//------------------------------// // Crescent Moon // Story: Sonic: Battle for Equestria // by Snicket //------------------------------// Chapter - 11 Crescent Moon “Hm, I wonder what they’re doing in there.” A certain pink party pony inquires as she turns to the closed steel doors. “We’ve been out here for a while now.” “I’m sure it’s nothing,” Rarity states as adjusts her large brimmed hat. “The princess might have just wanted to speak with our dear Sonic, on a mater with sensitive information.” “That or there making out.” Rainbow Dash adds with a smirk. “RAINBOW DASH!” Rarity chastises. “What has gotten into you to suggest,” “What? I can’t be the only one that was thinking that.” “Speak for yer self, Dash. Ah fer one, figured that the princess has some words to say to sugar hog about his actions and what not.” Applejack says with a firm tone as she adjust her hat. “It seemed somethin’ fierce was on her mind and perhaps Sonic was the cause of it.” Blaze begins tapping her chin as if pondering something. “Interesting, I too came to the same conclusion as Ms. Applejack here. Perhaps Sonic over stepped some kind of boundaries.” The feline then frowns. “Though, I can’t see what those would unless placing one of the crown in a restraint is considered some form of treason than…” “Hardly,” Luna pipes in; cutting the sol guardian off. “While it’s considered in bad taste to perform such an action in that matter. It isn’t deemed as any sort treachery. However,” The alicorn raises a hood and makes a crude ‘unless’ gesture. “If harm were to come upon one of the crown than…” “For a noogie, pfft please.” Pinkie jumps in (literally) with an annoyed huff. “I mean if Spiky actually hurt the princess, than that’d be different. But not for a something like what we just saw.” “I’d have to agree,” Twilight adds as she rubs her chin. “I’ve know the princess for a long time and the only time she’s ever carried any sort of punishment was when…” The mare is cut off as the two in question emerge from the double steel doors; chuckling and chatting amounts themselves. “I know things can be busy,” Sonic begins as he continues to chat with the sun princess. “But you have to set some time aside to have a bite.” He then pokes the alicorn in the side to emphases his point; gaining a small giggle in return. “Otherwise you’ll waste away and….wait.” The former hedgehog then grins at the princess. “Are you ticklish?” “N-no,” The alicorn chirp out in the least convincing way possible. Sonic tilts his head. “Really now, so when I do this” He then pokes her in the side again; getting the same reaction as before. “You won’t start laughing again.” A large grin appears in the werehogs face, prompting the alicorn to start backing up. “D-don’t you dare!” “Oh I dare,” Sonic then holds up his massive hands and starts twiddling his fingers. “Prepare yourself for a most humorous…” Someone clearing there throat, cuts the former hedgehog off and draws his attention to the one that made the noise. “Well look at that, we have an audience.” Celestia remains quiet as she shifts awkwardly and ruffles her wings. “We hope that we aren’t interrupting anything.” Luna says with an all knowing smirk. “If you wish for some privacy then we shall…” “That won’t we necessary.” The sun princess states as she draws everyone’s attention on her. “We were merry having a private conversation.” The moon princess grins at her elder sister. “Really now? Because from where we were standing, it appeared that you two were having more than just a ‘private conversation’.” “Oh, grow up sister.” “You first,” Celestia opens her mouth to comment on her sister’s behavior, but is cut off as a scroll sudden appears before her. “I wonder who that could be.” The princess mutters to herself as she unrolls the parchment with her magic and begins to read over it. “What does it say?” Sonic inquires as he leans over the alicorn’s shoulder. “Wow, and guys say ‘I’ have bad handwriting. This looks like they wrote the thing with their mouth.” “They probably did.” Applejack chimes in, breaking the mane six’s silence. Since the sun princess’s arrival. “It says,” The sun goddess begins as she deceivers the message. “That my…” Celestia frowns at the parchment as if it insulted her. “Presence is needed in an important matter. Placing a hand on the alcorn’s shoulder the former hedgehog gives her a sympathetic look. “Bummer, talk about bad timing. So, rain check then?” Celestia nods and gives Sonic a sad smile. “Yes, it would appear we’ll have to schedule for another day.” “What did you guys have planned?” Pinkie asks as she tilts her head. “Is that what you two were talking about in that room just now? Did you set up some kind of date?” The mare beams; totally oblivious to the reactions her question had on the others. Sonic lets out an amused chuckle. “No, nothing like that. I was just going to suggest that we should get a bite, since Sunny here.” He gestures to the white alicorn. “Hadn’t had the chance to eat anything all day.” Rarity gasps and approaches the princess. “That simply won’t do, we must resolve this matter at once.” “That won’t be necessary, Rarity, They usually hold these thing in the royal dining hall; do it the amount to room. If not, than I shall