The Royal Guard

Chapters

Chapter I
Chapter II
Chapter III
Chapter IV
Chapter V
Chapter VI
Chapter VII
Chapter VIII
Chapter IX
Chapter X
Chapter XI
Chapter XII
Chapter XIII
Chapter XIV
Chapter XV

Chapter I

Thunder Clop sat nervously across the on one side of the large oak desk. Commandant Spatz read carefully through the files before silently setting them on the desk. He looked right at Thunder Clop dead in his eyes, without moving. Suddenly he broke the silence "Outstanding!" he said enthusiastically, and Thunder Clop felt as though a huge weight had been lifted off him. "One of the finest records I've ever seen." Continued Spatz. "Your request to serve with the Royal Guard has been accepted Cadet Clop. It is my pleasure to award you your new orders." Spatz reached into a drawer and pulled out a small scroll. The dark grey pegasus took the orders and began reading as they were presented to him, but Spatz recited from memory the orders (after all he did this every year, and the Guard position orders were always the same.) "Congratulations! You have been selected from among your peers for the great honor of serving in the palace with the Royal Guard! You have been selected for outstanding devotion to duty, intelligence and courage. Report to Shining Armor, captain of the Guard, at the palace this afternoon for posting."

Commandant Spatz stood up from and reached his hoof across the desk Thunder Clop quickly stood and shock hoofs with the old soldier. "We're losing one of our best you know," he sighed, "You would have been an exemplary field officer cad... Lieutenant Clop."

"Thank you sir," Replied Thunder Clop "I will never forget my years at the academy! It has been an honor learning from you sir!"

"Ha!" Chuckled Spatz, "The honor is ours, I can assure you. Dismissed!" And as Thunder Clop had just about reached the door Spatz yelled out "and Congratulations once more!"

It took all of Thunder Clops will not to gallop through the halls jumping up and down with joy. He had dreamed of serving on with the royal guard ever since he was a colt and now he'd finally achieved his goal. His parents would be so proud, at least one male from their family graduated from the academy every generation, but Thunder was the first to be accepted for guard duty since his great great grandfather, who had been knighted for bravery.

It took Thunder Clop only moments to pack up his meager belongings, and after saying farewell to his fellow class mates he was off to the palace. There was no formal graduation ceremony for Thunder Clop, he graduated a full semester early, but he would return in the spring and partake in the ceremony with the rest of the cadets. It was cold outside the academy and snow blew lightly around the Canterlot streets. Luckily the academy was located only a short trot from the palace and Thunder Clop made it there in only a few short moments.

"Halt!" Stated one of the guards at the gate. "What business do you have at the palace today.... cadet?"

Thunder Clop just realized he was still in his academy uniform, in all the excitement he must have forgotten to change.

"Ca... er, Lieutenant Thunder Clop reporting for duty sir!" He said rather hesitantly as he presented his orders. The white pony judiciously looked over the orders before finally speaking "well congratulations lieutenant!" he said excitedly. "Follow me and I'll take you to the captain."

Thunder Clop followed the guard through the grounds and up into the palace. It was even more magnificent on the inside than he had imagined, Ornate rugs, beautiful stained glass windows, paintings and sculptures from far off lands and all manner of nobleponies, maids, and butlers going about their business. The white guard pony led Thunder clop down a nearby passage way to a tower. They climbed the stairs several stories, passing both the night and day guards barracks and the armory until finally at the top of the tower they came to the offices. Thunder Clop waited as the guardpony knocked on the large doors. The waited briefly before an "Enter" followed from inside and pushed open the door and marched inside.

Thunder Clop stood at attention and kept his eyes forward. Even without moving though he was able to see most of the office. It was massive, book shelves lined the east and west walls, with suits of armor between the gaps in the shelves. There were two small couches in the middle of the room with a small coffee table between them, (currently covered in maps) At the north end was a large desk, larger even than the commandants at the academy. Behind the desk was a great window and from it Thunder Clop could make of the other towers and spires of the palace, the two tallest, he assumed, would be the princesses towers. Shining Armor sat behind the desk patiently studying their newest guard

"May I present Lieutenant Thunder Clop!" Said the guard pony stepping forward. "Thank you" said Shining Armor, "you are dismissed" The guardpony saluted and left Thunder Clop alone with the captain. When the door had closed Shining Armor stood and walked over to Thunder Clop "Its a pleasure to finally meet you Lieutenant! Your application was truly exceptional!" "Thank you, sir." said Thunder Clop rigidly. "Come Lieutenant, I'll show you your quarters and give you a tour of the palace, don't feel bad if you get a little lost your first few days though, its a big place."

And with that they were off, Shining Armor first took Thunder Clop to his room, located just floor below the armory, since he was a junior officer he had to share the room with another pony, but he seemed nice enough. Next they toured the wall and grounds of the palace, Shining Armor explaining their defensive lines and certain protocols that had to be followed. Around mid afternoon they then entered the palace proper and Thunder Clop was introduced to various minor nobles, and the wait staff. Finally Shining Armor pulled him aside. "Are you ready to meet the princess?" He asked. The Princess, ohh my what will I do, I'm not ready to meet a princess Thought Thunder Clop What will I say if she talks to me, what if she doesn't talk to me at all... AHHH! I'm still in my cadet uniform, she will think me a total fool! Shining Armor looked slightly concerned at Thunder Clops suddenly panicked face. "Yes" gulped Thunder Clop, though it was not very reassuring.

"Very good!" said Shining Armor enthusiastically, "Princess Luna will be delighted to meet you."

"Princes Luna?" Questioned Thunder Clop.

"Oh yes," Replied Shining Armor matter-of-fackly "You see.... you are a dark grey pony, and though ponies with any colored coat can serve with the royal guard, we try to keep a certain..... theme. The darker ponies are assigned to princess Luna and the lighter to princess Celestia. The guards technically do watch over the royal family as a whole, but we tend to divide the guards this way to keep a certain aesthetic."

"I see..." said Thunder Clop, he had noticed before that the guardponies where all white, but paid no attention to that when he applied. He supposed it made some sense but still.... keeping the guards divided didn't seem quite right to him.

"Here we are," said Shining Armor when they reached the foot of the Princesses tower. "Princess Luna should just be waking up and starting her day, er, night. Follow me and we'll wait in her receiving room." Thunder Clop followed Shining Armor up the tower to the princess's room. Princess Luna's tower was decorated much differently than the rest of the palace. Dark purple drapes hung over the windows and carpeting on the floor was a deep blue. The paintings and art on the wall reflected a more somber mood, not depressing just... relaxed. One painting in particular caught Thunder Clops eye, it was of a mare and her filly, sound asleep on a bench on a porch while gentle moon light lit the land. Thunder clop also noticed that there were far less guards in princess Luna's tower than in the rest of the palace, which also disturbed him slightly.

Shining Armor and Thunder Clop entered the princess's receiving room and patiently waited while the sun set behind the mountains out side. It was obvious that the princess was all ready awake. She could be heard speaking with her hand maidens on the other side of the door, and she had been alerted that there were visitors when they entered her room. They did not have to wait long for princess Luna. When she entered they both stood and bowed.

"May I introduce Lieutenant Thunder Clop, Your Majesty" Said Shining Armor and motioning Thunder Clop to step forward.

"We are pleased to make you acquaintance." Said Luna, using the royal Canterlot voice, though softly. Thunder Clop hesitated slightly

"The pleasure is all mine, my lady." He said bowing so low that he stumbled slightly. oh no! What have I done! I've all ready made a fool of my self in front of the Princess but Luna only giggled slightly.

"We forgive thee for thy misstep, we know our presence can be... intimidating." Said Luna and then she looked slightly down cast.

"My apologize my lady," Said Thunder Clop, "It's just... I have never met a Princess before..."

"That is quite all right, we are sure that you will soon become quite accustomed to our presence. Now you must be tired, we shall allow you a few moments of sleep, so that you may be adjusted to our schedule" She then turned to Shining Armor. "And please have the armorer present the Lieutenant with the proper uniform."

"Yes my lady." Said Shining Armor as he bowed once more and showed Thunder Clop out. Now I've done it, thought Thunder Clop the princess must surly think I am a simpleton now. The journey back to the guards quarters was nearly silent. Only a few servants were about tiding up this, straitening that and doing other minor chores before bed. When Thunder Clop reached his room his roommate was all ready asleep. Thunder clop waited for the armorer to arrive with his new uniform before he crawled into his bed for a few hours sleep.

Chapter II

Two hours, only two hours of sleep Thought Thunder Clop as he tried to wrestle on his armor as quietly as possible. It was not what he was expecting the shoulder plates were squeaky, the gauntlets were dull and the helmet was at least two sizes too big. To top it all off it was dark, he couldn't turn on the lanterns because his roommate, a day time guard, was fast asleep. He as not looking forward to tonight's guard duty. Earlier he had made a fool of him self in front of Princess Luna and his new ill fitting uniform would not make his second impression any easier. Why oh why didn't I just take the field commission? he though in distress, but he knew why. Anypony worth his salt would have killed for this position, and according to the old legends sometimes they had to. This was a honorable post and Thunder Clop knew it, it would just take some time to adjust.

Thunder Clop fumbled around in the dark for his spear and then he was off. The palace looked a bit strange at night, long shadows fell across the vast, virtually empty halls. The colorful paintings appeared dull in the torch light and previously beautiful sculptures changed into frightening doppelgangers of the figures they represented during the day. There were only a few guards about too few thought Thunder Clop, and most of them were day guards. Thunder Clop made his way to the throne room where he found the princess, only two guards were posted at the entrance.

Thunder Clop walked slowly up to the princesses thrown and bowed low at the steps before it "Lieutenant Thunder Clop reporting for duty Your Majesty."

"We expected you to take more time sleeping Lieutenant." Luna said looking down at him.

"I am eager for duty my lady." Replied Thunder Clop I hope I'm not over selling it he thought to himself.

"Excellent, please stand buy our side so that we may converse." As Luna spoke she motioned to her left side.

Thunder clop walked up the steps and stood at attention next to Luna. "We are pleased to finally have an officer assigned to our watch." said Luna

"I'm the only officer!?" said Thunder Clop clearly shocked.

"Yes," said Luna "it has been months since our last night captain retired.... and so rarely do ponies apply to serve on the night shift. In fact Lieutenant Charging Lance was overjoyed to hear that a grey pony from the academy had applied for guard duty, so that he may return to his original posting" She looked down clearly troubled.

"My Lady," started Thunder Clop "if I may... how is it that no pony was simply assigned, surly many would jump at the chance to serve the royal family. To leave you without an officer..... disgraceful."

"Not many ponies wish to be assigned to the night shift Lieutenant, and fewer still those who conform with my sisters.... Theme" There was a sting in Luna's voice "And there is our.... reputation, so sometimes we must wait for a suitable pony, such as your self, to apply."

"Still," said Thunder Clop, "The entire royal family should receive the same protection, it doesn't seem right to me."

"You seem to care much Lieutenant." Said Luna, "perhaps we have finally found a pony worthy to be the night watch captain."

"CAPTAIN!?!" shouted Thunder Clop, a little too loudly. "How can I be a captain, I only received my commission a few hours ago. I, I don't have the experience or any kind of training.... I still don't even know the full lay out of the palace."

Luna again looked down cast "Yet you are the only one available... We had hoped you would have been happy to receive such a quick promotion..."

"My Lady," Sighed Thunder Clop, "It is truly and honor.... I just was not expecting something like this so, so soon." He paused for a moment "It will be an honor to serve as your captain my lady."

"Excellent!" said Luna "I, er We are overjoyed that you have accepted our commission! Please follow us, we have had new quarters prepared for you in our own tower."

Thunder Clop followed Luna back to her tower. The floor three floors down from her's was a nearly empty floor. The center was a large office, much like Shining Armors, but with dark drapes and carpeting. To one side was a bedroom. There was hardly any furniture no books on the shelves. Every thing was covered in dust. "We shall have the servants tidy it up for you." Said Luna, with almost of hint of embarrassment in her tone. "We hope you are pleased with the new arrangements?" She queried.

"Oh yes, very much so" said Thunder Clop. "My Lady, are many of the floors in the palace in such condition?"

"Well, no,,," hesitated Luna (completely forgetting to use the royal Canterlot voice), "as I'm sure you know, I was imprisoned for a thousand years by my sister, not without justification mind you, what I did was deplorable. During that time Celestia sealed off my tower... and other than for regular maintenance nopony was allowed in. So many of my things decayed with age and this tower was left forgotten for a long time. When I returned many of my favorite furniture and cloths had rotted away, and most of the room's in my tower were abandoned." Luna looked down clearly upset.

"My lady," started Thunder Clop "I am sorry I did not mean to upset you." Just then Luna began to cry. "Princess don't cry" Said Thunder Clop and he led here to one of the couches, dusty as they were. But Luna could not be consoled she continued to cry softly as she sat there. Soon one the princesses hand maidens walked by and noticed the distraught pony Thunder Clop asked her to bring some hot tea. Soon it arrived and the Princess took a few sips and composed her self.

"We are sorry for our out burst.... it is hard for us to remember the past.. all of our beautiful things.... all of our friends that we missed. In our arrogance we did not realize that we had destroyed so much of what made us happy..." Luna trailed off at the end.

Thunder Clop decided to change the subject, though he could think of only small talk. "It sure has been cold lately" He said awkwardly after about a minute.

