//------------------------------// // Explanations and Vengence // Story: Cheesecake and Changelings // by Dropbear //------------------------------// Luna had expected many things when she had travelled to Nocturnia to aid the city against its Diamond Dog aggressors. The aftermath of fighting, citizens bowing before her, special treatment from the city’s ruling class. What was not on that list was being met with the anus of a changeling exiting from the police station with the Chief of Police himself. She blinked her eyes, still questioning if it was all an illusion caused by her long trip. It was not, the changeling still remaining where it was. The creature shifted its short black tail to hide its rear passage, and turned around to look at her sheepishly. “Well, this is awkward.” ‘A male,’ Luna confirmed from the voice, the princess not going off genitals as the changelings were a strange race after all. Still, she wondered if they could change voices too, after all in order to keep the disguises realistic they would need that ability. This changeling however was not in disguise, and this raised more questions than it answered. Luna continued to stare at him while she tried to make sense of the situation in her head, the police chief and the nocturne mare who had exited with the changeling bowing before her. The changeling glanced back at the two bat-ponies, before it refaced her and remained standing. The guards accompanying her slowly moved forward whilst glancing towards her for orders. Technically, they didn’t have any authority in Nocturnia so arresting the changeling was a fuzzy area. “Halt,” Luna ordered upon spotting the changeling eying the guards. It didn’t watch them with fear, but rather with a calculated gaze. She got the feeling that avoiding a fight would be in the best interest of everyone. Instead of solid blue orbs, this changeling had blue eyes that could have come straight from a pony. Luna recalled that the changeling who had mutilated her guard captain apparently had pony eyes. “Changeling,” Luna addressed after ensuring that her voice was clear and free of any surprise. “Why are you in Nocturnia, and why did you bare your posterior in my presence?” “I guess I messed up… royally?” the changeling tried to joke. “Nigel!” Luna and her guards watched as the young mare stopped bowing to rush over towards the changeling. The bat-pony covered the changeling’s mouth with a wing and gave Luna a pleading look. “Please Princess, he doesn’t say the right things sometimes, and he means well. Please don’t lock him up or execute him!” “Exhefute?” the changeling muffled out through the wing, making no attempt to remove It from his muzzle. Luna had to take a second to process the rushed plea; did this mare think that she would really punish a being for one, admittedly terrible, joke? “I assume that you know this changeling?” Luna inquired. “I do, Princess.” Luna examined the pair, the mare showing more attachment than one would give friend. Something clicked in Luna’s mind, and a lot of puzzle pieces fitted into place. “Tell me, young mare,” Luna continued as she stepped forward. “Have you ever been a guard under my employ?” This struck gold, the pony’s eyes looking down at the floor. “I… I was, your Highness,” she muttered while scuffing her hoof on the stone steps. Luna nodded, her suspicions having proved correct. “I take it you were the recruit who left the guard a few weeks after the commencement of training?” Luna used the word left as she didn’t want to embarrass her. Captain Equinox had informed her that the trainee had become encumbered with a foal. How the Captain had found out Luna didn’t know, but it had been confirmed as a fact. The young mare nodded again, the changeling rubbing her back with a hoof. “Yes, that’s right, Princess.” Luna decided that continuing the questioning in private would be a good idea, considering the line of inquiry she was aiming to pursue. Lieutenant Haze would be fully capable of co-ordinating the Lunar guards with the local city forces in her stead. “Chief Darklight,” Luna addressed, already having met the Police Chief multiple times when she had visited the city before. “I require the use of a room, I would like to ask some private questions and I think it best that we remain undisturbed.” “That will not be a problem, Princess.” Darklight stood up but kept his eyes averted out of respect. “If I may, I request that I be present during the questioning.” “And why is that?” The Chief nodded towards the young mare. “Midnight is my daughter, your Highness. You can understand my concern when a Princess desires to question her.” ‘This situation is growing stranger every second,’ Luna thought while smiling internally. If her suspicions were correct, then the changeling, the very same one that had attacked her Captain, had formed a relationship with the daughter of the Nocturnia Chief of Police. After months of attending an empty night court, Luna was secretly thankful for such an interesting distraction. “You may attend,” she granted, Chief Darklight nodding respectfully in thanks. Luna turned to Lieutenant Haze. “Lieutenant, take the guards and secure a barracks with the city guard. I