//------------------------------//
// Recovering 
// Story: My Son, My Soldier, My Hero 
// by That_Random_Pony 
//------------------------------//


Six months later…

"Attention!" The squad of Solar Guards saluted to their commanding officer.

"Prince Draco," Captain Shining Armor bowed. The large prince adorned in Solar Armor nodded for them to continue their drills. "Did you really want to be Solar?"

"Yes," Draco nodded. "I never really trained or learned anything else. Might as well."

"You'll be stationed in Ponyville, right?" Shining asked. 

"Yes. I'll see you soon, Captain," Draco waved. The captain saluted back, and Draco went to speak with his mother.

He found her in the throne room as usual, going over papers for whatever reasons. She smiled widely and trotted down the stairs to hug him. "I thought you were heading back to Ponyville?" Celestia laughed softly.

"I was," Draco chuckled. "I just wanted to talk before I went."

It had been five months since Draco joined the Solar Guard. Moon followed suit and entered the ranks of the Lunar Guard, as he was still mostly nocturnal. The two Griffon War Veterans easily passed the tests needed to join, and the fact that they were the sons of the princesses. He had been away from Ponyville for three months, deciding it best when Ember said she would stay in Equestria. He sent her letters regularly, as well as Rainbow and Twilight. It wasn't the best way to talk, but it kept their friendship alive. He'd heard something interesting things from them regarding the usually calm town. 

Ember kept him updated on her progress with her memory, claiming she could remember small bits of the battles. Draco would reply with letters for her to continue, but he would rarely read the entirety of these letters. But he loved being able to talk about some of the strategies and tactics for his squadrons, as she still held that keen battle instinct. She pointed out minor flaws in most of his plans, but overall she said it was most impressive.

And during his stay in Canterlot, Celestia had been staying with him more and more. "What is it you wanted to speak about?" Celestia asked, gesturing for her guards to leave.

Draco looked up to the throne, smiling as he noticed the second throne for his aunt. "Anything, Mama," he sighed. "I just want to talk."

She teleported two pillows for them to sit on and held his hand. It was one of the things she cherished about him… he was always the sweet little boy when it was just them. A brush teleported to them, and she began trying to relieve him of the mess of fibers he called a mane. It hadn't grown long, which surprised her since he never had it cut. It always stayed at its three inch, messy height. Still, trying to work them out seemed to calm him.

"Is it the war?" Celestia asked softly. 

He had worked up the courage to tell her his reason for lying, and she was cross with him for witholding it. But… she couldn't stay mad for long, and seeing him remember made it her concern to keep him from feeling the pain.

"No. No, not the war," Draco sighed, sighing deeply as his mother began humming a song from his past. "I'm just… I don't know. Something doesn't feel right… I feel like no matter what I try to do or say, I'm just gonna mess it all up in the end."

"Mess what up, dear?" Celestia questioned, guiding his gaze to her with a hoof. "Is something wrong?"

Draco closed his eyes and leaned into his mother's shoulder. "There's… two mares that like me… and I like them, but there's another mare who… doesn't want to be with me," he said. "Anymore… at least."

"Mare troubles," Celestia giggled, seeing the slight red in his cheeks. "I get it. But what's the matter? If you like them, and they like you like you said, then why not make a small herd?"

"It doesn't feel right, Mama," Draco replied. "I don't know. Any other stallion would probably do it, but I don't know how that would work. And I really want to make the thre- the two of them happy."

Celestia lowered the brush and hugged her son, nuzzling him comfortingly. "Then make them happy," Celestia smiled. "This third mare doesn't need to take up space in your heart if she doesn't want you. Follow your heart, Draco. That's the best thing you can do at a time like this."

Draco nodded, letting his mother sway them a bit as she hummed again. "Thanks, Mama," he laughed softly. She kissed his forehead and continued to sing heavenly, but Draco backed away to look at her. "I'm sorry for lying."

His mother sighed and rubbed his cheek. No matter how many times she told him, he always apologized for faking his death. He would never forget to say how sorry he was, and every word was sincere, but he couldn't forgive himself. She could understand it, yet she wanted him to stop already. 

"It's fine, Draco," Celestia whispered soothingly. "What have I always said?"

Draco laughed and nuzzled his mother. "'Mama loves you.'"

Celestia placed her hoof on his cheek and nodded. "And never forget," she chided playfully. "Now go on. Don't want to miss your train."

