> Golden Eyes
>  by Burnasius
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> -1- Wings in the Corridor
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

‘Is it so bad if it felt so good?’ The stallion asks himself. He rests on his bed, a size that can fit two stallions, the darkness surrounding him and the rays of moonlight slipping inside through a space between the curtains. He about ready to sleep when that thought crossed his mind. He is one of many under Shining Armor since his promotion to Captain of the guard. This Royal Guard stallion was about ready to sleep but tonight was no exception to the events that occur every night in his room.

This male has been recently been having an uninvited guest every night since he ordered the bat ponies at his room to be removed to provide more security outside, as he knows they don’t like being indoors at night. He sighs to himself, getting ready as he keeps his cool and remembering back to a time he was just a recruit.

His name was Stride, though he hid his real name from many and only a selected few, and his family knew of his real name. He was a bright orange unicorn with a sky blue mane, young and very serious. He was one of the many stallions who joined the guard a week after Nightmare Night. He was confident and very cocky, he admits to himself. Trying his best there was for him to excel until a certain incident rendered him to… soften up in a different way
__________

Another day, another morning ruined by the trumpets. Stride groans as he gets up from his bunk, many of his fellow recruits groan as well. It has been a month since they have been training for basics and the works. They were all still in their natural colors but what surprised a few were how many mares somewhat joined.

A rumor spread, about a week ago that the Princesses have added a new rule within the Royal Guard. And that was, mares. The guys were happy to find females in the barracks and the training grounds. Not so surprising since it is a very mare-centered society though hard to see them take a stallion role. Stride did not like his fellows swooning over the mares but then again, this caused unrest as many of them tried to really impress some of them.

As the morning starts, the news of having a regular rotation of bat ponies in their training were implemented upon the return of Luna. It was then that Stride met one mare that seems to attract a lot of attention. One mare within the bat ponies are staying with them for a week of training. This caused a bit of a problem for them. They asked Corporal Plane Sight about this. Their unicorn trainer had checked the records, the recruitment and even the roster and found that it is in fact real.

Regardless, many of Stride’s fellows started to smirk about having a mare as a bunk buddy. Regardless, the training went without much of a thought among them. They trained, laps around the perimeter, hoof-to-hoof combat, weapon training, the unicorns given magic target practices, the pegasi and bat ponies flight maneuvering and the earth ponies weights.

Sure it may seem fair but when the sun went down, all of them tired, along with their new neighbors, they called it a night. Soon, the ponies and bat ponies fix up the bunk beds, mostly all are in pairs and many of the bat ponies stayed together as did Stride’s group. Unfortunately, Stride had chosen to take the bed at the far side of their living quarters, which was the only single bed there was, as the bed above him was actually broken.

He gave himself a sigh, taking his time to check his trunk and lock, getting his things ready until she started to shout. “Are you kidding me?!” The only mare among them all shouted, taking the attention of them all. “Calm down, Moon.” one of her bat pony friends said. “Calm down?! There’s no other bunk here for me!” She started to burst out, growling and even her golden slit eyes menacing now. Stride, was about ready to take his sleep, the fatigue in his body demanded rest but with her screaming so, it was hard to do that. He took his time thinking, an idea entered his mind and with it, he moves towards the front, getting to the angered mare.

As he passed by his fellow recruits and their new addition for the week, he heard every comment they made in hush, “There she goes again…” ”We got a screamer…” “Again? She has got to be kidding.” “She’s off my ‘to know’ list.” “Great, another reason we get scrub duty.”

The responses he can give were mixed as some were from his group and the others from their new buddies. Soon enough he was in front of the shouting mare. “What do you want?” She said angrily, looking at his, her body set down, as if ready to lunge at him. He gave his own stern stare at her. There was a hush in the room but his group made side comments still. “There’s Stride again, the cocky among us.” “Yeah, another reason for us to say he’s a lifesaver.”

Thought they were somehow true, he kept himself stoic at Moon. “You complain so easily…” He said with a raised brow, down at her. “Of course I am! I’m the only mare in this damn group! Are you near sighted or what?” She said as her body now stood up on all four hooves trying to look up at him. “I can see that you are the only mare, now then I’m willing to give up my bunk if you just shut your mouth and let us all rest.” He said, nearing a shout from his own mouth as he looks her down, as sternly as he can.

Again, silenced followed as They all heard what he said. Moon was the first to react from the 5 seconds of silence to understand what he told her. “Are you serious?” She said while her tone no longer in a tone of anger. Her body even relaxed some, this time surprise was said all over her body. “Yes, You’ll get the bed and the blanket. I’ll keep the pillow.” He said straightforward and without delay as he started to move at a short but even pace. He kept his stern and hard face while he passed. He could see from the corners of his eyes that many of his fellows stared with awe or with a growing grin and smile.

He could feel behind him that Moon was following him. At the end of the room, he took the pillow and moved aside to present his well kept bed to Moon. “There… now we can all just get some sleep.” He said to her. Through all this Moon looked up to him, unsure on how to answer though a question presented itself. “What about you?” She said, her eyes, large and golden as they are, shone a tinge of worry and somehow regret about her outburst.

“Just get to sleep…” He told her with not a single glance he drops his pillow on the stoned floor and soon he started to lie down, not caring what the others said. Lying down on the floor caused pain against his back and body, but his tired form and the fatigue was gaining over him. He felt Moon move about and with a squeak of protest from his bunk she was on his bunk, under the covers. “What’s your name?” He heard above of him.

With a grunt of protest he closed his eyes and responded with a grunt, “Stride…” HE said, as he heard his group starting to get to sleep themselves, their bodies demanding rest and continue their talk tomorrow. As he rests, against the hard and cold stone, he heard her speak back. “Thanks…”
_____________

Stride again sighs, he was resting onto his bed as his armor hanged on a stand somewhere. His mind resting and a smile on his face as he remembered that moment that changed his life for the better, he supposed. It was a past he cannot forget and somehow, he was not prepared for the arrival of tonight. Soon he heard a flapping outside his door, wings beating not as fluent as a Pegasi but as quick and with noise as if it is stiff. His heart starts to race. The events of recent nights are returning to him. His body getting excited and tense as he knew what was to come of this.

Soon the sound stops and right at his door before a clop of four hooves landed on the marble floor, resonating in the corridor outside his room.

> -2- Creaking Door
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stride stays put, making him scarce or at the least, little now. He heard from outside the familiar sound of hooves on Marble floor. He takes note that it moves slowly, making sure not to make much sound, as its arrival was very secret, when in fact he and his visitor have known about this rendezvous for such a time.

Still, Stride could not help but feel his body stiff on his bed, his body tense and his breathing shallow, as if waiting for something to happen. Sure enough the door creaks slowly, but surely open. It wasn’t a very audible creak. If you listen closely, the door made a near silent squeak. As one of his doors open, his memory could not help but turn back to his time, with Moon and how they grew closer, his fellows and that unfortunate event that occurred while in training.

_____

Stride groans, the trumpets to awake them all was annoying, and his body now ached hard, the toll of sleeping on the floor. He lifts his stiff body up, bones cracking inside, as if getting back into place, but the pain still surged throughout his body. As he did so, their trainer, Corporal Plane Sight saw him on the floor. “Up and at them Soldier!” He shouted some at him but flinched when he saw that there was an occupant on his bed. The bat pony mare, moon groans awake as she looks to her side, seeing the trainer of their week and down, at Stride who was trying to get up.

“What is this?!” The Corporal shouted some as Stride got onto his hooves and so did Moon, yet both sported a blush, hearing the chuckles and snickers of both sides of recruits. “Did you two share a bed?!” Corporal said with a slight distaste about it as having relationships, in the start of training was a bad decision.

Stride, quickly took his stance, trying to forge the pain as the misunderstanding rendered Moon to blush and so did he. “No, Sir! I offered my bunk to Moon as there were not enough for all of us, sir!” Stride said, his voice toned confidently and with enough stiffness as the Corporal look at them both squinting. He could see that Stride was serious, Moon was somewhat Blushing but kept a solid stance herself. “Then why did you ponies not request an additional bunk?” He asked them both as he now saw the broken top bunk, the wiring missing from it.

It was then that Moon took her chance to respond, to try and quell their training officer. “Sir! I have made an outburst last night regarding this matter. We did not request such a thing as it was late, we were all reeling in from fatigue and we were stressed, sir!” She responded, her tone moving with emphasis and fluctuating responses. The Corporal snorted once as he relaxes some.

“Alright then. Soldiers, get your flanks outside now. All bat ponies, you all have the day to sleep as we allow you to switch between sleep and train at a daily interval.” He said as he marched his way out. Stride’s fellow trainees groan as they saw the smirks on the bat ponies, but he could not help but look at Moon. “You do know I could have answered him?” Stride said as he feels the ache in his body resurface, making his groan some.

“I know, but I really haven’t thanked you for letting me on your bunk…” Moon said while blushing as she heard how she said it, making her look away. “But know this, I’ll return the favor, in one form or the other.” She told him a toothy smile on her face as her white fangs show. Stride could not help but grin as he took his leave, seeing the bat ponies give him, ‘You lucky stallion!’ looks and gestures. He could not help but shake his head as he moves outside, the morning sun burning his eyes a bit as he and his fellow recruits were outside. And again, they were split up to train specifically on their strengths and their weaknesses.

Stride was an excellent trainee at that time and sure enough a big chunk of news came to them when the afternoon came. “A wedding?” “Really? At this time and age?” “Do you think it’s Princess Celestia?” “What? I heard it was one of us being married.” are the hush and the comments, many of them Royal Guards passing by as they send their own gossip about. Stride could not help but snicker to the idea they do this when mares do so on a daily basis.

The day moved nearly uneventful, until the official announcement was made. All the Royal guards and the current trainees were moved into the courtyard as up above a white unicorn with a dark blue mane with a sky blue streak stood, his armor, excluding his helmet, showing his rank. It was none other than Shining Armor, the newly promoted Captain of the Guard just Last week. 

“All Royal Guards and trainees are to be vigilant and prepared for anything.” He spoke, his voice near booming as he kept his speech going. “We are warned of an imminent threat at the coming days, so I ask you all to stay alert and be ready.” He said and sure enough his horn glows a faint pink and a large surge of magic shot through. Many of the Guards watched as a barrier started to build itself and with it encasing the whole of Canterlot in a protective barrier.

Many of them were in awe, yes, even stride as magic of this kind of caliber required a massive reserve of magic and energy from a pony. They look on but return their gaze to the Captain as he resumes. “Until the situation has been averted, this barrier shall stay up, dismissed!” He said as he moves along inside the barrier. Again, the Guards were started to mumble and murmur about the events. Stride, being himself shrugs it off for a while as he sees the pinkish barrier shine strong.

He could hear from the others about this turn of events. “A wedding was planned and now this?” “Odds are it is related to the wedding, it’s too much of a coincidence…” and many more continued but they had their own training to do and the wrap up only made them more tense as it is. The day ended with more murmurs and gossip in their meal time but this did not really interest Stride anymore than needed. As he made his way to his bunk ready to get some shut eye, he saw that it was still occupied by a certain bat pony mare.

He could not help but sigh but flinch back up, seeing Moon open her eyes, her golden eyes, showing such a glow even to the lit room. “What was all that noise?” She said, a bit groggy. She perked up seeing Stride. “It was the Captain announcing very weird news about danger lurking nearby.” He said, sounding less impressed about the warning as it is. Moon nods some as she rises from her bed. “Well he sure woke me up with that fritz of magic casting… it was annoying…” She said as she got off the bunk and with it stretching herself.

As she did so, Stride had a very open view of her slender and very well proportioned plot… He gave himself a mental slap in the face as he close his eyes, sighs first and soon composes himself back with a snort, only to open his eyes to a slit golden yellow. He flinches and moves back, caught in surprise by the mare who smiles on. “Hehe, can’t believe you flinch so easily…” She mused as Corporal Plane sight enters. “Okay, Bat Ponies, outside, your trainer Shadow Step is going to give you your shortened training regiment.” He said and looks at Stride’s group. “Then rest, get some sleep…” He said as he leaves our sleeping quarters.

“Well, I’m going!” Moon said with a smile, a very wide smile, even as she went out, she kept looking back at Stride. Stride could not help but feel that she might have attached herself with him… But he shakes his head, removing those thoughts. “I don’t need this…” He told himself but his buddies kept snickering about the whole scene. Clearly, getting the only mare to notice you in their group was not left unnoticed. He groans and grumbles as he lies down and tries his best to sleep.

The following week was uneventful, training with and without the bat ponies, him and Moon sharing the bed, whether he gets on the floor or not, the bunk bed still not replaced, which Stride’s back complained constantly. But then little details seem to be appearing at odd intervals. This was not unnoticed by Stride as he looks to all the ponies, the guards that seem to constantly patrol the castle, the increase in perimeter guards and also the odd activities of their appointed Captain.

“Guys, have you heard, Shining Armors still having some annoying headaches.” Said one of his buddies and sure enough they chatted about until Corporal Plane Sight went and told them all to put a lock on their mouths. That can be done with a conjuring spell that he knows how to use greatly. Stride and the rest of their unit soon was back in training, nothing out of the ordinary, though the bat ponies had the day off, which was spent resting within the living quarters for the rest of the day.

They all continue to practice while they hear the wedding event from up above them. “Well, it sure is nice we get an after party-party.” Commented one of his friends, enticing a chuckle from them all as they were still trainees, but part of the Royal Guard who, unfortunately, had to protect the castle and Canterlot before they get to do anything. They were all busy with the training that they did not notice the increasing buzzing noise.

Their attention was soon taken as they heard gasps and screams from the city, and the blackening of the sky. “What in Celestia’s name?” Their Corporal said as they all look up. Their eyes went wide, their pupils surely shrunk as they saw the mass, the numbers of the danger that they did not notice until now. The barrier their Captain had conjured now shook violently as if it was actually fragile all this time. “Get your weapons now!!!” Corporal Plane Sight said as he dashed to the nearest weapon rack, spears were their most trained weapon but some short swords were around.

Stride made a dash to get a spear, handling it with his hooves. Many of the Royal Guards took their position; the Guards at the city were galloping back to the castle. It was strange, but many of them knew somepony in the castle was really the source of the problem, in fact, it was Shining Armor’s barrier, so it must mean, something bad was happening inside. They all knew it, and somehow, they all knew there was a fight coming.

The Barrier shook and shake, cracks forming, fragments falling as if the glass done of magic was weakening at a fast pace. The black forms, insects in their eyes, black all over, an empty blue of their eyes, some with green and a whole many of them had green torsos. But what greatly made them noticeable were the many holes on their legs. The Guards huddles together, keeping themselves in a defensive stance. Sure enough, the cracks grew too big, the holes continue to grow and sure enough, the barrier fell.

The mass of black insects bear down on them. The sound of buzzing was annoying to their ears. They came in swarms, flying buzzing and even landing. Many of the insects got down on their level; others were flying about, taking down many other guards who were not in formation. Stride, in all his life, felt himself fear, their numbers large, nearly large enough to cover Canterlot. “Steady!” The Corporal shouted for them as the other Royal Guards at distances were having their own problem.

A lot of them started to keep them safe but the most anyone can say was. “We should have gotten armor for this.” Which made them, the trainees, do a collective sigh which only fueled the insects to smile wider.  As they did so, they can hear the panic outside the walls, the other guards moving about in their attempt to keep still. It was unsettling, very unsettling. Here they were huddled in a defensive circle, unicorns, horns glowing, Pegasi, wings flapping slowly but prepared as they fly up above their group and the Earth ponies, keeping to the ground, their strength an asset in the fight.

Before anyone can give themselves an order, the insects’ horns glow and within moments, they all changed within the circle of green flames and there stood a number of them looking like them. Gasping and not grasping the situation, the fakes took this moment to charge which caused their group to scatter in the confusion of who is who. Stride was no exception as he saw the many of his buddies shout grunt and even try bucking anyone. Spears were gone from their hooves from the initial push as they careened back.

Stride was bucking anything near him, his horn glowing a bright crimson as he fired his spell, intent on getting anypony, who ever. Sure he can hear many of his buddies and many of them were out of his sight. With grunts and heart pumping tire, he found himself at a door towards the castle. He moves inside closing it, and moving a chair to lock it temporarily. HE was taking deep and long breaths, taking himself some time to recover. That was when he notices the hallway.

“The Lunar Guard!!!” He shouted some as he quickly made his way to their sleeping quarters. “Everypony wake up!!!” He said as he moves to Moon as if she would listen to him. With a groan from the mare he shook her fast which made the mare angrier now. “What is it!?” She said as she hissed at him, her eyes sending daggers at him. But right now Stride cannot really pay that kind of attention to her. “Moon, I know I woke you up, but you need to wake the rest of the bat ponies!” He said.

“Why should I?” She said, her tone a mix of glad he’s talking to her and a mix of anger that he woke her up in a rush. “Changelings!” He said as he looks at the door, hearing the buzz moving about. “What? Them? Please they are just made up creatures to scare-” Before she could finish the door bursts open as a group of three changelings appeared. Stride, in his near panic and frustration hit all three with one blast. “Not just Foals but even grown Ponies!!!” He shouted as the rest of the bat ponies in the room awoke with the door being open, the buzzing noises and the fact that Stride was shouting.

Moon, in all her haste got to her feet. “All of you wake up!” She said, even growling at the rest of her kind as she moves to see in the corridor. What she saw was a mass of black insects flying in swarms outside from the door Stride came from. “We have Changelings! All of you get up I’ll wake the rest of them!” She said as she flapped her wings and flew out. Stride gallops after her, moving beside her. “I’ll take the west Wing! You take the East!” He shouted to her as he gallops. With the turn coming up, they soon split up.

It took them time, as Stride and Moon had to fend a few Changelings of their own, waking the rest of the Lunar Guard and the bat pony trainees. Sure that that was everypony; they all flew out, with one galloping out, to meet with the opposition. They all stare down at the mass of insects that were still moving and flying about. In the distance, screams of terror and fright still linger as the remainder of the Royal guard gather. Many wounded and others now being placed in cocoons that hang from the trees, the castle walls, all in plain sight to show what they are capable off.

