Fury was sound asleep in his room. The morning sun shone through the curtains that were slightly closed, warming his body with the sun's rays. But even though it was a beautiful morning, one that anyone would be elated to wake up to, Fury slept through it like he had nothing better to do. Especially for Fury, who was tired out of all the events with the princesses and his parents the previous night.
But the sleeping feline was interrupted by a certain familiar female voice.
"Oh my dear son, why are you still asleep? Have you outgrown your mother and decided not to spend time with her?" The voice cooed.
"Huh?" Fury moaned "Ugh, come on Mom, can't I sleep in?" Fury lifted his head and planted a kiss on his supposed mother before laying back down, not once opening his eyes.
"Thank you, Fury. But I was not aware you looked at me as a maternal figure." The new voice thanked him.
"Oh come on, Mom, stop messing with meEEEAAAAHAHAAAH!" Fury let out a screech that would put a banshee to shame. He had now fully opened his eyes and was met with not his mother, but Celestia's face. He squirmed under the covers in a frantic panic before crashing down into the floor with a thud.
"Oof!" Fury sat upside down on the floor, rubbing his head before looking up to see the amused expression on Celestia's face.
"Are you alright, Night Fury?" Celestia said.
"Yeah, no thanks to you!" Fury complained. "Why would you do that!? I only kiss two people, your sister and my mom! That's just gross! I'm not that close with you."
"Oh come now. I just wanted to have a little fun, Fury." Celestia said. "Well, that, and to get payback on you for yesterday's pranks."
"Ugh, I'm never going to be able to get this out of my head. And goddess forbid I tell Luna about how I kissed her sister for the second time." Fury grumbled, flipping himself over and untangling the blanket around his body.
"Oh don't worry, I won't tell a soul. This is just between us." She winked as she finished her remark. He was about to speak when another presence made themselves, or in this case, itself known.
GrrrrRrrrrrRRr…
Celelestia smirked. "Well it sounds like your old friend came back. Quite soon, I might add."
"Yep. I could sure use something tasty to start the day." Fury was relieved he could find a way to change the subject. "Well nothing like starting off with some tasty chow like some eggs."
"Well it's a good thing that I've come to invite you to the main palace dining hall for a joint breakfast with my fellow princesses. Unfortunately, your parents took an early jump at the day and went for a jaunt around Canterlot so they will not be joining us." Celestia explained.
"Eh, I'm not really that surprised. With dad being a commander in my tribe's defense force and my mom having a fascination with the early morning, seeing them up so early is nothing new." Fury said. He was about to continue speaking when he was loudly interrupted.
GRRRRRRRRRRRRR…
"Oh my! Perhaps we should get started on making our way to our destination. I'm worried that my fellow subjects might think there's a manticore roaming around."
"Yeah, wouldn't want them to be scared of any wild animals roaming around. Well, besides me, of course." He joked.
When the two finally made it, Fury was in awe.
"No way! You have seasoned sardines ready for me?" Fury said with his mouth watering.
"Why yes, I figured I would get things started before we arrived." Celestia said. Then there came a creak from the opposite side of the room, revealing the other two royals.
"Ah, good morning Cadence and… Moonpie."
Luna smiled upon seeing her beloved.
"Good morning, my dear Night Fury. Even if I normally abhor the mornings, with your presence, it is a bit better. Just a bit." Luna smiled.
"Well, let's make it another bit better, shall we?" He said before kissing her on her lips.
"How do you feel now?"
Luna blushed. "Much better now, thank you."
"My pleasure my love." Fury said, continuing with his food. Celestia and Cadence looked with admiration at the love the two had for each other.
Everyone proceeded to eat their breakfast. Fury appreciated how much food Celestia gave to him. He felt like a chief or better yet, an emperor.
"So Moonpie, did you enjoy our little game last night?"
Luna nodded. "Ah yes, indeed. It sure was. What with all the transformations and the strategy. And best of all your warm pouch. It was quite comfortable."
"Glad to please you, my lady."
"And yet there is one thing I am not quite satisfied with yet." Luna said. "You've been doing so much to please and to give me comfort."
"Hey I'm a master of a lot of things and love is one of them." Fury said.
"However, I do wish to return the favor." Luna said. "Especially in the form of a kangaroo."
Fury was surprised at the request.
"Wow, really? I mean, no offense but are you sure you can take that sort of shapeshifting? Sure, I've seen you turn into your nightmare form a couple of times, but changing species entirely? Is your shapeshifting really that good?" Fury asked as he took a sip of his orange juice.
"I can assure you that my ability to shapeshift is quite extensive. While I have held back from any complex alterations to my form, I can change species if I want to. While I mostly specialize in illusion and deception magic, transformation magic isn't far out of my skill. It shouldn't be a problem for me to return what is due."
"Huh, a giant blue kangaroo. I can only imagine what that looks like." Cadence added.
"Yes, dear niece, it would be one spectacular sight. And I can speak from experience since I saw her change into her filly form so she could get free ice cream." Celestia chuckled, earning a blush out of Luna and a giggle from Fury and Cadence.
"Yes… I was young back then." Luna admitted. "Also the taste of dragon fruits is to die for." She whispered. "But getting back to the point, observe as I perform my transformation.
Luna got up from the table to a clear area of the room. She closed her eyes to focus.
I haven't done this transformation in a long time. So I need to focus absolutely.
The others saw a blue aura of energy as the princess of the night briefly levitated. A blue flash of light soon engulfed the room before Luna floated to the ground in her new form.
"No… Freaking… Way! Luna, you're… a kangaroo!" Fury called out, gawking at his girlfriend's new shape. "And a big one at that!"
"Well it seems I still have it." Luna smiled at her boyfriend's reaction. "I assume you like it, Fury?" She asked, already knowing what he thinks.
"Luna… you're huge! I can't believe what I'm seeing, but I am totally digging it!" He said, looking up at her. Cadence's horn began to glow a pink color, most likely detecting Fury's love radiating off of him.
"Love is in the air, auntie. Love is in the air."
Celestia giggled lightly. "So Fury, I wonder what Luna's pouch is like? Is it as comfortable as yours?"
Fury simply smiled eagerly.
"You say that as if I'm not gonna find out for myself. Luna, here I come!" Fury scooched out of his seat and made a love fueled dash for his lover.
"Cannonball!" He yelled as he jumped up and into Luna's pouch.
He landed into a dark but warm and soft room of fur. Even the bed in his Ponyville mansion could not match the comfort this abode felt. He decided to just lie down.
"Fury? Fury!" Luna called out.
"Huh?" He asked.
"I've been asking for twenty seconds how you felt in there! Are you alright?" Luna asked.
"Ha ha ha, oh Moonpie, I feel better than alright! This is what I call fine living! Forget those fancy hotels or palaces, this is what it's all about." Fury said satisfyingly.
Luna was pleased.
"I am delighted you have given my pouch such a lovely review. But may you come up so I can see you?" Luna asked.
"Sorry this place is too cozy. Maybe I'll take a little snooze… Ah!"
Luna pushed his upper body until he was poking out of her pouch.
"That is better. You forgot the most important part of transformation."
"And what would that be?" Fury asked.
Luna then kissed Fury while he was in the pouch.
"That is what I mean. After all, now we are closer than ever before." Luna said.
Fury chuckled. "Silly me. This is the best part of your transformation."
"In return, however, lightning bug, you had better transform into a kangaroo for me so I may rest and embrace you too." Luna said. "I believe it to be a fair deal. There will be consequences otherwise."
"Oh boy, I don't want to see what happens then. But anyway, that sounds fair, I don't mind it at all. I guess today can be a day just for us." Fury smiled deeply.
Celestia walked up to the interesting couple. "It seems you two are delighting in this new form now. But let me ask, do you have any plans for today?"
"If I did, I don't anymore. Today is my day away from my life to embrace the love of my life." Fury said, hugging and nuzzling Luna's tummy.
She gave a sigh of satisfaction at this. "My sentiments exactly, my love. So, shall we excuse ourselves to truly grow our love for eachother?"
"That we shall, but I'm staying here for the ride. This place is nice and cozy."
"Hmmm, very well, my love. Let us go to my chambers. I look forward to our alone time." The kangaroo like Luna said smiling. She started to bounce away and Fury fell back slightly, bouncing around inside her pouch.
"Oof! I wasn't expecting that! Hehe, it's like a fuzzy bouncy castle in here!" Fury laughed.
"Well it definitely is not meant to be as comfortable as a carriage when in movement. If anything it keeps you on your hooves or in your case toes."
"I see," Fury said. "Say, does anypony else know about your forms? Like if you walked into a Canterlot street, would everyone understand or cry out in fear?" He asked curiously.
"They might not know who I am at first. I keep a lot of my powers secret. I don't like others knowing too much about me. Even my sister has some secrets she would rather not share with the public." Luna explained.
"Understandable. Wouldn't want anyone to make assumptions about what you could, would, or have done if you showed off too much. Yow!" Fury called, doing a backflip into Luna's tummy and rebounding off of the inside of her pouch. "After all, we wouldn't want suspecting enemies to know the true power of bouncing in a pouch!"
Luna chuckled at this. "Indeed. We can keep this to ourselves. Ah, we made it to my quarters in this palace."
"What about your own tower?" Fury asked.
"I alternate between the two. But right now, I do not want others to know my form yet and anyways, I wish to just as Rainbow Dash would say chillax with you." Luna said, stroking her coltfriend's cheek.
The two finally entered Luna's room. The curtains covered the windows making it still look dark. And the room was filled with tapestries of the constellations and phases of the moon.
"Wow, I didn't know you loved the night this much! I thought you might have been the Princess of the Sun " He said cheekily
"Was it not obvious to you with the moon being my cutie mark?" Luna chuckled. "You know what? For your cheekiness, I shall have my revenge!"
"Oh, puleeze, I'm ready for anything you throw at me. You might be an alicorn but I'm pretty strong myself ya know. What are you gonna do huh?" Fury said, tempting fate.
"Hmmm, nothing too much. Just a little exercise for myself."
"Wait, what do you mean- oof!" Luna pushed Fury's head down, applied magic to her pouch to close it completely. "I wish to do a bit of jumping exercises. And you get to join along."
Fury's eyes widened. He knew how unpleasant this would feel for him.
"Oh boy, this is gonna get bouncy. Isn't it?"
"Yes. Now let us get our cardio started!" Luna called as she started bouncing on her strong legs. Fury began bouncing around inside of her pouch, rebounding off of the walls of the soft pocket and her stomach. He felt as if he was being ricocheted inside of a giant, furry pinball machine. While most would be wailing for their release, Fury actually seemed to start to enjoy the bouncy fun.
"Hey, this is pretty sick. In a good way I mean. I feel like I'm in one of Pinkie Pie's bounce houses! Your bigger tummy makes a good trampoline."
Luna was a bit surprised. Fury was actually taking a liking to all this bouncing?
"I was thinking you would be begging for forgiveness."
"Oh please. My trainer Amethyst put me through worse than this! I'm used to this by now. I might have a weakness to tickles and food but not to being in a mini bounce house!" Fury said dismissively.
"Hmph!" Luna huffed in annoyance. "I won't let you get away with sassing a princess like me. I will find a way to make you pay!"
"Yeah yeah yeah." Fury dismissed her.
Then Luna had an evil smile as she came up with an idea.
My bigger midsection seems to have caught his attention. Maybe I can use that to my advantage.
"Oh Night Fury, I understand how you do love my pouch. Perhaps it could use more of a personal touch." Luna cooed, pushing against her pouch. Fury now felt unbalanced as she pushed against where Fury was and rubbed her pouch and Fury with it. He felt ticklish now.
"Hey, let me go ha ha ha!"
"Thank you for reminding me, my love, about your weakness to tickles. I hope you are ready for my tickle bouncing session!"
Luna bounced all the while tickling Fury. Now Fury was out of control and couldn't stabilize himself like before.