shall finish up my business here and join you later.” “Are you sure Princess?” Haze responded, shooting the changeling a glare. “That would leave you without protection-“ “I can look after myself,” Luna cut him off. “I have vanquished more dangerous foes than a single changeling drone. I thank you for your concern, but I am well aware of any risks. I will summon you if required, but I am confident in the capability of Chief Darklight to ensure that everything goes well.” She smiled with pride when her Lieutenant saluted and left with the rest of the guards as ordered, the column of armoured soldiers attracting the attention of many citizens. “This way, Princess,” Darklight held the door open for her, Luna walking into the station with her head raised high. Police ponies all bowed before her, Luna pleased that all of them kept up the proper protocol around royalty. She had often felt that Nocturnia was more of a home than Equestria, and her visits filled her with joy. Even after her banishment, the Nocturnes still revered her. She glanced behind her, the changeling and two nocturnes following her in. Darklight moved in front to guide her while the mare and changeling trailed at the back. The group passed surprised officers until they reached an interview room, Darklight opening the door and ushering them in. Luna looked around the plain room, a single table in the centre with four chairs still set up. “Allow me to fetch you a more comfortable seat,” Darklight offered, Luna shaking her head. “There is no need. The chariot ride was long and I have no desire to sit down for a while. I am fine standing. You all may sit however, this may take a while.” All three did as she suggested, and while she examined the rest of the room the changeling and mare pulled their chairs close to each other while the Chief sat on the side. “Now let us begin.” Luna focused straight on the changeling. “Nigel, I believe your name was. Are you the same changeling that was imprisoned in Canterlot, and the same changeling that gelded my guard Captain?” ‘Nigel, what a strange name, I wonder if it’s a common changeling name?’ “I am that changeling,” he replied, Luna leaving her thought on his name behind. “I see, and why did you mutilate Captain Equinox?” Luna noticed that Midnight winced and drew closer to the changeling at the mention of Equinox’s name. The changeling however twitched, and she swore that the corner of his mouth briefly curled up into a grin. “He hurt one of my friends, badly. He then decided to gloat about it. I lured him into my cell and then took my revenge after he assaulted me. I regret nothing.” Luna waited before replying, putting two and two together. Midnight and Nigel were close, Midnight had been a guard and therefore likely to have come into contact with the changeling while he was incarcerated. Equinox had apparently hurt a friend of his, and considering the particular method of punishment that the changeling inflicted... “Miss Midnight,” Luna addressed as she gazed at the mare. “I wish to know who the father of your child is.” Midnight froze up, Luna waiting patiently for her to recover. Her hesitation was understandable, the demand incredibly personal. The changeling reached over a hoof and rubbed Midnight’s back, the mare taking a deep breath and returning the gesture with a wing. “Captain Equinox is the father,” she admitted. Luna glanced to the Chief to gauge his reaction. There was no outburst, although she could see him grinding his teeth with a frown. It seemed like Darklight already knew, which led to her next question. While Luna was aiming to continue the questioning of Midnight, this matter was far more pressing and part of the reason for her personal attendance in the city. “Chief Darklight,” she stated while turning to him, the stallion nodding at her. “I have been informed that Captain Equinox was hospitalised after being beaten to near-death in the street. However, no charges on either side have been laid as far as I have been told. Given your position as both Chief of Police and Midnight’s father-“ “It was me,” Nigel interrupted, Luna ignoring the slight in her eagerness to hear this explanation. “Equinox was understandably sore to see me again, so he and three cronies attacked me and Midnight when we were walking home. We fought them off and I may have… communicated my displeasure with Equinox’s actions with excessive zeal.” Luna raised an eyebrow, hoping that he would expand on his answer. “I gave him a close up view of the road, repeatedly.” It took all of Luna’s will to not grimace at both the details and the changeling’s remorseless delivery. She went over what this new information added to her gradually increasing understanding of the situation. Fights in the street with a hospitalisation as a result pointed to Equinox playing a more sinister part than she first realised. The rumours that she had heard focusing on Equinox seemed to be the truth, however Luna needed to be sure. She turned her attention to Midnight once more, the mare looking down at her own stomach. ‘I am sorry that I have to bring up these memories,’ Luna silently apologised before continuing. This next part would be difficult for all