grab something else ware.” The princess says firmly. “This shouldn’t take too long.” “Well, I guess we’ll see you later, Sunny.” Sonic says in a sad tone. “Don’t be a stranger.” The sun princess gives the former hedgehog a warm nuzzle. “I won’t,” Celestia then turns to the others. “My apologizes, I had hoped to spend tonight enjoying the festivities with you all, but my presences is needed else ware.” She then channels magic from her horn. “Farewell,” And then disappears into puff of golden smoke. Just as the sun princess vanishes, everyone turns to Sonic with varied expressions; ranging from amused to annoyed, and even one of disgust. Though that could from the piece of ‘candy’ a certain pink mare found in the ground just now. “Why is everyone looking at me like that?” Sonic inquires as he takes several steps back. “Would ya kindly explain to us, what happen’ to make you and the princess all chummy all of a sudden.” “Yeah! Why are you two now acting like old friends? Pinkie Pie adds as she bounces (literally) into Sonic’s face. “Also, I thought you didn’t know what a ‘nuzzle’ was. Now you don’t seem weirded out by it now.” Just as the others approach sonic; probably with their own questions. Sonic holds up his hand in surrender, causing everyone to stop there advancement. “Ok, for the record, I already knew what ‘that’ meant before asking about it earlier. I was just messing with you guys. I didn’t know it would snowball into what it did.” The former hedgehog turn to a now frowning lavender mare. “Sorry Twilight.” “So now that, that’s outs of the way. What were you two talking about? It had to be something; or else the princess wouldn’t have been acting so…odd” Rainbow Dash says, with a hint of annoyance in her voice. “I’m just saying, it was pretty weird from where I was standing.” “We talked,” The former hedgehog answers flatly. “Nothing more.” “About what?” The speedy Pegasus inquires. “Stuff.” “What kind of stuff?” Sonic lets out a grown and face palms. “Luna Bell, could you help me out here? I think they’re getting the wrong idea.” “Well if you just told us,” Fluttershy begins in a soft tone. “We wouldn’t be asking all these questions.” The moon princess raises an eyebrow at the butter yellow Pegasus’s comment and then begins to laugh. “What’s so funny?” Sonic inquires in an annoyed tone. Luna chuckles a bit to herself, before turning towards the former hedgehog. “We see what you mean, they think that ‘something’ may have happened between you two. Which obviously didn’t….or did it?” Sonic frowns at the alicorn as he prepares to comment, but is stopped by the princess’s out stretched wing. “Before you start to deny what we’ve said, please allow us to finish.” Luna then turns to the other before continuing. “As many of you know, our sister and us have ruled for a rather long time and will most likely still rule long after you’re all gone.” Everyone tilts their heads to the side; not following what the princess is getting at. Prompting the princess to clear her throat in uneasiness. “What we are getting at, is that we often don’t make many we’d call a ‘friend.’ Sure we sometimes form bonds with those that serve us or that we mentor, but those are often ‘limited’ by our standing; which tends to cheapen it, when you’re still referred to your title and treated as such. Now, we only speak for ourselves, but having somepony treat you as an equal and not your ruler is something we rarely see.” Luna then turns to Sonic and smiles. “We believe our sister has found kinship in our friend here. Be it a simple friendship or something more.” The princess shifts awkwardly as notices everyone staring at her. “What that in tales, is not for me to say, but something you all should see for yourself.” “Agreed,” Blaze says; breaking her otherwise silence to the situation. “While I have not lived for over a millennia. I do know what it’s like to be treated as a ruler and not an individual.” The feline looks up at the former hedgehog and smiles. “Before I met Sonic, I was rather distant with other and was quite stubborn.” “You’re still pretty stubborn.” Sonic adds with a smirk. The sol ruler frowns at the comment and then clears her throat before continuing. “Regardless, if hadn’t met Sonic and allowed myself to trust another. My lands would most likely be in constant battle and my life may as well be forfeit.” Sonic chuckles to himself as he steps towards the lilac cat. “You give me too much credit, Blaze. I just did what was right.” “Yes, but no else even stepped up and offered to help.” Blaze shoots back. “In fact, other than a few guards that were following there ‘duty’ everyone else just cowered in fear or pledged their allegiance to that monster that wanted to take over my kingdom.” As the others become aware of their previous actions, Rarity lets out a small sigh and adjusts her large brimmed hat. “Perhaps we’ve been a bit too eager to jump to conclusion this evening. This is twice now that all of us assumed the worst and have made fools of ourselves because if it.” The mare looks to the others (who nod in agreement) and then back to the former hedgehog. “It wasn’t fare for us to put you in that sort of situation.” “Yeah, it was kind of a carp thing to do,” Rainbow Dash