"Yes" replied Luna, "normally on a clear night such as this we survey the land from our balcony, but chill steals our breath. Tell me Lieutenant, where are you from?" Asked Luna.

"Oh my family is from a small village a few miles from Manehatten. This time of year they're probably out sitting around the fire telling stories and eating popcorn..." Thunder Clop trailed off thinking fondly of home.

"Lieutenant?" asked Luna trying to get his attention.

"Oh my friends call me T.C." Thunder Clop blurted out. Oh My Gosh! What did I just say!? The princess doesn't want to know what my friends call me! Stupid Stupid! Stupid! She probably thinks I'm completely incapable of doing my job, she must think I'm unprofessional, that I'm not tough enough for the job. She'll probably never want to speak with me again! Or worse she'll kick me out of the royal guard!

Luna broke the tension with a small giggle before saying "I shall call you T.C. then, and you shall call me Luna."

"My Lady" started T.C. but Luna scowled "er, Luna. You don't have to call me that, I didn't mean..." But at Luna's down turned face he stopped.

"It has been so long since I've had a friend," she said, her voice shivering. "So long since I've been able to have a conversation like this. Nopony ever wants to speak with me.... they are afraid of me."

"I'm not afraid of you your maje...er Luna." offered Thunder Clop.

"Thank you," replied Luna, "Though it has been months since I was freed and returned to my normal form, this has been the first time I've had a real conversation. I think that we shall become friends."

"I would like that" Replied Thunder Clop, and he genuinely meant it. Luna didn't seem as bad as the rumors that circulated about her. In fact she was quite the opposite. She was gentle, sweet and more than a little lonely. He and Luna stayed in his office and talked the entire night. Mostly about his home town and family, but also about the princesses extended family and some of the more exciting or funny stories of court life. Neither of them noticed when Princess Celestia entered the room.

The princess cleared her throat loudly to get their attention. Thunder Clop leaped to attention, but Luna merely turned on the couch to face her sister.

"Good morning sister." said Celestia cheerfully, "entertaining our newest guard I see."

"Yes sister" replied Luna rather drolly, "This is Thunder Clop... or T.C." she giggled softly and Thunder Clop blushed uncontrollably. "He shall be captain of the night watch. I commissioned him earlier this evening, the two guards in the throne room can confirm this."

"You commissioned him captain!?" snorted Celestia "but he only just arrived!"

"What does it matter!?" said Luna angrily "my detachment has no captain! I needed one and so I made the promotion."

"What does it matter!" quoted Celestia, "you know very well that Shining Armor will be marrying Princes Cadence soon! And you know very well what I have in store for their wedding present! You have just hand picked the replacement for the the captain of the royal guard without my consent!"

"Must have slipped my mind..." said Luna as she got up and walked past her sister, turned and went upstairs. Thunder Clop continued to stand at attention, Princess Celstia remained in the office for a moment before she composed herself. Then turned to T.C

"You under stand captian that this conversation has been strictly confidential... I don't want to ruin my nieces surprise." Said Celstia kindly, perhaps too kindly thought T.C., "I'm sure we'll be seeing much of each other in the time to come.... good day."

"And to you as well my Lady." said T.C. saluting. After the Princess turned and left T.C. let out a sigh of relief. That had been awkward for him... more awkward than he had imagined. He knew that the princesses had a difficult past, but he had not expected them to be so cold with one another. He thought about his own brother... he could never treat him like that, they were very close. But I've never had to imprison him for a thousand years for trying to destroy the day before thought Thunder Clop as he climbed into bed...my, my, what have I gotten my self into....

Chapter III

The next afternoon just after Thunder Clop awoke he was greeted by one of the day guard ponies. "Good evening sir!" He said saluting, "Captain Shining Armor has requested your presence in the training yard."

"Very well," Relied Thunder Clop, "I shall join him presently.... um, would you mind leading the way?"

"Of course sir" replied the guard pony, "this way"

Thunder Clop followed the guard pony through the palace and out onto the grounds. In a secluded corner of the lawn he found the training arena (far separated from the elegant gardens and hidden behind a decorative hedge.) Many of the day guard ponies were in the arena, and several night guard ponies as well. Some we sparing while other ran drill with their platoons, still others trained with weights or galloped on the track surrounding the arena. Shining Armor was standing near the sparing area and was speaking to a pony with a large whistle and clip board. Thunder Clop waited for them to finish their conversation before he approached.

"Ahh, Captain Clop," said Shining Armor as he approached. "I would ask how your first night of duty was, but from what I heard it couldn't have gone better! Being promoted all the way to Captain in just one night, quite an accomplishment."

"Yes," replied T.C. "but it seems that the princess had no other choices. I had been meaning to ask you why security is so lax during the night shift?"

"Lax?" questioned Shining Armor, "I had not heard from the princess about a lack of security.... any way, now that you're Captain of the night watch you should bring it up with her. I'm sure the Princess would be interested in your concerns."

Thunder Clop did not like being brushed off so easily, he was beginning to feel as though Princess Luna and her night watch were being looked over.

"But surly you must have noticed how few guards there are posted at night.... even in the throne room." Pushed Thunder Clop. "how is it that this is allowed to happen."

"Well you see," Shining Armor adopted his matter-of-fact tone "at night their are no visitors allowed in the palace and so the chance of danger is much lower than during the day time, when there are many strangers about. We all still are concerned for Princess Luna's safety, as much as her sister's." here he adopted a more somber tone "In fact I wish I had more time to get to know her as you have, you've all ready spent about as much time with her as I have... and I've been with the Royal Guard for several years now, but our schedules don't line up well, and I rarely get to speak with her." Shining Armor stood for a second appearing lost in thought but soon regained his upbeat attitude and asked Thunder Clop "Would you care for a quick sparing match before you begin your shift? I find that a little exercise does the body good at the start of a long shift.... though today I decided to postpone my constitutional until you had awakened."

"Ohh, I don't know Sir, it seems somewhat inappropriate..." Replied Thunder Clop, he didn't want to get into a fight or competion with Shining Armor, especially after the promotion last night. The last thing I need right now is to get caught up in a pissing match with the day captain he thought to himself.

"Ohh come on," Said Shining Armor encouragingly, "and there'll be no more of that sir business now Thunder Clop, we're equals." Shining Armor let out a reassuring smile. He's taking the news of my promotion far better than I expected thought Thunder Clop perhaps he is as genuine as everypony says.

"All right," Replied Thunder Clop as he cast his gaze towards the setting sun, "but only a short match, my shift will begin soon."

"Excellent!" replied Shining Armor excitedly, "you can find the dummy weapons over on those racks." He motioned with his horns to one end of the arena. Thunder Clop trotted over and picked out a stout training spear with a rubber dummy point then joined Shining Armor in the sparing circle. The pony who Shining Armor had been speaking with earlier met them in the circle and explained the rules. "First pony to score what would be a fatal hit or force the other out side the circle wins, Captain Armor may use his magic and Captain Clop may use his wings, but remember to stay in the circle." He then stepped back to out side the ring and blew his whistle.

Shining Armor started with a magical blast from his horn, which T.C. easily dodged, using his wings to full advantage Thunder Clop leaped into the air and hovered in the air about 20 hooves above Shining Armor. From this position Thunder Clop tired several diving attacks, but Shining Armor dodged them as easily as he had dodged the earlier magical blast. This repeated for a moment or two before Shining Armor let out a magical bubble, it began to force T.C towards the edge of the ring. Thinking fast Thunder Clop flapped as hard as he could and managed to get on top of the bubble, so that it only pushed him up. Seeing this Shining Armor released the bubble and T.C. dived down once again. Shining Armor had a brief laps in concentration from casting his powerful spell and only just put up a small shield spell in time. T.C's training spear was caught in the magical field and the end snapped off. He landed hard and he and Shining Armor locked, each trying now to force the other out of the circle. Shining Armor was a bit larger than T.C. and even when Thunder flapped his wings he was not able to overcome Shining's strength. Slowly but surely T.C. began to lose ground, until finally the referee blew his whistle once more and the match ended, T.C's back hooves just barley out side the chalk line.

"What and excellent match!" breathed Shining Armor, "I thought you had me there with that last diving attack!"

"I did too," Replied Thunder Clop, also out of breath, "If you weren't just a bit stronger than me."

"Haha!" Laughed Shining Armor, "you must always play to your strengths, even if one of them is just plain strength!We should make this part of our daily, or, nightly routine!"

"All right," Agreed Thunder Clop, as they walked back towards the Palace "I will meet you here same time tomorrow captain."

"Well, have a good night captain" said Shining Armor when they parted ways.

"And to you as well." Replied T.C.

"Ohh I plan on it," Smirked Shining Armor, "My fiance' and I have a date tonight, which reminds me, I really must bathe before I meet her."

"Congratulations, have fun" Said Thunder Clop and he walked back to his office. The Sun had just finished setting behind the mountains and Princess Luna would be starting her night soon, and he thought it would be best to meet her as she began her night.

Author's Note

Just a quick little update, kind of a filler chapter but I wanted to expand on Shining Armors role a little bit and show that he actually is a pretty good guy (most of the time)

Chapter IV

It was nearly dark when Thunder Clop entered Princess Luna's receiving room. Long shadows stretched across the dark floor and curled away from the fire burning in the hearth. T.C. sat down on one of the sofas near the fire and patiently waited for Luna. He still had not received official orders from the princess, which he found odd, he knew that it was his job to protect her, and now organize the night watch, but he did not know exactly how princess Luna wished him to go about his duty. He was unsure how to ask the princess as well, but after their long conversation last night he felt more relaxed in her presence, so it would not be difficult to ask when the time came.

T.C. did not have to wait for Luna long. After only a few minutes she entered the room, shivering a bit from the cold night air.

"I apologize for my tardiness, T.C.," she smirked, "I was raising the moon and was suddenly caught up in the beauty of this night, so I stood on the balcony admiring it until it became too cold."

"Quite all right, my lady," replied T.C. "it is my duty to wait on you, not the other way around."

Luna sat down on the couch across from him, nearer the fire "I have told you that you may call me Luna..." she said casting him a sideways glance.

"I apologize Luna" said T.C. slightly embarrassed not this again he thought. "Old habits are hard to break."

"Indeed," retorted the princess, "I am afraid I know quite well what you mean.... Last night I was not at all polite with sister dearest. And you unknowingly were caught in the cross fire, this was not fair to you. I must apologize for a second time, tonight may be off to a less glorious start than I had imagined."

"There is no need to apologize Luna." Said T.C. "I know how siblings can be, even my own brother and I don't always see eye to eye."

"It is comforting knowing we are not so different you and I" said Luna staring into the flame.

"Princess," started T.C. "you are royal, above reproach.... It is I who should be humbled merely being allowed in your presence. I did not mean to imply you were like a commonpony."

"We see that you have returned to using the proper formalities" said Luna in a mocking royal voice.

"Sorry... Luna" Said T.C. with a sigh.

Luna stared at the fire again for a long time before speaking "I do not wish to be beyond reproach, I wish to have a real friend, somepony to confide in. I do not like being treated differently any longer... I have been for far to long, I no longer wish to rule with an iron hoof, but accept my role as princess with humility, it is my duty to protect the night, not rule it."

"And it is my duty to protect you," said T.C. "I wish to be your friend, but I must be your proctor first, that is my duty prin... Luna" He tried to send a comforting smile but Luna only turned her head down.

Without looking at him she began to speak again "So your duty must come before my wishes?" she asked.

Now he was trapped, T.C. had no idea how to respond. On one hoof if the told the princess he was only there as her protector it would ruin the tiny friendship they had kindled, on the other by admitting that he genuinely felt friendship for Luna he would be breaching several social protocols. After stammering for a few minutes he replied, "My duty is to your wishes Luna..."

She looked up and smiled at him "Good! then my first wish is that you start treating my as your equal... no more formalities, except for special occasions.... Second! You shall have dinner with my sister and I this evening. Come."

And Luna made for the door. Dinner with both princess! he thought panicked Last time was so awkward and I must have made a terrible impression with Princess Celestia. They reached the dining hall shortly, far sooner than T.C. would have liked.

"Good evening Sister," said Luna as the entered the chamber. T.C. followed Luna and stood rigidly at attention behind her chair as she took her seat at the table.

"Good evening" Replied Celestia politely, "did you sleep well?"

"Of course," Replied Luna, "I feel quite well rested.... I believe you all ready know T.C." Luna motioned and Thunder Clop felt a cold sweat run down his spine. "I have invited him to sup with us... and so I have no idea why he insists on standing at attention. Please, sit."

Luna used her magic to pull out a chair next to her's at the table. Princess Celestia raised an eyebrow as Thunder Clop nervously took his seat, but continued eating without saying much. The meal was one of the best Thunder Clop had ever had. There was fresh dandelion salad with potato soup for the opening course. The main course was a foreign dish from the griffin lands similar to lasagna, but a bit spicy and Thunder Clop enjoyed it very much. For desert they ate apple crisp al a'mode and Princess Celestia mentioned something about a lovely apple orchard just out side of Ponyville were the apples were apparently grown. Throughout dinner the two princesses made small talk and it seemed as though they had made up from their fight the night before, in fact they were quite pleasant with one another .

Near the end of the meal Princess Celestia turned to Thunder Clop. "I heard that you and Shining Armor had quite the sparing match earlier."