involved. “Miss Midnight, when you said that Equinox is the father of your child, how did that transpire? I understand that it is a personal question, but I require the information to pass judgement.” “It happened after I had met Nigel,” Midnight answered after taking a few calming breaths. “I was left alone to guard him because Equinox had called a meeting, and we… we talked.” Midnight stared at Luna with pleading eyes. “I know a guard is not supposed to talk to prisoners, but he was so different. I found him nice and interesting, so I spent my shift asking questions. Captain Equinox found out, and he…” Luna frowned when Midnight began to sob, and started forward to comfort her. She was beaten to it by the changeling who embraced Midnight. It worked, and Midnight soon continued her answer. “Captain Equinox told me that I had broken Nocturnian law, and that I was a traitor. He drew his sword and told me that the punishment was execution.” Luna drew back in surprise; nowhere did she recall Nocturnia having any form of capital punishment for centuries. Midnight drooped, her hand hanging low and her wings dropping to her side. “I was so scared,” she muttered. “I begged him to spare my life, and I told him that I would do anything. He told me that there was one thing that would allow him to forgive him, and so I did it.” The sobbing returned, Chief Darklight grinding his teeth as he listened to his daughter recall her experience. With a furrowing of her brows, Luna waited for Midnight to continue. To think that her own Captain would sink so low was appalling and she felt ashamed that this young mare had her life ruined because of him. Luna couldn’t help but feel responsible for it; she should have listened to her guards and seen Equinox for what he really was. Midnight took longer this time to get her emotions back under control, Luna willing to give her all the time that she needed. The hug she was receiving appeared to provide a major help, Midnight receiving a reassuring nuzzle from the changeling. When she did stop crying, Midnight straightened up and wiped the tears from her eyes with her wings. “A couple of weeks later, Equinox had two unicorn guards scan me. He found out that I was pregnant, and so he threw me out.” “Equinox came down to see me after that,” Nigel continued on for Midnight while she wrapped a wing around him. “He wanted to interrogate me himself, and when I didn’t give him what he wanted he told me what he had done to Midnight. After I fought him, I escaped the dungeon and found Midnight crying in the city. We left in the morning and I told her that I would take her home.” The changeling paused, before giving a slight nod to himself. “That and I figured that I wasn’t really welcome in Equestria, so moving to another country where Equestrian law doesn’t apply was a good idea.” “You’re right. Despite my position and the respect that the Nocturnes give me, Equestria has no authority here.” Luna glanced around at all three, making sure that the utmost attention was being paid. “Given what I have heard, and I believe it to be nothing but the truth, I would seek no desire to punish either of you even if I did have the power to do so. You have been punished enough already in my opinion.” “Thank you Princess,” Midnight replied with a relieved smile. “Nigel’s helped me so much; I don’t know what I would have done without him. He means good, and I know that he cares about me just as much as I do about him. Thank you for letting him stay.” “The same from me,” the changeling pitched in. “Thank you for the pardon, getting hauled off to prison again after mooning a princess would not be the greatest achievement of my life.” His thanks brought a smile to Luna’s face; something told her that he would certainly view it with some pride. “I also would like to thank you.” Luna, Nigel and Midnight turned to face Darklight, the stallion getting off his chair to bow again before Luna. “Nigel has been a great help to my daughter, and by giving him your approval you’ve reassured me that I’ve made a good choice in keeping him around. You and I both know that if you so desired, he could be imprisoned with only a few words.” “I have already made my decision; he will not be accosted by my guards and I do not feel the need to bring his presence to the attention of the Equestrian Court.” Luna winced. “I would however recommend that you refrain from returning to Equestria. You made quite the negative impression.” Midnight grinned at this and hugged the changing back, Luna’s smile returning at the show of affection despite the circumstances. “That won’t be a problem,” Midnight informed while nuzzling her friend. “We’ve got our own house, and we’ve been told that Equinox won’t bother us anymore.” “I am happy to hear that,” Luna nodded to herself, her eyes locked in determination. “With this testimony, and my own opinion, I believe that Equinox is no longer fit to serve as my Captain. I will allow him to stay in the guard only because he has already received an adequate punishment, to think that I was planning to wish him good health while I was here as well!” She stamped her hoof, before catching herself and making an attempt to remain calm. “I