding us and advising us on how to handle them. We don’t want to start something such as a war, but we also need to show that we are no pushovers and after your display, much to our discontent, you are one powerful warrior.” Star threw his own sly smile. “I think with what you did to me just now, I think I could do more than protect you. I think I could take over a continent. Something feels different in me.” He threw a prideful smile at the princesses.
“Then it is settled. We will give you a week to recover and then we will call you to Canterlot to hear your application.”
Star looked utterly puzzled. Application for what? “Forgive me Princess Luna but application for what?”
Luna and Celestia both threw a sultry smile as the both spoke in unison.
A week flew by in the village of Ponyville. Star had made a rapid recovery, being out of bed by the evening of the following morning since Luna and Celestia bid him farewell. Now another question sprung to mind. What was a shadow? Was it a rank? Was he getting a job? Even Twilight didn’t know what it was and that really stirred her up. She spent almost a whole day looking for anything about it and only found some names in large ancient tomes. This was truly an enigma until he was summoned to Canterlot Palace by the Princesses. He decided to get some money together to take with him and perform a severe schedule of exercise. His body felt like that of a god after whatever the Princesses had done to him. He could lift a full bushel bucket from Applejacks farm without strain and could run the length of the lake at least seven times before tiring. The thing that concerned him most would be why was he being given this chance? What had he done that had merited such an opportunity? He guessed that it was ridiculously prestigious since twilight only found 1 name with any reference at all to the position.
He was returning from Rarity’s boutique with a new customised Shokozu that had a few more pockets on the insides and had leather woven in the fabric to provide more protection. This was a brilliant piece from what she had to work with. The Shokozu fit perfectly. She had done this after she had finished the dresses for the Gala that she and the girls would wear. Turns out that they always went and apparently it was practically a noble’s affair, nothing more.
He made his way to Twilight’s tree with his new equipment and found her sleeping face first in a musty old book snoring cutely. She was adorable! He gave a light chuckle before heading upstairs without making a sound. He had to prepare for his journey to Canterlot.
Star entered his room and began his preparation. He removed his sword and moved to the drawer that he had forgotten for the longest time and began to lay them out. The poison darts that he had bought here had long since dried up and were now far less potent. He placed them to one side and started on the rest. The Bamboo Darts were always good to go, being basic with nothing on them. The throwing knives that followed were in a belt that was supposed to drape over the shoulder and had 10 in it. They were lain out in front of him, ready for the big day. Smoke bombs were also on the agenda and were full of powders and herbs that would confuse those that were not expecting it, all inside a small capsule made from clay sealed with explosives. All was set, ready for the day that would soon be upon him.
Twilight woke with a sneeze. “A-achoo!” She sat up on her rump as she shook her head to clear the dust from in front of her face. She heard a scraping upstairs and figured it was either Spike or Star. She wondered what would happen to Star. “Will I ever see him again?” She thought back to the night that she had been ‘observing’ him in the shower. She really felt something for him. He was nice, mysterious and….hot! She didn’t know why she found him so attractive. Maybe it was the muscles that he had been developing as of late. Something was really making him nervous if he was training this hard. Twilight was as nervous as him about what he would face. What was a Shadow of the Princesses? She only found another who had ever bore the title. Icarus Silverspear, a hero who bore the title Shadow who had taken a fatal blow for the Princesses millennia ago. The man was only legend apparently and now a humble stranger to their world was being accepted to the rank. Did the Princesses have something for Astartes? Maybe they really liked him and wanted to see more of him. Or maybe they were interested in his combat prowess. He was proven to be absolutely deadly. Nothing could stop her train of thought. At least, nothing quiet that is.
*Thunk!*
Twilight heard a loud bang above her and began to ascend the stairs as she wondered what it could be. She approached Star’s room and knocked. A reply quickly followed.
“Come in!” Star sounded very cheerful. Twilight opened the door with her magic and jumped slightly at the sight. There were so many weapons! She had never seen any of these when Star was first here. Star was busy picking up a heavy whetstone when Twilight began to shout “Star! Where did all these come from?” Twilight was still in shock.
“Uh… I was wearing all of these when I arrived in Equestria, Twilight.”
“What?! I don’t believe you! You couldn’t hide all of that in your attire.” Twilight smirked as she knew that she was right. Star simply pulled back the fold at the front of his Shokozu and showed the collection of pockets that Rarity had sewn in for him. Twilight’s smug grin was soon lost as she was proven wrong but soon found it again after Star began to laugh. It was too nice a time to be glum.
The night was a blessing as it arrived. The ‘family’ was downstairs all reading and chatting peacefully while sipping tea when Star sat up and stretched his arms before releasing a heavy yawn. It was time for bed and it was most certainly getting late. A yawn from the other parties present only caused that fact to ring true a second and third time. Star put down his book, titled: ‘Equestrian Military: A History’ and gave out his hugs. Spike was quick and brotherly whilst Twilight seemed to hang on in an attempt to make the moment last. They all slowly ascended the stairs and took to their respective bedrooms, with Twilight and Spike taking a left into her room and Star taking a right. The weapons were laid out in front of him for tomorrow. “I don’t think that I have ever been this nervous!” He whispered to himself.
He removed all his clothes, save his undergarments and began to lay down when the door creaked open. A purple hoof crept round the door and a soft voice rang out. “Star, do you have a minute?” It was Twilight and she sounded absolutely exhausted. Star sat down with a blanket over his lap, covering his nether regions, and turned to the door to reply. “Yes Twilight, I’m not asleep yet.” The door creaked opened further to show Twilight as she walked up to Star with a sleepy expression adorning her cute features. “I want to talk about when you go to Canterlot.” She sat down next to him and faced him with a smile. “What about my trip to Canterlot?”
Twilight seemed to sniff as she found her reply. “Will you come back?” She ushered in the quietest voice she could muster. Star found nothing but a smile and a light chuckle. “Of course I’m coming back Twilight. You guys are pretty much family to me here. Maybe even a bit more. And if it is loneliness that you have in mind, then you will be attending the Gala in about one week. So I won’t be gone all that long.” Twilight was blushing and shedding tears of joy. She was so happy! He was going to come ba-… home. She charged the short distance to Star’s torso and nuzzled into him, getting tears all over his bare chest. He could only return the hug with joy as he comforted the mare. She was truly his best friend. She always cared so much for him. And she panicked like she was his mother. He broke the hug as he looked into her eyes and moved forward, closing the gap of chaotic emotions between them and planted a firm kiss on her lips. Twilight’s eyes shot open at the sudden feeling before beginning to melt in his embrace. She had wanted to do this for so long! To feel his body so close to hers. She was in heaven. All good things however, must come to an end and the kiss broke between the two of them. Star was first to recover, with a dopey smile on his face.
“Think of it as something to remember me by. Good night Twilight.” Star helped the star struck mare to her feet and led her from the bed to her room and into her bed. He pulled her covers down and helped her lay down before tucking her in. He walked to Twilight’s door and turned to face the mare.
“Till the Gala Twi.” Star turned and returned to his room, almost skipping between steps.
The morning came with a vengeance, sunlight striking the ninja in the face with a fury, as if….directed at his face to wake him up. “Mornin’ to you too, Celestia…” Star wiped his eyes of any sleep as he rose. Today was the day. Not even up for a minute and he was already sweating. What would unfold today? He had better get ready for soon, a Carriage would arrive to escort him to the palace. He almost fell out of bed but managed to rise to his equipment without a creak or any noise for that matter. First, a quiet wash was required. He moved through his door and landed downstairs and slid into the bathroom. He looked at his options and saw only one way to go. Sink wash. Anything else would be far too loud and would awaken Twi and Spike. He moved over to the sink and turned on the taps. They began to cause a pool of hot water to form in the sink. Star began to use a flannel to scrub over his body with the aid of a soap bar that was on the cabinet next to the sink, just above the toilet. The wash was sufficient for now. He cleaned up what mess he had made and slipped back upstairs to prepare.
He moved over to give a final inspection to the gear that he was taking with him. He still wasn't sure what he was going to be doing but it was better to be safe than sorry. He equipped his Shokozu and began to fill the hidden pockets with his assorted darts and smoke bombs. He then placed his belt over one shoulder and tied it at the lower back. This was the most difficult of the attire to equip. He moved to his mirror in the room to observe his final look. The only thing that he was missing was his cowl, which he carried tucked within his belt. He was sure that it would not be needed, not that It would help when you are the only biped that was going to be anywhere near Canterlot. As he turned to the door to his room, he heard the sound of metal on wood. The carriage that was supposed to take him to Canterlot had arrived.
He looked outside to see a silver wagon that was being pulled by two of Celestia’s sun guards, who must have just came on duty seeing as it’s the crack of dawn. The time was upon him to meet the two who had summoned him to the capital in the first place. He moved out of his room and down to Twilight’s writing desk. He grabbed a quill and parchment. Dipping the quill in the inkwell, he began to write a simple note out:
‘See you all at the Gala. ~Astartes’
He left the note on the table by the front door and opened it before stepping out into the warm morning sun. The guards that were pulling the carriage were looking at him with intrigue. They had never seen such an outfit…or creature for that matter. It spoke up. “Are you two to take me to Canterlot?” The two guards looked at Star with a smile before replying in unison: “Yes sir.” Star opened the door to the wagon before stepping inside and closing it, sitting down on the left side of the back seat. He poked his head out of the window and signaled the guards that were in front. “All good to go ladies.” The Pegasus gave a slight giggle before flapping their wings and taking off into the sky. Star rest his head on the window ledge and began to drift to sleep, awaiting arrival which would probably be 2 hours at least.
The carriage landed with a clatter, waking the snoring ninja. He was startled at first but soon collected himself as the environment became clear. The castle looked so much bigger from the front gates than Ponyville. A black dot could be seen at the end of the path leading up to the front gates of the palace. The dot quickly became larger as it was revealed to be a pony that was dressed in the most formal attire that he had ever witnessed on a stallion before. It seemed that he was a butler of sorts. The stallion arrived at the carriage and poked his head through the window slightly.
“Mr. Astartes? I have been sent to collect you for an audience with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.” Star began to shuffle toward the door, stepped out and then closed it. He stretched his legs and looked at the path ahead before turning to the butler. “Lead on, please.” The butler gave one simple nod before beginning on the road to the building. The guards at the front gate never flinched nor moved as he passed. They were really dedicated to their jobs…yeesh. The path finally began to shorten and they reached the front doors. The butler turned before the doors and faced the human.
“The Throne Room is just beyond this point. Good luck sir.” The pony then walked off to the side into a much smaller door and was soon out of sight and mind. Star faced the large door and sighed. “Here we go…” Star pushed the door open and strode in with his head held high. He was in the throne room that he remembered so well. He strode to the front of the steps in the throne room and looked up to see the two Alicorns that he fondly remembered staring back at him with almost…sultry smiles on their faces, albeit Luna looking awfully tired. He began to chuckle as he began to speak.
“Hello Princess Celestia. Hello Princess Luna. How are you two this fine morning?” They looked at him with beaming happiness before Luna spoke. “Tired, so tired...” Celestia and Star chuckled at the Princess of the night’s predicament. Celestia turned back to give her answer. “I’m doing swimmingly dear.” Star was now awaiting whatever Celestia and Luna had called him here for.
“I expect by now that you are questioning why we brought you here Star. To make it simple, you are going to become our Shadow.” Star heard it again. “Princess, what is a Shadow exactly?” Both princesses began to blush slightly. Luna was the one to respond this time. “A Royal Shadow has not been called for in millennia. The last and only other to hold the title was Icarus Silverspear. He is the most elite of our entire guard. He puts his life on the line for the protection of us although it is so much more than that. Shadows are also the closest that one can get to us. You would become….a consort if you will.” Star’s eyes were now almost out of his eyes. A consort?! He liked both of the princesses very much. Very much! They were both brilliant in their own ways. Celestia was always caring and kind, never criticizing him, only encouraging. Luna was quiet yet mysterious and brought his humble night that he loved so much. “I would practically become both your husband, that’s right?” Celestia and Luna both glowed a deeper shade of red as Star came to him conclusion. He was right. It was practically an unofficial marriage. He was about to become so close to the both of them... and it was just as they wanted.
“We are both quite taken with you Star. You are a wonderful, kind man who has a forgiving heart, unearthly strength, bountiful courage, sharp cunning and endless love.” Smiles never left any of the three of them. “Thank you princess. I would never have thought that I could mean so much to anyone. Especially goddesses among ponies.” Star thought of his future with this path, of Twilight. How would she take the news that he was practically marrying the princesses and becoming their closest bodyguard? What would she say? The question had to be asked. “Celestia? Would this relationship be closed? Or would it be open to addition?”
Celestia shot the man a knowing smirk and began to open her mouth in response. “My my, are we not enough for you, Star? I think I feel a little insulted!” A small ‘harrumph’ left Celly’s lips as she and her sister began to giggle. “It isn't that princess…it’s that I kind of feel something for another pony other than you two.”
“Oh? It wouldn't happen to be my faithful student Twilight Sparkle, would it?” Celestia moved slightly forward in her seat smirk never faltering. “You knew?!” Luna began to chuckle as she turned to her sister “Dear sister Trollestia, allow me to handle this one.” Celestia was now giggling in fits as Luna faced Star. “Star, with the way that she was acting towards you since the day that she met you; we could tell that she was attracted to you. She was never this energetic about anything! You really mean something to that little mare and we would find it criminal to bar her from you. You will be allowed to love any other mares you see fit, as long as you come back to us, we will be happy.” Star could not believe what he was hearing. He was allowed to love anyone that he wanted and not break any hearts. This was brilliant! But it couldn’t be the only reason that he was summoned here. “Is there anything else that is required of me whilst I’m here?” The sisters nodded in unison. Celestia spoke up. “Yes sweetheart, you will be staying at the castle this week. You are to protect myself and Luna during the Grand Galloping Gala. With the Gryphon Ambassadors attending. Things will surely heat up and it would be nice to have you there to help with it. Thought that is not all that you will be dealing with. There could be a myriad of other ways that people could attempt on our lives. So this week up until the event, we will be giving you personalised training on protection of us, proper attire and etiquette and the layout of the castle should you need to know your way around.”
Star’s brain was boggling. He had only one week to learn all of this information! He gulped as he asked the most important question at that moment.
“When do we begin?” A laugh could be heard from both sisters as they began to speak, once again, in unison.
Night was upon Equestria and all lay silent. Star had spent the rest of the daylight taking in the endless corridors of the castle. Each hall was apparently endless with doors that lined every wall. He also found the Royal Canterlot Library that was credited in having almost every book in existence! Star had spent a good portion of the day sat in the library reading on previous major historic events in Equestrian history with the latest being Princess Luna’s return to Equestria after the banishment of nightmare moon. Speaking of the Princesses, after his meeting with them, he had not seen them anywhere! You would think that royalty couldn’t have simply disappeared but the staff did not know and neither did the guards. They were given orders to expect an absence from the commander of the guard, Somepony named Shining Armour. He sounded like a nice person if not a dutiful and slightly stuck up stallion. To his credit, if he was of noble descent, most of them were utterly snobbish, he made it seem like he was man that put the princesses and the people first.
Star moved down a familiar corridor to his room that the maids had prepared. It was the same that he had been gifted on his first stay at the castle. “Maybe Twilight won’t wake me this time.” Star chuckled to himself. With time on his side during this journey, he had time to examine the area around his room. It was in the ‘Lunar Wing’ of the castle which was almost always clouded in eternal night. “Nightmare Moon would be proud of this wing...” Star laughed under his breath, hoping that no guards or maids would have heard that. It would have been bad for his reputation with the staff here to be almost insulting their rulers. The Celestial wing on the other hand, was as bright and vibrant as the princess that it represented. It was always bright in the wing, becoming as dark as the early dawn at its dimmest times. He walked back to his room and he entered the large ebony door that he remembered looming over him as if a silent, stalwart protector to his privacy, not that it did any good last time.
The room was almost the same as last time, except there was no fire roaring in the fireplace which left the room colder than last time but it was still warm enough. The bed was still the masterpiece that it had been when he had left it months ago. The black silk sheets looked incredibly inviting as they reflected the moonlight from the window that shone like a pure pearl. The moon was also on the rise, just as he had recalled it from his first time in front of that window. “Luna should be proud. She made the sky look so beautiful!” Star began to yawn a tad. He was tired and so was his body. He moved to his bed and sat down on the side of it and began to undress, carefully removing his darts so they wouldn’t stab him. He placed the darts upon the table next to the bed and he began to remove his Shokozu. The Shokozu that he wore now was slightly heavier than the one that he was brought to Equestria with but its padding made up for the extra weight that he had to carry. Rarity really outdid herself. He wondered if he would ever need to use his weapons again. He placed his trusted blade on the pillow opposite him. It served him well, never dulling and always finding its mark. It seemed that apart for show, it would probably become ornamental. He rescinded the thought after he recalled his encounter with the Ursa Majors. A shudder wound its way down his spine as he started to remove his shoes.
He placed them beside his other clothes, leaving him in nothing but his underwear before turning to the bed and opening the sheets to slip in. The bed was the most comfortable thing that he had ever felt. It probably had clouds stuffed into the mattress. Dash had once promised that they provided the best sleep ever. He would have to take her word on it as he agreed. He never felt better than when he was in this bed snoozing. He turned to lie on his back and placed his hands behind his head with his sword beside him, tucked slightly under his pillow jerking out the side. Sleep began to find the ninja and as the dream world began to call to him, he was ripped from its embrace by a miniscule noise that caused him slight panic.
A shuffle was heard briefly and a small titter followed almost immediately after. Star shot up after confirming that this was no fluke and reached for his sword. It was always best to be prepared because, from the sound of it, someone or something was in here with him. He scanned the shadows, looking for any movement, hoping to find whatever was lurking in here before it made any move, offensive or otherwise. Whenever he thought that he saw something, he focused on it to only find it being a stationary object or a trick of the moonlight. Another quiet laugh was heard that put Star on edge even further. “Who is in here?” Star called out to the darkness half expecting the darkness to return his question with an answer. Silence followed and the Shinobi sighed. He let his guard drop slightly as a loud exhale could be heard from behind him….closer than Star had thought possible. He began to turn but something kept him facing forward as he felt a breath on his neck. It was burning hot. How could he have been snuck up on? He knew it was in here from its stumbling. He was the one that was prone to the sneaky business! The breathing continued and Star felt a tongue slide its way up the side of his face, coating one of his cheeks in saliva as he began to blush. It was flat and wide and caused him a tad too much arousal for his liking in his current predicament. Wait a minute… long, flat tongue….they belonged to….ponies! Star calmed himself in his captors grasp as he began to think as the soft fur behind him brushed against him. Ok, ok…which pony could have access at this time of the night? He rattled his brain. It could be a maid or a guard but he doubted that they could sneak up on him this easy. It could be an assassin but he doubted that an assassin would take time to restrain and ‘tease’ him sexually. Who could get in here at this time of night that had an interest in him… *Smack* A face palm later and Star sighed at his stupidity for not figuring it out sooner. He spoke up.
“LUNA!” Star heard a slight laugh. He felt the hooves that were holding his arms at bay release him and the form behind him was gone without so much as a noise. With no restraint to hold him up, Star bowled over the edge of the bed and hit the carpet which led to another laugh that he could still not pinpoint the direction that it came from. He rose again to the sound of the now familiar voice. “I was half hoping that you would never guess who it was. It was nice to hold you like that. What gave me away?” Luna approached the bed shadows unfurling behind her. Star began to smile as the princess of the night sauntered her sweet self over. “It was your tongue, Luna. It’s wider than humans however, that is all I could compare it to so in a matter of speaking, you gave yourself away dear.” Luna chuckled and quietly scorned herself in a sarcastic fashion as she moved her mane slightly, still as vibrant as the night sky she crafted laying beyond the window on the far side of the room. “I suppose. To mine and Celestia’s credit, we have been hiding all day, practically stalking you and you didn’t notice us. I was even in here for at least fifteen minutes. I even saw you getting undressed and had to hold myself down and refrain from giving myself to you” She was one hell of a tease! He brought his thoughts to the information that she had just shared. How had he not even heard them? ALL DAY?! He could understand them hiding during the night, using it for cover but to disappear during the day, with no staff knowing where they we-….they lied to him. All the staff knew what was going on except him. He laughed at his incompetence. He looked to his Princess with a grin and began to speak. “So, Luna, why are you here tonight? I doubt you are here to give me a goodnight kiss.” Star was smirking at the Alicorn as she began to talk. “Can a mare not visit her stallion in the night and wish him the best of dreams? I could give you the best of dreams if you want…” Luna was giving Star far too sultry a look as she said that. He was starting to get a bit flustered at her ‘advances’. “Well, I….um… I thought that we were training tonight is all. So far I have not seen a single lesson being thrown at me.”
Luna rose with her smile never leaving her features. Her wings unfolded. “Well then, let’s get some training down then. Seeing as you failed to spot me or my sister, I believe that you need some training in perception.” Her horn glowed dark blue as her magic began to form. “Meet me outside the garden Maze. And we shall begin your first lesson.” And with that, Luna was gone. Star began to get out of his bed and moved to his recently discarded clothes. He didn’t know what she was getting out of this but he didn’t like the sound of how this was going to go. She was going to give him a perception test…in a maze. Star began to get dressed groggily, shaking off the remainder of the sleep that had almost found him. He put his Shokozu on and equipped his sword. He didn’t think that he would need his darts and his smoke bombs were too valuable. Once he was all suited up, he gave one almighty stretch to clear any sleepy aches from his bones. He was in for one hell of a night.
Luna could be seen sitting at the entrance to the maze, cup of tea in hoof, awaiting her Shadow to make and appearance. She was sure that the test she had cooked up for Star would be the most torturing thing that he had ever experienced. She began to laugh under her breath maniacally. A sonic boom could be heard in the distance and in a matter of seconds, a blur screamed to a halt in front of the Princess of the Night. “That would explain how Celestia lost her crown a few months ago. She never told me, claiming it was too embarrassing!” Luna teleported her teacup away as she began to stride in a straight line. “Ok Star, tonight we are going to fine tune your perception of your environment.
"The maze in front of you has been rigged with a myriad of traps that are armed with small pellet projectiles. They are not lethal and are slow to fly through the air. The catch is that they are enchanted to be silent and….the pellets are coated with a heavy aphrodisiac that will render you immobile with…urges should you be hit by too many.” Star could not believe what he was hearing. The pellet traps were one thing, but to debilitate him with…lust was…devilishly brilliant. They were non-lethal too. “Celestia came up with it didn’t she?” Luna began to laugh as he had hit the answer right on the head. “If you think that I can be a tease my sweet shadow, then you have never seen my sister when she flirts. She frustrates stallions to their absolute limit and then pushes them even further.” The ninja gulped. Celestia sounded like the world’s worst cock tease…or the best. He wasn't sure. Luna looked into Star’s eyes. “If you do become debilitated, you will have to come to either me or Celestia as there is no way to make the aphrodisiac wear off without us. It will leave you on the edge and never allow you to tip over into bliss. That was also Celly’s idea!” She was EVIL!!!
Star turned to the entrance and began to sweat. This was going to be nerve-racking. He didn’t want to have to admit that he failed the test… so he was going to try his god damn hardest.
