Rising Flame and Sky Sapphire romped through the gardens, unaware of the events that took place over the past two days. Luna and Alec watched with a smile as they played, when there was a loud squeal of glee as a unicorn filly shot forward. Candy Magic had the same mane and tail as her mother, which in four years nopony had managed to work out why, and the same coat colour as her father.
Said ponies waved to the royal couple as Pinkie Pie and Donut Joe walked through the gates, followed by Applejack and Caramel. Peeking over the top of Caramel's head was a small earth pony colt. AJ reached up and placed him to the floor, but he quickly hid behind her fore hooves from the two big scary ponies making their way over to them.
He had seen ponies with wings and ponies with horns, but only one pony with both horns and wings, and even she still scared him sometimes. AJ bent down and nuzzled him out from hiding. “Dusty Spur, be polite now. The 'ere is Princess Luna and 'er oaf of a husband Alec. Say hello now.”
“um... hello.”
Alec looked up with amusement, staring at Applejack. “What? Ah can see somethin' on yer mind, so what is it?”
“Well... are you sure he's yours? I mean he seems so... shy.” AJ reached up a hoof and brought his face down and close to hers.
“Now you listen here, an' listen good, Ah'm only gonna say this once! Ah carried Dusty for the whole eleven months, an' let me tell you, you wouldn't last a day! He's mah colt, an' there ain't no two ways about it. 'sides, if this one were sleeping around, Ah think mah brother would 'ave somethin' to say about that!”
“Sorry.” His head was released and he knelt down to the floor, smiling at the colt. “Hey there little guy, how are you? Mine name's Alec, can you tell me yours?” Dusty looked up at AJ, who nodded her encouragement. He then returned his gaze to the stallion in front of him.
“D-dusty S-spur, sir.” This earned a smile, which was quickly replaced by a frown as Alec looked up to the sky. They all followed his gaze, studying the low lying grey clouds. They couldn't see anything, but had over the years come to trust Alec's intuition. It was more accurate then Pinkie's Pinkie Sense.
Then something appeared from the clouds, changing direction for the very garden they were standing in. It flew fast, and Alec had just enough time to throw a shield over them as whatever it was hit the ground, throwing up mounds of dirt. Once the dust settled, they looked at a large metal object, emblazoned with a black eagle like form over a gold shield. Flame and Sky galloped over to it, but were stopped as Alec jumped in front of them, horn glowing.
Whatever it was made noise, the hissing of air as it equalised the interior pressure with that of the atmosphere. It was followed by the sound of machinery, one of the sides beginning to raise upwards. A long black barrel appeared through the steam as the occupant exited, revealing itself to be a biped, completely covered in armour. It looked around and spotted the ponies, walking towards them. It kept its weapon raised at the one who had a glowing horn.
Alec spread his wings and bent down, shielding his foals from the possible threat, walking backwards to ensure their safety. Three more of the machines shot through the air and hit the ground. Two more of the riders were dressed the same, carrying similar weapons. They couldn't make out the third, but Alec stood straight as he heard the voice. It had been so long he only just registered what was said. “Stand down! Klaus, call your men off!”
The three soldiers lowered their weapons and backed away slightly, parting to allow a woman to walk forward. She slowly approached the ponies, walking straight past Alec and up to Luna, who had grabbed the twins with her magic and set them on her back, using her wings to hide them. To the shock of all she let them drop, allowing the trio to stare at each other for a moment. The woman's arms then shot out and grabbed the foals. All but Alec and Luna moved to help them, but once closer found them to be unharmed, looking confused in the human's hug.
Alec came over and she placed the foals down, then wrapped her arms around his neck. He placed a foreleg around her back, and then the other two mares got close enough to see who it was. Alec's horn flashed and bathed the area in a cool light, pulling away from the woman. “It's wonderful to see you again, Sarah. But... what are you doing here?”
