“You're late,” said the peeved pink prince as Aegis approached their picnic blanket. The half eaten snacks let Aegis see right away that he had been waiting there for awhile.
She had ran as fast as she could from the palace to their spot along the edge of Canterlot – a park with a famed view, ponies could see all the way to Ponyville from there –, but it was already too late by the time she was relieved of duty. “Captain made me stay longer. You know how paranoid Celestia has been acting lately,” she forced out between heavy breaths. She removed her helmet and shook out her matted down mane, allowing it to fall into its more natural position.
“What was it this time?” Eros still hadn't looked over at her, instead he stared off into the distant horizon. This had been the third time in a row that Aegis showed up late for a date, and each time Eros cared less and less for her excuses. It didn't help that each time she was progressively later than the last.
“Same as before, double checking every possible exit and going over emergency plans. Though I did get a promotion.” Aegis was beaming with pride while saying that last part.
“Really?” It was plain to see that Eros still wasn't happy, but the last bit of news did seem to brighten his mood.
“Wow, a smile. It's been a while since I've seen that out of you.”
The prince glowered, the smile leaving his face. “It's hard to be happy when I rarely see you anymore.”
“I know, I know, but it's not like I can just walk off duty. Things have been crazy with palace security. Has Celestia said anything to you at all about why?”
Eros shook his head. “She's been really quiet and secluded. I think her time with Twilight is the most interaction with other ponies she gets anymore.”
Aegis grunted. “Figures.” She walked up and plopped down next to Eros, kissing his cheek in the process. “I really am sorry for being late all the time. You know I would have come sooner if I could.” She continued the affectionate assault by nuzzling his neck and kissing the side of his muzzle.
Eros eventually caved to it, as usual. “I know, sweetie. It's just...” His words faded off as he stared up.
“Hm?” Aegis looked to the sky, trying to find what it was that caught his interest. “Do you see something?”
“The stars.” He pointed at them. “The ones around the moon there. Do they look weird to you?”
Aegis squinted, still not quite sure what it was that Eros had noticed. It began to sink in, and the difference became known. “They're brighter?”
“Looks like it. It's kind of pretty.”
'Yeah.”
***
“Princess, you sent for me?” asked Aegis. It was nearing the end of her day and she didn't want to be late for another date with Eros. Still, even in her hurry, she noticed that Celestia seemed... different. Yes, that would be the only way she could describe it. Celestia always had a special aura to her, one that made Aegis feel as though she was in the presence of a goddess. The princess remained calm and wise, even in the most stressful of times. Her presence alone was usually enough to stop any pony in their tracks, and she always seemed to know what to say or do. Tonight however, for the first time that Aegis could remember, the princess was genuinely worried about something.
“Follow,” she commanded in a stern tone.
Aegis didn't question it nor did she reply, she simply obeyed. Anything that could make Celestia act this way had to have been very important and not something to take lightly. The two walked out from the throne room to a balcony, overlooking the city. The sun was just starting its descent and on the edge of the horizon, the moon was starting to ascend. The princess's attention was fixated on the white, shadow covered orb. “It's quite a fitting image for what is to come,” were her cryptic words.
“Your majesty?” questioned Aegis after a moment, not trying to sound rude but she still had plans for this night.
“Aegis, how large of an area can you cover with your shield?”
“I don't really know. I could shield most of the throne room if I had to.” Aegis inwardly wondered if she should speak her concerns right now or not, for the princess was starting to scare her.
“...not good enough. I had hoped you could do more by now.”
Aegis' ears drooped, the comments wounding her pride. “Sorry to disappoint you, Princess.”
Celestia's gaze turned from the moon to Aegis. Her royal hoof reach out and touched Aegis' shoulder. “My apologies. That came off harsher than I intended. Aegis, a new upheaval is coming to Equestria. A being that's been locked away for a millennia will free herself tonight and, in one way another, things will never be the same again.”
“What!?” Aegis sprung up for full attention.
“And I'll be going out to confront her.”
“Just give me one moment and I will have a whole division of guards–“
“No.” Her voice wasn't raised or deepened, but it had a weight behind it that told Aegis not to question it. “I will go alone to talk with her.”
“So, there won't be a battle?” Aegis was still trying to make heads or tails of the situation. This creature, whoever or whatever she was, sounded very dangerous. Yet, the princess was determined to face it alone, and apparently just to talk to it.