He took his place before the first hedge and waited for Luna to let him continue onward. “The objective is to make it to the center of the maze with as little hits as possible. Remember, these things are hidden well. Really look for them. If you focus properly and take in your surroundings, they will be easy to spot.” Luna spread her wings and was ready to take flight. “Either myself or Celestia shall be waiting in the middle of the maze for when you finish the course…should you finish. If you don’t then just shout ‘Eclipse’ 3 times and one of us will collect you.” Luna lowered her wings for a moment and moved towards Star. She brought her face close to his and pressed her lips towards her shadows. His lips were like satin. The lovers stay connected for a long moment, enjoying each other’s lips and embrace under the white god, bearing down on all denizens of the night. After their kiss had ended, Luna took flight and was soon gone from Star’s view.
“Well, there is no sense in standing here. Onward!” Star took his first tentative step into the unknown…
*Pat!*
A small pellet had buried itself into his thigh. It didn’t hurt but its…other effects were felt immediately. Warmth began to flood his body.
Star looked down at his thigh to find a small hole in his Shokozu and something else….an unnatural warmth that had begun to spread throughout his loins.
“So this is what the Princess meant by debilitated…” Whatever the small green, metal pellet was coated in, it was working its wonders. The warmth felt wondrous! Star was forced to his knees attempting to acclimatize his body its new hindrance. If one pellet could do this much ‘harm’ then imagine how many of those bloody mischievous things the ladies had in that maze. It shook Star to the bone thinking of what would happen if he actually was debilitated. He would be at the mercy of two goddesses…
*Gulp*
Star did his best at dealing with his predicament and rose from his knees and looked at what lied ahead of him. Down the natural corridor was nothing but a plain walk way which had a hedge to each side. The end of the corridor had two branches to it, each leading in opposite directions. They looked pretty harmless. However...Just in case, Star was going to find the damnable launcher that shot him in the leg. He looked down the corridor and saw…nothing. He furrowed his brow and started to look at it in a more logical way. The pellet flew straight and hit him in the thigh. It would be roughly at waist height. He looked again, this time with a more educated eye. A small glint could be seen in the end shrub, a brilliant reflection of the moon was now clearly visible.
It was a small looking contraption with a barrel and a winch next to it that was attached to a hammer. The hammer looked like it was what had hit the ball into Star’s thigh! Goddamn evil Celestia… Star approached cautiously and managed to move up to the machine.
“This isn’t really all that bad!” Star took one step forward and…
*Ziiii*
Star froze in place at the sound. It was that horrifying sound. It was the sound of a tripwire brushing against fabric. His! A small tap could be heard in the distance and Star began to move. He placed his back to a hedge just in time to see a small green pellet glide slowly by his shoulder. It landed softly and silently in the grass. These things were just damn impossible to spot! Star tried to search for a single tripwire in a slight panic, hoping to find just one trigger.
No such luck befell the ninja and to make matters worse, the 1st pellet’s effects were really beginning to kick in. Star fell to his knees once again as a new-found surge of pleasure washed over his form. It was like a lover soothing his every ache. It was as though it was telling him that he should simply give in. His hands began to move to his waist as his eyes began to glaze over, slowly losing his will to fight the demon of a toxin that the princesses had inflicted on him. His mind filled with dirty thoughts in a wave of lust. One such image was of Twilight with her face in his crotch, his member hilted in her throat, thrusting for all of his worth. He could have sworn that it was real. The feeling of her tongue and throat closing on his cock was becoming horrifyingly good. He needed to snap out of this daze.
The daydream, however, began to worsen. The image of the purple unicorn began to talk. “Oh Star, does it feel good using my throat? Doesn't it make you just want to pour all of your seed into my stomach?” This wasn't fair! No substance should make anything feel this real! Star began to calm himself. Nothing would get done if he couldn’t get his now rampant libido in check. He closed his eyes and relaxed, letting the dream take him, everything slowly fading. The visage of Twilight was now fading too as everything started to become white. The pleasure remained as he fell further into the white.
Star was now in what seemed like a bright expanse of nothing. There was nothing here. Star looked around and heard a voice.
“Hey!” It was childish, like a small boy that was far too interested in something.
“Who is that?!” Star was instantly put on edge. He reached for his sword. He would have reached for his sword…if it was there. The weapon was nowhere to be found on the ninja. He clambered for the weapon, but found only air. The voice began to giggle in the same tone of voice as earlier.
“Mister! You’re back!” The voice sounded closer this time.
Star looked around him in an attempt to locate the source but every time that he thought that he had located it, it would simply sound like it came from somewhere else.
“Where are you?” Star was nervous. He was in a strange place with no way of protecting himself other than his hands and his darts, which wouldn’t do all that good against any capable opponent.
A voice could be heard behind him once again. “I’m here silly!” Star turned in a flash, to see a young child looking back at him. The child was wearing a Pajama shirt and trousers which had a nightshade flower on the center of the shirt, the same that was tattooed on Star’s shoulder. The boy was holding a small hand mirror that was cracked down the center. He also had coal black hair and blood red eyes. He looked like a young version of Star!
“I haven’t seen you in a while mister! Where did you go? And what made you come back? Ooh, I think that I know! Whoa!”
The boy fell over his own feet and barreled forward into a light tumble, smashing into Star’s mid-section. They collapsed onto the floor in a heap. Star attempted to get up but was grappled by the child who was hugging him around the waist, preventing him from getting up.
“What are you doing? Who are you, kid? And why did you say that I was back?” Star wanted answers and so far he was getting absolutely none. The child began to get up and off of Star and looked up at him.
“You mean that you don’t remember me? You were gone for so long. You were broken.”
“Who are you?”
“I’m you!”
Star was taken aback!
“How are you me? You are so young. You look like me before I was…groomed for my squad back home…”
“I am! You went away when they took you. I thought that you would never come back! They did something to you. To us. I couldn’t talk to you and I didn’t change like you. We were disconnected. You seemed empty all the time, never happy or sad. They broke you. See?”
The boy handed Star the hand mirror that the boy had been holding. It was a mirror. It had ornate obsidian carved into the handle and had a heavily cracked mirror above it. Star looked into the mirror and saw nothing. The boy looked away slightly.
“What is it?”
“It shows what you are really. The mirror says that you are hollow. An empty shell if you will. It is all the clan needed of you. You were a pawn in their games. You were told to kill and destroy and you did it without question. Do you know why?”
“No.” Star was becoming more desperate to find out more about ‘himself’ at this point.
“They had you practically brainwashed. You were completely aware, but loyal to the end.”
“How did I get loose then? Was it something that they did? Did they mess up?”
The boy just shook his head. “No, it was when they asked you to lay waste to the orphanage. It was very traumatic to you, even throughout the mind control. The mix of moral trauma and emotion allowed you to break their spell on you. It was what got you banished and branded. Breaking free. The brand shows that you are a toxin. You were something that needed to be purged.”
Star began to bring light to the information being dealt to him. Why did they separate him from this boy? What was he? Why did he feel like he was so important?
“Why am I here?”
“You were losing yourself to your emotions. Your mark brought you here. It is actually a channel of power. It lets you focus on the finest details and perform feats that no human should be able to perform. It is like your speed but it is not a natural thing. I bet that the clan does not know the power they could have. You should probably spend some time thinking about how to properly unlock your tattoo's potential.”
The dream induced by the aphrodisiac! That was what caused him to lose himself. He began to wonder.
“How do I fix this mirror? What must I do?”
The boy began to smile. He held Star’s hand and looked up to him.
“You must first fix yourself. You need to learn to feel once more. Like a human, not a puppet.”
“I can feel! I can feel lust right now!”
“It is not strong enough to heal you…Lust is one of the weakest emotions because it is very common in the world in comparison to other emotions. One emotion that will be strong enough is love. It is the most pure emotion, the most powerful emotion. Another is friendship. People underestimate the feelings that come from companions. I bet that it would be easier to obtain than love too.”
Star began to smile. Today was not his day to lie down and accept his defeat. He had friends that he wanted to see again! He was going to get to the bottom of this. He would win this challenge and he was going to fix himself! He grabbed the child by the hand and shook it firmly before turning to the white that awaited him. He began to walk away and strode with purpose, a fire burning brightly under his feet.
“You’re right kid! I’m going to fix us, don’t worry about that. I’ll be back when I make some repairs!”
He turned to see him other self, no longer as a child, but as a teenager with long hair covering one of his eyes and a jacket with a nightshade pin on its lapel. He was beginning to cry tears of joy.
“You’re already fixing us. Now get out there and prove yourself! You have women to impress!” The boy chortled in a slightly deeper voice.
Star was about to depart when he noticed he had forgotten something.
“Hey kid! What are you to me?”
The teenage Star turned to his older counterpart and smiled with teary eyes.
“I’m your humanity….Thank you for coming back for me. Now go. People are waiting for you.”
Star turned to the white nothing and found a door waiting for him. The handle was glowing. He turned it and was instantly pulled through, sinking into an eternal blackness that brought him peace of mind as he was thrust back into his dream.
Star was still on his back with Twilight’s face buried in his crotch. It still felt amazing but something had to be done about this; he needed to wake up. Star began to push on Twilight’s head gently, causing her to back off of his member. She was looking him over with glazed eyes, lips covered in his essence. The unicorn looked absolutely disheveled with her mane in tatters and her fur matted with sweat. She began to speak in short intervals, attempting to get her breath back.
“Hey…Star…why did…we stop?”
“I can’t do this Twi. As grand as this feels, this is just a figure of my imagination. If we are going to do this at all, let it be in the real world. Should you feel the same in reality, then maybe we could be something of an item, given enough time and if our feelings bloom in this direction.
Twilight began to sniffle, tears forming in the corners of her eyes. They were not tears of sadness however as she knew that he was right. His kindness even in this predicament shone through once again. It was one of the many reasons that she had fallen for him. “Ok Star, I hope that my real self sees this caring side of you. You’re beginning to feel again. I’ll keep your libido under control for now, but I’ll be back soon so you better get out of this maze and to a princess soon, ok?”
Twilight moved up to the ninja’s face and wiped her mouth before planting a kiss on his cheek and with a wry smirk, began to fade. Star started to lose consciousness and began to fall. He felt himself returning slowly, to the land of the living.
“Real world here I come!”
The maze suddenly lit up a vibrant blue as a column of energy rode from Star. He had awoken and began to rise, feeling better than ever. He felt as though he could move mountains and survive a drop from orbit. Star looked to the rest of the maze to find a collection of triggers now clearly visible as red lines, standing out to the green shrubs that lay before him. He checked his gear carefully as the column of light subsided and he began to leap, slide and dodge his way through the now simple maze of traps with the grace of an Olympian athlete. The traps that were triggered had now become a trivial matter of moving out of the way. On occasion, Star would stop and slice the pellets with his sword, testing his new found perceptions. He could see insects beat their wings and see the veins on a leaf from 25 meters.
Luna was sitting in the center of the maze reading a journal of Starswirl the Bearded’s legendary spell crafting when she suddenly saw a beacon of light blaze skyward, turning night to day in the nearby vicinity. There was only one source in the maze at this time at night. It would be her beloved shadow.
“Astartes?! What has he done?” She rose from her seat and began to flap her wings. She was about to kick off of the ground when the column subsided. Luna lowered her wings and began to ponder what could have happened. Had something got to him? Did the traps have an adverse effect in Star? She feared for the outcome. She did not want to lose someone else that she had let so close to her heart. The sorrow from that so soon from her return would surely loose Nightmare once more.
Luna thought the worst when all of a sudden; she heard grunts of exertion in the distance. They sounded like….Star! He was moving forward! Her heart rose from its depths and began to sing at the good news. She was so happy that he was progressing. There was a part of her, a substantial part, which hoped that he failed and succumbed to his lust. She would have loved to have come to his rescue and ‘saved’ him. The thought of the two of them making love was sending shivers down Luna’s frame, causing no short amount of pleasure. “I hope he makes it here soon. Celestia will be here to switch soon and I would like him to myself tonight…”
Star was making terrifying progress. He was almost hovering through the maze now, only touching the floor to change his jumps course. The maze was becoming less of a winding path of uncertainty and more of a lane to freedom. It was as though he knew had run this maze one hundred times. The ending must have been nearing by now.
The traps were getting far denser now and even with such incredible agility and perception, Star was now on the backfoot once more. It was as though this part was intended to cause failure. Why would one of the princesses do this? Star was now dodging more pellets than tripwires. He ducked under one only to have to roll to the side as another went through where he once was. The end must have been near if this was occurring.
Star turned the corner and saw a welcome sight. A Smiling princess waiting for him. Luna was at the end of a long corridor…that was devoid of any traps. After that last stunt, Star was not going to take any damn chances at this part of the test. He looked in front of him and found that he could not see any wires what so ever, there was nothing visible at all. “Here goes nothing...” Star began to walk forward. His eyes now focused on Luna who was practically beaming. She had him to herself! It was almost dawn too. Celestia would no doubt arrive within minutes. The sun began to rise over the horizon. Luna caught on quickly and began to lower the moon to make space for her sister’s celestial body.
Star was now halfway down the corridor and still advancing. So far he had been uninterrupted.
*PLINK! PLINK! PLINK!*
Star was wide eyed as three pellets had lodged themselves in his lower back. How?! There was no wires that he could have tripped. He was sure of it! What could have shot them? Star looked back and saw the ground behind him moving slightly. Of course! These traps were invisible! Star would have no chance avoiding these pellets if he couldn’t see or hear them coming.
Only one thing to do then…
Run!
Star broke into a dash, his speed failing him due to his lust clouding his thoughts. The daydream that he was having a while back had begun to return along with Twilight who reeked of sex. The visage looked as though she had gone insane. Twilight said only three words before giving chase to the poor man.
“RUT. ME. NOW!”
The crazed unicorn belted down the corridor after Star, gaining slowly as Star began to lose consciousness.
Luna was unsure what was going on. This corridor was supposed to be free of traps. Why was Star still under attack from them? Did someone rig more traps than were originally placed in the maze? She began to move to the edge of the inner circle, ready to catch Star as he arrived. And arrive he did.
Star practically dove into the inner circle of the maze, falling into Luna’s hooves. He laid there, body racked with insatiable lust. He needed to fuck something! NOW! He was in turmoil. Luna looked at her shadow and smiled as she spoke. “Congratulations. You pass my beloved.”
Star began to smirk slightly before darkness overcame him and he began to slip into a deep slumber. Luna sat in the garden for a few minutes, simply holding her shadow in her hooves. He had done far better than expected for someone who couldn’t see her in his room. He was truly something!
A flap of wings could be heard in the distance and the goddess of the sun landed aside her sister. Upon seeing her shadow in her sister’s hooves, she began so speak.
“I assume that he had fun dear sister? How long has he been finished?” Celestia had a slight smirk on her face. Luna began to smile herself as her sister began to sit down next to her.
“He has been out of the maze for about 10 minutes. He seemed content. Though there was a collection of traps on the last leg of the maze where we didn’t place any traps. Was that you Celestia?”
Celestia looked at her sister and gasped before shaking her head slightly.
“No Lu-Lu, I didn’t. The poor thing must be struggling just to stay asleep through all those lustful nightmares he must be going through right now.”
Luna placed the ninja on her back and spread her wings.
“I’ll place him in your bed if that is okay Celestia. You won’t be using it till tonight and I need some sleep. Please make sure to check up on him through the day. He will be assertive to mares sexually until we deal with him.”
“I’ll be sure to see to him personally throughout the day Lu-Lu. Now go, you need your sleep.”
Luna paid her thanks and took flight. She slowly became a dot as she flew to Celestia’s tower, followed by her own. Celestia looked down the corridor that Star had bolted down. She gave a sigh as a voice began to speak to her.
"Only a matter of time my dear Celesita..."
"Please tell me that you didn't set those whilst i was sleeping..."
The voice began to laugh. It was almost identical to Celestia's but had a much more sultry tone to it.
"I'm not one to lie to you Celly. I did place them there. I don't want to be contained like this anymore, I want to be able to have a bit of my own freedom instead of a week a year when you are in estrus."
Celestia knew that all too well. Every cycle that she had, she had to lock herself in her tower with Luna placing her most advanced locks possible around her chamber, preventing escape.
"The havoc that you would cause would be too great!"
"But now you have a channel! Something that can handle me. Just give me one day with him. I want to show him that you have another side to yourself. Plus I...have come to think that he's kind of cute.."
Celestia was shocked to say the least.
"So you're saying that you feel more than just lust towards a male? or any gender for that matter."
"I think so. I have never felt like this. I was watching him in the maze whilst you were sleeping. He was on the floor battling inside himself. I need to be with him, if only for a day!"
Celestia sighed and began to come to a conclusion.
"He is racked with lust till a princess deals with him. later today, you can cure him of it on one condition."
"And what might that be?"
"You leave him alive Molly. I love that human dearly."
The throne room was bustling during the early morning. Nobles were eager to attempt to defame and disgrace each other in a clamber to the top of the societal ladder. Celestia was sat on her throne, head on hoof. She was listening half- intently at the concern in front of her. A noble stallion had accused a common mare of deceiving him into his bed. The mare was in tears and could not find her voice to speak up against his claim. The stallion looked nervous, this case clearly not being his choice. Celestia looked at her and began to smile. She knew that the stallion was attempting to save his reputation and that of his family. It was not the first time that a noble had been found to have slept with the common folks of Canterlot. Celestia calmly raised her voice above the snooty stallion.
“She looks disturbed by your claim. Are you sure that you are not lying? I think I would like to hear her side of the story.”
The noble looked physically disgusted. “You would believe her over me?! I am a noble!”
Celestia was beginning to lose her temper and her alter itching at the back of her head was not helping. Molly wanted some time among her subjects but it was Star that she was desperate to be with. She assumed it was because of his current ‘predicament’. The poor man was in ‘their’ bed, no doubt attempting to ‘help it down’ but it would not work without herself, Molly or Luna. Luna was currently asleep in her room after waiting for Star all night in the maze whilst she was stuck listening to this drabble. She stood and started to speak, planning to knock this one on the head. “My dear subjects, this man is trying to cover for his transgressions. Love is abundant in this world and we all find it in our lives. However, when one shuns their love for another for fear of social disrepute, it leads to nothing but disharmony. I wish it upon none of you to fall to disharmony. So I ask you sir, is your social reputation worth more to you than the woman that you chose to love?” The stallion was looking at his hooves, deep in thought. Was the woman that he had chosen to love worth more than his stature to his peers? He looked to the mare, in tears on the floor. She hadn’t done anything other than love him. His mind was made up! He slowly walked to the poor pony and offered her a hoof.
“My dear, I humbly apologise for the way that I had treat you. My mind was clouded with expectations from my family. Could you ever forgive me?”
The mare rose to her hooves and looked at him through teary eyes. She smiled at him and wrapped her hooves around the stallion she chose to be with. Her stallion wiping her tears away as he moved in for a kiss. She graciously accepted and returned his kiss in front of the entire court, getting mixed receptions from everyone in attendance. Throes could be heard from the nobles as they scorned the stallion for his choices, no doubt his family. The sight before Celestia was starting to make her uncomfortable. Molly wanted to play and it would not be long before she would be free. Celestia rose from her throne and shakily approached the edge of the podium that her throne resided upon.
“Court is dismissed. I apologise for any inconvenience but I’m not feeling too well.” She began to walk behind the throne to the entrance of the celestial wing of the palace. She began to speed up into a canter as she ran to her room, needing somewhere to take shelter for the inevitable.
Star began to stir as the light poured in. Where was he? He began to feel around him for something that was familiar. He felt…softness. Lots and lots of softness. He arose and looked around to see blindingly bright room. The room was vast having a collection of large bookcases, the bed he resided upon, a myriad of tables and sitting equipment, a solid wood desk, a large fireplace and all contained by a large gilded wood door adorned with the cutie mark of Celestia. He put two and two together and made the assumption that he must have been in Celestia’s wing and possibly, her room. He attempted to rise, but was instantly brought crashing down as his nether region began to burn. He needed to get this in check.
He looked under the covers and found himself painfully erect. He moved his hand to the concerning problem, hoping to quell his emotions. He began to pump his member slowly and laid back to take care of the problem. Or at least calm the damn thing down. He slowly began to come to his climax as he picked up speed. As he reached the precipice of his approaching orgasm, the door burst open and the celestial princess herself sped through to another smaller door on the far side to what seemed like a bathroom. The last thing he saw of Celestia was her generous rump. The image of her flanks gave him the last push over the edge. He began to spurt the sheets with rope after rope of hot, stringy seed. The orgasm seemed to go on and on and on… Was there something the matter with his virility? His cum was still flowing for a good twenty seconds before stopping. As he lay down, he thought about what he had just done. He needed to clean it. He looked up at the ceiling. This attraction to ponies was something else…
Celestia was in the bathroom on the floor, hoof rubbing her nub furiously. Molly wanted out!
“Come on Celly, let me at him! I need this! You can’t deny that I am overdue for a time on Equestria.” Molly was right. She had been holding back her sexual feelings since she was a filly. She had never lain with a stallion. It was what had led to Molly being created, her other that always wanted her to embrace her lustful side. With a new love in her life that was currently in an induced state of rut, just outside the door, she had no chance at halting her advance. She arched her back as Molly pushed her into the recesses of her mind. Celly’s fur began to tint slightly as she shuddered in pleasure. It moved towards a pinkish hue followed by her mane which began to lose its rainbow like luster as it became a faded pink too. Celestia, now Molestia, was smirking almost maniacally with wide eyes. Her rear hooves were now drenched with her own liquids as she allowed millennia of lust to surface. It itched to be relieved and the cure was just outside. It was the man that she had been longing to meet. She moved slowly to the door and opened it slightly. She was eyeing the ninja, now in the afterglow of his orgasm and she could smell it. The air was now full of the incredible smell of the art of love. She had been waiting for this for so long. She stepped out slightly, Star now looking directly at her.
“Are you ok Celestia? You look a tad ill.” If she was Celestia, Molly would agree.
“I’m fine dear. Tell me what is that smell?” Molly started to smile. She would put money down that this would make him blush and she would win that bet. He had done just that.
“Er…nothing princess. Now come on, I’m sure that we will be needed elsewhere in the castle.” Star was attempting to get her out the damn room so he could clean up his ‘mess’ but she was having none of it.
“Oh no sweetheart, I have adjourned court for the day so I am free till the gala. Now, can your princess have a hug?” Molly began to move towards the bed.
“I don’t think that’s appropriate Celestia. I’m…not decent.” Star was not beginning to panic. This was her bed! How was she going to react when she found out that he had soiled her sheets? He was attempting to back to the edge of the bed to grab his Shokozu, underwear still round his ankles.
“Don’t run from me my little shadow; it’s rude to keep a lady waiting.” She was practically purring now as she rapidly closed the distance between the two in large strides. She could smell the lust pouring off of him.
Star was now in confliction with his emotions. On one hand he did not want his princess to find one of her subjects practically sitting in his fluids, in her bed no less. On the other, he was practically ripping his brain apart for desire to tear that ass up! Jesus she reeks of sex. The mane and fur dye was certainly a change. The death stare on her face was not helping. It is as though she saw him as a piece of meat.
This was quite far from the truth. She still loved him dearly, being part of Celestia but she was desperate for a piece of him and she was going to get it come Tartarus or high water. She would bind and gag him if it came to it. She began to move up onto the bed. She could now see him turn crimson. She eyed what he had not wanted her to see and a bit more.
“Ooh, look at that. It’s quite the mess you have made of my bed. And that is also a nice sight.” She was eyeing his phallus. It was about 9 inches long which was a rather small member when compared to stallions but then again, stallions were about 2ft taller than him. What was interesting about it was its girth. It was rather thick for its length which would no doubt feel brilliant.
