Apples, Bat Ponies, and Secrets

by Random_User

Rating: teen
Tags: Big Macintosh, Fluttershy, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Romance, Princess Luna, Original Character
Length: 55813

Luna is invited to visit Sweet Apple Acres by Big McIntosh. As they tour the newly created bat sanctuary, the subject of a mysterious new animal visiting the orchard comes up. Luna decides she would like to see the creature for herself.

Luna is invited to visit Sweet Apple Acres by Big McIntosh. As they tour the newly created bat sanctuary, the subject of a mysterious new animal visiting the orchard comes up. Luna decides she would like to see the creature for herself. Luna sends one of her guards to look for the creature on his own while she and McIntosh search another part of the grove. The guard finds the creature, but it turns out to be anything but what he was expecting.

Written as part of Equestria Daily's Writers Training Grounds event.

Published 2013-12-31 12:50:03 UTC
Last updated 2015-04-06 01:38:18 UTC

A Hunt Through the Orchard

Sitting near the edge of a grove of apple trees, Big McIntosh gazed up at the moon. The sound of powerful wings descending from the night sky caused him to turn his head. He smiled and bowed as Luna and one of her bat pony guards landed.

“My dear stallion, you need not bow to me. I believe we are a bit beyond such formalities.” Luna paused, a concerned look passing across her face. “At least, I hope we have moved past such things.”

McIntosh stood back up, his smile even wider. “Eeyup.”

Luna hugged him to her. “It pleases me that you are of the same mind. It has been quite some time since our fun at the festival. I have come to deeply enjoy your companionship.” She leaned her head close to his ear and whispered, “Having your affection has also been most pleasing.”

McIntosh blushed, adding a deeper hue to his already dark red coat.

“Now, what surprise did you wish to show me?”

McIntosh nodded towards the newly converted grove of apple trees. “I know you like bats of all kinds, so I thought you would like to see the latest addition to the farm, a bat sanctuary.”

Luna clapped her fore-hooves together. “A bat sanctuary?! How marvelous! What inspired you to construct such a thing?”

Big McIntosh gestured for her walk with him. He explained the events that led up to the creation of the bat sanctuary as they made their way into the sanctuary.

“These bats will provide your farm with good seeds and fertilizer. Fluttershy was wise to suggest such a thing.”

McIntosh looked deeper into the sanctuary. “There's been something mighty strange goin' on since we made the sanctuary, though. A new critter's been comin' to the grove to eat some of our apples like the vampire bats do, but it's a good bit bigger.”

The bat pony at Luna's side said, “We of the Lunar Guard could help drive the creature off, if you would like.” He quickly bowed to Luna and added, “With your permission, of course, Princess.”

Luna patted the guard on the shoulder, causing him to rock slightly. “My dear Horizon, your enthusiasm is to be commended, but we know not the whole of the matter quite yet.”

McIntosh continued, “Now and then, we find pouches of bits hung from the branches of the trees. It's like the critter wants to pay for what it has been takin'.”

Luna put a hoof to her chin. “Are you certain it's not a bat pony who does not want to disturb your slumber during the night?”
McIntosh shook his head. “It's got bat-like wings alright, but the critter has red eyes and it's got fangs for sucking the juice out of the apples.”

Luna and McIntosh turned to Horizon, who smiled, revealing he had no fangs. “Not one of us then.”

Luna grinned and looked deeper into the grove. “This creature sounds most intriguing. Let us see if we can spy it this night.” Luna turned towards the moon. With a bit of magical power, she caused the moon to shine brighter.

Horizon rubbed the back of his neck. “Princess, I hate to say anything, but Celestia asked you not to deviate from the moon's typical patterns too often.”

“To whom do you report, me or my sister?”

Horizon responded, without hesitation, “You!”

“You would do well to remember that. There is a possibly dangerous creature on the loose in the orchards of one of the Elements of Harmony. It would be remiss of me not to use all my powers to render aid.”

McIntosh said, “I don't want you gettin' into trouble with your sister over something like this.”

“I shall not be dissuaded. You and I will search for this creature together. Horizon, you shall take flight and see if you can spy our quarry from the air.”

“What should I do if I see it?”

“If you can do so without endangering yourself, capture it and call for us.”

Horizon snapped off a salute and then launched into the air.

Luna turned back to McIntosh, a broad smile on her face. “Let us start the hunt. It should prove to be most entertaining.”

*****

Horizon flew around the edge of the grove, not too far from the tops of the trees. “Luna, I know you were trying to help, but the moonlight is just going to back-light anypony trying to fly stealthily tonight, including me,” he said as if the princess could hear him.

He slowly started to circle the grove, tightening the circumference of his path towards the center of the grove each time. A shape in the trees caught his attention. He descended to the ground.

He cautiously slunk his way towards where he had seen the figure. He put his hoof down on a squishy, drained apple. He looked at the bottom of his hoof with disgust. He muttered to himself, “That's what you get for not paying attention to where you were stepping.” He looked around and spotted other similarly drained apples. “Those bite marks are too big for typical vampire bats.” His ears pricked up at the sound of somepony's voice.

“Hello there little guy, I'm glad you made it. I was worried about you when you didn't show up.”

Horizon made his way to the trunk of a tree and eased his head around it. He watched as a yellow pegasus pony with a pink mane gave out apples to a gathering of vampire bats. She was hanging upside down from a branch, held aloft by her tail, as she spoke to the bats.

“There you go. I added some vitamins to these to help you stay healthy. I know that they don't taste quite as good, thanks to the medicine, but please eat them.”

He leaned a bit more to get a better view of her.

One of the bats noticed him and chattered a warning.

The pegasus looked around frantically for the cause of the alarm. “What is it?”

The bat pointed a wing towards Horizon.

Horizon stepped from around the tree. “Hello.”

The mare softly whimpered and hid behind her wings.

“Please, don't be afraid.” He took off his helmet and extended a hoof towards her. “I'm not going to hurt you.”

The mare gave a squeak, let go of her hold on the branch, and started to fly off.

Horizon dropped his helmet and took flight after her. “Wait! Please! I just want to talk to you!” He grabbed her tail with his teeth and slowly directed their flight towards the ground. As soon as their hooves touched the ground, he tackled her. “Look, I'm sorry, but I have to talk to you. I'm under orders from Luna.”

She hid her face behind her mane.

His eyes widened. “McIntosh was talking about you earlier, you're Fluttershy!”

She turned towards him and nodded.

“Why do you look like that? I thought Twilight cast a counterspell?” Horizon glanced over his shoulder as a voice called his name. “That's Luna!” He looked back down at Fluttershy. “You've got to get out of here.” He offered her a hoof up. “Run, fly, I don't care, just get out of here!”

Accepting Horizon's hoof, Fluttershy got to her hooves. “Thank you. I hope you don't get into trouble.” She turned and raced off through the grove.

“Dark Horizon!” Luna ran up to him and picked him up in a bear hug. “I feared for you! We found your helmet, what happened?!”

“I saw the creature, but she's gone now,” he wheezed.

McIntosh walked over to the pair and patted Luna on the shoulder. “Luna, he needs some air. He's turnin' colors.”

Luna gently put Horizon back on the ground. “Sorry, I am just overjoyed at seeing you unharmed. What manner of beast was it?”

Horizon looked in the direction that Fluttershy had run. “I don't know. I've never seen anything like her.”

“Her?” McIntosh said.

“It looked like a female creature, whatever she was.”

McIntosh offered Horizon his helmet. “Here you go.”

Horizon took the helm back with slightly shaking hooves. “Thanks.”

Luna looked over Horizon. “Are you well? You seem shaken.”

“I just wasn't expecting something like her.”

“Perhaps the Lunar Guard will be needed here after all. We cannot have a potential threat to Ponyville do as it pleases.”

Horizon snapped to attention. “I would like to volunteer for the operation.”

McIntosh raised an eyebrow at Horizon, but said nothing.

Author's Note

Thank you for reading my story. If you were kind enough to add it to your favorites, please consider giving it a positive vote as well.

Remember, comments are like authors' food, they give us the fuel to keep writing. Constructive criticism is always welcome. It's what allows me to improve my writing skills.

Meetings of All Kinds

Horizon guided his fellow guard into a landing outside the gates of Sweet Apple Acres. “You doing all right there, Fox? You sound kind of winded.”

“I forgot how tough a long flight with full armor and kit was.” Fox examined the farm’s apple trees. “I can see why the creature comes here. The apples look delicious.”

“Thank ya kindly!” A blond maned earth pony mare said as she came up the path from the homestead. “You must be the guards that Luna wrote to us about. We've got everythin’ set up for you in the barn.”

Horizon gave a brief bow to the mare. “Thank you for your hospitality misses…”

“I’ve gone and forgot my manners, sorry about that.” She opened the gate, stepped through, and then shook hooves with Horizon. “I’m Applejack, no need to add a miss, ma’am, or else anything like that.”

“I’m Dark Horizon, pleasure to meet you.”

“You’re one of the Elements of Harmony!” Fox said with awe.

Horizon and Applejack turned to Fox, Applejack with a slight blush and Horizon with a wince.

“I sure am. Well, I used to be. The Elements are back with the Tree of Harmony now.” Applejack offered her hoof to him.

Fox eagerly took it. “I’m honored to meet you! You've done so much for Equestria!”

Applejack’s blush deepened. “It’s nothin’ to make a fuss about. Without my friends I wouldn’t have been able to do much of anythin’.” She withdrew her hoof from his. “Beggin’ your pardon, but I still don’t know your name.”

He snapped to attention. “My name’s Flying Fox.”

Applejack glanced to Horizon.

“He's serious. Fox is an expert on bats.”

“I volunteered as soon as I heard about what was going on.” Fox grinned widely. “Thanks to Horizon telling me about the problem, I have the opportunity to help one of the Elements of Harmony and get a chance to see a new species.”

“I take it you two are friends?”

Fox put a foreleg around Horizon’s shoulders. “We’ve been buds for a while. We went through training together.”

“Sis, Is that them?!”

Applejack called back towards her home, “It’s them!”

A red maned filly wearing a bow ran up to the guards. “You're bat ponies!”

Fox laughed. “We certainly are. I'm Flying Fox and this is my buddy Dark Horizon.”

“I'm Apple Bloom.” She looked Horizon over. “You're the guard that was with Luna the other night.”

“How did you know that?”

“Big Mac told me about that you nearly caught the creature.”

Fox gave Horizon a surprised look. “You didn't tell me about that. Is that why you volunteered, to get another shot at bagging it?”

“That's part of it.”

“Sis, can I show them, please?!”

“Alright, you can show them.” Applejack patted Apple Bloom on the head. “Don't bother them any after that. You hear me?”

“I won't.” She turned to the two guards. “I came up with the idea of where you could stay. Would you like to see it?”

Fox nodded. “We'd be more than happy to.”

Before Horizon could make a move to follow them, Applejack put a hoof to his chest. “You weren’t quite honest with your friend.”

“I admit, I didn't tell him everything.”

“Why didn't you?”

“I was asked not to.”

“By Luna?”

“Yes.”

Applejack considered him for a moment and then dropped her hoof. “You're not tellin' me the whole truth either.”

“No, I'm not.”

“My family means everythin' to me. If you...”

“What I'm not telling will not put you or your family in danger.” He looked directly into her eyes. “I swear if I even think that not telling what I know would put anypony in danger I will tell you everything as quickly as I can.”

“Now you're bein' honest!” She smiled and motioned him to move on. “Get goin'. You don't want to keep my sis waiting.”

*****

Apple Bloom waved a hoof towards the barn’s cellar doors. “Ta-da!”

Fox tilted his head. “You wanted to show us the cellar doors?”

“It's what's in the cellar that I wanted to show you.” Apple Bloom pulled open the cellar doors and gestured for them to follow her. “Since you guys live in caves, I thought we'd make you a room down here.” Without looking back, she started down into the cellar.

The pair of armored ponies followed Apple Bloom down the stairs.

After reaching the bottom, Horizon looked around the cellar. “You didn't have to go through all this trouble for us. We're used to roughing it.”

Fox put his saddlebags on the bed on the left side of the room. “Sure beats the bunks in the barracks.” He started unpacking his things from his saddlebags a nearby chest. He paused when he got to his mess kit. “I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but where do we cook?”

“You're not going to cook. Granny Smith and Applejack are going to do the cookin'.”

“We can't eat your food!”

“Why not? Granny's cookin' is really good.”

“Horizon, help me out here.”

Horizon placed his saddlebags on the other bed. “How about this, we'll eat with you and your family if you allow us to do chores and help around the farm.”

“Sis isn't goin' to like that. You're guests and guests don't do chores.”

“We’re here on official Lunar Guard business, so we’re not guests. What your family has already done for us is far too much.”

Fox turned his head towards the cellar stairs. “Somepony is coming.”

As soon as McIntosh stepped in the cellar, Apple Bloom ran up and hugged him. “They really liked the room! Thanks for helpin’ me get it set up.”

He returned the hug. “No problem, Sis.” McIntosh looked at the two guards. “There anythin' you need down here?”

Horizon shook his head. “No, you've already given us much more than we needed. Thanks.”

Fox looked up at McIntosh. “I see the apples aren’t all they grow big here.”

“Eeyup." McIntosh shook hooves with Fox and introduced himself. “We're getting everythin' set up for dinner and the meetin'. I thought you two ought to know.”

“We'll help you get things ready. Come on, Fox, we'll get our stuff stored later.”

Horizon, Fox, and Apple Bloom followed McIntosh out of the cellar.

McIntosh looked over his shoulder. “I'm goin’ to warn you two, Granny Smith can be a bit odd at times. I don't rightly know how she's goin’ to take to having two bat ponies around.”

“Does she have a problem with bat ponies?” Horizon said.

“Eenope, she just gets a little worked up over new things.”

Fox shrugged. “It's alright; my grandmother is like that too.”

As they made their way into the house, Fox sniffed the air. “Dear Luna that smells good!”

“Nice to know my cookin’s appreciated!” an elderly voice called from deeper into the house. Granny stuck her head out from the kitchen.

Her eyes went wide as she looked the guards over. “Big Mac, what did you do?!” She shook a wooden spoon at McIntosh. “I told you not to stay out so late at night! Now you've gone and gotten yourself into a heap of trouble!”

Horizon put himself between McIntosh and the spoon-wielding matriarch. “The name is Dark Horizon, ma'am. McIntosh hasn't done anything wrong. Flying Fox and I are the guards that Luna sent to help you with the creature.”

Granny blinked. “Oh, that's right. I plumb forgot about that for a moment.” She motioned for Horizon to follow her into the kitchen. “You've come right when I needed ya. You can help carry the vittles from the kitchen. There's goin' to be a lot of hungry ponies comin' for dinner tonight.”

Apple Bloom said, “But we haven’t got the big table set up yet.”

“Then they can help with that too!”

Fox chuckled. “Yep, just like my grandmother. You're a stranger one minute and the next it’s like you've been a family friend for years.”

Horizon and Fox helped McIntosh set up a long, wide table on the front lawn and laid out the place settings.

Fox finished placing the last of the silverware. “You were right; there will be a lot of ponies here tonight.”

“I can’t believe all this fuss over a critter.” Granny shook her head. “In my day, you just ran them off with a broom; you didn't make a big to-do about it.”

“They're here!” Applejack called.

“Is that who I think it is?!" Fox said.

Horizon sighed. “Don't fancolt out on me, please.”

Twilight Sparkle put her saddlebags down and gave Granny a hug. “How have you been?”

“Pretty dog-gone good, considering I'm old as the hills.”

Twilight looked over at Horizon and Fox, who both immediately bowed. “No bowing! I'm just Twilight. Treat me like you would any other pony.”

Fox quickly pulled himself up and nodded vigorously.

As Horizon stood back up, his eyes met with a sky blue pair.

As soon as she made eye contact with him, Fluttershy squeaked and started to back away from Horizon.

A mare with a rainbow colored mane put a hoof around Fluttershy's shoulders, stopping her retreat. “No you don't! You're staying right here. They're just new ponies, not dragons.” She smiled at the guards. “I'm Rainbow Dash and this is Fluttershy.”

Horizon broke his gaze away from Fluttershy's. “I'm Dark Horizon and this is Flying Fox.”

Fox stared at the pair of mares. “You’re the Elements of Loyalty and Kindness!”

Rainbow grinned. “Yep, that's us.”

“You won the Best Young Flier’s Competition not too long ago!”

“You heard about that?”

“Of course I heard about it! You made the Canterlot Times’ headlines with your performance! You're amazing!”

Rainbow's grin widened. “Nice to know somepony appreciates how awesome I am.” She glanced at the yellow pony at her side. “You all right there, Fluttershy?”

“I think I need to go home.”

“We just got here! You don’t want to miss out on the food do you, especially when they went through all the trouble of making it.”

“Well, no.”

Horizon took a cautious step towards Fluttershy. “Is it because we’re here?”

Fluttershy hid her face behind her mane and softly squeaked an unintelligible response.

“We’re just here to help. We have no intention of causing anypony trouble.”

She turned her head just enough for one eye to come from behind her mane. “You promise?”

He gave her a warm, comforting smile. “I promise.”

Luna landing nearby turned the heads of the gathered ponies.

The dark coated princess scanned the group. “I’m pleased to see that most of the ponies that will be involved in this endeavor are here.” She turned to Twilight. “I take it the other Elements had duties to which they had to attend.”

Twilight nodded. “Pinkie had to watch the Cake twins and Rarity had to finish up an unexpected rush order. I told them that you would understand. Pinkie told me to tell you ‘hello’ and Rarity deeply apologizes for her absence.”

“While their presence would have been welcome, it should have no impact on our discussions.”

Granny Smith put an apple pie on the table. “Y’all can have your discussions later. Dinner comes first.”

Applejack tilted her hat over her eyes. “Granny, you’re talkin’ to a princess.”

“So? She needs to eat too. You can’t have a good talk on an empty stomach.”

Luna tilted Applejack’s hat back up with a hoof. “I do not take umbrage at her words. She is correct, planning for encounters with an enemy should not be done while suffering the pangs of hunger.”

Horizon cleared his throat. “Princess, I don’t mean to overstep myself, but I don’t think the creature is hostile.”

Luna raised an eyebrow. “Why do you think thus?”

“It had the opportunity to attack me when I grabbed its tail and pulled it to the ground the other night, but it didn't. If it didn't attack me then, I doubt it's going to go after anypony.”

She regarded him for a moment. “That is true, but I would still be wary.” She turned to McIntosh. “Has the creature ever menaced anypony?”

“Eenope, it flies off the moment it sees anypony.”

Granny banged a fork against the edge of one of the serving dishes. “Eat now, talk later! The food’s gettin’ cold!”

*****

“That’s it! I surrender! No more!”

Apple Bloom poked a plate towards the groaning stallion. “Come on mister Fox, you can eat one more slice!”

“I've already had two slices! I don't have room for another, especially with ice cream on top!”

A blue aura of magic surrounded the plate. The pie rose, floated down the table, and then landed in front of Luna. “I shall take his slice. It seems that he has reached the limits of his capacity.” She took a bite and hummed in satisfaction. After two more bites by the princess, the pie was gone.

Twilight grinned. “Perhaps we should discuss what brought all here, now that dinner is over.”

“Rightly spoken, Twilight.” Luna stood and drew herself to her full height. “There is a new creature that has been drawn to Sweet Apple Acres by the bat sanctuary. What its nature is has yet to be discovered. However, this night we have an expert that may provide us with some insight.”

Fox fidgeted a little as the eyes of everypony fell on him. “The creature seems to be much like the common vampire bat in that it sucks the juice out of apples and leaves the rest of the fruit and the seeds behind. Thanks to the efforts of Horizon, we also know that the creature is fairly non-aggressive even when threatened.”

“If that’s the case, what’s the big deal?” Rainbow leaned on the table. “I don’t see why we should lose sleep over an overgrown bat that’s eating apples in a bat sanctuary.”

“There have been pouches of bits left in the trees to pay for the apples.”

“Alright, then it's a pocket picking bat. The girls and I can take care of something like that. There is no reason to get Luna and the Lunar Guard mixed up in this. We take care of worse monsters all the time.”

Twilight lightly poked Rainbow in the ribs. “Think about it. The bits in the trees could indicate a couple of things. The first being is that the creature has somehow been getting bits, knows what they're used for, and is intelligent enough to try to pay for the apples itself. The second is that there is a pony that has known about the creature, has not told anypony about it, and has been helping the creature by putting the bits in the trees to make up for the lost apples.”

Rainbow leaned back with a contemplative expression. “So we have a mystery on our hooves as well as a new beastie we need to take care of.”

Fox nodded. “Since the creature is bat-like in nature, and a fruit eating one at that, I don’t believe that it's a threat to anypony. However, I would advise caution if you do try to capture it. We might not be as lucky as Horizon was when he surprised it. Fluttershy may be the only one of us that can interact with the creature safely without subduing it first.”

Fluttershy almost ducked below the tabletop. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to talk to it. I had a hard enough time understanding the vampire bats.”

Rainbow chuckled. “You should be able to understand them now, especially since you went all batty yourself.”

Applejack tilted her hat back. “Now that I think about it, this creature sounds a might bit similar to what you were when turned into that monster. You haven’t been sneaking into our orchard at night and eatin’ our apples have you?”

Fluttershy squeaked and sunk below the edge of the table.

“Applejack, that's just ridiculous. The creature is acting completely differently than Fluttershy did. It’s not attacking anypony, it’s very deliberate as to when it comes to the orchard, and she can’t have sucked the juice out of the apples since I cured her.” Twilight gestured towards Fluttershy. “She also doesn’t have any bat characteristics like membrane wings or pointed, fuzzy ears either.”

Applejack chuckled. “I was just joking. Fluttershy wouldn’t do something like that anyway.”

Luna rapped the table with a hoof. “I ask that everypony refocus on the matter at hoof. These two guards will be staying with the Apples until the creature is captured or driven hence. We shall rotate our nightly vigils.” She looked around the table, making eye contact with everypony. “There shall never be a solitary pony on lookout. If I hear of such foolishness, I shall not be pleased. The creature has not given the appearance of being fierce, however that does not mean we should lower our guard.”

“I can make a schedule so that nopony is ever alone,” Twilight said. She began pulling parchment, ink, and quills from her saddlebags.

