It has been over a week since that big day. The big announcement of Night Fury and Luna's admission of romance. For Fury he loved his new fillyfriend. But he was a little saddened by how little time they had for each other. They did get to write letters from Ponyville to Canterlot and vice versa, but for the Princess of the Night, he was eager to see her.
"Oh man, what I would give to see her more often." Fury said as he sat in the courtyard of his villa. "I mean, I want to spend more time with her, but with her being a princess and having her own duties to take care of, it would be basically impossible."
He rolled over on his back and looked up at the clear blue sky, thinking of how he could make this relationship work as the crisp autumn air brushed against his fur.
Maybe I could have Celestia move me into the castle? Nah, then I would have to deal with all the hustle and bustle. And I am not a city type. Maybe I could sneak in secret visits? No way, that would be creepy and probably start some drama. Darn it, if only there was a way for me to learn how to make this work!
Too bad he was not an expert in the ways of love. He was never much good at it when he was younger. If only he knew an expert in love.
If only I could find someone who was proficient in the ways of romance, maybe even the leader of love.
He thought to himself. He wondered if he knew anyone that could solve his problem for a moment…
…
Then an idea popped into his head.
"OH YEAH!" Night Fury got up and ran over to Twilight's house. Not for Twilight but for the young dragon's help.
knock knock
"Night Fury, don't you realize it's 5 in the morning?!" Spike answered the door a bit annoyed.
Wow, how long have I been thinking about this? Gah, it doesn't matter! I need to know now!
"Sorry Spike, but can you do me a favor? I have to ask Princess Cadence for help!"
"Ohhhhh, I see. Having love problems are we?" Spike snidely asked.
"Yeah, basically about spending more time with a busy dream princess." Fury said.
"Normally I would tell you later. But just this once because it's for love. In the name of romance, I shall write your letter now!" Spike said dramatically thinking about his love for a certain white unicorn.
"Thanks, kid. I could use the help." Fury said. Spike walked back inside and brought out a quill and scroll, listening to what Fury had to say. The letter was soon sent out and the two separated as they went on with their day. Well, at least one of them.
"Okay, now that I've got that letter sent out, I think I can finally rest easy." Spike said as he let out a yawn. "And maybe catch some extra Z's, all this thinking about love has tired me out."
And with that having been settled, the tired feline walked back to his villa to get some sleep and most likely sleep in. He couldn't break the thought of what he could learn from Cadence, but he knew that it had to be good.
Ah my dear Luna I will find a way to be with you more…
–
knock knock
Fury got up. He didn't get as much sleep as he wanted with his mind constantly thinking about Luna. But he managed to get up. And opened the door revealing the Princess of Love herself.
"Hi there Fury! Um, did I come at a bad time, you look like you could use some more sleep-" Cadence spoke before being quickly silenced.
"Nope nope nope! I am totally ready. I'm not tired at all! Do I look tired?" Fury stared into her with his tired eyes.
"Ummm-"
"Never mind! Let's just talk about what to do!" He said practically dragging Cadence in. She realized he was really taking this seriously. Just like how she did with Shining. So she decided to go along with it.
They sat down by a table. Fury made some spicy coco, a Speed Shifter tribal delicacy.
"So what do you want to talk about?" Cadence asked.
"Well I'm wondering how do I make this long distance relationship work?"
"Don't you two write letters?" Cadence asked.
"Yeah and it's nice but I really wish we could interact more. Luna said it might be another week before we can meet each other And that's a big if." Fury said. "Have you ever had this problem with Shining Armor?"
"Not that I can remember. I will admit that it was hard to keep in touch when we were teens, what with me having just become a princess and him working his way through the ranks of the Royal Guard. But we never truly had any sort of long distance relationship in all the years that we've known each other. Even so, I can see how that can feel." Cadence said, putting a hoof over his shoulder.
"I'm glad you understand. Am I gonna have to just be patient? I miss the old days with Luna." Fury said.
Cadence was about to say yes. But then she thought about it. She was the princess of love! Was she going to let Fury have to wait that long? No way! She was going to find a way.
"Um, Cadence? Hello?" He said, waving his arm.
"Fury, I think I might have an idea!" Cadence said to him. "Alright, so here's the deal. Luna does have long duties at nighttime. But if we do this right, we could have her be in town with you. After all, unlike Celestia, she barely interacts with other ponies."
"So just like before with that vacation time?"
"Here's the twist too: she can still perform her nighttime duties, in Ponyville!" Cadence said. "And as long as she is not interrupted in her sleep, she can perform nightly duties!"
"Wow you're a genius, Cadence!" Fury said. "I'll have more time this way!"
"Now that we have a solution for that, we're gonna have to give you a crash course on how to treat a mare!" Cadence said.
"Wait, didn't we already solve our problem?" Fury said.
"Yes! But now that you will spend more time with her, you must be trained in the art of love!" Cadence said. "Join me, and I shall impart my knowledge unto you in the Gauntlet of Amour!"
"But I'm tired…"
"Hey, you were the one who sent me that message early in the morning! So now we must make haste with love! So come forth!" Cadence lifted Fury to the living room to display her pamphlets. It was as if she was going to give him this lecture even before he explained.
"Lovely Ladies Monthly, Mares And You, Love For The Singles? Cadence, these are all just magazines for girls, not about them. How is this supposed to help me besides giving me something to read for a quick laugh at some drama? Seriously, who would even make this magazine?!" He chuckled.