"Whoaaaaaa ha ha ha! Now I'm feeling a little heh dizzy!" He said, now unbalanced in both body and mind. Then, he got an idea for an escape plan.
"Hey Luna, I think you've won this one. Can you let me out?" He asked innocently.
"I'm glad you see that you've been bested." Luna said, undoing her spell and bringing him out to face her. What she didn't realize is that he was using her for an easy get away.
"Well well well, it looks like you've fallen for my trap card!" He called. He proceeded to push her over and make her lay flat on her back, climbing up onto her belly and looking at her with a smug smile.
"So, you want to say that I have a thing for your bigger belly, huh? Well how about I take that statement to the extreme!" He called as he began to bounce on her belly, simultaneously tickling her and sending waves through her midsection that made it visibly wiggle.
"Now how does it feel being tickled this time, Moonpie?" Fury asked, remembering all the times he was tickled. It was nice to have payback.
"Ha ha ha ha, unhand me, vile fiend! This is most unpleasant!" Luna demanded while laughing.
"Hmmm, how 'bout no." Fury stayed adamant on his revenge. Luna had never felt so vulnerable in her multiple millennia of life, but she didn't take it too harshly as she was in love. The torture seemed to go on forever until a weird noise broke the laughing.
Bllblblblblblbllbl…
Fury raised an eyebrow at the strange noise as he slowed his bouncing.
"Woah. Luna, did you hear that?" Fury asked, coming to a rest in her stomach. He heard it closely. He smirked when he heard it.
"So I assume you have a beast there too, huh?" He said
"I…may have one within me as well." Luna squeaked. The noise then sounded again, this time, shaking Fury up.
"Woah, that was shaky." He said, then deciding to make another attempt at revenge through embarrassment. The "monster" made itself known once more and Fury began his act.
"Yikes! Belly quake!" He yelled, hiding a smile. "I must save us all! I must tame this beast of yours."
Fury said as he rubbed her stomach as if he were giving it a massage. Luna felt pleasant yet a little ticklish.
"Heheheheh, this is rather silly. But I don't have one complaint." She giggled. The monster within began to fight back, trying to throw Fury off.
"Whoa! Easy there!" He said to her stomach. "Your stomach seems to be acting up. Looks like I'm gonna have to go all out." Fury's paws glowed and then he really massaged her stomach.
Luna had a sigh of satisfaction. "Ahhhh, you know how to make it work, Fury. Not even the fiercest ursa minor can match the pleasure of your caresses."
"Why thank you very much my lady." He bowed then kissed her stomach. "I do try to please. How is your beast now?"
"I think she is satisfied. But now I think it is your turn to be cared for." Luna said.
"Oh yeah, I forgot!" Fury then backed off of Luna and focused his energy, changing his form to match her previous one as she reverted to her original shape.
In many ways it was a relief for Luna, she was not used to using that much energy when transforming. She was ready to have a good rest.
For Fury, it was easier to transform into a kangaroo. He was used to this. He smiled at Luna.
"Well Moonpie, wanna get warm and cozy? It's quite nice here." Fury asked, inviting her inside.
She nodded.
"Why yes, I would love that." Luna proceeded to flap her wings and fly over to Fury and landed inside of his pouch, getting comfortable as she snuggled in.
"Ahhhh, this is much better. I like it in here, it is rather cozy. Like I'm being hugged all over." Luna said lying down to settle down.
"Especially your stomach, it feels like a giant throw pillow."
"I wouldn't lean up against it if I were you, you can probably hear what's going on inside of it." Fury chuckled.
"Perhaps I am curious to hear it." Luna said leaning into his stomach.
Grrrrrrrrrraaaaaaawwwwww…
Luna jumped back a little. She didn't think it would sound like cragodiles or toads in a swamp.
"See? Told ya, Luna! We Speed Shifters have to really digest the food like fish or meat in our bodies." Fury said.
"But you're a kangaroo!"
"You can change the outside of a speed shifter, but never his mind and especially his appetite." Fury explained. "Although, unlike your transformation magic, us Speed Shifters change our biology when we transform while you just give yourself a different shape."
"Even still, it is rather jarring to believe, especially with what I just heard." Luna said. "You Speed Shifters are indeed an enigma."
"Well I could say the same thing about you ponies somehow can handle eating those hay burgers." Fury said.
"What in the world do you mean? They are extremely delicious. They also have a nice texture that is satisfying to chew on." Luna said, imagining eating one. Her feline boyfriend didn't seem to agree.
"Ugh, I couldn't for the life of me."
"Hold on, you just said that your kind changes their biology when you transform. Correct?"
"Luna, I already know what you're about to ask and… that… actually is an interesting theory. Could my food tolerance change with my biology?" Fury inquired.
"Well, how about we find out? And besides, it is close to noon and I am craving lunch at the moment."
"Yeah, me too. Okay, let's try it." Luna hopped out of Fury's pouch and let him return to his feline shape. Fury then became cautious. "I've never actually transformed into a pony. This is gonna be something completely new to me."
"I have full confidence in your ability. All you have to do is focus on what you would perceive yourself as and make it a reality." Luna encouraged. Fury looked at her with a small smile as he let her words sink in. He had always felt as if he was in a perpetual spiral of doubt when he considered his abilities, but with her around, he felt like he could do anything.
"Okay, here I go." He took his place and let out a breath, igniting his aura as he began to change. He had to remember what his mother taught him.
Okay, Fury, keep it together. You've got this. Just focus on your form and you'll make it through. It will feel weird and a little painful, but I can do this.
With one big effort, he flashed his power and changed his form in an instant.
He looked down and held up his new hooves, slightly weirded out at his missing claws.
"Woah… my claws are gone. And my hooves are faded into a lighter black." He said.
"That's not the only thing that's changed." Luna said, lighting her horn and pulling a mirror in front of Fury so he could fully embrace his new form.
"Whoa. Holy cow." Fury said, stunned. "I can be a manticore, I can be a cragodile. I could probably even be a tour guide with this form. Wait, are those…" Fury had been well acquainted with the fact that when acquiring a new form, the feeling of new muscles and appendages should be expected. But there was a set of muscles in this form he had acquired that were totally unusual to him.
He closed his eyes to feel around for these new muscles to stretch them, eventually finding their contact point with his body and extending them. He reopened his eyes and gasped.
"I-I'm… I'm a pegasus?" He inquired, his eyes shifting quickly between his two new wings. Fury was excited. He always felt like he could relate to the fast passionate pegasi the most.
"Yes you are, dearest. And might I add that you have beautiful wings." Luna smiled at him.
"Thanks, Moonpie. So, how about we put our theory to the test? Can my different biology change my appetite?"
Fury's smile dropped slightly. He gulped in nervousness. He was not quite sure what this food would taste like.
"Well, a promise is a promise. Maybe I'll finally see what you ponies like about these things."
Luna gave him a plate with a hayburger sandwich. To make it more appetizing she also added some salt and pepper as well as ketchup.
"Well here goes nothing." Fury grabbed the sandwich and slowly took a small bite from it. Luna was eagerly anticipating her coltfriend's reaction. He chewed on it slowly before swallowing, Luna stared on in silence.
"Well, is it to your liking?" She asked.
"This… tastes… amazing! I finally understand what you ponies like about them. It has a nice bite to it, the ketchup adds a kick to it, the seasoning adds some spice… it's just as good as a salmon! Mmph!" Fury said, taking another bite.
Luna was quite pleased.
"It is good you appreciate the finer things of Equestrian cuisine. You now have very good taste." Luna congratulated.
"Yeah. But just so we're clear I already had good taste with salmon especially when mom prepared it. That's just how we Speed Shifters roll." Fury said.
"Hmmm, I'll take your word for it." Luna said, admitting to not knowing what salmon tastes like.
"So, do you want to continue our little romantic time?" Fury asked.
"Why I'd love to. You know what to do." Luna said with a smirk. Fury nodded and transformed back into his kangaroo form.
"Let's go, my lady." Fury said, opening his pouch.
She was charmed by the polite gesture and flew up and descended into his pouch. "Where shall we go, my giant Lightning Bug?"
Night Fury thought about it for some time.
"Hmmm, maybe a jaunt around Canterlot would do. Ponies are used to seeing me in different forms, so we should have no problems with any attention we receive." Fury suggested.
"That sounds like a wonderful idea. Shall we get going?"
"Let's. Hang in there." Fury said as he began to bounce his way out of the room, out of the hallways and towards the city streets.
Fury missed the fresh morning air and as he leaped, he saw the surprised onlookers to his amusement. They knew who he was with his black coat but they never saw a beast like that.
"Heh, it looks like I'm the star attraction of Canterlot today! Hey everyone, just taking a stroll!" the kangaroo said while bouncing.
"Hey Luna, you enjoying the ride in there?"
"While I would have complained about the jostling force yesterday, I think I'm enjoying the sights from this angle. It gives me a new perspective of things, even if I can fly just as easily." Luna said. This made Fury feel a little sour, he didn't want to admit that he still didn't know how to fly after months of trying, but it was the truth.
Luna saw his somber expression and spoke up. "Are you alright, sweetheart? You seem to have something on your mind." Then she remembered his frustrations in learning to fly.
"Oh, I see. I struck a nerve when I spoke of my flight, didn't I?"
"No, no, no! What gave you that idea?!" Fury tried to deny it. "I'm completely fine with my flying so far. I don't feel angry that I still get cramps in flight, or I bump into walls or I keep losing against a freaking robin or…"
Luna simply looked at him with her eyebrow raised.
"Okay fine, I'm upset I still suck at flying! Amazing how I became a pegasus when I can't even fly like one." Fury complained.
Luna had a look of sympathy. "Night Fury, you shouldn't worry so much. Flight is one of the most confusing activities any winged pony can face. It's easiest when you are already learning in foalhood. But as you are already an adult, it naturally takes longer for you. Even Twilight Sparkle still needs training to learn flight. But you will fly properly someday. I promise you that." She said while caressing his stomach.
These words of encouragement elevated Fury a bit.
"How about this, I shall teach you how to fly myself! It will be a fine bonding experience for the both of us." Luna suggested.
"That sounds like a great idea, I'm in!" Fury felt confident in having her teach him to fly.
"Let's go to that tower over there to give us a view." Luna pointed over to the golden roofed tower.
"You got it!"
When Fury reached it, he felt like he heard of it before. "Did someone live here?"
Luna nodded. "According to my sister, this was where Twilight Sparkle used to study before she traveled to Ponyville. It was before she had any friends."
"Well if I wanted to have a place to hang out I would probably pick this place too. But more to climb around." Fury said.
Fury finally made it to the top of the stairs. Luna went out and Fury became a pegasus. He was a bit nervous, but Luna's presence calmed him down a bit.
"So, Night Fury, are you ready to learn the art of flight?" Luna asked.
"Okay, let's do it." Fury squeaked nervously as he stepped out onto the balcony. He had been in high places before, but jumping off of them made his tummy flutter.
"First of all, we want to make sure you're nice and stretched out before we even take off. This should help prevent the cramps you've experienced before." Fury saw Luna doing these maneuvers which he found quite attractive but he had to focus.
"Funny, neither Rainbow nor Twilight ever showed me these types of stretches."
"That's probably because these ancient exercises are no longer popular. But for you these exercises are deep and intense."
Fury felt as if he went to a masseuse after doing those exercises.
"Okay, I think I'm good. What's next?"
"Next, we have to get you used to gliding on the air. Gliding is a prime step in learning to fly. If you can't keep a stable glide, how are you meant to stay steady at high speeds?" Luna said. "So therefore, keep steady." She moved Fury's wings in position. "Be perceptive." She straightened his head. "And follow my lead." Luna took position and leaped off the balcony to glide. Fury was amazed at her grace in the air.
"Alright, Fury, it's now your turn. Go forth!" Luna called out.