“That would be prudent.” Luna stood and nodded her head slightly to Granny. “I thank you for the meal, it was most delightful.”

“You’re welcome! It's not every day that we Apples have royalty coming for dinner.”

Luna smirked. “Perhaps that should change.” She turned and pointed a hoof at McIntosh. “You shall help us construct the schedule.”

“What can I do, Princess?”

Luna looked to the youngest Apple. “You can help Horizon and Fox clear this table.”

“But that's not really helpin'!”

“Where else could the Elements and I prepare the schedule? Any other location would be too constraining.”

Apple Bloom perked up. “We’ll clean this table in no time!”

*****

Fox bumped Horizon with his shoulder. “I don’t know what our schedule is going to be tonight, but I want to talk to you before we hit the rack.”

“I understand. I owe you an explanation.”

“So there is something going on. I thought you’ve been acting strange about all of this.” He gave Horizon a clean dish. “You better have a good reason for holding out on me, or I’ll get the big red guy to rough you up.”

Horizon dried the dish with a towel. “It’s hard to take you seriously when you’re wearing that apron.”

“What are you two doin'?!”

Applejack’s shout almost caused Horizon to drop the plate. He turned to her and calmly replied, “We’re helping with the dishes.”

“You’re guests! You don’t do dishes!”

“We’re here as Lunar Guards so we don’t really qualify as guests.”

Applejack narrowed her eyes. “That don’t matter, you’re helpin' us with a problem.”

“You’re family went through the trouble of fixing up a special room for us, you’ve fed us, and you’ve made us feel at home. It wouldn’t be right for us to not repay your kindness.”

Applejack took the plate from his hooves and put it up. “You’re not doin' chores!”

Fox held up his soggy hooves. “Please don’t argue! We’re going to be together for a while. Let’s not start off on the wrong hoof.”

Applejack looked over at Fox, stifled a bit of laughter, shook her head, and turned back to Horizon. “There’s not goin’ to be an argument, you two aren’t helpin' around here.”

Luna stuck her head around the doorframe. “Applejack, is something amiss? I heard your displeasure from outside.”

Horizon bowed. “Princess, I’m afraid there is a bit of a dispute.” He explained the situation to Luna, who listened with an amused expression.

“Applejack, if you insist on giving my guards lodging and food, they shall help you with your daily tasks. I do not want them going soft or taking unduly from your family.”

“Yes, Princess, but it still doesn’t feel right.”

“I order it be so.” Luna turned and started out of the kitchen. She paused at the door. “McIntosh and I will take the first watch tonight and you two will take the last. I have a task for each of you to complete before your patrol. Fox, I want you to escort Rainbow Dash home. Horizon, you shall ensure Fluttershy makes it safely to hers. Her dwelling is near the Everfree Forest, so remain vigilant.”

Fox said, “What about Twilight?”

“She has teleported back to the library. I expect you both to be at your best tonight. Your wards are dear friends of mine and heroes of Equestria.”

The guards saluted her sharply.

Luna’s eyes sparked with mischief. “By the way, Fox, you look quite fetching in frills.”

Fox blushed furiously. “I'm only wearing it to make sure my armor doesn't get wet!”

“That and he thinks it's a wonderful shade of cornflower blue,” Horizon deadpanned.

*****

McIntosh strode beside Luna through the bat sanctuary. He watched her scan the trees as much as he looked at the trees himself.

“You’re takin' this mighty seriously for a critter that doesn’t want to be seen much less hurt anypony.”

“I confess stationing my guards being here is as much to satisfy my curiosity about the creature as it is about protecting the realm. Creatures of the night, particularly ones that possibly have magical properties, have always fascinated me. I assure you had I thought that the creature posed a threat I would have a dispatched a whole battalion to subdue the beast.”

“I don’t reckon it will come to that.”

Luna smiled. “I believe there is something more going on here than what we know. Despite nearly capturing the beast, Horizon was scant with the details he gave me about the creature.”

McIntosh moved the sprig of hay he had been chewing on from one side of his mouth to the other. “Why would he not tell you somethin’ that might help?”

“I know not. He has always been one of my most reliable and trustworthy guards. His immediately volunteering for the assignment was also out of character for him. He vied with other guards over several weeks to be one of my personal guards and has rarely been out of rotation. His sudden willingness to leave his position is quite perplexing. Something profound must be motivating him for him to act so.”

There was a comfortable silence between the two as they continued their patrol.

Luna suddenly stopped, causing McIntosh to halt as well. “You’re mulling over this matter quite deeply. I would like to hear your thoughts.”

“Horizon seems a solid enough pony. He brought Fox here with him, so he must want to help.”

“Yet you believe he has another motive for being here?”

“I think so, but I can't figure what it is.”

“What would cause you to act in the manner he has?”

McIntosh paused for a moment, before answering, “To protect somepony would be the only reason that I wouldn’t tell somethin’. If that is his reason, who could he be protecting?"

Luna looked back towards the Apple’s home. “If your theory holds true, he must be shielding a family member or a dear friend to him.”

“Or somepony he likes.”

“What makes you reason so?”

“I’d do the same to protect you.”

Luna beamed and hugged him. “You do not have to do such a thing for me, but I am flattered you would.” She kissed his cheek, causing him to blush. “Sister may be vexed at me on the morrow, but we shall have a little more light.”

*****

Horizon chuckled. “I’ve never seen Fox so excited about an escort assignment. I hope he doesn't annoy Rainbow too much.”

Fluttershy did not respond and kept her eyes on the path.

“He spent hours looking over the information the Lunar Guard had on the Elements of Harmony before we came here. He’s wanted to meet you and the other Bearers since he became a guard.”

She remained silent.

“I know this is awkward, but we need to talk to each other.”

She looked at him but did not utter a word.

“Please say something. I want to help and I can’t do that if I don’t know what is going on.”

“If you try to help me you could get into trouble.”

“That’s better; I thought you were still mad at me.”

“Oh, no, I’m not mad at you at all. Why would I be?”

“I was a little rough with you the other night. Had I known who you were, I would never have done that.”

“You were just doing your job.”

“I tackled one of the heroes of our age! That's not 'just doing my job'!”

“It’s all right, I did something wrong. You had to stop me.”

“You were giving medicine to bats, that’s not doing anything wrong.”

“I took apples without asking.”

“You’ve been paying for them. In fact, you’ve been leaving too many bits for the apples you and the bats have been eating.” He grinned. “Think of it like this, you had already paid for the apples you used that night.”

“I snuck in where I wasn’t supposed to be.”

“You looked like a bat to me and I think it’s pretty much an open invitation to all bats to enjoy the apples in the sanctuary whenever they want. I don’t think you’ve done anything wrong.”

“Thanks. That helps me not feel so bad.”

“I’m glad. Do you mind if I ask you a couple of things that might get a little personal?”

She shook her head. “I don’t mind.”

“Can you control the change?”

“I can a little, but not near enough to be comfortable with it. I can't help but transform when the moon is bright. I'm trying to get to where I can change or not change whenever I want.”

“So you’re a kind of were-fruit bat pony now?”

“I guess so. Twilight might know more about why that is.”

“Why haven’t you gone to Twilight for help?”

Fluttershy turned her head away from him, hiding her face behind her mane. “I didn’t want to bother her.”

“I don’t think she would be bothered. She seems like the kind of pony that would stop whatever she was doing to help a friend.”

She quietly said, “I don’t want to stop the change.”

Horizon’s ears shot up. “You don’t want to stop the change?!”

Fluttershy cringed. “Please, not so loud. Somepony might hear.”

“Sorry. Why don’t you want to stop it?”

“The change allows me to fly better, see in the dark, and makes it where my tail can hold me so I can talk to animals like bats and possums while they're upside down. It's nice.”

“There has to be something more than that for you to risk getting caught.”

She looked towards her hooves. “It makes me feel better than I usually do.”

Horizon frowned. “Sounds like an addiction.”

Fluttershy's eyes snapped up to meet his. “No! It's nothing like that! I'm really shy and nervous all the time. When I change, those feelings disappear. Since everypony else is asleep when I change, it's just the nocturnal animals and me. It's like I'm in my own little world and I can be myself.”

“I can see the appeal of that.”

Fluttershy looked down the path and towards her cottage. “One of the reasons I live this far out of town is so I can get away from other ponies. It's not that I don't like them, I just need time to myself.”

“You're much more of an animal pony than a pony, pony.”

She nodded and reached for the door. “I just wish it didn't turn me into a monster when I changed.”

“I'm a bit insulted.”

She dropped her hoof from the door handle. “Why?!”

“You don't think I'm a monster do you?”

“Of course not, you're a nice pony!”

Horizon spread his wings. “When you change, your wings are like a bat pony’s.” He wiggled his ears. “Your ears look no different than ours and your eyes change so they have vertical pupils, just like us too.”

“But they turn red, like a monster's!”

“So what? Other ponies have red eyes. The only differences between you and a normal bat pony, when you change, are your tail, your coloring, and your fangs.”

The moon brightened, bathing them in pale light.

Fluttershy looked at the moon, gasped, and then frantically tried to work the door's handle. “I've got to get inside!”

Horizon took her hooves with his. “Stop, you're going to hurt yourself flailing around like that!”

She started to breathe in short gasps and tears flowed down her cheeks. “Nopony should see me when I'm changed!”

“Relax! Take deeper breaths!” He gave her hooves a gentle shake. “I've already seen you when you're changed, remember?”

The transformation came over her slowly, making her appear much like a bat pony. She closed her eyes and took a shuddering breath. “You really don't think I look like a monster?”

He carefully brushed away her tears. “You look lovely to me.” He blushed as she opened her eyes and stared into his. “Sorry, that was inappropriate. I'm supposed to be protecting you, not flirting with you.”

“It’s alright; I’m not supposed to turn into a vampire fruit pony either.” She took her hooves from his. “You really think I look nice?”

He nodded. “I’ve never seen a bat pony with a yellow coat and pink mane, it's quite alluring.”

“You think so, even with these?” She opened her mouth and showed him her fangs.

“Even with those.”

She closed her mouth. “I’m glad you don’t think I’m a monster.” Her face creased with worry as she looked back towards the Apples' farm.

“Don't worry, we'll figure out a way to get you through this. If worse comes to worse and the others find out I'm sure they'll understand.”

“We'll?”

He rubbed the back of his neck with a hoof. “I got you in this mess with Luna and the Guard. I feel like I should help you get out of it.”

“You've already helped me, you don't have to do anything more.” She opened the door. “Would you like something to drink?

“I appreciate the offer, but I'm going to have to push it to make it back in time for my patrol as it is.”

“Oh, that’s right. I forgot you had to get back.” She looked down and shuffled her hooves. “Thank you for not telling anypony.” She gave him a quick hug and then bolted into her cottage, softly shutting the door behind her.

“You're more than welcome.”

Author's Note

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Remember that comments are like authors' food, we gain energy from them. Constructive criticism is welcome.

Hopes and Plans

Chapter 3: Hopes and Plans

Horizon grunted as he turned the handle to the well’s pulley. “I don't think that went too badly for a first patrol.”

“We could just go inside and get some water.” Fox stuck his nose over the edge of the well and watched the bucket ascend. “I don't think they would mind.”

“We haven't been invited in.”

“We’re not demons that have to be invited over the threshold.”

“It would be rude, you goof.”

Fox grabbed the bucket when it came into his reach. He placed the bucket on the edge of the well and then offered a ladle to Horizon. “I think you should have the first swig since you did all the hauling.”

“Thanks.” Horizon took the ladle and dipped it into the bucket. “I've always preferred well water to faucet water anyway.” He drained the ladle with one back-tilt of his head.

“I would never have guessed.” Fox took the ladle from Horizon and dipped a drink of his own from the bucket.

“How did things go with Rainbow Dash?”

Fox wiped his lips and grinned. “Everything went just fine. She's as good a flier as the reports say. Did you know she made most of the house she lives in?”

“I'm not surprised; she's one of the best cloud wranglers out there.”

“She's got a good eye for architecture too. Her place looks like a bit of Cloudsdale floated off and decided to stop over Ponyville.”

Horizon took the ladle back. “Do I hear a bit of crush coming on?”

Fox quickly shook his head. “No, nothing like that, she's a bit too brash and loud for me. That doesn't mean that I can't admire her.”

“Fancolt.”

“I won't deny it.”

“What are you two doing?” McIntosh asked as he stepped out on the house's front porch.

“We're getting a drink.” Horizon offered the ladle to the red stallion. “Care for some?”

“Why didn't you just come in the house and get a glass?”

Fox poked Horizon in the ribs. “Yeah, why didn't we?”

Horizon ignored Fox. “We hadn't been invited in and we didn't want to wake anypony up.”

“You two are welcome in the house whenever you want.” McIntosh looked back into the house. “Sis is goin' to have our hides if you don't come eat. She and Granny are fixin' breakfast and they don't take kindly to ponies being late for meals.”

Fox waved a hoof in the air. “I'll pass. I'm still working off the meal from last night.”

McIntosh shook his head. “I wouldn't turn down their cookin' if I were you. Applejack can get mighty sore about ponies not eating too.”

*****

“Two pieces of toast with apple butter and a cup of coffee don't make breakfast,” Applejack grumbled at Fox. “You insinuating my cooking is no good?”

“By Luna's moon, no! Your cooking is fantastic!” Fox patted his stomach. “I want to eat more, but Luna's already hinted that I'm not quite in fighting shape.”

Apple Bloom pointed a hoof at Horizon. “He didn't eat much of anythin' either. Why aren't you gettin' onto him?”

McIntosh reached out a foreleg and scooped the filly against his side. “He didn't eat because he's got too much on his mind. You don't bother a pony when they're thinkin' like that.”

Apple Bloom looked over at Horizon with concern. “You worried you won't be able to catch the monster?”

Fox bumped Horizon under the table. “Hey, she asked you a question.”

Horizon looked up from his plate of eggs. “Sorry about that, Apple Bloom. No, that's not it at all. I'm sure we'll be able to do something about the monster.”

Granny snorted. “I'm telling you all you need is a broom, a sharp eye, and a good swing!”

Fox put his coffee down. “Typically that's essentially what we would do by chasing the creature out or using magic to deter it from returning. However, thanks to the unique nature of this creature, Luna and Twilight both want to capture and examine it.” He grinned. “I have to admit, I'm quite curious about what the creature could be myself.”

“You aren’t so keen on the plan,” Applejack said.

Horizon barely nodded. “I know that something needs to be done and answers found, but I just hope that something bad doesn't happen to the creature when we try to capture it.”

McIntosh shrugged his broad shoulders. “Maybe we won't get the chance. With all the ponies in the sanctuary at night, the critter could decide it's not worth tryin' to sneak onto the farm and go someplace else.”

A smile came to Horizon's face. “Maybe you're right. I don't think I would like the idea of a lot of ponies trying to ambush me at the grocery store.” He picked up his fork and took another bite of eggs.

“I hope you're wrong,” Apple Bloom said.

Horizon stared at her. “Why?”

“We were goin' to get our Cutie Marks in monster catchin'!”

Horizon looked to Applejack. “Who is 'we'?”

“Apple Bloom and a couple of her friends formed a little club that's trying to get their Cutie Marks.”

Apple Bloom stood up in her chair. “We're the Cutie Mark Crusaders! We even have a member in Manehattan!”

Fox motioned for her to sit back down. “If you sister agrees, and it's not on a school night, you and your friends could help us patrol during one of the early shifts.”

“You mean it?!”

“As far as I'm concerned, the more eyes and ears looking out for the creature the better.”

Apple Bloom turned to Applejack. “Can we, Sis? Can we?!”

“We'll see.”

*****

“I've waited long enough. Now spill it.”

Horizon took his helmet off and put it on the foot of his bed. “At least let me get out of my armor.”

“You can talk while taking off your armor,” Fox said as he took off his own helmet. “With the doors shut, there is no chance anypony is going to hear us while we're down here. What is eating you?”

“I don't want the creature to get caught.”

Fox's hooves paused in their work of undoing a strap. “What?”

“The creature is more scared of us that we are of her. I don't like the possibility of her getting hurt when there hasn’t been harm done to pony or property.”

Fox opened the chest at the foot of his bed and placed his armor in it. “You must know more about the creature than you've been letting on.”

“I do.”

“If that's the case, why invite me into this?”

Horizon sat down on his bed. “Because you always have my back, you've always wanted to meet the Elements of Harmony, and I knew you would love visiting the bat sanctuary whether or not we caught the creature.”

“All true.” Fox made his way to the room's table and chairs, sat down, and then indicated with a gesture that Horizon should join him. “If we have this conversation while we're on the beds, I might go to sleep.”

Horizon took the lamp from its hook on one of the support pillars. “If you're that tired, maybe we should put this talk off.”

“Not happening. You're not wiggling out of this after you've made me wait until we finished our patrol and got back here.”

As he sat down across from Fox, Horizon put the lamp on the table. “I'm hoping that if the creature doesn’t appear for a while that Luna and Twilight will give up.”

“So you want me to help you sabotage the search?”

“No, I just want you to help them too much.”

“You're using me as a smoke screen for something.”

“Yes and no. I honestly want to help with the creature, but I want to make sure nopony gets hurt in the process.”

“You’re helping a mare.”

Horizon froze.

Fox crossed his forelegs over his chest. “I knew it. Now I just have to figure out how your mystery mare is wrapped up in this.”

“You can't know that there is a mare involved.”

Fox barked a short laugh. “You and I both know you turn into a soggy mush when mares are involved in stuff like this. Just admit it or I'll have to do some poking around on my own.”

“There's a mare involved.”

“I don't want to bust your chops; I just want to know what I'm getting pulled into. How deep into this is she?”

“She's the one that's been leaving the bits in the trees for the apples.”

Fox watched the lamp's flame for a couple of seconds and then shrugged. “I guess if she’s been leaving pouches of bits in the trees to pay for the apples she can’t be that bad.”

“She isn't bad at all. She's trying to do the right thing, but she doesn't want to draw attention to herself.” Horizon looked Fox in the eye. “Will you help?”

“I get to spend time with the Elements, visit a bat sanctuary full of several species of fruit and vampire bats whenever I want, and help a mare and my buddy out by doing nothing? I think I can swing that.”

“Thank you.”

“No problem. What are buds for if they don't help each other out? Besides, I owe you for getting me here.”

“You might not be thanking me if we're here for a while.”

“That reminds me, I forgot to show you what Twilight and Luna came up with as far as patrols go.” Fox retrieved the schedule from one of his saddlebags and put in on the table. “You lucky dog, you're with Rarity tonight. I've heard she's drop dead gorgeous.”

“You're with Pinkie on second shift.”

“Well, I can rule out that your mystery mare is Rarity. You didn't even react when I said her name.” Fox nudged Horizon. “Will you at least tell me who she is?”

“Not yet.”

Fox's ears folded back. “You don't trust me?”

“I'm trying to shield you, not leave you out. You can't spill what you don't know. If Luna gets wind of what I've done, I don't want you facing her wrath too.” Horizon patted Fox on the back. “If this blows over, and she agrees to it, I'll introduce you to her myself.”

“You don't trust me.”

Horizon rolled his eyes. “What if I give you another secret to show that I trust you?”

“It would have to be a doozy.”

Horizon waved a hoof towards the schedule. “Look at this real closely. Do you notice that there is one pair that shows up more often than any other?”

Fox’s lips moved silently as he read the pairings. “I see it now! Luna is only paired up with McIntosh! You mean...”

“I was sworn by Luna herself not to tell anyone. I just bent the rules like all hay for you. Is that enough to show that I trust you?”

Fox's ears snapped back up. “Alright, you trust me.” He yawned and turned towards his bed. “We need to hit the rack. Tonight is going to be busy, particularly for me.”

Horizon glanced back to the schedule. “Four nights,” he muttered to himself.

“Get the light would you?”

Horizon lifted the lamp’s glass and blew out the flame.

****

Horizon met Fox and Twilight on the edge of the grove. “Anything?”

Twilight shook her head. “Nothing, my spells didn't even detect anything beyond the typical fruit and vampire bats.”

“It looked very impressive though,” said Fox.

“Thank you, but I would rather it had sensed the creature.”

“You'll have another shot in a couple of days.”

Twilight lit her horn and looked back towards the sanctuary. “Still nothing but the typical bats, what is wrong with my spell?”

“Maybe the light is scaring it off?” said Horizon.

“Bats are more sensitive to light during the night.” Fox nodded towards Twilight’s horn. “That might be why you can't sense the creature, it's staying out of your range because of the spell's glow.”

The glow around Twilight's horn faded. “How can I look for it without magic?”

“Like us, by sight.”

Twilight grabbed Fox's cheeks and examined his eyes. “I wonder if I could make a spell that would give me eyes like yours. Then there wouldn't be any glow and I could see in the dark better.”

“Princess, I'm flattered you like my eyes that much, but would you please let me go?”

Twilight dropped her hooves from his face. “Sorry, I just got a little excited at the idea.”

“Hello, Twilight.”

The trio turned towards the new voice.

“Hello, Fluttershy, I hope you and Horizon have better luck than Fox and I did.”

“You didn't catch the creature? I'm sorry.”

Fox shrugged. “It's nothing to be sorry about. These things can take time, if they happen at all. There are a couple of researchers that I know of that have been trying to catch a sassquash for years and haven’t been able to.”

Twilight hugged Fluttershy. “You two take care. If anything happens, get help as fast as you can.”

Horizon stood beside Fluttershy. “With Fluttershy's ability to talk with animals we'll be just fine.”

“That's true. Now that I think about it, Fluttershy would probably handle the creature better than the rest of us.” Twilight turned and headed down the path towards Ponyville. After a few steps, she lit her horn and vanished in a burst of purple light.

Fox yawned. “Good luck you two. If you need me for anything, I'll be in the cellar.” He more staggered than walked towards the Apple's barn.

Horizon shook his head. “He still hasn't recovered from the other night with Pinkie.” He and Fluttershy quietly made their way into the sanctuary.

For a couple a minutes, neither pony said a word to the other.

“Don't get me wrong, Fox enjoyed meeting Pinkie and having her on the patrol, but I don't think the reports did her justice as far as her endless energy.”

A small smile came to Fluttershy's face. “Pinkie can be a bit rambunctious.”