"Me." Cadence said with a bit of annoyance.
"Oh, uhhhh," Fury realized he just insulted her magazines.
"Look, these magazines are supposed to show you the feminine perspective. Being for girls will help you see clearly how to woo her." Cadence said, handing him one of the magazines.
"Okay then, let's see what this does for me." Fury replied skeptically. He flipped to a random page where it depicted a mare snuggling a stallion.
"Snuggling Your Special Somepony. How is snuggling going to help me get her more into me? And besides, have you seen how stone cold she can be?" He asked.
"You have to get used to embracing your partner. She is a shy pony, so it's your job to be the initiator of this. It helps bond you two together. It makes you one with each other. For me and Shining, that's how we bond." Cadence said. "And besides, you'll get warmer eventually. You have to get used to it."
"Well when you put it that way…" Fury said. "I suppose I can do that."
"Good! Next you have to learn how to open doors for her!" Cadence said. "Be a gentlecolt and let her go first and you second."
"But if it's tasty food! I wanna be first!" Fury complained. "We don't have that tradition in my tribe!" Cadence held back a giggle at his blatant lack of chivalry.
"But for us ponies, it's an ancient tradition. So you might want to do it if you want to be seen as charming."
"Okay, so how would I do that?" Fury asked, even if he had no interest.
"For this, we're gonna need to set the scene." Cadence said. She lit her horn a bright blue and used a spell to set some props. From fake cardboard ponies to plates of food, she had it all set up.
"Oooh, this looks good." Fury said, having skipped breakfast. He was drooling over all the amenities. The cake. The pie. He was about to eat when-
Wack
Cadence slapped the table. "Ah ah ah, aren't you forgetting something?"
"What?"
"To open the door for the mare, remember? Just pretend I'm Luna."
"Yeah ok." He walked up to the door and opened it for Cadence. "May I invite you in?"
"Indubitably." Cadence said imitating Luna's overly formal way of speaking. Fury couldn't help but snicker at Cadence's impression of his filly friend, it wasn't bad but it wasn't good either. He walked up to the fake door and opened it for her.
"For you, my love." Fury said, leading her to the table.
Fury was finally ready to chow down.
"Really?" Cadence said. "Wow you're helpless without me. Look, you have to give the chair to the mare you're with."
"Really? That can't she do it herself?"
"In theory, yes. But that's not the point. It's the principal."
"You sound like my mother. Fine!" Fury pulled up the chair allowing Cadence to sit down.
"Thank you, my love of eternity." Cadence said. Fury didn't know why, but he blushed at Cadence's words.
By the gods, it's like she had just as much of an influence while just pretending as Luna is being for real! She is somepony that I do not want to tease. She could make me look like a strawberry with how smooth she is.
They both sat together and Cadence pointed out all the different ways to act like a gentlecolt. From proper spoons and forks to eating with his mouth closed and even how to pour wine properly.
My goodness, this is a lot of stuff. Fury said in his mind.
"You know Cadence, if I didn't know any better, I would say you were Rarity." Fury joked. Cadence chuckled at this.
"Well, for now at least. Rarity despite going a little too far sometimes, she does have a point with her manners when it comes to these events. If you ever want to take Luna to some fine dining, like you told me in that letter, these rules are important to follow." Cadence said.
"Well, that's a relief. Now, there's still the matter of showing affection to her and bonding with her though. How would I even do that?" Fury asked, wondering.
"To do that, you can have a nice couch, perhaps some warm drinks, and a blanket to share. These things can surely help." Cadence said. "And a pet name of course."
"I have a pet name for her! Moonpie!" Fury said.
Cadence chuckled at this.
"Good. Very good. You're a lot easier at this than my husband was, that's for sure."
"Well, I guess I am. But still, I don't know the first thing when it comes to snuggling up next to somepony. Seriously, even my mom never did that to me! And before you ask, she did it as a way to give me my space. She wasn't that distant before she disappeared." He explained with a chuckle. Cadence put a hoof to her chin as she wondered how she could help him over this hump.
"Maybe I could show you how." She suggested.
"Cadence, I appreciate the offer, but I'm not trying to get killed today." Fury defended. This got a genuine laugh out of the pink princess.
"Oh relax, I know that I'm married! And besides, there's a difference between friendly cuddling and romantic snuggling. Trust me."
Fury found this quite awkward. But he figured it was the best way to find out how to do well with Luna.
"Okay, if you say so. Now, where do we start?" Fury said.
Cadence showed him how to do romantic gestures like putting an arm around Cadence. Or giving her some cocoa. And even watching a cozy movie.
"Can't I watch Zombie Hunter V? Rainbow likes that movie!" Fury said.
"I don't think Luna is that type of pony. She might want something more sophisticated and dramatic." Cadence said.
"Okay okay! I'll find a movie with some fancy shmancy stuff." Fury said finally getting a video case with a masked suited figure.
While they were watching the movie, Fury surprisingly liked the corny old fashioned dialogue. And the scenes with sword fights were quite cool.
"You getting used to this, Fury?" Cadence asked, getting closer to Fury.
"Yeah, this feels… right. Like it's something that I should have done a long time ago. It just makes me feel… feel so… mmmm."
Fury trailed off as he got comfortable and actually started to purr like a house cat. Cadence was actually not expecting that. She found it quite adorable.
