//------------------------------// // Date night // Story: Paladin Anon // by The7thElement //------------------------------// A few weeks had passed since Luna had told Anon how she felt about him. During that time Anon had took it upon himself to teach her about modern Equestria. During those lessons Luna’s body had grown and her mane had become a starry cosmos. “Good morning Paladin.” The familiar voice of Raven called out to Anon from behind him shaking him out of his thoughts. “Good morning Raven. Have a good night’s sleep?” Anon asked turning to see the mare walking up to him. “The few hours I managed to get yes I did. Princess Celestia made a few last minute changes to the guest list for the Gala tonight.” Raven explained. “Which leads me to asking whether or not you’ll make it tonight.” “Unfortunately not. I have plans for tonight. And besides you know how most of the nobles are around me.” Anon said before turning his gaze back to the ballroom as waiters and maids assembled the decorations for the night. “A good point. But unfortunately I’m not here for small talk.” Raven said getting Anon to look back to her an eyebrow raised. “Princess Celestia wishes to see you.” “Ah I see. Well I best not keep her waiting. Have a good day Raven.” Anon said as he made his way towards Celestia’s personal quarters. “A good day to you as well Paladin.” Raven called out to him before turning to overlook the decorations for herself. ‘Alpha, Celestia is in her quarters correct?’ Anon thought to Alpha as he made his way down the hall that led to Celestia’s quarters. “She is. Why?” Alpha replied. ‘Didn’t want to look like an idiot if she wasn’t here.’ Anon said before nodding to the two guards posted outside of the room a pegasus and unicorn. “Fire, Joker. How’s it going?” “Going well sir.” Said the unicorn guard to Anon’s right. Anon’s gaze then fell on the pegasus guard. “Something wrong with your armor Joker?” “Yeah the anonymity enchantment’s broken. Have to visit the one of the mages and have them reapply the spell.” Joker explained. “If you wanted I could fix it for you. Seeing as how I’m the one who came up with that spell in the first place.” Anon said remembering the day he thought of the spell that would alter the guard’s appearances to keep their lives outside of the guard safe. “If you wouldn’t mind.” Joker said before finding Anon place a hand on his helmet. After a few seconds a small flash of light filled the hall as Joker’s green mane and eyes were replaced by a blue mane and blue eyes. “Thanks sir.” Joker said admiring the new strands of mane that he could see. “Your welcome but I’d advise you visiting one of the mage’s anyway just to make sure the enchantment doesn’t break again.” Anon said before raising a hand to Celestia’s door. “Have a good day gentlemen.” He said before leaving the duo and making his way into Celestia’s chambers. “Ah Paladin, good to see Raven found you.” Celestia greeted Anon as he closed the door behind him. “Hope I didn’t interrupt anything.” “Nothing that couldn’t be interrupted Princess.” Anon replied giving a bow. “Anon what have I told you? Whenever you and I are in private you may call me Celestia.” Celestia said in slight annoyance before gesturing to a seat across from her at the small tea table she had set up. “Sorry Celestia. Force of habit.” Anon replied before pouring himself a cup of tea. “Good to hear.” Celestia said with a smile on her face before taking a sip of her tea. “Now as for why you’re here. I wished to ask you whether you will be attending the Gala tonight.” “Unfortunately no.” Anon replied taking a sip of his tea. “Luna and I have plans for tonight.” “Ah I see.” Celestia said giving him a wink. “Although I must ask when you and Luna were going to come to me about your new relationship.” “Probably after tonight.” Anon admitted. “Alright then. And before you ask of how I had any inclination towards you and Luna having a relationship you can blame Cadance. She had told me about how you and Luna had gotten closer before her and Captain Armor made their way off to Griffonstone.” Celestia said before summoning a small chocolate cake. “Want some?” “No thanks.” Anon said. “I do hope that Cadance’s successful in getting the Griffon’s to consider asking you for financial aid.” Anon said remembering how last time he had visited the Griffon’s he had seen quite a few houses collapse