“I can't just pay a visit to my family on a whim, being escorted by soldiers?” Alec grinned as he recognised his family's particular vein of sarcasm in her words. “Truthfully, Celestia asked me for a favour, and I am here to deliver. I also thought we could catch up a bit.” Before anything else could be said, Applejack slammed her hoof to the ground.
“Now wait jus' a minute 'ere. How come Ah can understand y'all, but Ah couldn't last time?” Alec raised his hoof and tapped his horn, smiling at her.
“Translation spell. Needed somepony with knowledge of both languages for it to work. It's what I've been sending Twilight bits of information of over the years so she could make it work. So, Sarah, what's this favour for Tia?” Her gaze dropped to the floor, where the twins were staring up in wonder.
“Not now, later, away from the kids. Who are adorable, by the way!” They were promptly snatched into a rib crushing embrace, Sky relishing in the affection from the strange... thing, whilst Flame writhed about, trying to get free. He finally gave a huff and looked at Alec in defeat.
“Father, who and what is this?”
“This is Sarah Luckes, a human, like I used to be. And I guess you could say she's your really long distance cousin.” Flame sighed in annoyance. The last thing he wanted right now was an over affectionate, strange smelling, hairless ape thing holding him close. But it seemed to make his father and mother happy, so he chose to endure it. Besides, if he put up with it, maybe they'd reduce his punishment. After all, this was the first time in three weeks he had been allowed to play outside.
Warding Spear slowly regained consciousness, the last thing he remembered was 'falling' down the stairs outside of the throne room. The smell of something burning reached his nostrils, but there was no way the dungeons could be on fire! A small flare of light drew his attention to the shadows of the cell, where he could just make out a dark shape standing tall. “So, you are the one. Ich wanted to meet you before you were sent to your fate.” The speaker moved forward, revealing itself to be a human male.
“W-w-w-what do you want?”
“To asses you. There is no sign of regret in dein eyes, and thus will bear your full punishment.” The man turned and hit the bars, a guardspony appearing and letting him out. He lifted the white stick to his mouth and sucked on it, making it flare again and causing the human to breathe out smoke. “Ich understand your business here is concluded. Du hast twenty four hours before we leave.”
Spear was left alone in the cell as the footsteps echoed away. Twenty four hours until 'we' leave. Surely they are not taking me with them? It was a preposterous idea, why would they be taking him? He lay back down again and resigned to wait. His fate was sealed, and nothing could be done about it.
“Celestia asked that?”
“Yeah, I was a little shocked at first, but after seeing his reactions to Klaus, I don't think he'll last long. Anyway, tell me about the foals!” Alec floated over a glass of wine to Sarah, who took an appreciative sip.
“Well, they are right pain in the flank, and extremely cheeky. I love 'em to bits, and wouldn't change a thing. Sky Sapphire is one of the sweetest ponies you could ever meet, but also has a devious side to her, coming from her mother. Rising Flame is an intelligent colt, perhaps sometimes too intelligent. He doesn't really bow to social graces, and can often say things where he means well, but causes offence.” He tilted his glass back and the whole red liquid disappeared in one go.
“I wonder where he gets that from. I think I read that in a personnel file a few years ago. Ah yes, something about 'has been quoted saying the truth is better than being nice. Upon further questioning responds with Let me present the amount of fucks I give.' I wonder who that was about?”
“Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. Okay, so he gets it from me, but I've changed a lot in the last seven years. So how about you? You seem to know this Klaus very well.” He smirked as her cheeks flushed lightly, and she downed half of her remaining wine.
“It was two years into the Anglo-Franco war, I was on a deep behind enemy lines mission, trying to get intel on their supply lines. Anyway, on one backwater planet I got sloppy. Got a nice long scar on my back from the piece of shrapnel that tore through my armour. So there I was waiting to bleed out, or to be found and executed as a spy. But then the trees started to move. I blacked out, but when I came to I was in a cave, and my wound was bandaged. There was a man sitting on a ledge, fishing into the river behind him. I managed to get enough strength to speak, saying 'You might as well kill me, because I will tell you nothing!'”