Draco nodded, giving his mother and hug and kiss before walking away. He slipped the golden helmet back on and jogged to Canterlot Station, waving to some of the guards and citizens that recognized him. Giving a friendly hand/hoof shake with the conductor, Draco got on the train and went into the car at the very end. Sitting in the middle of it, Moon smiled and made his way over, hugging his cousin.

"It's been some time," Draco laughed. "The Lunar regime treating you well?"

"Other than the utmost respect and loyalty? I guess," Moon chuckled, pulling off his helmet. "I have to admit, King Draco's armor was actually a bit more comfortable."

"Dragons are warriors," Draco laughed. "Of course they have better armors. Still, Equestria hasn't seen war for eight years, and there hasn't been many in its history. But enough of that. How did training come along?"

"My training or their training," Moon snickered. "They have very good aerial maneuvers, but their skills in hoof to hoof combat are lacking."

"I know what you mean," Draco smiled. "Captain Shining Armor didn't know what hit 'im when I showed him dragon style."

Moon chuckled with his cousin and looked out the window. "Do you remember… how I usually acted around Fluttershy?" Moon hesitantly asked.

"You mean around your crush?" Draco laughed, getting his shoulder properly punched. "Yes, I remember."

Moon took a deep breath, his anxiety surprising Draco. "Perhaps soon… I'll ask her on an activity," Moon said.

"You mean a date?" Draco questioned, a smirk forming. 

"Yes," Moon sighed. "But… do you think she'll… accept?"

Draco placed a hand reassuringly on Moon's shoulder. "I can't think of a reason why she wouldn't," he smiled sincerely. "C'mon, just ask her."

"You're the last one to be giving advice," Moon grinned. "But thank you."

                                                                                      



Twilight, Rainbow, and Fluttershy waited eagerly for the train that would be bringing their friends. The two had sent the dates of their arrivals and an approximate time. All they had to do now, was wait.

"There it is!" Rainbow shouted from above, fluttering down beside them. "The train's coming!"

He whistling of the metal vehicle confirmed her words, and the first dozen cars rushed by as the brakes squealed to a halt. Some of the passengers departed from the cars, and soon the two giants of the crowd made their way through. Draco gave Twilight and Rainbow simultaneous hugs while Fluttershy did the same for Moon, both blushing a bit. 

"Great seeing you again!" Rainbow laughed, ruffling his mane.

"We're happy to have you back!" Twilight smiled. Draco nodded and moved his helmet to his waist, strapping it onto the belt.

"Glad to be back," Draco nodded. 

"It's nice to see you, Moon," Fluttershy smiled. Moon returned the gesture, his heart fluttering at the sight of her smile.

"Nice to see you as well," Moon nodded. "Draco, we should leave our things in our room and change. This armor is very bothering."

With chuckle, Draco stood up and slung the duffelbag over his shoulder. "Right then. I'll see you guys later, 'kay?" Draco smiled.

"See you around," Twilight smiled. She began her walk back with Fluttershy and Rainbow, the colorful mare nervously slowing down.

You can do this. You can do this. Just… turn around and ask him… easy as pie.

Rainbow slowed until she was behind the mares and turned back around, taking flight to catch up with Moon and Draco. "Draco!"

The prince turned around, raising a brow as Rainbow slowly landed and trotted up to him. "Need something?" he asked.

Rainbow quietly gulped and reached into a pouch she was carrying. "L-Listen… I uh… got these two tickets… a while back," Rainbow stammered, showing him a pair of Wonderbolts passes. "I was wondering… d-do you wanna, y'know… come with? Me, I mean?"

Moon smirked and stepped away to give them their own privacy. Draco took the extra ticket slowly, a blush creeping faster when he grazed Rainbow's hoof with a few fingers. "Uh… yeah, sure," Draco forced weakly. "Um, w-when should I… drop by… or whatever?"

Rainbow was mentally squeeing in delight after Draco placed the ticket in the pocket of his armor. "5:00 on Friday," she instructed. "Just stop by Sugarcube Corner and wait for me there."

Draco nodded and gave her one last hug before she flew off again. "Would that count as a date or not?" Moon chuckled. "Because the affection she has for you is clearer than looking glass."

Draco blushed intensely, watching as Rainbow was just a small dot in the sky. A smile came to him as his heart was sent into a continuous rhythm of vibrations. 

"Yeah… I guess it is."