thanks to a small breeze. “Yes. We can only hope.” Celestia replied, a few similar memories running through her mind. “Pardon my curiosity but what exactly are you planning on doing with my sister?” “Taking her out to dinner to a place in the middle sector of Canterlot called the Griffon’s Buffet.” “Ah yes. I remember when Cadance took me and Twilight there once. A good choice.” Celestia said before noticing Anon rise to his feet. “And where would you be going?” “Luna wished to see me when she woke up and if Alpha is correct she’s awake.” Anon said making his way to Celestia’s door. “Have a good day Princess.” Anon bowed before making his way out of the room. “You too Anon.” Celestia said before turning to look at her regalia that sat on her desk. ‘Guess it’s time to go say hi to all the wonderful nobles.’ She thought dreading the thought of day court. “Maybe I should have the day off?” She asked herself before thinking better and deciding to put on her regalia. “Maybe they won’t be that bad today.” “Ah good to see your meeting with my sister is done Anon.” Luna said to Anon as he entered her room. “How did you know I had a meeting with her?” Anon asked before he noticed Alpha hovering next to Luna. “Alpha told me.” “How did Alpha tell you?” Anon asked before Luna’s horn gave off a light glow. “She figured out how to talk to me telepathically.” Alpha said to Anon. Anon’s gaze then shifted to Luna as she gave him a nod of agreement. “Nice to hear that.” Anon replied before his gaze fell back on the floating skull. “Now then don’t you have a duty to do?” “Oh yeah. See ya.” Alpha said before disappearing in a flash of light. “What duty?” Luna asked. “He has to go keep an eye on Celestia.” “Ah I see.” Luna said before moving to Anon’s side. “So what did Tia want to talk about anyway?” “Wanted to know if I was attending the Gala tonight.” Anon replied. “And you did tell her that we already had plans. Correct?” “Maybe?” Anon said jokingly getting a glare from Luna. “Of course I told her.” Anon said calming her down. “Good to hear.” Luna said with a smile before taking a seat back on her bed. “Now the how about you join me for a little nap?” Before Anon could give a reply Alpha teleported back into the room. “Celestia wants to see you.” He said before disappearing once more. “Sorry but it seems I am needed elsewhere.” Anon said making his way to the door. “Fine.” Luna huffed before jumping up from her bed and standing in front of Anon. Before Anon could say anything he found Luna placing a kiss on his cheek. “Be back soon.” She said before teleporting him into the throne room in front of Celestia. “Good to see that you’re here as soon as you can be.” Celestia said to Anon once he had found his bearings. “Of course.” Anon said giving a bow. “Took you long enough to get here.” A familiar yet annoying voice said to Anon’s left. “Good morning Prince Blueblood.” Anon said greeting the unicorn. “How has your morning been?” “Dreadful!” Blueblood exclaimed. “Simply dreadful!” “What happened now?” Anon asked noticing Celestia give a small smile. “Blue. Remember why you’re here.” Celestia said getting the Prince’s attention. “Ah yes.” Blueblood said before turning to Anon. “Now then I require your assistance.” “With what do you require me?” Anon asked. “I require you to go to Ponyville and retrieve my suit for tonight’s Gala.” Blueblood explained. “And if I may ask why did you not get your suit from somewhere in Canterlot?” Anon asked getting an annoyed huff from the Prince. “Because I entrusted Fancy Pants with organizing my suit and the fool decided to get my suit from the same place as his. Some place in Ponyville apparently a fact I found out too late.” “Ah I see.” Anon said before turning to Celestia. “Well I shall make my way down to Ponyville then.” He bowed before making his way out of the throne room. “So you’re really going to go to Ponyville?” Alpha asked before appearing next to Anon. ‘Yes I am or else Blueblood won’t let me forget it.’ Anon thought back. ‘Now go keep an eye on Luna okay.’ Anon thought back getting a nod before Alpha disappeared. “Anon good to see you again!” A voice called out to Anon as he made his way out of the castle. As Anon turned to the source of the voice he saw one of the few nobles of Canterlot that don’t despise him, but also one of the nobles that was his friend. “Fancy Pants good to see you.” Anon replied as the unicorn trotted up to him. “How are you doing?” “Fine. How about you?” Fancy asked. “Making a trip to Ponyville for his majesty.” Anon said sarcastically. “Blue want you to retrieve his suit I’m guessing?” Fancy asked getting a nod from Anon. “Well then if you don’t mind I’ll accompany you. I do have to retrieve my own suit and I highly doubt the owner will trust you to just swoop in and take the Prince’s suit.” “Good point.” Anon said. “But we won’t be taking the train.” “Oh? And how exactly would we be getting down to Ponyville?” Fancy asked before finding his vision filled with a cyan light. “We teleport.” Anon said as Fancy recovered from the sudden teleport. “Welcome to Ponyville, Fancy.” “Impressive Anon.” Fancy said before shifting his gaze from the town to Canterlot. “Are you feeling well? Usually a teleport like that will have even the most experienced mages feeling fatigued.” “I feel perfectly fine Fancy. Now how about you lead the way.” Anon said gesturing to the town. “Of course.” Fancy replied making his way into the town with Anon at his side. “But do tell me if you feel ill or exhausted.” “Thank you for the concern and I certainly will tell you.” Anon said before looking around the small town noticing the ponies giving him strange looks. “How’s Fleur been Fancy?” Anon asked wanting to make conversation. “Oh she’s doing quite fine. She’s in the middle of a photo shoot. You know her always wishing to improve her modelling career.” “Even though she’s said to be the best model in Equestria.” Anon said finishing Fancy’s thought. “Exactly.” Fancy said before noticing that they had arrived at their destination. “Ah here it is Carousel Boutique.” “Impressive.” Anon said inspecting the building noting how it would look more at home in Canterlot than Ponyville. “How about you wait out here Anon. I’ll be out shortly.” Fancy said before making his way into the Boutique. ‘So this is Ponyville?’ Anon thought to himself taking in the buildings situated around the Boutique. ‘Man it’s changed a lot.’ “Hello there fellow.” A female voice to Anon’s right said brining him out of his thoughts. “A zebra?” Anon asked as he saw the mare. “It’s been a while since I have seen one of your kind. How do you do?” “Very well, but I am sad to say I am in a hurry. I have a very important brew to get back too.” The zebra said. “But before I go I feel that we may be seeing each other again soon. So how about we exchange names.” “Of course.” Anon said. “Name’s Anon and it is nice to meet you Miss?” “Zecora is my name and brewing potions is my game.” She said before looking towards the Boutique’s window. “Here come’s you companion so I shall take my leave. Farewell to you Anon!” Zecora called out as she left. “Farewell to you too Miss Zecora!” Anon called after her. ‘Always did like zebras.’ Anon thought to himself. ‘Always knew how to string a rhyme.’ He though before finding his thoughts interrupted by the Boutique’s door opening. “Hope I didn’t leave you waiting too long.” Fancy said as he handed over what Anon could imagine to be Blueblood’s suit to him. “Now then we best make our way back if we’re to keep Blueblood happy.” Fancy said getting a smile from Anon. “You read my mind Fancy.” Anon said before the duo found themselves outside the castle once more. “Ready to go Anon?” Luna asked Anon as he finished putting his tie on. “Yeah. Let’s get going.” Anon replied as he followed Luna through the halls of the castle. “So how was your trip to Ponyville?” Luna asked as the duo made their way past several Solar Guards who had been called in for overtime to watch over the Gala. “Well as expected I got a few weird looks, but it was nice. I met a zebra down there by the name of Zecora.” “Ah yes. Twilight has written a few letters to my sister about Zecora. From those letters she seems like a nice mare.” Luna said as they turned a corner and passed a few Lunar Guards. “Good evening Lady Noctis.” The familiar voice of Moonlight said from the small group of Lunar Guards. As she approached the duo the groups of guards dispersed. “Ah good evening Captain.” Luna greeted the captain. “I didn’t think that my guards would be on duty tonight seeing as how my sister has her Solar Guard stationed for tonight.” “Mother Sol has only brought in enough guards to cover the Gala, which gives us an easier time of keeping an eye on other parts of the