“And then, Ich said...” The pair whipped their heads to the man standing in the doorway. He walked over to the table and grabbed the bottle of wine and another glass. He topped the others up as he continued. “...'And why, frauline, would Ich do that?' The relief on her face was amazing.”
“And together we found the intel, which ended the war. Also destroyed seventeen bases on that world. No military force would continue when their supplies start dwindling. True, it took three years for the effect to work, but we did it. And now, we work with each other whenever we can, it's how I found you.” Alec nodded as he sipped his wine... “We occasionally fuck as well.” ...and then promptly spewed it out on to the floor.
“I do hope that you will be clearing this carpet, dear husband. It was a gift from my mother.” Alec's ears splayed back as he looked to the doorway once more, where Luna was standing with a smirk on her face. She cantered over and sat next to him, leaning against his side. She nodded her head towards the table. “If you would be so kind.”
Alec smiled and lit his horn, grabbing another glass and bringing it over, filling it to almost the brim. Luna took a sip and sighed appreciatively, pressing even closer. She smiled to the pair sat opposite them, noticing that the man had his arm behind her on the back of the couch, and she was now a little closer. “So Sarah, tell me, when are you two having a child?”
Sarah's mood changed instantly, and Luna knew she had said something wrong. The woman threw back the rest of her glass, and leaned into Klaus' side. Her eyes were becoming teary. “As much as I would like to have one, I can't. A piece of shrapnel from that day pierced my womb, causing irreversible damage. I guess it's up to my brothers and sisters to carry on the family name.”
Luna closed her eyes and let her horn glow with a yellow aura. Sarah became worried as a same coloured glow covered her stomach, and she placed a hand over it, looking to the stallion on the other couch. Alec's face was not one of concern, instead giving her a soft smile. He lit his horn as well and the glow on her stomach intensified.
Then she felt tingly, like her whole body was on fire. It abruptly cut off and she let out a breath she didn't realise she was holding. “You know, when you arrived, Alec and I were apart. There was an argument that now seems so trivial, and it took your intervention to bring us back together. I cannot thank you enough for that, but at least we can do something for you.”
Sarah stared at them in shock. Even with the best medical technology it still wasn't possible. But then she remembered that this world had magic, and with such a tool, anything is possible. She was lost for words as Klaus' arm wrapped around her, holding her tightly against his chest. “This ist a gut gift, ja? Ich cannot thank du enough. In honour of those that helped us, we shall name the child after du, boy or girl.”
Sarah nodded her agreement, and before anything more could be said the door swung open, a trolley being pushed in by a maid. Alec's head shot up and he grinned. “At last, pizza! Things got too heavy for a while there!” He levitated a slice over before the mare got close, and Luna jabbed a hoof into his stomach.
“If you keep eating at this rate, it will not be the only thing that gets heavy!”
Celestia walked along the corridor outside of the guest room, hearing laughter from the larger one. She cracked the door open and saw Sarah flying around the room in a beige aura, whilst Klaus danced with Luna to some classical music. She then noted the seven empty bottles of wine on the table, and the half drunk glasses.
The four occupants then noticed her and smirked, whilst she just shook her head. A new bottle was floated over along with a clean glass, and she nodded her head at Alec. “Just the one, and then it is off to bed. I'm sure the foalsitters would like to get some sleep tonight.”
“Spoilsport.” Alec then glanced at the clock. “Then again, eleven is pretty late.” They finished their drinks and left the two humans to talk amongst themselves. Sarah gently closed the door and turned around.
“Sarah, Ich do not like that look on deine face. Ist something wrong?” She walked forward slowly wiggling her hips and smiling seductively. “Ah, Ich see. So... thinks are about to become erotik, ja?” She pounced forward and pushed him on to the table. Outside the door Alec started snickering as they heard crashing, and Luna pulled his ear with her magic, making him follow. They arrived at their apartment to see the former Crusaders and their partners sat quietly.