“She seems nice enough, even if she has the energy level of a foal full of sugar. Will you be at the 'Welcome to Ponyville Creature Catchers Party' she's setting up?”

Fluttershy looked around the grove as if looking for anypony that could have heard her. “I don't think that would be a good idea.”

“I think it would perfectly ironic. Besides, if you don’t make an appearance it would be really suspicious.”

“What if the moon gets bright while I'm there?”

“Then I'll make a distraction, and you haul tail out of there.”

Fluttershy took a slow, deep breath. “I hope all this ends soon. I don't know if I can take the pressure.”

“I think if nopony catches the creature within a couple of weeks the princesses will give up. All you have to do is keep a low profile.”

“I think I can do that.”

“I'll do what I can to help. Fox is on our side too, so don't worry about him.”

“You told him?!”

“No, I didn't tell him anything much at all. He figured out that I was holding things back and asked me a couple of questions. He knows there is a mare that I'm trying to help. I kind of lead him on so that he thinks that the mare I'm trying to help is the pony that has been leaving the pouches of bits to pay for the apples.”

“You didn't even lie to him.”

“I would like to introduce you to him as the mystery mare at some point, if you don't mind. I kind of owe it to him.”

“I don't. If he's trying to help, it's the least I could do.”

“Thanks. He'll probably fall right out when he sees you. Why have you been leaving bits the trees anyway? You could just buy the apples that you need.”

“I've been buying apples from Applejack and her family for a long time. They know how many apples I need for me and my animals.”

“I see. If you're purchases suddenly went up, or you started buy from another vendor, it would draw attention to you.”

“That's one reason. The other is that since I never know when I'm going to change so I can't make plans to buy fresh apples for when I would need them.” She looked up at the apples hanging in the trees. “Apples straight from the branch taste better too. The bats turn their noses up at the apples that I've offered with the medicine already in them so I have to use apples directly from the trees.”

Horizon turned to one of the vampire bats. “I hope you know how much she's going through to help you.”

“Why are you doing this?”

“Doing what?”

“Helping me like this. Why didn't you turn me in that night?”

“You looked so terrified that night; I couldn't make myself do it. You were just a scared mare to me, not some vicious monster.”

“How did you know my name?”

“McIntosh talked about you turning into a vampire bat to Luna earlier that evening. I overheard their conversation and you matched the discription.”

"Why are you blushing?”

Horizon hesitantly answered, “I also recognized you from a couple magazines and advertisements I saw from when you were a model.”

Fluttershy's face turned scarlet. “I was hoping that everypony had forgotten about that.”

“I'm surprised that more ponies don’t know who you are when they see you.”

“Photo Finish used a lot of makeup on me. I don’t look near as nice without it.”

“I think you look wonderful just as you are.”

“Thanks, but I know you’re just being polite.”

“I'm serious.”

“You said I looked nice as a vampire fruit bat. I can't look good as both.”

“With your coloration, you have an exotic appearance as a bat pony. As a pegasus, you have a kind and graceful appeal. You really are lovely either way. ”

The sound of heavy steps came from behind them. "Everythin' goin' all right?"

“Hello McIntosh, what brings you out here?” said Horizon.

“Just takin' a walk and looking at the moon. How are you two doin'?”

“Just fine, no sign of the creature so far.”

“That's all right by me. I think Luna and Twilight are wound up over nothin'. It hasn't hurt anypony. If it wants some apples it's more than welcome to them.”

“What about the bits? Doesn't the thought that it knows about money make you a little nervous as to what it can do or that a pony might be helping it?”

“Eenope.”

“Why not?” Fluttershy said.

“I've been thinkin' about that. Pinkie and Twilight have asked around town and nopony has had bits gone missin'. That means that the creature is not takin' and using the bits itself. I’m much more interested in findin’ the pony that’s been leaving the bit than the creature. They’ve paid too much for what's been eaten and we owe them change.”

“Do you have any clue who might be helping the creature?” said Horizon.

“I don't know, but Zecora might. That is, if the creature is from the Everfree Forest.”

Fluttershy gasped. “You don't think that Zecora is helping the creature do you?!”

“Eenope, Applejack already talked to Zecora about the critter. She didn't have a clue as to what it is. I just meant that she might have seen somepony going into the Everfree Forest that we don't know about.”

“Could she have lied?” Horizon tentatively asked.

“Eenope, Zecora's a good friend of the family’s. Besides that, nopony can lie to my sister.”

“You can't leave things out when you talk to her either.”

“Pardon?”

“Nothing, I just should have remembered that from the file that I read on your sister.”

McIntosh started walking again and moved past them. “You two stay safe. Just holler if you need anything.”

“McIntosh, if you need something to help you sleep, I can make some chamomile tea with milk in it,” Fluttershy said.

“Thank you kindly, but I’m not having any trouble sleeping.” He pointed a hoof toward the night sky. “You two might enjoy the night more if you flew while lookin' for the creature. I know I would welcome the view.” He made his way deeper into the grove, leaving them behind.

Horizon puffed out a breath of air. “We'll need to be more careful when we talk. He might have heard about you if he had come a little earlier.”

“You're right.” She looked towards where McIntosh had walked out of sight. “I hope he's okay. He seemed to be thinking about something really hard.”

“I wouldn't worry about him; he's a strong pony on several levels.” He looked up towards the stars. “I have to admit, I like his suggestion.” Horizon slightly bowed to Fluttershy and put a hoof to his chest. “Would you do me the honor of joining me for a night flight?”

“I'm not that good of a flier.”

“We'll take it easy then. We need to make sure we check every tree for the creature anyway.”

Fluttershy smiled. “You're right. We wouldn't want to miss it if it's hiding.”

They took off slowly circled the grove. “I've had an idea. What if we go see your friend in the Everfree Forest?”

“Zecora? Why?”

“It would look like we're actually looking for help about the creature, and from what I've read about her in the files, she's also quite talented in magic. Do you trust her enough to tell her about what is going on to get some help with controlling the change?”

“I do.”

“It's a plan then. Now we just have to figure out when a good time to go would be.”

*****

Applejack poured the last of the hogs' feed into the trough. “You sure you don't want somepony to go with you two? The Everfree Forest can be a might bit dangerous.”

“Thanks, but I think Fluttershy and I can handle it.” Horizon held open the pen's gate for her and then fastened it back after she made her way out of the enclosure.

“What made y'all think about seeing Zecora?”

Horizon picked up his feeding bucket and followed her to the barn. “Something your brother said, actually. He pointed out that if nopony has been complaining about their bits missing then somepony has to be giving bits to the creature or is putting the bits in the trees themselves.”

Applejack opened the barn door. “Since the creature’s probably from the Everfree, then that pony may have gone to visit the critter and Zecora may have seen them.”

“That's our thinking.”

“Shoot, it's worth a shot. It's been nearly three weeks and we haven’t seen anythin' of the critter.”

“It's possible with all the extra ponies around that we scared it off.”

“That sounds good to me, but I think Luna and Twilight won't like it.”

Horizon helped Applejack put away the tools they had used during their chores and then headed down into the cellar. After lighting and shuttering the lamp, he quietly pulled his armor from storage and put it on.

Fox grunted and rolled over in his bed. “You poor foal, you've gone diurnal. You're going to have a hay of a time adjusting back to our regular schedule when we back to Canterlot.”

“Sorry, I tried not to wake you.”

“It's fine. What are you gearing up for?”

“Today's the day I'm supposed to escort Fluttershy to Zecora's.”

“That's right. I nearly forgot.” Fox sat up and looked at his clock. “Isn't it early for you to heading towards her place?”

“I was going to stop by town first.”

A moment of silence passed.

“And?”

“I was going to pick up lunch.”

Fox's eyes widened. “You mean lunch for just for you and her?”

Horizon nodded.

“Whoa! I knew you lit up whenever the schedule put you with her, but I had no idea.” Fox whistled a long, low note. “You're aiming high, trying to court one of the Elements.”

“I'm just trying to be nice.”

“Oh, I’m sure you are. I bet you've got it bad too.”

Horizon glared at him. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“Don't take this the wrong way, but you're not the most positive of ponies. I've seen you spend less than a day with a mare and when you make it back to the barracks you'll have a list of reasons as long as your foreleg about why things wouldn't work between you and her.”

“I don't want to get into a relationship that would do nothing but hurt a mare and me both.”

Fox slapped a hoof to his forehead. “I should have seen this before! It's been staring me in the face the whole time!”

“What are you blithering about?”

You've been critical of Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie, Applejack, and Rainbow, but never Fluttershy.”

“I have not been critical of anypony.”

“You realize that I've read your reports to Luna, since I have to co-sign them. What you wrote, my friend, was critical. It was all professionally worded and true, but critical.”

“I just informed Luna that Twilight can't keep from using magic on patrols, which scares even the normal bats. Rarity is fussy and whines that she's getting her coat dirty or needs to be back at her shop working. Pinkie is one hay bale short of a stack and is noisy as a marching band. Applejack needs to drink a whole cask of cider to loosen up and quit worrying about the farm for five minutes.”

Fox snorted. “That's quite something coming from the guy that's shifted his sleeping habits to help on the farm more.”

“After all they’ve done for us while we’ve been here it’s the least I could do.”

Fox waved a hoof dismissively. “Setting aside that you like working on the farm, whether to help the Apples out or not, what exactly we're your thoughts on Rainbow?” He playfully put a hoof to his chin. “I can't seem to recall.”

Horizon groaned. “Rainbow is more interested in getting in 'some nighttime flight time' than she is looking for the creature.”

Fox grinned a little wider. “Yet you can't find one bad thing to report about Fluttershy?”

“She's quiet and attentive during patrols. She listens to the vampire and fruit bats for any information they can give her. She never has a harsh word for anypony, she's always conscientious of what needs to be done to help others in their tasks, and she's...”

“An ex-supermodel that you have a crush on, I know. By the way, there’s a good chance that she likes you a little too.”

“Really?”

“She talks about you on our patrols. She's been telling me how you're always so nice, that you fly right by her side even though you could go faster, lots of little things.”

Horizon turned over his helmet repeatedly in his hooves.

“Yeah, let that sink in a little.”

Horizon put on his helmet and tossed his saddlebags on his back.

“Not even going to say anything?”

“You think I might have a chance?”

“You're not supposed to respond to a question with a question, but yeah, I think you just might.” Fox lay back down. “Now get out of here before you make yourself late for your special lunch.”

Horizon started towards the stairs.

“Hey, can you get the lamp?”

“Sure.” Horizon blew the lamp out and started heading out again.

“Hey.”

“Yeah?”

“Good luck.”

“Thanks.”

*****

Horizon took a deep breath, licked his lips, and then knocked on the door.

“Just a moment, I’m coming.” Fluttershy opened the door to her cottage. “Hello, Horizon. I thought you were coming a little later.”

Horizon put the basket he had in his mouth down. “I was. I hope you don't mind, but I thought I would bring lunch so we could eat before we set out.”

“You didn't have to do that.”

A white rabbit appeared between Fluttershy's forelegs and looked at Horizon with distrust.

“Hello. Who are you little guy?”

Fluttershy patted the rabbit on the head. “This is Angel.”

“I might just have something for him.” Horizon opened the basket and rummaged around in it. “Here you go.” He offered Angel a healthy sized carrot.

Angel snatched the carrot from Horizon’s hoof.

“Angel, mind your manners!”

The rabbit ignored her and chewed his carrot.

“It's alright. I'm sure he'll warm up to me eventually.”

The rabbit sneered at him.

“I packed the basket so that we could have a picnic.” Horizon swallowed. “That is, if you would like that. If not, we could just eat here.”

“A picnic sounds wonderful.” She stepped over the still munching rabbit. “You behave, Angel. I'll be back in time to fix dinner.”

The rabbit looked astounded as she shut the door.

“He looks like he could be quite the hooffull.”

“He can be a bit of trouble at times, but he's got a good heart.” She looked at the basket. “Where did you want to go?”

“I hate to admit it, but I haven’t a clue. I've spent most of my time here on the farm.” He rubbed one foreleg over the other. “I don't know where a good spot for a picnic would be.”

“I know just the place.”

She led him to a hill, not far from her cottage, which overlooked the creek that ran by her home.

“This is one of my favorite spots. It's so quiet and calming with the sound of the water running past.”

Horizon put the basket down and began unpacking. “I can see why you like it here. It's beautiful.”

They ate without saying much for most of the meal.

As Horizon placed a slice of cake before her, Fluttershy looked at Horizon and started to giggle.

“What? Do I have something on my mouth?”

She shook her head. “No, I was just thinking that not too long ago I would never have had the courage to do this.”

“What do you mean?”

“I've been shy all my life, and I still am. My friends have helped me a lot to not be so helpless, but the change has given me a bit of a confidence boost.” She looked across the creek towards Sweet Apple Acres. “I guess it lets me feel that I'm more than just plain old scaredy-cat Fluttershy even during the day.”

“There is nothing plain about you.”

Fluttershy blushed and ducked her head. “That's not true.”

“You can talk to animals, you're one of the Elements of Harmony and have saved Equestria several times over with that power, you've faced down cockatrices, dragons and manticores, and Luna only knows what else you've done that wasn’t put in our reports. You're nothing short of amazing.”

She whispered, “Thanks.”

He reached for his helmet. “Fluttershy, I want...”

“Hey guys!” Rainbow landed at the edge of Fluttershy and Horizon's blanket. “What's up with all the eats?”

“Horizon and I are going to see Zecora to see if she knows about anypony helping the creature. He was nice and brought lunch.”

Rainbow raised an eyebrow. “It's just the two of you?” She looked at the blanket and the spread of food that the pair had partaken in. “Looks like a bit much for just lunch.”

Horizon picked up a clean plate and held it out to Rainbow. “There's some salad and dessert left. Would you like some?”

“Nah, I can't do some of my best moves with food on my stomach. I saw you two and just wanted to say I had a feeling that we might see the creature tonight.”

“We just might, you never know.” Horizon put the plate back down on the blanket. “Fox was telling me that there’s a chance that we may have scared it off with all the patrols. Really rare creatures tend to try to avoid ponies as best they can, according to him.”

“I hope not, Twilight would be torqued.” Rainbow looked towards Canterlot. “Luna wouldn't take the news that the creature got away all that well either.”

“I think Luna would take the news better than Twilight, to be honest.”

Rainbow spread her wings. “You're probably right. Twilight tends to get a little too worked up over things like this; Luna seems more like the kind of pony that would just let it roll off her back.” As she launched from the ground and into the air, she called, “Have fun with the rest of your date! Don’t' do anything I wouldn’t!”

Horizon looked down to the untouched plate.

“Horizon?”

He turned and met Fluttershy's searching eyes.

“Was this supposed to be a date?”

He reached up and took off his helmet. “I wanted to do something nice for you, but I didn't know if you would want this to be anything more than that.”

“Did you want this to be a date?”

“I was hoping that it might lead to one, eventually.”

She cocked her head to the side. “Eventually?”

“It wouldn't be appropriate right now, but after all this is over would you mind me coming back to visit?”

Her cheeks became rose tinted. “You'd come back just to see me?”

“I would like to see if there could be anything between us.”

She hid her face behind her mane.

Horizon waited for a minute, sighed, and then started to put the plates back in the basket. “Look, I'm sorry. I overstepped myself. I hope that this doesn't make things awkward between us.”

“I wouldn’t mind at all,” she whispered.

His hoof stopped in mid-reach for the next plate. “You wouldn’t?!”

She nodded and peeked from behind her mane. “I would like for you to come back.”

He took one of her hooves in his and gently kissed it. “Thank you.”

Author's Note

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Shared Nights

Chapter 4: Shared Nights

Horizon scanned the clearing and the oddly decorated hut. “You weren't kidding. Her place isn't just different; it looks like it's from another world.”

“I'll see if she's home.” Fluttershy made her way to the door and softly knocked. “Zecora, are you in? I need to talk to you.” She waited for a couple of moments and knocked again. “I hope we didn't come while she's out.”

“She can't have gone too far. Look, there is smoke coming from the chimney.”

The door opened and a black and white striped face appeared. “Hello Fluttershy, I was not expecting you to come by.”

“I hate to show up uninvited, but I need your help.”

“Fluttershy, my dear, you are always welcome here.” She looked over the pegasus' shoulder. “Now this is a surprise, here stands a bat pony before my eyes.”

“This is Dark Horizon; he's been helping me with my problem.”

Horizon shook hooves with Zecora. “It's a pleasure to meet you.”

“Come inside you two, I have to watch a potion that has yet to fully brew.”

Horizon shut the door behind him as he entered the hut. “Wow, your masks are amazing.” Horizon looked at the various decorations that hung around the hut. “Did you carve all these yourself?”

“These are from my homeland; I bought them from a friend’s stand.” Zecora stirred the cauldron that was sitting in the middle of the hut and added an ingredient to the boiling mixture. “I sense that you have quite a tale, tell it to me while I make sure this potion does not fail.”

As Fluttershy related what had caused her to seek help, Zecora’s eyes rarely left her work, but the herbalist would nod at key points to show that she was listening.

“We thought that you would be able to help me control the change. I know that what I’m asking is selfish, so if you don't feel comfortable helping me I'll understand.”

“You are using this gift to help animals in need; if I did not help I would be a poor friend indeed.” Zecora held up a hoof. “However, I must insist, keeping your condition a secret must desist. It will not matter who lends you aid, you will not be able to keep up your charade.”

“But I can't tell the others! Twilight will try to undo the spell! Fluttershy ran her hooves over a strand of her mane repeatedly. “I know I've caused problems and this isn't normal for a pony, but I want to be able to go out at night like I have been.”

“Do not shed tears; you should not have such fears. Twilight is your friend, any wound she would try to mend. But if you tell her how you have used the change, I'm sure she would not see your wish as strange.”

“What if she does?”

Zecora smiled. “Twilight likes to delve deep into magic, if she could not study such a thing it would be tragic.”

“You mean I could offer to let her study how the change works on me?”

“It actually could work out the best for you; with my skills there is only so much I can do. Another approach is needed here, to make sure that your health remains clear.”

“I'm with Zecora. If you keep going out at night, somepony else is bound to find out about your changing no matter how careful you are. I think Twilight and the other Elements wouldn't have a problem with you changing. Convincing Luna could prove to be a bit more of issue.”

“That is much further down the path and I doubt you will face the Princess’ wrath.” Zecora locked eyes with Fluttershy. “Now you must me what you choose, tell your friends or my help you will lose.”

“I'll tell them.”

Fluttershy and Horizon jumped back as the cauldron suddenly belched a thick purple cloud.

“Now that the potion is through, I can devote my full attention to you. This will not be a simple task; you must do exactly as I ask.”

“I will,” Fluttershy said.

Zecora turned to Horizon. “You too must heed what I have to say or I will send you away.”

“I will do whatever you ask of me.”

“Then step outside my home, but do not allow yourself to roam.”

He nodded and did as Zecora ordered.

“What do you need me to do?” Fluttershy said, after Horizon left.

“I need to take a look at you, hold still till I am through.” Zecora checked Fluttershy from head to hoof and from nose to tail. “You are doing quite well, if there has been any injury I cannot tell.”

“Well, there are these.” Fluttershy showed Zecora the set of underdeveloped fangs that she had gained.

“Those should not raise concern; unless meat is what you yearn.”

Fluttershy blanched. “Goodness no! I have a hard time feeding the ferrets and Harry their fish; I would never eat an animal.”

“There is something I need to know, how far does your trust in the stallion go?”

“I trust him completely.”

“That is good to hear, I think it would be good to have him near.”

Zecora went to the door and opened it. “I am through with what I needed to do; now I need to see you.”
Horizon stepped back into the hut. “How did things turn out?”

“She says that I'm fine.”

“I'm glad to hear it.”

Zecora waved a hoof at him. “Remove that suit of metal, in my home you can safely settle.”

Horizon took off his armor and saddlebags and put them in a pile near the door.

“You seem to be in your prime, you must work hard most of the time.”

“The Lunar Guard has strict standards that I have to meet twice a year so I try to stay in shape as best I can. Working on the Apples' farm lately has helped too.”

“Here you will not need strength to train; there will be little toil and no pain.”

“You want to train me too? Why?”

“Two can often learn better than one, and for me it will be more fun.”

Horizon laughed. “If training me will help Fluttershy, I'm game.”

“We must make this place dark as night, so put out or cover every light.”

Horizon and Fluttershy helped put out the candles and cover the windows. Zecora had them sit in a circle facing each other.

“Relax and let things go, much deeper inward we must flow.”

*****

“Hey, Mac, is something bothering you?”

McIntosh turned to Fox. “What makes you ask somethin' like that?”

“If you chew on that sprig any more you're going to end up swallowing it.”

McIntosh took what was left of the sprig of wheat out of his mouth, examined it, and then tossed it away. “Thanks you. That could have gotten mighty uncomfortable.”

Fox tossed a couple of stray apples into the buckets arranged at the base of the tree. “You and Horizon both stew over things too much. Talk to me, I might be able to help.”

“No offense, but I don't think you can help me with the problem I've got.”

“Mare trouble?”

McIntosh slowly nodded.

“Yep, you and Horizon need to go to the bar and talk over a couple of hard ciders.”

“Is he havin' relationship troubles?”

“Nothing he can’t handle. I think he's trying to figure out how to approach a mare he likes and is being too cautious. You, on the other hoof, have the look of a stallion that is thinking about a mare he's known for a while.”

“Hey guys!” Horizon called, as walked through the farm's gate. “Need any help?”

“Nah, we got it. You need to rest up; you're with Pinkie on the early shift tonight.”

McIntosh lobbed Horizon an apple. “Applejack told me you missed lunch. Take a couple of apples for a snack.”

Horizon threw the apple back to McIntosh. “Thanks, but we managed to fit lunch in before we left.”

“How did the trip go?” Fox hooked a pair of the filled baskets to this carrying harness. “Has Zecora seen anything?”

“The trip went well, but Zecora had not seen the creature or the pony that has been leaving the bits.”

“That's a right shame.” McIntosh made his way to the next tree and gave it a buck. Dozens of apples fell into the arraigned buckets and only a few fell to the ground. “I don't like to owe another pony bits.”

Horizon looked towards the barn. “If you two don't mind, I think I'm going to get a quick nap in before this evening.”

“We don't mind at all, you look plum give out.”