“There will not be one between her and I. I have raised my hoof to her once before, and I will not do so again. Either she'll listen to reason... or I shall simply have to trust my two backup plans.”
“Forgive me for speaking out of turn, but what would those backup plans be?” She was reminded of the things Celestia said earlier, and added, “Will my spell be needed?”
“Perhaps it will. The one plan is already in motion in the town of Ponyville –“
“Twiley?” Aegis had received word earlier from her sister that Celestia sent her to Ponyville to check on the celebration preparations. She thought it strange then, but now it made more sense. “Princess, did you send my sister there as part of your plan?”
Celestia nodded. “Your sister has more raw potential than I have seen in centuries, and could be the key to unlocking our best weapon against this monster. Something that has been dormant for far too long.”
Aegis scratched at her chin, trying to piece together the vague bits of information the Princess had given her. “Where do I fit into this?”
“Should both plans fail, the ponies of Equestria will be looking for somepony to step up and lead them, a unifying figure to help them fight back against the darkness. I believe Prince Eros could be that pony. Your job is simply to guard him. No matter what else may come, he must not become a victim to the nightmare.”
The thought of whatever this monster was going after Eros caused Aegis' fur to stand on end. “You have my word princess, nothing shall happen to Eros. Even without your orders, I would protect him with my life.” It didn't matter what was coming, she'd never forgive herself if Eros came to harm under her watch.
“...it's time.” The moon had fully risen, and both stood in suspense, waiting and watching. In a bright flash, the four odd stars appeared to collide with it, then the shadow was gone.
Aegis' mind came to a complete halt, too transfixed on what had just occurred; the Mare on the Moon was no more. To say it was unnerving wouldn't scratch the surface of the feelings she got from seeing such a magical feat.
“Go to him. With luck, your shield won't be necessary, but I fear for the worse.”
Aegis didn't need to be told twice. She turned and ran back inside, hearing the flapping wings as the princess took off in the other direction. Out through the throne room doors she went in a white and blue blur, only to be stopped by her captain, a large pegasus in purple armor. Sliding to a halt, she saluted. “S-sir!”
“Aegis, the palace is going on lockdown per her majesty's orders. I assume you too saw what happened.”
“Yes sir.” Aegis impatiently tapped her hoof to the floor. “I received special orders from Princess Celestia. Please tell me, is Prince Eros in his room?”
“I believe so.”
“Thank you, sir.” Aegis ran past him, down the hall, straight for living suites of the palace. As she turned around a corner, she found the next of this night's oddities: a hall lined with unconscious servants. There was no sign of struggle. Rather, it looked like the ponies had just fallen over and passed out for no apparent reason. Cautiously, while constantly scanning her surroundings for anything out of place, she stepped forward to the nearest body, a maid. Taking one more look around, just to be safe, Aegis kneeled down, placing her ear to the pony's nose. Good, she's still breathing. If that one was, she figured the others were as well. While up close, she saw the rapid movement of the mare's eyes going back and forth. She's... dreaming? Aegis checked a few more bodies and it was the same as before, all dreaming. This can't be good. Eros, please be ok.
Then came what would cause her halt, and take the breath right out of her. “Such sweet dreams.” The voice sounded to be on the edge of a whisper, just loud enough for her to barely hear it, and it came from right behind her.
Aegis spun around, to see nopony standing there. She stood alone in the hall, save for the unconscious servants, and it was quiet again. What in Celestia's name is going on here? This wasn't something that she could wave off, but for now, it didn't matter. Her mission was to keep Eros safe, not investigate voices from nowhere.
Moments later she threw open the doors of Eros' room to see her boyfriend laying on the floor next to his bed. Just like before, there wasn't any conflict, and he looked to be asleep. “Eros!” she screamed, trying to rouse him. His limp body gave no reaction. Aegis drew closer, nudging his head. It bobbed and to her relief, she did hear him mumble something unintelligible. At the very least, she could see that he was unharmed, pacifying some of her concern. “Let's get out of here,” she spoke into his ear before lifting up the prince and laying him across her back. There's got to be some safe place left in palace.
She trotted out at a slower pace than before, making certain the ride wasn't too rough on Eros and preventing him from falling off. The first thought that came to mind was that there had to be other guards around, possibly still around the throne room. If she could get a group to-
It couldn't be. It made no sense. Yet, there it was. Down the hall of the knocked out ponies, there were no ponies. Every one of them was gone. Their uniforms however, weren't. They were neatly folded in the spot where their former wearer had lain. This can't be happening! What is the point of doing something like this? I... I...