Applebloom was, true to her cutie mark, currently painting, and Alec trotted over to find an almost complete picture of the snoring foals cuddle up on the other couch. They waited for her to finish and set it aside to dry, before Luna lifted Sky up in her magic. “Would you girls assist me please?”
They nodded and Flame was lifted in a green aura. Sweetie Belle and Applebloom took him to his room, whilst Scootaloo followed Luna. Alec turned his attention to the two colts and dragon averting their gazes. “You three, come with me.” They followed him out in to the corridor where a group of guards were waiting. “Now then, I am going to be lenient with you three. There are only a few rooms available, so you will have to share. With the fillies.”
Their faces lit up immediately, but soon fell again under his stern gaze. “That being said, nothing is going to happen tonight.” Spike went to protest, but a raised hoof kept him silent. “I don't care if Sweetie Belle is sixteen, nothing will happen. Even if they start it. Do you understand?”
The three looked between each other and then nodded. It wasn't what they wanted to hear, but they would respect his wishes. Alec left them with the guards, returning a short moment later with Shine Bright, Luna's personal maid. He entered his room, and the three fillies promptly left. “Well then young masters and ladies, if you would like to follow me, I will show you to your rooms.”
They trotted off after the mare, the guards remaining at their posts. They were taking no chances at the moment.
A loud rumble woke Alec from his slumber, and he looked around the room before a flash came through a gap in the curtains, which was followed by another rumble. He laid his head back as he realised it was just a storm. Luna stirred, pulling closer to him when her eyes snapped open at a much louder clash of thunder. His forelegs came up around her and she let out a sigh.
After another flash they stared at the end of their bed, where they could make out a strange silhouette standing upon it. Yet more lightning revealed Flame and Sky looking at them, clearly scared from the raging storm. Alec and Luna broke apart, and lifted up the blanket. The twins walked over and lay between them. More thunder caused Sky to start shaking and press closer to her father. “She is remembering what happened out there. The storm is worrying her, and Flame is feeling it.”
Alec looked at Luna for a moment, and then started running his hoof through Sky's mane, Luna doing the same to Flame. His horn glowed a little, and a ball appeared above the bed. It flared once and stars appeared on the walls, moving around the room. A melody started to play from somewhere, and Luna's eyes went wide as Alec began to sing. “Come little children, I'll take thee away, into a land of enchantment. Come little children the time's come to play, here in my garden of shadows.”
His hoof came over and wiped the tears that came to her eyes that she didn't even know were there. It was impossible for him to know that song, as she was taught it millennia ago by her mother. His voice was so soft and the added bass to the words made it all the more powerful. She swallowed once and then joined in his singing. “Follow sweet children, I'll show thee the way, through all the pain and the sorrows. Weep not poor children for life is this way, murdering beauty and passions.”
Alec smiled through her words, continuing to sooth Sky. “Hush now dear children, it must be this way, to weary of life and deceptions. Rest now my children for soon we'll away, into the calm and the quiet.”
“Come little children, I'll take thee away, into a land of enchantment. Come little children the time's come to play, here in my garden of shadows.” The sounds of snoring coming from between them proved their efforts worked, even as the storm raged outside. Luna remembered to the first time she heard him sing, smiling at the memory. She leant forward and touch her horn to his, pulling him into her dreams for the night.
Two spectral ponies walked in through the doors to the bar, all the others inside ignoring them. Alec and Luna moved to the space near the stage, watching as their engagement party got into it's full swing. They had decided on a fancy dress party, and Luna was wearing a red bunnymare suit. The stallions, for some unknown reason, were wearing matching white uniforms and hats, with mostly similar markings, but some had more gold stripes than others.
Alec nuzzled Luna and pointed to the door, where his previous self had just entered, flanked by Big Mac and Shining Armour in matching uniforms. They smiled as he trotted over to the DJ and had a word. Mac stayed by the booth as the others moved over to Luna sitting at the bar. It was a surprise, but Alec had explained what exactly happened the say after. They continued to watch as their memories played out before them.
Alec trotted over and tapped Luna on the shoulder and caused her to turn. “Excuse me, miss...” Armour got in between them and started to push him away.