Star had never been so damn embarrassed! Caught with his pants down, LITERALLY! She must be absolutely ashamed of him but he just couldn’t help himself. He was still longing for more and his body was obliging gladly. He began to stand, pants slowly on the rise, and began to speak with a furious blush adorning his cheeks.
“I bet you’re angry, aren’t you?”
“Not really dear, in fact, I think it’s rather sweet that you decided to use my bed.”
“What? I thought I’d get the ‘I’m not mad just disappointed’ speech. I thought you would be horrifically ashamed.”
Molly almost had him.
“No no, I bet that Celly would have lov-” Really? ……………AT A TIME LIKE THIS?! She had given herself away at the most inopportune moment! He would get edgy now… she needed another plan.
“Celestia? What do you mean Celestia? Who are you?”
Star had her reeling now. She had lost her composure due to one unfortunate slip up.
“I er…..oh to Tartarus with it…” Molly began to smirk once more as she sat her tush on the bed sheets, matting the bed with her essence. She looked into his eyes.
“I’m Celestia’s other half, like my sisters, Luna and Nightmare Moon. Celestia has never been with a man. Not even the previous and first shadow, Icarus Silverspear, who was dedicated as a guard only and therefore Celly kept her personal desires aside from ruling Equestria. The incredible strain on her mind of resisting so much temptation led to me being created as a method to deal with it. She was suffering something awful recently, like she wanted to simply stop being a princess. It’s probably due to you being in such a debilitated state. You really have put a fire in that girl’s life, into our life. But right now, I have an itch and I NEED it scratching!”
Molly slowly began approaching. She was low, like a predator hunting her prey. Star was not a fan. She looked drop dead gorgeous and she wanted him. He simply felt that it was wrong in this situation.
“Listen…”
“Princess Molestia. Molly is preferred however.” She was practically purring at him. She was now within arm’s length, staring longingly into his eyes. Star was not intending to give up so easily to this woman. She may have been Celestia, but it would still feel like rape if he simply felt strange...which he did.
“Molly, I like you and Celestia, hell I god damn love you two, but having sex with you would simply feel weird right now. I mean, I don’t even know ‘you’. If I’m going to do this then I would like to get to know you better.”
Molly was blushing. To hear that he was still thinking of her feelings at a time like this hit something deep in her heart. He was sweet but right now she couldn’t ignore her needs like Celestia could. She needed this.
“I would love to get to know you Star but I can’t ignore my emotions right now. Maybe another time my sweet…But as of right now…GET YOU FLANK OVER HERE!”
“Keep your distance baby. I don’t want to hurt you.” Molly began to chuckle under her breath.
Oh dear, you think that you could hurt me in a straight up fight with none of your weapons? I would probably enjoy it anyway…”
Star was not going to wait to be practically raped, though her last comment sent a tingle up his prick. He bolted for the door, attempting to move with the lightning speed that he had come to know as his own and slid far down the corridor. He was only in his undergarments so being caught would be a real piece of trouble. Star waited at the end of the hall to see if Molly would follow him.
The door that marked Celestia’s room was suddenly incinerated in a wave of fire. Molly was now walking with a wave of fire woven around her neck like a scarf. It quickly subsided as she stepped out of the room and looked at Star. Star was quite horrified at the level of power that she was exerting.
“Running won’t get you very far, my dear.” She was now on the hunt for the cure to her insatiable desires. She saw Star begin to move and gathered magic in her horn, preparing for retaliation should he try anything.
Star simply turned and began to hurl himself down the corridor with Molly staring his ass down with that killer look in her eyes. She had her head cocked to one side.
“I thought that you were going to fight me like a man! Get back here you child!”
Star chuckled as he approached the stairs to Celestia’s tower. “Never!” The stairs were now upon him and taking them on normally would probably result in his capture by the lust crazed mare, now on his heels once more. He reached the edge still in a sprint and started to bend over whilst bringing his legs back at the same time. His head sailed through the air, almost scratching the floor as the flip slowly completed. The banister shook slightly, putting the shadow off for a moment before he fully got control of his landing. He was now riding the banister to the tower stairs, with full momentum thanks to his little trick and Celestia’s smooth marble floors which allowed his slide in the first place.
Molly could see Star move out of her view as he seemed to flip. He was moving through the air with such grace. He had managed to flip fully and land with his feet on the banister and began his descent. He was getting away. She halted at the top and looked down to see the man spiralling on his way down to the upper floors of the castle. She didn’t have time to traverse these stairs either. She needed to catch up.
Molly took a few steps back before leaping into the hollow center of the tower and began her nose dive to catch up. Her mouth was salivating. She could smell a trail. He may have been out of sight but he was not going to get away from her now.
The bottom of the spiral staircase was coming up hot and Star was ready to dismount. As the last part came up, he hopped slightly and let gravity carry him into the hall of the Celestial wing. He took only a moment to assess his situation. He was a human, one of his kind in this world, on the run from a veritable goddess, surrounded by a myriad of her subjects that would no doubt follow any order that she gave and he was on the run with no defences…in his god damn undergarments!
He sniffed the air around him. He god damn reeked of…well , what he had been sitting next to when he had legged it from Celly’s room. If he could smell all of this then he was sure as hell that Molly could find him. He needed somewhere that would mask his scent. Somewhere that had many smells. He could use such a place as cover. That place, was the kitchen.
The kitchen was on this floor and Star began a light jog towards it, making sure to take plenty of turns to dissuade the crazed mare no doubt still on his tail. The aromas could be detected from a fair distance away as meals were on their way to completion. The servant’s doors were to his right and he was hiding behind a plant, waiting for the doors to clear before making a move. Since it was almost dinner time, he would be waiting for some time.
Molly was now on the warpath. She was still following her cowardly lover’s intoxicating aroma and now skipping lightly. She knew he couldn’t run forever. She would have what she wanted in a short while and she could at least wait that long. The doddle that Star was leading her on was starting to become harder to follow. She was losing his scent! She now began to sniff wildly, searching for his scent but found only the sweet aroma of dinner being made. The poor mare had lost him and she sat down looking befuddled…at least until she heard a scream from a female down only one hall. She began to smirk as she wondered what she would find.
Star was still hiding behind the small tree when he suddenly heard a scream from behind him. He turned quickly to see a light grey mare with a maids outfit on looking at his underwear, then to his eyes. The human had startled her as she walked past. Star was silently cursing under his breath. Molly would have heard that. He had to move! He ran past the pony and ran out into a long corridor adjacent to a large stained glass window and was going to begin his run….that is, until he caught a glimpse of pink strut around the far corner, smile across her beautiful lips.
“Gotcha…” Molly was now walking sultrily towards Star. He was not about to let her get him just yet. She went through all this, just to get to him, to be with him. He had to admit, she was dedicated to getting him. It was one hell of a turn on. Star was getting hard again, much to his dismay. At a time like this too! He needed to think fast.
“Come to momma!”
Star saw Molly’s magic flare and he knew that he would be absolutely no match for the Alicorn if she completed whatever devious spell that she had in store for him. He looked around and noticed that there was a window across the hall from him. Why the bloody hell not? He began a slow run up which quickly escalated to a full sprint. He was rapidly approaching the glass window when a blinding flash and a pop signalled the arrival of the goddess that was chasing him, now clearly in front of him. He had to think fast.
“You can’t really get away Star. You’re the only one of your race in Equestria. You’ll be found easily enough. Why not just give me what I want?”
Star’s erection was getting in the way of his running, slowing him down an awful bunch. He put the lust to the back of his mind as he was thinking of only one thing. That damn window. Molly was his only obstacle. She opened her forelegs wide to stop his escape. Star saw only one way that he was getting out of this window. With her! He dove into Molly’s embrace and kept going with her now in a tight hug.
Fuck it.
*SMASH!*
The two were now locked in a skydiving embrace. Star was eyes closed deep in Molly’s arms. The princess however, was smiling at her shadow. She had what she wanted. She began to nuzzle the man as she cradled him on their journey downwards. The ground was becoming more and more eager to make their acquaintance as it approached. The garden was now in full sight as Molly spread her wings with her shadow still in her loving embrace. The glide that Molly and Star were now in was to land them in the center of the hedge maze.
The journey was sweet and uneventful. The two were simply content in holding each other in a lover’s embrace. They landed on the grass with a light thump. Molly had released the human and looked down the final corridor into the center of the maze before looking down at her hooves. She felt guilty and Star could see it.
“Molly, what’s wrong with you? You look upset.”
“Astartes…I…I’m the reason that you are so horny. If I had not forced Celly to tamper with the maze, I would have never been able to meet you. That last corridor was lined with about 300 individual traps. It was by my design…I’m sorry!” Molly was now in tears; guilt now hitting home. She had done this just to get some time with him. In one eye, she could be seen as sweet, wanting to spend time with the man that she had fallen in love with. In another however, it simply seemed selfish and cruel.
Star looked at the mare. While it was her fault that he was like this. She had only done it to be with him. He was feeling his heartstrings being tugged. And it felt amazing.
Star looked down to Molly. She was alike Celestia in almost every aspect. The differences being in mannerisms colour of mane and fur but in the short amount of time that he had known Celly’s alter, he had come to admire her determination to meet him. He walked over to her and offered a hand.
“Molly, I may regret this decision in a few minutes but let’s go my bedroom and we can cure each other of our itches together. We both need it.”
The princess looked at him with wide, teary eyes.
“Are you serious?! You will?! Oh joy, thank you thank you thank you! I need this Astartes!” The earth began to rumble slightly as Molly prepared magic inside her horn. A feeling of inertia began to overtake Star as he felt himself falling in every direction for a brief second before he landed in his bed, still as soft as he had left it when he had departed for his first test. Molly was now lying next to him, hoof on head. She spoke in a voice that could have caused climax in lesser men and stallions.
“Get over here. I need to feel you next to me.”
Star removed his underwear and moved to hold his princess. Molly was now beginning to rise slightly as her shadow made his move. The sun goddess raised her hooves over the man’s shoulders and moved her mouth towards his. They collided in an explosion of passion, the two of them finally submitting to their desires to be with each other.
Star pressed his tongue onto Molly’s lips in hope that she would open them to allow him access to her own. She felt a tickle on the outside of her mouth and opened it slightly to allow the intruder to dance with her own tongue. Their mouths were now locked in a carnal dance as they both began to roam with hand and hoof. Star moved his to Molly’s mane and ran his hand through it, feeling the ethereal mane move in its own way. Molly had her hoof on Star’s ass, groping the man for all she was worth, eliciting moans from her ninja.
The kiss came to an end after a good five minutes and the two had separated and sat opposite each other. Star began to feel…his lust was fading slowly! He was getting better. He looked at Molly and raised a hand, motioning her to turn around so he could get a better look. She gave him a smirk and obliged.
He came face to face with Molly’s marehood and inhaled slightly before coughing slightly. He had never smelt anything so strong. Think of the smell of bubble-gum. Now multiply that by about fifteen times. Molly was burning with lust! Star chuckled slightly as he moved his face closer, tongue out and ready to get to work. He moved his tongue over her outer lips, causing Molly to call out in pleasure.
“F-Finally…” the moaning princess buried her muzzle into the silk pillow in front of her as her shadow continued his work lapping at her flower. As things progressed, he began to move towards her delicate nub, gracing it with one kiss before moving to the center of her marehood and parting her nether lips to get access to the sweet walls that waited inside. Molly was now in tears as the pleasure flowed like a river. She had wanted this for so long and now that her lover was able to tend to her desires, she would not have to suffer any longer. He was delicate and caring, with just a tinge of mischief as he occasionally nibbled her clit.
The pleasure was surfacing in a torrent as Molly approached her climax. It felt as though a tidal wave of pleasure was approaching. Her rear legs gave way, causing Star’s mouth to slip from her depths. The ninja was already following her flank down, not wanting to stop until she had come. It was only fair in his eyes that the lady enjoy herself before he did. Molly doubled her throaty moans as he continued his assault on her love canal, now picking up more speed and ferocity during his ‘service’.
The orgasm was upon the poor princess before long and her waiting was over. SWEET RELEASE! Molly began to convulse around the shadow’s tongue as she rode it out. Her moans were now joining into one guttural scream into the defenceless pillow in front of her, not wanting to be heard by the entire palace.
Star moved to give his mare some space as she calmed herself, looking a might bit proud at his work. He had finally felt slightly free of his lust poisoning but this alone was not enough to cure him. He needed some attention too.
The orgasm finally began to subside after a few minutes. Millennia of waiting were done simply for that moment. Molly couldn’t feel anything other than a tingling in her nethers. She turned to the culprit of her current problem and gave a dopey smile.
“T-That…was fantastic dear.”
She rolled onto her stomach and attempted to stand. She was struggling to stand, still shaken up to which Star looked at her with crossed arms and a smug grin. She laughed and called over to him.
“Come over here and let momma take care of you.”
The way that she had looked at him whilst she said that was already moving Star’s legs without his permission. He sat down near her head and opened his legs to allow access to his appendage. Molly half shuffled, half crawled towards the long shaft that was now staring her in the eyes. The princess began to slowly lick the member up and down, making sure to wet every inch of the shaft. Her tongue moved up to the head and gave it a few experimental licks before she made her move. Molly had started to move again and rose slightly so that she was in line with Star’s junk. She opened her pursed lips even further as she began to move down his cock. Star was in a daze. Normally this wouldn’t be doing this but with this lust poison working it’s magic on his mind, he was in heaven. And he was drowning in bliss.
Molly began to move deeper and deeper onto the shaft, it now nudging the entrance of her throat. She did not want to disappoint her lover after he had provided her with such a performance earlier. She took a deep breath and pushed the rest of the sizable dick down her supple, smooth throat, moaning all the while.
The reverberations were sending tingles up Star’s cock, stopping him from doing anything apart from writhing in ecstasy. He had never felt so good. If Celestia had never lain with a man, then Molly was sure as hell making up for it. He was beginning to breathe rapidly as he neared his own orgasm.
“Molly….I’m going t-to cum s-soon…You may want to take that out of your mouth...”
Molly only smirked and kept blowing him, never breaking eye contact. She wanted it in her mouth?! Star only found one answer in her silence and threw his head back as he came. And what an orgasm was it.
Star began to pump his load into Molly’s mouth, coating the back of her mouth in a generous amount of cum…but he was not anywhere near done yet. Molly was not expecting him to continue for this long and had begun to swallow his seed which caused a tingle that was felt in her core. She was enjoying this. She began to gulp mouthful after mouthful as he didn’t seem to stop for a good minute. After Star had stopped unleashing floods of his essence, Molly pulled his cock out of her mouth and swallowed the last load that was left in her mouth, looking into her shadows eyes which got a moan from the ninja at the sight of it.
“I don’t know how I can muster that much semen…I never could usually.”
“Well, I wasn’t complaining. It was tasty and warm.”
Molly still looked flustered and pawed at the bed slightly.
“Um, Star? Do you think we could…continue to the main event?”
Star looked at her in disbelief as the words left her mouth. She was still up for it? Lucky day! Star was still hard as a rock with the poison in his veins still in action, though now receding. Molly looked at the tool and a smirk adorned her lips.
“I’ll take that as a yes.”
The ninja moved behind his mate and spread her legs slightly, giving him access to her lovely flower once again. As he spread her lips and prepared himself, he head a timid voice call out. It was Molly.
“Be gentle with me Star….I wasn’t lying when I said that this was my first time doing this…” She was speaking so innocently! God that was a turn on… With the new knowledge in mind, Star advanced slowly. The head of his cock had just brushed against Molly’s folds and she shook and braced for impact.
Star pushed in slowly, spreading her rather wide as he entered her. As he did, he felt something tear inside her and heard a smothered yelp. He looked towards the pillows and saw his princess, now clutching a pillow, eyes closed.
“Molly, are you ok? Do you want me to stop? It looked like it hu-“
“No dear, I’m fine. It was just a bit painful that is all… you can keep going now.” A reassuring smile sealed the deal with Star as he began to thrust into his lover, keeping a slow and steady pace. The mare in question was beginning to feel pleasure overwhelming her pain and it slowly became all that she felt. She began moaning rather loudly.
“Oh Star! It’s…ah….really….ah….good!”
The ninja began to pick up speed as she said that, eliciting even louder moans from his mare.
“I’m glad…..ooh….that you think so dear. Hold on to something would you?” A smirk was playing about his face as he began to pump in and out of Molly with an almost primal force. The two were as close as nature had intended anyone to be, bound in lovemaking. Molly had never felt so happy and neither had Star. He was so glad that he had her to rely on. He was glad that he had everyone that he had met to rely on. Celestia and Luna had welcomed him into the world without any hesitation and the residents of Ponyville had accepted him into their town with almost no fuss at all which was always a positive. And there was Twilight. Bless her heart for letting him stay with her. She was a right laugh and cute to boot. All these joyous emotions were bringing him closer and closer to his climax.
Molly was nearing her own orgasm too. All her contained lust was slowly being drained away by her shadow. The man had walked into her life as he had Celestia’s and had done nothing but love her since she had arrived, although sceptical at first which was reasonable. The pair of them began thrusting together, maximising the impact of each individual thrust. The climax was approaching and they were ready for it.
As the peak was reached, Molly threw out her forelegs and wrapped her lover in an embrace and kissed the man she had chosen to love deeply as they both came together. The first wave of the orgasm was milking Star for all he was worth which, if his previous orgasms were to be believed, was quite a lot. His thick seed was being fired deep into Molly’s womb. The thrusting continued as cum was injected at regular intervals, now causing the princess to swell slightly at the belly. Star was finally able to stop after a minute and pulled out before collapsing into a heap next to the goddess of the sun. Molly was soon to follow as the convulsions subsided. The two were now a sweaty mess and they could barely move.
“Well…that was interesting wasn’t it sweetie?”
Star began to chuckle lightly as he finally felt his nether region’s burning start to fade. She had cured him. And he had cured her. Both of them had, in more ways than one.
“Indeed. You know, as much as I would love to snuggle up with you and simply sleep till tomorrow, we are quite the mess. How’s about we take a quick bath and then we clean our sheets and go to bed. Is that ok Molly?”
She nodded her head in agreement. “One condition however. We sleep in my bed.”
Star had no qualms about that! More time to grope that ass!
The bath was luxurious and deeply cleansing though the couple had spent much of it in each other’s embrace. The sheets were easily cleaned with a simple spell by Molly. The two of them had entered the bed and pulled the covers over them both. The lights had been dimmed and Molly turned to her shadow.
“I will not be here tomorrow; Celestia will return but I want you to know that I will always be there for you. I love you Star.”
The ninja simply cast a dopey smile and nodded.
“I know dear. I can’t wait till we meet again.”
With a quick kiss, the two turned in for the night. The last thought through Star’s head was:
“Luna missed out and the gala is tomorrow. This will be interesting.”
Morning was soon to be upon Equestria and Luna was returning from her patrols. The wind was slow and the weather fair. The morning would be a blessing to the early rising folk. Her tower was left open, as per request which was handled by a maid not five minutes before the night Princess landed on her balcony. The room was quite similar to Star’s own, which would make sense since he was staying in her wing of the castle. The room was a dark blue, almost black. The layout was lavish to say the least. The floor was covered in a black carpet that was easy on the hooves and kept the room warm for the night Alicorn. The walls were covered in art that was long thought lost with such masterpieces as ‘Starswirl’s Night’, a piece that was thought destroyed during a fire that had burned most fierce in the palace vaults centuries ago.
She adored her lost treasures and held them with high regard. Something else that she held with high regard was her telescope. The object which allowed her to use the sky as her canvas as she painted her fabled night skies every night. The Princess had never painted a night for anyone other than her subjects and her sister when she was a filly. The night was her masterpiece and she graced her little ponies every night with it and her pride was clear.
Among the other prized objects was…..her bed.
“Ah, my old friend, I have missed you so. Tonight was dull and possessed a lack of luster that I would hope to see more of. I wish that I could have been with my shadow.” Luna’s heart was bursting with longing. She had last seen him thrashing around with his emotions in Celestia’s bed as she left for bed. He must have been tormented all day. As much as it pained her to say it, she had hoped her sister had taken care of his ‘problem’. Jealousy was the last thing on her mind when it came to his wellbeing. It was the same wellbeing which would be put on the line this upcoming evening when the Gala was scheduled to occur. The Gala was a place that would allow people to make bonds with those that would not usually have the outlet to meet. It also allowed the Princesses to forge alliances and see to diplomatic solutions with other ambassadors of other nations.
Now was not the time for such thought. The time struck 6am. Luna moved onto her balcony and looked across to her sister’s tower in wait.
Celestia opened her eyes slowly and stretched slightly in front of her as she came to life. Her stretch was cut slightly short as she hit something. Something that was soft, warm and moving. She began to run her eyes with confusion and her vision began to clear. What lay in front of her was her shadow, full with black hair and a warm smile. Star was still asleep and snoring very lightly. It was very cute. Celestia looked over his features as she recalled what had happened the day before. Molly had her day on Equestria and met Star. While Celestia was pushed back into her own mind, she could still see everything that was going on from the meeting that Molly and Star had to his embarrassment and his getaway attempt. She may have not been in her body at the time but she most certainly found Molly’s approach amusing. The poor dear would have had no idea if it was not for her other’s slip up. When Star had bolted from the room, Celestia had dearly wished that she could have recorded the event and had some popcorn at hand.
She nuzzled him in his neck and waited for a response, which she soon got.
“That Tickles…stop iiit…”
The nuzzling continued and Star was finally beginning to wake up. He pulled Celestia’s muzzle out of his neck and began to chuckle as she threw a pout about her face. The ninja couldn’t have said no to that face; not with what it was implying. Celestia moved forward and embraced her shadows lips and moaned slightly into his mouth as they shared the moment. The two came apart with a sigh between them. Star looked amusedly at his mare.
“I think that you have to do something, don’t you?”
“And what’s that, my dear?”
“Well…I’ll bet that Luna is waiting on her balcony for you right now.”
Celestia’s eyes shot open. How could she have been so foolish?! Her morning would be late and she had not missed a sunrise since she was a filly! She instantly threw the covers off of the both of them as she ran to her balcony. She opened the doors and moved outside to find Luna giving her a small smirk as she gazed upon her sister’s dishevelled form.
“Having fun sister? I bet our shadow is in there with his tongue lolling out of his mouth. I hope you didn’t break him.”
Celestia was absolutely scarlet at the claim! Albeit it was a half-truth as she did have fun and Molly sure did leave him with his tongue lolling out of his mouth… The thought alone caused her to shudder slightly.
“Please Luna; can we please just raise the sun? We have missed the day by a few minutes.”
With a chuckle, the two began their bi-daily ritual. They started to hover from the ground and they began to move the celestial bodies that now danced in the sky. The moon began its descent to behind Equestria as the golden orb in the sky took to its throne. The sisters finished their ritual and Luna landed on Celestia’s balcony.
“Is he here?”
Celestia smirked and opened the balcony doors with a hoof to reveal Star lying in bed with his hands behind his head, dopey smile on his face. Luna saw him and began to chuckle heartily.
“I guess that’s a yes Lu-Lu.”
Luna moved into her sister’s chambers and moved over to the ninja who was now looking in their general direction with a smile on his face. He sat up and began to speak.
“So… It would seem that tonight is your Gala, isn’t it? Will Twilight be in attendance?”
Celestia smiled from the balcony and nodded softly, the motherly demeanor never wavering when they were not in an intimate situation.
“Yes dear, she will be here for you to see and talk to but remember that whilst this is a party for most, some of us use it for political ends and that means that attacks are likely as displays of power and blah blah…”
Star was elated! He could see Twi and her friends and he could finally perform his ‘other’ duty tonight. He rose from the bed and moved to equip his Shokozu, feeling the eyes on his body. The Princesses also made themselves more presentable before moving down to breakfast.