hate to ask this, Princess,” Nigel began. “But we’ve been in this station for hours now and we’ve had a long day. Is it okay if we return home to rest?” “Of course, I also need to attend my duties. There is the problem of the Grimskulls attacks after all. Our circumstances of meeting was not the best, but I am glad to say that I walk away pleased to have made both of your acquaintances. I wish you the best of luck.” With that, Luna walked towards the exit. When she reached the door she looked back at the young pair, one question still on her mind. “Excuse me for continuing, but if I may ask why you were in the police station before I arrived?” An awkward cough drew her attention to Darklight, the stallion wearing a grimace. “Nigel… Nigel fought two Grimskulls during the invasion.” “Unarmed?” Luna questioned, the news not what she had been expecting. Darklight nodded, prompting Luna to ask yet another query. “How did that happen?” She stared at Nigel and he was about to reply. Darklight stepped in before he could. “He impaled one on his horn and… severed the throat of the other with his teeth. It was in the defence of others however, and it’s all been sorted with the proper protocol.” Luna considered inquiring further. After reviewing the fresh information, however; she decided on a far better course of action. “Very well,” she responded before starting to walk out of the door. “As long as it’s all taken care of, then that’s good enough for me. Good Night to you all.” Luna left the three behind, making her way back through the station by herself. ‘That is not something I need to worry about now,’ she thought while passing bowing police ponies. ‘I’m just going to forget that I heard that.’ “That was lucky,” Nigel commented while he walked into the living room. “I know, I thought she’d be a lot less forgiving,” Midnight replied, sighing as she collapsed down on the couch. “I’m glad that she’s going to leave you alone, today’s been so hectic.” Nigel nodded and went to sit down next to her, however a knock at the front door sounded just as his behind was about to rest upon the cushion. “That’ll be the bed,” he guessed, Midnight grumbling and preparing to leave the couch. “Relax, I’ve got it.” “Are you sure?” “Positive, you need some rest.” Leaving her no time to complain, Nigel moved through the hallway towards the door. He smiled when no Midnight followed, and he fumbled with the door handle. It was a simple lever, but he still cursed his hooves before the wooden barrier swung open. Four stallions were standing in the front garden, a wooden cart out on the road. “Uh, hello sir,” the largest one who Nigel assumed was in charge, greeted nervously. “We’ve got some furniture to deliver.” “I can see that,” Nigel replied, leaning around to stallion to get a closer look at the cart. He pulled back and glanced up at the doorframe, the four Nocturnes waiting anxiously. “Can you get it through the door?” “It’s been partially disassembled for transport, and we’ll be happy to assemble it for you.” Nigel paused, the stallion shifting on his hooves. All of the ponies were incredibly jittery; one would think that he had just killed someone. ‘Oh yeah,’ Nigel remembered. ‘That might have something to do with it.’ “Righto then,” he answered, the stallion nodding and moving with his team to begin unloading the furniture. Nigel watched them work, the ponies hurrying as fast as they could while shooting him fearful glances. He shrugged to himself; if it got his stuff set up faster then there was no need to address it. “Excuse me,” one young stallion requested shakily as he approached with the headboard on his back. Nigel moved back into the house to allow them access, ponies moving in and out with various parts of the bed and the cabinet set that Midnight had chosen. Luckily for the Nocturnes, the bed room was accessible directly from the hallway so it was an easy trip. It wasn’t long before all four exited the house and didn’t come back in, the supervisor waiting for Nigel to walk outside. “It’s all done,” the stallion informed, Nigel glancing over at the other three ponies. The trio were rushing to get the cart ready, one of them hooking himself into the harness. “That was quick,” Nigel responded, not even half-an-hour having passed. “You’re sure that the bed was put together correctly?” “I can assure you that it is,” the supervisor answered while nodding his head. The pony’s eyes locked on Nigel’s horn, the stallion gulping. “If there are any issues, which is unlikely, then we’ll be more than happy to help with anything. The manager stressed that.” “Your word is good enough for me.” “Thank you sir,” the pony acknowledged. He hurried back to his colleagues, Nigel grinning at the retreating ponies. “Be careful going back, I hear the roads can be dangerous this time of year. They can be a real killer.” ‘Still got it,' he smirked, when the four nocturnes collectively paled and raced off with a desperate speed. Sure, it wasn’t going to help the stigma he would no doubt have acquired. But it was incredibly satisfying. He shut the door and headed straight back to the living room. He’d check on the bedroom later, right now the activities of the night was