//------------------------------// // The Nights Love // Story: Guardian // by Requiem17 //------------------------------// The sky was in transition between day and night, the air had a slight chill to it. The green grass swayed peacefully in the gentle night breeze. A distant roar suddenly broke the serene silence, increasing in intensity. A distant green blur breached the horizon, accelerating rapidly towards a distant mountain city. Ale glanced in the mirrors, checking that the trailer was still there. He had modified a wagon with a stronger axel and introduced a suspension system to ponies. He also had replaced the wooden wheels with a very rough version of gas pocket tires; Twilight having a tough time creating them to Ales instructions, so that the wagon could ride over rough terrain at high speeds. The sun was halfway down the horizon, Ales faceplate polarizing, allowing him to see. He reached to the dash and flicked the floodlights on. The warthog continued on, racing across the smooth plain, steadily gaining altitude as the plain sloped upwards toward the mountain. Canterlot was only a few miles away now, Ale clocking his total travel time at 45 minutes. His boss had estimated the time to be a little over an hour due to the assumption that Ale would be taking the road to Canterlot. The warthog however was built for off road terrain, Ale taking full advantage of this. Ale had been thinking about different ways to spend his free time when Luna popped up in his mind. Ale attempted to think of something else but his mind always circled back to her. Thinking of nothing else he decided that it wouldn’t hurt to see her. It might even put his mind at rest. He slowed down as he approached the castle wall. A whole company of guards had clustered up at the gate, wide eyed as Ale pulled up. Ale stopped and asked a nearby guard, “Where are the Canterlot construction yards?” “Down in the West District.” Ale nodded his thanks and drove into the city. The ponies in the streets quickly made room for the bright, growling monster. Some even screaming and running like all of tarturus was on their tail. Some ponies looked upon him in disgust, shooting their noses to the air. Ale grunted, ‘Rich snobs.’ It didn’t take Ale long to find the docks at the construction yard. He filled out the paperwork and helped unload the wagon quickly. Leaving the trailer there, Ale drove towards the castle intent on clearing his mind once and for all. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Luna walked out of her room having just awoken to her majestic night. She didn’t have Night Court tonight, a relief that Luna always appreciated greatly. She walked down the hall and headed to the gardens. She was greeted with a pleasant view as she stepped through a doorway and out into the garden. A rare breed of night blooming flowers dominated her path, their purple and silver hues glittering ever so gently. She made her way along a path to a grassy knoll. She sighed in content as she lied down in the smooth grass, relishing in the cool night breeze. She looked to the stars and admired her work, having made the extra effort due to her time being freed up. Closing her eyes, she viewed the dreamscape in search of the now familiar aura of Ales subconscious. She had taken it upon herself to over watch for the past few nights of Ales stay to calm his nightmares. After a while of searching she failed to find his dreams, knowing that he was usually asleep by now. “That’s odd,” she huffed. She took a breath and began to search her subjects dreams. She was surprised to find a cluster of nightmares right in the city of Canterlot itself. Sifting through them she was shocked to see they all were very similar. A loud rumbling sound echoed around the dreamers mind, a dark form emerging from a black mist. Several bright white lights flashed from the front while two sharp looking tusks jutted out from the bottom. It seemed to move on strange wheels and began to chase the dreamer. Panicking, the dreamer tripped and slid several feet. The dreamer looked up and watched as the monster pulled alongside. A very familiar shape stood up, only it was covered in black metal that gleamed in the moonlight. Its bright red eye seemed to cover its entire face as it jumped down from the machine. It reached towards the dreamer and… Luna quickly banished all these dreams and replaced them with comforting suggestions, allowing the dreamer to mold their own world. Satisfied, Luna once again searched for Ales dream signature. She found it odd that several ponies were dreaming the same thing. Her musings were interrupted when she heard a low rumbling. Her eyes shot open at the incredibly familiar sound from the dreams she had just witnessed. She stood up and looked in the direction it was coming from. A moments concentration told her it was on the far side of the gardens and on the other side of the wall. Luna opened her wings and took flight over the gardens. Flying over the battlements she saw the machine from the nightmares moving along the wall heading towards the main gate. She smiled when she saw Ale driving the peculiar contraption and flew in front of it to land at the gate. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Ale smiled as he saw the lunar princess fly over head and land at his desired destination. ‘Well that solves the problem of finding her.’ Ale pulled up to the gate and stopped, turning off the lights and the engine as he stepped out. Luna stepped forward to meet him. “This is an unexpected surprise,” she said. “What brings you here?” Seeing no one around Ale pulled off his helmet. Luna smiled as she saw his admittedly handsome face and striking eyes as he began to speak. “My boss wanted me to deliver some materials. I just finished so I have some free time. I don’t know much about this place so I figured I would stop by to say hello.” Ale noticed she wasn’t wearing her royal regalia. “I’m a little surprised to see you out here. Don’t you have Night Court?” Shaken out of her stupor she replied, “I have the night off.” Ale looked thoughtful. He smiled as an idea occurred. “Well in that case, would you like to go for a ride? I can promise you the last pony enjoyed it immensely.” Ale however did not plan on going quite as fast as he had previously. Luna glanced at the machine. “What is it?” Deciding to take the shorter description Ale replied simply, “It’s a warthog. It’s like a car, a self powered carriage if you will, only it’s been retrofitted drastically to fit the needs of combat.” Satisfied with the description Luna nodded. “Follow me please.” Ale led her around to the passenger side. He aided her into the vehicle and stepped back around to climb into the driver’s seat. “No need to buckle up like the jet Luna. We won’t be going a fraction as fast as we were before.” Luna nodded with a smile. “So where are we going?” Ale mentally facepalmed at his lack of a plan. “I kinda didn’t think about that. Any suggestions?” Ale said as he started up the growling warthog. Luna put her hoove to her chin while adopting a thoughtful face. “Well, there are many attractions here but not many are available at this time of night. All I can think of are the many nightclubs.” Ale tilted his head. “You don’t strike me as the party type of gal – er – mare. Besides, aren’t royalty supposed to host balls, not party with drunk commoners?” Ale asked with a sadistic smirk. Luna rolled her eyes in irritation. “I’ll have you know I enjoy the occasional party riff with loud music and terrible dancing.” Ale laughed. “Okay, let’s drive around and see if we can find an interesting club.” Luna nodded. Ale put his helmet on and began driving away from the castle. They sat in silence as they drove past dark stores, the street lamps passing them by. Luna was overjoyed with Ales surprise visit. ‘This is wonderful! A night out in town in good company. It’s an amazing coincidence that he arrived when he did. It’s been a while since I’ve been out mingling with the night life’ She glanced at Ale, his current focus occupied on scouting out the city for any clubs. An inner voice spoke to her. ‘Is that the only reason you’re glad to see him? You’re thoughts have been heavily occupied on him even before he rescued you.’ Luna pondered this. She had been thinking of Ale a lot. Every time she would find herself smiling and her heartbeat escalated ever so slightly. She was confused. What made him attractive to her? ‘Perhaps it’s because he treats you like a friend instead of a ruler. He doesn’t grovel in fear of your judgment and attempt to exploit you for power or status.’ Luna bit her lip in nervousness. It was frustrating when her subjects would fear her due to the tales of Nightmare Moon. It also disgusted her when nobles would attempt to woo her and shower her in affection to achieve their ambitions. Sometimes she wished she wasn’t royalty. She just wanted to meet somepony who would appreciate her as she was. A pang of loneliness shot through her. It had been a long, long time since somepony had struck her heart. Even then she was just a young mare and it didn’t last long due to her status and the nobles of the courts disapproval. Her heart fluttered as she yet again thought of Ale. ‘Am… Am I in love?’ Again she glanced at Ale. ‘Does he feel the same way about me?’ Doubt ran through her. ‘How could he? He’s a different species altogether! He’s only known me for a little while and from what he’s told me a soldier like him has never been in a relationship, much less with royalty. He’s been trained since a child to fight.’ Luna frowned at her predicament. ‘He said it’s never happened, but why does it have to stay that way? There’s always a chance! Don’t give up!’ Luna smiled as a new determination swept through her. She would try. She had to try. Meanwhile, Ale had been driving for a few minutes now and was nearing the edge of the city. Luna may not have known but Ale had noticed her glances at him. His faceplate hid his eyes as he witnessed a torrent of emotions race across her face. ‘What’s got her worked up?’ Ale was about to voice his concern when he noticed bright colorful lights a fair distance away from the city. He zoomed in and saw a party in full swing on an outdoor dance floor. A stage was set up and neon lights lit up the sky. “Does that party over there look good Luna?” She looked up, her excellent alicorn eyes easily scouting the party from the few miles distance. She smiled and nodded. “It’ll do.” Her horn lit up and she suddenly shrank in size, her wings disappearing as she turned into a dark coated unicorn. Her cutie mark turned into a white star with a nebula surrounding it. Ale would have been astonished had he not already given up understanding magic. “Why’d you do that?” Luna looked at him. “If I were to show up in my normal form they would tip toe around me and try to service me. I do not wish to spoil their fun and I want to partake in the party.” Ale nodded. He could understand why that could be irritating to her when she wanted to try and have fun. He was just beginning to approach the party, the ponies stopping to look at the loud machine. A white unicorn burst out of the crowd and ran to them. “Ale!” “Vinyl? What are you doing here?” “Well duh. It’s a party. One that I’m hosting as well.” Ale was slightly confused. “I left you at your house in Ponyville. How did you get here so quickly?” Vinyl put on a mock offended face. “I am a prodigious DJ known throughout Equestria. I have contacts. A team of pegasi brought me here in a carriage.” Ale visibly shuddered as he remembered his experience. Luna smirked, she too had remembered. “So who’s your friend there Ale?” Vinyl asked. “Uhh…” “My name’s Bright Nebula. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Vinyl smiled. “Any friend of Ales a friend of mine. Say, haven’t I seen you somewhere before?” “I’ve been to a few of your parties. You probably saw me there.” Vinyl nodded. She then turned to Ale. “Hey, you wouldn’t happen to have any of that music on you would you? It would make this party a blast.” Ale shook himself out of his amazement at how smooth Luna had played her alias. “Yeah. I would have to sync it up through the hog though so that everyone could hear it.” “Okay. Just pull up along the stage. I’ll see you there.” Vinyl then departed and merged back into the thriving wave of ponies, having long since turned their attention away from the alien and back to the party at hand. Ale carefully drove around the massive crowd and waited for Vinyl to part the crowd in front of the stage to make room for him. He pulled in and parked, turning the lights and engine off but leaving the battery on to power the speakers on the hog. Why a military vehicle had speakers that would make a professional recording studio cry was a complete mystery to him. Ale and Luna hopped out, Vinyl walking up to Ale. Ale began to sync a random playlist to the hog. “Let’s start out with a bit of a heavy hitter,” Ale smirked. These ponies will have never heard something like this he was sure. The sound immediately caught everyponys attention. The sound was completely foreign to them. Vinyl looked like she was going to explode in excitement as she focused on the song. The ponies however became floored with the music and began to excitedly dance. Ale laughed at how goofy they looked. He glanced over to see Luna looking a bit nervously at the crowd, chewing her lip as she contemplated on whether or not to join the crowd. Ale turned to Vinyl and snapped his fingers in her face to get her attention. “I’m sorry I can’t hang out much tonight. I have a guest to entertain.” Vinyl smiled and winked slyly at Ale as she turned and left into the crowd, her intent clear at Ales statement. Ale turned and saw a heavily blushing Luna. She apparently had seen and understood as well. Ale smiled and chuckled good naturally, crouching down to Lunas magically decreased level. “Let’s dance!” Luna and Ale merged into the crowd. When they reached their desired spot Luna seemed a bit hesitant at first. However the music seemed to get through to her and she soon began dancing in joy at the crazy sounds. Ale smiled. He glanced around and became painfully aware at how visible he was, being a seven foot tall armored super soldier/alien will do that to you in a crowd of four foot tall colorful equines, and grimaced at how some ponies were giving him funny looks at the undoubtedly strange