castle.” Moonlight explained. “Weird I would’ve thought you’d be glad that you didn’t have to put up with the nobles.” Anon said getting a chuckle from the captain. “I guess that comes as an added bonus sir.” Moonlight replied before turning to Luna. “I’m guessing you won’t be needing an escort Lady Noctis.” “You guess correctly Captain.” Luna said before she gestured for her and Anon to be moving along. “Try to enjoy the festivities Captain. And that’s an order!” Luna called out to Moonlight as her and Anon left the captain to herself. As Anon and Luna made their way toward the castle’s exit Anon could hear the voices of nobles approaching them. “Maybe we should make our way out through a side entrance?” “Lead the way then.” Luna said as Anon lead her to the closest side entrance to the castle. As Anon rounded the corner to the side entrance he found somepony running into his stomach. “Oof watch where you’re going!” The voice of the pony that had run into him said. As Anon looked to the source of the voice he saw who it was he had run into. “Oh it’s only you.” Blueblood said to Anon as he got back onto his hooves. “Prince Blueblood what are you doing here? I would’ve thought you’d be at the Gala.” Anon asked as Luna rounded the corner to see what was happening. “Of course I’m going to the Gala you oaf. Just didn’t want to have to wait in line at the front entrance so I decided to use a side one.” Blueblood explained before noticing Luna. “Princess Luna what are you doing here shouldn’t you be at the Gala?” “No. Anon was going to take me out to see Canterlot.” Luna said getting a look of shock from Blueblood. “Really Princess. I didn’t think that you would stoop so low for company.” Blueblood said before finding himself on the floor a stinging pain on his cheek from where Anon’s hand had collided with it. “Sorry that you had to see that Princess.” Anon said getting a dismissive look from Luna. “Tis alright Paladin.” Luna said before leaning down so she looked into Blueblood’s eyes. “For your information Blueblood, Anon is twice the stallion you’ll ever be and if I hear you talking badly about who I choose for company I shall have your title of Prince removed is that clear?” Luna asked getting a whimper from Blueblood. “Good to hear.” Luna said before turning to Anon. “Let’s get going.” She said before her and Anon disappeared in a flash of cyan light. “Here we are.” Anon said gesturing to the building in front of them. “The Griffon’s Buffet.” Luna said admiring the sign above the door. “Sounds nice. I could definitely use something nice after what just happened.” “Hey Luna,” Anon said lifting Luna’s chin so she looked him in the eye. “don’t worry about Blueblood. Okay.” “Okay. Besides why should I let what he said ruin tonight.” Luna said a smile adorning her face before she made her way towards the front entrance of the restraunt/diner. “You coming?” She asked Anon looking back at him. “Of course.” Anon said before moving to hold the door open for her. “Such a gentlestallion.” Luna said before finding herself standing in front of a sign that said. ‘Wait here to be seated.’ “Good evening how may I be of…” A griffon said making his way towards Luna before stopping to give a bow. “Good evening Princess Luna.” “Hey Griff.” Anon greeted the griffon once he made his way to Luna’s side. “I think he’s waiting for you to say he can rise.” He whispered into Luna’s ear. “Ah of course. Please rise Griff.” Luna said prompting the griffon to rise from his bow. “It is a pleasure to have you here Princess.” “Tis no problem. Now I do hope you made reservations for us Anon.” Luna said turning to Anon. “Of course.” Anon said before turning to Griff. “Table for two under the name Anon.” “Of course if you’ll follow me.” Griff said before leading the two to a nearby table. “I’ll give you two time to decide what you would like to order.” Griff said handing Luna and Anon a menu each. “Thanks Griff.” Anon said before watching the griffon leave. “Seems you know Griff quite well Anon.” Luna said her gaze never leaving her menu. “I’m a regular customer here. Whenever I had time to spare I’d come here.” Anon said as he looked over the drink menu. “How come?” “Well ever since Cadance dragged Celestia, Twilight and I out here one day I got hooked on his cooking.” Anon explained. “His fettuccini reminds me of my mom’s cooking.” Anon said his eyes filled with memories