With a growl from most of the Lunar Guard there was a sudden pause, the calm before the storm. The changelings were smiling as they found that even with reinforcements they can still win. But for Stride and the rest of the guards, they still had hope to outlast them so. Then, as if an invisible and mute horn, did the battle start. Both sides charged at one another. Stride galloping with the remainder of the Royal Guards as Pegasi and bat Ponies flew over them.

In a flash of the battle, there were hooves connecting to bodies, magic striking anyone, head rammed against many. It was a pile of battle as black met white and purple. The battle was quick to escalate as Stride did his best not to hit a fellow Guard. It was hard, there were changelings everywhere, it was surreal. He looked right, his hoof raised to hit a changeling in the face. He points his horn beside his friend, striking it down unconscious.

He was so busy with the fight that he was getting into the zone, as he wanted to say and that was when he heard her. He heard Moon shout in pain, distress. Somewhere, deep in Stride, something snapped. For the short time he had been with Moon, letting her sleep in his bunk bed, for the many times they both looked at each other, the many times they blush being called a couple, it finally made him realize something deep down in his heart. “Get away from her!!!” He said, in his tone of rage, his heart pounding with rage, blood boiling inside of him. He gallops, head lowered as he kept a barrier in front of him, turning it into a ramming weapon.

As he races through the mass of battle, he finally saw Moon down on her side, no other Guard near her as she looks desperately around, three changelings about ready to strike. The sight made him find strength through his anger as he plowed down one of the three, the second he took down with a hoof and the last he shot with his magic. He looks down at Moon, seeing her in tears as he lowers down to tend to her. “Are you hurt?” He said as he looks at her form.

She nods a bit and tries to move her one foreleg. “They bit me there…” She said with worry in her tone. “I can’t feel it…” She added. Her one statement made him angry but he stayed close to her, body trying to ease up with her, his heart pounding this time, not with adrenaline from battle, not from rage from the worry, but with calm, as he felt like there was a tinkle of hope raining down on his small form. He can feel the magic starting to light up, brighten up and even shine. “Everything will be fine. I’m here…” He said as he looks at her. She returns his answer with a smile and with a slight flinch.

The battle somewhat stopped as a building power moved and surged ready to burst. “What is that?” Moon asked to no one, but Stride can only stare up into the bright magical energy that was about to explode. “Some good news?” He joked half-heartedly as the power erupted, the wave cascading the whole area and with it, the changelings, screeching, screaming and even gasping as they were thrown with the magic acting like a power field, forcing them to careen over Canterlot and soon over the horizon.

As the power soon fades did the Royal Guards, both who were captured and those who were still in the battle field, and the Lunar guards cheered in victory though there was a sinking feeling of dread and negative in the area.
The day after the wedding of Princess Cadence, the Niece of Princess Celestia, and their own Captain Shining Armor, clean up was in order, repair work was done to the city and the castle. While many were still frightened about the whole ordeal, the Royal Guards are the ones who have been affected the most. In a miraculous turn of events, no one was killed from the ordeal, nor were there changeling husks anywhere.

The unfortunate thing about today was that many of the Canterlot populace had given negative responses to the actions of the Guard. Though many still say it was for safety to keep them, the Royal Guard was clearly humiliated from this ordeal. Shining Armor was not around to hear this but many of the Royal Guards, some Lunar Guards had resigned the moment the clean ups, the repairs and even the medical treatments were done.

This was a mighty blow to the Guard as evident to the many frowns there were. Regardless of those who left, many of the Lunar guards still find it proper to leave a last report concerning the whole event. The superiors, who were present still, with the exception of Shining Armor, saw that many of the reports described Stride and Moon. This got their attention immediately and the two were summoned for some questioning, but was postponed further due to Private Moon being injured.

In the infirmary, many of the guards have been released from their medical treatments, others resigning on the spot or after being treated. Stride, took his time visiting Moon. As it turned out, the changelings had fangs that really can match a bat pony’s. He kept a smile on his face as he trotted over to Moon, who was resting at her bed, leg inside a cast.

Stride could not help but stare into the mare. Sure they started off rough, his back in constant pain and his mind making second meanings with the many nicknames his buddies and the bat ponies in their quarters about them both. Strange enough, he could not help but smile about it. Moon was sleeping, silently and peacefully when Stride arrived. He looked at her, finding her form cute and beautiful against the rays of sunlight, in contrast to her deep violet coat and night blue mane.

He could not help but smile as he stares at her. His body relaxed and calmed, relieved even as he watches over her. The medical staff did not question him nor hinder him from visiting Moon as they heard the reports and rumor and saw the two fitting the descriptions, but then they also saw how cute they were together.

Stride looks one, his smile plastered into his face as he kept looking at Moon. His heart skipping a beat or two but he did not mind. “So… this is how it is…” He started to think to himself. “You fell in love with a bat pony… Wow, love, you sure are something and Random even.” He thought, chuckling lightly. “Who knew, the mare that I’d get to fall for is the one I offer my bunk to. Sounds cliché but worth it.” He ended as Moon started to stir. She groans a bit as he opens her golden yellow eyes, the slits of her eyes looking deeply into the orange stallion.

There was a pause, the air silent, no such breeze between them. There were so many things to say to one another but then, there was not much time. Stride kept smiling as he looks at her, until he speaks up, “Hey…” He said, acknowledging her. Moon could not help but smile back at him, looking softly at him. “Hey…” She said with a smile, a toothy grin on her face.

After the whole ordeal, nearly half the Guards were gone, many were of the Royal Guards, and some were the Lunar Guards themselves. Few of the trainees remain from all of this. The days past and surely, once Moon was out, they were called in to be questioned, not about being part of the coup or the fact of their insubordination but about something else. “Private Stride and Moon, you both have acted against your trainers and the command of a superior officer in the crisis that occurred days ago. You both have gone and disobeyed orders when the enemy arrived.” a stern looking Pegasi Pony said, Warrant Officer Wing Strike.

He looked at them both, seeing the looks of their faces, though stoic at the moment; still gave slight twitches and blinks from the two ponies. “Now, As a superior officer I must punish you both for such irresponsible behavior. But, I will not.” He continued, seeing the two give a wide eyed response before returning to normal. “Due to the reports of many of the Guards, at the least, the Lunar Guards, you both have shown up to wake up said guards in the dire need. For that, I shall skip your punishment and return you both with a promotion…” He said, his face not contorting to smile or frown as he gave his more neutral look to them both. The two ponies look at one another as they heard him…

____________

The door finally finished creaking, the sound, thought very much little, finished with the door clicking shut as the form, in the darkness, stood. He could not see who it was but then, the only indication from where he lay was the golden glowing eyes that shine in the darkness, against such little light.

The eyes shone brightly, showing concern, a softness of the heart, but deep down, there was a predatory look, a sharp and very lust-filled look. The sight made him shiver, as if the eyes can see past his mortal body and look right into his heart, knowing full well what he wanted. His heart was racing, his body mature and ready, as he looks at his visitor of the past nights.

That was then it started to move… her hooves clopping against the floor…

> -3- Slow Steps
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the darkness of his room, Stride kept himself prepared and vulnerable. His body was warm under his coat, his skin crawling with unease and unsure whether to finally act. Through recent events, he had his visitor come and go, in his own room, like a stalker, looking to seize him as its own. Though he admitted it was a breach of privacy, he could not help but enjoy it.

He could hear her hooves clop slowly, him as prey, his body sweating some as she took her time. Yes, it was a she, as he has known on the first night he awoke in the middle of the night with her on top of him. He stares at the golden eyes dancing in the darkness, as if orbs of light that floats with grace and demand attention from the only audience it had. He can feel himself parched, the lust emanating from it sent towards him. He took one gulp, making it audible for them both.

The form slowed ever so more, her eyes closing slowly, as if grinning at him. She knows that he was aware of her presence and her plan. His mind continues to register that this is bad, but with the nights before, he could not help but just let it all go. His body started to relax, a sigh escaping his lips as he rests, trying to calm his nerves, his thoughts and his growing erection through all of this. Strangely enough he listen to her slow but very dominant steps, every sound she made, sent shivers through his spine as he remembered once again the events of his continued promotions through the petition he and Moon made.

_________

After the events of the wedding and the weeks that follow there was a dwindling of recruits and Royal Guards of both shifts. The citizens saw the Royal Guards as frauds and untrustworthy for their safety now. The wedding really took its toll on them all as the citizens kept a frown at them all. Still Stride continues his work as his and Moon’s actions within the wedding catapulted him through the ranks as if the higher ups also stepped down immediately.

It was another bright sunny day, Celestia’s sun now shone brightly up in the sky. Stride and Moon had been given promotions, and really it was surprising. First recruits, then privates and now they were sergeants. Still that did not change the fact that the Royal Guard was marked unreliable. The Guards were nearly half their numbers now and the recruitments were dwindling each day.

As weeks turn to months, the guards continue still on their training and job of protecting Canterlot and the two Princesses. Stride sighs as he moves along the castle hallways. His body encased in the enchanted golden armor that all Royal Guards don. His was different, being a sergeant. As always, the armor had a chest plate that shows his Cutie Mark, A large “X” on his armor stood, though the reason for this was another story. His head dons his helm, covering his head and mane, though leaving enough room for his eyes, mouth, nose, ears and horn out. His hooves were within the armors greaves as many would want to call it that. He gave out an audible sigh while he strode along but smiles to his side looking at his companion, his lover to be exact.

Fellow Sergeant Moon was moving beside him. Her smile radiated with confidence and beauty. Her armor was very similar to his, though modified to fit a bat pony, with wing clasps for her were much little, though longer, the torso also sported a midnight purple and shades of dark blue color, it was fitting on her own purple coat and her own Cutie mark, which was in fact bat wings held open to an open air, custom made onto her own chest plate. But surprising of all, was her helm. This was shaped to fit her slender more rounder head as mares did not really have a bulky look, the fact that when they were fitted showed how a stallion’s helm differs for the female.

“So, do you think it’s another batch of ponies to join?” She asked with joy and feminine beauty. It was no surprise to Stride about her change. “Not really, I just hope we don’t get tossed over the top again with the negative press.” He spoke back, his voice more rugged but confident all the same. They continue their pace headed for the meeting room.

Through the past days, both Stride and Moon were growing closer and closer bonding and staying together. After having experienced the wedding fiasco and the declining numbers of the Guard, they kept themselves close and very friendly. The change in their attitude was exponential. Stride, being the top and the cocky one among his fellows soon was speaking with confidence, his personality softer, though stern still held peace with his tone of voice and to top it all, his patience grew longer as he stayed close to Moon.

Moon’s change was also very noticeable. Ever since the wedding, and their time when she was in the infirmary, she had lost her sudden anger fits, her temper dialed down and her tone became softer, more motherly even, the fact that many of the guards suspect that Stride and Moon were deeper in their relationship only made the image grow and their love to meld strongly together. Both ponies chuckle as the rumor spread, but they were not complaining, it was evident that they were an item. Stride wanted to keep it under control once their careers stabilized but Moon was not so easy to keep it tight.

At the first instance when mares were more common to see joining the Royal Guard, Moon was not hesitant to smile and respond to the mares and their questions. They ranged from questions to complaints about the living quarters for the mares and the evident curiosities of the younger that wanted to know, were they really more than just a pair, more than just their special somepony. Moon was smiling wide when she can only answer what her heart called for, “Yes, I believe the negative reactions that begets the negative description about us were to be expected. So… why not let them have some news about two sergeants making wedding plans?”

She joked with him, her smile growing as she glances his way. “You want to make it official? I’m sure we can schedule something.” He said in a joking tone, trying to avoid her sight, looking away from her. “Oh no! I’m not having another one of those parties in my chambers.” She joked back as her counter was effective as Stride flinches out. “What? I didn’t mean like that…” He said with a bit of blush on his face. “Oh? So you were suggesting something more… private?” She said, her grin still strongly pasted on her face as she leans closer to him.

“Not really… I just thought of sunset watching and moon gazing to be an appropriate way to ease and cuddle up after the wedding.” He said caught surprise with her aggressive response where he stumbled with one of his ideas for their honeymoon. Unknown to him, Moon was blushing as she shook back into position, no longer leaning near him. “W-well, I might just agree to that mild idea…” She said with a cough or too. Both ponies smile as they look at one another. “You know I love you…” Stride answered back to her. “I know that and I love you too…” She spoke back, smiling lovingly at him. Their eyes locked in on one another as they stared and walked their way to the briefing room. Many passing guards and castle workers saw them with smirks and giggles at the lovely couple.

The air around them became awkward but at the same time lovingly warm as they both had blushes on their faces. Before they could continue they arrived at the door, some murmurs muffled by it. He opens the door for her and closes it behind them both when they entered. Within the room were many of the higher ups or what’s left of them at the least. About a dozen and a half were accounted for as they waited for the Captain of the Guard, Shining Armor.

“I hear it’s a new mission for the Captain.”
“Please, nothing ever occurs these days, unless Princess Celestia sends her student.”
“I wonder what the Bearers were doing when the fiasco occurred.”
“Shining Armor sure is taking his time…”

The mumbles and murmurs and the little hush came about as their numbers were not as impressive as it came to be. Soon Shining Armor took his position, once he entered making many of them flinch and straighten up, hooves raised to their to salute the Captain. Shining Armor strode looking at them all, seeing the four different Ponies in the room. “At ease.” He announced as they all lowered their raised hoof.

“I have been informed that recruitment is still coming along slowly.” He started making a number of them glance around, looking if anyone is to respond to this. “I also have been informed that yet another article has been made about our own line of work, leaving more questions for us to answer about the events of my marriage and the appearance and reality of Changelings.”He said sighing as he can hear his fellow officers sigh about that as well.

“But back to the matter at hoof. I have been ordered by Princess Celestia to the north.” This sent gasps from a few of them. “Through recent events and intel, the Crystal Empire, thought lost for a thousand years, has resurfaced and I have been ordered to investigate the newly found city.“ That was when many of them, including Stride and Moon to gasp and start to talk amongst them.  With patience, Shining Armor let the officers to quiet down for him to speak up again.

“This would mean I shall be unavailable to command and take my position here. Though that is true, I leave you all to continue training and doing your job to the fullest. That is all, dismissed!” He announced last as he took his leave. Many of them left wondering why such an order was given to him, though they know he was going there with his wife. Stride and Moon looked at one another. Stride was raising one brow while Moon just smiles still at hm.

“Well, better than hearing just bad news.” He said with a smirk as he started to leave. “True, I can see him being stressed out with his wedding being the center point of the depression the Guard is now having.” Moon answered back with a smile though sighing in the end. Stride escorts Moon outside seeing the training at the training grounds. As usual, many of the recruits seem reluctant and their numbers unimpressive as of late.

“Do you think we’ll see the Royal Guards in pristine condition as it was when we joined?” Moon said as she looks at all the ponies who have enlisted, finding more mares than stallions now. “You mean more stallions surrounding the castle with stoic looks and ample numbers to brighten the day?” He said with an attempt at joking but the growing frown on her face said otherwise. He took a cough, knowing he made an error. “Okay, my mistake. Still, if you want to see the Royal Guards back to when we entered, we can always petition in a change of training programs to better ourselves and the troops for the future.” He said with his tone wavering as he was making his thoughts on a whim.

His suggestion, though wavering at first, made Moon think and the thought passing through her like a shock to her system. “That’s it!” She said looking wide eyed at Stride who responded the same. “What’s what?” He asked as he was unsure about the idea that was coursing through his lover’s mind. “We can change the whole training program!” She said with a smile, hugging him in her excitement, planting kisses his way. “That’s a great idea!” She squealed in delight acting younger all of a sudden. Stride could not help but smile and hug her so, accepting the kisses. “Well, let’s get started with the petition and the training program we want to introduce.” He said to her, smiling at her as he hugs her back.

The two quickly retreat to Moon’s room, which was oddly spacious than his. The two soon were busy making plans, studying on both the possible opposition that may appear to threaten the castle, Canterlot or Equestria in general, they thought up of specific training schedules and work ethics with each pony type opting them both to agree that grouping all unicorns, pegasi, bat and earth ponies like they were before was not efficient enough.

They agreed splitting the types was the optimal choice though not time efficient was well worth the training ideas once they finish basics. They had a lot of tomes, books and even a board in Moon’s room as they continue to think and to brainstorm. Of course they still attended the usual drills and looking over the troops, which wasn’t eventful but still essential in their line of work and to gauge the current reactions of the troops when they introduced their plan to change of drills.

They took their time in planning out the petition and the program plan. This however did not go unnoticed by the troops and the castle workers. The troops were commenting that Sergeant Strider looked weak and sleep deprived than he lets on, his ruffled sky blue mane while orange coat was in the same predicament was one indication and the yawns he keep giving. Moon fared better than him but still shown fatigue with her yawns which snap the Lunar Guards as her having a rough day, which they think was her and Stride rutting in bed. The unfortunate thing was they didn’t take that step yet when the two slept in Moon’s bed tired.

Of course the couples finished their petitions in weeks. They have heard what occurred up north, Shining Armor and his wife, Princess Cadence, were now the new rulers of the Crystal Empire. Though it seemed like their Captain would be out most of the time, they waited patiently when the new prince of the Crystal Empire would arrive to Canterlot to act his own rank, regardless of his new status, once again changed.

That day came with his visit as the two were in a room standing proudly though nervous still as Shining Armor, flanked by 1st Lieutenant Cloud Drop, a Pegasus, and 2nd Lieutenant Strike, a bat Pony, review the petition and the training program they produced within the weeks. All of them had opted to remove their helms, the room not that cool. The two lovers stayed as still as possible though looking at one another in glances as the Lieutenants grunt and gave different facial expressions about the plans. Shining Armor on the other hoof, was looking at all the plans with a solid expression, not showing any outward sign.

The two lovers were holding their breaths some as they waited. Stride could not help but think they have done the plans wrong, or at least the mistake of missing a page but Moon kept thinking positive about this as Shining looked to be reading everything. The two Lieutenants were now done reading, their expressions carrying a frown as they looked at the two ponies before them. A moment later, Shining Armor was done reading through the papers and looked at the two.

