Fallen Equestria; Shattered Silence

Chapters

The Arrival
The Blessed Warbird
Lessons for a princess, Part One
Lessons for a princess, Part Two of Three.
Lessons for a princess; Part Three
Shattered Silence
The Calm before the Storm , Part One of Two
The Calm Before the Storm; Sweet Lullaby
Starlight Kisses and Lunar Wishes
First Blood; Enter the Nightmare
Intertwined Hearts Part One
Intertwined Hearts II; Lunas Fears UNCUT VERSION
Intertwined Hearts II; Lunas Fears CLEAN VERSION.
Broken Wings
Respite
Shadow of Intent
When Love and Death Embrace; Sweet Sacrifice
Epilouge
A letter to my readers
*BONUS!* Music is Magic
Fallen Equestria; The War

The Arrival

Written by Endless Nightmares

Dawn arose over Equestria, as Celestia raised the beloved sun for her ponies as per usual. Today for Equestria, all of ponydom knew that this blessed day where the survivors were lucky enough to see the coming dawn; today would be a day of mourning. Celestia sighed sorrowfully, as she looked upon her kingdom. Buildings lay to waste, smoldering and burning yet still from the countless battles in Canterlot, some dead still buried under rubble, ash and stone.

The dawn had arose once again thankfully because those who fought to protect the freedom and the lives of all of ponydom as a whole, against an enemy that knew no mercy. The changelings had struck once more, though this had proven to be their very final battle. Celestia knew now; their life force had been extinguished once and for all from this planet. She strode about the balcony looking down and surveying the damage, when her eyes fell upon her sister below. It was this truly heart wrenching sight, that made even Celestias heart break. Her sister lay crying in the courtyard, over wreckage of a once powerful flying machine, and its pilot who died to end this war.

Celestia turned slowly away from the sight before she too would break down, and walked slowly into her chambers. Her wings hung limp at her sides, one dragging on the ground beside her as she walked. Her mane and tail were also limp and hanging solemnly, not vibrant and beautiful; caught in the perpetual solar breeze, but the colors muted and solemn. She used her magic to levitate a quill, and opened her journal once more to write in it, recounting the events of the night. Many of her ponies died this night. One small developing city laid to ruin by the detonation of a device that the visitor had brought.

The land she knew, would be unusable for several of her subjects lifetimes, due to the effects of the blast. But this was the price she had to pay to end this bloody conflict, and to finally eradicate the threat that was encroaching upon her very kingdom. She herself made the decision, though difficult. Knowing that evacuation of the city would only alert the enemy of her next final, and decisive move to swiftly end the war. The alicorn knew full well what she had done, sending innocents to their deaths, costing the sanity of her sister, destroying the lives of two of her very beloved elements of harmony, and nearly ending the life of her most precious love, Twilight Sparkle.

'It is history who decides who the true victor is, and who truly lost the conflicts of life. It was by my hoof that I ordered the end of this, but the cost I fear was much too great. I know in my infinite years I will look upon this entry and ask if I was truly left with no other choice. Was I truthfully justified in my actions in using a weapon from a foreign land, and slaughtering an entire species to selfishly preserve my own? Mother created all life on this planet, shaped and molded the very landscape in which ponydom thrives upon and lives by. But it was my own decision to extinguish the enemy, it was by my decision to make the call and end this. With the options that were in hoof, it seemed the only logical and acceptable choice. I pray that my ponies and my sister can one day forgive my crimes on this day, for the genocide I have committed.'

Celestia had set her quill down and closed the journal, closing her eyes and sighed deeply. She then rang a bell and summoned a palace maid. It was only moments before one arrived, opening the door slowly. "You called, princess..?" The small blue haired earth pony asked.

"Yes, Dusty Shine. Please inform the palace steward I will be in the infirmary for the day tending to the element bearers, as well as my sister. Day Court is to be closed until further notice." The earth pony nodded and closed the door after exiting Celestia's chambers. Celestia could hear her hoof steps trot slowly down the hallway. Celestia put a hoof to her temple and rubbed, trying to fight away the perpetual migraine she has had since a week ago, when this decision had first come to light as a possible, practical solution to ending the conflict. Adjusting her regalia, the sun princess exited her chambers and headed to the infirmary wing of the palace, to check on the element bearers.

Upon arriving, she quietly walked into the room that the 4 filled beds. Before her lay her friends that had fought so bravely in the final moments of the battle, in the defense of Canterlot. They had been there in the room recovering for three days now, what had prompted Celestia to use such extreme measures. To her left, Rainbow Dash; the element of Loyalty laid sleeping peacefully. Likely due to he heavy dose of medication administered to her. Both of her wings were broken, and one badly burned from the flash of light she tried to shield herself from. Next to her in the furthermost point bed was Fluttershy; The element of Kindness, with bandages over one of her eyes, a broken hoof and bandages around her mid section likely due to broken ribs. To her right were Applejack; The element of Honesty lay with a careful rapping of bandages over one of her appendages. Celestia knew Applejack would never be the same, and likely her life as she knew it was over.

A stray beam of unicorn magic had accidentally hit her in a friendly fire skirmish, blowing off the appendage at the top of the knee, leaving only a seared and bleeding stump. Celestia made a mental note that Applejack's farm is to be state funded for eternity, once she gets the treasury back up and going. In the final bed lay the worst of the 4, Rarity; The element of Generosity.

Rarity in an attempt to save her dear friends from a burning and collapsing building, was trapped and pinned under a burning support beam. Most of her back and neck were burned by the fallen object, but the worst was to her chest and face. A changeling had taken this chance to attack her while she was pinned, clawing and biting at her. Rarity beautiful face was forever scarred, her once flawless coat on her chest also now ruined due to the slashing from the foul creature. Celestia knew that no amount of magic could heal these injuries, and would likely end the fashionistas career. She also made a note that Rarity was to be given exclusive designer rights to the palace and nobility, to ensure that some stability would return to her friends life.

In the next room over hooked up to several machines, ranging from simple monitors to a life support machine, lay her precious beloved; Twilight Sparkle. Now missing a wing, two broken legs and forever blind in one eye from her final showdown and loss against Chrysalis. Twilight had fought tooth and hoof against the demon to protect Celestia as the monster came for her. It was because of her own fear of the demon, remembering the events of the royal wedding between Shining Armor and Cadence years prior that had taken hold of her, and stayed her hoof in doing what she should have done; which was crushing that bug under her alicorn Goddess hoof.

It was Twilight that had intervened and protected her lover and mentor when the monster had come, Twilight who had fought with all of her strength and managed to wound Chrysalis enough to force a retreat. Celestia finally snapping out of it and seeing the state her lover was in, is what drove her to the rage fueled decision. Celestia sat on her haunches next to Twilight's bedside, gently stroking her hoof through the younger alicorns mane. Tears begun to fall freely from the aged alicorn princess, as she laid her head upon the sleeping form of Twilight Sparkle and wept. The nurses and the guards nearby couldn't help but to weep themselves, hearing such a heart rending cry of sorrow. For they all knew the princess was in more pain than they could ever fathom. Not one of them, even with knowing the decision she made had blamed her however. Given the same choice...they too all agreed that they would have made the same move.

Princess Luna lay outside, amongst the wreckage, weeping softly and alone. Those nearby knew better than to disturb the midnight blue alicorn now, for she was already on the edge of her sanity. The cool morning air was filled with the heavy scent of burning fuel, smoke and the sounds of the princesses grief stricken sobs. The one she had grown so close to in such a short time after his arrival lay dead in this wreckage, perishing in the crash when his ejection system failed and malfunctioned.

This being from another existence was their savior for all intents and purposes, and also the butcher that had dealt the final blow to the changeling race. The wreckage had covered the vast expanse of the courtyard and gardens, strewn about when he had fatally crashed here in an attempt to land once the engines of his craft had flamed out. The shock wave from the detonation had knocked him from the sky, sending him on the collision course with Canterlot castle. It was his final sacrifice to force the aircraft to the gardens, narrowly missing the hospital ward of the castle and instead sending him into the mountain side. She lay there with labored breaths, sobs wracking her body and tears flowing freely, screaming between breaths how she failed him.

She tried however, oh did she try. Her magic was too badly drained fighting off hoards of the insect like creatures and protecting her subjects, she couldn't maintain her grip on the aircraft like she did that night it arrived and narrowly crashed into her very room.

"Princess Luna?" One of her few remaining Lunar Stallions called to her some steps away, just out of the alicorns swinging range. "Princess..please retire to your quarters...we will clean up the wrecka.."

He's abruptly cut off when she cranes her neck and turns to him, her draconic eyes showing through. "THOU WILL TOUCH NOTHING OF THIS MACHINE! NOPONY SHALL, FOR PAIN OF DEATH AWAITS THEM!" She shouts in the Royal Canterlot Voice. Her rage fuming so much, that even her coat seems to darken and the air becomes cold as ice. The stallion stumbled backwards and landed hard on his flank, scooting away quickly from her to put distance between them.

"Un--Understood princess!" The guard quickly got up and galloped away from her, leaving the princess to mourn in silence again.

She returns her gaze to the wreckage, ire dancing in her eyes as she looks upon a wing in front of her on fire. She focuses on the markings on the wing, burning away due to the flames approaching them. 'V.F.-114 ENTERPRISE' She lets out a pained scream into the air, one of mourning and sorrow. 'We...I shalt remember thee..Talon. You shalt be honored for life eternal...I shalt see to it..' She says quietly in her breath. Using her magic that she has remaining, she alights her horn and begins quenching the flames, rising to her hooves as she does so. Those looking upon her note one complete wing is burned, the feathers blackened and devastated.

Her horn shows cracks in it, and her armor and regalia is broken in areas; revealing deep wounds and blood trickling from them. She has a deep laceration from her withers to her belly, a very deep gash on her right foreleg and a deep slice from the top of her left eye to the bottom right of her muzzle. Her coat is dirty, matted with blood and dirt. After the last of the flames are put out, she takes a seat on her haunches next to the remains of the fuselage, and then lays next to it. Her energy is drained, her body and mind weary. She has not slept or ate in days. The night princess closes her eyes and breathes deep the scent of fuel and smoke, succumbing to her bodies need for rest. There she falls into a deep coma like sleep, tears still trickling down her muzzle as she cries herself to sleep.

In Luna's dream, she replays the memory of weeks prior, where she had first met the pilot who changed her life and saved her kind. It was due to a spell gone completely arry, that led to this fateful night. Here, my dear reader is where the story begins...

* * * * *

He awakens with a start, hearing the buzzing alarm going off from everywhere inside the ship, his quarters included. The alarm is for the Alert 5 pilots. A ship wide emergency has occurred, and he knows it's time to report to the briefing room. "All personnel, this is not a drill. Deep strike fighters report to the briefing room on the double. This is not a drill!" The captains voice is heard over the intercom. Talon gets off of the rack and starts putting on his clothes and flight suit, taking only a moment to check his appearance before opening the bulkhead door and stepping out into the corridor. He rushes to the room a deck above him, and takes a seat out of breath next to his fellow squadron pilots. Their commander is standing before them in uniform, pointing at a map and chart already on display in the front of the room on the wall.

"Gentlemen, we have our orders from the president directly. We are to initiate a tactical nuclear strike upon our designated targets. This could be the end of the war, everyone. For years we've chased these terrorists, and for years the bastards have managed to hide. But after they launched chemical weapons against civilian cities on our land, we have our go ahead to right the wrongs. Here are your targets. Two planes per group will be carrying two AGM-129 ACM nuclear weapons. At least one aircraft must make it to each target."

Talon looked around at his other squadron members who were shaking their heads with worry and sadness. Like him, no one wished it would have come to this. He knew that with but the press of a single button he would end the lives of countless innocents, just to knock off a few terrorists. This just didn't sit right with him..but he knew he must follow orders. After all...these were the same terrorists that had murdered his own family and friends on that fateful day when the towers fell. That day when all he held dear; his wife and daughter were taken from him. The day he enlisted in the service. This wasn't how he envisioned revenge. No...revenge was ending the one responsible for the atrocity, not slaughtering innocents to get to them. This seemed too impersonal, too quick. "Very well then. Dismissed!"

He was snapped away from his thoughts when he heard the commander end the briefing, and got out of his seat. He collected the folder to glance at his target objective. One military installation in the middle of the desert, far away from civilian casualties. This is what he wanted. With that he turned on his heels, and proceeded to the hanger bay to get in his bird.

"Talon!" Shouted one of his squadron mates. "Looks like we're flying to the same hot point mate."

Talon turned his head to nod, and sighed. "Glad you're on my wing then Wizard. Stay frosty up there. I'd like to come home in one piece after this is over." His wing man smiled and slapped him on the back.

"Too right mate. So let's go blow these cunts to shit and get the fuck back here eh? We can have a few beers afterwards. Sound good?" The pilot rolled his eyes and shook his head.

"Ya know Wiz.. no matter how long I know you or work with you...I never know half of what you're saying man." The two laugh, and race off to their respective birds.

On the flight deck, steam wafts from the catapults after sending more and more aircraft up. The pilot taxied his F/A-37 off of the elevator and onto the deck. One of the very few in service, and the only one onboard the carrier he was deployed on. U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CVN-65. This is the final deployment of this carrier, before being retired and replaced by its newer, bigger successor next year.

As luck had it, the pilot managed to get assigned to the same squadron his father before him was in, the famous VF-114. This was also his final year in the Navy, before he had the choice of extending his duty or getting out after 6 years of service. Talon was one of the best pilots from the start of his service, having experience growing up in an aviation family. His father before him flown the F-14, now it was fitting he would fly the next generation aircraft that also gave him his call sign. Watching from the canopy, he seen the hand signals and heard the call over the radio. "Talon-One, you are cleared to proceed to launch area two. Clear the elevator immediately and standby on catapult for clearance."

The pilot looked out upon the deck, watching for people as his bird taxied slowly to its place. It's the early dawn hours, the sun just coming up over the horizon. Smoke and steam from engines and flight deck operations fills the air, people run around on deck to their stations as the aircraft comes to a stop in its place. Behind him he can hear the faint sound of the blast shield coming up behind the rear of the aircraft. He grabs the throttle control and idles up the engines to 30% power, hearing them hum to life and skree. 'CLICK!' The blast shield slides into its final place. He gives a thumbs up to the crew around, showing he's ready for flight.

Over the radio the command sounds. "Cleared for takeoff Talon One, proceed to full power. Burners free." The pilot instinctively throttles up the engines to full power, the skree of the engines loud and screaming all around him. The after burners of his engines ignight and throw out twin massive jet flames behind him against the blast shield. He watches for the hand signals. Three- The engines are powered up. Two- the afterburners are lit. One- the jet shoots off of the deck and into the sky, free from its shackles. The aircraft climbs quickly with both engines in full burner, allowing for his quick ascent into the sky. Under a minute later, his wing man is in the air chasing after him. "Proceed to your targets, altitude restrictions canceled. Good hunting!"

He presses his com button to respond. "Wilco command, Talon one will prosecute." He breathes out, his eyes ahead as he takes to the skies. Once he releases the button, he turns hard in air and corrects his course, bound for his strike target.

"Wizard Oh-Seven here, Rodger that mates." The Australian pilot replies to the carrier, quickly gaining on his wing man.

Half an hour passes, uneventful as the aircraft approach their targets. The two are alone, flying through clouds as visual cover. "Hey Talon, I'm getting strange readings on my radar, can you confirm?" The pilot looks down at his panels, watching some ftzzt and scramble in front of him, while some analog instrumentation gives strange signals. His compass for example, begins spinning wildly. "Oi mate, you there?" Silence.

Wizard looks over to his right and searches for his wing man, spotting the black switchblade aircraft seeming to have some trouble flying. It's rocking back and forth, as if the wind is knocking it around. "If you can hear me I'm getting out of these clouds mate, you should do the sa--" He's cut off when his own F-18 violently pitches downward, then rocks. They're caught in a freak storm neither had seen coming. Wizard pulls the stick back, bringing his dated F-18 into a steep climb, the F-37 falling out of view.

Inside the cockpit of the F/A-37, sirens are going off, the bird is jolting side to side and the flight is rough. All of the equipment is starting to malfunction. "Alert Alert- Port Canard Malfunction. Radar Offline" The computer begins to call. Talon presses his com piece. "Mayday mayday, this is Talon one, my aircraft is malfunctioning! Coordinates are 11.15N 35.03E Enterprise do you read?!" Another violent shudder, and the aircraft begins to pitch hard to the right, as if it's being pulled.

All of his instrumentation blanks out and static is heard over the radio. The plane begins to plummet hard and fast, spiraling out of control. Talon fruitlessly pulls against the flight stick, trying to right the plane and restart the now quiet engines. Looking out the canopy, the sky gets darker and darker around him, as he falls to the sea waiting below. A bolt of lightning strikes his starboard wing, twisting the plane onto its back and throwing it further offcourse. A bright flash of light moments later, the aircraft disappears into the fog below.

* * * * *

"Now if you look here, Mrs Sparkle, you see clearly how to begin a portal spell." Princess Luna patiently points to a large drawing in a tome she had in her personal quarters. It was Twilights night for magic lessons with the night alicorn, as requested by princess Celestia. It's been two years since Twilight had become an alicorn and moved to Canterlot palace. Two years since she finally worked up the courage to tell Celestia how she felt all this time, and learning only that her wonderful mentor had felt the same the whole time as well. As a way to help with bonding, Celestia had asked Twilight to take on magic lessons from her dear sister, as Luna was always the better one with various magics. Twilight looked over the complex spell and nodded at her teacher.

"So by simply casting one of these...portals, I can travel to anywhere I want in Equestria in the blink of an eye?" Twilight asked quietly, while studying the spell.

"Why yes, thou may do so, as a means to visit Ponyville anytime, or thou doth use it to travel quickly to any point thy wishes. Distance holds no meaning with this spell, fair Twilight." Luna casually replied. "Though, understand you must know where you wish to open the other end at. If you open one without a destination, thou may go to an unexpected place, or possibly even another dimension! You could even perhaps open a rift to Discords fridge if thou isn't careful whilst opening such!" Luna grinned mischievously.

Twilight shifted nervously on her cushion, and nodded. The clock then chimed behind her. '9:00 finally...saved by the bell.' Twilight thought to herself.

"Harrumph...dismissed. We shall continue our lessons next week then." Luna turned around and cantered to the balcony, while Twilight got up and stretched, then exited the room. Off to Celestia's chambers she went, to report of the new spell she was learning.

Luna sighed inwardly. Though she didn't show it to any pony, the truth was she hated giving these boring lessons. The first year it was fun, and quite endearing to watch the young alicorn want to learn so much. But as time passed, this quickly became more of a formality on her elder sisters behalf, rather than one she enjoyed. Luna knew this was really just Tia's was of forcing her to make a friend, when she'd much rather be back to quietly working on learning more of Equestrians history that she missed during her banishment. Luna looked at the spell in the tome and rolled her eyes, shaking her head at the crude and seemingly false warning she gave to Twilight.

"Feh...Discords fridge indeed...if that was the case, I'd have better hard cider than what is in the palace." She said out loud to no pony. Just as a joke, she reviewed the spell to test this idea, and tried to clear her mind with no destination in mind what so ever for the portal. Concentrating hard on nothing, she focused all of her magic to her horn and opened a portal just off of her balcony a little ways. The swirling dark cloud formed, as per usual. The lightning bolts jumped off of the edges, as per usual. But the portal itself was black in the center...this wasn't usual. Luna peered at it carefully, and tilted her head, hearing a faint whistling sound coming from its center. "What in Mothers name is..."

She hears the sound growing louder and louder, turning from a soft but high pitched whistle to a loud screeching sound. 'SKREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE' Suddenly out of the portal, a black, long triangle shape appeared slowly out of the center. Electricity jumped off of its frame and visage, as the nose part of it poked its way out slowly at first, but suddenly faster and faster. Before Luna could react and close the portal however, the object shot out and plummeted from the sky, with twin pillars of fire coming from behind it. Heading straight for her. She squeezed her eyes shut, dove for the floor and cast what she thought was a shield!

Quiet. Luna opened one eye and looked up, her rump in the air shaking like a leaf, her fore hooves over her head and her horn glowing. She caught the object mere inches from her. The nose of the object hovered right in front of her muzzle, as the object at least 10 times her size hovered quietly before her. She opened both eyes now and stared wide eyed at it now, hearing the roaring skree die down to a quiet whine and whisper. With a flick of her magic, she closed the portal and held the object, much to large to set on her balcony. Moving slowly and taking to the air, she bounds off of the edge and flaps her wings, hovering above the object while it rests in the air with her magic. Looking it over she begins to probe it with her magic.

'It's hard...almost as if made of stone...yet its hollow...I can sense something within it!' Luna thought. In the distance, she could hear the palace guards rushing to the area. 'Better set this down...' Luna begins to descend to the ground, when something inside catches her attention. A shiny black..thing. Inside. She doesn't know what it is, just that it isn't moving. She probes the contraption more, and shakes it a little, to rattle whatever is in the glass loose. This proved to be a mistake however, as it only knocked whatever it was inside against the glass now. 'CLINK!' The objects dome piece smacks hard against the glass, very hard. Carefully now, the princess sets the rather large and strange contraption down in the grass. She steps back slowly, looking carefully upon it. Several of her Lunar Stallions swoop down and surround the object.

"Princess! Are you harmed?!" One of the stallions -demanded- as he asked. This only made the princess huff and roll her eyes.

"Neigh, it will take a hundred more of these to scare us." She waved a hoof dismissively. The guard and the night alicorn looked upon the mysterious object and began to approach it slowly.

The pilot opened his eyes slowly, returning to consciousness. It's dark, and his aircraft isn't in the sky anymore. Without moving much he tries to survey his surroundings, noting the aircraft is offline, and still. 'Am I dead...?' He asks himself. Hearing noises muffled outside of the cockpit, he raises his head and looks around through his visor. He sees...horses? This causes him to jolt back in his seat with surprise, looking at them. These aren't normal horses though like back on the farm or in story books.

These have...horns...and wings?! The pilot is taken aback as a tall blue one approaches the canopy and peers inside with a rather sinister look in its eyes. Talon reaches for his sidearm and puts his finger on the trigger. The animals before him seem to be...communicating? Now he is convinced he's dreaming. Horses don't talk. They whinny and neigh. They grunt and make that pbbbbt sound. They don't talk!

"I must be dead." He said out loud, causing the animals to jump back in surprise. Suddenly his canopy flips open quickly and he's yanked from the cockpit, struggling against some kind of blue force! It relentlessly holds him in the air, he's unable to move his gun or even pull the trigger now. The animal speaks something out loud, but he can't understand the sounds.

"Creature, what art thou?! Where doth thou hail from?!" The dark alicorn speaks loudly, but slow, her voice trembling a bit. The lunar stallion points a spear at the new creature threatening it with the sharp tip held close to his midsection. Luna repeats again, more slowly this time. "What are thou? What is thy intent here?!" The creature is only held in the air, unmoving.

She can't see its face- if it has one. It's wearing some kind of black fabric with markings she's never seen before. Its appendages are small, two lower ones look like ill-formed hooves, the two middle ones look like dragon claws minus the talons, and it seems to have some kind of a small round dome on its shoulders, with a shiny black cover on it. There's even a long thick rope coming from its mouth. This..thing both terrified and intrigued her! 'Thump!'

A black object dropped from one of its limbs, it appeared to be a pipe with a handle of some sort on it. One of the lunar stallions leaned down and sniffed it, before nudging it with a hoof. 'BANG!' The object discharged a loud pop, and a flash of light! Suddenly one of the flower pots next to the princess explodes and shattered, causing every pony to yelp in alarm! Princess Luna dropped the creature in her surprise, and it fell to the ground.

The pilot scrambled to his feet and collects the gun, pointing it right at the tall ones head. "Back off there silver, or I'll make this fire again!" The pilot motions threateningly towards the princess, and the guards flanking her seem to back away slowly. Luna looks wide eyed at the pistol with terror, staring straight down the barrel. When he's content the horse won't move again, he begins backing up slowly to get back to the plane.

He looks to the side at it. The landing gear is up still, the plane is offline and he has nowhere near enough room to take off. Getting out of here with the plane isn't possible. As he turns his focus to the blue horse again, he feels his arm lock up as a golden light engulfs it, then his whole body. More noise, but this time softer and seemingly friendlier.

"My my little sister, you have the strangest taste in partys." Celestia chuckles lightly, holding the creature captive in the air as she looks at the object resting in her garden. "What do we have here..?" Celestia blinks, somewhat confused. She hears noise coming from the creature, causing her to look up. 'Nah-me-ooh!' 'It sounds angry..' Celestia thinks to herself. Twilight walks beside Celestia and tilts her head, looking carefully at the thing held in Celestias magic.

"Itsa....IT'S A HUMAN?!" Twilight practically gushed as she ran underneath it, looking at all of the signs. "It's just like I read in all of those J.R. Ponykin novels! Head, two hands, two feet! Celestia, I thinks it's a human!" Twilight was visibly hopping up and down now, looking at it. The creature speaks again, saying the same thing as before, but more angry sounding now. Celestia prys away the pistol from his hand with her magic, setting it aside on the wing of the aircraft.

"Twilight, are you sure? Aren't those dangerous..?" Celestia said with some concern in her voice and on her features.

Twilight shakes her head. "They're just an old mares tale and in fiction books, so I don't know. But we could try a language spell on him, so we can communicate!" Celestia was visibly worried about the presence of one of these...humans...in her kingdom. She too read the books and novels. These creatures were often portrayed as violent, destructive and otherwise uncivilized.

They lived in caves and used animal fur to keep warm. They ate meat and killed each other for sport. Some books even said they eat each other for dominance of their broods. The thoughts made her grimaced, and the massive object next to her that was easily 5 times her size only worried her more. But with the look in her lovers eyes...who was she to refuse?

"Very well Twilight...but try not to hurt him." Celestia smiled kindly to Twilight, while Luna only rolled her eyes. Watching the whole display made her want to gag.

"Of course sister, thou must always stick thy giant flank into matters of mine, even though last we checked, this is thy time to rule." Luna said with a hint of venom in her words as she motioned to the moon high in the sky. Twilight simply ignored Luna and fired the spell at the creature, who immediately responded with something quite unexpected.

"WHAT...THE..HELL?! LET ME GO YOU DAMNED BIRD THING!" Celestia and every pony nearby was surprised by the response, finally understanding clearly what the creature was saying.

Luna took this chance to take charge. "Fear not creature, we whilst not harm thee. We only wish to converse with thou!" She said sweetly and slowly to the man still suspended in Celestias magic.

"Then..put..me..DOWN!" The creature responded with obvious anger in his voice. Celestia did so slowly, but held him in place on the ground with her magic. Talon looked around, removed his helmet and peered at the blue alicorn. "I am Lt. Commander Masters. Take me to your commanding officer or release me and my aircraft at once."

Author's Note

My first attempt at a story I've been planning for a while. I just finally got off my lazy flank and wrote it. R&R folks. Lets hear what you think!

The Blessed Warbird

Chapter 2: The Blessed Warbird

"I am Lt. Commander Masters. Take me to your commanding officer or release me and my aircraft at once." Talon said coldly to the dark blue alicorn. He stood fast peering at her unflinching, as a Navy officer should.

"We hath no commanding officers, creature. For we are the princesses of Equestria. I am Princess Luna, regent of the moon and stars, Goddess of the Night." She then motions to Celestia. "My sister is Princess Celestia. Regent of the Sun, Goddess of the Daylight for all of Equestria. We are the rulers of our great world." She beams with pride at the human, puffing out her barrel some to appear proud in her stance. "Thou may direct any questions to us."

"Very well. Again, I am Lt. Commander Masters, of the United States Navy. I am the squadron leader of VF-114, U.S.S. Enterprise." He says firmly. "I need to return back to my ship. If you release me, I can give you my word of honor as a naval officer I will not mention this in any of my reports. I am on an assigned mission as a direct order from the president. I must get going."

He maintains his fixed gaze on the dark blue alicorn. 'What I need to do is fly the hell out of here away from these freaks! I just hope I can get the gear down and enough room to take off again to leave...from wherever here is.' Talon thinks to himself.

"I'm afraid that will not be possible for the moment it would seem, Mr. Masters. For you see, you are no longer on your world. Nor can we simply allow you to leave in your...contraption. I do not know if it is even capable of flight at this time." Princess Celestia chimes in calmly. She releases her magical grip from the pilot, then steps forward toward him. "It is late, we can provide you a place to rest for now, so you can repair your machine and we can help you return home. However, if you do not come willingly...there are other...options.."

"Other options?" Talon turns his gaze to the tall white alicorn, and raises an eyebrow. "With all due respect ma'am, I don't even know where 'here' is. My aircraft was caught in a freak storm, and next thing I knew I was pulled here after lightning struck my wing. Now my bird is sitting on your lawn with its gear up and belly first. Unless you have a crane and a hangar, I can't make repairs. Your sister here set it down on its belly." He motioned to his aircraft. "I'll need a crane to lift it up so I can set it back on its wheels again, as well as access to a runway so I can take off. Whichever one of you made that storm, simply make it again and I'll be on my way back to my planet.."

Celestia sighed and looked at the large machine, then alights her horn with magic. In moments the aircraft is engulfed in a golden aura, and lifted a few inches off of the grass. While she does this, the pilot is awestruck and stumbles backwards with surprise, falling on his backside. "H-How are you doing that?! What is the meaning of this?!" He shouts with evident surprise.

This only makes the three alicorns roll their eyes with annoyance. "Please lower your landing gear then, so we can set your machine down properly and safely." Celestia says sweetly, motioning with a hoof for the pilot to do so.

Talon climbs to his feet again and adjusts his flight suit, then walks back to his aircraft and climbs up the side steps on the fuselage to reach the cockpit. He reaches in and powers on the computer again, then turns to Celestia. "I need it higher ma'am. Above your head should be enough!" He calls out to her.

Celestia lifts the aircraft higher well above the tip of her horn, then he flips the switches for the gear. Doors open on the sides and the nose section as the landing gear lowers, locking loudly into place with a click. The pilot nods to Celestia. "Alight, set her down really gentle now!" He shakes his head in amazement. 'Just go with it man..you're in a hostile area, your bird is damaged and these horses somehow know voodoo. If they can lift million pound aircraft like its not even there...then it would be a really bad idea to piss them off...'

"Glad you seen things our way." Twilight says, the giddiness in her voice evident. She canters up to the aircraft." And we can talk for a bit, you could tell us all about you and your kind! yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes!!" Twilight Sparkle begins bounding in her spot, excited at the prospect of learning and possible experimentation on the strange and wondrous machine. This made the pilot clearly uneasy, as everypony but Twilight notices. "Oh Celestia this is wonderful! And we can even stay up all night and study each others cultures!"

Luna clears her throat, annoyed by the display. "That is quite enough Twilight Sparkle. For now let us retire, and bring this contraption into the castle where it can be safe guarded for now. Guards! Clear the main ball room and open the doors to their fullest, we shalt allow this machine to rest in there!" Princess Luna grasps the aircraft and the pilot in her magic, levitating them both while cantering to the back of the palace gardens, leaving Celestia and Twilight in the front area alone.

Talon protests to being flown around like the alicorns personal kite like this, but can do very little about it. Meanwhile the gaggle of Lunar Stallions race ahead of the princess, following her orders as quickly as their hooves would allow. Within several minutes, the ballroom is completely clear and open for the aircraft. Luna sizes up the doors and looks back to the aircraft, seeing one major problem; the wings are too wide to clear the doors. "Human creature, praytell; doth your contraption have a way to fit through yonder doors? Or shall we find a larger structure for thee?"

Talon now hanging upside down and floating in the dark alicorns magic simply folds his arms and scowls at his captor. "If you would give me a moment, I could retract the canards for storage. The vertical stabilizers also fold into themselves." He sneers at her, annoyed by his current predicament.

"Oh...very well then." Luna dismissively waves her left forehoof and drops him, unceremoniously to the ground. The pilot falls quickly and lands on his back. She snickers behind her hoof, an ill attempt to hide her joy at seeing the abrasive humans mild torment.

Talon grumbles under his breath, rises to his feet and sweeps himself off with his hands, eyeing the alicorn warily. He climbs back into the cockpit of the aircraft and starts the ignition sequence up. The engines begin to hum to life with a low pitch 'Whirrrrrrrrrm' with a very high pitch whistle. He continues his work for a moment, folding in the wings and the vertical stabilizers while he checks main systems. Monitors and gauges come on and activate, as the computer checks the aircrafts components and equipment. 'Better check what weapons I was equipped with before I took off...lets see now..'

Luna watches in wonder as the massive machine before her seems to come to life and transform before her eyes. The sound of the engine puts her off somewhat, but piques her curiosity about it that much more. She leaps into the air and flaps her wings, bringing herself into a hover next to the canopy of the warbird, peering in and smiling at the sight before her. She sees lots of colored dials, lights and strange mirror like boxes with pictures.

The space is small, but loaded with various levers, switches, buttons and panels. Truly this is a marvel to behold! The alicorn smiles widely, watching the strange creature work the controls of this wondrous contraption. She hears a loud CLACK! sound behind her and cranes her neck, noting the wings have folded in close to the nose now, and the two pointy stubby wings on its back are folding down as well. She turns her gaze back to the pilot and the strange pictures on the box, wondering what it is that he is so interested in.

...'lets see now...four Sidewinders, two throat rippers, two sparrows, one blue ferret, one truncation implosion bomb and one nuke...add In eight hundred .50 caliber sable rounds. The ammo team on ship sure knew how to party.' He thinks to himself, not noticing the alicorn hovering slightly above his left shoulder, peering at his monitor. He changes screens and looks up at the doors, then back to his screen, judging the height of the massive and high doors versus the height of the now storage ready aircraft. After the vertical stabilizers fold down he closes the canopy and throttles up the engines to 40% power.

The aircraft wheels forward slowly, nose first into the massive indoor ballroom. He cringes as the top of the canopy, now the highest point on the aircraft scrapes softly against the top of the massive doorway. It takes a full minute before the aircraft clears the doors then rolls into the room. Pitching the flight stick hard to the right, he swings the nose of the bird around inside the room slowly, turning it around to once again face the out doors. From tip to tail the aircraft takes up roughly half of the room. When he notices the alicorns horn glowing again, he holds up his hands where she can see them and speaks. "I'm going to shut down the engines now! Please do not do anything."

Luna eyes the craft carefully and returns to the ground, keeping her distance from the noisy machine. The poor guards all around the room are covering their ears the best they can, as the engines noise is too loud for them and causing extreme pain. One of the stallions is standing a bit too close to the tail of the aircraft, some of his mane and tail begin to smoke and burn away from the engines exhaust. With a yelp and a jump he leaps back, clutching a spear and trying to threaten the warbird with it. "Evil wicked banshee! Its breath is as hot as Tatarus!!"

Talon shuts down the engines finally satisfied on its position. His hand still on the flight stick and noting the alicorns position to the nose, he considers for a moment pulling the trigger and firing the forward guns. The alicorn fixes her gaze on him however, noticing that he's looking right at her through the glass. He sees her horn light again, and removes his hand from the flight stick. "There, she's parked. Now what do you want, horse?" The pilot furrows his brow, showing he's obviously annoyed with his predicament.

Luna simply smiles at him sincerely, then lifts her forehoof and points at the aircraft. "Come out now, creature. We only wish to converse with thee, and ask some simple questions. Thou shalt not be harmed, Thy has mine oath as a princess as such." She peers at her Lunar Stallions behind the aircraft, who get the hint to back away to the doors rather than to crowd the alien and his craft. This is a show of good faith on her behalf, to coax the human from it.

Talon weighs his options, glancing about the room. On one hand, he has a full automatic sub machine gun with four clips in the cockpit. He figures if he takes out the princess first, he might be able to wipe out a number of guards and possibly get his aircraft out and in the air again, provided he can find a long enough stretch in the gardens to take off. On the other hand, if he attacks he may fail, be killed and then these space horses will have access to Earths technology and a nuclear weapon. God knows they could use that as a reason to find Earth and declare war. 'Bad idea...wish they would have gone over first contact scenarios in basic training..' He thinks to himself.

On the other hand, he could simply grab his satchel he carries with him on every mission, and simply step out from his aircraft. Look for another chance to escape after he's earned their trust. Then scramble his first chance and blow this place sky high after he finds a way home. He moves his hand away from the gun and grabs his satchel, tucking away another military issue .9mm hand gun and two clips in it, then opens the canopy and starts to climb out. Once out, he presses the controls on the side panel of the aircraft and closes the canopy again, to prevent the alien horses from entering the warbird.

"Splendid!" Princess Luna says with a smile and happy tone of voice, then sits on her haunches while waiting for the alien to come closer. "Creature, perhaps we could speakest for a while. We would like to know more about err...hoo mans..as this is our first meeting with one such as thee." She tilts her head to the side and motions for him to come closer with her hoof.

"Humans." He corrected her. "Furthermore, I have a name, space horse. You can call me Talon." He speaks gruffly, then approaches her. He opens the side flap to his satchel, which instantly attracts unwanted attention from the guards. Before he could blink, he's tackled down to the ground by three Lunar Stallions, pinned with one sitting on his chest. The other two bare their sharp fangs at him and threaten him with spears. Talon struggles to push the guards off of him.

Luna gasps in horror as the guards tackle the alien, opening her wings quickly in protest. "Release him at once! Do not harm him!" She rushes to the gaggle of guards upon the poor human, pushing the one off of his chest. "Forgive them, for they are merely protecting their princess. They meant no harm to thee!"

Talon coughs and holds his ribs, after feeling a massive armored horses ass resting on it. He rolls to his side and gasps for air, coughing and wheezing for a moment. After this continues for a good minute, he catches his breath and sits up, glaring at the guard that was sitting on him. "I WAS REACHING FOR A SMOKE YOU RETARDED BAT THING!"

He flips off the guard, then reaches back into his now crushed bag, then retrieves a mostly flattened pack of cigarettes and a lighter. He holds it up and shows the stallion, glaring at him the whole time. Opening the box and bringing a now bent and somewhat flattened cigarette to his lips, he lights it and offers one to the princess. "Here." He coughs and hacks. "Take--" Cough cough "--Take one!" He clears his throat and takes a pull off of the cigarette, continuing to hold the pack out to the princess from his seated position.

The princess sniffs the package, then looks at the alien and his burning, foul smelling tube. "Praytell...what...what is this? Doth though eat it?" She examines it closely, curious things these humans are! They have massive machinery, and seem to enjoy fire sticks in their mouths! What a strange thing this is!

"It's a peace offering. I take it you don't have these on your planet. You smoke it, like this." He takes another puff, then in hails deep, exhaling the smoke into the air above him. He sets down the pack on the ground, then looks back up at the blue alicorn towering over him. "You could sit down, space horse. You wanted to talk, so lets talk."

Luna watches him retract the box and set it on the floor, then nods and comes to rest on her belly, now seeing eye to eye with the human before her. "We would likest if thou calls us Luna. Not space horse, Talon." She smiles at him and watches in wonder as he continues breathing on the fire stick. The smoke causes her to cough a little, as the offending odor from it is not something she is accustomed to.

"A peace offering sounds wondrous and delightful. May I perhaps try the one thou is 'smoking' before we wasteth your supply?" She calmly asks, somewhat hopeful that she doesn't have to endure much more of it. The strange smell and taste on the air is something she doesn't seem to like, but will bare with it for the sake of establishing friendly relations with the newfound creature of fiction. She flutters her wings slightly and folds them loosely at her sides, relaxing a bit and gazing at the slowly smoking tube in the pilots mouth.

He shrugs and pulls the cigarette from his lips, then flips it in his fingers and reaches out to Lunas mouth. "Take it, put your lips on the tan part there and suck lightly. Then breathe through your mouth to in hail it. Breath out to exhale the smoke and vapor." He offers.

Princess Luna does so, as she is trying to be friendly with the newcomer. She chomps lightly with her lips and closes them close to his fingers, then follows his instructions and suckles at the filter. The taste is something she can't honestly say she likes or dislikes at the moment, but is willing to learn to like it if need be. She then releases the tube from her lips and in hails through her mouth as suggested. Surprise; it burns her throat. Her eyes go wide and she coughs, exhaling the smoke in a coughing fit. She wasn't expecting this at all! She continues coughing for a few moments, while hearing the pilot chuckle.

"heh heh...it Takes some getting used to." He laughs lightly then takes another puff again, flicking the ashes into the palm of his free hand and offers the cigarette to her again. Luna eyes the cigarette warily, but complies and takes another puff. This time she only slightly coughs, the effect much less severe the second time. This brings a smile to his face as he takes another pull from the nearly depleted cigarette. "This is what some of my people do where I'm from, after we return from a mission or we get together. It's a form of relaxation. "

She smacks her lips and opens her mouth slightly. The taste is not what she expected, and seems confused as to weather or not she enjoys it. Her head feels slightly light and her vision somewhat altered, but no noticeable ill effects from it. She looks at the pilot in the eyes and smiles. "You humans have some strange customs. But we believe we can learn them quickly. Relaxation sounds...fun!"

The cigarette finally goes out after it reaches the filter, he puts the ashes and the cigarette butt on the top of the box next to him. "Well I look forward to learning some of yours." He says genuinely. "Do all of your kind look like you? I mean are they all as big as you with wings and a horn." He motions with his hand at her wings.

"Neigh, I am an alicorn. Only a few exist, my sister and I the original ones. The smaller purple mare you seen earlier was my sisters student and special somepony. She is the youngest alicorn known to exist. Some have just wings, they art pegasi. Some pony's have just horns, we calleth them unicorns. The ones with neither art called earthen pony's." she supply's an answer. "There are four types all together; though we hath recently found a new species of foul bug creatures that looketh like us, called changelings. Horrid creatures they are, parasites the whole race."

"Changelings...Unicorns..Pegasi? We have those creatures in our myths and legends on Earth. But those are just in story books and folk tales. Earth pony's though...they sound much like horses we have back home. No wings or horns. Most are kept as pets or as help around farms. We also have them as friends and companions." He smiles to her. "I myself grew up on a farm as a child, I had my own horse. She was a very good, very proud mare. About your size too if I remember correctly."

"She sounds grand. What was your ponies name, Talon?" Luna asks politely, curious at this point. "And where is she now, may we inquire?"

Talon looks away for a moment, eyeing the guards peering at him with a stoic look on their faces, then back to Luna. "I called her Tina. Miss Feisty Tina. And she's with my younger sister now. I couldn't exactly take her with me when I joined the Navy after all. Aircraft carriers aren't places where pets are allowed. Military protocols and all." He says quietly. In all honesty he did miss the horse, and wasn't sure how it was doing in its old age. He's about to speak again when the blue alicorn interrupts.

"And to you, do all of your people look like you? Doth everypony also have these contraptions that thou arrived in?" She motions to the aircraft with her hoof, accidentally tapping Talons leg lightly. She blushes slightly, the color hidden somewhat under her dark coat. Talon doesn't seem to notice, or if he has he makes no mention of it.

"Negative ma'am. I am one of a very few of my people that fly in this particular type of aircraft. Not many humans can fly any of these machines, let alone the special warbird I arrived in." As if on cue at finishing his sentence, Lunas eyes narrow at him, a stern look in her features.

'Warbird, as in the word War. This craft is meant for battle...' Luna whispers under her breath. "Talon...what was thou mission that thy was in flight for? Why doth thou calleth this machine a bird of war?" She asked incredulously.

Talon struggles with words and adjusts his position uncomfortably. "Uhm..that's classified ma'am. I was flying a mission requested by my nations leader. I had to uhm...escort Something..Something very important. My wingman and several others in my squadron had several of these packages to deliver to certain places." He coughs lightly and adverts his eyes. "Uhm...Warbird is just a classification of the type of aircraft. Some are meant specifically for transporting, some are fighters, and some and just passenger aircraft. I am a fighter pilot...a Warrior of my people, much like your guards there." He adds quickly.

Luna eyes him, unsure if she believes him completely by the way he avoided and gave an elusive answer, but accepted his explanation anyway. She would simply have to examine the machine herself at a later time. The two continue talking about various subjects for an hour longer, ranging from weather to information about city's and their respective occupants. The conversation however is brought to a halt, when Lunas stomach grumbles loudly. She takes pause and giggles softly and blushes at her body's betrayal, returning her gaze to the pilot. "It would seem as though it is time for me to eat...would You like something as well, Talon?"

Seeing yet another opportunity, Talon reaches for his satchel once again. The guards notice this (again.) and begin approaching. "I'm just grabbing a snack.." He reaches in slowly, his gaze still on the lead guard. Seconds later he retrieves a small paper sack and dumps the contents on top of his bag, revealing several chocolate bars, a small bag of sunflower kernels and various nuts/ fruit bits. He looks at the small pile and grabs a chocolate bar, opening the wrapper and breaks off a large piece, holding his hand out to the alicorn with his palm up and wide open. "Here..try this. You may enjoy it."

Luna eyes the mysterious sweet smelling confection in his hand. The scent dances in her nostrils and she licks her lips. That scent she does know well; chocolate. It's not every day one gets to experience the sweet confection of her guilty pleasure, much less from another world, and readily lowers her head and eats the piece right out of his hand. She nips at the piece with her lips gently, then gobbles the piece down slowly; enjoying every second of its sinfully delicious taste. She moans softly in ecstasy as the taste fills her mouth, replacing the interesting taste from earlier. Eagerly she licks her lips again and nuzzles his hand, licking the palm of it to get the small melted particles off of his skin. The guards watch in amazement and confusion, coming closer slowly to see what the princess is enjoying so much.

"Oh you like that huh?" Talon smiles slyly, then breaks off another piece and holds it out to her again, where it is readily and quickly devoured by the content and very happy alicorn. He gets the idea he may be able to appease the guards, and breaks off another piece and offers it to the closest guard. The Lunar Stallion sniffs at the piece and swallows hard, looking to his princess for permission. Once she nods in approval, he nibbles at the piece slowly, giving much the same reaction that princess Luna gave. It's not long before the other guards also want a turn, and Talon opens two more chocolate bars to give to them.

The stallions are now very content and smiling at him. Apparently this act of generosity was all it took to win them over! Talon grins inwardly at this. His attention turned back to the princess now, who has gotten up and has her muzzle in the paper bag, sniffing for more of the delicious confection. "I have more in the cockpit ma'am. If you give me a moment, I'll go and get the other bag I have."

The princess blushes, her muzzle stuck with the paper bag on it and her hoof caught in the proverbial cookie jar. She has a look of endearing innocence on her features, as she paws gently at the paper sack on her nose, but secretly enjoys the scent left behind by the chocolate. She flops back down and lays on her belly again before the pilot. "Neigh, 'twill not be necessary." She alights her horn and focuses hard on the remaining chocolate bar, casting a replication spell. One flash of light and some magic shimmer later, a pile upto the pilots waist from his sitting position appears. There's at least fifty more chocolate bars now. She finally removes the paper sack and licks her lips again, then nuzzles the pilots hand with genuine affection.

He sits amazed and bewildered by the spectacle, seeing a pile of chocolate bars magically appear from thin air. "You can duplicate items?!" He asks in awe, blinking and rubbing his eyes, still not quite believing what he just witnessed occur right in front of him. He turns his attention to the alicorn nuzzling his hand and very slowly brings up his other hand. He sets it gently on her head, waiting for a response. When she continues with her affectionate display and shows no ill tempered signs, he strokes her head and behind her left ear gently, running his fingers through her wispy ethereal mane. This earns him a very low but friendly whinny by the princess, as he continues.

"Yes.." She closes her eyes and enjoys the contact, surprised at herself for how complacent she is being with the alien. "Simple objects and small things like...ohhhhhh right there.." she says as he hits the spot right behind her ear, making it twitch slightly. "Objects like food, water, drinks and tools.." She stops nuzzling him and rests her head on his leg, enjoying the contact. The Lunar Stallions have never seen their princess so relaxed and happy before! They are starting to really like these human things! They all look to each other and nod furiously in approval, then turn their attention back to the human.

Lunas eyes remain closed as she murmurs and moans softly, breathing deep and thoroughly enjoying the contact. She takes in his scent into her nostrils, wanting to fill her lungs deep with the enjoyable wonderful smell she captured. It's a mix of something very sweet, some part of the fuel and exhaust from the mysterious craft, and chocolate. As far as the almighty Faust is concerned, she's clearly in alicorn heaven at this very moment. Her back right leg twitches gently as she nuzzles deeper into her newfound pillow.

Talon is taken aback by his new lap warmer, this clearly being a better reaction than he was expecting. He continues to stroke the alicorns head and neck, carefully tracing the muscle tone with his fingers and caressing the softness of her fur. He gazes at her horn now more than close enough to examine, and notes it's very similar to what he always pictured from story books. He can see it has spirals and protrudes from her head as if attached to her skull itself, and traces its base with his free hands fingertips.

This only earns a somewhat stronger twitch from the alicorns leg, and he stops for a moment. She didn't seem to mind, so he starts again. The texture is somewhat rough, yet smooth. As if the horn was crafted out of the same braided wire that runs throughout his aircraft. He also feels the texture difference of where the horn ends and the fur begins again. For first contact, this is going much smoother than he was ever hoping for.

The two beings sit in silence for a while longer like this, enjoying each others company and getting to know one another on a more intimate level. Though Talon treated the situation like he would with his old horse back on earth, Luna was looking at this from a much different angle. These humans in her opinion now are no longer the creatures fabled of being violent, manovelent wicked beings of lore, but gentle, warm kind protectors, that seem to know just how to treat a mare. She sighs happily and content, lazily opening her eyes again and eyeing more of the delicious chocolate. She slowly raises her head again and smiles genuinely happy to him, half lidded and content she sighs and speaks softly.

"Could we trouble thee to open more of thy confections, so we can share the wondrous bounty with my stallions?" She speaks slowly, her voice thick with content and joy. She is very clearly lost in the moment, resting very close to the human and his wondrous machine.

Talon nods silently and begins opening more and more of the candy, packing the empty wrappers back into the paper sack to dispose of later, and hands each Lunar Stallion a full chocolate bar, which they take into their mouths and greedily devour, content and happy. This repeats several times until each one has had their fill, leaving ten remaining chocolate bars in the pile. He opens two more and serves the princess portions at a time, her continuing to take them directly from his open hand as before.

Acceptance. Of all the things the princess of the night ever wanted, she was getting it right that very moment. Pure, unconditional acceptance. Nothing about her past, her banishment, her angst or pain was even a factor here. In the presence of this alien and his mysterious aircraft looming over their heads, she was relishing in all of it. Luna happily sighed and enjoyed this moment of peace, almost completely forgetting everything else around her. It was this night she truthfully in her eyes, made a new honest to Faust friend. "My dear Talon, we believe this could be the start of a beautiful and wonderful relationship." She says contently, her voice even more so thick with happiness and glee.

Talon smiles at this and stretches out a bit, then leans back against the landing gear of the nose. He yawns, and takes a moment to look at his wrist watch. 'I'll bet by now Wizard is well on his way back to the boat after dropping off that 'gift'' to those bastards...that lucky son of a bitch. I wonder if they've sent out a search party if they got my communication before I got yanked here...' He thinks to himself. He shakes his head and sighs. "Man...If I ever do make it home...I'll bet no one would even believe me about any of this."

Hearing this makes the dark alicorn pause, her mood somewhat damper by his words. She wasn't wanting him to want to leave so soon! She shifts her weight a bit in place, then buries her head back into his lap while thinking of an excuse. "We are sure that they wilst believe thou...for You seem to be a virtuous and friendly human. We will...help the...make it home if we can.." She murmurs, her eyes closed again. She takes a deeper breath and breathes out slowly, getting comfortable. 'When I retire to mine chambers...that book with yonder portal spell wilst find its fate in mine fireplace! I wish him to stay here..' She thinks to herself, unwilling to let her newfound friend to up and leave so quickly. Or ever...if she has a choice in it.

That tome in her study is the only one in all of equestria with that one portal spell, that she herself created in the days prior to becoming Nightmare Moon. With a quick visit to any fireplace, that spell would vanish from existence, this thought made her happy, if not feeling a little bit greedy and selfish. She is a princess, after all she thought, and since Tia has whatever Tia wants...why Can't Luna have her cake and eat it too? Yes...it Would be all so simple to make the aliens life cushy and easy here, she could learn more and more about him, and maybe even learn more about his great machine! Oh how it looked so interesting and maybe even fun! She smiled at this concept and even began to consider wanting to learn what its like to fly in it..

From her balcony, Celestia watches all of this unfold through the view of her telescope. She yawns wearily, being well beyond her bed time. She looks back at Twilight, who lay asleep on the large bed in the alicorn goddesses chambers, a bit of drool coming from her mouth while she cradles a book between her hooves. Celestia turns her attention back to the scene below in the ball room, alicorn mischief dancing in her eyes. She can't recall having ever in her lifetime ever seeing her sister so content and happy, nor close to anypony before. This is a first for Celestia, and brings a very final thought to her mind. This human must be swiftly investigated thoroughly, and if he is indeed as good as Luna seems to believe..He absolutely must stay.

Even if it is wrong to hold him, and against every teaching she has ever given...the happiness of her younger sisters heart must now come first. She made the mistake before of ignoring it..And ended up with a one thousand year nightmare. Yes...this time she would do things the right way; not as a ruler of a nation, but as a sister to a sister. But one thought kept finding its way back to the front of her mind, constantly nagging at her thoughts.

The pilot is hiding something...and that something has to do with that massive black flying machine. Something is within its bowels, and she needs to find whatever it is and remove it soon. It feels...dangerous. She hears laughter upon the wind and looks down through her telescope again, seeing her sister lay on her back with her legs in the air and her head still in the aliens lap, experiencing a full real belly laugh as if the pilot or somepony had just told a very funny joke. This makes Celestia smile, as she turns and canters her way back to her bed for the evening.

* * * * *

"Lulu.....Wake up dear sister.." Celestia nudges gently with her muzzle against Lunas sleeping form. The smoke from some of the still smoldering debris and the smell of the leaked fuel from the wrecked aircraft stinging her eyes and her nose. She nudges a little harder at Lunas side.

Princess Luna awakens with a start, it's mid day. She is still laying by the fuselage of the downed and broken aircraft, tears streaming from her beautiful jade eyes. In her sleep, she was whimpering and crying, catching the attention of the palace solar guard; thus being reported to princess Celestia.

She blearily opens her eyes and looks at her sister, before breaking down into a blubbering mess and wrapping her hooves around her sisters graceful long neck. She buries her muzzle into Celestias coat and sobs, her cries loud and sorrowful.

Celestia falls to her haunches and strokes her sister gently, cooing softly and whispering. "It's ok lulu...it's Going to be ok..." Tears also well up in Celestias eyes, the sadness of the day also falling unto her pained heart. She tries to steel her resolve, but only whimpers aswell, holding and hugging Luna tightly. "Don't worry dear sister of mine...we will find a way to fix this...we will find a way to bring him back to you. To our kingdom..."

Their cries of sorrow fill the air, as the tears of mourning fall to the ground and twisted metal below their hooves from the wreckage. All around them, Solar and Lunar guards ponies, palace servants and workers alike begin to weep as well. One of the Lunar Stallions looks mournfully behind him at the once ballroom, feeling as empty as the former aircrafts hangar now is. Seeing that no longer will the tool boxes ever be touched...no longer will the moonlight fuel be poured. No longer would they hear the once beloved sound of the banshees cry overhead. This was truly the saddest day in Equestria history indeed.

Author's Note

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Lessons for a princess, Part One

Chapter 3; Lessons for a princess, part one

Princess Luna sat in front of her vanity in her bed chambers, restless and depressed. It's nightfall now, and after raising the moon she wished to be alone with her thoughts. Her room is dark, minus a single candle lit on her dresser. The curtains are wide open, allowing the pale moonlight in and the chilly night air. Done brushing her mane and tail, she sulks. Earlier that afternoon, Celestia had pulled her away from the wreckage and forced her to go rest. Celestia's logic was not flawed; the night princess would need her rest for the next day when they begun repairs and surveys of Canterlot's damage from the invasion force that swept through only three weeks after the surprise dragon attack.

"Why...why must this pain be so much? What pony did I wrong so that I must endure this..?" Luna whispers to herself. Her gaze falls onto the worn out and faded tan canvas satchel the pilot had carried. In it were the wondrous machines and devices, as well as the confections he had when he was here with her. Next to it, was several stacked packs of the fire sticks he had enjoyed so, that she replicated more for him when his supply was low. The thoughts of knowing that the owner of these items now lay dead somewhere in the wreckage just under her balcony haunted her. Out of anger she punches the mirror with her left fore hoof, shattering it.

The door to her chambers opens as a guard comes to inspect the source of the sound, finding the night princess sitting in her vanity chair, and mirror shards scattered about the vanity top, and carpeted floor all around her. "Princess, are you alright? Can I get you anything?" He speaks in a hushed tone, knowing who it was that shattered the mirror and that there was clearly no danger at this moment.

"Neigh...I am fine. Please return to your post." She comments bitterly, not looking at the Lunar Stallion. Her gaze is fixed at the remaining sharp pieces still left in the frame of the shattered mirror.

The guard nods, somewhat hurt by the princesses reaction, but understanding given the situation. He too was fond of the human, and had grown to like the creature. All of the Lunar Stallions had, knowing he was not only a warrior like themselves, but the one thing that has kept the princess happier than any pony has ever seen her before. Such was the great feat he had accomplished that any pony with half of a brain had come to respect that. The stallion backs out of the room and closes the door quietly, returning to stand guard once more.

Once again left to her own devices, she stands back up and walks to the dresser. With her magic she opens the satchel and pulls out the contents, looking at them. To the far left was a music device, the screen cracked from when she accidentally stepped on it one evening while the human was working on something under the aircraft. In the center was a small billfold, with various colored scraps of paper and plastic sheets in it. And finally to the right, was an old faded photograph.

The edges were worn out and frayed, the corners torn and the photo faded, possibly due to its age and sun damage. Luna gazed at this object, and studied it, remembering when the pilot finally spoke of his past, that fateful night they were at her former home; the castle of the two pony sisters deep within the Ever free Forrest. The image was of the pilot, a female and a child. They were standing in front of what the pilot called a 'Dauntless', holding a sign that said 'First Flight.' She sighed deeply and put the items down, trotting away to the balcony sorrowfully.

Luna looks out to the world before her, seeing the night sky killed with plumes of smoke still wafting throughout Canterlot. Since so much of the city was devastated, not many lamps are lit, bringing the city into a sea of darkness. Far off in the distance, she can make out the small speck that is the ruins of the old castle, and the tree line of the Ever Free Forrest. She sighs deeply and closes her eyes, spreads her wings wide, and leaps into the air. Silently she glides, flying away towards the ruins.

She fly's for a solid hour, finally reaching her destination after a long and uneventful flight under her moonlit sky. She lands softly on the castles broken steps, kicking up some dust as her hooves touch the ground. All round her is dark and quiet, as she steps into the ghostly castle. Memories flood her mind, giving her a faint smile as she looks around. It was in this room they slept, resting after the aircraft had run out of fuel and had to land here.

So many discoveries were made during those days they were stranded here, some if not all were likely to be her fondest memories of her lifetime. After she walks into the room further and reaches the makeshift bed they had made from various materials they had found here. It was here she came to a rest, laying on the cold stony floor and damp fabric, next to the broken stained glass window. She lays on her side, her head resting on the pile of grass stuffed into the quickly made pillow. She goes over the memories of that day in her mind, trying to find something to cling to for the sake of her sanity.

* * * * *

"And this is called the altimeter. It shows how high in the sky this bird is flying." He shows her with a hand motion, then points to the gauge. Luna nods slowly, a smile upon her lips at this. She is spending more time with the pilot, Celestia leaving her in charge of keeping an eye on their unexpected visitor. Luna didn't mind this, however. The aircraft is housed in the ball room, now converted to be the temporary hangar for the time being.

Two custom made tool boxed packed full of equipment for the aircraft rest against the wall. The princesses had requested that they be made, and the specialty tools crafted by the best engineers in Canterlot, just so the pilot could maintain his machine. This was princess Celestia's gift to the pilot, as a way to ask him to stay a little longer. Due to the treatment and accommodations by the princesses, he didn't seem too distressed about remaining in Equestria for a little while longer.

The palace staff and guards, both Solar and Lunar have grown accustomed to the presence of the human, and found his company both interesting and enjoyable. The off duty guards would come and talk with him in the hangar, learning more of the human world and traded war stories. The maids and staff would occasionally seek him out as well to both glimpse at him, and to investigate the massive black machine in the castle.

Ponies outside the gardens entryway were hard at work too, creating a seamless path from the ball rooms entryway to the courtyard, as requested by the princess of the night. It's been a whole month since he came from the sky that fateful night, and half of Canterlot was awakened in alarm at the sound of the banshees cry. The skies have since been silent and quiet as ever, and rumors have spread about it being some sort of stunt by the weather pony's as a joke.

Luna dreamy eyed watches and listens to the pilot some more, interested in everything he had to say about the aircraft and its inner secrets. She finally speaks when a large red switch catches her eye. "Pray-tell Talon, What does this red one do?"

Accidentally slipping in conversation due to the excitement of teaching and being prideful, he says by far the worst thing he could have. He could have lied, said it controlled the flaps, or something small. Instead, he says the truth. "Oh, that's just the weapons bay doors releas---oh hell."

Luna's eyes open wide with surprise hearing this, snapping her back to reality. "Weapons bay you say? And uh...what doth have inside the weapons bay?" She asks with a stern look, her muzzle brought close to the pilots face. She is so close, he can smell her breath and feel her exhale upon him.

"Uhm...classified. I can't talk about it." He finishes, hopeful the secret will be kept. 'Not like she'd know what she was looking at anyway even if she did look. To her they would be just giant spears with fins.' He thinks to himself, backing up slowly from her as far as he could, being he was sitting in the cockpit.

Luna narrows her eyes to him, scowling. "Thou said thy war bird was harmless in its state. Wouldst thou be fibbing to thy princess?" Her hoof slowly moving over to the switch on the panel. Talon holds up his hands, feigning innocence.

"The bird IS harmless while it's on the ground like this. All that is in there is just...gifts..yeah, gifts for some people back on my planet." He swallows hard, looking away. "Well, this concludes our lesson for the day Miss Luna! How about we go for a walk around town?" He offers quickly.

Luna keeps her gaze on him, and flicks her hoof over the switch, a loud click and the sound of grinding metal is heard for a moment, followed by a loud SLAM of the doors flying open. She pushes herself off of the fuselage, landing back on all four hooves from her standing position on her hind legs. She folds her wings in protest tightly against her body, and cranes her neck and head to look for the source of the sound. There right in front of her eyes on the back of the aircraft's belly, two large, long black doors on both sides lay open. She lowers herself down to a crawling position and climbs beneath the aircraft's belly, then stands up inside the weapons bay. "Human, explain what are these?!" She yells, her voice echoes inside the weapons bay. The sight before her is as confusing as it is amazing.

The alicorn sees two long racks in a line, carrying many objects of different sizes. They're all either grey, green or blue with yellow stripes. All with words and numbers on them she doesn't understand. All except for one. The back rack has the largest of these objects, with a black and yellow circle on its plain white case. It's long and wide, shaped like an arrow with a cone tip. There are two slots on its body, one in the middle, and one in the back next to a large black cone. In red, bold letters, she sees one word she knew. She had seen the writing all over the aircraft. From the intake where the war bird breathed, to the tail where the banshees cry's came from. The word, was danger. Talon by now has climbed out of the cockpit and come to her level, joining her in the weapons bay.

"Uh-- you see Luna.." He nervously states, trying to come up with an explanation. "These um...these are normal on all navy aircraft. They're nothing to really talk about!" He tries quickly. "Really it's nothing of inter--"

"What ist so dangerous about the big one? Why is it alone on its rack, and the only one marked danger?" She turns to him, her eyes focused and alarmed. Concern is written on her face as she tilts her head, her horn scraping against one of the missiles in the front rack. The magical spark makes the missiles on board computer turn on, sounding an alert tone in the cockpit. "MISSILE ARMED. MISSILE ARMED." Luna goes wide eyed and backs up in alarm, her head smacking against the front wall of the weapons bay. She winces and rubs the back of her head, then returns her glare to where the pilot once stood.

He's scrambling up the fuselages side steps to hit something on the panel. The alarm silences, and she hears him huff in relief. She crawls out from under the plane, and stands again, looking at the pilot standing there still outside the aircraft's cockpit, his head against the canopy glass. "What was that...What is a missile armed?"

He surrenders, knowing he's probably about to have to kill her and try to fight his way out of the castle. He reaches inside the cockpit with one arm, while turning to face the alicorn. His hand finds the gun he hidden under the seat cushion, and he grabs it; finger on the trigger. "That princess, was you almost blowing us to hell." He answers with finality.

"What you just activated was an AIM-4 sidewinder missile. Those are packed with enough explosives to blow anything out of the sky.... If that went off inside the bay, it could have started a chain reaction that could turn this city into a sheet of glass." He tightens his grip on the gun, about to pull it out and fire. He stops when the next question she asks catches him off guard.

"Will you protect us with those?" Luna asks, sounding unsure and shaken. Her pupils small with terror, thoughts of what kind of power she is really looking at now.

He looks at her, silent for a moment, then loosens his grip, putting the gun back under the seat slowly. "...Yes. I would if I needed to." He says quietly. He looks at Luna's face, seeing something unexpected. Her smile. That same sweet innocent smile he's grown used to seeing on her muzzle every day. The same smile she had when they first spent the night in the hangar here, against the nose landing gear.

"I'm glad." she says happily. Luna looks at him, her gaze soft again and carefree. "I believe you. I honestly believe you." She nods slowly, her eyes fixed on him. She sighs wistfully, color coming to her cheeks and showing through her dark coat.

The doors open to the ballroom from the inside of the castle, revealing Celestia and Twilight, as well as several other pony's Talon hadn't met yet. Luna is startled by the sudden intrusion, and shakes her head out of her trance. She turns to face the offending gaggle, scowling. "Greetings, mine sister." Her voice with a hint of venom.

"Hello, little sister. Hello Mr. Talon. Are you finding your time here enjoyable?" Princess Celestia says sweetly. If she heard the hint of malice in Luna's voice, she shown no signs. Celestia extends her regal hoof to the pilot, who takes it into his own hand and shakes.

"Good afternoon Ma'am." Talon says with a smile and friendly tone. "Yes ma'am, everything is ship shape and working. Thank you very kindly for your hospitality while I am here. Is there something I can do for you today?" He says as he takes an at ease stance before the regal white alicorn. His legs are shoulder width apart, his hands held behind his back and his posture straight and non threatening. He stands exactly as a Navy officer would when addressing a commanding officer after the initial salute.

Celestia smiles, alicorn mischief in her eyes as she gazes slowly upon the pilot. "Yes, now that you mention it. I have here with me some pony's who have been looking forward to finally meeting you. If you're willing to take the time, could you possibly show them your machine?" She says with her calm, regal tone.

"It would be an honor, ma'am." The pilot replies calmly, and nods. Before he can react and dodge, his arm is suddenly grabbed and his hand pumped vigorously in a hand/hoof shake. A blond earth pony with an orange coat and a Stetson hat with apple shapes in her fur on her flank is the first to greet him.

"Weeeeellll howdy there stranger! Welcome to Equestria! Twi here had mentioned we'd be meeting a new kind of folk, she never said it would be a human folk though! Shucks, had ah of known, ah'd have brought more of my sweet apple acres apples with me. Best apples you'd ever try on any world ah tell ya!" The excited country pony says. "Names Applejack. Applejack Apple! It's a reeeal darn tooting pleasure!"

The pilot releases the hoof, his arm still moving on its own until he stops it with his free hand. He opens his mouth to speak when an even more excitable pink earth pony with a pink mane and tail bounces up to him. Her fur markings on her flank look like three balloon shapes. The pony before his eyes is somehow not only defying the laws of physics, but the laws of reality as well with her bouncing motions.

"Omigosh a new friend! I like new friends theyresofunandthisiswonderful!" She squeals, bouncing around him in a circle. His head nods following her motions, until he loses his balance and stumbles backwards. "I'm Pinkie Pie!" The psychotic pink pony squeals in delight, sticking her muzzle inches from his face and a wide, scary grin on her face that seems to go from ear to ear. Her large eyes look like pools of vast, empty dark space to him, causing the pilot to shudder.

Princess Luna gasps in horror and moves herself into position between the pilot and the pink menace, her wings opened up in a threatening manner. "That is enough pink one! You're going to scare him!" Luna protests in defiance and stomps one of her hooves, cracking the tile below it.

"actu--" The pilot is cut off when the pink pony is ripped away, replaced by a cyan pegaus pony with a colored lightning bolt on her flanks fur, and with a rainbow colored mane and tail.

"Relax Pinkie. You don't wanna piss off PL again. Don't you remember what she did to you last time you pushed her?" She floats in the air flapping her wings, keeping herself now positioned between Pinkie and the very irritated Luna. The pegasus looks down at the pilot. "Yo. Name is Rainbow Dash. You can call me Dash or RD. So you fly super fast huh? Where are your wings?" Rainbow dash looks him over with a raised eyebrow and a doubtful expression on her features. "How about a race--WHOA!"

The Stetson wearing blond earth pony yanks Rainbows tail in her teeth, pulling the pegasus to the ground. "Easy there partner, y'all are gonna scare him like the princess says, and ah' think that she'd be a might bit tussled if you'd gone and done that."

Rainbow dash crosses her forelegs with an irritated scowl, and mutters under her breath. Suddenly the pilot is lifted to his feet in a light blue magical aura, and released. A white unicorn with a deep purple main and diamond shapes on her flanks fur appears behind him. "Greetings darling. I am the lady Rarity." She says in her silken voice. This catches the pilots attention hearing the fashionista, and he turns to face her. She's holding out her hoof in a soft bend, and smiles at him. "You may Call me Miss. Or Rarity. Or Miss Rarity if you please." She giggles softly.

"I am Lt. Commander Masters of the United States Navy. It's a pleasure to meet you." He takes her dainty hoof into his hand, leans down and kisses it in his greeting. Talon doesn't see it, but the dark blue alicorns eyes go wide and flash with anger at this sight.

"Ohhh...he's a gentle colt too? I've always loved a stallion in uniform." Rarity smiles seductively, then looks over his attire and grimaces. "Eh...not much for fashion on your world, I take it?"

Talon looks down at his fatigues. It's true, his military uniform has seen better days. Being the only outfit he has at all is a single pair of Navy issue fatigues, a single pair of socks, underwear and combat boots, and his flight suit. He washes them every night after his shower, and Luna dries them with her magic for him while he steps onto the balcony and smokes. He sleeps in the princesses private chambers, officially as her charge.

Unofficially because the night princess flat told Celestia that is exactly where she wanted him, and she didn't even argue. His fatigues as well as his flight suit are now faded from washing so often, the fabric worn a little thin in areas, and the stitches on his squadron patches coming undone. His boots are scuffed and dirty, completely unacceptable on board any navy base of ship. He turns his attention back to the unicorn who already has a tape measure, a scroll and a quill floating in her magic.

"Ma'am, with all due respect...I haven't had much time to find anything in my size." He jokes, trying to lighten her mood with some humor. "This normally looks better, honest." He says quickly.

"Never fear darling, Lady Rarity, fashion extraordinaire is here! You'll have a new fabulous uniform soon enough, I'm sure I can create an ensemble that matches your..." She looks at the war machine behind him, her eyes tracing over its sleek curves and deep black shine of its paint. "You're..black..Contraption. Eh heh...not much to work with..." Her eye twitches slightly.

Twilight chimes in now. "And I'm sure Rarity will do a fine job! We had one more pony for you to meet...but she kinda got distracted when she heard we were going to the gardens. I think she flew off to visit some of the animals..." Twilight trails off, noticing Celestia now snooping around the aircraft. She has her head under the aircraft now, bent over in a very un regal manner as she is staring into the hold. She's found the missiles. "Princess...what's so interesting..?" Twilight canters over to the white alicorn, and looks too. Talon face palms and sighs.

'Busted...here we go again.' He mutters, walking over to the two alicorn mares. "Ladies, please be careful and watch your horns over there! Those are very delicate and as Luna so kindly pointed out, sensitive to magic." He says quickly, trying to shoo them away before Celestia starts poking around more.

"Mr. Talon. What are these devices inside here? Do they have special significance to the aircraft?" Celestia asks whilst looking up at the missiles, her gaze fixed on the large one in the back. She wasn't present during any of his teachings to Luna, so she doesn't know what the human writing or the markings mean. She just knows she sees large red letters...and red never means anything good.

He's about to speak and make up an excuse, when Luna takes position next to him and speaks up. "They're recording devices. These were meant to be given to a friendly nation on his world, but now belong to him since he is here, sister." Luna answers in a friendly voice. "Now they're going to be used to help better Equestria's future."

Celestia knows something is wrong now. Luna is never this friendly, especially after she noticed Luna's hostility earlier. She can't prove it now, but she knows one very important detail. Luna is hiding something. And whatever that something is...it's of a very dire nature. Celestia unwillingly backs out from her position and turns to the two, her features calm and regal, masking her suspicions. "Alright then..I'll accept that answer." She smiles softly, her eyes betraying her real emotions.

'She knows...dammit she knows!' Luna thinks, swallowing hard. She smiles, beads of sweat trickling down her face and neck. "Anyway every pony! Talon and I are quite busy for me moment, what do you say we show every pony the aircraft tomorrow? I'm sure he would be more than willing to even turn it on and let you hear it!" She adds quickly, trying to corral the other pony's in the room and push them out the door. The room is filled with cheers of 'alrighty! Wahoo yeah! and sooo awesome!' from the others, even Celestia nods with an excited smile. It takes a few moments, then they begin to clear the room. Before Celestia steps out, she turns to Luna.

"Lulu...may I speak with you in private, sister?" Celestia smiles innocently, gazing at Luna. The dark alicorn nods and steps forward, her wing brushing against Talons hand. Talon looks at Luna walking away, and turns around himself to get back into the war bird so he can close the bay doors.

* * * * *

"Ok sister, spill it. What are those things really?" Celestia looks at Luna in the eyes, her features displaying a stern look and worry. "I know you're protecting him and hiding whatever those things really are, so don't lie."

Princess Luna puffs out her cheeks in anger, her eyes narrowed at her elder sister. "I hide nothing, sister. Thou insults me!" She protests, her wings deploying as she postures, stepping closer to Celestia. Things are getting dangerous now, with the dark alicorn clearly getting more angry by the second.

"I mean no insult lulu...but we don't know anything about humans yet. I want to trust him...but I can't have anything dangerous in our kingdom. We have no idea what the technology is or where he even came from!" She says in a hushed tone, to not attract the five ponies talking amongst themselves down the hall.

"I trust him! And that's good enough for me!" Luna retaliated. "He was brought here because of ME, sister. Because I was foalish and played a joke with magic, it was I that ripped him from his world by mistake! I was the one who ended his mission and have taken him from his home! And thou knoweth what?! We wish him to stay! We wish that the craft of which he arrived in would fly again soon so that we may partake in the enjoyment of its flight! Have faith mine sister, you worry needlessly." Luna bites out bitterly.

"And your foalish judgment is clouded dear sister! You're letting your desires for contact and affection to cloud your thoughts, and not seeing those for what they are!" Celestia pushes back. "I know they are weapons of some sort! That big one scares me half to death, I know that machine is dangerous!"

Luna snaps, sticking her muzzle into Celestia's with a bump, she goes eye to eye with the elder alicorn. "And you are only thinking of the worst. I know he and his machine are no threat, and will benefit this kingdom. I know and believe you are fretting over nothing! Don't give me this...this manure thou speakist! Leave this be."

"And to what is it you can say that you -know?-" Celestia says, causing Luna to pause. Luna stops and backs away, looking Celestia in the eyes. Softness crosses her features now.

"Because my heart tells me so..." She says in a whisper, adverting her eyes for a moment as her cheeks become hot, flushed and deeply colored. Celestias jaw drops, hearing that completely unexpected answer.

"Your heart...you say?" Celestia says, after a moment of silence. Luna nods slowly, looking intently at the floor. Celestia gives a knowing grin, then sighs happily. "Your heart...very well then sister. I'll believe you..and drop this. " Celestia says gently. Luna smiles a bit, and is about to speak when one of the solar guards approaches the two.

"Princesses!" The guard speaks. "I was just informed that the pathway you requested was just completed and inspected. It is ready for your approval."

"Thank you, Captain Jolt Flash." Celestia says in reply. "Luna, please go get the Commander and have him inspect the pathway, to see if it correctly meets his specifications." The princess of the night nods and bows her head a bit, then trots off back to the ballroom.

* * * * *

Outside the gardens and now looking to the open courtyard, Talon can't believe his eyes. In less than fourteen days, pony's had completely constructed a runway. Not only was it a regulation runway and a taxi way from the hangar to here, but it looked better than any of the ones he's seen on earth. Complete with lights, catch cables a little ways and a wide open space. The only scary part was the mountain side close by. He stood dumbfounded and in shock. Princess Luna watched his reaction, her ears folding back and her head lowering in fear.

"It's wrong..isn't it." The princess breathes shallowly, sorrow and shame crossing her features. Talon looks down at the sulking alicorn and shakes his head in surprise, then looks back to the runway expanse. He removes his sunglasses.

"Wrong? wh--WHAT?!" He mouths words in disbelief. "No no! It's right! Very very right! This is better than even my nations military can build! This is incredible!" He says with honest shock at the alicorns surprise gift. The runway is perfect.

She perks her ears up when she hears this, hey eyes open wide and a smile curls her lips. She bounds forward and nuzzles his side under his left arm with her muzzle, rubbing her head against his form. Her wings twitch in excitement, held loosely on her sides.

He embraces her and strokes her mane and neck, hearing her give a low whinny and grumble in approval. "Princess, this is perfect! I never dreamed you were serious when you said you'd build one.."

She looks up at him, still smiling. "I was happy to do this...Now...about that flight?" Luna asks warily, still nuzzling him affectionately. He turns and starts to walk, Luna closely following in stride.

"Actually..yes. About that...I had an idea. That's...if you're interested." He mentions vaguely, trying to sound uninterested. He continues walking back to the hangar. Luna looks at him as they walk, following the long taxi way.

"What is your idea, Talon?" the alicorn asks, hope evident in her voice. They make it back to the hangar now, and he walks to the aircraft. Luna follows him and rears back on her hind legs again, her fore hooves resting on the fuselage so she can look in. Talon grabs a handle, and pushes back behind the pilots seat. Under the panel, is another identical seat and panel setup. This whole time under that black flexi panel- a co pilots position.

"I was thinking we could find a way for you to fly with me." He says with his typical. cocky navy pilot attitude. (You know the one- the 'I'm a hot shot and I know it')

Luna stands flabbergasted, never knowing there was another whole area this whole time. Who knew this version was made to seat TWO pilots? "Haha! The fun has been doubled!" She says giddy with excitement. She steps down back on all fours again, a troubled expression on her face now.

"What's wrong? Is the mighty princess of the night scared?" He says playfully. She only shakes her head silently in response. "...You do want to go...right?" He asks.

"yes...I very much do...But I don't think I can climb up there...or even fit." She says in return. She closes her eyes and looks down, her ears folding back flat against her head. Suddenly, she's being lifted into the air by her rump. In surprise she opens her eyes and looks behind her, feeling the pilot grab her flank. He's struggling, red faced and obviously exerting himself from lifting her. She weighs a lot..

"You're...getting...in...THERE!" He gives one huge heave, the alicorn landing in the co pilots seat upside down. Her hind legs are sticking out into the air, her tail flicking back and forth in annoyance. He catches his breath and looks up, only to start laughing at the sight. It takes her a few minutes, but she finally twists and turns enough to maneuver and right herself. Finally she's seated and huffs with annoyance. Her hoof taps against the fuselage gunnels, glaring at the pilot.

"Did you have to touch my flank...without permission?" She says, then blows a tuft of her wispy ethereal mane out of her view. Talon only laughs harder at the sight, and climbs into the pilots seat. He starts flicking switches and buttons, bringing the monitors and the aircraft to life.

"Yes..Yes I did." He laughs, hitting the button for the canopy closure as he puts on his flight helmet. "Watch your horn princess, it's going to be a tight fit."

The canopy closes slowly, Luna's long horn barely clearing the top of the glass by just a mere inch. She can't turn her head much, or she'll touch the glass top. Even her muzzle is a bit too big to turn sideways completely in the cramped cockpit. She closes her eyes and alights her horn, casting her alicorn magic for a transformation spell. She engulfs herself in her magic, and becomes slightly smaller. Her mane and tail no longer ethereal, but light blue and made of strands of hair. Her coat lightens a bit and her stature becomes like she was before her magic forced her form to change.

Talon is watching all of this with amazement, and just shakes his head. "You could have done that from the start." He rolls his eyes and turns back around, activating the engines. The warbirds engines begin to come to life, first with a high pitched whine and becoming the sound so many have come to call the banshees cry.

The aircraft rolls forward slowly, coming out of the hangar for the first time since his arrival. The nose comes out slowly, then the rest of the warbird. Pony's in the gardens scatter and animals hide from the sound. Once completely clear and on the taxi way, the canards deploy and open once again, the warbird finally flight ready and appearing as the fierce, terrifying nightmare that it was made to be.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?!" Luna calls out to him, her voice drowned out by the sound of the engines. She looks around her through the aircrafts glass, seeing Celestia standing there in the distance on the castle steps...smiling. Luna smiles and waves happily, and Celestia returns the gesture. The aircraft reaches the beginning of the runway, and comes to a halt.

Talon closes his eyes, remembering the order of operation onboard the Enterprise. By muscle memory from so many takeoffs, he starts operating the controls. He brings the engines to full power first, the aircraft begins to roll and pick up speed. He pushes the throttle to its limit, and the afterburners engage. 'SKREEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!' The sound is deafening to any pony nearby as the aircraft rockets down the newly made runway. He's 3/4 down the path when he pulls the flight stick back, and the bird takes off into the sky with a roar. After a few seconds, he hits the switches, and the landing gear comes up. For the first time in nearly a month; he takes to the skies...now Flying over a new world for the very first time.

Princess Luna is pinned back in her seat while the bird rockets down the runway, the force from the sheer power of the engines crushing her into the chair. Her eyes close tightly, tears trickling out as she screams in terror from never experiencing this kind of take off. As the aircraft takes off and climbs higher and higher, the force upon her body increases. The pressure fades as quickly as it came however, when the aircraft rights itself and the pilot disengages the after burners.

Luna quiets down and opens her eyes slowly, then looks around. What she sees leaves her breathless and in wonder. Though she's flown many many times over her lifetime, she's never been in a flying machine before. Nor has she ever been this high in the sky. Below her, pony's look like small dots, and she can see every street and building in perfect detail. She tries to speak again, but her voice is still drowned out by the aircrafts engines.

Talon looks into his small mirror he has in position on the console so he can watch his RIO when needed. He sees Luna move her lips and mouth to talk, but doesn't here anything. It's then that he points to the mouth piece on his microphone, showing Luna to find the headset.

Luna sees his motions, and starts searching in the small space for a device that looks like what he pointed to. After only a moment of searching, she found one, It has two disk shaped things on metal brace, a long adjustable band hooked on the left side, and some kind of square button piece at the end of that; all connected to a spiraled flexible wire. She takes the device into her magic and fidgets with it, setting the disks over her ears and the microphone boom by her mouth. The next thing that occurs surprises her. She hears his voice in her ears.

"This is your pilot speaking, welcome to Navy airways. You're in for a wild ride today so please keep your seat backs and tray tables in their upright and locked position. Oh, and try not to scream." The pilot says sounding as professionally sarcastic as he could. He grins wickedly. Oh and princess, see that yellow handle to your left with the black stripes?"

Luna looks down, confused with his comments and what she's looking for. She spots it and lights her horn, grasping it in her magic. "Yes! I have it! What should I do?!" She says, curious.

"Do NOT pull, push or touch that unless I tell you too, you'll cause us both to eject from the bird." He says flatly over the radio. His eyes are covered under his helmets visor, but his facial expression clearly says he's not kidding.

She lets go right away, and scoots away from the dangerous handle in fear. "Oh--alright!" She says over the com. "What did you mean by try not to scream by the way?" Luna says looking around, fear welling up in her gut.

"Because, I'm about to do this." He says with a grin, rolling the aircraft into a spiral. He can hear Lunas surprised scream followed by laughter over the radio as he does so, kicking in the afterburners again and bringing the plane into another climb. He banks hard left in the air, doing a aileron roll now over Canterlot.

On the ground pony's watch the display from the strange flying object. As it fly's overhead, they hear the sound of the engines roar above them. Some only stand and watch, their mouths agape. Others panic and hide in shops, hopeful the banshee will go away. And some even fall to their flanks and rock back in forth, babbling about Nightmare Moons return.