An energy, some kind of powerful magic, hung in the air. Aegis was sure they weren't alone. That much was obvious to a degree, but it was worse now. Whatever was laying siege to the palace, it was winning and she had to get Eros away. Get him away right this second!
Aegis turned back to Eros' room, thinking that it may be safer there. Perhaps she could barricade the door and keep her shield up. However, the door wouldn't budge when she pressed against it.
“It wasn't a bad idea.”
Aegis stumbled backward, nearly tripping, nearly dropping the prince. Her breaths came in quick and shallow as she looked to her left and to her right. To no surprise, there wasn't a single pony in sight. The voice isn't real, the voice isn't real the voice isn't real... Gotta get Eros someplace safe. Someplace... Dungeon! It's the safest spot in the palace, there's even wards that dispel magic!
This time, she didn't go slow for Eros. Aegis kept a strong grip on him with her magic, not letting him slip as she ran faster than ever before, spurned on by fear. Passing hall after hall, corner after corner, it only got worse. She couldn't explain it, couldn't comprehend it, but the fear grew inside of her. That feeling of something, something powerful, watching them wouldn't go away, no matter how far she ran. It didn't help that she hadn't seen any pony since going to Eros' room. There should have been guards around, servants, panicking ponies, instead the only thing she found in each new hall was an eerie silence. The soft clop of her steps echoing in the barren halls and her breathing being the only sounds. That was, until the voice returned. It was louder than before, now a full whisper.
“Bright light, warm light
In the Sky so high
It's time to say goodbye
You dim and grow cold
While my darkness takes its hold
Watch the little ponies run
Since they've lost their precious sun!
Their almighty princess is gone
Never again to bring the dawn
Yes, the nightmare is back
To paint the blue skies black.
With repentance they shall bow
Seeking salvation even now
As common from the weak
My Mercy they now seek
They shall find none
This night is far from done
Bright light, warm light
Gone forever more
Get ready for what's in store..."
“Shut up! Just shut up!” Aegis screamed. Skidding to a halt, she found herself in front of the large, thick double doors leading to the dungeon below. Without waiting a second longer, she shoved them open and closed them behind her, sighing in relief as she finally gave her body the chance to recuperate. Until this minute, she didn't notice just how sore her muscles felt after running all the way through the palace like that, while carrying a stallion. Aegis checked to see that Eros was still safe. He calmly slept. With a sigh of relief, she allowed her head to rest against the door, letting her eyes close for a moment. “We're saf-hm?” They shot back open as she pulled back from the door and touching the front of her mane. It was wet, but with what? She pulled back her hoof, seeing that it was covered in a black, ink-like liquid.
Looking past the hoof, there a trail of it going running down the door, drawing her eyes to the top. Where the first of the protective runes should have been – right above the doors – there was just a big black spot over them. Before her eyes the spot changed, forming words: Nowhere is safe.
Aegis stumbled back, dropping Eros, and falling down into her flanks. This can't be happening... She trembled. Eros, what do I do now? There's nowhere to run... In that moment, she realized how big of a mistake she made. There was no other way out of the dungeons and the wards had failed. They were trapped, at the mercy of the monster. No, not they, just her. Everything depended on Aegis now.
She did her best to swallow the fear and raise her shield, not looking away from the door for even a second.
The inky trail grew wider, consuming the door and wall around it. Then came the eyes, those horrible eyes. They looked only like a dragon's and oozed malefic intent. Below them, the ink formed into a wide, grinning mouth. “One final guard stands, but for how long?” The face, for lack of better term, pushed forward forming the head of pony, yet keeping the cheshire grin through the process. The ink around the face stretched out, taking the shape of a mare. Her body dripped, the droplets spreading across the floor. Her ink-skin solidified, taking a smooth texture, eventually resembling a Wonderbolt's uniform, but primarily being black and dark purple instead of the normal colors.
Its head turned, the neck emitting a sickly crack as it did a 180 degree turn, stopping when it was upside down. “A knight standing over her fallen prince.” The voice carried an almost disgusted tone. “How nauseating.”
Aegis stood there stunned, unsure if this was what had been attacking the palace, or merely a projection. Never had she heard of a creature like this, it seemed to be born of a child's nightmare.
“Tell me, do you really think you can protect him?” asked the creature. It looked down its nose at Aegis in a haughty way that reminded her of the worst nobles she'd ever encountered.