“I'll see you at shift change,” Fox said, as Horizon started to walk away.

McIntosh watched Horizon go. “Fluttershy, huh?”

Fox chuckled. “Got it in one.”

“I noticed they've been pretty friendly with each other durin' their patrols in the sanctuary.”

A thoughtful look came to Fox's face. “Now that you've mention it, she's never like that with anypony else that I've seen.”

“Eenope.”

Fox shrugged. “Don't worry about them; let's get back to your problem. You need to stop thinking and start talking with your special somepony. If you two can't figure out a solution to whatever is bothering you, you may want to take a hard look at where your relationship is going.”

“Sounds like the voice of experience.”

“I had a marefriend that I planned on asking to be my fiancé.”

“What happ...?”

“I wanted to join Lunar Guard and she didn't want to wait for me to get through my tours. She told me I had to make a choice, so I did.” Fox closed his eyes and his shoulders sagged. “Sorry, I didn't mean that to come out so harshly.”

McIntosh patted him on the shoulder. “She doesn’t sound like she was the gal for you.”

“She wasn't. I know that now, but it still stings.”

McIntosh bent down, picked a long sprig of grass, and put in his mouth. “Are you lookin' for a special somepony?”

“Not really. If a nice mare comes along I wouldn't mind, but I'm not actively looking if you know what I mean.”

“Eeyup.” McIntosh smiled. “I have a friend that I could introduce you to.”

“I appreciate the offer, but you don't have to do that.”

“Just offerin'.” McIntosh picked up a set of four full by hooking them to his carrying harness. “It's about dark; we should call it a day. Let's get these back to the barn, put everythin' away, and wash up for dinner.”

“Sounds like a plan to me.”

After a few steps towards the barn, Fox said, “What does your friend do?”

*****

Luna stepped into the dreamscape. She looked around the foyer of the Apple's home. The front door had been left open and flashes of lighting would throw the interior of the house into a stark contrast of black and white. Her ears swiveled toward the sound of voices.

“You pitiful peon, you dare you spurn my affections?!”

“That's not what I meant!”

“Then explain yourself!”

As she stepped out of the Apple's farmhouse, Luna's breath caught.

McIntosh was on his knees before an image of Luna ablaze in her full fury. Her eyes were lit with power, the air swirled around her, raising her mane towards the sky. Storm clouds blocked the light from the moon and stars. The strongest source of light was the streaks of lightning that leaped between the clouds.

“You should look...”

“Silence,” the image commanded. “I shall look where I please and I would gaze upon you. You are handsome and strong. You are the stallion that I have chosen and I shall have you, whether you will it or no.”

Tears flowed down McIntosh’s face.

Luna flew from the porch and landed beside McIntosh. “Be gone! I cast you from this stallion’s dreams! Never trouble him or any pony again!” She lit her horn; cast a spell that struck the image with a power beam of light, and the image faded away.

McIntosh, tears still streaming down his face, looked up at the princess. “Luna?”

Luna went to the ground and hugged McIntosh to her. “You face no danger now. The creature is gone.”

McIntosh returned her hug. “Thank you.”

Luna kissed the top of his head. “You drew the attention of a true Nightmare. That does not happen unless something is greatly troubling a pony’s dreams. Your relationship with me is at the root of your ills, if the form the Nightmare is indicative of anything.”

He nodded.

“What thoughts allowed that creature to bring you to this depth of despair?”

“It was somethin' Fox said today.”

Her eyes narrowed. “I shall have words with him.”

“It wasn't anythin' like that!” McIntosh drew back from Luna. “He could tell I was thinkin' about somethin' and gave me some advice when I told him I was thinkin' about a mare.”

“He told you of his failed relationship with his marefriend.”

“Eeyup, he said you and I should talk.”

“He knows of our relationship?”

“He knows I was thinkin' about a mare, that's all.”

“I would not doubt that he already knows of us.”

“Does that bother you?”

She shook her head. “Not in the slightest.”

“I thought you wanted to keep us bein' together a secret.”

“Had I wanted such a thing I would not have kissed you in plain view of everypony during the Summer Wrap-Up Festival. What I have been trying to do is to shield you from is the attention of the high society ponies. I doubt that you and your family would enjoy their scrutiny.”

He smiled. “Applejack certainly wouldn’t like it at all.”

She put a hoof to his cheek and made him look in her eyes. “Let us speak of our troubles.”

“Our?”

“Are we not a pair?”

“We are.”

“Then we have matters that need attention.” She dropped her hoof from his face. “Now tell me what your concerns are.”

McIntosh took a breath. “I'm not a good enough stallion for you.”

Luna laughed. “My love, whatever made you think such a thing?”

“I've watched how Fluttershy and Horizon have been growin' closer together.”

“What have you observed that makes you think they are forging a bond?”

“They fly close to each other durin' their patrols, they talk about everythin' with each other, and they both perk up when the other is around.”

“Sounds quite similar to how we have conducted ourselves.”

“But I don’t have enough to talk to you about.”

“It does take some cajoling to get you to voice your thoughts on occasion, but I have never found a conversation with you to be lacking.”

“I only have one lifetime of experience to share with you.”

Luna tilted her chin up. “I wondered when that subject would arise. You are afraid that with my longevity that you have nothing new to offer a mare of my…experience.”

“You have to be bored with me at times. All I can talk about is farmin' and helpin' my family. I can't be nearly as intrestin' as any of the others you have been with.”

“You are mistaken. You are quite interesting.”

“How? I'm just a farmer.”

“I have had many lovers over my lifetime.” She stood and gestured for McIntosh to join her. “I have loved unicorns of tremendous magical power, pegasi who surpassed Rainbow Dash in flying prowess, and earth ponies of the deepest strength. None of them are you, nor can you or I compare them to you.”

They walked into the orchard.

“Why not?” he asked.

“Tis quite simple, they are not here and now.” She motioned to the trees. “You live in a different time, in a different place, and are a different pony. You grow bountiful harvests that provide for your family, countless other ponies, and animals both tame and wild. You quietly manage the farm’s business affairs and do not make a display of your accomplishments and intelligence. My previous loves could not have done what you have, and you could not do as they did.”

“In a way, that's what's been botherin' me. I can't do what they have done for you. I cannot share magic with you. I can't fly with you. I'm just an earth pony.”

“You insult both yourself and your noble kind with such words.” She walked over and put a hoof to the trunk of one of the apple trees. “You do have a magic, however it does not manifest itself outwardly in a manner like that of the magic of the unicorns or pegasi. You nurture and allow things to grow hardily. That is something I cannot do. I lack both the skill and the knowledge to accomplish such a task.”

“You could.”

“True. Being an alicorn allows me the full potential of all the pony races. However, I would need to train for years just as any other pony. I know very little of soil conditions, or how to focus my power and use it to bolster the growth of a plant or an animal. I certainly do not know the cycles of growth and withdrawal of the world as you do.”

“Would you like me to teach you?”

She turned to him and smiled. “Now you realize that you have something to offer me than no other pony has or ever will again. I wish to learn your arts and understand how you see the world. Are you willing to give me such insight?”

“I would be honored.”

Luna walked over to him and put her fore hooves around his neck. “Speak to me of what I can offer you in return.”

“I don't want anthin'.”

“That would mean that you not desire me.”

“That's not true!”

“Then you want something of me, something only I could give you. Love is a complete sharing between two ponies. I have told you what I want you to share with me, now you shall do the same.”

“You've already give me what I want. You're somepony I can to talk to. You give me the moon, stars, and the quiet nights that I enjoy. You give my life magic, I can't ask for more than that.”

A blush tinted her face. “That is a high complement, but that is not what I meant.” She glanced beyond him. “Swiftly, name something I can give you. It nears time for you to awake.”

“I want to fly with you.”

She kissed him. “Then you shall.”

*****

“Hey, wake up!”

Horizon blearily opened his eyes. “Is it time for shift change already?”

Fox snatched the covers off Horizon. “No, Luna is here! She wants to see us both right now!”

“Oh, horse apples!” Horizon rolled out of bed and immediately started to pull on his armor.

“I'll help!”

“No, don't! Another set of hooves would just complicate things. See if you can stall her. I'll be there as soon as I can!”

“He will not be able to do so.”

Both guards bowed to Luna as she descended the cellar stairs.

“I apologize, Princess, for being out of uniform.” As he spoke, one of Horizon's pauldrons slid from his shoulder and crashed nosily to the floor.

Luna picked up the errant piece of armor with her magic and placed it on the foot of Horizon's bed. “There is no need to apologize, for I have come unannounced and you were abed.” She regarded him with a curious look. “Is it true that you have made yourself diurnal?”

“It's true. I've been trying to help with the farm as much as I can. Most of the work is done during the day, so I shifted my sleeping habits.”

“Then I regret that you have been disturbed, for what I wanted to inform you two of is that tonight you and your partners have been relieved of your patrols. I have decided that I shall take the whole of this night's vigil.”

“Would you like one of us to accompany you?” Fox said.

“No, another shall be with me this night. You two are to remove your armor and rest yourselves this night.” She gave them a level, powerful stare. “I have made it clear to the others that our efforts are not to be disturbed. You two shall honor my command as well.”

“We will,” Horizon said.

Luna made her way out of the cellar, shutting the doors behind her with her magic.

“We have a trip to make,” Fox said, as he began taking his own armor off.

“I'm not going anywhere besides back to bed.”

“The hay you are! You're coming with me, and I won't take 'no' for an answer.”

“What has gotten into you? We have a night off and I'm going to get as must rest as I can. Whatever it is, it can wait.”

“I know.”

Horizon tossed the last piece of his armor in his chest and shut the chest with a snap. “You know what?”

“I know about Fluttershy leaving the coins.”

As Horizon turned towards Fox, his face paled. “I don’t know how you found out, but please, I beg you, don't...”

Fox put a hoof to Horizon's chest. “Calm down. I haven’t spilled the beans and I don't plan to. You promised to introduce me to the mystery mare and I'm holding you to that promise right now.”

“Does it have to be tonight?”

“Yes. Think about it, if I figured it out then somepony else is bound to too. The quicker she knows about this the better.”

“But...”

“Don't say another word or I'll march right in the house and tell Applejack.”

Horizon's eyes widened and he vigorously shook his head.

“All right then, we need to head over to her place right now.”

Horizon put his hooves together pleadingly.

Fox rolled his eyes. “You can talk; I just wanted to get my point across.”

“Please, be nice to her.”

“I intend to be. In fact, we're all going to sit down and discuss this whole mess over dinner. By the way, you're buying.”

*****

Luna knocked on the Apples' front door.

After a moment, Apple Bloom answered. She jumped back a little as she looked up at Luna. “Princess, what are you doin' here?!”

“The schedule for the patrols for tonight has been altered. I require your brother to accompany me this night.”

“I think he's in the shower. I'll see if he's out yet.” She raced from the door and up the stairs, leaving Luna standing on the porch.

“Apple Bloom, what I have told you about running in the house?!” Applejack stepped out of the kitchen. “I swear to Celestia, she never listens.”

“It has always amused me when ponies use my or Sister’s name in such a manner.”

Applejack's head snapped towards Luna. “Princess Luna!” She took her hat off and put it to her chest. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean anthin' by it.”

“I took no offense, nor would my sister. I find it a complement that ponies regard us well enough to swear by our names.”

Rapid and light hooffalls coming down the stairs being followed heavier and more relaxed ones drew their attention.
Apple Bloom skidded to a stop in front of Luna. “I got him for you! He was just drying off.”

McIntosh bowed. “Good evening, Princess.”

“The sun has yet begun to set. It remains a little early for my time.”

“What do you need my brother for?” said Applejack.

“I need him for this night’s patrols. A change to the schedule was called for and we shall take the night’s full vigil.” She gave
McIntosh a smile. “That is, if he is willing to aid me.”

“I would happy to.” He rubbed one hoof over a foreleg in a foal-like manner. “If you haven’t eaten, you could join us for supper before we have to get patrollin'.”

“I would very much enjoy that.”

*****

“I'll knock, since you are a little burdened.”

Horizon snarled something that was muffled by the handle he was carrying in his mouth.

“Horizon, what would Fluttershy think if she heard such language?”

Horizon darkly muttered.

“You're right, I am enjoying this.” Fox knocked on the door. “I promise, as soon as this evening is over I won't lord this over you anymore.”

The door opened and Fluttershy stepped out. She glanced back and forth between them. “Fox? Horizon? Is everything alright?”

“Everything is just fine.” Fox gestured to Horizon. “My friend wanted to surprise you with dinner.”

Horizon growled at him menacingly.

“All right, I'll confess. I'm the reason that we're here. I suggested we bring dinner since we were going to be dropping in unexpectedly.” He patted Horizon's shoulder. “Though, he did insist that we get your favorites.”

Horizon sighed around the bag's handle and nodded.

Fluttershy laughed. “Please, come in.”

Horizon and Fox laid out the dinner while Fluttershy gathered the plates and utensils.

“You got a dandelion salad from The Grazing Meadow! How did you know that was my favorite?”

Horizon rubbed the back of his neck. “I remembered what you said about the salads when I asked where I good place to get something to eat was.”

“He's very attentive to anything you say.”

“Fox,” Horizon said, “that's enough.”

Angel sat near Fluttershy and glared at the two guards.

“Ah, this must be the infamous Angel.” Fox leaned towards the rabbit. “I hear you're quite the hooffull.”

Angel swatted Fox on the nose.

Fox rubbed his nose. “The little fuzz ball has a good right hook!”

“Angel, outside! You know better than that!”

He shook his head at his caretaker.

“I've got this.” Fox picked the rabbit up by the scruff of the neck, took him to the door, and tossed him outside. “You can come back after you've thought about what you've done.” He shut the door sharply. “I can't believe the nerve of that little guy!”

“He's never hit anypony else before. I'm sorry.”

“He hits you?”

Fluttershy's eyes widened. “Horizon, it's okay! It was just one time and we had a strong talk afterward.”

“If he does it again, tell me and I'll tan his hide for you.”

Fluttershy look horrified.

Horizon waved his hooves. “Not literally! I don't even know how!”

“Oh, thank goodness.”

The meal progressed pleasantly for all three ponies.

After his last bite of cake, Fox put down his fork. “She may be half crazy, but Pinkie knows how to bake.”

“I've never tasted anything of hers that was not good. At least, when she isn't trying something new like her habeñero muffins.”

“Fluttershy, as much as I would have loved to, Fox and I didn't come over just for dinner.”

“Horizon, you're stealing my thunder,” Fox said.

“This is going to be hard enough as it is, don't spring it on her.”

“You, sit beside her. Don't give me that look, move your flank, and sit.”

Horizon moved to sit beside Fluttershy.

“Look, if I'm causing you two trouble...”

Fox shook his head. “It's just Horizon being his typical stick-up-the-tail self. He's conflicted right now. He wants to be proper and professional, yet at the same time he wants to be right by your side to protect you.”

“Fox,” Horizon said, with a bit of edge to his voice.

“No, my friend, you need to loosen up. You've gotten yourself in this deep; you're already way beyond trying to remain professional. You might as well let it all out.”

Fluttershy looked to Horizon. “What does he mean?”

“I know that you’re the pony that's been leaving the bits.”

Fluttershy gasped and covered her mouth with her hooves.

Horizon put a hoof around her shoulders. “How did you figure it out?”

“It came it bits and pieces, but everything fit together for me yesterday. You keeping things from me to protect a mare limited the field quite a bit. It took me longer than it should have to see your attraction to Fluttershy. I knew you didn't know anypony from this town and I should have figured out there was something that made you friendlier with her than the others.”

Fluttershy looked at the tabletop. “What else gave me away?”

“Your and Horizon's trip to Zecora's was the hint I needed. If you two had just gone there to get a couple of questions answered you would have been back much faster. You spent hours with her, so something else had to be going on.”

Fluttershy nervously asked, “Now that you know, what are you going to do?”

“Nothing, beyond sit here with you two until we get our story straight like you did with Zecora.”

“What?” Horizon said.

“Come on. What else could you three have been doing all that time? I don't intend to get either of you in trouble. I've come to think of you as a friend, Fluttershy. Let me help.”

Fluttershy looked up from the table. “That's not what we we're doing.”

“Fluttershy?!”

“It's all right, Horizon, I promised I would tell my friends.”

“Thank you for that, I'm flattered. But I don't understand, you promised who to tell your friends what?”

“I'm the creature.”

Fox's mouth dropped open. “You're kidding.”

She shook her head. “That's why we were at Zecora's for so long; she's helping me learn to control the change.”

“All right, now I know you're pulling my tail.” Fox turned to Horizon. “She's joking, right?”

“She's not.”

“Dear Luna herself, you're serious.” He timidly knocked his forehooves together and looked to Fluttershy. “Can I see, please?”

She smiled and nodded. “I'll try.”

“Can we watch you transform, or do you want me and Horizon to step out?”

“You can both stay.”

“I'll get the lights.” Horizon walked around the cottage, putting out the candles until only one was left lit.”

Fluttershy closed her eyes and let her head drop. After a little bit, she shook her head. “I can't do it with you watching.”

Horizon took her hooves with his. “You did it a Zecora's a couple of times, so you know you can. You'll have to make the change happen in front of other ponies whenever you decide to show the others. Think of this as a practice run.”

“Fluttershy.”

She turned to Fox.

“I want to see you transformed because I am fascinated by bats, nothing more. If you don't feel comfortable doing it, you don't have to.”

“No, I want to do this. I need to do this.”

Horizon gently pulled her closer and put his forehead on hers. “Remember what Zecora told us, calm, deep, and even breaths. Feel instead yourself instead of think and just let things flow.”

Fluttershy took a slow breath, closed her eyes again, and started the change. Her appearance altered, giving her more bat like qualities.

Fox clapped. “That was amazing!” He sped around the kitchen, relighting the candles as he went. “Do you mind if I get a little closer?”

She smiled. “I don't mind at all.” She moved towards the center of the room and the light.

Fox slowly walked around her and examined her features. “Bat pony ears, eyes, just like us. You have hybrid wings, but not our tail.” He watched as she backed towards Horizon, reached out with her tail, and wrapped it around one of his forelegs. “It's prehensile! That's why you could hang upside down!”

She smiled at Fox, revealing all her teeth.

“Fully functioning fangs too?!” He sighed wistfully. “I should have brought my field equipment. I could study you for days.”

“Fox!”

“Sorry, I know you want to look her over in detail first. I can wait for the footnotes. Just make sure they're detailed and with full scientific measurements.”

Horizon put his free hoof to his forehead and groaned.

Keeping her tail wrapped around his leg, Fluttershy sat back down next to Horizon. “I'm glad you not disgusted.”

“Why would I be disgusted? You're drop-dead gorgeous!”

Horizon chuckled as Fluttershy blushed and ducked her head behind her mane. “I told you that you were beautiful either way.”

“Save the lovey-dovey stuff for later. We need to figure out what we're going to do before somepony else finds out about this,” said Fox.

“We already have a rough plan laid out. Fluttershy is going to Zecora's a few more times to get help managing the change. When she can control it, she's going to tell the Elements and Luna about it.”

“I hope by showing them that I can control the change, and that it doesn't hurt me or anypony, that I'll be able to keep the magic that's allowing me to make the transformation,” Fluttershy added.

“Bold, but it makes sense. We already know that somepony could start to figure out that Fluttershy has been leaving the coins with the clues that are out there right now, so we also know we can't keep this a secret forever.” Fox rubbed his chin with a hoof. “We're going to have to be really careful till you make your big reveal. I think McIntosh might be able to pull things together like I did if he gets a couple of more hints.”

Horizon nodded. “He may not say much, but he's very smart. I don't doubt he could figure it out.” He looked Fox in the eye. “When Fluttershy tells her secret to the others I'm not going to hide what I've done. I promise I won't let anypony know that you've been helping us.”

Fluttershy added resolutely, “Me too.”

“I appreciate your concern, but you two worry about your hides first. I'm a big colt. I can handle myself. There is one thing I would like Horizon to do for me, though.”

“What?”

“Bring me the wine bottle you neglected to pull from your saddlebags.”

“I told you this is not the night for that!”

“Just get the wine and stop whining.”

“That was horrible.”

Fluttershy unwrapped her tail from his leg. “Horizon, a little wine can't hurt.”

Horizon got the wine bottle and brought it to Fox before returning to Fluttershy's side.

“Thanks.” Fox turned the label so that Fluttershy could read it. “I was told this was a good vintage by the mare that sold it to me.”

Horizon coughed. “Technically, she sold it to me.”

“Ignore him. Would you enjoy it?”

She nodded.

“Good, then I want you two to share this bottle till there is nothing left.” He put the wine on the table and turned to leave.

She tilted her head. “What about you?”

“I'm going to get some shut eye. I've got a date of my own tomorrow night.”

“With who?”

“That would be telling. You two have had your secrets, now I can have one for a little bit.” As Fox walked out of the kitchen, he told them, “I mean it, the whole bottle!”

As soon as the front door shut, Horizon said, “I'm glad he's thinking about seeing somepony again.”

“What happened?”

“The long and the short of it was that his marefriend didn't want to wait for him to get out of the guard. He had rough time of it for a little while after that. I helped him focus on meeting the physical standards and passing the entrance exams for the Lunar Guard. That's one of the reasons were such good buddies.”

“I hope he's met somepony that will appreciate what a good stallion he is.” Fluttershy looked at the bottle of wine. “You spent too much on this.”

“You know how much the wine was?”

“Berry Punch suggested this to Rarity one time we were in the wine shop.”

“If you enjoy it, it will be more than worth the bits.”

She opened one of the kitchen cabinets. “I think I have a corkscrew somewhere. It's been so long since I used it; I'm not sure where it is.”

Horizon helped her find the corkscrew and two wine glasses. He pulled the cork, poured the wine, and offered her the first glass.
She took it. “Thank you.” She sipped the wine and hummed. “It's delicious.”

“I'm glad.”

“Do you think we should we consider this our first date?”

He stopped his glass just before it reached his mouth. “It would fit well with how we met. Nothing about us has been orthodox so far.” Horizon grinned and extended his glass to her. “I would like to.”

She tapped his glass with hers. “Then it is.”