“Any thoughts about these plans petitioned to us.” He started. Cloud Drop started, “Well, it sure shows how thorough these two looked at the old program.” He answered. “It also suggests separating the specific types of ponies for the sake of training them all together for maximum awareness of strength and weaknesses. As much as it can be suitable for the future, it still cannot help us with maintaining the protection Canterlot needs with time being an enemy of sorts.” He responded his thoughts. Shining Armor nodded to his explanation and looked at 2nd Lt. Strike for his thoughts.

“I agree with the Lieutenant. Even if there are merits to this, I see that the plans beg to ask time. This is not what we need at the moment. We are scarce as it is and only extending the time period for training will not change the current situation but overly tire our troops.” Strike answered as he gave the two a stern look. Both lovers stayed put their faces changing from nervous to near panic looks, eyes wider than they were before and everything else trapped inwardly.

“I see…” Shining Armor answered, trailing deep in thought. The two Lieutenants stayed put, unsure of what Shining Armor can say about the plans and the program. “Have you two implemented this to your units as of these past weeks?” Shining asked looking to the both of them. “Yes sir!” the couple answered as they regained their composure.

Shining Armor looked at the guard inside with them. “You! Get the mock skirmish reports of Sergeants’ Stride and Moon.” He ordered and with a salute from the armor clad pony, trotted away to get said plans. This caused mixed reactions from the remainder occupants in the room. “You can’t be serious?” Strike said as he looked at Shining as if he was near crazy. “I have to agree with Strike here sir, why are we to look at the records?” Cloud Drop added.

Stride and Moon looked at one another, unsure of how to react now as Shining Armor kept a stone look on his face while not answering either Lieutenant. In a span of minutes, the guard returns with two saddles of paper, one for either squad. Shining, his horn lighting up in a reddish pink hue, levitated the saddles off the guard, who returned to his place. Shining soon checked on one of the groups of paper.

This group of reports had Stride’s squad, consisting of more unicorns than the other two types of ponies. The Lieutenants sigh as they checked on the reports themselves only to find themselves slacked jawed for a second. This caused the couple to look one another in wary looks. Stride’s squad had successfully won every mock skirmish, from complete victories to one-on-one combats. What was surprising of the reports were how his squad won over the lunar guard AT NIGHT! This was the most notable info as that was just two days ago.

Shining then looked over Moon’s squad, finding them faring just as well as Stride’s even in broad daylight as the report said. The Lieutenants on either side of him were speechless, the reports shown positive and more than naught, near perfect results. It was then that Shining Armor had a smirk in his face. Everypony in the room stood and waited for his verdict. Stride was sweating even without his helm from the intense atmosphere that started. Moon was in a similar nervous level with her lover. She felt her armor tighten around her, near constricting as she looks at the Captain.

With an audible snort from the Captain of the Guard, he looks at the two sergeants and their plan. “Based from the reports of your practice battles with the squad under you, which is 3 weeks of recorded and reports from both soldiers and other squad leaders. I find that your petition shall be accepted and the training program to immediately change and implement these plans.” He said flatly as he was sure an opposition would occur.

As expected both lieutenants protested. “But Captain, implementing it now seems a hassle.” Cloud quickly opposed. “The soldiers will not take this kindly.” Strike added. The one other Guard with them sighs with worry. Shining kept his stoic stance and looked to both his lieutenants and at the couple. “If we do not change the regiment, even if we were prepared for the danger, my wedding proved that we were easily shocked to see the danger and freeze in our hoofs. I have chosen to take this as a means to improve our own selves and to make the respect and the favor of the ponies of Canterlot.”

Shining finished as he started to take his leave. “Sergeants, you two best get some rest. I expect your squads to start with the program and any new recruits will be briefed by you two before they are given to their respected program.” Shining continued as the room speechless but breaking in cheers within seconds as Moon leapt up, wings open wide. Stride could not help but smile wide and smile further when Moon caught him in a hug, kissing his cheeks, which made the two smiles at one another.

Shining gave one audible cough, snapping the two ponies back into place, faced riddles with a shade of red on their cheeks. “Now you two, save it for when we leave. I know love is a beautiful thing but Guard rules states, no relationships in the open until 4 months of service. And since I recall my wedding was 3 months ago, I expect you two to dial it down a bit.” He said smirking. The two lieutenants sigh in defeat as Shining Armor’s call still held authority over their own and thus they quickly gather the petition, the contents and the training drills and program, “dismissed.” Shining said last as he and the two lieutenants went their way to both record and implement, and the guard leaving the couple alone. 

The couple smiles were still plastered on their faces. “We did it Moon.” Stride started, looking over to his lover. His ruby eyes shining brightly with joy and satisfaction that Shining saw their petition and accepted the whole thing. “I know!” Moon added, her topaz eyes looking back at him. The two were still in an embrace as they were left to be. “Wow… I felt like sweating a pitcher when they kept looking through the notes.” Stride said as he sighs and snorts with relief. “I know, I wanted to just cuddle you close when they would say no…” Moon said, her worries gone with the verdict given to them.

The two smiled at one another as they lean close, their lips locked as they savored the moment of relief and their bodies heated up. They kept their positions, as their mouths did the talking for them. Their tongues entering one another, tasting each other, moans escaping their lips as they savor the moment. The pair was in victorious bliss, distracted greatly. Stride’s tongue, enters hers oral depths, glazing over her sharp fangs but it did not hurt him, just entice him so that they were celebrating. Moon was taking her time, basking in the kiss they were lip locked. They loved each other and it only strengthened that their combined efforts were realized.

But as any kiss, they had to break away, letting in air for them, both light-headed due to their intense kissing. They were both out of breath as they look at one another. Their eyes stood still looking at the other lovingly. “So…” Stride tried to start, “Let’s celebrate?” Moon butted in, finishing Stride’s sentence. “Okay, wine would be nice with a balcony view of the sunset…” Moon added, which only made Stride chuckle at an instance. “I’m sure my room can provide that.” He said as they soon were starting to leave. “I hope so, I want to discuss about wedding plans.” She said, making Stride look at her funny as they left.

“Moon…” His last words as they left their relationship only changing greatly as they found out, Shining was more than impressed than they thought.

___________

Stride stared at the glowing golden eyes dance about, the moonlight very dim but bright enough to let the slit golden eyes look at him. The visitor’s steps were no longer coming from the floor but were now on the bed. Her form was now over his, the eyes closing half-way creating an alluring sense come off it. His breathing held as he waited for something to happen. But unfortunately for him, he knew who his guest was on the first night she invaded him, his room and took a chance. The visitor soon lies on top of him, her body pressing warmly on top of his, his hard erection pinned between his belly and hers. She moans, between a feral growl and a seductive hiss as her form shivers over his, her form hotter than the previous visits.

Up close, he can feel her hot breath, breathing down on him, her mouth very near his shrouded in the darkness. His hooves stayed sprawled on the bed and inviting the mare on him to rub her front hooves over his cheek and his sides. “Ready for me again?” She said in a mix of aggressive but sultry need in her tone. Unlike his lover who had a calm and very caring tone, but one thing was certain in Stride’s mind on the first day this happened to him.

“Yes,  Moon.”
> -4- Weight
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Yes, Moon.” Stride, the orange stallion spoke back with a whisper and a bit of care and warmth. His answer was directed to the owner of such golden glowing slit eyes that at first was half close but open wide as its owner gasped. “What? How did you-?” She tried to say but the words leaving her lips while her hooves removed themselves from Stride’s body and on the bed. The pressure on the bed evident that ‘Moon’ was about to leave when his horn glowed in crimson. Immediately, the glow banished the little shroud of darkness and allowed a radiant glow of crimson wash over their faces.

In a gasp, the face of a bat pony mare was evident and with it the identity of his late night visitor revealed to his eyes. Moon, his lover, his fiancé was looking back; ready to bolt, even when her identity shone. She was embarrassed, finally caught in the act of being her own husband’s late night rump. She was inwardly panicking, as she tries to step up her wings flap open as she tries to remove herself, embarrassed.

Stride, knowing the signs of his lover’s move, quickly hooked his front hooves around her neck, preventing her from leaving only increasing her panic. He knew her well that she won’t stop without a fight but he can only smile further. Moon was more focused on being caught that she did not notice her head being forced down by the hooves behind her neck. The two were locked in sight and with the continued descent, their lips meet, lips touching lips. Stride smiles within it, snorting happily while Moon sighs, the kiss being the universal sign between the two of them as calm down and some other more private meanings.

It was then that Stride and Moon, could just remember the moments, the many moments they shared such a kiss, their mouth warming up as they felt one another’s emotion, slipping past their lips and their tongue dancing in between them. Both ponies were moaning as they were locked in kiss, the memories flowing in.

______

“Yes!” Moon squealed as she planted a kiss on Stride’s lips, her hooves wrapped around his neck, forcing him closer to her. Her heart was excited, her mind boggling on many things about their future. “Ask it again to me, please” She added, planting more kisses on her stallion, barraging him so on his lips, cheeks and neck.

Stride could not help but smile, a bit taken back by her reaction but it was expected. His right hoof hugging her close as she continues to plant kisses while his other hoof held a simple purple box and open to show its content. “Will you please stop kissing for a moment for me to ask you once again?” He pleaded, though smiling still, kissing back when she were kissing his lips.

Moon stops, abruptly though excited still as she kept her smile, wide as it is. The two of them were at Stride’s balcony, looking over the sunset, though not yet out of the horizon, the two were celebrating their recent promotion, now lieutenants. The fact that their new training program resulted into more positive praise for the two from both the higher ups and the Captain turned Prince, Shining Armor through the recent months. 

It was sudden that they became warrant officers just weeks after their program was implemented, though not surprising with the depression and the low esteem of the guard. Their petition was one victory, but through it, they gained multiple new victories along the way. There were now an equal ratio of stallions and mares, which increased the gender awareness in a matriarchal society, the Princesses agree that is a new sight to behold. The increase of activity of the guard, as their training proved to improve their self-esteem and their overall image within Canterlot and finally gaining back the respect of the ponies, even from other towns and settlements of Equestria.

Stride and Moon had worked their squads in tangent, opting to make good relations with Royal Guards and Lunar guards. The added bonus was the increase in the friendly and pair-ups of bat ponies integrating with the society. This only fueled the two to look at their new found love to be a stepping stone to understanding as bat ponies were thought wrong with the misconceptions. Still, there were sights of bat pony stallions courting mares within the castle and out in public.

Stride’s contribution was forming new magic spells, though not that extensive as it was. His specialty with magic was focused most at illuminations. The ‘Light-Reflect’ spell, still working on a proper name, made unicorn ponies essential in many night time duties. The spell worked both to illuminate the area, dimly but at the same time, it had an increase effect on making any other thing, pony or otherwise, looking at the caster for a period of time will cause any onlooker's eyes to glow in the darkness, which costs many nocturnal predators a slight fright and temporary blindness.

Moon’s contribution in line with the bat ponies were making sure her kind had less herding amongst them and of social flexibility. The fact that the bat pony mare were the ones hunting for stallions prove that they were interested to find what they can explore in  what a unicorn or an earth pony can offer. She also made positive progress in changing the misconception and to further add trading routes to the Hollow Shade, a cave town they call home.

Moon moves back, smiling wide still, her fangs shining against the orange glow of the setting sun as she waited for Stride. Stride could not help but smile back as he looks down at the box. The box contained a simple purple bracelet that can fit into a mare’s hoof but the gem that was imbedded on was Topaz, not the usual Diamond. Still he leans close to her, raising his one hoof, with the box and he started.

“Moon Glider, bat Pony of my dreams. Will you marry me and make me the happiest Stallion there is?” He said, voice toned down, adding an attractive effect of emotional suspense and love that he wanted to project to her. Moon was beside herself, tears streaming slowly in her eyes as she looks at Stride, her response a bit held but still, she could not help but look at him. “Yes! Hoof Strider. Yes, I will marry you!” She said smiling wide as if the second time he asked was still just as powerful as the first.

The two were once again in a hug as Moon planted kisses after kisses on his orange cheeks and neck. Stride could not help but keep smiling as he kisses her back. The two stop, eyes locked to one another as they paused. Their love had blossomed so well that it was surreal. He was an ordinary orange coat, sky blue mane, ruby eyed unicorn stallion and he won this mare over when he offered his bunk to her. Moon felt the same, the purple coat, purple mane and topaz yellow eyed bat pony mare could not help but shed a tear or too.

Stride smiles, his free hoof wiping her tears away and hold one of her blushing cheeks. Moon returned the gesture, by raising a hoof to his cheek; mirroring his while another held his hoof closer to her, balancing with him. Soon the two were inching closer, the sunset reaching its end as the rays of light start to dwindle and the orange sky turning slowly to the night indigo painted with stars. Their eyes close as their lips met, soft against the other, their breaths warm as they kept their love. Their bodies respond to stay still, the kiss deep with so much meaning for the two, their hearts racing inside of them.

They savored the moment, moaning to one another’s lips, nothing special, not tongue or even a glint of move from the two. Stride felt joy and happiness waffle his form, body shivering a bit as the warmth washed over him. Moon fared just as so, her wings flaps open wide, spread so that she may look like an angel of the night.

The two finally stop, Moon’s wings tucked. Both gasping for air once they parted, the two forgot to breathe in the climax of the moment. Still the little rays of orange made both ponies look at one another. Both returned their hooves to the floor but Stride kept one raised as the instructed for Moon to give one of her hoof. Without an audible comply, she raised her right hoof, offering it so to Stride, where he slipped the bracelet on her.

As he finishes, he tucks the box away in a saddlebag behind him and look at Moon. She was admiring the engagement bracelet and looking at the gem on it. It was not that big, but it was not that small, it was sized well enough that you would notice it first before the bracelet. Stride wanted to speak further, their silent celebration only interrupted when he gave out a very loud and strong yawn.

This made Moon look up at him, giggling at him, making the stallion blush even when the bright light was gone. “Well, better get some rest Lieutenant.” She said though a trail of giggles followed. He could not help but laugh lightly with her. “We’d best rest, I’m sure you want to show that rock to the mares under you.” He said opening the door for her to enter.

Moon bows and nuzzles Stride before entering and for him to close behind him. “Are you going to plan the wedding?” He asked her as he looks over his armor finding it still in display, beside her own set. “Not now. Recently engaged is in my mind right now” She said as she looks over to her armor, starting to take it away. 

“Well, why don’t you sleep with me tonight?” He asked her, looking at her so. Moon stops, thinking about his offer. She smiled a bit as she looks back at him, her eyes shining a bit in the darkness. “You know what? I will take that offer.” She said, smiling as she trotted over to the bed, diving on it, and her hooves quickly stealing one of the two pillows on the queen sized bed.

Stride could already see himself sleeping with such a mare. He takes his time getting to bed and under the covers as Moon kept the pillow near her snout, nose smelling the aroma of Stride. “Hm… I just now realized how attractive your scent is…” She said, sending a growl at Stride. He was taken aback a bit by that response but found himself lying down on his side, facing her. “Well, that’s the first time someone told me that.” He said as Moon took her spot, lying down facing him at her side, the pillow in her hooves now at her head as she rests close to him.

But before anything, Moon looked through the bedside drawer and fetched a special ball with a sizable hole that ends within it. “Don’t forget about this!” She said as she moves the ball up and at Stride’s horn and she made a popping sound as if concealing a hole on the tip of his horn when in fact it looked like a tennis ball got stuck on the tip of his horn. “Really? Do you need to add the popping sound whenever you do that?” He said to her, raising one brow as he looked up at himself, the tennis ball visible in his line of vision.

Moon could not help but smile at the joke like sleep accessory. “Well, it makes up to remove half the laugh I have at seeing you like that.” She said, giggling at him. “Besides, don’t want to poke your fiancé’s eye out now.” She warned sarcastically as she lies down, hugging him close to her, head resting at his neck and her pillow. Stride could not help but just smile, a hoof above her, keeping her safe with him. “Good night beautiful…” He told her in a whisper, kissing her forehead as sleep was more important now. “Good night… my handsome stallion.” She whispered back, licking his neck some. The two were resting comfortably, making their love solid through sleep.

The next few days were not eventful, unless you accounted for the flocking mares, all four kinds questioning the superior officer who had a shining new accessory with her armor. “Yes, I’m engaged…” Moon happily announced to all of them as she raised her hoof, showing them the bracelet. Many of the girls look in awe, others giggle and sigh, a few felt like drama queens who wanted their stallions to do that to them. Even the bat pony mare were wondering how they would fare when they found a stallion similar to Stride.

Stride was having a similar thing happen to him. The stallions were smiling wide, grinning even as they congratulate the lucky stallion. “Okay, who told you all that?” He said, trying to act stern though his face kept a very happy smile, negating the effect as this earned him a many laughs from his soldiers and the remaining few who were his fellow recruits. The news spread quickly, thanks to mares being the mares that they are, gossiping inside when off duty though serious and stoic when on duty.

Still, the news quickly spread, from one soldier to another, stallion or mare, to the castle hoofs, to the chefs and even to the princesses who were happy to hear such romance even in a serious area of the castle. Though, Princess Luna had known for some about it as she can cross to the dreamscape and find the two dreaming of each other.

As the few days ended, did Stride and Moon took pleasure in cuddling and nuzzling in either lover’s room. True to their love they have started to plan the wedding, though at most times, Stride was kept in the dark about it since Moon insisted she work on it. Still, it was a good day for him and for her, their love moving to the next step as it were.

____________

Unfortunately, as all newly engaged couple’s fears and of course taking the next step without their parental notice was the greatest oversight they have ever done. “My parents are first!?” Moon said with a wry smile and somewhat shouting in their now shared bedroom. Due to the gossiping antics of the mares, news was quick and arrangements were done in swift fashion. To say the least the two were sharing the queen sized bed, in Moon’s original room, as Stride opt to move in with her, so to speak.

“Yeah, I mean, my parents are easy going and I thought, a lot more reasonable for the stallion to meet the mare’s family first.” Stride explained as he was confident his family and parents wouldn’t mind him skipping on them being in the know of his relationships in Canterlot. Moon looked at him, a bit disdained about his suggestion. “But you have no idea how my family would react.” She argued trying to dissuade him from his idea.