"Awww, you're like a big kitten aren't you?" Cadence teased.
Fury was somewhat tired at this point and said nothing. He just purred and relaxed. He was just enjoying himself.
"I do enjoy your time, Moonpie." Fury said getting closer than expected to Cadence.
"Moonpie?" Cadence said a little confused. Okay this is getting a little more personal than I was expecting. Perhaps I shouldn't have done this while he was tired and watching a movie.
"Okay Fury, good work, but could you give me some room?" Cadence asked.
"But I love your presence, my Princess Of The Night." Fury kept on getting on getting closer to her.
"Oh shoot." Cadence said to herself.
He thinks I'm Luna! I forgot about Speed Shifters' primal instincts!
"Okay Fury how about we take a break? I think you're good for now." Cadence said desperately hoping Fury's instincts aren't overtaking him.
"C'mon dearest, you wouldn't want to leave me alone. Would you?" He said, looking into Cadence's eyes. Cadence then noticed that Fury's eyes weren't their usual red, but a more Magenta color.
"Fury, I am not Luna, I am Cadence! The Princess of Love, not the Princess of the Night! I've only been practicing with you and nothing more. Do you understand?" Cadence spoke up hoping to convince the lovestruck feline.
"Oh I understand my lady. I understand that I am yours and you are mine." He gave a gentlemanly bow.
Oh brother. Cadence rolled her eyes.
"Alright, I'm just going to go buy some snacks for myself. I'll be back in a few-"
"Don't leave me, my love!" Fury said, hugging her tightly. "I will not lose you again!"
Cadence never thought she would be annoyed by excessive romance. She is now.
"Don't make me use my magic on you!" Cadence replied, her horn glowing.
"You say that, but I know you would never attack me because you and I are lovers- Owww!"
Cadence used a beam of magic to make him let her go and flew out of his villa.
"Oh no. She is running away from me! Perhaps she is being manipulated by some evildoers! Perhaps by Blueblood's cronies! I must rescue her!" Fury said, imitating the chivalrous knights that were in the movies Cadence made him watch. He ran out quickly.
–
For Cadence she realized he was in some sort of phase. She needs to find out how to get him back to normal.
"I'm the Princess of Love so I could use one of my love spells. But I need more energy to perform it! It'll take me hours before I recharge!" Cadence wondered aloud.
"Let's see. Maybe I could get Twilight to help me get Fury back to normal! Yes! That's it!"
"There you are, my Moonpie!" Fury said, running towards her.
Oh great, he's here! I almost forgot that he has super speed!
Cadence said to herself as she took off in an attempt to get away from Fury, but he was just too fast.
"Wait, my love, is there something bothering you? Please, let me be the partner you need and help me help you!" He called.
"Oh! At this rate, I won't make it to Twilight without him being on my tail!" Cadence said in panic. "Think girl! Think!"
She now knew what Fury felt when she chased him. Now it was the reverse.
She looked around for anything to help her. She thought what could slow a Speed Shifter down?
She looked at one of the carts around. She saw somepony selling spinach and cabbage. The things a true Speed Shifter would not even look at.
"Well, you would like some veggies!" Cadence said flying there.
She basically took several veggies from the cart. Before the shop owner could complain, she threw a huge fat sack of bits, which satisfied him.
Fury was closing in on her.
"Oh my love! There is one thing you must do for me!" She cried out to him.
"What shall I do to serve thee?"
"Eat your vegetables!" Cadence said as she flung a whole bunch of cabbages at Night Fury. One ginger into his mouth. Fury was absolutely disgusted and paused for some time. He hacked and coughed up the veggies in a haste to get the taste out of his mouth.
"Ugh, Cadence, what was that for?! I know I love pranks but I draw the limit at forced eating!" He called. Then he sort of glitched, twitching as a Magenta colored electric charge surged his body.
"Wait, my love, I forgive you! You must have felt threatened by something! Please allow me to be your guide. Wait, where did you go?" Cadence hid behind a nearby bush and thought about what she had just seen.
When I threw those vegetables at him, he seemed to go back to normal for a moment. Then he started glitching with that magenta aura and went back to his original, love bound state. Where have I seen that before? Cadence asked herself.
She did remember when back at the museum, briefly seeing Fury in his rage state and when the Truther showed a hologram of him training his temper. She remembered him having to meditate and do all sorts of incantations to resist his primal urges.
It seems like there is still a sane side to Fury left. Maybe if I just try to help him resist mentally, he can be back to normal! Time for a little hypnosis.
Cadence flew up and got Fury's attention, acting like she needed him.
"Romeo, oh Romeo. I need you! Please be my comfort and savior in my sour state." She said,
"Of course, my dear nightly love. We shall rectify your issues and make you better in no time!"
"Then please, come with me and me and be my saving grace!" Cadence said as she flew back towards Fury's villa.
-
Cadence landed in the courtyard of the mansion and waited for her target. Two seconds later, he came barreling in and came face to face with her
"C'mon, Moonpie, what's bothering you? Fury asked. "If there is some evil in your life I shall slay it!"
"My love, I wish to read you a poem. To seal our love for each other in eternity." She said sarcastically as she floated a pocket watch behind her back, ready to start the hypnotic procedure.
"I am ready to hear it, my flower of the night!"
"First, look into this pendulum. It, uh, ensures we'll be together forever. Totally." Cadence said, wanting to get this over with.