catching up to him. It was still a few hours until the morning, but he already felt tired. Nigel was greeted by a hug when he sat down, Midnight seeming to possess slightly more energy than he did. “Did they bring everything?” she asked while giving him a nuzzle. “It looks like it,” he replied, nuzzling her back. Midnight giggled and wrapped her wings around him. The appendages began to rub, the news incredibly welcome after the rough day. “Well at least something good came out of everything, I can’t wait to try the bed.” Nigel pushed her away gently when she began to plant kisses on his cheek, and he gave her an apologetic look. “I’m not in the mood at the moment,” he told her. “We can test the bed, but with sleeping if it’s okay to you. An early night- I mean day would be best for me. You’re welcome to stay up though.” Midnight sighed and nodded her understanding. Nigel frowned, he hated disappointing her and he could see why she desired some affection after the trying day. He reached out a hoof and rubbed her shoulder, Midnight raising her head with a smile on her face. “I’ve got an idea,” she said, an excited gleam in her eyes. “Close your eyes and only open them when I say so.” “Midnight, what are you going to-“ He was cut off when Midnight grabbed his forelegs with her wings and clumsily covered his eyes with them. “No peeking,” she teased. “I promise that you’ll enjoy it.” Nigel wasn’t convinced, her playful tone leading him to believe that she wasn’t as ready as he was to just go to bed. Still, he respected her wishes and waited with his eyes covered. Midnight’s hooves tapped on the floor, and she left for the hallway if his hearing was correct. He remained on the couch with no sight for ten minutes, before her started to get impatient. “Midnight, am I allowed to look yet?” “Give me a few seconds… and done! You can open your eyes now!” Nigel opened his eyes, her voice coming from the other end of the hallway. He slowly got off the couch and headed towards her, pausing and glancing around the empty hallway. Spotting a light coming from the ajar bathroom door, Nigel steeled himself and opened it. It wasn’t what he had been expecting. Midnight was standing next to a freshly-made bath, a layer of bubbles covering the top of the warm water. She grinned at him, two fresh towels draped over the towel rack. “A nice relaxing bath is just what you need,” she told him, removing a third towel from the basin. This towel had been covering a tray with slices of fruit, two glasses of iced tea and a half-full jug of the same drink. “You worked fast,” he commented, earning a giggle from Midnight before she moved the tray so that it would be accessible from the bath. She twirled around once she was finished with her task, wrapping her wings around Nigel’s neck. He was pulled towards the bath, Midnight grinning the entire time. “I had a great motivation,” she replied before stopping at the edge. “You get in first,” her eyes locked in a sultry gaze. “I’ll follow after.” Nigel gave the room a glance, weighing up his options. On one hand, he was feeling completely drained. On the other, Midnight had put a lot of effort into making it romantic and he appreciated it. Going back over the night, he realised that the day must have been terrifying for her, especially in the furniture store. Sharing a bath was really the least he could for her, and he felt like he owed her more. With this in mind, he pushed his exhaustion to the back of his mind and stepped into the large tub. The water was a comfortable temperature, and it did feel relaxing. He sank into the bubbles, rolling over so that his back was against the far end of the bath. Midnight stayed true to her word, and instead of stepping in she fluttered. She touched down gently and joined him in the water, laughing while she settled down atop of him. Nigel couldn’t help but smile when Midnight touched her nose against his, and he started to massage her back with his forelegs. “You’re enjoying this more than you let on,” Midnight teased, melting into him as his massage continued. “Oh, although I don’t mind it one bit if this continues- oh, right there is heavenly.” At her groan of bliss, Nigel moved his hooves further down her back so they reached the sensitive flight muscles. Midnight’s wings quivered and her eyes rolled when the hooves began to stroke the area, her hind legs clenching around Nigel’s own. “Well, it’s nice that you did this for me. A simple massage is nothing, and you deserve it after today.” He increased his intensity, and was rewarded when Midnight let out a light moan. “I’m… oh! I’m supposed to be doing this for you, not the other way around,” she answered while her body quivered. “I assure you, this is more than enjoyable for me.” Nigel continued to rub, Midnight’s pants growing louder. “Are your wing muscles really this sensitive?” “It’s a very, huh, a very pleasurable feeling when they’re touched,” she replied before she took him by surprise and rolled over onto her back. Nigel found his forehooves held to her chest with her wings, Midnight struggling to get her breathing under control. “Sorry,” she apologised with a heavy blush on her face. “If you keep that up, I don’t