“Oh, and what can make your parents react badly to me?” Stride said with confidence and with a smug look. “React? More like what they’d do to you. They are the ‘pure blooded’ bat pony kind of parents!” She said somewhat screaming, her hooves flailing above her as she tries to inject how bad the visit would be. She even planted her hooves at her face as she tries to hide herself under a pillow, flank raised towards Stride.

Stride, as much as a stallion as he can be, knew well enough about the ‘pure’ bred idealism most ponies have, especially Earth ponies, who wanted a farm based family, Unicorns, wanting to keep their aristocratic status, Pegasi, keeping themselves airborne and within Cloudsdale but for the love of him, he does have a hunch it has something to do with keeping safe in the Hollow Shade. “Come now Moon Glider, I can’t have you chickening out on me.” He told her taking a hold of her tail, tugging it with his teeth lightly, dragging her whole body to slide against their bed, messing the covers greatly.

“No! I will not allow you to meet my parents!” She protested under the pillow, muffled a bit but understandable still. Stride could only sigh as he sees his soon-to-be wife was making it difficult. “It’s just a visit, I’m sure they can… understand given time.” He said with tone caring and persuasive as he can muster. “Understand, they won’t learn to understand!” She said, popping her head out of her cover to stand upright and right in Stride’s face, eyes watering so.

Stride could tell, this will be one serious and emotional subject as he stayed still, keeping quiet and looking at her. “Look, Stride, I love you and that’s not going to change. But my parents, my parents are too thick minded and their thoughts locked in the past.” She started as she wipes her tears away, sniffing a bit. Stride moves closer, hugging her so. “Well, why don’t you want to go? I mean, visiting home is something important, even if your family disagrees with you.” Stride tried to debate and reason with her but only to strengthen her persuasion to deny leaving.

“Stride, you have no idea what a bat pony’s lifestyle is.” She said looking up at him, as her lover looked and listened intently. “The bat ponies have always been loyal to Luna, and waited for her to return from her banishment. We are ponies of the night, we always were. We live in caves, ones found in mountains and such. The Hollow Shade is the only major settlement my kind has prospered in recent times.” She said remembering her home, dark as it was, even when there were two cave entrances to act like a pathway to and through their home.

“But what you don’t know is how me, mares in general are. We are allowed to be free like any stallion. We are all a close community, knowing who is who even in the darkness. We recognize each one of us like one big family. Though Stallions of our kind are welcome to do as they please, the Lunar Guard for example, they can be allowed to marry any mare, regardless of what type of pony they are. Mares, we are forced to take the burden to keep ourselves from taking any stallion from any other type. They say we are the only ones capable of keeping our kind alive and it was through this stone cold rule that we mares are to take a stallion of our kind without question or bring shame to the family.” She said, again, her eyes starting to water, the predicament she was in greatly resembled her shame that is to come to her.

Stride took the details she said, keeping it deep in his mind, knowing full well to keep quiet, to listen to her and wait for her to finish as he kept close, nuzzling her affectionately. “Thanks…” She said as she sniffs once. “I was in those family, I have three other siblings, one older brother, and two younger sisters. My older brother was caring and soft-hearted, and it was only thanks to him being the only male my parents did not ask questions nor did they force him to act like the rest. He’s already taken a mare, an Earth pony if I recall. Still, that did not change their opinion of me and my sisters. They taught us our role, my mother even, supporting our father.”

She said as she hugs Stride closer, wanting to forget but she knew very well, that he needed to know. Her heart was beating painfully as the memories of her past acting like scary images. “I was the eldest and of their daughters, I always felt the blunt of their teachings, their expectations. It was too much for me, but I knew I needed to endure it for the sake of my younger sisters. But as time grew so did they start to realize I was being hard-headed. I was a rebel, one thing they did not need. Of course they can tell that I did not want to. But enough was enough and I ran away…” She said while the tears in her eyes once again stream down her face, flowing greatly as she remembered hearing her parents shout out, saying that she has shamed them, though the love they give was based on their expectation of her and not of her true self.

She cried some, her eyes water and such spilling from her cheeks onto Stride’s own coat, matting them both on the trail. Stride kept close, his heart painful now, feeling her emotions etch its way into his. Now it somehow made sense but so did it make him wonder, did her parents know her accomplishments now. After a few hiccups from Moon, she continues once more, her front hooves hugging Stride more, sinking her face into his neck. 

Her body shivering, “As I ran away I joined the Royal Guard, wanting to prove myself and to my parents I can achieve anything beyond their old ways. But as I did, I notice there were not that many mares and I was the only mare in the Lunar recruits. Do you remember the first time we met?” She said, her voice though shivering was still smiling as she looks up to him.

“I do Moon, you were easy to anger, you were always defending yourself as if you proved you can handle it. Yet the first night we met, I gave you my bunk…” He said to her, kissing her nose waiting for her to answer. “I really proved that I was not one very interesting mare, yet you were kind to me… even staying on the floor just so I can lie down on your bunk. Why?” She asked as she never did ask this before.

Stride could not help but smile at this. “At first, I was thinking, ‘what kind of mare shouts about bunk arrangements when we were all tired?’ Of course, I was tired and I thought you were one hot-headed mare, but then my tired brain told me, shut her up, give her your bunk even. Just get some sleep.” He said, making special voice over his brain and the thought. This earned him a giggle from Moon. “And look where it got us?” He added, smiling down at her.

She could not help but smile and giggle up to him. “Yeah, at first I was thinking, this male wanted to just get into my good side, but seeing you take the floor without a second thought, and you directing me as any other mare and not a special pony. It made me think, this is what I was looking for… a life where I don’t have to be seen as another mare of the bat ponies, but another guard.” She said happily, the tears quickly drying up.

The two stayed together, not letting each other go but of course they needed to sooner or later. “But Moon, that was such a long period of time. I’m sure your parents would change by this time?” Stride said arguing with her some as he looks down at her. Moon, giving a bit of annoying growl looked sharply back up at him. “Darn it Stride, why did you have to ruin the moment!?” She complained to him, pouting a bit. “Come on Moon, We were in the headlines, in the paper as honorably mention soldiers who reacted as needed in Shining Armor’s wedding, we gained fame inside and within Canterlot for providing the renewed training program and now, we are both Lieutenants, with juicy news about us being a pair all this time.” He argued, making Moon looks away, thinking about the options that could possibly happen if her parents heard any one.

After a long pause, silence in the room as the two lovers waited. Moon was debating within her own mind, the choices, the consequences and even the conditions now as she made up her mind. “Fine! We can visit my parents but.” She said before Stride could cheer and kiss her. “On two conditions, you have to let me take the reign of the relationship, sometime in the future.” She said sternly, and her eyes flashing of hunger at the orange stallion which Stride can happily nod to. “Second, if my parents say that I have shamed them, you will have to kiss my flank ‘sorry for doubting you’ for the rest of the day, in our room, when we return.” She said while making sure she got her point through. Stride went wide eye with the conditions but smiles nonetheless. “I agree to the terms. When shall we visit?” he said, looking at the clock nearby, seeing it was past 7 and the skyline outside dark, the moon shining in the sky.

“NOW!” Moon said, her renewed vigor taking the wheel as she started to make plans. Stride could not help but smile, the day they visit her parents will be one interesting trip.

_____

In the early time of morning, even before Celestia would raise her sun, the coupe were taking a train ride to the eastern section, thankfully, it wasn’t a long ride. The second stop was near a small town by the Hollow Shade, who welcome all ponies and the birth place of most bat ponies today. Stride and Moon disembark their train; Stride levitating their only luggage with his magic and draped them on his back as both were large enough to act as saddlebags. Many of the ponies at the station looked weird at them, having worn light armor, akin to Royal Guards who were sent to the frontier sections of Equestria.

Though many whispered about them, the pair was not actually on duty. Moon certainly looked worried some but the condition about her lover to kiss her flank for the whole day seem to enlighten her and strengthen her courage for the matter. Stride was not really fazed though worried that him and her being here may affect Moon greatly, the fact she was looking and darting her sights at onlookers may have something to do with her worry.

They soon move about, leaving the station and entering the village proper where ponies of all kinds were moving about, them arriving late morning to see the ponies go to their works and plans for the day. Though the sight of two Royal Guard ponies, one orange unicorn and one on edged bat pony made them gossip among them. “You seem about right with the closed community…” Stride whispers to his lover as she looks at them, seeing some of her kind in the crowd or so.

“Well, this is one of them; my community is more closed than this.” She answered back to him as they passed the small village, the bat ponies look on, those who work in the day, stare with wide eyes and gasping under their breath. Nearing the edge of the settlement and into the dirt road, one bat pony flew fast, circling the two, wings flapping with near abandon as she blocked their path for one second. As she landed, she looked, wide eye, checking on Moon the most.

Stride could not help but feel this is the first wave of bat ponies to recognize Moon though odd to see this pony’s cutie mark was a white leaf. Moon was in a similar state of mind, looking at the bat pony, unsure about why she was there. Then with a voice, near a squeak of youth, though a trail of near marehood age, she asked, “Moon? Moon Glider?” She said, her body trotting slowly to Moon. Moon was stunned as to who can recognize her so quickly.

“Yes…?” Moon answered, treading lightly as she does not want to start a conflict this early in the morning. “It’s me… Meadow, sister” She said, her eyes shining brightly, with joy hearing ‘yes’ escape Moon’s lips. Right then and there did Moon realize who this pony was, “Meadow? Meadow! Sister!” Moon shouted as the two bat ponies, purple as they are, rushed into a hug, wings flapping with joy and bliss as the sisters giggle and squealed with delight. The two spun as they hop and hop, flying off the ground a bit as they soon finishes within minutes of a time.

“Moon, it’s so nice to see you again!” the sister cried as she looks at Moon with care and affection. Stride could tell this is one of Moon’s younger sisters as Meadow asked with sister in abundant. He chose not to intervene in the sibling hug as Moon and Meadow traded kisses at each other’s cheek. The two were in such joyous content and when they were done Meadow glanced and saw Stride staying in place.

“Oh my, Moon, is that your… special somepony?” Meadow asked her eyes wide and curious about it. “If I tell you… will you keep it away from dad?” Moon asked her younger sibling, who in fact made the young mare raise a brow. “Why should I?” She replied catching both Guard pony to look at her in wonder. “Why? I know dad very well to be against us three getting somepony that’s other than our kind.” She wondered at her sister, checking to see if this really was Meadow.

Meadow took the hint of worry and finally realizing it. “Oh! You don’t know, right, I forgot, we never did send you a letter.” She cried with a tongue out and playful knock on her head. “Dad, will be overjoyed to hear you came back and with such a stallion. He and mom both were devastated when you ran away. They practically froze and stopped, thinking if they did that to me and Lucy, we’d run off too.” She said with a smile.

Moon was caught off guard by this revelation that she can nearly just cry, hearing the news. “That’s good to hear…” She sniffled some as beads start to build in the corner of her eyes. Stride took this moment to comfort his lover, leaning close to her and rubbing her tears away. “And he’s mighty proud of you…” Meadow added, this time, surprising the two Guard ponies. “What?!” was their response.

“Come on, I’m sure he and mom will be glad to see their daughter a Lieutenant of the Lunar Guard!” She cried happily as she turns about, looking back at them, smiling still. Moon could not help but smile as she and Stride walked on following the young mare. “How did you know?” Moon asked her younger sibling as they made their way on the dirt path and towards a mountain with its base open wide for a cave.

“Right, news quickly gets to us sis. Come on, we are near Canterlot to know the happenings to it. Surprising to say you were given honors, even for a recruit in that wedding some several months ago.” Meadow mused about, wings flapping with joy as she kept her smile plastered onto her face. “But what about your Special Somepony? Who is he?” Meadow added as she looked to Stride, upwards a bit as the stallion was a bit tall but slender and not that bulky due to his pony type as unicorn.

“I’m Stride, I’m Moon’s special somepony.” He answered though not yet ready to spill the engagement status between him and Moon. At his mention of his name did Meadow stop in her tracks, making the couple stop as well, behind her so, but very near the cave entry. “You wouldn’t happen to be, no it can be you, you’re Stride, the Lieutenant of the Royal Guard!” She exclaimed as she dashed between the two catching them in either of her hooves hugging the two.

“I did not know you dated him, I thought it was all the presses’ idea of a Royal Guard affair but to see you two here and admit to being each others’ special somepony. Oh, wait till Lucy hears about this.” Meadow said excitedly as she moved the couple inside the cave only for Stride to gasp at the sight before him.

Inside the cave was not just a tunnel but a near hollowed out mountain, the chamber was wide, big and cone-shaped. From the walls, ground to top, were other caves, acting like sections for homes as bat ponies lounge or were flying about in the extra space. But what caught Stride’s attention the most was the dimly lit crystal that hang from the ceiling, its faint white-blue illumination keeping the cave visible but dark enough that the bat ponies would not be blinded.

His awestruck look, looking up with his mouth hanging open caused the two sisters to giggle, making the Royal Guard lieutenant to cough, blushing under his coat, in embarrassment. Moon smiles seeing her lover in such a spell was rare to see, though she has seen him stare at her flank when they bath together. “So… Where is your family’s cave?” Stride asked, seeing that the bat ponies were now looking at him, the only eye sore in the dark lit cave full of bat ponies.

Meadow giggles as she flaps her wings, body now flying off the ground. “I can show you, but then how are you getting there?” She asked as she starts to ascend higher. “I have my way there.” He replied as Meadow could only shrug, leaving for the cave. “I’m sure you can, wait here while I land, then you can do your thing.” Moon spoke with Stride about the accommodation and the obstacle before hoof. Stride did not need to respond as Moon made a flight up the many caves, surprising many of the flying bat ponies with how fast and how precise she was in her flight.

Stride concentrated, thinking to himself for a moment, tracking the anchor of magic he placed on his lover’s forehead. He knew his teleportation spell well, as he has kept this in case of emergencies and his first anchor will always be his lover. With his eyes closed, many of the on lookers were wondering what the unicorn was planning, their own yellow slit eyes staring at him. Stride can feel their eyes, watching and somehow piercing his body. His focus detected the anchor still and that was his cue. His horn glow a faint crimson and within moments, he casts his spell, with a pop, soft but sudden he disappears from where he stood to stand beside Moon in the cave and it was just then that Meadow arrived.

“What? Unicorn spell, I really forgot about that.” Meadow said in her midflight up as she landed next to Moon’s free side. “I’m so glad you’re back sis. I can’t wait to see mom and dad’s reaction.” She added. “I’m home! Lucy! Mom! Dad! Guess what I saw today!” She said trotting forward into the cave section the Glider family lived in. Moon gave a slight blush on her side, a bit nervous and unprepared, wings tucked tighter than her supposed armor. Stride took his time, trying to calm himself, looking at the décor in the cave.

True, they live in a cave but still, it had essentials. There was a dining table, cupboards in the same cave section to store their dry goods, some photos that were visible and hanging from the wall, small sections of the cave with the same glow crystal from the main chamber and they were in fact in the living room and dining room section. Stride wondered if they have cooking items in their home since these caves are home to bat ponies and living harmoniously with a village for the train station, while being a farm productive society today.

As the shouting for the Glider family came, out from one of the hallways was a young filly, trotting out and looking excited! “Meadow! Big sis! What is it? What is it?” The filly, who Stride knew as Lucy, quickly rushed through and hugs Meadow’s forehoof. Her enthusiasm to being a young sister was not unnoticed, nor were how she looked, surprising Stride greatly.

This filly, though a bat pony, looked like any ordinary filly. She was small, stature relatively thin and soft to the eyes. While she had a blank flank, she still had that undeniable energy all young foals had. This made the Stallion smile, seeing himself with such a rambunctious little thing as his daughter. True, she may have a light coat of indigo and black mane and tail but she shone innocently with those clear blue eyes.

Meadow and Lucy hugged one another and sure enough a new set of hooves were walking and nearing the living room. Then came a more lovely and motherly tone, with a dab of aggressive love from said hallway, “Oh Meadow, what did you see?” The mare asked as she popped out first, her eyes closed with a smile on her face. Evidently, a bat pony mare came out, this time lean in body structure yet keeping obvious mare features such as slender legs and a rounder snout. She looked as though she has trained all her life yet not in the way Stride and Moon trained, yet it was odd, her coat being a dark shade of blue and her mane and tail was an alluring white with a hint of silver.

Then came a more aggressive tone, deep and demanding though soft at the after tone, “I hope you aren’t making up another coltfriend.” This time a sturdy looking, stoic bat pony stallion came out. His form gave off authority yet care as he trotted into the living room, his coat a misty purple, near similar to Moon’s but his mane and tail were an equal faded purple as Moon’s confirming he was Moon’s father, though his eyes gave a menacing blood red slit eyes.

The family’s appearance rendered Stride and Moon choose to stand in their position. Moon was more embarrassed, her body shrinking, not really wanting to see her father while Stride was worried he might make a bad first impression. Once the family gathered did the filly notice the couple. She first stared at Moon, intently as if identifying her which only made the filly smile wide, showing her canines. “Big sister, Moon” She shouted in joy, innocently as she literally zipped past Meadow and nearly tackles Moon, making said mare winded for a second though catching the mare.

Moon walked forward as she saw the family so. The parents flinch and quickly look to where the youngest went and saw that Lucy hugged Moon tightly. The mother started to cry, now showing her golden yellow eyes, a forehoof covering her mouth as she wanted to cry. The Stallion’s response was his eyes going wide, irises shrinking some his surprise evident.

Meadow chose not to hug her sister some as Moon’s eye started to water, unsure about her parents’ response. Meadow’s mother took the lead and quickly cups Moon’s cheeks, looking down at her, checking her features and such. But after a slight check, “Hello mother…” She trailed as the mother and daughter shared a hug, both mares crying their eyes out. That was until they broke away that the father, a bit shaken but nonetheless looking serious stared right at Moon.

Moon shook once at his sight, unsure about her father’s look. She knew her father before and was now unsure about now. “Dad… I-” She tried to start but was surprised as the father quickly hugged her, front hooves wrapping to her neck, his snout resting at one of her ears. “I’m sorry Moon… I’m sorry I forced you away….” He whispered though his little hiccups of cries were evident as the whole family was in a heap of tears. “Dad… really… I’m sorry too.” She answered back, her own hooves hugging her own father warmly.