Princess Celestia and the ones watching from the castle however, only look at the display and smile, cheering at the spectacle. This is the first time any of them have actually seen the aircraft doing its thing, and are enjoying every second of the show. The look on Celestias muzzle that day was priceless. The look of 'Oh I so have got to try that.'

The fun over from getting to scare the alicorn half to death, then exciting her now past him, he rights the plane and dives slowly, circling over Canterlot in a wide spiral. He keeps the wing pointed at an angle to the ground, so Luna can get a good look of the city below. It's then he hears the question he was hopeful for.

"So how fast can we go?" Luna says jubilant into the radio. She's bouncing in her seat, clopping her forehooves together in joy. "I want to see what this wondrous machine can do!"

He smiles and rights the plane again, leveling off and slowing down his airspeed. "Pick a direction in your nations airspace, and I'll punch it!" He replies.

Luna looks around and sees the EverFree Forrest way off in the distance. She's always wanted to see Ponyville from above during the day, so why not now? "Straight ahead, all the way to the Forrest in the distance!" She speaks into the ill-fitting headset.

Talon throttles up again, activating the afterburners. The canards retract, bringing the F/A-37 into go fast mode. It rockets forward straight ahead, the computer chiming in. "Mach. 1......Mach. 2.......Mach. 3.......Mach. 4...." The aircraft cuts through the sky, screaming forward as fast as the scram jets would take them.

From the ground Celestia and the pony's watch the aircraft suddenly scream off, a loud boom in its wake. Celestia knows from experience that sound; for she herself has broken the sound barrier many...many times in her lifetime. It's when she hears three more behind it in the distance that she goes wide eyed and shakes her head with surprise.

"Oh my..." She blinks, still staring up to the heavens searching for the aircraft, that now has her sister. She blinks and connects the dots, panic setting in. The aircraft just left. He has Luna. Luna is missing... 'Oh. Buck.'

Author's Note

Just a fair warning, things are going to start getting graphic from here forward. I'll post a warning disclaimer at the top, so younger viewers can skip the parts that are rated M for mature.

(Ratings based on but not limited to; Blood, Gore, Violence, Sex, cursing, adult themes and nudity....wait, aren't ponies always nude? XD)

Lessons for a princess, Part Two of Three.

Chapter 4; Lessons for a Princess part two

Luna squees in delight, watching out the canopy as the jet rockets through the sky; faster than she or any pony has ever gone in Equestrias vast history. Approaching in the distance rather quickly now, is the Ever free Forrest. She grins, amazed at how fast the aircraft is arriving. The aircraft slows down significantly, and begins to glide at a gentle pace when the canards open. She looks around more at the town of Ponyville coming into view.

"Is this the place, princess?" Talon calls out over the radio, circling wide over the small town. He looks at his clusters before him, glancing at the altimeter and radar; a pilots habit. He searches for possible hostiles, knowing full well he likely isn't the biggest thing in the sky on this planet.

Luna nods, a grin plastered upon her lips. "Yes, this is it! You're doing great!" She looks around at the ground from her seat, enjoying every second of the flight. It's when she heard Talon over the radio again she pulls her attention away.

"I can see a structure in the woods up ahead...Looks like some kind of ruins. Want me to fly over?" He says, continuing his circle over Ponyville. Down below he can see some of the locals waving excitedly from what he thinks is a school house. He tips the wing and rights the aircraft, doing a nod to the excited filly's below.

Luna thinks quietly for a moment, and nods. She licks her lips and turns her gaze ahead, looking at the clusters before her. "Yes, that's my old castle...I haven't been there in a few years..Can we go there?" She speaks into the mouthpiece.

Talon changes course and throttles up again to a cruising speed, flying over the forest now. They remain in flight for several minutes, the castle in the distance coming into view. An alarm begins to sound over the radio. "Alert. Alert. Low fuel. Alert. Alert. Low fuel" The computer chimes. The pilot looks at his panel and changes screens, looking at the fuel status. The aircraft begins to shudder and lurches forward in a downward pitch. The port engine has just flamed out. The aircraft violently shudders again.

"We have to land! We're out of fuel!!" He yells out, fighting to keep the aircraft aloft. He can hear the alicorn beginning to panic, her screams as the plane violently pitches and rolls as it struggles to stay airborne. He spots a clearing ahead near the castle, with a dilapidated bridge and path, ending near a massive canyon. He judges the distance of it and makes the call. The starboard engine flames out.

"Mayday mayday! We are going down! Engine two is out!" He shouts, the computers alarms now screaming in the background. Sirens and chirps are heard as the aircraft sways in the air, the wingtips rocking high and low as he fights to keep airborne. He lowers the landing gear quickly. A trail of smoke is left behind the warbird as it descends out of power.

The alicorns mind is reeling as she screams, scared out of her mind now. She can't focus enough to use her magic, being rattled against the insides of the canopy glass and cockpit. She smacks her head against the glass hard, cracking it. She's out cold.

The aircraft pitches and yaws faster and harder as he comes lower to the ground. First the rear wheels touch, then the nose landing gear on the rough, uneven stone path. He quickly deploys the flaps and air speed brake, then pitches the canards downward to create more drag. After a bumpy ride for less than a minute, the aircraft skids to a halt near the edge of the cliff, its tail section hanging slightly over the edge. The engines wind down and the computer powers down. Talon looks around and opens the canopy, standing up in his seat after unbuckling and checks on his passenger.

Luna is bleeding above her left eyebrow from the force of the impact, but now awake, dazed and disoriented. She shakes her head slowly and puts a hoof to her temple, feeling a headache coming on. "Ow.....what happened?" She asks slowly, pulling back her hoof and seeing the blood.

Talon breathes a sigh of relief and looks around, seeing the castle a few hundred yards away. He turns again and sees the vast expanse of the canyon just behind them, and huffs out in absolute relief. "We ran out of fuel...and we just had a very soft crash landing." He states flatly. He jumps out of the cockpit and begins checking over the aircraft, looking for damage.

He sees some of the paint has been scraped off and a few dents and dings from rocks and the broken cobblestone path, but nothing major. The bird may still be flyable. "Great...just...fucking...great." He says as he takes off his helmet and throws it back into the cockpit. "Luna...we are stuck like chuck now."

Princess luna climbs out of the cockpit and bounds off the nose of the downed plane to the ground. Smoke is still rising out of the engines behind it, and she winces as she lands next to the pilot. Using her magic, she seals her small cut and heals herself, then notes the aircrafts proximity to the canyon. Her eyes go wide and she levitates the aircraft, pulling it away from the edge and setting it in a safer area. Her magic powers down now. "I am uncertain of who this chuck is...but it would appear that his situation is most unfavorable as well.." She says slowly, looking around. "And Tia says I don't get enough excitement or get out enough..Humph!" She says with a bit of arrogance. She turns to Talon and opens her wings, then closes them quickly as she feels pain from smacking them too hard against the cockpit walls. "Ooh...ouch!" She winces. "Looks like flying out of here isn't possible either..."

Talon kicks the ground angrily, a cloud of dust in its wake. "Shit!! How could I not check the fuel before we left!" He pauses, then turns to Luna. "You...you don't happen to have a spell for jet fuel do you?"

Luna shakes her head. "I don't think so, but I can try once I recover a bit..we need to get to shelter quickly soon though...the Sun will be setting shortly, and this isn't a place to be outside at night in..." her eyes shift around, scanning for possible threats.

"We'll go to that structure over there. Can you carry the bird that way so it's not out in the open?" He responds, seeing there are more than enough open spaces in its decaying walls for the aircraft to fit, even with the wings wide open like they are.

Luna alights her horn again and grasps the aircraft once more in her levitation spell. She lifts it effortlessly and walks next to her companion, the warbird floating lazily behind her. The aircraft tips slightly, its port canard tip scraping against the ground with a screech. She halts, lifts the aircraft higher and continues again. Once they reach the castle, she sets the warbird in the old and decaying courtyard, next to the broken fountain. It comes to a rest gently on its landing gear. The pilot uses rocks nearby to chalk the wheels, so it will not roll away. He looks around the decaying castle grounds, his hands on his hips. He lifts an arm and runs his fingers through his helmet hair, and whistles. "So this used to be your home huh? I'll bet the cooling costs were a bitch." He jokes.

Luna tilts her head, following him in stride. "I am not sure what you mean by that..." She says as she sits on her haunches next to him, looking around. She turns her gaze upwards when she feels a familiar presence, and smiles. "Fear not, we'll be assisted soon." She states cheerfully.

"How do you know? Did your space pony sense just tell you that?" He raises an eyebrow, looking at her with a mocking grin.

Luna rolls her eyes. "Neigh, we are being watched by mine sister as we speak. I could feel her gaze upon us just a moment ago." She motions with her hoof to the setting sun. She smiles with contentment. "It feels like she is calmed and relieved. I do not sense anger..."

* * * * *

Celestias magic glow fades from her horn and she opens her eyes. She smiles lightly, and huffs quietly. "They're ok...though it looks like the machine seems to have malfunctioned. I could see smoke rising from its tail section." She says quietly.

"Where are they now, princess? Is Luna safe? Did he hurt her?" Twilight asks with concern. "Is she a hostage?! Is the human going to eat her?!?!" She adds quickly, now excitedly worried.

"My little pony's, calm down!" Celestia says in her calm regal voice. "I sense Luna is confused, and no longer afraid. I do not believe they are in any danger, and I know she trusts him implicitly. If he was going to harm her, he would have already attempted to do so with the amount of chances she has given him....and I don't believe we're on his diet plan as a food source. He seems very content with the palaces cooking thus far...though I did notice he does have some sharp teeth, indicating he could possibly be a meat eater...." She trails off.

This only makes Twilight's eyes widen with fear. She swallows hard. "Prin...princess! We have to go save Luna from him!"

Celestia chuckles lightly and covers her mouth with her hoof, then looks at Twilight in the eyes. "Gotcha." She laughs. "I have no doubt he won't put her in any kind of danger. I can feel Luna's affections for him, and right at this moment the word I'm feeling is 'safe', Twilight. I believe that my sister feels very safe and content, though we should send some pony to go and collect them soon. I'll leave them there until my sister contacts me...She needs this time alone, to explore herself as much as she explores her feelings and thoughts. This could prove to be beneficial to her."

Celestia says with a soft smile, her alicorn mischief dancing in her eyes. Always the master chess player, Celestia plans to eventually go and retrieve them in a few days, if not right away if she senses they're in any kind of danger. And if they are in danger...Morrigan help who or whatever is the guilty party. The wrath of the sun princess is nothing to trifle with.

"For now, we must hold a conference with Canterlot and all of our subjects, to reassure pony's everywhere the aircraft is a friend, and to welcome it, not to be afraid. I'm sure the courts are filled to the brim with pony's waiting to ask for me to banish it, or some foalish thing like that." Celestia stifles a chuckle as she heads to the throne room.

* * * * *

Talon reaches into the cockpit and retrieves the sub machine gun and the pistol, then checks the barrels for rounds. He cock's the pistol and holsters it, then places the machine guns strap around his shoulder. He grabs his satchel and turns back to Luna. "So you and your sister can communicate just like that? Through magic?" He asks.

"Yes, it's something all alicorns and unicorns can do. The connection is especially stronger through relatives or siblings. I have also heard pegasi and earth pony's can also commune on some level as well, even over vast distances." She comments, eyeing the guns Talon is now carrying. "What are those for?"

He checks the sights on the assault rifle and glances around the far off tree line, scanning for movement. "Standard issue military side arms. All pilots carry these in case our aircraft is shot down over enemy airspace." He answers, not looking at her. "We should get inside soon, I'll go in first and clear it, then you can follow." He says, looking at the structures entrance.

"Alright.." She gulps, looking also at the dark entrance. The sun is starting to set quickly, dusk approaching fast. 'He's so brave..' She thinks to herself, her cheeks becoming flushed and hot. She watches him run upto the castles main door, amazed at his movements. He moves, in her eyes, like an experienced assassin or soldier would.

He runs over to the first column, ducking behind it. He listens intently for sounds or movement, then peers around the corner, staring into the dark room. When he hears nothing, he turns his gun around and whips around the pillar, pointing the weapon forward. He activates the flashlight on the muzzle of the rifle, then steps in, taking aim.

He looks left, then right, then walks further in. After a few minutes of checking and finding nothing but some various rabbits, a small snake and a few spiders, he steps back outside and lowers the gun. He waves to the alicorn, motioning to come. She complies quickly, and gallops to his side. The two enter the building, and she casts a protection barrier over the detached structure, encompassing the aircraft and them within its magical dome.

"That should do it..." She pants softly, then turns to face him as the glow of her horn fades. "Now nothing will get in while we rest. If you excuse me though, I'm afraid it's come time for me to raise the moon." She says casually, catching her breath as she walks to the steps again. She glances back, looking to the pilot.

She blinks slowly, gazing at him. Her cheeks become hot again and she turns her attention back to the sky before her, watching the sun dip below the horizon; painting the sky in a beautiful orange and purple before fading to darkness. She spreads her wings slowly, outstretching them to their full expansion. She winces in pain from the tender wing, but presses on.

The next thing the pilot sees is amazing. He never in all of his years and travels imagined he would see something so beautiful take place, right before his eyes. The princess always claimed she raised the moon and her sister the sun, but he was always in the shower in her private washroom when she did so. So this is his first time actually seeing it happen. Disbelieving his eyes, he stares in wonder and awe of the regal and majestic alicorn before him.

She pumps her wings, lifting herself into the air slowly, then throws up her forehooves as she seemingly pushes the moon into the sky. The moonlight giving her a pale white aura on her sleek silhouette. 'Damn...if only they designed aircraft like her...' He thinks silently as he watches in awe. The princess lands softly on the ground after a few moments, still facing away from him. The moonlight trickles between her feathers, illuminating her visage and casting a shadow on him. She turns her graceful neck and looks at him with her profile, her jade eyes seemingly glowing softly.

http://mekamaned.deviantart.com/

Luna stands frozen in her spot, looking at the pilot in the moon light. Her face feels hot after she figures out the pilot was watching her, just as she always hoped he would do someday. She blushes deeply, smiling softly. As she gazes upon him, she feels a warm dampness between her hind legs, and a small drip of warmth on her inner thigh to her hock. This causes her to blush more, as she flicks her tail to try and hide the dampness. She walks slowly to the pilot, lowering her wings to her sides and folding them even slower than normal. "I'm finished..." She yawns, then returns her half lidded gaze to him. "We...we should go inside now. It gets cold here at night if I remember correctly.."

Talon nods, remaining in place until the alicorn takes her place beside him. As she passes by him, she brushes close, the feathers of her wings glancing his hand and his side. He can feel the heat emanating from her. 'Looks like she pushed herself...lifting the bird probably took a lot out of her.' He thinks, following the alicorn into the room once more. He looks around, using the guns flashlight to search the room. He finds an old curtain that looks ancient hanging near a window. Not far from it in the corner is a still intact stained glass window, depicting two alicorns. One dark blue with a light blue flowing mane, and one white with a pink flowing mane. Behind them is a sun and a moon.

He walks to the curtain hanging down on the broken rod, and rips it down. He lowers his gun and lets go, the rifle coming to rest at his side. "We'll use this so we don't have to lay on the floor. Might keep some small insects and other crawlies off of us." He says, looking at the faded and torn fabric in his arms. It's heavy, and feels like it's made of twine, like a potato sack back on Earth. He walks to a nearby corner near the stained glass window and lays it out. He pulls out his boot knife and cuts off a large portion, ties the bottom of it into a knot, and makes a sack from it. He walks around the room, finding broken areas of the floor and pulling the grass growing in them, filling up the makeshift pillow until its full.

"What are you doing?" Luna asks as she watches the pilot walking about the room. She lays down on her belly ontop of the fabric. She tilts her head, watching him intently. She has her regalia off now, and lays her head on her front hooves.

"Making you a pillow, ma'am. I'll stay awake and keep first watch to protect you." He finishes packing his makeshift pillow, and ties the open end off. He walks over to her and sets the pillow down, then takes a seat next to her, his rifle firmly held in his grip. He shuts off the flashlight, moonlight now flowing into the room.

"Oh...Thank you.." She sniffs the pillow, then levitates it to her and rests her head on it. She eyes the pilot half lidded, watching him. She scoots closer and licks her lips, breathing deep and taking in his scent. It's intoxicating to her, still the same sweetness from the first night, still a mixture of the fuel and exhaust on his flight suit..and smoke? She sighs softly, thinking of the mixture. She feels the area of her hind legs getting damp and hot again, it's almost unbearable to her. She lifts her head and is about to speak, when her stomach rumbles loudly.

"Hungry again, huh girl?" He says thoughtlessly, catching himself as he finishes his sentence. 'Shit!....dumbass, she's a princess, not your pet!' He thinks as he facepalms. "I mean Princess...you're hungry I take it?" He asks, not daring to look at her.

She wilts, hearing his tone. She doesn't want to be seen as a pet, but to him she doesn't want to be a princess either! She appears crestfallen. What she wants, is so much more. "Yes...I am very hungry. I skipped breakfast with Tia this morning so I could catch you in the hangar.." She says softly, looking to the ground. She looks back up when the pilot has a small container of apple slices open, and a piece of an apple in his outstretched hand.

"I uh...I Meant to give you these for lunch." He says, looking away from her. He's focused on the door, fixed on the darkness and the tree line in the distance.

Lunas eyes light up and become watery and teary. 'He's kind..sweet..gentle...brave...what more could a mare want?! I have to tell him how I feel...I just hope he feels the same!' She thinks inwardly, slowly nibbling one of the slices in his hand. As she's eating, she watches him, accidentally getting too close to one of his fingers..she bites down.

He doesn't move. He doesn't even flinch when she sank her teeth into him. What catches her taste buds next, leaves her in horror. She can taste something metallic... 'Bl...blood?!' Her mind screams. She leaps back in absolute fear of what he may do, while trying to not swallow the droplets of his blood in her mouth. She looks down at his hand, it's trickling blood onto the cold dusty floor. Her eyes go wide in terror as he turns his head to her.

He looks down at his hand, then back up to Luna. He looks down again, seeing the crimson flow of blood falling freely to the floor. "Luna...That hurt." He said slowly, looking at his hand. He turns on the flashlight again and looks at it, seeing a portion of his skin on his pinkie and ring finger was missing, blood flowing freely from it. He wipes off the blood on his pant leg then holds his hand out again. "If you could patch that, I'd be grateful." He says calmly, returning his gaze back to the door.

She is about to cry and beg for forgiveness as his gaze locks onto hers, until she hears his tone and words. He speaks softly, with no hostility in his voice at all. There isn't any hint of malice, no vengeance, no wrath! Just him calmly asking her to heal him! She nods her head furiously and closes her eyes, lighting her horn. Magic encompasses it, and she touches her horn tip to his hand, healing the damage. The blood stops flowing now. She swallows her mouthful hard, realizing her mistake.

She also swallowed his blood. The thought makes her queasy, knowing that she just drank blood! From a human no less! She stares intently at his now healed hand, the blood from the earlier wound still on it, and likely on her horn. His hand is still outstretched. She shudders and suddenly faints.

* * * * *

Luna awakens a few minutes later to Talon standing over her, a look of concern on his face. he's shaking her gently. His voice sounds muffled at first, then clears. "...You ok Luna?" he says. He's cleaned the blood off of his hand, and also wiped her horn down too to get the remaining blood off of it. He couldn't get the grooves clean, so there is some dried flecks in them.

She opens her eyes, her pupils small with fright. She rolls back onto her belly and looks up at him, then back to his hand. She sees the blood is gone now and his hand clean. "I'm...I'm.." She stutters, tears welling up in her eyes. What happens next catches her completely off guard.

He drops down to her quickly, falling to his knees. He wraps his arms around her, embracing her neck. Her muzzle is on his shoulder and he strokes her mane and neck. "It's ok...I know you didn't mean too.." he says, trying to calm her down.

She pulls away, tears in her eyes and flowing freely down her cheeks. "I'm so sorry!" She cries frantically, looking him in the eyes. His features are soft, and he's smiling sweetly.

"Nothing to be sorry for Luna. It was an accident. See? I'm fine now." He holds up his hand and flexes it. "Believe me...if that's the worst that is going to happen today then I'm pretty luc--"

He's cut off when Luna lunges forward, pressing her muzzle against his lips in a kiss. She presses hard, her eyes closed tightly. Tears still come out and flow down as she forces the kiss. She stays like this when she notices he isn't resisting. She pulls away after a moment, breathless and blushing.

"Well!" He says, surprised. "I...I can't say I seen that coming." He says flatly, looking at the alicorn blushing furiously in front of him. "I'm guessing you feel better now?" He says slowly, looking into her eyes. It's then the unexpected happens.

Luna looks up at him and folds her ears flat against her head, her face flushed and hot. "That...I'm.." She stutters. She finally steels her resolve, and looks at him with resolution. "I love you!" She says with shaking confidence. "I'm in love with you! Ever since the first night when you held me, and every day since! I love you, and I wish you to stay!" She rushes. 'Oh mother what have I done! He's going to run away or reject me!' She frantically screams in her mind.

"I know..." he says, looking away from her to the door. He changes his position and sits down next to her, not looking at her. "And...I'd be lying if I didn't say I felt the same." He sighs out the answer. He looks at the aircraft gleaming in the moonlight, and takes a breath.

Her ears perk up when she hears his response. She nuzzles his side, and rests her head in his lap. Her ears twitch as she feels his heartbeat in his chest through his flight suit.

"Did I ever tell you why I joined the navy?" He says. He looks down at his lap warmer and sees her shake her head a bit, then he digs through his satchel next to him and pulls out an old photograph. He shows it to her with the moonlight coming in the window. It's of him, his wife and his daughter standing in front of their personal aircraft, an SBD Dauntless. His wife is holding a sign that says 'First Flight' and he is holding his daughter. The wife kissing his cheek in the image, and his daughter with a warm smile on her face. The image is bent, somewhat torn and faded. "I was married once. I had a daughter." He says, while he lights up a smoke.

Luna's eyes go wide, and she lifts her head to look at him. His gaze is still fixed on the aircraft outside. "What? You were...married?" She asks in pure horror. Her heart begins to pound in her chest and she starts to sweat, nightmares running through her mind.

"Was." He takes a pull off of the cigarette and ex hails, still looking at the aircraft. "This picture was taken the day before they were killed." He sighs and takes another pull, then ex hails. "A group of some very bad men had stolen some passenger aircraft, and crashed them into the building she worked in. Our daughter was in the child care center there, and I was at work on a construction site. We built that Dauntless in the picture together." He says as he ex hails the smoke, then finally turns to face Luna. "I joined the Navy to have a chance to find and kill the bastards that did that. A lot of people died that day on my planet. And it got my country involved in a very long war. Politics had messed things up and made it longer than it should have been." He finishes.

"I'm...so Sorry for your loss..." Luna says quietly, sadness in her voice. "I...I never knew.."

"It's alright...it's not something I ever talk about." He responds. He points to the aircraft with the cigarette between his fingers. "That large missile in the back was for the man that murdered my family." He begins. "That, is what we call a nuclear bomb, princess. His men launched chemical weapons that did more killing, so my team was sent in to nuke his nation and kill everything. My wingman and I were on our way to go and pay that man a visit." He finishes.

"I don't...I don't blame you." Luna says in a haunted whisper, tears streaming down her face. She doesn't understand his point, but doesn't like where he's heading with this conversation either. She can already feel her heart beginning to break, and that familiar old black magic calling to her. She can feel it whispering to her mind, and her blood run cold Her eyes begin to flash from her soft jade color to her draconic eyes.

"My wing man...He Probably finished the mission. On my planet now people think I'm dead...and I have nothing to return to anyway now." He says quietly, and turns to her. He can see her shaking, and her head pointed down. He raises his hand and begins to stroke her head slowly, tracing his fingers through her mane. "I have nothing left there. No home, no friends, no family to come back to. Here on the other hand...or other hoof as you say...I have you. I have my aircraft, and I have something to fight for again." He blows out the last of the smoke and puts out his cigarette on the ground next to him, away from her. "And that something is worth dieing for. So yes Luna. I love you too..." he finishes, then adds "But I have to admit, dating a space pony is going to take some getting used to."

Her heart skips a beat as she looks at him, the darkness ebbing away in her. She opens her mouth wide and squeels with joy, nuzzling him hard and pushing him over. She wraps her wings around him and sighs contently, shifting her weight to not crush him under hers. With a happy sigh, she finally has her answer to her greatest question.

Author's Note

Part Three coming soon, what do you folks think so far? Leave your comments below!

Image credit to Mekamaned of Deviant Art. His work is great, and you should really check it out as soon as you can!

Lessons for a princess; Part Three

Author's Note

Warning: The following chapter contains scenes which may not be suitable for readers under the age of 18. Including but not limited to sex, gore, language and violence. The scenes contained are critical to the progression of the story line, and should be viewed with caution. You have been warned. This chapter is NSFW, and should be skipped if you are uncomfortable with adult situations or gore. questionable scenes will be color coded for easier avoidance.

Lessons for a princess; Part Three

Chapter 5: Lessons for a princess; part three

Luna nestles herself close to the pilot in the dimly lit castle foyer. It's still dark outside and the moon high in the sky on its trek. The air is chilly, causing her to shiver. She tightens her hold on the pilot laying next to her more with her wing, content with the situation. It took Luna some convincing, but she managed to get her new love to understand that while the shield is up; nothing will be able to enter. Finally the weary pilot was able to close his eyes and rest for a while.

The alicorn gazes upon his features, just as she does every night in her chambers. Now only instead of him sleeping in a chair close to a window, he's sharing the makeshift bed with her, laying on the ancient curtain, his head resting against her barrel. She looks up to her moon through the window, and sighs. 'I want more..so much more. Oh mother..I want..I want to give myself to him..' She thinks to herself, quietly staring up at her celestial charge.

Within her heart of hearts, she knows the answer to how to go about this. Alicorn mischief in her eyes, she looks back down to his sleeping form, a faint grin crossing her features. 'Next sunset...I'll try. If mine sister could take the leap of faith...then I shalt as well with mine flame.' She begins to plan out her best spell yet.

Dawn approaches as she lowers her moon from her resting position. The princess has been awake all night carefully planning her next evening, waiting quietly for the pilot to awaken. She finally had taken her first step in her life toward love. It was always Celestia of the two sisters that better understood the emotion, and always urged Luna to find a nice gentle colt to settle down with. Luna always being the more reclusive of the two, opted to wait until she found one that she would be willing to share herself with. Over the centuries as they grew up, none ever made Luna's heart ache when they weren't in the room, or her stomach feel as though she had recently eaten a swarm of butterfly's. Even after she returned from her banishment she never felt especially in love, or even the need for some ponies affections or company.

She was content being alone with her thoughts and her innocence. All of this changed however, when she had met this..this man. It would take a different kind of warrior to win the battle for her heart, as the night princess has come to find out. She looks down tiredly as now her pilot begins to stir.

"I don't usually say this...but good morning." She says softly, lowering her head to give him a soft kiss on his lips. The pilot sits up, then pops his back after sleeping on the uneven stone floor.

"Morning.." He yawns and looks around, checking the area. He sees nothing new or out of place, just the rising sunlight coming in the window and archway from being reflected by the aircrafts body. He leans back against the alicorn and sighs. "Well...we should probably eat, then start on trying to have you duplicate more fuel. Did you figure out a spell for it, Luna?" He asks tiredly to her.

Luna shakes her head. "I have not..I'm sorry." She says, wilting a little visibly. The honest truth was at the moment, Luna didn't want to leave just yet. Here she could finally be away from ponys constantly scurrying about in fear of her. She could finally be away from watching Celestia and Twilight always flaunting their affections. Here she could finally be alone with him. That is what appealed to her the most, and was in no hurry to give that prospect up. Especially after spending so many hours carefully planning out and testing a new magic.

He stands and stretched, then grabbed his assault rifle and stepped outside. He grabs one of his remaining three cigarettes in his pack, now down to his last two. He shakes his head and turns back to the alicorn. "Mind making a few of these for me first?" He holds up the cigarette, still somewhat flattened from when the Lunar Stallion sat on the satchel the first night he arrived.

Princess Luna nods silently and closes her eyes, her horn aglow. She works her alicorn magic and focuses on the strange fire tube the pilot enjoyed so much. Some magic and a shimmer moments later, she finishes, making enough copies to refill the box in his hand. "I wish..I wish you didn't use those, Talon. It cannot be healthy, even for your people." She says quietly, eyeing the aircraft outside.

"Noted." He says as he lights it, content now that he once again has a full pack. He walks up to the aircraft and climbs up the wing, walking to the fuel hatch door. After first smoking his cigarette and flicking the depleted butt off into the old broken fountain, he opens the fuel hatch and looks in.

He shines the rifles flashlight down the hatch, seeing some fuel remains at the bottom of the tank in small pools. "Looks like there is some left in there. If you can make enough of that to fill the tank, we should be able to return to the city." He says, still looking down into the warbirds fuel tank. "There's another tank inside the other wing as well, so we should aim for both of them."

Luna raised her eyebrows, surprised at where the banshees drink was located. "You really do have a strange machine...who heard of a stomach in a wing?" She says as she canters up to the aircraft, then rises to her hind legs to rest her forehooves against the wing. She peers down the hole, seeing the pools of fuel he was talking about at the bottom.

The vapor from the remaining jet fuel makes her light headed, and she finds the more potent scent of it intoxicating. 'So that's where he gets that scent...After I make this I'll have to bottle some up for myself!' She thinks, smiling inwardly at the thought. She lights her horn again and begins to focus hard on the remaining fuel....and nothing happens.

She opens her eyes and looks down, then tries again. She bites her lower lip and strains, pouring more and more magic into the spell. The results however, are the same. "Uh-oh..." She mutters under her breath.

"Uh oh? What's uh oh?" Talon asks, raising an eyebrow. "What's wrong Luna, you still feeling off from last night?" He kneels down to check her, looking for signs of distress. he sees nothing.

"Um...nothing I can't manage. I am an alicorn after all. If I can raise the moon and the stars, I'm sure I can make some of this fuel thou speakist of." She replies, still looking into the tank. She attempts again.

"You only use your old dialect when you're frustrated or upset." He says flatly, looking down into the tank. He's watching all of the motions, having seen her duplicate things on a daily basis, so he's confused now. "What, is your horn broken?"

"Neigh." She rolls her eyes, continuing to weave the spell and focusing hard on the fuel. "And we do not speaketh when we art flustered or miffed." She scowls at the pools in the bottom of the tank now, growing irritated. Ire dances in her eyes, as she begins to pour all of her energy into the spell. She's sweating and panting now, her toung hanging out slightly.

"That's enough...you're not getting anywhere." He says and sighs. He watches her power down her magic and push off of the wing, landing on her haunches. "And yes, you do."

"Hmph!" She lifts her nose with irritation at the fuel now. "We...we think thy fuel must be too complex for magic to create. We--I am sorry." She says gloomy and irritated. "Let me rest for more time, I'll try again then." She finishes, walking back into the ruins. Even with the sun just rising, she can already tell it's about to be a very long day. Talon follows her back inside, and waits.

The two pass the time resting and talking, Talon telling her more about Earth and the life he once came from. She listens eagerly to all of it, loving every bit of the conversation and the attention on her. She listens intently hearing about the marvels of life, such as horseless carriages, vessels that can float over great oceans and lakes, and trains that move without ponys pulling them. He pauses talking however, when somthing in the distance catches his eyes. He gets up and rushes to the archway, taking aim with his rifle. Off in the treeline, he spots two faintly glowing green eyes. "Luna, we have company.."

She rises to her hooves and swiftly gallops to him, taking position behind him. Her horn glows as she prepares an attack spell. She peers into the treeline, scanning for movement. "Where..? I don't see it!" She says in a hushed tone.

He maintains his aim, looking in the direction." Two green lights in the trees, about three hundred yards away." He whispers back. He cocks the breech bolt and chambers a round. It's when the green eyes in the distance vanish before him that he becomes confused. "It's moving...it just disappeared."

Luna continues scanning the area with her magic and eyes, feeling for and searching out for another pony, or creature. All she can sense is the forrest plant life, and a collection of dead timber and stones. "Neigh...there is nothing here. I sense no life nearby. Even so, nothing can enter the field. It would take an army to breach my magic!" She says with pride, looking still at the tree line. It's when she hears the sound of sticks breaking in the distance that she recoils a little, becoming uneasy.

"Just keep trying the fuel. I'll keep watch." He says, still searching the distance for movement. Luna nods silently and returns to her previous position on the aircrafts wing. Several hours pass, and the now tired alicorn comes to a rest on her rump and sighs in defeat.

"I...I can't make it. It's too complex for me to copy..." She says in a defeated sigh. She looks over to Talon who is still in the same spot, his fire arm still trained at the tree line. She gets up and canters over to him, wanting to return to his side.

* * * * *

"Take care what you say demon! What you speak is heresy!" An ancient dragon speaks to a shadowed figure. "What you ask and offer in exchange is by far the most disgraceful insult you could make!"

The figure grins in the shadows, a cheshire grin appearing in the darkness. "Oh come now, what's stopping you? Don't tell me four fully grown dragons of your power are afraid to make a little...trouble...for a small pony princess?" The silken dual voice replies.

"It's suicide! All dragons know that the beloved Sun princess could easily strike down any being on this planet! There is no power that can rival hers. Having my clan attack the capital city is a fool hearty venture. She will annialate us!" Another dragon bellows, glaring hard at the figure in the shadow.

"The princess...will not be a concern. I have defeated her once myself, and know all of her tricks. I can make you immune to unicorn and alicorn magic. They will be defenseless as you burn their citys, and eat your fill of the juicy morsels." The voice echos, its eyes flash red. "Do this so I can have my pawns infiltrate their ranks and begin my invasion. The rewards...will be great."

"And what of the dark one?! If we attack her elder sister she will bring about eternal night again. We will starve!" A smaller silver dragon screeches down from his perch on the cliffside. A chorus of agreement is heard from the gathering of dragons.

"The dark one has had her powers taken away, I've seen it with my own eyes. She didn't even dare defend her city or subjects when my pawns attacked the first time. It was the dimwitted suns favored foal that stopped the first invasion." The shadowed figure replies, stepping off to the side and pacing. It then stops, and smiles its arrogant cheshire grin again. "I will offer prepayment with these then..." With a motion in the darkness, a sinkhole appears in the center of the gathering. The earth opens up, revealing a bounty of gems, diamonds and gold. More than enough to fund Raritys botique for over two thousand years.

The dragons appear wide eyed in awe of the display, the eldest dragon snapping back and stepping forward. "This will not be a good enough payment. How do we know your word is true? That you can make us immune to the ponys magic and weapons?!" The massive elder dragon demands.

The figure steps forward into the light. "Because...I would make you a far worse enemy than the ponys. Now...do we have a deal?"

The dragons all step back in fear, and bow. "As you wish...then we attack at dawn."

* * * * *

"Well Twilight, I must say your speech to all of our subjects was most reassuring. You make a fine princess!" Celestia says light heartedly. "I knew you could do it." She smiles at her love.

Twilight Sparkle blushes, and folds her wings at her side while they walk away from the throne room. Day court is now over, and the princesses are retiring to Celestias study to partake in dinner, then magic sessions. "Oh it really was nothing Celestia. I just figured if I reasoned with them and helped them understand that the aircraft and its pilot are infact staying here with us and is no threat, that they would eventually calm down. I just did what I do best. Lecture them!" She replies enthusiasticly.

Celestia chuckles happily and nods, keeping pace with the smaller alicorn. The palace servants walk about in the hallways, passing the princesses as they go. It's been over two years since the regal white alicorn came out and let her subjects know the status of their relationship. Initially it was a shock, but welcomed warmly by everypony all the same. After all, you don't question a goddesses love interest, and expect to live...or be on the same planet. More like you do and expect to be taking a very long vacation on the moon.

"So how do you think Luna is doing with the human?" Twilight asks calmly, her eyes forward. Celestia takes pause, and sighs.

"It's very conflicting...her heart was always difficult to read, but it's especially conflicted now. I'm sensing a lot of emotions all at once from her." She replies. "I can tell she has a very deep love, and I can feel her joy. But at the same time there's two other emotions at work. One is frustration or a sense of loss....the other bothers me deeply."

"And what would that be?" Twilight stops, looking at Celestia.

Celestia focuses on Twilight and grimaces, her regal mask broken to reveal deep concern. It's only one word that needed to be said, enough to make them both want to more closely watch the situation. "I can sense fear, Twilight." Celestia reaches out with her senses once again, feeling the familiar tug on her mind as the moon is risen by her sister. She thinks hard, concentrating on what could possibly have her sister afraid.

* * * * *

There..all done!" Luna happily bounces in her spot on her hooves, after raising the moon again in front of Talon. The show was more impressive than the last, and much more effort placed into the motions. The moon shows brightly in the night sky, and the stars shine brighter than ever. The pale moonlight almost has a slight pink tint to it this evening, the moon princess placing all of her emotions and love into it. She looks happily to Talon, who has since abandoned searching the tree line for movement having seen the last contact hours ago. She recasts the protection spell once more, thickening the magical dome further and making the view more opaque.

"Beautiful night..Luna. You did a good job." He says clapping his hands, sitting on the wing of the downed aircraft. "Just a shame you couldn't get the fuel.." he mutters, a cigarette in his mouth. He ex hails the smoke and shakes his head, then scoots off of the planes wing.

"Mine sister will have some palace guards here by daybreak, or mid afternoon tomorrow. We'll charriot your aircraft to the hangar. I'm sure Twilight or Celly can easily come up with a solution to the fuel." She responds coyly.

Talon finishes the cigarette, flicking yet another depleted butt into the broken stone fountain, grabs his rifle and walks to the enterance of the foyer. "Then we should catch some rack time princess. Your transport troops don't fly as fast as my bird, and with that in tow we'll have a long day ahead of us." He says sorely, rubbing his neck. "I'm going inside, care to join me?"

Luna nods slow, alicorn mischief in her eyes. "I'll be in shortly. I just need to do a few more things out here..." She replies with a soft voice, looking at the warbird in front of her. Her horn is sore from all the attempts of the duplication spell, and magic doesn't feel so fun at the moment. But for her plans, she is going to deal with it. ' I've spent the last three thousand years celibate, That ends tonight...' She whispers gleefully. She spent all of last night working on and perfecting this spell, and she's going to make her move.

To an alicorn, there is no greater gift than giving ones self. It forms a bond between the two lovers, that is both binding and unbreakable. Over the centuries, she has had her suitors, but none that she's ever invited into her chambers for one reason or another. None ever did the right thing, which was win her heart.

What did it for the pilot, was he didn't want anything the others have. Some wished to proposition her for power, others for bits. Some for status, as one flatly pointed out in one of her long ago night courts. None except for the pilot however, wanted to be near her just to be there. He didn't want any of that...what he did want in her eyes; was to make her happy. To protect her. That's what she truthfully sought out. Somepony who would care for her needs, before they seen to their own. Somepony who valued her words, who enjoyed her company and who could stimulate her mind. He was all of these, except for one little detail...he wasn't a pony.

In the moonlight she swishes her horn in the air, her magic encompassing her body. A dim blue light sorrounds her as the magic weaves its tendrils throughout her visage, wrapping her like ribbons all around her form. It's there in the shimmer of magical moonlight, that she completes her spell...

Talon takes position on the fabric once more, laying down and using his satchel as a small pillow. He has his headphones in from his media player, listening to music. The battery is almost depleted, and he hasn't exactly found an electrical outlet yet anywhere in the palace. He uses the opportunity to enjoy the last few songs he can of earth music. 'First thing I'm doing when I get back to the hangar...is look for that damn outlet. That, or build one.' He thinks as he stares up at the celing.

He hears a voice mumbled in the room, and looks up, seeing a figure in the shadows. Quickly he gets to his feet and draws his pistol, after yanking out the headphones. He takes aim. "Drop your weapons and get on the ground, or I'll fire!" He says to the figure, training his gun on target. He presses his finger to the trigger and activates the laser sight, the dot falling on the shadowy figure in the corner.

"Talon...it's me.." He hears Lunas voice, sounding slightly shaken. "Help me?" The voice had something wrong with it...it sounded like it was truly pleading for help. He holsters the gun and rushes over into the shadow. He reaches out expecting to grab alicorn, but instead to his surprise finds something...smaller. A soft, silky white hand...a human hand. He grabs the hand and yanks to the ground, the gun back in his hands again, pointing the muzzle of the pistol right between the eyes of..

"Luna?!" His eyes widen in shock. Before him laying on the ground, was a human princess luna. Her hair was short and shoulder length, but the same beautiful dark blue. Her deep jade eyes stared up at him, and her wings were folded against her back. A look of fear on her features as she held her arms up to her face, bracing for his attack.

"Don't hurt me!" Her small voice squeaks out. She feels the pressure release on her chest and feels herself being hoisted off the ground, being cradled by the pilot in his arms. Her dainty feet dangling off of one end, and her head and back being supported by both his upper arm and chest. She turns her head to look at him, her eyes wide with surprised relief.

"Luna...what did you do?!" he says looking at her. He checks her over. The regalia? Check. Tiara? Check. The butt mark...He lifts her up in his arms a bit, tilting her side up in the moonlight. Check. He sighs and sets her naked form back on her feet again, holding her steady. "How...wha...why did you turn human?! Did your magic break?!" He asks warily.

"Neigh..I..I did this because I wanted.." She wobbles a bit, not used to two legs instead of all fours. She slumps down to the ground, looking up at him. "I wanted..to give you something special.." She sniffles. "You...you don't like it.." Tears well up in her eyes, her heart sinks a little.

He shakes his head and huffs, then lowers himself down to her. "Luna..you didn't have to. Space pony or human, I love you for you. You didn't need to change to give me anything. Just having you around is gift enough." He smiles, looking her in the eyes. He hugs her tightly, his arms easily fitting around her now in the tight embrace.

She wraps her arms around him and holds him tight against her breast from her sitting position, laying her head on his shoulder and closing her eyes. She's relishing in being held like this, not wanting to break the contact. "No..." She mumbles into his collar, holding him and breathing in deep. "You don't understand...I wanted to.." She stops when she's scooped up again, and carried over to the fabric on the ground by him. He sets her down gently and takes off his flight jacket, placing it around her naked form.

"Just take it easy Luna..it's alright. How long until the spell wears off..?" He says returning his attention to the door. 'No horn means no magic. She's vulnerable in this state...looks like her field is holding, but God knows for how long.' He thinks, scanning for movement. He's more focused on protecting her now than he is on the fact he has a beautiful naked woman before him. "Just hang tight princess, I'll keep you safe until you change back." He starts to get up.

In a rush she grabs his pant leg and stops him, looking at the ground. Her hair is in her face now, hiding the tears falling to the cold stony floor. He stops and listens to her quiet sobs and sniffles, then turns his attention to her. Luna takes a breath and speaks finally in a hollow voice. "When an alicorn...when we give ourselves to our special somepony...we mate for...eternity.." She squeaks out. "I'm..I was saving myself all these...centuries...Please.."

The scene leaves him in shock, but he knows deep down what she's saying is true. 'Don't ignore her...if you do you'll lose her.' He thinks. His posture softens and he stops in his tracks, then comes to rest beside her. He looks out at the door still, averting his eyes. "You know...your sister will probably kill me if she found out about this." He runs his fingers through her hair, trying to calm her down. "Luna...you don't have to do this. I already told you I'd remain by your side. My pride as a Navy Officer keeps me to my word. I'll always serve you, princess."

Her wings twitch as she calms down, she finally looks at him. Her gaze is so innocent, so loving. Her wings hang down weakly as she nods. "You...you really arn't like other stallions...You don't want power or bits.." She's cut off when he leans over and kisses her on the lips.

"Just you, Luna.." He says after he breaks off the kiss, looking her in the eyes. "I don't care about power. I have no use for bits. You can't buy happiness." He says in a low whisper. "What I told you last night is how I feel, as the honest truth. You give me a reason to continue, and a new reason to fight for. That's why I'm with you."

She embraces him in a tight hug, her wings wrapping around them both. It's then she feels his hand stroking down her now very sensitive spine, right between her wing interlinks. The contact is intoxicating as she begins to lose herself. She leans into the contact, as she feels him kiss her neck softly, eliciting a moan from her. She can already feel the heat and dampness from before returning once again between her legs.

He kisses her, holding her in a gentle embrace. He feels her hands wander to his back, her hands finding their way under his shirt and to his skin, her nails digging into him. This causes him to bite the nape of her neck and slowly trace her spine with his hands. She starts to pull him down to the ground, kissing deeply as they fall to their sides.

She pauses momentarily and leans back, her wings twitching with excitement. Luna bites her lower lip and gazes into his eyes, half lidded. "Uhm...it's.." She blushes deeply.

"We can stop...I wouldn't be angry." He says in a hushed whisper to her, completely stopping his movements and just holding her.

"It's..my first time..." she trails off, then kisses his lips. "I don't know how long the magic will hold...but I wanted my first time to be experienced through your way.." She mumbles softly, still holding him.

"Then...lets take it slow, princess. If it hurts too much, then just say stop. And I'll stop.." He says, running his fingers through her hair. This causes her to moan more as she embraces the very welcomed contact, and she kisses him, rolling him onto his back.

Luna begins to undo the bindings to his flight suit, while kissing him passionately. after fidgeting with it for a few minutes, they pull the fabric over themselves. He kisses her and enters her slowly..

* * * * *

Celestia is reading a scroll quietly, when suddenly a massive hot flash hits her, like somepony just poured liquid fire all over her body. She pants, out of breath as a wave of emotion hits her like a truck. "Wha..?!" She sits up with a start, fanning herself with the scroll before her. She does an inward search of the attack, and finds its magicly being transmitted from Luna.

"Celestia? Are you alright?" Twilight looks at her with concern, her attention diverted from the tome she is reading. She tilts her head. "What's wrong?"

Celestia breathes heavily for a moment, then smiles. She tries to hide it beneath her calm regal mask, but the blush pushes through, coloring her muzzle. 'Luna..you sly sister you..' She grins, knowing full well what the intense wave of pleasure that hit her was. Her heart pounds in her chest, and her mind is sent reeling.

Celestia opens the bottom drawer of her desk and looks at Twilight. "Twilight...Nothing is wrong. Infact...I think things just finally went right.." She says quietly with a smile plastered on her muzzle. "And I do believe this requires a drink." She says as she levitates two glasses and a bottle of AppleJack Daniels from her desk drawer.

* * * * *

She lays there, her head on his chest, breathing heavily. Her body and hair are soaked with sweat, the scent of sex heavy in the room. Her belly now warm with the pilots seed within it, she nuzzles and kisses him softly, pure ecstasy of the moment. Two whole hours..of pure ecstasy. At first, it hurt. Oh mother, did it hurt! But slowly the pain faded, replaced by something wonderful, then lead to something orgasmic...and then heaven knows. Words couldn't describe what is going through her mind right now.

"Ya know...on my planet I'd probably be having a drink by now. Especially after getting a princess.." Talon says half asleep, completely spent energy wise. For a virgin, the alicorn sure as hell knew what she was doing. There's a flash of dark blue light, and a shimmer, Luna returning to her normal form. She rolls onto her belly and looks at the pilot, a look of content love on her muzzle.

"A drink it is then." She says dreamily. She uses her magic to levitate over the canteen he had in his satchel, now empty because they exhausted the water they had brought with them. Floating over the container, she swishes her horn in the moonlight, focusing her magic to pull the light into a vapor, then into a liquid. This action repeats for a few moments, until the canteen is full. She happily brings it over to the pilot, and lays next to him again.

"What was that?" He asks, still in wonder of her magic. He takes a sip of the canteen, eyes wide in shock of its strong flavor. He gulps it down quick, trying to fight off the extreme burn. He coughs. "Oh holy shit...what is this?!"

"Moonshine." Luna responds gleefully. "I can make liquid moonlight. It's a delicacy here that only I can...hey, what are you doing?!" Luna asks surprised and angered. He just poured some on the ground, now looking through his pockets of his flight suit on the ground. He pulls out his lighter, and sparks it near the puddle, creating a miniature plume of fire and an explosion of flame steadily burning. The pilot looks up to Luna, wide eyed.

"...How much of that can you make?!" He says with a huge grin.

"Um...as much as I want." She responds questioningly. "It's easy for me, and doesn't require any real power...why?"

The pilot quickly gets up and throws on his clothes, as if he were under an emergency. "I need you to fill the tanks with that stuff, as much as you can make!" He puts on his boots and grabs his rifle, running to the bird. Luna grabs his satchel in her mouth and gallops after the pilot.

Shattered Silence

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

The Calm before the Storm , Part One of Two

Chapter 7: The calm before the storm; Part One

Celestia sat in her sisters chambers on a pillow, listening intently to her sisters idea. "Luna...while I agree with you this would have been a viable solution..it would simply take too long to gather the materials and form the potion. And even if we did, from what I know about the life water...it only works to reverse death up to several hours...It cannot revive the fallen this long after death." She says quietly, sadness laced in her voice.

Luna appears crestfallen hearing this, visibly wilting before the regal elder alicorn. "What other options do we have mine sister...our kingdom is in ruins, our subjects tatters and our strength waivers. If we don't find some way to undo the damage that vile queen hath caused, our kingdom will fall.."

Celestia sighs and yawns, looking at the fire place in Lunas chambers. The fire is lit and warming the room on the cold autumn night. "I just wish we knew why Queen Chrysalis attacked, and what she had meant when she had said she was betrayed.." Celestia trails off.

The dark alicorn sinks in her spot and sighs tiredly, her mind exhausted from the events of the past several days. "Nopony would work together with such vile creatures, Tia. It may have simply been the deranged ramblings of an old mare. What I do know...is that we should have taken Talons advice and used his weapon right when we detected her, instead of waiting for the bug to buck us in the teeth, so to speak!" Luna said darkly.

"That no longer matters, what's done is done lulu. While I agree with you now, that we could have avoided all of this had I of agreed and our troublesome nephew not creating more problems by sabotaging the commanders aircraft, simply dropping that abomination upon Equestria without so much as a second thought was not the right answer at the time. I'm amazed there were any humans to begin with since they had weapons of mass destruction like that for use against each other." Celestia calmly replied, yawning again from the late hour. Luna scowled at her.

So was waiting worth it, Tia? Was Twilight worth it?" Luna bit back, anger seething in her voice. Even with the fire close by, the room darkens and becomes colder. Celestia shivers, her gaze fixed on her sister in sadness.

"No...no it was not. The lives of anypony was not worth the wait. But...we cannot turn back time and correct our mistake. What we can do, is learn from them and move forward, dear sister." Celestia says softly, returning her gaze to the fire. "What we need to do now is rebuild, research ways to mend the lives of our subjects, and honor the dead.."

Luna in her rage turns to Celestia, tears welling up in her eyes. "So that's it then? You get to nurse your filly back to health and live happily, and I get to bury mine in a grave?! It's not fair!"

Celestia wilts, her ears folding back against her head. She sighs heavily. "Luna...I know it's not fair. And if you blame anypony for this, blame me for wanting to strive for a peaceful solution with the changelings. Blame me for the death of so many, and my inability to order an entire race slaughtered without provocation. If I had known what they were upto, I would have...I would have without a second thought." She looks up at the dark alicorn, tears running down her muzzle. "And if it was that our situations were reversed, I too would feel the same anger you have within you. He fought bravely, both in the sky and in close combat with the parasite. We watched him rush into a burning building and rescued one of the bearers of harmony. And for that, we should try and find a way to reverse this. There is another power at work here, I believe. It's been four years, sister. Four years since we've heard anything from the parasite, and they suddenly cropped up from mother knows where, and had new abilitys that blocked our magic..The dragons did too, if you remember correctly."

Luna looks off into the fireplace, still fuming at her elder sister. "Of course I remember, I was the one in the sky with him that day." Her head lowers, looking at the floor. "I remember everything from then, and I remember the joy in your eyes when I told you what occured at our old palace. When you heard of his heroism against the creatures of old, his kindness.."

"And when you had your first time." Celestia chuckled, earning a blushing glare from Luna. "What? You didn't shut up about it for a week." Celestia giggled lightly and sighed. "Lulu...get some rest, at daybreak we will continue to search the city and start rebuilding..Remember as well, we cannot confirm if he is indeed dead from the crash. We never did find his remains in..."

Luna cuts her off, tears streaming down her muzzle, her eyes showing fury from hell. "I felt him die, Tia! I felt our link sever the moment his heart stopped...I felt...I felt the pain, the terror he experienced!"

Celestia scoots close to her sister and drapes her in her large elegant wings, holding Luna as she begins to sob. She strokes her sisters mane with her hoof, and holds her tightly. Her own mind wandering to the crash, and twilight. Most of all though, Chrysalis' final words before she retreated, only to have Celestia send the pilot to give her a gift with one hell of a bang. Celestia glances about the dark room, shadows dancing on the walls from the flames before them. Her gaze falls on a small wooden model hoof carved by an excited filly, and given to the pilot as a gift for coming to Canterlots defense and saving the city. She stares at the crudely carved figurine of the warbird, and thinks about that day, when things became complicated and mysterious all in the same day. The days leading to the war.

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Celestia and the bearers of Harmony all sat at the table with Luna, some wide eyed and blushing, others giggling. Celestias eyes were wide and astonished about her sisters confession. Luna sat dreamy eyed in a daze, somewhat in a trance. Her mouth had a small glimmer of drool coming off one side; a look that Celestia had whenever she had just eaten an entire Manehatten cheesecake all to herself. She giggled softly at the sight. "Lulu...while we love to hear about your first experience flying in the aircraft, and the 'vacation' you had at our old castle...you didn't need to go into detail about that." Celestia blushed lightly. "You should have left that part of the conversation just between us.." Her eyes shift off, a small grin on the alicorns muzzle.

"Weeelll shoot sugarcube, Ah hafta admit, it sounded like a hooey of a time! Sounds like you had one heck of a ho down there! Minus the wolves ah guess.." Applejack says, covering her blush with her stetson hat.

Rarity shakes her head and sighs, drinking deep from her mug of hard cider. "I simply just don't understand why all of the good ones are taken! Twilight is with the princess, Rainbow is with Applejack, and somehow pinkie and Fluttershy!" Rarity sighs in defeat, laying her head on the table. "And now you with that fabulous stallion you have...pity, I had hoped that little ensemble I put together for him would at least earn a mare a drink." Rarity muttered and lets out a small drunken burp.

The group looks at Rarity and laughs, Celestia included. Luna still sits there in her daze, just nodding slowly. Fluttershy speaks up softly. "Oh..it's alright Rarity..maybe you should consider a mare like we did? It's uhm..nice." The butter yellow pegasus says quietly with a soft smile.

"Oh my gosh girls! You know what this calls for? A super mega ultra awesome thank you party for those two!" The pink menace says jubilantly, bouncing on her hooves. The others look at her and raise an eyebrow, when Celestia speaks up after clearing her throat.

"That will have to wait for now, little one. Our pilot is busy repairing his craft in the hangar. I'm afraid he is quite busy so he cannot enjoy a party at the time." Celestia says with a smile. "And if lulus look is any indication, it seems like he already has a form of a party in store for him." She adds in a giggle whisper.

This snaps Luna out of her trance and makes her blush furiously, her cheeks becoming hot. "Tiiiaaa!" She whines.

"Heh heh! It's ok PL, we know that you're going to go back for more. We're all grown mares here, no sense in hiding it." Rainbow dash says dismissively.

"Rainbow! You need to show a bit more tact!" Rarity hiccups out, her head still on the table after finishing her third cup of cider. "Can't you be a little ladylike now and again?" The white unicorn says with an annoyed tone.

Twilight is quiet throughout all of this staring out the window at the ballroom. She can see the pilot struggling with a panel on top of the aircraft, trying to open it to expose the damaged engine. She stands up and folds her wings at her sides. "You ponys can keep talking...I'm going to go and see if perhaps the commander would care for some help." She says as she's cantering out of the room. Lunas eyes go wide as she looks out the window and sees the same, she scrambles to her hooves after Twilight. Every pony else looks at each other, and does the same.

In the hangar Talon is undoing the panels on top of the starboard canard to free up the engine. It's dented down from the fire bomb impact, pinning down the top of the scram jet and binding it in place. He backs up and steps off to the side when he sees the panel in question alight with a purple magic shimmer, the panel coming undone and floating off slowly.

"Need some help?" Twilight Sparkle asks him with a cheerful tone. Luna falls in behind her, panting and out of breath.

"I do actually, you're just in time!" He says, climbing down onto the ground and turning to face the two. "I don't have a crash cart or a cradle for the engine, so I can't pull it out to examine it. If you could float it out and set it down, that would be a big help." He says as he's wiping his hands with a rag. He's still wearing his old flight suit, now more worn from scrubbing too hard on it and wearing a hole in the chest piece. There's some oil on the flight suit sleeves and chest, and spots of hydraulic fluid on the leggings and cuffs.

Twilight nods happily and canters to the back of the warbird, examining the opening for the engine. She closes her eyes and casts her magic forward, feeling it and all of the components with her mind. The engine is engulfed in her magic, and carefully floats out of its position. Luna thinking quickly levitates some nearby stands against the wall to under the engine, so it's off the floor for him to work on. Twilight releases the engine gently, then walks up to it and looks. "Wow...this is pretty bad." She says tilting her head. The engine is badly scorched and burned from the impact, some of the metal melted. Oil begins to drip from the bottom and several of the turbine blades from the front fall to the ground with a clatter.

He sighs in defeat while looking at the engine. "Worse than bad...without a replacement this bird will never fly again. If we were on my ship the mechanics would simply put in a fresh one." He says, looking it over. "I'm a pilot...not a mechanic. I can only fix so much."

Twilight looks over the engine, examining the components. "Hmm...well we do have very good engineers here in equestria, and it looks like most of the materials to make one of these are available right here in canterlot." She says to the pilot. Her fore hoof comes to her chin and she thinks. "If the other one is still intact, they could make a duplicate of it and build a new one."

" While they're at it, get them to build more missiles and reload the guns. That fight wiped out most of the weapons. There's no way I can get into another furball and pull it off like last time." The pilot says, motioning to the F/A-37.

Luna nods quickly. "I'll get as many on it as I can!" She says with a resolute smile. She turns her head when she hears hoof steps behind her. Celestia and the others walk slowly into the hangar, eyes on the damaged engine.

"You'll get what on it, lulu?" Celestia asks, eyes glued onto the engine and the oil drips on the floor. "So this is what powers your machine? It's not what I expected!" The alicorn says with a surprised look and some confusion on her features.

Luna looks at Celestia while moving closer to Talon, taking position at his side. "The aircraft is in need of a new engine and replacement ammunition. Since he used it to protect us, it's only fair we repay it and replace the items in question!"

Celestia raises an eyebrow and considers Lunas statement. "Yes...but we may not have the same materials available on Equestria, that he has on his world lulu. We may not be able to replace all of it. Though after seeing this in action during the attack, I'm tempted to invest in a program to make more of these for our ace pilot." She says with a hint of pride behind her regal voice and calmness.

Twilights eyes went wide with excitement, at the prospect, a thought in her mind of hundreds of these soaring in the skies above Equestria. The thought bubble was soon popped so to speak, when Luna had spoken up with irritation in her voice. She turned her focus back to the group, seeing Luna standing in between Pinkie and the pilot, Lunas wings opened wide and her posture defensive.

"Pinkie! This machine and its pilot are not toys--hey get down from there!" Luna called out to Pinkie who was poking her head in the cockpit.

"Ooh! What does this button do?!" Pinkie said loudly as she started touching the controls with her hooves, punching buttons and switches randomly. The aircrafts weapons bay doors flew open and the rack for the nuke rolls out under its belly, then rolls back up.

♪" "Get paranoid! See vultures circling. One step then, down comes the final curtain. Until you come into your soul again- we'll be the worst of best friends!" ♪ The warbirds on board engine begins to spin up, the turbofans engaging and whining loudly. A sidewinder missile rolls down the rack next. ♪Burn baby burn! Strung out on a wire! Heart in a cage- your soul I desire you need, fast hands--Bullet proof skin! To keep you alive♪

All of the ponies minus pinkie cover their ears from the music loudly playing from the aircraft. Talon and Lunas eyes go wide when they see the weapons systems arming weapons, then loading back inside the bay. Celestia in a panic, grabs Pinkie from the aircraft in her magic, while the pilot scrambles up the fuselage side steps and dives into the cockpit as the aircraft begins to power up its remaining engine further. After a few seconds, the music stops and the warbird begins to power down, the missile bay closing. He huffs loudly, his head bumping against the HUD with a thump. Pinkie is being held up in the air by her tail, dangling above the cockpit. Talons eye twitches, as he seriously contemplates putting his pistol to her head.

Luna shakes her head and sighs, turning to Twilight. "Your friend almost wiped out all of Canterlot, you know this right?" She says with obvious annoyance in her voice. Twilight only gulps, smiling nervously.

"Eh heh...I uhm...I think I hear my laundry calling!" She turns away, trying to get out of the hangar quickly. She's stopped however, by a fully grown white alicorn in front of her path.

"Twilight...I believe we should perhaps move your friends and us to a less...destructive..location. And let the commander work in peace." Celestia looks to Luna "Call in whatever engineers you believe are needed, and spare no expense at repairing his machine. Oh and lulu? There are some school fillies and colts coming from the school later tomorrow, who wished to see the aircraft and the pilot. Please see to them, and only let them look from outside of the ball room." Celestia says with a smile as she turns away, the pink menace still floating lazily in the air by her tail, who seems to enjoy being strung up like a pinata.

With the other ponys gone, Luna finally lets out a breath she's been holding unknowingly and huffs loudly. "Well..that could have gone better." She mutters. Talon shakes his head and turns back to the engine on the stands and strokes his chin, thinking.

"If I had access to the Enterprise again, it wouldn't take much to get the replacement." He said while still gazeing at the burned scramjet. He turned to Luna who was looking down at the ground, pawing the floor with an ashamed look on her features. "What's wrong? He asks slowly.

"About that...you mean if you could go back.." She says, disheartened.

The pilot shakes his head. "No, I said I would stay and defend you, princess. Until the day you ask me to leave, I'll always keep you on my wing." He replies softly, stepping closer to her and stroking her mane.

Luna perks her ears up with a smile and nuzzles him, nickering softly. She's enjoying the contact, and dreamily stands by as she's being tended to. Her wings twitch slightly as they're hanging loose by her sides. Once he stops, she gives a soft whinney and flicks her tail, swishing slowly. Looking up to him, she speaks. "I'll call for the engineer ponys to come before sunset. They're very good, and I imagine they could come up with some way to make this work..."

He sighs and smiles, then nods. "Sounds good. That sounds very good indeed." Turning to look at his warbird, he shakes his head and folds his arms. "The onboard computer would have the engine specifications, and likely the missile schematics as well. It's just getting ahold of comparable materials that could be the problem."

Luna shakes her head with a small smile, eyes on the pilot. "It'll work out, it always does!" She says with hope in her voice, nudging the pilot. "Come on, lets go to mine study, we will write up the scroll for the summons." She says as she turns to walk out, Talon following in stride. They pass a Solar guard on the way out, who salutes as the princess walks past. The couple don't notice the eyes flash green..

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In the darkness of the cavern, the queen sits on her throne made of pony bones, stone and skulls. She looks off into the shadow at the red orbs and the cheshire grin before her, a look of disgust on her face. "You never mentioned that Celessstia had that kind of protection.." She says in her silken dual voice. Chrysalis narrows her eyes at the figure in the shadow, her green eyes trained on its movements.

"Now now...You know that I couldn't simply let you have it so easy. Remember, I'm in this for my prize as well.." The shadow replies, sounding bored.

"It seems to me...that the deal seems unfair. You're simply handing me all of the world on a platter, and all you want is a single pony? What's your real angle..?" Chrysalis replies, venom within her voice to the shadow.

The shadowed figure turns its attention to her, its glowing red orbs focused on her with a sardonic grin. "Oh no my dear...It's not a pony I want, it's a part of one. I want the alicorns horn. Do what you will with the other...eat her if you so desire. But the horn is mine to keep. That's the deal. Either go with it...or I'll happily rain down a little...chaos on your day."

The changeling queen glares, narrowing her glowing green eyes. She then smiles, her tongue tracing her fangs. "Then let us begin the attack...my drones are in place. Once we have enough forces within Canterlot, we shall strike..my children will have all the food they can consume, I will have an alicorn to feast upon for generations...and you get your silly little toy. Every pony wins." She gives a dark chuckle, her drones in the cavern also chatter in delight as they buzz around the cave. Soon indeed, the queen will no longer dwell within the badlands feeding off of animals and the nearby town, but residing upon the throne of equestria, with a goddess as her meal. This was turning into a lucrative venture indeed.

"But..." she stops, holding her hoof up to silence the chatter. The shadowed figure turns to face her again, its wicked eyes glow a deep red, its cheshire grin dancing in the shadows. "You must deal with the banshee...if it could decimate eight dragons...it could prove a problem for us.."

The figure only smiles wider. "So...do something about it yourself. Or does the mighty bug queen fear a little noisy toy?"

She hisses at the shadow, a wicked grin upon her features. "Tell me its weakness.."
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In Lunas study, the dark alicorn has finally completed drawing up the proper forms for the engineers, as well as allocating the bits from the royal coffers. She rolls up the scroll, seals it and sends it off with her magic. The scroll disappears in a wisp of smoke.

"If only the mail service worked as fast as that on Earth. I might have finally gotten those books I ordered." Talon says, relaxing in one of the study chairs. His eyes are closed and he has his head back, laying in the chair in a resting position. Luna watches him resting, and silently walks to him, coming to a rest on her haunches. She looks out the window, after feeling the familiar tug on her senses. Dusk is fast approaching, the time for her to raise the moon in just under an hour.

"The engineers should arrive tomorrow...I would imagine they will have a new one made most likely within a few days.." She says with a sigh. "I really was looking forward to flying again soon too.." She says, turning her attention to Talon.

He nods, his eyes still closed as he rests. "You have wings...so go for a flight."

The alicorn appears crestfallen, seeing the pilot of her affections didn't quite get the hint. She sighs and paws at the ground, her ears pinned back. She nickers softly, her wings twitching somewhat. "That's...not what I meant.."

She's about to speak, when her study door opens. It's one of her royal guards from the Lunar Stallions. He enters and salutes, at attention. "At ease, Dark Fury." The princess says with a smile.

Dark Fury, a Pegasus Lunar Stallion returns to his at ease position and clears his throat. His golden eyes focused ahead with an iron clad look of fierce determination that only the Lunar Stallions possessed. His expression was emotionless and his wings held tightly against his armor. "Princess, I was to inform you that your Captian and First Officer have returned from their deployment in Las Pegasus as ordered. They have just arrived and are at the barracks, and will be returning to full duty tomorrow eve."

Lunas eyes light up and a smile crosses her features. "Aegis Shield and Stalwart Hide have returned? Excellent!" She says with glee in her voice. She nods to the guard with her expression soft and relaxed. "Well done Dark Fury, thank you for relaying the message."

The guard smiles slightly, salutes and turns to walk out of the study. Luna turns her attention back to the pilot, now standing up and stretching. She tilts her head to him and blinks, watching him start to exit the chambers. "Talon...where are you going?"

"Back to the bird, Luna. I need to try and repair what I can, and get an ammo count. We need to figure out where we stand, so I know what to put in an order for. We used a lot of missiles yesterday."

Luna nods in agreement and sighs. "Very well, I'll go raise the moon, then await you in mine chambers. There isn't night court this evening, so I have no further duties to perform." She says, her voice somewhat saddened. She watches Talon walk out of the room, shaking her head in defeat. Turning herself, she exits to her study to go and raise the moon. Once she gets to her chambers and completes the task, she gets a wild idea, reflecting on her conversation with the others earlier. This makes the alicorn grin, as she plans her best plan yet.

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Talon is sitting in the cockpit, overlooking the controls before him and doing an inventory check. He sighs when he sees the remaining weapons onboard, cringing at the idea of going up again nearly unarmed. It's been two hours since he parted ways with Luna in her study, and him getting to work in peace for once. He yawns tiredly, looking at the moon high in the sky. He's alone, minus the four Lunar Stallions standing at the hangar doors to guard the warbird. They simply stare straight ahead with their stoic faces, unflinching. He knows speaking with them is pointless, as they likely won't respond. He climbs out of the cockpit with another yawn, and starts to walk out. "Good night, guys." He says on his way out, the guards nodding acknowledging him.

He makes his way to the chambers after getting lost a few times in the large palace, finally finding the tall wooden doors with intricate carvings of moons and stars on them. With a good push, he opens the heavy door. The room is dark, and the window wide open. He looks about the dark room, seeing the curtain swaying in the breeze, and no visible light source anywhere. 'Either she went out for that flight, or she's already asleep..' He thinks to himself. He remembers when he first arrived, the alicorn was always a night owl. Sleep during the day, awake at night. She changed her routine when he started sleeping during the night however, much to his surprise. It took some getting used to for her, but she didn't complain too much.

Entering the room quietly, he tiredly fumbles with his boots and flight suit, making a note to wash it in the morning. He finally reaches the bed and finds a lump, possibly a leg under a sheet. 'She's already asleep...I figured as much. Poor girl must still be exhausted from the last few days.' He smiles at this, and climbs into bed next to the alicorn. He begins to close his eyes and yawns again, when he hears a silken voice from behind him.

"I was wondering when you would retire to mine chambers.." Luna says seductively. She lights her horn and ignites nearby candles with her magic, bringing light into the room. She's laying on the bed with a sultry look...wearing socks.

The pilot somewhat confused laughs lightly at the sight. "Well I guess space ponys get cold hoofs after all." He says with a hearty laugh. It's when he sees the alicorn not laughing, but maintaining her half lidded gaze and sultry smile he realizes...her hooves aren't cold. "Ha..heh..." He coughs. "Dare I ask..?"

Luna leans forward, her muzzle bumping his nose as she nuzzles him lightly. "Not quite...I was thinking we could take mine sisters advice and...party? Perhaps double the fun?"

The key word here, was party. The nightstand drawer flies open, and out pops the pink menace from earlier. She contorts in an awkward bend, getting her muzzle right above the pilots face. Her eyes wide and sparkling. "Did some pony say party?!?!?!"
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Walking down the hall, the two Lunar Stallions make their way to their respective quarters, in the wing close to the night princesses chambers. Luna placed them there a year ago, feeling that she would have a stronger force working with her if she maintained high morality and communication with its senior officers. Aeigis shield walks next to his Co-Captain, Stalwart Hide.

"Ya know...that trip to Las Pegasus was fun...why do you think the princess ordered us to investigate the local night life?" Stalwart Hide says with a grin.

"Does it matter? When the boss lady says go soak in the sights and watch some mares dance, and she covers the tab? I'm not going to complain!" Aegis Shield says with a laugh, nudging his first officer. "It's funny...I always had a thing for the princess you know. Strange that she choose the weird guy over a stallion.. Now I've seen it all."

Stalwart Hide stops in his tracks, laughing. His golden eyes focus in on his Co-Captain. "Aegis, the day Luna asks one of us, or you out, is the day that Princess Celestia becomes a fire breathing beast and torches half of Canterlot!" He says between breaths and laughs. The two perk up their ears and turn their attention as they hear fast galloping and yelling behind them. What they see next makes even their jaws drop.

Talon is racing down the hallway running as fast as he can, wearing only his underwear and socks, with a pink earth pony bouncing closely behind him. Behind her is a very angry moon princess, wearing black and blue striped socks that cover past her knees. The trio rush past the two guards in a blur.

"PINKIE YOU GET YOUR FURRY FLANK BACK HERE THIS SECOND!!" Luna screams angrily, as she's chasing down the pink menace and trying to rescue her very terrorfied pilot, who is running away as fast as he can.

The two stallions look at eachother with shock, eyes wide. "Now...we really have seen it all!" They say in unison, their jaws still hanging open at the spectacle.
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The sun rises, light invading the night princesses chambers as she snuggles next to her pilot. It took a full hour to finally run him out of breath, before he slowed down. Once she got her hooves on the pink earth pony however...all hell broke loose. Pinkie Pie is now spending some quality time bound and gagged, hanging by her tail in a magical bubble in Fluttershys room. The princess didn't take kindly to her antics, and ruining her best laid plans for the evening. Luna nuzzles her bed warmer and breathes deep, not wanting to move.

Sadly for the alicorn however, the fates had conspired against her and forced her out of bed...nature called. She roused herself and slowly slumped into her washroom, annoyed. Talon had heard her awaken and felt the weight shift, which also caused him to awaken. A short greeting and part of their morning routine, the two bathed and cleaned up together, in preparation to go greet Celestia for breakfast. Luna placed on her normal regalia, while the navy pilot now adorned his new flight suit provided by Rarity.

It was a very sleek looking black jumpsuit, with perfect replicas of his patches and rank insignias, complete with the American Flag embroidered on the arm. He smiled at the craftsmanship, and wore it proud. Along with this gift, was several new pairs of military issue fatigues, and even a new pair of boots. "I must say...for a pony, she can sew pretty good!" He says with a smile, looking over his new replacement uniforms.

Luna eyed him with curious wonder, her eyes falling on the flag. She had seen this symbol on the warbird in several areas, and now on him. "Praytell...what is that symbol on your sleeve?" She asks.

"That is my nations flag, ma'am." He replies with a proud smile. "The greatest country on Earth if I may say so."

She looks over its design slowly, making a mental note. It's an easy pattern to remember, so replicating one on a larger scale shouldn't be too difficult...right? She mulls over the idea as the two walk to Celestias study to greet Twilight and her sister for morning breakfast and conversation.

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The princesses as well as the pilot all stand outside the ballroom doors with a smile, greeted by a hoof full of excited fillies from Celestias school for the gifted. They've been speaking with the foals now for about an hour, Talon telling them about his Navy career and answering questions about his world and the mighty warbird resting peacefully in the room behind him. He was holding in his hands a gift given to him at the start of the tour, by a small white unicorn with a red mane and ice blue eyes named Liberty Dream, with a silver bell for a cutie mark.. In his hands was a crudely carved replica of the aircraft, that has been called by many the banshee of Canterlot. He smiled at the nickname given, and even got into the spirit of telling the children all about why it makes that noise. They were confused however, so the night princess supplied a ghostly story about how the aircraft protected fillies and colts by the scary sound. This made the gaggle of foals cheer wildly, and the teachers very happy by the story.

It wasn't long after they left that the first of the engineers arrived, and began to dismantle and document everything about the torched engine. They also wrote down information the pilot dictated to them from the aircrafts computer, so they could set to work on rebuilding a new one. With a nod, the ponys scooted off to the palace lab and garages, to start work on crafting a replacement, the old engine in tow behind them by unicorn magic.

Talon finally turns to luna, who is smiling gleefully. "Yes, what is it?" He asks, smiling contently from the day thus far. Celestia, Twilight Sparkle and Luna all stand before him now, also happy. Luna is the first to speak. "And you're good with foals too? it seems mine soldier hath many talents." She finishes with an approving whinny.

Twilight and Celestia also nod in agreement, as they make their way to the throne room. Today is day court, and Celestia decided it would be best if the pilot met her subjects first hand. So off to the throne room for what will either be the most interesting day, or the most dreary day of the pilots life to date.

Author's Note

Special guest appearance by Aegis Shield in the story with authors permission. If he likes it, there'll likely be more of him in here, as his stories and his characters are always well written and very flushed out. This being said, spot the easter eggs! =p

The Calm Before the Storm; Sweet Lullaby

Chapter 8: The Calm Before the Storm; Sweet Lullaby

It's been four hours since day court has begun, Talon standing idly by next to Celestias throne, watching each of the ponys state their cases before the princesses and the court. Things have gone quiet thus far; most asking for mundane things such as bits to help repair their buildings from the recent dragon attack, blessings on marriages, one tax dispute and many others simply coming to thank the princesses for their saving the city. Celestia had however in each occasion, noted that it was indeed Luna and the pilot who had done the fighting.

Talon let out a yawn, being bored out of his skull watching the display. Luna herself was laying on a pillow next to the pilot, reading over a tome about equestrian tax laws. Things went according to plan thus far; until the three had heard a shrill voice yelling, coming closer to the throne room doors. Talon looks to Luna, seeing her ears pinned back and a look of annoyance on her features. Quickly turning his gaze to Celestia, he also seen the regal white alicorn with her hoof to her face, ears also pinned back. It was obvious...they knew the source of that voice.

"Un hoof me you clouts! How dare you bar a noble from entering the court, but allow a commoner to go?!" The pilot hears from the far off closed doors. Even the guards standing inside the throne room roll their eyes. His hand shifts to his holstered pistol, undoing the clasp. He looks down when he feels something touch his leg. Luna had reached out to him with her fore hoof. Her eyes were pleading as she shook her head slowly.

"Ugh...send him in.." The regal white alicorn said, regathering herself and forcing on her serene calm mask. Celestia knew what this would be about, and was clearly in no mood to deal with this. The stoic solar guards nodded and followed orders, opening the doors quickly.

A blond stallion with a pure white coat and a compass rose on his flank fur entered, exalting an air of extreme arrogance and self worth. The pilot eyed this stallion, knowing the type all too well. 'Christ...even this world has its douche bags.' He mutters under his breath, causing the dark alicorn to snicker quietly.

"Auntie Celestia..Auntie Luna, always such a pleasure to see you." the blond unicorn stallion smugly said. "I have come today to ask about a silly little rumor. Some commoner had stated the gala was closed this year...I'm here to prove otherwise!"

Even Celestia couldn't help but crack a small smile as she looked at him, clearly about to enjoy her very next move. She drew a soft breath and spoke, narrowing her gaze to the unicorn stallion. "Why yes prince Blueblood. It is true. We have canceled the grand galloping gala this year."

Luna buried her muzzle in the large tome held in her hooves, attempting to hide the smile she had on it. It was her idea after all, and she was expecting this very reaction. Her elder sister Celestia in this case, was all too thrilled to be the one to deliver the news.

Prince Blueblood scoffed at this, his eyes wide with shock, and a look of disgust on his features. "But auntie! Why would you close the gala? It is only the best social event for the year, and only the best of the nobility will be there!"

Celestia smiled serenely, her calm mask hiding the true joy she was getting out of this. In honest truth, the princesses hated the gala. They were always boring, always the same. Nobles scheming against each other constantly to try and win the princesses favor. All of the underhanded tactics, the lies, the scandals. The nobility were all shallow and petty. Were it not for the two sisters delegating duties so many centuries ago to this class to help maintain the kingdom, they would have swept it aside and rid the world of them. Ponys should be equals to one another, not divided into a flawed caste system. She drew another soft breath and focused her eyes on the stallion at the steps of the throne.

"The gala has been canceled due to more important issues currently, my nephew. The room is currently in use, and will be for quite some time until I deem it appropriate to be otherwise." Celestia says in her calm regal tone. "Aside from which, the dragon attack recently has made holding the gala a much lower priority. You are however, welcome to host your own party at your estate."

Princess Luna snickered softly, relishing in this moment. For too long has she looked for an excuse to get out of going to one of these gatherings, and finally thanks to the pilot using the ballroom as a hangar, she has one. The soft sounds of her quiet melodic laughter only seems to irritate the stallion more.

"And for what could be so important to cancel the grandest social gathering of the year, aunt Celestia? And why is she taking joy in this?!" Blueblood hotly demanded. Luna lowered her book and peered at him, her eyes narrowed in anger after being disrespected. The pilot folds his arms and shakes his head, watching this unfold.

"And what is...that?!" Blueblood looks at the pilot. "It's simply repulsive! One of your sisters pets, I assume?"

Snap. The proverbial straw that broke the camels back, so to speak. Celestias calm mask finally drops, a stern look of disappointment on her features. "That, nephew, is my sisters special somepony, and the man who saved Canterlot from all eight of the attacking dragons. And what is so important, is that the ballroom is being used to house his machine. You will show some respect." She dis'passionately replies, a small smirk on her muzzle. Lunas eye twitches as she looks at the stallion, her own patients close to running out.

Talon steps down off of the stage where the alicorns throne is, coming face to muzzle with Blueblood. He holds out his hand in an offer to shake, as he did with the guards and every other pony he's met. His expression is firm, but calm. "It's nice to meet you sir, I am Lt. Commander Talon Masters, United States Navy."

Blueblood pins his ears back and scoffs. "Eww! You expect me to touch this..this creatures claw? What if it has an ailment?! Get away from me commoner!" Blueblood shrieks as he backs away from the pilot.

Talon rolls his eyes and lowers his hand, looking at the annoying stallion. "I assure you, sir. I have no strange illnesses that could affect your kind. It was an offer of peace and friendship, as is custom on my world." Talon says slowly, his tone firm.

Luna rises off of her pillow and falls in next to the pilot, her gaze piercing as she looks at Blueblood. She gets muzzle to muzzle with him, craning her neck so she can meet his smaller stature. The dark alicorns wings are deployed wide open, threateningly. She's clearly very very pissed. "Dost thou hear mine sister? T'was HE who flew his craft and defended this city, including your estate and LIFE, nephew. HE is also MINE special somepony, who rescued ME from timber wolves and saved mine life! Thou wist be wise to beseech him for forgiveness! We prithee thy wax and bequeath from our sight at once!" The blue alicorn stated coldly, her eyes flickering to their draconic slits.

Celestia clears her throat and gets their attention, her features returned to their calm serenity they once were before he entered. "Prince Blueblood. Your answer is simple. The Grand Galloping Gala is canceled until we otherwise see fit. Now I believe might be a good time to please show yourself out, if that is all, nephew." The temperature of the room seems to have slightly increased, her gaze fixed upon the stallion. Her features were calm and quiet, but her eyes clearly said 'I'm not playing, little one.'

The unicorn stallion bows and turns to exit, muttering under his breath. Talon smiles at this sight and waves at him as he's leaving. "Goodbye Blue Balls. It was a pleasure to meet you!" He says with a smile. The stallion mutters more as he's walking out, his head low, ears pinned back and his tail tucked between his legs. The throne room doors close, and all three of them break down laughing.

It takes several minutes for the two alicorns and pilot to calm their laughter, as even the guards begun to chuckle at the sight of the most annoying pony in existence finally being put in his place. Regaining her composure for a third time today, Celestia finally resumes her serene mask of regal calmness. Luna returned to her spot on the pillow, and Talon a taken position between the two alicorns, gently stroking the dark alicorns mane to calm her down. Princess Luna nickers softly, enjoying the contact while she relaxes once again with her book. Her wings loosen up and fold down, twitching every once in awhile gently.

Day court once again resumes, the guards allowing in the next petitioners. Walking into the throne room and giving a slow bow, a single earth pony mare. She has a slate grey coat, with long black hair. Around her neck is a purple bow tie, and a treble clef adorns her flank fur in purple. She sweetly smiles at the princesses before she speaks.

"Greetings, your majesty's. I am Octavia Melody of the Canterlot Symphony Orchestra." She says with a soft sweet smile. "I come here today, as I have gotten a notice in the post that you had to cancel your reservations with our group due to unforeseen circumstances?" She politely asks.

Celestia nods slowly at the polite earth pony, looking into her eyes and smiles sweetly in return. "Yes miss Melody, I am afraid that things have come up where we will not be hosting the Grand Galloping Gala this year, so your groups services will not be needed to perform this coming week. However, we will happily re book the occasion for your services at a later time."

The earth pony nods with her same sweet gentle smile, her silky voice replies quietly. "I thank you. I was sent by my troupe to insure it was not a matter of our performance not meeting your expectations. I am glad to hear this is not the case." She bows once more and waits for the princess to dismiss her. Once she is released, she quietly strides back to the door, her head held high and her tail swishing slowly behind her. The doors close once more.

"Captain Flash, how many other petitioners are there today?" Celestia asks, looking to her lead solar guard at the base of the throne.

He raises his clip board to his eye level and flips through the pages, then returns his look to the princess. "No more petitioners are scheduled today, princess." He says, his expression stoic and emotionless.

Celestia rises to her hooves and stretches once she's off of the throne, a loud audible pop coming from her hip. She sighs in relief and shakes her head, tossing her mane to and fro. Descending the stairs, she walks slowly to exit the throne room, with her guards in tow behind her. Luna and Talon are left alone now.

The pilot looks down at the dark alicorn and lets out a huff of air. "Man...and you have to go through this every night?" He says, raising an eyebrow.

Luna gets to her hooves as well and stretches, then answers after a yawn. "Sometimes...most nights no pony comes in. My midnight courts are usually just me being bored, reading a book or on rare occasion playing ponys and castles with the Lunar Stallions. Aegis Shield makes for a good DM...you should join sometime." She says with a smile.

He nods silently and smiles. "That sounds like it could be fun. It'll have to be after we get the warbird up and going again though." he says while looking her in the eyes. Luna nods with a smile. "Well...lets go check on the progress then. Your engineers seemed to know their stuff, so they probably have the engine in pieces by now and are figuring things out. Shall we?"