"Ohh yes," Replied Thunder Clop, "It was invigorating, he was a very worthy opponent, I may have to double my efforts if I wish to best him tomorrow."

"I'm glad you're getting to know some ponies around the palace, we are very happy to have you here." She said and smiled.

"Thank you your majesty." Said Thunder Clop and he bowed slightly in his chair.

Princess Celestia stood up and walked from the hall "If you will excuse me, I best be off to bed for the night. Have a good night you two." As she walked through the doors Thunder Clop thought he saw her glance back, if only for a moment, a concerned look in her eyes. Luna and Thunder Clop were now the only ones left in the dining hall and he asked her about it, but Luna had not noticed.

The rest of the night was rather uneventful. T.C escorted to the princess to the throne room and they conversed for several hours. He asked her about what his standing orders should be from now on to which Luna only playfully replied "to keep me company." A few of the night guards raised their eyebrows at the casual repertoire that Luna had taken up with their new captain, but none seemed disturbed by it, in fact the majority of the night watch was delighted to see Luna happy for once.

From that night T.C. began to fall into a certain rhythm. He woke early every after noon for exercise with Shining Armor (he even was able to win every now and then) and then went to meet Luna before dinner, to which he was still having difficulty accepting as his first mean of the day, well night. Dinner became one of his favorite times since he was able to spend time with both Princesses, though he was always formal with Celestia it was nice to get to know her too. He also began to understand why Luna could become frustrated with her sister, she had a way of being motherly rather than sisterly with her, a situation that he was sure drove Luna mad (his suspicions were confirmed when Luna herself commented on it once or twice in private as well.) T.C. also felt honored that he was allowed to attend the dinners even when dignitaries or other guests had also been invited, and always at Luna's side.

As the nights became weeks he and Luna grew very close. He almost never slipped by calling her by her formal title and she started only calling him "T.C." in private, noticing how it embarrassed him terribly. They would often spend the entire night in her receiving room or his office just talking or playing board games. Some ponies began to notice how much time Luna and Thunder Clop spent together and there were certain rumors that began to circulate about the palace. Luna and T.C. paid them no head, they were merely good friends, though they could be caught flirting innocently sometimes. This continued on for quite some time. The winter snows melted away and spring brought a few warm winds to the night. He and Luna would sometimes stroll through the gardens on the warm nights.

With the arrival of spring also came Shining Armor's and Princess Cadence's wedding day. The entire palace was abuzz with decorators and wedding planners. Royal guests began to arrive from all over Equestria, and even with the increased security (do to some unnerving threats) the entire palace was in a blissful mood, all except for Twilight Sparkle, but T.C. only heard of that through rumors. Shining Armors sister can't be that bad he thought. Soon the big day was nearly there, and as the sun rose on the day of the wedding he wished Luna "Good day" and retired to his room. Completely unaware of the chaos about to unfold...

Chapter V

Thunder Clop woke with a start. A sickly claw held him down into his bed, and another covered his mouth so he could not yell. Above him hovered two changelings, evilly smirking down at him. Suddenly T.C. felt very strange... he could feel his emotions start to change. He was angry (but not the kind of angry he had expected), he was sad, he was scared and paranoid, but wherever he searched for his courage, or compassion he could find none. As T.C's positive qualities faded from him the changelings seemed to grow stronger. They began to salivate over him and continued to feed on his love. T.C. became angrier and angrier, his hatred for these vile creatures filled up the spaces where his love had once been. He began to struggle but the changelings held him in place feeding off that last of his goodness in his soul... but they took too much.

Thunder Clop has never experienced this kind of rage before. It consumed him, he didn't know what he was doing, suddenly he was free and he vented his new found fury on the changelings. He pummeled them. They tired to change into new forms but T.C. was too fast. His full fury unleashed and he beat them mercilessly with his bare hooves. Thunder Clop was unsure how long he fought the changelings, he only saw red, but when it was over they both lay beaten and broken upon his bedroom floor. As they passed into unconsciousness T.C. felt his positive emotions returning to him.

By the creator what have I done!? he thought, disgusted by his own use of excessive force. I didn't know I had it in me.... it was like I was nothing but hatred, no love at all... The Princess!

Thunder Clop bolted from his room just in time to see a massive magical blast push the entire changeling army, along with their vile queen, out of the city. He paid it no head, the only thing that mattered to him now was Princess Luna's safety. He galloped as fast as he could up the stairs, even using his wings in parts to help boost his speed. He burst through into the receiving room and then through the doors into what he thought would be the princesses bed room. "Princess Lu......na?" He started as a shout but trailed off.

He was in an office, a magnificent office. Like his the walls were lined with book shelves and guarded by suits of armor. Unlike his office were the statues, tapestries, paintings and ornate furniture. There was a massive desk in front of a beautiful stained glass relief of the princess. The ceiling was painted to look like a summer's night complete with a field of stars and a full moon from which hung a silver chandelier with blue flames that cast a soft glow over the office. On three of the walls were doors, the one T.C. had come through was situated in the middle directly across from the desk. On his left the door was shut, but the door to the right was slightly ajar, and from inside another soft blue glow seemed to emanate.

Thunder Clop approached the door as quietly as he could as he got closer he began to make out the sound of heavy relaxed breathing. He nuzzled the door open slowly. Inside he saw Luna fast asleep. She was stretched out on the bed only half under the covers and one foreleg was hugging a pillow. T.C. couldn't help laughing and had to stifle his giggle, at the sound Luna mumbled something he didn't catch and rolled over. She then continued to sleep peacefully. Thunder Clop slowly backed up and left the Princess's office, much quieter this time. Clearly he thought the changelings did not make it this far up the tower.

But what were they doing here in the first place!? Thunder Clop could feel his anger returning as he went to find one of the day guards. It did not take him long to find a guard and get a situation report. He listened intently as the guard told him how the changeling queen had impersonated Princess Cadence and enslaved Shining Armor and how Twilight Sparkle was able to free the real Cadence who was able to defeat the evil Queen.

"Why did nopony come and warn us!?" asked T.C. angrily.

"My apologies sir," Said the guard pony "but the order was for Princess Luna's tower to be sealed off. Two of our best guards were sent to inform you, and a platoon was station out side the hall."

Those two changelings must have impersonated the guards sent to inform us thought T.C. "Very well then," said T.C. "thank you for the information."

Since it was only a short time before when Thunder Clop normally began his night, he decided to wait in the Princess's receiving room, so that he could discus what had happened. He waited for nearly two hours though for the princess to wake up, below in the palace gardens he could hear the wedding celebrations resume and when he gazed out side his the windows he could see squadrons of palace guards trotting or flying through the streets of Canterlot mopping up the last of the Changelings. Several times guards where sent to him for new orders. He had several maps brought to Luna's receiving room and began to orchestrate the movements of the guard from there.

So busy was he with his work that he did not even notice when Luna finally did enter the room. "What's the matter T.C.?" She asked playfully, "are your own quarters no longer adequate?"

Suddenly she noticed the serious looks on the guards faces and took a closer look at the documents "Oh my," she gasped, "what has happened? Is everything all right?" Thunder Clop sat down next to Luna and told her everything, the changeling queen Chrysalis, how Cadence was imprisoned and freed, even about the two changelings that managed to ambush him while he slept.

"I am glad you are everything turned out alright then." Luna said once T.C. had finished. "and that you are unharmed.:

"Well I for one am furious!" said Thunder Clop, "This whole thing has been a huge embarrassment for the palace guard. We should have noticed a change in Cadence, we should have had spells prepared to combat the changelings shape shifting, and most importantly we shouldn't have allowed Shining Armor to take on the burden of the magical dome singlehoofedly.

Luna took him by the hoof and sat him down on the couch "There is nothing we could have done," She sighed, "none of us could have seen this coming. It was an unfortunate event, but everything has turned out for the better, the enemy has been defeated!"

"Forgive me princess," Started Thunder Clop again, "but everything has not turned out for the better. Massive holes in our security have been exposed. The whole palace was put in harms way and there was nothing any of us could do to stop it. We failed you.... I failed you. I am not fit to be your captain..." T.C. couldn't look Luna in the face, it took all of his will power not to cry in front of her, or his troops.

Luna pulled Thunder Clops head up so that he met her gaze. "Captain Thunder Clop, T.C., do not say such things. The very fact that you care so much means that you are more fit than anypony to my captain. Yes mistakes were made, but as I said nopony could have foreseen this outcome. We were, all of us, deceived, there is no shame in that. The fact that you try even now to preserve my safety even after the danger has clearly passed only goes to further reassure me that you are the right pony for the job." She paused for a moment and then turned to adjutants and soldiers in the room. "Leave us for a moment." She demanded polity, and the other ponies began to file out of the room.

Luna waited until she and Thunder Clop were alone. "My hand maidens told me that you rushed to make sure I was fine." she said.

"I was only doing what I thought was right." he said.

"Normally my bed chamber is forbidden," She said now holding her head high and used just a hint of the Royal Canterlot Voice, "there was a time, long ago, when an intruder may have even been executed for such boldness."

Now Thunder Clop looked panicked, "I am sorry Princess, I, I didn't realize." Luna glared at him. Thunder Clop continued "Prince..."

"How many times must you be told," started Luna, feigning anger, "call me Luna."

Thunder Clop's tenseness melted away, Luna had only been teasing him What an inappropriate time for such a game he thought, but then realized, that he did feel much better all of a sudden. He watched as the princess began to giggle at him.

"You, of course, will not be executed," she said, "In fact I am touched by your concern for me." She stood up "I must now attend to my niece's wedding celebration. I think I will be fine without my escort tonight, and the guard will need their captain to organize them, but please try and stay calm, I believe the worst of this event is long over." Then Luna did something T.C. was not expecting at all, she pulled him into a tight embrace and whispered a "Thank you." into his ear, and then, she was off. Thunder Clop sat dumbfounded for a moment or two, then called for an orderly to help move his documents and maps back to his own office, it was going to be a long night.

Chapter VI

The night dragged on and on. Patrols of guardponies continued searching out pockets of changelings left in the city. While the wedding reception was underway in the castle small skirmishes popped up all over the city. Thunder Clop had his hooves full trying to organize the fighting and keep the party revelers unaware of the danger just outside of the palace walls. Finally just after midnight, as the reception was winding down, the patrols came back reporting that no changelings remained in Canterlot. A weight was lifted from Thunder Clop, his mission was a success and the party goers were none the wiser.

With the Changeling menace taken care of T.C. began to turn his attention to other matters. He had heard from one of the Guard Ponies that Princess Celestia had given stewardship the newly discovered Chrystal Empire to Princess Cadance and Shining Armor as their wedding present. After Shining Armor left Thunder Clop would be the ranking captain of the guard. A position he did not relish. He now understood why he was promoted so quickly, it was not because Luna needed a captain for her watch, it was to spite Celestia. As T.C. pondered this development he became somewhat embittered, he was not a game piece to be used by Luna against her sister. Friends he thought she isn't really my friend...

Yet the more T.C. thought on his circumstance the less angry he became and the more sad. It was true that he was angry with Luna, but it was more than that. She had used him for her own gain, though she had not lied to him she withheld the whole truth. T.C. had never been wounded like this before, he thought the princess and he had a genuine friendship, and the thought of that friendship as nothing but a facade saddened him deeply. Thunder Clop sat in his office for several hours, pretending to work whenever a guard came in with a report or question, but mostly pondering his relationship with Luna. Finally he decided he would no longer spend time with the princess as a friend, but only when ordered to report. Besides, now that he would be the ranking captain he would be far to busy for personal matters, so avoiding princess Luna would be easy.

The next few nights passed uneventfully. Shining armor and Princess Cadence left for the north and T.C. began working with the day guard. Their new captain was also a relatively young pony and also a pegasus like T.C. named Flash Sentry, they got along fairly well at first but it became grossly apparent after only a few meetings that Thunder Clop was not being taken seriously by the day guard, though this was not Flash's fault. He decided to take matters into his own hooves, and reform the guard (something he had been planning to do anyway, just not as soon.)

Thunder Clop first divided all the guards evenly, so that half the night watch and half the day watch were always on duty. He further divided the watches into quarters corresponding with the weeks in a month. Each of the eight shifts would switch off between day and night watch every four weeks. This way all the palace would always have the same amount of protection all the time, and only a quarter of the guard would be fatigued from a shift in their duty. T.C. even extended this schedule shift to himself and Flash Sentry. As for Celestia's "theme" it was fairly easy to convince her of the security reforms after the Changeling indecent.

An unforeseen benefit to changing his own schedule was that T.C. could now attend his graduation ceremony next month. Something he had been looking forward to for some time. The night before the ceremony he laid out his old cadet uniform and dusted off his barrette. It felt strange looking at his old academy cloths, it had only been about six months since he left, but to T.C it felt like a life time ago. He could only imagine what Commandant Spatz would have to say to him. Then for only the third time in months T.C. closed his eyes and fell asleep as the moon began rising over the distant mountains.

"You have been avoiding me." The voice rang like a bell through the night "why have you become so adverse to my company?" Thunder Clop looked around, he was in a valley near his home village, one of his favorite spots to camp as a young colt. The sky was filled with stars and a cooling breeze swept through the aspen trees. The grass was moist with sweet dew and the whole of the dreamscape seemed to shimmer and sway with the breeze. The moon hung low in the sky just above the distant hills of the valley.