“No, no, I was at fault first. I was pushing you too hard. And look where that brought you, into the Lunar Guard, Lieutenant even… but now that you are here…” He said, still having some tears trickle slowly, down at his face, his own heart, no all of theirs beating in a pained but joyous at seeing her. “Welcome home Moon.” He finally said, with a smile on his snout and before anything the Glider family went into a family hug, their own lives reconnecting, rebuilding some. They basked in the familial love, taking in the warmth as they held one another. The moment being savored as Moon, for the first time, since she ran away, the months she left were filled with worry about her family, even when she was loved by Stride, but now, now she felt complete, her confidence rebuilding and her own mind made up.

As the family broke away from the group hug did they try to wipe their tears away until the mother saw Strider, who stood still at the scene letting them finish. “Oh my! Moon, you brought company.” Her gasp made the family look at the lone unicorn in the cave. Now this is where Stride felt like shrinking as he seemed like the one left out. Moon smiled and the father was looking at the Unicorn sternly like this was unusual for her to do so.

“Quiet a dashing young stallion Moon.” Moon’s mother added making Moon blush and Stride, though his was hidden in his orange coat. “And who might you be?” The mother inquired now, the father staying put looking at the stallion skeptical still. Stride bowed a bit. “Good… day Ma’am, I’m just here escorting Lieutenant Moon Glider to her home of residence.” He said with a smile, making Moon look embarrassed that he said that first.

“Oh really? Then you are just about to leave?” Moon’s father added as he recognized the unicorn stallion from somewhere. Stride shook his head, “No sir, I am to stay with Moon as we have agreed upon, prior to arriving here.” He said with straightforward and a gentlecolt stature. Moon’s mother was taken aback by his response. “Prior to your agreement? Then who are you to her?” She asked which made both parents raise their brows some.

Moon chose this time to trot over beside Stride and lean close to him. “He’s my fiancé.” She announced which made a large pause of silence for the Glider family. The father was staring his brows lowering starting to close his eyes in anger while the mother kept her eyes wide, even Meadow’s followed while Lucy cheered in joy, disregarding the silence. “Yeah! I have another big brother!!!” She cheered trotting close to her sister and her fiancé. “But who are you?” The filly inquiring more so to Stride’s identity to the family.

Stride smirks wide, Moon smiling still. “If you have news about Moon being Lieutenant, then I am sure you have heard of the article about Lieutenant Moon having an affair in the Royal Guard.” He started, which the mares and the stallion nods slowly. “Well, I am Lieutenant Hoof Strider. And I am your daughters Fiance.” He answered to all of them. HE looks down at Lucy with a smile. “You can call me Big brother Stride.” HE said with a smile on his face, the filly cheering with joy hugging his neck.

At the revelation, the parents gasps, Meadow included, at realizing that they have read that recently and now were relax, fully aware who they were talking to.  The father gave a very wide grin about it while the mother, could only stare at the two seeing them together now makes perfect sense about their love. Meadow could only feel envy and joy for her sister. “Nice find sis.” Meadow answered snapping the whole family.

“Okay, Stride I haven’t introduced to you my parents.” Moon started moving him along to her parents. Sure enough Moon and Stride look at the parents with smiles. “Mom, Dad, this is Hoof Strider, or Stride, my fellow Lieutenant and fiancé.” She announced happily, freely telling her parents so. Moon looks back to Stride. “Stride, meet my father, Blood Glider, and my mother, Moon Gaze.” She said happily, inwardly sighing of relief as she was happy to let this weight off her chest.

“It is a pleasure to meet you two.” Stride bows once more to the two older ponies. “My, such manners, I believe our daughter may have caught herself the perfect stallion.” Moon Gaze said with a wide smile looking up to Blood. Blood was smiling, finding out his daughter AND son-in-law to be Royal Guard Lieutenants to be such high honors. “Yes, and I am happy to say you, Moon, have made me and your mother proud. Forget about the old rules that made you hate us so. I feel that you have just made this family more proud than ever before.” Blood announced happily.

Moon could not help but smile and smile, eyes watering a bit but with Stride beside her, she could not help but look on with joy, her family accepting Stride. “Now, about your stay… will you two be staying in Moon’s old chamber?” Moon Gaze asked with a smile, sending a message to the pair. She received Moon’s embarrassment and Stride’s intrigue as response. The mother took the latter response and guides the couple to Moon’s old bedroom.

Turning into one cave entry to another they soon were in another small cave, an alcove where lies a white four poster bed with mattress and blanket, though the size was only good enough to fit one and a half a stallion’s size. “Now it isn’t really much, but we did fit a bed here.” Moon Gaze said proudly. Moon moves slowly towards her old bed and surprising enough it looked clean and… new…

“Mom… why is my bed well kept and maintained?” Moon asked checking over said bed, finding the mattress wholesome through the months and not even a speck of duck on it yet as the faint glow crystals that litter the walls made good enough lights for Stride to look over said bed and notice that there was nothing odd about it, it was dry and cool, no speck of dust to feel.

The couple looks at the more mature mare as she smiles warmly at Moon. “Well, when you ran away, your father and I were furious at first. We thought that you were to shame us with taking in another pony or something, as that was the more obvious reasons, but for the longest time, He and I thought hard about… everything.” She said near solemnly but still keeping it heartfelt.

“We thought things over, and thought hard about what you said storming off to who knows where. Of course, we didn’t know you joined the Royal Guard, after the wedding fiasco and seeing your name along with another recruit, you were seen as heroes of the moment. We took pride over that and well, we thought, ‘What if we broke a few old traditions? Today is an entirely different era’. Your father and I saw you smile wide and proud. We too felt proud and with it, we were the first to, break away from the old ways.”

She said looking at Moon more now Stride keeping himself back, the family moment came back. Before Moon Gaze could continue, Blood came by. “And that’s when we started to change our neighbors and the whole of Hollow Shade. It was also that time we fixed your room and kept it as tidy when you decide to come home, though we doubted it, as we knew you hated us for forcing it to you.” He said standing beside his wife.

“But it did help our cause when your articles came about here, news of your work and your continued effort in Canterlot, from the Wedding Invasion, to the Royal Guard promotional catapults, the Royal Guard training program and finally, the Lieutenant of the Guard having an affair with her fellow Lieutenant.” Blood said with a smile on his face now as Moon and Stride grin with confidence and bit of embarrassment that they did so for the press to avert their attention from the near downfall of the Royal Guard.

“So here we are you two, REALLY engaged and the romance in the press no longer a rumor.” Moon Gaze finished as she looked at Moon smiling warmly while Blood kept a sharp but very approving look at Stride. The young couple could only smile at the older couple. “Thanks mom…” Moon said, trotting over to hug her parents. “And for the record… I forgiven you two months ago, I was just worried that you two were still the same…” She said that made the parents look at the only unicorn in the room. “Well he is a keeper…” Moon Glider said making the younger retort, “Don’t hit on my soon to be!” The room erupts with a round of laughs.

_____

Dinner came by quickly, with assortments of meat, greens and bread they ate. Stride was not fazed by the meat in the table, he has expected it ever since he has fallen for Moon, but he still avoided eating it, unicorn, pegasi and earth pony diet were vegetarian, while bat ponies can eat meat and fruits, they still had to consider having meat in their diet.

That was when the Glider family started to ask question after question. Obviously, how they first met, they recounted the events of them having to share a bunk, making the parents look weird at them while the younger sisters make such ‘oh’ sounds. Then the events of the wedding, at first the Glider family thought it was a disastrous idea to ask, but Moon and Stride answered to the best of their ability. How the Royal Guard were basically frozen on the spot seeing bed time stories for foals turn into reality.

The youngest of the family did not gasp about the said realization, she only retorted with a, “I told you so!” a typical foal response about their monsters. The couple added also the incident with Moon, having her left hind hoof bitten, and numb to the feel, also a paralyzing spell that hit her. The parents were at a gasp, the sisters still, the suspense building.

That was Stride’s cue to enter but Moon quickly answered, her explanation in her perspective was funny at first. She said how Gallant Stride looked, when he looked like any ruffian of a pony would be when sent into military school, or in this case, the Royal Guard and how he shone bright like a hero from the battle. That was when Stride stops her so and saying hee just used a barrier spell as a ramming shield and went into her side. They wanted to skip the infirmary event, but Blood was very observant and pried them to admit it.

Moon was bedridden, the paralyzing spell rendered her hind hoof, to be numb and nearly immobile, though she can fly, the doctors told her not to do so or the spell might reactivate with sudden muscle spasms or activity. Stride admitted that that’s when he kept close to her. He admitted it felt right and it made sense, he and she kept sharing the bunk in their sleeping quarters, he and she were closer as he sacrificed his back just so she can keep quiet.

This made the loving couple lean closer to one another, the parents smiling, Meadow and Lucy look with awe. The two composed back, from the love spell and continue retelling their petition ideas, explaining it to Blood most of it as he was interested in hearing how this would change the outcome. Sure the results were evident but Blood wanted to know how to better himself and protecting their home more.

The storytelling finally ended with them promoted to Lieutenant, the marriage proposal and them visiting the mare’s family first. All in all it pieced together what time the Glider family missed with their eldest daughter. But one question remained in Moon’s head. “Mom, where’s my big brother, Fang?” Thankfully the response, Fang is busy living with his wife. This caused Moon to smile as she was informed further that they told him just now about her visiting and he was available tomorrow morning. The mare was happy to hear, Stride kept smiling for Moon, seeing her now express her emotional conflict with her parents gone and now she was getting excited in seeing Fang again. They excused themselves from that point and now the two were resting down on Moon’s bed, though Stride was the one resting on the bed, belly up, while Moon was resting her own belly against his.

____

“That was one interesting dinner… Though I missed lunch…” Stride said as this was the first time he’d slept in a bat pony home, though this looked more cave with some bit of Equestrian influence with the bed. “Just calm down, we aren’t really going to do anything bad…” She said while she rests her head against his neck some. Stride’s front hooves hugging her warmly as the glow crystals start to dim further the moonlight somehow slipping within the cave cascading a very calm and cool atmosphere for the two.

“Wow, never knew that this happens in your home…” Stride said with awe, looking the room and for some unknown reason the room lit affectionately with moonlight, as if seeping out of the wall but the moon not visible in their sights. “The Glow Crystals help you adjust quickly.” She responds cooing into his coat. Stride was smiling but was a bit suspicious of the cave-way?  His horn glows for a moment, which was noticed by his lover as she looks up.

“What was that?” She asked but Stride did not answer that, “So, my parents next?” He smiles looking down at her. “You did not answer me, but yes, you family next…” She said looking at him with a wonder but she was feeling naughty right now, a bat pony thing for when they sleep, they need to be exhausted to sleep properly through the night since their natural sleeping time was before the morning until the sun has set.

“Do you feel like being dirty tonight my stallion?” Moon asked, her tone turning girlishly sultry, as if she wanted to entice him so. This caused Stride to blush in the dim darkness of night but his response was off putting. “And cause your parents their own love session in the pathway?” He whispered the last, making Moon’s eyes grow, her yellow eyes bright, pupils shrinking as she looks at the path way. “Mom, Dad, don’t eavesdrop on us!” She spoke angrily and embarrassingly as she kept her look at the one entryway of her room.

Evident enough there was some soft trotting and slight hush as evidently, there were more than one who was eavesdropping on the couple. The two lovers stayed quiet, waiting on when they were now alone. But the bit of excitement, caused any further suggestive love copulation near impossible. “Great, now I’m sleep and embarrassed…” Moon complains as she just rests her head on Stride.

“Hey better than having them both there, just a stone’s throw away from us doing it for the first time.” Stride answered back as he rests on the bed so. “Don’t worry, my parents will be more proper about it… using a spell or too.” He chuckles, Moon following with him. “Yes, I can imagine that now…” She said half asleep as the two rest easy, their minds tired about the emotional typhoon that was family acceptance and realization that mid afternoon.

Meanwhile the older couple could not help but smirk at Stride being aware of them. He rest on  the bed with his side, belly pressed at his mate’s back, all the while making a slow but very precise motions of his body thrusting more so into his mate. “Stride’s very sharp…” He comments into a whisper, his flanks bumps prominently against Moon Gaze’s flanks. “Oh! Yes, he’s very… cautious about things, but… best to be so…” 

Moon Gaze answered back, her pauses were for her to silently gasp, snort and body heated up now, her lower lips quivering as Blood kept his pace, his own stallion of a cock thrusting in her parting her lips so, not making a sound of their love making, a feat of continued practice. “Yes, I’ll be happy to call him son.” She added before keeping herself silent her orgasm building fast. “As do I.” Blood answered back as his cock thrusting deeper still in his wife’s heated crevices of marehood.

The older couple make silent moans in their activity, though before they can continue clopping was heard, their hearts cold and sinking as if they were found out, about their love making under the cover. “Mommy, Daddy, can I sleep with you… A changeling may be under my bed…” Lucy said fearful right now.

The parents could only smile and fetch their youngest, their love making halted, stalled and cancelled all at once. The two sigh but help Lucy rest between their shoulders, though their flanks were still connected. “Yes, sleep tight Lucy.” Moon Gaze said, kissing the filly’s head some while Blood hugs them both. “Ah, the sacrifices we make…” He said in a reminiscing tone. “Yes, those two are nearly just like us…” the mother answered, cooing softly. “I was the rebel then…” Blood said with a smirk.

The Glider home became silent this night, the moonlight, though indirect, cascaded over the family as they slumber. Outside the other bat ponies start their night, making rounds and taking the night shift of the nearby town of their home, the Hollow Shade.

> -5- Passionate Kisses
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Stride and his fiancé awoke in her bed, with nothing happening that night in her cave, he could not help but find her cave of a room… cozy but dark. He opens his eyes with a bit of difficulty. He wasn’t exactly adjusted for the dark luminescence of the glow crystals. He slowly took his time, getting up, but not before he shook his fiancé, Moon, the bat pony to awake with him. The topaz yellow of her eyes looking at him as if he was in broad daylight, while he was lost in a cave, so to speak.

“Morning beautiful” He answered with a yawn trailing behind. Moon could only respond with a toothy smile and giggle at him. Her teeth and the fangs on her shone brightly with the glow of the room, her eyes squinting in joy. “Well handsome, get going, we need to get up and visit your folks next…” She said as she quickly got off him, perky as she was though excited. Stride nearly bolted off the bed with her when she mentioned his own family to be visited next, but he can only smile at her request.

“I knew you would get back at me for this visit.” He said smiling still while he moves quickly to steal a kiss from her, surprising the bat pony who can only moan as she returns the kiss. The two were in the moment of their love until a little filly made her presence known. “Oh! I envy big sister!” She shouted some, making the two flinch, jump a bit, Moon’s wings open still while the two open their eyes large and look at the chamber entry to find Lucy, the small purple bat pony filly smiling and dashing to the living room.

The two gave out a sigh as they made their way, saddlebags on Stride’s back as they saw the family very early up. The large glow crystal in the center of the massive cave of the bat ponies shone brightly though not harmful as if staring at the sun when you just woken up. “And there’s the lovely couple.” Moon Gaze announced, moving closely to the two taking Moon away from Stride, making sure to pass her knowledge to her while admiring the two as they were now clothed with their frontier armors. “Now dear, let them enjoy their time together…” Blood quickly tried to call out but was too late, as the two ladies were in a private talk, Meadow joining in on the two.

Stride could not help but smile at the scene as Blood can only sigh and stood face to face with Stride. “So sir, it was nice to meet you and to find that you have no problems with me being a unicorn and all?” Stride started as he saw the joy and the smirk on his face. “Well, when Moon left in such anger and rage, running away, me and my wife have thought hard about it, but when I first saw you, I felt angered a bit.” He admitted to Stride, with a bit of frown.

Stride could tell this was a serious talk from a father about his daughter. “I know you hated us ponies of the day but…“ He tried to answer back but Blood quickly continues. “But I relaxed myself a bit. After the incident and seeing her with you, I recalled why she did what she did and I really wanted to change for the better.” He said looking at Stride seriously. “I’m proud of her and when you marry her, I will be proud to call you son.” He said this time smiling wide.

The older pony extended a hoof which Stride shook immediately. “I won’t let you down.” “You haven’t, but you’ll need all your luck, with my wife telling her some… bedtime secrets.” Blood chuckles as the two males shared a laugh. The ladies were also laughing in their own little talk which left the stallions thinking hard about why they were in such a state of joy. “I think you are right… but I got magic to back me up.” Stride said confidently as the ladies return to them.

“Oh, it’s so nice to see you and Stride.” Moon Gaze said with a toothy smile hugging Stride and returning to Blood’s side. “Yes, but do invite us to the wedding, we haven’t really seen one of the more Canterlot weddings before.” Blood added, his fore hoof embracing his wife closer by her shoulders. What Blood said caused Meadow to cause a happy daughter scream. “Yes! I’ve always wanted to see Canterlot, Please sister, please have it in Canterlot!!!” This surprised Stride at the younger Glider sister asking them both with such pleading eyes, sparkling even brightly.

The young couple chuckle to the sight of Meadow being in such a thing, which Lucy joined in shouting in her own way as both sisters started to daydream about Canterlot and the like. This made the Glider family’s day and with it, Stride and Moon were leaving with smile on their faces, waving goodbye to them as Stride and Moon got out finding the sun not yet rising in the sky.

They walked smiling still, staying close to one another as they made sure to stay safe but then they really did not need to worry as they reached the small village where the train station was at. “Well, your family sure is a happy bunch…” Stride started, leaning and nuzzling her, earning him a kiss on the cheek. “Yeah, it was nice to find them… accepting and less demanding than I remember.” Moon said her smile saying it all, how happy she was and relieved about the event.

Walking through, the many ponies look on to them, from Earth ponies to bat ponies, they continue their activity until one bat pony stallion made his way with a rush and looking at them, nearly out of breath. “Moon!” Said the stallion, this one looked like any ordinary stallion with yellow eyes but his cutie mark was that of three white gash marks that start from top and ends at the bottom, making a rather odd numbering of three.