The Banquet hall was a decently sized room that appeared it could hold 200 ponies. It sported 2 tables that spanned the length of the room and each was adorned with plates, cutlery, candelabras and napkins. During this time of the day, only the royal family was eating and so only one table was needed and less than a tenth of the table was being used. At the table sat 3 ponies. One was a white unicorn stallion that had a dark blue mane with flicks of lighter blue running through it. He wore a red sort of coat that covered the front half of his body. He was sitting next to and talking to an Alicorn that was laughing at him for something. The Alicorn’s fur was a light shade of pink. Her mane was streaks of white, purple and pink. She wore a crown upon her head which denoted her as a Princess. The last pony on the table was shouting for a servant to take his ‘commoner food’ away. He was the same white as the other stallion and was also a unicorn but sported a blonde mane. He seemed completely elitist to the bone and was still yelling by the time Celestia and Luna reached the table, Star seemingly gone.
“Auntie Celestia and Auntie Luna!” The pink pony had rose from her chair and galloped around the table to meet the two other Alicorns and met in an embrace.
“Hello Cadence. How is your husband over there? You’re not being too much for him to handle are you?” Luna chuckled slightly as Cadence began to blush.
“No auntie Luna, I think that he’s fine…”
Celestia shot a smile at her niece and also spoke up
“And how is your kingdom Cadence? I take it that your subjects are doing well?”
“Yes auntie Celestia. They are all working diligently and living happy, peaceful and loving lives. Speaking of loving lives, where is your new ‘guard’?”
“Our ‘shadow’, Cadence, is proving to us just what he learned in training and staying hidden for now. He’d be here should we ask. It was a little something of a prank that Luna wanted to play.”
“On who auntie?”
Celestia giggled and shook her head.
“All in good time my dear. Now let’s eat.”
The three moved to their respective seats and began to order their meals as servants came to take them. All ordered quietly but one. Blueblood was sat for a good 10 minutes explaining to the poor waiter who took down at least 2 pages of how he wanted his salad prepared. Celestia looked at her nephew and then to Luna who gave her a wink. She raised her spoon and hit her glass once.
*TINK*
The sound resonated quietly. Blueblood was still yapping away when a voice as cold as the grave whispered into his ear.
“What do you think you are doing?”
Blueblood turned even more impossibly white, his fur standing on end as the voice continued.
“The poor mare does not need to be pestered about the quality of your food. If the celestial sisters can eat it with no qualm then so can you…”
Blueblood was now quaking visibly with fear. Everyone was looking at him with confusion albeit the sisters who were staring with a knowing smile.
“Who are you?!”
“I’m Bat-…your worst nightmare!”
As the words hit Blueblood's ear a shadowy figure flew in from the sky and landed in front of him causing the pompous stallion to rear and fall from his cushion. Laughter erupted from the table and the staff surrounding as Blueblood hit the deck before fainting. The sisters looked up with false concern, full well knowing that it was a certain somepony. The figure that was standing in the middle of the table was bipedal and wearing nothing but black and donned a hooded cowl. The hood was thrown back and revealed the Princesses beloved shadow. The Princesses smiled and motioned for him to accompany them. Shining Armour was first to speak.
“Well, you certainly are fast and stealthy sir.”
The shadow turned to him with a smile.
“I have to be if I’m going to protect these two. As for combat, should the need arise, they showed me how to fight ponies too. Let’s hope that nothing does go askew eh?”
“Care to prove that fighting prowess?” Shining was staring at him with a smug smile.
“I guess I could spare a few minutes to fight. Let’s go.”
The two moved to the far side of the room. The guards began to move away, the nervous expression clear on their faces. The captain gave his legs a stretch. Star simply sat down and waited, staring at the unicorn. Shining laughed and cracked his neck. The guards could be heard whispering and taking bets.
“This is going to be good.”
“Get me 10 bits on the Captain.”
“I think that the Princess’ shadow is going to kick his ass…”
Shining made the first move and charged the human. Star wasn’t phased in the slightest. He stood up and prepped himself for impact.
Shining went for a head-butt and dove towards Star’s shoulder. The shadow took a step back and began a fall. Shining hit nothing and Star followed up with the force of his fall to pull the stallion into a throw. Shining flew through the air as he attempted to correct himself but landed with a sickening thud on his side.
He rose from the floor with the same determination that he had started the fight with. The charge that he started this time was far less fierce and more precise. Star moved his arms in and attempted to grab Shining again but was met with a swipe. The two then proceeded to battle in hand to horn combat, each deflecting each other’s jabs and swings until Shining turned quickly and delivered a kick that knocked Star off of his feet. The unicorn followed up his attack by a collection of punches that landed on Star’s forearms as he tucked into a foetal position to keep himself safe.
Star was getting hammered and he felt it. His arms were aching already, and the beating was not helping. He needed his edge. He let the pain subside as he focused, letting everything fade to a silence.
Shining was laying waste to the shadow and the guards surrounding them were looking as if to intervene. Celestia was also looking gravely concerned, never seeing Star get so beat up before. Luna, however, was smirking. She knew something. She had seen the aftermath of his work in the Everfree and she did never want to see that happen to anything else. Alas, she knew that Star was down, but not out…not by a long shot.
Star tuned back in and brought a hand out from his defensive position. It grabbed and twisted Shining’s leg, causing him to yelp and retreat slightly. He looked on as Star rose from the floor and looked at him with intent.
“Yield.”
Shining looked at him with confusion. Wasn’t he just on the floor in pain? Why was he standing like he had no injuries?
“Sorry fella, but I’m not losing here.” Shining began to cast a spell that would render Star unable to continue. It would have anyway…
Star practically flashed towards Shining and delivered a chop to the tip of his horn, causing the stallion to cry in pain and cancelling the magic spell. The onslaught that Star started bringing in the split seconds after the cancel brought the captain to the floor with a flurry of impossibly fast strikes, all hitting precise points that were slowly disabling Shining’s legs.
The stallion fell with a thunk, unable to continue as his legs failed him. He looked up, bruised and smiling all the while.
“I guess that’s your victory, Shadow. Now help me over to my wife would you?”
Star was panting heavily but laughed at the captain. He was alright in his book.
The two hobbled to Cadence who was smiling weakly. Shining was handed over to her and she kissed him on the cheek as she began to heal him. The bruises and cuts that were sustained from the fight were healing and sewing themselves up.
Star moved to a seat near Celestia and Luna as the two approached.
“Are you ok, dear?” Celestia was looking rather concerned but at the same time, was completely full of pride at the feat. It’s not every day that the captain of the guard is beaten.
“I’m fine Celestia. Do you think that you could patch me up? I’m not really feeling on my ‘A game’ right now.”
Celestia and Luna both looked at him before each placing a kiss on opposite cheeks and channelling magic through their lips. The magic coursed through the injuries that star had sustained and slowly soothed the wounds into submission, like a mother comforting a child. The magic subsided and Star looked at both of them with hazy eyes.
“Well that was different…and surprisingly refreshing!” Star gave a stretch and a yawn before continuing.
“So, what is on the schedule today girls?”
The sisters to each other as though sharing a thought and Luna began the reply.
“We have a good few things that we must do before the Gala. We must obtain our outfits, yours included. They are being created by a royal seamstress and she has never disappointed before.”
“Who is the seamstress?”
“Ponyville’s own Miss Rarity. We are travelling very shortly to receive final fits and collect them.”
Celestia picked up from were Luna had left it.
“We then have to go and check the roster of attendees to see which nations are attending. This lets me prepare topics for discussion depending on the ambassador. After that travesty is taken care of, we have to check the staff and that their duties are assigned properly. “
Star sighed…this was going to be a long day.
Breakfast was concluded with small talk and throes of laughter as Blueblood finally woke up, still shaken at being scared so badly. Celestia and Luna bid farewell to Cadence and Shining as they prepared to depart to Ponyville with Star for their outfits. They stood in the center of the hall and beckoned Star over. Their shadow moved in between them and received a mischievous bump from each sister before a small chorus of laughter broke out. The three began to glow a dark blue as Luna prepared to teleport them to the Carousel Boutique.
With a flash and a pop, the three of them appeared in what seemed like a back room that was stacked high with boxes full of fabrics and gems, all of which seemed to be moved to clear space. In a corner of the room was a white mare that was sipping a cup of tea and observed the new arrivals through glasses that adorned her muzzle.
“Hello Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Also, it’s good to see you again Star, how have you been?”
“I have been great Rarity, though there have been the up and down moments of my time in Canterlot…” Star eyed each princess with a sly grin on his face. They both simply avoided his eyes, trying to look completely innocent.
Rarity laughed and put her cup down. She moved towards some of the boxes and beckoned them to another stack revealing a large wardrobe. She placed her horn inside and flared her magic briefly, a click was heard and the doors opened. Inside was a collection of dresses and tuxedoes that looked like they cost a small town’s worth off fabric and gems. Star also spotted a few other Shokozu. Rarity was practicing clothing for him.
“Here we have the dresses for the Princesses. And we also have a new Shokozu for you Star; I have been attempting to weave magic into this one, granting rejuvenation and increased jump height. It also comes with Mithril mesh into the chest, knees and elbows, courtesy of little Spike. It will be a bit heavier but I assure you that the rewards are worth it. It also comes with a cape for masking your shadow whilst you go about your business, as per request from Princess Luna. Celestia also wove a telepathic link into the fabric that will let you communicate with either herself or Luna while you have it equipped.”
Star was left a little struck and dazed.
“T-That’s an awful lot for me…”
Luna and Celestia pressed their lips onto each of his cheeks, causing the ninja to blush. They all smiled jovially and Rarity continued.
“They care for you and you can’t put a price on that, which I didn’t” The unicorn smiled and chuckled quietly.
“Alright, Princess Luna, can you please stand in the center of the room and we can fit you with your dress.”
Luna complied and the rest of the occupants moved to the side of the room to let Rarity work. Magic flew around the room as a midnight black dress slowly began to move from the wardrobe and placed itself, piece by piece, onto the night Princess.
The front started with a gem woven into the front of the dress which looked like a moon and star made out of Jet. The dress seemed woven out of some kind of dark blue silk that shone dimly in the light of the room. The flair on the back of the dress was covered in silver flecks that looked like small stars being scattered into the wind. The shoes that came with the dress were made of Obsidian and were adorned with small swirling blue crystals in the center of each shoe. Luna looked gorgeous!
She raised a shod hoof and admired it for a brief few seconds before giving a small twirl to show the dress to the others.
“So, what do you think?”
Celestia looked at her little sister and smiled.
“You look beautiful dear. Look at what you have done to poor Astartes.” They both looked at their shadow and giggled as he stood there with mouth agape. Rarity chimed in shortly after with a cheerful voice.
“If that’s what happens when one of you are in your dress then wait until you don your outfit Princess.”
Celestia nodded and proceeded to take her sister’s place. Rarity began assembling the dress in a similar manner that Luna’s was.
The dress’ front had a sun crafted out of what looked like gold and platinum. The outfit itself looked like it was woven from a white thread that matched the colour of her fur. The tail of the dress was showered in a sparkling dust that was a myriad of colours, similar to that of Celestia’s tail. The shoes that came with this dress were white gold and had diamond studs in the center.
Celestia looked at the dress’ front and tail and smiled most sincerely.
“Thank you Rarity, for these wondrous dresses. One of these days you will have to accept payment for such a thing you know.”
“Princess, it really is no bother for me, especially when I can design such complex outfits. They really let me sink my teeth into my work.”
The three of them thanked the unicorn and teleported back to the castle with outfits in tow. Star was the only one that arrived in his outfit as the ladies had theirs wrapped and ready for the evening. They arrived in the throne room and Star was the first to speak.
“So, what’s next?”
“We are to quickly check the roster before we look at the staff duties. Then the Gala can commence!”
The three shared a knowing smile before moving to the temporary planning department of the palace. The room was full of paper invites and ponies writing on desks. It was hectic to say the least!
Celestia headed to a desk and retrieved a slip of paper from one of the frantic stallions that was working there and walked back.
“Just like that? I thought that we’d be here for at least an hour.”
“I thought that it would be a bother so I asked for a simplified version of the list. Never say that I’m not thoughtful.”
“I won’t dear. So which kingdoms are in attendance?”
Celestia looked down the list and read out each of the races.
“We have ambassadors from the Gryphon, Cat, and lizard kingdoms. The lizards are representing Dragon kind too.”
“Anything that I will need to be aware of, maybe the chance that something shall start?”
Luna and Celestia looked at their shadow lovingly, him mentioning their protection so direly. Luna answered his question.
“We do not expect any kingdom to step out of line. It is merely a precaution as it has happened before and is like to happen again.”
Star looked pleased at the news. It would seem he could spend more time with the girls and still guard his princesses.
“Ok. It puts my mind at ease knowing that.”
The final duty was to check the guard schedules and guards that would be on duty. That meant a trip to the barracks.
The group entered the barracks with gusto, causing many off duty guards to scramble to the front of their beds and desk to salute the princesses as they passed.
Shining was sitting at a desk at the far edge of the room, writing frantically.
Celestia approached the captain with Luna and Star not far behind.
“Shining?”
The captain looked up to see the fellowship looking at him, smiling. He rose to his hooves and saluted them which brought a chuckle from Star and a smile from Shining.
“What can I do for you princesses?”
“We need a duty sheet of all the guards in the throne room and the gardens.”
The captain smiled and looked at his desk for a good minute for a small, folded piece of paper and handed it to Celestia.
“That has the names of every guard in each location, throne room and garden included. On the back is the map of their positioning and it also has the shift changes on the bottom of the map.”
“Thank you Shining. Now, go and find your wife and prepare for the Gala. You are not on duty tonight.”
“No, thank you your highness. It has been too long since me and Cadence had some time together.”
The fellowship walked out of the barracks and strolled back to the throne room, beaming all the while. Star was the first to speak upon entering the colossal room.
The waiting game was indeed what they had played. The Gala was to begin at dusk and Luna had been by Star’s side all day. They had tea whilst admiring Luna’s treasured items, becoming ever closer to each other. The two were quickly becoming inseparable, each sharing intimate moments such as each other’s first kisses, fights and childhoods, tears being shed and joyous embraces being had. The night was rapidly approaching and a slight itch could be felt in the back of Star’s head. He focused on it for a brief second before hearing a familiar, sweet voice wash through his thoughts.
“Dear, would you please meet me at the throne room’s steps? We need to start welcoming ponies to the Gala. Some arrive earlier than others.” Celestia’s voice rang heavenly inside his mind.
Luna must have picked up on this thought as she nodded knowingly and gave her shadow a loving kiss before he zipped away in a trail of light dust and wind.
The journey was short and Star soon found himself on the other side of the throne room doors. He felt for Celestia’s presence in his psyche and called forth.
“Celestia, I’m on the other side of the door. Do you want me to cause a slight scene with a drop in or just a sudden appearance?” He was thinking amusedly to his princess. She simply chuckled in thought and sent a warm glow that he could feel through his body, almost like he was witnessing her smile.
“I think we can afford to spruce the Gala up this early in the evening. A drop in would be interesting but you have already done it once, albeit in a more private setting. Nonetheless, a sudden appearance would certainly be a good show of ability to some ambassadors. I’ll ask for you to accompany me in a few minutes as I see the Gryphon ambassadors making their way up now.”
Star agreed and simply waited on the other side of the door and waited for a signal. Something that would alert him to be by Celestia’s side when she needed it.
A small chime rang in Star’s head and he heard a small squawk from the other side of the door. The ninja took it as his sign and ran as fast as he could through the door ,not even touching it as he ‘appeared’ next to the princess, on one knee and head bowed. Flits of panic were erupting at the front of the line as the Gryphons reared and cawed in fear as the princess’ new guardian made itself apparent and stood upright. The guardian stood with cowl below its face. The creature was bipedal and was dressed all in black with a billowing cape. It stood at about 5’10 and had an upright posture, almost perfect. This creature showed no hesitation even in the face of large creatures such as themselves. The Gryphons seemed rather full of themselves as they opened their beaks.
“I take it that you are the new protector of the princesses of Equestria then? I must say, I expected a more intimidating guard…and more of you at that.”
Star simply allowed his mouth so be seen as he smiled and raised the hood to reveal his blood coloured eyes which appeared to unsettle them greatly.
“I assure you that I will be all that they need for the meanwhile.”
The Gryphons let out a volley of jovial laughs as they all lowered their wings, simply nodding in approval.
“You got nerve kid, I’ll give you that.”
Star received a clawed pat on the back before they received the blessing of the princess and continued on into the throne room.
The next ambassadors were the reptilians, who were doubling for dragon kind. They seemed nice enough, if not a tad cold and calculating. They arrived and looked at the guard before giving small polite bows, receiving Celestia’s blessing and then moved past them without a single word.
“They were awfully quiet, dear. Was something wrong?” Star asked nervously, feeling as though he had insulted them in some way.
“It’s nothing my sweet; they are simply a very passive species. They do not seek trouble, akin to their dragon relatives. I’m sure that if the dragons did not insist they be the ambassadors for them then they wouldn’t even attend. “
Star shrugged and faced forward to greet the next in line which was the cat ambassador. She was a small, black furred bipedal feline caused his thoughts to stop. Her body was curved and slender, standing about half a foot under the shadow. Her face was soft and very easy to look at with large vibrant blue eyes that shimmered in the afternoon sun. Her nose was petite and moist, just like a cat that Star remembered. Her mouth was seemingly small until she smiled, revealing her teeth which were sharp beyond reasonable belief.
Star was a tad nervous as he shifted his stance before continuing his observations. The dress that she was wearing was a split dress that consisted of white and red fabric on either half of the dress. It tied round the waist and likely fastened up the back. The dress bulged slightly as Star’s eyes met her breasts. The woman was sporting a pair of bountiful breasts that hugged her dress firmly. A paw entered his view and a single clawed appendage pointed upwards, knowing that he was staring.
Caught red handed, or red pawed, Star returned his eyes to the ambassador’s. She simply giggled and purred slightly before standing before him and Celestia and gave a rather deep bow. Star could see clearly down her dress. She raised her head and smirked. She was doing this on purpose!
“Princess Celestia, it is an honour to be here. Thank you for inviting our race to attend.” Celestia simply smiled and nodded approvingly. She then turned to the bodyguard with inquisitive eyes and an almost sultry smile. She looked him up and down as if sizing him up.
“I wonder…” After a brief silence she did something unexpected.
“Let’s play…boy.” Star could barely catch the words before she ejected her claws and threw the appendage towards the shadows neck. The paw was stopped mid swipe by a hand that was deftly placed between the feline’s arm and Star’s jugular. The feline changed tack as she swung her arm back and instead, used the force to bring her opposite paw smashing into the shadows stomach, causing him to grimace.
Celestia stood in a shocked state, never seeing such audacity at an event before.
The shadow recovered by twisting a two fingered fist and applying it to cat’s side ribs. As the blow connected, she fell to one side with a grunt, allowing for Star to place his knee under her ribs and strike her neck which caused her to flip and land on her back. The cat coughed as she attempted to regain her footing and swept a leg behind Star’s heels, tripping him. As the shadow fell, the feline pounced on him and felt something bulge against her heat. The adorable guard was hard at the sight of her. She smiled knowingly as she raised her claws, ready to maim. Star saw her and threw his open palm at the center of her neck. The feline recoiled as the hit connected, finding it hard to breathe as her throat went into spasms. She clutched her neck and gasped for precious air as Star heaved her off of his frame and drew his weapon from his back. The sword lightly grazed the back of her palms, cutting open the skin on the back of her hands. The cat’s throat stopped pulsing erratically and allowed her to breathe normally again. With steel against her throat she looked up to the ninja that was now looming over her, red eyes piercing hers. A voice that stood cold as the grave reached her delicate ears.
“Yield.”
The cat looked slightly fearful before an apparent thought passed through her mind making her intake a breath sharply and….resumed her calm and sultry demeanour. She raised a paw and placed in on the back of the ninja’s sword hand. Star tried to shake her but she had a very strong grip. The ambassador moved her other paw above his sword hand and raised a claw. The claw fell into the flesh on the back of his hand as she mirrored the injuries she obtained on the backs of her paw. The shadow winced slightly as the incisions were made. The feline simply giggled lightly as the Shadow slowly backed off, hand bleeding and still keeping a cautious eye on her as she rose to her feet. She seemed awfully happy for some reason…
“Found you…” She purred, literally purred as she said those words. Star was confused to say the least. She had been the one that started attacking him and she had finished it by ‘marking’ him and simply smiling at him. It made no god damn sense!
“Sorry miss, but found who?” The ninja seemed awfully perturbed.
“You, silly boy…. You’re someone who could actually hold their own against me. I ain’t ever found someone like that before…till now.” She straightened up and sauntered on over and grabbed the shadow’s face and brought him close for a rather drawn out kiss in front of the princess herself.
The shadow was completely taken by surprise and attempted to move away in embarrassment but the embrace that he was found in was vice like. Her lips were indescribable. The way she played with his, pressing her tongue through them with little resistance. The two took on another battle of a more passionate kind, the tongues dancing for dominance. The kiss broke when the cat finally released a rather flustered Star and sauntered away before slipping past the two with a smile on her face. She turned to face her new ‘playmate’ and winked.
“I guess I’ll see you around boy.”
“Wait! I didn’t even catch your name or who you are.” Star blurted out before thinking.
The cat turned and smiled playfully.
“Ren’ze. But you can just call me Ze. ” She turned and continued without stopping. “As for you, boy, I already know you…Mr. Star…See you later tonight. Oh, and as for whom I am, you will have to work for that…”
Star stood there gobsmacked as the kitty strolled on by. She was good.
“Celestia, I don’t really know what to say about that….” A blush was playing furiously around Star’s face under his hood as the radiant mare simply smiled at her shadow.
“Then don’t say anything, my sweet. Equestria is all for open relationships and you should not feel embarrassed or ashamed to love and hold many close to your heart.” Celestia was still beaming lovingly at him, even after seeing another kiss her lover in front of her.
“I’m not sure that it’s love, dear, but….it’s something.”
The knowledge came as great news to Star. He had known that the princesses were a specialty due to them co-ruling the country. Twilight’s possible addition made his heart soar. The little nerdy mare was the first friend that he had in this strange world. She had offered to house him when he moved to Ponyville.
Caught up in the recollection of memories, star failed to notice Celestia who was staring at the bottom of the hall. At the entrance of the palace, stood six mares, all adorned in different gowns of sorts.
The 6 were his friends. They had arrived! Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie, and Applejack and…. Twilight. Star spoke up first with a radiant smile.
“Hey girls, it’s really nice to see you all again. You all look very beautiful”
Rarity, Fluttershy and Twilight all blushed furiously at his comment. The other girls simply smiled and Pinkie piped up.
“So Star, are you going to party with us tonight? I promise to make it even more super-duper special!”
Star laughed a bit as a muffled scream could be heard in the main hall and a cello screeched loudly.
“I think that I’ll try to make some time for each of you. I do have a duty to do and someone to see later on in the night as of recent events.”
Applejack looked at him with a curiosity after the last statement.
“What d’ya mean by ‘recent events’?”
Star simply smiled and blushed slightly. Ren’Ze had been on his mind since her little scene. How did she know his name and who was she really? He couldn’t deny that she left him desiring….something.
“It’s one of the guests AJ. She was…interesting to say the least.”