know if I’ll be able to stop myself. While I wouldn’t mind that, both of us are far too tired to be thinking about that- ohhhh.” Midnight gasped when a chitin-covered hoof ran over her belly to slide down lower. “Who said you had to stop?” Nigel whispered, Midnight closing her eyes and arching her back at the wonderful feeling. “This is supposed to be about you,” she managed, her body tingling with pleasure. “It’s supposed to be about us,” he corrected, before a kiss was planted on Midnight’s left cheek. Moaning, she shifted further back so that her head was beside his and to allow the rubbing hoof to reach more. “I can… I can live with that,” Midnight gave in, biting her lip in bliss. Her mouth opened and she turned her head to meet his, the two sharing a passionate kiss. The bath continued for nearly an hour, the tray of refreshments lying on the sink forgotten. Midnight helped Nigel out of the bathroom, the changeling almost asleep on his hooves. She didn’t mind helping him, given what they had just done; it was more than worth it. She was still disappointed that he wanted to maintain his rule, but only slightly. Most of the time on the bath had been spent on her, and Midnight appreciated that he was so giving even with his fatigue. They walked to the bedroom, Midnight keen to see how the bed looked. She rounded the hallway corner and approached the door, Nigel having draped a foreleg over her back. “Almost there,” she murmured to Nigel with a yawn. Their recent activities in the bath had worn her out as well, and the thought of sharing a nice, big, bed with him filled her with joy. Upon entering the room she was pleasantly surprised, the bed all set up and made with the blue covers in place. The bedside cabinets were set up, one on each side, and the dresser was firmly against the opposite wall. Glad that she didn’t need to make the bed herself, Midnight helping Nigel up onto it before she walked over to the dresser to admire the woodwork. “I wonder how long it took to make?” she asked, expecting a reply. She got nothing, so Midnight turned back to glance at Nigel. The changeling hadn’t even bothered to get under the covers, Nigel snoozing on his side with his head nestled on a pillow. Midnight’s heart melted at the sight, he looked so cute and harmless like that. She quietly made her way over to him, and clambered up onto the bed. She gave him a kiss on the muzzle and edged forward until his forehooves were touching her shoulders. With great skill, she stealthily moved and embraced him, Midnight using her wings to place his forelegs around her before she folded them up at her sides. One hind leg over his and she was ready for bed, snuggled up against her changeling. She didn’t drift off immediately, Midnight being perfectly happy with just lying there with him. Warmth radiated off him and she wondered if she was feeding him right now. Sighing with content, Midnight felt her eyes close as sleep came to take her, her head resting under his. She wouldn’t change this for the world. Equinox tried to lift his head as the door opened, however he gave up when a spike of pain jabbed into his brain. He groaned through the mass of bandages covering his ruined face, unable to ask who it was thanks to his shattered jaw. Hooves tapped on the floor, Equinox guessing that it was at least two ponies from the number of clops. “Greetings, Captain Equinox.” His eyes widened when he heard Princess Luna’s voice, not having expected the ruler to be in Nocturnia. He mentally grimaced, no doubt she would ask a multitude of questions about his hospitalisation. Questions he had hoped would go unanswered. “I was saddened to hear of your injuries, you were my Captain after all.” ‘Were?’ Equinox struggled to figure out what was going on. ‘Surely she hasn’t…’ The hoofsteps resumed, Luna walking around to the side of the bed. She looked down at him, her eyes locked on his. “You heard correctly,” she continued with a frown. “Due to your injuries, and your other… actions that I have been informed about, I deem you no longer fit to serve as my Captain. Be thankful that no other punishment is due to you, Private Equinox.” ‘No!’ Equinox fumed while Luna glared down at him. ‘No! You, you Harlot! You can’t do this to me! I’ll get you for this!’ Luna’s glare doubled, Equinox not caring as he matched it with his own. “You’re on very thin ice, is the phrase I’m looking for,” she told him with an edge to her voice. “Lieutenant Haze is now the new Captain, and I will be leaving you in his personal charge after you recover. It’s either that, or you can neglect to return to my service, and Equestria, instead. You should be thankful that I’ve decided that adequate punishment has already been inflicted on you by those you have wronged. If they weren’t as happy as they are now, I would have made you regret ever committing those crimes for the remainder of your short life.” She leaned down towards him, Haze stepping up beside her. “You should be ashamed,” Luna continued harshly. “To think that I pitied you when you were injured in the dungeon, and that I even asked my own sister if there was any spell that could reverse the damage.” She moved back and maintained her