*****

“I may have to hire your grandmother as one of the castle's chefs. Every time I share a meal with your family she outdoes herself.” Luna looked around the orchard as they walked. “This seems somewhat familiar, though quite a bit more pleasant, wouldn't you say?”

“Eeyup.”

“I have insured that we have the sanctuary to ourselves this evening. We need not worry about intrusions.”

“That sounds nice. We haven’t gotten to see much of each other lately.”

“What made you ask to fly alongside me?”

McIntosh looked towards the night sky. “Some part of me has always wanted to fly. I've dreamed of what it feels like and what I could see from up there.” He looked back towards the ground. “It's been botherin' me that I would never see the night as you do, from the air and above the clouds. I guess that's why the Nightmare came after me during my sleep. I was worried I wouldn't be able to do or be enough for you.”

“Hold.” She and McIntosh stopped on the path. “Close your eyes.”

He did as she asked.

“This may feel strange, but I ask that you do not move.” She wrapped him in her magic. A couple of seconds passed as she completed weaving the enchantment. As the last of light of her spell faded, she said, “Now you may open your eyes and look upon yourself.”

McIntosh looked over his shoulders. The spell had granted him a pair of ethereal wings that resembled those of a lunar moth. “Thank you!” He gave the wings a couple of gentle flaps and then steadily progressed to stronger, more powerful strokes. He slowly began to lift off the ground. He paused, looked to Luna, and then he settled back down to the ground.

“Why did you stop? You were doing quite well.”

He extended a hoof to her. “I don't want to fly without you.”

She smiled and took his hoof. “Then let us fly.”

They flew in elegant spirals into the air and circled around the orchard. After completing a few circuits, they landed on a cloud and gazed at the stars.

She leaned against him. “Is this what you dreamed it would be?”

He put a wing around her. “Eenope, this is much better than any dream I've ever had.”

“The spell only lasts for the length of a night. If the sun's light touches you, they will disappear as will your ability to remain on clouds. We will need to head back to the orchard before that time draws near.”

“Can we fly together till then?”

“Of course.”

He followed her as she gracefully launched from the cloud. His take off burst the cloud into mist.

“Shoot, I liked that cloud.”

“That just means we shall have to do this again so that you can practice getting aloft.”

Not long before dawn, they landed on the edge of the sanctuary furthest from the Apples' home.
Luna led him just inside the trees and then hugged McIntosh. “There is one more thing that I wish us to share that I did not speak of during your dream.”

“Tell me what it is and I'll give it to you.”

“This is not something I ask for lightly.” She kissed his nose, letting her lips linger for a moment. “The Nightmare spoke true when it described you as strong and handsome.” She nipped the tip of his ear and whispered sultrily, “I want us to share of each other as mare and stallion.”

“Here?”

“Here and now.” For a second, Luna seemed uncertain. “Perhaps I am being too forward. Forgive me; I have yet to learn the proper courti...”

He interrupted her with a kiss. “I would love to.”

She reached up, took off her crown, and then used her magic to move it a distance from them.

McIntosh started to reach up towards her moon emblazoned, royal collar. “May I?”

She smirked and raised an eyebrow. “You stopped my words with a kiss and yet you ask permission for something so simple?”

He blushed and nodded.

She briefly kissed him again. “You may.”

As he reached around her neck and undid the collar's clasp, he kissed from her chin to her collarbone. “I've dreamed of this.”

“I know.” As she started to lie on the grass, she pulled him down along with her. “So have I.”

Author's Note

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Secrets Discovered

Chapter 5 Secrets Discovered

“You and Apple Bloom are up early. I thought you were the one I heard in the shower.”

“I felt like makin' breakfast for everypony. There's coffee ready, if you want some.”

“Sounds like just what I need this morning’” Applejack poured herself a mug and then sat down at the table. She smiled and looked over her coffee at McIntosh. “You didn't get much sleep last night did you?”

His hooves faltered, but he did not spill the batter he had been pouring.

“Don't fib.”

“Eenope.”

She sighed, which blew steam over the rim of her mug in his direction. “How long have you two been seein' each other?”

“Since the Summer Wrap-Up Festival.”

“That long?! That's almost a year now!”

“It was only every few nights at first, but we've been seein' a lot more of each other lately.”

“I guess the creature being around helped.”

“Eeyup.”

“You realize that Granny's going to have a fit, right?”

“What's Granny goin' to have a fit about?” Apple Bloom said, as she stepped into the kitchen.

“That he's not goin' to get back together with Cheerilee.”

Apple Bloom blew out a breath of relief. “Granny may not like it, but I'm glad. It's not right for your brother to be datin' your teacher.” Her ears folded back. “Though, I'm sorry she doesn't have a special somepony.”

McIntosh grinned. “She might have one before too long.”

Apple Bloom took her spot at the table. “What about you? Don't you want a special somepony?”

“I want to know that myself. I want to see my great-grandfoals before I go.” Granny crossed the kitchen and stood beside McIntosh. “Anythin' I can do to help?”

“Eenope. I've got it.” He flipped the pancake he had been preparing. “You could get the syrup and butter, though.”

Applejack's ears turned towards the back of the house, as the sound of running water stopped. “Wait a minute. If we're all here who's in the shower?”

“It must be Horizon,” Apple Bloom said.

McIntosh started pulling the plates out of the cabinet. “Eenope. He'll be knocking on the door right pretty soon.”

There was a knock on the front door, just as McIntosh finished his sentence.

“I'll get it!” Apple Bloom jumped up from her spot and ran to the front of the house.

Applejack's slowly turned her head towards McIntosh.

“You all right Applejack?” Horizon asked, as Apple Bloom led him into the kitchen. “You look like you’ve had a bad shock.”

“I don't rightly know how I'm feelin' at the moment.”

“Sis, you're not looking too good. You sure you don't want to lie down on the couch?” Apple Bloom put a hoof to Applejack's forehead. “You want me to get Red Heart?”

Luna stepped around the doorframe. Her mane was slightly wet and she was without her regalia. “What malady has befallen you, Applejack? Is there a way that I could aid you?”

Horizon stumbled backwards and sat down on his haunches. “Princess?!”

She smiled at him. “Good morning, Horizon. I hope you enjoyed the reprieve from your watch.”

“I did.” He ducked his head a little. “May I ask you something?”

“Of course you may.”

“What brings you here so early?”

“I never departed.”

Every head turned towards McIntosh.

He put the last plate in its place on the table, walked over to Luna, and gave her a kiss. “Did you enjoy the shower?”

“Very much so, thank you. May I ask your aid in brushing my mane and tail out after we break our fast?”

“I would be happy to.”

Applejack pointed a hoof at her brother. “Wait an apple pickin' minute! McIntosh, the princess slept here and you didn't bother tellin’ anypony?”

“Neither of us slept here.” Luna winked. “We had a lovely night in the orchard, under the stars. I hope I did not exhaust him so that he will not be able to perform his duties today.”

“Eenope, I’ll be just fine.”

Applejack's mouth fell open.

Luna looked at the place settings. “Where should I sit?”

“Over here, next to me,” said McIntosh.

Horizon barely stifled a laugh.

Apple Bloom looked at Horizon. “What is going on?”

“From what I can tell, your brother and Luna are very special someponies, Applejack is in shock, and Granny has a two pancake head start on the rest of us.”

Apple Bloom turned to her brother. “You and Luna are special someponies?”

“Eeyup.”

“I would prefer for that fact not to be shared for a time.” Luna poured a generous amount of syrup on her pancakes. “Sister does not know of our being together yet. I would hate for her to learn of our relationship through the Foal Free Press.”

Apple Bloom winced. “We don't write articles like that anymore.”

“That is regrettable. I so enjoyed the article about my sister's love of cake. Setting that aside, can I trust you to keep this secret?”

“You certainly can! I'll even Pinkie Promise!” Apple Bloom went through the complete Pinkie Promise oath and accompanying motions.

Applejack looked towards Granny and waved a hoof in McIntosh’s direction. “Aren't you goin' to say anythin'?!”

“What's there to say? I want great-grand foals, and he can't do any better than a princess. I just hope there's a wedding before the foals.”

“There will be,” McIntosh said.

Granny raised an eyebrow. “When exactly?”

“We don't know quite yet.”

Luna smiled. “It will be relatively soon, I assure you.”

Applejack sighed and slumped a little. “I just hope your weddin' is not near as wild as Shinin's and Cadance's was.”

Luna looked around the table. “Where is Fox?”

“Sorry, I was supposed to tell everypony not to worry about him and breakfast,” Horizon said. “He's got something planned for later, so he wanted to get a little more sleep.”

“That feller is goin' on a date with some mare from town I take it,” Granny said, as she forked another pancake onto her plate.

“Yes, ma'am.”

“Good for him.” Granny cut her eyes towards Applejack. “You wouldn't happen to know a nice stallion that likes hard workin' mares with blonde manes would you?”

Applejack tilted her hat over her eyes and groaned.

*****

Fox jolted awake, reached out from under the covers, and swiped his hoof towards the floor a couple of times.

“What the hay?”

He grunted, leaned his head over the edge of the bed, and looked down the side of the bed.

“He moved it didn't he, that son of manticore?!” Fox tossed back the covers and stumbled of his bed. “Where did he hide it?”

He made his way to the foot of the bed. His alarm clock sat on top of his clothing chest. Beside the clock was an empty wine bottle, which was sitting on a note. Fox stopped the ringing of the alarm. “I'm going to short-sheet you for this my friend, just you wait.”

He slid the note from under the bottle and read to himself:

Hey Fox,

I knew you would try to sleep in if I didn't do something. I would hate for you to be late for your first date with your mystery mare because you didn't get your chores done on time.

I'm going to be helping Applejack mend a fence on the east side of the farm if you need me.

In case I don't see you until after you take off, Fluttershy told me to tell you to have good time and good luck.

I hope that things go as well for you as it went for Fluttershy and me. As you can see, we finished the bottle as promised.

Thanks, take care, and good luck.

Horizon.

Fox smiled and shook his head. “All right, no short-sheeting.”

The cellar doors opened and hooves began to descend the stairs.

Fox picked up the wine bottle and put it on his bed. “Hello, Big Mac, let me pull my armor on and I'll be right with out.”

“You need not put on your armor quite yet.”

Fox spun towards the voice. As he did so, he dropped the note. “Princess?!”

“That is the second time this morning that I have received that manner of greeting.” She picked up the note with her magic. As the scanned the note, she asked, “Is my presence truly that unnerving?”

“No, Princess.” He took the note back, after she floated it back to him.

“Horizon spent his evening with Fluttershy last night?”

“Yes, Princess.”

“You may dispense with the honorifics for the moment. I am not here in an official capacity.” She floated the note to Fox and then lifted the wine bottle to herself. “He chose well, this is a fine vintage.”

“A mare named Berry Punch, the owner of The Punch Bowl wine shop, suggested it.”

“I will have to visit her establishment. I am in need of a good Cabernet Sauvignon. ” She levitated the bottle to Fox. “Hold this for him, he may wish to keep it as a memento.”

He took the bottle and put it back on his bed. “What brings you here to see me?”

“I need your opinion.”

“That seems to be happening a lot lately.”

“So McIntosh has told me. It was due to your words that he fell prey to a Nightmare two nights ago.”

“What?! He didn't say anything to me! Is he alright?!”

“Calm yourself, he suffered no harm. I intervened before the Nightmare could feed. Even if it had, it would have taken many more feedings before McIntosh would have faced any true danger.”

Fox prostrated himself on the floor. “I'm sorry; I have failed him and you.”

“By giving him sound council? I think not. One of the reasons that I came was to thank you.”

“Thank me?” Fox glanced up from the floor. “I thought I was going to be punished.”

Luna's wrapped the guard in her magic and lifted him from the floor. “No, my dear Fox, you will not face punishment of any kind.” She put him back on his hooves. “Thanks to your words, McIntosh's and my relationship has grandly progressed.”

“I didn't know you two were seeing each other.”

She lightly bopped him on the nose. “You are being modest. You are an intelligent stallion; you must have suspected something was happening between us.”

“The schedule was a little odd in that you were the only one paired with him.” He smiled up at her. “I think I would have done the same, if there a mare that I was looking forward to seeing.”

“I admit that this farce is has been driven in large part by my desire to share evenings with McIntosh. That brings us to the second reason why I have come. I require your expert opinion as to whether the creature will return or not. I do not wish to use up any more of our time or resources if our search will likely be fruitless.”

“If the creature does not so up soon, I would call the patrols off. If Horizon tackling it did not scare it off, our being the in orchard every night very well might have.”

She nodded. “The patrols shall continue for three more weeks. After that, you and Horizon may return to Canterlot.”

He looked around the cellar. “I think I'll miss it here. It's been very cozy and the meals have been great.” He looked towards Horizon's bed. “Horizon will miss this place a lot more, though.”

“He does seem to have developed an affinity for life here. At breakfast he was the most jovial I have ever seen.”

“I think it will break a little part of him to leave, to be quite honest.”

“Your tours with the guard are almost through. Have you two made plans?”

“I want another tour, without a doubt. Horizon hasn't really talked to me about it much at all.”

“Odd. He is usually looking ahead in all aspects of his life.”

“And seeing how things can go wrong.” Fox looked at the wine bottle and ran a hoof over the label. “I think he's seeing two very different paths and he is not sure which one he wants to take.”

“Fox, help him choose what would be the best for him. If he remains with the guard, so be it. I have come to rely on his insight, no matter how bleakly he often paints things. However, I would rather see him where he can be healthy and thrive.”

“I will.”

*****

Horizon held the last railing in place. “You wouldn't happen to know who Fox is going to see tonight would you?”

“Nope. He seems to want to keep it a secret.” Applejack hammered the railing into place with three solid blows of her hammer. “Done! I appreciate the help.”

“You're welcome. What's next on the list?”

“I've got to take the cart to the market. I think Fox is helpin’ McIntosh buck trees, so you're odd pony out.”

He hooked the pail of nails to his carrying harness. “I'll help you load up.”

“I would appreciate it.” She added her hammer to the pail, and they started towards the barn.

“I could come into town with you too, if you would like.”

She shook her head. “Nah, you can get some rest. You've done enough today and you've got the early shift tonight.”

“I didn't have quite the night that McIntosh did. I'm fine.”

“I can't believe that brother of mine.” She turned toward the orchard and snorted. “He's been datin' Luna for nearly a year and he hasn't told a single soul. Not even one of his own kin!”

“Luna asked him to keep it quiet as he could.”

Applejack gave Horizon a level stare. “So you're takin' his side?”

“You have to remember, I'm being paid by your brother's special somepony. I'm not taking anypony's side.”

“I take it you couldn't say anythin' either.”

“Yep.”

“Was that what Luna asked you to keep quiet about?”

“Yep.”

“We're you ever goin' to tell me?”

“Unless I was given permission by Luna? Nope.”

“You've been around my brother a little too much.”

Horizon smiled and with a drawl said, “Eenope.”

“Ha, ha, funny colt.”

They entered the barn and put away their harnesses and tools. Horizon helped Applejack load up the cart and hitch up to it.

“You sure you don't want some help?” He pulled the last strap snug and made sure everything was in order. “I could carry a couple of the baskets and help you set up.”

“I'm sure. You get yourself some shuteye and don't worry about me.”

He watched her head into town for a moment and then made his way to the cellar. After removing and putting away his armor, he set his alarm clock and lay down.

*****

Luna's ear flicked. She held up her hoof, silencing the mare who had been speaking. “Captain, my attention is needed elsewhere at the moment. There is a dream I must observe.”

“Is everything all right?”

“If my intuition is proven right, it shall be. However, I need to make certain of a couple of things before I can make a plan of action.”

The Lunar Guard nodded. “Of course, Princess, I can bring you up to speed later.”

“I will not need long. Give me one mark and you can continue your report.”

The guard tilted her head. “Mark?”

Luna nodded and said, “One mark of the candle.”

The guard stared at her blankly.

Luna faintly smiled. “Of course you would be confused. I forgot that candles are no longer used to measure the passage of time. I shall need about a quarter of an hour's time.”

The guard bowed. “I had never thought about using a candle to tell time.”

“I was fond of the practice myself.”

The guard stepped from Luna's office and shut the door behind her.

Luna closed her eyes and lit her horn. After a hoofful of minutes, she opened her eyes and chuckled. “I cannot recall when a single dream revealed so much.”

*****

Luna landed just across the bridge leading to Fluttershy's cottage. As she made her way toward the cottage, several pairs of shining animal eyes watched her progress.

She knocked solidly on the door and waited. A light appeared and the door opened a crack.

A timid voice asked, “Who is it?”

“Tis I, Luna.”

Fluttershy opened the door fully. “Princess, is everything alright?”

“I am hoping that with your help it shall be. May I come in?”

“Of course!” Fluttershy shut the door behind Luna. “Would you like some tea?”

“Some chamomile, if you have any.” Luna followed Fluttershy into the kitchen and took a seat.

“That's my favorite kind. I just got a fresh pound of it.” Fluttershy put a kettle on to boil, got out the tea and her teapot, and turned to Luna. “Would you like a snack?”

“I am grateful for the offer, but I will decline. I am sorry for the lateness of my visit, but my duties prevented me from coming sooner. There is something else I would ask of you this night.”

“Yes?”

She smiled and asked, “What are your thoughts concerning Horizon?”

Fluttershy swallowed. “My thoughts? What do you mean?”

“Do not play ignorant; I was told that he has made advances toward you. Or was my source wrong?”

Fluttershy blushed and shook her head.

“What is your opinion of him?”

“He's very nice.”

Luna’s eyebrows rose. “That is all you have to say?”

She nodded.

Luna's smile became predatory. “Then let me ask about something a little more specific. How well does he keep secrets?”

Fluttershy stopped breathing for a moment. The kettle started to whistle shrilly, and Fluttershy started at the sound.

“Please, remain seated. Allow me.” Luna used her magic to prepare the tea. “He has done very well at keeping one of mine. The Apples just learned of it this morning and I think I should tell you too.”

“What secret?”

Luna set Fluttershy's saucer and cup before her. “McIntosh and I are betrothed.”

Fluttershy’s eyes widened. “Really?”

“Truly.” Luna added a spoonful of sugar and a touch of milk to her tea.

“Congratulations.”

“Thank you. How do you take your tea?” A teaspoon hovered over the open sugar bowl, held aloft by Luna's magic.

“Plain, you don’t have to do anything.”

“Like Sister.” Luna put the spoon back on the table and took a sip of her own cup. “Delicious. You have good taste.”

“Rarity recommended it to me, actually.”

“Let us change the subject back to your taste in stallions. I would like more of an insight, beyond 'he's nice,' if you would be inclined to share.”

“He's been nothing but a gentlecolt. He is always considerate on patrols and flies by my side even though he could go faster on his own. He has helped the Apples on the farm so much that he's turned himself diurnal. He’s just…nice.”

“You can’t give voice to a single flaw of his?”

Fluttershy looked down into her cup. “He can get a bit pessimistic when you ask him about what he thinks will happen later.”

“He certainly has a penchant for doing so.”

“I think he tries to see the worst possible outcomes so that he can try to prevent them.”

“I believe so as well.” Luna took another sip. “Is he special to you?”

She looked back up to Luna. “Yes.”

“How has he gained your trust and affection so? From what I have learned of you from Twilight's letters to my sister, it would take quite a bit on his part to get you to trust him enough to allow him to court you.”

Fluttershy sat trembling and did not say a word.

“I know why you do not answer. You cannot speak of his actions without revealing your own secret.”

Tears started to form in Fluttershy’s eyes.

“Yes, Fluttershy, I know.” Luna got up and started around the table.

Fluttershy scrambled back, knocking into the table's leg and spilling the teacups. She fell backwards against the kitchen cabinets and slid to the floor.

Luna pulled back as if burned. “Fluttershy?!”

“Please, just punish me! Leave Horizon alone! He just wanted to help!” She curled up into ball, wrapping her tail around herself. “I'm the monster, not him,” she whimpered. She began to sob in shuddering gasps.

Luna made her way over to Fluttershy and pulled her into hug. “It would seem my dark history still stains me. Even those who I count among my friends tremble at the thought of my displeasure.” She kissed the top of Fluttershy's head. “You are no monster. I know what being a monster truly entails.”

Fluttershy looked up into Luna's eyes. “You didn't choose that! You were taken by the Nightmares! I've chosen to be what I am!”

“Fluttershy, you must calm yourself. You risk injury if you continue as you are.” Fluttershy slowly gained control of her breathing as Luna gently stroked her mane. “You did not choose what happened to you either. It is true that you have not sought aid, but what you have done when you have changed indicates that you do not require any.”

“Really?”

“What ills did you inflict on the world when you were changed?”

“Horizon says that I haven’t done anything wrong, but I...”

“He is correct.” She smiled. “As a princess of this realm, I decree that you have done no wrong.”

“What about taking up your and the Guard's time?”

“I have used the nights to see my love. The guards that I allowed to come were chosen very carefully, and their time has not been misspent. Horizon volunteered too readily for me to bar his participation and he has flourished here. Fox desired the opportunity to see the sanctuary and to see the creature, so he too has not suffered.”

“You knew that something was going on?”

“Yes. What was transpiring I could not tell, but I knew there was something more than just an unusual creature visiting the orchard. I also knew there was no real danger to anypony.” Luna used her magic to clean up the table. “I believe there is just enough tea left in the pot for us both to have a cup. Shall we?”

“That sounds good.”

They returned to their seats and Luna poured another cup of tea for them both. “Now, I would hear you tell me more of Horizon. How has Horizon aided you?”

“He didn't turn me in when he could have, he's been helping me hide what I am, and he's even helped me try to get control of the change.”

“You've had trouble with the change?”

“I have trouble controlling it at times. We went to Zecora and she taught me how to handle it better. Horizon trained in with me so he could know the techniques too.”

“When do you suffer the most distress?”

“When the moon is bright. Last night was the brightest I have seen it in a long time. If I hadn't been changed before it really began to shine I would have had to.”

Luna blushed. “My happiness seems to have caused you some distress.”

“What do you mean?”

“I sometimes unconsciously brighten the moon when my spirits are high.”

“What made you so happy last night?”

“It was the first intimate night between McIntosh and me.”

Fluttershy's blush was deeper than Luna's. “Oh.”

“Have you and Horizon shared such a night?”

“Goodness no! We just had our first date!”