"Okay!" He started intensely into the pocket watch.
"Listen to me, Night Fury. I am Cadence, princess of love. I am not the princess of the night. You shall acknowledge this fact forevermore. Do not be confused." Cadence reciting the text on the scroll.
Fury started to feel dizzy, his eyes spinning in his head as he became seduced by the pendulums' swinging motion.
"You are Cadence? No, you are Luna!"
"I am Cadence."
"L l-luna."
"I am Cadence."
"You are Lu- no. You are Cadence, The Princess of Love."
"Yes, I am Cadence!" With one last chant, Fury fell to the floor in a heap, dizzy and unaware of where he was. He had seemingly passed out, if it weren't for his quiet muttering indicating that he was still somewhat conscious.
"Fury, Furyyyy. Are you there?" Cadence called as she waved a hoof in front of his face, but got no response from the hypnotized feline. "Come on Fury! Get up!"
Still no response.
"Oh no. What if I made him have a coma? No, this can't be! I need to take him to the doctor immediately!" Cadence panicked as she ran to the door of the villa, but stopped as she realized an easier way to get Fury back.
"Wait, there's a better way to do this… That's it! I know exactly what will wake him up!" She said as she walked back to the dizzy feline and stretched her wings out.
Cadence summoned all the energy within her and focused it into her wings. She put them on Fury.
"Prepare to be tickled!" Cadence then aggressively tickled his armpits and his chest not letting up whatsoever, but he didn't budge.
"Maybe I have to hit a different spot." She said, flipping him over and hitting his belly.
"Coochie coochie coo!" She tickled his underside with her feathers. "How do you like that, huh? You big kitten!" She kept doing it for over thirty seconds when she noticed signs of slight activity. She saw him move slightly. She kept going.
I think it's working!
"HeheheheHAHAHAHA!" And just like that, he was laughing his signature goofy laugh.
"Hahahahahah, Cadence, quit it! It tickles!" Fury said out loud.
"Maybe I'll go a little longer." Cadence teased.
"Cadence!"
"Okay, okay." she let go of him.
"Oh boy, did I fall asleep or something?" Fury asked.
"In a way you did."
Cadence explained everything that happened when he turned into a love obsessed maniac.
"Oh great! Feelings of love can make me feel that way too?!" Fury said. "Ugh, now I know what I'm gonna have to train for next. I wasn't too embarrassing, right?"
Cadence shook her head.
"You were. I love sappy romance movies but even I have my limits that I would never go past and you my friend, went past them."
"Oh boy, there's the nail in the coffin." Fury said, turning a bright shade of red and falling on his back. "Well, safe to say that this was a bust."
"Not completely," Cadence said. "Now you know how to treat a lady. Although I might have been a little pushy especially when you were tired."
"Aww, it's okay. I guess you're right though. Now I know how to snuggle and watch cheesy melodramas and all that jazz." Fury admitted.
"Good work, my apprentice!" Cadence said. "You have passed gentlecolt boot camp and are ready to woo the princess of the night. So when will you see Luna?"
"Soon enough. But for now, I have something else to attend to." He said slyly.
"And what's that?" Cadence asked, slightly nervous.
"Oh nothing, check this out." The black feline then glowed a harsh red before reforming as an octopus.
"Wow, you've been practicing with your new forms, I see."
"Yep, but I'm not going to use it for swimming…" Cadence began to sweat as she saw the black cephalopod slip a tentacle around her.
"Well, what are you gonna use it for?" Cadence shuddered as the cold appendage wrapped around her.
"Nothing… Besides getting my revenge on you!" He said as he started to pull her in.
He pulled her in closer. And gave a smile from his cephalopod beak.
"You could use a new color Cadence. Pink is a little old these days."
Cadence was confused.
"What are you talking about?"
Squirt!
He got some black ink over Cadence's torso. She felt so slimy.
"Eww, that is just wrong! It'll take me hours to clean this, you dirty little octopus!" Cadence complained.
"Haha! Ink squirt for the win!" Fury laughed. "And besides, you can't touch me because I'm just as slimy!" He said as Cadence tried to slap him but he was too slippery to do so.
"I guess you're not a complete gentlecolt eh?" Cadence said.
"Nope! And besides, being cheeky and devious is part of my charm. That's what Luna likes about me in the first place anyway."
Cadence chuckled.
"Yep. And I would be pretty bored if you were just a white knight and so would Luna. I'll leave that for my lovely Shining Armor. Don't change too much, okay?"
"Oh don't you worry about that," He said as he grabbed Cadence and pulled her in for a slimy, wet octopus hug. "I'm not planning on changing a bit!"
"Heh heh yeah! You got that right!" She hugged back a little awkwardly at the sliminess but embraced it nonetheless.
He finally let go satisfied and transformed back to his usual self.
Cadence, still sticky, spoke to Fury.
"I wish you luck with your date with the Princess of the Night! I heard there's a fancy restaurant at night with the world renowned musician Octavia playing a classy tune on her violin."
"I already had that one in mind. Tonight, I'll show how classy a guy like me can be! Look out Luna! I'm gonna sweep you off your hooves!"
And so, Cadence left back for the Crystal Empire and Fury practiced and got ready for the big night.
–
"Hold still, darling! I need you to be still!" Rarity said, preparing his suit.