way he was ‘dancing’. It was more of an awkward shuffle that did not go unnoticed by Luna. She giggled at him. “Is that how humans dance?” “No. I just haven’t danced much. Not once.” “Well why not dance like the human youth would?” Ale instantly decided that would not be a good idea. Instead he thought about how the down to earth and more mature but yet still have a good time adults would dance. He settled for a subtle bouncing routine with his arms raised to chest level while attempting to keep in time with the beat. While the current song may not have been the perfect match for Ales chosen dance it is safe to say that Ale had chosen a very safe and universal dance. Luna smiled and began to dance again. The surrounding ponies seemed to enjoy the new music immensely and everypony danced to their hearts content. The song reached its end. Vinyl yelled from the stage. “ARE YOU HAVING A GOOD TIME!?” The crowd roared back their praise. With that Vinyl pointed her hoof back at Ale, signaling the start of the next song. With that Ale and Luna danced along with the crowd. Ale felt like the whole world would be able to hear them. Neon lights flashed, the music roared, the energy in the air was contagious and set everyponys blood on a blissful fire. Several songs later Ale noticed Luna looking a little tired. He quickly navigated the crowd away from her and up to the stage. “Hey Vinyl. Lu – er – Bright is kind of tired and I was wondering if there was a private area we could rest.” “Vinyl nodded and gestured behind her. “There’s some booths back there. I’ll make sure nopony disturbs you.” She winked again. Ale shook his head, “Thanks.” He turned around and searched the sea of ponies for Luna. He spotted her and made his way over to her. A stallion was talking to her and Luna looked slightly annoyed. Ale cleared his throat loudly to be heard over the music. “Is there a problem?” The stallion turned around and started to tell him to get lost until he saw the massive alien behind him. His ears flattened and he looked very nervous. “No sir. Sorry sir.” With that the stallion left. Ale was relieved that the stallion had stood down instead of forcing Ales hand like the past one. Luna looked grateful. Ale nodded and motioned for her to follow. He led her through the crowd and past the stage towards secluded booths. They were all empty, the ponies to happy with the new music to rest. Nonetheless Ale and Luna took the corner most booth. They stepped up a large step and settled themselves down with a sigh. Ale had grabbed some drinks along the way and handed Luna one. A new song started up but was slightly dulled behind the thick wall. Luna took a deep swig of her drink, coughing slightly. Ale smirked and pulled off his helmet, taking a smaller drink then Luna. Her fur looked slightly damp no doubt due to her hard dancing. She was breathing a little hard and looked at Ale with a smile. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that you’re not tired at all huh?” Ale mock pondered her question. “A super soldier who’s been conditioned since he was a kid and can fall from space and still live being winded by dancing? Why, that would shame the UNSC.” Luna laughed, her melodic voice soothing Ale. They soon began chatting while Luna caught her breath. “Thanks for taking me out. It’s nice to get out of the castle every now and then.” “Anytime. If you’d like we can go for a nice moonlight ride?” Luna smiled. “I’d like that.” “You ready to go?” Luna nodded. Ale stood up and walked down the step. He turned around only to find Luna tripping on a slight seam on the step. She smashed into Ale, her momentum driving the unbalanced Spartan to the ground. Ale opened his eyes and stared into the teal orbs of Luna, their lips were mashed together. Both their eyes widened in shock. Ale felt her soft lips against his, finding them to be quite human like. Luna on the other hand was both panicking and in a world of bliss. While it hadn’t happened how she wanted it to or they hadn’t even decided to kiss she still had a small voice cheering in victory. After a moment they pulled apart, Lunas’ breathe washing over Ale. They locked eyes and their faces were blushing heavily. Luna watched a series of different emotions run across Ales face, confusion and surprise being the dominant ones. A silent gasp roused them from their staring contest. Ale looked over to find Vinyl staring at him in shock. It soon however developed into a devilish grin. “It’s not what it looks like!” “That’s what they all say. And then the next thing you know they’re having foals.” Ale and Luna both paled. “I’ll leave you too alone.” With that she left. Ale and Luna faced each other again. Luna cleared her throat. “I guess I should get off of you now.” “Yeah,” Ale replied nervously. They stood up, and awkward