//------------------------------// // Finally Together // Story: A Rainbow in the Dark // by Misty Green //------------------------------// Princess Luna had offered to discuss Celestia's terms and conditions with Data Swift. She knew well enough why none of them wanted to go near him. He was an emotional wreck with a hint of insanity, and neither trait boded well when it comes to first impressions. Luckily, Luna has spent enough time dream walking to get to know all sorts of personalities, and there were plenty far worse than Data's. Some, like Pinkie Pie's, sent shivers down her spine. To be so shadowless, so full of bright and shining joy, was just...unnatural, even in a place such as Equestria. Data's dreams on the other hoof, were just about as melancholy as Edgar Allen Pony. Since being defeated by Twilight Sparkle and her friends as Nightmare Moon, Luna had taken an interest in Data. She saw herself in him: pure regret for a massive sin that essentially defines half of who she is. Some sympathized, others have never let it go, nor never will. It was these ponies who only reinforced her shame, and Data would know the same. She had to admit though, it was harder than Tartarus to get Data to open up about it. She had to talk him into it, unlike every other pony. Luna could find just about anything she wanted to know about ponies simply by exploring their unconscious minds. She had to if she wanted to help them through their waking turmoils, but Data's were utterly locked away. Still, she couldn't blame him. He was so afraid of loss he didn't want to form any more bonds, and opening up like that would certainly unlock the path to a relationship. There's was a secretive one. Data after all, still preferred to have minimal company and physically finding Data was in itself a chore. So they resolved to just enjoying each other's company through dreams. There their friendship could grow without any interruption, but tonight was different. Data was physically in Canterlot Castle, and on his way up to Luna's chamber! The knock on her door took Luna by surprise. It stole her from her thoughts as a male voice worked its way through the wood. "Princess Luna! Sir Data Swift is here, as you've requested!" "Allow him entry!" With that, the guards opened the door and Data stepped through the portal. Luna signaled the door shut after Data made it through. She never allowed the guards in her room, even when she had company, so the guards stayed outside without the need to be told. The two friends looked over each other, neither knowing what to say.