"Rarity, I know! It's just that my fur isn't exactly as finely maintained as yours. I think I should make that a more primary thing now that I'm becoming more domesticated."
Rarity seemed pleased at this.
"Ah good. The first step to solving a problem is acknowledging after all." She kept on working. "Are you nervous, Fury? I'm sure you'll be fine with Princess Luna."
"Well, I can't say that I'm not. To be honest, this is our first true date ever since that whole prank potion mix up. This is the first time I've ever gone on a date at all, for that matter."
"Well all I can say is just this. Remember what Cadence said about showing good manners and do not fear. I used to be very nervous when I was on my first date. But I trained myself to do so! And you can too!"
"Thanks rare, I needed that." Fury said. Soon after Rarity had finished her work, a knock came from the door of the boutique.
"That must be her. Phew, okay, here we go."
Rarity wished him luck and Fury opened the door to reveal a lovely sight to behold.
Luna was in a purple silky dress. It had constellations and plants on her. It seemed to fit quite perfectly for who she was being the Princess Of The Night. Fury also noticed that her mane wasn't flowing in its usual invisible wind, but was straight and finely brushed. Her beautiful form made Fury's face go red and his heart race as she craned her neck down to speak to him.
Fury said nothing at first. He was in awe of her.
"Hello, Night Fury. You seem quiet. Are you feeling well?" Luna asked.
Fury quickly recovered and stood up straight.
"Why wouldn't I be after seeing how lovely you look, my sweet princess." He said, grabbing her hoof and kissing it.
Now it was Luna's turn to blush at his smoothness.
"Oh you!"
"Shall I take you to our destination, my lady?"
"Lead the way, my love." She said as she let Fury lead her to their date.
"Good luck, you two!" Rarity called.
"Trust me Rarity, with this beautiful girl by my side, I won't need it!" Fury shot back.
Night Fury and Luna took a walk outside and saw a bunch of bright stars lighting up the night sky. While it was nothing unusual or beyond sight like Fury could see, Luna still appreciated the peaceful walk with her new coltfriend. She was happy that she could spend more time with Fury now that she will visit Ponyville more often.
They kept on walking and talked about different things like food or the clouds up in the sky.
Alas they had finally reached their destination
A large beautiful restaurant with classical columns and black marble. It seemed like a temple. Of course for Fury he knew it was a temple of fine dining.
"I did not think Ponyville had a building this grand!" Luna remarked.
"This town is more than meets the eye, my dear. Now, shall we?" He said as he went up to the door and opened it for Luna.
"Astonishingly beautiful ladies first." He chuckled.
Luna was impressed. She thought this modern era was filled with uncouth stallions who had no standards. But Fury of all the creatures she met sure did.
They went into the restaurant decorated with old paintings, mosaics of Ponyville history, some fish tanks and impressively a mural of a constellation with jewels for stars in the black walls.
"May I help you, ambassador and princess?" asked a waiter with a fancy accent.
"Table for two please!" Fury said.
The couple sat at a nice table where they heard a relaxing piano in the background.
When the waiter served them, it was like heaven for both of them. Luna had her typical cucumber sandwiches. And Fury had his fish which would normally be fed to cats. But they both had a special delicacy that Luna relished even as a filly, mooncakes.
"Wow, these mooncakes are delicious, Luna!" Fury said.
"I am glad you like them. It's said one the Pillars as we call them, Mistmane, used to make these with astonishing beauty, just like anything associated with her."
"Well I'm sure she wasn't as beautiful as you, moonpie." He said with a wink.
"Oh you're just saying that." Luna blushed.
"Am I?" He said, giving her a kiss. "Because from how I see it, a lady of the night like yourself is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. I always love the night and so a princess of night fits right in."
Luna simply nodded.
"I can see why you took an interest in me so long ago. And speaking of which, it feels like just yesterday we were just friends making small talk." Luna said.
"Yeah, who would have thought we would be sitting here on a date in such a short time? Reminds me of how my folks met." Fury said
"Really? How so?"
"Well, when my mom was just getting into her teen hood, she was in that part of her life where every guy she saw was hot. She looked for weeks on end to find the one she wanted, and then she ran into my dad when he was just a soldier in our defense force. They stayed friends for around the same time we did, only they stretched that out a little while longer before they started dating."
"After a few dates over the course of a couple of months, my dad popped the question under the cover of night. And my mom said yes. They got married a week later, mom decided to take things to the next level, and nine months later on a dark, stormy night, I came into the picture."
Fury looked at these stories with fondness. He always loved hearing tales of his parents past exploits and in this case, their romantic exploits. Ever since he stopped seeing them he always cherished those memories.
"In a dark stormy night? Well I guess it was a sign of who you would become."
"And who might that be?" He asked with a smirk.
"A bit reckless, a bit impetuous, a bit too intense sometimes…" Luna teased.
"Okay okay, I get it!"
"But also someone passionate about love, someone who runs like lightning to help those in need, and someone who fears not the night but embraces it fully." Luna said.
"Aww, thanks. That's exactly what my mom said when I was born. As a matter of fact, that's how I really got my name. When I said that I got my name from sneaking snacks a few months ago, I was kidding. I like to tell funny fake stories about myself." Fury said in jest. But then he looked down. "And I guess I didn't think I deserved to be taken too seriously back then, especially compared to others in my village."
Luna held his paw.
"Well Fury, you deserve to be taken seriously. You have so many great things. and not just that but you have a good heart. And that is why I admire you.