"I have not" replied Thunder Clop to the night air around him. "I have merely been busy with my duties." Another breeze whipped through the trees, stronger than before. "I know that is not true." the voice rang out again "I ask again, why?" the voice was forceful but not angry, in fact it sounded hurt.

"Don't use that tone with me Princess!" yelled T.C. back into the night. "I will not be your puppet for a sibling squabble!"

Luna emerged from the trees a halo of moonlight illuminating each step. "Is that what you think this is about?" asked Luna.

"Isn't it!" replied T.C. sarcastically "You were only pretending to be my friend, you only promoted me knowing that whoever became night captain would become the new ranking guard captain in only a few short months. I was just the first pony to come along who was eligible..."

"How Dare You!" snorted Luna. "To accuse me of such heartless political maneuvering! Have you forgotten all of our talks? Our dinners? Our walks through the gardens? And now you stand before and claim that I thought of you as nothing but a political tool!"

"Well didn't you?" replied T.C. "what better patsy than one who thinks they're your friend? Who easier to manipulate than somepony who thinks they're close to you?"

"I would never betray somepony like that!" Said Luna.

"You did it to your sister" said T.C. offhoofedly.

Luna was clearly taken aback, it looked as if she was going to cry. She was just beginning to fade from the dreamscape when Thunder Clop mumbled softly "And I thought you really were my friend."

Luna paused. "Heck I was beginning to think of you as my best friend, no, more than that." Had T.C. been awake he would have never said something so candid, but in his dreams he could not separate what he thought from what he said.

"I thought we had a special connection y'know, that we were really bonding, but now I just feel like I've been used..." Luna turned back towards him. She slowly walked up to T.C. and pulled him into a tight embrace and held him there for several moments.

"Had I known how you felt earlier I would have told you how I felt." whispered Luna. "I thought I was a fool, you hide your feelings so well T.C." She starred into his eyes, and began moving in close to his muzzle, their lips were just about to touch...

Then Thunder Clop woke with a start, his alarm clock ringing on the night stand and the first rays of the morning sun shining through the blinds.

Author's Note

So taking some creative licence here in making Flash Sentry the new day guard Captain, but hey somepony has to do it now that Shining Armor is up north, and he seemed like a logical choice.

Chapter VII

Thunder Clop slowly reached out a hoof to turn off the alarm. The took the blankets off and sat up in bed. What was that all about? He thought sitting there, massaging his temple. It had not been the first time he had dreams of Luna, but this time was different... more vivid than before. It was as if she had really been there, that the moment they shared was real, not just fantasy. None of his other dreams had a romantic ending before, he didn't want this one to end. He stared at his alarm clock. How could such a thing rip him away from such a moment. He picked up and threw it across the room before burying his head in his hooves. He let out a long frustrated sigh.

He sat pondering his dream for a long time. Was Luna really there? He knew she had the power to enter dreams, but he had heard she only did it with ponies who were in distress, who needed her help. Perhaps he did need her help this time. Maybe the princess needed his help, who knew? He didn't really realize that he had feelings for Luna. Sure he'd have a passing thought every now and then, but he would always dismiss them. She was a princess and he was nothing but a common guardpony. What chance did he have? T.C. continued to mull over his thoughts as he got ready for the morning. He showered and brushed his teeth, then slipped into his old academy uniform before making his way out of the palace and towards the academy.

It was a beautiful day in Canterlot. The morning light warmed his back as he walked through the sleepy streets. He passed only a few ponies starting their day. They swept in front of stores and many shuffled passed on their way to work. Thunder Clop decided to stop at a cafe' for breakfast, he still had several hours before he had to be at the academy for the ceremony. It was the first proper breakfast he'd had in ages. He ordered blue berry pancakes with some eggs over-easy and hash browns. He sat outside and watching sunrise and Ponies go about their business while he sipped his dark coffee.

As he sat there his thoughts drifted away from the dream and towards the events of the day looming ahead. There's no way it was really Luna last night Thunder thought just another errant fantasy... After about an hour and a half of sitting and pony-watching he started off for the academy. As Thunder Clop entered the academy he was greeted by his old class mates and even Commandant Spatz who was ecstatic to see T.C. Spatz went on and on about how proud he was to have the Captain of the Guard at the ceremony and asked Thunder to say something at the ceremony, which T.C. politely declined. He didn't want any special treatment, the graduation ceremony was for all the cadets and he just wanted to be treated the same as his brothers and sisters in arms.

Thunder Clop chatted with his former class mates as they went through the rehearsal. Soon guests and dignitaries began to arrive and fill the auditorium. A few minutes before the ceremony began trumpets heralded the arrival of Princess Celstia who always oversaw the graduation ceremony. All the ponies in the auditorium turned to the balcony seat above the entrance and a hush fell over the crowd. Rather than Celestia, Luna walked onto the balcony her head held high and arrogant in proper royal fashion. Luna walked slowly to her royal seat as the crowd began to murmur below. Commandant Spatz trotted sheepishly to the podium and cleared his throat before speaking.

"Princess Luna," he started his voice slightly shaken "we our honored by your presence at our ceremony."

"IT IS WE WHO ARE HONORED COMMANDANT!" said Luna, in the full Royal Canterlot voice "THE PONIES PRESENTED HERE HAVE PROVEN THEIR THEIR WORTH THROUGH HARD WORK AND DEDICATION. THEY ARE THE FUTURE OF EQUESTRIA AND HAVE SET A PROUD EXAMPLE FOR ALL TO FOLLOW!"

Commandant Spatz stood at the podium for a while more, halted by the Princess's presence. Then he began the ceremony.

"Mares and Gentle-colts, distinguished guests and our Royal Princess Luna. We are gathered here today in order to honor this years graduating class. This group of Ponies, who as the Princess has stated, have worked long and hard. They have dedicated their very lives to our Kingdom of Equestria. They have struggled and striven to become something more than themselves, They will be our future leaders and protectors, after this day they will be fully commissioned into our armed forces. Serving both near and far to defend our borders and homes. The Army, the Navy and even the Palace Guard have made their selection from a fine group of ponies I am proud now to call officers. Each of the ponies you will see before you is a tried and true soldier, each would bravely go into battle and each has a wholesome heart worthy of praise. It is my honor and privilege to present to you this years graduating class. When they came they were mere foals, but they will leave mares and stallions ready for all any challenge this land presents."

Thunder Clop began walking out with the rest of the class as the band began to play the music. He was near the first ponies out and filed onto the risers behind the podium where Spatz stood clapping along with the rest of the crowd. It wasn't until T.C was in his position that he noticed Luna in the balcony. What is she doing here? he thought. Celestia was supposed to attend the ceremony, Celestia Always oversaw the ceremony. T.C. couldn't help but stare at her, he thought he noticed a slight wink and smile before she resumed her regular haughty appearance. The graduates waited patiently while their class finished coming in, there were about four dozen in all. Many of the graduates were also taken aback by Luna's presence, but all quickly resumed a rigid attention.

When the band finished playing the ponies in the crowd sat. Commandant Spatz said a few more kind words and was followed by a few other speakers, notably the Grand General and Admiral. Luna spoke from the balcony in place of the Royal Guard's captain's turn. Try as he might Thunder Clop couldn't bring himself to listen to her words he was so shaken by her being there coupled with the previous nights dream. He barley noticed when she mentioned him in her speech and the subsequent round of applause from the audience. But it was enough to make him blush terribly. He saluted her from his place on the risers.

"Thank you your majesty!" He barked out rigidly.

"NO" replied Luna using the voice, "THANK YOU, T.... CAPTAIN THUNDER CLOP!" and she returned his salute.

There was another round of applause and Commandant Spatz spoke his closing statements. There was another round of applause for all the graduates. "Refreshments will be served in the mess, all are encouraged to come and congratulate the graduates in person."

Thunder Clop prayed to the creator that Luna would not attend the reception. Why should she Celestia never did. He needed more time to process his dream and he felt that Luna's presence would only cloud his judgement. He wasn't ready to speak with Luna yet, in truth he had decided not to tell her about the dream or the way he felt, he wanted to sweep it under the rug and carry on. But it seemed to him that the princess was determined to root him out. Clearly she had been in his dream, why else would she attend the graduation? Thunder Clop was a bundle of nerves as he walked to the hall. He entered the mess and immediately saw Luna at the head table. Commandant sat on one side and an empty chair next to her clearly meant for him. She motioned subtly for him to sit.

As Thunder Clop walked up to the head table and Princess Luna rose with the rest of the guests to greet the graduates as they entered the hall. Each of Thunder Clops class mates wandered off to various other tables to sit with their family and friends. T.C's own parents and brother sat at the head table as well directly across from Luna, Spatz and himself. T.C's family gave him a tight hug as he passed them on his away around to his seat. "We're so proud of you sweaty!" Exclaimed his mother, his father and brother nodded in agreement. As he rounded the table Luna trotted out to meet him and also gave him a tight hug that T.C, nor anypony in the hall, had been expecting. The mess hall fell silent except for more than a few gasps of surprise.

"Congratulations T.C." she said, "we are all very proud of what you have accomplished, and now your rank and stature are official."

"Thank you Princess." Said Thunder Clop softly.

"Please T.C, you may call me Luna." She replied a bit louder than was necessary. Another round of gasps echoed through the mess, some ponies in the crowd literally left with their mouths agape. Thunder Clop escorted Luna back to her seat and held her chair for her while she sat before seating himself beside her. The ponies in the mess all stared at Luna and Thunder Clop, as the waiters shuffled by with the first round of horderves and snacks. Even Thunder Clops family and Commandant Spatz sat motionless, just staring. Finally Luna broke the uncomfortable silence.

"Aren't you going to introduce me to your family?" she asked T.C. almost a bit sheepishly. It was as if a switch had been turned on, the other ponies in the room immediately began talking again among themselves. Most threw more than a few glances back at Luna and T.C. Thunder Clop knew that by tomorrow all of Equestria would know about his and Luna's friendship.

Thunder Clop cleared his throat. "Yes Luna," he began "this my mother Ember Sky and my father Charger, and my brother Lightning Spark."

Ember Sky, a yellow Pegasus with dark red hair, spoke first. "We are honored by your presence," This was followed by verbatim by Charger, a dark grey unicorn with purple mane. T.C's little brother, a orange-ish yellow unicorn with a blue mane, Lightning Spark just smiled and bowed his head.

"Oh please, there is not need to stand, or rather sit in this case, on ceremony for me," said Luna. "I have looked forward to meeting you all for a long time, you have raised a fine young stallion. And please, call me Luna" She added almost as an afterthought.

"Of course prin... Luna" Ember Sky said. Luna giggled. "Do not worry, it took T.C. a long time to get used to being informal with me to."

At hearing the princess use his brother's ridiculous nick name Lightning spark cast a sideways glance at Thunder Clop, one eyebrow raised and a smirk creeping across his face. But he quickly corrected himself when he saw his father glaring in his direction.

There was another period of awkward silence. Neither of T.C.s parents knew what to say in front of a princess, nor did his brother and Luna's natural shyness was beginning to get the better of her for a moment. Thunder Clop stared at his food for a moment. Suddenly Luna tried to restart the conversation.

"Tell me about your cutie mark T.C." She started, "I have never before seen it unobscured by your armor. It is most unusual for a military pony, most are of swords and shields and the like."

Thunder Clop looked down briefly at his flank, his cutie mark was a rook piece from chess and a pair of dice. "Well you see" he began, "my special talent is games. I love games."

"Love?" said Charger from across the table. "more like addicted to them."

"It's served him well though," Said Spatz from the other side of Luna, "he scored top marks in all his tactics courses, and won most of the monthly risk tournaments we hold."

"Surely you jest!" scoffed Luna, "I too am quite fond of games, but whenever we play I trounce Thunder quite soundly." She said quite proud of herself.

"Only because I let you win." Said T.C. matter-of-factly.

Luna deflated and shot him a look that would have made any other pony run for the hills, but T.C. knew the princess too well by now to be intimidated by that look and kept on eating. "You had better not." She said "next time we play you must challenge me to the best of your ability."

"Well all right Luna," replied T.C. "but no pouting when I win."

"Ha!" chortled Luna, "you have stolen the words from mine own mouth, just promise me not to cry when I crush you for the umpteenth time."

The conversation continued on like this for much of the remaining lunch. Thunder Clop noticed though that Luna was acting a bit.... differently. She was flirty with him, much more so than usual, though she still tried to be subtle. She sat close to him at the table, very close, often her leg would brush his as she adjusted or she would purposely bump her shoulder into his. Thunder Clop tired his best to resist (after all he was still a little mad with her) but soon found himself returning her little advances. By the end of the lunch they were nearly holding hooves.

"It is a pity you will be on the day shift for some time longer." She told Thunder Clop. "I do miss your company, though Flash Sentry has been some comfort to my loneliness."

Something about her comment didn't sit well with Thunder Clop. It was a feeling Thunder Clop didn't like but recognized instantly, jealousy. Why would Flash be with Luna he thought, after all she's my friend, not his. T.C. tired to repress his emotion and was able to bury most of it before he commented, "I'm glad you have somepony to confide in I'm away then." Only the smallest hint of envy escaped his lips though only Luna noticed, but she played it off as though nothing had happened.