The girls gave Star a sarcastically judging look before they giggled and climbed the stairs with surprising grace considering all of the clothing they had on. Each greeted the princess and shared pleasantries such as talk of their dresses and other chatter. Twilight stopped next to Star and simply scooted closer to the human in an affectionate manner. The shadow looked down at her and smiled before lowering himself to her level. The two looked into each other’s eyes before locking lips briefly, each relishing in the reunion. The kiss ended and they slowly moved apart before meeting once more in an embrace.
“I missed you Twi.” Star whispered into the unicorn’s ear as he playfully flicked it.
“I missed you too. The library wasn’t really the same without you. I’ll talk to you later.”
The two parted ways with knowing nods as the guests continued to roll in like a river.
The day was meeting its end and Celestia had finally left the stairs to ascend to her balcony with her sister. The two moved the celestial beings before re-joining their subjects. Star was not far behind Celestia when she looked back with a smile.
“That’s the main part of your guard duty over Star.”
Star was rather surprised.
“Are you being serious? I thought I’d be with you or Luna almost all night.”
Celestia seemed to look at him with lidded eyes and a smirk.
“While I wouldn’t disapprove of that dear, you are your own stallion. Go and enjoy the party. We will call for you if we need you.”
With that, Celestia moved to hold her shadow in an embrace before she moved down the corridor towards the garden, swaying her flank as she walked, giving Star a full view under her dress. Luna was right about her!
Star thought it best to move to the garden too and see what was going down.
The garden was vast to say the least. There must have been at least 200 ponies in attendance at least. The fact that the other races were here and could fit was simply even more impressive. The party seemed to be going without a hitch! The princesses were conversing with some of the lizard ambassadors, Applejack had set up a stall attempting to sell her merchandise (he would need to visit her before the night grew late), Rarity was being nagged by the pompous prick that he had terrified the life out of earlier in the morning and Dash was sitting by a velvet rope which seemingly led to a VIP area. She was probably waiting for those stunt ponies that she liked…what was it? The Wonderbolts? That was it!
She was a true fan. Star chuckled as he looked around for the other girls. They weren’t in sight. Star thought he better get a better vantage point when he heard a shouting from the far corner of the garden.
“You are going to looooove meeee!”
It sounded, strangely, like Fluttershy. Star placed his previous idea to the back of his mind as he dashed towards the sound. As he shot past, party-goers clothing was ruffled and hair do’s were ruined as the artificial gust swept in the shadow’s aftermath.
Star arrived at what he thought the scene of the shout when he heard….panting and sniffling. He moved around a bush to find Fluttershy, staring at the floor…in tears. He walked slowly to her side and sat down next to her, gaining and ‘eep’ from the shy Pegasus.
“Hey Shy, what’s the matter?” Star questioned.
The yellow pony wiped slight tears from her eyes and looked from the floor to the guard next to her.
“*sniff* All the animals are running away from me…I just want to be friends with them.” The mare snuggled into the guard’s side as she cuddled him for comfort. Star returned the hug as he thought.
“Maybe you’re coming on too strong, eh? These animals probably don’t even see anypony most of the time and I’m sure that the party has them more riled than usual. Why, I’d bet that they would be more friendly if it was quieter.”
A thought popped into Star’s head as he looked up with an idea burning behind his eyes.
“Fluttershy…”
The Yellow mare looked up to him again.
“Y-Yes?”
“Follow me.”
Star led her with a hand on her back to a path that was blocked off by two guards. They stood slouched until they saw the Shadow and instantly stood to attention. The left guard spoke as he approached.
“Evening Star, what brings you here?” The human chuckled at how humble the guard was. He was glad that he called him ‘Star’ and not ‘Sir’. The honorific made him feel queasy. He wasn’t a leader.
“I’m taking my friend to see the Moon Pool if that’s ok?”
The right guard joined in with a smile.
“I don’t see why that should be a problem if the highest ranking guard is taking her. Just make sure to not mess with the pool. It’s Princess Luna’s favourite feature.”
“I’ll make sure that it stays in one piece guards. Thank you.”
With that the guards allowed them to pass, Fluttershy not able to meet the guards eyes as she scooted by.
The path was short yet as they walked, they found that the noise of the party was becoming less and less. At the end of the walk, the party could have been almost non-existent. The area in front of them was…quiet. The Moon Pool sat silent as always, the water the same colour as the void that was in between each star in the sky.
Fluttershy looked around and began to smile. All of the animals that she had ‘scared’ had amassed near the pool, all lightly chattering and squeaking. The Pegasus slowly approached and lowered her head, catching the attention of the small pack of animals. They gazed at her with a wave of curious eyes. She moved one hoof out as if to offer her friendship. A small grey bird hopped forward cautiously and looked at her. She simply smiled at it and nodded.
The bird moved to her hoof and moved its head onto its side and placed it on her hoof. A small noise could be heard as Shy smiled the wider than Pinkie did.
‘Squee~’
The yellow mare turned to the shadow and shed a tear.
“Thank you Star. You helped me make a lot of friends tonight.”
She moved towards him and stood on her hind legs before planting a kiss on his cheek. Star blushed as he moved a hand to cover the attacked area. It was sweet…
“It’s no problem Shy, I’ll tell the guards to let you in here whenever you feel like it.”
With goodbyes said and guards informed, Star strolled back to the center of the garden and heard something earth shaking…
*GRRRRLLLLL!!!*
Star looked for what caused the noise when he heard it again and looked down.
*GRRRRLLLLL!!!*
It was his stomach…
“Time for a visit to AJ, I believe.”
The walk was short and uneventful. Star’s eyes soon fell on Applejack’s cart which was laden with bountiful amounts of goods related to her namesake. The mare perked up as soon as he fell in her sight.
“Well howdy Star! Can I get you anything?”
Star looked at her with a smile and started looking over all the goods and began to salivate as he eyed the fruity goods.
“I…..I don’t think that I have the payment for any of this.”
The orange mare chuckled at him.
“Aw shucks Star; I know you’d pay me back eventually.”
The shadow simply shook his head.
“No dear I wouldn’t feel right until I did.”
Star looked at the party then the stall.
“How are sales tonight?”
“They ain’t doin so good Star. Nopony seems to wanna buy from me…”
They weren’t even giving her a chance, too full of their images to be seen eating ‘commoner food’. The orange mare was looking at her products with a sullen face. The sight made Star feel horrible. He started pacing a bit, moving back and forth in an attempt to surface an idea. A buoy broke water in the ocean of his mind as an idea came to life in his head.
“If I could get the sales running in, could I have a few apples?” Star smirked as Applejack’s face lifted.
“Ah think that a few apples could slide in the flurry of sales…that is if you get results.” The orange mare was now mirroring the Shadow’s signature facial feature. He laughed and searched for Luna’s presence in the crowd. A small chime appeared in his head and he felt a warm embrace around his nape. A Starred mane was draped over one shoulder as he looked to his side to find Luna slightly above him. She grinned and nuzzled Star’s cheek.
“You called, Star?
“I did. Luna, would you perhaps care for an apple? Applejack’s family make the best in all Equestria, I promise.”
Luna stopped her cute assault on Star’s cheek and looked towards all of the treats that lay before her.
“I think that would hit the spot right now. All this talking with the feline ambassadors is taking its toll on my stomach. They all seem rather bored. Well…except one. She was smiling from ear to ear for some reason…”
Star’s face felt like it caught fire. He could place bits on which it was. A quick look around showed that she was nowhere in sight, which was followed by a disheartening sigh.
Luna looked at him before shaking her head and choosing some treats. She looked over at the stall and lifted two apples, both red and shining with a furious luster. As she placed the two of them in Star’s dextrous hands, she dispensed 2 gold bits on the counter. Applejack looked in astonishment.
“B-But Princess…the apples only cost 10 copper bits!”
Luna giggled and Star smiled as a crowd gathered at the announcement.
“Miss Applejack, I paid what I thought the apples were worth. In fact, how would your family like to be the royal suppliers for Canterlot Castle?”
Star laughed as Applejack’s bottom jaw hit the floor, helped along with gasps from the crowd.
“W-We……We would be honored Princess.”
Voices called from the back of the crowd that had gathered, clearly sucking up after the princess had bought.
“50 silver bits for the pie!”
“75 silver bits for the fritters!”
Applejack looked at Star for one last time.
“You know what; take as many as you like fella.” A smile sealed the deal.
“I might just take you up on that.”
Luna and Star walked away from the encroaching horde as bits and apples flew around in a desperate clamber for the princess worthy food.
The two ate their snacks as the moved inside, sharing stories from the night so far.
“That was really nice what you did just then.”
Luna smiled.
“For the last few Nightmare Nights, their family has been providing the apples for my games. They are the best I have ever tasted. It only seemed fair.”
Star’s brain took a wander as he walked and, however much he tried was still concerned with the head-turning feline that had been a combatant to him. The woman looked like she was always calm and well-kept. Worst of all was two things. One, he could not stop thinking about her. The mystery was almost unbearable. Two…
He hadn’t seen her all night.
It panicked him a little bit. To know that such a formidable ‘foe’ was lurking at the party. She could have been anywhere.
The thought stopped in its tracks when the music screeched and distorted. Star looked ahead to see Pinkie dancing like a lunatic, being her usual self. The sight put the ninja in one hell of a jovial mood. It’s what she does after all. The nobles however…were not so happy. The nobles were uproarious to her antics. The pink mare stopped dancing and faced the crowd that had gathered.
“What kind of party do you think this is?!”
“Are you bereft of mind?”
“The poor Orchestra…”
The crowd was nothing but negativity! Pinkie looked out to the crowd and saw all of the unhappy faces. It broke her heart. The party mare’s hair began to deflate has she was met with a wall of scorn. The tears were building in her eyes as the archaic room continued.
“Luna…I’ll be right back…” Anger flew subtly through Star’s teeth.
He had seen quite enough! A blast of force cracked its way across the floor as he cut through the crowd. He landed in front of Pinkie and held out a hand with a soft smile. Pinkie looked up with red eyes to see the ninja smiling.
He was her friend. She sniffled and held out her hoof. The shadow took it in hand and with an earth shattering dash, he and the weeping party pony were gone.
A few rooms away, a crack of air split the silence as the two arrived. Pinkie landed safely astride Star, who held her close as if to shield her. The mare walked a few steps away before turning.
“I thought that they would like to party…but they don’t. It’s as if they don’t like being happy!”
She continued her sniffling as a new wave of tears stung her cheeks. Star simply gave a weak smile. He wasn’t sure how to cheer her up. It wasn’t that the nobles couldn’t be happy, it was just that they had a differ….
*DING*
“…ent Perspective of fun…” Star finished his thought verbally. He turned to Pinkie with his revelation.
“Pinkie?”
The teary-eyed mare turned to the shadow.
“What?”
“It’s not that they can’t be happy. It’s just that they have a different perspective of fun!”
Pinkie was confused.
“What do you mean?”
Star started smiling more and more as the answer left his mouth.
“If you remember when you held a birthday for Pound and Pumpkin cake, the party was nice and quiet with games for the kids, right? Well the nobles are similar. Your party techniques just need to be edited for them!”
“Well…..what do they like?”
Star thought good and hard. The Gala had been prepped for such and occasion. It was littered with art, fashion and…..dancing.
Star looked towards Pinkie who was giving him an inquisitive eye.
“Hey Pinkie, do you like dancing?”
The mare’s mane was instantly at full volume as it sprung to life. The tears were now a distant memory.
“DANCING?! I love dancing!”
“Yes, well so do nobles…”
“But I was dancing in the hall….they didn’t seem to be enjoying it then…”
“It’s not their style of dance Pinkie. I’ll bet that they prefer a more slow and….debonair kind of dance.”
The fuzzy pony cocked her head and smiled.
“Do you know a slow dance, Star?”
“Erm…..kind of. When I was young, we had a small ball like party to show us what the feudal lords did at such events. It was the most expensive event we ever had and only happened about 3 times in my life there.”
Pinkie stood and lightly trotted between each hoof awkwardly as a small blush appeared on her face.
“Could…could you teach me?”
Star approached the pink party mare and offered his hand.
“I’d be happy to.”
The throne room was quiet after Star and Pinkie’s disappearance. Luna looked around and saw no sign of either of them.
“I hope that they are alright. She did seem very upset…”
Another crack could be heard as the shadow and party pony appeared back on the throne room floor, just below the band. Star looked up to Luna and gave her a wink before turning to the orchestra.
“Ok guys, I know that you and Pinkie may have gotten off on the wrong foot but I wanna help set things right. Can you play us a nice slow song? Something for a dance that is more…..’Stuck up noble friendly’.”
The orchestra’s Cellist laughed before nodding. Star smiled and headed back to Pinkie.
“Ready Pinkie?”
She looked up to Star with a joyous grin.
“Whenever you are!”
The two held each other, with Star taking a hoof in hand as Pinkie stood on her hind legs. The spare hoof and hand found the opposite partner’s lower back.
The music slowly began with a slow drawn out violin. Star took the lead and stepped to his left with Pinkie’s leg close behind. The dance began as the following steps brought the two into a waltz that left the crowd speechless. Pinkie couldn’t stop smiling as the noble began to stomp quietly, giving approval whilst not interfering with the music. The dance became more intricate as time went on, with dips and spins being incorporated whenever the music turned a corner.
Luna sat in the back of the crowd, looking at her shadow dance. He was incredibly graceful as he moved. The way he led Pinkie was incredible, especially so considering that it was most probably a human dance.
The song came to a close with a heavy gong from a pair of cymbals. The two finished the dance with Pinkie being raised in the air by Star where she stayed for a few seconds, basking in the shouts and applause.
“They loved us! Star, they loved us!”
“No Pinkie, they loved you!”
The tears couldn’t be stopped even if the wanted them to. She dropped down and hugged Star In the mid-section, squeezing the damn life out of him.
“Thank you Star…”
“No problem Pinkie. It’s always a pleasure to help.”
The crowd broke up slowly and Star moved towards the side of the throne room to take a breather.
An empty bench was a sight for sore legs as Star made for it. Sitting down, he began to relax. Nothing was really thrown askew so far and he had been able to spend time with almost all his friends.
Speaking of friends, the VIP area was in sight and Dash was still sat outside. Only this time, she was talking to an orange mare that was wearing a sky blue bodysuit. It must be a stunt-mare from the team that she liked so much. They seemed to be getting on an awful lot, considering the amount of laughter that was going on between them.
Dash couldn’t believe it! She was talking to THE Spitfire, captain of the Wonderbolts! She had an internal Squee as another chuckle escaped both of their lips.
“It’s nice to talk to some fans some time instead of some press, you know?” Spitfire was smiling at the Pegasus as she sat there just glad to be in the same room as her idol.
A rumbling and shouting could be heard from the front gates. Star looked towards the entrance of the throne room to see a myriad of ponies with various sized….cameras?
“Paparazzi!” Spitfire yelled. She turned to face the far side of the throne room.
“Soarin! Scoff that pie in the VIP section, we gotta move!” Spitfire turned to Dash with a small smile.
“Sorry kid but we don’t need to be pestered by the press. We came here to relax. If you get in the VIP, come find us. I’ll save ya a seat.”
Dash’s ears drooped at the news but she nodded with a half-smile.
Star looked over at the crowd of press ponies.
“Geez, lots of people want to talk to the Wonderbolts apparently. I wonder if there is a rumour going around….”
He looked from the group to Dash who was sat on the outside of the VIP looking grumpy. Who could blame her? She just lost her chance to talk with her idols. Anyone would feel the same.
“Let’s pull some more strings, buddy.” With the self-remark made, Star moved towards Rainbow Dash with a grin.
“Hey Dash, Watcha doin’?”
Dash looked at him with a annoyed expression that softened when she saw Star. It wasn’t his fault that she was upset.
“The press scared off the Wonderbolts. They hid in the VIP section and I can’t get in…celebs only or something.”
“Weeeelllll……wanna crash the gate? I am the guard to the princesses you know? Got a few strings I could pull.”
Star would forever remember the face that she pulled. A mix of confusion and elation together.
“REALLY?! That would be so awesome! Oh please please please please!”
They both laughed uproariously.
“Hold on Dash.”
Star sent out a psychic pulse, looking for a certain someone. A tap on the shoulder a moment later followed by a warm hug informed him that said pony had arrived.
“What did you need sweetie? Has someone done something interesting?” Celestia was standing behind Star getting laughs from her shadow and Dash.
“Nothing other than mine and Pinkie’s dance really. I was hoping you could help me and mainly Dash with something. We need to get into the VIP room.”
Celestia raised one eyebrow with a smirk.
“you want to get into an area that is reserved especially for the celebrities so they can attempt to not be pestered by the press, PR agencies and fans?”
Dash and Star both shot their most exaggerated smiles, hoping for a positive response. Celestia had adorned a malicious look on her face.
“Ok, I’ll get you in…on one condition.”
Dash cocked her head to one side.
“What Princess?”
Celestia pointed towards Star with a sultry smile.
“Star will have to owe me one favour, whatever I ask and whenever I ask of it.”
An audible gulp could be heard as Star saw a flicker in Celestia’s eyes, sensing Molly was listening in. Star started turning red.
“When you say whatever you ask….you mea-“
“Whatever I ask Astartes…”
The red blush was now becoming white as Star contemplated what Celestia (or Molly) would ask of…It brought him shudders of fear and arousal at the same time. He looked at Rainbow Dash who was simply looking up at him with eyes that could probably beat Twilight’s puppy dog eyes.
“Erm……d-deal…”
Dash jumped for joy as Celestia mouthed ‘You’re mine now’ to Star. Star felt a twitch in his member as Celestia took on a more professional demeanour to hide her smirking. She approached the guard in front of the entrance to the VIP area.
“Guard, these two are to be treat as VIP’s for the rest of the eve.”
The guard gave a salute to his Princess before unclipping the velvet rope, allowing Star and Dash access to the area. Star turned around to see the flicker in Celestia’s eyes again along with a blown kiss. She sauntered away with an extra swing in her step, now having one up on her mate.
Star turned back around to find Dash gone, lost to the crowd of Celebs. People gave him strange glances. Apparently he was still a commodity here. A light purple unicorn moved on over to the shadow, obviously wanting to make his acquaintance.
“Ah, you must be the new guard for the princess. Mr. Star is it?”
“Yes it is miss…”
“Sparkle, Mr. Star, Velvet Sparkle. I’m an author.”
Sparkle…Could she be related to Twilight?
“Excuse me Miss Sparkle but are you in anyway related to Twilight Sparkle?”
Velvet smiled at hearing the name. She slightly puffed her chest out in pride.
“Yes, I’m her mother. How do you know her?”
He returned the smile. It was nice to meet Twilight’s mother.
“I have lived with your daughter ever since I arrived in this world. She invited me to live in Ponyville until I took the position of shadow. I plan on moving back after the Gala, seeing as I can be in Canterlot whenever I’m needed.”
“You live with my daughter? Is she still sticking her nose in books? Not that I blame her mind you.”
“Miss Sparkle, you would not believe the number per day if I told you…”
The two of them shared a jovial chuckle.
“Well it’s nice to see that she hasn’t changed. I haven’t seen her tonight but I’ll catch her before the night is out. It has been too long since I saw her and it would be nice to catch up with her. She doesn’t come home as much as Shining and Cadence.”
Shining was Twilight’s brother? You learn something new every day apparently.
“Well it was nice meeting you Velvet. If I see Twilight, I’ll be sure to let her know that you are here.”
With a goodbye said, Star looked for the troublesome mare that cost him a favour to a teasing Alicorn. He caught a glimpse of a rainbow mane deep in the crowd and saw Dash sat with the Wonderbolts, talking like she was one of their own. It was probably best to leave them to it; she may not get another chance at it after all.
Star left the VIP area and moved back to the garden. The night was getting late and the weather was still perfect, though with a slight chill to the wind. Star had seen almost every one of his friends, only Twilight and Rarity to go. He set off to find one or the other.
It didn’t take long to hear sighs and grumbling from a certain pearl unicorn. Rarity was with Blueblood again this Gala, being far too generous even for herself. She had put up with it last time as she had done this time and it was driving her insane! This narcissistic oaf would not shut up about himself and how posh and regal he was. How he was a valiant warrior who had slain hundreds of Dragons for maidens such as herself.
Rarity needed a nice hard wall to beat her skull into. Anything that would shut this stallion up would be a blessing!
Star was watching with interest at the garden scene. Rarity was going to tear her hair sprayed mane out at this rate. He needed an entry that would top his last if this was going to work. And he knew just who to get the supplies from. He set a course for a certain stall….
Rarity was sitting on a bench beside Blueblood who was eating a plate of caviar, all whilst talking about his latest ‘ventures’ to lost ruins that even Celestia and Luna did not know of. This was getting too much for the ivory mare to take. Soon she would have to be led away in a strait jacket.
“I hope someone saves me…” she silently wished.
“Heads up!” A voice cried out, causing both Blueblood and Rarity to turn to their left. Blueblood’s eyes flew wide as a projectile hit him smack bang in the center of his muzzle.
A pie. It was apple pie to be exact.
Rarity was sniggering in a very un-ladylike manner as Blueblood wiped the apple from his face.
“Show yourself you cowa-“
*SPLAT*
Another landed perfectly in the center of his face from out of nowhere. Rarity was now in silent tears as she was desperately clinging to her noble performance, secretly hoping for another pie to rocket Blueblood’s way.
Her wish was granted as another hit him square in his mane, ruining his hair and covering his clothes. The unicorn mare had completely lost it at the sight of the prince’s state.
The stallion was really losing his patience by now. The onslaught of pies was causing no shortage of discomfort and annoyance.
“WHO GOES THERE?!”
A familiar voice appeared to ring behind him, still as cold as the first time that he had heard it.
“Me…”
“AAAHHHHHHH!”
Blueblood turned to be met with another two pies which hit both the back of his head and the front.
“Who are you?!”
“I’m Ba-“Oh sod it, he had already come this far and it seemed the perfect moment. Star took in a lungful of air as Blueblood wiped apple from is eyes.
“I’M THE MOTHER-BUCKING BATMAN!”
A moment of silence later saw a flash and flying piece of apple goop as the stallion teleported away.
Rarity could finally embrace the hilarity of recent events now that the imbecile was gone. She clutched her sides as she practically screamed in laughter.
“That…that AAAHAHAHAHA…..Was BRILLIANT!” She could barely contain herself.
Star simply walked over and put his pie down as he sat on a nearby bench. Rarity soon joined him. She finally stopped cawing like a mad mare and regained control over herself.
“Star, you don’t know how happy I am that you did that. That twit was really chafing my patience. I tried to be nice and give him a chance to prove that he was caring but he just isn’t.”
“I know Rarity. I actually terrified him this morning on orders of the princesses. You should have been there. He fainted!”
More laughter ensued. The two finally got up and embraced in a friendly hug before walking to the center of the garden party. Rarity left with some stallion called ‘fancy pants’. Star had to stop himself from giggling as he handed her over.
The night was becoming late and Star decided to get a vantage point of the garden in hopes of finding Twilight. The trip to the top of the garden entrance of the castle, which was much lower than the throne room but high enough that no one would pay him any mind should they ever manage to spot him.
The party was almost at an end and he had not seen Ren’Ze all night. She was the main woman that Star had wanted to find. Mainly because it felt like she was hiding from him but then again, it felt the same with Twilight. Maybe she had already left.
Star looked at the wounds on the back of his hands and saw the injuries that Ze had inflicted. He wanted to know what they meant. He wanted to get to know her. She was intriguing to say the least. He sighed at the missed opportunity.
“Oh well…”
“Oh well what boy?” Star froze, half in fear and half in happiness. He hadn’t heard a single noise…but he had heard a wonderfully silken voice call him. Who else would be up here?