At first Moon looked weird at the stallion who knew her name, Stride was also in a state of confusion as to how he knew. Before they continue an Earth mare trotted beside the stallion though complaining a bit. “Claw, don’t you rush out on me when I’m talking to you.” She complained this mare having a bit of age but evidently a large bump on her belly. The mare has eyes of emerald, a pink coat and lime green mane and tail as she stops to look at them.

Upon realizing the bat stallion’s name, Moon’s smile grew and with it shouting proudly, “Claw, big brother!” She said while raising her front hooves and quickly hugging him by the neck. Claw returned the hug, leaving the earth mare to look weird at the new bat pony and at Stride. The two ponies look at one another but Stride could only smile as they waited for the siblings to finish their hug. 

“I thought I missed you when I received mom’s letter.” Claw said as he lets go of his sister and the two staring at one another a smile on them. “Yeah, well, it was only one day of a visit, and nearly a surprise.” Moon answered as she quickly looks back at Stride. “Stride, meet my brother, Claw.” She said as she moves beside the unicorn and moving him forward to Claw.

Claw did not show aggression or a hint of anger at the sight of Stride as he extends a hoof at him. “A pleasure to meet you Stride.” He said as Stride shook his hoof. “The feeling is mutual.” Stride answered quickly and before the earth mare made her presence know. “Don’t I get any attention here?” She complained a bit but Claw can only smile further. “I’m sorry, my wife, Belle Sway.” Claw quickly answered moving quickly to her side kissing her cheek, making the angry mare to relax within moment, finding she was happy and joyous of the affection he gave off.

Stride and Moon look at the two lovely couple and Stride could not help but whisper back to Moon, “We’ll be like that, and I’ll be kissing you when you have the baby bump.” He said with an aggressive and seductive tone as he was sure that made Moon’s thoughts swirl and blush. Claw soon was whispering things to his wife and with it, making the earth mare bat him away, he flank swaying to show the young couple she has no cutie mark, surprising the two.

“So, this is your sister who ran away?” Belle started, looking at Moon with a bright and motherly smile. “Well, I can see some family resemblance.” She comments further before moving her eyes to Stride. “And who is this stallion?” She said calmly. This is when Moon introduced Stride. “Claw, Belle, this is my fiancé, Stride.” She announced happily making the married couple to smile and congratulate the two. The lovely couple was smiling with them and with it there was small talk among them as the four headed to the train station.

“Wow, my sister, a lieutenant…” Claw comments nearly out loud but Belle added, “And marrying a fellow Lieutenant…” Making the two lovers blush against the married couple. “Yes, but I’m interested to hear how you knocked up a woman who has such a life yet…” Moon trailed, thinking hard if she should continue the question about a mood swinging pregnant mare, “Her Cutie Mark hasn’t shown up when she is such a talent, with what she says, her gift wrapping.” Stride finished, sweet coating the inquiry which made Belle smile and blush to his complement.

“I told you dear, no Cutie Mark can change how talented you are.” Claw said nuzzling his wife and looking at the two. “So Claw, since she’s a gift wrapping expert, what are you?” Moon asked, recovering herself from her near question about the pregnant mare. “I work as a courier; I can do both morning and late night shifts of course.” He announced proudly, “but when it’s near the holidays, I tend to help Belle here wrap some presents.” He proudly spoke as the four were now at the entrance of the station.

“Well, I’m glad I still get to talk to you Claw.” Moon said with a smile his way. “You also found a beautiful mare.” She spoke, making the married couple smile, Belle blushing once more. Claw felt proud of hearing his sister say that to him that Stride could not help but add a thought to his growing firewood for the fire of passion they might exchange on wedding night and many more.

AS the siblings said their goodbyes, waving at one another as Claw and Belle made their way back, Stride and Moon could not help but imagine themselves in such a life. “Do you think we’ll be like that?” Moon asked to her side, waiting for Stride to answer. “Yes, though you’d be the one carrying the baby bump.” He made a sly comment quickly getting to the counter after he spoke but Moon had to react, “Hey! I’m not going to be that fat!” She shouts back at him, only making the unicorn stallion chuckle under his breath.

____

The train ride home was uneventful, as Moon was invigorated, seeing the drastic change of her parents and finally feeling the love between them all, it was refreshing and it only made her more excited to see Stride’s parents. “So, where do your parents live?” Moon asked while stride was trying to relax in his own seat. The orange unicorn stallion looked at Moon with a simple smile as his eyes were transfixed on her own topaz eyes.

“Canterlot…” He simply answered her which caused a pause of silence between the two and Moon to think long. It was short-lived as Moon quickly said in her outburst, “WHAT!?” Making a many of ponies to look at them both but quickly look away as they saw two Guard ponies speaking, thinking it was something important to the two and not them.

Stride stayed calm, letting Moon to speak her mind, that was nearly badgering him with such speak. “You plan to meet my parents first when you KNOW that your parents were in Canterlot this whole time? What were you thinking? It would be easier to just go to your folks before mine.” She spoke up, continuing her banter of anger, frustration about the plan her lover made and now as they near the end of their trip, Moon was still fuming with anger and rage, refusing to speak with Stride, who continues to let his wife to be to vent out.

As they depart from the train, saddlebags on Stride’s back, they made a slow paced walk through the familiar pathways of Canterlot. Moon kept her sights to the castle, planning on getting back, unless Stride would just pop his own idea of their detour, then she had no other plans. That was until Stride quickly spoke up beside her to turn to an alley.

This caused Moon to wonder why he asked such a thing, but quickly got angry, thinking, this is going to his parents home. As they do so, they pass by shops, from horseshoes to boutiques. They passed the clothing district and quickly found themselves in the supplies stores and before Moon can look at the items in display by the windows, Stride stopped in front of the post office, this time Moon was less angry seeing Stride enter.

Inside, you can expect to find a line of ponies, the counters in the far side, few ponies who took note of the letters and the packages that needed sending and such. There was a many range of colored ponies waiting, the workers moving behind moving sacks of letters or packages behind the counter and moving through the entryway to the back room, which was only for personnel. From up above, in a wooden sign, printed in bright red colors and the words making a streak to one side, “Strider Express”.

Upon finishing their wait, one of the workers, an earth stallion greeted the two Guard ponies. “Welcome to Strider Express, how can I help you?” The cream colored, brown mane pony asked. This pony wore the standard mailcolt attire. Stride could only smile at the worker, “Hello Leap, can you direct me to the manager’s office?” He asked kindly, earning him a confused look from the worker pony and his own fiancé, who was still unsure why he needed to see the manager.

“I’m sorry sir, but why would you speak with Miss Strider? Even if you were Guard ponies, I can’t make an exception. But you knowing my name… is very disturbing” Leap said as he raised a brow to the orange pony. “Right, you really can’t tell who I am Leap, but it’s me Hoof.” Stride said with a wide grin as he shows his Cutie Mark to the cream pony to stare wide eye at the ‘X’ mark.

“Hoof!?” Leap said as he looked at Stride in a brighter light. “You have got to be kidding me? Guard ponies…” He said smirking some but Stride quickly interjected, “Royal Guard Lieutenant.” He spoke back confidently, making many inside the building to stop for a moment, at the mention of Royal Guard and Lieutenant in the same line made many stare at Stride and Moon, who the former kept smiling, the latter shying a bit, closer to Stride.

Before anything, the silence was broken with a sack falling to the ground and ripping a bit which caused many of the workers to snap back to attention as Leap lead Stride and his companion through and into a hallway and up a set of stairs. “Well, I’m sure you know where you want to go.” Leap spoke up to Stride and looking at Moon. “And she is?” He asked once as he glances back the group of ponies starting to ask questions. “She’s Lunar Guard Lieutenant Moon, my fiancé.” Stride answered, leaving Leap slack jawed as Stride and Moon climbed up.

“You never told me you were born a mailcolt…” Moon said, really, it was surprising a former mailcolt went off to be a Royal Guard. “Well, I was born into a family of mail carrying ponies, that’s why it was a bit relieving to find your brother a courier.” Stride added and the two were soon looking at an oak door with a translucent glass that can act as window for the occupant.

“And this manager is your father?” Moon added, again, really not seeing how Stride, or Hoof as he mentioned both to his proposal to her and speaking to his friend down below. “No, my mother…” Stride responded, knocking lightly on the door and the response, a muffled but still audible answer through the door. “Yes? What is it?” The female tone asked, near annoyed and almost stressed in the wake of it. Stride can only smile to himself, “Can I enter mother…?” He said waiting for what his mother’s reaction would be.

As if a storm hit, the room inside sounded like a lot of items were being shuffled, paper being crumpled or sorted out, hearing the flying sounds of paper, book and even a stone being placed roughly in a hurry. The loving couple look at one another, Moon was unsure what was happening while Stride smiled her way, “She’s fixing her office. “ He answered her confused look which made Moon realize it. “Okay… should I expect anything?” She asked looking at the door and hearing a slight click as the door was unlocked. “Not really, she’s just serious at times.” Stride spoke as the voice of his mother, muffled by the door answered, “Come in Hoof.”

Stride turns the knob and opens the door to show the office. Inside, there was the usual, desk, curtained down window on the far wall, four bookshelves, two on either side of the office, a single light bulb glowing brightly in the near dim room and a leather seat, where one very busy looking pale blue, yellow mane unicorn mare was busy scribbling on a piece of parchment with her magic glowing a faint blue glow on a black pen.

As she looks at Stride, her workaholic atmosphere quickly diminished and her smile displayed brightly on her face. She got off her seat and quickly made her way to her son with such speeds that were unimaginable for a unicorn pony to posses, again, Moon was staring dumbfounded at the sight of the motherly mare hugging Stride and Stride returning the hug back. “Oh son, it has been long…” The mare speaks softly yet retain a bit of stress on it.

“Hello mom, I know it took me a while, but my fiancé was determined to help the Royal Guard.” He answered back, which made the mare flinch and her eyes more serious now. “Fiancé, you proposed to somepony already?!” She spoke as she moves Stride aside to show her Cutie Mark within Moon’s sight, a pen writing on a piece of parchment.

Stride quickly moves to Moon, where his mother stayed put. “Mother, this is Moon, she’s-” He started but was quickly interrupted by his mother, “Lieutenant of the Lunar Guard, who is currently proposed with Royal Guard Lieutenant Stride.” She spoke quickly as if still at work. This surprised Moon as to how she knew so much with just a glance, and with them being in frontier Guard armor.

Stride was also still as if she took the thunder of his announcement. “What? We are the post office, we need to be up-to-date with all possible senders and receivers of our mails, letters, packages and such.” She said in her business tone, again, making it the workaholic atmosphere. “Mother… this isn’t about work…” Stride said with a sigh, as Moon can only chuckle at the annoyed look on Stride, clearly, it was a family thing as she saw how serious Stride can be when he sets his mind into it.

Stride’s answer to his mother quickly snapped the older mare to let go of her business idea and serious demeanor and cough awkwardly. “Right, son, I’m sorry…” She said glancing away for a second. “Okay. Moon, this is my mother and manager of the post office, or Strider Express, Lotta Writings.” Hoof said as he smiled further seeing Moon smile back. “It is nice to meet you ma’am.” Moon said with an extended hoof which Lotta quickly took hold. “And to you too, I never knew my son was this bold as to ask a very beautiful bat pony as his special somepony.”

Stride can only smile seeing his mother in such a good mood and away from the serious and work mindset. As they finish shaking hooves, Lotta looked at her son. “Son, I know you hate having ‘Hoof’ as a name, so I expected to find your old penname as your new name when you enlisted to the Royal Guard.” She spoke happily though this time the stallion was taken aback by how skilled his mother was when it concerned serious work. Moon could not help but giggle at the shocked look Stride had. “Okay, my mistake for not mentioning it to you and dad… Speaking of dad, where is he?” Stride asked as he always wondered where he was at some points in time.

“Don’t worry son, he busy with one delivery right now. Thankfully, it’s only within Canterlot right now.” Lotta answered as she moves back to her seat. “But right now son, this is not the best time, maybe latter this evening? I’m sure me and our father would be happy to see our son, in his more Royal Guard armor than the frontier ones.” She said glancing behind at the two. “But all the same, it was nice meeting you two but letters and work cannot wait for anypony.”

Lotta bows to the two and with it levitating her own pair of glasses and perched it on her snout and quickly, as if the couple was not there, paper started to fly out of the shelves, stacking on her desk, books flying and opening on pages and dropped down on the ground on the same page still. Lotta’s horn glowing blue with all the items levitating them all and working her way. She was a busy mare and with it, she was back in her own zone. Moon was now the one taken aback, her work made such a clutter as if it was now a mess of paper, hardbound books and even flying ink bottles. All the while, Stride was smiling at the sight.

“Is she okay with all this mess?” Moon asked, a bit worried that this was not normal, but seeing her soon to be husband’s look reassured her to a degree. “Well, it’s my mother’s organized mess… it’s a unicorn thing from time to time, be thankful I didn’t do that when we worked on the petition.” He reassured her with a chuckle and looking back at his mother. “Let’s just let her be, later tonight we’ll meet them both.” He spoke and with it, he closed the door behind him and guides Moon down.

“Wow, and here I thought there were not that many crazy ponies out there.” Moon started as they made their way down to the post office. For some weird coincidence, there were fewer ponies inside and the workers look at them both with smiles. 

“Heya Hoof!” 
“Ha! Trotting back in memory lane?” 
“Lucky catch ‘Stride’ Lieutenant for a Lieutenant.” 

The responses of the working ponies seeing the couple, all mail ponies said as they smile and wave. Stride can only wave back and greet them so. “And now you know why I changed myself to Stride.” He spoke with Moon as they were about to get to the door, they found a few of the mail ponies holding the door shut, the blinds down and Leap was helping in stopping the door. This got the attention of the couple. “What’s happening guys?” He said which Leap took it as a step to speak.

“Yeah, about you telling yourself as Royal Guard Lieutenant… some of the ponies may have gasped it too loud and… the press is now outside…” Leap spoke, worried in his tone as the couple take a glance outside through the blinds and with they can see ponies with hats, pads in their hooves, pens ready to scribble, some carrying cameras and all of them were staring at the building waiting for any sign about the Royal Guard Lieutenant.

Moon took this chance to hit Stride’s shoulder, making the stallion flinch a bit. “Great work lieutenant, you have trapped us in our bunker while the ‘enemy’ await us from hiding in it.” She said with glee and joking about the military references she used. Stride can only sigh as he and she were basically trapped. “Well Lieutenant, there can only be two options here…” Stride started though smirking about the situation. Moon was worried about that sight, her little joke was one thing, but knowing Stride for so long, he had shenanigans written on his face right now.

“We go for the back door, earning us a negative response from the press.” He noted the back door, which was filled with sacks of letters to be delivered by the Pegasi teams come morning tomorrow. “We can go for the slingshot strategy, you flying out of here and within the castle borders and for me to teleport.” He continued, making Moon liking that idea, but she knew he had one last plan, the shenanigan one. “Or we can just march out the front door, another photo-op for ourselves and cause a large exposure to Strider express which will make my mother happier about business…”

After given the options, Moon was greatly in favor of option two until Lotta butted in, surprising many of the workers. “Option three please.” She said flatly, as if she was more interested in having publicity for their post office. Stride can only grin while Moon shook her head. “No, please no!” Moon pleaded but Stride was basically cheating on his fiancé, lifting her hooves off the ground and making her panic in the display as he signals the ponies blocking the door to move aside. Once they did so, they gave silent glances of good luck, and apologies for the bat pony mare thrashing about.

“Stride! Stride! If you go on with this plan, I swear, I will bite on your neck and drink your blood!” She threatened but the many ideas of Stride on how to counter her threat was shuffled back for a second as he opens the door slowly and with it, the pony press start to swarm seeing the orange pony exit and his bat pony companion in Frontier Guard uniforms. “I hate you for this…” Moon said with a wry smile and glancing about from the flash storm they entered themselves in, “I love you too, Moon.” Stride responded with a confident smile and wave as he creates a barrier for the two of them to be away from the crowd of ponies.

________

Stride and Moon were now back in her room, the two after their trip through Canterlot proper, or the main path to the castle was now resting their hooves on the bed, exhausted… well Stride to be exact for casting the barrier for so long. “Well, that sure spices things up…” He said with a huff from his tired body, body heaving as if he had finished a long marathon of galloping, while Moon was giving her own huff of annoyance towards her lover.

“Darn it Stride, did you really have to do that?!” She spoke with every fiber of her being to show how angry she was at him. Stride could not help but laugh some, “Well, it sure keeps you thinking on what to do when we are now husband and wife.” This caught Moon’s attention and thinking long about it she asked, “What do you think our foal will look like?” She started looking at him but he looks back at her with a smile. “I’m sure she will be just as beautiful as her mother…” He said with dreamy eyes staring at her.

Moon blushes at his little comment that she wanted to just stick her mouth and shut him up. “How do you even know it will be a she when we do rut in bed…?” She felt embarrassed in asking about that topic when they haven’t been wedded yet. “I just got a feeling…” He said back as he now gets back up and off the bed, this time, looking over his armor. “First, dinner with my parents, say, about 6:30 tonight? In the restaurant we frequent off-duty?” He started to ask snapping Moon out of her small daydream about their little foal.

“That one? Sure, but do your parents know?” Moon asked which Stride can only smile about. “Of course, it was I who showed it to you and I have seen my parents there on occasion when I do go there with you, they just haven’t noticed us since a few of the warrant officers go there too.” Stride explained. This made Moon nod seeing the reason about it. “Now then, best we start planning on the wedding.” Stride said surprising Moon once again as he stood up and moves to the side of the bed, Moon following and blocking his path to speak her own mind.

“Stride, my stallion, you do know it is about the mare who plans most of it all?” She started but was quickly stopped as Stride continues. “How about we get married by Princess Luna once Celestia lowers her sun past sunset?” Moon was taken aback, a unicorn pony asking to be wedded by Luna. “I thought having Cadence as our official to be… obvious?” Moon started but Stride can only look at her seriously.