Fury took a deep breath and ran to the edge of the balcony and jumped into the air. He followed Luna's motions. He started off well so far and felt relaxed.
He had realized how much easier it was to learn flying from the calm Luna than with Rainbow Dash who talked a little too much for him to focus.
He then started to feel a little off-balance, swaying side to side as he tried to keep steady. Luna saw this and gave him a quick tip.
"Try holding your hooves out from your body! Your wings aren't as big as mine so you need a counterweight to keep you steady!" She called out. Fury took her advice and extended his legs out from his body. He soon began to stabilize and glide straight and true.
"Hey, look at me! I'm gliding!" He cheered.
"Great job, lightning bug! Now we must teach you how to gain height. Remember, your wings aren't as big as your falcon form so you need to flap at a higher rate to go higher. But just don't flap too hard or you send yourself into a spin. Up and down, up and down." Luna said.
Up and down. Up and down. Fury closed eyes briefly and flapped as per Luna's specifications. He opened his eyes again and saw was a bit higher than before.
"Well done, Fury. You're doing well so far." Luna complimented. "So you practiced gliding. You have practiced gaining height. Next, we shall practice gaining and lowering our speed. The fun stuff as you call it." Luna smirked at Fury with that slight jab at his personality.
"Oh ha ha, very funny. I know I don't like taking things slow at all, but I can at least do this." Fury defended.
"Riiiiight, slow down…" Fury huffed at Luna's teasing.
"Well I will if you would show me what to do next."
"Alright, alright. This is your next task. You must tilt your wings forward to gain speed, but remember to keep a low and sleek profile while flying. It will help with the wind resistance. Otherwise than that, just make sure you watch out for obstacles. I'm sure you know how to pitch and yaw by now."
Fury nodded. "Sounds good. Okay time for the big one. Here I go!" Fury readied himself and took flight.
He started to gain in speed, remembering what Luna said about tilting his wings. He then saw his first building.
"Okay, no turning back now. Gotta turn!" Fury said, shifting to the side.
He dodged that building which was easy but then to his horror, he saw a whole bunch of buildings in front of him.
"Oh boy!" Fury cried out. He went into a state of panic and pulled up hard, gaining weight at a rapid pace. Luna became worried and went after him.
"Fury, wait! The air is much thinner up high, you might pass out!" She called, but her words only fell of deaf ears as he continued to climb. Not looking down, he went higher and higher until… he hit something soft and fluffy.
"Oof. Ah, it feels cozy and nice… Wait what the…?" Fury took a closer look. He poked his head out of the object he had collided with and realized he had bumped into a cloud. He climbed out of the cloud and mindlessly stood on it. Looking around, he saw that he was so high that he had a full view of the entire city. It wasn't too long before Luna had caught up to him and landed next to him.
"Fury, are you alright?" Luna asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I landed in this cloud that slowed me down. I can't believe the view from up here, I could hover here for a while." Luna gave a confused look as his words hit her ears.
"Hovering? Fury, you do realize that you're standing on a cloud, right?"
"Huh?" He looked down and realized what he was doing. He was a bit shocked and amazed. "Wow. I knew I used to look at clouds as a kid, but I never thought in my wildest playtimes that I would actually stand on one!" Fury said in awe.
Luna nodded. "That is the power of pegasi. If you were any non aerial creature you would have fallen down to your death by now."
"Wow. Wait, how far up am I?" He looked down at the edge of the cloud and saw he was a fair bit up off the ground. "Holy sweet mother of Equestria!" He pulled away from the edge and plunged his face into Luna's wings, trying to erase the high altitude from his head.
"Shhhh, it's okay. I've got you." Luna comforted.
"I-I can't believe I went this far up! Dang it. I was so focused on dodging those buildings I forgot to moderate my height."
"Well Fury, I was hoping to save this lesson for later but since you put yourself into this situation you have to pass it now. This lesson will be on descending and keeping calm and in control when you fly this time." Luna said somewhat scoldingly.
"Alright, alright. I won't make the same mistake again." Fury said. "I just have to *gulp* get ready to jump from this height."
"Remember Fury, when you drop down, use your wings to get back to flying or you will crash into the ground and become like my sister's pancakes." Luna advised. Fury snickered at the joke.
"I'll make sure I don't fall flat. But if I do, make sure no one eats me."
"Will do." Luna giggled. Fury took another look over the edge and whimpered. The ground seemed to get further away the longer he looked. But then, he thought about the speed of falling down from this high. The adrenaline started to get to him, his mind going from feeling fearful to anticipation.
"Fury, are you feeling okay-" Before Luna could finish, Fury not only jumped, but backflipped off of the cloud and started plummeting towards the ground.
"Toralo Ko Banai!!!" He hollered as loudly as he could in his people's language as he fell fast towards the surface. This loud cry got the attention of all of Canterlot, including Cadence and Celestia who walked out onto the balcony of one of the towers to see him b-lining towards the ground. Even his parents saw him on the downfall. All four of them were shocked by the crazy sight and assumed that he was in trouble, the princesses and Black Ice all flying up to try and catch him while Obsidian and the rest of the city watched from below.
"What have you gotten yourself into this time, Night Fury?" Obsidian calmly said but with a bit of worry.
"Night Fury! My boy! I'll save you!" Black Ice as a falcon cried out, flying as quickly as she could.
"Hang on, Fury, we're coming!" Cadence called as she flew with her aunt Celestia to catch up with him. Luna, by this point, had just teleported next to Obsidian and looked up at the ensuing action.
"Here to watch the show, your highness?"
"Yes I have," She said, manifesting a bag of buttered popcorn. "Popcorn?"
"Sure." Obsidian said, taking a paw full and eating it as he saw his son falling through the sky. Fury breathed heavily as he fell through the sky, the rushing wind and his heartbeat being the only thing that he could hear as he continued to plummet. Then, he heard three simultaneous voices call out.
"Fury, hang on! We'll catch you!" Celestia Cadence and his mother all cried out. Fury took notice of them and instead of letting them catch him, he dodged them and looked up at them, giving them a salute and a smile before flipping over and diving even further.
All three rescuers were flabbergasted.
"Woohoo!"
"Is he insane?! He can't be enjoying this!" Black Ice protested.
"Unless… he's trying to force himself to learn how to fly! How else would Fury have done this, because I know for a fact that he doesn't take new challenges lightly." Cadence added.
"My goodness, even I was not this determined to learn to fly when I was a filly. This is something else indeed." Celestia said with a chuckle.
"More like sheer insanity!" Black Ice yelled. "Night Fury, you had better let us rescue you or so help me…!"
"Or what!? You're gonna let me die? Yeah, nice parenting!" He called out as he fell through the sky.
"That does it!" Black Ice flew as quickly as she could. "I will show you nice parenting, boy!"
"Sorry mom, I can take care of myself." Fury called out.
Just as Black Ice was about to catch him, Fury did a flip upward, narrowly dodging his mother's claws.
"Mom, chill out! At this point, you're just trying to get me killed!"
"I wouldn't have to if you weren't being so stupid!" She shouted. Fury wore a shocked expression at that, but turned serious and went silent.
"So that's what you have to say, huh? Get out of my way." He snarled. He proceeded to grab her, forcibly spread her wings, and backflipped off of her as she caught the wind and shot up out of view.
"No one calls me stupid, not again." He said to himself as he dove down, nearing the top of the tallest towers of the castle and closing in on street level.
"That disobedient little runt- Wait, where did he go?" She said, wondering where he was. She looked up and saw a pegasus soaring the skyscrapers. "F-Fury? Is he actually flying that high successfully?" She said astounded.
Fury had finally pulled out of his dive and was shooting up into the sky.
"He really is flying, I'm impressed at his efforts." Celestia said.
"Yeah, but he also seems to be b-lining towards us." Cadence added. Fury indeed was shooting towards them, but he was aiming for one in particular. Within seconds, Fury head butted his own mother and sent her flying.
"Ugh, Fury what in the world was that!?" Black Ice called out.
"Retribution. Well deserved, at that!" He roared.
"Ooh… you really are just plain ignorant, you disrespectful little runt!" Fury took offense to what was said by his mother and used his power to launch a beam of light out of his mouth. She narrowly dodged it with moments to spare. This is when Celestia and Cadence decided to intervene.
"Fury, this has gone to extreme lengths! How could you attack your own mother!?"
"Because she decided to call me stupid for facing a hard challenge the way I see fit!" He shouted.
"Woah, what?" Cadence was flabbergasted at the alleged statement. Then, Luna flew up with Obsidian on her back, both concerned as to why they saw Fury launch an attack from below.
"Night Fury, what is this behavior of yours? Whatever it is, that is no excuse to attack your own mother! The one who conceived you!" Luna said.
"This is none of your business, Luna! This is between me and my mother."
"Luna, his mother called him stupid for going about this challenge." Celestia said.
Luna was surprised. After all it was not just him who decided to fly. She urged him on. His mother shouldn't put the blame on Fury.
She flew to Black Ice who was quite angry herself.
"Why would you say that to him? He was just getting used to flying true for the first time."
"But did he have to do it in the dumbest way possible?!" Black Ice yelled
"Shut it!" Fury shot back.
"You… have no idea how hard it is to live with hearing that, dad! Do you not remember what I've heard? Especially after the incident that she doesn't know about?!" Fury explained. Obsidian then understood his anger, he knew that those memories were ones that he rather not reminisce on. Black Ice didn't let up.
"What incident?! Have you been lying to me now?! Of course, why not! You get one shot at independence and you can't even remain honest!"
"SHUT UP!" Fury had enough. He flew over to her at blistering speeds, shoving her so far back that she hit Celestia. "You have no right to question me! Do I need to drill into your head so you can understand what happened?!" He shouted. Luna stepped in to hold him back.
"Fury, please! I think it's best that you go and cool your head, for your own sake." Luna looked deep into his eyes.
Fury thought about it.
"Hmph." Fury simply turned around. "I'm leaving." He flew away somewhere.
"Fury! We're not finished here!" Black Ice called out. "You come back here this insta-"
"Icey, that's enough!" Obsidian called. "I understand that you are his parent as well, but this is too far!"
"Or not far enough! He needs to learn that he's not above anyone in this world and that he needs to stay in his place!"
"That boy can be quite a mouthful to deal with, I admit that. But you have to look at his perspective sometimes, especially now." Obsidian corrected.
"At what point should I have taken this from his perspective!? That disrespectful tone is nothing I want to see or hear! And he still hasn't told me about this 'incident' that he had! Does he not realize that I am merely doing my motherly duty to protect him from harm or death?!"
"Black Ice! You will listen to his perspective right now! I'm trying to give an answer!" Obsidian roared which caused Black Ice to jump back a bit.
Black Ice quickly recovered, trying to keep her poise.
"Alright, fine. Let's hear it out." Black Ice finally conceded.
"Thank you!" He said relieved that she was willing to listen.
"Alright, so do you understand what incident our son is talking about?" Obsidian asked.
"Well… I suppose when we got kidnapped it must have been hard on him." Black Ice said. "I can understand that."
"It was way before that, dear. He's always had some feeling of inadequacy especially when it came to that Cragodile in the village."
"Oh that dreadful thing." She shook her head. "I'm glad not all of us survived that. Including Fury."
"Well dear, he might not have died that day. But his honor did. Everyone around him despised him and mocked him for not successfully defeating that Cragodile. Do you know what the others told him?"
"Just what did they tell our boy?!" She asked with both sadness and rage.
"They told him, he was a disgrace, a failure, unworthy of respect. They even said it would be better if you never… gave birth to him." Obsidian said, looking away. Black Ice's blood ran subzero and her eyes shrank to pinpricks.
"T-that can't be true, you must be trying to guilt trip me to get me to calm down." She said shakily, trying to play her pain off.