After a few more minutes Luna excused herself. "I must get some rest if I am to raise the moon tonight." she said. Luna said her good byes to Commandant Spatz and Thunder Clop's family. T.C. escorted Luna to the gates of the academy where her chariot was waiting. They paused just before she boarded her chariot.

"Luna, about last night..." Started Thunder Clop.

"What about it?" questioned Luna. "I was attending to my royal duties, and you were asleep were you not?"

"I was," said Thunder Clop, "but weren't you, didn't you?" The right words just wouldn't come to Thunder Clop.

"Didn't I what?" asked Luna a puzzled look on her face.

"Ohh, nothing." Replied Thunder Clop at last. "Sleep well Luna, I will see you soon."

"Have a good day." Said Luna and she gave Thunder Clop a tight hug before flying off towards the palace in her chariot.

Thunder Clop watched her fly away for a moment or two then turned around back into the academy. He was intercepted in the hall outside the mess by Commandant Spatz.

"Captain Clop!" he said sternly.

"Yes sir?" questioned Thunder Clop sheepishly.

"Just what exactly what was that with the princess." Spatz barked, it was much more a statement than a question.

"Nothing sir." replied Thunder Clop, "The princess just prefers a more.... relaxed rapport with me sir."

"Oh Ho!" said Spatz, "That was far more than just relaxed."

Commandant Spatz looked Thunder Clop up and down slowly. All the while T.C. stood rigidly at attention, he couldn't help himself. Hell! he thought I out rank Spatz now. But T.C's respect for the old Pony held him in place rigidly. Finally Spatz broke the silence.

"I could hardly believe it when I saw it! The way you carried on with the princess, one of my graduates, a star pupil and captain of the royal guard no less! Highly unprofessional! But I must say.... good on you son!"

"W-What!?" Said Thunder Clop.

"You heard me Clop," Said Spatz knowingly "...Damn!" and with that he left Thunder Clop with a wink and a smirk.

Thunder Clop stood there stunned for a moment. Now these rumors are going to get truly out of hoof.

Chapter VIII

The rest of the reception had gone quite well. Thunder Clop chatted with his parents and class mates for some time. Eventually though the party had to come to an end and T.C. hugged his family goodbye and went back to the palace. One piece of good news was that his little brother had been accepted to Canterlot Magic College, which pleased Thunder immensely, it would be very nice to spend time with his brother once the semester started. Thunder Clop met Flash Sentry for calisthenics in the training yard as he usually did, though they rarely sparred the way he had with Shining Armor. All in all it had been a good, but exhausting day. Thunder Clop slowly lowered himself into bed and fell asleep...

Once again Thunder found himself in the familiar valley from his child hood (and the night before.) This time near a babbling stream. The water sparkled with starlight reflected from the sky above. T.C. walked down the stream feeling its cool water wash over his hooves. He splashed about and chased fish into the deep parts. He swam and floated with the current. It carried him far down the valley until he reached the lake at the base of the mountains. Here Thunder Clop got out of the water and lay on the soft grass near the shore of the lake. He stared up at the night sky, mesmerized by the moon and starlight.

Suddenly, T.C. was surrounded in a black mist. It quickly materialized into an image of Luna, who lay on the grass by his side.

"Such a beautiful dreamscape your mind has created." she sighed.

"Luna?" said Thunder Clop, continuing to stare up at the sky.

"But of course Thunder Clop, who else would it be?" she asked playfully.

"But are you the real Luna?" asked Thunder Clop still staring straight up.

Luna reached a hoof across Thunder Clop and bid him to roll over so that he was facing her. She started into his eyes and whispered softly.

"In here I'm as real as you want me to be..."

Thunder Clop began to speak but Luna silenced him by placing her hoof across his mouth. "Shhh" She said, "let us pick up where we left off last night."

Luna removed her hoof and T.C. stared into her eyes. He was mesmerized by their perfect color, a rich blue. Her head moved closer and she shut her eyes. Thunder Clop moved in to kiss the princess, but suddenly pulled away.

"I can't Luna..." he sighed and sat up.

"Why not!?" asked Luna frustrated.

"If this is all just a dream then it doesn't mean anything in the real world." replied Thunder Clop. "And what is the point of these dreams if this can never happen with the real Luna?"

"I have all ready told you," started the princess, "In here I am the real Luna."

"But are you the real Luna out there?" asked Thunder Clop breaking his gaze with the princess.

"And why should that matter!?" asked Luna as she crossed her forelegs across her chest.

"I will not torture myself by pining over you!" said Thunder Clop, "We cannot be together in the real world, and these dreams will only make things.... complicated. Whether you're the real Luna or not doesn't really matter, the way I feel about is real though, and it will matter in the real world. If I let my emotions get the better of me I could end up making a complete fool of my self... Hell, it could cost me my career and reputation."

"And what of my reputation?" asked Luna, "If word got out that I was interested in a commonpony?"

"What of your reputation" stated Thunder Clop, "You won't even tell me if you're the real Luna or not! You may not even have a reputation!"

"And what if I were the real Luna!?" She asked.

"Are you?" replied Thunder Clop.

"You know that I will not answer that." said Luna, becoming slightly frustrated with T.C. pushing the issue. "What if I were the real Luna, and you knew for sure who I was and how I felt, would you still be acting this way if I told you I wanted you?"

"If you were the real Luna I would be elated." replied Thunder Clop. He turned to Luna and looked her in the eyes again. "But since you refuse to tell me whether you are or not.... I just can't take the risk. I'm beginning to love Luna, but if she ever found out I could lose everything, including her friendship. And if I have to choose between keeping this secret, or losing her forever... I'll just keep my emotions bottled up."

Luna looked at him for a while longer, "That is your choice then..." she said sadly and faded from the dreamscape. A cold wind began to blow through Thunder Clops dream. It swept through the trees and across the land. It made T.C. shiver and brought with it a distant ringing sound...

Thunder Clop reached his hoof out from under the covers to shut off the alarm that blared in his ear. He sat up in bed and rubbed his temple again. Not another of these damned dreams! he thought to himself as he lay there in bed, watching the first rays of the sun creep across his bedroom floor. As Thunder Clop got ready for the day he tried to push the dreams from his memories. Suddenly a knock came to the door.

"Enter." Said Thunder Clop, just as he was pulling on his armor. Princess Celestia walked into his office. T.C. bowed to the princess and said, "Greetings Princess, what can I do for you this morning."

"Oh nothing so formal," Celestia giggled, "I was merely wondering if you would accompany me to breakfast, you have become quite acquainted with my sister, and I too would like a chance to get to know you better."

"Oh, of course Princess," said Thunder Clop as he left for the dinning hall with Celestia.

It was nice to finally spend some real time with Celestia. Though T.C. had been attending diners with Luna for a few months he rarely spoke directly to Celestia, he mostly listened while she and Luna did the majority of the talking. As they walked to breakfast, they made various small talk about interests and hobbies, the weather, things like that. When they arrived in the dining room they sat for a meal of french toast (well the pony equivalent) and orange juice. Celestia began to move the conversation towards yesterdays graduation ceremony.

"Oh it was a lovely ceremony." Said Thunder Clop when Celestia asked him about it.

"I heard that Luna gave the speech in place of the when the Captain of the guard normally speaks." Said Celestia.

"Oh yes, she gave a very nice speech." Said Thunder Clop, "Considering my position as both graduate and captain I decided not to say anything, it was a day for all the graduates, and I didn't want to stand out."

"How very humble of you." Said Celestia taking a sip of her coffee. "Not many in the guard share your humility Thunder Clop, it is a breath of fresh air."

"Oh you embarrass me Princess." said T.C. blushing.

"It is true," she continued, "My sister could not have picked a better stallion for a friend and protector."

"Thank you Princess." Thunder Clop replied.

"But remember Captain," said Celestia adopting a slightly somber tone, "though you are her friend, you must remain her protector. I appreciate the fact that you get along so well, but you are captain of the guard, and that position comes with certain responsibilities that cannot be over looked by your relationship with Luna."

"Princess I..." Started Thunder Clop, but Celestia cut him off.

"This can't be like Cadence and Shining Armor. Cadence may be a princess Thunder Clop but Luna is a Goddess. I know that you care for her, and I believe that she cares for you, and I am happy for you both but your responsibility as captain must come first.... and these rumors that I've heard lead me to believe that certain priorities need to be realigned. I am not angry with you Thunder Clop, I just want what is best for Luna."

"I can assure you your majesty, these rumors you've heard are completely false." Said Thunder Clop. "Princess Luna and I are just good friends."

Celestia smiled back at Thunder Clop, "Good, creator knows my sister needs friends, and I'm happy she's found one as good as you."

Author's Note

...I'm.... Doing... my..... best.... not.... to make Celestia a bitch, but it's really hard. On one hand she's just trying to protect her sister, but on the other who the hell does she think she is telling TC not to get any close to Luna..... Ah The DRAMA, its starting.

Chapter IX

Thunder Clop bounced around in his small boat. The ocean swelled and bucked in the fierce wind. He held onto the helm with all his might, struggling against the wind and the spray. This tempest had sprung up from no-where. A bolt a lightning cracked through the sky. "Remember your priorities...." Celestias voice echoed even over the howling wind. Above head a sail was ripped in two by a mighty gust. "You can't be like Cadence and Shining Armor...." The sun princess's voice rang out once more. Suddenly a massive wave began swelling up in front of Thunder Clops small boat. It kept rising him higher and higher, soon the bow of the ship was pointing strait up. Thunder Clop held onto the wheel dangling about the ocean churning below him. "I believe she cares for you too...." Celestia rang out one last time before the boat finally capsized.

Thunder Clop was swirling in the black waters. Trying his best to right himself. He started swimming for the surface, struggling against the pain in his lungs, he must breath soon. Thunder Clop crested the water and took a huge gulp of air before a wave came crashing down on his head. Once again he was swirling below the water. He breached the surface once more and suddenly the storm stopped. The ocean was immediately calm. T.C. floated on his back on the surface allowing the current to take him wherever it pleased. He looked up at the sky and watched the last of the clouds blow away. Soon Thunder Clop felt soft sand rise up to meet his back, but he continued floating. He floated up to a soft patch of grass and found that it was no ocean he sailed on, but the lake at the foot of the valley that he loved so much. He lay perfectly content looking up at the cool moonlight.

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

The sounds woke T.C. with a start. Thunder Clop looked at his alarm clock, only 10:30, he'd barley been asleep for an hour. Who would be disturbing him though, and why. Thunder Clop wearily walked to his bedroom door, rubbing his eyes.

"Yes?" he asked as he opened the door.

"Sorry to disturb you sir!" said a guard pony saluting. "But Captain Sentry has taken ill and requires bed-rest. Princess Luna has asked if you would cover his shift."

Thunder Clop hesitated for a moment, he was still extremely sleepy. Finally he replied "Yes of course, I'll be ready in a few minutes."

Thunder Clop pulled on his armor and grabbed his gear. He was exhausted, but somewhat excited to be with Luna again. This schedule shift had been harder than he thought, it had only been about a week since the switch over and all ready he missed Luna terribly (he had forgotten all about being upset with her.) It only took Thunder Clop a few moments to get to the throne room but, to his surprise, Luna was not there. He inquired with the other guards who told him that Luna was in her room, she had left soon after she ordered the guards to wake him.

Why didn't she just wake me herself then? thought T.C. my room is directly on the way to hers. He slowly climbed the stairs to the top of the tower. He got to Luna's receiving room, but she was not there either. He knocked on the door to her office. "Enter" he heard voice through the thick oak doors. Thunder Clop walked through the door to see Luna sitting at the couches and table, with a stack of board games to one side. Thunder Clop immediately knew what she had in mind.

"Good, you are here," she said enthusiastically, "now we can put this matter of whom is better than whom at playing games." She smiled slyly at T.C. as he walked to his seat across from her.

"All right Luna, if you're really that determined to get your flank spanked tonight, I guess I must oblige" Said Thunder Clop tauntingly.

"I believe it is I, who shall be administering the pain." replied Luna.

First they played chess, a game both were familiar with, though Luna did have the advantage of being around since its invention. Their first game or two was somewhat even and won by Luna but soon T.C. hit his stride, and began to beat Luna, quite badly to her dismay. Next they played a game of risk, with only two ponies it did not take too long, and once again T.C. beat Luna soundly. "This game is nothing like a real war." Said Luna dismissively as she reached for the next box, Hoofopoly. She managed to beat T.C. at this game, it had never been one of his favorites. Soon it was early morning, about 4 o'clock, and Luna and T.C. were enjoying a game of changeling-checkers. T.C. was beating Luna once again when suddenly she sat up right and folded her arms across her chest.

"I grow weary of this pass time." She said.

"Now Princess," said Thunder Clop adopting a rather gloating tone, "you promised not to pout."

"I am not pouting." Said Luna matter-of-factly. "Princesses do not pout. I was merely stating that I wish to partake in another activity."

"Okay then," replied Thunder Clop. "What should be do?"

Luna pondered for a moment before speaking, "It is a glorious night, we should be outside enjoying it, instead of being couped up in the tower like this." Luna stood up and walked though her room to the balcony. She beckoned Thunder Clop to follow. Luna stood in the moon light, a soft breeze blowing through her mane. Suddenly she jumped from the balcony and took flight. Thunder Clop followed, it felt good to spread his wings, it had been far too long since he'd had a chance for a leisurely flight.