"Well I guess I have been becoming more of a warrior ever since I started to fight a bit better, like with Sombra and Blueblood's goons."
"No Fury." Luna looked into his eyes. "You were always a hero. Even before you defeated them, you always had that attitude. While flawed, you didn't have to fight to prove yourself. You were always worthy. I might not have seen you back then but I can tell from what I've heard. Amongst us all, you stand the tallest.
Fury covered his eyes. Was it tears?
"Thanks Luna. I won't forget that. I'm glad I have someone like you in my life."
"And the same for you, my love." Luna said softly.
They both delighted in each other's presence.
"But now that I've gone down that road, let's go the other way. I want to know more about you. What was your childhood like?"
Luna wasn"t sure what to say at first for she had not shared this with most ponies, save for her sister.
"Well I can say that back when Equestria was united for the first time, me and my sister came from a prominent family. Of course, Celestia was always more athletic and liked to socialize with friends. For me, I simply delighted in things like painting, reading or best of all, looking at the stars in the sky." Luna said.
"Back then, only a few ponies appreciated the night. Even stars they saw as a mere amusement compared to something like cloud formations or plants, things that tend to be seen better in the daytime." Luna said.
Fury was silent in hearing her story. He was truly curious.
"For me," Luna said. "I sometimes felt unappreciated. I felt like I was lesser than those around me. I was thankful to have my sister though. Sometimes though I feel like she didn't fully understand me. Although the same could be said for me. She and I are still trying to understand each other. I hope we can do so fully one day."
Fury nodded along.
"I completely understand. Not everyone of my kind understood me that well either. You see, I was an energetic kid when I was young. The wild card. I would do the most random things that no one for the life of them would ever be able to understand. Whether that be climbing trees and hopping from branch to branch, or playing in the mud wallows and sliding down mud slides when I was bored. Contrary to how I act, most Speed Shifters are not as happy-go-lucky as me. Regardless of that, I didn't let that bother me because I knew that there were two others that still loved me for who I was."
"And I can say the same for you when I tell you that you have someone in your life that loves you without any doubt. You are just as special to me as you are to your sister and anypony else that looks up to you. So don't forget, you are loved, appreciated, and cared for regardless of how many do so. Whether it's friends, family, or your partner."
Luna smiled at this.
"Thank you. Sometimes I take who loves me for granted. But I am thankful for those who love me. Including you." Luna said with a smile that melted Fury's heart.
Fury was about to kiss her again when the next thing happened.
"Ladies and gentlecolts, we have tonight a special guest. The elegant and beautiful Octavia Melody shall be playing her Tribute to the Night now. If anypony would like to dance with your partner, this is the right time!" said one of the staff.
"So, what do you say to a little slow dance?" Fury asked as he stood up and held his paw out to his date. Luna smiled.
"I would love to." She replied, grabbing hold of his paw and following him onto the dance floor.
Fury was a little nervous. He was able to fight monsters, but the biggest monster for him now is to dance smoothly in a crowd of others.
No. Cadence taught me what to do. I'm ready to go all out.
On the dance floor, Fury calmed himself with the deep breath techniques Cadence taught him and said some incantations to calm himself down. He listened to the smooth sound of the violin. And he went along with it.
He relaxed into the music and he delightfully danced with Luna.
However he saw Luna was more stressed. She was a bit nervous.
"Don't worry. Just follow how I dance, moonpie." Fury whispered to her.
It took time, but Luna started to finally get more of a grasp. She started to delight in the music whose peaceful tone reminded her of being a filly looking at the starlit sky. She felt a bit more comfortable now.
"I must say that you are a smooth dancer, Night Fury." She complimented.
"Thanks, I learned from the best." He replied, not wanting to give away his secret. The music continued its soft and smooth rhythm for a few more minutes, ponies enjoying the time they had with their partners as they embraced each other.
–
Later on that night, Luna and Night Fury were walking along a dirt path towards Fury's villa. They both had enjoyed their time with each other and we're happy that they took advantage of it while they had the chance.
"Well Luna, was I a dapper gentlecat today?' Fury asked a little smugly
"You have impressed me, Night Fury. I knew you were many things. But I never knew you could be such a gentlecolt. I guess even someone uncouth like you can be made sophisticated."
He gave a pout at that.
"I'm not that unsophisticated!" Luna giggled at his reaction.
"Aww, I'm sorry sweetie pie. You must be devastated." She teased.
"Oh ha ha, very funny." Fury chuckled. He leaned up next to her and nuzzled her neck, purring in the process. Luna looked at him with a surprised look.
"Did… did I just hear you purr?" Luna asked, surprised.
"Um, maybe?" Fury asked.
"That is simply adorable!" She said more loudly than usual before glomping onto him. "I should have known after all you are like a big kitten." She said half teasing half snuggling his fur.
"Heh, I guess Cadence wasn't the only one surprised by that. Wait, not like- doh!" He grunted, having said too much.
Darn it, I spilled the beans! Nice going, skinny tail.
"Oh, so Cadence knows about this too? Would you like to explain how before I find out for myself?" Luna said with an evil smirk.
"Well… it's a long story, Luna…. You wouldn't be too interested." Fury said, hoping to get rid of suspicion.
"Don't be so hard on yourself, I think I am a little interested in this story of yours and Cadence's."
Fury sighed.