Star was about to turn when he felt arms rush under his and embrace him. He felt soft breasts on his back and a warm breath on his neck.
“Ze, how did you know I was up here?”
A small chuckle could be heard.
“I always knew where you were Star. I was following you for a while. You get up to some interesting things for being a guard. You have barely been around the princesses all night. How would you know if they were in danger?”
Star was about to answer truthfully but stopped himself. He barely knew this woman. She could have been anything without his knowing.
“I’m sure that word would have gotten to me if they needed me.”
The hug that Star was in tightened, pulling him closer towards the cat. Ze smiled as she nuzzled his neck with her soft cheek.
“You are a terrible liar boy. I bet you have a telekinetic link with them of some sort. And with the distance you have been from them, I bet you can teleport or something akin to it.”
She struck the nail right on the head.
“You must have a lot of experience with lying Ze.”
She laughed louder than he expected.
“You have to when you are in my profession.”
“And what profession would that be?”
Ze slowly released her arms from around Star, allowing the freedom to turn around. As he turned around, a dark blur tackled him across the roof, landing with a thud near the edge. On top of him was his feline friend who was smirking with lidded eyes.
“I don’t think that information can be so easily bought boy. Do you have something worth trading?”
Star cast his own smirk.
“What would you want for such information?”
Ze laughed before smiling in full, presenting all her sharp teeth. Star felt quite nervous under the cat.
“I think that a kiss would do boy. I loved our last and I didn’t get enough time to truly sample you.”
“I could do that. You did surprise me earlier.”
“It wasn’t part of the plan until you laid me under you. I felt such a rush! It was such a turn on.”
Star blushed as he felt his cock twitch under Ze’s heat. She would have totally felt that!
“Well…getting hot and bothered are we? Let’s just kiss for now. We don’t want to rush things.”
Ze and Star both laughed quietly as they both moved towards each other. Ze held Star’s hands over the edge of the roof and lowered herself so her breasts were pressing on the shadow’s chest. The two leant in and locked lips in another passionate fight. The kiss flustered the ninja and feline as both tongues fought each other for dominance. They danced with each other for what seemed like hours, paws starting to roam over the guard’s chest, feeling his muscles and form. Star was looking to the closed eyes of Ze. This woman was truly something. He definitely felt for her. It was something fierce too. It felt almost like the love he had for Celestia, Luna and Twilight but with a more dangerous side. The kiss slowly came to an end as both parties left each other in a dreamy like state with dopey smiles pasted on both of their faces. Ze smiled and moved a claw up Star’s face. She whispered in the calmest voice she could muster.
“I’m an Assassin, boy.”
Silence….
“………”
Ze laughed rather loudly.
“You think that I’m here for you or your friends don’t you?”
The thought was definitely there! Being an Assassin would explain the move set.
“Well…” Star slowly began to smirk. “It would explain the poison that you have in the pellet behind your top left canine.”
Ze was pleasantly surprised at the news.
“You found that did you?”
“Yeah and I also found the knife you hid on your thigh too because it’s now stabbing me slightly.”
Both laughed, Star’s laugh laced with nervousness.
“Star, do not worry. I’m not here to kill you or your friends. Even your lovers aren’t on my list. I was here to get information on a Gryphon ambassador. “
Star was hyperventilating with relief on the inside as the news rolled off her tongue.
“You know that with this information, I should arrest or kill you, right?”
Ze moved in for another kiss. The lips met in a series of brief kisses.
“Yes…but….I…bet…you….won’t.”
Star cocked his head to one side.
“And why is that my dear?”
Ze rubbed his cheek with a paw once more, now far more lovingly.
“Because I have come to like you and you have come to like me. You’re fun to be with, boy.”
While it was a bit embarrassing to have it said so vocal but it was true. This woman was crafty and an Interesting tease that he had come to enjoy all too much.
“That’s true to a ‘T’ Ze. So what will you do now?”
Ze leapt up from lying on her ‘playmate’ and skipped to the edge of the building.
“I think I’m going to steal some rich people’s money and go to Canterlot for a bit. I might come and visit you some time in…Ponyville is it? I could never go without seeing my favourite guard now could I?”
Star felt a blush on his face.
Just before Ze jumped, she turned with a smirk.
“Oh, before I go I would just like to say thanks you for the darts.”
Darts? Star felt for his pocket darts and found most of them missing. He’d been robbed!
“You thief!” Star joked.
“What can I say? I’m a regular cat burglar.”
Palm met face at the awful pun. Star looked up with a calm expression and simply smiled.
“It’s ok I suppose…especially when I got this in return.”
Star pulled a very ornate dagger from his sleeve. It was a shining steel blade with a gold and jade handle and pummel.
“Hey!”
Ze placed her hand up her dress to the leather holster that the dagger had been in to find it as indeed, empty.
“See you around Ze.” Star chuckled as Ze blew him a kiss.
“I will be back for that someday, boy.” Ze leapt from the roof and landed in the garden with a light thump. She quickly adjusted herself and moved to a crowd, no doubt to pilfer pockets and receive riches.
The night was rolling to an end and parties were leaving left right and center. One thing had been clear all night. Twilight had not been seen at all. What is Ze was lying? What if she had killed Twi?! A cold panic set over Star at the thought of finding Twilight dead somewhere.
Star leapt from the roof and landed on the soft, well-trimmed grass of the garden. Where could she be? Her old room? The Ballroom? He needed answers. Star thought he should see the other five.
Dash, Rarity, Pinkie, Fluttershy and Applejack were all waiting just outside, carriage waiting when Star came bolting out the front door of the castle. He began to slide as he quelled his speed and came to a firm stop in front of all the mares.
“Have you guys seen Twilight? I can’t seem to find her.”
Rarity gasped as the others all gave a look of surprise. Shy stuttered something awful at the news.
“M-May-Maybe she went to see her mother? Dash told me that Miss Velvet was here.”
That could explain it, but none of her closest friends had seen spit of her all night. Star was panicking even more. His mind wandered to the worst possible situations. He shook all of the thoughts from his head as he thought of someone who could definitely help. He looked around and felt for a presence. The familiar warm glow entered his mind and A white Alicorn appeared in front of the group.
“Star, what is it? You seem troubled…”
“We can’t find Twilight. She hasn’t been seen all night.”
Celestia laughed before embracing her shadow.
“You care so much, don’t you? Well I have a good idea as to where she is. Follow me.”
Star and company followed behind the towering Alicorn, taking turns and twists through the labyrinth of the castle. Celestia led the group to……the royal library.
*SMACK x6*
Star face-palmed and the other five mares face-hoofed. Where else would the librarian be?
“I’ll bet she is reading like she used to when she learnt here at the castle.” Celestia moved to the door and opened it. The door came ajar with a loud creaking as light fell into the chamber. There was a table inside with a candle, burning at the stub. The table was surrounded on all sides by a gargantuan wall of books. Almost as tall as the princesses towers. On the table was a familiar purple unicorn, snoring cutely into a book like Star had found her so many times at home. He smiled and moved over to the desk, kneeling down to the sleeping mares eye level before planting a kiss on her nose. A shuffle could be seen as Twilight made to scratch the irritation. Star chuckled as the other girls looked on with smiles adorning their faces.
Another kiss found Twilight’s cute nose and she made more of a move, now slowly moving her head up as she awoke, eyes hazy from the sleep. She opened them to see the human staring her in the face. She gathered magic in her horn and pulled the Shadow over the desk and into her hooves. She hugged him for all she was worth. Star was being lovingly snapped in half. He simply returned the hug with fervor. The two smiled at each other as the locked lips, enjoying the moment. A collection of ‘aws’ could be heard from around them.
“You ready to go Twi?” Star let her go as she rose from her chair.
“I don’t know. I’d rather stay the night with you if that’s ok.”
Star smiled brilliantly.
“I’d like that.” Star moved into to whisper in Twilight’s ear. “I am very tired right now however, so it will be just sleep.”
Twilight blushed at the accusation. Not that she would have been pushing the idea but….
“OK! We’ll get going now so we’ll catch you love birds tomorrow.” Pinkie bounded out the library with the others all left in bewilderment. The thought was quickly run against the expectations of pinkie and everyone shrugged. The group soon left with hugs and goodbyes said and done. Celestia had hugged her lover for one last time that night before she went to bed for the remainder of the night. Luna had not been seen since the incident with Pinkie and she was most likely patrolling Equestria. Ze was happily living the night life of Canterlot and Star……Star was going to bed.
With the mare he’d waited all week to be with.
The two arrived at the room that they had first met in. Star entered first and held the door open for Twilight and she nodded her head slightly before entering. The room had been cleaned since his last use of it the previous morning. He began to undress on the journey to the bed, soon being in nothing but his boxers. Twilight simply sat down on the bed and waited for Star to join her.
Star removed all his weapons, including the one that he had gained from Ze which was truly beautiful. Shame he lost his darts.
The journey to bed was quick and soon Star found himself being big spoon to Twilight.
With one arm draped over her, they both sighed peacefully before giving in to the silent contentment of the night.
The sleep was welcoming and Star felt his conscious slip into bliss. His muscles relaxed as his mind took its time to wander. A flash of light and Star found himself lying in a vast field in the midst of a clear night. The sounds of nocturnal creatures could be heard on the fringes of the area.
He rose to his feet and began to walk the field and saw…doors. There were a few scattered far from each other. They were all different with some being small wooden arched doors and some practically looked like two large slabs placed together.
“What is this place? Am I dreaming?”
To test the idea, Star thought of an apple, but not just any apple. He thought of best damn apple that he would ever have. As the thought crossed his mind and opened his hand, Star felt a weight fall onto his open palm. He turned to face the appendage and saw the very apple that was in his mind’s eye staring at him. He took a bite and crunched it slowly, gauging it’s flavour and texture. It was crisp and juicy beyond imagining! After few satisfied grunts and manic chewing, Star had practically vaporised the poor thing to the core. He thought of a bin to place it in and it was soon so. The core fell into the open bin and disappeared with a pop.
“This is rather fun!”
“Is it now?”
The voice was threw Star into a slight panic as he froze. What was it? He turned his head to find out what he was not controlling and gazed upon a familiar sight. It was the night princess herself. But why was she here?
“Luna, are you real or just some figment of my imagination?”
“I’m rather real my dear; I can enter dreams at will to help safeguard the night in all forms. Your dreamscape was rather hard to enter...I usually slip into a dream like treading through water but with you it was akin to trudging through honey.”
Star felt around him, getting a handful of short grass for his troubles. Much like the apple, this felt like it was truly real. He was breathing when he had no need to. He could do anything here. He pictured two beanbags and, sure enough, two beanbags became corporal before the two. The human moved to one and gave it a single prod to test its solidity before sitting down on it and offering the other to the princess of the night. Luna humbly accepted and mirrored her shadow’s actions.
“So Luna, what brings you into my dreamscape?”
Luna blushed slightly as she gingerly pawed at the ground.
“I-I just wanted to spend some time with you… you are always asleep when I rule.”
Star felt quite guilty at the realisation. Other than the Gala earlier, Star was never out to enjoy the night that he had once cherished almost religiously.
“Well it may be in my dreams but I see that I have been neglecting you. Luna, would you like to spend the ‘Night’ with me?”
The princess giggled and rose from her beanbag.
“I would be honoured Star.”
The two joined each other and Luna’s horn glowed slightly. A small flicker of light later and a door appeared out of nowhere. Star jumped slightly.
“I thought that I was the one dreaming, how the hell did you do that?”
“I can control dreams, remember?”
“Well, where does that door lead?”
Luna gave the slyest grin that she could muster.
“That door, dear Star, leads to your desires. I thought we could do something together and what better than to embarrass you, dear?”
Star gulped nervously as Luna continued.
“So tell me Star, what do you really desire?”
Luna moved to the door and moved a hoof to the handle. Star was behind her now as she opened the door slightly. An odour was emanating from the door and it smelled like…Pancakes?
“That is a strange thing to desire Star…”
A nervous laugh and a sigh left the shadow’s lips.
“Well I did just change it at the last second…It was way too embarrassing before that.”
“What was it? Come on, tell me!”
“I…er….just open the door.”
Luna continued with her previous action and smiled whilst blushing at what she saw.
It was Star, well, four of him. They were all cuddling a different individual. Luna saw a copy of herself with one of them, snuggling with her shadow. She blushed and looked away from the image before her. The others that were being cuddled were her sister, Celestia, Twilight Sparkle and a Feline of some sort.
“Who is that Dear?”
Star looked nervously at Luna, attempting to gauge how she would take the news. A small huff from the Shadow had him spill what he knew.
“That is Ren’ze, Luna. She is an ambassador that attended earlier at the Gala. We talked some and I rather like her. She was the one that fought me on the front stairs if Celestia told you.”
“Why would you have feelings for someone that attempted to hurt you?”
The shadow looked to his hand and remembered when he had received the wound well seeing as how it was only a few hours ago…
“Apparently I was the only one to beat her in single combat. After that she plagued my mind until rather recently where we had a moment. We kissed and talked and it was…nice, really nice.”
Luna giggled before sighing heavily.
“I’ll never understand stallions…”
The room, beside the snuggling love interests, had very little in it. There was a whetstone, a collection of darts and a pair of wings. Luna was looking at the wings in particular.
“You wish to fly, Star?”
Star looked to the wings and then to his princess.
“Yeah! As a human, we could only fly in our dreams.” To make his point more clear, Star began to rise from the ground, hovering slightly. “Having the ability to fly would be a dream come true. That combined with my speed, I could be anywhere at any time!”
Luna pondered the desire and looked at her own pair of wings.
“I guess if I could not fly then I would feel the same.”
With the point duly noted, Star popped a new door into existence. Luna was slightly shocked and jumped slightly upon the door appearing.
“What door is that Star?”
“Let’s enjoy ourselves Luna.”
The shadow walked up to the door and placed his hand on a print in the center of the door. It opened with a quiet whoosh of air and inside laid a small table with drinks and food which was being shouldered by two thick red leather armchairs. All of the room was dimly illuminated by a roaring fire in front of the chairs. Star stepped to the side of the open door and extended one hand inside, offering Luna a seat. Luna walked in to further inspect the room.
The room was small and rather homely. Apart from the table and chairs, the room sported ornate walls that were covered in art which seemed like ancient looking pieces that seemed to have come from a time similar to Equestria’s archaic age. The pictures were nearby small wall mounted candles that glowed with a low orange tint. The main feature to Luna was the presence of a large window that gazed out onto the field that they were just present on with two major differences.
First was that the field was watched by her celestial being, the moon in its full glory. It was radiating soft light onto the field below. The other difference was the addition of her moon pool that was residing in the center of the field. It was identical, right down to the black water that reminded her of the void she had called home for 1000 years. “Why is my moon pool here Star?”
Star turned from looking at a portrait with wide eyes of surprise to face the window. He looked out to the pool and his eyes rested when he gazed upon it.
“It’s simply very beautiful. Much like its owner.”
The flattery had worked its charm and left Luna with a rose tint on her dark muzzle. She gingerly pawed the floor before looking at the chairs and moving over to them. She chose the one closest to the window and placed her behind in it. Star quickly followed suit and pulled a bottle of scotch from seemingly nowhere and poured a glass for him to drink.
“Would you like something Luna?”
“Yes dear but I’ll fetch it.”
Luna placed her horn higher in the air and a small hole appeared. From the hole came a bottle of black liquid. It looked ancient!
“Luna, what is that?”
She un-corked the bottle and inhaled the aroma. It was powerful and finely aged.
“This, Star is my personal reserve. There is only four bottles in existence. This one is a perfect copy that I have created. It’s nice to be able to recreate it without wasting it. Perhaps one day I’ll treat you to a glass.”
“How old are they?” The bottles were truly something to behold. They were in the shape of a crescent moon with a flat surface and had small grey rocks slowly orbited the opening. The glass looked like obsidian which seemed to be Luna’s favourite decorative material.
“They were bottled and enchanted on the day of my birth. Celestia has some bottles too. Each of our collection is worth more than Canterlot individually.”
“T-That…..is one hell of a vintage….”
“Indeed”
With both of the drinks poured, the two began to enjoy the refreshments while sharing stories from their lives.
“BAHAHAHA…..oh man she would have been pissed!”
“It is true. My sister had a bright orange mane for at least a week.”
“Oh man, I wish I could have seen her face! Hahahaha..” Star was coughing from laughing so hard.
Luna laughed with him. Celestia was attempting to kill her that day. She was going on a date that night too. It made the prank all the better to the self-proclaimed queen of practical jokes. They were fond memories…
Star finally pulled himself together and sat up. To see Celestia’s face on that day would have indeed been brilliant. He put his glass down and stood up for a stretch. The moon was radiating beauty and Star could feel it. The glow was unmatched! Its brilliance knew no bounds in the comforts of his dreams. An idea was fast on approach and it was not going to be ignored.
“Luna, would you like to come flying with me?”
The princess of the night looked at Star with jubilation.
“Star, I would love to fly with you.”
The couple rose from the chairs and moved to the window. With a simple push, the window flew open and Star took to the sky. He felt the warm night air caress his skin as he turned. Luna followed suit and spread her wings. Her primary feathers shook in the wind as they moved graciously through the air. The two joined up before taking hand in hoof.
“It’s wonderful to do this Luna, to be with you under your moon.”
Luna was crimson! For a man to possess such audacity was something unheard of in Equestria. She slightly curled her wing.
“You are far too kind Star; this is your moon tonight.” The two took on a very elegant pose and began to circle slowly, simply enjoying each other’s company. Music akin to that of the ball room a nigh earlier suddenly started playing from nowhere. It was soft and calming, but still fast enough to allow a slow waltz. The two danced under the stars for what seemed like hours doing daring dives and rapid spins that could dazzle the finest dancers. To fly and dance was a rarity in Equestria yet Star took to it naturally.
“Star, This is incredible. You have made me feel like a grand mare tonight. A true princess.”
Luna shed tears as she brought Star into an embrace. The hug was vice-like and Star returned it with vigour. A question hit him then and there. Wasn’t Luna supposed to be ruling right now?
“Luna, how are you here if you are holding night court?”
Luna giggled like a schoolgirl. It suited her strangely well…almost too well.
“A dream that lasted this long isn’t even as long as the time it takes to bat an eyelid.”
“That is…impressive. Well maybe I’ll see you around later tonight if I wake up.”
Luna looked surprised. She was hoping that this night…would last forever. Her shocked features softened as she accepted that her time to rule was returning.
“Very well. I’m looking forward to it. Goodnight Star.”
“Goodnight Luna.”
The two moved together for a last embrace and a passionate kiss before Luna opened a rift in the dreamscape. As the rift opened, Luna felt a nasty spike of pain in the back of her head. It caused her no small means of discomfort as it felt like something was ejected from her. She looked back at her shadow to see him smiling something fierce. She thought nothing of it and continued on into reality.
Star looked at the landscape that he was left in and found it colder, like something was here that was not meant to be. He thought it best to wake up for a while to clear his thoughts. He closed his eyes for a moment before feeling the land crack and creak as the dreamscape collapsed slowly. As Star opened his eyes for the last time to see the world folding and for the slightest glimmer of time… A single black crystal that chilled him to his bone as he gazed upon it.
As Star departed to the world of the waking, the small crystal resonated with a somber tone before a voice could be heard.
“What do we have here?”
The dreamscape was now becoming a dark library, most likely the stores of knowledge of its owner and he was nowhere to be seen. The crystal rolled itself onto the center floor before sparking with black arcs of electricity. The arcs became more sporadic as they began to reach a critical mass. The library was being blown around like no one’s business and the crystal would soon blow...
Star awoke in his bed. The covers were still upon him and yet…he felt cold. Twilight was still snuggled up beside him and she was still snoring as cute as ever. The little mare had no idea what had happened tonight and to think that it had only lasted for less than a blink of an eyelid but it had felt as though he had spent an entire night with his princess of the night.
Deciding that bed was not the place for him right now, Star got out of bed, making sure to not wake Twilight. The first port of call for any sane man when he got out of bed was the bathroom. Star headed to the en-suite bathroom to ‘empty himself’. The bathroom was smooth black tiling with a ebony side table for belongings. The shower was spacious and left little to be desired. The toilet was fit for human use easily and was made of dark porcelain. The business was taken care of and Star moved over to the sink to clean his hands. He looked up to the mirror and saw…something.
It was somewhat resembling a shadowed predator…it had red eyes and fangs. It looked like it was smiling at him! A voice could be heard inside his head as the creature in the mirror began to move its maw.
“Evening mortal….”
The thing sounded female and sultry at that. Regardless, it was staring him down, unblinking, as though he was a piece of meat.
“Who or what the hell are you?”
The creature laughed. It was a small chuckle that echoed through his head.
“I am a half to a whole. At least, I was. I’m shackled no longer thanks to you and for that you have my gratitude.”
Free? What does it mean? Star hadn’t done anything. He had just spent a ‘night’ with Luna. It was nothing more.
The creature interrupted his train of thought.
“Actually mortal you did indeed do something. You chose to love Luna…an in doing so, I fed off of your feelings, no matter how brief and used the power to split myself from her. I am…nightmare moon!”
This was the evil mare in the moon? She seemed to look more like a fanged Alicorn. She was midnight black and sported a crown like Luna and Celestia except it was a sparkling light blue material. The material also made her chest plate and probably her shoes if he could see them. The pony began to walk towards Star as if she was going to walk out of the mirror.
Nightmare took tentative steps to the edge of the mirror, as nervous as she was elated. To finally be free once more was something that she had waited for since her banishment. This creature had given her ticket to freedom. The poor fool! She placed one hoof on the mirror and found that it bent slightly as she pressed.
Star was panicking. What if this mare was here to kill him? Sure he was an experienced fighter, but she was a goddess. Still It looked like she was having trouble leaving the mirror.
“Curse this infernal mirror! I do not possess enough strength to break free entirely yet! RAAAGH” Nightmare’s thoughts were roiling. To be trapped within the body of this human. He must have some source of energy that she could use! ANYTHING!
Star was feeling funny, like someone was pressing on the inside of his skull. The pain was becoming intolerable. Nightmare couldn’t leave his body for some reason.
“I’m not sure that this is going to be good….” Star thought to himself nervously.
“I believe that you are correct, human.” Nightmare, sharing his body, had no problems reading his thoughts.
“Stop that!”
Star could practically feel her smile.
“What are you going to do about it, tough guy? Are you going to come in here and punish me?”
The ninja’s blush could have guided boats to port. While she was good at putting him on edge, he couldn’t help but gaze at her flanks one or 5 times.
“Ok….how is this going to work? I mean I could tell Luna or Celestia that you are in my head and they could remove you without any fuss.”
A powerful laugh could be heard leaving Nightmare’s lips.
“I don’t think so, foalish human. If I go by force, your brain won’t be able to take the trauma. You would die and it would be your fault.”
That threw a huge wrench in the tiny works. Star had no intention of dying any time soon.
“Then I’ll ask again. How is this going to work?”
Nightmare thought for a moment before attempting something devious.
Star felt a tingling in his crotch. It felt funny and incredible. The tingles were becoming more and more pronounced which caused his knees to give out from under him. Nightmare was laughing all the while as she admired her effort.
The human needed to know what the hell was making him feel so good. He slowly removed his boxers to find something rather interesting. How he had not noticed it before taking off the shorts was a wonder. He was...growing.
“What the fuck?! Why would you do that?”
Nightmare couldn’t take her eyes off of her hoofy-work. It was quite something! She began to giggle evilly.