"I am afraid that this is true. Night Fury has told all of us about his pains of feeling unimportant and weak. As he said before, that is the reason why he tried to kill my nephew. Because he didn't want to fall to the level that he felt all of those years back." Celestia explained, Cadence and Luna nodding in regretful agreement.
Black Ice was silent for a moment. "So it's true…. I-I never thought he would think that about himself. My son might not be perfect, but I am proud to have him as my son. He does not deserve to be disgraced like this!" Black Ice said.
"Well unfortunately, you brought those bad memories back. And in the most painful way possible, directly from you. That's why after the incident that Blueblood caused, many ponies spoke his name in only respect and high praise. Some even going to the point of giving him the title of the 'God Amongst Us' and bowing down to his power at times." Luna said.
"Luna is not wrong. Over the past few months, I've seen ponies discussing whether they should bow down to him when they see him, as if he was a literal god that should not be angered." Cadence added.
"My goodness," Black Ice said excitedly. "I knew our son was powerful, but I never imagined others would bow down to him. I guess it's better than being a pariah in the village."
The others simply looked at her.
"Even with that level of respect, that doesn't excuse the fact that he has been reminded of deadly memories from his own blood." Luna spoke sternly. "I am deeply disappointed."
The others shared the same sentiment. Celestia…
"So am I."
Cadence…
"Totally unjustified and uncalled for."
And Obsidian all had their distasteful remarks towards Black Ice's methods.
"I may be your husband, but I am also Fury's father. And right now, I cannot side with you." Obsidian said. "But you know what is worse? You are his mother. You should instead of doubting and dismissing him, you should listen to what he says. You should think before saying something hurtful. And most of all, sympathizing with his plight, not calling it a lie!" Obsidian said, calling her out.
"How does it feel? How does it feel to always boss your son around and neglect him and his thoughts? To constantly be pushing your views against him as if he was another one of you? I would not be surprised if he decided to disregard you as his mother." Luna commented. Black Ice floated a bit lower in the air as she realized what she had done, was she really that bad?
"Not to butt in, but I've got eyes on him. Looks like he's hanging out on top of Auntie Celestia's tower." Cadence said, pointing out a black speck leaning on the rail of the balcony.
"What is he doing?" Celestia asked.
"He probably is like when I would feel the world was against me." Luna said. "I would be alone and want to shut out all outside presence."
Black Ice meanwhile looked down. "This is all my fault. I didn't realize I was being so cruel to him… I thought I was always on his side. But I wasn't. Those villagers were wrong. I was the real disgrace. A disgrace of a mother and of comfort to my child."
Obsidian was about to comfort her but Celestia spoke first.
"I know how you feel, Black Ice. Do you know why?" Celestia looked at Luna. "For too long I have failed to give my sister the care and love she deserved. Everyone ignored her and loved me back then but I should have been there for Luna. I simply dismissed her worries and I let her be corrupted by that Nightmare." Celestia was now crying too. "But you Luna, deserve love and respect. You deserve someone who wants to look out for you."
Luna also looked at her sister. "Sister, that is in the past now. All that matters is I have you. I know now you love me." She hugged her sister deeply. "And even if you were ignorant back then, you are not anymore. And I forgive you."
Celestia smiled at this.
Then after awhile Celestia looked at Black Ice.
"Sorry, I got kind of distracted…"
"No no, it's alright Princess," Black Ice said. "After all, you showed me what I have to do. I need to learn from your example and be that comfort and light that my son needs."
"Well it looks like you two have something in common." Obsidian said. "You both made mistakes but now you want to make things right. So what are you going to do, Black Ice?"
"Simple." Black Ice looked at the tower. "I'm going to apologize this instant for my misbehavior. I have always taught him about discipline but I failed to apply that standard to myself. I'm going to make things right. Hang on, Night Fury! Your mother's on the way!" Black Ice said, flying down to her son.
The others looked at her flying.
"Do you think she'll be able to reconcile?" Cadence asked Obsidian.
"Knowing how persistent my wife can be, I'm sure she'll find a way." Obsidian said, smiling. " Let's go with her, I have a feeling that my boy is going to need all of the family he has right now.
-
Fury sat on Celestia's balcony, the wind brushing his ears. Every sound that passed through them was filtered through his mind as he looked out into Canterlot's vast skyline.
Baby crying in a stroller, 5 O'clock east.
Pastry store bell ringing, 2 O'clock North-northeast.
Pony Joe speaking to his girlfriend, 10 O'clock west…
Every miniscule difference in the atmosphere was made aware by his enhanced hearing, nothing was getting by him. Especially the sound of his mother flapping her wings above him.
Oh great, what does she want now?
He looked up towards the sky, lo and behold, not only his mother floated in, but everyone else came down as well. She clamped down on the thin metal with her talons, everyone else landing around him as Black Ice sighed before speaking.
"Hello… Night Fury."
"Black Ice."
"It's mom-," Black Ice was about to correct him but realized it was not the time. "Never mind. Are you feeling alright, Fury?" She asked in a soft tone.
"You tell me, I'm the one who made the decision to have some independence from his mother. I took the liberty to face a challenge the way I see fit, so who am I to say that I have any right to an opinion. I am, after all, below you in every way so what's the point in trying to stand up for yourself when you have no right to say anything?" He said not even looking at her.
Black Ice saw how frustrated he was.
"Night Fury, I apologize for what I said back there. I had no right to say all those things to you. I did not know what troubles were going through your head. I should have seen it better." Black Ice said.
"You think?" Fury said with some anger. "You simultaneously made me feel unappreciated, unimportant, and no better than any barely functional cretin that exists. If I wasn't any the wiser, I would have thought that you were trying to turn me into another one of you. Oh wait, you were!"
"I-I wasn't trying to make you like me. I just wanted you to be safe and be able to live well." Black Ice said, looking down.
"Oh, save the waterworks. You know what, I finally know why you got your name. Black Ice, everyone doesn't mind you just existing. But as soon as you even dare make your existence known, everyone wishes you were gone!"
"S-son, I'm trying to make things right. Please give me a chance. I promise I won't be as strict on you." Black Ice said, practically begging.
"You say that as if you haven't made a history of your actions already. Everyone knows that someone can change, for better or worse. But let me make this clear, once you make a good enough name for yourself and what you're like to be around, no amount of changes can reverse what you're already known for. Just admit it, all you're trying to do is look good for grandpa. Well guess what, he's gone. And he ain't… coming… back."
Black Ice and everyone around was shocked he would bring up her father. She never liked talking about him to others. Especially with her complex relationship with him.
"Don't talk about that! I am not doing this to look good. I am trying to be a caring mother. Do you not realize all I have done to support you? All the food I have given you? All the transforming I did with you? Does that mean nothing to you?!" Black Ice said with tears.
"I'm just being honest! Okay! And yeah, you did all those nice things for me, sure. But when did you just listen to how I felt? When did you just stop to tell me that you're proud of me? All you do is scold me. It's like it's your hobby." Fury said, looking away with some tears.
Black Ice's face softened.
"Fury, I want you to know. I've always been proud of you. I've always loved you. Honestly Fury, sometimes I wish I was more laid back like you, you always seemed to be able to get along with others so naturally. You're someone so special. I'm so sorry I didn't tell you that. But I want you to know I will always be proud of you, my precious boy. If you hate me forever, I understand completely. You deserve a better mother." Black Ice said.
At this Fury's expression seemed to soften at least just a bit. He was actually a little shocked how humble she was now. She usually had that aristocratic behavior that always felt like she was right and others were wrong. But to see her actually back down, it made him surprised.
For Fury, he had to admit his mother was a mouthful. But at the same time, she also was always there to give him breakfast to start out the day. If he got a cut she would scold him for going on an adventure but would heal and pamper him afterwards. She always chewed him out but also genuinely loved him.
Maybe I need to say something to her before she gets too broken up. Maybe she learned her lesson after all. But… that still doesn't excuse my earlier actions. I think I know what to do…
"All of you here, I know you may think that I go too hard on anyone who plays with me. So that's why… I'm willing to withdraw my citizenship for my treasonous actions against the royal family, my behavior, and for your own sakes."
Everyone's jaws dropped. Did he really feel so guilty as to go that far? Everyone was shocked. But Luna was most heartbroken at this.
"Is this some sort of prank, Fury? You felt angry before and now you feel guilty?!" Luna said.
"Of course I do. I lashed out at Celestia when she brought up my upbringing, I lost my temper on multiple occasions, and I almost killed Blueblood in a blind fit of rage! I… I think it's only fair that I save myself the trouble of being exiled in the future and just bug out of here." Fury said, looking away from his friends, family and girlfriend.
"Night Fury, you made mistakes before but you're working on them. You are a good person. We can work together!" Cadence said. "Please don't go."
"Yes, son!" Obsidian said sadly. "You don't have to do this! We'll help you!"
Fury simply shook his head. "Sorry, but this is all for the better. I went too far. I hope you all take care. Especially you, moonpie." Fury said. "You guys take care…"
But before he walked away, something grabbed him.
"Please don't leave," He turned to see his mother hugging him. "I don't want you to have to be alone or to suffer. Your problems are partly my fault. I should have been more understanding and caring. You deserve better, my son. Please don't lose your chance of happiness." Black Ice begged her son. "If anything, I should be the one to be banished for my treatment of you."
Fury stood there silently, thinking of his potential actions. He could leave Equestria, recenter himself, and better himself to be in more control of his emotions in isolation. Or he could stay, learn from who he has met already, and improve himself with aid. He knew what he would say next could shift tides in ways that could shake the very fabric of reality and his future.
But before he made a decision he turned around towards his mother, realizing she deserved to have some closure.
"Mom, I just want you to know, you have made mistakes but I do love you. I'm sorry I blew up at you. And I really do appreciate what you've done." He said looking into her eyes. "But I don't know. I still feel like I have that beast within me that needs to be controlled."
"Well, guess what son? If you're alone, you could be picked off by enemies. You would not have friends to comfort you." Black Ice said firmly. "If you have these problems then we will work on it together like me and your father, and those who trusted you, used to beforehand. We can make things right."
Everyone nodded at Black Ice's reasoning. Even Fury was surprised she could be so rational.
Night Fury looked at them all. "I-I can't decide yet. I need some time to think. But…" Fury smiled at them. "Thanks all of you for understanding and being so helpful. I'm really grateful. I'll try to think about it."
Everyone nodded.
"Very well, I wish you well." Celestia said.
"Just remember what we said." Obsidian said.
–
Fury lied down on his own balcony and this time gazed at the sky thinking about what to do. Where would he go? Would he be able to control himself?
"This is just too difficult." Fury said to himself. "What in the world can I do? I'm supposed to be some sort of potential god and I can't even decide."
"You seem more confused than my husband when we were first dating." Said a voice behind him.
"Oh real funny, Cady. You think I didn't hear you coming?"
"Wait, you heard me?"
"Ears may look small but they're like radars, I could hear a mouse squeak from here to the catacombs. Or a certain princess who skipped lunch." He chuckled.
"Hmmm. You seem to have a lot of unexpected surprises." Cadence said, a bit embarrassed that he knew that.
"Yeah. Not all of them are positive." Fury said, looking down. "So lemme guess, you came to tell me not to go, right?"
"Well… not necessarily…" Cadence blushed. Fury raised an eyebrow. "Okay fine, I guess I kind of am."
"Look, I get it. I've been your friend for a while and it's hard to hear when they're considering going away, but how would you feel when you are faced with a hard truth that your power is not only necessary for your own survival, but the survival of your entire species? Not only that, but you have to face the demons of your past and the complications that come with being gifted with almost god-like power." Fury said.
Cadence thought about it.
"Well, it would be pretty burdensome. No, really burdensome." Cadence walked by him.
"That's what I thought."
"But that's what happens when you have great responsibility. For me, I don't usually show it but I am the Princess of Love. I have to really be disciplined and careful to rule over the Crystal Ponies."