begins as she ruffles her wings nervously. “Not really one of our brightest moments, hun?” “Ah’ll say,” Applejack adds with huff of indignation. “We were plum ready to string poor sugar hog up for somethin’ he didn’t even do.” As the others step forward to express their own apology, Sonic holds up a hand to silent them as the approach. “C’mon guys, it was just a misunderstanding. I’m not going to hold it against you anything.” “But we acted like a bunch of spoiled fillies.” Twilight says in a sad tone. “How can you just let something like that go?” “Simple, I know you guy well enough that you probably had your reasons.” The former hedgehog then smirks. “Plus, I can see how you got the wrong idea on this.” As everyone lets out a collective sigh of relief, Luna places a wing onto Sonic’s shoulder. “Excellent, now that we’ve managed to clear up this little understanding. We must speak with Sir Sonic, on a pressing matter that has just come to our attention.” “And what would that be?” Pinkie inquires as she tilts her head. “I mean we’re already friends, so what’s so important that you need to talk to Spikey in private…unless.” The party pony eyes widen as she gasps. “Unless were not friends and this has all just been a…” “Relax Pinkie, were all friends here.” Sonic almost shouts as the pink mare begins to have an episode. “I’m sure Lunabell has something important.” He then turn to the moon princess. “Right?” The alicorn nods in conformation before speaking. “Correct, it is something that I must tell you away from prying eyes and intrusive ears.” Luna turns to the others. “No offence.” “None taken,” Rainbow Dash says with nod. “You have some super-secret spy stuff you have to talk to the big guy about, that’s not big deal.” Luna chuckles in amusement, “No, it is nothing like that…” “Good, because that would be so not cool.” The mare then turns to the former hedgehog. “Nothing personal, but we’ve saved the day a whole lot more than you and…” Sonic grins at the flying speedster. “Is someone jealous?” “No, I just want to know what’s going on.” Rainbow Dash snaps in indignation. “I think we all do.” As the others voice similar comments, the moon princess lets out a heavy sigh and takes a deep breath. “Look, we merrily wish to talk with Sonic on about a few things, some regarding tonight’s proceedings. If ye wish to come along, you are more than welcome to come.” The former hedgehog mirrors the alicorn’s expression as he begins pinching the bridge of his snout. “Seriously guys, are you are still bent out of shape about earlier? I thought we got past that.” Sonic then sighs again. “What happened to not jumping to conclusions and all that from earlier?” “He’s right,” Blaze states firmly. “If we are not to learn from our mistakes. We are bound to repeat them…or however that saying goes.” “Once again, our ruler from a distance land is the voice of reason. Thank you, Miss Blaze.” Luna says with a kind smile. “If not for your…as they say, ‘calling out ones nonsense’ we’d still be trapped in this endless squabble.” Blaze ‘curtseys’ at complement. “Thank you, your majesty.” “We were just curious,” Applejack interrupts. “It wasn’t supposed to get ‘this’ out of hoof.” “I think everyone just need some time to cool off,” Sonic says as he turns to the others. “Why don’t we meet at that old fountain in Market Square in….let’s say an hour?” He then turns to Luna. “Will that be enough time?” “More than enough, we shall randevu there and hopefully everypony has calmed down by then.” The moon princess says with a less friendly demeanor then before. Prompting a few to paw at the ground in embarrassment. Luna then returns her wing to Sonic’s shoulder and begins directing him towards the exit. “Let us make hast, there is so little time and so much to discuss.” “I thought you said,” Sonic begins with a confused expression. “It was a joke.” “Ah,” As the two disappear on down the hallway, Blaze turns to the others with a stern expression on her face as she crosses her arms. “We need to talk.” ~***~ Despite the late hour of the night, many still mill about the streets. As most of the games and food/drink stands remain open. Still offering a ‘frightening’ treat or experience to any that dared to take part in them. With most receiving an amused chuckle from adults or a slight bout of shock from any children still out an about…followed by fanatic laughing as they realize where there at. ‘Scary music’ still plays from the nearby speakers that dot the still bustling city. Some even attempt to dance to this; with most giving up trying to follow the rhythm and ‘free styling’ in a way that would make Twilight envious. The ones still out, part to the sides as the princess and werehog walk towards them. Bowing to the ebony alicorn and giving the former hedgehog a firm nod. “Well it looks like everything worked out.” Sonic comments as he turn to Luna; who is now in front of them. “I mean we have bowing and everything.” The moon princess remains silent, drops her head and lets out a small sigh. “We suppose.” Sonic raises an eyebrow at the alicorns response and quickens his pace, so he’s now only walking a few paces behind her. “You ‘suppose’? Was this was you were hoping for?” Luna ruffles he feathers slightly