Quick was the response, “I can and I will!” Aegis crouched over Eros, listening to it laugh – one that didn't come for its mouth but from all around Aegis – at her answer.
The spread of the ink hastened, going across the walls, ceiling, and floor. With its advance, the room grew dark, all the light being consumed, until only the light of Aegis' horn was left. Even that light, the second the crossed the shield, died quickly. She couldn't see the creature anymore, only hear it.
“W-what are you?” Aegis whispered.
“Tell me, what is it that you fear most? Is it losing him? How about being cast aside by him as he finally finds somepony worthy of his love?”
Aegis whimpered as images of Eros walking away from her forced themselves into her mind's eye. He would give her a look of disdain, before turning away in a huff. “S-stop. Please stop,” she begged.
“No, that isn't it, is it? It's not losing him, it's failing him. Coming up just short when he needs you most.” Aegis heard it tap the side of her shield. “How long can you keep it going? A day? A week? It doesn't matter. I have all the time in the world, little knight. You've already failed.”
“Y-you're wrong. I'll find a way to protect him.” Her resolve wavered for a brief moment as the taunting pierced her pride.
“She's gone you know. Celestia was banished to her sun. And your sister will soon bow to the rightful queen. Equestria has fallen. You are all that's left.”
“Twiley...” Aegis felt the tears stream down the sides of her face. Her princess, her sister... they were both likely gone. Eros was all she had left.
“The fact that you still believe you can make a difference is laughable. You've even lost the prince.”
“I –” The words were caught in her throat as she looked to Eros only to see the spot completely empty. Aegis collapsed to the ground, whimpering. “Eros... no.”
“Everything you see, hear, or do is under my control. Truth is, this game was rigged from the start.” That arrogant laugh returned.
Aegis wiped her eyes and stood back up. “I... I won't let you break me.”
“Hm... so you still try to defy me? Look around, little knight. You're all alone. The only one left. What hope do you hav-GAH!” she shouted in pain. Cracks formed across her body as bright rays of light burst through them. The building shook, feeling like it could collapse at any moment.
It didn't take long for Aegis to realize this wasn't part of the monster's plan. “Is Twiley doing this?” she thought aloud.
“That impotent little whelp, I'll... I'll... AAAAH!” The screams grew distorted, until finally her body shattered, so too did the ink surrounding her. Aegis was left alone in the now barren room.
In panic she ran back and forth, looking for Eros. “Eros! Eros! Where are you?” The light kept getting brighter, painfully so. Aegis shielded her eyes and called out for him one last time before everything faded away.
Only to find herself on top of something soft, fuzzy, and with wings. “Hmmm, wha-what happened?” Aegis mumbled, slowly opening her eyes. “Where am –“ the answer came before she even finished the question. She saw the door in Eros' room and his bed right next to her. Looking down, she confirmed that the thing under her was Eros, who still slept. “W-wake up! Please wake up.” She nudged him repeatedly, just trying to get any response. After the tenth time or so, his eyes fluttered open. “Thank Celestia...” She snuggled against him, too emotionally drained to give a larger reaction.
“Aegis, is that really you?” he mumbled, hesitant to believe it.
“Yeah, it's me,” she answered while wiping a tear from her eye. After a minute or two of just holding him in her hooves, breathing in his scent, and reassuring herself that he was real. “S-so, what was your nightmare?”
“How did you –“
“You looked upset before I woke you up. Plus, I think we were hit by the same spell.”
“...right. I dreamt that...”
Aegis nuzzled against his neck, trying to get him to finish.
“I dreamt that I was like Celestia.”
“A pretty, pretty princess?” So far the nightmare didn't seem that horrible.
“Ugh, no, not that part. The ageless part. I saw...” He squeezed her, tightly hugging Aegis. “I saw you grow old and die. Your body decayed until there was nothing but dust left. Then I saw the same thing happening to everypony I've ever known, until it was just me. Alone. The voice said that it was my future.”
“Well, it lied.”
“No, it didn't.” He released her and sat up, turning away from Aegis. “I'm an alicorn. Very little is known about us. But Equestria has been ruled by one for countless centuries. What if I'm ageless too?”
Aegis followed his lead and sat up too, not sure if she should give him space or go back to nuzzling him. “Does it really scare you that much?”
“There's a chance that one day being with you will be nothing more than a distant memory.”
“So what?” He looked back over his shoulder at her. “If it happens, then it happens.” Aegis shrugged. “I'll get to be an old grey mare that gets to be with a handsome young prince.”