glare, Equinox shaking with rage. “Now I am glad that such a spell doesn’t exist. I am hardly able to bring myself to call you a stallion after the deplorable things you made that promising young mare do, but know that if I hear anything, anything, about you going down that path again, then I will execute you. I do not care if my sister has banned it, I’ll remove your head myself if I have to. Have I made myself clear?” Equinox didn’t blink as he stared off with the furious Princess. He knew exactly who was to blame for this entire mess. That infuriating changeling, the constant thorn in his side. If the damn bug had just stayed in prison, then the whorse of a mare would have never found the courage to spill the beans to Luna. But no, the changeling just had to ruin everything. His career, his influence, his position as Captain of the Lunar Guard, was all gone thanks to a pair of insignificant wretches. The fact that Luna believed them was proof that she was unfit to rule, and it was then that he swore to be rid of all of his problems as soon as he was released from hospital. The changeling, ex-private Midnight, Princess Luna, all would be removed no matter the cost. He may have been disowned by his ungrateful father, but that wouldn’t stop him from gaining his revenge. He would have told Luna all of this, including a fair amount of curses for good measure, but thanks to his jaw he was only able to glare at her and wheeze. Equinox got the feeling that she understood his opinion on the matter despite him not uttering a word. Her eyes narrowed even further, and she bared her teeth in a snarl. “In addition, if you even approach within fifty hooves of the two beings that you have been so eager to hurt, then I will have you cast out from this city forever. I know that the City Council will agree with me on that, and your name will be laden with shame and ridicule for ages to come.” Equinox kept his eyes locked on hers until Luna decided to leave. With his usurper trailing behind her like a good little guard, the princess left his hospital room without another word exchanged. He could do nothing about it for now, his bed and bandages as much a prison as any cell in a castle dungeon. There was one thing he could do however, and he had plenty of time on his hooves. Equinox laid back against his pillow and began to plot his revenge, a revenge that he expected to change the very world, and he would be at the helm of that change. It was going to be glorious. Midnight slowly awoke with a groan, the soft covers calling her back to sleep. Something was missing though, and with a start she realised that her sleeping partner was no longer in the bed with her. She shot up and made to rush off the bed to find him, but Midnight stopped herself. She didn’t need to worry, everything was fine and all of their problems were sorted. He was probably just in the bathroom or something like that. Having reassured herself, Midnight smiled and took the time to stretch all of her limbs before making her way off the bed. Shaking herself to full wakefulness, she exited the room through the open door and looked around for Nigel. The first thing she noticed was a delicious smell, and she sniffed the air for a few moments before her eyes lit up in recognition. It smelt like the special toast that Nigel had made her before, the faintest traces of cinnamon reminding her of the great-tasting food. With her mouth watering, Midnight hurried to the kitchen with a spring in her step. As she approached, she slowed her pace and lowered her body. Taking care to minimise the noise of her hoofsteps, Midnight slinked into the kitchen while searching for her target. She spotted him, Nigel standing up on his hind legs while he watched over a pan on the stove. Grinning and spreading her wings, Midnight stalked towards the unsuspecting changeling with a clear plan in mind. “Ah ha!” Midnight announced with glee as she pounced, taking flight and jumping onto his back. She used her wings to hold them both up, and her hind legs wrapped around his torso in like a piggyback ride. Giggling, she wrapped her forelegs around his neck and leaned in to kiss him on the cheek. “I got you!” “And Good Evening to you too,” Nigel replied while trying to get used to her holding him upright. “It’s a good thing I didn’t topple forward, a hot pan to the face is not something that I look forward to when I wake up.” He found his balance, and continued to cook the meal. “I’d never let that happen, you worry too much,” Midnight teased before giving him another kiss. “I worry too much?” he questioned, trying to manipulate a spatula with the crook of his hoof. Midnight decided that going down that line of conversation was a bad idea, and instead she focused on the glorious food that was in the making. “Why are you cooking this again? I thought you said that if you did it every day, then it’d no longer be special.” “Well, after last night,” Nigel began while flipping over a slice of toast, Midnight sniffing the wonderful smells that came off the golden side. “I figured that I needed to make up for it, and I remembered how much you liked the breakfast I cooked for you. There are no pancakes, but I’ve made double