"But you've had the best teaching in Equestria for… I don't know, forever? You are the niece of the most powerful beings in Equestria, the pure embodiment of the most powerful emotion in life! You actually have something to show for your efforts, what about me? I'm just some random creature from a forest tribe that got lucky."
Cadence simply laughed at this.
"Oh Fury. Do you think that just because I had some powerful beings to teach me means that I didn't have a whole bunch of challenges?"
"Isn't that the exact reason why you got that horn in the first place?"
"Well let me tell you, Fury. I had to do a lot. A lot of challenges. And I had a big responsibility to represent love itself."
"How could that be a challenge for you? Look at how much of a love expert you are." Fury said.
"Well I have a talent for love. And a love for love. But… I also… kind of abused it at times." She said blushing.
"Pfft, how can you abuse an emotion?" Fury said, still doubting.
"Ever heard of a 'Want it, Need it' spell?" Cadence asked.
"No, why?"
"Well, when I was younger and going through puberty, I decided that since I wasn't getting any attention from any stallions, I wanted to be the hottest mare in Canterlot. So, behind Auntie Celestia's back, I snuck into her private study, cast the spell on myself, and went for a stroll. Everyone was gawking at me like I was the hottest thing to exist. I liked the attention, but it came at a cost…"
"What cost?"
"I… may have turned the effect of the spell up a notch, forgot about it… and caused the biggest stampede through the castle to come running to my unfortunate wishes. Needless to say, Aunt Celestia was livid, and she grounded me for what felt like an eternity." Cadence said. She looked over to Fury who had his head turned in a different direction in an attempt to hide his amusement.
"That… is… a doozy of a story, Cady." He wheezed, struggling to keep a straight face. Cadence smiled and turned his red, puffy face to hers.
"C'mon, we both know that you think it's ridiculous. Come on, let it out…" She cooed.
Fury took her request to heart and exploded in laughter.
"Ba ha ha ha ha ha!" Fury roared in laughter. "You caused a whole stampede possibly costing millions of bits because you wanted others to think you were hot?! Bahahahahaha! Oh… oh I think you just gave me a tummy ache and I haven't had one in awhile!" Fury laughed.
"Okay, okay." Cadence said. "I was sometimes irresponsible back then. But if you think that was bad, you should have seen what I did when I was babysitting Twilight with a stallion and mare arguing."
"Oh please, please don't! I don't want my stomach to explode!"
She told it anyways. "Well, it turns out when I used the spell, the two made up their differences but guess what?"
"W-what?"
"They weren't boyfriend and girlfriend at all. In fact, they were just two neighbors that were having a disagreement over their barking dogs. And the worst part? They already had their own romantic partners. And everyone thought they were cheating on the other partner. It took weeks to clear up the misunderstanding!" Fury's eyes twitched as they turned red and began to glow, morphing his form into a wolf before starting to laugh again.
"Howwwwwwwwhohohoho!" He howled, rolling around on his back as he lost his mind. "You actually went that far?! Oh my gosh! You really were a love expert back then." Cadence rolled her eyes at the literally howling-laughing feline turned wolf. It was so loud that it got the attention of the rest of the group who walked in on the giggling wild dog and herself.
"Is he… laughing as a wolf?" Luna asked, a bit confused.
"Yes… Fury used to use that all the time when he found something hilarious." Black Ice said. "I'm glad he's feeling better, even if I hate recounting those memories he woke us all up with his hound laugh."
Meanwhile for Night Fury, he finally calmed down with his laughing. "Sorry, Cadence, it's just that… that was just the most beautiful story I've ever heard. So much drama, tension and heartbreak-"
"Okay okay, I get it! You can stop sassing me now." Cadence said.
"Alright, I'll go easy on you… for now." Fury chuckled.
"Anyways… the point I was trying to get at was that I messed up a lot. I acted very ill disciplined. I was not the mature princess you see me nowadays." Cadence said.
"Still not quite if you ask me…" Night Fury said snidely under his breathing.
"Did you say something?"
"Nothing!"
"Listen. The point is I had to learn hard lessons and go through training to ready myself to be the princess of love. Some ponies thought I wouldn't be able to handle the pressure. But I didn't give up." Cadence said. "I learned so much and taught myself to think rationally and to be careful of getting out of control."
"Well I guess you were able to lead a nation of those Crystal Ponies in that frozen junkyard." Fury said.
"But do you know how I did it?" Cadence asked rhetorically.
"Through a lot of meditation?"
"Sometimes, but most importantly I had the help of Aunt Tia to help guide me to the right path. I didn't have to be alone to learn. I was able to have others help me." Cadence looked at Night Fury.
"Fury, I know you are worried. Believe me I understand. But you have to let others be able to help you with these problems. Luna told me how you defeated the Manipulator guy. So you have the ability to do it just like how I had to learn." Cadence said.
"So what you're saying is… even when you seem to be on your own, you're never really alone?" Cadence nodded in agreement. "Huh, I guess you're right- Is… something funny?" Fury asked as Cadence attempted to hide a giggle.
"S-sorry, but I just can't take you seriously with that crazy wolf fur." Cadence laughed. "It's just too insane! Seeing a wolf being so silly."
"I see. I also see that you want to pet this fur." Fury pointed out. Cadence blushed.
"Well… I, uh…"
"No need to feel embarrassed, go ahead. Feel it." Cadence slowly reached out a good and put it on Fury's head. She brushed his fur slowly and felt how soft it was.
"Wow, this feels good." She said, moving down to his cheek. Fury was also enjoying the feeling, albeit more visibly as he began to stomp his back paw. A rhythmic thumping sound filled the air.
"I see you are also enjoying this, Fury." Cadence teased. Fury tried to stop his paw, but he couldn't resist.
"No I'm not!"
"Oh really? What if I go a little… faster!" She then placed her other hoof on his other cheek and began to rub and scratch. Fury began to whine and whimper like a dog.
"Mmmm, no! I… can't be enjoying this! I'm a hardened warrior, not some domestic puppy!"
"You're not enjoying this yet, I just have to find the right spot." Cadence giggled, reaching all over his body. She hit every spot possible. His back, his sides, the top of his head, she tried them all. But only when she scratched his chin and made him fall into his back did she find the right spot.
"Hmmm, maybe some belly rubs will get you to submit." And she began to give him the best belly rubs she could. Fury tried to resist the temptation, but he soon faltered to the rubbing, sticking his tongue out and panting while wagging his bushy tail in a blissful trance.
He panted like a wolf irresistibly, he already couldn't handle belly rubs but as a wolf? It made him want to howl but this time in humiliation.
"Awooooaoooaoo, I demand you to stop! You know how fierce wolves are!" Fury said, trying to put a brave front.
"Well you don't seem so fierce. In fact, you seem more domesticated." Cadence teased. Fury continued to pant and wag his tail, soon forming a smile. Cadence then decided to take things to the next level by speaking the magic words…
"Who's a good boy, who's a good boy?" She giggled. "Yes you are. Yes you are!"
"Gee, when did you become Fluttershy?" Fury asked.
"Since you became a wolf! I just feel like I have to pet you!" Cadence said, now petting his ears. "I'm just trying to tame you."
"Ooh… M-maybe I am a good boy." He whimpered.
"Hmm, it seems that with each new form, any sort of physical interaction has a different effect. This is rather interesting and entertaining." Luna chimed, her sister nodding with her statement.
"If Twilight were here, she would have a field day with all of his forms and strange culture of her own." Celestia said. Fury then decided that he had enough and took revenge on Cadence in the best way possible. Laying on her face the biggest, wettest dog kiss he could manage.
"MWAHHH!" Fury's face finally separated from Cadence after ten seconds. The pink alicorn's face was in horror.
"Ewwww, gross!" Cadence said, spitting out. "What the heck was that, you pesky runt?!"
"What? Don't you ponies lick each other to show affection just like us felines? You're the Princess of Love, I would have figured you wouldn't mind." He said cheekily.
"Maybe when we're foals with our parents! Not random people! This isn't prehistoric times, we don't do that anymore!" Cadence said with arms crossed.
"Well I just revived the tradition. I'm sure future generations will appreciate Night Fury the Wise and Talented for this." He said getting under Cadance's skin.
"Grrrrr!" She had an idea for counter revenge. "How about you Luna? How do you feel that your lightning bug just kissed me on the lips for ten seconds straight, hmmm?" She asked, hoping Luna would give Fury some punishment.
Fury's eyes opened up at this revelation. Shoot, I forgot Luna was watching. Why do I always do this stuff at the wrong time?
"I believe he already knows his fate if he dared to. But, I don't think he would be the only one to suffer the consequences of breaking my trust and loyalty."
"Wait, what is that supposed to mean?" Cadence asked with confusion. "Are you saying I'm in trouble too?"
"Oh trust me when I say, you both wouldn't last a second with the punishment I would conceive." Luna sneered, spreading her wings and flapping the tips in a demonstration of what she had in mind.
"We're toast aren't we?" Fury turned to Cadence.
"Yep." Cadence aptly replied.
Luna then jumped towards them, catching both of them in her wings like a trap. The two tried to escape but couldn't.
"You two shall pay for this transgression!" Luna said in her Royal Canterlot Voice. "You shall both know true justice!" Luna's looked to their bodies conceiving of what to do with them. She then gave a sly smile.
"Perhaps, I shall use my magic hooves to vibrate your lips. If you wish to use them improperly, then how about a feeling of mystic hooves." Luna said while holding her hooves close.
"Luna, come on! You know I was joking!" Fury said.
"And I was the one who was given that nasty kiss in the first place." Cadence argued.
Luna simply shook her head. "I am sorry but you, Fury, have crossed the line of what is acceptable for kissing. And you Cadence, you treated Fury as if he were a dog tickling him. For these offenses you two cannot be forgiven. Prepare your lips for some energy." She said as her hooves glowed some sort of purple hue.
The two screamed in terror as the hooves approached their lips.
BUZZZZZZZ
"Wahhhhhhhhhh!" Fury and Cadence cried out at the weird, electrifying but not quite uncomfortable feeling. It felt like they touched metal after running a rug.
"Wait, this doesn't even feel that bad. It just feels like a bit of static to me." Fury explained, feeling no real difference in his being. Cadence however, was not as fortunate.
"Gahhhhh, speak for yourself! I don't like thisssssss!" Cadence said.
"Pffft, what a lightweight," Fury said, unimpressed with his partner in punishment. "You can't even handle a little shock to your system? I guess since my aura is an electric charge, I have somewhat of a resistance." He said calmly. "I guess you ponies just don't have it. Well so much for your punishment, moonpie!" He said cockily.
"Oh, is that so?" Luna inquired. "Then maybe I must change tactics." She let go of her victim's lips and moved her hooves down their bodies.
"I just had to open my mouth, didn't I?" Fury asked.
"And it shall result in both of your downfalls!" She called as she began to tickle both of their stomachs.
"Bahahahaha," Fury laughed. "my mom was right! I should keep a better watch of what I say and do around others! Ha ha ha ha! Well I'm paying for it now!" Fury said.
"Yeah same for me ha ha ha. Thanks a lot, you howler!" Cadence replied to him.
Luna kept doing this for over five minutes.
"Can you stop already?! I said I was sorry!" Fury cried out.
"Hmmmm," Luna pondered. "Maybe I shall." She lifted her hooves and let them breathe.
"By Star Swirl's beard, I'm glad that's over." Cadence giggled.
"Ah ah ah, not so fast." Luna butted in. "You didn't let me finish. Maybe I shall… stop tickling you, I never said that I would stop all together. I have another idea. Celestia, If you would…"
Celestia walked close to Luna. "I would most appreciate a little sisterly bonding. Especially to teach these younglings a little lesson."
Fury and Cadence both gulped and looked in fear.
"You're looking forward to this aren't you?" Fury asked.