Luna nods quickly, her eyes closed as she dreamily smiles. She was getting to spend more time with him, all the attention on her, every second of the day and night. Truly this is what she always wished for. Before her banishment, she never wanted the love of the world; just one pony would have been perfect. And now, she has just that. She turns to step towards the throne room doors, when she feels the pilots hand rest on her croup. Her eyes go wide as she blushes, and her wings twitch. *POMF!* Her wings deploy open in a snap, without her command. She knocks the pilot on his back accidently from the force of the hit.

He shakes his head, shaking the daze out of his eyes as stares up at the high ceilings. One second he was standing, the next, on his back! He blinks the stars out of his vision after being knocked down by the hit. "Whoa...the hell was that?!" He staggers to his feet, wiping his face to check for blood. Looking up he sees Luna with a nervous smile and backing away slowly, blushing furiously. Her wings are wide open and erect, twitching excitedly on their own.

"Eh heh...sorry!" Luna says with honest surprise.

He looks her over, retracing in his mind where she was in position, then it dawns on him. His hand came down to his side, he glanced her backside above her butt mark. He chuckles at the obvious mistake. "Heh..I'm not touching that button again.."

The alicorn giggles, then steps to him and nuzzles him lovingly, still blushing furiously. Her face and cheeks flushed and hot. "I guess I...should have warned you...when a pegasus or alicorn becomes excited...their wings sometimes do that. It's uhm.." She fidgets, her fore hoof pawing the ground as she blushes more. "It's...how you know we're.."

"In the mood." He finishes for her, deadpanned. He shakes his head and sighs, laughing a little. "Remind me to stay away from those next time we're in bed. You'll probably send me into a wall."

This only makes the alicorn blush more, her cheeks puffing out a bit. She flicks her tail in mock annoyance, truthfully to hide the fact she was starting to become hot back there again. Her ears twitch slowly, in sync with her wings.

He walks over to her again and strokes her withers to her back softly, to try and calm the excited mare down. The effect however, only earns him the alicorns very soft nickering as she buries her muzzle into his flight suit to hide her blush and smile. Her wings do however, start to relax as he strokes them gently as well. This proceeds for a few minutes while the two stand in silence, until she relaxes completely and her wings are held loosely at her sides once more. Finally, the two begin to make their way to the engineers.

The walk down the halls of the palace is uneventful as the two travel in silence. The alicorns head is held high and her ears perked up and forward, a soft smile on her muzzle. Her ethereal tail flows behind her lazily, like a banner being towed behind an aircraft. After several minutes of walking down the long corridors, the two reach their destination. What greets them is a surprising sight.

Inside the room the group of seven engineer ponys are working feverishly, with several large tables cluttered with parts both new and old. Two unicorns are using replication magic, going piece by piece of the dismantled engine and creating brand new replacement parts. By the appearance of things, there's enough fresh parts here to build several engines. In the far corner of the large room, are two earth ponys putting the pieces together, following a blueprint drawn up of the completed engine. Three pegasi ponys are flying about the room slowly, carrying parts from one area to another. In the center of the room, two engine cradles have been constructed, and the start of the powerplants frame has already been built. Both pilot and alicorn watch in amazement at the progress. One of the unicorns sees them standing at the doorway, and stops work for a moment to greet them.

"Greetings, your Highness!" The unicorn says with a bow. He's a dark tan unicorn with bright blue eyes and black square framed glasses. He has a wrench shaped patch on his flank fur for a cutie mark. The unicorn rises once again and faces the pair, obviously with excitement on his features. "The work is proceeding smoothly, and we are learning much from this piece of beautiful technology. It's simply amazing on how it works, we've never seen anything like it!" He excitedly states in his nasally high pitched voice.

The pilot smiles and opens his mouth to speak, when the alicorn beats him to it. "Indeed! It is wonderful machinery. We see that you have a second stand in the room...are you rebuilding the original as well?" Luna says, curious.

"We are afraid the original cannot be saved, princess. Upon doing our initial check, we discovered something rather curious! It seems the unit was mostly melted from the inside, indicating it was using an incorrect fuel source of very high octane. I had sent somepony to check the other engine, finding it has much the same symptoms! Curious wouldn't you know?" The unicorn replies.

Talon shakes his head and looks away, knowing that was his fault to begin with.

"We also decided it would be best if we simply replaced the functioning engine as well, to prevent that one from also failing down the road. No need to worry however, princess! The replacements will be able to take any kind of fuel you throw at it, with metals being crafted out of the best Equestria has to offer! Why, we bet that the burning could be as hot as your wonderful sisters sun and be simply fine!" The unicorn stallion says with pride, puffing out his chest and grinning ear to ear.

The alicorn smiles at this, nodding happily. "Excellent! Please do whatever you believe is needed, spare no expense or take shortcuts. This is for Equestria as a whole and for the crown!" She declared pridefully.

"Will you be able to also replace the missiles and ammunition as well?" The pilot breaks into the conversation.

Turning to face the pilot now, the unicorn nods furiously. "Yes! We believe that we will be able to make something comparable, however we do have a minor problem. We cannot despite our attempts replicate the fuel to propel the missiles you have in your machine. So we will need to find an alternate source of the propellent."

"Leave the fuel to me, Mr.." Luna speaks up.

"Vince Van Vendington. Professor Vince Van Vendington, your Highness." He says with a slight bow. "My brother Vance Vendington also works here in Canterlot, as an auctioneer!"

The dark alicorn nods slowly to this, having absolutely no idea who this pony is speaking of. "Right...well Professor Vendington.." She clears her throat and turns her attention back to the professor. "Please leave the fuel to me. I will have a large container of it in the ballroom this eve, when the moon is high on its course."

The unicorn stallion bows, then canters back to his work. Talon and Luna turn to exit the room, proceeding to her study.

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"So why is your machine black, Talon?" Luna says casually. The two are on the balcony of her study. The sun is beginning to set over Canterlot now, the long day nearly over. Talon is at the balcony s edge, leaning on the railing; his back turned to Luna while he's watching the activity in the city off in the distance.

Hearing her, he turns and looks at the alicorn. "Hm?" He asks.

"Your aircraft...why is it painted black anyway? I've always wanted to know why." Luna says as she gets up from her resting position to come closer to him, her gaze on the aircraft resting in the ballroom not far from her study.

"Most stealth aircraft are. My bird mainly flew at night for missions that meant I needed to get there undetected." He replied quietly, his own gaze falling to his aircraft. "You know...night time here is actually more beautiful than it is on my world. So much more peaceful here. The skies are always so calm, and you can always see the stars clearly." He says, glancing up at the setting sun on the horizon.

Luna blushed at hearing his compliment on her night sky. All her life, all she's ever wanted was somepony to love her, and only her. She smiled inwardly at this, perking up her ears. "If you enjoy the night so much...why do you sleep through it then?" She asks slowly, her gaze now turned to the pilot.

He continues looking at the warbird down below, his gazed fixed there rather than on the alicorn. "It's just the time I usually slept during back on earth. It also has to do with the nights here are always so peaceful and relaxing. Honestly...I love the night more than the day. All the best stuff happens. Writers write novels, painters paint masterpieces, some of the best love songs on earth are sung about the night itself. "

Her heart begins to race in her chest. 'He loves...my night?' She thinks to herself. Her cheeks become flushed and hot. "Not...not many ponys liked my night, long ago...no matter how beautiful I made it for them."

"Then they didn't know what they were missing. And shame on them for ignoring it." He says quietly, still not looking at the alicorn. "Some of my fondest memories of Earth were of events during the night..Getting assigned as a stealth pilot was a bonus for me. I always got to fly under the moonlight. Nothing to worry about, just me the stars and whatever my orders were." He reaches in his flight suit for a cigarette and finds one, lights it and in hails. Ex hailing, he looks back at the horizon. "Back when I was on the Enterprise, one of my favorite things to do was stand out on the flight deck at night. Nothing but open ocean and clear, starlit skies..."

She begins to sniffle, tears welling up within her. He turns to her slowly upon hearing this. "Luna...you ok? Did..Did I say something wrong?" He asks warily.

She shakes her head furiously, tears trickling down her muzzle. The alicorn leaps at him, wrapping him in her fore hooves then in her long elegant wings. Wordlessly she sniffles, happy at hearing all of this. She breathes deep, and after a few moments speaks. "All I've ever wanted..was somepony to love my nights..just one was all I ever wanted!"

He sighs, supporting the alicorns weight on him. She's heavy, causing him to strain somewhat. Though he's exerting himself somewhat, he tries to make no signs of his difficulty with her embracing him like this. He raises an arm and strokes her mane on her neck. "Well..then you have what you wished for. Your night sky is beautiful, princess. And if I had it my way, I'd prefer to always be able to see you make it."

She nods, her muzzle still on his shoulder, embracing him tighter for a moment before she lowers herself back onto all four hooves. She's smiling sweetly to him, gazing through her tear filled eyes. Her wings hang loosely at her sides, her tail swishing slowly and high. Her eyes glisten and shimmer in the fading sunlight, as she leans forward and kisses the pilot deeply and lovingly.

From down below, a Solar guard is watching the events unfold upon the balcony. Shift change has come, his post being replaced by a Lunar Stallion. The two greet one another and change places, the solar guard cantering off out of sight.

Once out of sight and sure no pony is nearby watching, the guard changes with a green magic shimmer, its appearance shifting to a milky blue pegasus stallion. He takes off into the sky, disappearing into the clouds.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.......................................~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Changeling queen continues sitting upon her throne, making plans and assigning positions to her drones in preparation to the coming invasion. Her attention is caught when a pegasus enters the cavern, then walks to the steps of the throne. Her green eyes flash and her tongue traces her fangs. The changeling queen nods to the newcomer.

The milky blue pegasus stallion bows, then drops the magic. It's one of her drones. The drone begins to chatter and hiss while looking at Chrysalis, motioning with its front legs.

"Is that right...so the dark one has a powerful love you say? And it's the creature that flies the banshee?" She smiles wickedly, descending off of her obsidian throne of skulls and flesh. "Well done...continue to watch them, learn her movements..this we can use." She chuckles darkly, her silken dual voice echoing inside the cavern room. The drone bows once more and steps off, then puts up the magical glamour once more.

"This is simply too perfect...Not only one, but two alicorns in love now...I can almost taste the energy..the power!" She giggles in her dark silken voice, returning to her position on her throne. "There is nothing more delicious than the heart of an Alicorn in love. Nothing more precious and full of power..Make ready my children! We shall soon have our revenge!" She calls out to the hive.

In the darkness of the cavern, hundreds of pairs of green orbs dance in the shadows, the hive buzzing and chattering with activity. The time will soon come, when they will feed and make their queen proud.

Chrysalis brings her hoof mirror to her face, levitating it within her sickly green magic. Her eyes flash and her spell weaves its tendrils throughout her visage, her glamour taking over. She stares at the refection with wicked glee, laughing evily at the alicorn staring back at her. "Soon...Equestria and the power of the banshee will be mine..all mine! Ha ha ha ha ha!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.......................................~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On the balcony of Princess Lunas chambers, Talon watches as the alicorn finishes raising the moon. This had been her best time yet, the stars and moon never having been so beautiful as they are this night. The pale moonlight seems to glow with a deep silver-ish hue of red, the stars all a bright beautiful tapestry of glinting jewels and gems, sparkling in blues and whites, silver and sapphires. She glides gently down to her hooves again, and flutters her wings. The night air is blowing a chilly, gentle breeze. The alicorn looks at him, blushing with a soft smile. Even in the darkness and only the pale moonlight illuminating her features, you can see the darkness of the blush coloring her cheeks and muzzle.

"Very well done." The pilot says, clapping. He pulls the cigarette out of his lips and ex hails a stream of smoke, smiling at her. "I think that was your best one yet Luna. Not bad for a space horse." He jokes.

She nickers softly, flicking her tail. "Thank you!" She says, her wings twitching with excitement. "I'm glad you like it."

Talon nods, and takes another pull from the cigarette. "Always, princess. It looks great, just like the mare that made it."

Luna smiles at this, but her attention is pulled away before she could speak; there's a knocking at the door. "Lulu...are you in here?" Celestia says, the door opening slowly. She steps into the room, seeing the pair on the balcony. Celestia smiles, her features ever calm and serene. "Spectacular job tonight sister! You really went all out this evening."

This only causes the alicorn to blush more. "Oh...T'was nothing, Tia." She smiles, basking in the praise. "What brings thee into mine chambers?" She asks quickly, tilting her head as she comes to a rest on her haunches.

Celestia nods. "I have just recently checked the progress of the engineers. They just left recently, returning to their quarters while they stay in the palace. It seems that they believe they will have the new engines ready tomorrow for you to test fly, and wanted to remind you to have the fuel ready for the tests." She said calmly. "I'm looking forward to seeing how Equestrian innovation stacks up against human machinery. This is exciting!" She muses.

Luna smiles and nods, turning her gaze to Talon who takes position next to her. The pilot nods politely to Celestia, who smiles genuinely in return. "I'll make sure it's ready for them. Please have a large drum or container brought to the ballroom, and I'll be sure it's full to the brim for them!" Luna declares hotly.

Celestia nods in understanding and turns, walking out, the doors closing behind her. Luna then looks up at the pilot, who is strapping his boots back on again. "I told you they were fast." Luna says with a smirk and a hint of pride in her voice. Talon grunts in agreement as he's strapping up his other boot.

"Yep...space ponys never cease to amaze me. So what are we waiting for? Lets go." He says standing up. He starts to make way for the door, and stops when he sees Luna walking back to the balcony. "Hey...aren't you coming?"

She smiles to him, alicorn mischief dancing in her eyes. Her wings open and her horn alights, encompassing the unsuspecting pilot in her magic. He's levitated over to her and suspended in the air. "Yes, but I prefer the shortcut."

He hangs lazily in the air, arms folded in annoyance. "What shortcut? I can't fly without my plane, remember?" He says, raising an eyebrow. He swallows hard when he sees the glimmer if mischief in the alicorns eyes, as she walks closer to the balconies edge. "Luna...don't do it.."

She grins wickedly and levitates him onto her back, holding him firmly in place with her magic, then jumps off. She pumps her wings quickly, gaining altitude for a moment while the pilot is being forced for a ride, giggling at hearing him complain about it. She circles the courtyard for a couple of times, laughing at his protests, then finally glides down to the hangar.

Once on the ground, he dismounts and staggers off, annoyed at the alicorn now for the surprised ride. He sighs and shakes his head, not wanting to speak and let her hear the irritation in his voice. This display only causes the alicorn and the nearby Lunar Stallions to snicker. A container is waiting in the corner of the archway, a large drum big enough to hold at least eighty gallons of the liquid moonlight. The princess canters up to it and begins to swish her horn slowly, gathering the moonlight first into a vapor, then into a liquid as it funnels into the drum.

This goes on for a few minutes as the pilot walks over to the warbird, checking it over again. He sees nothing new or out of place. Luna clears her throat and gets his attention, causing him to look up to her. "all done." she says in a sing song voice. He nods and walks back to her side. Looking into the large drum, he can see it's nearly ready to overflow with the moonlight fuel. He smiles at this, surprised at how quickly and effortlessly she was able to create it. He chuckles and pats the alicorn on the back.

"Good work. Very good work." He says, nodding in approval. Luna nickers softly and smiles, turning away from the warbird and exiting the hangar, following the pilot. The two make their way back into the palace, heading back to the night princesses chambers. It's been a very long day, and both her and the pilot are tired. The two walk in silence, enjoying each others company.

The walk is uneventful as they make their way, finally reaching her bedroom. The pilot straight away leaves her side, making way for the wash room for his usual routine before hitting the rack for sleep. The alicorn however; didn't join him this time.

Luna walks to the balcony once more, stepping out into the chilly night air. She looks off into the distance at the horizon, smiling at her beautiful night sky. Her heart beats slow but strong within her barrel, the sound of it in her ears softly ticking away. She can hear the water running in the room behind her. She smiles and draws a breath, her eyes closing. 'I'm..I'm in love. I really am in love, mother..' She thinks, her thoughts echoing in her mind and heart. She can feel the butterflies in her stomach, and her cheeks warming to the thought. It's rare, that one is lucky enough to hear an alicorn sing. For the only time this rare and melodic grace ever touches the wind, it's when one has the heart of an alicorn to call their own. With her eyes closed, she raises her muzzle, tasting the gentle wind with her senses. The alicorn begins to sing a soft lullaby to herself.

While in the washroom, the pilot looks around, realizing his fatal mistake; he's forgotten his towel. 'Shit...it's still hanging on the chair so it could dry..gotta go get it.' he mutters, annoyed. He turns to go walk back into the room, and stops before he pushes the door open. He can hear a soft voice in the other room. He stands and listens to its beautiful melody and tune. 'Singing...?' He thinks to himself, gently pushing open the door to not make a sound. He peers around the corner and looks, seeing something never expected. Standing on the balcony under the stars, Luna is singing. He watches in amazement.

Lunas horn begins to glow, a dim blue light encompassing it. The magic is weaving lazily, seemingly doing nothing. From the ground however, everypony in the world can see what's occurring. Up in the heavenly night sky, an occasional shooting star is glancing the night, and other stars are appearing from nowhere. On this night the world can see...a small heart shaped formation appearing above Canterlot. Her wings open slowly on their own, slowly fluttering and bobbing idly at her sides. She continues to sing. Everypony within range of the hauntingly beautiful melody is placed into a soothing trance, their own hearts warmed by its meaning and softness.

He watches this all unfold quietly enjoying the show from the shadows. Even the pilots eyes begin to become moist upon hearing her song. It's a very soft, sweet melody; not one with words per say..but feeling. He could actually feel and hear the alicorns true emotions, and the deep love within it. He silently watched in wonder as she took each breath and ex hailed each note. For several minutes this occurs, until her song ends. He silently walks up beside her, and rests his hand on her withers.

She looks up to the source of the touch, opening her eyes slowly. Standing next to her is her pilot, a calm serene smile on his features. Her heart skips a beat, knowing full well that he heard every note and melody of her hearts song. She leans up for a kiss under the moonlight, wrapping a wing around him in her embrace under her night sky.

Author's Note

The theme of this chapter is to help build upon the quickly growing romance between the two, and to shed light on why it is she held him so dear to her heart. I tried not to take it over the top with being overly mushy...so be nice in the reviews. lol. Keep reading my friends, we're just getting warmed up.

Starlight Kisses and Lunar Wishes

Chapter 9: Starlight Kisses and Lunar Wishes

Luna lay awake in her chambers, her sister Celestia having returned to her own some time ago after the two had spoken of the life water from the Lazarus potion. She was tiredly staring into the flames of the fireplace, unable to sleep from frustration and depression. The night princess could feel her heart breaking more and more; her sanity slipping away. Restless was the vengeful alicorn, her mind dancing with thoughts of the past. What went wrong, how everything fell into place. Thoughts of her love dieing in front of her eyes, and being completely unable to do anything to stop it.

She rises to her hooves, anger welling up within her. She could feel that familiar black magic calling to her again, whispering in her mind. The shadows within her soul promising to reverse this tragedy, and wrap the world in her eternal lullaby. She shakes it off however; instead choosing to go for a walk to ease her weary mind. She needs answers, as her elder sisters words echo in her thoughts. 'There is another power at work here, I believe. It's been four years, sister. Four years since we've heard anything from the parasite, and they suddenly cropped up from mother knows where, and had new abilitys that blocked our magic..'

Luna walks throughout the dark palace, coming to the large double doors near the ball room. Through the glass, she can see the familiar lights flickering from the still powered on monitors, and the hum of all the equipment the engineers created after building the warbirds power plants. She breathes deep and steps inside, pushing it open. She's greeted by an empty room, papers and equipment still covering the various tables within it. Her thoughts are haunted by the calls over the radio from the pilots final mission. The words echoing in her thoughts.

'Mayday! Mayday! Control, My engines just flamed out, I'm coming in hot! Flight controls unresponsive from damage!' She can hear the sounds of the alarms screaming in the cockpit of the aircraft as the words haunt her mind. She closes her eyes, blinking back tears she can feel welling up. Images flash in her mind as she fights the memory, of watching the crash. She sees the aircrafts wings and tail section on fire, gliding in fast and trailing smoke. 'Talon one has crashed...Talon one has crashed!' another haunting voice of the palace operators calls out in her mind, remembering the pony calling out over the newly installed intercom. She turns and gallops out of the empty control room, running as fast as her hooves will carry her.

She finds herself once again standing in the gardens, looking upon the wreckage. The thoughts continue to haunt her. In her mind she sees flashes of the crash; scattered memories of the event. She desperately tried to catch the burning warbird, only to knock it off course and watch it collide into the mountain side. She shakes her head and opens her eyes, gasping for air.

The air is still around her, the images gone. All around her hooves in the charred gravel, grass and stone paths, is glass, twisted metal and the heavy scent of fuel. Burned and melted metal parts scattered everywhere she could see. The midnight alicorn comes to a stop once more near the fuselage remains, pawing at the wreckage with her hoof. She stops when she sees a shimmer of blue light under a plate, and moves the metal aside. Under it, was the necklace she gave the pilot. Its chain was broken and melted, the gem covered in soot and dust; but still glowing just as beautifully as the night she presented him this gift. Within the small glass orb, was a star. One she plucked from her very mane, and placed within a glass ball and sealed with Lunar magic. Its original purpose to always keep a part of her with him, so she could protect and watch over his own heart. The midnight princess crumples to the ground, holding the damaged gift in her hooves. She stares into its soft light, remembering the meaning behind it, and why she gave him something so precious; an eternal part of her very soul.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~......................................................~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In her chambers, the night alicorn lays her head upon the pilots chest. Her mane and coat soaked with sweat. She's panting hard, her mind reeling from their embrace. Her heart is racing, as she lays there blissfully content. The bed sheets are soaked from their embrace, and she can feel the intense warmth deep within her womb once more, safely securing the pilots seed. She smiles dreamily, regaining her breath. The only sounds in the room is their breathing, and the gentle wind of the night air.

She feels his heart beating in his chest, the sound ticking away softly in her ear as she comes down from her state of ecstasy, completely drained energy wise. His deep slow breaths lulling her gently to sleep.

"That...was amazing.." She says breathlessly, her own heart rate slowing down finally. She opens her eyes half liddedly, gazing into the shadows of the room.

"Mm...yes, it was..." He tiredly replied. "Not...not quite what I had in mind for rack time, Luna.." He said mid yawn, unable to keep his eyes open. He can feel the alicorn nuzzle more into him, her head adjusted to a more comfortable position on his shoulder joint. "...hope we didn't wake half the palace that time.."

She murmurs, her eyes closed. "Who cares...that just means they know i enjoyed myself.." She yawns, nestled into her comfortable new pillow. Her ear flicks when she hears a soft sound unfamiliar to her. Lifting her head, she groggily opens her eyes, seeing the pilot has already fallen asleep, and is now snoring softly. She smiles and snickers at this, laying her head down once again. "I'll...just talk to you in your dreams.." she murmurs softly. Her horn alights lazily, as she casts her dream magic.

Luna opens her eyes in the dream realm of the pilot, staring out at an unfamiliar ocean in a sea of black, blanketed by stars. Under her hooves she can feel a hard metallic surface, and sounds she'd never heard before. The air is soft and warm, smelling heavily of salt water. Just shortly in the distance, she can see the pilot of her affections standing alone at the edge of the ground, overlooking the ocean of inky blackness before her. She slowly walks up to him. "Talon..?" She calls out softly.

He turns around, his attention on the alicorn. "Luna? What are you doing here...and why are we here?" He asks, looking around. "This...this is the flight deck of the Enterprise.." He says, gazing at the ship all around him.

Luna nods slowly, a soft smile on her features. "We're in your dream, my love. The realm of the dream is mine to walk, as is all matters of the night." She says softly, nuzzling him. She steps back and cranes her neck, looking around. "So this is what your world looks like? This is the ship?"

He nods. "Yes...this is my old ship." He glances up at the stars and constellations in the night sky, than back down to the alicorn. "And by the looks of it, we're somewhere in the Atlantic ocean, somewhere south of my country." He sighs, embracing the alicorn in a hug. He stands back up and looks around more. "Dream realm huh...Couldn't get enough of me in the real world I take it?"

Luna blushes and looks away, her ears turned back slightly. "Well, I've always been curious what your dreams were...and you fell asleep before saying goodnight or I love you.." She paws the flight deck with her fore hoof. The air is quiet and blowing gently, as the carrier pushes ahead into the night. The sounds of the water splashing up against the hull of the ship relax the alicorn, as she looks around happily. She notices near a large structure there are several more aircraft, somehow different than the warbird she was so used to seeing. "What kind of machines are those?" She says, pointing with her hoof.

He looks up, smiling. "Those are F/A-18 hornets, Luna. My wingman Wizard was flying that type of aircraft on our mission." He looks at the number on the nose, and shakes his head, chuckling. "And that actually is his aircraft, by the looks of it."

She nods, walking up to it and looking it over, the pilot beside her. "Where are all of the people?"

He sighs, folding his arms. "Usually this time of night unless there was a mission, it was rare that there were any flights. I'd imagine it's quiet time for the most part...not that I remember half of my shipmates faces anymore anyway. It was most always like this when I came out here to stargaze after a mission. I never had anything else to do really, and I didn't socialize much on the ship during my tour. When I wasn't on duty per say, I kept myself in my quarters either studying or out here by myself."

Luna nods, listening as she's walking around the mysterious new flying machine. It looks a lot less threatening than the warbird shes come accustomed to, and somewhat smaller. "I like yours better.." She says, turning her attention back to him. She smiles and walks closer to him again, nuzzling his side.

"Well, while you're here would you like a tour? It'll keep us busy until it's time to wake back up." He says with a smile, as he strokes her mane gently. The alicorn nickers softly and nods, following the pilot as he walks.

The two travel together, walking around on the empty aircraft carrier. He shows her everything he remembered, from the bridge, to his old quarters. Once they return to the flight deck, she watches with curiosity and interest as she sees aircraft launch on their own, and what it looked like to glimpse at his world. Her attention is drawn however, when she feels the familiar tug on her senses. She sighs.

"Looks like it's time to awaken...I sense I need to lower the moon, so sister could bring the coming dawn. And I was really enjoying myself too.." The alicorn says, hanging her head.

Talon nods, standing again at the edge of the flight deck. "Alright princess...just wake me up then when you're ready. See you on the other side."

Luna smiles to him, shimmering out of the dream. She awakens back in the normal world again, groggily opening her eyes. The room is still dark, and somewhat chilly from the open window. She's snuggled under the thick blankets on the very comfortable bed, still in the same position she fell asleep in. By the looks of the moon in the distant horizon, she can tell they've been asleep for several hours. Yawning, the alicorn rolls off the bed and staggers to the window, feeling a warm drip down on her hock. She blushes, but continues on her path to the balcony. The princess stares out at her night sky for a few moments. 'I love the night sky...more than I do the day.'

The pilots words from yesterday echo in her mind as she gazes at her moon. It would be all too easy for her, she knows. Too easy for her to press her magic and roll the moon back high into the sky, to maintain the world in her jeweled tapestry and lullaby. In her mind, she can feel it whispering to her again, the familiar call of the beckoning power within her. 'Why shouldn't I...He loves my night sky...he loves me..' She thinks, gazing at the white orb in the heavens. The sense becomes stronger within her chest, feeling the familiar tug once again of the moon waiting to descend into its resting place for the day, so it can once more grace Equestria in its wonder and soft light. She sighs and closes her eyes, erasing the dark thoughts and banishing the power again, and lowers the moon. She stands idly and watches the horizon lighten to a dim grey, feeling her sisters sun rising in the distance. Luna hangs her head and sighs, shaking it, before returning back to her bed and cuddling up to her pilot once more.

Several more hours pass, her sleep disturbed by the light forcing its way through the heavy curtains and invading her chambers. The night princess scrunches her nose and buries her muzzle deeper into the pillow, enjoying the warmth of her bed. Outstretching a hoof, she feels for the pilot...and doesn't find him. Her eyes fly open in alarm and she sits up in bed, searching the shadows of her dimly lit chambers. Her ears twitch and swivel, searching for his movements.

The washroom door opens, and out steps the pilot, once again in his fatigues and boots. His hair is wet and brushed, indicating he just finished bathing. He looks at the alicorn. "Good morning, Luna." He greets her warmly. "Sleep well?"

She eyes him and nods slowly, yawning. "mm...good morning.." She rolls off the bed and outstretches her wings, shaking the blood back into them from laying on them for so long. Finally after a few twists and audible pops, she finishes and folds them back down, then steps slowly to him. The alicorn frowns. "You bathed without me.." She says, a bit hurt.

He shrugs. "I tried to wake you up...you were out like a light." He sighs and folds his arms. "But if it will help you feel better, I don't mind helping you bathe or brush out."

She blushes and thinks on this for a moment, then smiles slyly. "Now who can't get enough of whom?"

He chuckles at her statement and shakes his head. "Says the alicorn that wouldn't let me simply sleep last night." Luna rolls her eyes, still grinning at him. She walks past him into the wash room. The pilot turns and follows her back, and takes a seat on a nearby step while she starts to bathe herself. The two sit in silence for a few minutes, until he clears his throat. "So uh...dream walking too? Can all space ponys do that?" He asks warily.

She giggles and rolls her eyes, still facing away from the pilot. "No, just me. It was interesting to get to see what your world was like, however."

He nods. "Glad you liked it. Though I assure you, there is much more to my world than just open oceans and aircraft carriers, princess."

She nods and turns her attention back to the task at hand, humming quietly to herself. This continues for several more minutes, until she finally exits the wade pool. The pilot carries over a towel and a small pin brush, drying off the alicorn for her and brushing out her coat in long, light strokes. She stands idly by with her eyes closed and a small soft smile on her face, relishing in all of the attention focused on her. Never in all of her years did she ever dream she would receive this kind of affection from anypony, let alone have it all to herself. The minutes tick away on the analog clock hanging in the wash room, the soft click tick getting her lost in the moments. It's when he stops she opens her eyes, and frowns slightly.

"All done, you're ready for your day, Luna." He says turned away from her, putting the items away in their respective places. Luna is a bit saddened that the process is over, but nods and walks beside him. She nuzzles her pilot gently and bites his sleeve. He raises an eyebrow to this, but walks along wherever the alicorn is choosing to drag him. They come to a stop at her vanity, and she plops down on the cushion in front of the mirror, a brush levitating in her magic. She holds it there suspended, eyes closed and a smile on her muzzle. "Heh...you my dear...are getting entirely too much enjoyment out of this." He says light heartedly. Luna only turns her muzzle up at him, still eyes closed and in a smile. In truth, she is enjoying this, every last second of it.

The pilot looks at the lazily flowing ethereal mane and tail in front of him, raising an eyebrow. "Um...yeah, how the hell do you brush magic hair?" He asks, confused. This causes the alicorn to open one eye and look at the mirror. She sees her ever free flowing ethereal mane flowing lazily in the cosmic wind and sighs.

"Oh..." She stands back up now and laughs. "Whoops...I'll..I'll deal with it later." She says quietly, starting to walk to the door. The pilot shrugs and sets the brush back on the vanity, following closely behind the night princess.

The two walk quietly together in silence, finding their way to the hangar. It's mid morning, so Celestia and Twilight have already had their breakfast. What greets them, is Celestia and Twilight Sparkle talking to the engineers, with both engines in cradles outside the hangar bay and in the gardens.

"You're just in time you two. The professor and his assistants here are ready to start up the new engines for your aircraft!" Celestia said with a prideful smile. Being held in her magic is a clip board and a quill, with her notes she's taking herself about the start up test.

Talon nods to her and takes a breath. "Perfect, princess Celestia. I'm glad we made it to come and see. How long have you all been out here?" he asks calmly.

"Not long, they just wheeled out the two engines and finished strapping them down. From what we've been told, these could be as if not more powerful than the original ones you already had!" Twilight chimes in excitedly.

"Princess, we've completed preparations!" The professor stated.

"Excellent work, my little ponies. Should we stand over there next to the aircraft, or right here?" Celestia says, motioning with her hoof.

"By the aircraft, if you please! And don't forget your ear protection! We believe these babys are going to really scream!" He replied enthusiastically to the princess. The group all stands back and places on a set of sound dampening headphones, while Celestia casts a sound proofing bubble around everypony. The professor lifts a small remote with his telekinesis and presses a button upon it with his hoof. The engines both begin to spin up slowly, the classic high pitched whine and whistle could be heard even inside the bubble. Several minutes pass, and he increases the engine throttle. On the stands before them, they see the engines shift forward against their bindings, long twin afterburners jetting out behind them. Talon stands amazed at the sight; a bunch of ponys had achieved the impossible, and built two functioning pulse detonation scram jet engines in one night. Not only that, but they functioned perfectly and could use the fuel Luna could provide in endless supply. So far, the day is perfect. The engines maintain full afterburner for several minutes, before he throttles them back and shuts down with the remote. Several more minutes pass, and the engines finally wind down to a whisper, then turn off.

Celestia releases the bubble and steps forward to the engines, circling them with curious wonder. A smile of great pride crosses her muzzle as she nods in approval. "Spectacular job gentle colts. How soon can we install these into the commanders aircraft and be flight ready?" She asks.

The engineers all talk quietly in a group huddle, then the professor returns his gaze back to the regal white alicorn before them. "We believe the great machine will be operational before sundown, your highness. We are still working on the replacement missiles and ammunition for the craft, and believe we will have an ample supply ready no later than one standard week." He replies in his nasaly high pitched voice.

Luna smiles at hearing all of this, her heart dancing with joy within her barrel. It saddened her when the aircraft was damaged in the fight with the dragons, like she was losing a new friend so soon after making one. To the midnight princess, the pilot and the warbird were both one in the same, yet completely separate entity's. On the ground, the warbird was a beautiful wonder in all of its glory. The pilot was her special some pony and lover. In the sky however, he was their guardian that ruled the skies with the banshee, and the warbird was a protector that sheltered the lives of the innocent under its mysterious dark wings. She nods in approval of hearing all of this unfold, jubilant in her motions as she slowly bobs on her hooves from excitement.

"I gotta hand it to you, ma'am. Your people..err..ponys sure are creative and hard working. The mechanics on my world couldn't have built one engine from scratch in a week, let alone two in one night." The pilot says, honestly impressed.

Both Celestia and Twilight smile in genuine delight hearing those words from the pilot, brimming with pride in their subjects. Celestia steps forward and nods her head. "Well it pleases me to hear you praise our land in such a way. It's the least we could do, since you did come to Canterlots defense against such great odds, and you also deciding to stay here with us."

Following military tradition, the pilot salutes the princess. "It's an honor to be here ma'am. You and yours make it a pleasure to stay, and as I told your beautiful sister, a place worth fighting for." He replies. Celestia giggles at the sight of the pilot saluting her for the first time, and paws at him with her hoof. He smiles at the gesture and drops his arm, returning to an at ease stance.

"If you'll excuse us then, we will be going to have lunch together, and then proceed to noon day court. Should you two need anything, please don't hesitate to bring it to my attention." Celestia says with her calm and regal mask and voice.

Luna nods slowly, resting on her haunches next to the pilot. Her ears are held forward, her head high. She has a calm, happy smile on her muzzle and her eyes are gentle and serene. Celestia gazes at her, her own features soft at the sight of her sister so happy.

"Oh and lulu..?" Celestia asks, biting her lower lip trying to stifle a snicker.

"Yes, Tia?" Luna asks, her attention on her sister now.

"Please use a better sound proofing spell...I could hear you all the way in my chambers last night..." The mask breaks, she's snickering and holding her hoof up to cover her muzzle.

Luna wide eyed- cross eyed and cheeks puffed out, is blushed a whole new shade of red. Even the pilot looks away now, his gaze upward to the sky trying to hide the embarrassment. In truth, he's grinning inwardly. A job well done to make any woman, or mare cry out your name that loud during that time. The midnight alicorn is in estrus, and has been since the night at the castle of the two pony sisters. So Luna has been sure to keep her pilot very busy ever since.

Celestia and Twilight are both snickering as they walk off to the royal kitchens, not waiting to hear the replies or mock cover up of the midnight alicorn. Luna and Talon are once again left to their own devices. The two stand there in shocked silence for several minutes, not believing Luna could have been so loud that Celestia could hear her an entire wing away in the palace.

"That...that could have gone better.." He says, not looking at the alicorn.

Luna slowly nods, still blushing too much to speak.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~..............................................~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Luna and Talon work together with the professor and other engineers after they themselves went to go get something to eat. With everypony plus pilot working together, the engines were installed and completely hooked up, ready for flight before the sun began to set. Talon sits in the cockpit, overlooking his instrumentation and doing systems checks.

Luna is standing on her hind legs again, her fore hooves resting against the fuselage of the aircraft. Her muzzle is resting on the gunnels of the cockpit, as she watches the pilot operate the warbirds computer and control surfaces. She watches in wonder of everything, while quietly listening to him speak so she herself could learn the crafts secrets. This process occurs for an hour, until he's completely finished.

"That about does it, pre flight looks good...I think we're ready to go up for a test run." He says, looking to the alicorn now. Luna is dreamily staring off into space, her wings extended out some and idly twitching and bobbing unconsciously . She nods and murmurs, still with a far off look in her eyes. The pilot strokes her mane and behind her ears with his hand, getting her attention.

Luna focuses on him now, smiling serenely. In all truth, she couldn't ever remember being this happy in all of her years. Though the pilot of her affections was more focused on his machine than her, it was the fact that he would talk to her and explain in detail about everything that she enjoyed. It was his company, his voice, his soft touch and kindness that she loved so. Her eyes close as she feels his ministrations in her wispy ethereal mane and behind her ears, and she sighs contentedly. Once he stops, she pushes off of the fuselage with her fore hooves and comes to a rest back on all fours.

"When would you like to do the test run?" She asks, turning her attention to the setting sun in the distance.

"We could do a night flight now if you wish, or fly tomorrow. It's your choice, Luna." He says, his attention turned back to the cockpit controls as he looks at the fuel status. "We have enough in the tanks to fly for a few hours, if we don't go hyper sonic during it. "

She nods and coils her hind legs, then leaps onto the canard with a flap of her powerful wings. The pilot watches as she lighty steps, then climbs into her co pilots seat behind him. She folds in her wings and gets comfortable, using her magic to levitate the harness around her barrel and soft stomach.

"Now it is then." He says grinning, turning around to face his controls again. He flips the switches for the canopy closure, and starts up the engine sequence. The warbirds engines whine to life, loudly spinning up inside the hangar as the aircraft powers up again. He puts on his helmet and adjusts his headset radio, while the midnight alicorn levitates her own back to her own ears and head, setting the mouthpiece close to her muzzle. The engines reach their operating speed, and he slowly taxis out of the hangar bay.

The warbird gleams in the fading sunlight as it slowly rolls down the path to the runway recently built in the courtyard. The sound of the aircraft s engines gets the attention of the palace staff again, the royal guards and maids all watching from windows, balcony s or the palace steps as it rolls on by.

"Are you sure you're wanting to go up again Luna? You don't need to be here for a test flight. It's just around Canterlot a few times to break in the new engines." He calls out to her over the radio.

Luna smilles as she looks out the canopy, waving her hoof to all of the spectators. "I wouldn't have climbed in if I didn't want to come!" She replied excitedly, a wide grin on her muzzle.

The banshees cry now has Princess Celestias attention, as she watches the warbird taxi in front of the palace and come to a stop in the courtyard. She rears up on her hind legs and rests her forelegs on the rail of her study balcony, a small smile of her features.

"How long do you think they'll be up in the sky this time?" Twilight Sparkle asks, coming to a rest next to her mentor.

Celestia gazes at the warbird below, smiling as the canards open and the aircraft spreads it wings, still stopped at the edge of the runway. "I don't know...we could go ask them once they take off." She replied cryptically. Pride fills the white alicorns heart as she looks onward, knowing it was her ponys ingenuity at work behind the warbirds functioning engines. Alicorn mischief dances in her eyes as she watches, the thought of how Luna and the pilots faces would look when she reveals her second surprise of the day. The warbird has just provided all of Equestria with untold riches of useful information from within its vast database, her own scribes and librarians now hard at work deciphering the human language so she could find out more about the curious world their visitor had come from, and the useful advances in the modern equestrian age it would bring. She alights her horn and stalls the sun for a few more moments, keeping the sky lit with the fading sunlight of dusk. The aircrafts on board lights switch on, and she smiles at all of its flashing lights. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" She asks her love.

Twilight can't help but to stare in wonder at the machine before her eyes, relishing in the moment as she sees and hears it all. She nods quickly to Celestia, her eyes still glued to the scene unfolding below.

They watch in wonder as they see light appearing from the tail of the warbird, then turning into two long blue and white jets of focused fire, sending the aircraft rocketing down the runway at an amazing speed. The sound of the banshees powerful cry thundering all around them, causing even the alicorns heart to pound in her chest. The warbird takes off into the sky, and climbs almost straight up into the clouds, disappearing from view. The palace guards and staff watching cheer wildly, causing Celestia to only grin more.

Luna squees in delight as the warbird begins its climb into the sky, enjoying the exhilarating rush of the forces against her body. She better prepared herself this time for the flight, knowing just what to expect. Pride fills her as she smiles a wide open smile, knowing she's the pilots ace co pilot from the previous dogfight they did together. Up in the warbird, she wasn't Luna, princess of equestria and regent of the stars. No, to her she was simply Luna, co pilot; and glad for it. The worries of running a nation and duty melting away, as its just her, the warbird and her pilot. She looks around out the canopy to the city far below them, loving every moment of the freedom within it.

'c--n --ou he-r -s?' a new voice and static come in over the aircraft s radio. Lunas ears twitch at the sound. "Uh..hello?" she says into the mouth piece. Talon also heard the faint transmission, and switches his main screen to the communications. He starts scanning channels, finding one active. He raises an eyebrow, and sets the communications to that frequency.

'Hello? Can you hear us?' A faint voice calls over the radio again. The pilots eyes open wide with surprise, he hits the button to respond.

"This is flight seven oh two, Talon One of the USS Enterprise CVN-65, United States Navy. Identify yourself." He responds in a firm tone.

The transmission is static once more, then cuts to silence for a moment. The voice speaks again. 'And this is Celestia, princess of Equestria. I'll take that as a yes, you can hear us!' the alicorns voice comes in over the radio. Luna sits flabbergasted hearing her sisters voice in her ears, her eyes wide and her mouth held agape in shock.

"Princess, how are you communicating over this radio? You don't have the equipment, or electricity for that matter!" The shocked and disbelieving pilot squeaks out.

'We do have electricity, commander. It's just my little sister prefers the old ways of candle light and living in dark caves. The engineers copied down the information about your communications systems and built a small device like your radio. I asked them to do it so we could stay in contact and avoid another incident like last time!' Celestia states in a sing song voice over the radio again. Talon face palms, knowing he just got trolled by the princess. He turns and looks back to the midnight alicorn, shaking his head. Luna only responds with a nervous smile, blushing and fidgeting her hooves at this. She did neglect to mention they in fact had electricity and some modern technology, enjoying her own methods and the fun of watching the human so inconvenienced on some comforts...like a working sound square with strange noises in it.

He chuckles and hits the button again to answer. "You're just full of surprises I see. Your engineers truly are impressive, if I may say so!" He responds. "And thanks for the heads up about electricity here. No idea how my co pilot hid that little detail so well..but I'll be sure to make use of it."

There's silence for another moment, then some static and the faint voice of the radio comes again. 'If you wouldn't mind, please let lulu know I'll raise the moon for her tonight, so you two can enjoy the test flight! Stay in Canterlot for now, please. We still don't know how well your new engines will work!'

"Wilco." He responds, then switches to the warbirds internal radio. "So...electricity huh?" He says somewhat annoyed, but grinning as he rolls the aircraft into a wide bank and circles the city below. He hears a soft nervous laugh of the night alicorn come through his headset.

"Eh heh...oops?" She questioningly responds, blushing with embarrassment and knowing she's been busted.

The sun lowers, and the moon begins to rise in the distance while the warbird is in its test flight. Talon doesn't push the engines too much during it, but simply cruises and rolls at a leisurely pace above the city. Ponys below hear the banshees cry into the night sky, some smiling at the thunderous sound of their new protector overhead. Others however, curse it due to the late hour, wishing it would instead go to sleep and fly overhead during normal hours of the sun princesses day.

They remain in flight for an hour more, then finally change course and stage to land. Having an idea to try and play with the princess a bit, he smiles. "Hey Luna?" He calls over the radio.

"Yes?" She replied, eyes still wandering about the canopy glass, relishing in the view of her jeweled tapestry and all of its glory.

"What time does your space pony sister usually sleep?" he asks, grinning and planning out his next epic prank.

Silence for a moment, then Luna speaks. "Uhm...about now. Why do you ask?" She says, focusing on the pilot now.

He grins mischievously, and switches over to the communications frequency again. "Control, this is Talon one, requesting permission to do a fly by." The radio is static for a moment, no response. "Control, please respond. Requesting permission for a fly by."

The faint voice of Celestia comes over the radio again, sounding sleepy. 'Commander, though I have no idea what a fly by is, permission granted. Please land soon however, I do have a sun to raise in the morning.' He hears her say in a somewhat sarcastic and sleepy voice.

"What's a fly by?" Luna asks, leaning forward and trying to look over the pilots shoulder.

He grins, turning wide and lining up with the palace, knowing what tower the regal white alicorns chambers are in. "Oh nothing much, just going to buzz the tower." He says flatly. Luna raises an eyebrow to this and nods, still confused. Once lined up, he closes the canards of the aircraft and throttles up, waiting until the right moment. When the warbird comes close enough for the desired effect, he pushes up the throttle, activating the afterburners. The bird rockets by Celestias balcony, the sound and concussion of the air crafts engines rattling the stained glass windows of the palace, and giving the now very surprised elder white alicorn a close up sonic boom.

He rockets past the palace and climbs, still full afterburner, laughing hard. Luna understanding what just occurred also joins in the laughter, knowing full well he probably just made her elder sister wet herself by the practical joke. The aircraft throttles back and corrects its course once more for the runway, slowing down to land. Ahead in the distance, they see Celestia herself, looking somewhat displeased and standing near the hangar.

The warbird lands safely, a perfect touchdown if there ever was one, then rolls to a slow stop, turning at the end of the taxi way and makes its move toward the hangar again. After a few minutes the aircraft comes to a stop in front of the hangar, and shuts down. The engines whine to a whisper, then power off The canopy opens, and the pair step out, greeted by a sight they never expected.

The elder white alicorn is standing there grinning. Her crown and regalia are off, her fur on her chest, muzzle and some parts of her ethereal mane are covered in cake. She canters up to them, laughing gently and genuinely happy. "Mr Talon, in all of my years, not many have been able to prank an old mare like me. You on the other hand, have managed to do the impossible! You actually startled me into making my midnight snack explode."

The pilot stands stoically, fighting with everything in his will power and military training not to laugh or snicker at the sight. The midnight alicorn on the other hoof...not so much. Luna bites her lower lip hard, fighting it back. Tears stream down her cheeks, and she finally breaks down, rolling onto her back and laughing a hearty belly laugh. Her big sister, the biggest trickster and best joker in history was just nailed by her very own pilot. Seeing her elder sister covered in her favorite confection only made this moment even funnier to the dark alicorn, making this moment priceless. She holds her belly with her fore hooves at the sight, laughing so hard it hurts.

Celestia smiles, wide eyed at the spectacle. Never in history, not once has she ever seen the little sister she loved so much laugh like this. She could almost feel the joy radiating from the smaller alicorn, and she herself finally broke down laughing at herself. How silly she must have looked, covered in strawberry cake! She walks close to the pilot and embraces him in a hug with her foreleg, squeezing him against her and smearing him in the cake too. She laughs at this and sighs happily. "Worth it. This was indeed worth it." Celestia muses, as she turns and walks away from them, leaving the laughing alicorn and now cake covered pilot in the gardens.

Luna had used her magic to roll the warbird back into the hanger bay, and the two returned to her chambers for the night. Once again there was nothing at all scheduled for midnight court, Luna having done all of the forms and files needed to be approved from the previous one held a week ago. Their evening was for the most part uneventful, as the pair simply focused on a bath, and then rest. Still satisfied from the previous nights activities, and not wanting to give the elder alicorn yet another reason to poke a playful jibe, the two fall asleep easily in one another s peaceful embrace.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~......................................................~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Luna awakens to the familiar tug on her senses, pulled out of her enjoyable dream she was having. She opens her eyes groggily, shaking off the vestiges of sleep and stares into the shadows of the dark room from her bed. The air feels even colder than the previous evening, making her not want to move from her very comfortable and warm position from under the thick covers. She yawns and lays her head back down on the pillow, staring at the pilots sleeping form.

'Honestly...I love the night more than the day. All the best stuff happens...' her lovers voice rings into the echos of her mind again as she looks upon him. She can feel her own heart warming deep inside of her chest as she thinks on those words. She lays there thinking, ignoring the constant tug on her senses to lower the moon while she reflects on those words.

She breathes deep, in hailing his scent into her nostrils, taking in the sweet smell she's become so familiar and in love with. Closing her eyes she continues to ponder upon the words, still ignoring the tug. In a moment of clarity, an idea dawns upon her. 'He loves the night...so why not give him a part of it?' Unconsciously her fore hoof lowers under the cover, resting on her belly, traces of the warmth still deep within her. She continues thinking, opening her eyes when she comes to an idea. 'I am the night..everything about it is mine..it's mine time, dear sister..you will have to wait just a bit longer..just a little while, I promise.' She whispers quietly to herself.

The midnight alicorn rolls out of bed slowly, as not to awaken him. She quietly walks to the balcony, staring up at the night sky, a deep blush on her muzzle. The stars, and all of the heavens are a part of her. She poured her own soul and heart into every inch of the jeweled tapestry of magic and mystery. To give any part of the night, was to give herself. This thought made the alicorns heart race. Her eyes close as she focuses, her horn alit with magic. The spell weaves its tendrils all around her, as she searches within herself for the brightest and most beautiful star in the heavens. She found it; the one closest to her moon, one of the four that had set her free so long ago from her cold desolate prison. Using her magic, she reaches out slowly, the field encompassing herself. Once she secures the hold onto the star, she gently pulls at it, slowly extracting it from her very ethereal mane, pulling it from close to her throat, out to the ends and off the tip.

The feeling of it being removed filled her heart with a small sense of loss, surrendering a piece of herself. It shines brightly in a soft warm blue light, hanging lazily in the air in front of her muzzle, held in magic. She opens her eyes and breathes softly, wrapping it layer after layer in her magic, forming a glass shell all around it. To complete the process she whispers a blessing and touches the glass orb to her lips, sealing it with her love and blessings of moonlight. Looking out at the horizon, she focuses her senses once more and grasps the moon in her magic. The moon lowers and dips below the horizon, allowing room for the coming dawn. 'Forgive me mine sister...this time I meant no harm...but I needed the time.' She whispers to the rising sun, carrying her words into the wind to her beloved sisters celestial charge.

"Luna...are you alright?" She hears behind her. The pilot has awakened. "You normally don't take that long...are you feeling ok?" He asks her.

She slowly turns, smiling and holding the star in her magic in front of her. "Oh, I'm fine." She quietly replied back as she walked back to the warm and inviting bed. Climbing back under the covers, she comes face to muzzle with him, smiling innocently. "Talon..may I speak?"

He yawns, and opens his eyes. "It's your world princess...last I checked you didn't need my permission." He tiredly replies.

She continues weaving her magic, forming link by link of the chain she's creating out of Lunar steel and energy from her own heart. "I have a gift for you.." she whispers, feeling the final piece made. "When an alicorn..gives a gift, it's always a treasure to whomever we give it to.." She in hails softly. "And since you said yourself you love the night sky...I wanted to give you this.." She raises the necklace in her magic, weaving it around the pilots neck loosely and linking the ends together, making it only removable by her magic, or deaths cold grasp.

"What is this?" He asks, holding the small glass orb in his fingers and looking at it. The soft glow of the star dancing within it.

"A part of my soul..so I can always watch over you. I plucked that star from the night sky, just for you. May its light always guide you, when things seem their darkest.." She whispers, nuzzling him lovingly. She yawns and closes her eyes again, resting her muzzle upon his chest. He looks at it and smiles tiredly, laying his head back on the pillow. Once he releases the bauble from his grasp, he strokes the alicorns mane, and returns to sleep with her.

First Blood; Enter the Nightmare

Chapter 10: First Blood; Enter the Nightmare

Laying in her chambers on the bed, Luna rests in the dark. She rolls the bauble she recovered from the crash in her magic, staring up at its soft glow. This was the gift of her soul that she had given to her lover, and the proof she didn't wish to ever see of his death. When she had constructed the chain of her magic, lunar steel and her own life energy, it was made to only be removed by her magic, or death of its wearer. This she knew all too well.

It was this gift that had protected him, when she herself could not. The dark alicorn sighs tiredly as she gazes at it, re adjusting her position on the bed for more comfort. Her wing was still bandaged along with her neck and most of her mid section, the wrappings causing her discomfort as she laid.

'This protected him...from her...it saved him from her magic that day...so why didn't our magic affect them during the battle?' Luna thinks, continuing to stare at the star in the bauble. She was still furious with it all. Were it not for the greed of the parasite, things would be as they once were. Her pilot would be here beside her, sound asleep. Her heart wouldn't ache from his death, and her kingdom would still be peaceful. 'There is more to this..The changelings and the dragons could both block alicorn and unicorn magic, where as before they could not.'

The night alicorn rolls off the bed, her mind a whirlwind of chaotic thought. She begins to pace about the room in front of the bed. 'First was the dragon attack..but Legatus had stated it was unsanctioned by the council to attack Equestria. Then Talon discovered the parasite had infiltrated the castle only days after it...Then the queen hath appeared, and soon thereafter we were invaded.' She whispers to herself. Luna turns to the open window gazing at her moon, deep in thought now. The pieces are falling together in her mind. As she paces, her hoof steps upon something soft, catching her attention.

Looking down, she traces the softness to its source, it's Talons fatigues jacket. The blood from where she had sank her fangs into him still on the shoulder piece and collar. Luna shivers from the thought, memories of the taste of his blood causing her to feel nauseous. She remembered the event all too well, where the demon spawn first appeared- the day she betrayed her pilot, and the day the truth of the super weapon was brought to her beloved sister. This throws off her train of thought as she licks her lips, recalling also how this was where true proof of his devotion to her was brought to the light.

Using her magic, she levitates the damaged flight jacket and bauble back to the bed, with her climbing up slowly to rest as well. Once on the mattress, she sets the items down in front of her. Luna continues to gaze at the blood spot, her head lowering to rest on the jacket of her flame. 'It still has his scent..' She whispers mournfully. She breathes deep, in hailing all that she can. Still within the fabric, the smell of fuel, exhaust, and the sweet scent she never could identify. The rush of memories in her mind flooding her every thought, causing the alicorn to begin to sob quietly.

* * * * *

"Are you sure you want to do this, ma'am? Not too late to back out.." He says, turning his gaze to the white alicorn. Talon and Luna are standing inside the hangar next to the war bird. Luna has just finished raising the moon and refueling the aircraft with her liquid moonlight. He takes another pull off of his lit cigarette, and ex hails.

"Commander, are you implying that I'm afraid? If my little sister could do it, I certainly would be willing to give it a try. It seems fun, and she takes great enjoyment out of it." Celestia says with a grin. Alicorn mischief dances in her eyes as she eyes the war bird.

The pilot shakes his head and puts out his cigarette, then folds his arms. "No ma'am. But it's just...well, you're too big for the co pilots chair. Your horn alone would be too tall to close the canopy.."

Luna snickers, covering her muzzle with her hoof. She's always been jealous of her elder sisters endowments and stature. Since the pilot came along however, she's since changed her views. If she was Celestia's size, she couldn't be a lap warmer, or even a co pilot. Let alone half of the other fun things she's done with her love so far.

Celestia muses a grin, eyes narrowing to the pilot. "Well if that's your only problem, I believe I can make the correction." The elder alicorn alights her horn, encompassing herself in her own magic. Casting a spell upon herself, she begins to shrink down in stature. Before the couples eyes, Celestia has shrunk down to a filly. The light fades, and the alicorn stares up at the pilot. Her cheeks and frame look somewhat chubby, and her eyes seem to be bigger and sparkle.

The dark alicorn's jaw drops to seeing this, disbelieving her own eyes. "Tia?! Thou hath gone mad!" Luna exclaimed, flabbergasted by her sisters insane move. Talon stares wide eyed, his eye twitching. Standing there, was a short, chubby, absolutely adorable filly Celestia. If she had a bow on her head, the pilot would likely keel over from her overwhelming adorableness.

"I believe this solves the issue of my stature, Commander." Squeaked out the sun princess in a high pitched voice. It was simply too much. She was using all of her tricks now on the two, pulling out all the stops. The chubby cheeks and adorable belly, the big, watering eyes and adorable smile. The short unbelievably pink mane and tail even fluffed out. Celestia was truly going all out. She really really wanted that flight.

Luna face hoofed at this, unbelieving her sister would go so far just to prove a point. It was earlier that day when the two royal sisters were talking of the war bird, and Luna excitedly telling Celestia just how exhilarating being a co pilot was. During their talk and luncheon, Luna had joked with her elder sister saying she could never squeeze her flank in the seat, let alone have the stomach for the war birds powerful maneuvers and speed. It was Luna that had made a bet with her elder sister, and made the challenge. 'She really does want me to make her that moonshine cake again...if she's going to this extreme.' Luna thought, grimacing inwardly. She recalled then the time that she first attempted to use the oven in the royal kitchens, only for half of Canterlot's fire ponies to be called in and the royal coffers replacing most of the kitchen and dining rooms. Had Celestia of backed out of the bet, Luna would get to have her way, and have alfalfa sprouts banned from the castle for eternity.

Talon sighs and walks up to the filly, kneeling down to meet her eye level. "So let me get this straight, princess. You want me to take you for a flight....right now? Just around Canterlot?" He asks, raising an eyebrow.

The excited alicorn foal nods eagerly, smiling a wide toothy smile. The pilot fights hard with himself not to just scoop the adorable sun princess up and squeeze the life out of her lungs, seeing her smile even had a cute gap between the two front top teeth as an added detail. Seeing the pilots obvious internal struggle, Celestia grins like a Cheshire cat. 'Time to go in for the kill..' She thinks, stepping closer to the pilot. Celestia starts to nuzzle the pilots leg and flicks her tail, swishing it quickly from side to side. "Plllleeeeeaaaasssse?"

It's too much. Even with his strict military training, after all of his years of service and everything he's survived, he falters. Celestia just hit him with the ultimate act of adorableness, causing him to crumble. "Eh...alright, alright. Lets go.." He says, finally scooping up the sun princess in his arms and carrying her to the cockpit. Luna stares at this and shakes her head, a stern look of disappointment on her features. As he climbs up the steps he holds the excited and giggling Celestia filly under one arm, using his other to climb up and steady himself. All around him, he can hear the stifled giggle snorts of the Lunar Stallions, even from Captain Aegis Shield, standing guard at the hangars entrance.

He sets the filly down in Luna's seat, buckling the bite sized princess down with the harnesses. She's so small in her stature, her chubby, stubby legs don't even reach the edge. He snickers at this. "Should I get a booster seat for the royal tush?" He says sarcastically, desperately holding back the urge to drop on to the floor and die laughing.

Celestia nods eagerly, grinning widely again with that big Cheshire pony grin, and closing her eyes.

The pilot steps back down the side again, looking for something to place under her so she can see out the canopy at least. As he starts his path away from the war bird, Luna stops him and whispers in his ear.

"Take her for a ride, love. Make her scream." She whispers, venom and malice in her voice. The night alicorn steps back and kisses him, then grins a deep sinister grin. If she's going to have to brave cooking again, she's going to be sure Celestia has to work for it.

He nods quickly and starts his search, coming upon a few large books laying on top of the tool boxes. Gathering these, he jogs back to the war bird and climbs back up into the cockpit. Waiting for him is a filly princess, standing on her hind legs and her little fore hooves perched on the gunnels of the canopy. After a few moments of stacking the books and buckling the sun alicorn back into her harness, he looks her over. "Princess...are you SURE you want this? Your sister was scared out of her skull the first flight."

Celestia, the master chess player here simply smiles innocently. She being the elder and sometimes very competitive sister wouldn't allow herself to be shown up, especially after learning there was cake involved. She nods quickly, grinning at the pilot. "Commander, if I didn't know any better, you seem more anxious about this than I." She jibes gently.

Turning his gaze he looks to the night alicorn, who nods slowly with a look of resolution on her features, and a small smile upon her lips. This is the go ahead he needed. He climbs in the cockpit and gets seated, flipping switches and powering on the on board computer. "Initiate Scram jet Sequence!" He calls out to the computer.

The engines begin to whine to life, the first quite whisper spinning up to a loud howl that is the banshees cry. The canopy closes and seals around them. He puts on his flight helmet, then turns around and helps Celestia with the dark alicorn's headset. Sadly for Celestia however, the headset is ill fitting due to her now much smaller stature. She lets out a small giggle snort and nips at the microphone with her lips, eliciting a groan and eye roll from the pilot. He's thankful she can't see his eyes due to the helmets visor.

Luna bounds into the air and takes off on wing, perching herself upon her balcony to watch the war bird taxi and take off from a safe distance, somewhat agitated that it was her elder sister in the co pilots seat, and not herself. As the war bird slowly makes its way to the flight line and then the end of the runway, she sighs. Her heart sinks, already missing his company. She watches the canards spread open as the aircraft spreads its wings, still stopped at the edge. Her heart pounds in her chest, experiencing the thunderous cry from outside the aircraft for once. Glancing around, she can see her Lunar Stallions all watching this unfold, they too seem to be uneasy about the situation; they themselves also seem to agree with the dark alicorn's emotions.

*****

"Last chance ma'am. Are you absolutely sure you're up for this?" He calls out on the war birds radio. He glances at the mirror on his consol and peers at her, watching for her reactions. All he can see is the tip of her horn and a tuft of her wispy pink mane. He hears a small muffled voice squeak out in his earpiece.

"Yes, lets go!" The very excited princess Celestia replied enthusiastically. In truth, her own heart was racing in her barrel, excited about finally getting to experience this for herself. She recalls the first flight the pilot and her sister had, and the joy she experienced watching the mysterious machine seemingly dance in her sunlit skies.

Talon looks ahead, his hand holding the bauble that the lunar princess had given him only hours ago. He traces the orb with his fingers, feeling the cool steel against his skin around his neck from the chain as well. Whispering a silent prayer that Luna was with him for this, he begins operating the controls. The engines throttle up, the afterburners igniting. The war bird starts to roll forward slowly at first, then faster and faster as he pushes the throttle to its limits. He can feel the pressure building upon his body as the craft rockets down the runway.

Celestia is pinned back in her seat, not expecting the initial force of the war birds powerful thrust to push her like this. Her eyes go wide as she feels the weight of the force bearing down upon her barrel, almost forcing the air from her lungs. Terror begins to overtake her mind as the aircraft tilts back, and lifts off the ground. She's never experience this before, and can only imagine what Luna's initial reaction must have been. She squeezes her eyes shut, not daring to look out the glass as the war bird takes to the skies.

He climbs hard into a steep climb, keeping the burners lit and full throttle until they reach the clouds overhead. Flipping switches, he retracts the landing gear and rolls the aircraft into a steep pitch, pulling a split S before he rights the aircraft and throttles back. "You can relax now, ma'am. We're airborne and above your city." He says calmly into the radio.

Celestia is a nervous wreck at this point, shaking and quivering in a tiny little fur-ball as she cringes. Were it not for the harness holding her to the seat, she likely would have probably shot out the canopy in fright. Hearing the pilots soothing voice in her ears, she slowly calms down and opens her eyes, looking around. Above her and all around in her vision, she can see Luna's sea of stars blanketing the night sky, with a very clear view of the moon. She feels the aircraft gently bank, the left wing tipping down slightly. Looking left, she can see the streetlights and lit windows of Canterlot. Her eyes go wide with wonder as she takes in the new perspective.

He laughs, seeing the day princess finally relax. Looking at his instrumentation, he checks over various systems and glances at the radar. The pilot smiles when he sees the sweeping needle come up with no results what so ever, indicating he's all alone in the sky minus a few pegasi or birds that are much too small for the radar to detect.

"So this is what my sister loves..I can understand why she enjoys the flights with you, commander..." Celestia squeaks out in her small, adorable voice. She giggles as she looks about, enjoying every moment of the flight. She can almost taste the moonshine cake her sister promised. 'This isn't so bad...Luna said this was even more terrifying than anything I've ever seen! Sure, the takeoff was bad, but this is actually nice!' Celestia thinks to herself, lost in the view of the city below.

"So is this all you wanted? Because I don't mind flying a few laps around Canterlot." He says, looking about around the cockpit. He can almost visualize the dark alicorn gritting her teeth right now from being away from him this long. Normally, she's everywhere he is, like a wing man of sorts. Even for her midnight courts, she demands he's there beside her, claiming it to be important to her for reasons she never listed. In truth, he found this somewhat annoying...always a loner, he never was one to be fussed over constantly. But it was a comfort, as he did enjoy the dark alicorn's company so much. He snaps back to reality when he hears the princess respond.

"I don't see what's so thrilling or scary about this. Luna painted it to be some kind of wild dance that would make even my best solar guards wet the bed." She replies dismissive. Her high pitched voice only making the comment more comedic.

'Take her for a ride, love. Make her scream..' Luna's words ring in his mind. He grins at this, and glances back to the white alicorn filly behind him. "Ok then ma'am. You want a thrill? You've got one." He presses the aircraft's controls on the panel before him, switching off the internal radio. He knows he's going to hear the little princess probably scream her lungs out next, and would prefer to keep his hearing. Finding the screen selection he wanted, he hits the next series of commands into the computer before throttling up. The canards close, and he pulls into a steep climb.

Celestia is about to speak, when she hears music loudly play once more inside the cockpit. It blares all around her, what the pilot had called 'Rock and Roll'. The aircraft suddenly pitches upwards in a steep climb, pinning her once again to the seat. Next thing she knows, the moon above her in her line of sight begins to spin wildly, and starts getting bigger in her view. The aircraft's engines howl and thunder in her chest, as it pitches violently into a dive and a hard bank. She screams.

*****

Sitting on her sisters balcony next to Twilight Sparkle, Luna grins wickedly as she sees the faint glow of the war birds afterburners in the sky, hearing the thunderous sounds rip through the air. She watches the faint glow dance and bob against her jeweled tapestry, while listening to the sounds of the radio. The most satisfying sounds of her life, her sisters panicked screams of fright from the maneuvers.

"Do you think we should tell him to land and let her out?!" Twilight worriedly says, gnawing on her hooves while she watches the war bird rocket around the skies. She can hear her mentor and lovers squeals and shrieks over the speakers, her mind filled with images of Celestia positively in pure terror.

"Neigh, she's enjoying herself." Luna replied dismissive as she watches the war bird break into a violent dive, only to quickly pull up and climb again very close to the ground. The machine rolls quickly into a spiral, igniting the afterburners again. She grins at the sight, hearing the screams over the radio. 'That's my Talon.' She says inwardly, relishing in every second of the moment.

Twilight only watches in horror as the bird dives, then climbs, then dives again repeatedly for several minutes. Her own stomach turning as the bird spirals and banks hard, tumbling in the air and rolling left and right. "I hope she's alright Luna...she did have a big dinner...and your sister isn't known for her cast iron stomach."

Luna smiles, eyes still tracing the glow in the sky above her. "Oh..I know." She says darkly, grinning as the air craft suddenly tumbles again in a backwards dive, then pulls up hard and rights itself. She watches as the craft zips from one end of her vision to another, and only smiles more when it rockets past the castle and leaves a loud sonic boom in its wake, rattling the stained glass windows of the palace once again. "Maybe you should ask him if you could go up next?" Luna says with a coy smile, glancing off to the side. Twilight is staring up at the aircraft shaking her head no furiously. Luna looks back up, watching the war machine finally correct its flight path and approach for a landing. The two alicorn's take to wing and glide down to the hangar, awaiting the craft to land.

*****

Celestia's stomach is in knots, the twisting and turning, the spirals and the dives making her head swim. She's dizzy and dazed, wishing to mother she didn't taunt the fighter pilot. The only thing that steeled her resolve during this was the promise of the legendary cake only her sister knew how to bake. She feels the rear wheels of the aircraft's landing gear touch first, followed by the nose gear. The war bird gently coasts down the pathway, and slows to a stop. She feels the engines throttle up again, making her face go pale. 'No..not again! Not another takeoff!!' Her mind screams in panic. Much to her relief however, it's only moving back to the ballroom. She watches out the canopy, trying her best to hide her discomfort with the regal mask she's worn for so many centuries.

Coming to a rest just outside the hangar now, he shuts down the craft and powers down the computers. Opening the canopy he removes his helmet and undoes his own harnesses, then stands and helps the day princess out of her own. He tries to maintain a stoic look as he can clearly see the filly's discomfort, despite her best attempts. "So, up for another flight?" He asks with a smile.

The white alicorn nods slowly and smiles weakly at him. "Perhaps...perhaps another time..." She squeaks out, awaiting the pilot to lift her out of the over sized seat. She lifts her forelegs in the air, and smiles as she's lifted then cradled, carried out of the cockpit and away from the war bird. She cranes her neck and sees Luna and Twilight there at the doors, both smiling at her.

"Dost thou enjoy the flight with mine pilot, sister?" Luna says, a smug grin on her muzzle.

"Why yes..yes I did." Celestia bites out, being set down on her hooves. She wobbles in her place and trots up to Luna unsteadily. "It wasn't so scar--BLEEEEHHHGH!!!"

Twilight and the pilot jump back from the projectile shower, only to watch in pure horror.

* * * * *

Luna sits under the water jets in her wade pool, scrubbing herself furiously with cloths, rags and anything abrasive she can find. Her fur, bracers and part of her chest regalia all covered in her elder sisters dinner from earlier. She grumbles angrily to herself.

Talon sits quietly on the step inside the washroom not daring to speak. He only sits in silence, watching the night princess feverishly scrub the already clean fur on her forelegs and chest, while he works slowly on polishing the now clean regalia for her.

"Ugh! I cannot believe mine sister couldn't hold down her meal! And there was just...so much!" Luna bites out, her intent on ridding herself of even the memory of it. On the flight deck of the hangar, Celestia couldn't keep the stomach contents within herself, and accidentally emptied two bowls of soup, a rather large salad and two whole Manehatten cheesecakes onto the dark alicorn's unsuspecting form. If there was ever a divine punishment, this was karma indeed coming to bite the moon princess square on the flank.

Shaking his head he sighs. "I tried to tell you both this was a bad idea, Luna. That machine is one for tactical strike missions and battle operations, not a play thing. We're just lucky she managed to hold it in until we landed. I don't want to think of the havoc she could have caused had she of unloaded on the flight controls..."

Luna's eye twitches hearing this, her pausing scrubbing for a moment to glare daggers at the pilot. She says nothing, and turns back to cleaning herself. She continues for a few minutes more, her own stomach doing what feels like twists and flips from with her, the smell from earlier haunting her thoughts and threatening her own dinner.

Setting down the regalia, he strips off his own flight suit and clothing and enters the wade pool, with a small brush and sponge in hand. He wades to her side and wets the sponge, applying soap and begins helping her become clean. He works in silence, watching Luna visibly relax slowly at first, before she finally calms down all together. He works slowly and wordlessly as he goes over every curve and bend on her form, carefully cleansing everything, even what was not hit by the white alicorn's last meal before the flight.

She stands in silence as he works, her eyes closed and mind slowly going blank. When she feels him get to her wings, she opens then slowly and lets them rest on the waters surface, allowing herself to enjoy the contact and being fussed over. She's come to love being preened by some pony else instead of managing it herself, and that some pony else being the pilot only made her relax more. This process continues for what feels like hours to her as she loses herself in the moments, her head low and her ears turned out. Even her breathing slows and she begins to hum quietly her lullaby from nights prior, relishing in the bonding.

The two finish up and dry off, her pilot exiting first and helping her brush out her fur. She nickers very softly during this, the contact only helping lull her to sleep that much easier. Her half lidded gaze falls on the bauble around the pilots neck, a smile crossing her features. She stares at it in silence, her heart warming to the thoughts. She had given him the ultimate gift; a part of her heart and soul manifested in a physical sense. Within that bauble was a star, wrapped in moonlight kisses and blessings of her love and power. The proof of her love and devotion to her flame. She watches the star lazily spin and bob within the orb, content that he had accepted her special gift of herself; loving that he wore it so proudly. It was a decision that she didn't come to lightly, but knew it was the right and proper choice.

Once he finishes his ministrations and cleansing on the princess, he stands and walks to the nearby cabinets in the large washroom, putting the brushes and towels back in their respective places. Luna walks beside him and nuzzles his side, nickering softly and showing her appreciation. He smiles and silently eyes her, his hand tracing her ethereal mane slowly and reassuring her with his actions. She knew he was not angry for being forced to fly this evening, and took comfort in knowing she was forgiven for the prank she played on her unsuspecting elder sister. In the end..perhaps being the target of a filly's ill kept meal was worth it for this. The couple retire to her chambers and climb into bed, resting peacefully in each others embrace. The only sources of light in the dark room, were the moon and starlight as well as the soft iridescent glow of the bauble.

Hours pass, Luna awakens to the once again familiar tug on her senses. She groggily opens her eyes and gazes into the shadows, lifting her head. She yawns and alights her horn, willing the moon over the horizon from her bed. The night air is chilly tonight, and the alicorn is in no mood to leave from her very comfortable and warm position under the covers while she's held by her beloved. Closing her eyes, she returns back to the vestiges of sleep and the comfort of her embrace.

*****

Luna awakens once more to sunlight invading her room. As per usual, she scrunches up her nose and buries her muzzle in the pillow, pulling the covers over her eyes. She breathes deep, picking up the pilots scent nearby. She can feel him still resting, causing her own heart to warm and beat faster within her barrel. Since the bauble was attached to him, she's noticed something curious as a side effect. She can feel his presence and his emotions more, she can sense more about him. His thoughts, desires, how he feels. All things she can sense within her own mind. Their initial embrace had connected them on a level she had only dreamed of, and heard about from her elder sister. The effect was only strengthened by the close bonding and her gift to him, giving her a sense that their connection and relationship had far more depth than she had ever known. She licks her lips and scoots closer to him, resting her head close by and breathing deep. Despite him being perfectly clean, she could still intake the delicious and intoxicating scent of fuel, exhaust and that same sweet scent about him. This caused her to wonder in thought if perhaps all humans had smelled of their machines like her flame had.

She turns her head when she hears a faint knocking on her chambers door, and pokes her muzzle out from under the covers. The door cracks open slowly, revealing her full sized sister behind it. Celestia quietly steps in, a smile on her calm and serene features. Luna eyes her silently, a faint and warm smile on her own muzzle.

"Good morning, lulu." Celestia whispers softly to Luna. She smiles as her eyes trace the form of the bed, finding the pilot still asleep, resting peacefully. In all honesty, the white elder alicorn did enjoy the flight, she just wasn't prepared for such a wild ride her first time. She had no ill will or malice to him, and looked forward to planning out a small lighthearted joke to play upon him at a later time.

Luna nods slowly and gazes at her elder sister half lidded. "Good morning Tia.." She tiredly whispers. The night princess yawns a small cute yawn, rolling on her side and off of the bed. Her hooves contact the marble floor with a very quiet clip clop, as she stands and gazes at her sister. She steps forward and hugs Celestia in a light and affectionate embrace, then backs away slowly. "What..what brings you here?" She yawns. Luna looks out the window and sees the position of the sun in the sky, estimating it's still very early and likely not time for her sisters breakfast meeting the two enjoyed so many times together.

Celestia licks her lips and in hails softly, smiling sweetly. "I'm sorry for the early hour, my sister...but I was hopeful you would like to join me in the gardens this morning. A new chef has come from Fillydelphia to apply for the recently opened position of palace chef, and has presented a large breakfast for us to sample.." She whispers in a hushed tone.

The night alicorn smiles at this. She's always loved sampling new foods from all over Equestria, and especially enjoyed the ones of aspiring chefs. During the time before her banishment, variety such as today's was hard to come by, and only made the younger alicorn appreciate the new and exciting dishes more. She nods happily and yawns, quietly stepping out and following Celestia to the gardens, not bothering to place on her regalia or bracers. If her sister was going to walk around the palace today without hers, why shouldn't she?

After the doors close with a soft click, the pilot opens his eyes. He heard the entire conversation between the two and smiled. He was in fact awake, and had been since Luna had lowered the moon. He was simply listening however, to insure he didn't incur the sun princesses wrath for being a little carried away with his stunt flying. Knowing everything was fine, he sighs contently and sits up, stretching and relaxing. He climbs out of bed and gets dressed to start his day of checking over the war bird and checking the progress of the engineers for the new missiles and weapons replacements and upgrades.

*****

In the gardens, the two come to a clearing only to find an elaborately laid spread on a large square table that had been brought out. On the spread were muffins, baked sweet confections, several pies of different types and a large selection of juices, coffee and syrups. Celestia licks her lips and smiles eagerly at this; Luna however feels her appetite isn't quite normal and found her stomach somewhat unperceptive of foods this morning, despite being in fact hungry.

"Enjoy your dining, your Majesty's." They hear from one of the palace servants. They turn their heads to thank the source of the voice, only to find the owner has already trotted off, leaving the pair to enjoy their meal quietly. On the table is a small note pad and a quill, with a questionnaire for the two royal sisters. Celestia smiles at this, seeing the new chef must be very confident in their abilities to have no need to even be nearby to watch their reactions.

"This looks great lulu!" Celestia says in a wide grin, eyeing the display with the cheesecake under a glass top. Luna only nods quietly and takes a seat on the opposite cushion. In her line of sight she can see the edge of the ballroom, and a small glimmer of sunlight reflecting off of the war birds nose. It's parked back in its resting place, so she assumes the Lunar Stallions must have rolled it back for her while she had run to the washroom so unexpectedly. She turns her attention to Celestia who is already started on enjoying her meal, working quietly and princess like on a muffin first.

"Tia...why have I not been assigned any approvals or documents lately? There has not been a need for mine midnight court, leaving the nights always seemingly free for mine-self..why are thou over working..?" Luna asks cautiously.

Celestia pauses for a moment and sets her muffin back down on the plate and turns her attention back to her younger sister. She smiles sweetly, glad for the answer she is able to give. She's been waiting for this question. "Simply put lulu, that's because there is nothing to do. Equestria is not in danger of falling in upon itself. There are no floods, no firestorms, no gods of Chaos threatening life as we know it. Since Cadence is managing the Crystal Empire so well, we have had nothing but peace and prosperity as of late. Even my own workload is unusually light, leaving my days to be free for me to be to my own devices, dear sister. This is a good and peaceful time...we should enjoy it while it lasts."

Luna considers her sisters words for a moment, and nods happily. She yawns once more and looks around, enjoying the quiet morning air. The sun is warming the day quite nicely, leaving this seem like a perfect start to a wonderful day. The scent of the confections finally getting to her, she turns her attention back to her meal and slowly begins to eat, starting first on a oat and apple slice of pie.

"And I am so looking forward to that cake, dear sister." Celestia chuckles as she flicks her gaze to her sister, who has since stopped eating and replies with a nervous laugh in return. The elder white alicorn had to miss the chaos that occurred in the kitchens before, and only imagined the endearing Luna must have had when she struggled with everything. Before, the night alicorn could barely see over the counter, and has since grown. Alicorn mischief dances in Celestia's mind, she's going to be sure she's right there in the kitchens this time so she doesn't miss even a moment of watching her younger sister attempt cooking again. The idea of Luna having a massive melt down once again over a simple oven or microwave only makes her chuckle more. The elder alicorn turns her attention back to her muffin and starts munching contently.

The two sit in content and happy silence, enjoying each others company and meal together. It's when Celestia hears the faint familiar sound of boots clacking against stone reach her ears she perks up and smiles. She follows the sound with her mind, tracing its source to the ballroom with the craft in it. 'Oh wonderful...he's awakened finally!' She thinks to herself. "Lulu, if you'll excuse me for a moment, I'll be right back." She states in a sing song voice. She flutters her wings and brings then to a rest on her sides, before trotting off to the pilot in the ballroom. She wants to thank him for the flight yesterday, and invite him to join them for breakfast.

Luna nods as she sees her elder sister get up and trot off, her own mind lost in thought. She's reviewing all of the events in the last several weeks within her mind, unconsciously bobbing on her cushion and smiling. It is true, things have never been so peaceful for Equestria as a whole like lately, minus the random dragon attack. Tomorrow the delegates from the Dragon Nation as well as the ambassadors sent will be arriving, where Luna herself can question them and find out the reasoning behind the attack. Word was it had no connection with the Dragon Nation, and has caused Legatus himself to journey to Equestria to insure their treaty and alliance was still intact. Her thoughts then drift to the dogfight, seeing the pilot fight so valiantly with his machine to defend her home. Her cheeks feel hot as she blushes, thoughts of her flame in her mind.

Watching the alicorn enjoying her breakfast and lost in thought, a lone solar guard is standing guard. Its eyes fall on the midnight princess, looking intently at her. 'Hungry...so hungry..the queen has not fed us..one small meal wouldn't hurt..' The pegasus guards eyes flicker green. It's a drone. Licking its fangs within its mouth it looks over the aura the alicorn is emitting. It can feel the energy, the pure raw love emanating from her even from this distance. It's unbearable, and the temptation is too much. it begins to creep closer to the alicorn from behind, silently approaching.

Luna lost in thought doesn't notice the guard approaching from behind her, until he's close enough to cast a shadow upon her. She turns around, with a small mouthful of muffin and some crumbs on her muzzle. Looking up, she sees a solar guard with a stoic look on his features. She swallows, gathering her thoughts. "Oh, hello!" She greets with a smile. She doesn't recognize the guards face or cutie mark. "Is everything alright, Mr...?"

The drone looks down upon her, seeing her aura pulse with energy. Not responding to the alicorn speaking to him he traces her visage, searching for an opening. The alicorn is completely defenseless and unsuspecting. The hunger is too great to ignore, the meal too tempting and tantalizing. Alicorn love is legendary for its potency and power, and even a small dose would be enough to feed several drones for a lifetime several times over. He opens his maw and exposes his fangs, lunging at the princesses throat.

*****

"And I simply wanted to thank you for the flight, commander." Celestia giggles lightheartedly. "Really, I'm not upset that I couldn't keep my dinner down. Yet again you managed to pull a fast one on an old mare like myself, and I already told you I rather enjoy a good joke!" She muses.

He nods, his attention focused on the white alicorn before him. "Well ma'am, you did mention you wanted a more exciting flight, the least I could do is provide that to the best of my ability's." He chuckles. "I'm glad to hear that you're not against flying then. Next time I'll take you up, I'll give you a more controlled and gentle ride so you can enjoy it for what it is."

Celestia nods happily and nickers with energy. She's excited about the possibility of another chance, this time perhaps without an over stuffed belly with treats. "Would you like to join lulu and I for breakfast? It's a new chef for the palace. I think he definitely has the job, as just the small portion we've sampled is delicious."

Folding his arms after putting out his morning cigarette, he nods slowly. "Yes ma'am, that sounds del--" The hear a scream. A loud, pained scream that Talon is all too familiar with. Celestia and his eyes meet, wide with panic. In unison they both shout "LUNA!"

They rush to the source of the scream, finding Luna laying on her side, her fore hooves held tightly to her delicate throat. Blood is trickling down from her, and her coat and feathers seems to be darkening from blue to black in patches. Her eyes are squeezed shut. Celestia looks around, panicked and angry. On the ground is loose Solar Guard armor, cast aside and discarded. She hears a sound and turns her attention, seeing a milky blue pegasus galloping away and flying. "GUARDS! ARREST THAT PEGASUS AT ONCE!" She cries out, galloping after the pegasi in question and taking to flight. Nearby guards hear the princesses call and turn their attention, the skies filling with Solar Guards all giving chase to the fast pegasi gaining distance on even Celestia.

Talon holds Luna's head in his lap, trying to calm the alicorn down as he looks over the damage. He's panicking, desperately looking for anything he can use to stop the blood flow. Luna has stopped moving and is breathing slow, ragged breaths. More patches of her fur are darkening, spreading to her cutie mark and even changing its color. He doesn't notice this, his eyes still trained on the wound on her neck. Luna's motions stop completely as his eyes go wide, he starts checking for the alicorn's pulse. "No Luna, stay with me...don't you die!" He shouts, trying to shake the alicorn awake.