This is gonna be a long night. I just hope she won't get jealous.
"Well you see, me and Cadence were sort of training for my date with you and…."
He proceeded to explain about all the stuff that happened earlier today.
"YOU WERE CUDDLING WITH CADENCE!?" Luna asked with fury.
"That's what I told her! I didn't wanna do it! Cadence can be a little weird when it comes to romance sometimes! But we weren't that close to each other!" Fury defended. Luna looked towards him with a look that could kill. But before she could say anything, another voice chimed in from above.
"Luna, please don't kill him!" The voice said. The couple looked up to see none other than Cadence flying in.
"Cadence? What are you doing back here?" Fury said.
"I was going to check up on you two to see how your date was. But it looks like things got a little rough." Cadence said. "Don't tell me you forgot to open the door for Luna?"
"No, it went well. Until, um, I told Luna about our date training." Fury said.
Cadence then realized. She had to quickly dispel things before Luna became angry at both her and Fury.
"Do you care to explain this situation, Cadence?" Luna said with a calm but dangerous look.
Cadence explained her methods and how this was all simply platonic. And she had no intention of seducing Night Fury. After all, as the Princess of Love, one of the rules was against cheating on others.
"...and that is how I used cabbages to delay Night Fury. And he got back to normal. He was never in love with me. Only with you, Luna." She explained.
"Yeah, Cadence is a little plain for me. No offense."
"EXCUSE ME?!"
"I said no offense!"
"So much for you being a gentlecolt! And I thought you had a bit more manners especially since I was defending you!" Cadence argued.
"Hey, there's nothing wrong with being a little boring and ordinary. Sometimes you need someone a bit more sane." Fury said, triggering Luna.
"Bahahahahaha!"
Cadence and Fury stopped their arguing to look at Princess Luna.
"This amuses me greatly. I should have known Fury, you would not find Cadence to your liking. She is just not your type."
"Never was, never will be. That's why I squirted her with octopus ink. So I could see if she could look more like me and make it work!" Fury laughed out loud.
Cadence was still unamused whereas Luna was still amused.
"I understand now. Forgive me. Sometimes I overreact. I guess I was in a very romantic mood that led to jealousy."
"Hey I don't blame ya. I overreact all the time too! I guess that's why we're perfect for each other!" Fury laughed.
"Heh, I don't do that as much," Cadence said, now a little more calm. "That's my husband's job."
"Ha, I don't doubt it!" Luna laughed.
"And Fury, you're gonna get the revenge of your life for that ink squirt!"
"Bring it on, Cady, you don't have the gall!" Fury shot back, showing his fangs. "And you're probably gonna have to do better than just some revenge."
"Oh, and why is that?" Cadence asked, which was a big mistake. Fury jumped into the air, transformed into an octopus again…
Squirt!
And let loose a storm of ink that turned Cadence from pink to a shiny black.
"Because I'm not scared of a fight!" Fury said as he landed and transformed back to normal.
"Awww, come on! Not again!" Cadence said. But then she smiled evilly. "But you won't laugh forever! You made my coat black. How about we do the opposite for you?" She said levitating a bucket of paint.
"What's that supposed to be? Water? Are you gonna wash the black off of me?" Fury laughed, not taking her seriously.
"Nope, paint!" Cadence threw a bunch of paint at him.
"See, I think you look better just like me." Cadence smugly said.
Fury looked at his paws and saw it was…
"Pink!!!" Fury cried out. "No no no no! How could this be?!"
"Ha, what do you have to say to that?!" Cadence said smugly. Fury looked horrified at his new color until he realized what else octopus ink was known for.
"Well, the only thing I can say is have a nice slide."
"Have a nice slide? What that supposed to mean- Woah!" Cadence yelled at her hooves slipped on the ink and made her slip and slide around.
"Oof!"
"Hahahaha!" Luna and Night Fury laughed.
"That is the most ancient gag I can think of. Except instead of a banana peel, it was octopus ink!" Luna giggled. "You are indeed a humous sort, my love!"
Cadence was annoyed at being foiled by this juvenile prank but she should not have expected any less from Night Fury.
"Thanks sweetie, I've got a knack for playing pranks. And poor Cadence can't do anything because she's too slippery to move, Ha!"
Cadence tried to get up but slipped. At first she was pouting. But she realized how fun things were going to be with Fury around.
"Oh, I don't have to move. It's you that should have gotten away when you had the chance!" Cadence said as she pulled Night Fury with her magic into the slippery ink.
"Oh no you don't! Luna, help me!" Fury called as he grabbed onto his filly friend, but that only made things worse as she began to slide as well.
Now everyone was all sticky and gross.
"Now what do we do?" Luna said. "I am now dirty with this black ink!"
"I know." Fury said.
"What?" Luna and Cadence asked.
"Ink fight!" Fury yelled out. He flicked his tail and splattered ink on Luna's face.
"Oh, it is on!" She summoned a ball of black goo and threw it at Fury, only for it to be dodged and land on Cadence.
"Oh yeah, two can play at that game!" Cadence threw more ink back.
They kept on fighting but eventually came the end of their war, the aftermath was gooey and icky. Everypony was quite tired but amused by the day.
"We should do this more often!" Fury said.
"I see you all are enjoying yourselves covered in ink." said a fourth voice.
"Celestia?" Everypony asked. Just above the trio's heads hovered the Princess Of The Day observing them in their ink covered state.