“You must admit, he is quite fetching out of his armor.”

“He is.”

Luna took a sip of her tea. “He takes the fitness exams for the Guard quite seriously.”

“I think he really enjoys working on the farm too, which helps.”

“Could you see him doing such a thing for the rest of his life?”

Fluttershy nodded. “He seems to understand how whatever work he does now will help the farm have a better harvest.”

“That fits with his talent.” She finished her tea and levitated the cup to the sink. “I have asked him to aid me with his ability to see ahead in complex situations more than once. Having said that, surely he saw you could not hide your nocturnal tendencies forever.”

“He and Zecora both did. I promised Zecora that I would tell you and my friends. She would not help me otherwise. She said it would have been wrong of me to keep the secret and maybe even dangerous if the magic started affecting me differently.”

“I will have to seek out this Zecora. She seems a wise soul.”

Fluttershy nodded. “She is.”

“I will feign ignorance of your and Horizon's plan on one condition.”

“What is it?”

“You tell the Apples and the other Elements within a week of this night.”

Fluttershy gasped and shook her head. “I don't know if I will be able to control the change well enough by then! I want to show them that I can control it and won't be a problem to anypony.”

“I will not be moved. You have one week. I suggest that you gain control with all possible swiftness.”

“I'll try.”

“You mentioned that Zecora trained Horizon as well. Would his presence help you gain the mastery you need?”

“Yes.”

“Then he should be here. Let us move to your den. I have need of your couch.”

Luna and Fluttershy went into the den. Luna motioned for Fluttershy to sit beside her. “Make no noise.” She lit her horn and began forming a deep blue orb of light at the tip of her horn. An answering glowing orb of lighter blue formed just above the couch’s cushions. A second later, Horizon appeared on the couch, still asleep.

“He dreamed of you this afternoon and he is doing so now. He is quite taken with you.”

“Is that how you found out?”

“Yes. He dreamed of you changing and taking a flight with him over the orchard.”

“What is he dreaming now?”

“He is partaking in a picnic with you. I know not the reason why, but he is in full armor.”

“He must be dreaming about the picnic we had together before we went to see Zecora. He was wearing his armor then.”

She nudged Fluttershy. “Wake him.”

Fluttershy made her way to the couch and put a hoof on his shoulder. “Horizon, you need to wake up.”

Horizon opened his eyes. “Fluttershy?”

“It’s me. You're on my couch.”

He wrapped his forehooves around her and carefully pulled her onto the couch so she lay beside him. “Would you just stay here with me for a little while?” He stroked a hoof down her mane and then across her cheek. “I don't know how I got here, but I just want to lie here with you till I wake up.”

Fluttershy smiled. “Horizon, you don't understand. You're awake and on my couch.”

“That's impossible. We were just having our picnic again. I can't have jumped scenes like that without this being a dream.”

“She speaks true,” Luna said.

Horizon leaned up and looked over Fluttershy's shoulder. “Now I know this is a dream.” He waved a hoof at Luna as if she were an offending animal. “Shoo. Go back to whatever part of my mind you came from.” He nuzzled Fluttershy's ear, never taking his eyes off of Luna. “I want to enjoy what is left of this dream with my marefriend, alone.”

Luna took two stately strides, raised a hoof, and then lightly cuffed Horizon's ear. “Now, dost thou think you can 'shoo' me like some cur?”

“You're real!”

“So am I,” Fluttershy said.

Horizon looked at Fluttershy and his eyes widened. “I'm so sorry!”

She giggled. “I thought it was sweet.”

“Get up, both of you. You have little time to spare.”

The pair removed themselves from each other and the couch.

Horizon bowed low to Luna. “I deeply apologize. I thought I was still dreaming.”

“I will overlook it this once.” She grinned down at him. “I have been scouring the dreams of the townsponies trying to discover who had been helping the creature. I should have known to start with you, particularity after your eagerness to volunteer.”

He stepped in front of Fluttershy, putting himself between her and Luna. “Princess, please, she's not a threat! She just wants to use the change to help the nocturnal animals! I'll pay for any damages and for the trouble this has caused everypony. I know I should have told you, but I couldn't turn her in. She was just scared and...”

Luna closed his mouth with her magic. “If all goes well, there will be no need for such reparations. Fluttershy has told me of her plan to reveal what has transpired to the others. I have granted her one week to prepare.” She released his mouth from her magical hold. “You may speak.”

“One week?” He looked to Fluttershy. “You think you'll be ready?”

“If you aid her, she stands a better chance. That is why I summoned you here.”

“I would still like to make up for this. It was my duty to tell you.”

“After she reveals herself in a week, and you still feel so, we shall discuss such things.” Luna turned to leave.

“Why are you doing this?” Fluttershy said.

“Why am I granting you leniency?”

Fluttershy nodded.

“There is reason why being in love is called being moonstruck. I have done foalish things for those I have loved in the past and I try to be understanding with ponies who find themselves in a similar situation.”

“Thank you,” they said in unison.

“I am going to the Apples' farm. I will tell McIntosh that you will return by mid-day, Horizon.” She made her way out of the cottage and shut the door behind her.

Horizon let out a slow breath.

“Are you alright?”

“I think so. I'm more concerned about you. A week is not a lot of time.”

“I can do it.” Fluttershy looked towards the floor. “At least, I think I can.”

He nuzzled her mane. “I know you can. You changed for Fox and Zecora; you can do it for your other friends too. You won't face this alone. I'll be right there too.”

“If I can change on my own you won't have to tell anypony about what you've done.”

“That doesn't feel right.”

She hugged him. “You helped me stay out of trouble now let me help you. Please?”

“All right.” He embraced her in return. “If you get into trouble, I can't promise that I won't try to help.”

“Then I better start practicing.”

Fluttershy repeated the change from pony to fruit bat pony and back to pony repeatedly. Horizon offered support and reminders on Zecora’s lessons when she encountered difficulties.

Fluttershy looked out the window. “The sun is coming up, I can't feel it anymore.”

“That's strange. You were able to at Zecora's.”

“The Everfree Forest has all kinds of wild magic running through it. I think that it was why I was able to change then.”

“We could go back to Zecora's.”

She shook her head, making a strand of mane fall in front of her face. “No, I'm exhausted, and you are too. It would be dangerous for us to go into the forest as tired as we are.”

“You're right.” He carefully brushed the wayward strand back behind her ear. “You should go to bed and get some rest.”

“What about you?”

“I'll go back to the farm and get a little sleep too.”

“You don't have to make that trip right now.” Fluttershy nodded towards the couch. “You could rest here for a while. Luna said she'd tell McIntosh that you'd be back at noon.”

“It would be kind of strange for me to show up before I was supposed to.” He looked at the front door. “What if somepony comes by? I don't want to put you in an awkward position.”

“Nopony is supposed to come by.” She took his hoof and guided him to the couch. “You're staying here. You're almost as tired as I am.”

“Thank you.” He lay down on the couch and smiled a warm smile to her. “You rest well.”

She poked him in the ribs. “Scoot over a little.”

He moved so that his back was against the couch’s cushions. As she lay down beside him, he told her, “Now I don’t want to go to sleep, knowing this is real.”

She kissed his nose, causing his ears to shoot up. “This doesn’t have to be the only time this happens. Would you hold me like before? I liked that.”

He wrapped his forelegs around her and drew her close. “I’ll do this whenever you want.”

She put her head against his chest. “I’m glad.”

Author's Note

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Deepening Relationships

Chapter 6: Deepening Relationships

As Horizon quietly stepped off the bottom stair, Fox lit a lantern.

“Sorry, Fox, did I wake you up?”

“Where in the Tartarus have you been?!” Fox put the lantern on the lid of his storage chest. “You snuck out; you didn’t show up for breakfast, you didn’t even leave a note for me or the Apples!” Fox walked up to Horizon and poked him in the chest. “I don’t know what kind of stunt you pulled, but it must have been something magnificent. Luna came here late last night, told McIntosh that you would be back at noon, and then flew off without saying another word about you. To top it all off you’re out of uniform and it’s nearly midday.” Fox pointed towards the table. “Sit down and start talking!”

Horizon took his seat. “First, I didn’t sneak out; I was teleported to Fluttershy’s by Luna. Second, I was asleep at the time so I didn’t have an opportunity to leave a note. Third, you know Luna loves being dramatic so I’m sure she was vague on purpose.”

Fox blinked a couple of times. “You lost me at the Luna teleported me to Fluttershy’s part.”

“Luna found out about Fluttershy being the creature by looking in on my dreams yesterday when I was taking my nap. She zapped me to Fluttershy’s last night so she could talk to the two of us together.”

“How long are you going to be in the clink for?” Horizon took his own seat. “I’ll visit when I can.”

“If Fluttershy can get control of her transformation and tells the others about her secret in one week I won’t face any kind of discipline at all.”

“That’s a lot better than I was expecting. I would have thought she’d been furious.”

“I thought she would have had my tail too. Evidently, she has a soft spot for ponies in love. If Fluttershy pulls it off neither of us is going to get into trouble.”

Fox winced. “That’s got to be putting a lot of pressure on Fluttershy.”

“It is.” Horizon put his chin down on the table. “She spent what was left of last night trying to get better control of her transformations. I did what I could to help her, but I feel so helpless right now. I can’t really do anything besides cheer her on and keep her focused so she gets the most out of each attempt.”

“If that’s the best you can do, then that’s what you do.” Fox patted Horizon on the shoulder. “Don’t get down on yourself. She’s not the only one that needs to focus right now.”

“You’re right; I’ve got to do all that I can to help her.” Horizon closed his eyes and went completely still.

After a couple of minutes, Fox shook Horizon. “Are you all right in there?”

“I’ve got to figure out how I’m going to be able to help Fluttershy practice. That’s going to be really tricky to pull off without giving something away.”

“Ah, that’s what you were thinking about.”

Horizon put his hooves to his temples and slowly rubbed them. “Yes, but I can only see how things could go wrong! No matter if I go there, she comes here, or we try to sneak off to a different spot all together there is too much of a risk that we’ll be caught.”

Fox smiled. “Ever the pessimist, you just need a smokescreen.”

“I thought of that too, but there is one major problem with that plan.”

“That would happen to be?”

“Applejack, the Element of Honesty herself is the problem.”

“What about her?”

“Nopony can lie to her. You can’t even give her a half-truth. She can tell somehow.”

“Then don’t lie. Find legitimate reasons for you to be with Fluttershy, or for her to come here during the evenings, and you’re set.”

“You’re right. I’ll think of something while working in the orchard.” Horizon raised his head from the table. “I’m a horrible friend. I didn’t even ask about your date. How did it go?”

“Don’t worry about it; I didn’t really give you a chance to. The dinner went well, all things considered.” Fox gestured towards Horizon’s side of the cellar. “You need to start getting into uniform or you’re going to be late.”

Horizon made his way to the chest at the foot of his bed, opened it, and began pulling on his armor. “Who was your date, by the way?”

“It was Cheerilee, the town’s teacher.”

“McIntosh’s ex?”

Fox nodded.

“He either really likes you or wants to get even with her for breaking up with him.”

“Hardy, har, har.”

“Are you thinking about seeing if she would like another date?”

“Not really. She’s nice, but she’s not somepony I would like as a marefriend. She is completely into teaching. It’s all she would talk about. There just isn’t any common ground between us to start a real relationship.”

Horizon grinned mischievously at Fox. “At least it wasn’t as bad as that mare that asked you to show her your fangs.”

“You’re never going to let me live that down,” Fox groaned.

“You could have gotten some fake ones. She might have had a fantasy that you could have fulfilled.”

“No thanks, I’m not into role playing.”

“You never know. You could really…”

“Don’t, just don’t.” Fox crossed his forelegs, slumped forward, and put them on the table sullenly. “I know you’re trying to help cheer me up, but stop.”

“I didn’t mean to…”

“I know you didn’t.” Fox looked down and made small circles on the top of the table with a hoof. “Let’s face it; there aren’t too many mares that would be interested in a stallion who studies bats. Not to mention the fact that he’s in the Lunar Guard and doesn’t have a lot personal time to share with her.”

Horizon started to say something, but stopped and closed his mouth.

A small, self-depreciating smile came to Fox’s face. “Yes, if there was one mare that could like me for being me there may be more, but we both know how that turned out.” Fox slapped his hoof against the tabletop, sat back up, and put on a smile. “Enough moping for both of us, you need to get out in the orchard. I, on the other hoof, am going back to bed.”

*****

Horizon looked down the line of apple trees. “I think that’s the last one on this row.”

McIntosh loaded the last basket of apples into his cart. “Eeyup, this should be enough for today.”

Horizon and McIntosh hitched themselves to their respective carts and started back towards the barn.

The larger stallion turned his head towards Horizon. “If you don’t mind me askin’, where did you stay last night?”

“I was at Fluttershy’s.”

McIntosh raised an eyebrow and swapped the sprig he had been chewing to the other side of his mouth.

“It wasn’t anything like that, I slept on the couch. She and Luna were discussing things about the creature and planning when we should stop looking for it. Luna wanted me there while they talked so that I would know what was going on. She teleported me to Fluttershy’s while I was sleeping.”

“What about Fox?”

“She knew Fox was out on patrol and probably didn’t want to interrupt. I was asleep too, which must have made me easier to reach with her magic since I wasn’t moving around.”

McIntosh chuckled. “I don’t think you bein’ still would make that much difference to her.”

“You’re probably right. I could have been in full flight and she probably would have gotten me.”

The pair of stallions pulled their carts into the barn and began unloading the afternoon’s harvest.

“Here they are,” Applejack said. “I thought they would be finishing up right about now.” She led Fluttershy and Zecora into the barn. “You two fellas need any help?”

“We got it, Sis.”

Zecora nodded to Horizon. “Hello again my friend. I was hoping to see you before the day’s end.”

Horizon nodded back amiably. “It’s good to see you again too.”

“Hello, Zecora, I’ve haven’t seen you in a while,” McIntosh said. “What brought you our direction?”

“Word of your bats has come to me. What brought me was my curiosity.”

“You want to see the bats?”

“I have seen creatures great and small, but I have never seen vampire bats at all.”

Horizon put away the last of his now empty baskets. “Do you want to just see them, or would you like to know more about them too?”

“Knowledge is something I never spurn. If somepony is willing to teach, I am willing to learn.”

“I don’t know much about them, but my friend is an expert in bats of all kinds. I’ll go get him.”

Fluttershy said, “Isn’t it a little early for you to be getting Fox up?”

“I think he’ll be fine with it, especially after we tell him why we’re getting him up. If there is one thing he loves, it’s talking about bats to somepony who will listen.”

“I’ll get Fox,” McIntosh said. “You stay here.”

Applejack shook her head as she watched McIntosh walk out of the barn. “This could take a bit. Mac’s been wantin’ to talk to Fox about the date.”

Zecora looked at Horizon. “Why is there a pony still abed this late? What is this about a date?”

Horizon said, “Fox hasn’t switched to sleeping during the night like I have. As for the date, perhaps he should be the one to talk about it.”

“I take it that things did not go well, if the story you refuse to tell.”

“It was just a blind date that fell flat.”

“Would y’all like to come to the house?” said Applejack. “Supper should be ready before too long.”

“Who are you talkin’ to, Sis?” Apple Bloom stuck her head around the barn door’s frame. “Zecora!” Apple Bloom raced into the barn and hugged the zebra. “I didn’t know you were coming to dinner!”

Zecora returned the hug. “I did not know that we were going to eat, or else I would have brought a treat.”

“Apple Bloom’s been asking to see you. She and Twilight have been workin’ on her potion makin’ and she’s wanted to show you how much she has improved.” Applejack patted Apple Bloom on the head. “I have to admit, she’s gettin’ right good at it.”

“I can make plants grow now!” Apple Bloom jumped up and down. “Can I show you later, please?!”

“Not tonight my young friend, there is a matter to which I must attend.”

Apple Bloom’s head fell, her ears folded back, her tail drooped, and her ribbon seemed to wilt. “Aw.”

“I will come and visit soon. I wish to see what you can make bloom.”

Apple Bloom’s typical energy instantly returned. “How about tomorrow, could you come then?! I can have everythin’ set up and ready to go too!”

“Apple Bloom, you’ve got school tomorrow,” said Applejack.

“You can’t skip school; you could get into trouble,” Fox added, as he and McIntosh entered the barn. “Remember that Horizon and I are here on official duty. We would have to report you.”

“But mixin’ potions would be educational! That has to count for somethin’! Granny could write Miss Cheerilee a note tellin’ her what I was doin’.”

Fox made a show of rubbing his chin in thought. “Tomorrow’s the last day of school for this week right?”

Apple Bloom nodded. “What’s that got to do with anythin’?”

“If you go to school tomorrow, I’ll see if you and your friends can’t help Rainbow and me with the patrol in the next couple of nights.”

“Really?!” Apple Bloom spun to Applejack and McIntosh. “Could we, please?! We might get our cutie marks!”

Applejack looked at McIntosh questioningly.

He shrugged.

“Some help you are.” Applejack turned back to Apple Bloom. “We’ll have to go talk to Granny and hear what she has to say about it.”

Apple Bloom bounced up and down. “Thank you so much!”

Applejack led her sister out of the barn. “Nothin’ is settled yet. We still have to get Sweetie Belle’s and Scootaloo’s parents to agree.”

Zecora chuckled as she watched the two go. “From her and her friends you will not receive much aid, but that gambit was well played.”

Fox turned to Zecora. He paused for a moment, a surprised and intrigued look passed over his face, before saying, “Thank you miss…”

“Zecora,” Horizon said, stepping closer to his fellow guard. “She is the herbalist that helped the Elements out of a couple scrapes.”

“It’s a pleasure and an honor.” Fox bowed to her. “Applejack and the other Elements have told me a lot about you.”

Horizon whispered out of the side of his mouth to Fox, “What are you doing?”

Fox raised his head back up and acted as if he had not heard. “Is it true that you live in the Everfree Forest?”

“That I live in the forest is true, though that should not impress you.”

“I’ve been in the Everfree Forest on patrols and spent some time in there during training. I know what lives in there. If you haven’t been eaten, poisoned, or turned to stone, that’s impressive.”

An amused smile came to Zecora’s lips. “My home is not a place of danger and gloom. You merely have to give the creatures and dangerous plants some room.”

McIntosh started to shake with silent laughter. Out of view of both Zecora and Fox, he silently mouthed to Horizon, “Looks like I set him up with the wrong gal.”

Horizon quickly nodded.

“What are you two talking about?” Fox said.

“McIntosh was just reminding me what dinner will be ready soon and we don’t want to be late,” Horizon replied.

McIntosh put the last of the tools away. “You two go on and tell Applejack and Granny we’ll be right there."

Fox gestured to towards the house with a hoof. “After you.”

“A stallion so courteous and kind, such a thing is hard to find.” As she walked out of the barn, Fox followed.

As soon as they were out of earshot, Horizon said, “His words were neither courteous nor kind; he just wanted a look at your behind.”

“Horizon!” Fluttershy covered her mouth with a hoof and giggled.

McIntosh nodded. “I think she knew it too. He could be getting an earful later.”

“I just hope he doesn’t do anything stupid that ends up getting him turned into parasprite.” Horizon tipped his helmet back and rubbed his forehead with a hoof. “I’d never be able to explain that to Luna.”

*****

As they walked through the grove, Horizon’s ears swiveled in every direction. “I don’t think anypony’s following us.”

“Nopony will. Zecora is going to keep everypony at the house till she and Fox come for their shift later.”

“You’re idea to bring her here was perfect. I was trying to think of a way that I could sneak off and help you. Now nopony will think twice about us being together.”

“It was Zecora’s idea. We were talking about the various bats in the sanctuary and she asked if I thought the Apples would mind her coming to see them. The plan came together from there. I was hoping we could get here a little earlier, but we had to stop by Rarity’s to tell her about Zecora wanting to see the bats and ask if I could take her place tonight.”

He gave Fluttershy a concerned look. “You sound tired. I didn’t want to say anything in front of the Apples, but you look like you’ve been doing drills with the Royal Guard.”

“I went to the Everfree Forest and I practiced changing with Zecora all afternoon. The only break I’ve had is when we were coming here.” She leaned against him as they walked. “I’ve improved, but I still have a lot more work to do.”

“I’ll help as much as I can.” He softly nuzzled her ear. “But I don’t want you straining yourself. If you need to stop, stop. You have to be able to take care of yourself and your animals. You can’t do that if you’re exhausted.”

“I have to keep pushing.” She smiled up at him. “I improved my flying enough in a couple of days to help Rainbow with the water transfer; I can do this to keep you out of trouble.”

Horizon stepped in front of her and put his hooves on her shoulders. “Fluttershy, if things don’t work out I’m more than ready to be punished. I would face anything rather than see you hurt.”

She glowed faintly for a moment as she shifted to her bat form. “It’s a lot easier to do when you’re around. You help me focus.” She trembled.

“You need to rest.”

She shifted her form back. At the end of the change, she was gasping from the effort.

“If you don’t rest you can’t train properly. Ask your friend Rainbow Dash. I’m sure she’ll back me up.”

She shook her head, freeing her mouth from his hoof. “I have to practice! Zecora took most of a day out of her schedule for me! You could get into trouble! I could lose my ability to change!” Fluttershy began to sway slightly. “Luna is giving me this one chance! I can’t…”

Horizon caught her as she started to fall. He quickly brushed her mane back from her face. “Fluttershy?!”

“I guess I am more tired than I thought.”

He took one of her hooves and guided her to the base of one of the nearby trees. “Lie down with me and rest for a little bit, please.”

She slowly lowered herself to the ground. “You have to promise to wake me up so I can practice.”

He curled himself around her and draped a wing around her protectively. “I promise.”

She leaned against him and was asleep in a few seconds.

He put his head down next to hers and silently kept watch.

*****

“I don’t see them at all.” Fox looked up and down the rows. “I knew they were planning to keep a low profile, but I didn’t expect them to vanish.”

“Is that armor I see, near the roots of that tree?” Zecora pointed towards a shape near one of trees. “There is something there. It may be our missing pair.”

Horizon lifted his head from the ground. For a second, as he turned towards them, his green eyes glowed in the moonlight.

Zecora’s hoof steps faltered for a moment. “That was not something I expected to see, light reflected from the eyes of a pony.”