Her eyes open, her draconic gaze flicking to the source of the sound. Blood roars in her ears, muffling his pleas with her. She simply sees a blur in her vision. She feels...hatred. Only pure, unbridled hatred. Her mind is clouded and scattered, uncollected and thoughtless. So much hatred and rage within her. Her eyes zero in on the unfocused blur in her vision. Her maw opens, exposing razor sharp rows of daggers. The blur seemed to notice her awakening and tries to hurriedly back away. Craning her neck in a swift motion, she lunges up and locks onto it with her gaping maw, her teeth sinking into its flesh and biting down hard. The skies begin to blacken as she wills her magic, the moon rising high into the sky despite the sun being there as well, creating a solar eclipse. Warm, metallic flow touches her tongue, a taste she enjoys greatly, and begins to suckle greedily at. The blur is fighting her, desperately trying to knock her off and get away, causing her to sink her teeth deeper into its form, drinking more and more. She pulls and yanks with her head, trying to tear away at the delicious meal before her.

His mind screams as alarms go off in his head. The alicorn he once knew suddenly attacking him, trying to rip his arm off. He can feel her teeth sinking into his back and chest as her maw tears at his shoulder and collarbone, the bones beginning to buckle and fracture under the stress. "Luna! Stop!!" He cries out. He reaches for his pistol with his free arm and starts bashing the alicorn's skull with his failing strength, knocking her as hard as he can to break away. In the fumble, the clip of the pistol falls to the ground out of the grip. He cocks back the hammer and places the barrel under her jaw, pulling the trigger. 'click.' The chamber is empty, much to his horror. In his fright he keeps smacking her with everything he has, kicking away and trying to break free. The alicorn's coat is darkening more and more, her feathers appearing black before him. He can see her eyes wide open- thoughtless, feral. Dead glass orbs much like a shark or predator on his planet. His heart is beginning to slow from the blood loss, his vision faltering.

Celestia glides in quickly after seeing the moon high in the sky, the guards having captured the enemy and dragging it to the dungeons, kicking and screaming. Her vision fills with horror with what greets her. There slowly killing the pilot, was Nightmare Moon in all of her terrible glory. No armor, no regalia, just the black alicorn of death, greedily biting and suckling the pilots crimson flow. 'She's..she's killing him!' Celestia's mind shrieks in horror. She gallops as quickly as she could, ramming the nightmare in the side with all of her might, knocking her sister away from the perspective meal. She glances at Nightmare, quickly noticing something different. The eyes. They weren't the cold, calculating ones she had seen before, this time the draconic teal orbs were feral, thoughtless. Using her magic she probes the beast before her, confirming this is the case. She could feel the hatred and anger emanating from her. The dark alicorn gets to her hooves again and lunges at Celestia with breakneck speed, its bloody muzzle and fangs gaped wide and falling on target. Celestia dodges and counters with a hard buck to nightmares snout, rendering the alicorn out cold from the trauma and sending her flying into a nearby bush, where she falls limp.

******

In the medical wing, Luna is being tended to feverishly by the entire medical staff. Being knocked out cold by Celestia certainly didn't help the already insane damage she had taken to her neck and skull, courtesy of the pilot attempting to break free. Unicorns worked feverishly, using their magic to mend the damage as quickly as possible. Celestia herself had tended to the pilots extreme injuries, repairing the broken bones with her magic. There was little they could do for the heavy blood loss, as there are no donors on the entire world that would work with his blood. He sits there in the chair, arms folded and dizzy while he stares intently at the night alicorn in the medical bed. Celestia stands beside her as well, using her magic to restore as much of her sisters mind and heart as she possibly can.

"With all due respect ma'am...what in the actual FUCK was that?!" He demands. Despite being healed by the white alicorn, he's still sore and angry as hell. His fatigues are damp with the drying blood, and he had a headache from hell. Nothing made sense now. "What the fuck happened to her? Why did she go ape shit?!"

Celestia sighs and shakes her head, pausing her healing of the midnight princess for a moment. She turns her attention to the pilot. "Language, commander." She sighs. "That was...a monster, to answer in short." She says pointedly. "My younger sisters darker half was called Nightmare Moon. Over a thousand years ago she--" He cuts her off.

"I already know about Nightmare Moon and her emo attempt at trying to make it always night time. Your kid sister here talks in her sleep." He said deadpanned. "I mean what in the fuck made her change like that?! I didn't sign up for this shit to be her fucking meal!" He snaps angrily.

Celestia sighs. "No..she doesn't want to eat you...not normally at any rate. This was the work of a changeling, commander. More specific, a drone. Both Captain Jolt Flash and Luna's personal guard Dark Fury are interrogating it right now in the dungeons. The parasite has been quiet for several years, so I don't see this as another coupe from their queen to attempt for Canterlot again. Especially after the beating she received last time."

He pauses, getting up and angrily pacing about the room, his attention on the elder white alicorn. "The fuck is a changeling?!"

Celestia rolls her eyes, turning her attention back to the sleeping night princess. Her fur and feathers are returning to their normal color, and her breaths begin to stabilize. She smiles lightly and presses her magic further, continuing her healing. "Chrysalis, their queen is the leader of all of them. They're ponies, but not. Think giant pony sized insects that can shape shift to look, walk, talk and act like whomever their target is. The queens transformations are perfect, and nearly impossible to detect."

He thinks for a moment, his attention on Luna. "Well what does the bug bitch look like? I've got half a mind to go pay her a fucking visit for this." He snaps, still furious. "Isolated incident or not, that insect attacked Luna, which in my book is grounds for an ass kicking."

Celestia smiles hearing this. Never one for violence of any kind, it pained her heart for this to come to pass. But hearing the pilot so quickly forgive her younger sister, and wanting to go up against one of her own greatest fears filled her heart with pride. What a dedicated and loyal lover Luna has! She licks her lips, returning her focus to healing. "In short, when she's in her normal form...she's about my size. Very slender and Lilith. She has an exoskeleton casing around her, a shell of sorts. Her mane and tail are a pale green, and her eyes a vibrant deep lime green. Her horn is twisted and broken, and the wings upon her back are also insect like. Strangely enough, her legs look like cheese, with so many holes in them. She's a very strange looking creature...one I should have squished under my own hoof years ago."

"Where is this bitch? I've got a party waiting for her that'll end with a hell of a bang." He says through gritted teeth. His blood is boiling, he wants a piece of the queen desperately now. Never has Luna ever attacked him in their time together, and seeing her hurt only pissed him off that much more.

"The time to attack is not now, commander. Nor do we know where their hive is located. Violence will solve nothing here, and we should look at the big picture. Yes, I myself am deeply angered that my sister was attacked. More so that this caused Nightmare Moon to resurface once again. We're all lucky that all it took was a bop to the head to get her to back down. If that were the real Nightmare Moon, Equestria would have been in some serious trouble." Celestia says sadly, finishing the healing. She turns to the commander. "Are you well enough to fly your machine?"

He looks at her, taken aback by the question. "Well yeah. Ship shape and ready to take off anytime. The fuel tanks are good, and I have a few missiles left on board. It's not enough for an all out dogfight but--" Celestia cuts him off.

"Right now Commander, what Luna needs is a reminder of her love. The drone had done more than just bite her, it stripped her of all of her emotion. All of the love, all of the affection she had within her was siphoned out. When she wakes up she's going to be confused and very heart broken, remembering in perfect detail what happened and what she has done. That, and I'm whole heartedly expecting her to be sick, because of the amount of your blood she drank. We couldn't clean all of it off of her or out of her mouth, so she's going to also wake up and have to deal with that." Celestia says resolutely. "Be ready to take off with her and just keep her airborne, fly around for as long as you can and make her remember her love. If you don't.."

"Then the big bad Nightmare comes back out. I gotcha." He finished for her. Talon leans down and kisses Luna on the cheek, before patting her side gently and sighs. He turns his attention back to Celestia, salutes, then exits the room bound for the hangar.

* * * * *

For days, Chrysalis has waited for this opportunity. Report after report from her drones all gave her detailed locations and intelligence about the banshee, its rider and the sickening relationship the strange younger alicorn had with it. Standing there in the courtyard of Canterlot Castle, she looked around. She was under an invisibility spell, so she could move undetected. One of her drones was to distract the two royal sisters, leading them away in a diversion so she could come and steal the banshee for herself, ridding her plans of having to deal with the black menace in the skies for her invasion.

The courtyard was empty, all of the guards on patrols elsewhere in the area and around the palace walls. She makes her way around aimlessly, her gaze falling on the pilot walking away from her. His uniform is clean and pressed, his bandages carefully hidden under the flight jacket, leaving her unknowing of the events of earlier. Chrysalis licks her lips, quietly walking close behind him and following him to his destination. Much to her delight, she sees the banshee come into view not long in her walk. 'This is too purrrfect..' her mind purrs at the thought. So easy this will be, to take over. Her plan was simple, confuse, seduce, capture. This would be a quick and easy kill, gaining her the power of the banshee to strike against Equestria.

She watches intently from the shadows, outside the ballroom as the creature walks about inside. He's doing something against large red metal boxes against the wall, digging in drawers for metal objects she's never seen before. The changeling queen watches his movements carefully, studying its habits. To her delight, she notices on the lid of the strange box is a small photograph of the dark alicorn and the creature together, a soft smile on her features. Her eyes flash as she quickly whips around a corner, seeing the pilot exit away from the machine and walk into the gardens. Once he leaves, she slips inside and glances around. No pony or guards are nearby, leaving the great banshee defenseless and prime for the taking. She drops her cloak and appears at its tail section, taking the form of Princess Luna. As she steps around looking at it, her leg glances a table, knocking off one of the creatures metallic objects. It falls to the ground with a resounding metallic clatter. She freezes in place.

He walks out to the gardens, looking around for his pack of cigarettes he dropped from earlier. He figured he must have lost them during the struggle with Luna, and right now was craving one of them immensely. It's been one very fucked up morning so far. His attention is drawn when he hears a wrench drop against the ground behind him in the hangar bay. He turns quickly, seeing something unexpected. "Luna!" He calls out, rushing to her. He smiles and looks her over, seeing her standing and in perfect shape. "Wow, those medics you have really are professionals! How do you feel?" He reaches out and runs his hands through her wispy ethereal mane, eliciting a soft nickering from her.

Chrysalis nuzzles his hand, just as she was told the alicorn does when she received this contact. Her eyes focus in on the creature and she smiles, her voice silky smooth and soft. "We feel simply purrrfect...mine love." She says, looking into the creatures eyes.

He nods, hearing the royal 'we' in her speaking. Her voice is soft and seductive, her gaze sultry and loving. "Ah...I guess the bug that bit you affected your speech a bit. No matter, we'll work on that again." He says with a smile. He steps away, looking at her. "You look fine...are you sure you're better? Do you still want to go for a flight?"

The changeling queen nods slowly, her tongue tracing her teeth within her muzzle. She smiles seductively and walks past the pilot, looking around and stepping in front of the massive black machine. Her eyes trained forward. "A flight sounds...delightful." She giggles softly. This is too simple, too easy. The creature unsuspecting and too stupid to see the subtle changes. Soon, she would have him where she could break his mind, and wield the power she's heard about. Chrysalis can feel the love emanating from the pilot, the energy seductively calling for her. The thoughts of the meal she would have from him dance in her mind, causing her mouth to water. She extends her feelers magically, sipping the air for the energy; its intoxicating. So potent, so powerful..yes, he would make a fine meal indeed. This one she would kill slowly, seducing him, draining him dry of all emotion. She could sense his mind was weak, easy to control.

"Great, let me just check the bird really quick, and we'll be on our way." He said, still smiling. He looks her over carefully, noticing the bandages around her neck are gone and the wound healed. He shrugs dismissive, figuring the elder alicorn princess must have also had the ability to seal wounds closed with magic. 'I have to thank Celestia later. She really is a great sister to Luna.' He thinks. He climbs to the steps on the side of the fuselage, peering in the cockpit and starts flipping switches, powering on the computer. He turns to her, the bauble around his neck beginning to glow brightly, the star spinning violently faster and turning a soft red shade. He also notices the shift in color and raises an eyebrow. 'Huh...poor girl must still be upset. I'll be sure this flight is extra gentle, maybe cruise around outside the city for a while. Celestia said it would do her some good, so it should..---' His thought process stops when he looks down at the screen. The on board camera in the nose gear is active, and looking right ahead. Standing there in view of the camera, he sees a black insect like pony, with a long ratty mane and tail, and long, sharp fangs protruding from her jaw.

'she's about my size. Very slender and Lilith. She has an exoskeleton casing around her, a shell of sorts. Her mane and tail are a pale green, and her eyes a vibrant deep lime green. Her horn is twisted and broken, and the wings upon her back are also insect like...' Celestia's words echo in his mind as he looks at the image. The pieces fall together. No wounds, no blood, the star going nuts and turning red, now the camera seeing the bug queen herself. 'What luck...the bitch herself shows up! Chrysalis!' He thinks, grinning. He hears Luna's silken voice call to him.

"Mine love...what taketh so long? We wish to journey away from here in thy banshee..let us depart soon." Chrysalis calls out to him. She puts on her best alluring smile, her feelers still sipping at the air for his energy. It's driving her senses wild, and she wants more. The energy is simply pure and potent, tasting to her like a fine wine or whiskey. It's making her drunk with lust.

He nods, grinning as he steps down. "Yeah Luna...about the flight, I need to fix something really quick. Maybe you could help? It's over here in the tool box." He calls out, walking towards it. The Luna look alike trots dazedly to him, smiling softly with all of her features.

"Pray tell, what is it we may assist thou with, mine love? We would like to be helpful..." She says, her tone silken and seductive. She gazes half lidded to him, still sipping at the air. She can feel a slight change in the energy, becoming more potent. It feels...like..malice. Something is changing the energy to darkness...it's even more intoxicating with the power within it.

"Oh, just something small, it should only take a minute." He says, reaching in the top drawer. His eyes are still focused on hers, still smiling a kind grin. His hand grasps the biggest wrench he could feel for, and he takes the handle into his grip. "I was thinking we could use THIS!" He swings, the wrench connecting with the queens jaw and knocking her senseless.

*******

Luna awakens, her eyes fluttering open slowly as she looks up. The sight that greets her is her elder sister standing over her, with a soft concerned smile on her muzzle. "Tia...what happened?" She asks, her hoof coming to the side of her head. Her jaw and neck are sore, her head pounding as if she's been up drinking for weeks. The faint metallic taste of blood is on her lips and teeth as she swallows hard. She knows the taste well. Her eyes open wide as memories flood her mind.

"Lulu..be still...you were bitten by a drone, my dear sister. Your guard, Dark Fury was the one to capture it. The parasite is being held in the dungeons for questioning. How do you feel?" Celestia says calmly, trying to keep her sibling from becoming excited or afraid again.

"Talon...where is mine Talon?!" She worriedly glances around. "I hurt him Tia! Is he--" Celestia cuts her off.

"He's fine lulu. I healed him myself and dressed his wounds. I asked the commander to wait for you by his aircraft, so you could go for a flight once you awakened. I already explained everything, and he was very understanding." Celestia says calmly, laying her fore hoof on the dark alicorn's withers. "He's not angry with you lulu...quite the opposite. It took all I had to convince him not to march into the changeling hive and start beating the answers out of the parasite." She chuckles softly. "You have quite the loyal lover, lulu. It's not every day you find a stallion willing to go into battle, even with his extent of injuries. You have quite the catch." She muses gently.

Luna nods slowly, the taste of his blood in her mouth filling her with nausea. Though her stomach was doing flips within her frame, she did like the idea of the flight, and apologizing to her flame for her actions. It made her at ease when she heard her elder sisters words, bringing a soft smile to her bloodied and dirty muzzle. "Alright.." she says as she rolls off of the bed, her bare hooves touching the cold stone tile. She looks out the window, seeing the war bird in the distance. Her eyes also find the figure of a blue mare by the fuselage...a blue alicorn mare. She can feel the sudden shift in Talons emotions through their link, going from loving and warm to suddenly cold and hostile. It sends chills down her spine, the rage she feels within her chest. "Tia...who is that?" She questions, pointing to the figure of the mare in the distance. She's a dead ringer for Luna.

Celestia traces the line where her sister is pointing, and sees it too. There in the distance...is another Luna. Celestia pushes her senses to their limits, probing the figure with her magic. Her eyes open wide with fright when she detects an all too familiar energy. She turns quickly and gallops out of the room, racing to the ballroom and pilot, Luna hot on her heels in pursuit.

******

Talon swings again and again, knocking the queen around the hangar. She finally drops the magic glamour and peers at him, fire within her eyes. Chrysalis wipes her muzzle with her hoof and smiles wickedly. She alights her horn and blasts the pilot square in the chest, knocking him to the ground and the offending wrench far away with a clatter.

"So...you figured it out. You're smarter than you appear, creature." She says, circling him on the ground. Her silken dual voice echoes in the hangar. "You're defenseless without your machine..but I have an offer for you." As the pilot struggles to get up, she steps on his hand with her hoof, then positions herself on top of him. She lays her barrel on to his chest, bringing her eyes to meet his. He stares up at her with rage and hatred, causing the queens own heart to race in her chest with lust.

"Join me..fight along side of my children and help us take Equestria. With your machine, we will be unstoppable...in return.." She flicks her long tongue, tracing his neck and along his jaw. She bares her fangs to him and seductively smiles. "I will give you all that you want...power, bits, or even sex if you so desire.."

He struggles with the weight of the bug pinning him down, disgusted as she traced her horrid slimy tongue along his face. He spits in her face between her eyes and glares, grinning wickedly at her and gritting his teeth. "Go fuck yourself!" He bites out, struggling against her more.

Her muzzle twists with rage as she wipes her face of the creatures saliva. "Very well, then I'll simply kill you here! He he he he.." She chuckles darkly, her seductive dual voice whispering in his ears. She licks her fangs and lowers her muzzle to his neck, and sinks in her teeth...into a shield. Her fangs are met by a protective barrier, and the bauble on his chest glows a bright deep red. "What...what is this magic?!" She shrieks out, attempting to bite again. The star spins wildly faster and faster within the orb, then blows her backward and away from the pilot with a shock wave.

He shakes his head, dazed and confused for a moment, gathering his bearings. He looks and sees the changeling queen on the ground, also dazed by the burst of magic. He grins and climbs to his feet, diving onto her. He mounts her barrel and starts swinging violently, attacking her muzzle with his fists.

Celestia and Luna arrive to the hangar, their magic charged and ready to slaughter whatever was stupid enough to come here and attack. Celestia herself already on edge from events prior. What greets them however, is a sight that makes them both drop their guard. Completely unexpected, was the pilot sitting on top of Chrysalis, beating the everlasting buck out of the poor insect. Celestia and Luna both watch in horror and excitement at the same time, unable to take their eyes off of it.

THWACK! "That one is for Luna!" THWACK! "That's for threatening Canterlot!" He swings again and again, with all of his strength. Pain is searing within his chest and back from his earlier injury, but he presses on, entirely too enraged to care. He doesn't notice the two royal sisters race into the hangar. THWACK! "And this!" THWACK "Is for being!" THWACK THWACK! "So!" THWACK! "Fucking!" THWACK! "Ugly!!" He stops beating her muzzle, only to start choking her the best he can, smacking the changing queens head against the floor repeatedly. Chrysalis only cries out in pain, making him work even harder. He wants this bug dead.

Celestia and Luna both watch in confusion and come to rest on their haunches, watching the spectacle unfold before their eyes. They knew the pilot obviously had some kind of a hidden dark side, but never expected this. It would make even Nightmare Moon blush with giddy excitement seeing this. A dull ache spreads to their wings as they look on in wonder, jaws agape and wide eyed. **POM-POMF!**

Talon stops when he hears the sudden sound, his fist held in the air as he changes his gaze to his left, seeing both alicorn's sitting and watching. Their wings are fully extended behind them, and a shocked blush on their regal muzzles as they watch with interest. He pants hard, then punches Chrysalis once more in the muzzle before getting off of her. He staggers to them, panting heavily. Out of breath his hands fall to his knees, bent over and coughing. He holds up one finger on a hand, telling them to wait a moment while he regains his breath. When he sees them staring in wide eyed wonder, he points to the war birds nose gear. "Stand...over...there!" He bites out, rage still in his eyes. The two alicorn's nod furiously and gallop to the position pointed out, and watch with curious wonder as he slowly limps to the fuselage and climbs up, then looks in. He comes back down and nods, still coughing.

Chrysalis rolls onto her stomach, blood trailing down from her nose and mouth. She alights her horn and casts a ring of fire around herself, laughing maniacally. "I'll be back ponies! This isn't over! Hahaha!" She shouts with all the ham that even Nightmare Moon couldn't top. In the ring of fire, she vanishes from the room, the flames die down without a trace.

*****

Hours pass after the fight. Celestia and Luna sit on cushions, listening to the pilots story of what happened from start to finish, surprised and in wonder at it all. Once again, the pilots war machine has saved the day and the fate of Equestria as a whole. Luna steps slowly to him, her ears flat against her head and turned back, sorrow on her features. In the fire lit chambers, her tears glisten as shadows dropping to the carpeted floor, as she begs for forgiveness that never needed to be asked for. The two talk quietly with Celestia watching intently and quietly at this. The regal white alicorn smiles genuinely when she watches Luna lay on her side nuzzling him, her head resting in his lap as he caresses her mane and long neck.

"Commander...in all my years, I've never heard of some pony actually going against a magical creature with a wrench...and this I find both disturbing and amusing." She says with a small smile. "But I must ask, how did you know it wasn't Luna?"

Talon smiles smugly at Celestia. "Well ma'am, it's simple. My birds cameras can't see your magic. So her disguise didn't work. Technology negates your magic all together, so as far as it was concerned, it wasn't looking at Luna, just a very big ugly bug with hair." He replied.

Celestia nodded slowly, listening to all of this. She made a mental note to have the engineers build a vast array of these 'cameras' as quickly as possible, so she could easily detect anymore of the parasite. Her attention is drawn back to the pilot when he speaks.

"Princess...That bug stated she would be back. She told me what she was going to do. Your best option now is to strike first. We need to locate them and wipe them out in one swift move." He said firmly.

Celestia shakes her head and sighs. "I am afraid I cannot send our armies into battle just like that, commander. Even if she did claim those irrational plans, she couldn't possibly succeed. And even if she were to strike, she does not have sufficient forces to prevail once again."

"We don't need your armies, ma'am. We have an option available to end this right now. You give the order, and I'll see to it that your pest problem is blown straight to hell." He snaps back, passion clear in his voice. Luna raises her head and gazes at her sister.

"Sister..what he says is the truth. On his craft, he carries a weapon of great power that can end wars before they begin. We should take his advice and destroy them now before the parasite can strike." Luna says, her voice also holding the same passion of her pilots.

Celestia raises an eyebrow. "Go on...I'm listening."

Talon licks his lips, and speaks. "On board of my war bird, I was given what my people call a nuclear weapon. It's a missile that has a special type of bomb on it. It can wipe out cities or even an entire country in the blink of an eye, killing everything in the area. I was on a mission to drop that weapon on an enemy nation that had attacked my country. They killed many, many innocents, so our military was ordered to return fire with those." He takes a breath and points to Celestia. "I'm a part of your nation, your world now. I swore to you the same oath I had taken for my people, to defend my nation and all of her allies from all threats, both foreign and domestic. This is a threat ma'am, and we have the power to strike now. They drew first blood princess, they struck first. Now I'm asking you...give me the order, and Luna and I will deliver the package on that bugs doorstep as soon as we figure out where they are."

Celestia is quiet for a few minutes, staring into the fireplace. She sighs, and shakes her head. "First blood or no, commander..sister...I cannot condone the destruction of an entire race simply because of one incident like today. The parasite does not have the force required to carry out her wishes, nor will they. I'm sorry...but my answer is no. I won't ask you to remove the weapon you speak of...and I will keep it as an option. But for now, my hoof will be stayed in this judgement.

"But sister! We must take his advice and strike now! They invaded Canterlot before and nearly won, were it not for Twilight Sparkle and her brother Shining Armor! It was his spell that shielded us from their drones, and Twilight that had detected the insect! We would not be here today if Cadence didn't have her counter spell and Shining Armors love to guide her!" Luna desperately cries out.

"My answer is no, lulu. We will not use the super weapon you two speak of at this time. Now drop it for now...we have the dragon nation delegates coming in the morning, and would be best if we all rest. The Lunar Stallions are on patrol now, and we all know Changelings cannot copy them. Rest easy you two...we'll deal with this more in the morning." Celestia says sadly to Luna, still staring into the fire.

Luna and talon nod, and quietly exit the cambers as they're dismissed. The two head off to Luna's chambers for a wash, then sleep as they discuss today's events. They both agree on one thing: They need to find Chrysalis, and put a stop to her as quickly as possible. With, or without Celestia's approval.

* * * * *

Chrysalis appears in her throne room, bloodied, angry and weak. She sits on the throne and rests, licking her wounds and cleaning the blood. She fumes. A sound catches her ears and she glares into the shadow, finding the orbs again.

"Back so soon? I thought for sure you'd have the banshee with you." The shadowed figure says, sounding bored.

She hisses at the figure, continuing to lick her wounds. "The creature is protected by her magic...All of the children in the world could not stop alicorn magic, you know this...the invasion is fruitless." She bites out hotly.

"So...what's the problem? I know Celestia's tricks..I can block her magic. Try again." The red eyes in the dark say, fixated on Chrysalis. "Or are you afraid?" It laughs.

She glares up at the figure. "Then grant me that power...my children will devour all of Equestria, and you shall have your trinket." She laughs darkly. "Do not and the next meal we have will be you."

The shadow grins a Cheshire grin and laughs, a soft snapping sound is heard echoing in the shadows. "There..ha-ha..now go and finish the job, Chrissy."

Chrysalis glares ahead, feeling the power coursing through her frame. Her wounds heal themselves, her body charges with energy. She feels good...so much lustful power racing through her. She chuckles darkly in her silken dual voice, and begins to plan the invasion.

Author's Note

Whoo! Yeah, this one was fun to write. I actually had to split 10 and 11 up, because it would have been over 20k words otherwise. Anyway! Thank you to everyone who has stuck with the story this far. I'm happy I'm able to deliver an entertaining and fun story for you to enjoy, and hope I can keep up the momentum of it for you. Special thank you to Abyss for the cover art (which will be posted after this chapter goes up.) for hand drawing such a beautiful masterpiece. I'll get his Deviant Art page and link the full sized image to you guys soon. Stay tuned folks! We have a hell of a ride coming as we enter the battle! Next stop: TO WAR!

Side note: The song playing during the flight was "Welcome to the jungle" by guns n roses. Play that while you read. haha

Intertwined Hearts Part One

Chapter 11: Intertwined Hearts Part One

Luna yawns tiredly, attempting to cover with her fore hoof. The two have been awake throughout the night, working together in the hangar on the warbird. She was restless about her elder sisters decision, and couldn't get comfortable enough to sleep. Her pilot speaks to her, getting her attention.

"Alright, that seems to be the last one. Your engineers are quite skilled...being able to come up with a few replacement missiles already." He says to her , his gaze still looking into the weapons bay. The engineers hired by Luna some days ago have completed six replacement air-to-air missiles for the warbird. He smiles as he eyes them, happy that once again he's armed enough to defend Canterlot at a moments notice.

Luna looks up at the horizon, seeing her moon nearing its resting point for the night. She sighs wistfully and turns her attention to him. "Yes..that they are. Is there any room left for more? Do we have enough?" She asks, curious.

He looks at her, still smiling. "I believe so. The good thing is, these are all air combat types. So if those dragons do indeed turn out to be pulling a trick, we at least have a way to put a quick end to it. If all else fails, we could rely on the guns. Last count had over five hundred rounds left, that should be plenty if it results in an all out dog fight."

She nods, turning her gaze back to her moon. "I was told by my sister that Legatus and his escorts would be here at dawn. We have only an hour before they arrive. How much fuel do we have right now?"

He climbs out from under the warbird and walks to the fuselage, then climbs up the side steps. Looking in, he checks the screens and powered up displays of the aircraft, flipping through menus to check. "We should have enough for a solid three hours of flight, maybe two if we have to push the edge here. If it is a dog fight, I think this should carry us through it long enough to win, then land safely. But it wouldn't be a bad idea to add more if you could."

Luna nods, then rises from her resting cushion by the door. She stands and stretches, a few audible pops heard from her knees and hips, then sighs happily. After she finishes waking her limbs, she steps to the warbird and bounds up onto the folded canard. Her horn alights, and she opens the fuel filler hatches on both wings. Concentrating, she swishes her horn slowly in the air from side to side, casting her magic. Moonlight pours into the room brighter than before now, condensing into a vapor at first then a liquid mist, funneling down into the tanks. She hums quietly to herself, a smile on her muzzle as she does this. The midnight alicorn is happy, being able to do this for him. She feels needed and wanted, warming her heart at the thought.

He watches her from the steps, listening to her hum her lullaby to herself. This makes the pilot smile. "You really do enjoy this, don't you?"

Still working on her spell, she opens her eyes and looks at him, smiling softly. "Mmhmm, I do!" She replies joyfully. "I'm happy that I can help...And with the aircraft full, it means we can fly longer and spend more time together if there isn't any problems today at the meeting."

He nods, turning his attention back outside and looking at the horizon. "I have to admit...I'm actually hopeful that I won't have to use these missiles today on those dragons. Your sister had stated these were the rulers of the dragon kind, that Legatus lizard an old friend of hers."

Luna giggles, still performing her spell. "Actually, Legatus was my sisters pet some three thousand years ago. I was just a foal at the time, but I somewhat remember him being her assistant back then. As much as a baby dragon could assist with anyway...We didn't have a very large form of any written languages at the time, and this was shortly before that wretched Discord had cropped into power and derailed everything we had built."

He raises an eyebrow and turns to her. "Your sister has been princess for over three thousand years? That's a hell of a reign...I didn't even think she was that old."

She stops for a moment and turns her gaze on him, surprised by his question. "Oh..I guess I never told you all of our history..Mine sister and I were not the rulers of Equestria until about nineteen hundred years ago. Prior to that, the ponies of the land had their own tribes, and we just stayed out of their affairs the best we could. The unicorn tribe was ruled by a very nice mare named Princess Platinum, if I remember right. The pegasus tribe was...not my favorite of the three, I remember the leader of theirs was quite the charmer..in a bad way." She giggles at the thought. "I remember we used to watch them from our cavern entrance, it was quite comical. Since we didn't know their names, Tia had called the leader Captain Shiny Pants."

He laughs at the name. "Really? I thought your kind don't normally wear clothes...well, except for socks.."

"Oh no, their leader didn't actually wear pants, it's just how the armor covered their legs and bodies. It really did look like a shiny pair of pants though." She replied, still laughing. She turns her attention back to the task at hand and shakes her head, still giggling. Her horn alights again, and she resumes creating the moonlight fuel.

"I'll take a guess and say the third tribe was the Earth pony kind, right?" He asks

She nods. "Yes...interestingly enough, they had a leader who wasn't the brightest star so to speak. It was actually the adviser that had done most of the decision making in their tribe. Their ruler, chancellor Pudding Hat was somewhat of a flake." She said dismissively, her eyes on the nearly full tanks.

"Pudding...Hat? Well with a name like that I could only imagine the pony wouldn't exactly be on the cutting edge of things." He muses, watching the alicorn princess work. "So what happened to them all?"

"Well long story short, they all finally came together in a new land and started to work together in harmony. Things were going great for a while...then Discord came to be. Tia and I tried to stop him then...but we couldn't. We just weren't strong enough yet. We left to go heal and train each others magic and abilities, then returned some years later and defeated Discord with the Elements of Harmony." She sighed. "It wasn't easy at first, rebuilding civilization. When we had told the survivors to find their leaders and start reforming, they instead had chosen us to lead them. Over the years it seemed no matter what we had done to step away from power, they kept putting us back here. So we just stayed and did our best for our subjects."

"So what happened to this Discord guy anyway?" He asked, stepping closer to the alicorn and leaning on the wing. "Did he get sent to the moon or some other rock when you used the space pony magic things?" He pulls out a cigarette from his flight jacket pocket and lights it, then takes a pull off of it. He looks at her and ex hails the smoke. "Or did you and your sister just off him?"

Luna shook her head and rolled her eyes. "Had I of had it my way, we would have simply killed him. Neigh, we turned him into stone with the Elements of Harmony. For centuries that wretch remained as a statue in the gardens, until recently when he had broken free. Twilight Sparkle and her friends had defeated and sealed the beast in stone once more very shortly after his return." She muttered. "Effortlessly may I note..." She finishes the fueling process and closes the hatches, then powers down her magic. Turning to him she rests on her haunches while maintaining her gaze into his eyes. The smoke is somewhat bothering her nose, but she ignores it since shes become accustomed to the pilots fire tubes, and she herself has been caught with a few on occasion with him.

"Mine sister released him from his stone imprisonment four years ago. He was to be rehabilitated by the element of kindness, miss Fluttershy." Luna rears up slightly and holds her fore hooves out in quotation at the word rehabilitated, then comes back to rest again. "He seemed like he did turn a good leaf at first, but recently escaped her just this past year. He has not been seen since."

Talon nods slowly, taking another pull off of his cigarette. "So you think he could be behind any of this mess?" He asks dryly.

"Neigh, this would be too planned, too indirect for his tactics. Discord is the embodiment of chaos, mine love. As you would say, this simply isn't his style."

He finishes and puts out his cigarette in the nearby bowl filled with sand on his toolbox, then ex hails the smoke and nods. "Thought I'd ask. Your history shows that the problems that you didn't snuff out has a tendency of coming back to haunt your kind." He holds up his arms and waits for Luna to come closer, then lifts her carefully off of the wing, holding her for a moment. She takes this chance to kiss him lovingly, before she is set down on her hooves again on the ground.

"It seems so...but I do not believe this could be one of those occasions." She yawns tiredly and looks out on the horizon, then turns back to the warbird. "Let us retire to mine chambers, we shalt need our rest in case we are called into battle. Legatus may arrive soon, and I wouldn't want mine hero to be asleep at the controls."

Talon yawns and looks at her, nodding. "Lets just get some coffee and wait this out. I'll sleep better when I know the lizards are on their way back home and I'm not having to blow them out of the sky again. I'd rather save these missiles for the bug."

Luna nods and nuzzles him lovingly, following him as they make their way to the royal kitchens. Ponies passing by them nod and wave, but none slow or stop their walk. When they arrive in the kitchens, it's found to be busy with some of the morning cooks and workers, feverishly working to prepare the sun princesses breakfast. Talon eyes a small cake being decorated with icing and a tray lid close by it on a cart. While Luna is looking away, he grins and sneaks over to the cart, looking over the plain top and tube of decoration icing on the cart. Checking around him quickly, he picks up the tube and quickly writes something on the top of the cake, then puts the silver dome lid on the top. He scoots away and whistles quietly, snickering as an unsuspecting servant pony takes the cart, bound for Celestias chambers.

Luna finishes pouring the cups of Coffee and sits down on a nearby chair and waits for the pilot, seeing all of this unfold. She grins mischievously. "Always the prankster? Mine sister seems to have rubbed off on you." She says with a knowing smile.

He snickers and takes a sip of the coffee, then nods. "Yeah, but someone has to keep your space pony sister on her hooves. No one else here has the brass to pull a prank on her." He takes another sip. "Besides, she may like the new nickname."

She raises an eyebrow. "New nickname?"

He laughs. "You'll see."

* * * * *

Celestia yawns, resting on her haunches at her desk within her chambers. Twilight Sparkle is in the royal washroom, doing her usual routine of waking up, bathing then starting her day. It's still dark outside, the sun not yet needing to be raised for another half hour. The sun princess hears a soft rapping at her door, and turns her attention to the sound. "Enter." She calls out softly, still tired. What greets her is the usual morning routine. Two royal guards leading in one of the palace servants. She smiles when she sees the young mare wheeling in the cart, knowing what is under the lid. "Good morning to you." She smiles sweetly.

The small unicorn mare smiles back at the princess. "Good morning princess. Here is the cake you ordered yesterday after your noon court. Please let me know if there is anything else we can get for you." She replies in a soft and demure voice. Using her magic, she levitates the lid off, her eyes still on Celestia. The unicorn is smiling.

Celestias eyes fall on the cake, a smile upon her muzzle as she looks it over. In the dim light, she can see writing on the top, as though it was decorated like a birthday cake. The alicorn leans forward, reading the top. She stares, holding back a chuckle. "Miss Lemon Hearts..was my sister and the commander in the kitchens at any point this morning?" She asks, chuckling lightly.

The unicorn smiles and nods. "Why yes, how did you.." She looks down, and stares in horror. "Oh dear sweet Celestia! Forgive me princess! I--I didn't!!"

Celestia laughs and smiles, her eyes showing her kindness and joy. "Please calm down miss Hearts, I know full well what pony made this cute message." She smiles looking at it. "And it is indeed true, with what it says."

Lemon Hearts stops cringing for a moment, then looks at the writing. She can't understand the symbols or lettering that is human speak. "Princess...may I ask, what does it say?"

Celestia stifles a laugh and looks at her, trying to hide her joy of the joke behind her calm regal mask. But alas...it's too early in the morning for that. She slips finally and laughs, sighing happily. "It says 'Good morning Sunny Butt.' And obviously the commander knew exactly who was getting this delicious cake."

The guards snicker, unable to hold back after the comment. Things have certainly livened up around the palace with the human around, and for the better. The lunar princess has never been happier, the nights never more beautiful and peaceful. The sun princess has never laughed or smiled so often, some pony finally able to challenge her in earnest with jokes. Moral on both sides was very high, and more enjoyable for all parties involved. Yes, they would definitely have to pat the pilot on the back for this one, having seen first hand the regal alicorns pleasant and welcomed reaction to the small joke. They quickly make a mental note to pass the new nickname around the barracks to their fellow guards once they are off duty.

Lemon Hearts nods slowly, still somewhat horrified by this, but surprised and shocked that the princess is actually happy that her morning cake was defaced by the pilots graffiti. She bows quickly and exits the room after setting the lid down, leaving the cart with the breakfast items and cake behind for Celestia and Princess Twilight to enjoy at their leisure. The guards follow suit, leaving the elder white alicorn to enjoy her meal in peace.

Upon watching them exit, Celestia sighs happily and walks to the balcony, looking out at the kingdom. Soon she knew, she would come face to face with several very old and powerful dragons, her heart slightly in apprehension of what the outcome may bring. Though it's an old friend that is coming to visit today, it's been many many years since the two have spoken. She dosen't know what may come of it, and is held in slight anticipation and anxiety of it.

* * * * *

"Sunny butt?! Talon, thou hast gone mad!" Luna exclaimed in laughter. "And pray tell, why are you looking at mine sisters flank? Is mine no longer pleasing?" She asks wryly with a sultry grin.

"No no! Yours is fine! Heh. It was merely an observation. Kinda hard to miss a giant sun shaped mark on your sisters big butt, that's all." He holds his hands up innocently. "Besides, I'm sure she'll get the joke. With what happened yesterday and now us on edge with the lizards coming, I just figured a small well placed joke would bring a smile to her face and maybe ease some of the tension."

Luna nickers and nods, following Talon back to the hangar. Once they arrive, Luna comes to a rest back on the cushion. Talon steps back to the Warbird and stands on the steps of the fuselage, checking the computer screens for the systems test results.

"Talon.." Luna says softly, looking at him. Her eyes trace the soft blue glow on the bauble, the star spinning lazily and slow inside the orb.

"Yep?" He responds, eyes still on the screens and reading the information on the display.

"I've been wanting to tell you.." She says quietly, a soft blush coming to her muzzle. Her gaze is still on him. Her heart quickens in her barrel as she licks her lips, inhaling softly. "I...I love you. I'm in love with you..and if we do go into battle today and do not survive.."

He pauses for a moment, listening to her. The bauble begins to glow a soft red and spins slower. He notices the color shift, and turns to look at her. Coming down from the steps, he walks slowly to her side and takes a seat next to her on the floor.

"If...we don't survive this..Just know that there is no pony I'd rather take the journey of death with. I do not fear the ever after, now that I have you with me." She finishes, lowering her head into his lap. She breathes deep, inhaling his scent into her nostrils and filling her lungs. She sighs heavily.

"We won't die, princess. Not today, and not for as long as I can fight. I told you I would protect you with everything that I have." He strokes her mane slowly, caressing her neck and head gently. "If these dragons came for a fight...then they came to the right place. You're my mare, and as long as I draw breath I will fight to the last missile and blood in me."

She nuzzles him, burying her muzzle into his flight jacket, enjoying the close contact. She yawns and closes her eyes. The air is chilly outside, causing her to shiver slightly. Her eyes shoot open when she feels something lay ontop of her back all of the sudden. She raises her head, only to find the pilot has draped his jacket onto her back. She turns her head and looks at him, smiling. When he smiles back, she leans forward and kisses him affectionately. Her heart races in her chest, her body feeling warm and genial. She holds the deep kiss for a few moments, then breaks away, panting softly. Her cheeks are flushed and hot.

"I love you.." She says breathlessly.

"And I love you, Luna. I always will." He says, running his fingers through her wispy mane. She nickers very softly from this, smiling sweetly.

She feels the familiar tug on her senses, and alights her horn. Her gaze falls to the moon in the distant horizon. The midnight alicorn then wills the moon to its resting place with her magic, watching the setting. She sighs wistfully, leaning against the pilot now. Her eyes close and she smiles, enjoying the moment. The skies begin to alight in a dim grey, her sisters celestial sun coming over the distant mountains and bringing the day. The two stay like this for what feels like an eternity, watching the sunrise from the hangar.

* * * * *

Two hours pass, Luna nodding off slowly while she lays against the pilots shoulder. Talon sighs, listening intently for any signs that would indicate the dragons are in the area. Thus far the morning has been completely quiet. The skies are clear and calm. He's on his fourth cup of coffee, refills being brought by a very kind palace maid named Dusty Shine. Sitting on the floor there beside the princess, he comes to one painful realization; He's bored out of his skull.

"Sitting down on the job, commander?" Celestia says as she creeps up behind him, startling the pilot. She giggles when she sees him jump to his feet, and Luna falling over on her side from the sudden removal of her resting support.

He salutes the white alicorn. "No ma'am! Just on standby for you in case these dragons came here with bad intentions." He says quickly, in his firm professional tone, as if he were addressing a commanding officer.

Celestia smiles and paws at his chest with her hoof, nickering. When he drops the salute and relaxes somewhat, she steps forward and embraces the pilot in a friendly hug. "I do not feel that they would wish to engage us today, commander. Word has spread far and wide that Equestria is protected by a..oh how did my ponies put it.." She trails off, thinking. "A great banshee that fires the spears of Tatarus." She muses. "I've already stressed to them that it is called an aircraft, but the name banshee seems to have stuck for your machine."

He nods slowly, helping Luna back to her hooves. She yawns then smiles at her elder sister. Talon turns his attention back to Celestia. "Permission to speak freely, princess?"

Celestia raises her eyebrows at this question, taken aback in surprise. "Commander, there is no need to be formal here. You are always welcome to speak your mind with me or any of the palace staff. What is it?" She says with her gentle regal tone.

He licks his lips, looking Celestia in the eyes. "With all do respect, I have come to know an old adage on my world that holds great truth. 'Si vis pacem para bellum. If you want peace- Prepare for War. Us welcoming them here with open arms and no defensive measures in place is suicide. Say the word, and I'll go up the the air right now and circle Canterlot while we wait for them. Luna filled the tanks completely, so I can remain aloft for hours. We should have a plan in place that way if they do attack, we can mount a counter offensive immediately."

She smiles, hearing his willingness to jump to her subjects defense so quickly. Pride fills the white alicorns heart as she gazes at him slowly. "We have measures in place, commander. Legatus is an old friend from my own foal-hood, and I doubt very seriously he would allow any of his subjects or escorts to damage that friendship. Where I need you is right beside Luna during peace talks. Legatus is the ruler of the Dragon Nation, and very rarely ventures away from the capitol city. If he is here, that means that this is a very serious matter and he wants to personally insure the alliance is intact. However...your concern is noted and very appreciated. If things do turn sour, you have my blessing to do whatever you deem necessary to protect this kingdom."

He nods. "Understood ma'am. You will always have me on your wing for support, and I will lay down my life to protect this kingdom and all of its keep, especially including you or your beautiful sister."

Chirping tones and beeps are heard from the warbird, loudly calling attention to the pilot and princesses. Talon rushes to the aircraft and jumps up the fuselage steps, the two alicorns trotting closely behind him. He reaches in and presses the screen controls. "Alert Alert- Unidentified contacts."

He looks down at the two. "We have incoming...Looks to be five total contacts on radar."

"Is it the dragon delegates?" Luna asks, her tone expressing concern. Her features are rigid, uncomfortable and ready for a fight. She's been waiting for this moment since they were told by her elder sister last night in Celestias chambers. She prays it will not result in a fight, but is ready. Grand dragons are nothing to trifle with, and would be a serious fight for even an alicorn.

"It could be...no telling just by looking at the radar. I'm guessing at their rate of speed, and path, they will probably be coming into Canterlot within the next fifteen minutes. Princess Celestia, if we are to launch, now is the time. Are you absolutely sure you don't want us to intercept them?" Talon asks, urgency clear in his voice. "If they attack, this bird is a sitting duck until it's airborne."

Celestia thinks on this, silent for a few moments. She can tell that the pilot and her sister are obviously uncomfortable, holding a baited breath. "Launch right away. Listen in on the radio. If you see them attack or I give the order, you are cleared to engage. Until then do not fire upon or provoke them. "

Talon and Luna nod. "Understood." They both say in unison. Luna bounds from her spot onto the canard, then climbs into the cockpit slowly, getting seated in the seat behind Talon. She uses her magic and levitates her headset on, a determined look on her features as her hooves begin operating her own flight controls.

Celestia eyes Luna with a small smile. 'You're growing up and learning so much from him...little sister. I'm so proud of you.' She thinks to herself. " Good luck you two. I have complete faith in you." Celestia says, pride in her voice. She turns and starts to walk away, heading for the courtyard. "Oh and commander?"

Talon turns to look at her while putting on his flight helmet. "Yes ma'am?" He pauses for a moment, his gaze on her.

"That's Princess Sunny Butt to you. Don't forget it." She says with a wry grin on her muzzle, her eyes alight with alicorn mischief. "Do keep your eyes off of my flank however. You could make lulu jealous..."

He nods, grinning. "Yes Princess Sunny Butt Ma'am! I will dutifully watch your sisters Mooney butt instead!" He throws a mock salute at the white alicorn. She laughs kindheartedly and continues her walk away. He closes the canopy next. "Ready Luna?"

Luna nods, a fierce look of determination on her features. Her ears are rigid and straight up, her wings twitching excitedly as she continues working. "Initiate Scram Jet sequence!" She calls out this time, while hooking herself into her own harness.

He smiles. "I'll take that as a yes!" All around them, they can hear the powerful engines of the warbird begin to spin up and howl. The canopy closes completely and seals, the aircraft making itself flight ready. After a few moments he pushes the throttle forward and begins to taxi out of the hangar. Outside the canopy, the two can see guards scrambling to posts and positions, every pony knowing that if the bird is about to take off this morning, it must be to intercept a possible threat. Luna continues her focus, watching straight ahead as the machine continues its slow crawl to the runway, before it comes to a stop.

"Tia said she would call us over the radio if we need to attack. For now lets just intercept them in flight, and follow them at a safe distance." She says into her headset, her eyes glued to the radar. She pales when she suddenly sees the five dots from before suddenly split off into now ten separate dots, all moving in formation.

He throttles up the aircraft, activating the afterburners as quickly as possible. The engines howl and whine loudly, the concussive force of them powering up causing the windows of the palace and nearby buildings to rattle. The aircraft rockets down the runway and climbs quickly into the air, its twin pillars of fire showing brightly in the morning light.

Celestia watches from the front steps of the palace as the aircraft takes to the skies, ready to shelter her subjects and city under its mysterious black wings. Her heart pounds in her chest, a prayer to her mother that this was unnecessary in its entirety. She knew the commander was indeed correct, and if he was needed to suddenly rush to Canterlots defense that the machine would be vunerable while it was taking off, and could easily be destroyed if attacked. She swallows hard, seeing it climb into the sky. 'Be safe you two..guard him with your heart, dear sister.' she whispers into the wind, her prayer being carried to her sister.

The warbird rockets to the echelons of dragons, seeing them in the distance. Talon switches the flight weapons control to missiles, arming a sidewinder. "Fuel Air explosive armed. Missile Lock. Missile Lock." The computer chirps. The weapons rack rolls down from the warbirds belly, the missile exposed and aimed.

"Talon one to control, verified ten contacts. These seem to be your delegates. Weapons are hot and locked, please advise." He calls into the radio. They hear static for a moment, before a voice comes over the radio.

'Talon, this is Twilight. Celestia is down below still watching events unfold. Do not engage the dragons, those are the delegates.' Silence for a moment. 'Umm...switch over to observation only until you yourself are engaged. Escort them in and keep watch.'

"Wilco. We'll follow instructions control. Out." He bites out into the headset. He turns and glances at Luna. "Keep an eye on them, if they sneeze wrong tell me, we'll blow them straight to Hell." He says sternly.

Luna nods, peering out the canopy and looking for the dragons ahead. When they see them come into range, Talon backs off the throttle and banks hard, rolling the aircraft into the turn. The warbird lines up and rolls on its side, blading itself and flying in between the two echelons of incoming dragons. He activates the afterburners again and whips the tail of the aircraft out, pitching to trail the dragons now. They seem bewildered of the aircraft, breaking formation and swarming around the largest of the group, while maintaining their course for Canterlot. They do not attack the warbird that is quickly gaining on them and pulling up along side of the cluster.

The largest of the dragons, a brushed blue scaled behemoth with a gold belly and trim eyes the machine wairly, its massive jaws large enough to swallow the warbird whole in a single bite. Legatus looks into the glass canopy from his position and sees the blue alicorn in the back, staring at him with some degree of fear. He smiles a big toothy grin at her, maintaining his course as they slowly approach Canterlot. He is somewhat confused however, when he watches the mysterious loud machine suddenly tip its left wing down and show off its belly quickly, a spear like object hanging out side of its body. The craft rights itself again and maintains its flight beside him, off to one side. The dragons all come in to land, some perching upon the mountain side behind the castle. Legatus lands in the courtyard near the front of the palace, and folds his wings. The aircraft circles overhead in a wide bank, circling the cluster of dragons and around the palace.

"Legatus!" Celestia calls out, calmly walking up to the dragon. Legatus lowers his head to the ground and comes eye level to the regal white alicorn.

"Why if it isn't Celestia! Last time I had really seen you, you had a bright pink mane and tail, and were a chubby, irritable foal who always ate my cakes I baked." The great dragon bellows in his booming voice. "Still playing princess dress up I see, you never grow up Celly."

Celestia trots up to him, glaring. "And last time I seen you, you were a hatch-ling lizard that always ate my jewelry and set my favorite dress on fire!" She shoots back in a stern voice. The dragon growls at her loudly, exposing its massive fangs.

The two seem to be at odds and off to a bad start seemingly for a few moments. Suddenly the dragon begins to snicker, unable to hold it in any longer, before finally laughing a deep and friendly laugh. Celestia joins him in the laughter, smiling genuinely.

"It's good to see you old friend! Why did you bring so many escorts with you, may I ask?" Celestia asks loudly, almost having to shout for the great dragon before her to hear her normally soft voice.

"They have come to show respect to our ally, and to insure no further attacks will occur while I am here, Princess. There has been great unrest within the empire, a seperatist faction has been attacking our allies. They have come to call themselves the Sons of Discord, and believe that we the Dragon Nation should be the rulers of the world. It was that faction that had attacked your city." He says in a low voice, keeping his eyes focused on the alicorn. The aircraft continues to circle overhead, causing him to look up. "So that is the banshee of legend that I've come to hear about? That is the creature that had put down eight of my nations worst criminals?"

Celestia nodded, smiling. "Yes, old friend! The aircraft is Equestrias guardian, and in turn a friend of your nation as well! I had faith that you were not responsible for the attacks, as we have been close friends for all these years!" She calls out to Legatus. "I'll ask them to land so you can meet them!"

The dragon bellows a laugh, nodding slowly. "That sounds as a wondrous plan then! It is even regarded as a hero in our land, by eliminating our most dangerous criminals. I would like to thank the banshee face to face, even if it does eat ponies."

Celestia cocks her head to the side and raises an eyebrow at this. "Eats ponies? Whatever do you mean?"

Legatus smiles a large toothy grin at the small alicorn before him. "Your young-ling sister is in its jaws now! The most recent of its meals. I had seen her myself only moments before landing. My comrades would be more than happy to free her from its maw and punish it if you so desire...or was she your sacrifice to the banshee?" The grand dragon bellows, its eyes tracing the slowly circling craft in the sky. The dragons on the cliff side all gaze upwards as well, some screeching loudly at it, one blowing a small plume of flame from its mouth, directed at the warbird.

The alicorn shakes her head, laughing quite loudly. "It does not eat ponies, I can assure you! My sister is perfectly fine and healthy, and merely riding with the pilot of the aircraft!" She takes to wing and hovers in air, looking at Legatus. "I will instruct them to land, so you can see for yourself. Do calm your escorts down, however..The one breathing fire may provoke the pilot into defending himself!"

Legatus raises his head and turns to the smaller black dragon who had released the plume, and roars loudly. The perched smaller dragons all cower in fear, lowering their heads and splaying their wings out in submission. Once this satisfies Legatus, he turns back to Celestia who is hovering in air. "It is done...I will await here for your return. My comrades will do nothing to the banshee, you have my word of honor."

Celestia nods and pumps her powerful wings, gaining altitude and flying up. She lands on the balcony of her chambers with all of her grace, and folds her wings down to her sides, then steps inside.

* * * * *

Talon rolls the aircraft to dodge the small plume of fire released, then pulls the aircraft into a steep climb. "Looks like we have their answer!" He yells into the headset. Luna looks out in terror at the small dragon continuing to release the plume.

"Use guns! It's too close to the castle for missiles!" She shouts back to him, eyeing the dragon through the canopy. She swallows hard as the aircraft banks hard and pulls into a dive, lining up with its target. The weapons bay door closes, the missile rack rolling back inside. The warbirds canards spread back open as it begins to slow into the dive, aligning with the target.

Talon switches over the weapons control to guns, watching the HUD for the range to target for guns. The dragon is locked onto. As he approaches, they hear a roar so loud, it overtakes the warbirds engines, resonating within the cockpit. To his surprise, the dragons all stop and cower in fear, lowering themselves flat against the mountain side.

'Talon, disengage your attack vector and land immediately. That was not an attack and you have been requested to meet with Legatus.' Celestias calm voice comes over the radio. 'We are not under attack, please land immediately.'

Talon pulls the aircraft into a climb again, banking and rolling the aircraft around. "Rodger that ma'am. Disengaging all targets and preparing to land." He responds, then switches over to internal radio. "Luna, what do you think we should do? Should we listen?"

The midnight alicorn looks on, seeing everything unfold below and spots her sister waiving happily with her hoof from her balcony. "I can feel Tia's relief, Talon. I think she's right and they didn't come to start trouble." She says, sounding unsure. She watches everything below for a moment, then speaks again. "Lets land. I'll shield us with my magic while we are on the pathway, so we can return to the hangar safely."

He nods, turning the warbird and lining up with the runway. He slows the aircraft and lowers the landing gear, then lowers the flaps. As the aircraft comes closer to the ground, he opens the air speed brake and lowers the tail hook. The rear wheels touch first, the hook catching the catch cables below, then the forward gear touches with a soft bump. Luna alights her horn, a large umbrella of magic forming over the warbird, shielding its dorsal sections and wings. After releasing the tail hook, he lowers the air speed brake and throttles up slowly, the warbird begins to taxi back to the hangar. This takes a few minutes, the pilot taking his time to insure he doesn't need to take off again suddenly. He eyes the dragons all on the cliff side, watching his every move. "Luna...this is a bad idea...we're exposed like this.." He says into his headset.

The alicorn swallows hard, warily eyeing the dragons. She shudders when one of them smiles, exposing its jagged and sharp fangs in a wide toothy grin. A chill races up her spine at this. "Just be ready to take off again if we need to..." She whispers back into the headset.

They finally reach the hangar, the canards closed and the aircraft slowing as it approaches the massive double doors. The opening has since been expanded in recent weeks, the warbird now easily entering the bay with no clearance issues. The bird taxis in slowly and swings its nose around inside the room, coming to rest once it faces outdoors again. Luna lowers the shield and releases a breath she never knew she was holding when the aircrafts engines wind down to a whisper. The two sit there in silence for a few moments, before he opens the canopy. Not a word is said between them as they unbuckle the harnesses and exit the craft. Climbing out, they see Twilight Sparkle there, her features betraying her apprehension.

"Celestia said we need to head to her study, where we can better talk to Legatus from the high up balcony..." She says, uneasy as she's looking past them through the doors openings, eyeing the dragons outside. A few dragons have moved from their perch to get a better look at the war machine they call the banshee, yet keep their distance out of fear.

Luna nods, her features rigid and stoic. "Mine sister always had the knack for negotiations..In this case however I question her judgement...telling us to give up our best defensive position is suicide!"

The purple alicorn nods quickly, eyeing the dragons still. Beads of sweat are running down her neck and face, her breath unsteady. "Normally I'd disagree with you...Princess Celestia always seems to know the right thing to do...but in this case I'll make the exception.." Twilight says shakily, then gulps. "I...I was never worried about Spike being a scary dragon...but these ones all look as scary as an Ursa Major...I don't like how there's so many of them around the palace...we would be defenseless if they strike now!" She whispers hurriedly, glancing back to the pilot and dark alicorn.

Talon grabs the assault rifle out of the cockpit and checks the breach bolt, cambering a round. "I doubt this will do more than piss them off, but the bullets should still be able to render these lizards blind if they try anything. Lets just follow orders and get up there. Higher ground would give us a better tactical vantage point, and at least give us the advantage of sniping the leader. With any army or enemy cell the simple fact is, take out their leader and the ranks fall to pieces. The big one is their leader, and his eyes are huge. I shouldn't miss no matter how hard he makes it to aim."

They all turn to walk into the palace, heading to Princess Celestias study. Guards all around them in the hallways are scrambling to posts, making ready with weapons and taking defensive positions. Palace staff and civilians are hurriedly rushing to safe points within the palace, to get out of the way if an emergency takes place. It becomes very obvious to the three making way for the study; no pony is comfortable with the amount of dragons nearby, let alone next to the castle like this. They pick up the pace and walk faster, climbing the stairs within the hallways and corridors of the palace, finding the doors to Celestias Study, where she's waiting patiently inside.

Once they enter the room, Luna rushes forward and embraces her elder sister. The dark alicorns breaths are ragged and shallow, her heart racing. "Sister...thou art foalish to give them the advantage here...allies or not, thou bequeath them as fere, wist thou knows only yere memory of them."

Celestia backs up, eyeing Luna carefully. "Sister...we must have faith that Legatus is a honorable dragon. We have had peace with their nation for over two hundred years, and he has come to our aid when the Griffon Nation attempted to overtake our borders before your return. I believe they come with no malice, and we should give them the benefit of the doubt. Though his numbers were greatly understated, we should use this chance to sure up the alliance, and get answers. He has already informed me of the separatist faction within his empire, and assured me that they will prevent any further attacks on our nation...Sister, this is the same Legatus who you loved and played with as a filly...please be calm and remember that." She says calmly and in a hushed voice.

"We remember well, mine sister...especially where the hatch-ling lizard set mine sock drawer and saddles on fire when he sneezed from your perfumes." Luna bites out, her eye twitching. She never did like that dragon after that.

Celestia nods quickly, holding back a chuckle despite the situation. "Lets go to the balcony so we can speak with him face to face. I have the rail enchanted with fire proofing magic, so if he tries anything, we will be shielded long enough to escape and counter." She whispers in Lunas ear, then turns to the doors. Talon and Luna follow her as she exits to the outside, Twilight Sparkle already standing on the balcony and observing everything.

Legatus raises his head, coming to eye level with the balcony from his sitting position. The massive grand dragon eyes them and smiles, seeing the odd non pony creature standing beside the midnight alicorn. "You speak the truth I see, Celestia. Little Luna is indeed as healthy and unscathed as can be." The dragon smiles, then looks to the pilot. Talon backs up slowly, his hand tightening on the handle of the assault rifle, his finger moving to the trigger. From its hanging position on his side, he points the barrel of the gun straight ahead, taking aim at the dragons eyes discreetly. Legatus does not notice. "Curious creature...are you the banshees master?"

Talon steps forward, his face stoic and not betraying his apprehension and fear. "I am the pilot, yes." He calls out, using all of his military training and experience to remain calm. It's not every day you can stand in front of a dragon bigger than most buildings on your home world, and not be eaten.

The dragon bellows a deep guttural laugh, then smiles. "Calm yourself, Banshee rider. I have no interest in bringing any harm to this kingdom. I was sure that my comrades ate large filling meals before our journey here, and only selected my best and most loyal of companions for this outing. They will all follow my orders, which are to be friendly and honorable in this land. You have my word and oath, you may relax." His voice booming, the rumbling tone of it causing the pilot to feel the vibrations of it in his own chest.

Talon eyes the dragon through his sunglasses, taking a breath. "I'm glad to hear that. I am Lt. Commander Masters of the United States Navy. You may call me Talon." He calls out to Legatus, keeping his rifle trained on target.

"And you may call me Legatus. I am the king and ruler of all that is the Dragon Empire. It is an honor and privilege to meet the slayer who protected my old friend, and defeated our nations most ruthless criminals. It is my deepest regret that the heretics had attacked this land, and allowed my great nations problems to cross these majestic borders. Please harbor no anger, Talon of the Banshee." The dragon speaks, his tone calm and friendly for a massive dragon.

Talon nods, then looks to his side. Luna has stepped closer to him, her wing wrapping around his back and embracing him gently. She looks to him and nods reassuringly, leaning into him for support. Her heart is racing within her chest as she stares up at Legatus, quietly watching his movements. Her tail flicks and swishes, displaying her apprehension and emotional state.

"Celestia...I can see now the Banshee is not an entity, but a great and powerful weapon that you have. As part of our alliance treaty, you agreed to share any advancements of technology and knowledge with us, as we would you. I ask that you allow my comrades to examine it closely for ourselves." Legatus says in a somewhat firm voice, his gaze falling to Celestia.

She blanched at this, forgetting that minor detail of the treaty. "Legatus...I'm...I'm afraid I cannot simply allow that..It's not something I can simply hand over to any pony!" She calls out, resting on her haunches. Her wings twitch nervously at her sides.

Legatus raises an eyebrow to this. "And why can you simply not? We have an agreement, and this is clearly a weapon we could use to settle the unrest within the empire." He bellows, his thunderous voice rumbling deeply.

Celestia swallows hard, smiling nervously. A sheen of sweat can be seen forming on her coat, as she struggles with an answer. She begins to stammer, her calm and regal facade lost as she faces the dragon. A Goddess cannot lie very easily after all.

Twilight notices her and thinks, her mind blurred with information of the treaty she stayed up most of the night reading over. Facts blaze through her mind one after another until she finds the right one. She in hails deep and speaks up, rescuing Celestia. "We cannot, because the machine is the product of the royal family! It belongs to Princess Luna, Regent of the stars and moon, Goddess of the Night! It is a product of hers and her beloveds!" She calls out loudly to Legatus.

Legatus raises his brow to this, looking over the pilot and night alicorn, silent for a moment. Celestia whips her head to look at Twilight, who is pawing at the ground resolutely. Alicorn mischief dances in her eyes as she gets what Twilight is trying to do. 'Oh Twilight! You're such a clever mare! Good idea!' Celestia thinks, grinning inwardly. This is just what she needed. "That's right! That was created as the product of hard work between my sister and her husband! Yes, it's theirs, and thus not fair game for the alliance pact!"

Luna and Talon both look to Celestia in absolute confusion. Lunas face feels hot as it becomes flushed with a furious blush, while the pilots jaw very nearly slams to the floor. They have no idea where this came from.

"They're married, happily! That's right, the commander here is a prince from a very foreign land, and my sister took a real shine to him! She has even stated REPEATEDLY how she looks forward to bearing foals, she's so happy with their marriage! It would be against the alliance to share the product of their love made just for them!"

Whatever resolve Luna had, it just broke. Her eyes roll back in her head and she keels over on the spot, her heart thumping loudly and ragged in her barrel. She faints, blushing brightly as her mind short circuits. Talon stands there in shocked silence, unable to take his eyes off of Celestia in just pure, absolute shock. He never in a million years seen this coming. 'The hell?! Marriage!! I never agreed to that!' he thinks. Celestia looks at him with a grin, winking at him. It comes together. 'Ooh I get it...she's protecting the bird. Fucking crafty space ponies...seriously fucking crafty.' He thinks, understanding what's going on.

Legatus considers this for as moment, remembering the treaty well. He himself listed that clause in the agreement, two centuries ago. He nods, understanding, then speaks. "Do you have proof of this, princess? I see no clear display of this upon their form. Your sister does not wear the band of a taken mare, and seems to have fainted at this coming to light...show me the marriage contract, and I will agree to this as proof."

Celestia turns to see Talon lifting Luna in his arms, cradling her and trying to awaken her sister. She turns back to Legatus. "The papers are in my study, and their bands are simply inside! They chosen not to wear them for their flight this morning it appears. We will retrieve the contract right away, please wait for a moment!" She calls out loudly, still grinning a wide Cheshire grin. She alights her horn and opens the study doors, motioning with her hoof for the group to quickly rush into the study. They do, and she shuts the doors behind her, sealing them with her magic. Talon carries the alicorn to the nearby couch and sets her down, shaking her awake.

"Dammit sunny butt! Are you fucking insane?! We're not married!" He turns to her, his eyes still wide with shock. "He's going to see this as a sham and fry us all! Good going!" He snaps angrily.

Luna awakens with a jump and shakes the daze out of her eyes, still blushing brightly. She stammers. "T..Tia! This..This is so sudden! I mean I wantedmarriageandfoalsand..." She trails off, blabbering quickly.

"Trust me you two, it's the only way. Twilight, make some wedding bands quickly and out of sight of the doors, fit it on these two right away." Celestia says as she's digging through mountains of papers, scattering scrolls and documents around feverishly. She finds the blank marriage scrolls finally after a few moments of searching, and grabs a quill in a rush, she begins to fill it out with her magic.

Twilight stands in the corner, using her magic to conjure the wedding bands of silver and steel. She works quickly, inscribing Lunas cutie mark on all the of the bands, then rushes to them with the bands in her levitation magic. Before the pilot or the obviously far off midnight princess could react, the bands are sealed on their forms. One band adorns Lunas horn at the base, weaving tightly around its form and sealing with magic. Another snakes to her left fore hoof and wraps around her delicate leg just above her bracer regalia. The other band finds its way to the pilots hand, placed in his palm. "Just put that wherever humans wear a ring, and it'll conform to the right shape and size. Hurry!" Twilight says in a hushed voice, keeping her back turned to the balcony doors and her wings opened wide to cover them. Talon follows her urgent orders and places the over sized ring on his finger, where it quickly shrinks down and seals with Twilight's magic.

Celestia finishes the scrolls and looks to Luna and the pilot, grinning wide. "No time, sign these, and quickly!" She motions with her hoof, levitating a quill in her magic.

"This is nuts...you know this right? They're going to know this is a fake." Talon mutters under his breath as he gets up and starts to sign the document. Luna does the same, taking the quill from him in her magic and signs, blushing brightly. She stares at the document noticing one thing...this is an official and real document, complete with the solar princesses royal seal. When she finishes signing, Celestia stamps the scroll hard with her stamp, burning the crest into the scroll with her magic.

"Tia...This is a real contract! Thou hath gone indeed mad!" Luna says, her eyes glued to the document. "We...I was never prepared for this mine sister...we never considered this so soon!" Luna looks up to her sister, jaw agape in surprise.

"We just need it to look real sister, or Legatus and his friends out there are going to rip that machine to pieces, taking the weapons and your nuclear device with them. I can't let that fall into any ponies hooves, especially after yesterday." Celestia says, taking the scroll in her magic. "You two can discuss how you want to go about this later. For now just go with it and play along."

Talon leans down to Luna and whispers in her ear "Remind me never to prank her again..." He bites out, overly annoyed with the sudden change in events. This was something that he never once considered, let alone knew was even possible. He woke up a single, free man yesterday, and now all of the sudden he's rushed into this.

Luna nods furiously, her muzzle still blushing brightly. She was wanting this...just not so quickly. Not like this. They follow Celestia back to the balcony, staring at Legatus resolutely. "Here is the documents you wished to see, Legatus. Proof of mine nuptials. We expect everything is in order?"

Legatus leans forward, his hot breath blowing on the group. It takes everything Luna has to maintain her stance, his breath so foul it almost renders her unconscious. He peers at the small text, barely able to make out the small writing of the sun princess. His eyes fall to the royal seal, and he grunts in approval. He traces the form of the midnight alicorn and nods in approval upon seeing her bands adorning her. "Very well...I see this is binding and the two are indeed intertwined. Word was never spread of your union to our land, but I will insure that it is welcomed greatly to all." He bellows. He leans back and roars a loud cry in his language, all of the nearby dragons screeching and chattering at this. They understand the message clearly, and know everything about the mysterious banshee is to be left alone..for fear of the kings wrath awaits any that disobey his resolute order.

Celestia slumps in relief at this, then regains her calm regal composure. "We will continue our talks after a grand lunch, Legatus. I will see to it that a tribute meal is fed to your escorts and you...though I hope you are willing to except gems, for we do not eat meat here in this kingdom." She calls out with a smile.

Legatus rumbles a loud chuckle of approval and nods. "Comrades! Come to rest in the open field near the palace! The Sun Princess offers us a meal for our talks! We will feast in joy to celebrate our alliance, and welcoming the nuptials of the Night Goddess!" He exclaims loudly to the others. The smaller dragons all nod and chatter in approval of the message, taking to wing and landing in the open field behind the palace. They all come to rest on their rears, wings folded in calmly and loose. Legatus rises to his massive legs and clawed feet, then slowly walks to the area, the ground shaking with his every thunderous step under his massive weight.

The group breathes a sigh of relief, then all look to Celestia who has a smug grin on her muzzle. She looks to Luna and grins. "Don't you two have a honeymoon to plan?" She says in a sing song happy voice. Talon and Luna shake their heads slowly in unison, clearly not approving of this.

* * * * *

"I'm married...to a space pony." He deadpanned, looking out from the balcony of Lunas chambers. He ex hails the smoke from his cigarette, shaking his head. Luna slowly creeps to his side, sharing much the same view.

"Not quite how I pictured this...Mine sister is indeed the master trickster indeed." She says dryly. She turns away, staring at her reflection in the mirror hanging on the wall near the door, her gaze falling to the wedding bands on her form. She is however, admiring the craftsmanship and the work, the thoughts of this finally hitting home. She does love the pilot, and her sister did not tell a lie. The truth very much being Luna did indeed wish for this, albeit not this soon or in this fashion...the idea of her claiming she wanted foals however...made her feel queasy. She wasn't quite ready for that step anytime within the next several years..or possibly longer.

Talon sighs and flicks the depleted cigarette off the balcony's edge, looking out at the dragons in the fields feasting on a pile of gems that easily towered over him. Where Celestia had stashed so many jewels and stones, he had no idea. The talks from here however, appeared to be going quite well. He looks at Luna, who seems to be lost in her reflection as she's smiling a soft smile, her hoof tracing the band on her horn. "I get why she did it...but making us take off and not sit in on the talks is going a bit far. This deals with your national security, and having us run off when there is the possibility of the bugs attacking is a bad idea, Luna."

Luna nods, still smiling at the bands and her reflection. She doesn't really hear the pilot, her own thoughts on the events instead of his words.

"We should get down there, and start demanding answers. We could use this as a chance to talk Celestia into letting us beat the answers out of the captured bug, so we can go drop off a gift to the queen." He says, tension in his voice. He shakes Luna and gets her attention. "Are you even listening?!" He snaps.

She jumps at his touch, her mind brought back to reality. "Horseshoe bay!" She exclaims loudly. She startles the pilot. "We should go there, to Horseshoe bay!"

He eyes her warily. "You think the insects are hiding there?" He asks, sounding unsure.

She nods, a smirk forming on her muzzle. She has much different plans than her flame does. "We should travel there. We could find answers, and possibly gain an insight as to any activity that could be taking place. It's as good of a chance as any."

He peers at her, gazing slowly. He's never heard of the place she just listed. Sighing, he folds his arms. "Alright...we'll fly there then. So lets get going." He says, making his way for the door. He stops when he reaches it, not hearing Lunas clip clop against the marble floors of her hoof steps. "Coming...wife?" He says, a smirk on his lips. He's going to at least have some fun with this.

Luna blushes and nods furiously, galloping after him.

Intertwined Hearts II; Lunas Fears UNCUT VERSION

WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS HEAVY CLOP. IF YOU CAN'T STAND SEX IN STORIES, MOVE ON TO THE EDITED CHAPTER THAT IS NEXT. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

Chapter 12: Intertwined Hearts; Lunas Fear

Inside the hangar now, Luna and Talon look over the aircraft once more in preparation for take off. It's nearly nightfall now, the dragons having already departed after the meeting hours prior. The peace talks went extremely well, and without so much as a single hitch. Legatus was all too happy to announce to the Sun princess that his nation and armies would gladly support and come to Equestrias aid if ever in need, as was the original agreement of the alliance. This has been a very eventful day thus far, with a surprising twist that no pony expected.

Luna sighs happily, a far off gaze in her eyes as she watches Talon working on the last of the preflight checks. She is wearing the wedding bands upon her horn and fore hoof, the gems and high polished Lunar steel glistening and sparkling in the fading sunlight. 'Rushed or not...this feels right. Very very right...' Luna thinks to herself. The midnight alicorn smiles contently, lost in her own thoughts.

Talon powers down the computer after finishing the last of the checklist, his eyes focused ahead outside of the canopy. "Now, are you sure this Horseshoe bay is the place to start looking, Luna? I mean we do have one of the bugs in your basement. We could just go beat the answers out of him." He says, his tone thick with annoyance.

She snaps to attention and looks at him, her eyes meeting his own. She flicks her tail slowly. "Fear not mine love...Dark Fury is getting all of the answers we can out of the parasite now. Make no mistake...those from Stalliongrad are brutal and cunning by nature. He is mine personal guard for good reason." She says, eyes narrowed and a smug grin on her muzzle. "I imagine that we may even have the location of their base when we return. If not more..."

He raises an eyebrow. "Then why the hell are we going? Lets get down there and help him. We have a bug to kill before it can carry out its plans." He says, folding his arms. "I know what your sister said, and I understand her position. But that thing made its intentions clear. Now is the time to strike, and we have the tech to do it right this second."

The alicorn shakes her head slowly, then sighs. 'He just doesn't get it...does he?' She curses inwardly. She licks her lips and inhales a soft breath. "Talon, trust me. We need to do this. I promise I'll make this trip worth your while, and we will get answers out of it, I'm sure. This is as good of a chance as we could get. Horseshoe bay is fairly close to the Badlands. That is the last known location of the parasite. If we go there, we have a good opportunity to learn more than the drone can tell us, and we have the chance to closely observe for any signs that the parasite is even in the area. If what my sister says is true that Chrysalis does not even have the forces required to carry out her plans, then we will be wasting our one and only weapon against them for naught."

He sighs, nodding. "You do have a point."

"Of course I do, Talon. I'm a mare. Every pony knows mares know better than stallions." Luna muses, grinning at him.

The pilot rolls his eyes and lets out an annoyed huff of air. "Yeah yeah...it doesn't matter what planet or species I find...the women of it always think they're smarter than the men." He mutters. He glances over to the alicorn, who is adorning an obviously un-amused glare. "Not that it isn't the case...occasionally." He quickly adds.

Luna nods, somewhat amused by his statement. In truth, she's not angry at it, but decided it would be fun to watch her pilot squirm for a moment or so. She finally breaks her glare and giggles, unable to keep it up for any longer. The midnight alicorn leans forward, nuzzling his cheek with her muzzle affectionately and sighs happily. She then looks him in the eyes, rearing her head back slightly. "Just shut up and take us to Horseshoe bay, mine love."

He sighs and nods. "Alright, but we need to get packed first. It also wouldn't hurt to double check our load-outs and confirm with your sister. She may have something else we need to manage before hand."

Luna alights her horn, grasping the pilots satchel in her magic and levitates it off of the nearby tool box against the wall. She holds it out beside her in the air and smiles. You can see the satchel is clearly stuffed with some kind of large contents, and what appears to be a portion of a sleeve sticking out of the end, most likely one of the pilots fatigues. In one of the pockets on the outside of the messenger bag is Lunas favorite brush, its top hanging out precariously. "Already packed." She muses with a smile.

He raises his eyebrows, looking at her incongruously. "I...I won't ask." Talon simply shakes his head, then rises out of the pilots seat to climb out of the warbird. Luna pushes off of the nose of the aircraft with her forelegs, and lands back on all four hooves. She nickers softly, beckoning the pilot to come out of the cockpit.

Luna hears the sound of some pony clearing their throat and turns her attention to the sound. Her ears swivel to its source, then she turns her head to look. It's Dark Fury, her personal guard. Standing there, he is wearing a high polished special forces armor, meant only for the most elite of the Lunar Stallions night guard. There are some splatters of blood in some areas. His mane and coat are somewhat dirty, dusted and in some areas matted with small droplets of blood. He stands at attention, eyeing his princess. She narrows her eyes to him, the smile falling from her muzzle as she holds a thin frown looking upon his condition. She sees the blood, and guesses just who or what pony that it would have belonged to. "Yes, Dark Fury?"

The stallion speaks, his husky Slavic voice low. "Princess...it vould seem that ze prisoner is more villing to co operate vith us than initially planned...ze parasite has given us infornation about ze queens plans...It vould seem she vanted the pilot and banshee for herself." He said coldly, his golden draconic gaze looking directly into the midnight alicorns eyes. "Vhat vould you have me do vith him..?"

She turns back to the pilot, who has his arms folded to his chest, watching the display. She gazes at his facial expression for a moment, understanding what orders she should give. A small smirk forms on her muzzle as she nods, then turns her attention back to Dark Fury. "Captain Fury...you are to extract all information from the parasite...by any means necessary. It attacked a member of the royal family, and has no rights, liberties or freedom in Equestria...do as you see fit. However...do not kill it..We wish to have a word with it once we return from our own scouting mission."

Talon stays silent, watching the display. This is the first time he has truly gotten a chance to listen to the mysterious guard. In his time here, he's become good friends with most of the stallions around the palace, and even closer to the ones of his princesses royal guard. This one however...was regarded as one of the most elite. He remembered looking over what translated text he could about the history of these ponies, coming to find out that this unit in particular had special training even more harsh than that of his own military's most elite. If anything, these soldiers would be more on par with the Soviet Spetsnaz, or a more elite version of the US Navy Seals. The thought sent a chill down his spine, never understanding how a culture so hellbent on love and fellowship could indeed be so dark and cruel behind closed doors.

Dark Fury nodded, a cruel smile crossing his muzzel. "Da..very good, your majesty. I vill see to it zat ze parasite divulges all of its secrets to us. Ve vill know all its mind has. Do you also vish me to break him? To insure it is more...how should ve say..complacent and villing to speak vith you?"

Luna swallowed hard. She knew from experience about Dark Furys methods, watching him in the past as he had gotten answers out of a griffon spy once before. She knew his nature, and shuddered at the thought of what the parasite had in store for it. She paused for a moment, then nodded. It was cold, cruel and absolutely wicked; closer to what her behavior would have been one thousand years prior...but she knew it had to be done. This was after all, the same parasite that had bitten her and taken her senses away. This was the same parasite who directly caused her to harm her flame. The thoughts of compassion were quickly swept away as anger bubbled in her stomach, then she nodded resolutely. Her own blood beginning to boil from the memory of a day prior. "You heard me, Captain Fury. Any. Means. Necessary." A cruel grin forms on her muzzle, eliciting a similar one on the stallions. He nods, then turns away and walks stoically to the exit. He has work to do, and intends to carry out his mistresses orders to the letter. That parasite attacked his ruler. That parasite had caused her pain. No..this simply wouldn't do. Yes, it would seem indeed that this filth would needed to be taught a lesson. And it would be a lesson that it would never forget...should it ever see the light of Luna's moon ever again, that is.

Talon eyes the alicorn warily, looking at her. "Remind me never to piss you off...I'd rather not find out what your dark side is like if we ever have an argument." He says in a low tone. His arms are still folded, and his guard up. He's never imagined Luna ever being like this, even knowing her past.

Luna smiles, the cruelty within her washed away as if it was never even there. "Oh no mine flame...for you it would be much much worse. I wouldn't subject you to that..too easy." She said, stepping closer to him. She sways her hips slightly, adding a seductive saunter in her step. "You...I would deal with directly. And oh...how it would be fun." Luna says, licking her lips. Her half lidded gaze on her pilot.

His eyes flick down to the bauble around his neck, checking the star for a similar reaction it had with the parasite queen. He sees the star is spinning lazily and slow, its glow iridescent and soft. This really is Luna before him, and not that bug. His gaze turns back to her, looking her in the eyes. It clicks. 'Oh I get it...she's being playful to lighten the mood. Seriously, these fucking space ponies never cease to amaze me.' He thinks. Talon clears his throat and nods, coughing slightly. "We'll...cross that bridge when we get there. For now, lets head to Sunny Butt and let her know we're taking off soon. While we're at it, we should ask her if there's any way we could reverse the contract she wrote up today."

Luna's eyes go wide hearing his last comment. Her ear twitches and her tail swishes quickly with anger. She grits her teeth. She's quiet for a moment, then looks to him. "...No."

He looks at her, watching her movements. "Luna...what do you mean no? We do need to tell her we're departing soon. She'll at least want to know our flight plan."

Luna stomps her fore hoof, her posture rigid and her gaze focused. Her eyes flicker to their draconic slits. "I mean no about the contract. I wish to keep it in place." Her tail flicks in annoyance. The bauble around the pilots neck glows a dark red now, the star picks up speed in its revolutions, spinning somewhat faster and bobs in place now. "I know it's rushed, but it feels right to me...Mine flame..you are given anything you wish. You are considered a prince now. Please don't be so foalish and throw that away! I'm pleading with thou...sinnan thine gescriiican ongean me!"

He scratches his head, trying to understand her old speak. "Uhm...lets try that again in modern speak princess...take a breath and once more." He says, stepping back slowly. He can see whatever he said, obviously upset her. This was turning very bad, very very fast. Slowly while keeping his gaze on her, he moves one of his hands to the holstered pistol on his side.

Luna closes her eyes and takes a moment to calm down, just as he asked. She opens them once more, her eyes still focused and pleading with him. Her breath is slow, but shallow. "Talon...I wish you to keep the contract we signed. Thou...you are mine special some pony, and we..I..am yours. The whole idea was rushed, and something we had to do. But I for one love the idea and concept of being a wedded mare, especially to you! Please...take it back and let us stay this way...if only for a while longer?" She breaths out, her heart thundering in her barrel. Her ears twitch nervously, her wings held tightly to her sides.

He looks at her slowly, noting one major thing on her features. Fear...she's afraid. He knows any animal becomes unpredictable when afraid. This however...was no ordinary animal. It's a space pony..with voodoo that could pretty easily put most comic book heroes on his planet to shame in the blink of an eye. What's more, this was indeed someone..some pony he himself has come to care deeply for. His mind is a blur with chaotic thought, thinking of the implications. One one note, he could simply say yes and go along with it. How much could change, really? On the other note, he's married to of all things..a space pony. And not even of his own doing. This was forced, and everything in him says it shouldn't have been that way. He contemplates for a moment, watching the mare become more and more agitated with each passing second. He then nods and sighs, folding his arms and removing his hand away from the pistol. "Luna..." He lets out a huff of air and nods, then reaches in his flight jacket for a cigarette. He lights it and takes a pull, then looks at her again, exhaling the smoke. "We'll keep it for as long as you wish then. If this is what makes you happy, then I have no problem wearing this ring for as long as you desire."

Her eyes go wide with delight and she leaps forward at him, her wings opening in a flash as she bounds to him. She has a wide smile on her muzzle. "But.." She hears, freezing in place just a few feet away from him. She flaps her wings, hovering in place for a moment. Confusion is written all over her features.

"But.." He said, exhaling another pull from his cigarette. "This does not mean you get to parade me around as a pet or anything. I'm still a man, and an officer of the US Navy. Things stay the same between us. You're not allowed to get weird like some wives do on my planet."

Luna nods furiously, understanding his words. "Deal!" She squeaks out, landing on her hooves again. She steps to him and buries her muzzle in his flight jacket, nuzzling him very affectionately, before she wraps her wings around him tightly in an embrace. She sighs happily, content once more.