and continues her pace in silence. “Help me out here. What’s going on with you?” Luna abruptly stops; causing Sonic to walk past her a few steps. Before turning around and walking back towards her just a small burst of magic leaves her horn. “Yes, this is what we wanted, but…” The princess sights. “Not like this. We put you in a situation that you were strongly against. And as a result, we may have lost a friend.” The former hedgehog chuckles as he places a hand on the alicorn’s shoulder. “If I was mad at you, we wouldn’t be talking like this. It was just an accident, I know you didn’t mean for this to happen.” “You say that now, but…” The alicorn begins in a bitter tone. “’But’ what? I suddenly get mad at you later? C’mon Lunabell, you’re not making any sense.” The moon princess remains quite, inciting Sonic to continue. “I get why you asked me to do this, being feared for no reason sucks. That all you wanted is for everyone to look up to you, like your sister.” “You know me all too well. “Luna mutters under breath. “Despite everything we’ve tried to do to make our subjects not fear us. It resulted in…something that…that.” A massive hand tilts the alcorn’s upwards to a set of emerald green eyes. “Anyone that fears this wonderful night is a damn fool.” The form hedgehog gestures to the sky with his free hand. “Look at this, you’ve created all this. One day, others will wonder if there’s anything out there beyond the stars.” Sonic turns back to the princess and continues. “Yeah, the sun is nice and all, but it’s just so overwhelming. It’s everywhere and on everything. While on the other hand the moon casts this almost tranquil glow.” Luna blushes at the remark and turns away. “If only others had your optimism, then maybe we wouldn’t have been forced to…” “Give it time,” Sonic interrupts. “You’ve only been back for what…a few years now. And from what I’ve heard, you’ve been a bit of recluse.” The werehog grins at the princess. “Show the world that you can create a something as beautiful as the day, if not more so. And if that doesn’t work, keep trying with other things. You can’t undo several generation of misguided thoughts and stubbornness that easily; believe me I’ve tried.” The alicorn looks back at the former hedgehog ad then begins to fidget as if not comfortable with her stance. “You really mean all that? That you think our subjects will see the night as you do…one day?” Sonic’s expression lessens into a small frown. “Of course I do, why would you think that I…” The former hedgehog is cut off as massive wing wraps around the back of his head and pulls him into a passionate kiss. Unlike before, there is more force behind it. A massive tongue fights for dominance as it slides behind rows of pointed teeth. Not one to be pushed aside so easily, Sonic doubles his efforts as he grabs a handful of the alicorn’s mane; which incites said mare to increase her own. After a back and forth for control, the two break for air and lessen the grip they have on each other. A now blushing Lune slowly opens her eyes and looks at a now smirking Sonic. “So…that happened.” The alicorn mutters as she shifts awkwardly in place. “Where did that come from?” The former hedgehog says before cautiously holding up his hands. “Not that I’m complaining or anything.” “Not many…”Luna trails off and takes a deep breath. “Not many have expressed such fascination with our night. Fewer still say it with such enthusiasm. Maybe hearing it from a friend, brought on such actions.” “Or maybe you just wanted another go after what happened in the arena.” Sonic grins as he crosses his arms. “Not that I blame you. You seemed to be a bit taken by it before.” The princess frowns at the former hedgehog’s accusation. “You seem rather full of yourself, Sir Sonic. If we didn’t know any better, we’d say that you were expecting this.” “Not at all, but it was still awesome.” The former hedgehog states as he grin increases. “So much in fact that…” Sonic trails off as he notices everyone still milling about as if unware of what just happened. “…I was expecting a round of applause.” “You’d like that wouldn’t you?” Luna asks with a delish smirk. “Luckily, I casted a privacy shield once we started talking. We’d hate to think what would happen if anypony saw us.” The former hedgehog taps his chin. “Cleaver, I figured you’d do something like that.” “And yet you were hoping for an audience.” “Hey, it’s not every day the princess of night leaves the castle and interacts with her subjects. I figured they’d be less skittish if they…” “Saw us engaging in acts unbecoming of a princess?” Luna asks with the same expression as earlier. “I was going to say ‘being less formal,’ but what you said works too.” Luna frowns at the statement as she walks away from Sonic and playfully swats him with her tail as she disengages the barrier. “Come along, there is still something else we want to show you.” Sonic lets the alicorn get a few paces ahead before following. “Well someone is feeling better.” “Indeed.” Next chapter preview: Sonic: "How did something like this get here?" Pinky: "Oh, is so fluffy, I want to touch it." Twilight: "I-I've been wanting to ask you this for a while." Blaze: "Well, would you look at that." Werehog in Equestria