“Moon, you bat ponies came back in service when Luna has returned and restarting the Night Court as a means of peace within the blanket of night. I may not look like it but I have studied my history well enough to know that Luna is the more favored Princess among your pony kind. So as your stallion, I shall respect that Luna is your more favorable symbol for the night.” Stride spoke in both respect and a hint of seriousness which now made Moon speechless. There was a long moment of pause as Stride waited for her response while Moon, in this small span of time could not help but think positively great about Stride.

Moon was smiling wide, her teeth showing as she stares at her fiancé with all her respect behind the stare and before Stride could start Moon pounces on him, the both of them landing on the bed as Moon landed kisses after kisses on his face and lips. “The more I am with you Stride, you make me feel like I’m about to marry the craziest, the strongest and you make me feel that I am the luckiest mare ever!” She said landing her kisses on him that Stride could not even try to speak back, just keeping his face soft for her to kiss him.

As the romantic high, which Stride dubs the kissing fit of Moon, dies down, he got enough to take a breather. That’s when Stride kisses her cheek some. “Just wait until we get married, I’ll be worshiping your flank in our… bedtime fun.” He whispers to her ear as he got up. “Well, best I stay away from you while you plan.” He said with a smile, kissing her cheek before he departed leaving Moon to think hard on about the wedding, but her face felt red hot as she heard him speak his mind. “Oh, Stride…” She spoke softly as she dreamed of him kissing her flank and lower into her slits which started to quiver with anticipation.
____

That night, in the supposed restaurant Stride was talking about, the lovely couple was in their casual wears, their colors shining brightly for all to see yet not recognize them so no one suspected of them about who they were. Their table was for four, since Stride knew his parents would arrive as he sat next to Moon and two seats were empty across from them. The two were busy looking through the menu, Stride was checking the salads while Moon was looking at the fruits, interested to try out anything that can make her feel like sucking blood. 

Speaking off blood, Moon glances at Stride, unknown to him, Moon was told by her mother that drinking the blood of your mate is… exciting and very useful in preventing your male from resisting your advances once rendered tired on the bed. She plans to use this to her advantage and with it, she smirks under her menu. Stride was unaware about her plan but he had his own ways to entice his mate on their honeymoon, though it will be just one whole night of them. He has learned all the regeneration/reinvigorating spells ups and downs, he practiced his sound proof barrier especially making it invisible, one hard task to make when your magic glows in the dark and any healing spells just in case they hurt themselves.

A waiter came by and took their orders, the Farm special, a dish that had a lot of fruit cuts and a good topping of daisies on the top, for Stride while Moon had the fruit salad and a milkshake. Stride added a bottle of wine for them both but he knew his parents will be here any moment. Just as the waiter was about to leave Lotta and an orange earth stallion with white mane and his own Cutie Mark is a box with sacks in it, appeared and looked around the restaurant.

Once Lotta was within Stride’s sight did he ask the waiter, “Can you please take these ponies’ orders as well?” The waited nodded as Stride waved over to his parents who quickly strode their way to him and taking the available seats. The waiter nods and waits further for the two new arrivals’ orders and soon was off.

Once the waiter was gone, Lotta smiles brightly to both Stride and Moon. Stride took this moment to speak to his parents. “Mom, Dad, this is Moon, my fiancé.” He spoke happily looking at Moon where the married couple can smile towards the bat pony though Stride’s father kept his face neutral. Moon can only blush being proudly announced again by Stride, where she bumped his leg some with her own under the table.

The action was making Stride smile wider, excited to announce to his parents happily about it. The two older ponies kept silent, observing the two, an act which Lotta did not do when they visited her in the office. “Moon, this is Lotta Writings, my mother and Dash Strider, my father. “ Stride continues and was smiling still at Moon. Moon was at a state of fear, nervousness and proud, a mix of emotions that beg to ask a middle point.

With a shaky and shy voice, one that Stride can say he has heard the first time now, Moon greeted the two. “G-good evening…” She said bowing a little to the two older ponies. This made Lotta smile, again Moon can smile back a little, but Dash’s stoic look at her made her nervous. “So, both of you are lieutenant of the Guard?” Dash said in a near whisper that only they four can hear. This made the young couple nod.

Dash just sighs as he smiles slowly, this made Moon lighten up, seeing the father joyous while Stride was grinning as there was no doubt about his parents and his choice in wife. “Good to hear. A nice catch son, a very interesting and beautiful mare you caught yourself.” Dash started which made Moon blush further. Stride could not help but smile still and look back at his father. “Dad, stop embarrassing my wife to be.” He said a hoof hooking over to Moon to calm her down.

The action made by Stride created an image of the lovable embrace made Lotta coo and awe at the two lovingly. “Oh, aren’t they just perfect?”The older mare cooed as the two now were blushing. “Just like us when we were near our wedding day.” Dash added as Lotta leans over to her husband and nuzzling up to him, which Dash accepts.

The two couples were now in a double date atmosphere as the older couple look to their son and his bride to be. The moment was clear and very warm. All of them were basking in the glow, even when around other ponies, pairs, couples like them or being with friends, it was a monumental moment. Before they can continue, the waiter arrives and serves their plates, the dish being set in front of their respective recipients. The two couples broke away from the moment and took their time to eat and enjoy their time together.

The parents were quick to start asking questions to the couple and Moon asked her own questions about Stride’s parents. “How did you meet Moon, Stride?” Dash started as he was sure Lotta would ask the intimate ones with Moon privately later. Stride smiles to his dad, “It was the second week of recruitment and basics training. We were introduced to a new regiment of training alongside the Lunar Guard recruits, and it just so happen that Moon was the only mare of the squad that was placed under us.”

Stride spoke with such a reminiscent tone that he felt like dreaming of the day as he gazed at Moon affectionately. Moon took this time to explain further, “I was the one who made the impact first. When it was time to sleep, we were one bunk short… and I made an outburst of how insulted I was…” Moon answer as she herself returned to the reminiscing tone similar to Stride’s. The older couple stares in awe as the two lovers kept their eyes locked as if they were once more in a date.

“Then, being a stallion who was too tired and a bit lazy, I offered my bunk while I opt to sleep on the floor. As annoying as she was, my body demanded to rest and I slept on the stone floor.” He said with a hint of pain but still a lovely tone at Moon. “I thanked him for that… but the display was fuel for our own fellows to tease and spread rumors about me and Stride being a couple of sorts.” Moon continued, making it sound like a jest about the coupling portion.

“But regardless that it was a tease and a rumor, she and I grew together closer, me sacrificing my back.” Stride added his own back, the echoes of the pain still lingering some. “And I was eternally grateful with him.” Moon finished explaining that cause Stride’s parents to smile widely about the two. “The rest, from the wedding invasion till now… I’m sure you two know.” Stride assured his parents who were in such business within Canterlot.

“Of course son, and a good thing you chose an alias, else me and your mother would be having our hooves deep in letters of comments from the press and the pony press barring at our doors.” Dash finished as they finished their meals with ease and pleasure.

Before the night was over for them, the parents were happy and impressed with Moon that they openly showed how happy they were to have her. It was something to see Stride’s parents hug Moon like they were the daughter they never had, which was in fact true as Stride was an only foal. The reason for that was due to the parents being heavily busy.

___

Once back in their room, Stride and Moon were lounging on the bed, or resting on it as they relaxed and let their foot settle down on their bellies. “So, how do you think of my parents?” Stride asked Moon, looking down at her as he was on his back while Moon chose to lie on top of him, her head at his neck. “They were very courteous and very great to talk to.” Moon responds as she looks outside seeing the moon high up in the night sky.

“So… going to work on the wedding plans dear?” Stride started, head resting down on the pillow as he magically levitates the horn plug on his, and the yellow bright ball covers his horn from poking anyone. “I will do that, maybe tomorrow with the other mares.” Moon replied with a toothy grin as she tries to rub more of her head against Stride’s neck.

“But for now… I want to sleep…” Moon spoke with a muffle response trying to sleep, eyes shut as her body begs for rest. Stride could not help but chuckle, his hooves wrapping around her body and magically move the covers over them. He gave her one long kiss at the top of her head, smelling her wild spicy scent mixed with sweet oranges. He smiles as he kept her close, warming them both. Stride himself was getting sleepy, his mind thinking of so many things, from their wedding and how the reception would look, but he was sure Moon would try to make it equally enjoyable for both Canterlot standard and her own tradition, which Stride had read over the time before visiting her parents.

Their consciousness drifting to dreams occupying a space within the dreamscape. The princess of the night continues to govern when not in her night court. The lovely pair dreaming of one another and their life to come once their unity becomes sacred. Their smiles plastered on them as they had the best dream yet they ever have.

___

Stride could not help but be nervous. He was standing by the altar princess Luna, who kept smiling as the orange glow of the evening cascaded inside the small section of the castle, the same tower their Captain had those many months ago, that was to be where the wedding shall occur.

He was nervous for a great many reasons, one, he was dressed in the best dress armor he can take his hoof on, a golden main colored, black after shade and only covering his body snug, leaving his head open, second, he is beside princess Luna, and third, he was standing in front of many of his relatives, the staff of Strider Express attending as well, Moon’s family and some of their neighbors and friends. The arrangement wasn’t that bad. Moon thought hard on the seating and had made it so that they had the morning ponies on one side, the other side occupied by bat ponies but the twist was that the outer line, where Royal Guard ponies position was swapped, thus the Royal Guards were facing the bat ponies and Lunar Guards were at the other color palettes of ponies.

This arrangement caused many of the attendees to wonder what the couple was thinking but it was for the best for the sake of having no racial discrimination. The sun has already set and Princess Celestia enters through the balcony just behind Stride though still placed at the side as Stride wanted Luna to do the honors, though he hopes she won’t use the ‘Canterlot Voice’ She was well known for.

As the Moon rise from a different horizon, Luna’s horn glowing faintly, the wedding ceremony officially starts then and there. The wedding song being played by a small ensemble of players who were happy to do the honors of such a special ceremony it is a three pronged reason for such a thing, for one, it IS a wedding, second it is a marriage between a unicorn pony and a bat pony, and finally, it was between two Royal Guard Lieutenants.

When the double white doors part open many of their attendees and even some of the guards stare at both awe and wonder at the bride. Moon entered in her own dress armor, one that had a main color of purple with an after shade of white, this one worn close to body, very similar to Stride’s own but she has her white veil down on her as she paced forward, slowly, basking in the moment of her happiest moment. Moon was in her most happiest. She was the center of attention; she looked beautiful in her dress armor and not a glint of nervousness on her body.

Stride was now staring at his bride, his eyes showing how joyous he was inside and how much it was to be in his hooves now. Their attendees, audience, the Guards even were staring at Moon as she moves with such grace and with a flutter in his own hooves. Her image looked like she was the night’s greatest gift while Stride was the day’s own. She moves slowly but to many it would look like she was flying slowly as her wings were open, wide and prominently showing with the black of it.

The whole room was in great pause and silence but the musical crew continues to play as many look on. Stride was snapped back into reality as he heard behind him. “A lucky catch you have there, Lieutenant” Spoke a near deep but very caring voice. “Yes, well, she may not be like a princess, but she sure knows how to look like one…” Stride comments back behind him to his superior officer, Captain and Prince Shining Armor at his side.

True it was a surprise but Stride chose Shining for two major reasons, he has known his superior officer well since his petition, and constant promotions kept him meeting with the white stallion that they had a lot of time to converse. The second reason why Stride chose Shining was that his wife, being Princess Cadence, the Princess of Love, that it matched perfectly to have her at Moon’s side beside the Princesses. This was a major event and with it happening between sunset and night had both princesses, their co-rulers, to attend and to be their officials for the ceremony.

The moment of silence was broken once moon glides quickly to the front, many of their guests calming down but continue to look at the two Royal Guard ponies. Stride fixed his posture, all four hooves down on the ground, back straight, neck straight, head held in level, not high, and his body set to calm. Moon was in a similar preparation as they stood in front of Princess Luna, who opens a black booklet with blue stars printed on the cover.

Princess Luna starts, “We are all gathered here to witness two ponies-”  She continues but both bride and groom were trying to calm themselves, even under their confident smiles, their unwavering sight at the Night princess and her beautiful dark purple with white star mane they were both nervous inside, minds racing about the events.


Stride was once again snapped back when Luna asked him, REAL name being called then nickname, “Will you Hoof Strider, Lieutenant Stride, take this mare to be your wife?” Stride made a small shiver in his spine, his body shaking under his armor once as he tries to snap himself back. Within those moments, he tries to forget about the audience and think hard. He looks back at Moon, at a glance, his smile growing, eyes looking at Moon lovingly as he spoke, slowly but happily. “I do.” He announced without a break and with as much joy as he can muster.

Moon was in her own world, shouting in her mind, the processes of her life going through many, if not, the most enjoyable she had. There were her sad moments but it did not concern Stride at first, her recruitment was bumpy but meeting with Stride was the best thing that has ever happened to her, her own happiness only increasing as Stride supported her ideas and plans. Then she heard Luna call onto her, “Moon Glider, will you take this stallion as your wedded husband?”

There was a fraction of a pause, the question swirling in Moon’s mind. Though many saw this as the bride hesitating, a bad sign, Stride kept his cool, smiling still. Then as if to rival Luna’s Canterlot Voice, Moon bellowed with pride and enough force to make Lune find herself staring widely at Moon. “Yes, I will take this stallion.” She bellowed and head held high with her tone a hint of being proud, which earned her a few gasps from the morning ponies and a cheer from the bat ponies.

This small cultural mixture caused both to look at one another thankfully it did not escalate as Luna continues, before any of the ponies can ask a question or react. “Then I pronounce you two as husband and wife!” She tried her best to out match Moon’s bellowing, which was effective, rendering many of the attendees to silence themselves, but Moon’s sudden action made the same reactions once more. Moon removes her wedding veil, unceremoniously, and pounces on Stride as she kisses him passionately. The cheers came about and a few whistles making the two blush some as they rose up, Luna giving them a raised brow while Princess Celestia can only smile at the two.

Shining Armor and Princess Cadence were just as stunned but like the rest they all quickly recovered. Cheers were now the prominent sound as the two Royal Guard couple wave at them all and proceeded out the door. And before anything, they proceeded to the banquet hall where the reception would occur. White round tables, wooden seats that can fit all the attendees, a long table where the food can be taken, and another long table for the newlyweds and special guests of honor, three princesses and a prince were to be seated was found within the given venue.

The married couple thanked all who attended when they enter, greetings, waving their hooves and bowing at the guests. Thankfully, the four royal bodies were seated at the table, just waiting for the couple to enter once the guests were seated and in their places. Stride could not help but smile wide as he and his new wife Moon trotted along through the path the tables were spaced enough. Again, the musical players played tunes refreshing and calming to them all.

Moon was grinning, showing her teeth and visible canines. Again, the seating arrangement was very colorful, most of the seats had an equal ratio of bat ponies to the other ponies that way it would force many to make small talk and converse and killing the rest of the misconceptions that were about bat ponies and the other way around. This plan also was made so that there was a better relationship between the different ponies.

Once o their seat, Stride and Moon look at one another. “Well, here we are at last.” Stride said standing tall and ready. “Yes, who knew they day would come?” Moon replied, leaning her body closer to his as they look at their guests and the four royal figures seated with them. With a cough and tapping of his glass, Stride took the attention of many.

“We thank you all for attending this monumental moment for me, for my wife Moon and for all.” He spoke out, bowing and smiling still as a round of applause came from their audience. “We know it is almost uncommon but it is not impossible that we, Earth, Unicorn, Pegasus and Bat ponies gather for one common occasion.” Moon announced, this time, murmurs from all the tables came about. She continues, “Do not worry. This is not about making more pairings of a kind like me and my husband, unless you mares do plan to.” She cheekily spoke, earning a few giggles from the mares who knew her well. 

“This is also to earn awareness and some thought to all our fellow ponies, whether they are of the night, or of the day, we have our princesses to thank for both times of the day. Please let us give them a round of applause.” Stride said joyously as he started by stomping his feet, which many followed and Moon clapping her front hooves together as others follow too.

The princesses were smiling, Luna waving a bit shyly at being the center of attention for a second while Celestia can smile at all her subjects, being used to the scene before her, familiar with it all too well. As the applause dies down, the newlyweds continue. “We thank you all and we hope you all would enjoy!” Both ponies cheered as the chef ponies arrived, setting up the little flames and opening up the platters and the lids to show the food which many would be about to eating right now.

As Stride and Moon sat down, they took a glance at their cake, many of the ponies eyeing it with mixed reactions. The cake had small figurines of them, but what was special about it was the cake having two colors than the traditional white. At the top had a dark brown color with blue stars at its edges, thus making it seem near night. While the bottom was made in the traditional white with yellow suns decorating the walls of the cake, many would think was vanilla but in all reality, this cake was all chocolate. Before any of the ponies were to get anything, the couple moved towards the cake and with Stride’s magic, the cake knife floating in his crimson aura, he and with Moon’s constant handling with the knife, cut the cake, many of the ponies cheering as the celebration went underway.

It was a magical moment, their lives now together forever. As the night went on, many of the guests eating happily with their food, the happy couple fed one another though smothering the bit of cake from their mouths. They even caught Princess Celestia taking a large section of cake, many of the onlookers who notice to chuckle as the sun princess cut her slice a bit, but Stride convinced her it was her choice and she should be happy it was hers as Moon took two slices, together bigger than Celestia’s, that were from either sections of their cake.

Many of the ponies greeted the couple happily, Moon’s parents were thrilled to both meet and speak with the Moon princess that they basically bowed at her through it all, making said princess blush about the attention. Stride’s parents were faring just as well, as the news of them being a very well known mailing business got Celestia’s attention and have inquired about their services and any positive things about it. Another good thing about the night was Claw, Moon’s older brother, had a job proposal from Stride’s parents, as Stride informed them about Claw as a courier. To say Claw was happy was an understatement as he and his wife get to live in Canterlot, thanks to Stride’s parents as usual.

All in all, ponies from all four kinds were mingling, conversing and even speaking in equal terms now as if this was one event all must attend. It was refreshing to see all of them and for the fact that many of the single bat ponies, stallions or mares were having positive results from the other three. This made Moon to survey and looked on with a glow and sparkles of joy in her topaz eyes. “Enjoying the change?” Stride interrupted her as he nuzzles her. Moon snaps back as she enjoys Stride’s nuzzling. “Oh yes, it’s nice to see my fellow sisters taking a stallion or too. “ She replied, making Stride by surprise as he flinches. “I was just kidding about that, dear.” She added with a giggle about how easy it is to surprise her stallion.