“We bat ponies are full of surprises.” Fox looked over Fluttershy. “Is she all right?”

Horizon carefully withdrew his wing from around his ward. “She’s exhausted. I made her lie down for a while. She about passed out on me at one point.”

Fluttershy stirred. “Horizon, is everything alright?”

“Everything is fine. Fox and Zecora are here.”

“Fox and Zecora?!” Fluttershy said, sitting up so quickly she nearly hit her head on Horizon’s chin. “I was asleep that long?!”

Zecora motioned for her to stay down. “He was right to make your rest. Without sleep, you cannot do your best. The change pulls a lot of magic from you, something that your body is not used to.”

“But I only have a few days!” Fluttershy said.

Fox asked Zecora, “Is there something that you could give her to keep her awake?”

“She should not drink such a brew. It would be a dangerous thing to do.”

“Fluttershy, you still have plenty of time, calm down,” said Horizon.

Fluttershy tucked her hooves under herself. “You’re depending on me, I can’t…”

Horizon drew her close, keeping her from leaving the ground. “Fluttershy, please don’t wreck yourself over me.”

She relaxed into his embrace as he stroked down her shoulders and back. “Let me rest a bit more and I’ll try to change a couple of more times.”

“Will you stop after that? You’ve got me worried.” Horizon put his head on hers and she tucked her chin against his chest. “Promise me you’ll rest after that.”

“I will. I Pinkie promise.”

Zecora nudged Fox. “We should go elsewhere. This is not a time for us to stand and stare.”

Fox hesitated a moment, still looking at the couple on the ground, before following Zecora deeper into the trees.

*****

Fox and Zecora spent the next couple of hours roaming the grove. As they walked, Fox would point out different bats and tell her about their various characteristics and behaviors.

“I don’t know what it is about this orchard. There are three species of vampire bats, four kinds of fruit bats, and I’ve even seen a couple of the local short-tailed bats here. You just don’t see this kind of mixture out in the wild.”

“This grove seems to attract bats of every kind. Even you and your friend came here to unwind. Of such a thing I have not heard, but with magic almost nothing is absurd.”

“You mean it might be a byproduct of the Apples’ earth pony magic interacting with the trees? As much effort as they put into the farm that very well could be it.” Fox’s ears snapped up. He turned to Zecora and grinned sheepishly. “Now I get it. You meant that as a joke. Sorry, I’m a bit slow tonight.”

“I do not think so. You have been quite sharp in telling what you know.”

His ears slowly folded back. “Thank you, but I must be boring you out of your mind.”

“These kinds of bats I do not see under the branches of the Everfree. I want to understand them as well as view. To do that I must learn what you already knew.”

“You like to know about things of all kinds don’t you?”

“Whether beasts, plants, or grains of sand. There is nothing I do not want to understand.” She stopped and looked at him. “Why did you hesitate to leave back there? I noticed your eyes lingering on the pair.”

After taking a couple of more steps, he stopped as well. “Now you’re trying to understand me too?”

“It just surprised me; I thought I saw a touch of jealously.”

“You don’t miss much.”

“When you live in the Everfree your life depends on what you see.”

Fox looked down at the grass at his hooves. “I’ll admit, seeing the two of them together did stir up some emotions I’d rather not feel.”

“Is it due to the failed date? Are you worried you face a lonely fate?”

“I’m fine with how the date turned out. In fact, I was expecting things to go much worse than what they did.” He sighed and looked in the direction where they had left Horizon and Fluttershy. “I don’t want to be rude, but I just met you and it would be very awkward to talk about it.”

She stepped in front of him, barring him from looking back. “Talking about things calms the mind. I have a good ear, or so you will find.”

“You’re not going to let this go are you?”

“My calling is to help and heal; if I do not assist it would bother me a great deal.”

“You don’t have to worry about me. It’s an old wound that I should be over by now.”

Zecora gave him a sympathetic look. “It sounds like a matter of a broken heart. Was there an event that tore you and a lover apart?”

“Not quite that dramatic, but you’re close.” Fox reached up and tapped the insignia of the Lunar Guards emblazoned on his chest piece. “I was told by somepony special that I had to choose between her or following a lifelong dream.”

“Either she did not mean that much to you or she was not the pony you thought you knew.”

“It was the first real test of our relationship and she didn’t handle it well. I can’t even begin to tell you about all the little barbs she said and the passive aggressive stunts she pulled. I thought I could look past it and we would work things out. Instead, we just ended up fighting a lot. When the day came that I had to choose, I thought about it for hours.” He took a shuddering breath before saying, “You can see what I chose.”

“You were wise to let her go. She would not have allowed you to fully grow.”

Fox stood silent for a minute and then slowly nodded. “You’re right, but it still stings. What was eating me when I looked at Horizon and Fluttershy was the idea that I had that and I might never have it again.”

Zecora cocked her head to the side. “I don’t understand. A stallion like you should be in demand.”

“You’re very kind, but there is something that I have learned through a lot of trial and error. Being an expert in bats is not the most desirable profession for a coltfriend to have with most mares.”

“I understand your plight. To be judged for your passion is not right. Most stallions will not look at me once they learn my trade is alchemy.”

“Why in the world would a stallion not look at you?! You’re brave, you’re smart, you’re-” Fox bit his bottom lip.

Zecora laughed at him kindly. “Finish what you were going to say, it has been a while since anypony looked at me that way.”

“I think I better keep my thoughts to myself on this one.”

“You find me attractive, this I already know. You let me go first so you could get a show.”

He blushed. “I was trying to be polite, but I’ll admit I did look.”

“I thought I felt your eyes lingering, so I gave my step a little extra spring.”

“And here I thought it was just wishful thinking on my part.” He shook his head sharply. “As much as I appreciate you helping me and have enjoyed this evening, this is going to be a one-time thing. I have to go back to Canterlot soon and I’m going to be signing up for another tour. I probably won’t be back.”

She put a hoof to his chest, covering the Lunar Guard insignia. “There is more to your life than being a guard, taking time to visit a friend cannot be that hard.”

He looked away from her. “I would have no problem being your friend at all, but I’m realistic. Friendships take time to forge and we don’t have that time.”

“Turn your head this way; I want you to hear what I have to say.” She lowered her hoof as he looked towards her. “Friendships indeed take time to grow, but you will not know a harvest unless you sow.”

“Honestly I’m a bit afraid of what could happen. You’re the kind of mare I like, witty, caring, and strong. I don’t want to start a friendship when I’d be gone most of the time and that I would ruin by starting to want more.”

“If for me you began to yearn I would not see it as an ill turn.”

“Why you would want to have anything to do with a pony like me on that kind of level?”

“Your friend spoke of both your intelligence and loyalty. When we met, your first words to me were not mere flattery. Such things speak of a good soul, if I could not see that I would truly be a foal.” She gave him an impish grin. “I also like that you do not mind that I have stripes on my behind.”

“They’re actually quite eye catching, in my opinion.”

“So then let us agree that you will visit me in the Everfree. There are bats and animals that I can show and we can see where our path could go.”

“Alright, I promise, I’ll come and visit. I just don’t know when I will be able to get back.”

“Till then we can still correspond. Then it would not matter if you were here or far beyond.”

“I like the sound of that.”

“We should go check on those two. I hope Fluttershy did not over do.”

“She’ll be fine. Horizon is pretty good at taking care of ponies when they are not at their best.”

She took a couple of steps and then looked over her shoulder. “Would you like me to lead the way or have you had enough of watching my hips sway?”

He swallowed and held his hooves up. “I don’t think I’ll say anything at all. That is one of those questions that no matter how I answer I’ll end up in hot water.”

“That is quite astute of you; I was hoping you would say something so I could make you stew.”

“I’m going to never live down the fact that I looked at your tail am I?”

“I just might forget your act, if with me you will make a pact.”

“Okay, just what do you want me to promise?”

“When you show up at my door, you should not be wearing armor.”

“Whoa! That’s taking things past the friendship stage rather fast!”

Zecora rolled her eyes. “I just want to examine your physiology; I promise there will be nothing naughty.”

“Why do you want to look me over? I know you’ve seen Horizon out of his armor. He told me you ordered him to take it off when he was at your place.”

“That is quite true, but I want to closely look at you. With Horizon, I had to let the opportunity pass by due to the presence of Fluttershy. Since you took a look at me, it is only fair you are the one that I study.”

“I can’t really argue with that.”

*****

Horizon looked down and tossed Fluttershy an apple. “Here’s another one.”

There was a soft crunching noise, followed by a soft sipping sound, as Fluttershy bit into and drained the apple of its juice. When she was done, she demurely wiped her mouth clean with a hoof.

“That was amazing, as a stallion I found it a bit intimidating, but amazing none the less!” Fox looked down at the pile of shriveled apples by Fluttershy’s side. “By Luna’s starry tail, how many apples has she eaten?!”

“That would be a half dozen,” Horizon said, as he tossed another apple to Fluttershy. “This one will make it seven.”

Fluttershy eagerly bit into the apple and drained it.

Zecora picked up one of the drained fruits and looked it over. “These should not be left lying around. There could be trouble if they are found.”

Fox picked one of the remains up and looked it over. His eyes paused on the two puncture marks left by Fluttershy’s fangs. “Applejack has us collect apples drained by the regular vampire bats and spread them around the orchard. She says that they break down well and help the other apple trees grow.”

“I will take them with me when I go. They can help my garden grow.” She looked over Fluttershy. “You are looking well. You are not nearly as pale.”

“Horizon suggested that I eat some of the apples after I changed. It really helped.”

Fox looked up at Horizon. “I wouldn’t have thought of that.”

“I saw one of the vampire bats eating an apple and got the idea.” Horizon landed beside Fluttershy. “After she ate a couple of the apples, she was able to change without quite as much stress.”

“So she’s apple powered? That will make the Apples happy to hear. They’ll know that they’ll always have at least one customer.”

“I hate to end this pleasant evening, but it time that we should be leaving.” Zecora started to gather the desiccated apples, but Fox stopped her by putting a hoof over hers.

“Allow me.” Fox folded a wing against his side so that it acted like a carrying bag and put the apples in it. “Horizon, you make sure Fluttershy gets home safe. I’ll escort Zecora back to her place.”

“I can make it home fine without help. I am not some young whelp.”

Fox grinned. “I know that, but I’ve got the apples.”

Zecora narrowed her eyes, but still had a slight smile. “You are skilled in such tricks. It makes me questions your sense of ethics.”

Fox put a hoof to his chest. “I’m wounded. I offer to carry a mare’s things and she acts as if I’m some kind of rogue.”

Zecora and Fox started towards the Everfree Forest side by side.

“Is he really interested in her, or is he just being nice?”

“We’ll have to see. I was surprised that he was interested in a date at all. He’s he told me he was not planning on “get emotionally entangled” while he was still in the guard. Of course, that was after a couple of dates he had gone badly.”

“Maybe he just needed to find the right mare?”

“I hope he has. I know how much finding the right mare has meant to me.”

Fluttershy blushed and ducked her head. “We better get going too. The sun is going to be up before too long and you need to get some rest too.”

“I’ll be fine. Compared to Tartarus week with the Lunar Guard, the next couple of days won’t be a problem.” He looked up at the stars. “Can I ask you a favor?”

“Of course you can.”

“Will you fly back with me?”

“Sure, just let me change.” She closed her eyes and bowed her head a little.

“Please don’t.”

She opened her eyes and looked at him questioningly. “Somepony might see us.”

“I doubt it. It’s nearly dawn, nopony is awake, and there aren’t are any houses between here and your place. If you’re really not comfortable with it you don’t have to, but we’ve never flown together with you as a bat pony before and…”

“We might not have another chance,” she finished for him.

He nodded.

“I’ll fly with you.”

They took off and headed towards Fluttershy’s cabin.

“You don’t have to take it slow. I’m a much stronger flier in this form.”

Horizon glanced over to her. “I know that we need to get back without being seen, but I want to enjoy this too.”

“Then let’s enjoy it.” Fluttershy pumped her wings. As she flew past, she gave him a challenging look.

Horizon laughed and gave pursuit. They flew in random patterns, sometimes Horizon chased Fluttershy, other times their roles would reverse, and Fluttershy would do her best to keep up with Horizon’s professionally trained maneuvers. As dawn began to break, the two happily tired fliers landed side by side in front of her home.

“Thank you so much for flying with me. That was more wonderful that I can even describe.”

“I’ve never been able to fly with anypony like that before.” Fluttershy’s form shifted back as the sun’s light touched her. A couple of tears rolled down her cheek. “I may never be able to fly like that again. I’m glad I got to do it with you.”

He kissed her and her wings snapped open in shock. He drew back just far enough to say, “I love you.”

“I love you too.” She closed the slight gap between them and kissed him in return.

Author's Note

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Feelings Rising to the Surface

Chapter 7: Feeling Rising to the Surface

Luna glided over the orchard and landed in front of the Apples’ home. She paused as she made her way onto the front porch, smiled, put down the basket she had been carrying, and then rounded the side of the house. She flew directly to one of the second story windows, where the light from a lantern shown. Her horn lit briefly as she opened the window.

McIntosh turned his head just as she flew in the room. “Luna?!”

She landed lightly, barely making a sound. “Not so loud. We do not want to wake your kin.”

“Is everythin' alright?”

“Nothing is amiss. There were not many petitioners to my court this evening.” She nuzzled him. “I thought I would surprise you.”

He returned her nuzzle. “You certainly did. I was just thinkin' it would be nice to see you again in tomorrow night.”

“I am pleased that you anticipate my visits.” She looked at the book he had been writing in. “May I inquire as to what you are scribing?”

“Just writin’ in my journal, I try to write a page a night.”

“How long have you done so?”

“A bit over ten years now, I think.”

“That takes dedication. Where are the others you have penned?”

McIntosh looked towards a shelf on the far side of the room and nodded. “Over there. If you want to, you can read them.”

Luna walked over to the collection. “What inspired you to undertake such a task?” She reached up and slid one of the books towards her.

“My folks passin’, writin’ about it helped.”

Luna gently pushed the book back against the wall. “Then I shall leave these be.”

“Most of what’s in the journals isn’t about sad stuff. A couple of weeks after I started, I read back over what I had been writin’ and realized Ma and Pa would have had my ears if they had seen the way I had been mopin’. I promised them and myself I would stop bein’ so down and help Granny with the farm and my sisters as best I could.” McIntosh got up from his desk and walked over to stand beside Luna. “You said you wanted to see the world through my eyes. Readin’ these would help.”

She slowly shook her head. “I would still feel as if I were trespassing in your thoughts.”

“You can’t trespass if you’ve been invited in.” He kissed her on the cheek. “We’re goin’ to be spendin’ the rest of our lives together, so there shouldn’t be any secrets between us.”

She looked down the row of books. “Is there a particular volume you would suggest I begin with?”

“Most of the journals are just day to day stuff. I didn’t have much time for adventures when I was younger with school and work takin’ up most of my time. The real intrestin’ stuff I’ve written about starts after Twilight came here.”

“From what I have learned, her presence certainly seems to have added excitement to the town. Which of these chronicles her arrival?”

He reached up, took one of the volumes from the shelf, and put it in her hooves. “This one, it’s become a special one to me.”

She studied the plain, brown book. “Why is that?”

“It has the entry for the first time I saw you, durin’ the celebration of your return.”

Her expression became impossible to read. “While I am touched that you recall that day fondly, that was not my finest moment.”

He grinned at her. “You looked so small and cute standin’ next to your sister.”

“I appeared cute to you?” Luna’s feathers fluffed and her wings rose. Having to look up at Celestia so was a constant reminder of my foalishness in allowing the Nightmares to subvert me as they did.” Her voice shook as she added, “While I may longer be cute in appearance, it relieves me no end to have regained my former power and stature.”

He hugged her tightly, causing her regalia to bite into his chest. “I didn’t mean anythin’ by it. I was just sayin’ what I thought.”

Her wings sank back to her side. “It is I who should offer an apology to you. You spoke with candor, and I rewarded you with venomous words.” She gently pushed him back just far enough to remove her adornments with her magic and place them and the journal on his bed. She embraced him again. “Forgive me.”

“We all have our sore spots.” He gave her a soft kiss. “You might have been cute then, but you’re the most beautiful mare in the world to me now.”

She released him. “Flatterer.”

He looked down towards her right wing. “Don’t move. You’ve got a feather that isn’t actin’ quite right.” He dipped his head down towards her.

She held perfectly still as he carefully withdrew the offending plume. He took the feather from his mouth and inspected it. “I didn’t know alicorns lost feathers.”

“Of course we do. We are just ponies, after all.”

“No, you’re not.” He walked back to his desk and put the feather on its surface. “You’re more than us.”

“Tis not true. We have more power, certainly, but we need to eat, age, feel emotions, and live our lives just as everypony else.”

“I’m not one to argue with a princess.” He opened one of the drawers to his desk and withdrew a penknife. “Would you mind if I try something?”

She blushed. “You would make a quill of my feather?”

“If you don’t want me to, I won’t.”

“I have no objection.”

He trimmed the shaft with well-practiced motions. After he returned the penknife to its drawer, he dipped the quill into his inkwell and wrote a line in the journal. “It holds the ink perfectly.”

“I am glad you like it.”

“It’s kind of fittin’ I’m goin’ to be usin’ it to write about us.” He carefully placed the quill in a quill holder. “I only wish quills lasted longer. I don’t want to lose this one.”

“While the sentiment is kind, I am glad that it will only be of use for a short period.”

His ears folded back. “I asked if it would be alright.”

“You misunderstand my words. Are you familiar with pegasus courtship rituals?”

“Eenope.”

“When the courtship is in its final stages, pegasi couples will preen each other to show that they care for one another.”

“That sounds right personal.”

“It is. Would you be willing to help me preen?”

“Eeyup, but it might take me a bit to get the hang of it.”

“As much consideration as you gave me when you removed that feather, I do not foresee any problems. If you assist me in preening, you can have as many quills as you would like.” She wrapped him in her wings and forelegs and drew him close. “And I can have the touch of the stallion I desire.”

Just as her lips met his, the bedroom door opened.

“Big Mac, who are you talkin’ to?”

All three ponies froze.

Apple Bloom’s mouth fell open. “Were you kissing Luna?!”

“Eeyup.”

She asked Luna, “Has he kissed you before?”

“Indeed he has, he is quite skilled at it.” Luna glanced at McIntosh. “It makes one wonder just how many mares he has practiced with to become so deft at it.”

“What in tarnation is going on? You’re supposed to be getting ready for bed.” Applejack said, as she stuck her head around the doorframe. “What the hay?!”

“I planned on partaking in a delight with McIntosh this evening.”

“My sister doesn’t need to hear anthin’ about that!”

Luna laughed. “I brought a cake for us to share in.”

“You brought a cake?” Apple Bloom’s ears perked up. “Where is it?”

“I left it outside, in a basket, before I flew up. I wanted to surprise your brother.”

“Can I have some?” Apple Bloom said.

Luna looked to Applejack, who just smiled and crossed her forelegs over her chest with an amused look. Luna then turned to McIntosh. “What say you?”

“I don’t reckon it would be right to leave her out.” McIntosh smiled as Apple Bloom trotted in place in excitement. “Just a small one though. I don’t want you up all night. You need your rest if you’re goin’ to help us on the patrol.”

Luna looked at the filly. “You wish to aid us?”

“My friends and I want to try to get our cutie marks in monster catchin’. Fox promised we could if we got permission and all three of us did.”

Luna sighed good-naturedly. “He would be the one to make such a promise. Does the thought that creature might be of an aggressive nature not concern you?”

“We don’t think the creature is dangerous, Princess, or we wouldn’t let them go out there.” Applejack hugged Apple Bloom to her side. “My sister means a bit too much to me for me to let her go and get herself eaten. Besides, the night we have planned for them is the same as the one that you and McIntosh will be out there. If they aren’t safe with you two around, they never will be.”

“Fox and Horizon are going to be there too,” McIntosh added.

“Yeah, he’s going to teach us how to be extra quiet and sneaky,” Apple Bloom said, as she crouched into a stealthy pose.

“If you and your comrades listen, he could teach you much. Moving in silence is a skill all of my Lunar Guards pride themselves on.” Luna waved a hoof in the air. “But enough talk, there is cake to be consumed!”

*****

Luna levitated Apple Bloom's crumb covered plate and fork to the kitchen counter. “I believe your sister has enjoyed this evening enough.”

McIntosh looked down at Apple Bloom, who had leaned against his side and had fallen asleep.

“Apple Bloom, it's past time for you to go to bed,” said Applejack.

Apple Bloom stirred and muttered, “I'm still awake. I can't miss the Princess visitin'.”

“I will be visiting much more often soon, so do not fret. I will need you to be at your best during our patrol too, so get your rest.”

McIntosh helped Applejack get Apple Bloom on her back. “Thanks Big Mac. I’ll tuck her in her in.” As she went up the stairs, she called, “I’ll come back down to help clean up.”

Luna looked down at the table and then ran a hoof across its surface. “There are so many marks. How long has your family had this?”

“Since Ponyville was founded. It was one of the first pieces of furniture that was made for the house.”

“So it has been here for generations then.” She smiled down at the old, careworn surface. “This is the best kind of heirloom, both functional and sentimental. I wish my sister and I had such things. While our furnishings are lovely, they lack the charm that this piece has.”

“Are you feelin’ alright? You’ve been actin’ like you’ve got something on your mind.”

“I have been mulling over something the last couple of nights.”

He put his hoof over hers. “What is it?”

“I do not know why you have affections for me.”

“I love you because you’re you.”

“Do you love me because of who I am or because of I am your princess?”

“Both.”

“That is not a proper answer.”

“I’ll try to say this right, but you know I’m not all that good at talkin’ about my feelin’s. Forgive me if I don’t make a lick of sense.”

“I doubt that you will have an issue conveying your thoughts. Your letters to me have always been quite eloquent.”

“Writin’ is one thin’, talkin’ about somethin’ is different.”

“I shall decide that after I hear your words.”

“I started to have a bit of a crush on you after you helped us fight off the Nightmares that took over Rarity and attacked the town.”

“So you like amazon mares?” Luna teased.

McIntosh chuckled. “I’ll admit, you were amazin’ fightin’ off those nasty critters, but that wasn’t what really got my attention. Even after you got hurt, you were willin’ to get up again, rally us, and keep fightin’.”