Talon shakes his head, taking another pull from the cigarette. 'I've heard of mood swings...but this is just nuts. She's gone from dreamy eyed, to cruel, to bat shit psycho, then to happy again all in the span of a fucking minute...' He thinks to himself, looking down at the alicorn holding him. He exhales the smoke again and chuckles, stroking her mane and neck carefully while she stands there, just letting her hold the embrace as long as she wishes. He got a small taste of her temper only moments prior. Bad idea to push his luck for the moment.

The two stay in place for a few minutes more, Talon having already finished the cigarette and putting out the depleted filter in the small bowl of sand. He stands there, stroking her mane and neck softly. Lunas wings have since come down and bobbed lazily at her sides, twitching every once in a while when his fingers find a sensitive spot on her neck. She's nickering softly, the sound barely above a whisper. Her eyes are closed and her ears drooped slightly. She has obviously relaxed. Luna sighs contently, a deep blush on her muzzle. She looks up to him and cranes her neck, kissing him softly. Once she backs up, she smiles. "Let's go tell Tia we're off then. I would like to get on our was as soon as possible." She said softly, still smiling. Her gaze falls to her fore hoof again, her eyes tracing the silver band adorning her. She smiles at it, happy that she gets to keep wearing the bands for as long as her heart desires.

He starts walking to the main door of the hangar, with the alicorn in tow not far behind him. The two head to Celestias study, where the sun princess would most likely be during this time of day. The walk through the palace is uneventful, the couple only passing a few members of the palace staff and the occasional guard or two. Most simply waved or nodded to them, a few noted the bands on the princess and smiled, congratulating her. This brings an even warmer and bigger smile to the alicorns muzzle. They finally arrive, to find the door of the study wide open and Celestia sitting on the balcony, overlooking the gardens from her seat. She has a cup of tea resting on a nearby table, and a scroll held in her magic that she is reading. Twilight Sparkle is sitting at the nearby desk, looking over a massive tome laid out before her, with other scrolls strewn about.

"Mine sister...we hath arrived." Luna speaks up, a smile still on her muzzle and her voice light and cheerful.

Celestia nods, her attention still on the scroll. "Yes, I can see that Lulu...What's on your mind, sister?" Celestia said casually, her tone calm and regal as always. She lowers the scroll and turns her attention to Luna and the pilot, a smile of her own on her features. She eyes Luna and sees she is still wearing the bands adorning her horn and foreleg. Celestia grins at this, honestly happy. She has always been regarded as a master chess player, and had imagined of cooking up a way someday to help Luna come out of her shell and find friendship, possibly even love someday. This however, was obviously working out far better than the regal white alicorn could have ever dreamed. In all of her years, she never once has seen Luna so happy all of the time. It was this, that gave Celestia the sense of security knowing that the night alicorn would never be lonely again, and would never plunge the world into eternal darkness once more. "And I see you've decided to keep the contract of being a married mare? Oh lulu, I'm so happy for you!" She added.

Talon rolls his eyes, turning away from the conversation while the two royal sisters begin their giddy, giggly conversation. He walks to Twilight and comes to a stop in front of the desk, looking at the massive tome before her. "Anything I can help with?" He asks, getting her attention.

Twilight pauses, looking up at him and smiles. "Oh hello Commander!" She said. "No, this is just some personal reading I'm doing, not anything important for Equestria as a whole. Today went really well, and day court was for the most part...empty. So Princess Celestia and I have some free time right now to relax." Twilight glances over at the two sisters, who are hugging and giggling on the balcony. She then licks her lips and leans forward, motioning for the pilot to bend down so she can whisper. Once he does she licks her lips, and speaks very softly. "I'm sorry we had to dump this on you two...but it was all I could think of to save you and the aircraft. I hope you can forgive me.." She said quietly, her eyes still glued to the two alicorns outside, insuring they didn't hear her.

Talon nods and whispers in reply. "Relax, it probably would have happened sooner or later anyway. No time like the present, right?" He grins. "Besides, it's just a piece of paper and a title. She's still the same alicorn I woke up to and seen yesterday, and she'll still be the same ol' Luna tomorrow. Who cares what a paper says. That doesn't change the bond we share or the friendship I have with you...right?" He asks, eyebrow raised.

Twilight shakes her head and smiles. "Not even a little. Thank you for being so understanding. So what brings you here? Are you two planning a flight around Canterlot again tonight?"

Talon takes a seat on the bench before the desk. "No ma'am, our flight plan is a bit further out. Luna has mentioned she wanted to do a fly over on a place called Horseshoe bay. She mentioned something about that place being a good area to maybe find so answers to what the hell is going on around here, with the bug and all."

Twilight nods. "If it means anything...I agree with you. I completely agree...I remember first hand what that parasite did at the wedding between my brother and my old foal sitter. Nothing would make me happier than to watch her get exactly what she deserves...a one way ticket to Tatarus with all of her evil spawn." She said quietly, her eyes focused in on the pilots.

He folds his arms and smirks. "Give me enough time and I'll see to it that fantasy of yours becomes reality. No way am I going to let that bug have her way and bring harm to this place. Your people have taken me in and accepted me, it's only fair I cover your backsides too."

Twilight smiles and is about to speak, when she notices Celestia and Luna return from the balcony. The two alicorns come to the desk, smiling. "Twilight, did you get the reports from the other cities yet, in regards to the flight lines we asked to be built?"

Twilight blinks for a moment, her mind drawing a blank. "Reports...Oh! Yes, those just came in an hour ago." She uses her magic to levitate a stack of papers over from a nearby table, then flips through them. After a few moments, she comes to the page set with Horseshoe Bay on it. "Hmm...it looks like they're not finished with this one yet...but they did however finish building the new hangar and flat we requested. The estimate is three weeks before they can complete it. But the ones in Ponyville, Baltimare and Manehatten are all finished, and the ones in Las Pegasus and Stalliongrad are going to be completed in a weeks time."

Celestia pauses for a moment, thinking. "That's a shame..I was hopeful that the projects would all finish roughly at the same time."

Luna perks her ears up. "Flight lines..? Projects? Mine sister, what is it thee is planning?" She asks, confused. This also catches Talons attention.

"Well, simply put lulu. Since the pathway for our aircraft worked out so perfectly here, I had others commissioned to be built, funded by the royal coffers. It only seems natural to have a resting place for our pilot and machine in every city, should they need to quickly land or respond to an emergency in those areas." Celestia says with a wry grin. "Call it a...wedding gift?"

Luna sputtered for a moment, blushing. Talon shook his head. "You were planning this, weren't you." He deadpanned. The pilot commented, more than asking. He already knew exactly where this conversation was going, and how he was probably about to be trolled hard by the white alicorn again. "OK Sunny Butt, I'll bite. How long have you been working on this?"

"That's still Princess Sunny Butt to you, commander." Celestia said, grinning. "And not long...since the day that our runway here at the palace was completed." She said in her sing song voice, a tinge of laughter lacing it. "I knew after all, that you would more than likely decide to stay with us in Equestria had we of actually found a way to send you back, and I had a good feeling that you and my little sister would finally understand your feelings for each other and begin to explore them. Not that you two need it...but you absolutely have my blessing on this matter." Celestia said, a slight blush coloring her muzzle.

Luna smiled knowingly, reflecting on her chat with her sister that they held on the balcony. Of all things they could have spoken about, Luna wasn't expecting her sister to give wedding night and honeymoon tips. Luna sighed, knowing she left out the small detail of what Talon seen the trip for...recon and hunting for the parasite queen. Still, she intended to make this trip worthwhile for herself, and a chance to enjoy her new status as a married mare.

* * * * *

"And you're absolutely sure this will indeed work, demon?" Chrysalis calls out to the shadows from her throne. "It cannot simply be so easy to break that wretched mare so quickly, just by playing on her fear. She won't fall for such a simple trick!" She hissed.

"It will work...so long as you follow the plan. I have given you all that you need to be done with this, Chrissy." The shadowed figure replied. Its voice echoing in the chasm that is the changeling hive. "I have given you an immunity to their powers. I have provided you with the one weapon that can counter that infernal sword of hers that gives her such great strength. The only pony that can screw this up now is you."

Chrysalis uses her magic to levitate the hoof mirror in front of her muzzle once more, looking at the reflection. For the first time in the queens life, she was actually afraid of what was staring back at her. She visibly shuddered, then lowered the mirror. Chrysalis flicks her malevolent glare back to the shadows. "How do I know the night princess will even fall for this, let alone actually be there?"

The red eyes focus in on the changeling, a wicked Cheshire grin forming in the shadow. "It was your pawn that had gotten the word of where the emo one is going with her pet. You tell me. Play by the rules of the game, Chrissy. You're the one that invoked me here. You get your little war, I get the alicorns horn. That's the deal. So it's simple, you go there and fight, she dies. The suns favored foal and the weak filly fooler princess will be too distraught to see the next attack coming, making for an easy victory. Every pony wins."

The changeling queen sneers at the shadow, still not convinced. "And just when will you be getting your hooves dirty, demon? You can't possibly expect me to do all of the work! Or are you afraid of the pathetic namby pamby pony princess?"

The red eyes level their malevolent gaze, and the figure steps out of the shadow, its grin gone and now twisted to a hateful wicked sneer of its own. The figure bares its terrifying maw, its teeth dripping with the blood of its most recent meal. "I fear nothing, you insolent pest! I will step in when the time is right. Now do as I say or you'll have more than just the foalish sisters to deal with!" The figure shouts, the cavern shaking with the boom of its wickedly evil voice.

Chrysalis cowers in her seat, eyes wide with fright. Her breaths become ragged and shallow in her barrel, finally seeing the figures true form in the light. Absolute terror grips her heart for a moment, before she swallows hard and nods furiously. "Un--Understood!" She shakily replies.

The drones all watch from the shadows, confusion spreading throughout the hive. They've never seen, let alone imagined anything able to scare their queen and mother quite like this. They all fall silent, not a single one buzzing or chattering while they all watch the figure. If their queen gives the order, they will all mindlessly lay down their lives to strike out at the figure.

The figure smiles, seeing the queen cow down into submission, a Cheshire grin once more crossing its maw as it returns to the shadows. "I knew you would see things my way, Chrysalis. Now...do as I said, and you will not fail. The emo princess will fall...you will have the banshee eliminated, and I will get my trinket. Once all of that is finished...I will come to your side and eliminate the suns favored foal..so you may have your meal at last. Do we have a deal?" The red eyes fall upon Chrysalis once more, bobbing and dancing in the shadows.

Chrysalis nods slowly, her own heart rate and breathing returning to normal. "Yes..we have a deal." She once more looks into the mirror, staring at the reflection and looking at the draconic orbs staring back at her. She isn't sure what is more of a terror to her...the shadow, or the wicked mare she is staring at. She shudders once more, then rises to her hooves and descends the dais of her throne. Using her magic, she levitates a hooded cloak onto her back, and wraps it tightly around her form, beginning her walk to the cavern entrance. Soon, her plans will come to fruition; she will have her revenge.

* * * * *

Luna and Talon have since returned to the hangar after a large dinner with Twilight Sparkle and Celestia, and are doing the last minute preparations before take off. The alicorn has since placed the satchel in her own seat of the warbirds cockpit, and even loaded a few snacks and sweet treats from the pilot in the additional pockets of the bag. She walks along the folded in canard of the mighty machine before her, her hoof tracing its sleek lines as she admires it. Her guards have since rolled out the warbird in front of the ballroom now turned hangar, and have cleaned the body of the aircraft ever so meticulously, bringing its black paint to a deep shine. If there is one thing the Lunar Stallions are known for, it's their attention to detail and dedication to any task they are given. She smiles impressed at their work, and nods in approval. The sun is setting now, nearly time for her to raise her celestial charge for the world. Her eyes look over the warbird in the fading sunlight, putting her in a sense of awe in its beauty and wonder. Going up into the sky with her flame is one of her favored treasured joys, and knowing this will essentially be her chariot with her pilot only makes it that much better. A blush crosses her muzzle, as she smiles happily and stares at the machine.

Talon whistles, looking at his aircraft. "Wow, I haven't seen the old girl shine like this since the day I came aboard the Enterprise. Your guys know their stuff when it comes to cleaning." He said casually, also admiring their work.

The nearby Lunar Stallions all nod in happy approval, ecstatic that they were able to present such a gift to their princess. It was Captain Aegis Shields idea to cleanse the warbird for the royal couple, and what an idea it was, obviously. The entire battalion of stallions worked feverishly, hoof polishing the machine to the best of their abilities, bringing the stealth aircrafts sleek body to an illustrious shine.

Luna smiles happily and turns to the guards, all standing at attention. "Thank you, my stallions. You have all done a fine and commendable job! You have made your princess proud of you today." She said, her voice thick with glee and pride.

The congregation of Lunar Stallions all salute their princess at once, prideful smiles of their own all crossing their muzzles. Though this was not exactly how some of them pictured serving their princess, it's the fact that it did please the Goddess of the night that had made it all worth while.

"You all have your assigned duties while I am away with mine flame." She said to the stallions. She stands firm and proud before them, her wings open and erect upon her back, displaying her daunting power to show them respect. "I expect each and every one of you to relax and enjoy some free time about the palace, but should there be any kind of problem, you know what to do. Protect mine sister and her flame at all costs. I wish to return to my home in one piece." The stallions all nod at once and salute again. She smiles, her tongue tracing her teeth within her muzzle. "Dismissed!" She cries out.

"Ah Rooh!" The Lunar Stallions all call out in response at once. They all turn to the side in unison, and trot off and away from the landing pad in formation, like a well oiled machine. The sight impresses both the pilot and princess.

After the stallions are gone, Luna turns and nuzzles the pilots chest, smiling. "I love you." She whispers, a smile on her muzzle and her eyes closed. Her wings fold in on her sides once more, and she nickers very softly to him. She blushes when she feels his embrace around her neck, and nuzzles deeper against him, enjoying that intoxicating scent upon her flame. The scent of fuel, exhaust and that wonderful sweetness she still could not identify.

"I love you too, Luna." He said, holding her tightly. He lets go of her after a few moments, turning to the warbird. "Lets get going. The sooner we get there, the sooner we can start our search for the parasite."

Luna nods, alighting her horn. "After I raise the moon, we shall depart, mine love." She said, her tone still thick with love and adoration. She turns away and steps out into the gardens, focusing on her moon. The sun lowers before them beyond the horizon and distant mountains, as Celestia puts it to rest for the evening. Luna looks up at Celestia on the balcony of her study and waves, then returns her gaze to the distance. Her jade eyes seem to glow in the darkness, as she feeds more and more power into her horn. She rears back and flaps her wings, pumping them hard to leap into the sky. Luna throws her fore hooves outward and above her as she lifts the moon over the horizon, starting its trek across the night sky. The stars begin to appear one by one, glowing brightly and beautifully. This night is one of many in a series over recent weeks, that its beauty is said to be beyond measure. The night goddess putting more and more effort into each night, using instead of just her magic, her heart to craft the jeweled tapestry. The stars and the moon all seem to glow with an other worldly light and beauty this night, a soft red hue to each of them. This red as has been discovered by Celestia, is the byproduct of the midnight alicorns love and affections. The deeper the red, the deeper her love. It has become very clear to all who understand this, that Luna obviously is very very in love.

Celestia smiles from her balcony at the wonder of it all, seeing such beauty and effort put into this night. She gasps with delight as she sees a shooting star streak the sky above Canterlot. Those are indeed rare, and only form when her little sister has a dream of her own in mind. Celestia nods knowingly at the sky, then turns away returning to her chambers for the evening.

Luna lands upon her hooves again and huffs softly, regaining her breath. Her horn dims as she powers down her magic, then she takes a deep breath and turns, smiling at her pilot. Talon is now seated inside the cockpit, looking up at the night sky. He's clapping and nodding in approval, while finishing the cigarette in his mouth. "Good job Luna! Very nice." He said. This causes Luna to blush, as she trots up to the aircrafts canard.

"Thank you.." She says, smiling. Her ears are slightly folded back, a deep blush on her muzzle and her wings held loosely at her sides. She bounds up onto the canard, then steps gently to the canopy, finding her seat in the cockpits co-pilots seat. She straps herself in and levitates her headset onto her head, while looking at the controls before her. Talon closes the canopy around them, and she looks around. Luna strips off her crown and regalia, placing them all in the satchel beside her. For lack of a better term, she's now completely naked, and happy. In this aircraft, this mighty warbird, she isn't Luna; regent of the stars and Goddess of the Night. She can just be Luna, ace co-pilot and wife. She hums happily to herself, beginning to relax.

"Initiate scram jet sequence!" Talon calls out into the headset on his flight helmet. The aircrafts engines begin to wind up and howl, its whine spinning up to the loud and powerful banshees cry. He begins to taxi out the aircraft after a few minutes of the engines warming up, finding his way to the flight line. Once he reaches the end of the runway, the canards slowly spread open. The wings glisten and shine in the bright moonlight, even the stars sparkle and reflect off of its shined visage. To those watching nearby, it almost appears as if the warbird itself is a part of the jeweled tapestry Luna has created; a piece of the heavens themselves resting upon the grounds of the palace. The engines whine loudly as they power up, beginning to howl and scream as the afterburners ignited. Twin pillars of flames shoot out from the tail of the warbird, turning into twin cones of focused blue fire. The aircraft rockets down the runway, its powerful engines and mighty wings taking to the skies once more. Palace guards and nearby observers cheer wildly as the aircraft climbs and acends to the heavens, then out of view; disappearing into the night sky.

Luna excitedly squeals in delight as the aircraft rockets further and further into the heavens, the forces on her body bringing her pleasure and thrill. From their first flight together, take off had been the scariest thing she ever had to endure. However; as the couple took to the skies more and more often, she had come to enjoy and relish in the sensation of the act, finally coming to love it and all of its glory. This is where she dreamed to be the most, this is the place she loved above all else. Looking out around her with a wide grin, her eyes gaze to her beautiful jeweled tapestry that is the night sky, relishing in the sights and wonder of it all. Up here, she could enjoy the one thing she rarely had on Equestria...freedom.

Talon throttles back, releasing the afterburners and bringing the engines down to a gentle cruising speed. The warbird levels off high above the clouds, his heading clear and a straight shot. Ahead of them is their first stop and closest landing site; Baltimare. From there the two will take a carriage to Horseshoe Bay, to begin the search for any signs of the parasite. He smirks, looking ahead at the HUD. His fingers trace the flight weapons controls as he thinks, his hopes of one prospect: Defending Equestria and finally bringing down the parasite once and for all. If he can bring down the threat before it can strike, that will help him sleep far better at night. He chuckles to himself, looking over the gauges and flight clusters. The flight ahead will be somewhat long, but peaceful nevertheless. He checks the radar, watching the sweeping needle yield no results. It's clear skies ahead of them.

The flight itself lasts two hours at the calm cruising speed, not a word is said between them the entire time. Talon focuses ahead on the flight and providing a gentle ride for the alicorn, while Luna is busy reading over a few pamphlets of places to visit while on her 'scouting mission'..though she views it more as a honeymoon. She smiles, her hoof tracing the jeweled band adorning her horn and a blush on her muzzle. The aircraft pitches downwards, approaching the point that Celestia had mentioned earlier over dinner. Ahead, Talon can see what the white alicorn had stated over dinner was indeed correct, and an obvious runway and flight line was set out ahead of them. Down below in the distance, was the city of Baltimare, and a beautifuly made airport for him to land at. Blue lanterns and lights marked a clear path to the runway made recently by the ponies. They hear a crackle sound come over the aircrafts radio.

"Talon one and Princess Luna of Equestria, this is Tower control of Baltimare; we see you on approach and you are cleared to land at any time." A voice calls out to them over the radio.

Talon listens carefully to the sound of the mare speaking over his headset, and presses the comm button to respond. "Talon One to Tower, we read you. Thank you for clearance, we will be landing shortly. Talon has the ball." He responded, then lets off of the button. He turns his head back to Luna, glancing at her. The alicorn is looking at him, a surprised look on her features. "Mind telling me how exactly they have that radio too?"

Luna shrugs her shoulders and licks her lips. "Mine sister has obviously thought of everything, hasn't she?" She said flatly. "What I'm more interested in is how they had seen us...this aircraft is as black as the night sky, and Equestria does not yet have the radar that is in this machine." She said cautiously. "I don't understand."

Talon looks ahead, watching the runway before them come closer into view. It's very well lit, and the buildings surrounding it even more so. There is one large building off to the side, with a large taxiway at least twice the width and size of the one at the palace. The building connected to it is much much larger than the ballroom back in Canterlot as well, with massive open doors showing a very well constructed hangar bay. Even from this distance, Talon can still make out these features with his eyes. The warbirds cameras zoom in on the newly built structures, displaying them on the monitors of the flight clusters. Luna gasps in awe and excitement seeing the pictures so clearly before her on the screens. "It looks to me like your engineers have been very busy indeed, Luna. I have to admit, you space ponies never cease to amaze me, even for a moment." He said, chuckling.

Luna hears his laugh come over the headset, and smiles. "Yes, they certainly are good at their profession. I would imagine all of this construction has provided many many jobs in Equestria, and has likely been the source of our economic progress and recent upturn. A lot of good has come out of mine and my sisters decisions about this wondrous machine." She said with glee. She peers out of the canopy, taking in all of the sights before her. Her ears swivel around as she hears and feels the familiar click and clank of the landing gear doors opening and the warbirds gear lowering into place. The flaps of the wings extend downward and the aircraft begins to slow, the nose pitching upwards as it comes in for a landing. The alicorn watches excitedly out the canopy to her left as buildings zip by her vision, the rear wheels making contact with the pavement below with a soft bump. Seconds later, the nose of the warbird pitches down and levels with a similar bump as it contacts the ground.

Talon puts up the speedbrakes and tips the canards downward, slowing the warbird to a stop near the end of the runway. Once the bird has sucessfully landed safely, ponies from the Baltimare airport come rushing from nearby buildings. Some are carrying lanterns, others flags, directing the pilot of where to go. He nods after figuring out which ones to follow, and throttles up the warbirds engines slightly. The banshees cry is loud, causing many of the earth ponies and unicorns nearby to cover their ears as it slowly rolls by. Minutes pass as the warbird slowly taxied out of the runway area and onto the flight line, following now two unicorns creating a glowing magical arrow above them, leading the couple and the warbird to its safe haven for the time being; the new hangar. They find their way to the massive well lit building, its tall doors opened wide enough to fit a full sized dragon comfortably. The room is mostly empty. The floors are very high polished white tile, the walls painted a light blue in contrast. The room itself has a few large silver tanks along the walls, and local police ponies stationed at all of the exits. The warbird swings its nose around slowly in the center of the room, its canards still spread wide open. The engines finally power down after a few minutes of it sitting idle there for a moment, all of the ponies nearby watching in awe. The sound of the banshees cry now dwindle to a whisper, before silence overtakes the room.

Talon looks around through the canopy, slowly breathing. He leans back in his seat. "Luna..."

Luna leans forward, also looking around. She had no idea her sister had gone to these lengths for her and the pilot, let alone how she could have told the ponies of Baltimare of their pending arrival and all. This building and the entire complex was obviously constructed for the sole purpose of housing this machine, and done well above even Canterlots standards. The alicorn was simply amazed. "I know mine love...I know." She breathes out quietly. Her bare hoof feels around on the side controls, finding the canopy release lever. She presses it down, opening the canopy. The seal breaks with a rushing of air into the cockpit, then the glass slides back and opens slowly, then raises to its open and resting position. A white unicorn mare with a dark blue mane approaches the warbirds fuselage. She comes to rest on her haunches, quietly awaiting the princess or the pilot to speak first.

Talon unbuckles his harness first, then stands up in the cockpit. The police ponies all eye him warily, but with respect. Luna fallows suit next. He looks down and sees the mare, nodding and saluting her before he begins his decent down the steps of the fuselage. Once his feet touch the ground, he looks at her in the eyes. "Hello. I am--" He's cut off.

"Commander Masters! Yes, we've heard so much about you! I am Pearl Shine, the director of the new Baltimare sky port!" The mare said with glee. "And you're the Banshees master from Canterlot, oh what an exciting day this is!" The mare reaches out and grasps the pilots hand, pumping it furiously with a hoof shake. "Welcome to Baltimare, Commander! Princess Celestia sent word to us a at sunset that you were on your way with Princess Luna! We were quite excited to hear the news that you would come to visit us, even if it was on such short notice!" She spoke in a high pitched excited voice.

Talon nodded slowly. 'The fuck is this space pony on? She looks like she's had more coffee than the doughnut guy back in Canterlot drinks..' He thinks to himself. He clears his throat. "Erm..yes..we were going to land at Horseshoe bay, but Celestia had mentioned this would be a better eh...sky..port.." He said warily. Luna finally stepped out of the cockpit and climbed down the canard, falling in beside him. Her regalia is still off of her, the icy cold tile contacting her bare hooves for the first time. It sends a slight chill down her spine, and a smile to her muzzle.

"Good evening, miss Shine. Thank thee for thy wondrous hospitality." The alicorn said quietly. Luna nods in approval to her and smiles sweetly. She steps closer to the pilot, her wing brushing against his hand.

Pearl Shine smiles and nods furiously. "Your majesty! What an honor it is to also finally meet you as well! I hope you find our facility to your liking?" The unicorn says with eager glee, her smile so wide it almost looks like it will overtake her entire face any moment.

Luna nods in approval and holds out her hoof for a hoof shake as well. "Yes, your facility as we have seen thus far is most grand! You have done well."

Pearl Shine has no idea how to react to the princesses bare hoof being extended out, and instead falls to a low bow, her horn touching the ground. "I am very happy to hear that, Princess Luna!" She shakily squeaks out.

Luna and Talon both look at each other, eyebrows raised. She turns her attention back to the cowering unicorn and clears her throat. "Rise, miss Shine. We commandeth thee." Luna deadpanned. The unicorn squeaks in fright, then does so, wobbling on her hooves. What Luna does next takes her by complete surprise. Luna grasps the mares hoof in a hoof shake and pumps her foreleg slowly, shaking the mares hoof in return. Her soft jade eyes stare into the unicorns blue orbs with some intensity. "We art merely here on vacation, not on royal business. We expect to be treated as any other mare whilst we are here, doth thou understand? You may call me Luna, and nothing more. Do not fret in my presence, or fear me. Doth thou understand?"

The bewildered unicorn nods furiously and swallows hard, then sighs with relief once Luna releases her hoof. "Understood Prin--I mean, Luna." She chuckles lightly to herself, then adjusts her glasses on her muzzle. She then clears her throat. "Eh hem! Guards! Come here please!

All around the room, Unicorn, Pegasi and Earthen ponies alike all come to the center, surrounding the warbird. "The princess and the pilot are both here on their own official business, and expect us to protect the Banshee of Canterlot while they are away. Guard this building with your lives, and do not allow any pony without proper ID and security clearance to enter here. Am I clear?" The guards all grunt and nods in approval, then scatter and return to their posts. The unicorn smiles once again and focuses in on the couple. "Your carriage is waiting right outside you two, we already have the hotel ready for you. I must say, it was interesting receiving orders from Canterlot castle like this, but we made sure it was followed to the letter! Should you need anything else or wish to take off early, please don't hesitate to let me know!"

Luna and Talon both nod in agreement to the mare, before she canters off away from them with a spring in her step. Luna scratches her head with her hoof, still amused and surprised by the scene that just played out before them. Her horn alights, and she levitates the pilots satchel around her neck, bringing it to rest at her side. She tucks the bag under her right wing and smiles, turning to find the pilot is..back in the warbird? She raises an eyebrow. "Talon...what are you doing?"

Talon turns around for a moment and looks at her. "Loading out, what did you expect?" He reaches in and grabs his rifle, and the two pistols he had with him. He checks the clips quickly, then holsters the pistols on his sides. Grabbing the rifle, he places the strap around his chest and shoulder, then chambers a round in the breach. Grabbing the spare clips, he places them in his flight jackets pockets, and grabs his boot knife next, strapping that to his right leg and under his pants. He looks around one more time, before closing the canopy from the outside and punching in the lock down code for the warbird. Stepping down the steps slowly, he comes to rest on the ground again, then looks at Luna. She has a disappointed look on her features.

"Mine love...we whilst not have a need for your weapons..where we are heading is a place of peace, and not likely to give us any strife." She sighs out. "Even if we started searching for the parasite right this moment, we likely would find none so early."

He smirks at her. "Better safe than stupid, Luna. You of all people know this. Sigmas Pachmas Parabellum, remember?" He bites out with a malicious grin. "Besides, they may come in handy. You never know."

"And the knife? What is that for?" She says flatly, raising an eyebrow.

"Who knows? I might find an apple and have the need to slice it up for us to share. I'm sure I'll find a reason for it." He muses. Luna can clearly see she isn't going to talk him into leaving those behind. She sighs in defeat and shakes her head, chuckling.

"Very well...I will bless the concept of you bringing those, if you feel they are needed. You are correct." She said with a smile. She steps forward and nuzzles the pilots chest, then leans forward and up to plant a kiss on his lips. She blushes and smiles as she does, her ears picking up the soft chuckles and giggles from the nearby police officers stationed at the doors.
She steps back and blushes deeply, biting her lip as she looks around and sees the smiles from the nearby ponies watching.

Talon clears his throat and looks around nervously for a moment, before pointing to the door with an open hand. "Eh hem...ladies first?" He said with a wry grin. He follows Luna outside to the cold Baltimare air, and sees a large box like black carriage awaiting them. It's being pulled by four large earth pony stallions, easily as big as Big Macintosh is. The paint on the carriage is still fresh, and had a shined up hard surface for the outer walls. The interior fabric was dark blue fabric adorned with small gems and precious stones, with overly cushioned seats. Once the couple sat down, they feared sleep overtaking them since they had yet to rest from the day prior. Luna yawns and smiles, looking out the window.

Talon finds his seat across from the princess and relaxes, also looking out the window. They hear the faint sound of a pop, before the carriage rolls forward to their destination. The two travel in silence for the hour long trip to Horseshoe bay by carriage. Luna has since dozed off and is laying her head in Talons lap, while he's busy watching out the windows with his hands on the rifle. His eyes dart about in the darkness, searching for any sign of the enemy. The carriage finally comes to a rest before a tall building with subdued lamps outside of it, and the door opens. Standing outside is one of the stallions who pulled the carriage, quietly holding the door open with a smile. The stallions eyes fall to the peacefully sleeping princess, causing him to chuckle and silently nod. He then closes the door and waits patiently.

The pilot looks down and smiled slightly, gently rocking the alicorn awake in his lap. "Luna..wake up, we're here." He whispers softly.

Luna stirs and yawns, her eyes fluttering slowly. She sits up and yawns again, somewhat off balance from recently awakening. She blearily looks out the window and nods, then back to the pilot; a soft gentle smile on her muzzle. She coos softly and leans forward, nuzzling the pilot with that same loving, gentle smile. Her half lidded gaze peers into his own eyes, before she nods. "Yaaay.." she says in a soft adorable whisper.

The door opens up once again, and she steps out first. The alicorn smiles to the stallion and bows her head slightly. "Thank thee, kind stallion." She said. Luna reaches into the satchel with her magic and pulls out a couple of bits with her magic, levitating a small hoof full to the stallions coat pockets. He in return whinny's with joy and nods.

Talon steps out next and pats the stallion on the side. "Thanks for the lift." He said. The stallion also bows his head with a smile to this, then closes the door to the carriage once the two have exited completely. It returns to its original position pulling the carriage with the others, and they trot off to parts unknown of the city, out of view of the hotel.

Luna looks around her, this being her first trip to Horseshoe bay. She gasps at the beauty of it all, smiling at the sight of the moonlight reflecting off of the ocean before them. Old sailing ships are docked not too far off, presenting a breathtaking view of the harbor and all of its glory. Talon steps beside the alicorn and runs his hand over her mane and neck, patting her side of her throat gently. "C'mon Luna, lets head to the room and get some rack time, we'll start our search in the morning for the parasite. You need the rest."

She nods slowly and follows the pilot, her steps somewhat unsteady and wobbly. They make it indoors to the empty lobby, with exception of the desk clerk. It's a small red pegasus, with blue eyes. "Greetings! Welcome to the--" The pegasus mare trails off upon noticing it's the princess of the night. She freezes in place and stutters, then resumes. "Praise Celestia, we heard you two were coming, but we didn't believe it! Wel--welcome to the Bay Resort! Your rooms are already paid for and set, and here are your room keys!" The excited pegasus mare gushes, flying over quickly and handing them to the confused pilot.

"Erm uh..thanks?" He said, raising an eyebrow.

Luna sways in her spot, her head hanging low and ears turned out. She yawns a cute princess yawn and nickers softly. "Uhm...what.."

"Room five oh three, top floor. You two have the honeymoon suite! Please enjoy your stay and let me know if you need anything! Run along now, you lovebirds you!" The pegasus gushes, then flaps her wings again, pushing the pilot and alicorn into the nearby elevator. The doors close and the two disappear from view. The pegasus continues to stand there for a moment, holding the smile in place. A forced smile. The eyes flash green as the smile fades and falls into a malicious grin, the pegasus mare turning and walking back to the desk. Behind the desk laying on the floor, is another red pegasus mare, bound, blindfolded and laying dead on the ground, with two deep puncture marks on its neck...

* * * * *

The pilot sits down on the bed and stretches, looking out the window into the night sky. The lights are dimmed in the room, and he hears the faint sound of the shower running. Luna had insisted that she shower alone tonight, and asked him to simply rest in the room. He was surprised by this, but complied with her wishes. Who was he to defy when a woman said no? He sighed and set the guns on the nearby night stand, and had taken off his flight jacket and shirt. He rested his back against the wall and looked out, smiling. In the room, the walls were painted a soft dark blue, with purple and white curtains on all of the windows. The carpet was very soft and plush, almost as black as the ocean appeared. He could tell the carpet was also a deep blue as well, even in the dim lights. Looking around the room, he could see the ponies here clearly thought of everything. They even went as far as to put a small glass bowl on the nearby nightstand, filled with sand as well, with a small sign that said "Fire tubes here." posted under the bowl. He laughed at it and nodded, then did just that. He lit a cigarette in the room and took a deep pull off of it, relaxing. The pilot closed his eyes and listened to the sounds of the city from the open window, his mind drifting off while he enjoyed his cigarette.

In the shower, Luna was enjoying herself and using the time to wake up and prepare her spell. She's been waiting for another chance to use this very spell again, never having the time or the energy to really do so when they were at the palace; let alone the will to explain it to Celestia in full detail. Her horn powers up and charges the magic, the tendrils of the spell wrapping around her form like ribbons once again. She's since had some practice at this, and learned to better steady herself on her hind legs so she could perform this. Her eyes closed as the water cascaded on her naked form, the droplets of hot soothing water touching her bare skin and now wet hair. Her mane had shortened and was no longer ethereal, but silky ribbons of dark blue hair once more. The spell finishes and she opens her eyes, smiling to herself as she looks down at her body once more. She sees her silky smooth and soft white skin, her dainty hands and perfectly manicured fingernails. She smiles inwardly at the perfect form, knowing full well what her intentions are now that she's wide awake again. Being an alicorn, she has special abilities. Being the alicorn of the night, she has very certain special abilities. One of which being able to draw energy and power from water as a secondary source. With her internal battery recharged so to speak, she turns off the water and steps out of the shower. The ice cold tile touching her foot sends yet another shiver down her spine, which makes her grin. She unsteadily steps in front of the mirror and wipes away the fog, looking at her reflection. Staring back at her, is her human form. Her jade eyes trace the outline of her facial features, being the first time she's ever actually seen herself. Her appearance even with a wet head of hair is still absolutely breathtaking. She is beyond illustrious, even in her own mildly vain opinion. She dries herself off and nods at the reflection in one last visual check over, turning off the lights and stepping into the room. The room is dark. She can hear a soft sound of snoring catch her ears as she steps into the room, finding an endearing and amusing sight before her. Talon; her pilot is asleep on the bed. One of his fire tubes has long since been put out and placed in the bowl of sand beside the bed. She giggled, knowing that particular suggestion was by her, and happy that her sister had mentioned it.

Luna quietly steps to the bed, careful to not make a sound. She drops the towel wrapped around her, exposing her perfect form in the moonlight coming through the room. Her wedding bands now adorn her dainty hands, the band once around her horn now placed oh her left hands second to last finger. The other band is now on her wrist of the same hand. She crawls onto the bed next to the sleeping pilot, who surprisingly didn't stir once she entered the bed. She licks her lips and leans down, kissing his lips softly to awaken him.

Talon opens his eyes, blurred by the darkness of the room and something wet and blue hindering his vision. He blinks the sleep out of his eyes and yawns, expecting to see the alicorn mare before him. Once his eyes focus and adjust to the darkness, he comes to be surprised at the sight. Beside him and leaning over him, propped up on her elbow was a human princess Luna. "Heh..Luna? Did your magic break again?"

She giggles, staring into his eyes with her own jade ones. "No, it didn't then, and it didn't now mine love. You seemed to have trouble last time I wanted us to mate, since I was in my normal form. Since I don't wish to bare yet another unanswered estrus cycle.." She leans forward and kisses his neck then licks the edge of his ear, returning back to her position. "I simply figured that we could do things this way...until you've grown more comfortable with my body."

He nods and smirks. "That sounds great...I think..I hate to sound like an idiot here princess...but we haven't had much sleep...wouldn't you rather do this in the morning once we've had some rack time...or maybe after we find and capture the parasite?" he asks in a low tone.

Luna looks up and to the left, biting her tongue in annoyance. Thus far for the last two days, her cycle was becoming unbearable. She had no intentions of allowing this to continue. Let alone on her wedding night. "Hmm...Neigh." She says, her jade orbs focusing on his once more. She grins wickedly, licking her teeth in a seductive smile. She narrows her half lidded gaze to him and throws her leg over his body, positioning herself on top of the pilot, and straddling him. "Talon...Rushed or no...this is mine wedding night. I am in estrus..and you're not getting away so easily. So here are your options. You can either rut me until I can't walk. Or... you can rut me until I can't walk. Those are your only choices."

Talon looks at her square in the eyes. She's dead serious. His mind races back to the memory in Canterlot hangar, thoughts of what kind of torments he could expect if he resists even a little. 'Oh no mine flame...for you it would be much much worse. I wouldn't subject you to that..too easy....' Her words echo in his mind. He swallows hard, still focused at her half lidded gaze. The bauble around his neck continues to glow softly a deep red light, its speed now very slow and steady. This is more proof to him this is in fact Luna still. He takes a breath and licks his lips. "Those are my choices huh? No third option?" He asks. 'The fuck am I doing? I'm a pilot of the United States Navy! I have a hot woman on top of me who wants me to give her a hell of a good time...and i'm resisting?! Seriously, this should be a no brainer 'MURICA! FUCK YEAH! moment here dipshit!' He thinks to himself.

Luna watches him intently, his thoughts echoing in her own mind from the proximity to the bauble. She can hear the internal debate and giggles softly, then leans down and kisses him. "Afraid not, mine pilot. We need this...and I promised you it would be worth your while. Now...be a good solider and serve your mistress..." She says, trailing kisses down his neck and chest. "Make your country proud...he he.."

Talon gets the idea and nods slowly, a grin forming on his lips. "Then for the good ole' U.S. of A, I'll gladly take that mission." He says with a laugh. He gasps somewhat when Luna nips at his bare chest with her teeth, biting him gently and starting her work on marking him as her own.

Luna smiles inwardly as she bites her pilots bare chest and carefully avoids his wounds and bandages from the day prior ,while grinding her hips and her already slick sex against his member through his boxers. She's dripping wet at this point, and honestly has been since she dried off and exited the bathroom. Her love water trickling down her inner thighs from anticipation of this night. She can feel him getting hard as he strokes her back and traces her wing interlinks with his fingers, gently caressing the base of her wings with one hand, the other stroking her neck and hair slowly. She gasps, grinding down harder against him. She can feel the heat and pressure building within her even more. Her wings snap open on their own accord with a loud *POMF!* causing her to blush deeply. She sits up, eyes focused in on his, hungry and filled with lust. She licks her lips once more, enjoying the pilots taste upon them. The taste of his flesh, the small hint of salt from some sweat, his natural musk and aroma filling all of her senses. To say she was turned on beyond measure now would be the understatement of history, if there ever was one. She closes her eyes and concentrates for a moment while grinding against him still, using her magic to form a soundproof shield around the room, and locking the two within its dome. There is no way in or out now. Her cutie marks on her thighs glow from the use of magic, then fade back to normal after a moment.

Talon sits up with her and kisses her passionately, his hands wandering to her front and caressing her soft round breasts. They're somewhat small, and one fits within his hand. He estimates it to be roughly a borderline C cup. He breaks off the kiss, a small strand of saliva bridging between the two from it. He looks into her jade eyes, which are darkened and filled with lust unlike anything he has ever seen. There is no going back now, even if he tried to talk her down. Luna pushes him back down, a sinister grin upon her lips with her half lidded gaze. "Not yet.." She breathlessly whispers in a dark voice. The new sound causes Talon to look at her in alarm. She notices this briefly, and presses her hands down upon his chest, forcing him down. "Not until I've done something new first..." She whispers, still grinning mischievously.

Luna lowers herself down to the pilot again, kissing him deeply, her own tongue fighting for dominance within his mouth. She breaks off the passionate kiss once more, and starts kissing his down his jawline and down his neck, pausing when she gets to his throat, and nipping gently with her teeth against his windpipe. This causes him to freeze and tense up further in alarm. She continues her path down to his chest, biting and licking as she goes, until she finally reaches his waistline. He grabs his boxers waistband and pulls down slowly, revealing his fully erect member to her. She eyes it and smiles, knowing all of the pleasure this particular part of her pilot has brought her since that night at the castle of the two pony sisters. She pulls down his boxers the rest of the way, tossing them aside and to the floor. She licks her lips looking into his eyes, the pilot frozen and un moving. She then licks the tip carefully and slowly, her lips nipping at him and tracing up and down his shaft. Talon gasps as she does this, sending a wave of pleasure through him. She starts caressing it and his cannon balls with her hands, before taking the member into her mouth. In her normal form, she would have almost no problem taking the entire thing into her muzzle with ease, it barely touching the sensitive parts of her throat and activating her gag reflex. As a human however, she finds this is quite the opposite. Talon was for lack of a better term, larger than even most stallions in Equestria, and could easily be too much for a normal mare. Fortunately for Luna, she was no normal mare. She backs her maw off of the member slightly, only taking about a quarter of it within her mouth as not to choke. She licks and nips with her mouth, scraping her teeth against it on occasion, while her hand grips him and pumps slowly up and down in sync with her movements.

Talon, though barely able to process any thoughts from the alicorns actions currently, manages to get enough of his sense about him and reaches out to her now exposed slick lips. His fingers explore her hot folds of her mare hood. His fingers slip in with ease, eliciting a gasp from her for a moment. Her concentration breaks and she backs off of him, still stroking and increasing her grip even tighter. Instinctively she pushes back against his hand, driving him deeper into her as his digits find that golden spot. Pleasure ripples through her once he finds it, driving her senses wild and pushing that pressure and heat within her closer to its breaking point. His thumb then finds her nub between her folds, flicking and rubbing it. She gasps more, her lungs fighting for air between her short ragged breaths. She moves her hand to his and pulls it tighter against her mare hood, rubbing her fingers between her slit and in rhythm with his thumb against her clit, finally pushing the alicorn over the edge to her climax. Her body shakes and trembles for a moment, before she gushes her juices out, the slick viscous clear fluid flowing freely down her thighs and soaking the bed sheets.

Luna shudders before she collapses against the bed, her mind reeling from her climax being so hard. Her eyes are unfocused for a moment, and she feels herself being rolled gently to her back. Now its her turn to be pleasured. She regains her senses for a brief moment, feeling the pilot run his wet fingers through her hair and kissing her passionately, , then his own kisses trailing down her jawline and neck. He first stops and nibbles on the base of her left ear and the nape of her neck, causing the princess to gasp and cry out in pleasure. his free hand is still caressing her now soaked mare hood, fingers sliding in and out slowly while his thumb expertly rubs her clit. His kisses continue relentlessly down the nape of her neck to her collar bones, then finally to her throat, where the pilot also returns the favor and sinks in his teeth. She feels his sharp canines scrape and graze her windpipe, sending hot shivers down her spine and causing her heart to thunder in her chest like never before. Wordlessly she mouths words that are uncomprehendable, as he continues to bite and nibble her throat. His ministrations to her mare hood also continuing, causing her mind to blank out in its entirety. She's purely on primal instinct now, the lust having overtaken her in its entirety. His kisses and nips move further down now, not to dare neglect the princesses succulent and perfect breasts. His tongue and teeth dance slowly around her nipples, biting softly and carefully as he spends some time on each one for her. The pleasure is beginning to become too much, and she feels the heat building again, more intense than before. He finally stops after a few minutes of this, moving down to his main target. His hand moves away then parts her legs, only to hold them both open with both hands. His tongue begins to lick and explore her nether regions, darting in and out slowly, his teeth and tongue also grasping her clit in his mouth and suckling somewhat hard on the nub. This proves to be too much for her, and the damn breaks within her once more. She howls loudly from her climax, pure ecstasy coursing through her body as she gushes once more, Talon lapping up all of her fluid the best that he can. Luna grabs his hair in her hands and pulls up on him, bringing the pilot to her. She kisses him deeply again, licking her own fluid and tasting herself off of his lips. She enjoys every bit of it.

"Take me...right here and right now.." She breathes out between pants. Her skin is becoming coated with a sheen of sweat from the foreplay so far, the room filling with her musk and the scent of her lust. She closes her eyes and whines. "Please...I can't...I can't take anymore. I need you inside of me!" She cries out. Talon nods and takes a handfull of her hair into his hand, the other free hand grasping her thin slender wrists and holding her arms and hands above her against the headboard of the bed. He kisses her deeply as he effortlessly slides into her slick marehood, the alicorn taking every inch of him deep within her. He penitrates her so deeply, she can feel her cervix being forced open slightly by his tip. She gasps with pleasure as he begins to thrust slowly, powerfully into her. Lunas walls grip him and squeeze him with everything she's got. "Harder..make me yours!" She gasps out between breaths again. The pilot lets her wrists go and he grabs her thigh and rump, pulling her to him. Her legs wrap around his waist as she moves her hands to his back, pulling him deep into an embrace. She claws at his back in pleasure and ecstasy, digging deep and marking him with his own bone wings from her fingernails. She moans loudly as he pushes deeper and deeper into her, that feeling of her cervix being opened growing more and more, enveloping him as much as she can. The heat continues to build within her for the thrid time, now even more powerful than the previous two. He continues relentlessly, her eyes rolling back as she reaches her third climax, and the most powerful one so far. Her body feels hot now, her hair becoming soaked with sweat. She forces the pilot to his back now, straddling him and keeping him within her. She leans down and kisses him passionately, then comes back up. Her hands rest upon his chest, she can feel the toned muscles in Talons chest. She begins to ride him slowly, her walls grasping tightly around him as she slams herself deeper and harder than ever onto him, the head and tip now clearly having penetrated her cervix from his depth. To the alicorn it's mind numbing ecstasy. She can feel the telltale twitches and signs from him inside of her through her walls, knowing he won't be able to stand up to much more. Even his own breaths are becoming unsteady and ragged from the demand upon his body. She keeps going for a few minutes more, pushing him to the edge, then stopping. She kisses him lovingly and coos, her jade eyes fixated on his own. "I want you to rut me..show me who is the real master here...mine commander.." She says, her voice thick with lust.

She dismounts him, then positions herself on the edge of the bed, her rump in the air as she falls to her knees on the soft carpet. She braces herself against the soft mattress and bed frame, grasping the soaked sheets in her hands. Talon moves in behind her, sliding once more into her dripping hot mare hood. He thrusts in slowly at first, gaining his balance and rhythm again. She can feel him finally bottom out within her, his head and rim breaching to a new area within her. The sensation drives the alicorn wild with lust and desire, her now having a need filled she never knew she had. She can feel the pilot almost into her belly, reaching a hot ache she never knew was even there. Now she knows, he truly is within her depths. He grabs a handful of her hair once more, thrusting into her with some restraint. "Harder...harder please!" She cries out in ecstasy. Her eyes are screwed shut, her body begging for release once more. Talon obeys her request, hammering away as the best he can, even though his own body is beginning to ache, the strain proving to be more than his own heart and energy can manage. She can feel him almost to the edge now, his withdrawal becoming more and more with each thrust.

"No...in me! I.." She gasps "I need it in me..make me yours! Claim me, mine flame!" She pleads with him. "Become the master of..the ni-i-ight.." She cries out with her breaths. Talon grabs her hips in his hands, pulling her hard onto him, his final thrust pushing to that deep place once more, and releases. He shoots pulse after pulse of his seed within her womb, the hot fluid putting out that fire deep within her finally. She bites into the bed sheets and screams out in ecstasy as the most powerful orgasm ever grips her body. She can feel her belly almost stretching from the sheer amount if his seed within her, coating her inner lining, caressing her insides. They remain like this for a few minutes, panting raggedly and recovering; both of them spent. He finally goes soft within her, pulling out slowly. Her cervix seals once more, saving and securing every drop of his gift to her within her, warming her insides and leaving her feel satisfied. Never has the alicorn been so content before, never has she felt so blissfully happy. Talon climbs onto the bed, then lifts her to him, where she kisses him deeply and lovingly. The two rest in silence, before she finally calms her heart and breathing down. "I love you..my master.." She whispers.

"And I love you, my alicorn." Talon responds, tiredly. He squeezes her to his chest, his hands caressing her sweat soaked hair and his fingers tracing the outer rim of her ear and cheek. "I always will, Luna."

She nuzzles him deeply, her head laying upon his chest as she smiles, dreamily enjoying the intense warmth within her. This truly was worth the ruse to fly all the way here, and has left one very satisfied alicorn in the process.

The two finished up, blissfully happy. It's well past midnight now, the moon high in the sky on its trek. It was this night in Lunas eyes, that she finally learned something special. It was tonight that she had the answer she never knew she needed. Talon, was for all intents and purposes; the true master of the night. The alicorn smiled lovingly, her eyes closed as she nuzzled against him. The pilot had given her the ultimate gift, fulfilled her every desire. It was this night that she had given him everything, and he claimed her; In mind, body and soul- the midnight alicorn was now his. He was her master, and she was his prize. Nothing else mattered now, not one thing. The magic finally timed out, and in a flash of blue light she became her normal form again. She looks down, her eyes focusing on her hooves and barrel. She sighs and nickers gently. "Talon...wake up mine love.."

The pilot opens his eyes again, exhausted. "Yes Luna..?" He yawns out. "I'm not good for another round honey.."

She giggles softly. "We should clean ourselves before bed, mine love. It would do us no good to go to bed smelling of our fun deed..now would it? She asks playfully.

Talon nods tiredly and yawns. "Whatever you say Luna...but after this we sleep...for real this time." He mutters. The two climb out of bed, yawning and stretching. From both pilot and alicorn, sounds of joints popping can be heard loudly in the night air, followed by two very satisfied sighs. They go into the shower together, and help one another bathe. It takes almost half an hour, the water lulling the pilot almost to sleep, but awakening the midnight alicorn once more due to her recharge spell.

Finishing up, they dry off and exit the shower, Talon grabbing a fresh clean pair of boxers from his satchel, and Luna her brush. Her mane and tail still have not returned to their ethereal forms yet, so they hang limp against her body, now damp. She uses her magic to dry out her hair, and begins to brush it carefully in front of the bathroom mirror. Talon walks out of the bathroom while she does this, only to return to it a few minutes later once again wearing his fatigues and flight jacket. Luna turns to him and raises an eyebrow. "Mine love...where are you going?"

He smiles at her. "Honestly..I know it's late, but I'm a bit hungry. What do you say we see if we can find a place still open. Who knows, may actually find a joint around here that serves a damn burger already."

The alicorn cocks her head at the new word. "Pray tell...what is a burger?" She asks.

"Err...food. It's a type of sandwich made sometimes of various veggies, flattened into a patty and grilled. Some are also made from eh...me..meat.." He swallows hard.

Luna nods. "I already know humans are carnivorous, mine love. Your teeth told me that during our first kiss. This city is bordering the griffon and dragon nations, and I'm sure there is a multi cultural facility here that may serve something like you are looking for...just please don't order anything like that around me..I can't stomach the thought of you devouring another creature."

He agrees. "I'm OK with that. I don't care if it is made of plants. As long as it comes with a beer and some barbeque sauce, I'm fine with it..."

She smiles at his response and nods, nickering softly and nuzzling him. She finishes brushing her hair and follows the pilot to the door, after he holsters his pistols and grabs the assault rifle. The two exit the room and get to the lobby, where they notice something strange...it's completely empty. They shrug and start to walk out of the hotel and reach the street, when they hear a voice calling to them.

"That's far enough..." An all too familiar icy voice calls.

Luna and Talon turn around, coming face to face with a cloaked figure standing right behind them. Draconic teal orbs stare out at them in the darkness, the shadowed figure stepping beneath a street lamp. Its wings open and the cloak flies off, revealing something completely unexpected.

Luna goes wide eyed in terror, her mind screaming in disbelief whats before her. Talon draws the rifle and takes aim, his barrel trained on the black mares head beneath the base of her horn. "Luna..who is this?" Talon whispers, his gun on target.

Luna backs up slowly, her wings flared in fear. She swallows hard. "Impossible...You can't be here! You can't exist!" She cries out.

The mare steps forward further into the light. "Oh but I do..and you have something that belongs to me, weakling."

Talon takes a defensive position in front of Luna and fires a warning shot beside the mares head, just to her left. The bullet grazes her cheek, but she doesn't flinch. The demonic teal orbs don't even flicker to him. They stay trained on Luna. "Luna! What's wrong?! Who the fuck is this?!"

Luna swallows hard, whispering in a haunted voice. "Nightmare Moon..."

Author's Note

And BAM! Finally done after FOUR FREAKING RE-WRITES. I just said enough, the warning is at the top. If soccer moms don't like it...I seriously don't care. Edited version is next chapter, and the war begins after that officially. Stay tuned, it's hell from here XD!

Intertwined Hearts II; Lunas Fears CLEAN VERSION.

Chapter 12: Intertwined Hearts; Lunas Fear

He sighs, nodding. "You do have a point."

"Of course I do, Talon. I'm a mare. Every pony knows mares know better than stallions." Luna muses, grinning at him.

Lunas eyes go wide hearing his last comment. Her ear twitches and her tail swishes quickly with anger. She grits her teeth. She's quiet for a moment, then looks to him. "...No."

He looks at her, watching her movements. "Luna...what do you mean no? We do need to tell her we're departing soon. She'll at least want to know our flight plan."

He looks at her slowly, noting one major thing on her features. Fear...she's afraid. He knows any animal becomes unpredictable when afraid. This however...was no ordinary animal. It's a space pony..with voodoo that could pretty easily put most comic book heroes on his planet to shame in the blink of an eye. What's more, this was indeed someone..some pony he himself has come to care deeply for. His mind is a blur with chaotic thought, thinking of the implications. One one note, he could simply say yes and go along with it. How much could change, really? On the other note, he's married to of all things..a space pony. And not even of his own doing. This was forced, and everything in him says it shouldn't have been that way. He contemplates for a moment, watching the mare become more and more agitated with each passing second. He then nods and sighs, folding his arms and removing his hand away from the pistol. "Luna..." He lets out a huff of air and nods, then reaches in his flight jacket for a cigarette. He lights it and takes a pull, then looks at her again, exhaling the smoke. "We'll keep it for as long as you wish then. If this is what makes you happy, then I have no problem wearing this ring for as long as you desire."

Luna sighs contently, a deep blush on her muzzle. She looks up to him and cranes her neck, kissing him softly. Once she backs up, she smiles. "Let's go tell Tia we're off then. I would like to get on our was as soon as possible." She said softly, still smiling. Her gaze falls to her fore hoof again, her eyes tracing the silver band adorning her. She smiles at it, happy that she gets to keep wearing the bands for as long as her heart desires.

"Mine sister...we hath arrived." Luna speaks up, a smile still on her muzzle and her voice light and cheerful.

Twilight shakes her head and smiles. "Not even a little. Thank you for being so understanding. So what brings you here? Are you two planning a flight around Canterlot again tonight?"

Celestia pauses for a moment, thinking. "That's a shame..I was hopeful that the projects would all finish roughly at the same time."

Luna perks her ears up. "Flight lines..? Projects? Mine sister, what is it thee is planning?" She asks, confused. This also catches Talons attention.

"That's still Princess Sunny Butt to you, commander." Celestia said, grinning. "And not long...since the day that our runway here at the palace was completed." She said in her sing song voice, a tinge of laughter lacing it. "I knew after all, that you would more than likely decide to stay with us in Equestria had we of actually found a way to send you back, and I had a good feeling that you and my little sister would finally understand your feelings for each other and begin to explore them. Not that you two need it...but you absolutely have my blessing on this matter." Celestia said, a slight blush coloring her muzzle.

* * * * *

"Ah Rooh!" The Lunar Stallions all call out in response at once. They all turn to the side in unison, and trot off and away from the landing pad in formation, like a well oiled machine. The sight impresses both the pilot and princess.

"Thank you.." She says, smiling. Her ears are slightly folded back, a deep blush on her muzzle and her wings held loosely at her sides. She bounds up onto the canard, then steps gently to the canopy, finding her seat in the cockpits co-pilots seat. She straps herself in and levitates her headset onto her head, while looking at the controls before her. Talon closes the canopy around them, and she looks around. Luna strips off her crown and regalia, placing them all in the satchel beside her. For lack of a better term, she's now completely naked, and happy. In this aircraft, this mighty warbird, she isn't Luna; regent of the stars and goddess of the night. She can just be Luna, ace co-pilot and wife. She hums happily to herself, beginning to relax.

The flight itself lasts two hours at the calm cruising speed, not a word is said between them the entire time. Talon focuses ahead on the flight and providing a gentle ride for the alicorn, while Luna is busy reading over a few pamphlets of places to visit while on her 'scouting mission'..though she views it more as a honeymoon. She smiles, her hoof tracing the jeweled band adorning her horn and a blush on her muzzle. The aircraft pitches downwards, approaching the point that Celestia had mentioned earlier over dinner. Ahead, Talon can see what the white alicorn had stated over dinner was indeed correct, and an obvious runway and flight line was set out ahead of them. Down below in the distance, was the city of Baltimare, and a beautiful made airport for him to land at. Blue lanterns and lights marked a clear path to the runway made recently by the ponies. They hear a crackle sound come over the aircrafts radio.

"Talon one and Princess Luna of Equestria, this is Tower control of Baltimare; we see you on approach and you are cleared to land at any time." A voice calls out to them over the radio.

Luna hears his laugh come over the headset, and smiles. "Yes, they certainly are good at their profession. I would imagine all of this construction has provided many many jobs in Equestria, and has likely been the source of our economic progress and recent upturn. A lot of good has come out of mine and mine sisters decisions about this wondrous machine." She said with glee. She peers out of the canopy, taking in all of the sights before her. Her ears swivel around as she hears and feels the familiar click and clank of the landing gear doors opening and the warbirds gear lowering into place. The flaps of the wings extend downward and the aircraft begins to slow, the nose pitching upwards as it comes in for a landing. The alicorn watches excitedly out the canopy to her left as buildings zip by her vision, the rear wheels making contact with the pavement below with a soft bump. Seconds later, the nose of the warbird pitches down and levels with a similar bump as it contacts the ground.

Talon looks around through the canopy, slowly breathing. He leans back in his seat. "Luna..."

Luna leans forward, also looking around. She had no idea her sister had gone to these lengths for her and the pilot, let alone how she could have told the ponies of Baltimare of their pending arrival and all. This building and the entire complex was obviously constructed for the sole purpose of housing this machine, and done well above even Canterlots standards. The alicorn was simply amazed. "I know mine love...I know." She breathes out quietly. Her bare hoof feels around on the side controls, finding the canopy release lever. She presses it down, opening the canopy. The seal breaks with a rushing of air into the cockpit, then the glass slides back and opens slowly, then raises to its open and resting positon. A white unicorn mare with a dark blue mane approaches the warbirds fusalage. She comes to rest on her haunches, quietly awaiting the princess or the pilot to speak first.

Talon unbuckles his harness first, then stands up in the cockpit. The police ponies all eye him wairly, but with respect. Luna fallows suit next. He looks down and sees the mare, nodding and saluting her before he begins his decent down the steps of the fuselage. Once his feet touch the ground, he looks at her in the eyes. "Hello. I am--" He's cut off.

"Commander Masters! Yes, we've heard so much about you! I am Pearl Shine, the director of the new Baltimare sky port!" The mare said with glee. "And you're the Banshees master from Canterlot, oh what an exciting day this is!" The mare reaches out and grasps the pilots hand, pumping it furiously with a hoofshake. "Welcome to Baltimare, Commander! Princess Celestia sent word to us a at sunset that you were on your way with Princess Luna! We were quite excited to hear the news that you would come to visit us, even if it was on such short notice!" She spoke in a high pitched excited voice.

Luna nods in approval and holds out her hoof for a hoof shake as well. "Yes, your facility as we have seen thus far is most grand! You have done well."

"And the knife? What is that for?" She says flatly, raising an eyebrow.

The pilot looks down and smiled slightly, gently rocking the alicorn awake in his lap. "Luna..wake up, we're here." He whispers softly.

"Erm uh..thanks?" He said, raising an eyebrow.

Luna sways in her spot, her head hanging low and ears turned out. She yawns a cute princess yawn and nickers softly. "Uhm...what.."

* * * * *

The two rest in silence, before she finally calms her heart and breathing down. "I love you..my master.." She whispers.

The pilot opens his eyes again, exhausted. "Yes Luna..?" He yawns out. "I'm not good for another round honey.."

She giggles softly. "We should clean ourselves before bed, mine love. It would do us no good to go to bed smelling of our fun deed..now would it? She asks playfully.

It takes almost half an hour, the water lulling the pilot almost to sleep, but awakening the midnight alicorn once more due to her recharge spell. Finishing up, they dry off and exit the shower, Talon grabbing a fresh clean pair of boxers from his satchel, and Luna her brush. Her mane and tail still have not returned to their ethereal forms yet, so they hand limp against her body, now damp. She uses her magic to dry out her hair, and begins to brush it carefully in front of the bathroom mirror. Talon walks out of the bathroom while she does this, only to return to it a few minutes later once again wearing his fatigues and flight jacket. Luna turns to him and raises an eyebrow. "Mine love...where are you going?"

The alicorn cocks her head at the new word. "Pray tell...what is a burger?" She asks.

"Err...food. It's a type of sandwich made sometimes of various veggies, flattened into a patty and grilled. Some are also made from eh...me..meat.." He swallows hard.

He agrees. "I'm OK with that. I don't care if it is made of plants. As long as it comes with a beer and some barbeque sauce, I'm fine with it..."

"That's far enough..." An all too familiar icy voice calls.

Luna backs up slowly, her wings flared in fear. She swallows hard. "Impossible...You can't be here! You can't exist!" She cries out.

The mare steps forward further into the light. "Oh but I do..and you have something that belongs to me, weakling."

Luna swallows hard, whispering in a haunted voice. "Nightmare Moon..."

Broken Wings

Chapter 13: Broken Wings

"That's far enough..." An all too familiar icy voice calls.

Luna backs up slowly, her wings flared in fear. She swallows hard. "Impossible...You can't be here! You can't exist!" She cries out.

The mare steps forward further into the light. "Oh but I do..and you have something that belongs to me, weakling."

Luna swallows hard, whispering in a haunted voice. "Nightmare Moon..."

The black alicorn of death, Lunas greatest fear steps forward slowly, her gaze unwaivering on its target. A sinister smile crosses her muzzel as she approaches, revieling rows of razor sharp teeth behind her pressed lips. "You had better believe it, you little foal. I am here, and I shalt bring about eternal darkness after I spill your weak blood all over Equestria!"

Luna begins to back up, keeping her distance as she stares wide eyed at the black alicorn before her. She shakes her head in disbelief. 'This can't be real...it can't be!' Her mind screams. Luna swallows hard, her eyes darting about looking for an escape route.

Talon steps forward, his gun trained on the approaching alicorn. "Over my dead body lady. You want her? You have to get through me first." He calls out, a small grin plastered on his features.

Luna snaps back to reality, the confidence in her flames tone and voice bringing her back to clear thought for a moment. Without hesitation she alights her horn and seizes Talon in her magical grasp, floating him in the air in her magical aura. In a split second decision, she turns on her rear hooves and bolts, racing as fast as she can while towing her pilot behind her. She takes to wing and leaps into the air, drawing him onto her back. She has to get away. She has to run. In their state of exhaustion, against this enemy, she knows they have little chance of survival. Alarms scream in her mind as she flys faster and faster, pumping her wings furiously to get away from the threat.

Nightmare Moon watches the display, still smiling. "You can run foal...but you cannot hide!" She cries out, also taking to wing. She leaps into the air to persue her prey. From the shadows, hooded figures chatter and screech, appearing out of allyways, from darkened buildings and off of roof tops, also in chase of the princess and pilot. They're gaining on her. The black alicorn alights her horn, a sickly green aura of magic charges before she unleashes a bolt of energy at the princess, aimed right at her.

Luna glances behind her while trying to flee with the pilot, looking down at the increasing amount of persuers gaining on her below. She goes wide eyed as she sees a bolt of magic scream her way and rolls in air, dodging it just barely. "Talon, hold on tight!" She screams, banking hard and pumping her wings harder than before. She isn't used to high speed flight with this added weight. Another and another, more and more bolts fly at her. She twists and dives in the sky avoiding them. Her own magic is being used to secure the pilot onto her back, she can't return fire.

The pilot is being forced down, his arms locked from Lunas magic. "Luna, release me! Let go!" He yells.

Luna shakes her head furiously and continues to roll and spiral in air. "No! You'll fall off!"

"Trust me!" He screams out in reply. "Let me go and focus on flying!" Luna seems to hesitate while she's in flight, then releases her hold and flys stable for a moment; just long enough for him to wrap and lock his legs around her mid section, and one arm around her neck. With his now free arm, he takes aim at the approaching horde of attackers and pulls the trigger, releasing a few readied rounds from the assualt rifle to them. The first three shots miss, one round finds its mark. It downs one of the hooded figures, the round piercing the center of its head and causes it to explode in a splash of blood and flesh. The body falls limp in air and crashes into several others near it, sending a few of the attackers down and crashing into a buildings window.

Talon pulls the trigger in another burst, the bullets screaming down again, and picking off two more of the figures. Luna banks hard without warning to dodge another bolt from the black alicorn, throwing off his aim. As he's pulling the trigger from yet another burst, all of the rounds miss. The muzzle flash from the rifle blinds Luna for a moment. Another bolt of magic screams her way, finding her left wing and strikes her. The super heated bolt from Nightmare pierces the night alicorns wing, sending Luna and the pilot spiraling down in a trail of smoke and crashing to the waiting ground below.

Nightmare grins wickedly as she watches them crash, taking a moment to pause in the air and hover above the crash site. She lets out a throaty laugh. "Dead body indeed! It's easily arranged as you can clearly see." She calls out.

Luna spirals out of control, flapping her damaged wings hap hazardly as she tumbles and falls, plummeting out of the sky. She alights her horn once more and wraps herself and the pilot in a shield just a moment before the crash, softening the landing somewhat before the impact and mind jarring sudden stop, followed by the sickening sound of bones breaking. Pain rips through her wings and chest when she regains her senses. Her mind is a fog from all of the pain and sudden chase.

Talon rolled off of Luna upon impact, and was sent tumbling and crashing into the trunk of the nearby tree from where they fell. The sudden smack against the ground has hurt his left arm, and broken several of his ribs. He gasps for air and screws his eyes shut, the pain numbing his senses as he tries to rise to his feet in a hurry to return fire. He slowly glances around first to look for Luna and check her, then to find his weapon that was cast aside. As he pushes up on his hands to get up, a steel plated black hoof comes down and crushes his hand, pinning him in place. He grunts in pain and looks up, his gaze meeting two draconic teal slits.

Nightmares eyes gaze into the pilots, a malicious look in them. She grins wickedly and licks her lips, her tounge traces her razor sharp teeth as she does. "Did you two foals really think.." She grinds down her forehoof hard on the pilots hand, forcing her weight into it. Blood runs to the ground from under her hoof from the pilots hand. She ignores as he lets out a yelp of pain. "That you would get away so easily? That I wouldn't end the weaklings life and claim my prize before I march unto Canterlot and destroy this worlds precious sun?"

Quiet thuds are heard around them, the hooded figures landing in a circle around the two alicorns and downed pilot. Chattering and subtle screeching is heard as pairs of glassy blue orbs seemingly glow from under the hoods. Nightmare glances, flicking her gaze at the figures and smiles, looking back down at the pilot. "Weather I simply end your life here, or use you and your machine for my own matters little..mortal. I shall blot out the sun, and there is nothing you two can do to stop it." She coos quietly, twisting her hoof more and stepping harder on his hand. She lowers her head and comes to eye level with the human pilot, her muzzle and hot breath on his face now. "So decide quickly if you wish to live and serve the queen of darkness...or die here with your pet."

Luna blinks the fog from her eyes, listening to the muffled sounds of Nightmare Moons voice. Her gaze falls to the pilots side when she sees the bauble laying out on the ground beside his neck, the stars glow dark red and spinning violently within the glass orb. She cocks her head and tries to right herself quietly so che can prepare an attack unnoticed. Her eyes flick around looking at the hooded figures, the darkness masking all of them but one. This one, is in the moonlight just enough for her to make out its features. The features are black, but shined along its glossy skin surface. She can see the legs as it chatters and paws excitedly at the ground, and notices one very key feature...the legs...have holes in them. 'A drone! If they're drones, than that must mean..' She thinks to herself. Anger swells deep within her heart as she puts things together in her mind. She's just been tricked by an enemy she knows all too well.

'Well that sneaky whorse...Chrysalis! It has to be her!' Luna thinks to herself. The thoughts race through her mind. She snaps back to attention when she hears her flame cry out in pain. Her gaze falls back to the black alicorn standing above her pilot, and ire dances in her eyes. She feels that darkness within her heart greedily begin to call to that beckoning power within her again as her fury builds.

Talon glares hard at Nightmare Moon and grins, spitting in her face. "Go to hell!" He bites out. He quickly reaches back with his right arm and grasps his pistol from its holster. Before Nightmare could react he raises the gun to her muzzle and pulls the trigger. The flash and pop from the pistol surprises her and causes her to stagger back.

Nightmare quickly regains her bearings, despite the ringing in her ears and the spots in her eyes from the gunfire flash. She rears up on her hind legs. "Then die here it is, foal!" She falls downward on her fore hooves hard, bringing them down upon the pilots back and stomping on him. The air is filled with the sickening crack of bones breaking and splintering under the impact. Talon coughs and spits out blood onto the ground, fighting to get air back into his lungs. Nightmare rears back again onto her hind legs, to come down once again.

No time to react, no time to contemplate or be angry anymore. Luna alights her horn and yanks Talon away from the deathblow he was about to recieve from the crushing hooves of the demon mare. She springs to her hooves and leaps onto Talon, shielding him as her horn glows brightly. In a flash, she unleashes a teleportation spell and they both vanish into thin air.

Nightmare Moon lands hard on her forehooves again right as her target is yanked from under her, throwing her off balance. "No! Impossible!" She screams angrily as she watches the night princess leap onto the human and vanish before her. "Find them! Find them now!" She bellows out in fury. "Bring me their heads at once!"

The hooded drones all chatter loudly and take to wing, filling the sky quickly as they scatter about in search for the pair. Their queen is angry, and best not to be kept from her revenge, least she unleash it upon them instead.

* * * * *

The two appear inside of a building not far from where they once were. The room is dark, the windows shattered and broken. The air is bone chilling cold now in the night. Luna releases an exhausted sigh as she rolls off of the pilot and onto her back. She's breathing hard. Her horn is sore from the sudden use of powerful magic without priming, and her body feels weak from the chase. She rolls her head to the side to look at Talon, who's seeming to have difficulty breathing. Luna slowly rolls back onto her belly and shakily gets to her hooves. Blood is trickling down from her wing where the bolt struck her, the wing tip and most of the lower section of her primary feathers now soaked in blood. "Talon...are you alright?" She shakily whispers.

He coughs, spitting up blood that now runs out the corner of his mouth. He slowly nods while fighting for air. "Just...perfect!" He choked out between breaths. He rolls onto his back and stares up at the celing while panting ragged, irregular breathes. His fatigues are crushing him he feels, the broken ribs and damage to his internals forcing him to fight just to breathe. He can barely keep his eyes open, despite the adrenalin coursing through his veins. "Lu--" He coughs. "Luna..get to..get to your sister..run away!" He bites out. "Leave me!"

Luna shakes her head sorrowfully and falls to her forelegs first, then plops down on her hind legs, laying over him. She rests her head upon his chest, closing her eyes. "No, mine love...I will not leave your side." She whimpers. She alights her horn again and concentrates, probing him with her magic. Through the connection she can feel his injuries. His life is in danger. Her eyes shoot open in alarm at this realization. "You..you're going to be ok love...just don't worry!" She gulps and licks her lips hastily. Lunas heart races in her barrel as she quickly thinks of what she can do. She focuses her lunar magic as much as she can, desperately trying to mend the bones in him. Tears stream down her muzzle as she does, desperate to save him from deaths icy grasp.

As Luna is healing him with her magic, the wooden door of the room they're in shatters and splinters behind them in an explosion. When the dust and debris settle, it reveals the glowing green draconic orbs of the Nightmare they had just escaped. "Running so soon...? And we were just getting started!" She yells out, unleashing another bolt of magic at the night alicorn. The blow strikes Luna square in her side, sending her smacking into the back wall of the room. A sickening pop is heard from one of her wings dislocating upon impact. Luna slides down the wall and falls to the ground in a broken heap.

The alicorns left wing is splayed out and pinned under her, the right is out and back at an awkward angle, showing its break and dislocation at the apex of her joint and wing interlink on her back. She screams out in agony with her eyes screwed shut.

Nightmare Moon saunters forward slowly to the down pilot, a sardonic grin on her muzzle. " Such a pathetic weak foal...to think ponies fear such a delicate and irritating thing I will never understand. Don't worry...I'll be sure to let Celessssstia...know how you died in perfect detail. Right before I end her reign as well! Ha ha ha!"

"You'll...you'll never get the chance!" Talon yells out as he rolls over onto his side, aiming the pistol right at the demon mare. He pulls the trigger and fires, the bullet sailing through the air and strikes her center of her barrel, knocking her back. He scrambles to his feet and fires again, every bullet striking its mark as he empties the clip into her. "Fuck you! Fuck you and the hell you came from!" He shouts as he fires. The clip empties, the hammer falling on the gun several times in clicks. The black alicorn falls to her side in a bloodied heap, crumpling to the ground. Before Talons eyes it shrinks down into a small insect like pony, almost as small as a foal. He seethes. "A fake...a mother fucking fake.." He grumbles as he steps closer to it. In his rage he kicks the now dead drone in the neck, tearing off its head and causing it to roll back out into the street. He curses and quickly turns around, rushing to the fallen princesses side.

"Luna!" He hurriedly calls to her as he reaches her. He quickly reloads the pistol with another clip, discarding the emptied one on the ground, then holsters it before falling to his knees. He reaches out and rolls her over onto her back, desperately checking for a heartbeat. She's breathing slow, troubled breaths and her heart is racing within her barrel. "Knocked out..." He whispers. He looks her over and sighs. Sounds of chattering and shuffling are heard in the distance behind him, outside. 'Shit! The fucking bugs will probably find us here..' He thinks. With a grunt, he lifts Luna up in his arms and cradles her, the night alicorns wings hanging limp and down almost touching the ground. Her head rests against his shoulder as he steadies her weight. Her mane and tail fall freely and limp over his arms. He coughs and hefts her up in his embrace, and starts to jog out of the building. More and more sounds are heard approaching their location. He picks up the pace, ducking into an ally as he tries to evade them. His heart pounds and he's breathing hard. Luna did manage to mend the breaks in his bones, but she couldn't fully heal him. His arm is stinging with pain from the torn muscles, his ribs and chest ache from the bruising. Blood still trickles from his lips, possibly from some internal bleeding.

'I have to get her away from here and back to Canterlot...we have to tell Celestia this place is flooded with that parasite..' He grumbles quietly. He looks at Luna in his arms, cradling her carefully and tightly to him. Despite her weight, he'll never let go and drop her. No matter what, he refuses to drop her. "Wake up girl...wake up!" He whispers. Changelings fly over head of the ally, zipping past. He ducks down behind some trash and barrels, hiding them from view. He hears a whimper and looks down to Luna's face, seeing her stir. He grins at this, then looks around again, glancing around the corner of the barrels to search for more drones.

"Going somewhere?" An icy voice whispers in his ear. Talon turns around, only for a massive steel plated hoof to connect with his jaw with extreme force. It sends him flying into the barrels and bags of garbage, flinging Luna from his arms as he crashes. The night princess falls a short distance from him, on her side and still unconscious. "You foalish weaklings are so easy to sense with your pathetic emotions...and it's so easy really." Nightmare coos mockingly. "I can almost smell your fear, I don't need to sense it. You didn't believe you would get away did you? After killing one of my precious children?"

Talon shakes his head, trying to clear the daze from his eyes. His head is pounding and blood roars in his ears as he's disoriented. He slowly sits up on the garbage bag pile and stagger to his feet, holding up his fists. "I fear nothing.." He slurs out. He wipes the blood from his mouth and grins at her, gaining his bearings. "Nice sucker punch...now lets see you fight for real!" He says through clenched teeth.

"Tut tut tut." Nightmare shakes her head mockingly and lifts a hoof. "I grow weary of these games...time to die now. I wonder how long you can survive without the ability to breathe!" She says with a sardonic grin. She alights her horn once more with sickly green magic, then captures the now immobile pilot within her spell. She lifts him up off the ground by his neck and begins to crush with her magic, choking him. She smiles showing her teeth, cackling maniacally.

* * * * *

"N..No.." Luna whispers, opening her eyes slowly. She can't stay awake, laying on the ground paralized. Her body refuses to respond as her vision darkens.

'Are you really going to let that foalish impostor defeat you so easily? Look at how weak you've become! This is not the strong willed mare I remember claiming me as her reflection!' A dark voice echoes in Luna's mind.

Luna's eyes shoot open, she finds herself in a vast expanse of pure shadow. "You..." She calls out. "How are you here?"

'I never left, Luminescence. I have always been here in the shadows of your mind. Watching, waiting. Now here it is I find that you're getting your flank kicked by a weakling bug, and you're about to lose OUR stallion and mate!' The voice echoes, stepping closer and closer to Luna. The figure reaches the small pool of light, revealing a tall, towering black mare with teal draconic eyes. Her mane and tail billow around and behind her in a beautiful star field. 'You can't give up yet! You'll give us both a bad name! After so much we worked for!'

"So much you worked for you mean...I never wanted to bring about eternal night! I just wanted to make it more beautiful so ponies would love me and appreciate my gift for them! It was you who had us cast out, obsolescence!" Luna sneers. She looks down to shadowed floor and sulks, hanging her head in defeat. "...My body is broken...I cannot fight anymore. I...I failed to stop her." She whispers hauntedly. "I let him and every pony down.."

'You speak as if we have already lost! I'll have none of that.' Nightmare Moon smiles as she speaks, her features softening. She raises her bare hoof and places it under Luna chin, lifting her gaze to meet her own. 'Face it..you need me. You always have, princess. But we are no longer the selfish blind foals we once were.' She coos lovingly. A genuine smile crosses the nightmare alicorns features, her draconic eyes softening. 'He's going to die if you don't let me help you. Our sister, Twilight..every pony. Then no pony will be able to cherish our beautiful nights. Release the bindings upon us, Luminescence. Allow me to end this...and I promise you that I will not bring harm to our kingdom. Through our eyes I have seen the joy and wonder of love. The gift of creation. This was something that we believed to be fabled and of myth...having none of our own. I only wish to help now.' Nightmare says softly and in a hushed tone.

Luna pins her ears back, her thoughts racing. "How do I know you'll return control to me once this is over?" She says, her tone gaining strength. "How do I know you will keep your word? You only know of death and pain! You speak lies and betrayal!" She cries out.

'Because I've seen the beauty of true love and friendship. I have learned the error of my ways. That is why.' Nightmare says softly, helping the smaller alicorn to her hooves again. 'You have my word as Goddess of dreams and all things night, and I swear upon our mothers name and blood that I will not betray you. After all...I am you, and you are me. Who can you trust if not yourself?' Nightmare Moon says. 'You had better hurry...I don't think our flame will survive much longer...'

With a gulp, Luna considers quickly, then nods. Nightmare smiles at her within her mind, then cackles quietly. 'Time it is then! I'll be sure to show that impostor what the REAL Nightmare Moon is like! Ha ha haha!' Nightmares mane and tail swirl around them, wrapping Luna and herself in an ethereal glow before enclosing them both completely. The void around them fades to inky blackness before forcing its way back to Luna's conscious thoughts.

* * * * *

The black alicorns body alights with a green flame, then flashes from her hooves to her horn, showing her true form. Chrysalis stands proud, holding the pilot in the air by his neck. "You chose wrong, creature. You could have lived if you had decided to abandon your pet and your disgusting relationship for me. But no matter.." She says with a chuckle in her silken dual voice. "After you're gone, I'll have nothing to stand in my way for my children to ravage all of Equestria. You're going to die...your pet is going to die..and I win. He he he.."

Talons vision begins to fail as he begins to black out from the lack of oxygen. He can't respond to anything, only weakly kick and try to grasp at the magic noose tightening around his neck. His face begins to turn blue and lose color as his life starts to slip away. He continues fighting with everything he can, but only can make feeble attempts and kicks as he dangles in air.

A bolt of dark blue magic streaks just past the pilots legs and smacks Chrysalis hard, sending her flying backwards and into a brick wall. Chrysalis drops the pilot from her grasp, her concentration broken. As she staggers to get to her hooves, she shakes her head, unbelieving of the sight before her. Rising unsteadily to her hooves a short distance away, is a pure black alicorn, covered in black flames. The eyes glow bright white as an ethereal star field mane and tail shoot out from her body and billow. Blood trickles off of the freshly minted long fangs and razor sharp teeth as it hisses. The black mare steps forward, her powerful black glossy wings spring out in a daunting display as blue electricity discharges along her visage.

"No...No! You're not possible!" Chrysalis shrieks out. "I felt your life force slip out of existence!" She shrieks out again, backpedaling quickly.

Luna steps forward slowly, her every step cracking and crushing the cobblestone path beneath her hooves. She hisses again, a feral look upon her features as her eyes dull down to their draconic orbs. The mare glances down and gazes angrily upon the pilot laying on the ground, taking her attention off of chrysalis for a moment. She studies his features as he struggles to get up, coughing and holding his throat. Her eyes trace his form until she sees the bauble around his neck, the star spinning so slow it almost appears stopped as it glows a dim iridescent hue. Luna narrows her gaze and flicks it back to Chrysalis, rage very clear on her features. She says nothing, only stepping forward slowly, as a hunter would to wounded prey. She gapes her maw again, blood trickling off of her fresh fangs as she leaps forward and lunges at the changeling queen, tackling her and sending them both through the brick wall. With a powerful battle cry and whinny Luna rears back and stomps on Chrysalis's side, then strikes her again with a powerful bust of magic.

Chrysalis fly's through the air with the second blast, sending her crashing through the buildings large glass window and into the street. She rolls to a stop and looks up in fear, seeing two glowing teal orbs slowly approach her from the shadows of the dimly lit building. "My children! To me!" She shrieks out in terror. She staggers to her hooves once more, wiping the blood from her muzzle with her armored forehoof.

Luna continues her slow gate to the changeling queen, ignoring the growing amount of drones swarming the area. Her hooves crush the broken glass below her into powder, every tile breaking and splintering below her every step. The remaining wall blows apart before her as she steps into the street slowly, continuing her approach. "You were foalish coming here, insect." Luna hisses in a dark and powerful voice. Her horn alights. "This was our night..Our special night. You dare soil it with your filthy presence...and you have the audacity to start a fight and hurt our flame?" She coyly says with a sardonic grin. "You will perish for this, insect. And this time there is no Celestia here to stop us from ending your life!"

A drone makes a dash to tackle the black alicorn approaching the queen, only to harmlessly bounce off of a field surrounding her before being disintegrated into ash. This shocks the others into backing up, away from the enraged dark alicorn. Chrysalis summons another magic burst striking Luna square on the shoulder.

The burst hits, causing her to stagger back briefly for a moment. She looks down at the scorched part of her fur, then dusts it off with her bare hoof. She then turns her attention back to Chrysalis and shakes her head slowly, a cruel sardonic grin on her muzzle. "We believe the saying goes...there is nigh you can do to us...but there is a world of harm we can do to THOU!" She screams out in the royal Canterlot voice as she returns fire with her own burst of magic, striking Chrysalis once more and sending the parasite queen tumbling backwards. More drones fly to Luna and throw everything they have at her. Some using spears and swords they have, others reverting to casting stones and whatever they can scavenge at her to draw her attention away from their queen.