But Luna was in no mood for leisure tonight. She darted up and down, out and around the turrets and towers of the castle. Thunder Clop chased her through the sky above the palace grounds, Luna always stayed playfully out of reach. After they had completed several laps Luna allowed T.C. to catch up with her briefly, only long enough to tell him to follow her. Then she took of speeding towards the distant mountains. Luna gained altitude, higher and higher she guided Thunder Clop, occasionally diving through a cloud, dissolving it in a mist of cool spray. T.C. did his best to keep up, but the Princess seemed to have an endless reserve of energy. She slowed once again, "It is not far now T.C." she said before speeding in front again.

"Were are we going?" Breathed Thunder Clop. They were far into the mountains now, though the summer night air was still comfortably warm.

"You shall see soon enough." Replied Luna teasingly.

It was not long before Luna began to descend. She banked and hugged the steep side of the mountain. Luna began to gain speed and soon was out of Thunder Clops sight. He followed the direction she had gone and soon rounded a rock out cropping. What he saw stunned him. He was hovering above a valley nearly identical to the one from his filly-hood. A small stream snaked its way through the landscape and collected in a small pond at the foot of the valley. Even at night Thunder Clop could make out the crystal clear water. He watched as Luna gracefully landed in the meadow surrounding the pond. She folded her wings and sat on a shallow grass covered hill near the shore. Thunder Clop followed her down and landed softly beside her.

"Luna," he started, "This place is beautiful."

"I thought you might like it here." She said knowingly, "Dose it not remind you of someplace?"

"Yes," said Thunder Clop, "It's exactly like a place back home. My brother and I used to love to camp there. I think of it often..."

"You even dream of it." Said Luna.

Thunder Clop looked over at Luna, "So it was the real you in my dreams. Why didn't you just tell me?"

"I would have if I could have" replied Luna, "but I learned long ago that if I reveal my true identity to ponies while they sleep it often causes them to wake. And being trapped in a dream as it slams shut is, well, a less than pleasant experience."

Thunder Clop looked down at the grass. "So then you know how I feel about you?"

"I do," replied Luna, "but you should know how I feel about you, surely by now?" Luna lay down on the grass.

"Oh, I have a pretty good guess," Said T.C. laying down beside Luna, facing her.

"Good," she said softly, "Then let us try this one last time...." Luna and Thunder Clop both closed their eyes. Soon T.C. could feel Luna hot breath on his lips. He moved them forward to meet hers. It was a wonderful sensation. The princess had the softest, most delicate lips T.C. had ever felt. Before either of them knew it they were in a tight embrace. They lay bathing in the moonlight on top of the soft grass kissing passionately, both caught up in the shear ecstasy of the moment. It was no wonder they didn't notice the sound of flapping wings or the thud of a landing pony.

"What EXACTLY is going on here!?"

T.C. looked up to see Princess Celestia standing above them fuming, a red sun slowly rising behind her.

Chapter X

Luna and Thunder Clop lay on the grass looking up a Princess Celestia. She towered over them with a very stern look on her face.

"Well!?" She asked angrily, "what have you got to say for your selves?"

Luna scoffed, "What have we to say for our actions?! For what reason did you follow us out here?"

"You know very well why I followed you Luna." Barked Celestia, "We talked about this."

"Talked!?" questioned Luna venomously, "I recall no conversation, you merely lectured me, again!"

"And so what if I lecture you," started Celestia, "You are my younger sist..."

Luna cut her off, "Younger!? Younger! As the day is older than the night perhaps, but I am no foal! I was not born yesterday, and yet you continue to treat me as you would a child!"

"I am only trying to protect you." Offered Celestia.

"If that were true you never would have banished me to the Moon!" yelled Luna, hot tears beginning to streak down her face. "You would have helped me when Night Mare Moon took possession of my mind! And you would not have reincarnated me in this awkward body, a mare barley in her adulthood!"

"What I did was for your own good!" Shouted Celestia, "You have no idea how hard that decision was for me to make."

"Yet you made it!" Shouted Luna back, "You banished your own sister to the moon. My only crime was a desire for love and now you are trying to take away from me as well!"

"That is not what this is about!" replied Celestia.

"Oh yes it is!" said Luna, "You can never stand for me to be happy. You always take all the attention for yourself, You have never been able to share, not the kingdom, not the subjects, not even mother, you always had to hog them all!"

"Don't bring mother into this Luna, she's no longer here!" Answered Celestia.

"Why?! Why should we not speak of mother!?" barked Luna, "Is it because you know she would be ashamed of your behavior? Is it because she would remind you that we were to rule Equstria equally?"

"How Dare you Luna!" snarled Celestia, "Since you've returned I've given in to request after request. When you wanted to resume your duty of raising the Moon prematurely, I said nothing. I stood by when you raced off to the nightmare night celebration. And when you promoted Thunder Clop to captain I looked it over!"

Thunder Clop winced when Celestia spoke his name.

Celestia continued, "Who by the way will have to resign his posting immediately!"

"He will do no such thing!" Bellowed Luna, "I reinstate him!"

"Luna I have told you before you cannot be involved romantically with any pony," Started Celestia sadly, "It is our burden to bear."

"No!" replied Luna, "It is your burden, and only by your choice! You allowed Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Shining Armor to wed even! This is no different! Thunder Clop and I shall remain together whether you approve or not sister!"

Celestia stood for a moment before answering. "You are stubborn Luna, but fine. Have it your way, but Captian Clop will no longer serve with the day guard."

Thunder Clop felt as though something was crushing his heart. He was being demoted, over this? "Princess if I may speak...?" he began, but Celestia cut him off.

"I think it better if you do not!" Said Cesestia glaring at him. Luna also cast him a look that told him he should stay quite.

After a moment Luna turned to Thunder Clop. "Come," she said, "we should return to the palace."

As Thunder Clop took flight behind Luna he could feel Celestia watching them as they flew away. Their flight back to Conterlot was nearly silent. The landed on Luna's balcony and wandered through her bedroom and into the office. Thunder Clop was making for the door when Luna asked him to wait, she led him to the couches. Luna sat next to Thunder Clop on the couch and began to cry into his shoulder.

"It is not fair!" she sobbed, "Why will Celestia not allow us to be happy?"

Thunder Clop tried to comfort her but Luna continued crying until she fell asleep. Thunder Clop was trapped, but there were worse places to send the day, especially now with Celestia angered with them. Thunder Clop tired to stay awake for some time longer, but eventually weariness got the better of him and he fell asleep too. They slept on the couches all day wrapped in each others arms.

Luna was the first to wake up in the evening, she carefully removed herself from Thunder Clops embrace and stretched. A hand maiden walked in but Luna motioned silently to dismiss her. She wandered into her bathroom and began to draw a bath. The noise of the running faucet awoke Thunder Clop, but he was still tired and only readjusted himself on the couch. Soon though Luna emerged from the bath room.

Thunder Clop feigned a yawn and stretched his his forelegs out as Luna walked back into the office. Luna smiled at him as she walked in.

"I've been thinking," she started, "perhaps it is best if we leave the palace tonight, giving my sister some space."

"That's not a bad idea." replies Thunder Clop, "What do you want to do?"

"Well, why don't you chose an activity for tonight?" offered Luna.

Thunder Clop thought for a moment before answering. "Do you like Jazz?" he asked.

"I have never had it before," replied Luna, "It is not a dish I am familiar with."

"Oh no," Laughed Thunder Clop, "it's not food, it's a type of music."

Luna blushed at her mistake. "Oh," she started bashfully, "I do enjoy music though, is there a band of minstrels coming?"

"Well no," replied Thunder Clop, "but I know a good club downtown. They have good food, drinks and live music. We could go there is you'd like"

"Yes," said Luna, "it sounds like a wonderful outing."

Chapter XI

Luna and Thunder Clop departed the palace soon after moonrise. Downtown Canterlot was only a short walk from the palace. The city was still very much awake for the night, several families enjoyed dinners at various restaurants, others enjoyed movies or just a stroll through the cities many parks. T.C. led Luna to the club, a place called the Oasis. It was on a half submerged basement beneath one of the fancier restaurants in the city.

The inside of the dimly lit by red candles burning on the small round tables, at the far end was an open area for dancing and behind that was the stage. A quartet was just finishing their set as Luna and Thunder Clop entered. The maitre d was clearly shocked to see the Princess of the night in his establishment, but quickly composed himself and took Thunder Clop and Luna to his finest table, a small booth in the behind the the smaller round tables, and in the center line of stage. He insisted on waiting on them him self.

"May I get you and your escort something to drink Princess?" he asked bowing low, a towel folded over his left foreleg.

Luna considered for a moment, "I am not yet familiar with many of these new drinks.... what would you recommend T.C.?"

Thunder Clop looked up from the drink list, "I was going to have a martini," he offered, "its kind of cliche' I know, but I feel like getting into the full spirit of things."

"Very well then, two of these martinis please." Replied Luna to the maitre d' who rushed off to fill their order.

The drinks arrived just as the second band was setting up, a big band number complete with a singer. They called themselves Fridays' Mood. Luna took a gulp of her martini and shuddered.

"My!" she exclaimed, "this is quite strong! And small? I remember drinks being much larger before, well you know. And not nearly as strong. This must be nearly all spirit."

Thunder Clop chuckled, "It's a sipping alcohol Luna, you're supposed to nurse it for a while, enjoy it slowly."

Luna took a much smaller taste and smiled, "I see what you mean, this is much better in small doses, though I may need another soon, I nearly drained this small glass with my first drink."

"Fair enough," said Thunder Clop, "but you might want to take it a bit slower after that, each of those glasses is like drinking a full glass of beer."

Luna gave him a questioning look, but took much smaller sips from then on out. It took the band quite a while to set up, by the time they finished Luna and Thunder Clop were each on their third drink, and beginning to feel quite relaxed. Finally the singer for the band trotted up the microphone and introduced their first song, a number called Matte Kudasai. It wasn't really a big band number, but they seemed to manage took make it sound all right. As the song ended and the crowd applauded Luna leaned over to Thunder Clop, "I quite enjoyed that song, I hope all Jazz is like this."

"I'm glad you like it, and while there are a few differences in genre's, yes, most Jazz is very similar." Replied Thunder Clop.

"It is so very.... fluid. It makes me wish to dance." said Luna a bit loosely, "Come, let us dance to the next song!" She reached across the table and grabbed T.C. by the hooves before he could resist. There were a few muted gasps as Luna and Thunder Clop made their way to the dance floor, since they had been sitting in the back many ponies had not noticed them. Now they were in front of everypony, only the fourth couple on the dance floor. The applause died down and everypony stared, even the band and singer. Soon though the singer spoke into the mic getting everyponies attention.

"I'd like to dedicate this next song to a very special guest we have at the Oasis tonight." He started, "For our lovely Princess Luna it's only fitting that our next song is Moondance, by the great Van Hoofinson!"

And with that the band started up the lively beat. "Well it's a marvelous night for a moondance, With the stars up above in your eyes...."

Luna and Thunder Clop started dancing, the swayed and dipped to the beat, holding each other in an embrace. Luna was a wonderful dancer, much better than Thunder Clop, who could barley keep up. She giggled every time he made a misstep or an awkward movement. Never the less they had an enjoyable evening of dancing and drinking. They stayed until the club closed for the evening sometime around two in the morning. Since it was still relatively early for the two of them they walked around the quit parks of Canterlot.

The cool summer air blew through the trees, and street lamps cast relaxed shadows over the pathways. They took a moment to sit on a bench near a pond. They didn't speak much, Luna rest her head against Thunder Clops shoulder, and he wrapped his foreleg around her. They sat there for a long time and watched Celestia start raising the sun before heading back to the palace.

Thunder Clop walked Luna to her room at the top of the tower. By now the sun was fully up and both he and Luna were sleepy from their date, but chatted for a moment longer. Thunder Clop gave Luna a kiss before heading off to bed, leaving the other guards and the hand maidens speechless. He closed the blinds and settled himself into bed, Tonight was a good night. he thought rather smugly to himself as he began to fall asleep, still humming Moondance.

Chapter XII

Thunder Clop woke in the late afternoon, like he did every night, and walked down to the training yard. Flash Sentry was still sick, but Thunder Clop would exercise with some other pony. T.C. was careful to avoid walking by the open doors to the throne room, he was still leery of Celestia, he was in no way ready for another confrontation with the angry princess. Getting to the training grounds without going through the main palace did take some time though. He had to walk through the outer walls. They were dark corridors, only dimly lit by a few scattered torches, they were working passageways, intended only for guards and emergencies and as such they were sparsely decorated. T.C's hoof-steps echoed off the cold cobblestone floor, but soon he was outside in the Palace gardens.

T.C. made his way to the training arena. To his great surprise he saw Shining Armor overseeing some squads of guard practicing their drill. Thunder Clop trotted over to his old friend, he hadn't seen Shining Armor since the wedding.

"Shining Armor," He started cheerily, "How have you been? What are you doing here?"

Shining Armor glared back at Thunder Clop, "Princess Celestia recalled me until Captain Sentry is well, if you must know."

Thunder Clop was taken aback by the cold response, "Is something the matter?"

"No nothing at all," replied Shining Armor sarcastically, "I just love leaving my new wife and new home to cover for Sentry's shift, just because you can't sleep in your own bed."