“This is one wonderful night…” Moon spoke in reminiscent as if this was the best memory she has. “Don’t count on it yet dear… Our honeymoon still hasn’t occurred yet. I can change that memory with one of my best performances yet.” Stride said whispering into her ear, making the bat pony mare blush, even against her purple coat, it was very visible to see, making him laugh at her but smile warmly. “Oh, you…!” She started but stopped as she relaxes smiling herself about how great it is to have him as her husband. “We’ll just see about that…” She whispered back at him as the two lovers lean closer, their mouths closing together as they kiss deeply, savoring the moment and the small scene they were making for their audience to be distracted upon.

______

Stride stops kissing his wife once the memory stopped flowing, Moon gasping for air, surprised and dazed at how very passionate Stride can be when he wanted to be. Moon basically shook and collapses on top of Stride, confused why he would be kissing her so. “Stride, dear, I’ve been riding you since last week… why aren’t you angry at me for doing this… secret sex?” She said with huffs from her, being breathless from the kiss.

Stride could not help but smile down at her and was surely happy to find his wife and in bed with him now, though tired still while both of them were naked. “Moon, I’ve married you without any regret. I’ve also suspected it was you the first night you became my midnight rapist.” He spoke softly as if soothing her worries as he starts to kiss her ears which flick and twitch to his touch.

Moon coos a bit, shivering to his advances, “What gave me away as your rapist?” She asked looking up at him as she licks his neck affectionately. “Well… I always wake up finding that tennis ball of a horn plug on me when I was really sure I did not wear it.” He answered in a whisper as he smiles, feeling her body shook on top of him. “I knew I should not have done that…” She complains as she kept herself on top of him…

“But that’s not the only thing… my wife in season.” He added, again, the body shook and froze on top of him. Moon was caught, yes, being the rapist, but caught being in season, that is more of the impact she did not want to hear. “I’ve known it was you when I can smell you on me that first night and the alluring scent had a very distinct smell for me to know… it was you.” He whispered, his front hooves quickly hugging her close, Moon gasping.

“But don’t worry dear, I don’t blame you, I can try to understand what you are going through.” He whispers making Moon sigh in relief. “Now then… we’d best get back to what you and I were about to do.” He finally noted, his tone turning seductive and very dominatingly sexy, which caught Moon in surprise. She wanted him, oh her pussy was burning with need but that did not change her positives about this prospect. “Sure… let me just get some lube and I’ll-” but before she can do anything, she felt her wings being pulled shut against her back and a ring locked snug into her body.

She looked down onto herself and with a gasp, there was a magical conjuration that pinned her wings and she looked up to find herself flipped onto her back, looking up to her stallion. She growls a bit at his forceful move and the sensation that will wash over her. “But, I’ll be doing the work now… my sweet bat mare…” He whispers to her, sharing a long kiss his cock hard and pressing against her now wet entry. This is one night that neither pony would want to forget.

> -F- Private Guard Business
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stride, the bright orange unicorn pony with sky blue mane and hair moved with his two hind hooves, shaking as he tries to balance himself. The fact that there was some extra weight other than his own was not helping the situation he was in. His ruby red eyes looking at his wife as their dress armor clash against one another.

“Almost there!” Moon, the purple bat pony mare announced happily, as she can see the double doors to their room. It was just after their wedding and reception but it was now past midnight, Night Court was starting in the lower levels of Canterlot castle. The two Royal Guard ponies move inside their room quickly, Stride’s horn glowing a light crimson as he opens and closes their door while entering. He gave huffs of breath, tired from the carrying ordeal as his wife clung to him; the bridal position was not a very pony-friendly action.

While casting, Stride used his magic to create an invisible sound canceller in their room. Stride’s body started sweating badly, even under his own armor as he gave one final heave and placed Moon lightly on their bed. Moon was joyous, being married to the stallion she knew for such a long time. Her topaz yellow eyes look at him lovingly as she gave a sly grin.

“Shall we begin? I’m anxious to see how you perform under pressure lieutenant…” She teases as she starts to strip the armor off of her form, first her horseshoes, which she tossed off the bed as she kept her body sprawled on the bed, as if trying to entice him further. Stride could tell she was very needy, and the fact that he can smell her arousal even through her armor was alluring. He stood up on all fours and quickly made work with his own attire, the metal clanging down onto the hard floor of their room.

The ringing noise echoed in their room as he was now completely naked as he can be, orange coat matted as he was sweaty through his ordeal. Moon gave a sultry growl, admiring his form and seeing his very lean body. Stride wasn’t bulky like most stallions would be with their line of work but it did not deter the mare about their act being one of passion and love. She unclasped the locks onto her armor, but she being on the bed was troublesome. She first stood on the bed but a naughty thought passed by her mind.

Stride admired his wife, seeing her slender form, a very fit mare indeed, and her bat like wings only enhanced his idea of her, the black clashing with her purple coat and near dark blue mane. “So beautiful…” He spoke with a sigh, his throat going dry as they were about to do what he has dreamed off for so long ever since they have shared the bunk. Moon blushes at his compliment but she kept her smirk on her muzzle. “Then you’ll love helping me off this?” She pouted cutely at him as her front hooves bend, letting her front rest on the pillows while her rear was raised, hind hooves straight at first and tail swishing lightly, caressing Stride’s cheek to seduce him to agree.

Stride could not help but do as her tail wishes and with it, he moves behind her, his face very near, is not, just near enough that he can see her armor and work around to removing them. His fore hooves quickly hug her armor as he slowly and delicately remove her armor but the next sight made his head heat up, face red and his own heart skipping a beat.

“What is it? Something you like I hope.” Moon teased at him, smiling as she took a pillow for herself, to rest her head on as she swayed her flanks, her tail slapping softly against Stride. Stride was busy with his own problem, the sight was leaving him panting, his own member between his hind hooves grew instantly and his nose was twitchy with the very hot scent that was coming off Moon’s very naughty rear. “Yes, white… thong…” He answered gulping at intervals with his breath getting hot at the sight, seeing her own body, a misplaced white demanding attention and it was just so thin yet covers her sex perfectly.

Stride was drooling and his nose was closer to her where her ass cheeks met and the wink of white that was kept between such round and very ample size. Moon kept smiling as she felt his gaze on her, the sexual drive within her demanded to be sated but she bit her lip as she endured, but her body shivered feeling flesh being pressed against her wet and needy sex, her rear parting to let him press more into her thong and her dripping sex.

Stride was in heaven, his eyes trying to roll back to his skull as he took a great whiff of her sex, making an audible sniffing noise. Moon can only moan out, hugging the pillow tighter onto her. Stride snapped back to reality when he involuntarily licked her winking sex. The taste of her body was a mix of spice and sweetness. His mind registers her body as a mare in need. His body shivered as his front hooves hook the straps on either side of her flanks and slowly pulled, making the soft silky material to rub against Moon’s sensitive flesh.

Moon moans out once more, her body shivering as her single article of attire removed with a savory act. She can only cling on, hooves shaking in anticipation. Once the thong was removed, Stride was rewarded with a more heated and concentrated dose of her arousal, his breath hot for her, tongue hanging loose in his mouth. He can feel Moon shiver as either of his front hooves took a grasp of her flanks, massaging them and her cutie mark.

He was starting to get light-headed, and with one push, his tongue slicks to her winking and very puffy sex. The taste of spice and sweetness returning as he starts to lick, tongue wet and slick, lapping at her sex, taking in her taste, finding himself intoxicated immediately as if she had been holding tightly her desires and now spills it all in this wonderful night.

Stride’s mind was blank, but his body knew what to do as he continues to kiss, lick and even tongue the wet entry of his wife’s sex that continue to hug his tongue, demanding more of him. His body hot for her as he gives way to some naughty things and a means to tease his ever hot pony. He stopped abruptly, Moon whining as the pleasure she received from his licking, satisfying her need was interrupted, until her body melted at the hooves massaging her flanks.

“Such a naughty bat pony you are…” Stride started, smiling a bit, his lips kissing at her flanks, rear and the occasional winking pussy. “Now I want to worship this wonderful flank!” He announced proudly, as he started his kiss barrage. Moon, the ever loving mare she was found herself blush hard as he was basically making out with her rear. “Stride, no, stop it, I need some licks and tongue somewhere else!” She complains but her body could not help but feel hot about his kissing.

Stride’s hooves were busy making circles and pressing at her cutie mark that gave surges of pleasure through Moon’s body, making the bat pony moan and thrash a bit as the new surge of pleasure covers her form. Stride’s body was demanding pleasure as well, his throbbing member was in full length, and was twitching in anticipation. Even with that, he kept going, licking and kissing her, “You know what you need to say…” He spoke softly as he was sure she knows how to ask of him something.

Moon moans out, rear shaking and swaying at his kisses. “Please, Stride, please lick my pussy… be naughty with it, please, just pleasure me…” She whined but moans still, her body being drawn to the sex. Stride smiles as he heard her. “As you wish, but I won’t be licking it…” He informed her, this time making the bat pony wonder until her world spirals to pleasure, her nether lips parting as something long and hard penetrates her walls, but not completely parting it as the form and shape was too hard to be made of flesh… “Oh LUNA!!!” She screams out.

Her body was in torrents of pleasure and emotional bliss. Stride stayed calm as he tried his best to keep his wife pleased. His head was craned forward, looking down and his forehead was pressed against her rear, his horn snug inside her hot box. “Yes! Feel it!” He shouts back at her as he starts to move his head, his horn starting to withdraw, wet sounds leaving at their action, the walls of Moon’s sex clamping tightly, demanding the protrusion not to leave.

Stride was moaning as well, his head wet by her flowing juices, as if she were a leaking faucet. As his horn was about ready to exit her nether lips he moves back, his horn sinking in her depths, the bat pony moaning at the entry of his horn. “Oh Buck!” She hissed, her hooves clinging into the pillow tighter than before, her head pressed some at it.

Stride smirks at his work as he continues to keep a good pace now with his head. His body demanding pleasure but he needed her to reach climax first. “That’s right Moon, relish the pleasure.” He announced as his horn glows within her, as if he was to cast magic but this was different. Moon can feel her body shook and having sparks of pleasure surge through her as the grooves of Stride’s horn hit places deep in her hot crevice that she never dreamed existed, her own mind getting foggy as the pleasure overtook her senses. Her eyes shot wide as she felt her insides getting hotter and warmly being pleased as the horn stuck deep in her pussy, but there was something else happening, her inner muscles being pushed and caressed inside made her moan out.

“Oh LUNA’s Sweet Flank!” Moon called out, her body shivering, the pressure deep in her building instantly as her lover’s horn sunk and stopped pumping in her yet, deep in her she was caressed, spots unreachable by normal means was being pressed and caressed, the pleasure pulse through her form, her own body reacting accordingly. She can only think of one thing, “Magic, you… Oh! Naughty Stallion!” She complained a bit wanting to say cheater but the pleasure letting her speak about how much she was feeling about him.

Stride can only grunt as he tries to focus his magic, making a solid blob of it to please her from the inside. He was sweating a bit as he tried his best. Before he can focus, he felt her walls clamp hard around his horn and is senses sprayed by an intensely warm and steamy scent of female essence. He stood still as Moon’s body went into her first climax, this one with such volume as it spilled out of her pussy, leaking down between her hooves as a good amount of it happen to spill on Stride’s forehead and mane.

Once Moon calmed down, or to a level of ease, Stride removed his horn slowly, savoring the moment that he just horn fucked his wife. Moon gave weak moans at his exit and a sigh once his horn left her sensitive body. He looks down at her, as her hind hooves gave way and she law on the bed, belly down.  She was panting, spent for the moment but her sex still was puffy, needy still for a stallion. “Stride… that was amazing!” She complemented him, but her body refused to move, still recovering from her high though twitching at the afterglow.

Before she can fully rest, Stride’s crimson magical aura enveloped around her, surprising her as she was flipped onto her back, her wings flap open in her panic and was now draped on the bed. Before she can ask, her hind hooves were parted forcefully. She looks between her hooves to see Stride now starting to mount her in the pony-missionary. Stride was working on his sexual drive now, seeing as he had finished sending her to climax he needed to be next. “Ready for me next?” He asked with a growl of lust as he presented his cock, the base slapping down between her hooves, her belly being pressed by the long hot meat of stallion love.

She stared firstly at Stride but the sight of his rod, it was nearly impossible as he has such a length. Stride can only smirk, “I got this from my dad…” He answered her silent question as he positions himself. “Here we go…” He spoke softly, trying to ease her as Moon tensed at the sight of his member. “W-will that fit?” She asked, a bit worried but her sex can only quiver as the idea of it fitting and pleasing her was going to go beyond.

“One way to find out…” Stride answered her, as he took his position, his front hooves on either side of her head, Moon’s Hooves move to hug at the stallion, her head nested at his neck while their hind hooves were busy. Before the inevitable, Stride whispers down to his wife, “If it’s too big, just tell me…” He spoke softly as the thick tip of his cock presses at her pussy. His body shook with the sensation that was Moon’s lips. Her lower lips clung to his cock, as if sucking him in even though he kept himself away.

Moon kept quiet, but the feeling of him being this close made her want him more, his body hot in her eyes. “Please…” She whispers back to him, her own body trying to push more of his cock in her, making the both of them to moan. Stride made one nod of affirmation and with it, his rear move and slowly shift forward. His cock was sinking slowly, feeling a wet slick as his cock parts Moon’s lips and muscles further than his horn did.

Stride was having a hard time to restrain himself trying to rut with her without care. His grunts was evident as the pleasure surges, wave after wave pulse through his entire body with each press of Moon’s walls clasping his still sinking cock. Moon fared just as well, her body shivered several times, her own nether lips being parted and her muscles desperately trying to accommodate his large member. The thickness of it was nearly enough to send her to her next orgasm. Their body sweating under their coats due to the slow but very pleasurable experience was being milked for all it’s worth.

“So tight…” Stride moans out, his body tensing, cock twitching within her as half of his length disappears within her depths. “No, you’re just thick…” Moon replied, her hooves hugging him tighter to her as the pleasure kept flowing, the walls of the bat pony quivering spasms of movement sending points of pleasure to pass from her to Stride’s own cock. “Almost! Oh! Celesita! I’m so close…” He hissed in anger as they were even near rutting. “Hold on Stride, please…” Moon desperately asked as she starts to lick his neck, trying to sooth him and herself.

The two were in a swinging pendulum of pleasure, from one pony to another and back, the pleasure they kept having was exchanged, changed and shared as Stride kept his cock sinking in her, trying to mold his length and girth to be recognized by Moon’s own sex. They both were shivering and sweating, keeping their bodies close and before they knew it, Stride was hilt deep in her. Both ponies moaning as Moon eased her hug to look up to Stride, who also was looking down at her. They kept themselves still, again savoring the bond they have.

The two smiles at one another as they kiss, Stride on top of her, keeping himself elevated and Moon rest more on the bed. They kept kissing, head tilted a bit as they shared the moment, their tongue trying to enter the other, the two busy themselves by tongue wrestling, where both were at a standstill. Breaking their kiss, Moon licks her lips as Stride can only smile down at her.

“Continue Stride… I’m ready.” She confirmed to him as she returns her hooves to his neck, hugging him tightly and continues back to licking the side of his neck. Their hearts beating fast, feeling their body move with the flow of their hearts. With a nod, Stride slowly withdrew, making both moans at the sensation. Both gasp and pant, as the love rod escapes Moon’s vaginal grasps but with one great motion, Stride thrusts back in, his cock parting her inner rings of muscle, enticing surge after surge of pleasure to course through their form.

The pace started to speed up, both ponies moaning and panting as Stride quicken his pace, cock pumping in and out of his wife. Moon kept moaning as she was continuously pumped full of stallion passion. The two continues to keep their pace, Stride grunting with each entry and moaning with each withdraw. The ponies kept going, the bed creaking with their combined weight and activity. Their bodies continue to sweat and for the two of them, this was the most magical moment of their time together as husband and wife.

“Faster! Harder!” Moon moans out, unsure if Stride would have heard her from the grunts he kept sounding off. “I’m trying, but I’m just so close…” He announced with such difficulty as his flanks move in a near blur his body pressing against her more. “I’m there too, but please hold on a bit longer…” Moon pleaded some as she kept hugging him so, leaving kisses under his muzzle, while licking the side of his neck.

Their bodies kept going, making wet slapping sounds as they continue their copulation. Their activity taking its toll on their bodies as both ponies started to feel tired. “Almost… about to give…” Stride kept hissing, his legs tenses all through his rutting of his wife, mind thinking hard to hold it in. “No, you can let go of it Stride, I’m-I’m AH!!!” Moon spoke out but it was too late. Her passage spasms and her walls quivering wildly as a rush of warm and wet passes through her passage, her strength leaving her as she climax.

“RAH!!!” Strider shouts out, his own orgasm following within moments as his cock twitches and the pressure between his legs let loose, flowing and spilling out of the tip of his cock and spurt deep in her, injecting his pony seed. The two moan out greatly through the ordeal. Moon’s body shivered with pleasure once again, her insides feeling filled by the warm sensations of Stride’s deposit. Stride slowly dislodges his cock, making sure not to entice her too much.

With a wet pop, Stride was free from Moon’s grasps and collapses to his side. He and she pant long and hard, breathless as they had made love, for the first time. Both were out of breath, not really minding it, but both look to one another, their eyes whining brightly with joy. “That was the best thing in my whole life…” Moon answered first, making Stride chuckle at how Moon took their first sexual encounter. “You mean, best yet.” He replied to her as he leans closer to her, basking in the afterglow of their first session as a married couple.

The two cuddle closer, Stride magically turn their source of light out and the covers quickly covering them both. The two shared one last kiss, the moon out their window no longer high up but ready to set. “Another night…” Stride started, “A new day for us now….” Moon continued as the two ponies, one of the day, the other of the night, slept through the morning, and being in love, regardless of the differences of their duty. They’ll work it out.