Chrysalis alights her horn and staggers to her hooves again, summoning a small slip space pocket before her. Out of the pocket appears a long glaive with an obsidian blade at its end, attached to a shaft made of pure solar steel. The pocket closes in a flash as she twirls the glaive in her magic. "I knew it would come to this...and I have no problem using that demons power to end you!" Chrysalis shrieks out as she charges Luna, slashing at the alicorn with the blade. It contacts Luna's field and slices clean through it, the tip of the blade catching her barrel and slicing into her flesh. This causes Luna to quickly step back in surprise, before rage overtakes her features again.

"We invented dirty tricks insect!...so let us show you how its done, PEST!" Luna shouts once more in the Royal Canterlot voice, the concussive force knocking the drones and Chrysalis back again. Luna concentrates for a moment before summoning her own weapons, two hooked cutlasses composed of Lunar steel and Sapphire, covered in ancient ruin magic. They glow with blue fire on the blades edge as she spins them at her sides. She leaps forward and slashes at Chrysalis, while blocking the glaive with the other blade.

Talon makes it to his feet again, coughing and sputtering. He can hear the sound of steel clashing not far from him, the sounds of battle. He stands shakily, pain searing through his body as he tries to focus. He draws both of his pistols now and rushes through the broken building to the front, and begins to discharge rounds into every drone he sees surrounding the black alicorn. He fires again and again, gunning down several drones in the area. Several begin to flee at this point. One drone attacks him from behind, tackling him to the ground and knocking one of the pistols away. He scrambles to twist under the weight of the insect attempting to bite him, freeing his arm up. He grasps the knife on his vest and draws it, sending the blade deep into its skull and splitting it. The insect dies instantly as he gets to his feet again, and removes the knife.

Luna sees him emerge from the building and casts a bolt of magic to the fallen pistol, kicking it into the air and flinging it back to the pilot. "Kill them all!" She shouts as she continues her deadlock with Chrysalis.

Talon catches the gun and twirls on his heels, dual wielding the pistols as he spins, pulling the trigger. Two more changeling drones rush to him, only to come muzzle to muzzle with the pistols as he fires. One of the drones heads explodes from the round in a shower of blood, bone and flesh, as the others neck is blown apart and sends it falling to the ground also dead. Another drone fast approaches as he kicks it back, pulling the trigger on a single pistol. The rounds fire in rapid succession splitting the changeling from its belly to its neck. As it sails slowly through the air from momentum he knocks it to the ground with his free pistol, bashing its skull in with the grip.

Chrysalis takes to flight in an attempt to flee from the black alicorn after knocking her back with another magic burst, bolting through the air and racing to the highest building in Horseshoe bay. "Retreat! It is time to flee my children!"

Talon rushes quickly, out of breath to Luna. He leaps and rolls over her back and continues firing, emptying the two pistols on several more fleeing drones. He falls to the ground and pants, out of breath from the fight. He starts coughing uncontrollably before spitting more blood to the ground.

Luna does not chase Chrysalis, her attention now on the pilot. She focuses her cruel gaze upon his form, stepping slowly to him as she ignores the fleeing parasites. She alights her horn and probes him with her magic, scanning his body to detect his injuries. As she approaches, he quickly turns and points the gun right at her muzzle, aiming it right between her eyes. "Stay--Stay back!" He coughs out. "Fake!"

Luna tilts her head quizzically to this, nudging the emptied pistol to the side with her nose gently. She steps forward carefully, bringing her face close to the pilots own. Her eyes close and her features soften and she nuzzles his cheek gently, rubbing hers against his own affectionately. She quietly nickers softly and wraps him in her black wings. "We are no impostor..." She whispers as she nuzzles him. Her eyes are held closed as she coos softly, holding him tight in her feathered embrace. She backs away and licks his lips, tasting the metallic tinge of his blood upon his lips as she does.

He slows his breathing upon understanding that this really is his alicorn before him, and starts to visibly relax. Above them the changeling drones are in flight to escape with their queen. He struggles to rise to his feet again, coughing. "We..we need to get to Canterlot..." He coughs out. He starts to rise, when he feels something pierce his back. He looks down slowly, seeing a long jagged spear head through his shirt, and blood quickly pooling around the fabric.

Luna gasps in horror at the sight, bewildered by the sudden turn. Her cruel gaze falls upon a drone that stands behind him, the parasite having run her flame through with its horn. Rage bubbles within her as she alights her horn and screams out, capturing the parasite within her magical grasp. She lifts the creature into the air, her eyes burning bright white and her horn crackling with blue and black magical sparks. Suddenly she rips the changeling drone to pieces, shredding in air out of anger. She pulls the fallen pilot onto her back then, and bounds into the air, pumping her massive black wings furiously as she carries him higher and higher, shooting far above the buildings and rooftops. Luna spots Chrysalis and her changelings below, all regrouping in the center of the highest buildings rooftop.

"We see that you need to be taught a lesson you stupid FOAL!" She bellows in her concussive royal Canterlot voice. She alights her horn with a powerful spell, and fires. The white hot beam falls in lightning quick speed as it strikes the group head on and smacks into the building. Windows shatter from the top floor to the ground as the shockwave passes through the building, toppeling the building and sending it crashing down. A plume of dust rises as rocks, debris and glass rain down below, crushing and killing anything within its wake. Luna doesn't bother watching, she only sneers and pumps her wings, gaining altitude as she bolts to Baltimare, with her pilot straddled laying upon her back and draped over her sides like saddle bags.

* * * * *

In the ashes of the destroyed building, A large stone is magicly lifted off of the broken changeling queen and cast aside. Glowing red orbs float above the wreckage as a shadowed figure snakes its way to the ground. "I see you failed yet again..Chrissy. And here I had such high hopes for you."

Chrysalis spits out a mouthful of blood and staggers to her hooves, glaring at the figure. "I was never expecting her to become that which she feared most, demon.." Chrysalis coughs into her holed hoof and looks up at the sky, her eyes tracing the energy trail of the black alicorns wake as she speeds off to Baltimare. "She's too strong...even with your power, I couldn't kill her. Perhaps these creatures really are immortal.." She whispers angrily.

The figure sighs, and snaps its clawed fingers, mending Chrysalis in a flash of chaotic magic. "Nightmare Moon was always a wild card, and immune to even my own magic. Even I wasn't expecting her to use that trump card..." It muttered. "And they say I'm the embodiment of Chaos.."

Chrysalis coughs again, feeling the pain of her injuries subside. "Not even you are a match for such power...That which is the very dark essence of the all mother. Our only chance to crush them is to seal her power before she can change into that thing again." She seethes.

The shadow grins a Cheshire grin and laughs a low evil laugh. "Enough is enough...Now it's my turn to step in and finish this. I think we should take a more...direct approach. Strike them where it hurts."

"And where the bucking Tatarus would that be?" The queen questions.

"From within."

* * * * *

Luna comes racing in as fast as her wings would carry her to Baltimare, seeing the hangar quickly come into view. Her eyes zero in on the warbird within the hangar, a smile crossing her muzzle as she comes in for a landing. All around her ponies race upto her, only to come to a screeching halt once they see what she looks like. She tilts her head and looks curiously upon them. "Please do not fear us!" She desperately cries out. "He is injured! We need your help!"

Guards and workers alike all look confused. One steps forward and shouts. "You probably made that alien that way! You're Nightmare moon!"

She shakes her head, her draconic eyes and voice pleading with them. "Neigh! We have done nothing of a sort! Please, We need a medical pony at once!"

A white unicorn mare pushes through the crowd, forces her way to the front. It's Pearl Shine. "Get away from him you monster! What have you done to the princess!?"

Luna stares wide eyed and slacked jawed, rage once again filling her heart. "WE ARE THE NIGHT PRINCESS YOU FOALS! NOW BRING US A MEDICAL PONY AT ONCE OR FACE OUR WRATH!" She cries out desperately, growing more enraged by the second.

None of them move, only quiet whispers and stares. She seethes and trots past them. They step away as she trots past them, none stop her when she reaches the warbird. Using her magic, she pushes in the unlocking sequence on the keypad outside of the cockpit, unlocking and opening the canopy. She lifts the unconscious pilot into the pilots seat, and straps him in carefully with her magic, before she herself bounds onto one of the canards and starts to step into the cockpit. She's significantly larger now, but still able to squeeze into her co pilots seat. She curses quietly. "Initiate scram jet sequence!" She barks out into the headset once she places it on her head. It's tight fitting.

Pearl Shine charges forward, alighting her horn to try and hold the aircraft. "You are not allowed in there! Get away from this machine and that creature at once! Don't you dare soil that machine with your filth!" She screams out. Guards and nearby police ponies all begin to get closer to the aircraft, drawing weapons to stop the black alicorn.

"For the last time, WE ARE THE NIGHT PRINCESS! IF YOU FOALS WON'T HELP, THEN WE SHALL BRING HIM TO THOSE WHO WILL!" She bites out in anger. She brings her hoof down upon the canopy controls and closes it around her, the now taller and longer horn scraping against the glass. She forces the throttle control forward and begins to taxi out of the hanger, watching everything on the monitors so she can navigate safely.

The nearby ponies all cover their ears as the engines howl and scream loudly, the warbird rolling out of the hanger slowly. "Fire! Every pony fire! Stop that machine and the evil mare from stealing it!" Pearl Shine screams out. She fires a magical bolt at the aircraft, the beam bouncing and reflecting to the ceiling upon impacting the wing. Another and another, all harmlessly bouncing off of the warbirds skin.

Luna pushes the throttle forward more, activating the afterburners on the taxiway and pulling the flight stick back, she uses her magic to push other controls to work the flight surfaces as she attempts the hasty takeoff. The bird lurches forward and to the side as a bolt strikes one of the engines, causing it to sputter for a moment. The bird begins to lift into the air at almost a pure vertical climb, her forcing the bird into the air.

The warbirds engines shoot out twin focused fire cones as it climbs higher and higher, one of the engines seeming to have trouble maintaining its power. It banks hard towards Canterlot as it gains altitude, the canards and wings folding in as it gains speed.

Pearl Shine jumps and stomps on the ground in anger, screaming at the warbird and its occupants for the wreckless take off, and her staffs failure to capture it. "Get Canterlot on the radio! Tell them the banshee has been stolen and to send royal guard to shoot it down!"

* * * * *

Luna forces the throttle harder than before, taking the aircraft to hyper sonic to get to Canterlot as quickly as she can. She can feel the pilots life energy slipping away through their connection. 'Not yet love...not yet! Don't leave me like this!' She thinks. She alights her horn and pours some of her energy into him, keeping his heart and vital functions operating. In this form, she can't use her healing magic. She does not have the ability. Canterlot is quickly coming into view on the monitors, bringing a smile to her muzzle. "We're almost there mine love! Hold on!" She cries out into the radio to Talon. The aircraft suddenly pitches hard left and shudders as one of the engines flame out. Alarms scream suddenly into the cockpit and displays light up red, showing the damage. One of the previous magic bolts seems to have struck the engine itself, causing it to become unstable. Using high speeds like this only made matters worse. She throttles back and tries to reestablish the aircraft, watching the view of Canterlot slow in the distance. A voice comes over the radio in her ears.

"Celestia to Talon! What's going on?! We just heard that your machine was stolen by Nightmare Moon!" The voice crackles over the radio.

"Tia, it's me!" Luna cries out happily. "Talon is hurt! We need help!" She says in a hurry. The aircraft rocks violently as the engine explodes in a trail of smoke behind her, knocking the warbird hard and down in the sky. She's losing altitude. "Tia! Help me!!" She screams. The aircraft sways in the air.

Celestia rushes to the balcony and forces the moon out of the sky with her magic, then thrusts the sun into the heavens, while holding the radio. She looks down upon the castle grounds, seeing the royal guard scrambling. "Alert everypony available! My sister needs help and is coming in for a landing with the commander! Make haste!" She screams out. The guards quickly salute and rush back into the palace, summoning every pony they can to outside. Twilight rushes to the balcony as well.

"Celestia! What happened?!" She shrieks. "What's going on?!" She hears Luna's panic over the radio again.

Luna swallows hard, seeing Canterlot castle coming quickly into view from her co-pilots seat. She can feel the blood pooling around her hooves inside the cockpit, sloshing around on the floor from her flames extreme injuries. "Tia! Help me!!" She cries out into the radio. The warbird violently sways in the air from her inexperienced attempts of flying. from her view within the canopy, she sees the horizon of the sky rise and dip with the swaying of the wings. It's almost as if the warbird is caught in a turbulent storm out at sea, being tossed in the waves and torrents of the greatest squalls in history.

Celestia scans the dimly lit skies with all of her senses, pushing her magic to its limits as she frantically searches for her sister and the aircraft in the distance. She spots the trail of smoke from the warbirds damaged engines, then follows the line to the aircraft on its course to the runway. She picks up the radio. "Luna! Slow down and I'll catch you! Try and slow the aircraft down!!" She screams into it, panicked.

The warbird continues to sway and dip, coming dangerously close to the mountain side as it turns hard to align with the runway . On the screens, Luna can see unicorn guards from both the solar and lunar stallions rushing to the flight line, all of their horns aglow to assist in providing a soft emergency landing for the princess. Her heart pounds in her chest as she fights to keep the warbird aloft. "Talon!! Please awaken mine love! Please! We're going to crash!" She shouts, tears streaming down her muzzle. Her hoof grasps the flight stick so hard, that she begins to bleed from squeezing it.

Celestia and Twilight both watch as the warbird comes closer and closer to the castle, the warbirds second engine having exploded before their eyes. Fire rips from the aft of the aircraft, now billowing smoke as it glides out of control. "Look out!" Twilight shouts as she tackles the regal white alicorn to the floor. The aircraft screams by the balcony, its left wing coming so close that it scrapes against the rail, knocking a shower of sparks into Celestias chambers. The two recover in an instant and scramble to their hooves, leaping into the air to chase the warbird. Celestia alights her horn and casts her magic frantically with Twilight, the spells racing to the warbird to slow its decent.

"Pull up. Pull up. Pull up." The aircrafts computer chimes as alarms scream in the cockpit, blaring and ringing all around the frightened midnight alicorn. She throws out her foreleg and hits the landing gear control, while ripping hard on the flight stick. Smoke begins to seep into the cockpit from the engines on fire, the warbird plummeting dangerously fast to the ground. She glances at the altimeter, seeing she's less than two hundred feet from the ground now. The landing gear lowers and clicks into place within seconds, the ground coming closer into view. "Talon! Wake up mine love! Please!" Luna cries out, tears flowing down her muzzle. "Help me!!" She continues screaming. She levels out the wings finally, the aircraft gliding less than a hundred feet now, and coming in very fast. She completely overshoots the stallions, still gaining distance on Celestia and Twilight frantically chasing the warbird now. She pulls back on the throttle finally, following the memory flashes of watching the pilot perform the same procedures. It looks like she's going to land in one piece.

A bolt of golden magic smacks the bottom of the warbirds starboard canard, tipping the aircrafts port wing down dangerously low and knocking it into a wobble. The warbird reaches the runway, bouncing hard on its rear wheels off balance because of this. Sparks fly out behind it as it contacts the ground again, its right rear landing gear snapping off and sending it on its belly, grinding against the runway now. Luna screams in terror, the impact and sudden jarring knocking her head first into the consoles. Sparks and chunks of pavement fly by the canopy. Seconds later the nose landing gear snaps from the strain, sending the nose of the aircraft down hard as it skids quickly against the runway, dipping down into the pavement more. Rocks and debris fly up and over the aircrafts nose, chunks of stone and pavement smacking and cracking the canopy glass, cracks forming and running the length of the entire glass over the cockpit. The controls explode in a shower of sparks within the cockpit as it continues its skid.

Inside the cockpit as well as outside, the air is filled with the piercing screams from the warbird as its body twists and rips apart from the crash landing. Bits of metal and panels scatter everywhere as a wing shears off from the stress upon it, the starboard canard flying and bouncing behind it on its path. Sounds of the metal being crushed and twisted echo in the still morning air of Canterlot, the soul shattering sounds ripping throughout the city.

Celestia and Twilight can only watch in horror at the sight of their sister and pilots crash into the palace grounds, unable to process what is happening. The bird finally screeches to a halt at the end of the ruined runway, missing a wing and on fire, the smoke billowing out from its body. Celestias eyes open wide in fear of what may be, as she redoubles her efforts and pumps her wings furiously, racing down to the broken warbird. She reaches it in a flurry of speed, coming to find the cockpit filled with smoke, and dark. She rears back and starts pounding on the glass of the canopy with her hooves, screaming and crying as she does.

The glass shatters, a plume of smoke billowing from the cockpit once fresh air was allowed in. Luna coughs, desperately gasping for air. Celestia uses her magic to rip off the harnasses away from the pilot and her sister, pulling the wounded man from the pilots seat. "Medical teams! Hurry!" Celestia cries out. Several solar guards and nurses rush over and get to the pilot now resting on the ground.

"We need to get him to the infimary princess!" A nurse hurriedly yells. Another unicorn nurse levitates two stretchers behind her in her magic, rushing to the crash and burning war machine. Celestia plucks Luna from the cockpit next, her mouth agape in shock seeing her sisters much larger and black form.

"Get my sister to the medical ward also! There's no time to lose!" She says firmly. The guards and nurses look at her in shock, but don't hesitate. They obey without question and gallop with the streatchers as fast as they can to the medical wing of the palace, their charges carefully in tow with them. "Captain Jolt Flash!" Celestia calls out angrily.

"Yes ma'am!" The royal guard falls in on her side, and salutes.

"I want every available guard, maid, and free staff member to gather every single piece of this machine, and bring it to the ball room immediately. I want YOU to find who or what fired that bolt of magic, and bring me it's mother bucking HEAD!" She angrily shouts.

He salutes quickly and turns, barking orders to every staff member in the area before galloping off to find the one guilty of shooting down the aircraft. That was considered an attempted assassination of a monarch in his book, and would not fail to bring them to justice before the princess of the Sun.

Celestia turns and gallops after her sister and pilot, racing to the medical wing of the palace. She leaves Twilight Sparkle behind, as the purple alicorn is busy putting out the flames of the wrecked warbird.

* * * * *

Medical ponies work feverishly to save the human pilot, while Celestia herself works on healing her sister. An hour passes as she works tirelessly, going over every bump, scratch, scrape and bruise her sister has, leaving not even a single strand of fur unchecked. She snaps her attention to the black alicorns face when she sees her cough and open her eyes wearily. Celestia pauses and licks her lips, inhaling a baited breath. "Lulu...can you hear me?"

Luna coughs again, then focuses her jade eyes on Celestia. Her coat and stature may be black still, but her mind and soul are returning to normal. "Yes mine sister...I hear you..."

Celestia leans down and nuzzles Luna carefully and smiles. "Who did this to you sister...what happened..?

Luna gasps for air and winces, her body achy from everything. She coughs again and looks to her elder sister, her voice a haunted whisper. "Chrysalis...she attacked us in Horseshoe bay...we fought so hard Tia...then the ponies of Baltimare refused...they wouldn't save him Tia! They called me a monster and refused to help him! They attacked us too!" She cries out, beginning to sob quietly.

Celestia feels anger well up within her heart hearing this. "Lulu...with your permission...I am going to check your memory. I want to see for myself what occurred..." She looks at the black alicorn before her who nods slowly, swallowing hard. Celestia closes her eyes and alights her horn, touching it to Luna's for a moment. She watches flashes of memories and events unfold in her mind, experiencing everything within the span of a minute. When she opens her eyes, her jaw is held tight in anger. Celestias wings are pinned to her sides, and her features are a mask of rage. "So be it..." She whispers. She looks back down to Luna and grimaced, then nuzzles her and licks her cheek. "Rest here sister...I'll be back soon. Just stay and rest."

Luna nods and whimpers. "Talon...where is mine flame Tia?"

Celestia smiles sweetly. "He's being tended to by the nurses and best doctors bits can buy Lulu. He's just fine and asleep in the next room. When the doctors clear you as well, i'll have him move your bed into his room so you two can rest together. I promise." She says gently. "For now get some sleep..."

Luna nods again and rests her head on the medical pillow and sighs, looking out the window.

Celestia steps out into the hallway, greeted by Captain Jolt Flash. She looks sternly at him. "Report." She bites out.

"I have captured the culprit as ordered, princess. It was Prince BlueBlood. We are currently holding him in the dungeon for questioning, and will await further orders. The palace staff has also finished moving the machine and all broken pieces to the ball room, where several engineers have been called in. They would like to know if you wish to begin repairs." He finishes.

Celestia maintains her stern and stoic features. "Have BlueBlood brought to me right away. Furthermore, instruct the engineers they are to begin repairs as soon as possible. I will be in my chambers." She bites out, walking past him. Her mind is spinning with rage unlike anything she's ever felt before. Celestia passes several ponies along the way, ignoring them as she quickly trots to her quarters. She has to inform Twilight of recent events, and ask her to summon the others. The elements of Harmony may be needed after all. Once she gets there, she finds her chambers empty. She's seething with rage as she steps out onto the balcony. Celestia looks below at the ruined runway, then shifts her gaze to the far off Horseshoe Bay in the distance, seeing smoke rising from the building Luna annihilated. She draws a quiet breath, unable to contain her anger anymore.

Twilight enters the chambers, quietly walking to Celestias side. "Is..Is Luna and Talon alright?" She asks carefully.

Celestia continues to stare out in the distance and nods quietly. "Twilight...summon your friends, the bearers of harmony here right away. There isn't a second to lose."

Twilight gulps. "Celestia...is Luna alright? We're not going to hit her just because she transformed into Nightmare Moon again...She isn't evil!"

Celestia snaps her gaze to Twilight, her eyes focused angrily at her. Celestias mane and tail seemingly spark off in wisps of flame. "No Twilight...not for Luna. Luna is fine...You are to summon them here, because the time has come."

Twilight gulps. "And what time would...that be?"

Celestia returns her gaze back to the sky, stomping her forehoof to accentuate her point. "To war, Twilight. We are going to war."

Author's Note

A/N: Hope you enjoyed the fight/ epic dubstep action montage here. Just as a side joke. Luna (Nightmare form) to Chrysalis:

Respite

Chapter 14: Respite

Celestia and Twilight wait quietly in Celestias study, both of them enraged beyond belief. It was only an hour ago they had learned of the source of the attack during her little sisters and pilots emergency crash landing, learning that it was of all things, a member of the nobility and royal family. Twilight is pacing near the desk slowly, her wings and ears twitching with irritation, while Celestias icy stare is trained on the door.

"Twilight...no matter what happens here, you are to remain quiet and not interfere. Don't correct me, don't stop me, don't you dare even make a peep unless I say so." Celestia says coldly. "You have no idea how angry this has made me.."

Twilight nods and sighs. "Understood, Celestia..Just please don't kill him...not infront of me. I've seen enough blood for one day."

"Night, it's still night time." Celestia corrects her, motioning with her horn at the frozen grey skies of dawn. "It's still my sisters time to hold the heavens, I won't take that from her." The white alicorn sighs, flicking her gaze to her love. "And you wound me, my love. I will not harm him...perhaps put him in his place, but I would never kill him. I could never forgive myself."

Twilights expression softens and she starts to step slowly to Celestia, freezing in place when they hear a knock at the doors of the study. "Enter!" Celestia calls out, her tone still somewhat cold. The doors slowly open, and being escorted by two solar guards is a disheveled and dirty Prince Blueblood, adorning a smug grin on his muzzle.

"Ha! I told you clouts that she would demand you set me free. This is absurd, arresting me for doing Equestria a favor!" Blueblood snidely states. He plops down in the chair before Celestias desk and reclines, an arrogant smile plastered on his features.

Celestia flicks her gaze to the guards, silently nodding as she motions with her horn to leave. The two solar guards salute and grin as they turn to walk out, closing the doors of the study to stand guard. Once the doors close, she takes a breath and looks at the pompus unicorn casually lounging in her study chair, insulting her. Her eyebrow twitches. "Nephew...It was brought to my attention that it was you who had struck down the commanders machine as it was returning home, and caused it to crash...given your words when you were brought here to me...it seems this was an accurate statement. I'm only asking once, and one time only. Why did you do such a thing?"

Blueblood ignores the white alicorns gaze and stares out the window, his forelegs crossed over his barrel and a smug smirk on his muzzle. "You mean you're angry at me for doing you a favor, auntie? All I did was clear your name. You should be thanking me and awarding me. Perhaps a medal, or even a statue would do fine. Could we put the statue next to yours in the main square? It would look so splendid."

Twilights ears pin back as she growls, her wings deploying with a snap. She starts to step to Blueblood while grinding her teeth, her face red with rage. Celestia holds out her hoof instead and blocks her, staying Twilights fury. She glances over to Twilight from her side, then shakes her head. Celestia clears her throat and focuses back on Blueblood. "Clear my name, you say? And what was it...exactly...that you had to clear my name from, my dear nephew?" She accentuates the word nephew with ice and venom in her tone, her eyes dancing with ire.

He snorts and turns his smug gaze on Celestia, grinning ear to ear. "From that abomination of a pet your sister has, and that wretched machine. All of the nobility has spoken ill of it, being the cause for cancelling the gala this year, auntie. Your sisters disgusting fetish for strange creatures has always brought shame to the royal family, and every pony knowing that they sleep in the same wing of the castle is disgusting enough, let alone anything that dreadful mare does with it. Besides, you seen for yourself how the creature was clearly unfaithful. A black whorse was removed from that abomination, a mare who's coat was as black as the very banshee it crept out of. It's obvious the commoner monkey can't keep its vile paws off of a common street whorse. You both should be grateful."

Celestia can take no more, seething quietly as she hears his heart wrenching words that are being spouted out of his vile, smug mouth. She takes in a deep breath and closes her eyes, her tone still cool and collected. "A black whorse you say, nephew? And how are you so sure that beautiful mare plucked from the machine was some common street whorse...nephew?" She states again, more venom and ice places on the emphasis of the word nephew.

"Didn't you look at her, auntie? That hidious blue ratty mane and that splotch of a cutie mark? Why I'll bet she was probably related to Ma'dam La' Fluer. What was her cousins name..Southern Belle or some hosh posh like that. Rumor was that she was a common street whorse out of Trottingham, who didn't marry into nobility like Fluer did to Fancy Pants. It did look like her, come to think of it. Be happy, auntie. Now with that abomination gone perhaps auntie Luna will become more proper and find herself a normal stallion. Perhaps even you should consider it, after all...a filly fooler princess is somewhat of an abhorrent thing these days, even with modern day etiquette." Blueblood pauses for a moment. "Is it getting warmer in here?...your study is always so stifling hot when I'm here auntie. Perhaps you should open a window and let some air in."

Twilight looks at Celestia, her eyes open in surprise when she sees wisps of flame puff off of the white alicorns tail at random. She comes to a rest on her haunches, smiling at the smug unicorn, knowing exactly what's about to happen. She says nothing, only counting away the seconds before all hell breaks loose.

Celestia opens her eyes, glaring dangerously at him now. This gets his attention. "First off...nephew...if I should even bother calling you that. I never have cared for whatever trash and rumor the so called nobility speaks. Nobility implies noble. As in having or showing fine personal qualities or high moral principles and ideals...something that it pains me to say you and about half of your so called social class has yet to honestly show for the past several hundred years." Her tone begins to become colder, more venom being laced into it. "Secondly, that whorse you so callously insult was my precious and dear sister...the aunt you very nearly killed this evening."

Blueblood takes notice now of her anger, straightening in his seat. "But auntie..!"

Celestia snaps, shutting him up. "That WAS Luna you foalish oaf. She and her HUSBAND, that wonderful friend of mine you insult and call a vile monkey were on their HONEYMOON when they were ATTACKED BY THE PARASITE!" She shouts. Celestia is panting hard now, the rage clear in her voice. "She turned that way to save them, Nephew!" She hotly declares. She pauses for a moment, glaring daggers at him as she tries to calm down. "Had she of not transformed and used her dark power, they may not have survived that crash! That machine and the pilot have protected this kingdom, you yourself owe them BOTH your life! You come here with that smug look on your slime ball face, and insult them?! Then you have the audacity to insult my own marriage?!"

Blueblood begins to backpedal in his seat, scooting back. "Now, calm down now auntie--"

"That's Princess to you." She cuts him off again, her icy stare boring holes into his own. "Your blood has never had relation to mine, I simply adopted your great grandfather because he was such a promising young student. I became friends with him over his lifetime and watched over your family as a thank you to him for being such an honest and caring stallion." She states coldly. "You, Blueblood...obviously need much much more than any talking to I can give. Your head is so thick with your selfishness... I clearly could never deliver the very corrective punishment you deserve."

Blueblood stares wide eyed and jaw dropped as she speaks. "You are hereby stripped of your title, land, assets and all rights and privileges, Blueblood. Furthermore once my sister recovers, and if her husband recovers from his injuries...your full punishment will be left in their hooves. " She seethes.

"Now that's not fair, auntie! You can't cast me out! What will the nobility think of such a scandal?!" He counters.

Celestia sits quiet for a moment. "Twilight...?" She bites out between clenched teeth. The purple alicorn turns to her.

"yes, Celestia?" She smiles as she looks to her love and mentor.

"You know that outfit I wanted you to wear...that special one?" She says, keeping her gaze focused on blueblood. A smirk crosses her lips. "Go get it and bring it here."

Twilight gulps, blushing furiously. "Uh...alright...but this is hardly the time..." She mutters as she blushes, her ears pinned back and a sheepish grin on her features.

Celestia smiles. "Go get it." She says again, still focused on Blueblood. Twilight obeys and steps out, leaving the two alone. "Blueblood...I can very clearly see the dungeons aren't enough to humble you. And as luck would have it for you, I promised my own wife, your other princess? I promised Twilight that I would not simply kill you...as much as I would be doing the universe a favor. I wouldn't dare banish you to my sisters moon...she would never forgive me for placing such a rodent upon its surface. You're too slimy for my own Sun, in honesty."

Blueblood quivers in his seat, wide eyed and sweating. Whatever arrogance he had before is washed away now and replaced with fear.

"No...for you I have a fate much more fitting, that is truly worthy of your obvious talent of being manure. I hereby place you in the care and custody of Canterlots waste sanitation services, under supervision of the dumbest, hardest and most hardheaded stallion I have ever met. Furthermore, your ONLY allowed uniform of dress which will be magicly attached to you until I personally remove it.." She states with a cruel smile. Twilight enters the room as if on que, levitating the outfit in question, blushing bright red. "Will be that. If you even think about taking it off by the way...it'll turn pink for a week."

Blueblood slowly turns around, eyes wide in terror. Much to his dismay a fate worse then death is before him. Hanging in the air, is a short, frilly french maids outfit, obviously from Prance. It's much shorter and more revealing than that of the standard palace maids uniforms, complete with a frilly lace apron and black semi see through fabric, adorned with white lace trim and puffy puffy shoulder cuffs. Even the dress bottom is flared out, as if to accent and draw attention to the flank. "Dear Celestia no! Anything but that!" He shrieks, trying to run away from it as if it's some kind of monster worse than even Discord could conger. He attempts to run past Twilight, only to be held in a magical purple aura. Twilight smiles wickedly at him.

"What part of...you shall not pass...did you not get? Now take your punishment like the mare you are." She states coldly, the purple alicorns eyes narrowed dangerously as she approaches.

Celestia smiles smugly and forces the dress onto the stallion, wordlessly enjoying this divine punishment. "Guards!" She calls out once the magic is released and the dress is sealed on the fallen prince. Two solar guards enter, their stoic faces not betraying their joy and mirth in the sight before them. "Take him to the manure treatment facility in the industrial district, and tell the fore-pony there to put him to work. Be sure to take the scenic route." She says, grinning.

The two guards salute and drag the kicking and screaming stallion out of the study, closing the doors behind them. Celestia sits down in the study chair at her desk and sighs with relief, her features returning to her calm and peaceful norm. Twilight on the other hoof...is on the floor rolling around in laughter, unable to contain it any longer. If there ever was karma in creation, it finally did something right.

* * * * *

Luna awakens to the sounds of hushed whispers not far from her doorway, sounding distressed and worried. She blearly opens her eyes and cranes her neck from her laying position on the medical bed, straining her hearing to listen. It's not good.

"I know she's still hurt doctor, but we need to awaken the princess and ask her help! If we don't, the creature will die!" A mares voice says.

"Show some respect, Nurse Redheart. You may be from Ponyville General and unaware, but that so called creature is the Banshees master and Princess Lunas stallion. You calling him a creature may invoke her wrath." A loud sigh. "And I understand your position, but I believe there is nothing that can be done. Even if we did somehow restore all of his lost blood, we still can't awaken him. Whatever black magic the parasite used, it's ensnared his mind. I doubt either of our princesses could break the spell." The stallion doctor replied coldly.

"The longer you wait, the more that bug will rape and ravage his mind! Oh...Celestia help us. If he dies, I don't want to even begin to think of what kinds of terror the night princess will rain down from the heavens. She may be our only hope..." The mare whispers.

Luna rolls onto the floor, her hooves touching the cold stone tile of the rooms floor. She slowly wobbles in place, before limping to the door. Her muscles are sore from the earlier crash and flight, her mind still somewhat of a fog. She pushes the door open slowly, then limps into the hallway. "Bring me to him." She commands, her voice cracking from sleep. She sways on her hooves, unsteady, then leans against the door frame. "Bring me to mine flame..." She squeaks out.

The doctor and nurse scramble to her, steadying her between them. "Now princess, you need to rest! Please return back to your room now, everything will be just ---" He's cut off.

Luna glares at him, her jade eyes boring into him. "Do not trifle with an alicorn and her mate, mortal. Now I'm asking one last time. Take me to him, please." She states coldly. The two nod quickly and gulp, helping guide her to the pilots room. The door opens, to reveal the pilot laying on his back on the medical beds. Two have been pushed together to accommodate his size, being he's much closer to an alicorns height rather than that of a normal pony. She breaks free of them and limps to the beds, climbing up next to him and laying on her belly beside him.

Luna probes him with her magic after alighting her horn, scanning his body with all of her senses. Indeed the black alicorn finds that his vitals are failing quickly, his heart skipping every few beats due to the significant loss in fluid and pressure. She closes her eyes and sighs mournfully, burying her muzzle in his chest. Her ears twitch and swivel behind her as she hears the stallion clear his throat.

"Um, princess...if I may. Due to his injuries over the past week, his body has lost a significant amount of blood, and seems unable to compensate. If we can't get a suitable replacement or a donor of his kind...there is little we can do to save him." He says somberly.

Luna cranes her head and turns to him, tears welling up into her eyes and streaking down her muzzle. "Take mine." She says.

The doctor stutters, forcing Nurse Redheart to speak up as a save. "We can't, your highness..That's the thing. We already tried a sample of his blood and mixed it in with some of our own reserves on hand...the two types simply aren't compatible. We tried several samples, even from you and your elder sister. His physiology is simply a mystery to us. We can't replace his blood...even with yours. Doing so would only kill him." She says softly, her ears pinned back flat as she looks away.

"That's not the worst of it princess. Though we've managed to impede the connection...it would seem that drone that attacked him left a parting gift before you ripped it to shreds. We found fragments of the changeling drones horn within his body...and it's somehow formed a connection with the commanders mind to the parasite hive. We're not completely certain, but we believe that the parasite may have infected his remaining blood with a cursed virus." The doctor says quietly, while looking at the pilot.

"We've checked and probed with our best diffusion spells, and even called in a heart healer to try and disperse the connection. Chrysalis is raping his mind, princess. You're the only one who is strong enough to walk the dreams in shadow and break the spell upon him." Nurse Redheart hurriedly adds. The doctor turns and pins his ears back, looking sheepishly at her."

Luna stares at them, bewildered. "Why didn't you foals tell me this earlier?! You should have awakened me!" She shrieks out. She frantically begins to alight her horn, casting her dream magic. Her heart races within her barrel.

"Luna, stop!" A voice calls out. Celestia comes bursting through the door, panting. She takes a moment to regain her breath, all eyes focused on her. "I came--" she pants." I came as soon as I heard you were awake again." She slows her breathing down and steps forward slowly, coming close to the bedside. "Luna, I know what your planning, and I sensed the link too when he was sedated. You can't enter his mind like this, we have no idea what kind of state it's in. If you go in and his mind collapses, you'll be killed too!" She cries out.

Luna turns her gaze back to the pilot, her jade eyes focused in on the bauble. It's flickering dimly as if it's lost power, its soft iridescent glow acting like a flame in the wind. She gulps and closes her eyes, drawing a breath. "Some risks are worth taking, Tia. If there's something we can do to stop this and save him, we have to do it. I don't know what we can do about his injuries, but stopping that parasite is all that matters now, sister."

Luna turns again, craning her neck to face Celestia and the medical staff. "Find a way to replace the fluid. In our days before my banishment, we used salt water in a mixture to act as a filler for injured Lunar Stallions. I'm sure that their methods and techniques have improved over the centuries. Speak with them, and try. It worked on the battlefield, it may work here." Luna narrows her gaze, her eyes flickering back to her draconic slits as Nightmares powers begin to push through again. "Have faith in me, sister. I have no intention of allowing his mind to fail, and his life slip into the void. Trust in me, and let me do this. He saved mine life several times over...he protected all of us...Now let me do the same for mine flame."

Celestia reluctantly nods, understanding she can't convince the black alicorn of anything otherwise. "Very well...Then I shall help as well. I can bridge the gap and keep it open for you. Go get him, lulu..." She says as she nuzzles her sister.

Luna turns again and lays her head down on the pillow next to the pilot and alights her horn once more, weaving her spell around them for her dream magic. It's one thing to simply walk dreams and observe, but this time she knew she would need to have full control. It's a taxing, difficult spell that consumes double the energy, and required another magic wielding pony to maintain the connection. As Luna begins to slip into the spell, Celestia comes to a rest on her haunches and weaves in her own magic, helping boost the spells strength. Within moments, Luna's mind makes the connection, and sleep once again claims her.

Watching quietly, the solar guards and medical ponies all sit in awe of this, wishing warm feelings and prayers for them both as the two regal alicorns work. Celestia turns her attention to them and nods. "Go find any Lunar Stallions you can, and see about this solution my sister spoke of. Be swift, time is of the essence!" She hurriedly whispers to them. Every occupant of the room with exception of the two alicorns and pilot quickly rush out, to carry out the orders.

* * * * *

Luna opens her eyes in a fog filled void. Her ears twitch and swivel as her eyes dart about in the darkness, straining to detect anything. Movement, sound, a voice, anything to gain a perception of where she is or what is going on. A soft ticking is heard in the distance, getting her attention. She turns to her left and quietly trots into the darkness to find the source of the sound. Everything in here she knows in dangerous. In reality, Alicorns are built to be stronger, faster, smarter and better than all life in creation. They embody all of the best traits of the three great races, Earthen, Unicorn, and Pegasus ponies. Their minds however, are just as fragile as all forms of life. Luna knew one little known fact- if you die in your dreams, you die for real.

She cautiously walked to the sound, her horn alight and casting off a soft glow to shine her way through the darkness. The ticking is growing louder as she approaches. Her heart quickens within her barrel, the soft click tick sound matching her own hearts beat. She picks up the pace and trots forward faster now through the darkness. Up ahead, she begins to see movement and light. The sight that greets her, leaves her in pure terror.

Before her in the distance, is her flame. He is resting on his knees, his head down and hanging limp, she can't see his face. His wrists are bound to great heavy chains, pulling him against a cold stony wall. She begins to gallop faster and faster, her breath ragged and labored. More details come into her view. The wall is covered in blood. There are splashes and spatter of blood everywhere behind him, pooling onto the ground. The wounds upon his form match those in the waking world. She comes sliding on her hooves and falls to her side, sliding to him as she scrambles to him.

"Talon!" She hurriedly whispers. She frantically looks him over, her jade eyes tracing his form. He's bleeding from his nose and lips, his eyes held tightly closed. She can hear him mumbling incoherent words quietly. "Talon, awaken mine flame! It's me!" Luna begins to shake him with her fore hooves.

"...United States Navy, Victor Foxtrot 114-4...Lt. Commander Masters..." She hears him mumbling. 'His rank and station...was he interrogated?' She wonders while listening. It clicks. The shackles, the torture, the injuries. Chrysalis was doing exactly what nurse Redheart had said, she was raping his mind for information. Blood begins to boil in Luna's veins as she comes to understanding this. She alights her horn once more and touches the tip to the chain links above him, breaking the dream chains and shattering them into dust. The pilot falls to the ground in a crumpled bloodied heap. The night alicorn gingerly picks him up in her magic and brings him to a rest upon her back, turning and looking around. She rises to her hooves and stands, struggling under his weight even in the dream. 'This is strange...' She thinks, looking around. 'I can feel a link here, I can sense their presence, yet I see no signs of the parasite.'

Luna swivels her ears backward, hearing Talon repeat the same mumbles and broken words again. Her own Lunar Stallions are trained so that if they were ever captured, they would only give name and rank information, and nothing more. She figures the pilots military possibly teaches all of their warriors the same kind of training to protect their own national security.

She doesn't waste any time. She alights her horn once more and takes to wing with the pilot in tow upon her back. She knows if she's going to awaken him and break the link, she needs to do so in the safest place she can. She begins to fly higher and higher into the void, climbing as the scenery around her slowly shifts into a starlit sky. She weaves her own magic and forms a cloud bed for a resting place to land upon, high off of the ground. She finally forms one after a few moments of concentration, and comes in for a soft silent landing on it. She nestles in gingerly and lays the pilot down upon his back on the cloud. She glances around and signs, looking over his injuries. She can see sickly green tendrils of magic weaving its way around within his dream body and soul, the same signature magical aura of the parasite queen; Chrysalis.

Luna breathes softly and alights her horn, touching it to his broken and bloodied chest. The clicking sound ticks within her ears as she does this. It's his heart, she comes to realize. Luna studies the magic link while they're resting in this isolated spot between dream realms, her sanctuary and safety from the eyes of creation. This was her spot where she passed the centuries during her banishment, the only safe haven she knew Chrysalis would have no control.

"It's a melodic keyed spell. You need to rewrite it to break it." She hears the voice of Celestia echo in the area around her. Luna nods and smiles. These were her specialty, having been the one who initially invented this magic, so many millennium ago.

"Thank you, Tia.." She whispers, her eyes closed as she rests her head upon his chest. If this is the magic in question being used here, she could effortlessly break the spell and counter Chrysalis here. She lifts her head and licks her lips, spreading her wings as she inhales deeply to begin her own counter spell.

~*~ Music boxes have within; Melodies that they carry with them. Once they open Music fills the air.~*~ She breathes out in a soft tone. Her horn alights and begins to weave a spell around the changeling hive magic. The spells tendrils wrapping ribbons around each line, choking it and tightening as they move, to crush it and replace it. ~*~ It's not easy, you must listen, with your heart for what lays here then~*~ She closes her eyes, her soft voice echoing in the air around them. Her horn glows brighter for the spell, continuing to weave. As she continues, the damage to the pilots soul begin to mend with her magic. Everything the Night alicorn has, she infuses into this. All of her love, all of her adoration and affection, every warm feeling and intention she places into this.

~*~There was a melody; lost deep inside of me and now it's free....free to find a place called harmony, sweet harmony. ~*~ She breathes, drawing in breath faster as she holds each note of her hearts song. She absolutely refuses to allow any possibility to fail this. Her cutie marks begin to glow, her fur slowly shifting back from its shined black velvet sheen once more to her midnight blue color. Her mane and tail also begin to take on their once normal appearance of a peaceful night sky, rather then the chaotic cosmos that was that of Nightmares mane.

~*~Love more than anything, teaches our hearts to sing. Only love...could break the spell~*~ As if on Que, the spell finished weaving around the tendrils of foreign magic and shatter it, crushing it into dust as is harmlessly falls away. The remaining wounds upon the pilot seal before Luna's eyes, once more opened and transfixed upon his form. Her features have softened as a loving look appears in her eyes and on her muzzle, completing her counter spell. ~*~And now I know...very well. The love within, myself.~*~ She finishes the final verse of the spells incantation, before dimming down her horn and powering down her magic. She lowers her head down and rests her lips upon the pilots, gently kissing him affectionately. He finally stirs, opening his eyes.

Talon blinks the sleep out of his eyes, coming to see a starry mane filling his vision. Luna rises away from him and looks into his eyes. This is a sight he certainly didn't mind. He swallows hard and slowly turns his head, looking around. He then focuses back on her. "I guess I kicked the bucket after all then..." He sighs.

Luna raises an eyebrow and smiles. "Oh? Pray tell, what bucket was it thou kicked?" She says with a wry smirk.

He sits up and looks at her, feeling the spongy cloud under his palms. He looks down, then back to her. "Not quite how I pictured heaven...Let me guess. I died and you're God, just trying to make this easier on me?"

The alicorn snorts and laughs. " Neigh, mine flame. You're not dead, and I am no God. We're in the place the eye does not see, mine sanctuary between dreams, where none that have no connection can come. It is a safe haven I brought us to so that I could heal you and break the parasites spell."

He raises his eyebrow and looks at her with surprise. "So...I'm not dead?"

She nods happily. "You are not dead. However...we do still have a problem."

"What's the problem?" he asks, sounding unsure. "I'm healed, so lets do the wake up thing and get back to Canterlot. We need to inform your sister of what happened here in Horseshoe Bay."

Luna sighs. "We are back in Canterlot, mine flame. We're in the palace medical wing in the waking world now. The problem is, once we leave this area, we're going to encounter the changelings in this dream world. ...All of them. We have to fight our way out of here to get back to the point where I can break the link."

He furrows his brow. "So what's the problem? You control dreams, so give us the advantage. Just whip up the warbird here, and I'll fly us out. I don't care how many of them there are, they can't out fly that."

The alicorn purses her lips forward and taps them with her fore hoof, considering this. "You know...you're right. We could do that..." A smirk crosses her muzzle, then forms into a sinister grin. "Lets try it." Luna rises to her hooves and stretches, closing her eyes for a moment and alighting her horn. Shimmering before them in the dream air, is the completed warbird, and all of its great and terrible glory. Only...it's different. It looks much larger, more aggressive and sinister here. Luna's perception of it.

The pilot shakes his head and gets to his feet, stepping to the dream warbird. "Damn I love having you around. Ha ha!" He nods in approval. The pair climb into the cockpit like they've done so many times before, the pilot settling in and closing the canopy. "Glad you learned the flight controls after all then. This would be weird if I didn't know what I was flying."

Luna nods while looking down, strapping herself into the harness. "Actually, I just read your minds memory of them. I...I'm not quite familiar with everything..heh." She gulps. She's dreading having to tell them she actually crashed and destroyed the aircraft when they awaken. "Mine love...once we leave this safe area understand that this place is just like the real world. If we die here, we die for real. If we're hurt here, the damage shows up on our bodies when we awaken...try not to get us both killed."

"Initiate Scram-jet Sequence!" He calls out, the aircraft's engines roaring to life in Luna's sanctuary. The sound is much louder and stronger than ever before, the banshees cry howling all around them. Yet somehow, the aircraft's cockpit is whisper quiet. Talon leans over against the canopy glass, catching the whine and howl of the engines. "No need for headsets...cool!" He says with a grin, pushing the throttle forward.

Luna concentrates and shifts the scene back to the dream world, a brightly lit starlit night sky with the moon high overhead. The cloud they were once resting upon fades as the warbird begins to plummet and surge forward, wind whipping over the wings and body as it cuts through the dreamscape sky, twin pillars of fire reaching far behind it in a beautiful stream of eternal blue focused fire. Luna looks ahead, seeing the rippling vortex that will allow them to break free back to the waking world in the distance. "You didn't seem surprised, and you just went with this. Were you expecting all of this, mine flame?" Luna asks, leaning forward in her co pilots seat.

Talon glances back grinning. "With all due respect, I've already figured you space ponies are just fucking nuts. So I just go with anything anymore. Why question it?"

The alicorn smiles hearing this statement, finding it amusing. The vortex is coming larger and quicker into view up ahead. She senses a surge of power nearby with her own mind, and forces the warbird to twist in the air hard left. A massibe bolt of sickly green magic flies by the warbird from below, coming so close it scrapes against the belly and nose that it causes the aircraft to shudder. "Talon, they're here!" She cries out.

He looks out the canopy and sees a swarm of drones coming from below, quickly gaining on them. The aircraft violently rocks again and pitches down hard as another bolt smacks it, causing them both to look up through the canopy. What greets them is even scarier sight---Dragons. And lots of them. "Oh...well that complicates things." Talon says. He pulls back on the flight stick, forcing the warbird to bank hard and turn. "Taking fire, must engage!" He calls out. He glances back. "Do we have weapons?!"

Luna nods her head furiously. "Yes! This is your memory of our aircraft! It'll fight and respond how you will it!" She declares hotly. "Give em' hell and get us out of here!"

He grins. "Can do!" The pilot flips the flight weapons control over to missiles and arms a side winder. The weapons bay doors open and the rack rolls out, a missile at the ready. Fuel Air Explosive armed. Missile locked. The computer chirps. Without hesitation he pulls the trigger, the missile deploying and screaming out ahead, smacking into one of the leading dragons head on. It explodes on impact, the enemy dragon shimmering out of existence with the explosion. Another belches out a fire bomb, the flaming ball rocketing to the warbird. He arms another missile and fires, smacking into the incoming fire bomb with it, creating a massive explosion that lights up the night sky of the dreamscape for a moment.

* * * * *

Celestia rests on her haunches, a sheen of sweat forming on her coat and dripping onto the floor. Her breaths are labored and ragged. Holding open the connection for Luna is becoming more taxing than she had initially thought, making this to be far more work than she had imagined. Twilight levitates a cool damp rag within her magic from a nearby wash sink in the room, wiping the sweat from Celestias face and neck.

"How are they doing in there?" Twilight asks, concern laced heavily in her voice. She glances over at Luna and the pilot, watching everything carefully. Mysterious things have occurred since she entered the room, from watching the night alicorns coat change from black velvet to the midnight blue it once was, to some of the pilots wounds somehow closing and mending on their own. In the room, Lunar Stallions and other medical ponies work feverishly, setting up a fluid drip and checking various monitors nearby along the walls.

Celestia pants slowly, her eyes showing her fatigue. Her eyes appear unfocused and glossy, as if she's in a trance. Her eyelids are drooping, as if they have been weighted. Celestias wings hang loose and limp at her sides, and even her ever flowing ethereal mane and tail seem to have slowed and diminished in color and bounce.

"Luna has healed him..." She breathes out. "And now they're fighting for their lives against the entire hive...They need to focus on the drones, and not on the--" She winces and gasps in pain from the load on her magic and energy. Her own heart is beginning to beat out of control within her barrel. "Uhgh...on the dragons.."

"Dragons? Why in Tatarus are there dragons in there? Does this guy just love making things complicated?!" Twilight almost shrieks out, her jaw almost hanging to the floor. "How can I help, so we can get a message to them?"

Celestia continues panting, her horn beginning to crackle with sparks from the high powered magic. "Don't, Twilight...they're almost free. Once they cross the rupture, I can break the spell and awaken them."

The younger purple alicorn nods, her wings twitching excitedly as she comes to a rest at Celestias side. "Can you do anything in there? Could you help give them cover to escape...?" She asks, wringing out the rag again and continuing to help wash Celestias coat and neck of sweat.

Celestia nods slowly, her eyes still unfocused as she observes the dream spell. "I think...I'm sure i can try. Just don't do anything to pull me or them out, Twilight. So do nothing." Celestia hears Twilight gulp and smiles, wrapping one of her wings around the smaller alicorn beside her. "I'll be back."

* * * * *

Alarms screech inside the cockpit as the aircraft shudders and jerks hard, another bolt of changeling magic smacking it under its belly. Despite this still being within the dream realm and Luna having full control, the sheer amount of drones within the hive mind has over whelmed her spell and is starting to take over. The midnight alicorn quickly realizes that this is becoming a losing battle.

"Mine flame, we have to escape and head straight for the rift! This is not a battle we can win!" Luna cries out. Another hard impact this time from above, a fire bomb ripping through the aircraft's port canard, shearing off a portion of the flap and wing tip. Smoke begins to billow out from it as it catches fire.

Talon pulls back hard on the flight stick, attempting to correct the warbirds course as another bolt strikes from below again. Weapons Bay One Inoperable. Hydraulic Failure. The computer chirps. "We just lost missiles! We're dead in the water Luna!" He shouts back. One of the smaller dragons flies close to the warbird and slashes at it, its claws sheering off the weapons bay door and gouging into the belly of the warbird. Chunks of metal fly off and flip in air, knocking a small group of drones into the inky blackness below. The warbirds belly bursts into a plume of smoke and flames as fluid and oil begin to spurt from a ruptured hose lines.

Starboard Canard Malfunction. Port Wing Inoperative. Warning. Warning. The computer chirps again. The aircraft begins to spiral in air, the right wing attempting to retract of its own accord. The warbird shudders violently in the dreamscape sky. Warning, Missile Lock. Warning, Missile Lock. A new siren blares over the warbirds cockpit speakers. Danger. Missile Alert. Danger, Missile Alert. Both Talon and Luna crane their necks back to look out the canopy, seeing something they never expected. A dragon was towing one of the warbirds own missiles attached to the missile rack it ripped out from the aircraft during its attack, the missiles rocket firing and aimed. The dragon releases the missile from its claws, sending it screaming to them. The two can only stare helplessly at it as it rockets through the night sky to them, heading straight for the crippled warbird.

Talon can only stare wide eyed as it comes, holding a baited breath. As it comes closer, time almost seems to slow for a moment within the warbirds cockpit. He glances at the alicorn in his co pilots seat, seeing a a sight that he never expected. Luna only stares at him, a resolute look on her muzzel as if she's accepted the inevetable outcome of death. Her eyes meet his own, glistening with tears. The two know death will come for them after all, in this dream realm. More and more drones come closer now above them and along side of the out of control warbird spiraling helplessly in the dreamscape. He nods and closes his eyes to her as she reaches out her forehoof to him, grasping it in his hand. If this is their final moments, then he's glad he would have fallen in battle next to his closest friend and love, the one who so willingly opened her heart to him in this strange world. The sirens continue to blare around them as they remain helpless, the missile almost to them now.

Luna releases her breath as she closes her eyes. 'I'm sorry, mine sister...but it seems our time has come after all...' Lunas mind races, a soft smile coming to her muzzel. Her heart is still within her barrel, peace overcoming her mind and soul. Though she had so much more she wanted in her coming years, she's accepted the fate of knowing this is where her journey ends, and another begins in the void of death. She could think of no one but her flame, or no where she'd rather be in these final moments. 'Make way in Heofon, mother. We come on wings of fire; to Paradise to you this night.'

The missile explodes seconds before impact, the shock wave knocking the warbird down and unfreezing the wing, bringing the craft back into a sustained straight flight. The two open their eyes and look out the canopy glass, seeing Celestia streak by them and twist in air, her wing tips drawing sharp contrails as she pulls into a steep climb. Celestias horn glows with a bright golden aura as she releases a volley of rapid fire bolts of white hot magic, shooting down and decimating the drone and dragon numbers in the blink of an eye. Celestias features are a mask of rage as her eyes glow bright white, her magical aura and pressure lighting up the night sky of the dreamscape as it it were daylight.

"Get away from them you BUCKING PRICKS!" Celestia bellows in her royal Canterlot voice, the concussive force sending out a shockwave that knocks more drones into the abyss below. Celestia turns and hovers in air, firing off a supercharged beam of magic, cutting down more dragons in an instant. She flaps her powerful wings quickly, the sound of her wing beating even reaching the ears of the pilot and alicorn within the warbird.

"It's Tia!!" Luna cries out, a happy wide smile of surprise on her muzzle as she stares up in wonder, joyful that her sister has come. She stares out the canopy in awe, mesmerized by her sisters display of daunting power.

Talon fights for a moment more to keep the aircraft aloft, turning as hard as he can into a wide bank to the rift. Smoke and flames continue to trail from the war machine as he does, leaving a trail of black smoke in its wake. Celestia locks onto the crippled warbird within her magical grasp, encompassing it within her ever gentle magical glow and turns herself away from the onslaught of coming drones, and starts furiously pumping her wings again to race to the rift. She drags it into the swirling vortex with her, closing it with her magic before anything more can pass through. Within moments of entering; the world around the three fades to black.

* * * * *

Celestias horn dims in the medical room, as she crumples to the floor. Shes panting hard and sweating, life coming back to her eyes and regaining their focus. She smiles and starts laughing, trying to catch her breath. "I got...heh...I got them!" She pants out. Twilight rushes to her side and nuzzles Celestias neck.

"Are they ok?" the smaller purple alicorn asks. "Did they make it through safely?"

The white regal alicorn looks up, her breath slowing down a bit as she struggles to rise to her hooves from her belly. "They're fine now, Twilight...safe and linked in Luna's dream world now. She'll wake him and herself up soon...though now that's two aircraft that are bucked up."

Twilight and every pony in the room stare at Celestia, unable to comprehend what it was she just said. the room falls silent, as they all stare at the sun princess for a moment. Celestia looks up and grins a wide Cheshire grin. "What, do you have a better phrase for it?" She says slowly as she catches her breath.

Every pony in the room shakes their heads furiously, shutting up and deciding it's in their best interest not to correct the regal alicorns choice of wording in this case. It's been a rough night for all parties involved, and best not to find yet another reason to add more chaos into the mix. They all turn their attention as they hear a soft moan come from the midnight alicorn on the bed, Luna stirring and coming back to consciousness. Celestia rises to her hooves and wobbles, then slowly steps to the bedside.

"Luna...?" She says softly, coming to a rest on her haunches again beside her sister. Celestia rears up and places her fore hooves on the bedside, stroking her younger sisters mane. Luna's eyes flutter open as she locks her gaze on her elder sister, a soft smile coming to the dark alicorns muzzle.

"Thank you...Tia." She murmurs. "We almost had it in there, until you came...you foalish big sister of mine." Luna says mid yawn. She sits up and embraces Celestia in her fore legs, nuzzling her neck and holding her tight as she lets out a sigh. Luna's ears twitch and swivel as she hears the soft beeps from the monitors and various medical machines in the room. She releases Celestia and sits back on the bed for a moment, looking around. In the room, she can see Captains Aegis Shield and Stalwart Hide working on the fluid drips, and the doctor and nurse Redheart still checking over the pilot and herself. Twilight is resting next to Celestia at the bedside, a smile on her muzzle as well as her gaze is fixated on the pilots sleeping form.

Celestia nods and smiles silently, thankful she managed to catch that missile before it could bring harm to her beloved sister and the pilot. She sighs and ruffles her sisters mane with her fore hoof. "That's what sisters do, silly filly." She croons adoringly. Celestia yawns and grins, still looking at Luna.

"Princesses, if I may..." Nurse Redheart interjects, somewhat ruining the moment. "You all need your rest, and the pilots vitals have stabilized. We need to finish bandaging these two up and allow them time to rest, so please consider continuing this in a little while." She gently urges.

Twilight and Celestia nod and smile, standing up again on their hooves. "I'll come back then in the morning, Lulu. You two just be good for the medical staff and try not to make too much of a fuss to them." She says softly before planting a kiss on Luna's cheek. "Sweet dreams, you two."

Luna nods and yawns, laying back down on the bed and cuddling up to the sleeping pilot. The two other alicorns turn and exit the room quietly, as the staff continues their work. Celestia steps into the hallway, closing the door quietly behind her once Twilight and herself exit, slowly making their way back to their chambers for the remainder of the night. The sun is due to rise in only a few more hours, and it's going to be a long day in the noon court explaining to the ponies of Canterlot what happened.

* * * * *

Celestia tiredly yawns, her lidded gaze staring at the doors of the throne room. She's since risen the sun, and started her noon day court after only a very short half hour nap. Herself and Twilight not being able to get to sleep, after all of the events from the previous night. Her mind just simply wouldn't shut up from the sheer shock of everything, and her constant thoughts of Luna and nearly losing her sister due to a selfish ponies greed.

"Captain Jolt Flash, please send in the next petitioner." She yawns out, taking another deep drink from her now eighteenth cup of coffee this morning. The Solar Stallion nods and opens the door, allowing yet another of the seemingly endless droves of ponies in today in just the first hour. She looks and cocks her head to the side at the new face, a red unicorn stallion with a billowing sun bleached blond mane and tail she's never seen before. Due to his saddle bags on his sides covering his flank and rump, she can't make out his cutie mark. "Greetings, fair subject. And what brings you to the noon court on this beautiful morning?" She asks slowly, catching herself from doing yet another yawn. She focuses her lidded gaze on him, desperately fighting with herself to remain awake.

The red unicorn bows very respectfully, before coming back to his hooves and grinning at the regal white alicorn. "Greetings, Princess. I am Zamairiac. Zamairiac Scribe, of the Canterlot Press." He says smoothly in what can only be described as the same accent a certain spy pony from a popular play series held in Equestria. His accent grabs her full attention as she smiles at him. "I was sent here to ask what has become of the Banshee of Canterlot, as so many ponies have rumored about this day...but in all honesty with how tired you appear, you seem more like you could use a vodka appletini. Shaken, not stirred, of course."

Princess Celestia blinks in surprise by his candor, an honest smile coming to her lips. "Though that would be delightful my subject, I'm afraid that something such as that would set a poor example for every pony, considering the time of day. What is it you wished to inquire about? Is it for the tabloids?"

Zamairaic nods. "Agreed then, princess. I'm sorry to trouble you with what is likely the millionth question along these lines, but is there anything you could tell me about it so I can place information in my article? I would also request to have an interview with the creature and your beautiful...oh so beautiful sister if it would be alright!" His eyes seem to go unfocused for a moment at the thought of the Night princess, a small glimmer of drool peaking out at the corner of his lips for a moment before he snaps back to reality before the sun princess. She didn't seem to have noticed the sudden lapse in his composure.

She nods and glances down at a scroll she has within her magical grasp, levitating lazily beside her, then turns her attention back to him. "I'm afraid I cannot comment at this time, my friend. However, I can assure you that all is well, and that the aircraft is safe and sound within the palace walls. Furthermore, I will place your request upon my sisters desk within her study and mention that you wish to interview her and her husband in the near future. Is there anything else I can do for you today?" She asks, still smiling. Alicorn mischief dances in her eyes, wanting to draw out this conversation longer to listen to that delicious Buckingham accent from the Trottingham district of Equis.

He bows once more and shakes his head. "No, your majesty. That is all I wished to inquire today. Thank you very kindly for your time. Just please feel free to let me know if you ever wish to join me for that appletini. I know of a great place in Soho near my flat."

She nods and dismisses him, watching him trot happily out of the throne room and exit the doors into the grand hall. The doors close behind him as he leaves, leaving the princess and the several solar guards alone. She sits quietly on the throne, musing for a moment before a thought strikes her mind. "Scribe...Zamairiac Scribe...wait a moment." She goes wide eyed, her irises dilating to pin pricks as a furious blush crosses her muzzle and face. "Isn't he that famous clop writer that always writes about Luna and I?!"

* * * * *

Luna bats away the nurses that are swarming her and her flame gently, smiling. She's uncomfortable in the bed, her mid section of her belly and a portion of her throat and head bandaged, as well as several bandages on her forelegs. "I'm telling you, we're fine now!" She laughs. "Please don't make such a fuss and check on us constantly."

Talon sits up in the bed as well next to Luna, refreshed after finally getting a full nights rest. His own chest and left arm wrapped up as well. He's having difficulty seeing out of one of his eyes, the tissue swelled up from his black eye courtesy of Chrysalis' sucker punch in the ally way. "Give it up Luna. They're going to do their job and make you their favorite pin cushion today." He sighs out. "Hey, I'm feeling fine now. Can I please head out and get back into my uniform? I need to go back to Baltimare and look over the war bird so I can fly it back, then let Princess Sunny Butt know what the hell is going on about your bug problem." He mutters.

Luna gulps uneasily and looks away from the pilot, dreading telling him of the aircraft's condition. He still didn't know that they actually crashed, and the mighty machine is in pieces in the hangar now, being rebuilt and repaired by nearly every engineer in Equestria.

"You two will be released as soon as the doctor clears you two. Now be good ponies and eat your breakfast. You may be royalty, but while you're under my care you're going to be treated as any other patients and doted on until I say you're fit to be free." Nurse Redheart says coyly, smirking at them both through narrowed eyes. "Your sister stated to give you the best medical care, and I have every intention of doing that job to the letter!" She raises and clenches her fore hoof to accentuate her point.

The midnight alicorn puffs out her cheeks in annoyance, folding her forelegs ac crossed her barrel. "Hmph!" She snorts. "We have to prepare for war, Mrs. Redheart. We have no time to be eating breakfast and resting." She sighs in annoyance, adjusting her bandaged wings and nestling into a more comfortable position. "Besides, we must do as mine flame stated, and look over our machine."

The nurse rolls her eyes. "The banshee is being tended to as well, and from what I've heard it dosen't complain nearly as much as you two to the engineers." She muttered under her breath. "Princess Luna." She speaks up. "Please just rest until the doctor returns. I can assure you Princess Celestia is well aware of everything reguarding the parasite, and you two suffered a great ordeal! War or no war, you BOTH need to relax. Things will be managed accordingly. You can't prepare for a war if you yourselves are not in fit condition." She levitates the trays of carefully prepared food before them again, softly dropping them onto the pairs laps as she releases her magic. "Now please just eat, and regain your strength. I'll be back to check on you in a little bit." She says as she turns on her rear hooves and trots out of the room, closing the door behind her. The pair notice her tail was swishing quickly from side to side, displaying the nurses mirth with her rather uncooperative patients.

Luna sighs and shrugs, her ears twitching as she hears the metallic clatter of something against a porceline plate. She turns her head, seeing that her flame has already devoured the entire plate full of food, blinking in surprise at his speed and appetite. He beats his chest with his fist for a moment, before letting out a loud long belch. He turns to her and grins, leaving Luna's eyes wide and twitching while her jaw hangs open in shock. "How did you...?"

"Mess hall on the boat. You had to eat fast otherwise the Marines would take your chow." he laughs. "Excuse me by the way. Luna, you should try this, the food is pretty good."

Luna pins her ears back, still in surprised shock. "Aquatic beings would eat your food? What kind of a boat were you on, mine flame?!" She asks, perplexed. She looks down at her plate piled high with pancakes, a muffin and a juice box.

"Not sea life. Marines. gyrene, Jar heads. Devil dogs. In short, the guys that pound the ground and put a boot in the ass of any enemy of the American people. Think Navy like me, but these guys are the real muscle of the military. As my grandfather put it, there is no better friend, and no worse enemy to have than a United States Marine. They do on the ground what us Navy pilots do in the sky. Defend freedom around the world on my planet. It's just face to face on board the carrier, these guys were often the biggest pranksters and jokers. Despite being such good soldiers, these guys were a load of laughs and often the bane of my existence. Especially on pizza Fridays. I have yet to even get a single slice of pizza since I joined the navy, thanks to these guys always clearing the entire line. They decimate everything they get into, including the chow hall." He said with a smile. "But lets face the facts, Navy is still better."

Luna snickers and starts happily munching on her muffin while listening to him. "These Marines you speak of sound much like the special combat division of the Lunar elite guard. They're the warriors I send in when it's a very very critical mission...at least they were before my banishment. Mine sister has made a very peaceful nation while I was away...Perhaps I should see about us watching their training after we crush the parasite. I'm sure that you would be pleased with how skilled they truly are." She says after swallowing a mouthful of muffin. "Pray tell...what is a pizza?"

Talon looks at her blankly for a moment. "You...you don't have pizza here?" He watches her shake her head, a curious expression on her features. He smiles. "Ok...when we get out of here and it's lunch time, I'm dragging you and your sister to the palace kitchens. You guys have got to try one." He says, still grinning. "Trust me, it'll be a huge hit here in Equestria with you space ponies."

Luna nods happily, then focuses back on her muffin. She alights her horn and pokes the straw into the juice box, then picks it up in her fore hooves and sips lightly at it. She's always looking for ways to appear appealing to her flame, this being no different. Her eyes fall to her still intact band on her foreleg, a smile coming to her muzzle as she eyes it, glad it survived the fight and the ordeal of the recent night. She sets down the drink and hums happily to herself, leaning against the pilot as she munches, the two still awaiting the doctor.

The minutes pass in silence as the two rest together in the large hospital room. The analog clock on the wall softly ticks away the minutes, passing the time quietly. Luna finally finishes her plate. Her eyes are closed as she happily hums a soft melody, cuddling against the pilot. The last few days have been rather chaotic for the pair, so this is a welcomed respite. The door opens, in stepping a pegasus medical pony. He is wearing a white lab coat, with a stethoscope draped loosely around his neck. The tan maned pegasus greets them with a gentle smile and soft voice. "Well good morning you two! That was quite an ordeal you had upon your arrival." He says, stepping to the bed side. "Why, I've done plenty of medical checkups for the wonder bolts, you'd be surprised how often that Soarin crashes! But I've never seen some pony walk away from a crash like yours before. Praise Celestia you're still with us!" He says.

Luna opens her eyes, focusing on him with a small smile. "Greetings, kind sir." She says flatly, looking him over. "Art thou our doctor coming to release us?"

"Oh, where are my manners! Yes, I'm Doctor Life Flight, the resident medical chief here in the palace." He says, still smiling with his warm bedside manner. He picks up the medical charts on the foot of the bed closest to him, glancing it over. The pegasus pushes his glasses up the bridge of his muzzle, then looks at the midnight alicorn. "Well Princess Luna, it appears you two are fine, but I'm afraid I can't clear you just yet to leave the palace or anything, as we would like to keep you both close by for medical observation for the time being. Our hero banshee rider here..." He motions to the pilot with his fore hoof. "Has seriously gotten roughed up. Though we were able to replace most of his lost blood with your miracle salt water from your guards, his body is still in a weakened state. I will however, release you two under the condition that you continue bed rest and no exertion of any kind for the next day or two. This means no stress from your midnight courts, no crazy adventures, and absolutely no flying. Do we agree?" He says with a smile.

Luna nods slowly, her jade eyes still boring into his own. " I understand, doctor. I promise thee that we shall try to stay off of our hooves and rest. Is that well enough?" She asks, equally as kind.

Doctor Life Flight sighs and smiles, nodding. "Good enough, your majesty. A nurse will be by shortly with the commanders uniforms and your regalia, as well as your discharge papers and medicine. If you feel at all uncomfortable, any strange symptoms or just any kind of pain, please feel free to come find me right away. Have a wonderful day!" He says, turning and walking out of the room, leaving the two alone again.

Luna rolls slowly out of the bed and back onto her hooves, stretching out and sighing with relief after a few audible pops. She hears the sound of the pilot clearing his throat, and turns to see him. The expression on his face and features is exactly what the midnight alicorn was dreading. He knows. Luna gulps nervously, as she sees him cross his arms to his chest.

"So uh...Luna." He looks at her, unamused. "Crash...? Care to explain just what he meant by that?" He cocks an eyebrow.

Luna swallows hard and grins nervously. "Eh heh...Um...about that, I can explain!"

Author's Note

Spot the Easter eggs! =p Special guest appearance by my favorite authors, Aegis Shield and Zamairiac (With permission.) Check out their stuff, their work is freaking awesome! Next chapter update will be on or before next weekend, so look forward to it. From here, it's WAR. The battle lines have been drawn, and sh*t has officially hit the fan of doom. R&R people!

Shadow of Intent

Chapter 15: Shadow of Intent

Talon stands in the hangar, his jaw agape in complete and utter shock at the sight before him. Piles of twisted and scorched metal lay strewn everywhere, chunks of glass, rubber and wire scattered along the high polished marble tile floor. In the center of the massive room resting on large stands, a broken and crippled war bird. It's missing a wing, the remaining landing gear on the left rear hanging down upon a twisted and bent strut, the tire separated from the ground and damaged rim.

Luna hangs her head low, sadness and shame upon her features as she stands beside him silently. They've been standing in this spot for nearly fifteen minutes now, the pilot not saying a word to her. Since he entered the room and seen everything before him, his only sounds were quiet, strained breaths.

"Mine flame...say something to me...anything. I understand if...if you hate me now. I will understand if thou wishes to never see us again..." She says in a haunted whisper, tears pooling at the bottom of her eyes and beginning to stream down her muzzle. She paws the ground slowly and nervously.

The pilot remains silent, not even looking at her. She told him everything. She told him about how Pearl Shine and the others refused to help them, how they attacked the aircraft. Luna had also told him some unknown force had struck the aircraft upon landing, causing the crash. He hears her quiet sniffling and hiccup sobs, finally turning to her.

He raises his hand, the alicorn shrinking down and pulling back, bracing herself to be struck by him. The hit never comes, only his soft touch and gentle stroking of her back and withers. She opens her red tear filled eyes and looks at him, the fur upon her face matted and soaked from the tears.

"...Any landing you walk away from is a good landing Luna. Even ones like these." He says quietly, motioning to the aircraft with his free hand. He sighs and falls to one knee, coming to direct eye level with her. "You got us home safe. For that I am proud. Please...don't cry."

Her eyes open wide with confusion at his words. "But...but I..." she says weakly. Her ears pin back and her wings tighten, her body rigid as she is pulled into a tight embrace within his arms. She can feel his slow steady heartbeat against her chest, his rhythmic breathing soothing her. She can sense no malice, no hatred. Only love and kindness within his heart and mind. Her body goes limp in his loving and protective embrace, her eyes closing and her wings loosening against her sides, before she finally wraps him within her own feathered embrace.

"No buts." He whispers to her. "You did the right thing. Machines can be rebuilt. They can be repaired and remade. You can't. All I care about is that you survived the crash. You could have left me to die, but you didn't." He chokes out. Tears are welling up within his own eyes and the emotion begins to break through the military training, his feelings finally coming to the surface. "You kept me alive, and you came back for me when that damned bug had me...If losing my wings... means I get to keep you, that's a sacrifice I'll make anytime."

Luna tightens her hold on him, tears once again coming to her own eyes. She can feel the love radiating from him, spilling out of his warm heart. She too begins to cry there in the hangar with him. This being the first time she had ever witnessed or felt such a strong emotion from him. Her heart ached, knowing full well now just how deep their love truly was. True love, if there ever was such a divine truth.

The guards and engineers within the room quietly watched, not daring to disturb the pairs moment, deciding it best to simply give them both the space they need to both mourn their loss, and to seek comfort and solace in one another's soothing embrace. The engineer ponies that were once hard at work on restoration of the war machine, had all taken pause, to show respect to the night princess and pilot.

* * * * *

Rarity sat in her seat, staring out the window quietly as the train made its way through the rolling hills and expanses from Ponyville to Canterlot. She and the other element bearers all seem to be on edge since Twilights urgent summons only hours ago. She sighed heavily and looked at the parchment in her hooves, reading over it once more.

Rarity,

I know this is short notice, but Princess Celestia has requested that you and the others return to Canterlot immediately, regarding urgent matters that have arisen. Please come as quickly as you can, bring only what items you absolutely need for an extended stay here at the palace. All other items will be provided for you. I will explain more once you and the others arrive.

Your true and ever faithful friend

Twilight~

P.S. Please bring the "Items" we discussed for the commander. Also please give spike my warmest regards. I miss him!

The fashionista shook her head, her gaze returning to the window. She could see Canterlot castle in the distance, the grand city of gold and glamor coming into view over the horizon. A small smile came to her muzzle as she took in the sights. Despite being worried about what could have made Twilight and Princess Celestia request the presence of all of the element bearers, she was in fact happy to be returning to Canterlot once more. Even if it was a rather large inconvenience for her business.

'Bring the items...oh Twilight dear...why was it so important that I bring this with me now? Yes, it's ready...but we weren't going to present this gift to the prince until after him and Princess Luna returned from Horseshoe Bay...' Rarity thought to herself. She thought it odd that the wedding took place on such short notice, with no warning or invitations of any kind. She quietly cursed the fact that she didn't even get a chance to design Luna's dress, as she did for Twilight's and Celestia's wedding, as well as Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armors.

She reached over with her foreleg, resting her hoof upon the heavy saddle bag sitting on the bench next to her. The contents of it were a closely guarded secret for weeks now, being designed and managed by herself and Spike as a request of Princess Celestia herself. The now teenage drake having been useful and key in its production. Rarity smiled inwardly, looking forward to being able to deliver it finally. The anticipation has been eating at her since she completed it.

On the other side of the train car, was Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie. The four ponies sat quietly with fierce looks of determination on their faces, all of them scowling and grumbling. Applejack glanced to her side at Rainbow Dash, glaring at her.

"Alright...Ah'll call your five bits....and raise y'all another fifteen." The cow pony said through clenched teeth, looking again at her hoof full of cards.

Fluttershy squeaked out a small squeak, pushing her last twenty bits into the massive pile in the center of the table. She still couldn't believe her eyes, seeing the once small pile with a few bits and pieces of candy grow in the course of a betting war between Rainbow and Pinkie, now the pile so high it threatened to come crashing down to the rest of the table, and onto the floor. She swallowed hard, her eyes shifting and beads of sweat forming on her coat.

The cyan pegasus narrowed her gaze to Applejack and grumbled, throwing her last fifteen bits into the pile. "There's no way your cards are as awesome as mine AJ...you should have folded before you bet the farm on it." She said smugly.

"For the last time Rainbow! Ah didn't bet mah farm on anythin! Now you just hush up before I plant mah size seven hoof in your rump for even startin Pinkie off on this durn crazy game." Applejack bit out through clenched teeth.

Pinkie, the pink menace sat opposite of the cyan and tan ponies at the table, wearing a pair of dark goggles she had won earlier in their hands, along with Applejacks stetson hat. Beside her was a massive pile of bits, empty candy wrappers and an autographed record by the rock pony Cyril that Applejack had bet earlier. She had a serious stoic look on her face, unflinching and hiding her jubilation. There was no way she could lose the next play and win the full pot. She grinned inwardly, knowing full well she had another three aces tucked away in her poofy tail just in case some pony had a better layout.

"That's the last bet...I call." Pinkie says with a cold calm voice. "Show em' or fold em girls."

Rainbow throws down hers first upon the tabletop, a smug grin on her muzzle. "Three of a kind, oh yeah!" Her cards have three princesses of cloves, hearts and spades, one five of hearts and one three of spades.

Next Applejack lays hers down, grinning ear to ear now. "Four of a kind RD. Read em' and weep!" Her hand contains four sevens and one ace of spades.

Fluttershy swallows hard and nods, laying down her hand. "Um...here's mine. It's a Royal Flush...if that's ok." She says quietly, a small smile coming to her muzzle. Her hand contained one ace of hearts, one prince of hearts, one princess of hearts, one jack of hearts and one ten of hearts. "I think um...this is the best one?"

Pinkies jaw drops on the table, her plan now having no way to work for their nineteenth and final hand. She folds down hers and sighs. "I fold..." Her hair seemingly deflating upon seeing their hands. Fluttershy squeaks out an adorable squee, raking the huge pile to her as she begins to happily munch on a small gumdrop from her winnings. Her wings bob lazily at her sides, as she hums a quiet song in joy.

"Ah shoot. Ah'm out then." The cow pony grumbles. "Ah shoulda brought more bits with me knowin y'all were gonna play this game."

Pinkie giggle snorts and grins at Applejack. "It's ok AJ, it was all just in good fun. Do you want your record back though? I don't really listen to rock that often."

Applejack glares, giving pinkie a stink eye. "Nah, Ah'm fine with that being won fair and square pinkie, Ah'm just gonna miss mah hat is all." She sniffles. "And I just cleaned it this morning too."

"Your hat and my goggles." Rainbow says as she lazily hovers above the table, looking out the window. "I got those from Spitfire at the best young flier competition five years ago in Cloudsdale! How the hay did pinks keep winning all of those plays?!"

"Just the Pie luck is all." Pinkie says, grinning ear to ear. She looks back down at her winnings as she puts the cards away back in their box, still smiling. As she's looking down, the tip of Rainbow Dashes tale hangs close by her muzzle, the fine silken hairs tickling her nose ever so softly by accident. Pinkie lets out a mighty sneeze, her own mane and poofy tail flaring outwards explosively in her classic pinkie style sneeze. The three aces fly out and float lazily in the air, falling slowly down to the table.

"Now wait just a durn tootin moment now!" Applejack hotly declares, looking down in shock at the sudden appearance of the cards. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy also look down in surprise, the three returning their glares to Pinkie as she shrinks back in her seat.

"Um...where did those come from?" Fluttershy says slowly, her stare fixated on Pinkies. The pink menace shrinks back in her seat as the three scoot closer to her, anger written on their features. Pinkie gulps big and grins a wide nervous grin, eyes wide as she sweats profusely.

Rarity looks over at the sudden noise from the other side of the car, watching a mysterious dust cloud form in the same spot the three friends were playing suddenly, then vanish moments later. When the dust settles, Rainbow Dash is suddenly wearing a stetson hat, Applejack suddenly a pair of goggles and Fluttershy giggling nonstop on her back, rolling around on the floor.

Pinkie Pie is hanging by her tail on the trains luggage rail, hog tied and gagged with the record case in her mouth. She sways slowly in her spot, her eyes swirling as her mind is reeling. Applejack and Rainbow both look at each other, giggle then trade headgear as they begin to split the pile of bits three ways equally again.

The train whistle blows and sounds loudly in the air, as they approach Canterlot station. Waiting for them on the platform that Rarity can see and waving happily, is none other than their dear friend Twilight. Rarity jubilantly waves back with a wide smile, then stands up in the isle and starts remounting her saddlebags to her. The others follow suit as the train slows and enters the station.

A few minutes pass, the doors finally open and the occupants spilling out onto the platform. Once every pony clears away, the element bearers step off finally and greet Twilight in a group hug. They all canter around her, hugging and embracing her, giggles and laughs all around. This takes place for a few more minutes, before they turn and begin to make their way back to the palace.

"So Twilight dear, what could have been so urgent that we all needed to come quickly like this? And why did you request..." Rarity clears her throat and leans in near the young purple alicorn, whispering in her ear. "The items?"

Twilight smiles weakly and looks at the white unicorn. "I can't openly say out in public like this...all I can really tell you is that it's very important, and we need to get to Princess Celestia right away."

"Twi, is there some kind of ruckus here in Canterlot? Because ah'm ready for anythin sugarcube." Applejack says with a proud smile. "Ah even brought mah lucky lasso with me just so ah could help."

"Yeah egghead, what gives? We were just here not long ago. Did PL and that guy get into some kind of crazy adventure again? Because that would be so awesome! Or is it he accepted my challenge to race finally?!"

Twilight sighs and looks at them sternly for a moment, stopping in front of the group and turning to face them. Her wings are open and held out high upon her back. "Girls, I really can't say anything in public like this. And no Rainbow...the pilot did not want to race. Not that there is a pegasus or alicorn alive that could chase down his machine anyway. Unless you figured out how to fly supersonic speeds within the last month."

Rainbow Dash grumbles and crosses her forelegs against her barrel, displaying her annoyance as she lazily hovers above the ground. "Well...it could happen! I bet Spitfire is faster than his machine is."

Twilight sighs and is about to speak, when pinkie suddenly grabs onto her neck with her foreleg and smiles. "It's a party, isn't it. We're planning the big super mega ultra party for the princess and pilot when they get back from their honeymoon, right?" She smiles widely. "Oh my gosh! That's it! This is going to be so fun, I'll even make cherry chimichangas for it!"

Twilight lets out a huff of air, her wings and ears drooping in annoyance. "No Pinkie." She deadpanned. "It's not a party. Now enough questions, lets get to the princess. I'll explain more then."

* * * * *

Talon paces about in Celestias study, awaiting her to enter. Luna is resting on a pillow, her horn alight as she uses a hoof file upon her forehoof. She appears bored as she grooms herself, awaiting her sister. Finally after the two have waited for what seemed like a solid hour, the white alicorn arrived.

Celestias eyes were red, fatiuge written all over her features and bags under her eyes. She yawned loudly as she enters, a now pot of coffee floating by her side in her magic. She takes a sip directly from it and finds her way to her desk chair, before taking a seat and setting the half empty pot upon her desk.

"Sister! You look as though you are ready to fall asleep on thy hooves! Please take a nap instead of seeing us right now." Luna said, concern heavy in her voice.

Celestia smiles at her younger sister and nods, before turning her attention to the pilot. "I will lulu, but first there is something I need to discuss with the both of you before the element bearers arrive. It's about the aircraft and its weapons." She states calmly.

"Commander...as you have seen for yourself, your craft is damaged severly. I assigned the very best engineers to its restoration last night as you two lay in the medical ward. The reports are good, but speculation never the less. It is believed the aircraft will be completely repaired in four sunrises. Perhaps five at the most."