"Excuse me!?" Replied Thunder Clop a bit angrily. "But that is none of you business!"

"Oh? It is when the Princess recalls me from the Chrystal Empire to cover your shifts!" Yelled Shining Armor.

"Well she shouldn't have bothered, Lt. Bastion was doing an excellent job in the interim!" replied Thunder Clop

"Well clearly Princess Celestia doesn't share you opinion." fumed Shining Armor.

By now the other guards in the training yard had all stopped and began to gather around the arguing captains.

Shining Armor continued, "This is just plane ridiculous! I shouldn't be here right now! You're supposed to protect Princess Luna.... not seduce her!"

"Our relationship is none of your concern!" replied Thunder Clop, "How do you even know?! Did Celestia tell you?"

"She didn't have to!" bellowed Shining Armor, as he threw a magazine on the ground in front of him. Luna and Thunder Clop were on the front page, a photo of them from the park after the jazz club. "All of Equestria know's now!"

Thunder Clop looked at the magazine laying in the dirt, he didn't remember anyone else being in the park, let alone a paparazzo with a camera.

Shining Armor continued his rant, "You should be ashamed of yourself! Absolutely no self restraint! Dating the Princess, unabashedly going out in public! There's even a picture in there of you two kissing! You're not fit to be captain, let alone a palace guard!"

Thunder Clop had had enough, first a lecture from Princes Celestia, and now from Shining Armor, a pony he thought was his friend, T.C. lost his temper, "Who the Hell do you think you are!? Lecturing me about who I can date? Telling me that I'm not fit to be a guard! You Married one of them, a Princess just like Luna! I thought you were my friend, but you're the worst kind of hypocrite! It's all right for you to fall in love with a princess, but creator forbid anypony else does! Well BUCK YOU Shining Armor, I don't have to take this kind of crap from you or anypony else. Luna and I are going to be together! No matter what you or Celstia or anypony else has to say about it! So get used to these magazines articles, there are going to be a lot more!"

Thunder Clop turned and left for the palace, the guard ponies in his immediate way moved aside silently. Thunder Clop was fuming. He didn't even care that other ponies were staring at him as he walked back to his office. This time he walked right through the main palace, past the throne room where Celestia sat wrapping up the last part of her day. Thunder Clop heard her call for him, but he ignored her and continued up to Luna's tower. Many of the nobleponies, and even Celestia herself, were completely taken aback by his refusal to even acknowledge Celestia.

When Thunder Clop reached Luna's tower he decided not to return to his office, but to go directly to Luna's room. It was just about time for her to wake anyway. Thunder Clop went through her receiving room and straight into her office, the handmaidens didn't even try to stop him. He asked one of them for some tee and dinner while he waited for Luna to wake.
He didn't have to wait long for Luna, she wandered sleepily out of her room still in her pajamas.

"Oh Thunder Clop, bringing me dinner, what a nice surprise." Her cherry smile quickly vanished though when she caught sight of Thunder Clops angry expression.

"Oh my," she started, "whatever is the matter?"

"Shining Armor and I got into a fairly heated argument." Explained Thunder Clop.

Luna looked confused, "Shining Armor is here? At the Palace? Why is he not with Mi Amore Cadenza in the Chrystal Empire?"

"Your sister brought him back until Flash Sentry is well again." Said Thunder Clop.

"Still that does not make sense," replied Luna, "I thought Lt. Bastion was assigned as the interim day Captain."

"Apparently Celestia didn't think he was up to the task." Sighed Thunder Clop.

"Still what cause if there for you and Shining Armor to argue? I thought you were friends?" inquired Luna.

"I thought so too," answered T.C. "but I think he blames me for separating him from his wife after only a few months.... and he's not entirely wrong. If we weren't together he would still be in the Chrystal Empire, I would still be head Captain, and Celestia would not be angry with us."

Luna looked at him disapprovingly, "And is that what you want? To forsake our feelings so that everything can return to as it once was?"

"No of course not Luna," sighed Thunder Clop, "I just wish things could be different.... I wish Celestia could just accept our relationship."

Luna scoffed, "Ha! That is far from likely, sometimes my sister can be quite prudish! But do not blame her.... there are certain events in her past that cause her to be so resistant to romance. Both for herself and me....She was even leery of allowing Mi Amore to become involved with Shining Armor, but eventually she relented. I believe she will relent to our relationship too, it just may take some time."

"Well I wish it wouldn't" replied Thunder Clop dryly.

"Celestia is just.... protective of me." Said Luna, "Especially since my return from the moon..."

"About that," started T.C. "Have you and Celestia talked since then?"

"Oh of course!" said Luna, using her brush off tone, "We talk every day, what a foolish question."

"You know what I mean." Said Thunder Clop somewhat frustrated. "Have you really talked? About what happened? About how you both feel about it? I feel a lot of tension whenever you two are together."

"That is between Celestia and my self," replied Luna, starting to use her arrogant tone, "and nopony else's business."

"Well," started Thunder Clop, "Maybe it is my business. If we're going to be together it's going to effect Celestia too, and she is going to effect our relationship, I mean she all ready has... in a big way."

Luna was about to reply when a knock came to the door. Luna cleared her throat as if to erase the last thought from her mouth. "Enter." She said.

The door opened slowly to reveal Shining Armor. He rung his hooves nervously. "Sorry for the intrusion Princess," he began, "I've uh... I've come to apologize to Thunder Clop."

He turned to T.C. "I'm sorry Thunder Clop. I was way out of line and I shouldn't have said those awful things.... It's just I've been really stressed out lately. Cadence and I are trying for a foal, and getting the city ready for the Equestria Games, and now Princess Celestia bringing me back. I guess I just let my frustration out on you. But that's no excuse for what I said, can you forgive me?"

Thunder Clop looked at Shining Armor for a while. "I'm sorry too," he started, "I said some pretty horrible things as well, it seems like everypony was mad at me, and I guess I'd had my fill of lectures.... I'll forgive you if you can forgive me?"

"That sounds like a fair enough deal to me." Said Shining Armor, extending his hoof, which T.C. took and shook.

Luna smiled from the couch, "I'm glad you two have made up. It will certainly make for less drama around the Palace."

Suddenly Thunder Clop had a thought. "You know Luna, I think I know how to get rid of most of the drama around here..."

"Oh," said Luna in a questioning voice, "how pray tell, do you plan to achieve that."

"Yeah?" asked Shining Armor.

"Oh," smirked Thunder Clop, "You'll see....."

Chapter XIII

"I will partake in no such scheme!" Exclaimed Luna haughtily. Folding her forelegs across her chest. "It is preposterous, Celestia and I have a perfectly healthy relationship!"

"Now Luna," sighed Celestia from across the table, "I think the captains idea has merit. What could it hurt to take a few days to relax and just spend time together?"

Luna, Thunder Clop, Shining Armor and Celestia had all gathered in Celestias receiving room to discus Thunder Clops idea, though he and Shining Armor told Celestia they had both come up with, so that Celestia might be more open to the suggestion.

"We are rulers dear sister!" exclaimed Luna, "we cannot just vacate our responsibilities, for a... a vacation."

"It's not a vacation," chimed in Thunder Clop, "It would be a kind of....group therapy for you and Princess Celestia, to talk through some issues..."

"We have no issues!" replied Luna.

"Now Luna that's just not true!" replied Celestia in her usual overly cheery tone, "Since you've returned things just haven't been the same between us."

"Oh, I wonder why?" Said Luna, sarcastically rolling her eyes.

"Don't start this up again Luna!" said Celestia starting to get annoyed by her sisters stubbornness.

Shining Armor used this as an opportunity to join the conversation. "This is exactly the kind of thing we're talking about Princesses. You two can hardly carry out a conversation without talking about the past. You are obviously both troubled about it, you need time to talk it out. And I think Thunder Clops suggestion is a perfect solution."

Luna frowned, and looked over to her colt friend sitting next to her. "Tell me again how this little retreat is supposed to help us."

"Well," started Thunder Clop, "I thought it would be nice if you two went up to the mountains. The royal Ski Lodge in Snowmane is an excellent location, especially this time of year. The leaves will just be beginning to change color, it won't be too cold and best of all it will be secluded since the ski season hasn't started yet. You can just be yourselves, no need to put on your royal faces. You can talk about what happened or not, that doesn't really matter. What matters is that you spend time together as sisters and reconnect." He added the last part with a smile I hope I'm not overselling this idea he thought, Celestia seems to like it, but I'm not sure why Luna is so hesitant...

"Please Luna," asked Celestia, "It sounds like a wonderful idea. It's been so long since we've been able to just be ourselves with one another."

Luna could feel all the eyes in the room on her, she let out a defeated sigh, "All right, but I'm still not completely comfortable with letting Twilight Sparkle and her friends custodian Equestria for us, if only Mi Amore were available..."

"Don't worry Princess," Chimed in Shining Armor, "It's only for a week, plus I'll be here to keep and eye on Twiley."

"Oh Luna!" breathed Celestia, "this is going to be fun!"

"If you say so...."

A few days passed since the conference and things seemed to settle down in the palace. Thunder Clop no longer had to avoid Celestia, and though Luna was annoyed with him for the suggestion she was no less caring. Thunder Clop and Luna spent the next few nights strolling Canterlot or the Palace and the night before she left on the retreat they went back to Oasis for some music and drinks. Everyday a new tabloid would come out, but the majority of the articles were rather sweet, only a few pointed to conspiracy theories, but in general the Kingdom at large seemed to enjoy having another royal romance to follow. Flash Sentry even recovered from his sickness, a bad case of the feather flu, and joined T.C and Shining Armor for their afternoon workout.

Twilight and her friends arrived on Monday the next week, just in time to see the princesses off. "Don't worry Princess," Said Twilight to her mentor, "You can count on us to keep everything in order while you're away... and I'll have a full status report for you when you get back!"

Celestia smiled, "Oh that won't be necessary Twilight, just look after things for us, and you know where to find us if you need either of us. Thank you." She leaned down and hugged her student.

Next it was Thunder Clops turn to see off Luna. "Well have a good time with your sister." He offered.

"We are sure that we will." Replied Luna haughty using the royal Canterlot voice.

"Lunaaa.." Began Thunder Clop accusingly.

"Ohh alright," she relented, "I'll miss you"

"I'll miss you too Luna," he replied, "but it's only a week."

"I know," she said giving him a quick kiss. "I'll see you soon."

Thunder Clop thought he heard Twilight's friend Rarity sigh out "So romantic..." and he knew he caught the one called Rainbow Dash making a gagging motion with her hoof to her throat and her tongue sticking out, but paid them no head. Shining Armor took his sister and her friends to the throne room. He spared them the usual tour, they'd all been here multiple times after all.T.C took it upon himself to catch up on some paper work, he'd been so preoccupied with Luna that he'd fallen quite behind. Well he thought, it'll be nice to have a little time to my self again.

The week passed relatively uneventfully. Twilight was a natural when it came to the bureaucracy of politics, though not necessarily the social aspects. She was able to put out a small stock market hiccup, but struggled with a little border dispute with the Griffon Empire, luckily Shining Armor was able to put out that fire. Rarity busied herself making gossip and flirting with all the nobleponies about the palace. Without any parties scheduled Pinkie Pie helped the head chef prepare deserts, some of the best cookies T.C. had ever had. Rainbow Dash spent most of her time "hanging", as she put it, with the Wonderbolts at their stadium on the other side of the city, and so wasn't around much. Fluttershy spent most of her time in gardens with the exotic animals, she had much better luck with them this time, without a large crowd of unfamiliar party guests about they were much more friendly. The only one of Twilight's friends who didn't seem to be enjoying their stay was Apple Jack.

"I'm jus' a country pony is all," She would say, "I like the big city well enough, but I learned long ago there's no place I'd rather be than the farm, but Twilight asked for mah help, so I'm here, jus' in case she needs me. I'll manage through my boredom don't you worry about me none."

It was the day before Celestia and Luna were about to get back when Thunder Clop was awoken by a knock on his door. It was only just afternoon, far earlier than Thunder Clop normally woke. He answered the door to one of the hand maidens who accompanied the Princesses on their retreat.

"Sorry to disturb you Captain Thunder Clop," she started, "But there's been an.... indecent at the lodge."

"Oh no," gasped Thunder Clop, "what happened!?"

"Well you see," said the the hand maiden, "The princesses got into an argument, and then....into a fight and well.... Luna was inured. Not badly" She added hastily when she caught the look of horror in Thunder Clops face. "Princess Celestia has locked herself in her room and refuses to come out, she feels just awful about what happened."

She hesitated a little bit before continuing, "I'm sorry but princess Luna ordered me tell you exactly 'Since this was your idea you should go up there and fix it'..... sorry."

That is just like her! Thought T.C. annoyed. Just then the small filly burst into tears.

"I'm so sorry Thunder Clop!" she wailed collapsing into his arms. "Everything was going so well too! And now it's ruined! I'm sorry we failed you and Luna!"

"There, there, it's alright." Said Thunder Clop reassuringly. "It's not your fault, both of the princesses are.... stubborn. I'll head up there as soon as I've packed. Why don't you go down to the kitchen and get yourself some tea and a dessert, they're especially good today."

The hand maiden slowly shuffled off still sobbing into a hoofkerchief.