Celestia nodded. "Yes indeed. I look forward to this so be ready. For you now deal with the Princess of the Sun!"
Celestia approached them as the two were trapped under Luna's wings. Fury and Cadence looked in terror at the impending doom.
But Celestia surprised them by releasing Luna's wings. Luna was shocked and Fury and Cadence were relieved.
"Sister, what are you doing?!"
Fury and Cadence both cheered in joy.
Celestia simply laughed ominously. "Oh, do you think I am letting you two go that easily?" Celestia shook her head. "No, I am giving you a challenge. A race. A monster race you could say if you know what I mean."
Luna now understood. She now grinned with her sister.
"Uh Cadence, I think we have something else to worry about now…"
"What?" She asked nervously, the two sisters now closing in.
"We have a couple of monsters to deal with."
"What type?" Before Fury could answer, the two princesses reared up on their hind legs and called out…
"Come to us, prey!" Celestia and Luna cried out.
"That type." Fury said as he transformed into a falcon. "Let's get outta here!"
Cadence nodded.
Both narrowly dodged a strike from the princesses. Cadence and falcon Fury had to fly away quickly.
"Don't think we will let you go so easily!" Luna called out. "We will have our justice!"
"As if!" Fury said. "You'll have to catch us. I bet you two are slowpokes in the air!" He said while giving them the L with his tail feathers.
Big mistake that was. The two princesses then shot like bullets up into the sky and towards the escapists, causing some strong winds.
"Do you always have to be so much of a cocky hotshot?!" Cadence jabbed.
"Sorry, force of habit! This is the first time I've actually had somewhat of an equal when it comes to power!" Fury said.
"Just for your information, I fly pretty quickly too you know!" Cadence said.
"Okay okay. Whatever. You're quick. I'm quick. They're even quicker and they're gaining on us!"
Celestia and Luna appeared eager to have their prey.
"We're getting closer…" Luna sang, slowly closing the distance. They climbed higher and higher into the sky, almost hitting the cloud layer.
"Sorry Cadence, gotta leave ya. Time to show them what it's like being the fastest bird in the animal kingdom!" Fury called, pulling into a stoop and diving out of her sight.
"Hey, don't leave your comrade behind!" Cadence also dove down.
Fury looked around for what to do. They might catch up to me. But maybe I can hide on the ground as a small creature.
Fury went to the ground and looked around. He was in one of Celestia's gardens. There was a bunch of grass to hide in and trees to mask himself. He transformed himself into a squirrel and hid in a tree.
Good luck trying to find me now!
Celestia and Luna followed him to the garden and saw no sign of him.
"Oh great, how are we supposed to find Fury? He could be hiding anywhere." Luna complained.
Celestia though simply chuckled.
"What is so amusing?" Luna asked.
"Fury thinks he is completely invisible. But I did manage to give those two some magic beads which means… I can see them with my X-ray spell!" Celestia's eyes glowed as all the vegetation was ignored and all there was, was the sights of living creatures.
"Aha, there they are! Fury's in the tree as a squirrel and Cadence is in the rose beds! You take your coltfriend, I'll grab her."
Luna nodded. They both went their own ways.
Luna nonchalantly went by the tree. "Hmmm, I wonder where Fury could be. He is probably somewhere else."
Fury chuckled to himself while eating some acorns. Yeah, go ahead!
He realized too late she was being sarcastic. Suddenly, the tree rumbled. "What's going on in here?!" Fury then felt like the tree was moving up. "What the heck is going on here?" Then the tree shook heavily. He tried to hang on but he failed, falling to the stone path below and coming face to face with who he both loved and dreaded to see.
"Well, I didn't know that I had a squirrel for a lover. Perhaps I should take a closer look!" She said, jumping at the small mammal. Fury jumped out of the way just in time to the side away from Luna's hooves.
"Nope! Not today!" Fury said as he scurried away. He made a run for the eastern side of the gardens and heard a loud screech from who he could only assume was Cadence. Lo and behold, she came running in the opposite direction with Celestia following her.
"Cadence!" He called, "Up and over, down and under!" Cadence nodded to the black squirrel and began to gain speed.
Cadence flew over Luna. Fury went under Celestia. Celestia and Luna were both confused at this gesture when suddenly the two saw each other a little too closely.
BAM!!!
Celestia and Luna crashed into each other. They both felt very dizzy due to the high speed they crashed into each other.
Cadence and Fury took this time to run to Celestia's castle, Fury jumping on Cadence's back.
"Good planning, Fury. This time your mouth actually helped us for once."
"Ha ha, very funny. But this squirrel is smarter than he looks!" He said, making a few titters and chirps. "After all, we have to avoid nasty predators. We gotta be quite crafty, so we can have our nuts in peace. Want one?"
"Eh, I think I'll pass. That's for little rodents anyways."
"Suit yourself." Fury said, popping one into his mouth. "Mmm, yummy!"
"At least we're safe now." Cadence said. "We better find shelter. Let's go to the Castle, we'll be safe there!"
"Eh. I don't think we need to worry about those two. They're probably down for the count." Fury said. But he spoke a little too soon.
"Wait, do you hear something?" Cadence asked.
"Yeah I do. It sounds like a speeding bullet. What's going on back therrrrree!?!?!?" Fury saw a speeding Luna coming at them faster than anything.
"No way! It's Luna! She's so quick!"
"If you must ask, my sister tossed me. She is quite strong I must say. So do you miss me, Lightning Bug?" Luna mused.
"Not as much as I wish I did! Step on it, Cady!" Cadence proceeded to go faster.
Luna, being determined, shot some beams of energy.
"No way! Wait, now there are magic beams involved!?" Fury said, clearly annoyed and terrified.
"Apparently! This chase has more action than Pony Heist 4!" Cadence said.
"I gotta watch that movie sometime!" Fury said as another laser showed up. "Step on it!"
Luna never used her beams of energy since they use up a lot of energy. But she found it worthwhile if it meant having some fun.
"Door's coming up fast!" Cadence directed, but at a cost. There was a flash of golden magic in front of her and her Aunt Celestia appeared in front of the door.
"You two aren't going anywhere!" She stood strong as she blocked their way.
"Yikes! Hit the brakes!"
Cadence went upward. She had an idea where Luna would crash into Celestia.
"I am not falling for the head on collision trick again!" Luna said, not taking the bait and flying up with them. Celestia smiled eagerly
"Ah rats. Luna is about to catch us!" Fury said. Then, he got an idea. "Cadence, you're my friend. And I would do anything for you if I had to. And now is that time… Goodbye, my friend." He then let go of Cadence and started falling towards Luna.
"Fury!" Cadence cried out.
"Geronimo!"
"What in Equestria?!?!" Luna asked as Fury jumped on Luna.
For Luna, though confused. She found it easy to restrain her squirrel lover in her arms. "Well, I finally caught you. Did you really think that little stunt would stop your demise?"
"No, but it would allow me to distract you. Laters!" Fury then jumped off of her and started to dive for the ground below. Luna was confused as to what she was supposed to be distracted from. That was until she came face to face with something hard.
"Not again!" Luna cried out.
BAM!
Luna had a full on collision not with Celestia, but with the wall.
"Ouch." Luna said in pain. "You are one crafty beast, my love."
Meanwhile for Cadence, she managed to not have Luna on her tail. But Celestia was now chasing her.
"So niece, it is just you and me. You should know I have flown a lot longer than my sister! You will be caught!" Celestia cried out.
"I think not, Auntie."
"Well, bring it on then!" Celestia said, using all of her power to reach her.
Dang, I'm gonna have to think of a way outta here. She just might intercept me. I hope you have something in mind Fury!
As if reading her thoughts, Night Fury jumped onto Celestia.
"Ah! Get off me you pesky squirrel!" Celestia said, scrambling to remove Fury.
"Sorry Tia. But I am in a traitorous mood today. And I can't let you get Cadence. We partners in crime have to stick together."
"Your loyalty is to be commended." Celestia admitted. "But now your days are numbered." She said as she finally caught the squirrel with her hooves. "Perfect, all caught. How about you join me so we can take down my niece together." Celestia said wanting to strike a deal.
"Never!" Fury then turned into a skunk. "Eat skunk fumes, you giant marshmallow!" Fury said as a skunk, shooting intoxicating fumes right into Celestia's nostrils.
"AHHHHHH!!!" Celestia screamed.
"Cady, catch me!" Fury said, jumping off of Celestia. Cadence flipped over and looked up at Fury. She held out her hooves in anticipation and caught the small mammal against her chest. Although, she recoiled at his smell.
"Ugh, yuck! Maybe you should change into something that smells less putrid!?" She complained.
"Hey, all is fair in love and war. You should know, what with all of those love exploits you have." Fury defended himself.
"Yeah yeah, let's just get back into the castle." Cadence said, rolling her eyes.
The two finally made it to the Castle. They locked it just before Celestia and Luna entered.
"Score one for Team Midnight Snackers!" Fury cried out in victorious cheer. "I can already smell the scent of victory."
"Let's not get too excited, this is their castle. We have no idea what secrets that this place has." Cadence warned.
"True. But, if we play our cards right, we can make it out of here." Fury said. He then took a moment to think about the day he had.
"Y'know, I think with all of this going on, I realize now why I came to Equestria in the first place." He hopped off of Cadence's back and returned to his normal form.
"Really? Why?"
"I was looking for someone that could give me what I had lost so long ago. The bravery to take on what I feared. When I got the invitation to your wedding, two things went through my head. One, that this was a new opportunity to live my life to the fullest. And two, that I could finally have the courage to take on what I was scared of going through at the moment."
"And if it weren't for you, Celestia, Luna, Twilight and everyone else… I'd probably never have realized that I need to take life by the horns and face the things that scare me the most. And that's why I'm definitely not going anywhere."
Cadence was silent for a moment and then she hugged him.
"Oh thank you, Night Fury!" Cadence said with tears. "I already had a feeling you were going to stay. But just confirming it makes me feel so relieved. Not just for me, but especially Luna."
"Awww, you really were gonna miss me, weren't you? I knew I was irresistible." Fury smirked.
"I wouldn't exactly say 'irresistible', I would probably say memorable for better or worse." Cadence said bluntly.
"Wooooow, really? You just had to do it like that?" Fury pouted.
"Sorry Fury. Just telling it like it is. But on the bright side, you're more fun than other troublemakers like Sombra."
"So first I'm a silly prankster, then I have a 'monstrous' appetite and now I get compared to some wannabe grim reaper? What else am I gonna be known for at this point?"
"Well, who knows. But I'm my opinion, that monstrous appetite is probably gonna be the main thing. Isn't that right, Thunder Belly?" Cadence teased him.
Fury rolled his eyes. "Yeah yeah yeah. Well I guess I do have quite an appetite, but can you blame me? I have so much energy even compared to many other Speed Shifters. I run and my stomach wants some good grub. I think my belly has the right to be thunderous." He said as if he were a professional.
Cadence giggled at this.
"I guess I see what you mean. Although even Twilight's belly didn't grumble as loudly when she wanted hayburgers. You take it to a whole new level." Cadence said.
"Like I said, a good feast is something a true Speed Shifter prides himself in attaining. So my belly has a right to rumble like that." Fury said with pride. "And besides, it's not like you haven't gone through the same thing with your guilty pleasure for greasy food or your favorite Hearts and Hooves chocolates."
Cadence blushed at this. "Okay, so maybe I like those foods a little too much."
"A little?" Fury smirked.
"Okay fine, I binge on tasty delights a lot! Even a princess can't resist. You happy now?" Cadence asked, annoyed.
"Yes, yes I am." But before he could bask in his victory, there was then a flash of golden magic from behind Cadence and Night Fury practically shrank.
"Uh oh…" He whimpered. "Is that who I think it is?"
"Yep, I recognize that blast." Cadence said.
"And right you are." said the Princess of the Sun walking through the smoke. "So did I interrupt anything, my dear friends?"