The pilot nods, taking a seat at the desk with Celestia. "Ma'am, with all due respect. I don't expect you and your kind to rush so much on my account. But I do thank you. What is it you want about the weapons though?"

Celestia draws a deep breath exhaustedly and smiles softly at him. " We've been studying the weapons you have onboard, as well as the various other devices hidden within the aircraft. I wanted to ask specifically about the durability of your superweapon. What does it do, and what can it be used for?"

Talon sighs and folds his arms, leaning back in the chair. "After that crash, nothing ma'am. To be quite honest, nuclear weapons are quite delicate pieces of equipment. It takes a very specific sequence of events to happen in a very specific time frame within it for it to achieve detonation of any kind. A good solid bump to it directly could have rendered it innert. More than likely that crash jumbled up the internals so bad it can't ever be used for anything again."

He sighs, looking at her. "That bomb had a pretty high yield. It was designed to obliterate everything within a fifteen mile radius, damage structures and land as far as fifty miles away in all directions. It really also depends on the prevailing winds how far the nuclear dust is carried away. A bomb a bit smaller than mine was dropped on a place called Hiroshima about seventy years ago on my planet. The city was wiped out."

Celestia nods slowly, her magenta orbs focused on him. Luna continues watching quietly from her resting place. "If it were somehow still usable...could it still be considered effective against the parasite once we discover their location? Can it strike underground or in a cavern? Could you launch it from your aircraft once it was repaired, and it not harm my subjects or city's?"

He thinks for a moment, then looks over a maps hanging on her study walls. After a moment, he speaks. "If the bug is located somewhere in those badlands, the only two city's at risk would be Dodge City and Appleoosa by the looks of it. It could go either way, depending how close they are to the borders of that mountain range." He points to Macintosh Hills on the map.

Celestia alights her horn and concentrates for a moment, before a bookshelf moves behind her, revealing a hidden space. The hallway is large behind her, leading to a hidden room. She gets up after locking the study door with her magic, then motions for the pilot and midnight alicorn to follow. The three make their way down the long corridor before entering a large room.

The room is painted a bright white, with gold ornate lace and carvings all over the walls. There are shelves lined against every wall, stuffed full with books, trinkets, jewels and of all things, plushies. Various sized teddy bears, plush ponies and one life sized fluffy puff plush resting on a large box. What draws their attention however isn't the various trinkets and toys, but in the center of the room a large wooden crate.

Celestia clears her throat and alights her horn again, the pilot and midnight alicorn watching quietly as the lid and sides are removed. They gasp. Within the crate and resting on two large cradle stands; was the nuclear weapon.

"I know what you're thinking. In honest truth, I had personally removed the weapon from your aircraft the night you two had spoke of it to me in the study. I was afraid you would go and use it without speaking to me first. Now however since we are in fact at war...I've reconsidered use of this weapon. However....only in such an emergency that it is needed." Celestia said, looking at them.

"Sister! Thou has fibbed to us! Why would thou act so foalishly?!" Luna hotly demanded, stepping forward. She narrows her gaze at her elder sister, anger flashing in her eyes. The pilot however, is smiling at Celestia, a low chuckle coming from him.

"Nice one sunny butt. Very nice. I didn't see this one coming at all." He said, walking around the nuclear missile. "I won't ask how you managed to sneak it off...but considering you've already been though the warbird yourself and have been advancing your own technology at an alarming rate, I wont ask. Just please...for the love of all that is good tell me you're not building more of these." He says looking at her. Anger and worry clearly written all over his features.

"No...I will not allow my ponies to have access to this kind of destructive power. Just one of these abominations is enough to scare me, commander. I'd rather it didn't exist to begin with. I had almost cast this wretched thing into the sun myself...but my heart told me to wait, instead. That it had a higher purpose in the future, and would be useful."

Celestia looks at him in the eyes, sorrow and shame within her own. "I didn't want to deceive either of you. But I couldn't allow the chance for Chrysalis or any pony to get their hands on this device, and use it for evil. For that, I am sorry...and I pray to mother that you could find it in your hearts to forgive me for my transgression."

Talon steps forward and pats Celestia on her withers, smiling. "Nothing to forgive ma'am. You did what you felt right by your subjects. If you didn't, we'd be short our trump card against the parasite anyway. It's a win win. Just have your boys finish my aircraft, and we'll send that bug straight to Hell."

Luna nods, a smile coming to her muzzle as she takes her position at her flames side. "Agreed, mine sister. I bare no resentment for thy ruse. Thou hath nothing to be forgiven for."

"Then why are you using your olde speak, lulu?" Celestia asks, raising an eyebrow. She watches Luna's smile fall into a smug grin.

"Because it annoys thou to no end." Luna says in a sing song voice, her gaze locked onto her elder sisters eyes.

* * * * *

Twilight and the others enter the study of Princess Celestia, coming to find the pilot, princesses Luna and Celestia all sitting around the fireplace enjoying coffee together. Rarity is the last to enter, the saddlebags upon her back and the contents clanking softly within them. The white unicorn uses her magic to levitate the bags off of her and set them down by the door, before taking a seat and joining the group by the fire.

Celestia clears her throat and smiles tiredly at the group, her gaze falling on Rarity as Twilight takes her seat and snuggles up against her love and mentor. "Thank you for coming on such short notice every pony. I know it was unexpected." The regal white alicorn says quietly.

"Ah shucks princess. It 'taint a problem. You've done so much for me and mah kin, that I couldn't refuse anythin y'all ask. What can I do you fer?" Applejack asks, removing her stetson in a polite bow.

Pinkie giggle snorts and leans in against Fluttershy, whispering. "Twenty bits! Twenty bits!" Fluttershy looks at pinkie in annoyance and rolls her eyes, returning her calm gaze back to the regal white alicorn.

Rainbow Dash thumps Pinkie Pie on the back of the skull with a hard hoof, glaring at her. "Pinks! That's mean! ...She's worth around fifty." She says through stifled giggles.

Twilight glares daggers at the two. "That's quite enough girls. This is serious!"

Celestia smiles softly at the cyan pegasus and the pink party pony. "That's right! Besides...I'm worth more than either of you could afford." She says with a sly smile, life returning to her eyes despite the fatigue gripping her.

Luna giggles behind a held hoof, while Applejack, Twilight and the pilot simply stare with blank expressions at Celestias comment. The laughs continue for a few minutes, before they all calm down enough to speak again.

Talon clears his throat, looking at the group sternly as he rises to his feet slowly. Luna follows suit, adjusting her wings uncomfortably with the bandages. "The reason why you've all been called here, is because the parasite struck in Horseshoe Bay. The damned bug made her intentions clear. We're in for one hell of a fight."

Luna chimes in, a resolute and grim look upon her features. "Mine sister has decreed officially that we are now at war with the parasite. It's clear that the insect pest has already done so to us, now attacking myself and mine flame twice now directly, as well as infiltration of our ranks with drones. Thanks to mine flames craft, we were able to seek out and remove all of the drones from Canterlot, by spotting them with his searching glass."

"Camera, lulu." Celestia adds. "What Luna says is correct, my little ponies. We are now at war. I have summoned you here today, because I feel that use of the Elements may be needed should the parasite indeed be planning a full scale invasion like before. I have sent out several scouting patrols to various city's around Equestria. Though we have yet to hear word, I am confident we shall receive some news as to the parasites movements. I have also dispatched word to Legatus of the Dragon Nation and our neighbors in the Crystal Empire to make ready for the assault."

The room is overcome with hushed whispers from the group before Rarity finally steps forward. "If it's a fight those ruffians wish...then we shall give them one! I simply can't allow for such uncoof insects to tarnish this beautiful city's streets with their filth!" She hotly declares.

"Yeah, we can't let mrs. meanie mc mean pants come here! Good thing I brought my party cannon just for changeling invasions!" Pinkie produces said party cannon from Faust knows where, before deploying a large explosion of streamers, confetti and glitter. "Ta-da!"

"Oh...my. I don't like fighting..." Fluttershy squeaks, hiding her face behind her mane. Rainbow Dash leans down and whispers something in Fluttershys ear, forcing a look of distress and rage to take over. The butter yellow pegasus gasps, her eyes shrinking to pinpricks before she narrows her eyes. "Hurt animals?! Oh I'm going to break every bone in her body!" She says whilst gritting her teeth.

Applejack snorts, grinning, a resolute look of determination on her features, a devilish grin upon her muzzle. "Ah reckon its about time we give ole buggy a good swift kick in the teeth for this. Any pony that lays a hoof on a friend of mine is askin for a good ole fashioned throw down with this rodeo girl."

"Count me in every pony. No way am I gonna leave my friends hanging. Especially after this pest screwed up my two favorite flying buddies honeymoon. Yeah, I'm in for sure. This. Is gonna be. AWESOME!" The cyan pegasus says as she pulls a flip in mid air. She comes back to a hover. "They don't call me the Element of Loyalty for nothing!"

"Then it's settled. We all agree we are going to war." Celestia says after yawning. For now whilst we prepare for the coming battle, please get settled in and acquire anything you may need around the city. You have use of the royal treasury if you need to purchase any basic items you left in Ponyville. "

Rarity clears her throat. "Um...princess. As per Twilight dears request, I brought the eh heh." She coughs. "The Items...you had commissioned. Is this the time you wish them to be delivered?"

Celestia smiles serenely and nods. "Yes, Rarity. Now is the time. Please feel free to do so.

Rarity stands up and smiles, a sweet smile upon her lips as she alights her horn and levitates the saddle bags to her. The flap opens on each side, revealing several objects wrapped carefully in silken smaller bags. "I made these for you, commander. They're crafted out of the finest metals and strongest fabrics Equestria has to offer, and fit for you now that you're royalty. I got the pattern and design out of a book from your machines database. Twilight had sent me the specifics."

Each smaller bag unfurls, revealing masterpiece crafted armor, made just for the human pilot. The chest piece is a thin curved plate of high strength steel, gold and silver inlay upon it with engravings all over it. Similar pieces of armor also appear from the various magically held bags, amounting to a full armor set of grieves, open handed gauntlets, leg and lower body protectors and a back shield. With those is a finely crafted tight knit chain mail vest and leggings, as well as a dark blue over cover of fabric for the chest and leggings. The markings display a embroidered white oak tree, with a dark blue long cape resembling the night sky, inlaid with small gem fragments and stardust.

The pilot stares in wonder at the gift. "Miss Rarity...wow....thank you!" He comments, looking over the master craftsmanship. "What is the reason for this armor, if I may ask?"

"Well darling. Princes alike all wear fine battle armor, even for just normal day to day reasons here in Equestria. It's only fitting that you have something from your own world in this case. That was a very interesting and long book by the way. Your worlds authors sure are imaginitive. I was surprised at the mention of Unicorns." She says calmly. She giggles softly whilst looking at him with her half lidded gaze.

"How romantic of the hero. A ranger, in love with an elf of another kingdom. No matter how tempted he was with power, bits or other mares, he kept true to her. Ah...how I love romance novels with beautiful endings." She says sweetly. "It was a pleasure crafting these, it honestly was darling."

Luna looks at the armor and smiles. "It's grand, miss Rarity. You honor us by this gift. I thank you." Luna says with a small bow.

Rarity smiles. "It was no trouble at all your highness, really."

* * * * *

Hours pass, the element bearers have since gone their separate ways to sight see about the city, and check out the new local restraints in the area. It's lunch time now, the midnight alicorn and elder sister having joined the pilot in the royal kitchens for their first taste of an Earth dish called 'pizza.'

The regal white alicorn now more awake, licks her lips as she sniffs the scents of the kitchen. It's a unique smell to her, never having thought herself of using tomato sauce and cheese on bread before, let alone placing said foods together in an oven. A smile comes to her muzzle as she watches the dish intently through the glass.

"Mine flame...are you sure this is a popular dish among your kind? It seems as though it takes too long to make...wouldn't you be hungry from such a wait for a single dish? And why would you bake vegetables? They're perfectly fine raw!" Luna said, confusion upon her features.

Celestia laughs melodically and grins. "Oh lulu. We should be thankful the commander is taking time to treat us to a meal he himself is cooking. It's not often you get to experience a dish from another world. I say lets try it!" She says jubilantly.

"I did promise that I would make you two this when we were in the infirmary, Luna. Just relax and enjoy it. Believe me, you're going to love this." Talon mused. He opened the oven door and removed the large cooking stone with the pizza upon it, cooked to perfection under his watchful eye. He added several toppings with it, including mushrooms, onions and various greens he had found available in the cupboards and royal pantry. Drawing a short knife from one of the drawers nearby, he cut the pie into several large equal slices, before serving one portion each to the alicorns.

Celestia was the first to dig in after cooling it down by blowing on it, the warm slice being nibbled on at first, before she gasped with joy and started wolfing it down in large delighted bites. Luna watched her sister intently, listening to the moans coming from her elder sister as she consumed each bite.

"Well...how is it mine sister? Is it good?" Luna asked, still slightly confused. She isn't used to the scent, and finds herself unsure as to weather or not she likes it.

Celestia nods furiously as she lets out a small ladylike burp, grinning widely with the pizzas tomato sauce staining her muzzle fur. "Lulu! You have to try this! It should be made law that every food establishment makes one!" She said, her calm regal mask completely cast aside as she clearly enjoyed it. "May I have another slice, commander?"

Luna watched as her flame had served her elder sister yet another large floppy hot slice of the Earthen dish, before looking down at her own. She swallowed hard and lowered her head to the plate, sniffing it slowly before taking a small nibble of the tip. She chews the piece slowly, detecting all of the various flavors and spices used upon her pallet, before going wide eyed herself. The pilot and elder white alicorn watch intently as Luna suddenly becomes ravenous and attacks the slice with such ferocity that even Nightmare Moon would run in fear.

Luna looked up at the commander grinning a wide toothy grin with the pizza sauce all over her face and muzzle. The red sauce drips off slowly as she does. "This really is delicious!" She proclaims enthusiastically. "May I have another as well?" She says, still grinning. Her wings bob lazily at her sides, all of her features relaxed as she sways slowly in her seat.

As Talon is serving the midnight alicorn another slice, a solar guard trots into the kitchen, carrying the pilots missing satchel from Horseshoe bay in his mouth. Poking out of the tan canvas messenger bag is the muzzle of the rifle, both pistols and the spent and empty clips stuffed into the external pockets. The guard trots in with a smile, until he sees the midnight alicorn eating ravenously with a strange dish before her. Luna pauses and looks to the solar stallion and grins a wide toothy grin, more of the red tomato sauce upon her muzzle. Celestia suddenly notices the guard as well, closing her eyes in a serene sweet smile. The red tomato sauce also showing brightly on her pristine white coat.

The guard gapes his mouth in shock, dropping the satchel before his eyes roll into the back of his head, the white pegasus pony suddenly keeling over in fright. He accidentally mistook the sauce for blood.

Luna and Celestia both look at the guard with confusion for a moment, then back to eachother, then shrug, returning their focus back to their meals.

* * * * *

Luna sits back in her seat at the counter in the royal kitchens, patting her full belly with a hoof and a satisfied smile upon her now clean muzzle. During their mealtime, the pilot had cooked up three more full sized pizzas for the alicorns, serving some to the kitchen staff as well. He was absolutely correct; it was a huge hit amongst the ponies.

"That dish was simply divine, Commander. I'll have to see to it that recipe is used the next time we host a large party, perhaps after we have solved our issues with the parasite." Celestia says calmly, whilst patting her own full belly. She herself had consumed roughly one and a half of the large pizzas to herself, enjoying every bit of Earth cooking.

"Mine love, you must share more of your worlds recipes with us! If that was so delicious, I could only imagine what others your world must hold!" Luna exclaims jubilantly. The midnight alicorn lets out a soft satisfied burp, then blushes.

"I'll make it a point to do that. I've always enjoyed cooking. It's just more fun doing it for others beside yourself. Between duty stations and deployments when I was in the Navy on Earth, I often stayed in the barracks and had to cook for just me all the time." He says, smiling. He finishes cleaning the dishes every pony ate from, setting down the dish rag.

The kitchen staff in the room all chattered amongst themselves, looking over the recipe list they had gotten earlier from the pilot while he was cooking and prepping each pie. Even the solar guard who had passed out earlier seemed happy now, after awakening to find he had misunderstood, and was given a slice for himself to enjoy.

"Well ladies. If that is all, we should consider heading out and beginning plans and preparations. It also wouldn't hurt to check in with the engineers and see their progress on the warbird." He says after a small sigh. "That is, if you two are up to it."

Celestia tiredly yawns, then smiles at the pilot with a lidded gaze. "We have already done all that we can do for the moment, Commander. We have doubled the guards watching around the city, as well as bolstered our defenses. I do however, have something else I wished to show the both of you before I myself retire for the afternoon."

Luna raises an eyebrow, coming back on all four hooves. She takes her place next to the pilots side. "Another surprise mine sister? You certainly have been very active as of late."

The white alicorn giggles softly. "It's all in progress, lulu. I had mentioned I was considering a program to begin building more of the commanders craft. Though none of our own scientists and engineers have begun to do so, our wonderful subjects have gone ahead of their own accord and put together something rather wonderful." Celestia calmly states with a wry smile. "Follow me."

As Celestia stands and walks slowly out of the kitchen, the pilot and midnight alicorn follow her. They travel through the halls of the palace, coming to a stop near the front entrance to the gardens.

"Tia, this is an unused storage room." Luna deadpanned, looking at the doors. Her eyes peer into the darkened room through the door glass, not seeing anything but shadows.

Celestia opens the doors and alights her horn, flicking on lights within the room. Before the three are several rows of tables each containing various pieces of equipment upon them. In the large room also against the walls, are two more incomplete engines that were being built by the engineers a few weeks ago.

"What is all of this?" Talon asks, looking at the un-powered monitors and equipment. "This looks like some kind of control center. What have you been up to sunny butt?"

"That's still Princess Sunny Butt, Talon." Celestia says, grinning. She clears her throat and paws at his chest with her hoof, before turning and motioning to the equipment with her foreleg. "You are correct, it is a control center. We modeled what we could off of Lulu's description of the bridge of your ship. My guess is it was built to have better communication with you, not only for missions but for your routine flights."

The pilot nods, looking around. "I figured as much. You got all of this off of Luna telling you about her dream walking with me on the Enterprise?" He asks, confused. "What the hell else are you space ponies building off of my peoples tech?"

"Only what's critical to our aircraft, mine flame." Luna states, stepping forward. "And I see that a certain elder sister of mine is in trouble for reading mine diary again." Luna turns and glares at Celestia, who smiles sweetly.

"Don't worry lulu...I didn't read all of the really juicy stuff...more than once." She giggles. "I had thought that this could be useful in the future, so I had mentioned it to a few of our more tech savvy ponies and engineers. Oh what was it you called them lulu?"

"Nerds." Luna says through gritted teeth. "Just so you know Tia...I'll get you back for going through mine sock drawer again."

The elder white alicorn narrows her gaze, grinning. "And I look forward to it, dear sister." Celestia blows a rasburry at Luna and giggles melodicly. "I'm off to retire to my study for a while. Please feel free to come see me should either of you need anything."

* * * * *

Hours more have passed, the Element bearers having since returned to the palace to one of their rooms, all including princess Twilight, all relaxing and playing games. Not far down the hallway is Luna and the pilot, making their way to Lunas chambers. They hear the faint sounds of giggling coming from the room, and hushed gossip between the six mares.

Talon sighs, turning to Luna. "This really seems kind of off, Luna. We should be planning for a war, not having slumber parties and pizza." He says, yawning. He winces after stretching out a bit too far, his injuries still not completely healed. His body is still sore from the fight with Chrysalis and the drones in Horseshoe Bay.

Luna stumbles a bit for a moment, before catching her balance and stopping. "Mine love...we must remember to think on happy times and relish in moments of peace like these. It is not our way to always consider war and conflict. The way of my world is to love and embrace others around ourselves, to always strive for peace."

He grunts, turning to her. "That rule is thrown out the window when we have a bug queen hunting us, Luna. We need to focus more on this, we need to train, rearm and plan the attack. Once the bird is fixed, I say we get in and go send the parasite straight to hell. I don't want to even give her the chance to carry out her plans."

The midnight alicorn smiles and nickers. "I know you wish to protect us, mine love. But you must understand. Mine sister said that we have done all we can for now. Our hooves are tied for the moment, and we should be relaxing like the good doctor had spoke of. Nurse Redheart was also correct, we cannot plan for a battle if we ourselves are not in fighting condition."

Talon sighs, then nods. He folds his arms to his chest. "It probably wouldn't be a bad idea to check with Dark Fury about the parasites hive location. We should also ask your sister if she knows anything about what brought down our aircraft. It seems odd to me that something would knock the bird off balance like that. The auto pilot should have kicked in and landed the thing safely if the computer sensed any trouble with the aircraft itself. Sounds to me like it was an outside deal."

Luna opens her mouth to speak, but stops, thoughts turning in her mind. She recalls the approach for landing through the canopy and remembers the aircraft violently jolt hard before the crash. She turns her gaze back to the pilot. "Mine sister did have a good view when she was chasing us down. It is likely that she could have seen something...but why wouldn't she have already mentioned it?"

He turns on his heels, bound for the regal white alicorns study. "More than likely she was waiting for us to ask. Lets go Luna. I have a feeling that she knows exactly what happened."

She sighs heavily and slowly turns, returning to his side as they walk through the long halls again, bound for her sister. She yawns quietly, still tired. All she wants to do at this point is take a long bath, preen and go to sleep. But the question is eating at her never the less. What did bring down the aircraft? Was it her lack of experience flying the machine? Or was there more here than meets the eye?

The walk to Celestias study was quiet and uneventful. The pair had passed a few guards along their walk, two maids and one very curious red unicorn with a billowing blond mane and tail dressed as a chef. He had caught the night princesses attention on how he seemed to suddenly take great interest in a statue when she turned and looked at him.

They reach Celestias study door, finding it cracked open slightly. Luna pushes the heavy door open slowly with her foreleg, poking her head in to search. "Sister, are you in here?"

She hears a soft murmur and a strange noise within the room, catching her attention. She turns to the direction of the sound, finding Celestias head laying down upon the desk, her sister slumped over on the edge of it in her chair. Beside the regal white alicorns head upon the desk is two empty pots of coffee, some scrolls and something she does recognize. Nestled between her sisters hooves, was Luna's diary.

Luna scowls and quietly steps in, her wings held tightly to her sides. Talon steps in quietly beside her and watches. As Luna approaches, she is able to see more of her elder sisters face. Celestia adorns a small open grin upon her muzzle, a small puddle of drool falling to the ornate desks surface from her gaped maw. She's snoring quietly, mumbling incoherent words about moonshine and cake.

The midnight alicorn alights her horn and retrieves her beloved diary from her sisters hooves, replacing it with a random book off of the shelf behind her of equal size. "Tia...you're such a snoop." She whispers angrily, glaring daggers at her sleeping sister. She sighs and turns to the pilot, who has since walked near the desk. He's grinning mischievously. Luna tilts her head and quizzically looks at him, shaking her head slowly. "Mine flame...what are you doing?" She whispers in a hushed tone.

The pilot looks around the study, seeing a sink nearby and an empty snack bowl upon another table. He moves quietly with all of his stealth, tip toeing around to the bowl. He carries it to the nearby sink and turns on the faucet slowly, filling the bowl halfway with warm water. He snickers, walking back. "Luna, do your space pony magic thing and pull off her bracer!" He whispers, grinning wickedly.

She cocks an eyebrow, not following what his intentions are. She quietly huffs and complies, alighting her horn again and gently removing her sisters golden hoof slipper from her foreleg. The pilot very carefully lifts Celestias dainty hoof and sets it in the warm water, the liquid pooling around the soft sensitive flesh and nearly overflowing. Celestia stirs for a moment, before letting out a loud snort and dazedly snoring again.

He starts to step away as Luna steps closer, looking over her sister and holding back a giggle. She sighs quietly with a grin adorning her own muzzle and turns, stepping out with the pilot, her diary tucked safely beneath her wing as the two exit and return for their own chambers.

They close the door, quietly rushing away from her elder sisters study and bound for the night princesses chambers, laughing quietly as they make their return journey. The pilot grinning wickedly the entire time.

"Talon...pray tell, what did you do in there? What was the point of the water?" She asks, still laughing. "I don't think mine sister is going to be asleep long enough to gain a pruney hoof."

He looks at her with a smirk on his lips. "I used to pull that trick on my sisters when I was growing up. Trust me, it'll work fine and make for the perfect prank." He says cryptically.

Luna slowly nods, keeping pace with him. The two reach her chamber doors and enter the room, Luna locking it behind them. She tosses her diary onto her bed, heading to the balcony. She can feel it's near time for the sunset, her own celestial charge tugging at her subconscious. The pilot joins her on the balcony of the chambers and watches intently as she alights her horn, setting the sun for her elder sister, then willing the moon into the sky with her power. One by one the stars come out and shine beautifully, the skies alight with her jeweled tapestry and wrapped within its soft eternal lullaby. The pair stand leaning against one another watching the moon come over the horizon slowly, enjoying one anothers company.

Elsewhere in the palace, the regal white alicorn snores peacefully, dreaming of being in a field of moonshine cakes, Manehatten cheesecakes and fluffypuff plushies. Her mind is sent lurching to reality when her body registers a foreign sensation of warmth below her. Her eyes groggily open as she sits up and takes in the scenery around her for a moment, before she looks down at the location of the warmth. Her eyes widen as she realizes its source, then fall to the bowl of water and her now wet hoof. "Oh son of a---"

* * * * *

The next few days pass quickly for every pony, the palace buzzing with activity. Over the time period, the pair has worked on various projects. Everything from assisting where they could with the repair efforts to the war machine, to helping Celestia with preparations and coordination of assembling the guards.

The regal white alicorn was somewhat annoyed with the prank, discovering just who the culprits were only moments after she had awakened that night. The next morning after a thorough scrubbing of her floors and one very extended three hour bubble bath later, her righteous fury had dimmed to a mild simmer and planning of her own prank to seek revenge.

It's been four days since the bearers of Harmony had returned to Canterlot, they themselves having also been busy with assisting with preparations and planning. For added measure, they have all been asked to adorn their elements at all times, even whilst bathing or sleeping. Dawn has arisen on the fifth day after their arrival. It's been very quiet within the city, with no word or mention of the parasite. Patrols have been sent out and reporting in constantly, with nothing to report back other then the usual quiet activity of a peaceful Equestria.

Celestia, Luna and the pilot all sit in the throne room together, managing day court and dealing with the normal mundane issues of running a kingdom. As the last petitioner leaves before Celestias lunch hour, the night guard Dark Fury enters. He bows respectfully to the alicorns.

"What have you discovered, Dark Fury?" Luna asks, tilting her head. Her wings bob lazily and loosly at her sides, the bandages having since been removed. She smiles serenely at him, a content look of peace upon her features.

"Princess...Ve have discovered ze parasites location. Ze drone had vished to speak vith you directly, as vell as the commander. Ve believe it to be broken, yes? So ven should I arrange for you to speak vith it?" The Lunar elite guard asks, his golden draconic eyes locked onto his princesses.

Luna is about to speak, when the pilot clears his throat. "I'll deal with it alone. If you wouldn't mind Fury, take me to it." The stallion shoots the pilot a glare for cutting off the princess for a moment, before his features return to their unflinching stoic norm.

Luna closes her mouth and thinks quietly for a moment, glancing at the pilot, then nodding slowly. She returns her gaze to the stallion. "...do as he says, Dark Fury. If mine flame wishes to speak with the insect first, then he shall have what he asks. Take him to it, I will join you both shortly."

Dark fury grunts and salutes, then rigidly bows and turns on his armored hooves. He escorts the pilot to the dungeons, where the drone that had attacked Luna directly was being held captive.

Luna smiles, turning to her sister. Celestia is holding a small frown. Luna raises an eyebrow, confusion upon her features. "What is it, mine sister? Art thou still furious about mine prank upon thee?" She asks, grinning.

"I seen the blood on him lulu. I know what your guard has been doing to the parasite." Celestia says in a hushed tone. She looks off to the side and to the floor. "I know you gave him that order lulu...I thought we evolved beyond methods of torture to get information out of prisoners a thousand years ago."

Luna narrows her eyes, grinning darkly. "You may have, Tia. But as the saying goes...all is fair in love and war. This mine sister, is war." Luna's eyes meet her elders sisters magenta orbs, her own jade ones flickering to draconic slits for a moment. "What's the cost of one insect, for the salvation of all of Equestria? Thou should be grateful I haven't punished that whelp of a nephew to pain of death for his cowardly actions upon mine self and flame."

Celestias eyes open wide looking at her sister. "Lulu...you didn't!" She gasps. "Tell me you didn't hurt him!"

"You think I didn't glance at the open scrolls upon thy desk when we were coming to see you, sister?" Luna asks, her tone still dark. She steps off of the throne dais, the room seemingly beginning to darken with her every step. The air temperature around them drops harshly within a span of seconds, the nearby candle flames upon the walls flickering violently.

"I entered that whelps dreams that night, to have a talk with him, Tia. And do you know what I had seen? That our so called nephew cares nothing for mares alike, ourselves included. He is a sick, twisted, perverse cur that should be put to the sword! " Luna comes to a stop before her sister, opening her wings in a snap.

Celestia sighs and steps slowly to her younger sister. "Show me then, my beloved sister. Show me what you had seen, let me see for myself your memory of your vision. I wish to know what you have done."

Luna shakes her head slowly, her gaze still locked onto Celestias. "I couldn't, mine sister. I refuse to subject you to such a cruel nightmare. I care for thee too much." Luna's features soften slightly, a look of rage still deep within her jade eyes, however. "Blueblood the gelded will serve his fate as thou hath given. I will not take the life of our subjects, no matter how much one may deserve such a fate."

Celestia sighs with relief, looking into her younger sisters jade orbs. " Thank you...lulu. Thank you." She whispers, a small soft smile coming to her muzzle.

"I did not tell mine flame...you are to leave the report if he asks, our craft had simply connected with an unknown spell from mother knows where. As much as that worthless cur deserves the beating of a lifetime from mine flame...I will stay my fury upon his worthless head."

The elder white alicorn nods. "Alright then lulu...I will."

"Furthermore...these insects hold no meaning to mine self or this kingdom. The parasite is just that, Tia. A pest. They deserve no quarter, especially since they have called this fate upon themselves. This is our war now, sister. Let us put this to a quick end, and protect our kingdom. I wish to put this behind us, so that we may resume our normal peaceful lives."

As Celestia opens her mouth to speak, the doors of the throne room explode open, shattering and splintering off of the frame. Another massive explosion rocks the palace. Smoke begins to billow from the grand hall, as a large shadowed figure slowly storms into the throne room. It's the largest drone either of the alicorns have ever seen, easily as tall as them. Its stalky form adorns a cobalt blue armor with large sharp spines upon the back, heavy bracers of steel upon its legs. The drone lets out a loud rumbling howl before charging the two confused alicorns.

* * * * *

Talon and the Lunar elite guard enter the dungeons after decending a long spiraling staircase of stone. The air is freezing cold, the hall dark and somber. The air smells of dust and mildew, the atmosphere feeling depressing and lifeless. The pilot swallows hard looking around, this being his first visit to this part of the castle. Dark fury stops short of the cell rooms, turning to the pilot.

"Ze princess...She has choosen you to be her mate. I vill obey both hers and your orders...But do not believe zat I vill simply turn a blind eye, should you ever harm her heart. You are clear, da?"

The pilot nods. "You have my word as both a man of honor and a Naval officer, I will never bring any kind of harm to her. Luna means more to me than my words can describe, my friend. I promise you...I will always protect her as long as I draw breath."

Dark fury nods and allows a small smile, his fangs gleaming in the shadowed room. "I know this. Ve shall be good comrades. You keep her happy. This I like about you, strange pony." The stallion laughs, his husky Slavic voice letting out a low rumble. "Da! Good then. Ve understand one another."

Dark Fury pats the pilots arm with a firm armored hoof and laughs, resuming his gate to the cell holding the drone. The two make their way the short distance, finding the drone upon the floor of the cell and laying curled into a small black ball. Talon clears his throat. The drone moves and turns to him, hissing quietly. When the stallion lifts his hoof to step forward and glared menacingly, the drone suddenly whimpered and cowered in the corner.

"You attacked Luna, and I know your able to still communicate with your other parasite friends." The pilot growls out. "Well shithead...Luna and Sunny Butt aren't here to save you. So lets talk. Lets hear what you had to say."

The changeling drone steps forward into the light slowly. Its teal glass orbs seemingly glow in the darkness. As it slowly creeps forward, the pilot can get a full view of it. Its body shows cracks everywhere along its outer shell. Dark green blood oozes from several of the larger cracks, the wounds appear to have trouble healing. One of its fangs are broken off, the tooth showing signs of infection. The drone chatters loudly, flapping its stumps where its insect like wings once were.

"SPEAK, YOU VERMIN!" Dark fury bellows, kicking the aged cold iron bard hard with his fore hoof.

The drone suddenly begins to chuckle darkly, its voice echoing as it does. Its horn alights with a sickly green magic, the anti magic restraint band snapping off and shattering upon its head. It begins to glow brightly.

"Oh shit...RUN!" The pilot yells, turning away and grabbing Dark Fury by his armor. The two turn and rush away quickly, a massive explosion shattering the walls of the dungeons nearby. The force of the explosion sends them both flying forward and impacting against the thick stone walls near the entrance. Smoke and flame billow from the cell where the drone once was. The pilot stunned turns slowly and looks.

The bauble around his neck glowed brightly for a moment, the star within spinning wildly violent. He coughs as the dust settles, the thin magical shield around him from the bauble dropping. He blinks the stars from his eyes, shaking his head. "Fury!" He coughs out.

Talon hears gasping and searches the dark chambers for a moment, finding the stallion pinned under chunks of stone and debris. He gets to his feet and rushes to him, lifting what stones he can off of the fallen guard, heaving them with all of his might. Beneath the rubble was the wounded guard, a large broken spike of an iron bar through his back and standing up in the center of his barrel. Blood trickles from his mouth.

"Holy shit..." the pilot breathes out, kneeling down to lift the heavy stallion. Dark Fury coughs and shakes his head slowly, laughing.

"Niet, comrade." he gasps out. "I vill not make it..." He winces and gasps, still grinning. "My time has come here...no more borscht for me." Talon mouthed wordlessly, disbelieving how the stallion is acting.

"No way. Lets get you to the doctor! I won't leave you to die!" Talon frantically says, trying to lift him once more. The stallion pushes him away with his wing weakly. Dark Fury smiles at him, his eyes focusing on the pilots.

"Protect...princess." The stallion unfurls his leather like wing, removing his honor guard sword from his side and lifting it weakly and shakily to the pilot. "Take...and keep her safe...she make good vife."

Talon shakes his head and starts to lift the night guard again, as he heard the final gasp and release of air from the fallen stallion. The pilot stops, looking for signs of life. The golden draconic lifeless eyes are still open, staring at the dark ceilings of the dungeon. The pilot swallows hard and nods, lifting his hand and placing them over the dead ponies eyes, closing them for him. "I will..." He whispers out. He takes the long sword into his hands and grips it, rising to his feet. In the distance, he hears more explosions within the city. "Luna..." He says quietly to himself, turning on his heels and running back to the throne room.

* * * * *

Luna's eyes go wide with shock as she quickly scoots back on the floor, kicking wildly with her hind legs. She alights her horn again and fires another powerful blast at the massive changeling behemoth advancing upon her. The bolt deflects harmlessly off of its exoskeleton and smacks into a nearby pillar, disintegrating it to ash.

"What in Tatarus are you?!" She shrieks out in fright. The attacking insect swings at her again with its massive armored hoof and connects, impacting her in the side and sending the fallen alicorn into the nearby side wall. After a few moments of being stunned once more, she attempts to rise to her hooves, coughing up blood.

The blood splatters to the ground in droplets from her nostrils and mouth, forming a small puddle upon the cold marble tiles of the palace throne room. As she's coughing and regaining her bearings, the drone picks her up with a single foreleg, before rearing back with its free one and driving it straight into her muzzle. She's sent flying backwards again, impacting the throne and toppling it over.

"Luna!" Celestia screams out, tears in her eyes. The regal white alicorn weakly attempts to rise to her hooves, falling over again. Her legs buckle from the searing pain, keeping her grounded. "Luna! Run away sister!" She cries out loudly.

The behemoth drone slowly steps to the broken throne chair, lifting it up and tossing it aside as if it were weightless. The massive stone and steel seat crashing against the side wall of the dais and cracking the entire wall. It focuses its glowing teal glass orbs upon its prey, saliva dripping from its gaped fanged maw as it approaches.

The drone is struck in the back by a bullet, knocking it forward slightly. It stops in its tracks and turns slowly, its attention now drawn behind it. Coming through the smoke billowing from the grand hall, a shadowed figure slowly walks through into the room.

Talon trains his pistol on the changeling and fires again, shot after shot. The bullets sail through the air, every round striking its mark and impacting the drone in the chest center of mast. When the drone does not fall, he charges forward at it and leaps into the air, dropping an incredible punch to its jaw.

The drone staggers back slowly, turning its bloodied muzzle back to him. The pilot is breathing hard, fire within his eyes. "You're mine you son of a bitch!" He growls to the insect, running and tackling it to the ground, driving his shoulder hard into its bleeding mid section.

Celestia weakly rises to her hooves again, her magenta orbs wide with shock. Her magic was useless against this unstoppable foe, but here it was sheer brute force was prevailing! "Luna!!" She screamed out, slowly limping to the midnight alicorn. Behind her, the pilot and changeling are trading massive blows. It's a ferocious battle unlike she has ever seen or experienced.

Luna dazedly opens her eyes, rolling onto her side and coughing hard. Her elder sister finally reaches her and collapses, crumpling to the ground. Sounds of other explosions are heard in the distance, more subtle tremors felt beneath her. She cranes her head and blearily looks, watching her flame valiantly fight against the behemoth.

"Luna..." Celestia cries out, embracing her sister gently and looking at her bleeding form. "We have to get out of here! We need to escape and get the element bearers!"

Luna slowly shakes her head, watching the fight. "No mine sister...we need to drive these insects back! But why isn't our magic working?!"

"I don't know lulu! We need to run!" Celestia pleads. "This isn't a fight we can help the commander with!"

The changeling drone smacks hard into the wall beside the two alicorns, before sliding down it slowly. Talon picks up the pistol and leaps onto the changeling drone, then empties the clip into its skull. The blood and flesh splatters in a wide spread, the changeling falling limp and lifeless. He pants hard for a moment, before continuing to pummel the now dead changeling in anger.

Luna slowly rises to her hooves with great trouble, then weakly steps to him. "Mine flame...stop, it is dead! You have slain it!" She cries out, weakly attempting to pull the enraged human off of the dead parasite.

He finally gets up stops attacking it, ragged enraged breaths coming from him. He looks at her injuries, fury still within his eyes. "You going to be ok?" He asks slowly. He kneels down to her and embraces her gently. "I came as fast as I could Luna...I really did."

"I know my love, I know." She says quietly, holding him with her aching foreleg. "We hath never seen or encountered a hunter drone before...I pray there are not any more of those...Our magic isn't working on them. We were defenseless."

"It's not just you." He coughs out, looking her in the eyes. "Your guards had the same issue. The magic just bounces right off of them. The only way to bring these pests down is with steel or bullets. And I'm all out of bullets..." He says, annoyed while he checks the emptied clip.

The alicorn nods. "I'll get myself and mine sister to the infirmary...keep trying to drive the parasite away mine love. We will rejoin you as soon as our injuries are mended." She says through slow ragged breaths. Luna kisses him with her bloodied lips and muzzle before turning around and helping the elder white alicorn to her hooves. "Be careful mine flame!" She calls out. They watch as the pilot rushes out the door, holding a sword he scavenged from the rubble and a dead solar guard in the hallway.

* * * * *

Luna and Celestia limp slowly to the infirmary, the elder white alicorn leaning heavily against the night princess. Celestia was the first to be attacked by the massive drone, and had taken the worst of the hits when it had first entered. The two alicorns gasp when they enter the ward, disbelieving their eyes.

Doctor Life Flight rushes to them, his eyes wide. "What the hay happened?! I've heard explosions, and I have three solar guards here in my infirmary!" He desperately calls out.

Luna nods quickly and clears her throat, gasping for air. "We were attacked! A drone broke through the palace gates and attacked us in the throne room during mine sisters noon day court!" She helps her elder sister come to a rest upon the nearby gurnie in the room, then turns to the pegasus doctor. "Mine sister needs medical attention! See to her first!"

The pegasus frantically shakes his head yes, his mouth gaping wordlessly. "You need medical treatment too, princess!" He calls out. "Nurses! This way, over here!"

They hear screaming and moaning coming from behind them, a cyan pegasus carrying a heavily bleeding blond earth pony on her back. The cyan pegasus has one wing hanging down and bent the wrong direction, the other badly burned and the feathers melted.

"Some pony help!" Rainbow Dash screams out. "Help her please!" Tears are streaming down her muzzle. There is blood covering her entire right side, dripping quickly out from the earth ponies missing leg. "She's going to die! Help us!" She cries out.

Nurses and other medical ponies all rush the door, gingerly getting Applejack off of Rainbow Dashes back. They levitate her to one of the medical beds. "We need to get the bleeding to stop now, doctor! We're already losing her!" Nurse Redheart shrieks out.

Rainbow limps in, wailing loudly. "Help her please!" She sobs. "Don't let her die!"

"Miss Dash, what happened?!" Luna calls out, stepping to her. Blood trails from her own muzzle as she wearily looks at the cyan pegasus.

Rainbow sniffles and sobs, desperate as she watches the nurses roll her mare friend into a room quickly, others coming to her and inspecting the broken wings. The pegasus ignores the searing pain, her mind on Applejack. "The bugs! A few were in the restaurant AJ and I were having lunch at! They attacked and turned themselves into us! Then they exploded! The stupid waiter thought we were the changelings, and started attacking us! He hit AJ and hurt her! Her leg, it...it!" She starts to wail loudly, falling to her rump and burying her head in her hooves, sobbing and inconsolable.

Luna has a look of fierce determination upon her muzzle, turning and storming out of the hospital ward doors while the nurses are all busy with the other wounded. She has to get to Talon, she must protect her subjects. She closes her eyes and focuses her magic for a moment, sensing with her heart of where he is. She can feel the bauble with her mind, calling to her. The alicorn opens her eyes and gallops through the halls, racing to where the pilot is.

* * * * *

Talon breathes hard, running past building after building, disbelieving the carnage around him. Buildings everywhere are on fire, the once peaceful city now in flames from the attack. He curses loudly and runs, searching everywhere he can for any stray drones to kill.

Luna finds her way to him quickly galloping. She comes to his side and pants raggedly stopping. "Talon!" She calls out. "The elements! They've been--" She's cut off.

"I know Luna. I seen for myself. I'm looking for the others. Twilight is with the pink one and they're at the palace safe. I couldn't find Rarity or Flutters anywhere." He responds, coughing from the smoke. He hears a faint scream a short distance away, catching his attention. "This way!" He yells out, running in the direction.

Luna takes a deep gulp of air and gallops quickly after him, rushing to where she prays that the other two are. Hopefully in far better shape than the young farm pony was.

* * * * *

"Fluttershy! We have to get out of here darling!" Rarity screams out, dodging the falling burning debris all around her. The nearby window shatters from the heat of the flames licking the walls, causing her to jump in fright.

Fluttershy coughs, the smoke getting to her. The butter yellow pegasus crawls weakly, one of her hooves broken from bracing herself for impact against the wall she was sent into from the explosion. The fire is beginning to get out of control within the destroyed shop. The nearby racks full of fabric rolls suddenly catches fire, the plume of flame and heat knocking her down to the ground again.

"Ra--Rarity!" She coughs weakly. "Run! Save yourself and run away!" Fluttershy screams out, tears in her eyes. She struggles to her hooves to push forward. Her body is screaming pain within her, her side and belly bleeding heavily. Blood slowly flows out of the open wounds, trailing behind her onto the floor.

The white unicorn desperately looks around the burning room, seeing all of the exits and windows covered in a wall of fire. Panic begins to set in as she frantically searches for a way out. She gallops forward through the rising flames, leaping over a small work table on fire. She clears it safely, landing closely to the wounded pegasus. "No! I won't leave without you! I won't abandon you, dear!"

She alights her horn, lifting the butter yellow pegasus onto her back. She struggles under the added weight, coughing heavily from the smoke. It stings her eyes and nose, her lungs burning from it. The air around her is so thick with it, she can barely see a few feet in front of her muzzle despite the light from the fire and burning room.

Fluttershy loses consciousness upon Raritys back, falling limp as she hangs there. Rarity grits her teeth and desperately continues pushing forward, carefully side stepping what she can through her blurred vision. Her legs brush close against burning tables and small side fires within the shop, the searing pain of burning flesh ripping through her. She cries out in agony, but continues forward slowly.

"Hang in there darling! Just hang on!" Rarity cries out, craning her neck and glancing back at the passed out pegasus. "Fluttershy! Wake up! We're almost out of here!" She shrieks out. She turns her attention ahead again, seeing the doorway just ahead. As she steps forward again, a burning beam above her collapses, smacking her in the side and against a hot metal rack. She cries out in pain. She opens her eyes, still determined to save her friend.

She alights her horn desperately, grasping her butter yellow pegasus friend with all of her might within her magic, then tosses the unconscious mare out of the door and into the street, safely away from the fire. She gasps for breath and attempts to rise to her hooves again, determined to escape her fate.

The remainder of the column above her breaks free from its bonds, the edge landing upon her back and pinning her. The flames lick her flesh on her back and flank, the burning wood holding her down on her withers. She screams out in agony. The flames begin to singe and sear her fur and mane, the air being filled with the scent of burning flesh.

The pain is more than she can bare, her strength and life fading. She screws her eyes shut and cries out. She tries relighting her horn to move the debris pinning her down under its crushing weight, unable to make a field from her inability to focus.

Her eyes open as she hears a screeching sound just in front of her, praying it was one of her friends returning to rescue her. Her heart nearly stops within her barrel from what she sees. Standing over her with its fanged maw agape with a sardonic grin, was a drone.

* * * * *

Luna gallops beside the pilot, running to the sounds of the screaming. "We have to hurry mine flame!" She yells out, her eyes darting about as she sees various buildings on fire within her vision. Her heart is racing within her barrel as she runs harder than she ever has before.

"It came from this way!" He calls out in response, running to the sounds of screaming and panic. They come skidding to a stop in front of a shop, Fluttershy laying on her back in the open street. Her fur shows signs of scorching and soot, blood flowing out slowly from her sides and foreleg. He glances over her. "Luna, is she alive?!"

The midnight alicorn quickly scans her with her magic, then nods. "Yes, but barely. We have to get her to---" She's cut off as they hear another scream, the sounds of it loudly in the air nearby. Luna's blood runs cold. "There's some pony in there!" Her eyes wide in shock.

Talon looks through the fire, seeing movement and a black figure standing over a large section of wood. His eyes zero in on the movements, finally seeing a white hoof flailing wildly under the figure. He doesn't stop to think, just acts on instinct. He charges into the doorway, shielding himself with his arms as he leaps through the flames. His eyes go wide with shock, then narrow with anger as he finally registered whats going on.

Rarity is being mauled and attacked by a drone while pinned. Anger surges through his body as he charges forwards again, drawing back his fist and knocking the drone in the side of the head. He hits it so hard, the drones skull cracks wide open from the impact before it falls away and to the ground.

The screams have since gone quiet, only the sounds of the roaring fire around him, glass shattering and objects crashing to the ground. He coughs profusely, desperately searching the area around him for the now silent unicorn. There a few paces away in the smoke, he finds her.

The pilot rushes back over to the fallen beam, the flames licking at his body as he forces his way through the fallen and burning debris. He quickly grabs the beam on the bottom below the flames in an area just off of the unicorns side, straining with all of his might to lift and push it off of her. His face goes red, blood and power surge through his muscles as he fights with all of his strength to move the heavy ashen beam. It budges finally. With a mighty heave he pushes it back, casting it to the floor. Pain rips through his arms and legs from overexertion.

He picks up the limp body of the unicorn into his arms, cradling her there as he turns, looking for the exit. He can feel the warm flows of her blood seeping into his ruined fatigues. He coughs raggedly from the smoke, rushing back through the wall of flames and leaping through the door way again, crashing hard and rolling into the street with the lifeless body of Rarity in tow.

"Talon!" Luna calls out, rushing to him. He's coughing and wheezing from the exhaustion and smoke. No time to rest however. He gingerly rolls the unicorn on her back, feeling her bleeding throat for a pulse. He can't sense one. New problem; she's not breathing.

He quickly looks her over, noting the severe damage to her back and sides, the deep cuts on her muzzle and face, her throat and the deep slash upon her chest. Thinking quickly, he tilts the fashionistia's head back slightly and aligns her airway, before taking a deep breath and forcing his own air into her through her lips.

Luna's eyes open wide with shock, flabbergasted at watching this. "Mine flame! What are you doing?!" She asks, both surprised and confused. She watches as he continuously switches from what she thinks is a kiss to putting his ear to her chest, then pressing down on it several times and repeating the action. As she's storming to him, the unicorns eyes shoot open and she coughs loudly, gasping for breath as she comes to life and turns onto her side.

He stops administering CPR to her and leans back, giving her space. He coughs and turns to the midnight alicorn and points to Rarity weakly with his dirty and bloodied hands, then grins. "That."

Talon pants and rises to his feet again, then bends down and picks up the white unicorn in his arms once more. "Luna, we need to get these two to the palace medical bay as soon as we can. Pick up Fluttershy and lets go!" He calls out, turning and starting to run raggedly with her in his arms.

Luna nods, still unsure. She levitates the butter yellow pegasus onto her back, draping her like saddle bags and securing her within her magical grasp. She then gallops after the pilot, rushing back to the palace.

* * * * *

Twilight fires bolt after bolt at the changelings, fighting them back with the solar guards, two of the insects have gotten passed the security perimeter and are making a move onto the crippled warbird. Pinkie leaps around in fight, bucking and kicking wildly at the drones. She kicks one in the jaw and sends it into a nearby tree.

"Princess, fall back! Get out of here and leave these to us!" Captain Jolt Flash yells out. He clutches the spear in his hooves, charging forward with his wings wide open.

"Pinkie! Run!" Twilight yells out, firing another volley of magic at the drones. The bolts defect harmlessly off of their glossy black bodies, ricocheting against the palace walls and trees. The two drones come together in the center of the courtyard just past the taxi way of the grounds, both laughing loudly and chattering. Their horns begin to glow brightly.

Pinkie gallops as quickly as she can, her eyes wide with terror. "Twilight, lets get out of here!!" She screams. The ground is rocked with an explosion, opening a massive crater and smoke in the area where the drones once were. Jolt had tackled the alicorn to the ground, shielding her with his body as chunks of stone and earth fly their way, bouncing off of his armor.

When the two turn and watch the dust settle, they see a bottomless crater billowing smoke, and the palace guards and pink earth pony missing now. Twilight gasps in horror. "No....NO! PIIIIIINNNNKKKIIIIIEEEE!!!!!!"

When Love and Death Embrace; Sweet Sacrifice

Chapter 17: When Love and Death Embrace; Sweet Sacrifice

The night princess quietly sat in the grass, listening with the group of ponies outside in the courtyard to her elder sister speak. Tears stream down her muzzle and cheeks as she listens to each heart rending word.

"...To those families of the fallen heroes that fought so valiantly in the defense of Equestria. May you find peace in knowing they will be honored. We must work together to rebuild our lives. We must never forget their sacrifice to keep the freedom that we all share and love. It was their..."

She listens on, her sorrow within her eyes masked by the thin black veil covering most of her face as she sat mourning the fallen. Her every tear falling to the ground at her hooves as she weeps quietly. Many have fallen, too many to fathom.

"We will move forward, and rebuild. We will continue to push forward into a brighter future, to preserve the memory of our lost loved ones, of our heroes that gave their lives for us. We have a long journey ahead of us as we walk this path, hoof in hoof..."

The midnight alicorn weeps softly, watching through her tear filled eyes and grief stricken heart as the ponies all around lay flowers upon the banner of Equestria laid upon the ground. Her heart aches within her chest, her soul crying out in sorrow as her dreams were crushed only two moon rises ago.

Families of the Solar and Lunar stallions all wept together, laying the flowers upon the memorial set before them. The night princess watches as they all quietly say their goodbyes, slowly walking out through the palaces grand gates. The families able to better mourn their losses once their loved ones have been buried and placed within the cemetery near the outside of the city.

She watches after the last group leaves, her eyes falling upon the remaining ponies within the courtyard. She can see the bearers of harmony, minus Twilight and Pinkie before her. All weeping softly, sharing in some of her pain for their own heavy loss.

Celestia, also adorning a black dress and veil comes to her younger sisters side, all watching as three Lunar Stallions and three Solar Guard all walk slowly outside in two lines, carrying between them a new flag. The foreign banner of red, white and blue being carried very carefully and quietly to the grounds, a small black box with a charred and dimly glowing glass orb in its open center being carried upon it.

The guards come to a halt and lay the flag down, maintaining their positions as they stand quietly. The tears continue to flow, Luna's sobs and weeping growing slightly stronger as she gazes at the flag, her own heart wrenching and breaking even more.

"I never got a chance to go flying with him...I never had the chance to become a good friend to him. ...I only wish I could have done so, and experienced what it was like to be friends with some pony so awesome. He was brave, cool and fearless..." The cyan pegasus mare slowly said, gazing at the flag before her. She lays down a black rose upon its starred fabric, returning to her haunches as she fights back the tears.

A white unicorn mare with bandages upon her form, wearing a heavy black cloak steps forward, her voice a haunted hollow whisper. "He saved me...He saved us all. I had a chance to see for myself his kindness, his valiant heart. He was a true gentle colt, and a wonderful friend to have. ...he will be missed and cherished, and always remembered by this mare."

Luna's heart continues to crack and shear within her chest, she's unable to hold back the torrent of tears. She sniffles quietly, her eyes never leaving the flag and bauble as her body is wracked with sobs. It was because of her failure, she lost him.

It was because she couldn't sustain a field, she failed to catch him. When she needed him, he was always there. Her hero; her dark knight. She tortured herself over this, agonized that it was her fault. She questioned herself...was her love strong enough? Did she not care enough, to not fight harder?

She watches, the words muffled as the next two ponies laid down their roses upon the pilots banner. Her world fading within her vision. Her mind keeps repeating the memory of the crash within her, her sobs and cries intensifying.

Celestia wraps her elegant white wings around the smaller dark alicorn, holding her in a tight comforting embrace as tears flow from her own magenta orbs. The two collapse into each others hooves as they weep, the air filled with their heart rending cries of sorrow. The four mares outside with them also coming together to them, embracing them with their own hearts as the night alicorn grieves inconsolably.

Captain Jolt Flash turns and looks away from the mares, his gaze falling upon the wreckage. He was there that fateful night. He was there listening to the pilot from that room, he was there with the princess as she galloped outside to him. He was there to witness the crash, helpless to stop it. The stallion felt his own heart breaking within his barrel, grieving for the loss of his own friend. The memories flooding his mind.

* * * * *

Luna sits in wonder in the control center, listening intently with a soft smile upon her muzzle as she hears her flame speaking all around her. She's resting in the chair within the busy control center with her headset, watching the screen that shows a picture of her flame on a moving screen. She's in awe of the magic before her.

The pilot glances down at the screens of the warbirds cockpit, smiling at the small camera lense placed directly in the center of the flight controles. "You know, I swear this is just another way for you to have an electronic leash on me Luna." He says grinning, returning his focus back out of the canopy.

Luna tilts her head quizically at this, still smiling. "Don't blame me, mine flame. I just simply asked the engineer ponies if they could add a searching glass in so Tia could see us from this room."

"Right...leash." He says, grinning even wider. He pushes the throttle forward more, ignighting the afterburners. "What's my range to target?" He asks, looking over the unfamiliar maps on his screens.

She looks over the screens, a nearby mare wearing a similar headset seated next to her flipping through papers and then glancing up at Lunas screen also. "Commander, you should be passing over Ghastly Gorge soon. When you reach it, change to vector to 130 and head south east!"

Luna nods, swatting away the nurses trying to tend to her injuries in annoyance. "The parasites hive will be a large dilapidated castle, according to Dark Furys notes. Just use the weapon on it and return home quickly!" Luna says. She turns to the nurse and glares. "Away with thee!" She scowls.

The nurse quietly huffs and rolls her eyes, resuming her work and ignoring the princess. She keeps pressing with cleaning the alicorns wounds and bandaging her up.

Celestia walks into the bustling control center, her mane and tail having since returning to normal. Twilight is in the infirmary in surgery, the pushy pegasus doctor, Life Flight shooing her out of the medical ward. Celestia lets out a tired huff of air, her gaze falling upon her younger sister. "Report." She calls out.

Dusty Shine turns her attention to the alicorn princess, swallowing hard. "Prin--Princess Celestia!" The earth pony bows politely. "We're helping guide the commander to drop the weapon as per your orders, he is just now passing over Ghastly Gorge."

"I hear Sunny Butt. Is Twilight doing alright?" The pilot asks, his voice ringing over the intercoms of the room. Celestia smiles softly, stepping forward and walking to Luna's side. She looks at the screen and watches the pilot, taking interest in watching.

"I heard that." Celestia muses with a smile, leaning in close to Luna and speaking into the headsets microphone. "Twilight is in for surgery. Doctor Life Flight said he will do all he can, and update us as needed." She says, a tinge of sadness laced in the alicorns voice.

"I know you did. That's why I said it." She hears through the intercoms, watching the pilot grinning on the screen. Luna giggles at his comment.

"Mine flame, focus on this and return quickly! I wish you to be here with me again...I already miss you." Luna says with a soft smile. She sighs wearily, exhausted from everything. She knows there's much work to be done rebuilding the city, many many ponies coming to see her and her sister during noon and midnight courts to ask for relief. The faster she can get to bed with her flame and rest, the happier the dark alicorn will be.

Talon listens to the alicorn through the aircrafts communication system, smiling. "Same here. What's going on in Canterlot right now?" He asks while looking over the flight clusters. His gaze focused on the sweeping needle of the radar, still turning up no results.

'The Crystal ponies and Dragon Nation allies are helping outside of the palace right now to search for anymore of the parasite throughout the city. Our last reports were that there were none so far. We are also seeing to recovery efforts of any wounded. The medical facilities of both the city and the palace are both to capacity with wounded.' He hears from Celestia over the radio.

The pilot nods. He looks out of the canopy, seeing the sea of black below him as he flies over the equestrian landscape. He sighs heavily. "Sunny Butt, if this map is right, the weapon may damage or destroy Appleloosa and Dodge City. Have you sent word to evacuate those areas yet?"

There's a silence over the aircrafts radio for a moment, before Celestia speaks. Her voice seems strained and hesitant. 'I was already informed those citys were taken over by the parasite. Even if there are ponies left alive there, warning them would only alert Chrysalis that we are putting an end to this. With any amount of luck, they'll be alright.'

He grips the flight stick harder in his hand. "I'm not ok with that decision...but I understand. I will continue to prosocute the mission. I'm close to entering the mission window, switching to full stealth egress, swarm logic."

The voice of dusty shine speaks up. 'Rodger Talon-One. Confirmed stealth egress. Proceed to mission window and commence attack.' He pulls the aircraft into a vertical climb and closes the canards, climbing high above the clouds. He begins to enter the arming sequence for the nuclear missile.

* * * * *

He's in flight for another twenty minutes, the radio silent as he comes closer to the badlands. He feels uneasy, his heart heavy as he goes over everything in his mind. The grand battle, the invasion, the thoughts haunting him about what he was going to do. In truth, he wished deep inside his own heart that it never came to this. Weapons such as these shouldn't have ever been needed. But at the same time...they were a necessary evil. In this case, necessary to eliminate this evil. Once and for all.

As he's looking over the screens and watching for any signs on the radar, he hears a new voice speaking within the cockpit. This one...he didn't know. "Oh you humans are so fun. Always with your big toys. Always with your big, annoying, noisey toys. It's adorable, really."

Talon turns his head, looking behind him to the empty co pilots seat. He feverishly scans with his eyes, searching for the voice. "Who the hell said that?!" He asks quietly, his question going through his headset.

'Who said what, mine flame?' Luna asks over the radio, her attention now turned to the screen before her in the control center. She watches curiously at the image of the screen as the pilot looks around within the cockpit, a worried look on her muzzle.

"Your emo filly princess and the others can't hear me. And you won't find me. But good luck on looking anyway." The voice mockingly says, sounding bored. Talon swallows hard, looking ahead. He can hear Luna repeat her question again.

'Mine flame? Who are you speaking to? We didn't say anything.' He hears her through the radio. He glances around and then out of the canopy searching the star lit skies above and around him. He sees nothing. He quickly looks to the screens, checking for another active radio frequency. Nothing.

"You know. You've been a certifiable pain in my duff, human. How you and your pet princess have been screwing up my plans at every turn, I have no idea. I think it's time I deal with you directly. Even if you are doing me a favor and killing off my pawn anyway. It does save me the trouble later on." The voice speaks again. He can hear it clearly in his ears, and all around him within the cockpit.

"Why don't you show yourself then? I'll take great pleasure in blowing your ass out of the sky." Talon says through gritted teeth as he looks around. "I figured the bug didn't act alone in this insanity."

"You're smarter than you look. Not bad for a Godless savage monkey. Ho hum...This seems to be too boring. Now you're going to entertain me. Let's see how you do against something a bit more chaotic than a dragon." The voice sinister, growls out at him.

'Talon! Who are you speaking to?! What in my mothers name is going on up there?!' Celestia says through the radio, her voice showing signs of panic. 'Commander, respond!'

The pilot ignores the alicorns, looking around the canopy for the source of the voice. "Show yourself you little shit! You want a dogfight, lets go!" He seethes out, switching over the flight weapons control to missiles.

"Oh now there's an idea. A dog fight you say? Well then I'll give you just that. It'll be that much more fun watching you struggle against something that can out fly you!" The voice mocks, a wicked glee within its tone.

Bogie Alert. Bogie Alert. The computer chirps out. The screen switched to the radar, the sweeping needle coming up with three blips off near the edge of the map. An indicator light turns on, the screen once again switching. Warning. Missile Launch. Missile Launch.

"Control, my stealth is compromised, unidentified contacts, I must engage!" He calls out, panicked. He locks onto the missile and pulls the trigger. The forward weapons rack rolls out from the now opened bay doors from the warbirds belly, a sidewinder missile armed. It deploys and screams forward, impacting the missile head on. It alights the night sky, showing the visage of the incoming aircraft to him.

"Control, I have no idea how, but identified three Russian SU-37 Terminators! Repeat, Identified three Russian SU-37 Terminators. They have engaged me!" He pulls the aircraft hard, blading the wings between them as he passes right inbetween two of the oncoming enemy aircraft. He looks out of the canopy as he passes by, seeing them in a blink. The enemy fighters cockpits are empty.

Warning. Hostile Six- o clock. Warning. Hostile- Six o clock. The computer chirps, the warning tone of a missile lock blaring loudly. He pulls the aircrafts nose hard into a steep climb, ignighting the after burners as the aircraft continue to persue him. He twists and turns into the clouds, desperately trying to get away from the ghost driven war machines.

Celestia and Luna watch in fright, seeing the pilots terror filled expression. They check the other monitors around them, the screens reflecting exactly what the aircrafts computers are showing. Luna opens her eyes in horror. "What in Tatarus are other machines doing here?! How did they appear from thin air?!"

"Talon, get out of there! Abort and get away! Abort the mission!" Celestia cries out, her own eyes wide with terror. They watch helplessly from the control center as the air battle begins to unfold, the warbird twisting and turning to avoid the other unknown aircraft.

Missile Launch. Missile Launch. The computer chirps to the pilot. He turns and looks out of the canopy as the all three of the other aircraft pursuing him are behind the warbird, closing rapidly. He sees the missile incoming.

"Releasing Chaff and Flares!" He bites out, hitting the buttons for the Electronic Counter Measures. The aircraft rolls into a dive, dropping out hundreds of flares and chaff packets as it does, the missile deflecting and detonating a short distance away from the pilot and war machine. He pushes the throttle more, attempting to outrun the threat in his dive.

The pursuing enemy war machines continue to gain on his tail, flying perfectly controlled, as if the ghosts piloting them were expert pilots. The closest flanking Terminator begins to fire its forward guns, the streams of bullets whizzing by the warbirds canopy and body in bright golden death ribbons.

He pushes the throttle forward more, closing the canards and wings whilst evading the torrent of bullets. Somehow the Terminators are able to keep up, even against his superior aircraft. He swallows hard and forces the warbird into a turn, stomping on the rudder pedals and pulling hard on the ailerons controls. The first flanking Terminator shoots by the nose as he seemingly swivels in mid air, firing his own forward guns and cutting off the wing of the ghost aircraft as it passes.

The first enemy aircraft explodes, its wing shearing off and tumbling away from it as the remaining craft plummets to the Equestrian landscape in a massive fireball. Talon reignited the afterburners and rockets forward in the air, attempting to flee from the fight.

Warning. Missile Lock. Missile Lock. The computer chirps again. He looks behind him through the canopy, seeing the the two remaining Terminators still on his tail. They're so close, he can make out the numbers and markings for its nose detail.

Talon pulls hard back on the flight stick, putting the warbird into a straight vertical climb while ripping back on the throttle. The engines power down, their power cut back to virtually nothing for a moment. The aircraft continues to pitch backwards, the warbird flipping in place as the two pursuing birds rocket past him in his forced stall.

In the split seconds that the war machine was in its stall, he forces the throttle forward once more, now the tables turned on the ghost machines before him. The furthest one banks hard and turns into the clouds, the second remains far in front as he gains on it. He pulls the trigger again, unleashing a torrent of bullets upon the Terminator.

The bullets slice right through its thin aero-elastic skin, cutting from tail section straight to its intake before the wing. He's cleaved it in two with the rain of bullets from his own warbird. He watches as he zips by it, seeing the wing fall away from its fuselage then exploding violently in a flash that once again alights the night sky for a moment.

He banks hard and rolls into a dive, making a run for the clouds for visual cover. As the nose of the warbird begins to turn and fall, he heard the loud buzzing from forward gunfire. The warbird pitches violently from being struck, the bullets sailing through the body and wing of his own aircraft.

The warbird shudders for a moment, its slower speed allowing the final Terminator to zip past him as he continues the roll into the clouds. He looks out of the canopy for it, desperately searching for his would be reaper. One of the engines begins to howl and whine loudly into the cockpit, before spinning down all together.

"Control, Port engine losing power, I'm still engaging over Macintosh Hills!" He calls out into the headset. He begins to make for the equestrian floor, pitching the nose straight to the ground and rolling hills below him.

The afterburners glow brightly behind him, one a beautiful focused blue fire jet, the other sputtering and flickering as he increases power, the canards redeploying open as he falls into the dive. The enemy aircraft falling in right behind the pilot and warbird, firing its forward guns again.

The bullets rip through the air, every single one missing as he twists and turns quickly, rolling the aircraft hard through the maneuvers. He continues racing down for the canyons and valleys of the mountain range below, pulling dangerously close to the cliff sides as he races by them in a blur, the enemy aircraft hot on his tail.

He leads it through the canyons area and high cliffs, the plateaus and valleys at high speed, dodging and turning as quickly as he can, going almost supersonic as he does. The enemy aircraft continues to follow, expertly chasing him through every turn.

An explosion rocks the warbird for a moment, the terminator firing off another missile and missing, the missile smacking into a cliff side and not its destined target. He continues to push his aircraft more.

In the control center, every pony watching the images on their screens being projected from the war machines forward nose camera, stares wide eyed and on the edge of their seats. Luna, Celestia and Dusty Shine all sit with their jaws agape, seeing the dizzying scene before them. The whole room is quiet, no pony dare making a sound as they watch, helpless to do anything but watch the stomach turning flight.

"How can any pony fly so quickly and not crash?!" Dusty shine asks, her eyes as wide as dinner plates as she shakes her head slowly in shock. Luna keeps her jade orbs glued on the screen before her, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Because he's mine flame. That's why." She says shakily. She winces when she sees a cliff edge come close to the camera. "Kick his flank Talon!"

He hears the alicorn cheer him on through the headset within his flight helmet, a smirk coming to his lips as he does. Up ahead he can see where the canyon ends in a sharp turn, giving him an idea. He pushes the throttle ahead more, racing even faster into the sharp hairpin turns around the rocky faces of the canyon walls.

The missile rack rolls out from under the warbird once more, turning and releasing the last missile. The missile rockets forward in its deployment, screaming into the cliff side directly ahead. He waits until the last possible second and pulls hard on the flight stick, bringing the damaged warbird into a climb.

The belly scrapes gently against the top edge of the cliffs, knocking away a brush as it passes and uprooting it. The missile detonation and explosion throws out a massive concussive shock wave, scattering rocks, dirt and debris along with the fireball. The Terminator doesn't turn fast enough, and crashes into the unforgiving rock wall.

Talon rolls the aircraft into a spiral, spinning wildly twice before pulling hard into another climb, taking visual cover in the clouds. He turns the aircraft and circles the area for a few moments, his radar checking for more possible hostiles.

All Hostile Targets Eliminated. Caution: Aileron Failure on Port Canard. Starboard Wing Malfunction. The computer chirps. The aircraft rocks gently in the air, causing him to look out of the canopy to the wing. In his field of vision, he can see the damaged ailerons and flaps vibrating from the wind, the vertical stabilizer along the right side shaking slightly.

"Control...all hostiles eliminated. Repeat, all hostiles have been shot down." He breathes out into his headset, panting raggedly from the adrenilen and rush. He can hear them all cheering wildly through the warbirds communications system.

'Commander, abort the mission and return to the palace. We will send forces to deal with Chrysalis. If you can't return, find a safe place to land and we will come get you.' He hears the regal white alicorn speaking, her voice sounding heavy with relief and out of breath.

"Negative control. Talon one will prosocute mission. Mission critical! I will continue to persue targets!" He says, turning the warbird back on course. The aircraft shudders again, bobbing slightly. The ailerons appear to be becoming worse.

'Mine flame! Listen to my sister and return! We will hunt the parasite down together and finish this! Your machine is damaged!' He hears Lunas strained and meek voice come through the radio next, the alicorn attempting to convince him.

"Negative, Luna. I am in the mission window and continuing the strike mission. I can make it, trust me!" He says calmly, but firm. "It's time we put an end to this before they can return with more forces. I'm almost there!"

The radio is silent for a few agonizing moments as he looks around, searching out of the canopy for the source of the voice he heard earlier. The radio crackles for a moment, before the mare Dusty Shine speaks up. 'Talon One, what is your current status?'

His eyes trace the flight controls for a moment, looking over everything. He breathes out slowly, catching his breath and his own heart rate slowing down. "I'm a little low on fuel. Flight seems compromised, the bird feels sluggish." Another shudder, followed by the sound of metal twisting and groaning under stress fills the cockpit.

"If these readings are right, I should only be one hundred and twenty miles from target. I'm sure I have enough remaining fuel to deliver the payload and escape. I can launch at thirty miles safely." He says. The flight stick jerks in his hand a bit, twitching. The shaking begins to become more apparent. He backs off of the throttle slightly, coming to a cruising speed.

In the control room of the palace, Luna fidgits uncomfortably in her seat, soft shallow breaths coming from her. She dosen't know what to say or do, as she helplessly listens to the sounds her ears are picking up. She can hear the faint sound of metal under tension within the radio.

Celestia sighs, nodding slowly as she watches the feed upon the screen, her magenta orbs silently tracing the commanders expressions and movements. She takes in a soft breath, then speaks. "Very well...then commence the attack. Put an end to this."

Luna looks up, her worried gaze staring solidly at her elder sister. "But Tia! Didn't you hear what he---" she's cut off, Celestia silencing her protests with a soft gentle hoof upon her sisters withers.

"If he says he can make it lulu, then he'll make it. This is his strike mission now. We can't do anything from here. Let's believe in him with all of our hearts, and let him finish this fight once and for all. It's time we have our peaceful lives returned to us, my dear sister."

Celestias voice is calm and soothing to the midnight princess, eliciting a small nod from the younger alicorn. She sighs and turns her attention back to the screen, watching the aircrafts cockpit shudder slightly again; hearing the sounds of the metal groan more.

"...Commence attack, mine flame. Send the parasite into the depths of Hell." She says slowly, her gaze and features steeling as she believes with her heart in her flame. She nods and closes her eyes, drawing a soft breath. "Commence attack."

'Commence attack.' He hears the night princess order in his headset. He nods, glancing out of the canopy again at the wing. It twitches in his vision, the wing seemingly doing small, quick jerking motions, as if it was attempting to close of its own violation.

He pulls higher into a climb, coming to the empty and starlit jeweled tapestry that is the night sky. The aircraft gleams in the moonlight above the clouds, the area appearing peaceful and serene as he watches out of the canopy. "Switching back to full stealth egress, tactical music is on."

'Operator to Talon One, we read loud and clear. Good luck, Commander.' Dusty shine calmly states into the radio. He nods, continuing forward as he throttles up slightly more. He banks and rolls the warbird gently, far below he can see some faint lights aglow from buildings on fire. The map identifies it as the town of Appleloosa. He finishes correcting course, flying slowly overhead of the mountain range of Macintosh Hills. The downed Terminator still on fire against the rocky face of the cliff side.

Minutes pass quietly inside of the cockpit, the aircraft occasionally shuddering and groaning. The flight control becomes slightly less stable, forcing him to correct the wing alignment with the horizon every now and then.

Ahead in the distance, he can see the dark shadowing of a large structure in the moonlight. The cameras zoom ahead and focus upon it. It's a large black castle like structure apparently made from stone, sand and steel. The cameras switch to inferred and highlight it, the targeting scanners showing it in great detail.

"That must be it..." He whispers into the headset. "Target sighted, beginning arming sequence now. Weapons hot for nuclear detonation." He speaks up, steeling his resolve as he enters in the arming sequence on the controls.

The aircraft jerks violently, turning hard into a tailspin as it's impacted. The view violently changes as he begins to plummet from the sky. Alarms sound loudly in the cockpit, the tail section of the warbird turning to the ground.

He quickly turns in his pilots seat looking back, seeing a shadowed figure with glowing red orbs attached to the dorsal section, its claws digging into the warbirds skin. "THE FUCK IS THAT?!" He shouts. He quickly pushes the throttle forward to its limits, jerking hard on the flight stick to knock the creature off.

"You didn't think I'd go away so easily, did you?!" He hears the voice again, this time coming from outside of the aircraft. The engines power up and howl loudly, the scram jets being pushed to their limits. The bird violently spins in its tailspin, the ground coming closer and closer.

"Get off! Get off! Get off!!!" Talon yells out, pulling hard on the flight stick. The canards and wings begin to close quickly as he rolls, knocking the figure back further and to the engines hot exhaust. It screams out a loud pained scream before releasing its claws from the vertical stave, then falling away.

The pilot fights with the flight controls, desperately trying to power out of the flat spin. He flips every switch and nob he can think of, pushing out the flaps and opening the wings and canards, trying to generate lift desperately.

Warning. Eject. Warning. Eject. The computer chirps, alarms screeching loudly within the cockpit. The engines begin to flicker and die out from the lack of airflow into them, the scram jets sputtering, then howling loudly, then sputtering again.

Every pony in the control center watches in horror, their eyes wide with shock and their hearts racing within their barrels. All around them they can hear the sirens and alarms from the cockpit, listening to the pilots terrified shouts and curses. He's almost to the ground now.

The engines finally power back up to full burner, the port engine firing up powerfully as they howl and screech. Twin focused jets of blue fire roar and blaze out, powering the aircraft ahead moments before impact. The warbird lurches and twists in flight, screaming ahead back into the clouds. Talon looks out of the canopy searching for the strange figure with the red glowing eyes. The chaotic mismatch of every creature he could think of.

He spots it, racing back up to the aircraft from the ground at an amazing speed. Launch. Launch. Launch. The computer chirps, signalling he was finally within range. He flips the arming switch and opens the weapons bay doors, grinning maliciously at the figure approaching. "BURN YOU SON OF A BITCH!" He shouts out, releasing the missile.

The nuclear cruise missile drops slowly out of the rear weapons bay, its long sleek case gleaming in the moonlight. Two sets of slotted wings spring out from its casing as the rocket fires, propelling it forward at blinding speed. The warhead impacts the shadowed figure as the warbird turns away from the launch, its afterburners lit and canards closing as it races away.

The figure screams out loudly, the ground and air seemingly trembling from its concussive howl. The missile continues powering forward, racing to its target. No matter how hard the shadowed figure fights, it couldn't push itself off of the powerful weapon rushing ahead to the changeling hive.

Chrysalis hears the sounds, feeling the ground seemingly shake under her holed and bloodied hooves. She limps to the opening of the throne room, her eyes tracing the incoming glow far above her. Her mind races, processing what it could be as she looks at it.

Drones from within the hive all hear the sound, curious themselves as to what it could be. They creep and crawl, coming out from windows, nooks and crevices to watch with their queen. The entire hive buzzing with chatter. As the glow becomes bigger and closer, Chrysalis figures out what it is.

The missile impacts into the structure, detonating with a blinding flash and powerful explosion, its mushroom cloud of death and destruction forming and rising high above the clouds into the atmosphere. All around it, a tidal wave of fire hundreds of feet high shoots out in all directions obliterating everything within its path. There was no time to speak, to scream, to breathe. It decimated everything, reducing it to ash.

The shock wave races forward in all directions, the ground shaking and splitting, rupturing and caving all around the badlands, forming a massive ever growing crater of fire. The wave races forward, chasing the warbird as it pushes.

The drones within Appleoosa and Dodge city shudder and fall over dead where they stood, the shock from the collapse of the hive mind destroying their brains and bodies. Ponies remaining alive within the cities of Apploosa and Dodge city all feel the ground tremble beneath them for a moment, their heads turning to the flash of light racing to them. Before they could turn to run or hide, the wave reached them. The powerful winds and tidal wave of fire rushing over the towns and sweeping them aside, wiped from existence forever.

The warbird rushes in supersonic, attempting to out run the blast. The canards closed and afterburners going full out. In the control center the ponies all hear the computer chirping, the alicorns attention turned to the windows. From their vantage point within the palace, they can see the mushroom cloud from the explosion fill the night sky. The cloud of death.

Celestias heart seemingly stops within her barrel, her eyes and jaw wide from complete and utter shock. Luna stares onward, her gaze cold and fierce, unrelenting as she watches it devastate the badlands.

"Lulu...what have we done..." Celestia asks, her mind blank. She stares and watches as the cloud of fire climbs higher into the heavens, the white fluffy clouds around the area all being blown away in an ever widening circle. Moments pass, they hear the faint sound of the explosion ring in the air, the ground trembling slightly beneath their hooves. They watch as the shock-wave and fire disperses, its devastation complete.

* * * * *

He escaped the blast, bringing the aircraft into a slower cruise high above the clouds on his return path. The computer chirps. Alert Alert- Low Fuel. Low Fuel. He glances at the gauges, throttleing back more. "Hush...stay with me big girl." He says, patting the dash of the cockpit controls. "We'll make it back."

'Operator to Talon.' He hears come in over the radio. He flicks on the warbirds communications again, while watching the instraments. The aircraft shudders slightly for a moment, the sounds of metal groaning becoming louder and more apparent.

"Go for Talon." He replies quickly. "Confirmed target destruction, one hundred over one hundred. I am bound for Canterlot, my ETA is roughly two-five minutes." He says, glancing back out of the canopy again.

Dusty shine licks her lips, looking over her papers that one of the solar guards had brought. She turns her attention back to the screen before her. "We can confirm target destruction, commander. The runway is not finished being cleared, you're going to have to put down again on the taxi way, Commander. Crystal ponies as well as every available unicorn in the city is being mustered to come assist your landing. "

There's a silence within the control center, every pony watching sees the pilot looking in several areas of the cockpit, before turning his attention back to the canopy again. The aircraft shudders more, the groaning sounds louder and more frequent now.

'Confirm, control. My fuel is currently low, requesting a divert to a closer landing strip, with evac from waiting pegasus transport.' They hear the pilot respond. Several ponies in the control center feverishly look over papers, searching for a safe landing zone.

"Negative, Commander. The flightlines in Ponyville and Baltimare have been reported as damaged from various fights that occured there during the initial invasion. Canterlot is your only safe cleared landing zone." The earth pony mare comments, sighing heavily. "Do you have enough fuel to make it back?"

Talon looks over his flight clusters, thinking for a moment. He lowers the air speed a bit more, the canards and wings open to help extend the flight. "I believe I might. Though it's going to be close. Scramble everyone outside. I may need assistance landing." The aircraft shudders and bobs again, rocking a bit more roughly.

The alerion begins to shake and vibrate more, coming undone from its bindings. A portion of the outer skin on the wing flips off, dropping away behind the damaged war machine. It rocks more pronounced now. The vertical stave begins to vibrate and shudder more, the rudder control becoming almost non functional.

In the distance, he can see Canterlot coming into view, the faint glow of fires still alight, lights from windows and buidings showing faintly in the night sky. He smiles softly, looking at his home through the canopy glass. Despite everything that has happened, he knows in his heart now there will be peace. There will be another sunrise. The threat is gone now. Leaving only a quiet life of helping his alicorn.

Luna sits in her seat, uneasy. Her heart thumps loudly within her barrel, a sensation of dread washing over her. She watches the screens quietly, listening to everything around her. Yet hope fills her. Her flame, her love is returning home. It's been a long and busy day, a long and horrible night. The sun is due to rise in less than an hour, her mind and body exhausted.

The alicorn smiles gently, watching the screens as thoughts pass through her mind. Minutes from now, her flame will return home. He'll be safely within her hooves and feathered embrace. Soon, she can lay beside him and nuzzle into him. The war over, and only peaceful times to come. The parasite gone forever.

Luna looks up when she hears alarms screeching around her, a new sound ringing over the palace intercoms. Her heart almost stops within her at what she hears. Her eyes wide and mind blank.

Danger. Port Canard Malfunction. Starboard Wing Inoperative. Danger. The aileron tears from the wing, dropping behind the aircraft quickly. Talon in a split second decision throttles up and forces the warbird to race ahead, quickly gaining altitude. "Mayday Mayday! I have lost flight stability!" The aircraft shudders violently and begins to twist in air on its own violation, slowly spiraling ahead. Out of the torn skin of the aircrafts wings a hose ruptures, the fluid igniting and shooting out a plume of flame and smoke. The fluid sprays all over the dorsal section of the craft, coating everything it touches then erupting into fire.

The palace quickly comes into view as the aircraft sways and dips violently, the flight becoming more erratic and dangerous. Another loud screech and groan, more metal vibrating and tearing, twisting and warping. The aircraft jerks violently and pitches down, the remaining aileron on the port canard shearing off, the open wound of the warbird sparking and erupting into flame.

Luna scrambles to her hooves, bolting out of the control center to outside, blowing past ponies and guards as she gallops, racing to the steps. "Hang on!! I'm coming!!" She shouts, rushing outside. She can see the aircrafts glow coming in closer as she bursts out of the doors.

Alarms scream within the cockpit as he desperately fights to keep the aircraft aloft. All around him warnings blare and screech. The aircraft shudders hard as he banks into a turn, preparing to try and land into the open courtyard of the palace. The flight stick jerks violently in his hands, one of the vertical stabilizers shearing off from the damage to the war machine.

"Mayday Mayday! Control! Flight controls unresponsive from damage! I'm coming in hot!" He calls out into the headset within his flight helmet. He spots the midnight alicorn on the ground below galloping quickly out of the front doors and down the steps of the palace.

Luna looks up in horror, her eyes wide with fright. She can see the aircrafts wings and tail section on fire and billowing out a massive trail of black smoke. She watches helplessly as it rocks and sways in the air, dipping and bobbing aimlessly. "Talon!!" She screams out, breaking into a full sprint and turning, trying to race ahead of the incoming craft.

'Must go faster! Must go faster!! I must catch him!!!' Her mind races. She desperately alights her horn, it flickering and shorting out from her low state of energy. 'Oh no! Work please!! WORK DAMN YOU!' Her mind screams as she frantically tries to form her levitation spell.

The aircraft sways violently, the fire spreading further and shooting out from the ruptured fuel lines. The flames continue to creep closer to the fusalage in flight. The forward canards above the wings begin to fail of their own violation. Warning. Hydraulic Failure. Fire Suppression Systems Malfunction. The aircrafts computer chirps out as another red light indicator lights up, more screaming of the alarms.

The alicorn sees the aircraft coming quickly closer to the castle, its course bound for the courtyard and gardens. 'He can't land! I have to catch him! Talon...Hang on!' She gallops, pushing her body harder than she's ever pushed herself in her life. She pulls her wings tightly against her to reduce drag and increase her speed. The aircraft is almost to her now.