“This isn't a joke!” he growled. “I-I don't want to see you grow old while I'm still young!”
Aegis walked up, sat down right beside him, and leaned her head onto his shoulder.
“I'm scared, ok?” he sniffled. “I don't want to be left all alone.”
“I know. It's just that, we can't really control that. The only thing we can control is what we do now. And now... Eros, I can't imagine living without you. I never want to feel like I've lost you again.” There had been something on Aegis mind about their relationship from before this newest trouble began, and the feeling of losing him in that Celestia forsaken nightmare destroyed any remaining doubts. “Whether you grow old or not, I want to want to be with you for as long as I can. Someday...” Her ears drooped and a red tint enveloped her cheeks. “Someday, I want to carry your foals. Eros, I know it's usually the stallion who asks this, but let's get married.”
“Are you sure?” There was doubt in his voice, seemingly being caught off guard. “A royal wedding takes a lot of time to set up. Years even. Plus, I know you aren't the type that likes dressing up and doing a lot of other normal girl stuff.”
Aegis kissed him, being completely sure that this was the right move. “What's the worse that could happen?”
***
Apparently, the worst was having her mind controlled and played with by a giant, evil bug. It all started one morning when she was awoken by a commotion. She opened her eyes to the scene of Eros standing over Eros. The one on top looked at her with a cold smile and its eyes flashed – she woke up. She turned to see Eros sitting next to her.
“What's the matter?” he asked, gently rubbing her shoulder.
“I –“ A sharp pain to her head flared as she tried to think. “Ooow...” she responded, holding her head in her hooves.
“You poor thing,” Eros sweetly said. “Holding up that shield outside is getting to you, isn't it?”
“Yeah, it is.”
“Don't worry, you have me here to take away all that pain.” Aegis felt Eros' magic surround her, along with a kiss to her forehead, alleviating the pain.
Aegis laid back down. “That does feel better.” Things went blurry, and most of the events after that were a haze to her, like she was just watching herself move about in a dream state. She knew she yelled at Twiley for accusing Eros of something... Whenever she thought about it too much, the pain returned.
It stayed that way until the real Eros broke her free, and together they repelled the changelings from Canterlot.
For the first time in what seemed like forever, Aegis saw the world clearly again. Twilight was helping Celestia out of an insectoid pod, while the others were collecting themselves and regaining some composure. The magic had restored Aegis' wedding dress and Eros' suit, but the same couldn't be said for the other ponies, who looked like they had been caught in a tornado.
Aegis leaned against Eros, placing her head against his neck. “Eros, are you alright? She didn't hurt you, did she?”
He shook his head. “The wedding is ruined though. No way we can do it today.”
“Like Tartarus we won't do it!” Aegis shouted, bringing everypony's attention to her. “I've been mind controlled by a changeling queen, threw up several times from nerves before this, stuck in the flank I don't know how many times by that sewing needle –“
“You wouldn't hold still!” called a voice from the back of the room, the royal dress maker.
Aegis pointed to him, “That's not the point!” She turned to the others. “After everything that's happened, I'll be damned if I don't get married today! The music will play, my father will walk me down that aisle, Princess Celestia will perform the ceremony, there'll be cookies and punch by the door, and my husband and I will enjoy a great honeymoon afterward or I sw-” Aegis stopped mid rant as it dawned on her what she had just done. In front of everypony she had – quite loudly, mind – ordered Princess Celestia to do something. “Er, that is if you're ok with that, um, your majesty.” Aegis quickly bowed at the end.
Celestia blinked a few times in surprise, taken off guard by the rant. “And you Eros?” asked the princess.
Eros stood firm with Aegis. “If it's what she wants, then it's what I want. But,” he turned to Aegis, “how are we going to fix things up?”
“I have an army at my disposal. Just give me a moment to get a division of guards together and it'll be done in no time.”
“Well, that'll handle setting up the throne room and courtyard, but what about everypony's clothes... Hey Rarity.”
“Yes, Prince Eros?” She responded, as she was looking over and fixing her own dress.
“Get everypony presentable for a wedding quickly, and I'll personally fund your next three fashion shows in any venue of your choosing.”
Her eyes lit up like a foal that had just bit into her very first cookie. She was off before answering, fixing clothes left and right, leaving surprised but well dressed ponies in her wake.
An hour or so later, the bride and groom stood in front of the guests, with Celestia going through the traditional wedding vows. “You may now kiss.”