“Think of it as a gift for the trouble that I might cause you in my stay. Also….” Nightmare shot Star a fanged grin “I will be needing something from you and to do so…I need to make another adjustment…”
Before Star could say a thing, Nightmare got to work her magic, causing Star’s nether region to burn up again only this time…it was in his testes. He felt them churn painfully, like something was pushing them from the inside. Star couldn’t help but fall to the floor in a ball to attempt to cope with the pain.
“CHRIIIIST!!!! What are you doing now?!”
“I’m editing your…virility. I will need it.”
What? She needed his ‘essence’? The thought of having the midnight black princess around his new appendage was rather arousing…
“I’m glad that you think so…”
“GAH! Stop that! It was bad when Celestia and Luna did that the first time that we met.”
“I don’t have a choice. I’m literally in your mind!”
“I can see that this is going to be a pain of a relationship already…”
Nightmare huffed sarcastically.
“You didn’t even buy me dinner and you say that were dating.”
“I’ll make sure that the next thing I think of is a nice meal then, eh?”
Nightmare chuckled. Not in a cruel sounding way but rather in an ‘I’m actually amused’ kind of laugh.
Star’s body had finally stopped hurting and all the changes had finished. Star was looking at the changes that were made and was still amazed. Below his waist where his member resided was more of a damn pole. While mares might be happy, Star could only think of it as an inconvenience. Although….there is some pride as a man to be had with something like that belonging to yourself. The other change was in his testicles. They were no bigger but felt… painfully full. To his due, Star had not ‘dealt’ with that problem since he had relieved himself in Twilight’s bathroom almost a month ago.
“Ok miss Moon, you can stay for now; but don’t think that I’m going to trust you.”
Nightmare looked at him with a smile on her face.
“Don’t worry dear…I don’t need for you to trust me. In the meanwhile, I’ll help myself to your mind. There must be some good things in here. Then after a while of that I’ll start taking your ‘energy’.”
“Will anything happen to me?”
Star looked down to his twins. Something told him that it was going to hurt.
“You will probably feel really good and all that pressure down there will go over the course of the night.”
A sigh of relief later had Star finishing up in the bathroom and opening the door to the bedroom. On the bed, Twilight had shuffle out of the covers and was now lying with her flank facing the shadow. He felt his new monster twitch as he caught sight of her rear. Twilight really did have a huge ass for a cute little mare. Another thing that was different was the stark lack of a stol-‘re-appropriated’ dagger on the table next to his pillow. In fact, there was a note where it once lay.
It read:
Good morning Boy,
Just to let you know that I couldn’t resist breaking in to your room to ste-‘re-appropriate’ my dagger. I hope to see you again at some point.
Till next time, Ze
Star looked at the message with a smile.
“That sneaky feline.”
Nightmare looked at the note also.
“She seems to have a very impressive way of stealing things…”
“It’s just how she is. Goodnight Nightmare.”
“Goodnight…Star.”
With the final words said between the two, Star hopped back into bed aside Twilight, not bothering to re-equip his undergarments. His member nestled itself comfortably between Twilight’s buns. As awkward as it felt, Star felt peaceful.
“I hope I roll in my sleep…”
His duty a big spoon resumed, Star closed his eyes and left the dark lands to the mistress of dreams to rule till dawn.
The dawn broke through the vast windows of the room and hit Star in the face. Once again, it was as though Celestia was bending light into his face.
“This is the second time Celestia” Star muttered to himself whilst holding back a slight chuckle. Last night was interesting beyond belief. He had a brilliant night with all of his friends, made new friends, spent time with one of his princesses and found out that an evil pony had taken up residence in his body.
“I heard that!” A roar echoed inside Star’s mind. Apparently someone was cranky…
“Aw, did someone not sleep well?” Star was quipping playfully at the mare in the moon.
“I couldn’t really help it when I was up all night reading inside your mind. What in Tartarus is a helicopter?”
“It’s a kind of machine that let humans fly. It’s a rather interesting piece of tech if you ask me.”
As the words left his mouth, a rustling could be felt on the other half of the bed. Star to his side to see a snoring purple unicorn snuggling his arm. She was so damn cute! Twilight was just the way he had left her last night and Star couldn’t help but run a hand through her mane which elicited pleasured sighs from his mare.
“She really is beautiful. I’m glad that we became friends.”
Another huff could be heard.
“I beg to differ…If she and her friends had not used the elements of harmony against me, the night would have lasted forever!”
“And look at where that attitude has landed you miss grumpy guts.”
Nightmare sighed in a….lusty manner.
“I may be weak, my dear human, but I can still do many things to you. Even if it is mental...” As the words were ushered, Star saw a flash of images of the women he held dear being pumped full of cum from unknown stallions which turned him on more that it should of…
Nightmare continued “Or physical changes…”
Another pulse of energy and Star could feel his left arm numb at her command. Star laughed quietly at her little display of power.
“Ok Nightmare, now come one let’s get up. Who knows what today shall entail.”
“Do I really have a choice?”
“Not yet it would seem…”
After slowly dislodging an adamant cuddling machine from his arm, Star rose from bed and gave a stretch, feeling every bone in his body click as he reached for the sky.
“Damn that feels good…” A rustling from behind him was indicating that Twilight was stirring. Looking down, Star noticed that his new appendage and for that matter, all of him was laid bare. He was about to make a mad sprint for his clothes when the thought was dashed from his mind.
“I’m practically dating Twilight now, why would she mind me being naked? It’s not like she wears anything…” Star thought to himself.
He sat back down on the bed and began to rub his eyes as a hoof found its way onto his chest. The feeling was warm and soft, as tender as an angel’s caress.
“Good morning, handsome.” Twilight was sitting behind her lover with one hell of a case of bed mane.
“Good morning miss crazy hair. Sleep well?”
Twilight responded with a tight hug and a sensual sigh. The noises were slowly beginning to get to Star.
“It was the best I have had in a long time thanks to you.”
Star heard a sigh of disgust inside his head. It was no doubt Nightmare disapproving of the sappy morning talk. He simply giggled inwardly and rose again to move to his clothes.
Twilight took in his form as he left the bed. This was the first time that he had been voluntarily naked in front of her! Albeit, he was facing away but Twilight noticed the…addition bobbing between his legs and it caused a flush like no other. Star turned back to her to offer a comforting smile before returning to deal with his clothes.
The clothes that he had worn last night were a tad worn and for that he was thankful that Rarity had fashioned a small collection of them for him. She even threw in a nice pair of casual clothes too. They were simple, featuring a white t-shirt and light grey jeans. The footwear that came with the set was a pair of simple shoes which were black with matching laces. It was truly a nice gesture.
“So Twilight, what’s on the agenda today?”
Twilight moved off of the bed and towards Star. The table beside the bed had a small comb amongst many things. Twilight grabbed it with her magic and began to tame the beast that had become of her hair as she approached.
“I don’t really think that there is anything that needs doing today. I’m heading home; do you have anything that the princesses need doing?”
“Not that I know of…”
“Well if there’s nothing stopping you, can you come back to Ponyville today?”
Star pondered slowly.
“I think that I’m actually free today too. I’ll check with Celestia before we make any moves.”
The shadow equipped his casual attire before moving to Twilight to plant a kiss on her cheek. The purple unicorn blushed almost as much as when she had seen her colt- er, boyfriend in the nude.
“I’ll make a zip to see Celestia. Is there anything that you need from her Twi?”
Twilight moved towards the bathroom before calling out.
“Just send the princess my thanks for the night cap.”
“I will. See you soon dear.”
And with that, Star was out into the corridor.
The walk was quick and a lot of it was spent whistling and quipping with Nightmare.
“Well maybe next time you think to show me a feat of strength, you don’t numb my features. I need that stuff.”
“Maybe if you paid me more respect, I wouldn’t have to make an example of such a…insubordinate subject.”
“That sounded awfully…husky, Nightmare.”
“Well what would you be like if you had over one thousand years without anyone to keep you company? Sure I had Luna but she is practically another side of me. I’ll bet that Celestia has another side too.”
“Aw, is the widdle princess pent up?”
A grating of teeth could be heard throughout Star’s psyche.
“Well if you can find time to taunt me so, then maybe you would care to prove your metal in here with me?!”
“Was that a challenge?!” Star thought to himself.
“You can think of it as that, yes.”
“Well then, I guess that I could have a ‘battle’ with you at some point in the week.”
Nightmare appeared in Star’s vision. It was as though she had appeared in front of him. A cold, shoe shod hoof cupped the man’s cheek.
“I’m looking forward to it, peasant.” With a motion, Nightmare brought her fanged maw to Star’s face and delivered a long, slow, sensual lick over his cheek which caused the human to shudder.
As Star recovered, Nightmare vanished back into his mind with nothing but a giggle in head to guarantee that she was even there. It was another thing for another time and Star could not dally.
The throne room was nice and quiet that morning with the guards in their usual locations but far more lax. That was the case, until they heard the throne room door open. They all flew into a small panic and straightened up and all eyes fell on the possible intruder. A whoosh of air came from the door and the guards all jumped in unison and brandished weapons. They all scanned for a semblance of an enemy. Star was looking at all of them from the arm of the throne, which was empty, with a smug grin.
“Typical guards…” Star chuckled quietly.
A pop of magic and all guards jumped out of their skin as they looked towards the throne and found their princess of the day and her shadow on the royal podium. All the infantry eased up and sighed with small laughs as people caught on to what had happened. Star simply chuckled as Celestia’s expression was becoming more and more confused every second.
“What is going on Star?”
“Well good morning to you too, Celestia. I was simply entering the room and decided to enter a little faster than your guards are accustomed to. I simply stood here for a good ten seconds before you popped in and they saw me.”
Celestia couldn’t help but chuckle slightly.
“You always bring a smile to my face, dear. Now, is there anything that you need for today?”
Star stepped down onto the stairs of the podium and took a seat on the top step.
“I was wondering if there was anything that you needed me to do anytime soon. If not, I will be returning to Ponyville with Twilight. I have a job that I need to uphold and I feel that a week away is stretching the Cake’s hospitality a little.”
Celestia nodded.
“Well, I don’t think that we require you here for anything as of now. Also, I’ll send a letter to the cake’s to let them know that you were called away on royal duty. They shouldn’t be too hard on you.”
“Thank you dear…Oh, Twilight said thank you for letting her stay at the castle.”
Celestia’s smile was a true reflection of her sun.
“Twilight is practically family, Star. My faithful student and all her friends will always find Canterlot Palace a place of shelter and safety.”
With those words ushered, Star moved to the throne and embraced Celestia before placing a kiss on her nose.
“Do you know what game I miss?”
Celestia looked at him with a dopey smile across her graceful features.
“What is that, Star?”
“Steal Celly’s crown!”
A whoosh of air later and Celestia’s crown was missing from her head. Star had thought that he had gotten away until the room flashed white and the door would not budge. Star could hear a collection of laughs from behind him; one in particular, was louder than the others. He turned to face the source and found the princess of the sun struggling to stay on her throne due to laughing.
“You actually thought that I had not learned from our last little escapade such as this, Star?”
Star felt kind of stupid at the notion. She was a very intelligent mare and it would have seemed the smart thing to do to enchant the crown to lock down the room it was stolen from. Celestia just looked at the downtrodden ninja and picked him up in her magic like a mother would do a child. She removed her crown from Star’s almost child-like grasp to keep her mane up and moved a wing to cover the shadow.
“Perhaps next time you will have a better chance, my sweet.”
“I’ll hold you to that Celestia.”
As the two exchanged final pleasantries, Star was released and made a break for the now open door.
“Ooh, Say hi to Luna for me!”
“I will!”
Star left the throne room and began his walk back to his and Twilight’s room.
The room that Star had spent the night in was the same way that he had left it with a slight exception. Twilight was nowhere in sight. Star looked for any trace of the little mare and found his comb back where she had picked it up from, nothing was moved from where it all was. All that had changed was the slight sound of running water. Someone was in the bathroom!
Star was put on edge for a brief moment before his memory finally kicked itself into gear.
“Twilight was heading to the bathroom when you left, you dolt…”
Nightmare had to chime in
“Correct on both accounts!”
With a tactical facepalm later, Star decided to prepare his kit for travel…or did he? Something in Star’s head was offering another route. It was a route that led his feet to just outside of the bathroom door. The shadow chuckled nervously. Something was up and it was making him uncomfortable.
“Nightmare? What are you doing to me?”
The midnight Alicorn could simply be heard chuckling in the human’s psyche.
“Think of it as me letting your inhibitions run wild a little. You guys haven’t even had any time together. What better time than right now? Especially when she’s so wet…”
The thought was slowly turning Star’s knees to jelly at the mental image of Twilight’s gorgeous flanks glistening in the shower. The look that he could picture on her face was priceless. He was fighting a losing battle as he began to slowly undress.
“Damn it Nightmare! You win this round but don’t think that this is over…”
The mare in the moon simply grinned smugly.
“Oh but my dear, I need your raw emotions to break free of these bonds. We will be doing this more often, even if I have to take your liquid lust myself!”
The thought of her absorbing such emotions sounded like the fabled changelings that Twilight had once mentioned on the cozy nights in the library.
“I’ll be sure to give you all the emotion that you need when I deal with you later in the week if you promise not to do this again.”
Nightmare thought long and hard before grinning evilly to herself.
“Deal.”
And like that, she spoke no more.
“Time to get this show on the road. I hope she doesn’t freak out…”
The doorknob to the bathroom began to slowly rotate as Twilight was rinsing her mane. The damnable thing needed some pampering. It had been a long time since she had been to the spa and she could use a few touch ups. She would do anything to look her best for her new lover. The thought of Star taking her after a trip to the spa was beginning to fluster the unicorn.
“I can’t help myself…I need to be with him! I’m aching...”
Twi’s hoof slowly wound its way under her body and slowly began flicking her little nub and moving over her delicate flower. How his strong arms would caress her body and she would feel his hot breath on her neck as he took her. It was getting the better of her as she began to moan and pant in small rapid successions.
Star could not believe what he was seeing. Twilight was going to town on herself in front of him and he had a front row seat!
The sight was getting Star in the mood beyond belief. Star was slowly touching himself at the sight.
Nightmare slowly whispered in slightly ragged voice.
“Go to her, peasant. Show her just how much you love her…”
Star only needed to hear those words to dash the restraints he had at that moment.
Opening the door a slight bit more, the ninja snuck his way in without making a sound. Twilight was becoming more and more of a mess as he approached. Star reached the door to the shower and slowly pulled it aside, allowing for easy entry. The specks of water that hit him were nice and warm, sending tingles down his body. He raised his hand and placed it at the start of Twilight’s back, causing her to gasp in a slight panic.
“Who’s there?!”
Star simply chuckled quietly and moved his hand slowly.
“My dear, who else on Equestria has hands like this, or could sneak up on such a beautiful mare, eh?”
Twilight was a little angry that Star had joined her without her permission…but the thought of him in the shower with her was bringing back fond memories of the night that she peeped.
“You gave me quite the fright, Star….but it’s nice to see you here.”
Twilight slowly turned to face her stal- er, man and rose onto her hind legs. Star caught her forelegs and hoisted her up to his height. When the two could see eye to eye, they moved together and locked lips in a loving struggle, desperate for each other’s touch. Their tongues danced together, clamouring for more of each other. Twilight found it surprisingly arousing to play with Star’s sharp fangs, feeling their point rolling over her tongue with a hint of danger to every move.
Star was lost in the feeling, to be finally able to show her how much she had come to mean to him. The feeling was indescribable. Star pressed the intimate moment further and began to roam his hands over Twilight’s form. He caressed her sides slowly before moving to her stomach and getting a feel for her slender frame. What was not slender however, was Twilight’s impressive rear! Her globes of ass were something to truly admire. The way that she walked turned more heads than Star liked to see when they made trips to their friend’s houses.
Finally, the kiss broke and left a small bridge of saliva between the two lovers. Twilight traced a hoof over the nightshade tattoo that slightly appeared over Star’s shoulder ,causing him to shudder.
“I think that it’s time Star…I need you.”
Star was elated and by the sound of the lusty sighs that he could hear, Nightmare was getting on just fine too.
“Alright Twilight, just stand up and let me do the work.”
Twilight left Star’s embrace and returned to the shower floor on all fours. Star looked at her lithe frame and knelt down to get to work.
He started by tending to her sensitive loins, slowly moving his fingers over the smooth, burning skin. The poor dear was burning up with desire! Star moved his fingers slowly towards her nethers.
“Star…your fingers are sooo good! I’ve never been able to get this result with my hoof before…”
Star laughed inwardly and as a treat for Twilight’s honesty, he moved his fingers over her folds which caused her to squeak adorably and buckle at the knees.
“Star! Sweet Celestia, that was good!”
“I think it’s time we moved on to the main course, if that is ok with you Twi.”
Twilight gulped nervously but smiled lovingly all the same.
“Ok Star but….please be gentle. I-It would be my first time.”
God damn that is hot! She would be willing to give her innocence to him. She really cared for him and it really showed.
Meanwhile in Star’s mind, Nightmare was feeling love like nothing before. So much energy for her to use. She would be out in no time if Star kept up this. She could influence him to some extent but she couldn’t force him...yet.
Star had finished his teasing and grabbed to handfuls of Twilight’s ass as he aligned himself with Twilight’s silken entrance. The running water was tingling Star’s member as it rose to the occasion. The unicorn looked behind her to see what she would be up against as her jaw hit the tiled floor.
“That thing is huge! He wasn’t that big last time I saw it.” She stuttered to herself. Star must have had something happen to him since then. She wasn’t going to say no but the look at the size of it was making her dread the first few moments.
Nightmare was looking with a furious desire. As much as she wanted to be free, she couldn’t help but want a piece of what Star was packing. She admired her hoofy-work, remembering when she gave it to him.
“You will uphold your promise, Star. Even if I have to torment you in your sleep…”
Star was finally ready to go, with his throbbing desire resting in his left hand, ready for Twilight’s permission.
“Are you ready, sweetie?”
Twilight looked at the floor in thought before finalizing her decision. She raised her head to look behind her and saw her lover being doused by the shower cloud.
“G-Go ahead Star…I’m ready.”
Star didn’t need much more encouragement and moved his rod to meet with Twilight’s entrance.
“It’ll only sting for a little while, Twi. It gets better, I promise.”
With that said Star pushed into her depths slowly, parting her flower and feeling her walls constrict around his member. The feeling was absolutely incredible! Twilight had such a tight hole and he was grunting as he moved further and further in.
Twilight felt strange. It was good but something was not right…like something was supposed to happen…
As soon as the though the thought left her head, Star met resistance. He moved his head over to behind Twilight’s right ear.
“Here I go Twi, prepare yourself.”
With an intake of breath, the little purple unicorn braced for what was to come. Star mirrored her expression but pushed slowly forward. The ninja felt something give way as he shuddered forward and heard a small, stifled squeal. He looked up to see Twilight’s head drooped slightly. He looked to her entrance and saw…blood. It really was her first time.
“Are you ok Twilight? Do you want me to stop?”
Twilight looked up in a small panic with tears in her eyes. She looked into her lovers eyes and quickly shook her head.
“No Star just….let me get used to the feeling. It’ll only be a moment.”
And a moment it was. As soon as she was ready, Twilight lit up her horn with magic and gave Star a little push to let him know that she was ready.
The movement was small but the message was clear. Star cupped Twilight’s ass and started to move slowly, letting the room fill with sighs and moans of pleasure from both parties. Anyone would have easily heard what was going on but neither of the two cared. It was something that people did when they were in love.
Twilight was in fits of ecstasy. She never could have believed that the one pony that she would fall in love with would be from another world, yet here he was in the most intimate dance that any two can perform. She could feel his pulsing, hard length reaching into the deepest depths of her little box.
“Oh, Star….buck me harder!”
Star didn’t even think to hesitate as Twilight asked for more. He was happy to oblige by pulling his member almost completely out before plunging it back in as far as it would go into his mare, causing Twilight to practically scream in pleasure. Her pussy was soaked with her essence and Star was being buffeted by such an arousing aroma.
Twilight could feel herself nearing her orgasm. It was small but it was on a fast approach and Star looked like he would be a while before he blew as well. She closed her eyes and raised her head as the only thing that she could say at all was a collection of moans and breathy sighs.
Star could feel something stirring in his loins. He was getting close and he wasn’t sure if Twilight had come close to hers. He didn’t want her to feel left out if he was the only one that could get off. Star moved his fingers down to her little love button and began to tweak it slowly and sensually. It was at this point that Twilight’s legs gave way and she could no longer stand. Star couldn’t help but chuckle. Twilight looked at him with a dopey smile plastered in her face.
“What’s so funny, big guy?”
Star cupped one of her cheeks with his hand.
“Nothing, I was just wondering if you were close to orgasm.”
Twilight nuzzled the hand that was on her face and lovingly looked at her mate.
“I’m closer than you think. I c-could blow any s-second.”
Star removed his hand and leaned forward to steal a kiss from the mare’s lips.
“Me too, Twilight. Let’s cum together.”
Star picked up the pace and began to hammer Twilight’s flanks with a furious enthusiasm as he tweaked and pinched Twilight’s little clit. Twilight could barely keep her hind legs up as her front legs failed her. She was ass in the air and completely at the shadow’s mercy.
“T-Twili-“
“I know Star…me too!”
That was the last words said as they both cried out in the flurry of passion. Star pushed his member as far as it could go into Twilight, ramming rather forcefully into the entrance to her womb. As he did, he could feel the unicorn’s walls constrict in a painfully pleasing manner as they convulsed, each pulse attempting to draw that needed release out of him.
Star cried out once more as another of Twilight’s convulsions tipped him over the edge. The ninja’s cock started pumping thick ropes of semen, one after another, straight into Twilight’s womb without any resistance. The white load was quickly filling the poor unicorn as her stomach began to grow a slight bulge with the amount that was flooding her insides.
“I-I’m glad that we stayed in the shower…”
Twilight giggled as Star’s impressive orgasm came to an end, slowing down to a trickle before stopping entirely. The ninja pulled his semi hard cock out of Twilight’s hole. The two panted heavily before looking at each other. They laughed softly together before embracing each other in the warmth of the shower.
“I think that we have wasted enough of Celestia’s water, don’t you think Twilight?”
“It’s not wasted if we enjoyed ourselves, Star.”
With the little cuddle session coming to a close, Star and Twilight turned off the shower and decided to get dressed and ready for the journey.
In Star’s head, Nightmare was finishing up her own little ‘session’. She had been lying on the floor panting with Star’s book of memory open, reliving the experience that just transpired. She was still going for another orgasm as she looked upon the scene.
“That human…..is something else.”
Strength left Nightmare as she let exhaustion take her.
The couple were soon dry and ready for their return to Ponyville.
The two were dressed and ready not long after stepping out of the shower. With their luggage packed, they departed the room which they left in a more or less acceptable state. The walk was short and took them through the Lunar Wing and round the edge of the throne room. Celestia was holding a meeting from her throne with a closed council, all she managed to do to say goodbye was a polite smile and a wave of her hoof. Star blew a kiss and Twilight bowed neatly. Star looked at Twilight and she at him before the two shared a small chuckle at the difference of standing that each had with the princess. They reached the door with the intention of getting a train back to Ponyville….that was until a guard stopped them with a stern face.
“Miss Sparkle, Royal Shadow. Princess Celestia has organised your use of the royal chariot. It will be a much faster journey to Ponyville.”
Star cringed at the title of ‘Royal’.
“Guard, it’s just Star. No need to be formal for my sake. I hate the titles…”
The guard looked slightly surprised before becoming noticeably more lax.