Celestia rushes from the control center through the grand halls, dodging ponies every which way, leaping over wounded ones in her path. She pants raggedly, her heart pounding with her barrel, blood roaring in her ears. "MOVE! EVERY PONY MOVE! " She shouts, racing to the gardens. 'Mother please! Help him land safely!!!' Her own thoughts racing through her mind. She reaches the ball room doors, barreling through them and tearing the heavy oak doors off of the hinges to get through. She stumbles for a moment then races forward trying to get outside.

He smashes the button on the console for the landing gear to lower, a new warning popping up on the screen. The aircraft's gear won't come out, the hydraulic systems non responsive. His eyes go wide as he sees the ground coming closer and closer.

The aircraft is so close to her she can feel the heat from the flames upon her fur. She gasps for air and keeps galloping, her star field mane and tail trailing violently behind her. Her horn finally alights and fires off her spell, encasing the war bird in its gentle dark blue glow. 'I have him!' She plants her hooves forward, desperately trying to skid to a stop.

The force of the war bird proves to be too much for her, the movement too fast. Her magic flickers and dies, the machine ripping right through her field and not slowing for even a moment. Her eyes shoot wide with terror as she sees her worst fears before her. Its course is now changed for the cliff behind the gardens.

As the aircraft pitches violently and turns hard in air above the midnight alicorn, he sees the open grounds suddenly shift to the hard jagged rocks of the mountain side. He knows then, its over. He reaches down quickly and pulls the handle below his pilots seat and rips on it. Nothing. He glances up seeing the cold stony cliffs fill his vision out of the canopy, and simply closes his eyes. 'Goodbye, Angel...'

Her heart stops within her chest at what she sees next. The nose of the aircraft contacts the rocks first, crumpling and crushing unto itself. She watches in sheer terror and shock, her mind going blank as time almost seems to slow down, forcing her to experience every agonizing millisecond of her greatest nightmare. The canopy glass shatters as the aircraft continues to drive into the mountainside, the fuselage folding ever so slowly over it.

The wings splinter and crumple, shear and tear as the rest of the aircraft follows behind it, the engines still powering ahead and driving it forward, then alight in a massive shock wave following the explosion. She's blown backward from the force of it, sent tumbling end over end as time seems to catch up.

The white alicorn comes to a screeching halt, her own heart suddenly stopping within her as the aircraft crosses her vision in a trail of flames, then collides explosively with the hard unforgiving mountain side. She gasps right as the explosion occurs, not even able to react in time and shield herself from the flash.

Luna looks up from her laying position from the ground, disbelieving what shes seeing. The aircraft's twisted and burning wreckage slowly falls to the ground. She sees the burning and hollowed out fuselage fall, coming crashing down to the ground in a wall of intense flames. Her eyes shrink to pinpricks as she scrambles to her hooves, screaming out his name. Tears flow freely from her as she rushes into the fires for him.

Celestia gallops in catching her younger sister and dragging the wailing and screaming alicorn out of the fire, desperately trying to console her as they fall to the ground. She can see her sisters wings are blackened, the once beautiful silken blue feathers burned and marred from the inferno that was once the mighty machine. Luna fights her, kicking and flailing, trying to get to the remains of the aircraft. She screams out in agony, tears streaming from her eyes as the air is filled with grief stricken howls of anguish and sorrow.

Within the palace over the intercoms from the control center, every pony listening hears the shaken and sobbing voice of the mare Dusty Shine. "Talon one has crashed..." The voice is shaken beyond belief, barely able to form a complete sentence between breaths. "Talon one...has..crashed!"

* * * * *

"Luna?" Celestia gently nuzzles the midnight alicorns side. "Lulu...sweetie." she sighs, wrapping her elegant white wing around the night princess. Her magenta orbs trace the roses laid upon the banner, her heart heavy for her younger sisters loss.

"Why...Tia?" Luna croaks out in a shallow whisper. "Why...I just...I.." She sniffles, tears still streaming down her cheeks. "I tried...I so desperately tried...why did I have to lose mine love...?"

Celestia nickers softly, her head hanging low. "You did everything you could lulu...we both did." She sighs softly, tightening her hold upon her younger sister. "All we can do now is move on and remember him in our hearts...I too feel your anguish my dear sister."

The regal white alicorn looks up, turning her head to the wreckage of the aircraft scattered a short distance away. Her heart aches for her sister. It aches for losing a dear friend. "He would want you to move forward lulu...I won't take away your right to grieve for him...but you must continue to move forward my sister."

Luna fights back the sobs wracking her body, her heart completely broken within her chest. She feels numb and distant, lifeless and hallow. "Without him...there is no tomorrow. There is no moon rise, no reason to continue...All is lost, mine sister..." She whispers, screwing her eyes shut.

"They always said 'Tomorrow Never Dies', princess." A voice says behind the two alicorns. Celestia turns her head, her gaze falling upon the owner of it. She sees a unicorn stallion with a dark brown coat and black mane step forward from the brush, his red eyes locking onto hers. Upon his flank is a symbol Celestia doesn't recognize, a sideways figure eight. "And you have no right or reason to cry."

Celestias eyes flash with anger for a moment, her own magenta orbs flickering to draconic slits. "Who are you? And what right do you have to intrude upon her right to mourn?!" Celestia hotly declares, her emotions flaring through her calm regal mask.

The red eyed stallion looks at his hoof, appearing bored. "Some pony who has something important to mention to the overly emotional filly there. Perhaps a way to bring back your pet."

Luna's eyes shoot open, her tears slowing down. Her breath catches within her throat. Celestia steps forward with a low growl. "You have about three seconds to leave before I---" She's cut off, Luna placing a gentle hoof upon her muzzle. The night alicorn turns, her watery jade eyes focused intently upon the unknown pony before her.

"You...you can bring him back?" Luna asks, hope building within her. She rises to her hooves and shakily steps forward, her gaze narrowed through her veil. "Speak! What magic is it that you possess for this?! Anything you desire will be yours! Name it!" She weakly cries out.

The stallions eyes flash, a smug smirk crossing his muzzle. "Then follow me...there's a cave above the cliffs here that contains an ancient and powerful magic, that predates even you two. I'll take you there."

* * * * *

The two alicorns walk slowly behind the unicorn stallion, following him up the long trail into the mountain pass above the castle. Celestia is silently watching him, the gears in her mind turning as she attempts to figure out his identity.

"Why won't you tell us thy name, kind stallion? How did you find this magic thou speakist of?" Luna asks, hope still filling her heart. She adorns a soft smile as she trots behind him, completely oblivious to her elder sisters concern.

"My name is unimportant, princess. As for what I want in return...well that will become obvious once we get there. Believe me when I say that this will be for my benefit as much as yours. You'll get your dashing stallion with black wings as soon as we get there to the wishing stone." The red eyed unicorn says calmly, his voice low and gruff.

"Whatever it is you wish, I will see to it personally that thou receives it. If it's bits, I shalt keep you in more wealth than thy can spend in a lifetime. If it's power, we shalt grant the a prince position. Luck would have it a spot just opened..." Luna trails off, keeping pace with the mysterious stallion.

The red eyed unicorn adorns a smug smirk upon his muzzle, seeing the opening of the cave they're heading to come into view just ahead. "Oh, it's neither of those, I can assure you." He says in a sing song voice. "All I'm after is a small trinket really, something that probably won't even be missed by any pony. Just a small relic of a treasure, that has long since been ignored by any pony."

Luna tilts her head quizzically at his cryptic response, but shakes it off. "Ah! Then thou art a treasure hunter I see? Like the mare Daring Doo? I'll be sure that whatever maps thou wishes are provided from the royal library then!" Luna says, nodding furiously. "If mine flame can truly be brought back to life, then I will be sure you are paid in full."

Celestia bites her lower lip, listening intently to the conversation as she walks behind her younger sister on the narrow pass. 'Luna...this seems off. Something about this pony seems familiar...and in a very bad way.' The white alicorn thinks to herself.

They reach the mouth of the dark cave, the red eyed unicorn stopping at its entrance. "Just inside princesses. You'll find the stone just inside of the cave to the back." He says, grinning a wide toothy grin. The two alicorn sisters don't notice the small single fang hanging out of the brown stallions maw.

Celestia steps forward first, scanning the interior with her magic, her magenta orbs tracing the darkness and shadows within the cave. "This looks a lot like the cavern Luna and I were in as filly's, before the reign of Discord centuries ago..." She says quietly, unpleasant memories flooding her mind of those lonely and dark times, when it was difficult to find food, let alone make a friend.

"Please Tia, don't mention that monsters name." Luna gags slightly at the thought of the demons mention. "He caused so much trouble...that mismatch of a cur." Luna sighs out, stepping into the cavern first. She alights her horn and casts out a soft light, peering into the darkness. She looks around, the cave empty.

"Pray tell...what does this stone look like? How is it used?" She asks, searching high and low for it. Her heart still clinging onto hope. "Where is it?" She asks, a small smile creeping to her muzzle.

Celestia steps in after her sister, alighting her own horn to assist in the search. It's when she hears a low laugh coming from behind her, the regal white alicorn turns. "Well, where is this stone you spoke of..." She trails off.

The brown coated unicorn with red eyed and a black mane and tail laughs a low, sinister laugh, his crimson red orbs glowing in the darkness. "My oh my...I never thought you two would make this so easy! I should have just done this from the start! Ha ha ha!"

Celestia steps back, narrowing her eyes. "What the hay are you talking about!? Speak!" She demands, rage bubbling within her. Luna gazes with fright, her eyes wide with pain and fear.

The stallion stands on its hind legs, laughing maniacally as it stares at them, then transforms in a flash of light. His body grows and lengthens, a long tail and clawed hands appearing now, a second horn sprouting from him as he grows in size. Before them in all of his terrible glory, the God of Chaos himself.

"DISCORD!" Celestia growls out, glaring hard and clenching her teeth. Puffs of fire and smoke flare off of her mane and tail tips, her magenta orbs flickering to draconic glowing slits as her rage bubbles. "How dare you show up and do this to Luna?! How dare you?!" She screams out, her blood boiling in her alicorn veins.

"Now now pretty pony, we won't have any of your loud mouth. You need to sit this one out." The demon grinned maliciously, snapping his clawed fingers. Chains and heavy shackles appeared and ensnared the elder white alicorn, ripping her hard to the ground. Choaking her, binding her. They snaked and pulled against her hooves and body, ever tightening and holding her in place.

Satisfied the elder white alicorn was subdued and managed, Discord turned his cruel gaze to the dark alicorn trembling before him, her bandaged wings twitching nervously as she slowly scooted back. "Now...for my prize." The demon spoke, gaping his fanged maw at her in a sinister smug grin.

"No...no..." Luna whispered, her eyes pinpricks with terror. "You said...you promised...this isn't what you promised!" She protested, her heart sinking within her chest. "You...you can't!"

"I'll keep my promise you stupid filly. I said I was after a useless trinket, and I'll get just what I want. You give me my treasure, I give you the annoying pet you miss oh so much. Every pony goes home happy. That simple." Discord says, slowly stepping to her. His red eyes dance in the darkness as he adorns a Cheshire grin.

"What...what is it?" She shakily asks, her voice just barely above a whisper. Luna swallows hard, her eyes darting around and seeing her elder sister fighting against her bonds, and slowly rising to her hooves despite the chains.

"Oh come now you stupid lovesick filly. The choice is easy don't you see? I return your lover boy pet from the grave, and you give me something in return." Discord says with his usual cynical enthusiasm. He folds his arms and smiles wickedly at Princess Luna and the now enraged Celestia.

Luna wipes her eyes with her front left hoof, and stares at the monster before her through tear filled eyes. She sniffles and shakily nods to him, adverting her gaze to the ground. With a hollow whisper she finally speaks. "Anything...I will give anything that you ask." She can hear Celestia struggling against her bonds, but Celestias screams of anger are muffled as the world all around Luna becomes cloudy.

"NO SISTER! DO NOT TRUST HIM! LIFE IS NOT HIS TO GIVE!" Celestia cries out to Luna, fighting the shackles around her legs. She tries everything, even firing a low level bolt of magic at her sisters hooves, only for the beam to fall short; deflected by Discords magic. With a wicked glare and a snap of Discords fingers, a zipper appears where Celestias mouth was, silencing her protests.

"Splendid! Then kneel down and touch your horn to the ground, emo princess. I'll take your horn and your magic, and he's all yours!" Discord holds out his clawed hand, summoning a long sword out of thin air. He holds it still, maintaining his fixed gaze upon Luna.

Luna eyes are tightly shut, as she breathes shallow and slow. She begins to fall to the ground, first one foreleg, then the other. She lowers her head and touches her horn to the ground as ordered. Luna knows that once an alicorns horn is removed..they die.

She takes a deep breath and clears her mind, awaiting the endless void that is deaths cold grasp. With the end of her life, will come peace, and knowing in her death, she could give life to the one that saved hers and her sisters. Folding her ears back, she prepares for the final blow.

Discord raises the sword above his head, and grins wildly at Celestia. All she can do is watch in horror as the monster of her nightmares ends her sisters life, before her very own eyes. Everything in her body screams out to her to fight against her bonds harder, when the sword begins to fall. "Say goodnight, sweetheart!" Discord says with his evil glee as the blade falls.

"In the name of the Goddess; stop."

Discords sword stops short, held in place and frozen, just a millimeter short of the alicorns horn. Discord pulls hard and yanks on the hilt, but it won't budge. He rolls his eyes and lets go of the sword and folds his arms. "I should have known she'd show up." He mutters.

An explosion of light and feathers sends Discord flying back, smacking hard against a wall. He lands with a sickening crack, then slides down slowly to the floor. Luna and Celestia remain motionless, as the light fades. In its place is a sight no pony ever expected. Standing there in all of her eternal glory, the mother of creation herself. The tall cream colored alicorn, with a long graceful golden horn, large sleek and beautiful angel wings that shimmer and glitter in the light, and a quill with stardust coming off of the tip for a cutie mark. Her deep red mane and tail billow in the mystic wind, and her entire visage is shimmering with white light and sparkles that cling to her form.

Celestias shackles fall to the floor, freeing the alicorn from Discords bindings. The zipper disappears instantly in a wisp of smoke, and she stares wide eyed in wonder. Celestia slowly approaches Luna's side and finally speaks. "M...mother?" Princess Celestia falls to one knee beside Luna, and bows, holding her wings out low as a show of respect. This earns her a soft chuckle from the all mother, the sound is as sweet and melodic as wind chimes gently swaying in the breeze.

"Yes..my sweet little girls. It's me. I came as soon as I heard your pleas and cries..I hope I arrived in time." The all mother says gently as she steps closer to the two alicorn mares. Luna is still kneeling to the ground, her eyes shut and horn touching the floor. She dares not move from this spot.

The regal cream colored alicorn before her simply sighs and shakes her head a bit, then comes to a rest on the ground before her daughters. Her spindly, graceful legs and hooves tuck under her as she nestles into a comfortable laying position. "Lulu..look at me sweetie." She nuzzles Luna's muzzle gently.

The touch feels as a warm gentle light, and as soft as the finest pillows in all of creation. This warms Luna's heart and blood, helping the distressed alicorn finally bring her gaze to the all mother before her. Tears stream down Luna's cheeks, flowing freely from her eyes.

"Mommy?" Luna says with unbelieving hope and joy in her voice, seeing her mother before her very eyes for the first time since Celestia and her were filly's. Luna smiles a little, unable to move from the shear state of awe she is in.

The all mother nuzzles and kisses Celestias muzzle as well, earning a heartfelt smile and a warm nuzzle right back from the elder white alicorn sister. Celestia folds in her wings again loosely against her sides, and looks into her mothers eyes.

"Mother...why...how are you here? Where have you been..?" Celestias voice sounds strained, as she chokes back tears and the urge to wrap her hooves around her mothers graceful long neck, and never let go from the hug.

"I'm afraid your father and I have been away attending to other life in creation...but we always looked in and checked up on you two..I'm so proud of both of you, and the beautiful mares you have become." The all mother speaks softly, her voice sweet and sincere. This praise makes the two sibling alicorns smile with a distant gaze, as if in a trance. They're both crying tears of joy from being in her presence.

Discord rises to his feet and sneers at the red maned alicorn. "You always have to show up when things just start getting fun. Always the party crasher and the annoying buzzkill. Can't you take your parenting issues somewhere else, foolish filly?"

The cream colored Alicorn only narrows her eyes to Discord, cowing him quickly into submission. She lights her horn and sends a beam of white light at Discord. Before he could evade, let alone blink, he dissappears. Possibly from creation all together. She breathes deep and lets out a huff of air, turning her soft gaze back to the two smaller alicorns before her. She smiles sweetly and gingerly, before speaking.

"Luna..my sweet and dear daughter. You have discovered the greatest gift and power in all of creation. The power of love. It was in your noble and honest sacrifice, that you shown the most of all. Giving your life, to save the life of another is a sweet sacrifice, that is honorable and just. I am so proud of what you were willing to do...but you no longer need to." The cream colored Goddess of creation speaks softly, just above a whisper to Luna.

Her voice echoes in the wind, as soft and as mystical as the magic in creation. "You followed your heart..and for that I will reward you." A soft, pale sphere of light forms at the tip of her horn, then shimmers and slowly falls to eye level of the two sisters. It sparkles and glistens, like a star. The two sibling alicorns gasp in wonder, peering at the beautiful ball of starlight before their very eyes.

"What is this beautiful gift..mother?" Luna speaks, her voice trembling. She never takes her eyes off the soft ball of light. Her mouth hangs open as she releases a breath she never knew she was holding.

"This my dear daughter, is a wishing star. It is the collection of all of your love, all of your hopes and dreams. It can grant you anything your heart desires. Within it is all of the power of creation, the gift of life. Use this gift wisely...as I can clearly see your wish." The all mother speaks softly, then nudges the star gently with her magic. It comes to rest between Luna's fore hooves, floating lazily just above her fur.

The cream colored alicorn rises to her hooves, an after image in her wake as she rises on her elegant, spindly legs. She slowly walks to the mouth of the cave, the after image of sparkles trailing in her wake. Celestia gets up and follows after her, while Luna continues resting, holding the star as if it were made of the thinnest glass in existence.

"Mother...I fear I have failed you. War has torn this world asunder...even with all of my magic..I cannot repair its beauty and splendor to what once was.." Celestia says mournfully, standing beside the slightly taller alicorn beside her. Celestias gaze is on the cavern floor, ashamed to look her mother in the eyes.

"My little Celly..Do not cry or mourn...such is the way of life and of free will. You cannot control what is not yours to govern." The cream colored responds softly. A light gentle breeze flows, causing the red mane of the alicorn to sway slowly in the wind. She gazes upon the marred landscape. She can see Canterlot is in ruins, and smoke still rising from a crater far off in the distance.

Directly below her is the damaged castle, with the wreckage of the aircraft still scattered throughout the courtyard and gardens, as well as on the mountain side. She closes her eyes and turns her head slowly, motioning with her horn as if to sweep away the image. "What once was..bring it back through the ravages of time. Undo the damage and return what is mine.." The alicorn whispers.

Celestias jaw drops with surprise and shock, as before her very eyes the scene unfolds. Brick by brick, pebble for pebble the city below her comes back together in a sea of sparkles and shimmers. Ponies who once lay dead reclaim their lost blood, life breathed back into their bodies. The fallen slowly rise and stagger to their hooves, as if they just woke up from a long wonderful nap.

The crater off in the distance reforms into beautiful lush green land, no longer the badlands and wasted deserts it once was. Even more surprising, the wreckage piece by piece begins to float into the air, coming together bolt by bolt, twisting and turning to their respective places. The engines begin to come to life and whine, then gently quiet down as the machine is set upon its landing gear in front of the hangar.

The markings fade back into existence, now changed with a new one appearing on its wing tips and vertical stabilizers; The image of an alicorn in flight with sharp contrails from its wing tips. The all mother opens her eyes and releases her breath, turning her gaze to Celestia.

"All is right, and all has been returned my daughter. Care for this world as you have for so long. Cherish each moment, love everything in life. Honor all life of all sizes, both great and small. I have undone all of the damage here, down to the very last pony." She smiles with content to Celestia, still in wonder at the miracle she has witnessed.

"But mother...the changelings...Discord...what of them?" Celestia asks slowly, afraid of the answer she may get. Her voice trembling, concern written all over her features. "What of...Twilight?"

The all mother of creation smiles gingerly at Celestia, then embraces her in her long spindly fore hooves. She holds Celestia tight against her in a loving hug that only a mother can give to their children. "The parasites now have a home of their own, far from this world where they can never again harm the innocent..Discord is where he belongs now...in the hearts and deep inner reaches of all life. The only place where chaos is allowed to reign. As for your love...she awaits you in her bed. She is resting peacefully. Like the others, I have restored all." She speaks softly and reassures Celestia. She steps back and rubs the top of Celestias head with a hoof, playfully mussing her daughters mane. Despite it being ethereal, it was in fact distorted in that one spot now. "And do lay off the cake Celly...you'll ruin your beautiful figure."

"Moooom!" Celestia chides playfully, blushing and thinking that she has indeed put on some pounds over the decades of eating cakes freely at every opportunity. This makes the cream colored alicorn smile, and laugh. Her laughter is as melodic and beautiful as the finest harp in creation. They both turn to face Luna, who is still holding the star ever carefully and staring at it from her laying position since this all began.

"Luna..take care of yourself...I shall return in one solar cycle." She looks at Luna carefully, smiling with all of her features. Her gaze drifts to Luna's belly, and she gives a knowing smile and a soft giggle. "I'll always be with you, my little ponies. I especially look forward to meeting you once you open your eyes." She says vaguely, then looks back to Celestia. She nods slowly then closes her eyes. Her body turns ghostly and fades into shimmering sparkles, vanishing before the two. Celestia recalls seeing this when she was a filly, as the world was starting out and Luna was but a bubble blowing silly foal dropped on her cavern doorstep.

Celestia canters to Luna and lays beside her sister, nudging Luna in the side with her muzzle. "So what are you waiting for? Make your wish." Celestia says, giddy with excitement. Luna licks her lips and closes her eyes, drawing a breath softly.

"I wish..."

Author's Note

Like it? Love it? I hope you enjoyed it. But it's not over yet my friends! There's still one more to come that will be posted shortly. For now however...I'll just enjoy the comments and keeping you guessing. XD See you soon! ^^

Epilouge

Epilogue:

One year later........

"Ladies and gentle colts, please turn your attention to the skies and give a warm welcome to Raindow Dash, and the Wonderbolts!" The announcer says into the microphone, getting the crowd excited. The Wonderbolts fly in from behind the stands in a five pegasi echelon formation, smoke packs on their backs leaving a multi-colored trail of two lines of red, one line of white, and two lines of blue behind them.

They roll in unison above the crowd, and pull up for a sharp climb. The ponies below stomp their hooves in excitement watching the stunt team fly overhead. Resting in the overhead VIP stands, Celestia, Twilight and Luna all watch with glee and cheer. The formation splits off in a five star pattern and the Wonderbolts each fly different directions.

"I'm so glad Rainbow Dash finally got her wish and became a wonderbolt! I'm so proud of her!" Twilight comments. She turns to Celestia who is looking up at the display, casually munching on some popcorn and sipping her cider. "You didn't have anything to do with that, did you..?" Twilight asks.

"Perhaps...but she really did deserve it." Celestia dismissively answers, never taking her eyes off of the show. She cheers when the five come together again and form a diamond shaped pattern, with Raindow flying upside down in the center.

"Whoo! Good job dashie!!" Celestia shouts in excitement. The grin on Rainbow Dashes face can be seen from even the ground. Celestia continues watching, her eyes wandering off to Luna who isn't paying attention to the show.

Luna is resting on a pillow, sleep deprivation written all over her features. But for great reason. Nestled safely between her forehooves are two baby alicorn fillys, wrapped in blankets and sleeping peacefully. Luna can't take her eyes off of them, as she smiles happily at the two bundles of joy.

She yawns a bit and nuzzles them both. The crowd cheers louder and catches her attention, as she can hear a familiar sound off in the distance. Lunas eyes open wide with excitement and joy, as a wide smile encroaches upon her face. Celestia looks in the sky, not for the wonderbolts, but searching for something else her sensitive ears are picking up. She too smiles at the sound.

"And everypony your attention please. Coming to you for the first time in his debute performance and joining the Wonderbolts, please give a warm and loving welcome to the star of our show!" The wonderbolts pull another starburst manuver, with Rainbow Dash pulling hard and doing a sonic rainboom for the build up.

Over the rainboom ponys also catch the familiar sound. Most have been wishing to hear it again for some time now. Through the center of the rainboom, comes the familiar thunder of the banshees cry as it appears. The warbird of legend does a super sonic roll through the ring, pulling a sharp climb and hitting the after burners again. The crowd goes wild for the sight, stomping louder and cheering more!

The two alicorn foals awaken at the sound, their eyes unfocused and looking towards the heavens. Luna watches in awe at the warbird, now in a slow dive and dropping flares behind it for show. She speaks, glancing down at the two foals shes cradeling gently. "Moonlight Way and Stardust Kiss, look at that! He's putting on a show just for you!" Luna lovingly nuzzles the foals, then looks up after hearing the jet kick in the burners again, doing a low elevation flyby over the stands.

The field is in a horse shoe formation, newly built around the new runway and taxi way into the castle grounds. The bird climbs again and does a U-Turn in front of the crowd, then does quarter turns slowly. To show off and display the aircrafts stability and its markings.

The show is drawing to a close as the wonderbolts fly line abreast slightly above the back of the aircraft, out of range of the jets powerful and hot exhaust. They fly over the crowd once more in a slow pass, before disappearing from view. The viewers all go wild with excitement clip-clopping and stomping their hooves in appreciation of the display and Equestrias first real air show.

Celestia and Twilight lean down and nuzzle the two alicorn foals in their mothers hooves. Celestia then lays down and levitates Moonlight Way, the dark purple alicorn foal with the deep blue mane and tail, while Twilight takes Stardust Kiss, the black alicorn foal with silverish pink mane and tail. Luna doesn't seem to mind too much as she yawns, grateful that auntie Celly and Twiley love to spend time with their new nieces.

She nuzzles her two children again and smiles, then gets up to stretch. "Great idea about the airshow Tia! What a wonderful way to introduce mine flame to Equestria as a whole!" Luna smiles sincerely. Looking at Luna now, you can see that she has gained some weight during the pregnancy, and is still padded somewhat around her belly.

She doesn't appear uncomfortable however, as she looks great for a mare that recently birthed twins. She turns her attention to the recently built runway, as the warbird of legend finally touches down and begins to slow, so it can taxi safely to its resting place for display, until nightfall where it will return to its hangar. Luna looks happily at Celestia and Twilight Sparkle, while biting her lower lip with a smile.

"Go sister, we will happily watch these precious bundles." Celestia says, her voice very thick with joy and laughter as she nuzzles the precious bundle she is now cradling. Twilight also nods with a smile, happily bouncing the baby Stardust Kiss in her forelegs and playing with her. Luna turns and gallops down the stairs and bounds off the edge, gliding down to the runway where the aircraft recently shut down. The canopy opens when she reaches it, and the pilot climbs out of the cockpit.

"Thy show was wondrous and fun!" She gallops to the pilot and tackles him to the ground after he steps away from the plane. Luna then peppers her lover with kisses on his face, licking his cheeks playfully. This only causes him to laugh happily.

"You liked that huh? Next time, I'll have to take you up for a front row seat." He says, embracing the alicorn goddess. He climbs to his feet again and breathes deep, stretching out after being in the cramped cockpit for nearly an hour. Luna eyes him gleefully and nudges his hand with her muzzle, then nips at his fingertips playfully.

His response is to simply run his hand over her head and to stroke her mane. It wasn't too long ago he thought, that fateful night when they were in the wilderness and Luna used that spell to turn human for a night; when things turned out both interesting and wonderful. Though things are still strange for him, being the only human on the entire planet he knows of, living with an alicorn and somehow having alicorn filly's.

He just shrugs it off however, after the idea of being brought back from the dead just because the Goddess of the ponies said so. He embraces her tightly and holds his arms around her neck. They've been through so much together. They met, and in a way they saved each other.

They played, laughed and studied together. The learned, stumbled and got hurt together. They fought side by side, and protected one another. His other half even risked crossing the great divide for him when death claimed him and his warbird, all for the sake of love that held them. Of all of this the two have learned one simple truth that carries with it the harmony that binds everything. 'Cherish Each Moment.'

Watching from her perch on Celestias balcony, a certian creame colored alicorn watches everything unfold before her. She smiles sweetly, innocence dancing in her eyes at the sight. She had kept her word, and would wait for her daughters and now grand daughters to come home.

What's more, the red maned beauty wanted to meet the surprising life form that had done the impossible; claim the love and tamed the heart of an alicorn. A mischievous grin crosses her features, and she turns and walks into the room, where she waits patiently for her surprise of a lifetime.

To Be Continued...

A letter to my readers

A letter to the readers:

To you, the reader; this is an in depth letter from me to you, to better answer some questions about the story that you just read. To start off, I would like to say congratulations, and thank you for making it this far. If you're reading my words, then that means I've somehow or another done my part to deliver you an exciting and entertaining tale.

It's been a long journey getting here, in all honest truth I wasn't sure if I would ever reach the end of the story. Writing I have found, can be a struggle unto itself. Up votes and down votes make a big difference in your mood and willingness to write. Comments can both make or break the story, and even the writer if they're hurtful enough.

But that's not why you're here, now is it? You read this letter to you, because you're one of the few that have seen this through until the end, and enjoyed the adventure of our daring pilot and beautiful princess. It is my hope, that you are able to take some kind of lesson away with you, be it learning of love, or the lesson that I was trying to teach: "Cherish each and every moment."

I wanted to take the time to thank you, and let you know that this story would have never been completed without support from loving and caring people like yourself, that seen this through to the end. Now you're asking yourself, "Is this really the end for our pilot and princess?" For that, I'm happy to say no. It's far from it. Their journey into the future has only just begun.

Shattered Silence was made to be the first in a series of the Fallen Equestria series that laid the groundwork for a much bigger and intracate tale. As the story progresses, you'll come to learn more of the pilots past, the depths of their romance, and explore more into the lives of our two newest characters Stardust Kiss and Moonlight Way. (I can promise they'll be loads of laughs and fun.)

Now onto the questions, shall we? The most frequently asked question I have gotten in my inbox is "How can the human and princess even have kids?!" Well, that answer is actually quite simple, really. If you look back or remember, our fair and beautiful midnight alicorn turned human twice in the story. Both times was during her estrus or heat cycles.

For animals of all kinds, this is the time they're basically driven by instinct to mate. To breed, if you will. Humans, (females, such as myself.) Have a point in every month between our own monthly cycles when we are most fertile, and on some hidden level we have that urge. Most are better at suppressing it than others. It's also the point in time when we are the most fertile and willing to 'do the deed.' Thus; estrus.

"Ok, that doesn't answer my question, Nightie." Actually, it does, my dear friend. To make it simply broken down, her own eggs were turned human during that spell. She was in that state long enough for our pilots own faithful 'naval boys?' to reach their own target. (I know. I should just say it...but it's more fun this way, and I'd rather not get hate mail from soccer moms.) In short, her eggs were fertilized at this point, and once the spell timed out, the already active eggs had also changed back to alicorns.

"Well...does this give them special abilities? Like can they turn human later on their own?" Hah! Nope. That would make for a really funny scene I'd imagine, however. We'll explore that idea at a later time.

"Discord and Chrysalis were already put down. Who's next, Sombra?" Yes, this was an actual question I had gotten from a rather friendly and supportive reader. No, king sombrero will not be even mentioned. What's the pilot going to shoot at? A cloud that has a serious obsession with rocks? No. If there is another grand master villain, I can assure you it will be something completely original that will keep you guessing until the very end.

"What gave you the idea for your story?" Hah! That's a long story in and on itself. I had seen that there wasn't anyone using a broken arrow theme in any of the other stories that I've read, and nobody ever really takes their characters relationships to the next level, where they go through this much hell just to be with one another. Now I'm not saying there aren't any, it's just I have not seen any for myself. That, and come on...who doesn't love a great deep romance with high tech goodies and a great plot?

"Your story is great! Did you have some kind of a soundtrack or music list for any points in the story?- MidnightFox" Wow. I never really thought about that, honestly. I mean I could easily see a soundtrack for a movie like this, but for a book? You may be onto something there, and I'll be sure to put together a music list just for you and list it in the next and final update with the bonus and deleted scenes. Thanks for the idea!

"What was Luna's wish?! The hell did she ask for?!" Well, if you read in between the lines, you would have seen the 'All Mother' restored all life down to the very last pony. Not human. She left the decision up to Luna to continue her pursuit of love on her own, knowing the implications would eventually lead to heartbreak once more. Her wish was to bring him back to life.

"So is Talon immortal now? Are you going to take the cheap route and make him an alicorn? Because that's pretty lame." No. Hell no. Just....hell no. I'm not that cliche! Ha ha. No, I'm afraid for the moment he is still very much mortal, complete with no magical powers of any kind, minus the bauble he wears. And yes, he's still very much human. Why mess with success? Will he become immortal? I haven't decided. But we'll have to see where it goes.

There were many, many more questions to answer, and I'd probably write the better part of 20,000+ words answering and explaining them all in detail if I were to answer. But instead, I'm going to just finish what I really wanted to come here for. Thank you, my dear readers. Thank you to all of you who have supported, followed and Favorited this story. Thank you for the advice, the cheering me on, the honesty and the critiques. Special thank you to my friend Sam (You know who you are.) for being there for me and being such a big help. Your work is what inspired me to do this, and I hope I've made you proud to have read my own work.

Thank you so much, and I look forward to our next time in "Fallen Equestria; New Beginnings" And who knows? You may just see our pair in a small cameo in Immortal Lovers soon enough? Until next time. Be safe, Love like there is no tomorrow, and remember to always cherish each and every moment with those you hold dear.

Nightie

BONUS! Music is Magic

Music is Magic; The Soundtrack of Shattered Silence (Here ya go Midnight!)

The Arrival:
(Opening: Three Days Grace- World So Cold)
(The Flight Deck: Linkin Park- New Divide)
(Caught By The Dream Mare: Evenesance- Imaginary)
The Blessed Warbird
(The Ballroom; A Place To Spread my Wings: Sting- Desert Rose)

Lessons for a princess, Part One
(Teaching The Alicorn; The Hidden Truth: Skrillex- Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites )
(Taking To Wing: Stephanie Maxxison- Blue Skies Ace Combat 04 Soundtrack)

Lessons for a princess, Part Two of Three.
(Emergency Landing: Halo Two Theme Electric Guitar )
(Moon Rise; Luna's Power Revealed: The Last Unicorn- Trance Version)
(The Confessions of an Alicorns heart: Lindsey Stirling- Crystallize)

Lessons for a princess; Part Three
(Attempting to Make Fuel/ The Couple Talks: Metallica- Nothing Else Matters )
(Embraced: Framing Hanley- Hear Me Now)
(Timberwolves: Trapt- Headstrong)

Shattered Silence
(No Regrets, I Love You: Nickleback- If Everyone Cared )
(Timberwolves: Sick Puppies- You're Going Down )
(Safety in The Sky: Lindsey Stirling- Elements )
(Dragons At Our Doors / Air Combat: AC/DC- Shoot To Thrill )
(Landing; A Heroes Welcome / Preening: Chad Kroger- Hero)

The Calm before the Storm , Part One of Two
(The Two Sisters Talk: Him- Sleepwalking Past Hope; Venus Doom Album 2007)
(The Hangar: Institute- Bullet Proof Skin)
(Luna's Chambers: Santana Fet. Chad Kroger- Into The Night)
The Calm Before the Storm; Sweet Lullaby
(The Warbirds New Engines; The Banshees Cry Encore: AC/DC Thunderstruck)
(Celestias Wake Up Call: All That Remains- Two Weeks)

Starlight Kisses and Lunar Wishes:
(Opening/ Dream Scene: Cayote Ugly- Can't Fight The Moonlight)
(Luna's Heart's Song: Kate Covington; You Are Not Alone FFIX Repraise)**
**(This IS Her Lullaby she sings)

First Blood; Enter the Nightmare
(Celestias First Flight: Gunz N' Roses- Welcome To The Jungle)
(First Blood; Luna Turns: Three Days Grace- Animal I Have Become)
(The Hospital: Ambient Spanish Guitar?)
(Chrysalis Vs. Talon: Sick Puppies- You're Going Down)

Intertwined Hearts Part One
(The Hangar: HIM- In The Night Side of Eden )
(Dragons In The Skies: Ace Combat 04; Shattered Skies Theme)
(Marriage?! : Super Mario Death/ Game Over Theme)

Intertwined Hearts II; Lunas Fears
(The Hangar: HIM- In The Night Side of Eden )
(Celestias Study: Top Gun Soundtrack- Destination Unknown )
(The Flight: Mighty Wings- Cheap Trick)
(Intertwining Souls: Berlin- Take My Breath Away)
(Nightmare Moon: HIM- The Kiss of Dawn)

Broken Wings:
(Darkness Upon Us/ The Chase: Sailor Moon Sountrack- She's Got The Power )
(Rise of the Nightmare: Avenged Sevenfold; Nightmare)
(Baltimare: Papa Roach- Kick In the Teeth )
(Crash Scene: Daughtry- Crashed)

Respite:
(Celestias Study; Goodbye, BlueBalls: Queen Of The Damned- Forsaken )
(Luna's Dream Walking: Tangerine Dream- Loved By the Sun)
(Dogfight In The Dreams of Alicorns: Nonpoint- Dangerous Waters)
(Rescued: KosMos Theme- Xenosaga Episode One)
(Respite: Kate Covington- You Are Not Alone )

Shadow of Intent:
(The Hangar: All That Remains- The Waiting One )
(Mealtime for the Alicorns: Black Eyed Peas- I Gotta Feeling )
(Interrogations of the Parasite: Hurt- Rapture )
(Throne Room Fight Scene- Who Is the Hunter? : Breaking Benjamin; Blow Me Away)
(Saving Rarity; The Dark Knight: Evenescance- Torniquate )
(Cornered In the Courtyard; Pinkies Fall: Ace Combat 04 Soundtrack; Requiem)

Fallen Equestria; The War:
(The Study; The devil upon our gates:Five Finger Death Punch- The Tragic Truth )
(The Armory: Korn- Narcissistic Cannibal)
(The War: Five Finger Death Punch- Back For More )
(Celestias Rage: Nickleback- This Means War )
(Orders to Strike: Five Finger Death Punch- Wicked Ways)

When Love and Death Embrace; Sweet Sacrifice:
(Funeral: Cyanide Sun- H.I.M. Venus Doom Album 2007)
(Dog Fight Scene: Ace Combat 04 soundtrack; Escort)
(Nuclear Detonation/ Discords Appearance: Dope- Die Mother Fucker Die )
(Crash Scene: Edi's Sacrifice- Stealth 2005 Soundtrack)
(The Demons Reveal: Atreyu- Become The Bull)
(Eternity; The Mother of Creation: Goddess Morrigahn's Theme- Mabinogi Nexon Inc.)

Epilouge:
(Airshow: Thirty Seconds To Mars- Echelon)

Fallen Equestria; The War

Chapter 16: Fallen Equestria; The War

Celestia and Luna sit together in the elder white alicorns study, looking over the reports of the progress on repairing the pilots aircraft. Twilight Sparkle is nervously pacing about, unable to contain her emotions. It's been a busy twenty four hours, her friends and loved ones now resting in the medical wing, her friend Pinkie Pie missing since the explosion in the dungeons.

"Twilight...calm yourself, everything will be fine. We survived the initial attack, and I have every available guard scouring the entire city in search of miss Pie." Celestia says calmly, her eyes glued to the parchment before her on the desk.

Luna nods, a weak smile upon her muzzle. Her eyes betray her own distressed emotions. "Your friends all fought valiantly against the parasite...they have done well to make us all proud. Believe in me when I say they will be given the best medical care available."

Twilight turns to face them both, her wings twitching slowly. "I never knew the changelings would go as to so far like this...I knew they had magic, but I never expected them to overload themselves and turn into walking bombs..." She says in a haunted whisper. "Without Pinkie, we can't use the elements to fight Chrysalis...We may have just welcomed our death..."

Celestia flicks her soft gaze to Twilight, a look of sadness upon her features. "Twilight....no pony knew they would do such a foalish act of cowardice. This isn't any ponies fault, believe me. Your friends did well...and all hope is not lost."

The younger alicorn perks her ears up and listens intently to Celestias soft soothing voice. "What do you mean?" she asks.

Celestia nods, a soft sad smile coming to her features. Her wings fold down slowly to her sides as she directs her full attention to her love. "I can still sense power within the element of laughter through the heavenly mechanisms of the magical currents. Pinkie is somewhere, and she's alive. " She sighs deeply. "I cannot tell what state she is in, but I feel that the energy there is still strong and full of life. Wherever she is, I can assure you she is safe and well. The catacombs beneath Canterlot castle run for miles under the citys streets. It's very likely that when the drone had taken its own life, she may have fallen into one and is perhaps lost and searching for a way out. If she is there, I promise you that the guards will find her and bring her back safely."

Luna chimes in, nodding slowly, her own soft jade eyes looking into Twilights. "We also sent word to your brother and Princess Cadence of the Crystal Empire. They know of our situation and state, and the last response we had gotten is that they will happily assist in the search and rescue of your friend. Furthermore, we believe they will send forces to aid us in the coming battle."

There's a knock at the study door, getting the attention of the three alicorns within the study. Celestia clears her throat. "Enter." She calls out softly.

The door opens, Captain Jolt flash entering the room. He has a worried look upon his face. "Princess, we have received word from our scouting troops...we have a grave problem, your majesty." He says, removing a scroll tucked into his armor. He hands Celestia the scroll and stands in front of the desk, his gaze locked onto hers.

Celestia unfurls the scroll, reading on. As she does, her face pales, her eyes growing wide. "Oh Mother...." She whispers, looking up at him. "Is this true? Could this be accurate?!" She hurriedly pleads. "Tell me this is some kind of misconception or mis communication!"

Jolt shakes his head slowly, grimacing. "It gets worse, princess. By our estimates, they will be here at nightfall. Word is that the queen herself is joining them in this, leading the fight. Our other scouts have confirmed Appleoosa, Horseshoe Bay and Baltimare have already been overtaken, with a possible loss of all hands. One of our own patrols there in Baltimare was wiped out shortly after they had sent a distress call."

Celestia stands up on her hooves, a look of determination upon her features. "Evacuate the city to all of the safe zones, and muster the guards. Pull back every patrol, every scout and round up every able bodied stallion and mare that's willing to fight. This is now your top priority." She says.

Luna and Twilight both look at the scroll, their eyes wide and pupils dilated to pinpricks. "Sister...this can't be..." She says shakily.

"This army...it was bread for one specific purpose...How could she have gathered such forces unnoticed?" Twilight says, her own voice hollow with fright.

"Princesses...if I may." The solar guard speaks up. "You must leave and get to safety. Over one hundred thousand drones are on their way here....it may be too much for us if we have to fight alone. You must get to safety and survive, all of Equestria needs you three alive. I joined this service to serve and protect you, and I have no qualms with laying down my life to protect that very core value and belief. Please...evacuate with the rest of your subjects, flee the nations borders if you must. You must get to safety." He clenches his hoof and makes his features rigid before them, to accentuate his point.

Celestia, Luna and Twilight are all quiet for a moment, before the regal white alicorn speaks up, looking at him. "You have your orders, captain. My place is here, defending my subjects. Arm every guard with swords, blades and any weapon you can get from our caches and armories. Magic will do no good against these drones, as they have found a way to defend against it as was evidence of last nights surprise attack. I will lead the fight into battle against Chrysalis and her armies. I will not stand for this wanton destruction from such mindless parasites."

The solar stallion nods, still somewhat protesting. He turns and exits the chambers, to carry out his orders.

Luna follows after her sister who is leaving as well, bound for the palace armory. "Sister, this is foalish. He is right and you two must escape. I will lead this fight, and protect our kingdom."

Celestia exits the room, trotting quickly down the halls. "No, Luna. I'm going and that's final. If you wish to run, then do so. Otherwise, join me and let us don our armor once more. I will not allow for this parasite to overtake and murder all we have worked for other these centuries."

Luna trots beside her, keeping pace. "I already have mine full armor on, Tia. You mustn't fight though! Please hear me out and escape!"

Celestia stops and turns to Luna, looking at her in the eyes. "First I am going to go make sure the element bearers are being treated well, then I am going to armor up lulu. This is my final answer. I am not abandoning our subjects in this fight to these wolves. It is our duty as their princesses to fight beside them and face any danger, this being no difference of any other. It's time we brought the fight to the parasites doorstep."

Luna shakes her head. "You must listen to reason, Tia, Equestria does need you, not me. Please, escape!"

Celestia glares at Luna, a look of disappointment on her features. She sighs and walks off, her course changed and bound for the medical wing.

* * * * *

"I'm sorry princess, but I still cannot allow you or anypony else in to see the element bearers. Miss Apple is still in for surgery, as well as Misses Dash." Doctor Life Flight calmly explained to the regal white alicorn.

Celestia grimaced and looked at him sadly. "Can you at least tell me their conditions? What of the lady Rarity? Is she alright?" She asked, concern laced deep within her voice.

With a heavy sigh, the pegasus doctor looked at his charts, then focused back on the princess. "Rarity Belle is currently being held and treated in the intensive care ward for her significant burn injuries, deep lacerations and smoke inhaillation. It's not good...and we're unsure if she will survive the night, your majesty. Her back was nearly broken with the weight of that support column that had collapsed upon her. It's a miracle that she survived the impact alone."

With a curt nod, Celestia had taken hold of the charts within her own foreleg and glanced it over. "It was lucky our commander was in the area to aid her when he was. Twilight already has a heavy heart with her friend miss Pinkie missing...I couldn't imagine how distraught she would be having to consider a funeral as well..." She trailed off, her features betraying her sadness.

"Doctor." A unicorn nurse called from an open O.R. room door. "We're ready to begin work on Mrs. Shy. Please finish up and hurry in here as quickly as you can."

With a polite bow, the pegasus doctor turned and walked off into the O.R. room, ready to begin helping Fluttershy. Celestia watched as he walked off, her heart heavy. She never expected this. Not once did the alicorn ever consider that the parasite would resort to utilize such dirty low tactics as to suicide bomb key sections of Canterlot, or do a death charge to disable the use of the Elements of Harmony.

Celestia exited the medical ward of the palace, her hooves carrying her to parts unknown of the castle as she walkied aimlessly, her thoughts in utter chaos. The attack was completely unprovoked by Chrysalis, Celestia having not yet to even begun to give the orders to muster the guards, or her standing army. It's been centuries since the last major conflict, centuries since the last time she had to don her own armor, and charge into battle. This was a day she had hoped would never come.

Around her, she watched as palace guards rushed about to their various posts, both Solar and Lunar guards working together. She sighed, stopping to look out a window as she slowly made her way through the grand halls of the palace. She watched for what seemed like an eternity as the skies dimmed with the setting sun. Her heart is heavy, her mind and soul weary from events recent. She alights her horn and called forth her magic, willing the sun out of the sky so her sister may raise her own celestial charge. With a heavy sigh, she made her way to the armory, finding Luna already adorning most of her Lunar armor. The same royal armor worn when they fought side by side together against Discord, so many moons past.

"Luna." Celestia called quietly, entering the armory. "I see you've decided to fight then."

Luna turned to her, after buckling the final leather strap of her protective leading edge guards. "Tia? What are you doing here? I thought I told you to go with your love, Mrs. Sparkle to flee the city? Leave this fight to me, mine sister. I shalt wipe these pests from our kingdom."

Celestia ignored her, alighting her own horn. A large wooden cabinet opens, revealing her own solar armor resting upon stands. Despite their age of being thousands of years old, they still all looked high polished and as if they were just minted hours ago. The steel shined a brilliant shine and luster, the gems sparkled with an other worldly glow and glitter. The sleek edges of the weapons and armor gleamed, their appearance both awe inspiring and terrifying.

This was the armor so few have ever seen, worn by the once warrior Goddess. The armor that had inspired legends, works of poetry and masterpiece art the likes of none have ever come close to. She grasps the pieces within her magic, each one being called to her.

Celestia stands still as each piece comes to her, her magic willing them all to fall into place. First the back plate, flank guards and razor sharp wing guards come to her, clicking into their locations as her magic binds each one together, forming a flawless and seamless shield in those areas.

Luna looks at her, wide eyed for a moment, before she narrows her gaze. "Tia..." She warns.

Celestia turns to look at her younger sister. "Luna, we've been over this. I'm going into battle with you, and that's final." She says. She looks around for a moment, searching for the next piece of the armor, her bracers for her legs.

"No, mine sister. You must stay here!" Luna hotly declares. "I will lead our troops against the parasite, you shalt remain in the safety of the palace walls."

Celestia continues to ignore her younger sisters pleas, donning her armor. She levitates a golden hoof bracer on her foreleg, clasping the golden solar steel tightly around her fetlock and above her ankle joint. "Luna, you know as well as I that I belong on the front lines with our subjects, and I simply refuse to sit here and hide behind the palace walls while my little sister is out there risking her life. No matter what you say, I am going with you."

Luna narrows her eyes to her sister and defiantly rips a portion of Celestias solar armor off of the nearby stands in the armory. "One of us needs to survive, mine sister. You have the experience of ruling this nation, you have the years of wisdom and the love of our subjects. You must remain here! Equestria can stand to lose me if I fall in battle this night. We have already lost the ability to use the Elements of Harmony, with the loss of the pink one and the damage to the others! Don't be foalish, and leave this to me!" Luna shouts.

Celestia gives a stern look of disappointment to Luna, before picking up the chest piece of the armor off of the floor, and strapping it to herself. "My answer is no, lulu. Because miss pie has gone missing, and because the other bearers are wounded, I must fight beside you and the commander. His machine is still in the process of being repaired, and the weapons are being reloaded on board as we speak. I promise you lulu, if we drive them back I will consider the use of the super weapon you spoke of. But for now, I must come to the aid of our kingdom and fight." She says in a hushed tone. Celestia finishes mounting the last piece of armor from the stand, only leaving the golden and jeweled helmet and her claymore sword; Freyr. She straightens her wings, double checking the bladed wing guards secured to her leading edge bones.

Luna shakes her head. "Thou should have listened to use it when mine flame and I told you to strike down the parasite with his weapon, Tia. Because we waited, we have now over one hundred thousand of the parasites drones marching unto our gates, and no word from the Crystal Empire as to their assistance. Had you of been less foalish, we would have wiped the parasite out in the blink of an eye, and been done with this endless nightmare."

"And I told you, I couldn't condemn an entire race to death without trying for a peaceful solution first. Just be grateful that I didn't order the weapon destroyed or cast into the sun when I had snuck it off of the commanders craft that evening. I was worried you two would have went against my wishes and destroyed Chrysalis before we could even attempt peace talks." Celestia huffs out with annoyance. She sheaths the long solar sword upon her back, picking up the ancient helmet next. "I had always said...since our defeat with Discord that I would never allow you to fight alone again, lulu. I almost lost you to that monster, and I nearly lost you again several nights ago in the palace medical rooms...You're too precious to me, my dear sister."

Celestia turns her head, locking her loving gaze onto the dark alicorns eyes. She lowers the helmet. "Luna...I lost you for one thousand years when the elements failed to cast Obsolescence out from your soul. One thousand years, dear sister...I could not bear the thought of losing you again for eternity. If we are to fall today, then I wish to do it together. Now please...stop this foalish behavior and let me finish preparing for battle. I will meet you on the front lines."

Luna glares at her coldly, then nods slowly. "Very well...mine sister. Then I shalt leave you be, and see you there. May we fight tonight with honor, and crush the parasite into the dust beneith our hooves." She declares passionately. She steps away, heading for the door, her horn alit.

"Indeed, see you there sis...ter..." Celestia wobbles in place for a moment. "Lu...Luna..." She gasps out. Her vision is failing, a sensation of vertigo overtakes her. The regal white alicorn crumples to the ground, out cold. Her breathing is deep and slow, as if she's sleeping peacefully.

"I'm sorry...Tia." Luna whispers, coming back to her sisters side. She bends down and licks her sisters cheek affectionately. "But this is for the best...I promise." She nickers softly, rising to her hooves again. She levitates Celestia in her magical grasp, very carefully lifting the regal white alicorn beside her as she uses a teleportation spell, returning back to Celestias chambers. Once the flash clears, they re appear in the center of the well lit sun princesses private quarters.

Luna gingerly sets her elder sister upon the soft bed, pulling a blanket over her. Her ears twitch and swivel when she hears movement behind her. "Twilight Sparkle." She bites out, turning around. Luna's gaze falls upon the whimpering smaller alicorn. She icily stares. "Mine sister is not well and needs to rest. See to it she does not leave these chambers and enters battle. You both must survive this conflict, and leave the fighting to me. Do you understand?" She says coldly.

Twilight nods, understanding what it is the night princess was saying. "Did...did you hurt her, Luna?" She asks, swallowing hard.

"Neigh...I merely placed her into a deep sleep. When she awakens, she will feel refreshed and have no memory of the armory. Keep her here, and away from battle..." Luna says quietly, turning away. "And Twilight?" She asks.

The younger purple alicorn perks up her ears and turns her attention from the sleeping Celestia to Luna, who has her back to her. Luna is still facing the doorway, not looking at Twilight. "Yes?"

"I never told you...how happy I was when you and mine sister wed, three years ago. I never told you how happy and grateful I was to accept you as mine younger sister. You are a good student, and a wonderful friend...You have made me proud and honored to call you that." She says. Luna sighs and continues walking out the door, not bothering to look at Twilight. She could hear the slow ragged breaths as she steps out, the distant sounds of quiet sobs as she closes the door. Luna's hoof steps echo in the empty halls, her armored hooves clacking against the cold marble floors of the palace. She makes her way to the hangar bay, where her flame is awaiting her.

* * * * *

Talon adjusts the heavy breastplate and bracers attached to his form, uncomfortable in the armor provided to him by Rarity, before she was attacked and hurt in the burning building hours ago. The forged sword gifted to him by Dark Fury rests in the scabard upon his back. He sighs, pacing around the hangar, awaiting Luna and Celestia to come so that they could head to the front lines. He watches out of the doors as more and more guards walk in lines, marching off to the battlefield just outside of the city outskirts. His guns have long since been depleted of ammunition, making this less of a battle of technology and more of a close combat fight with the parasite.

He can hear the clack of armored hoofs approaching, as he turns around, only to be greeted by Luna alone. "Where's Sunny Butt?" He asks, putting out his cigarette in the bowl of sand. "Isn't she finished strapping up her armor?"

Luna shakes her head slowly and comes beside the pilot. Her armor gleams in the moonlight as she walks slowly to him, the high polished Lunar steel gleaming and glittering on her wing guards. "No, mine flame. Mine sister hath taken my advice and remains in her chambers. One of us must survive this battle, to insure the prosperity of our kingdom. Are you prepared for battle?"

He adjusts the armor again and clears his throat. "As ready as I'll ever be." They both turn and look to the warbird, which is still being repaired by several engineers inside the ballroom now hangar. Two unicorns work as a team, levitating the now repaired wing back into place, a third making all of the connections through the exposed panel. Over the last several days they have feverishly worked in shifts around the clock, repairs going all throughout the day and night. Much progress has been made, from the new landing gear to the replaced missing parts. The aircraft almost looks completely new once more, minus several missing panels open for working.

Luna nods and kneels down a bit beside him, helping him mount unto her back. She rises to her hooves again once he's seated and turns, galloping quickly out with her troops and falling in line with them. It's this night she knows, that she and her flame may fall. It's under her moonlight, that the clashing of blades and shields will occur. Dark clouds loom overhead of them into the night as they make the walk, the heavens threatening rain, even against the will of the weather pegasi of Canterlot. Many of the city's occupants have since been told to evacuate to safe zones hidden within the city, others have fled to other parts of Equestria on the princesses orders. Some however, a great number have remained behind, to somehow or another assist in the fight.

Luna looks around her as they trot forward, following the hundreds of guards walking ahead to the battle field. She sees some buildings still smoldering from last nights battle from the initial invasion forces of Chrysalis's army. Many shops have broken windows, other buildings are missing complete walls or sections altogether from several suicide attacks by the drones. More buildings in the area lay to waste completely, burned to the ground from the massive fire that overtook the residential and industrial districts of the once grand city. Luna's heart is heavy, when she passes and sees a dead foal and mare laying together in a darkened alleyway, likely casualties of last nights initial attack.

Talon pats her on the side of the neck gently, to reassure her while riding upon her back. "We did what we could Luna...What we're doing now is the right thing, to defend the countless others here."

Luna nods as she walks forward, finally reaching the battle lines. She can see her small regiment of three hundred Lunar Stallions, her own complete army standing proud and forming ranks, lead by Captains Aegis Shield and Stalwart Hide. She feels her heart sink, knowing that Dark Fury was not among them, his own life ending when the imprisoned drone had self detonated in the dungeons during questioning.

To her left she sees Captains Jolt Flash and Iron sides, a newly promoted behemoth of an Earth stallion forming ranks with the Solar Stallions. She nods in approval and comes to a rest, standing before the nearly one thousand strong of the Equestria guard. She looks around, still seeing no signs of the reinforcements from the Crystal Empire or the Dragon Nation, and sighs.

"I guess...we are alone then." She whispers, looking onward to the horizon. In the distance, she can see the large battle lines of Changeling drones marching to them, hundreds more in the skies above their own lines. She can hear the rattling of armor and quickened hoof steps within the lines of the Solar guard, some of them rearing back out of fright from the coming onslaught of drones. Luna cranes her neck back and glances at the pilot, looking to him for reassurance. Her own heart beating quickly with fear. His features are stoic like stone, his gaze fixed with a fierce determination and a steel resolve. He shows no fear, even in the face of such great odds.

This gives her the strength she needs to steel her own resolve, turning once more to face the gathering of soldiers before her. She lets out a powerful whinny and battle cry, galloping before the front lines to get the attention of all guards. Luna draws her own sword, Umbra Noctus, the long sword of legend. Its blade glows a deep blue light, ancient ruins of black fire burning away steadily upon the blades bloodline.

"Make ready!! Hold your ground!" She calls out, galloping again to the center. All of the troops quiet down and look to their princess as she speaks. "Hold your ground!" She calls out again as she slows. She shakes her head, loosening the reigns attached to her jawbone armor, so she can look at all of them. She takes a deep breath, and speaks.

"Friends! My subjects...my brothers and sisters of Equestria!" She cries out to them. The pegasi guards all stop in flight and hover in place, listening to her. The area falls silent. "I see in your eyes...the same fear that would take the heart of me! Standing here in the darkness of the night, against this enemy! Perhaps the day will come, for us all to forsake the bonds of fellowship and the age of Equestria to come crashing down...In an hour of death, with Timber wolves and Demons upon shattered shields and broken hearts!" She stops in the center of the battle lines between the two sets of guards. "But it is not this day...This day we fight! This day, I bid you stand together! Not as guards of the Sun or the Moon, but as free ponies of Equestria, for our rights and freedom! Stand with me my friends, to protect our families, our loved ones, all those whom we hold dear to us!" Stand together, and fight! Let us send these demons straight to Tatarus, Let them dine in Hell this night! Stand proud, all of you, Ponies of Equestria!" She cries out, rearing up on her hind legs and kicking wildly at the air with her fore hooves. The lunar princess bellows out a powerful whinny of war that echoes like the crack of thunder.

Battle horns blare from within the ranks, the guards all stomping and clashing their blades against their shields. The air is filled with the ripping sound of their thunderous battle cries, the ground shakes beneath their hooves as the all stand as one. Luna turns to face the coming lines of changelings, the army have stopped a short distance away. The guards all cry out together, unflinching, new found confidence in their princesses speech. They stand united, motivated, ready to protect their families, their loved ones. Ready to lay down their lives, if that's the calling that Freedom has asked of them this night.

Chrysalis stands at the front of her army, smugly smiling at the feeble attempt of the two alicorn sisters to protect their kingdom. She looks at the significantly smaller force and sneers, disgusted that she didn't see the solar princess standing with her own troops. "Feh! I knew she would be afraid to face us....Celesssstia, you coward!" Chrysalis bites out to her nearby drones. She spots Luna and the pilot, galloping before the battle lines, and grins wickedly, hearing the muffled and undicernable words in the wind. "Send the first line, hold back the reserves for now. I want to torment them before we crush and devour our dinner, my children. He he he..." She laughs, her silken dual voice echoing upon the wind.

The leading drone chatters orders to several, who spread out and issue the orders to the rest of the close by ranks. After a few moments, they reform the battle line and march forward, the ground shaking under their insect like hooves as they gallop with all of their might to the small deployment of ponies, rushing to them. A few lines of airborne drones follow suit, leading the charge against the guards ponies.

"Onward, to victory!" Luna and Talon cry out in unison, charging forward. The dark alicorn bellows out a fiercely powerful battle cry, her horn alight as she holds her sword within her magical grasp. Behind her, the entire army of stallions rush forward with their princess into battle, their own battle cries echoing into the wind. The ground beneath them shakes like an earthquake under their stampeding hooves, as they charge forward.

The two lines crash against each other, the sounds of steel tear through the air crashing against each other. Screams of pain are heard as troops from both sides take one anothers lives, the solar and lunar guards fighting as one unit together against the onslaught of drones. Iron sides as well as all Earthen stallions charge forward, trampling the smaller insect like drones beneath their massive armored hooves, crushing and killing them as they barrel through the lines of battered drones. Unicorn stallions using their magic weild several swords at once, twirling and slicing with them, cutting down untold numbers in the frey as they push forward.

The pegasi guards in flight as well as the bat pony Lunar guard intercept and tangle with the airborne drones, their wing guards shearing through several waves of them like molten hot knives through butter, enchantments upon the blades making them sharper than any sword crafted by blacksmith ponies in Equestria. The battle rages on, blood shedding everywhere from both pony and drone alike.

Luna rears back, bringing down her alicorn hooves upon two changeling drones' heads, crushing them and splattering out their contents and blood upon the ground. She swings her sword violently in a circle around her, leaving a trail of flames in its wake as she cuts down more and more drones. The ponies so far, are winning. In the first moments of battle, the superior training and will of the guards has decimated the initial ranks of drones, dwindling their numbers down to half of the initial wave.

Talon has since dismounted, rushing on foot as he clashes with the parasite. With a mighty swing of the sword, he beheads several closely packed together, cutting down more and more of them. A drone tackles him down, embedding its horn into the pilots breastplate. He flips the drone on its side, removing a dagger from his belt and stabbing the drone in the throat with it, before breaking off the horn and clutching it in his hand. As another drone approaches, he twirls on his knees and stabs another in the chest several times with the broken off horn, killing it before it could rise again. He scrambles to his feet again, yelling out as he continues fighting.

The battle rages for several minutes, before Luna gores the last drone with her horn, rearing back her head and flinging the carcass off behind her. She's breathing hard. All is quiet for a moment as she looks around, glancing at the guards. Much to her surprise, they haven't lost more than only a few guards in the initial attack. One of the Solar Stallions, Iron Sides, rears back and cheers, eliciting a cheer from the rest of the army. They all cry out as one, shouting of their victory.

Talon raises his sword above his head with his arm, cheering wildly as he flips Chrysalis off with his other hand. He shouts and laughs, being as vulgar as he can to the parasite queen. Several guards see his actions and join him, a few going as to so far as to turn around and shake their flanks at the parasite army.

Luna turns and sees this, also amused. She pants raggedly as she laughs, joining the fun. Within in the moments, the entire surviving guard does the same, mocking the changeling army and mooning them effectively, under the moonlight, with the moon princess. Their tails held high to give Chrysalis a good eye full of 'Buck you.'

Chrysalis sneers, unamused by the display. She growls, bearing her teeth. "Send in the rest. KILL THEM!" She shouts. Chrysalis bounds into the air, hovering as she watches. The entire army surges forward, rushing to the guards, alicorn and pilot.

"Make ready! Reform the line! Reform ranks!" Luna cries out in a hurry, mustering all of the guards to prepare for the changeling armys advance. They continue rushing forward, the ponies all holding their ground as they prepare. Pegasi above have formed a line, ready with a plan to deal with this situation. "Hold!" Luna calls out, watching them draw closer.

Talon grips the sword handel tighter, standing beside Luna as the army advances. He glances at her, a fierce look upon his face as he bares his own teeth. "Hold!" She calls out again, ready for the next attack. "HOLD!" She calls out again, the changeling army drawing closer. When she could see the shine of their eyes, she grins. "NOW!" She bellows out in the royal canterlot voice, signaling the next plan. All of the guards dive to the floor, as Pegasi swoop in as a perfect line closely overhead.

The pegasi guards all fly wingtip to wingtip, their wing guards rigid and poised as they zip by the heads of the guards ponies. They zip through quickly, clashing with the drones before them. The wave surges forward in a flash, their plan revealed; their wing guards and blades cutting down the row after row of changelings, beheading them before any could react. As the pegasi fly off and pull up, hundreds of drones drop to the ground instantly, causing a pile up on their end, more and more of them crashing into one another, trampling others and killing parts of their own army.

Luna and the guards all rise to their hooves, charging forward to attack the drones directly now in the confusion. They rush forward into the chaos of the drones, leaping over the dead bodies as they rejoin the frey. Luna swings her sword violently as she reaches the first group, cutting down all within her path. As several rush her from the sides, she deploys her wings in a snap, the bladed portions of the leading edge of the guards cutting deep into the smaller unarmored drones, some being cleaved in two as they helplessly fall into them.

The battle continues to rage on, more and more bloodshed as the drones and Equestrian guard clash. What the guards don't understand while they're fighting however; is that they're being surrounded. The drones suddenly back off once the remaining forces are encircled, leaving a wide open ring around the guards, alicorn and pilot. They all stop in the confusion, finally seeing the fatal flaw of their plan.

The drones all chatter and screech at them. Pacing and circling the smaller remaining group. Luna glances around through her blood soaked helmet and mane, seeing this. 'Only a few hundred of our army is left. Too many have fallen! we're too badly out numbered!' She curses under her breath.

Talon backs up beside her, his back to the alicorns. "Looks like this is where it ends." He whispers, confused as to why the drones stopped after encircling the group. He looks around, disheartened at the sevear losses within the clash. By his estimate, the drones wiped out the better part of seventy percent of the royal guard, leaving at most two or three hundred ponies alive.

"Then it is a good night to perish together, mine flame. But we will not go down without a fight!" She snarls, twirling her sword Umbra beside her. "Let them finish us...I know we shalt find honor among our fallen in Heofon!"

Captain Jolt Flash stands beside Captain Aegis Shield, holding his sword in dread, watching the drones come closer, awaiting death to come for him. "Heh...I never thought I'd die next to a bat pony." He muttered under his breath.

Aegis Shield glances to the Solar Stallion and grins. "Then how about death with a friend instead?" Jolt Flash, the Solar captain laughs at this and nods, his fierce gaze upon the approaching drones.

The drones begin to advance and come closer, only to suddenly stop within a few steps. A loud whinny pierces the wind and night sky in the distance, drawing every ponies attention to the mountain side. There's a large strobe of light in the distance, almost as bright as the sun. Luna, Talon and the remaining guard look up, panting and exhausted from the fight. There, upon the cliff; a sight that they welcomed.

Cadence of the Crystal Empire stands at the cliffs edge, rearing back on her hind legs and letting out a powerful battle cry. Her horn alight and casting out a powerful magical aura. She lands on her fore hooves, wings spread out in a daunting display. The alicorn adorns silver and red armor of crystal and steel, that shines and glistens brightly with an other worldly glow. The ground trembles and shakes, as beside her thousands of hooves march as one to the cliff side. They stare below at the frey, forming battle lines as they approach.

"Leave none alive!" She calls out, pointing to the drones with her armored hoof. "For Equestria, we will defend Canterlot and my aunts! Go forward!" Shouts Princess Cadence.

Beside her, Prince Shining armor stands proud and silent, his own armor mirroring that of hers. He raises a horn in his fore hoof and blows, sounding a resounding bugle signal to the rest of the army. "For Equestria!" He shouts, as they begin to charge down the cliff side. The ground shakes beneath their hooves, as untold numbers of crystal ponies surge forward in a tidal wave of death. Cadence continues to alight her horn, the Light of Love from the Crystal Empire driving back and blinding the drones as they approach.

The remaining changeling army, some twenty thousand turn and rush to engage the crystal army, all ignoring the remaining royal guard, pilot and alicorn to see to the new threat. As they continue their rush, yet another final threat to them appears.

Swooping down over the peak of the mountain, comes the death they all feared. Legatus and seven other grand dragons dive bomb the drones from the sky, unleashing torrents of hell fire from their great maws upon the rear lines of the drones as they pass by, and setting the ground ablaze in their path.

Luna, Talon and the remaining guard stand wide eyed at the display, watching as the battle rages between the Crystal Empire, Grand Dragons and the changeling drones a short distance away. "They came!" A royal guard cheers. "Our allies came to our aid!"

Luna pants raggedly and smiles, looking to her flame. Talon nods, raising his sword once more. "Lets finish them!" He shouts, running back into battle. Luna gallops forward beside him, as the rest follow suit. They all shout a fierce battle cry, rushing forward to flank the distracted drones. The four armies engage one another as more Grand Dragons appear over the horizon, roaring loudly and shaking the foundations of Equestria.

* * * * *

Chrysalis walks the emptied halls of the palace, licking her fangs as she senses with her feelers, sipping at the air. She can sense the energy of an alicorn close by, feelings of love and fear heavy in the air. 'My prize is close...' She whispers and she slowly makes her way down the halls of Canterlot Castle, finding her way to the wing of the Solar princess. 'He he he...so my children are being slaughtered...I can always make more. With the heart of the Sun Goddess as my meal...I can easily make more. Celessstia...you're mine. All mine...HA HA HA HA!'

The queen continues forward, her feelers sipping and detecting the location. She comes to the door of the sun princesses chambers, grinning wickedly. She whirls around and bucks the doors wide open, splintering the heavy ornate doors and breaking the hinges with her powerful armored hooves. She steps forward, her eyes glowing bright green. "I've come for you...Cowardly Wench!"

Twilight rises to her hooves, her gaze locked on Chrysalis. "You! Go away from here, parasite!" She shouts. Twilights wings open in a snap as she lowers herself into a defensive stance. She moves into position between Chrysalis and the sleeping white alicorn.

"Asleep whilst my children slaughter her own sister and guards? So pathetic...tut tut tut." The insect queen sneers, pacing closer to the younger purple alicorn. "I put you in those caves once, foal. Step out of the way or I'll do it again. Leave my prize to me!"

Twilight growls, pinning her ears back. "If you want her, you'll have to get through me first, you evil bitch!"

"Oh? Picking up on the creatures language now are we? You two should have listened to him you know...such a shame your namby pamby princess is too weak to take a life. I know all about the secrets of the banshee now, thanks to the pilot. His mind really was weak you know. So easy to rape in his dreams. Once I take Celestia with me to the hive...I'll leave this city to perish with the weapon." She says mockingly in her silken dual voice. "It's amusing how with a just few dirty tricks and tactics, I could overpower you. I didn't even need that demons power to finish you."

"Demon?" Twilight asks, croching. Her gaze locked on the sauntering Chrysalis. "What demon? Is he the one that made you immune to our magic? Is that how you were able to kill so many innocents?!" She shouts.

"You didn't figure it out?" Chrysalis mocks, raising a hoof and looking at her armored bracer, appearing bored with Twilights questions. "It was oh so easy. Discord gave me these gifts, just so I could break you. And all he wanted in return was such a worthless trinket, the horn of an alicorn. Oh well, I'll just break yours off after I kill you, perhaps that will do. Oh wait...that's right, you're not a real Alicorn. But what do I care?! Time to die foal!" Chrysalis shouts, lunging at Twilight as a surprise attack. She tackles Twilight to the ground, sinking her fangs into the younger alicorns wing as she pounces on her.

Twilight cries out in agony, rolling on her side to attempt to knock Chrysalis off. She bucks and kicks wildly with Chrysalis upon her, fighting back against the larger and heavier insect pony. "Get off of me!" She shrieks out, fighting against her. Chrysalis yanks back with her maw, sinking her teeth in deeper as she tears. She pulls hard back once more with a mighty yank, ripping the wing clean from its socket, then shearing it off from Twilights back. Blood spurts out quickly from the wound as she gets off of her.

The alicorn rolls onto her back, kicking wildly with her hooves as she screams out in pain, Chrysalis laughing all the while as she spits out the alicorns torn off wing. "So delicate...you'll die so easy, Twilight Sparkle!" She sneers, rearing back and crushing Twilights chest under her heavily armored hooves. She pounces and comes down again and again, beating and bludgeoning Twilight under her crushing weight.

One of Twilights fore legs breaks and snaps under the crushing blows, making her scream out in agony as she fights back against her. The alicorn sobs and wails loudly in pain, unable to fend off the queens attacks. Chrysalis kicks her off to the side, smiling wickedly. "Tut tut tut...so weak. I'm bored with you." She says, turning her attention to the still passed out Celestia. Crysalis licks her bloodied lips and grins sardonically, narrowing her eyes as she slowly makes her way to the bed.

Twilight lolls her head to the side, looking through her remaining eye at Chrysalis as her mind is in a fog from the pain. She's bleeding heavily, one of her legs broken, a wing missing and several broken ribs. She's missing teeth from a blow to the face, and her other eye damaged. One of the blows crushing and breaking the bone socket, a fragment of it puncturing her eyeball and blinding her. She rolls to her belly and struggles weakly to her hooves, her horn alight as she does.

"Ge...Get away...from her!" She weakly croaks out. She grasps a hot fireplace poker in her magical aura, bringing it close to her. Chrysalis turns her gaze to the weakened and battered alicorn.

"Give up, sparkle. It's over." She says, raising her muzzle to her as she turns back to her prize. She opens her maw and exposes her long sharp fangs, slowly lowering her head to Celestias exposed and bare neck.

Twilight flings the fireplace poker at Chrysalis, penetrating an open area of the bug queens armor, jamming the sharp end as far as she can within the parasites body. Twilight leaps onto Chrysalis with her remaining strength, biting with her teeth into Chrysalis withers and neck, chomping and drawing blood. Her horn still alight, she stabs Chrysalis again and again, until the queen bucks her off.

Chrysalis lays down weakly for a moment, blood seeping from her deep wounds. She pants hard, glaring at Twilight through her bloodied mane. "You foalish whelp! I'll kill you after all!" She screams out, charging forward. A flash of golden light streaks past her at blazing speed, as another golden super heated bolt smacks Chrysalis in the side, sending her into a wall.

Celestia groans as she rises from the bed, glaring at Chrysalis through her blurred vision. Chrysalis can see the anger and fire within the sun princesses features. "Not. Another. Step. Parasite." Celestia says in a low growl.

Chrysalis staggers to her hooves, her jaw agape at Celestia. "Impossible...your magic should have been worthless!" She shrieks out.

Celestia slowly rises off of the bed, wobbling around and making her way to Chrysalis. Her mane and tale ignight into a blue hell fire, rising to the ceiling. The air around her shimmers from the heat she's emitting, as her eyes turn from the soft magenta orbs to draconic slits. Her armor melts off of her and pools to the ground in golden liquid metal as she steps, the tile cracking and liquefying under her every step.

"Then it would seem your plan was flawed. Mortal." Celestia sneers, her vision finally clearing as her power amplifies. She glances over to the wounded and unconscious Twilight, then turns her cruel gaze upon Chrysalis. "You. Will. DIE!" She bellows out in the royal Canterlot voice. The windows of the chamber all shatter under the concussive shockwave, as she fires another bolt at Chrysalis.

Chrysalis dodges the bolt and scrambles to her hooves, rushing out of the chambers windows as she takes to flight. She frantically alights her horn and opens a flame portal, turning to face Celestia when she reaches it.

"I'll be back! You foalish whelp! This isn't over! Someday, somehow, I'll get you! I may have been betrayed this night, But I shall return for your life! " She shouts, as she turns and leaps into it as another volley of bolts fire her way. Chrysalis disappears in the fire, returning to the safety of her hive cavern.

Celestia bolts out the window herself, her power completely destroying the wall and causing chunks of marble and stone to drop to the courtyard below. She is alighting the night sky with her powerful aura as she dashes after Chrysalis, her rage out of control. She unleashes a massive primal scream into the air, lightning streaking the sky and crackling with her thunderous shout. The portal closes mere inches before she reaches it, passing through the fire harmlessly. She shouts Chrysalis's name in a fit of rage, her voice so powerful and concussive , all of the palace windows shatter instantly and rain down glass shards into the palace grounds below.

* * * * *

Legatus stomps upon the ground, crushing dozens upon dozens of drones under his massive clawed feet, whipping with his massive tail and sweeping down a hundred at a time. "Come onward and fourth you curs! I'll show you how we brought the PAIN in my day!" He breathes a massive jet of hell fire from his mouth, turning them to ash as he roars out loudly, the concussive force of the sound alone knocking the disoriented changeling drones into a daze.

Cadence flaps her powerful wings, releasing a gust of gale force winds with her strength and blows a drone back in a whirlwind before rushing forward with a crystal sword and cutting it in half. She glances with a fierce grin upon her muzzle, seeing Shining Armor slaying more and more drones, helplessly attempting to scurry away.

The remaining drones begin to retreat, perhaps less than a dozen remaining alive. They stumble over the corpses of drone and pony alike, falling and flailing helplessly. Crystal ponies run them down in a stampede, leaving one last drone attempting to take to wing to escape. Luna rushes from behind with her sword Umbra, striking the final death blow and cleaving the drone in half with blinding speed, reducing the final one to ash from the swords power. As she lands, panting and out of breath, the wounded alicorn crumples to her knees upon the ground. Shouts and cheers are heard all around her. Cheers of joy, cheers of victory. The battle raged on for what felt like an eternity, the might of Equestria coming together against a merciless enemy and claiming victory this night.

Talon limps to her side, collapsing to his knees and embracing her as he drops the sword, panting and exhausted. The guards and ponies alike cast their helmets into the air all around them, cheering a proud battle cry and victory into the air. It's when they hear a thunderous primal scream they turn, seeing a blazing blue fire in the sky. Even at the great distance from the castle, they can feel the heat being emitted from the fireball that is Celestia, the light so bright they all raise their wings, hooves and shields to their eyes to hold back the blinding light of the sun princesses rage.

Luna looks on, knowing the reason why Celestia would have slipped into this. She can feel the hatred and rage from her sister within her breast, sensing the anguish and pain. "Talon...we must return to the palace." She whispers.

"What is that Luna?!" He asks, shielding his eyes from the blinding light with his hand. "What happened?!"

"That...is mine sister. She has awakened...and she is enraged. Luna pushes her weakened and drained magic as far as she could to sense what has occurred, before witnessing the enraged white alicorn bolt back into the chambers in a flash of speed, the force of her going so fast, the railing on the balcony buckles and falls crashing to the gardens. Luna rises to her hooves and pants raggedly, the pilot mounting her back once more as she gallops back to the palace among the cheering from the ponies.

Luna races as fast as she can through the empty streets of Canterlot, portions of her broken armor falling away and clattering behind her as she does. Blood drips in her wake upon the cobblestone paths from her and the pilots wounds, leaving a trail back to the palace. They rush through the gates, Luna's lungs burning in her chest as her heart beats out of control. What greets her in the doorway of the palace, is magenta glowing draconic orbs in the shadows of the darkened doorway.

Celestia storms into the courtyard, Luna backing up quickly as she stares down her elder sister. She sees tears streaming down Celestias muzzle , blood running down her wings and sides. Upon Celestias back and draped carefully, was a broken and severely wounded Twilight.

Celestia sniffles and cries out in rage, looking at the pilot in the eyes. Her breaths are ragged as sobs wrack her body. "Kill her!" She screams out in rage. "Get in your damned machine and drop that bucking abomination upon her head! Send the parasite into the abyss!" She seeths out. "Slaughter them and end their lives, wipe the changeling race out of existence!"

Her tears glisten and fall to the cold ground in the winter night, the tears so hot they sizzle upon impact, releasing a puff of steam. Luna and the pilot stare onward in horror at the sight of Celestia, disbelieving their eyes. Celestias ethereal mane and tale have transcended into a blazing inferno of blue flame, yet it was cool to the touch. Hey eyes were glowing magenta draconic slits, much like Nightmare Moons. Her coat had an other worldly orange glow about it, a warm heat wafting from it. The air smelled of sulfur and brimstone, melted steel and ash. The pilot swallowed hard and nodded silently.

Celestia turned slowly, her head hung low as she re entered the palace, bound for the medical wing. The halls were filled with her heart wrenching sobs and cries as she walked, causing the dark alicorns blood to run cold.

"Luna...I have to go. The order has been given..." Talon says quietly, stepping forward. He stops when the alicorn grasps his hand in her mouth, causing him to pause in his footsteps.

Luna releases him and looks at him in the eyes, then slowly leans forward and kisses him. "I'll go help with Twilight, then meet you in the hangar. Lets finish the fight, mine flame. It's time we punish the parasite for her treachery." Luna trots past him, bound after her sister to the medical wing, going as fast as her weakened body would allow now in her low state of energy.

The pilot stands still for a moment, watching her walk away as she does. With a resolute nod, he coughs and makes his way for Luna's chambers.

* * * * *

He puts on his flight suit after wiping off the remaining changeling and pony blood from his hands, placing the armor off to the side in the corner. He has since dressed his own wounds with a small medical kit in his satchel, all the while thoughts of what he was about to do racing through his mind. It's just like that day only a few months ago, when he was pulled here. Like that day, he was given the order to destroy an entire way of life, an entire people with one absolution and weapon. Like that day, he was ordered to drop mankind's greatest abomination; a thermo nuclear bomb.

He sighs as he tightens his boot laces, then rises off of the bedside and grabs his flight helmet, making way for the hangar finally. The halls around him are empty. No ponies pass by. This isn't the same palace he became so used to, seeing ponies cheerfully make their way about. This isn't the same place where smells of sweet confections permeate the air. Sounds of melodic laughter, cheerful hoof steps and chatter. Nor was he walking beside his beloved midnight blue alicorn, his friend and love. No. Now he makes the same walk he did once before, alone and to his mighty war bird.

The thoughts continues to run circles through his mind as he approached the ballroom doors, the thoughts of tonight. The air is filled with the heavy scent of blood, ash and smoke from the burning buildings in Canterlot. He pushes open the heavy oak doors laced with gold and ornate carvings, entering the well lit room. The engineer ponies have since cleared out, the war machine since completed during the raging battle. He steps to the fuselage and sighs heavily, looking around for his alicorn.

The room is empty, the sounds of the equipment and machines all around him his only company in the still night air. He takes the steps up the side of the fuselage and enters the cockpit, looking over the newly rebuilt systems. He begins entering in the power up sequence, the computers powering on and lighting up the displays.

"Going without me?" Luna calls out to him, entering the hangar from the front and opened bay doors. She steps slowly, limping to the nose gear. Her wounds still have not been treated.

Talon stands up in the pilots seat, resting his arms upon the nose of the aircrafts canopy glass. "Luna...Stay here, tend to yourself and your sister. Tend to Twilight and look after the others. I'll be back shortly. This is a mission I have to fly solo." He calmly states.

Luna shakes her head, continuing to limp forward. She spreads her achy wings and winces, closing them again. "Mine flame....mine love. Let me come with you. I wish to seek revenge upon the parasite as well!" She cries out.

Talon only sighs and sits back down, looking at her. " Not this time Luna. Stay behind, and make sure the kingdom is safe. I promise you, I'll come back to you."

Tears well up in her eyes as she makes her way to the folded canard of the aircraft, climbing up upon it to the cockpit. She stands on the side, her fore hooves resting on the gunnels of the cockpit. She slowly falls to her knees, then to her belly, looking at him. "Please mine flame...allow me to come this flight. I don't wish to be parted with you!" She chokes and whispers out.

Talon leans forward and kisses her passionately, then returns to his position. "Luna...trust me. This is something that I have to do. You are needed here. Your kingdom and ponies still need you, your sister does. If you wish to help, just guide me from the control center. I'm counting on you."

Luna nods, tears streaming down her muzzle. She leans in and kisses her love once more on the lips, closing her eyes. They hold the kiss for a few moments, a span that feels as if it were an eternity before she breaks away. She nods again with a smile, gazing into his eyes. "Promise me....promise that you shall return....when you return, I wish to celebrate a proper honeymoon..." She whispers a small laugh.

He smiles and runs his hands through her blood soaked mane, caressing her as he does with love. "Promise."

Luna steps down off of the canard as he closes the canopy, the engines powering up and beginning to howl.