silence enveloping them. After a few moments Ale broke the silence, “I guess we should go for that ride now.” Luna nodded, Ale put his helmet on, and they walked out onto the stage. “Vinyl, we’ll be leaving now. Thanks for the party.” “Anytime! Don’t have too much fun you two.” They blushed again, Ale thankful that his helmet hid his. They climbed down and got in the hog just as another song started up. Ale carefully navigated out of the crowd and began driving down the mountainside, intent on keeping his promise of a ride. They rode in silence, Ale nervous and unprepared about what happened while Luna fidgeted, happy that she had a good time and unintentionally kissed him, but worried that he may reject her or even cut off their friendship altogether. Ale sped along the plain until he found a copse of trees surrounding a small lake. He stopped and turned off the hog, Luna dropping her disguise. They were content with the starry reflection in the lake, the moon shining brightly from above. Ale pulled off his helmet, not making eye contact with Luna. Luna kept glancing at Ale, biting her lip nervously. Ale found it kind of cute. Luna couldn’t stand it any longer and broke the serene calmness. “Ale, are you okay?” Ale took a deep breath and replied quietly, the words forming smoothly in his mind, “I don’t know.” He looked her in the eye. “I’ve never been in a relationship nor do I know much about one. I’m also a little hesitant.” Luna felt fear roll into her gut as she listened. “I’ll be blunt. You’re a pony, I’m a human. I’m pretty sure it would be against the law if horses and ponies still existed where I’m from.” Luna felt tears slowly build up in her eyes. “However,” Lunas’ ears perked up, “You are a sapient creature. I don’t know how mankind would judge that even though they would probably never even know much less do anything about it.” Luna brightened. Ale sighed, “Luna you’ve been on my mind a lot. At first I didn’t know why. But then when I began to feel overjoyed and warm when I thought of or see you. It didn’t take long for me to figure out that… that I might just have feelings for you. Maybe even love you.” Luna listened intently, joy slowly starting to bubble to the surface. Ales eyes were staring deeply into hers, Luna almost losing herself in his gaze. “I’m scared though.” Luna jolted up. “About what?” “Twilight told me about your banishment. She went into incredible detail about it, repeating things that Celestia had confided with her. I’m afraid because what if that happens again?” Luna became confused as well as a bit angry. “Why would that happen?” “Luna, you’re immortal. I’m not. I don’t want to cause you grief. I can’t imagine the kind of pain you would have to go through.” Luna shook her head. “No! That won’t happen! I’ve left my anger behind. Ale, you treat me like no other has. You have no hidden agendas and are willing to sacrifice yourself for others. I’ve been watching over your dreams and have been thinking more about you as well. I have never felt this way before. I love the way you make me feel and I want to love you. I do love you.” Ale felt his defiance slipping. His whole life had hardened him, the war making him cold hearted. All these factors made Ale a merciless killer and yet he felt something real and very much alive for this mare next to him. It overpowered his stone defense and washed through him, warming him to the core. Ale still tried to fight it with one last thing. “What about when I die?” Luna smiled sadly. “That doesn’t matter. I love you here and now and will continue to do so till the end and beyond. I just want to spend my life with you.” Ale felt a single tear roll down his face. Luna leaned in and hugged him. They stayed embraced together for an immeasurable amount of time. The night wind gently caressed them. They slowly broke apart, Ale smiling gently at Luna. “Alright. I’ll give it a chance Luna. I still am a bit uncomfortable about the difference in species.” “Understandable.” Luna smirked, “However you still won’t get any breaks on your duty.” Ale laughed, bringing Luna to do the same. After they calmed down Luna spoke. “Thanks again Ale. I had a great time and I look forward to our next meeting.” “Me too.” Ale looked out to the lake, then glanced up at the sky. “It really is something.” Luna nodded. With a content sigh Ale said, “Let’s get back. I’m sure you’re as tired as I am.” Luna nodded again and settled in as Ale started up the hog. She soon drifted off to sleep as Ale headed back to Canterlot, the moon shining an unnatural brightness. Ale smiled as he glanced at Luna, happy that they had started a new relationship, one that Ale had never experienced before. He felt tired as well and even a little sick, a slight pain in his chest. He dismissed this as fatigue and continued to drive on.