Aegis fought the urge to roll her eyes at that part. It's not like they haven't kissed, or done more for that matter, before. But, tradition was tradition and the two locked lips for all to see.
“I now present you to the married couple of Prince Eros, and the newly crowned Princess Aegis.” The crowd cheered.
During the after party Aegis was enjoying a bottle of wine, steeling her nerves for the conversation she needed to have next with her sister. There was apology that she owed to Twilight. Before getting that chance, some of the guards approached, obviously having partaken in some of the alcohol themselves.
“Captain!” said one, putting a foreleg around her. “How's it feel to be royalty?”
“I've only been royalty for like an hour, you know.”
“I just hope you don't go soft on us now that you're a princess. Not going to get all fru fru are you?” asked one of the others.
“You're lucky I'm in a good mood or all of you would be doing laps around Canterlot while hungover tomorrow.”
“Nope, same old captain,” said the closest one.
Aegis rolled her eyes. She knew she was going to get some ribbing from her fellow guards for being a princess and certainly didn't mind it. However, she did still have to remind them who was in charge. “You boys stick around and have some fun. Consider it a bonus for nearly getting eaten or worse by bugs. I gotta take care of something.”
They saluted. “Yes ma'am.”
Aegis made her way through the crowd until she spotted Twilight alone at one of the catering tables, looking into her drink. “Twiley?”
“Hm? Oh, hey sis.” Her voice didn't have much emotion behind it, and Aegis wrote it off as her mind being elsewhere. They were just in a huge fight after all and Aegis doubted most ponies were back to normal already.
“Sis, um, I vaguely remember what happened at the rehearsal and –“
“I'm sorry,” interrupted Twilight.
Aegis rose an eyebrow. “For what? I'm the one that yelled at you.”
“I was right, but I acted like a madmare. It's no wonder no pony believed me. If I would have just done things differently –“
“Stop.” Aegis had heard enough and she wasn't going to let Twiley blame herself. “We all screwed up. You came through when it mattered, that's what counts. If you forgive me for yelling at you, I'll forgive you for not thinking things through. Deal?”
Twilight nodded and smiled. “Deal.”
“Now, if you'll excuse me, I think this is the part where I'm supposed to dance with my new husband.”
***
Inside of her bedroom, Celestia looked into a magical screen, seeing the new bride and groom dance together. To her side a portal opened where her dear little sister walked out.
“Sister,” said Luna, “It is done.”
“So I see. When they awake, they will know what it is like to fall in love as the opposite gender.” The screen vanished and she smiled at Luna. “I must say Lulu, this was a brilliant idea for an anniversary gift.”
Luna groaned. “Sister, must you continue to call me that?”
“As your older sister, I have the right to give you a cute nickname. Besides, it's no worse than Celly.”
“It is too,” retorted Luna as she set down on Celestia's bed, rubbing her horn. “If it is ok with you, I think I will be taking the rest of the night off to rest. Creating two dreams that perfectly mirror one another is quite the draining task.”
“Go ahead, I have no objections. You deserve it after your hard work tonight.”
“Sister, are you forgetting something?”
Celestia nervously laughed and looked away. “Whatever do you mean?”
Luna smirked. “I was correct, wasn't I?”
Earlier the royal sisters had a conversation on whether or not the citizens of Canterlot would react similarly to the ponies of the Crystal Empire if one of their monarchs walked around as the opposite gender. Luna believed they wouldn’t, that Celestia could do anything to her appearance and no pony would question it. Celestia insisted that they would. Eventually, the pair agreed to a wager; Celestia would walk around the palace all day as a stallion to test their hypothesis first hoof.
Celestia gave a disappointed grunt. “Indeed you were Lulu. Not a single pony asked why I was a stallion. A few were surprised but quickly regained their composure around me. It did lead to one rather unusual occurrence.”
“Oh?”
“I got hit on by a griffin chieftain. She seemed quite smitten by me.”
Luna laughed. “I know griffins could be rather forward, but I didn't expect that. Should I be worried about my big brother having a fan club?”
“No. I think that is the last time your big brother will be around. I for one like my body just as it is.”
“You're no fun.” Luna poked at her sister's shoulder. “As per the terms of our agreement, dear sister, I shall expect breakfast to be delivered to me tomorrow evening by you. I'm sure you'll be able to get a maid outfit by then.”
“Just remember not to push the joke too far, Lulu. I have centuries to get even.”
“It'll be worth it.”