the amount of toast.” Midnight’s eyes drifted to a covered plate to the side of the stove, a checked cloth hiding the contents from view. “You didn’t need to do this,” she murmured, her eyes not leaving the plate. “That bath was more than what was needed as an apology.” “You have to wait for some toast, I’ve almost finished this last slice,” he chortled, Midnight pouting when he caught onto her attempt to secure an early piece. “I don’t want to wait, it’s torture!” They both shared a laugh, Nigel removing the last slice from the pan. “They always told me that I had a knack for torture,” he chuckled, Midnight’s laughing faltering. She was unsure if he was joking or if he really had tortured people before, although after the past few days she wouldn’t have been surprised if he had. A kiss broke her from her thoughts, and she was further distracted when he removed the covering from the laden plate. All concerns she had about his job evaporated when the pile of toast was revealed. Midnight had to stop herself from diving in then and there. “Come on, let go so I can set everything up,” Nigel told her, Midnight reluctantly flying off of him. He landed back on four hooves, and immediately began to ferry the food out to the dining room. Midnight followed him like a starving dog, her tastebuds already anticipating the meal. As soon as the plate was down she dived in, her rump plopping down onto a grey cushion while Nigel watched on amazed. She paid no attention to him, her mind set on devouring as much as she could. She lifted a slice to her mouth, and sniffed it to savour the aroma. Midnight however was soon tired of appreciating it, and closed her eyes before taking a bite. “Midnight,” Nigel called, stopping her mid chew. She opened her eyes again and turned to her right, a burst of flavour exploding in her mouth. He was sitting next to her with a small grin, she felt a foreleg wrap around her shoulder. “There’s no need to rush, we’ve got all of the time in the world. I don’t start work until today so take your time to enjoy it.” As much as she wanted to just pig out, Midnight nodded and chewed slowly. He had spent time making this, so she guessed that she could respect his wish. Besides, she was the only one eating it, Nigel content to just sit beside her. She reached out a wing and began to rub his right shoulder, Midnight briefly wondering what it was like to suddenly not eat food. Watching someone eat this while she could only watch would be torture to her. She finished her slice and flashed him a grin, before leaning in to kiss him again. He leant into it, and they shared a brief touching of lips before she pulled away to continue eating. She could get a kiss from him anytime, this toast was far rarer. “I’ll get us something to drink,” he offered, standing up from his seat to head back to the kitchen. Midnight nodded her thanks, before turning back to the plate with a wicked gleam in her eyes. Now nothing was in her way, and the toast was just begging to be eaten. With renewed vigour she snapped up slices left and right, losing herself to the wonderful combination of flavours. She had managed to get through half of the plate before the sound of a clearing throat stopped her. With both cheeks full of food, she slowly looked behind her. Nigel, with a tray of iced tea on his back, was staring at her with a frown. Midnight was frozen, caught red-handed with ample evidence stored in her engorged cheeks like a chipmunk. His frown quickly turned to a smile, Nigel shaking his head before walking over to place the tray down. “You look ridiculous like that, glutton,” he teased. Midnight swallowed her mouthful food, and gave him a look of mock hurt. “It’s your fault. You made them irresistible!” “Whatever you say,” he replied, Midnight resting her head on his shoulder and taking a break from eating. “Take the compliment,” she suggested lightly, before setting her sights on the food once again. “Now if you excuse me, I have some breakfast to attend to.” With that she was off again, slice after slice disappearing into her gullet while Nigel watched on with amusement. He made a note to just cook the toast if he ever messed up or wanted something from her. “What do you want to do today?” he asked her before taking a sip of iced tea from a glass. Midnight stopped chewing and pondered the question, one idea popping into her head. “There’s a nice café in the centre of the city, near the castle. I heard that they do some of the best lunches in the city. We should try them today.” Her answer out of the way, Midnight went straight back to her breakfast. She missed Nigel shake his head, the changeling laughing at her reply. “You’re unbelievable,” he told her. Midnight gave him a look that said ‘What are you going to do about it?’, before the toast called to her once more. Giving him a final kiss on the muzzle, Midnight went back to her food. She silently hoped that he was just as satisfied with his food as she was, and thankfully this was proven true when she felt a nuzzle against her neck. Midnight sighed happy and nuzzled back, right now she couldn’t be happier. Plus, they now had lunch to look forward to, so it only made the moment that much better.