//------------------------------// // Awkward // Story: Old Wounds // by AlexitsAlex //------------------------------// The fort on the moon was mediocre at best. It was constructed with melted moon rock and was about a quarter of the size of Canterlot Castle. It was two stories tall, with a single tower that really served no purpose since the fort wasn't threatened by any invasions or the sort. Nightmare Moon had begun construction of the fort herself before she eventually made her two newly acquired guards finish it for her. She melted the rocks herself before Far Side and Crater had to form crude bricks, which they then stacked to make a building that was kind of like a igloo. The princess of the night never actually lived in the fort itself, often turning into a cloud of dark magic and not being seen again until the next morning. So the two colts made it their home for the next two hundred years. Far Side and Crater were standing outside of the fort now, waiting for Princess Luna's arrival. The two donned their armor, which was dark purple, hi lighted with blue in places. The armor was lighter than the ones used by the Canterlot guards in Equestria, being more flexible to suit their changed body types. While this armor wouldn't protect a pony much in combat, it was very intimidating, especially when the two donned their helmets with a crown that resembled their wings in a way. Far Side shifted his hooves, not used to the feeling of having his armor on him again. It felt too small, having been given the armor when he was still a young colt, back when it was too big for him. It weighed him down and made him clumsy, which infuriated Nightmare Moon during their "training", her blaming Far Side instead of the armor. He looked over at Crater, whose armor seemed to fit him more comfortably, despite him being bulkier than Far Side. He guessed that Nightmare Night wasn't much of a clothes designer, looking to be more fierce and terrifying than fitting for the user. "She should be here soon," said Crater. "What should we say when she gets here?" "We don't have to say anything," replied Far Side with almost no emotion. "We just salute and get this night over with." "Still not comfortable around the Princess I suppose?" Far Side almost laughed. "That would be an understatement." "Come on, Far Side, you know she's a different pony now. Just look at how nice she was when she came back on Nightmare Night! She apologized and gave us that awesome computer." "Yeah, and it shows how much we missed being kidnapped by the gift giving Princess of the Night." retorted Far Side. "Hey, we wouldn't even see those computers if we weren't kidnapped. We probably be dead by now." replied Crater, his voice having a hint of anger in it. Crater was an easy-going pony, and he didn't get mad often. Far Side was taken back by this, and didn't respond. He turned away and focused on his own thoughts. Sure they somehow lived longer, but it was just two hundred years of doing old military drills and trying to build a moon castle. "Look sharp, here she comes." said Crater, putting on his helmet and standing at attention. Far Side looked up and saw Princess Luna descending down onto the moon surface. Giving a nervous gulp, he donned his helmet and stood at attention as well, parallel from Crater. The Princess landed in front of them, wings flapping momentarily before folding at her sides. She wasn't a great flier, choosing to telephoner to her destinations when she gained enough distance from the ground. "Good evening gentlemen," said Luna. "How have things been going up here?" "Everything's been going fine princess." Stated Crater, all traces of previous anger gone from his voice. "No signs of any trouble up here." Princess Luna gave out a chuckle, which surprised the two colts, being this the first time she's laughed around them. Seems like she's loosened up a bit since she last came here thought Far Side. He baffled at how Crater can speak so easily to the Princess, having a serious and formal tone, yet almost upbeat at the same time. Luna turned to Far Side with a smile. "And how are you Far Side," she said with the voice that always gave Far Side the chills. It wasn't that the voice was bad, it was almost soothing in a way. It just seemed so different coming from the mare who always yelled at them using the traditional Canterlot voice which may have also associated with Far Side's migraines. He fought to get the words out of his mouth. "It's been going great princess," said Far Side, almost a little too fast. The Princess was quiet for a moment before nodding. "I'm very happy to hear that." Crater sensed the awkwardness and changed the subject. "So Princess, I heard that you wanted to run a few errands in Equestria." "Oh yes," replied the Princess. "I'll tell you our destination when we get going." "I suppose that means we're pulling the chariot?" asked Crater with a smirk. Luna smiled. "If you two still have it." Far Side piped in, wanting to get out of the awkward situation. "Yes we do! It's in the shed if I still remember. I'll go get it!" Before anyone could reply, he galloped off as quick as he could, sending a wave of moon dust after him. Crater watched as Far Side ran off before giving a sigh. "Sorry about that Princess, he's still a little uneasy about all this and..." He looked down and shuffled his hooves trying to find his words. "No need to explain Crater." Luna said. "I understand what he's going through, and I'll be acting the same way if I were in his position. I'm that he'll be okay one day." Her voice trailed off, as if she was uncertain of herself. "Yes, he should be." added Crater looking again at the direction where Far Side left. "I sure hope so."