“Very well sir. It’s not every day that someone refuses a royal title so forgive me if I seem surprised.”
“Think nothing of it. I just hate being put on a podium.”
The guard nodded before pointing a hoof at the chariot that was stationed just below the stairs that was manned by two guards. To the credit of the mares, the chariot must have weighed a ton so they were rather well built.
Star nudged Twilight in the side, getting her attention. She turned only to see her boyfriend plant a quick kiss on her horn before gallivanting gaily to the chariot.
“I’ll never understand you!” Twilight called to him.
Star just laughed heartily as he got to the door of the thing. He opened the door and heard the drivers laughing cutely. Twilight saw the hint and took it as she trotted down the steps. Star bowed dramatically and offered a hand to help her in. The unicorn took it in her hoof and placed her other further in, placing her hind hooves on the step and climbing in. Star heard the driver’s ‘aww-ing’ at the nice gesture. He looked to the right most one and called out before getting in himself.
“We’re good to go ladies.”
Star felt his head split slightly as Nightmare suddenly shouted at him.
“Aren’t you forgetting something?”
Star pondered.
“What?”
Nightmare sighed before projecting herself on his eyes. With a shoe shod hoof, she pointed out of the chariot to the top of the stairs. At the top was…
“THE LUGGAGE!”
A bell went off three times inside Star’s head as Nightmare laughed lightly with a sarcastic tone.
“We have a winner!”
Star acted fast and blew open the door as he made a mad dash to grab them. Twilight jumped out of her skin as the door blasted open and turned from the window to see Star absent and currently scampering up the front steps to the palace. She wondered what he had forgotten and saw it almost instantly. She couldn’t help but chortle at the ninja’s plight. He looked so desperate to rescue their belongings. She leaned out of the carriage as it began to take off.
Star palmed both the case and bag and began his stumble back to the Chariot….only to find that the damn thing was moving. Star shouldered his case, the bigger of the two, and dragged the other one. The chariot was starting to pick up speed and Star was finding it hard to keep up. Twilight couldn’t stop laughing at the poor fella.
“I thought that you were fast mister ‘I can run to town-hall in one second!’”
Star visibly felt his eye twitch. What did she say?
“Don’t test me madam!”
Twilight shot Star a glare that made his pants shuffle.
“Why don’t you come up here and show me what you’re made of then!”
It was on!
Star picked up some serious speed as he ran as fast as he could manage with the two weights he was carrying. He was gaining on the chariot and managed to dump the held bag into the compartment.
It was at this point that the chariot started lifting. Star made a desperate grab onto the back and soon found his legs leaving the floor. He was now dangling on the back of the chariot and Twilight was completely gone with laughter.
“You really put your hoof in it Star! AHAHAHA!”
Star could only seethe quietly. She was gonna get it when he got up. Star threw the case slightly to give him some leverage and brought the temporarily free hand up to bring his feet onto the back rail of the chariot. Star was now fully on the damn thing!
He took hold of the case again before it could fall and opened the back to place it in with the bag that he had shot in there earlier and began planning his revenge. He knew the perfect plan…
Twilight was sitting in the chariot still chuckling softly at what she had seen. He could handle himself, which was a fact, but it would suck that he would be a bit late home. She sighed and continued to gaze out the window.
Star climbed up to the roof silently and looked over the left edge to see a purple hoof on the windowsill. He retracted his head before he was seen. The sneaky man shuffled over to the other edge to prepare his grand entrance, and by grand, he meant silent.
He slipped his feet onto the opposite windowsill and crouched to allow his legs into the cabin. He could see Twilight gazing out the other window. She was rather oblivious to his soon to be antics.
Star fully entered the cabin as Nightmare made herself known again.
“So…what do you have planned? Anything interesting?”
“Nah, just a surprise and maybe a creepy voice.” Star thought.
“Ah, that’s no fun! There isn’t any teasing in it!”
Star huffed in amusement internally.
“You just wanna see her suffer…”
Nightmare blushed slightly.
“It’s not what I had in mind...”
The answer caught Star slightly off guard but he had no time for the reply. He pressed forward and lined his lips up with Twilight’s ear. He spoke in his most blood chilling voice, one that would most likely make Blueblood soil himself.
“It’s rude to laugh at someone who’s struggling, you know?” Twilight froze wide-eyed.
“Who a-“ She was cut short by shush from the intruder.
“No talk, just revenge!”
At that point Twilight reared only to be pulled onto the floor of the chariot and landed on something…soft. A light squeak could be heard as she looked down and saw a now laughing shadow looking at her.
“You should have seen your fa...Ahahaha!”
Twilight blushed crimson in embarrassment.
“Ok, you got me. So…what’s the revenge?” Twilight was twiddling her hooves in anticipation and nervousness. Star simply moved forward with her in his lap. He rose and sat down on the soft leather bench, carrying the mare all the while, and simply wrapped his arms around her and buried his head into her side, listening to her heartbeat. Twilight was shocked at first but the surprise soon melted into happiness. It was one hell of a simple revenge plan.
“I see your devious plan was a success.”
Star simply snuggled his head into her side more.
“Basic yes, but a flawless execution if I do say so myself.”
Twilight returned the hug as slowly and lovingly as Star gave it. The two sat in each-other’s embrace for an unknown spell of time feeling each other’s body heat and the subtle squeeze that they both delivered. Twilight gave one more nuzzle before she and Star felt the carriage thump as it hit the floor. How long were they cuddling?
“How long were we cuddling?” Star asked.
Twilight looked at him before looking to the ceiling in thought.
“I’ve never actually rode in the royal chariot. I don’t know.”
Star knew where to find the answer. The estranged shadow leant out of the nearby window of the carriage and hollered to the drivers.
“Hey, lovely ladies pulling the carriage!”
The two golden armour clad Pegasus looked around a moment before catching the grey and black clad idiot poking half out of the vehicle. They muttered quietly to one another with blushes appearing on their cheeks before he began to speak again.
“How long were we flying?”
The right most of the drivers spoke up with a smile.
“The flight took an hour sir.”
An hour?! To the couple in the carriage, it had felt like a simple fifteen minutes of snuggly goodness.
“Time flies when you’re having fun I guess…”
The guards that were pulling the carriage simply blushed more an began to giggle as they imagined what kind of fun the royal shadow and his mare were getting up to in that hour alone. Star saw them blushing and giggling and instantly knew what they were thinking.
“It was none of that ladies, just some snuggle time.”
The other guard finally spoke up with a smile on her face.
“I’m sure it was sir.”
With the joviality over, Star opened a door of the carriage to assess where the chariot had landed. Celestia had been good with the directions to tell the guards to land outside of Twilight’s home. He turned to offer a hand as Twilight stepped out of the chariot. She simply smiled and accepted his hand. After a quick peck on the mare’s hoof, Star made for the back of the chariot to pick up the hard fought for luggage. A few heaves and tugs and it was free from the compartment that it was placed in.
Star moved to the front to give the all clear,
“It looks like we’re all good here girls.”
The guards nodded with a silent agreement before preparing to set off.
“Just so you know si- I mean, Star…” The mare on the left spoke up. “A lot of the guard is jealous that Miss Sparkle got to you first. She’s very lucky.”
Star was going to stutter in a slight daze, but by then he was already eating a small cloud of dust as the chariot took to the skies, leaving him standing in the middle of Main Street.
“Heh, you learn something new every day…”
With that surprising news out of the way, Star got to moving his ass over to the well fought for luggage and began to haul it into the library.
As he walked through the door, Star looked around to see the last room he had gazed upon only one week prior. Everything was as he left it, the table in the middle of the room was just the same as last time, the bookshelves were all lined as he remembered them and a small purple and green blur was heading straight for him, just the way he re- wait what?
*CRASH!!*
“Star, it’s good to see ya! How’ve you been? Was it fun at the castle? Did you meet lots of new friends?....”
With a hand over the young drake’s mouth, Star simply smiled and laughed slightly.
“It’s good to see you too spike.”
The little dragon could only mumble into Star’s hand and cuddle the heck out of the human. The sound of hooves could be heard and Twilight looked at the two from the kitchen door to see them curled in a heap on the floor hugging. She could only laugh to herself as the boys got reacquainted.
After a copious hugging session, Star had gone to his room to place his belongings in his room. Small amounts of hustle and bustle later and he had finally unpacked his week worth of clothing and other apparel, separating what needed to be washed and what did not as he went. A quick half-hour had passed and everything was in its place.
Star headed downstairs with a spring in his step when he stopped mid step. A figurative light shone over his head as he remembered something.
“I forgot about the cakes! I hope Celestia’s letter softened their mood…”
With the thought dashed, he made for Sugercube corner!
The walk was cheery, with many greetings and ‘welcome back to town’ hollers. The sweet shop was in sight and nothing seemed askew…
That is until the front door was blown off its hinges comically. As it pirouetted away, a pink blur flew cleanly at Star with an incredible speed. As it collided with him, star braced for impact only to hear a squeaky noise. He felt something wrapped around him so he gave it a nudge.
*Squeak*
With a bemused look on his face, he did it again.
*Squeak*
After getting two pre-emptive squeaks, Star finally looked down to see none other than Pinkie Pie attached to his side cuddling the life out of him.
“I hope cuddling isn’t dangerous. I could have had an unhealthy dose of cuddling today already!” Star could only laugh at his ridiculous thought but Pinkie had gasped with such force that she had frozen in mid-air with her mane pointing in every direction as though she had been zapped by a laser. The human could only laugh as she seemed to judder in the air.
“What if it is?! I could have been hurting people this whole time! I’m like pony cuddle central in Ponyville! IevencuddledsomefoalsearlierandwhatifIhurtthemand….”
Before Pinkie could get herself worked up a cupcake found itself placed rather perfectly in her mouth, stopping her from talking and worrying her zany little head any more. The expert placement was performed by Mrs Cake who was now standing aside Pinkie. She had the same vibrant look on her face as she always wore. She placed a hoof on the party pony’s back and pushed her back to the ground before reassuring her.
“Nobody has ever been hurt by your cuddling, Pinkie and hugs aren’t dangerous.”
She laughed heartily before turning to her employee who had been absent for almost more than a week. A nervous smile was what she was met with. She adopted a smug grin.
“If I hadn’t received the letter from Princess Celestia, I’d be a tad upset with your attendance.”
Star felt safer already. Not that he thought that Mrs Cake would have been furious but one week of absence from a job with no notification was stretching hospitality just a tad. He just smiled and breathed a sigh of relief.
“Yeah, I’m sorry ‘bout that but the princess’ thought that they could use my skills and I was taken for a week.”
Mrs Cake’s grin only increased as she turned back to the shop, door still missing. She looked back to Star.
“I bet it’s because you’re cute.”
The thoughts of Luna and Celestia came rushing back to Star making him sigh in content.
“Something like that Mrs Cake. Now, is it ok if I start work from today?”
Pinkie chimed in.
“Weeeeeeeeellll….you got back really early today and the lunch rush is about to happen so I’d say that we could use the extra pair of hooves…oh, I mean hands.”
With that, Star made for the shop’s door….frame. With a chuckling sigh, Star went to go and find the door to put it back on its hinges.
Star headed in the general direction of the door’s dance, courtesy of one pink party pony. He looked down the street to see it sticking out of a small tree. The tree was frail looking and Star was a bit heavier than most ponies, not that he could help it mind you, he tried to keep himself in shape but it was the fact that he was a human. As much as he wanted to climb and grab the door, he didn’t want to destroy the tree…
“Hey Star! Look out!”
A voice could be heard over the sounds of branches snapping and roots upending. Star turned to see the frail tree practically blown horizontal by the force of something impacting it….or sompony.
Star leapt back to avoid the falling tree and was impacted by something squishy and soft. He looked towards his mid-section as he was in motion and saw the scrunched up face of Rainbow Dash. He smirked for a slight moment before he felt the ground move to meet them. As they landed in the dirt, Dash looked up from his stomach and blushed slightly.
“Um…sorry bout that. Kind of lost control of that move…”
“Actually Dash, I think that you may have done me a favour. I was trying to get the door that Pinkie blew into the tree that you just bowled over.”
Dash looked over to the impact scene and saw the train wreck that she had caused and sighed.
“Looks like I’ll have to get Roseluck to come and fix this. I gotta go Star, see you later…oh and sorry for tumbling into you.”
“No problem, Dash.” With a wave of her hoof, she was speeding down Main Street to the florists. Star just smiled and took the door, which was tangled in the remains of the recently bowled over tree and made it back to Sugercube corner to attach it once more.
Soon after Star had become acquainted once more with everyone in the bakery, Pumpkin and pound included, the lunch rush started. It began with a familiar mare and her little daughter walking into the shop with a spring in their step. Star remembered her well.
“Afternoon Derpy, how are you today?”
The cross eyed mare looked towards him with a smile...hopefully…he wasn’t really sure until she began talking .
“Hey, you’re back in town! Rainbow told me that you had left; something about helping the princesses.” She looked to her young daughter who had a look of wonder playing about her little cute face. She jumped onto her mother’s back and placed her little hooves on the back of her head and was eye level with Star’s chest. Her mother didn’t seem to mind Dinky’s unorthodox position.
“You were with the princesses for a whole week?!” Dinky’s high pitched voice squeaked as he words left her mouth. Star smiled at the blissful innocence in the young foal. He rubbed behind her ear playfully as he replied.
“You’re darn right I was! I’ll have you know that they chose me to be their personal bodyguards when they need me. I even got a title too!” Star struck a heroic pose as Dinky and Derpy began to smile. Derpy looked at the goofball in front of her and a questioning look struck her face.
“What title did you get?”
“I am the ‘Royal Shadow’ to Princess Luna and Celestia.”
Derpy had a small gasp while Dinky began to jump on her mother’s back with a little smile on her face.
“That is so cool! I can’t wait to tell my friends that you work for the princesses!” She had one more little jump off of her mother’s back before she ran out of the shop as fast as her small legs could carry her. Her mother watched her out of the door with a motherly grin. She returned her attention to the human in front of her and began to place her order.
“I guess that makes it only 2 Muffins, one banana nut and one of your choosing.” The order seemed a bit weird…
“Why would I choose one? They’re your muffins aren’t they?” Star wondered why she would have given him choice over her order…
“Well I did promise you a muffin when you helped me after I fell a while ago.”
The memory was slow to arise but Star eventually remembered helping her up and making sure that she and her daughter were all right.
“So you did.” After scoring up the order Star collected the two muffins, one was a banana nut muffin and one was chocolate and vanilla. “That will be 4 bits please Derpy and thank you for the muffin.”
Derpy handed over the necessary bits from a pouch that she pulled from seemingly nowhere. The currency was a much simpler thing in Equestria than where Star had come from. His home had a smaller unit of currency but here everything was paid with in bits, plain and simple.
The money was swept from the counter and into the register of Sugercube corner. The two simply held their respective muffins in their appendages and took their first bites…before absolutely demolishing the treats. Crumbs went flying everywhere as the two consumed the muffins with seemingly endless fervour. As if things didn’t seem to be comical enough, there was a rather thick cloud appearing as fists and hooves began flying grasping the delicacies. A small time and whirlwind later and Derpy and Star both laid across the shop’s floor with muffin crumbs and chocolate squares covering the two of them. They looked at each other before breaking out into laughter. As the pandemonium died down and everything went back to as close as things got to normality in Sugercube Corner, Star had said his farewells to Derpy and cleaned up the danger zone he and the Pegasus had created.
The day had slowly come to an end and Star thanked the Cakes and Pinkie as he received his very modest payment. As they closed up for the night, Star made his way back towards Twilight’s house. It was eventful. His walk included a nice talk with Fluttershy about her time at the Gala and how many little friends that she had made and with the florist Roseluck on how she was intending to fix the small tree that had been knocked over by Rainbow Dash’s loss of control.
It was night once again and that brought a smile to Star’s face. If he had been wearing his Shokozu, ponies would have likely confused him for a shadow on a wall…which was kind of his job now that he thought of it…
A shrug later and he began to walk home, a nice breeze speeding his journey. He came to the front of the library without interruptions and entered to find no one in the main room. Nothing but what would be a metric shit ton of paper was present.
“Hello? Anyone home?” Star called out. The lights were on and were flickering gently which meant that someone must have been home. He moved slowly, always thinking the worst, and made a slow shuffle towards the darker kitchen. As he slithered up to the kitchen’s archway, he heard a scratching…
He poked his head through the arch slightly and saw a small figure standing on one of the step ladders that Twilight kept in the library. It was trying to reach into a glass jar…
Oh for the love of…
“Spike? Is that you?” At the question and sudden interruption, the figure jumped in his scales. Now caught with his hand in a cookie jar…literally, Spike could only look at Star with a terribly cheesy smile.
“I didn’t notice that you were back from work, Star…I suppose you’re looking for twilight…”
The human looked at him with a sly smirk. He pointed a finger to Spike’s hand which was still inside the cookie jar.
“I take it Twi wouldn’t usually let you have a cookie at this hour?” He moved over to the little dragon and loomed over him slightly. The little dragon looked up to the human with what looked almost like fear but also shame of being caught.
“I guess your gonna tell me off now huh?”
Star laughed lightly and placed a hand on the small dragon’s head and patted it lightly. With his other hand he slid past spike’s small, scaly digits and slipped a cookie into the little tyke’s hand. With a shocked gasp, Spike looked up to find Star smiling back at him.
“I don’t mind you having snacks, Spike. As long as it’s all in moderation.”
The little dragon smiled up at the human and quickly scampered off, taking the small step ladder that he was upon with him. Star just couldn’t wait to hit the hay…so to speak…
He made for the bathroom and had a quick shower to remove the day’s stress and troubles, no matter how few had occurred and slowly crept his way upstairs. As he did he made for his room and reached the door. With a quiet turn of the handle, the door swung open slowly, letting the dim light in the corridor seep in which illuminated a lump in Star’s bed. The lump was slowly rising and falling, like someone breathing. He moved as quietly as possible and reached the side of his bed. A slight tug of the covers showed a small patch of purple fur peeking out of the sheet and Star knew who it was. He pulled the sheet back slightly to allow him access to the bed and found Twi desperately fighting for the warmth of the covers; she tugged lightly to stop the slight cold of the night from creeping up her back. Star had to move quickly and ditched his t shirt and pants as fast as possible, leaving him in only his underwear. He slid in without so much as a light bounce and as soon as his stomach made contact with her back, Twi brushed up against the newfound warmth and made a sighing noise before beginning to snore lightly.
Star slid his arm under her neck so he wouldn’t have to sleep on it and began to drift off, placing one arm over his mare. Sleep soon found him and he embraced Twi as he began to dream.
--
Star felt like he was floating through nothingness before he fell into a familiar spot. He was in a library and in the distance was a onyx mare that was sat quite comfortably in his favourite armchair reading one of the many books that made up everything that he knew. He walked up slowly, making no effort to hide himself and leaned onto the chair. The sudden weight difference shifted Nightmare slightly which made her look up to find the human that she was stuck in staring at her with a smug grin.
“Well hello Ms Moon. A lovely night we’re having isn’t it?”
Nightmare placed the book on the arm of the chair and smiled with just as smug a grin.
“The world inside your head is always night, though I think that one is on me.”
Star simply thought up another, identical chair and sat down to join Nightmare.
“Well it’s not bothering me. I prefer the calm of the night…Actually, do you know what’s strange?”
Nightmare shook her head with a raised eyebrow.
“I’ve had a lucid dream every night sine you have been in my head. They normally only happen to humans if we know how to do it...do you have anything to do with it?”
Nightmare just threw her hooves up with a smile.
“I’m the mistress of the night. I probably do, being as I can enter dreams at will, though if I wasn’t in here normally, I’d have some difficulty entering yours…”
“Luna said the same thing when she was in here once.”
Nightmare moved a hoof to her chin in thought for a moment before she reached a conclusion.
“I guess that’s why I ended up in here. Her affection reached a high enough level while she was in one of your dreams that I broke free within the confines of your dream and when it collapsed, I was left as part of your consciousness…”
Star twitched slightly at the thought...
“That’s not permanent, right?” Nightmare looked almost like that had hurt…almost; her playful smile was always there.
“I thought you would like spending time with the mare that creates the wondrous nights you have come to love. Do I bother you that much?” A small giggle could be heard from Nightmare. Star just laughed it off with a quick rub of the back of his neck.
“You don’t bother me Nightmare, although I’ve never had someone inside my head before in such a literal sense…”
She moved from Star’s favourite chair in one motion and stretched her large wings and gave them a test flap before beginning to tuck them away.
“I’ve rather become accustomed to living in here, it’s nice and quiet all the time and there’s so much to learn! I think I’m starting to sound a little like your little mare.”
Star laughed a little. She wasn’t wrong there. Twilight had an addiction for knowledge.
Nightmare moved towards one of the bookcases and it seemed to bend and move away from her, leaving an open space free from books in which a bed soon formed…one made for two…
Star saw the bed and caught his breath in a stifle as he thought what Nightmare could have needed a double bed for…until the thought of stupidity flew over his head in the shape of a crudely drawn bird. The silly looking thing flew into a bookcase and landed near Nightmare. She bent over slightly, attempting to pick it up whilst affording Star a long and purposeful glance at her wonderful breasts.
The look was enough for Star to begin to blush which you would think after dealing with sexual situations rather often since his landing in Equestria but something inside of him mad him feel childishly nervous about sexual encounters.
“That would be me! Sorry dude…” A voice came from out of nowhere. Star and Nightmare both jumped and looked around in a half panic. As they searched, Star could spot a pair of dangling legs from high up on one of the bookcases that stored his knowledge and found the legs attached to a young looking male. He was sitting on a bookcase ladder and looking down with a smug grin.
“Do I know you?” Star asked the teenager. The young kid looked at him with a kind of condescending stare. He was swinging his legs up high one moment and the next he was next to Nightmare, who was laid, fore-hooves crossed looking at him with a face of surprise.
“You haven’t forgotten me again have you? We only talked a while ago…”
The pieces were fitting together slowly but surely…..
*Chck!*
A image of gears grinding together flew overhead which got a small adorable chortle from Nightmare while Star only gave a small sigh of annoyance.
“I hate being in here when my brain does that…” He imaged up a seat and sat down.
“So do you know who I am now, Star?” The small kid hooked one arm around Nightmare’s neck which got him a half-hearted death stare. He simply shrugged it off while hugging her close.
“Yup. Nightmare Moon, meet my younger humanity.” Nightmare looked from Star to the kid with a look of disbelief.
“I don’t believe you. Why the hell would you guys be so different from each other?” All the while Nightmare was giving this quizzical look, the young teen wandered off.
“Turns out that my clan when I was in my world were capable of severing our morals to allow us the be truly heartless and perform tasks that most would not. I can’t say that I remember most of them but I’m glad I can’t feel the guilt from it…I’d likely be dead now if I could have.”
Nightmare ushered him closer till he was on the bed and laid a wing over him.
“ I take it he’s slowly getting better. That means that so are you.” Star couldn’t help it after that. He turned and hugged Nightmare around the neck. Nightmare simply laid her head on his shoulder, feeling his warmth heat her fur. If it wasn’t onyx black, Star may have seen her blush.
“Thanks Nightmare. I hope you enjoy your night.” With that Star stood up from the bed and felt himself quickly returning to reality. The last thing he heard was Nightmare suddenly cry out.
“Star wai-“ and he was gone. Nightmare bopped the sheets of her bed with a hoof softly in frustration.
“Oh you are going to pay for leaving me in need tomorrow…”
If there was one thing that Nightmare needed Star to know. It was that it wouldn’t be wise to leave her in need…