“Don't worry, I'll take care of this.” Luna turned back to her drink, confused as to what they were playing at. Armour tapped Alec on the shoulder and Mac nodded to the DJ, music playing though the speakers as Alec began.
“You never close your eyes any more when I kiss your lips.” Armour then took a verse for himself.
“And there's no tenderness like before in your fingertips.”
“You're trying hard not to show it,”
All of the stallions in that style of outfit then joined in. “But baby, baby I know it... You've lost that lovin' feeling, Whoa, that lovin' feeling, You've lost that lovin' feeling, Now it's gone... gone... gone... wooooooh.” Alec took a seat next to a smiling Luna, wrapping her with a wing. The two spectral ponies in the corner shared a kiss at the memories, mirroring the pair at the bar, then walked towards the exit. They stopped as Pinkie Pie appeared in front of them, seemingly looking right at them with a frown. She then smiled and waved as they continued. Even in the dream she was still hard to figure out.
Warding Spear followed the guards that served as his escort through the castle, heading towards the garden. Once outside he saw a small ship, surrounded by humans. His shackles had been removed and his wings were healed, but there was no way he could get away from all those watching. The human weapons could fire faster than he could fly.
He silently trudged forward, keeping his gaze to the floor. Out of his peripheral vision he saw that the guards lining the path had removed their helmets and placed them on the floor. This was normally a sign of respect, except it was the back of the helmets facing him. That was the sign of shame.
He knew that each and every one of them wanted to kill him themselves, but they stood fast. The group reached the bottom of a ramp, and then he finally lifted his head, meeting the gazes of Princess Luna and her family, and Princess Celestia. Sky Sapphire walked forward slowly and motioned him to bend down, which he did so, allowing her to whisper into his ear. “I forgive you.”
He stood back up and wiped a tear from his face, nodding to the filly. She went back up and stood in front of her father, who's glare had only intensified as they got closer. Celestia stepped forward with her wings spread. “Warding Spear, on this day you will no longer be a resident of Equestria. For your punishment, I have decreed that you will travel to the world of the one that you tried to kill. It is certain that you will die there, but not known is when. You will have no chance to return, so if there is anything more you wish to say, now is your chance.”
He turned and looked over the crowd, seemingly full of guards, but he did spot a few nobles here and there. “My fri... former friends, I bid you pay heed to my actions, and learn from my mistakes. What I thought was love was lust, and I allowed it to control me, which nearly decimated a loving family. I will bear my punishment with honour, and will not back out.”
His eyes met a pair of familiar orange ones, and he stepped towards them. Celestia waved the guards off as they prepared to pounce, watching him with interest. He approached the pony as the crowd parted, leaving him bowing in front of a mare. “Blazing Petal, I am truly sorry. I realise now what I have truly lost, and I sincerely hope that you find one that you deserve, and who deserves you. I hope you find your happiness.”
To the surprise of the assembly, she pulled him up and kissed him, before turning and galloping through the crowd. A hoof on Spear's shoulder caused him to turn, seeing Defiant Moonlight next to him. “Come on, it's time.” Spear nodded and once more walked to the ship, stopping briefly to look at Luna, and then her husband. Their faces were like stone, showing nothing of what they thought, but the colt between them glared at him.
He gave on last gaze over the crowd and then entered the hatch, leaving the only world he had ever known. Back outside, the humans started to board themselves, until only two were left. Sarah and Klaus were in the middle of saying their goodbyes to Alec and Luna, who told them next time to send warning of a visit. They went to board when a tug on Sarah's leg caused her to look down, seeing the twins looking up with teary eyes.
She knelt down and hugged them, saying that they would meet again sometime. They got on and the hatch closed, followed by a few clunks as it locked in place. The ponies moved away, giving plenty of clearance. Five minutes later the ship began it's ascent, using the low clouds to hide. The sounds died away quickly, and Alec set the foals on his back, smiling at them as he made his way back into the castle.