of his mom serving him a steaming hot bowl of the pasta. “A good reason I suppose.” Luna said looking up from her menu a warm smile on her face. “Have you two decided on what you would like?” Griff asked returning to the table. “I’ll have a fettuccini please.” Luna said prompting the griffon to write her order down on a page of a notebook he pulled from his apron. “And a red wine please.” “I’ll take steak please.” Anon said seeing Griff’s gaze fall on him. “Alright then. I’ll be back soon with you orders.” Griff said before making his way towards the kitchen. “A fan of steak Anon? You don’t seem like one to eat that.” Luna said with a coy smile. “Well I have to get protein somehow.” Anon said returning the smile. “A fair point.” Luna said before her smile disappeared a look of seriousness adorning her muzzle. “How has she been?” Luna asked Anon as a unicorn waiter left the table after delivering the bottle of wine and two glasses. “How has who been?” Anon asked while pouring them both glasses of the wine. “Tia. How has she been over the years?” “Well she’s been keeping Raven and I on the edge of insanity.” Anon said with a small smile getting one to arise on Luna’s muzzle. “Anon I’m serious.” She said getting the smile to disappear as quick as it appeared. “Well the first few years weren’t easy.” Anon said. “Some nights she’d wake up in a cold sweat before crying herself back to sleep. Whenever I asked her about it she refused to say but after a while I managed to crack through her shield and get her to tell me.” “What did she say?” Luna asked. “She said she had nightmares of sending you away.” Anon said a frown on his face. “After a while I managed to convince her that it wasn’t you that she had banished but something evil and twisted that had possessed you.” “And she believed you?” “Of course she did. It was the truth that I told her after all.” Anon said letting a hand rest on one of Luna’s fore hooves. “Luna, Celestia and I knew that it wasn’t you that was banished to the moon but something else. Something that couldn’t be you.” “You mean that?” Luna asked getting a nod from Anon. “Thank you.” She said tears forming at the edge of her vision. “I do hope I’m not interrupting anything.” Griff said returning with Luna and Anon’s meals. “Of course not Griff.” Anon said taking his steak. “Good to hear. And if you need me just give a call.” He said before leaving the duo to their meals. “So this is the fabled ‘room’.” Luna said finally seeing as to why Celestia had referred to Anon’s room as a small house, after the duo had teleported back to the castle. “Yeah it is.” Anon said whilst gesturing for Luna to follow him. “Oh already wishing to see me in bed with you?” She said whilst following him into what she had guessed to be the bedroom but what seemed to be an armory. “I never knew you slept in an armory.” “I don’t.” Anon said getting Luna to see that he was taking something out of what seemed to be a weapons case designed for a spear or halberd. “I actually got you a gift.” At this Anon turned around and Luna saw what he had removed from the case. Her halberd that she used to use a thousand years ago. “Is that.” She said in disbelief at seeing her prized weapon. “It is. Couldn’t let it rot away in the Everfree now could I.” Anon replied. Before Anon could register anything else he found himself tackled to the ground by Luna and pulled into a deep kiss. Once the duo parted Anon found his vision filled with a teary eyed Luna. “Thank you. Thank you so much Anon.” She said before her horn began to give off a slight glow. Once Anon had noticed her horn begin to glow Anon had found his vision filled with a blue flash as he was teleported. When Anon had found himself no longer hurdling through the space behind reality he found himself lying on a bed. “Where?” Was all Anon could get out before finding his ability to speak interrupted by the set of lips that pressed against his. After the kiss had ended Luna decided to give Anon an answer to his question. “Right now you are lying on my bed. As for why well I need to reward you for returning this.” At the end of this answer Luna floated her halberd in front of Anon’s face before setting it aside. “I’m guessing that spending the night with you isn’t my only reward?” Anon asked. “Of course not.” She said before removing Anon out of his shirt, jacket and tie. “No you get so much more.”