"I didn't realize that you three were so close. Is there a secret club that I've been denied access to?" She joked as she landed in front of them.
"If you mean the club of sheer mayhem and chaos, then yes, you have missed out." Cadence bluntly said.
"To be honest, I wish you were here too, sister. This was quite the event." Luna said.
"Yeah, she's right. If you had been here, this would be even better! The Great War Of Ink was rather messy and a bit satisfying. " Fury boasted.
"Who is to say your war is over?" Celestia said.
"Huh?" Fury looked at her.
"I am the ruler of this land. A war doesn't end unless I say it does. And for you," Celestia picked up a huge ball of ink, "It has just begun!"
She flung it at them and boom!
"Ugh!"
"Eww!"
Cadence and Luna both were covered in ink, but once they got to look around, they realized Fury had disappeared.
"Do you think that ink blob washed him out?" Cadence asked.
"Nah, I just dodged it." A voice came. The three princesses looked up to see Fury sitting on a nearby tree branch.
"Did you really think I would let you get me so easily, Celestia?" He said as he jumped down onto the path and smiled. "Well I'm not so easy to take down!"
He took off from a standstill and jumped into the air, coming down in the surrounding puddle and skidding to a stop, flinging a wave of ink at the solar goddess.
After seeing her formerly white fur turn black she gained a face of determination.
"It… is… on!"
And now the war had expanded. Powerful attacks of ink flew from side to side as the battle raged on, but Fury was about to bring it to an end.
"Alright, you three, you wanna see my true power? Then witness me!" Fury yelled. He used his power to launch into the air once more, transform into a giant walrus, and start flying down to launch his splashdown attack.
"Banzai!" The three princesses looked up at the blubbery creature in horror as they all said the same thing.
"Oh Feathers."
There was a small rumble in the ground and much of that road was covered in gunk. Fury now realized he would probably have to do community service for that. But he didn't care today. For he truly delighted in all this fun. All three princesses were impressed with him. Especially Luna who was surprised one could be both a gentleman and fun loving rogue. It was the best of worlds for Luna.
"Hahaha! Victory is mine! The walrus republic shall rise to power!" Fury called as he made a series of walrus calls to signify his dominance. He opened his eyes to see that the three princesses had disappeared.
"Girls, where did you go?"
"We're still here, sweetie. We're just covered in so much ink that we blend in." Luna spoke as she shook some of the ink off to reveal herself, Cadence and Celestia doing much the same.
"That was fun! We have to stay in touch and group up like this more!" Cadence said.
"Indeed." Celestia said. "Although I don't think Rarity will be too pleased to see your suit all covered in ink."
Fury laughed nervously.
"Yeah heh heh. Please don't tell her. Last time I did that she yelled at me for hours!" Fury said.
"Don't worry, I'll handle this." Luna said as she lit her horn and cleaned the surrounding area in a flash. All four of them were cleaned of the ink and spotless while the street was its usual gavel like color.
"Phew, thanks moonpie, you just saved me from a fashionista fiasco." Fury sighed, glad that he wouldn't have to take the dive.
"Of course. Any for my little Lightning Bug." Luna replied as she nuzzled Fury's cheek who chuckled at this, but Celestia was left rather confused.
"Wait a second. Moonpie? Lightning Bug? What are those supposed to even mean?" Celestia said, a bit confused.
Luna blushed with a bit of embarrassment. But Fury just wrapped his arm around Luna and chuckled.
"It's our little thing we have going on. Besides, I think it's a cute name for a cute mare." Fury winked at Luna.
Cadence almost squealed with joy at this romantic display. Celestia chuckled at this.
"You two are one of the best couples I've ever seen! It's straight out of one my romance novels I wrote!" Cadence swooned. "Perhaps I could have you two as the basis for my characters."
Fury and Luna chuckled nervously.
"Uh maybe later, Cadence." Fury said not wanting to get involved in whatever Cadence wrote.
He stretched his arms out.
"Well, it's getting late. I think we should call it a night, huh?"
"I must agree, my love. Tonight was rather fun. The dinner, you telling me about your memories, the slow dancing… It was all a wonderful time." Luna said.
"I'm glad you liked it. And I have to thank you too Cadence. Without you, I would probably be sitting on my couch watching cheesy movies while eating popcorn." Fury chuckled.
"Heh, well I'm glad that you put your newfound knowledge to good use. It's not everyday that you get the chance to ask your crush out on a date."
"Yeah, that's true. And that's one of the things that I've always wanted to do, feel the love of someone who loves me just as much as I do them." Fury said, kissing Luna before yawning.
"Well, I'm gonna head home. Tonight was great, but tomorrow's another day. I'll catch you on the flip side, ladies!" He said as he took off towards his villa.
As he took off, Cadence and Celestia walked back to their carriages. But Luna simply looked into the direction of Night Fury. She wondered how lucky she was to have a gentlecolt like Night Fury. Who would have thought someone so different from her could also be so right for her.
"Aunt Luna, are you coming?!" Cadence called out to her.
"Yes Cadence I am!"
Good night, my handsome Lightning Bug. May you have sweet dreams, that I shall make sure of.
As Luna was walking away, Night Fury saw her and felt so satisfied today. He lay down on his bed ready for a good night's sleep.
One day, mom and dad, I hope you can meet Luna and like her as much as I do. I promise you will.