Chapter XIV

Thunder Clop arrived at the ski chalet the next day. It was high in the mountains to the west of Canterlot. Since it was still late summer it was quite warm out. Deer, birds and other animals scurried about. The royal lodge was just out side of town at the at the base of a mountain. It was a log cabin with high pitched roof and large windows on the south side, to let in the winter sun. It was surrounded by a porch and even had it's own private chair lift at one end.

Inside Thunder Clop found Luna resting on a couch, her left foreleg wrapped in bandages. The mood in the cabin was somber, servants shuffled about downcast as they attended their duties. Thunder Clop immediately trotted over to Luna.

"Your hand maiden said you weren't seriously hurt, but look at you!" he said concerned.

"Oh it's hardly a scratch," said Luna standing, she winched a bit when she put weight on her front leg, "only three stitches."

"Stitches!?" exclaimed T.C. "How could Celestia do this to you?!"

"It was my fault really!" started Luna, "I, uhhh, I threw the first blow..." She admitted ashamedly.

"What were you even fighting about?" asked Thunder Clop, leading Luna back to her seat on the couch.

"Well, you." Sighed Luna.

"Oh," replied Thunder Clop, "I thought you two were getting past that."

"Well," said Luna, "This trip was about sorting through our issues, and this one is rather prominent."

"I see," started Thunder Clop, "but if the fight was about me, why bother bringing me up here?"

"Well it's Celstia," said Luna, "She's locked herself in her room and she won't come out. Everypony has tried talking to her, but to no avail. I didn't know what to do, maybe you could talk to her."

"I don't know Luna," replied T.C. hesitantly, "Wouldn't I be about the last person she'd want to talk to?"

"Don't be so vain," scoffed Luna, "Our fight wasn't about you, well it was, but it wasn't, It could have been about anypony, and that pony just happens to be you."

T.C. stared blankly at Luna for a moment, "What?" he finally questioned.

"Our fight was about being in a relationship." Explained Luna, "Celestia isn't opposed to our relationship because of you. It's because of the past. She had a.... problem with a relationship once and has been put off by the whole experience. Since then she has forbidden herself, and me by extension from becoming romantically involved with anypony. I told her that it was my life and that I should be able to do as I pleased and that's what started the argument. I may have said some things that I shouldn't have regarding her past relationship and she adopted her same condescending tone, and I may have.... punched her. It quickly turned into more of a wrestling match than a hoof fight and during the struggle, I fell and cut my leg on a rather jagged rock. Celestia feels just awful about the indecent, and so do I. We've all tried to talk to her though, but so far nopony can get her to come out. But you see, since the fight wasn't really about you, you might give it a try?"

Thunder Clop sat and thought for a moment, Luna stared at him anxiously. "Oh all right," he said, "but what happened to Celestia to make her so opposed to you dating, specifically?"

Luna looked down at the floor, "That is not my place to say. She will tell you if she needs to."

Thunder Clop sighed and walked upstairs to Princess Celstia's room. Inside he could soft sobbing. He knocked on the door. "Go Away!" the Princess voice was authoritative but weak and soft.

"Princess? It's me Thunder Clop, Luna though we should talk?" offered T.C. through the door.

"Did she now?" sniffled Celestia, "Well tell her I don't want to talk to anypony right now."

"Please Princess," replied Thunder Clop, "It's been over a day, don't you want to come out?"

"No!" said Celstia rather curtly.

"Well," started T.C. hesitantly, "Can I come in?"

There was a pause in the sniffles and everything went quite for a moment. "Just you?" questioned Celestia.

"Just me." Replied Thunder Clop reassuringly. There was another slight pause, then the tell tale shimmer of magic and the click of the door unlocking. Thunder Clop walked inside and closed the door behind him. Princess Celstia sat on her bed in the middle of the room, she looked terrible. Her mane wasn't done, there were tissues all over the bed and under her bloodshot eyes hung two dark sleep circles. As soon as she saw Thunder Clop enter she started crying again. Thunder Clop walked over and sat next to her on the bed. He put a hoof on her should to try and comfort her.

"Oh Captain Clop," she started, "Why doesn't anypony love me!?" Celestia collapsed onto his shoulder sobbing. Oh no,why this!? thought Thunder Clop to himself rather selfishly.

"Now, now Princess," started Thudner Clop, "Every pony loves you."

"No they don't!" Sobbed Celestia, "They only see my as Princess, none of them take the time to know me!"

"Well what about Twilight?" offered Thunder Clop.

"She's just my student." replied Celestia, "she doesn't know the real me, to her I'm just a te-te-teacher!" Celestia started sobbing again.

"Well what about Luna?" Tried Thunder Clip again, "She's your sis,"

"Luna!?" Celestia cut him off, "She hates me more than anypony because of what I did to her!"

"Now that's just not true" said Thunder Clop. "I Know she loves you. She looks up to you, sure she gets frustrated with you sometimes, but that's just how siblings are."

"You really think so?" asked Celestia sniffling a little bit.

"I know so," replied Thunder Clop reassuringly. "She talks about you all the time."

Celestia sniffed and sat up on the bed. "I love her too Thunder Clop.... I guess that's why I'm so motherly with her. I just want to protect her."

"Protect her from what?" asked Thunder Clop, "I mean you're both very capable ponies, you've beat Chrysalis and Discord and countless other enemies. Don't get me wrong I like my job but you two hardly even need a guard."

Celestia looked at Thunder Clop for a moment pondering what to tell him. "I just don't want her to get hurt like I was." She finally replied.

"Princess..." started T.C. "if I may, what happened?"

Celestia sighed. "Have you ever heard of Prince Alumbrar?" she asked.

"I'm sorry no." replied Thunder Clop.

"I'm not surprised," Celestia continued, "few ponies have. It was a long time ago that we knew each other. He was a prince from a northern province long ago. He was strong, intelligent, kind... and handsome. He was the most romantic unicorn I ever knew. We used to go long strolls through palace gardens, and stay up late into my sisters night chatting away. He used to preform the most amazing magic tricks for me, like making doves from clouds or flowers from nothing but dust or ash. We were so in love, or so I thought.

We were to be wed, Alumbrar and I. We had planned it for months. It was going to be during the spring equinox, guests form all over the world were coming, even my mother, the creator herself was going to attend. The night before our wedding though something horrible happened. As you know, Luna and I are alicorns, which means we're immortal. Alumbrar was a mortal unicorn. If we were to be married I wanted him to be an Alicorn also. So we decided to try to ascend him to an Alicorn. Now the ascension spell is very dangerous, it requires an enormous amount of love to successfully complete. In fact Cadence was only able to ascend because her special talent is love. But I thought between Prince Alumbrar and myself we would have enough love to successfully complete the spell.

I thought wrong. After performing the spell nothing seemed to happen, Alumbrar was still just a unicorn. I thought I had simply failed and he had merely not been turned into an Alicorn. But the next day while we gathered for the ceremony something changed about him. He was dark and brooding. Before the wedding was complete he told me that he didn't love me anymore and that the wedding was off. He stormed out of the cathedral and left me there at the alter, shattered. Later he returned to the northern kingdom. He renamed it the Chrystal Empire, and renamed himself King Sombra. When the ascension spell failed it took all the love he had and destroyed it! Luna and I tried everything to change him back, but we couldn't. We decided to leave him be, but eventually he enslaved all his subjects and attacked Equestria, Luna and I were forced to banish him an abyss.

That is why I'm so afraid of her dating! But not why you think. It's not that Sombra enslaved his subjects or that he attacked Equestria. It's that he broke my heart! I know that's selfish of me, but I never loved another pony like I loved Alumbrar, and I don't want Luna's heart broken the way mine was..."

Thunder Clop put his foreleg around Celestia to comfort her. Neither of them noticed that Luna had entered the room. She had been listening from out side the door.

"Celestia," she started, "I can assure you that will not happen to us. Thunder Clop and I love each other yes, but we have no plans to get married. Even if we did the ascension spell has been refined and is much safer now."

"Yeah," said Thunder Clop, "Besides, I would never hurt Luna like that."

Celestia finally seemed to pull herself together. "You two really do love each other then?" She asked. Thunder Clop and Luna nodded in agreement. "Then I suppose I can accept that, as long as you both can accept my apology for the way I've been acting."

"Of course we can sister." Replied Luna enthusiastically, "Now, let us return home."

Chapter XV

The Princesses and Thunder Clop returned to Canterlot the next day. Finally things were getting back to normal. Celestia and Luna were getting along better than anypony could remember. Celestia stay true to her word and quit trying to drive Luna and Thunder Clop apart. She even released a statement to help curb some of the rumors that had been circulating in the tabloids. Luna and Thunder Clop didn't care though, they were together and that's all that mattered to them. They did everything together from that moment onward.

As the days passed into weeks and the weeks passed into months their love for each other grew. Thunder Clop returned home to celebrate Hearth-Warming Eve with his family and Luna accompanied him, much to his parents and their tiny towns shock. He had not notified them and decided it should be a surprise. Of course Thunder Clops parents had read the tabloids, and even the announcement from the Palace, but it was still a surprise to see the Princess of the night standing on their doorstep holding hooves with their son.They had a wonderful visit, Thunder Clop took Luna to his old school and all his favorite spots, even the valley where he camped, though it was covered snow.

After the new year they returned to the Canterlot and the palace. Slowly Luna and Celestia began to give Thunder Clop extra responsibilities. He would find himself included in overseeing parades, rallies and other public appearances with Luna. He was privileged to be present during diplomatic meetings, though he usually only gave Luna his opinion or suggestions in private, so as not to offend the foreign dignitaries. Thunder Clop was extremely pleased when Princess Cadence included him by name in an invitation asking Luna to come to a state visit in the Chrystal Empire.

His relationship with Luna was going as steady as ever, they had their occasional spats, but nothing to ever drive them apart. During the first few months of their "official" relationship became public knowledge they were hounded by paparazzi wherever they went, but lately they seemed to have lost interest, especially with all the other celebrates around Canterlot they could spy on. They frequented the Oasis often and found a few other good night clubs as well. All seemed to be going swimmingly.

Things continued on like this over the next two years. They watched as the dragon called Spike saved the Chrystal Empire from King Sombra, and how Twilight and her friends defeated, and eventually reformed, Discord. Thunder Clop was even there for the coordination of Twilight Sparkle. When he asked Celestia about the ascension spell she explained that she was able to successfully complete it with the combined love of her five friends and herself, which Thunder Clop supposed made sense, he'd never fully grasped the finer points of magic, much to Luna's frustration.

It had been nearly three years since Thunder Clop had joined the Royal Guard. It seemed like any other night when he woke and joined the Princesses for dinner. Thunder Clop had something on his mind, but he wasn't sure about how to go about it. He was in uncharted waters, but there was no protocol for what he was about to do. How exactly does one ask a Princess this? He thought as he sat through diner. By now though he'd learn how to handle strange social situations in stride, he wasn't royalty, but when he was with Luna he was treated close enough and Thunder Clop had learned how to navigate the social stigmas of the upper class ponies well enough.

After dinner Celestia excused herself for the evening and Luna and T.C. took a stroll through the gardens as they normally did. T.C. was restless, he wanted to get Luna someplace more private, and more romantic. He'd been planning this moment for months and everything had to go just right, but there were too many ponies in the Palace. At first he'd thought of taking Luna to the Oasis, and recreating their first date. That might have worked if Luna were a common pony, but wherever they went they attracted too much attention. I can't believe I didn't think of a better place to do this, i guess I'll just ask her later, He thought. Suddenly an idea hit him.

"Luna, want to go to take a trip up to that valley in the mountains? Where Celestia caught us kissing a few years ago?" He asked.

"Why would you want to go there?" Asked Luna.

"Oh, I just feel like stretching my wings," he lied slyly, though Luna believed him. "Besides, it's a beautiful night."

"Well, alright." Relented Luna, "An outing sounds fun!"

They flew thought the cool night air, feeling the wind rush through their manes. It didn't take long to get to the valley and they settled down on the soft grass. They talked and laughed for a short time. After a while they lay down and kissed softly for a bit, but Luna was able to sense something off about Thunder Clop. He seemed tense to her, even nervous, as though he was just meeting her for the first time.

"Is something the matter T.C.?" She asked.

"Well, no, I've just been thinking." Replied Thunder Clop.

"Thinking about what Love?" she asked.

"About us." Said Thunder Clop.

"And what have you been thinking about us?" She replied in a flirty tone.

Thunder Clop sighed and then looked into Luna's beautiful blue eyes.

"Luna," He started, "I love you. More than I've ever loved another pony. I want the rest of my life to be like this, to be happy with you. I want to ask you something, but I'm not sure if I should. You're immortal and I'm well not.... I want to spend the rest of my life with you, I want to marry you Luna, but I'm afraid that it wouldn't work for us."

"I've been thinking about that too." Said Luna, "I want to marry you too Thunder Clop. I don't care if you're just a regular pegasus, we could find a way to make it work. After all Cadence and Shining Armor seem to be able to make it work."

"Would you then?" asked Thunder Clop.

"Of course," replied Luna, "nothing would make me happier."

"Then I have something for you." Reaching into a pocket on his armor. He pulled out a little black box and opened it for Luna. Inside was ring. It was a platinum band weaved in a braid with a purple diamond from the Chrystal Empire.

"Oh T.C!" Exclaimed Luna. "I love it, and I love you!"

She threw herself around Thunder Clop and they kissed passionately as the sun rose behind them.