"I think you know the answer to that!" Night Fury sharply replied. "And I thought this castle was supposed to be too strong for anyone to just blast through!"
"To a normal pony, but not the Princess of the Sun." Celestia said. "It would be bad if we were locked out by some troublemakers. Case in point." She said, repairing the wall.
"Okay, time to put this to rest." Night Fury declared, "Luna, I know you're there! Come and face me!"
"Ah my Lightning Bug, you knew I would not just stand idly by after you had my head battered… twice." Luna said, coming inside. "Did you think I would simply let you off so easily? You did not even bother to hide. Your pride, my love, will be your downfall today. And the same for Cadence." She said with an evil smile. Night Fury held his head down slightly and chuckled.
"You really think I was trying to hide? No, I was just waiting for you two to come to me. You both may be princesses, and subjects bow down before royalty. But peasants… peasants kneel before a god." He growled with a smile, igniting his aura and standing menacingly before them.
Celestia smirked.
"Bold words for someone who is in the presence of Equestria's most powerful beings. I think we should show him what we mean, isn't that right, sister?"
"Agreed." Luna charging her magic. "We will get you this time, Night Fury!"
"Good luck, you're gonna need it." He snarled. He then phased out of their sight, almost as if he had phased out of existence. The two sisters looked around frantically for a trace of where he could be, even Cadence was confused, but the shadows around them seemed to grow larger as if they were working against them. The curtains around the windows then quickly closed, shrouding the hallway in darkness.
"Luna, you're the Princess of the Night! Maybe you notice where he might be?" Celestia asked.
"I don't know! I am just as confused as you are!" Luna said worriedly. "Fury, are you just going to hide in the dark all day?!"
For a little while there was no voice. No sound of the Speed Shifter. This silence made Celestia and even the more nocturnal Luna uneasy.
"Show yourself already!" Celestia called out. "Or will you just stay there doing nothing?!"
After more silence, they finally heard some laughter in the darkness.
"Ha ha ha ha… you can't see me, you can't hear me. But you can still feel me." He said through the darkness. There was then a quick flash of red electric light from down the hall, briefly revealing his shadowy figure before disappearing again. The flashes continued, increasing in frequency as he slowly moved from position to position towards the two sisters. To both of them, it felt like a horror movie. To Night Fury, this was a fun bit of retribution.
"We have to blast him with your energy!" Luna cried out. The two sisters tried to shoot magic at him but they just kept missing as he popped in and out.
"Oh puhleeze, I could do this all day. A for effort though." He said condescendingly. Then, the flashing stopped. Silence rang out as the magic blasts stopped. The two sisters looked out into the darkness in a panic, trying to figure out where he went. Nothing came for several seconds until…
…
"Surprise!" He popped up right in front of them with the creepiest face they had ever seen.
"AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!" Celestia and Luna screamed like foals on Nightmare Night. Fury just laughed at their fear as he disappeared into the shadows.
"Hahahahahaha, weaklings!" He screeched, running around them in the dark to form a red tornado of light. "You should have never been so foolish as to try and stand against me! Have you no clue as to who I am?! I am not a king, I am not an emperor… I Am Night Fury!"
Raaaaaaaaargh!
"Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!" The two sisters screamed at the horrifying sight as they cowered in uncontrollable fear. Within seconds, Fury took the opportunity to quickly disappear, letting the illusion dissipate and leave them alone with each other.
The Royal Sisters were breathing heavily. They couldn't believe what they had just witnessed. It was almost otherworldly. The two sisters simply stared at each other in the dark as they consoled themselves from what they had seen.
"Luna, have you ever seen something like that in your nightmares?" Celestia asked.
"Never in my multiple millennia of life have I seen something so terrifying. It reminds me of when I watched my first horror movie after my bedtime when we were mere fillies." Luna said, surprisingly shocked.
"Well at least that part was over. And besides perhaps he was just showing off. He thinks he has the advantage? Well can he face two powerful princesses for real?" Celestia said. "I don't think so."
"You are right, sister. Do you hear me, Night Fury!? You do not scare us! I am the Princess of the Night! Your cheap tricks will not scare us again!" Luna said tempting fate.
"You wanna say that again?" They heard something behind them which caused them to jump forward. When they looked back he was not there.
They saw red lightning in the darkness, surrounding the sisters.
"Oh my, how gullible you two are. You have certainly given me a run for my bits. But now, I get to see how deep your wallets run. How much change do you have on tap, how much dough you have to spare, what it takes for the most powerful beings in Equestria to be broken." Fury appeared as a giant, red, ghostly Speed Shifter.
Even Cadence was intimidated by this. "Celestia, Luna! Just surrender already! Your pride isn't worth it now!"
"Yes! Surrender your notions of bravery to me! You know you're terrified, you know you're not on top. You… know… you're… beneath me." Fury said slowly approaching them.
"WE SURRENDER!" Luna cried out. "You have outdone us today! We are not afraid to admit so! But please return to normal, to the original Fury I know and love!" Luna said with some panic.
Fury's giant form smiled as he heard the pleas from his girlfriend, waving a paw around them and diffusing the electric rods around them. The curtains opened and revealed the light of day to the hallway, letting his power fall and return him to his black, sleek form.
"Well, what did you ladies think? Impressed or were you unsatisfied?" He said in a cocky way. "Just be honest."
Luna was still a bit surprised. "What in the world was that? Was that you? Or was it just an illusion?!" Luna took deep breaths and calmed down. "But either way, you and Cadence were surprisingly capable of fleeing from us. An impressive feat."
Fury grinned and laughed. "Thanks!" He then turned to the Princess of Love. "You wonder why I wanted to go into the Castle? So could I pull this sweet stunt. This is power taken to the next level, the darkness made me scarier than Amethyst and my mom combined. Actually nothing is scarier than those two-"
"Was it an illusion?" Luna interrupted. "Or did you really transform into that… thing?"
"Oh that was just an illusion, sweetheart. A little voltage can go a long way for me." Fury said cockily. "But let me tell you, if this were in the light, this would not have worked at all. I wasn't just chilling out and relaxing. I had this planned out while I was flying and running from you guys."
Celestia, Luna and Cadence were in awe. Just how powerful were these Speed Shifters?
"Well anyways, that was pretty fun! I hope you forgive me now, Moonpie. I just want you to know you're the only one for me. I was just being silly again." Fury walked up to Luna and kissed her. Luna was charmed, she felt lucky to have him around. She then decided to bring up the question of the day.
"Does this mean…"
"Yep, I'm not going anywhere." Fury nodded. "Not for a long time."
Luna was in tears and hugged him. She was so relieved. She realized that this fun chase would not be the last. It was just the beginning.
"I am so thankful you will be here." Luna said.
"Well I do have to thank Cadence here of course for convincing me." Fury smiled at Cadence causing her to blush. "Especially when she told me all her personal life stories like when-"
"If you open your mouth, I'll make you fall in love with an old grandmare!" Cadence threatened.
Fury shut his mouth. He didn't feel like replacing his girlfriend for somepony who looked like Granny Smith.
"I'm glad you've made your decision on staying in Equestria," Celestia spoke. "This is truly a wonderful surprise."
She then craned her neck down to him. "And besides, if you were to leave my sister alone, I would have to hunt you down and-" Before she could finish her snide remark, Fury grabbed her by the muzzle and stared at her.
"I get that you care for your sister and would do anything to keep her happy, I really do." He then turned to a cold tone. "But if you ever try and hunt me down, in any way, I'll show you that being immortal will not save you from the eternal pain and suffering I would put you through."
"I see." Celestia said, a little surprised. "Well I know you will be well defended when our foes come to defeat you." Celestia said. "I would not want to be your enemy, that's for sure!"
"Yep!" Fury said now more relaxed. "You got that right! If those crazy Shadow Speed Shifters try to come after me or any of you, they'll have a nasty surprise in store."
Everypony and Night Fury all had a good laugh. Everything was going well again.
"I just want to ask though." Luna said. "Is everything between you and your parents going to be fine? I hope issues will be mended between you." Luna said in a caring voice.
"Hopefully so, Mom is probably gonna have a hard time though. When she rarely actually admits her mistakes, she goes through an entire process of elimination to try and fix the problem. She basically turns into a stallion trying to go over the top to cheer up his girlfriend when she says 'I'm fine'." Fury said.
"Oh I know that feeling…" Cadence said, reminiscing about Shining crying and apologizing for three days for not getting them into a fancy restaurant.
"Yeah, my mom can be a hassle but she is one of the most loving people I have ever known." Fury said smiling. But then he turned serious. "You know what, I think I have to go. I have to make my peace with mom. We both made mistakes and it's time for me to use my ambassador skills for my mom."
Celestia nodded. "In that case good luck, Night Fury. I hope your family has a happy reunion."
"Thanks. Now I just have to find them. Maybe they're back at Luna's tower." Fury said as he walked out of the palace to find them. But he didn't expect to see one of them so quickly.
"Dad? What are you doing here?"
"Oh son." Obsidian said. "Do you really think you could have one of your chases without us knowing? Ha ha ha. I must say that was entertaining to watch. Especially the part of your kiss with that pink alicorn." He said, having to hold back his laughter.
"Oh gee dad, you saw all that?" Fury said embarrassed.
"Of course I did. You sure do have a way with ladies, boyo." He chuckled.
Fury rolled his eyes. "Okay, okay. But I don't think I'll be doing that for a while unless I want Luna to come after me again."
"Ah don't worry about it, son. It's all part of the fun. You are an adult, after all. You can make your own choices, however unorthodox they might be."
"Well, I'm glad that you see me as grown up. As opposed to mom who still calls me 'her little fuzzball'. Speaking of which, where is she?" Fury asked.
"Well-" Obsidian said before being cut off by a slight skittering noise.
"Wait, what the heck was that?" Fury asked. "Do Celestia and Luna have more stuff they want to do with me?"
"I haven't been around ponies too much, but I don't think they sound like that." Obsidian said, looking in all directions.
The skittering continued for a few seconds before dying out. Fury looked around and couldn't see anything in the vicinity. Then, Fury felt not one, not two, but eight strange poking sensations on his sides. His eyes shrank to pinpricks as he realized what, or in this case, who was in his back.
"Wait… mom?! Is that y-you?" Fury asked, horrified at his mother's giant arachnid form.
"You bet it is, fuzzball. Now, come here!" Black Ice said.
"Bahahahaha! Tia, Luna, Cadence, hehehehelp!" Fury laughed out loud. "I can't take this!"
The other princesses came to his aid only to see Fury being held hostage by a giant spider.
"Back off, fiend!" Luna said.
"Don't worry princesses. It's just some motherly love." Obsidian said.
"Oh in that case, we will merely observe." Luna said while eating some moonpies.
"Dang it Lunahahahaha!" Fury said in laughter. "Dahahahad, I thought you were on my side!"
"I am, but this is none of my business. This is between you and her mother."
"You traitor! Mom, let go of mehehehe!" Fury squeaked.
"Oh son. Why are you resisting? I am simply playing with you like I did when you were a cub. Except since you are now matured, I have to use this form so you may not escape. Isn't that reasonable?" Black Ice asked.
"Dang it, mom!" Fury said in desperation. "Come on, you've had your fun. Now let me gohohoho!"
"Hmmmm," his mother pondered for a bit. "Maybe if you asked politely I just might do so." She said with a smirk.
"I can't exactly do that when yohohohoho are tickling me with your eight, giant legs!" Fury laughed.
"Well perhaps you should try a little harder to do so because I can do this a long time." His mother said.
For Celestia she was impressed by the abilities of Black Ice. "I must say Obsidian, I can see where your son got his transformation abilities."
"That's right." Obsidian said. "She used to be an instructor for transformation magic in our village. Of course Fury might be transforming quite well so far, but he still has a long way to go before he can match his mother's insane horrifying transformations."
"Alright, that's it!" Fury said as he ignited his powers and began to vibrate. Black Ice's head began to feel shaken up as he increased the intensity. She eventually couldn't focus on holding onto Fury and dropped him, allowing him to swiftly flip over and land on all four paws.
"Sorry mom! But I'm a big boy now. I don't have to live with being tickled anymore. I'm free!" Fury boasted.
"Hmph. Not bad. You've won this time son. I'll find a way to make you restrained next time and then you will not resist me. But until then, I think you'll have someone to fill my role." Black Ice said. She pointed to the princesses and they all, menacingly, opened their wings with sly smiles.
"Oh that we shall, Fury." Celestia said smiling.
"Indeed, my love." said Luna.
"What they said." Cadence added.
"Come on, we fought together, Cadence! Did our chase mean nothing?" He asked Cadence with some sorrow.
"Well, keep in mind the only reason I helped was to run away from Celestia and Luna. I was the one you kissed and got me into this mess." Cadence said. "So sorry but our alliance has just been canceled."
"Well, if this is happening, I might as well get this out of the way." Fury spoke, turning to his arachnid mother. "Mom, I have to say that I'm surprised with how you handled all the drama. I'm sorry that you had to see that part of me, I wasn't in my right mind." Fury said, looking down in shame.
"No son, I have to thank you for giving it to me straight about my parenting. If you hadn't set me straight the way you did, I'd probably be here yelling at you for an eternity. You showed me that what would have worked back then, doesn't work now. And that I have to keep up with what's needed for you as you grow up. I'm not going to be here forever, so I should probably make the most of it by treating you with the deserved amount of respect for the grown Shifter you've become today." Black Ice said, putting her paw on her son's shoulder.
Fury smiled at this. "Thanks mom. I really needed to hear that. Of course I also want to say I've always appreciated you. You taught me how to be kind to others and to love passionately." Fury said earnestly. "Even if you had to put up with me stealing from the cookie jar." He admitted. Black Ice's eyes lit up at the memory coming to her.
"Oh I remember that one! Your highnesses, I think I brought my old Memory Sealer from home here on vacation. Would you like to take a look at Fury's memories?" Fury's eyes shrank as he heard the mention of the artifact in question.
"Wait mom-"
"Oh I would indeed love to see a part of Fury's adorable past." Luna said.
The other two princesses nodded as they came closer.
"You don't wanna see it. It's really boring!" Fury said, hoping to dissuade them. "Come on, let's go eat!" He also tried to grab the Memory Sealer.
"Oh don't be that way Fury!" His mother said leaping over her son to the princesses. "I just want to share the memories." She said with an innocent yet mischievous smile.
Oh sweet mother nature, what have I done?
Black Ice brought out the seed-like contraption and placed it on the ground. She pressed a button on the side and the seed opened to reveal a ruby in the middle that projected a screen.
"This device is used to store memories of anyone that is linked to it, old and young. And let me tell you, the things Fury has done when he was younger…" The ruby then focused on his forest hut home, a smaller Night Fury in his room.
In The Past…
Young Night Fury was in his family's hut and he was fixated on one thing.
His mother's special festival cookies. Filled with chocolate, fruits and a few spices. Fury was supposed to wait three days until the festival of The New World came about, a festival celebrating Speed Shifters arrival in the Valley after their exile from the Silver Blue. But for Fury, three days was just too long. He wanted to eat them now.
"Awww, I want to eat them now! Mom's a big meanie" He whined to himself. He then got a mischievous idea as he jumped off of his bed.
"Mom said that I have to wait until the festival to eat the cookies, but she never said anything about snacking on them." The little Speed Shifter rubbed his paws together and chuckled deviously as he opened his bedroom door and snuck his way down the dark hallway.
–
It was the middle of the night and Night Fury was feeling a big case of the munchies for those festival cookies. So he decided that he was going to snatch some for himself. He quietly snuck down the hall, past his parents room and came to the stairs leading to the living room. He knew that certain spots on the steps would creak under pressure, so he made his steps wisely.
"Slow and steady, Fury. Slow and steady…" He whispered to himself. He finally made it to the main floor.
"Okay, the hard part's done. Now, for the fun stuff." He snuck through the carpeted living room and into the kitchen. Looking up, he saw the cookie jar on the top shelf of the counter. He used the drawers to make a staircase up to the counter, sneaking across it and making his way to the shelves.
Almost there… I can practically taste those chocolaty, fruity cookies.
He stood on his back paws and reached up to grab at the jar. To his luck, it wasn't booby trapped when he pulled it off of the shelf and heaved it onto the counter where he could get inside. He took a quick look around at his surroundings to see if his parents were anywhere near. While it was dark, he could still see with the moonlight shining through the windows. The coast looked clear and he opened the jar slowly.
The top came off smoothly and he put it down on the counter with a small *klink*. Fury winced at the noise, the sound feeling ten times louder than it usually was. He soon regained his smile as he licked his lips and reached inside, grabbing one of the cookies. He looked at it with drool coming from his lips and opened his mouth, raising the cookie to his mouth and eating it. He quietly hummed to himself as the sweet, fruity taste danced in his tounge.
He was so blinded by the taste that he helped himself to another.
And another…
And another…
He was a few cookies deep and was about to have a fifth one when suddenly…
"Enjoying yourself, sweetie?"
"You bet it!" He said with his mouth full. "These cookies are the best. Too bad my mom doesn't want me to-" He then stopped as he paid close attention to the voice he had just heard.
He turned slowly to see the face he dreaded the most. His mother's unamused face.
"Oh, uh hey mom! Um, I was just… making sure these cookies were put back in their rightful place. They must have been here the whole-"
"Do you think I'm so naive, boy?" His mother interrupted. "Why is it I see crumbs in your mouth then? Is that supposed to be an accident?" She sharply replied.
"Um… Yes?" His mother sighed and then laughed.
"Oh sweetie, I should have known that with your sweet tooth that you couldn't resist having these nearby. If I'm being honest, you take after your own mother." She chuckled.
"Wait, I do?" Fury asked.
"Yep. I used to sometimes go into the kitchen for some sweets. Trying to sneak past the servants or even bribing them to give me more. Of course I was not as stealthy as you. You have quite a knack for that." She chuckled.
"Yeah, dad has taught me how to stealthily hunt down my foes." Fury bragged. "And one day I will be able to sneak around with no one noticing!"
"I'm sure you will, dearie." She rustled his fur.
"So uh since you're so impressed, you'll let me go right?" Fury said hopeful.
Unfortunately for Fury, his mother laughed at that very idea.
"Oh no, you're still in trouble, mister." Black Ice said.
"Awwww…"
"But, since I'm feeling generous tonight, I'll let you get away with this one. However, you're gonna have to make it up to me. Any ideas?" His mother proposed. Fury tapped at his chin for an idea, soon coming to one that would hopefully go well.
"How about… I help you bake the next batch. How's that?" Fury asked.
"Why, that sounds very nice, Fury. I could use a helper around here." Black Ice said. "I will show you ways of cooking that have been passed down from my ancestors. At the very least you'll be better than your father, that's for sure." She said dreading Obsidian's abhorrent meals.
"I won't let you down, Mom!" He said, hopping up onto her back.
"Good. Now let's get you cleaned up and back in bed, my little fuzzball." And with that the two Speed Shifters walked back up the stairs and to their rooms, having learned a valuable lesson on not to take things that aren't yours.
In The Present…
"Awwwww!" The princesses squealed at the cute memory.
"That was so sweet!" Cadence said.
Even Fury was pleasantly surprised. He thought it was going to be one of the more embarrassing memories. This was just a pleasant experience.
The only one who was not as pleased but still happy was Obsidian.
"Oh come on. My food wasn't that bad!" Obsidian defended himself in an unusually whiny voice for himself. Fury just deadpanned and turned to him.
"Dad, please tell me you're joking. When mom said that she was hankering for a slice of 'Hot Apple Pie', you made a pie with apple and Jalapeno pepper filling! Mom couldn't stop heaving up literal smoke from the spice for an hour, some of the other Shifters thought we had a house fire!" Fury explained.
Obsidian looked to his wife hoping for some defense.
"He's right, darling. I am still mentally scarred from that dreadful excuse you called edible food!" Black Ice scolded him.
"I-I thought it would be something unique…" Obsidian said defeated. "I didn't think about the long term results…"
"Yeah, 'Unique', as in a unique new type of pain." Black Ice huffed, her throat feeling dry just thinking of that memory. "Why else did I ban you from the oven?"
The princesses had an amused expression. Obsidian was at first unamused but then he chuckled along.
"Oh well, I guess we can't all be cooks. That's what I have you and Night Fury for." He said smoothly while kissing Black Ice.
"Nice recovery." Black Ice said blushing.
Everyone was in a jovial mood now. They felt truly like this was an ideal family and friends reunion.
"Forgive me for being blunt, but I never thought you had such a fun side to you, Black Ice." Celestia said. "It is quite a delight."
"Wow, that is one sentence that I would have never thought would be directed towards Mom, eh dad?"
"It is pretty unusual. I will admit." His father admitted.
Black Ice rolled her eyes.
"I'm not always a sourpuss for your information. I can have fun… sometimes."
"Yeah that is true." Obsidian said. ""Especially back then. Things were less stressful when Fury was a cub. That was before there was so much pressure."
"Maybe. Even so, I'll still remember you as being the 'Super Duper Sourpuss' like I knew you for as a kid." Fury said.
"Well to be fair," Black Ice said. "I did make sure you had… better manners and I did make sure you kept the house clean and not dirty. So I might have been a 'Sourpuss', but it was for the greater good."
"Well… I guess so. At least sometimes." Fury admitted. "But hey, at least I managed to change you for the greater good." He then stood with a hunch in his back and hobbled around.
"Otherwise you would have been that old, grumpy, mama who could never be anything more than miserable." He said In an exaggerated old voice. "Get off my lawn, you fun having hooligans! Nyah! Oh, my back!" Fury said pretending to be older.
"Heh heh heh, I definitely owe you that my son. Sometimes I'm not an easy lady to be around. But I'm glad you still loved me even when I was a bit harsh towards you."
"You kidding mom? I'll always love you no matter what! No matter what arguments pop up." Fury said, hugging his mother.
"But you're still in the wrong for saying I'm old."
"Hey, just be glad I didn't call you prehistoric like blueberry and marshmallow over there." Night Fury said.
"And just who might be this marshmallow-"
"And blueberry-"
"That you are referring too?" Celestia and Luna asked unamused.
"Um…" Fury said, realizing he made another mistake. "Some other ponies that are white and blue?"
The two princesses just looked at him unimpressed.
"You're going to try to chase me down again, aren't you?" Fury asked.
"Yes, we are."
"Indeed, my love."
"Welp, I'm gonna take off now. If any of you hear laughing after a few minutes, just know I'm getting the worst tickle attack of my life. See ya on the flip side!" Fury dashed away.
Luna then turned to Obsidian and Black Ice.
"Would you mind if we-"
"Go ahead." Obsidian said.
"Agreed." Black Ice replied. "He still needs to learn a lesson on not having a loose tongue."
"Thank you." Luna said bowing.
"And Luna!"
"Yes, Black Ice?" Luna asked.
Black Ice smiled. "Take good care of our boy. He needs it sometimes."
Obsidian nodded. "You two make a great team."
"That I shall. I promise." Luna bowed. "And now, to give chase to this mischievous young feline. COME BACK HERE FURY!" Luna screamed while soaring at its approximate location, Celestia following her closely. Cadence and Fury's parents were then left alone in silence.
"Um… you guys wanna grab some lunch?" Obsidian asked. Cadence and Black Ice nodded as they followed his lead into the castle. Today might very well be the most powerful day anyone on this vacation has experienced. Fights were had, amends were made. But most importantly, a family of good individuals was born.