“I was battered, tired, and incensed at myself that I was allowing a foe that had already defeated me once to triumph over me again, that was all.”

“Doesn’t matter, it was right impressive. One day not too long after that, I asked Twilight about what had happened to you and what you meant about not bein’ able to help the creatures of the moon when she came to buy apples from our stall. She gave me a history lesson on the Nightmares, the thousand year cycle their power has, and what they did to you.”

“Considering what I have learned of Twilight from my sister I am not surprised.’

McIntosh looked up the stairs. “I’ve always tried to do my best to take care of the farm, Granny, and my sisters. It hasn’t always been easy and there were times I didn’t feel like ponies cared about how much I was workin’ so long as I could get a job done for them. I thought ponies just saw me as the big, dumb workhorse because I don’t talk much and they figured that all I cared about was gettin’ stuff done on the farm or making a few extra bits trying to make ends meet.”

“I sincerely doubt that was the case.”

“I know that now, but it took me a while to get my head on straight.” He looked at Luna and held her gaze. “After Twilight told me about what you went through with the Nightmares and how they used those feelin’s you had about rasin’ the moon and nopony seeming to care, it made me think about you a lot.” He took her hoof between his. “What I went through is nothin’ like what you did, but I could understand why they were able to make you so miserable with those kinds of thoughts.”

“So you pitied me?”

Luna tried to pull her hoof away, but he held on. “I admired you. Despite all that you went through, bein’ taken from your loved ones, losin’ your powers when you were freed, havin’ to adjust to the changes in the world, you overcame it all and returned to bein’ a great princess to us.”

She relaxed, allowing her hoof to rest in his. “Had I not allowed myself to be tempted by the Nightmares, I would not have had to make such a recovery. Celestia is the more powerful, controlled, and refined ruler. She deserves your adoration more than I.”

“Bein’ strong and dignified is alright, but it’s not everythin’. You have to be a real pony too. During the Summer Wrap-up Festival, you were the princess that joined in, got pie all over you, and had fun. Celestia didn’t do much of anthin’ that day.”

“If I recall correctly, she bested you in hoof wrestling.”

“She did, but that was about all she did during the day. You were the one that got me involved in the contests and games, which was somethin’ I really needed.”

“I was glad to. You seemed quite vexed over something when you should have been celebrating with your fellow townsponies.”

“That’s the difference between you and your sister. Celestia cares for us all, but you care for us ponies as individuals. Celestia would never have takin’ time out of her day to help somepony like me, she’s just too proper.”

“I can see why you think so, but you do not know her as I do.” She grinned and leaned closer to him. “Or am I hearing that you do not care for my sister?”

“I like Celestia just fine.” He lifted her hoof and gave it a kiss. “I just like you a whole heap more.”

“You givin’ him that smooch on the Ferris wheel might have had made him favor you a bit too,” said Applejack.

McIntosh closed his eyes and dropped his chin to his chest. “Sis, how long have you been there?”

“Been here since about the time you started about Twilight talkin’ your ears off. What made you go and get all sappy on the Princess?”

“He was answering a question that I posed to him.” Luna leaned forward and kissed McIntosh on the top of the head. “He did so quite charmingly.”

“He’s not usually the mushy type. What did you ask him?”

“I wished to know the reasons why he feels as he does for me.”

“You’re marryin’ him and you didn’t even know why he likes you?!”

“Such a thing has never come up in conversation before.” Luna smiled at Applejack. “Do not act so aghast. I have never doubted that your brother cares deeply for me, even if I did not know as to why.”

“Then why ask him tonight?”

“Recently I spoke with a pony about the characteristics they found appealing in their own love, which made me wonder as to what McIntosh considered favorable in me.”

Apple Jack tilted her head slightly. “Just who have you been talking to?”

Luna raised her nose in mock dignity. “I shall not divulge that.”

“Alright Princess, keep it under your crown. I’ll have you know though, I don’t much care for it when ponies, princesses or not, go and tell half-truths.” Applejack walked up to her brother and pulled on his yoke until his ear was low enough for her to whisper into. She put a hoof over her mouth and spoke a few words to him.

As Applejack finished, McIntosh’s other ear flicked a couple of times and his face grew slightly concerned. “Just thought I would let you know.” She turned to Luna. “I’m heading to bed. You two should get some shuteye too, but only after you two talk a bit more.”

“Sis, are the blankets still up there in the chest?”

Applejack paused, just as she was about to leave the room. “I reckon so. I know I didn’t take them out.”

“Thanks, Sis.”

After the sound of Applejacks hooves going up the stairs and fading down the hall, there were a couple of moments of silence in the kitchen.

McIntosh got up from his seat, made his way around the table, and took Luna by the hoof. “Will you come with me?”

“Have I done something to put you ill at ease? Or was it what your sister whispered in your ear?”

“Please.”

“Of course I will.”

McIntosh lead her into the barn and then up to the hayloft. He opened the loft’s doors, retrieved a couple of blankets from a storage chest, and then laid them out on the floor over the hay. “I didn’t reckon the two of us would fit in my bed, so I thought we’d come out here to sleep. We can see the stars from here real nice too.”

“It also keeps ears from hearing what you are going to say.”

He pawed the floor, shifting some of the hay. “That too, I thought you might feel better about talkin’ if there weren’t anypony around to hear. You don’t have to, if you don’t want to. I was just tryin’ to make it easier if you did.”

“Thank you for giving me such consideration.”

He took off his harness and put it off to the side. “Please lie down.”

Luna elegantly tucked her legs under her as she settled onto the blankets.

McIntosh lay down beside her, put a foreleg over her shoulders, and drew her close. “Sis told me you were holding somethin’ back when you asked about why I liked you. I want to know what is really botherin’ you.”

“Did you agree to do all those games with me out of fear?”

He gave her a look of disbelief. “What in tarnation made you go and think somethin’ like that?”

“I have been scaring ponies with my mere presence these last few days. One of them was shaken badly enough that they almost caused themselves harm rather than remain near me.” Luna looked out over the orchard. “Even my own guards seem to be weary of me.”

McIntosh chuckled.

Her attention snapped back to him. “McIntosh, why do you laugh?”

“You can be scary when you get your dander up, I won’t lie.” Her expression became a combination of hurt and irritation, but he gave her quick kiss, which brought a small smile back to her face. “I think your guards just don’t want to disappoint you. They say too many nice thin’s about you to be afraid of you. You and I talked about how I didn’t feel good enough for you the other night; I think it somethin’ like that with them when they think they’ve disappointed you.”

“And you during the Festival?”

“I didn’t do all those games with you because I was scared, I promise. Heck I even snuck off during the scavenger hunt, so you know I wasn’t worried about you gettin’ too upset with me.”

She lightly bopped his nose with a hoof. “I had nearly forgotten about your disappearance during that particular event.”

“I’ll admit, I was so frustrated at not bein’ able to get what I needed to patch up the gazebo I almost went home.” His ears folded back and looked down at the blanket. “Had Zecora not talked me into stayin’ I might have missed out on the best thin’ that has ever happened to me.”

“Once again Zecora is mentioned. I shall have to seek her out very soon. She and I have much to discuss.” Luna adjusted her position, wrapped her forelegs around his neck, and put her head on top of his. “I will have to give her thanks for talking to you as well.”

“She’s a good friend of the family. I’d be happy to introduce you to her.”

She pulled him a little closer. “Thank you for allaying my fears.”

“If you ever need to talk about anythin’, us, your sister, Canterlot nobles being pains in the flank, anythin’ at all, I want you to know that I’m right here and I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

“I know.”

He nuzzled, starting just behind her ear, and slowly made his way towards her shoulder blades, adding random kisses as he made his way down. He broke contact for a moment, shifted his body back, and came to sit on his haunches.

“What are you, oh?!” Luna’s wings quickly unfurled from her sides as he tenderly rubbed and kissed between her wings. As his hooves found a tense spot and kneaded it, she drew in a slow, hissing breath.

His hooves paused. “Did I hurt you?”

“I assure you, you did not.” She smiled coyly over her shoulder at him. “I assume that you would like me to begin your instruction in the art of preening?”

“Eeyup.”

“I think I will be as eager to teach as you are to learn.” She folded her right wing to her side and fully extended her left. “Let us begin.”

*****

Horizon looked down from his vantage point in his chosen perch in one of the apple trees. “Fox, quit humming and hold still.”

Fox looked around for a moment and then looked up. “What the hay are you doing up there? I would have thought you would be in bed by now.”

“Keep it down; something is not right at the Apples’.”

“What makes you think that?”

“The loft’s doors are open.”

Horizon looked towards the barn. “You’re right; I know they were shut before we went on patrol.” He looked back up towards Horizon. “You think it might be the creature waiting to ambush us?”

“You’re in a mood.”

“And you’re being paranoid.” Fox headed towards the barn. “Somepony probably didn’t do the latch all the way. Get down here and walk with me.”

“We could fly. It would be faster.”

“Nah, I doubt anyone or anything that is stirring up trouble would announce themselves by leaving the doors open. We can take our time and enjoy what’s left of the night.”

Horizon landed beside Fox and matched his pace. “You are in a mood.”

“Sharing the evening with a lovely mare tends to do that to me. Speaking of which, how is Fluttershy doing?”

“She’s fine.”

“That wasn’t said with much conviction.”

“She’s worrying herself to death, if you want to know the truth.”

“Just shows you two are a good match, both of you worry too much about all the wrong things. She is going to do just fine.”

“She has to calm down or she won’t.”

“Says the pony who stayed up in a tree thinking there was some monster in the barn. You both need to chill out or you’re going to have nervous breakdowns before this is all over.”

They stopped a short distance away from the barn and listened for a moment.

“I thought I heard something move up there,” said Horizon.

“So did I. Guess you weren't paranoid for nothing after all.” Fox rolled his shoulders a couple of times. “You’re so wound up if you saw a mouse you would probably attack the poor thing. Fluttershy wouldn’t like that, so I’ll check it out.”

“If you flush something nasty, I’ll attack from below. Not too many creatures are armored on the underside.”

Fox crouched into a takeoff stance. “Alright, just be ready if things do go to Tartarus.”

“Fox.”

“Yeah?”

“Be careful.”

“Nice to know you really do care.” Fox silently launched into the night air. He approached the loft doors, stopped in midflight, and immediately dropped back to the ground. As he turned to Horizon, his face was crimson.

Horizon trotted up to him. “What is it?”

Fox made a motion for Horizon to keep his voice down. “The Princess and Big Mac,” he whispered. “He’s preening her wings. I’m just glad they were so occupied they didn’t notice me.”

“You’re pulling my tail.”

“I know a preening session when I see one. Big Mac is mouthing her right wing nice and slow, and Luna looks like she is having a hard time not taking him for a literal roll in the hay right now.”

“An image I did not need, thank you. I’m going to get a little shut eye before breakfast. Tomorrow’s going to be a long day.”

“That’s right, you’re working with Big Mac in the orchard again aren’t you?”

“You got it.”

Fox looked up towards the loft and grinned. “Maybe you won’t have to.”

“I don’t like that smile.”

“Don’t worry, you’ll thank me later.”

“For some reason I doubt that.”

“I’m hurt, why would you ever think that I would have something devious in mind? I just had an idea that might take a load off of you tomorrow.”

“Fox, I’m warning you. I know where you sleep.”

*****

Horizon smiled and held out a few coins. “Here is your change, ma’am.”

Golden Harvest waved a hoof. “You don’t have to ‘ma’am’ me. We’re practically the same age.” She took the coins from Horizon and tucked them in a small pouch. “So Applejack finally got you to lose the armor?”

Horizon kept his smile, but it diminished slightly. “I was ordered by Luna to not come into town wearing it today.”

“It took that to get you to leave it at the farm?”

“I am on duty. If it weren’t for Luna’s order I could be punished for being out of uniform.”

“You’re in Ponyville, you can relax.”

“From what I understand I shouldn’t relax at all. There have been dragon attacks, swarms of parasprites, megalomaniacal unicorns trying to take over the town, and half a dozen other disasters just within the last couple of years alone.”

“Twilight and the Elements take care of that kind of stuff, not the Guard.” She tucked her newly acquired apples into one of the pouches on her saddlebags. As she turned back to him, she made of show of brushing her long mane back into place. “Are you going to be off for lunch?”

“Sorry, I have to work through lunch today.”

“That sounds about like her,” Golden Harvest said, nodding towards Applejack. “You have to eat sometime, how about dinner then? We could go to the Grazing Meadow, and I could show you a couple of nice spots to have a little fun afterwards.”

Horizon shook his head. “I have duties to attend to tonight, but thanks for asking.”

Golden Harvest glanced over at Applejack, who was finishing up a sale of her own. “You’re not dating her are you?”

“No, but I am seeing somepony.”

Applejack flicked an ear in their direction. “I didn’t know that. I guess Fox is the only single stallion left on the farm.”

“Actually, I think he just started seeing somepony,” said Horizon.

Golden Harvest groaned and stomped a hoof. “Why is it that all the stallions on Sweet Apple Acres all have marefriends?!”

“Move along, Goldie, Horizon and I have to help other customers,” said Applejack.

“First I hear that McIntosh is off the table, now this hunk is too,” Golden Harvest said, jabbing a hoof in Horizon’s direction. “Do you get good looking, taken stallions to help you just to drive up your sales or do you just like to watch other mares squirm?”

“With you, to be honest, it’s a bit of both.”

“Be that way,” Golden Harvest said, with clearly faked indignation.

Applejack waited until Golden Harvest made it a few steps away from the stall and then called out for all the market to hear, “Next time Braebrun comes into town I’ll send him your way to make up for it!”

Golden Harvest stopped in the middle of the road. She looked back over her shoulder and smoothly replied, “Is he that cousin of yours with the vest, hat, and nice mane?”

“That would be him.”

She made a show of thinking for a moment and then shrugged. “I guess I could settle for an imported Apple.”

Horizon shook his head as he watched Golden Harvest continue down the road as if nothing had happened. “I thought Fox and I had an odd friendship.”

“Golden and I went through school together,” said Applejack. “We used to kid each other all the time about my family growin’ apples and hers growing carrots and which were better. Now we kid each other over just about anythin’.”

“Do you really use McIntosh to help your sales?”

“You haven’t noticed?”

“Noticed what?”

“I always have one of you stallions with me when I go to market to draw the mares in. Fox has fun with it, McIntosh tolerates it, and you’ve been clueless up till now.”

Horizon rubbed his forehead with a hoof. “I thought it was because Granny wasn’t able to get around that well and you didn’t bring Apple Bloom because she was too young, not because we were window-dressing.”

“A good marketin’ gimmick can sell just about anythin’. Filthy Rich taught me that one.” She looked down the road. “It’s a might early for her to be coming to market. I hope everthin’ is okay.”

Horizon saw Fluttershy coming down the road and grinned. “I’m sure it is.”

Fluttershy’s pace quickened as she came towards them. “Horizon, what are you doing here? I thought today was your day with McIntosh.”

“Good morin’ to you too,” Applejack teased.

“Oh, sorry, good morning, Applejack, I was just so surprised to see Horizon without his armor on during the day.”

“You can thank Fox for that one,” said Applejack. “Durin' breakfast he talked Luna into makin’ Horizon not put on his armor since he was going to be helpin’ me with the stall today.”

Horizon grunted. “I think she was in on the fact that Applejack was using us stallions as a marketing ploy.”

Fluttershy smiled. “I bet Fox was the one who told her.”

“What’s with the saddlebags, Shy?” Applejack said. “It’s a little early for you to be coming back for more apples.”

“Zecora has been helping me with something the last couple of days, and I wanted to get her some apples as a thank you.”

“Well, we can help you there. Any particular type you would like?”

“Braeburn apples, if you have any.” She reached into her saddlebags and pulled out two cloth sacks. “I’ll need enough to fill these, please, if you don’t mind.”

Horizon took the sacks from her. “Seems like Braeburn apples are popular this morning.” He filled up the sacks, taking extra time to make sure to choose the best of the lot. When Horizon gave her change back, his hoof lingered on hers for a second more than was necessary.

One of Applejack’s eyebrows rose as she watched them finish the transaction. “How are the critters doin’, Shy?”

“They’re doing fine,” Fluttershy said, turning her gaze away from Horizon. “I haven’t had a badly injured animal in a while.”

“It’s amazing that you can help as many animals as you do.” Horizon tied off the tops to the sacks. “I would never be able to keep straight what treatments and medicines work for one animal and not on another.”

Rarity’s voice cut across the market, “Applejack, I need to talk with you about tonight and the girls!” She walked up and stood by Fluttershy’s side. “While my sister certainly doesn’t lack for enthusiasm, I don’t think she realized exactly what she is getting into.”

“Rarity, it will be just fine,” assured Applejack. “With Horizon, Fox, McIntosh, and the Princess planning to be there it’s bound to be safer than their last sleepover.”

“I can’t believe all this fuss about some oversized fruit bat. Staying up all hours is ruining my complexion. Just look at these bags under my eyes!”

“Rares, you look just fine. Even if you didn’t, I’m sure you could doll yourself up with enough of that powder and paint of yours that no pony could tell the difference.”

Rarity recoiled and put a hoof to her chest. “You uncouth barbarian, how could you say such a thing?! It’s called makeup and, for your information, I just have to do a little touch up in the morning is all.” She stuck her nose in the air and looked at Applejack dismissively. “Not that you would know anything about that.”

“No sense in goin’ through all that trouble if all I’m just goin’ to sweat it off in a few minutes.”

“Girls, please don’t fight,” said Fluttershy.

“Here I am calling her a barbarian and I don’t even say hello to one of my dearest friends. How are you this morning, Fluttershy?”

“I’m just fine.”

“Wonderful.” Rarity started when she looked at Horizon. “You’re out of your armor! I didn’t even recognize you!”

“Trust me, I know. Luna and Fox thought it would be funny to send me into town like this. Luna wouldn’t even let me wear my uniform.”

There was a pause, as Rarity looked him over. “Applejack, dear, can I borrow him for a while? I think I can see a whole new line that would look just smashing on bat ponies.”

“I can’t rightly say he’s really mine to lend. He’s Luna’s guard, not mine.”

Rarity flashed a predatory grin. “That’s just fine. I’ll ask if I can have him for the evening when I drop off Sweetie Belle.” She turned to Horizon and put a hoof to his chest. “How about we have a little dinner and then I can take your measurements and see where inspiration leads?”

“Rarity, you’re making him blush redder than a Grand Gala.”

Fluttershy stood there with her mouth open.

Horizon shook his head. “I’m sorry, but tonight wouldn’t be a good night for me. I have to help Fox with the girls tonight.”

“What a pity. I’ll have to see if I can borrow you some other night then.”

“Leave the poor stallion alone, Rarity.” Applejack said. “He’s already uncomfortable enough bein’ in town like this as it is.”

“I can’t imagine why. He certainly has nothing to be ashamed of.” Rarity batted her eyes at him. “In fact, it’s a wonder that he has not caught some mare’s eye already.”

Applejack rolled her eyes. “Rarity why exactly are you here if you’re not buyin’ apples?”

“Oh, I nearly forgot. I have a little something planned for the girls that I want you to see.”

“What have you gone and done this time?”

“Well, I had some left over cloth from an order and I made a little something for them. I would like you to take Apple Bloom’s home and makes sure it fits her.”

“You made them uniforms didn’t you?”

“Well, yes, but they’re a more modern take on the theme, so to speak.”

“That don’t quite fit with all the fussing that you have been doin’ over Sweetie stayin’ in the orchard all night.”

“I thought she and the girls should look official if they were going to play the part of Lunar Guards.”

“And?” Applejack prodded.

“If Luna likes them, perhaps I convince her to update the Lunar Guard’s uniforms.”

Applejack groaned. “Why am I not surprised?”

“Even you have to admit they are out of style. They look like something that’s been out of fashion for a thous-”

Horizon cleared his throat.

Rarity smiled sheepishly. “I meant to say, for far too long. Just looking at them, I can tell they can’t be comfortable.”

“I have to admit, they do chafe, especially around the wings and tail,” Horizon said.

“See, Applejack, even he thinks the uniforms could use a little modernizing.”

“If you knew I was goin’ to be selling apples today, why didn’t you just bring the thing here?” Applejack complained.

“You wouldn’t get the full effect without them being on ponyquins.”

“Alright, Rares, I’ll look at them.” Applejack turned to Horizon. “Think you can handle thin’s here for a little bit?”

“I’ll be just fine.”

“Just hold the fort till I get back. Come on, Rarity; let’s see what kind of getup you’re plannin’ to put my sister in.”

“Are they always like that?”

“Not all the time,” Fluttershy said softly.

Horizon quickly turned to Fluttershy. “Are you okay?”

She nodded, her eyes never leaving her hooves. “I think she was serious about the line of clothes. I’ve seen her get that look before when she gets inspired.”

“Well, she is just to have to look for another stallion to model for her. I didn’t like the look that she was giving me. I think I know what a rabbit in front of a griffin feels like now.”

Fluttershy flinched.

“Sorry.”

“It wouldn’t be that bad.”

“In one way no, but I would spend the entire time thinking that I would rather be spending the time with another mare and helping her with a more important project.”

Fluttershy smiled and raised her head. “That’s sweet, but I think she really could use the help. If you end up helping her, I don’t mind.” She looked around cautiously and said, “Don’t worry about me; I can practice for alone for a little bit tonight.”

“I don’t feel right letting you face this alone.”

“Zecora’s going to help me today. Besides, wouldn’t it look strange if you left the farm with the girls coming over?”

After a moment, he slowly nodded. “It would. With the fillies around, I couldn’t count on getting out of there unseen either. From what I have heard of them there is no telling where they could be at any moment.”

“We could both use the rest too. Promise me you won’t try to sneak off and help me, please”

“Alright I promise. Just don’t do too much tonight.”

“I won’t.” She looked up at the town square’s clock. “I have to go. You take care.”

“You too, and travel safe in the forest.”

“I will. Harry insists that he walks with me whenever I go into the Everfree Forest alone.”

Horizon sighed as he watched her go. He muttered to himself, “One night that you can’t help her is not going to kill you.”

“Hello, can I get some help here?”

Horizon turned to the stallion. “Of course, Sir, what kind of apples would you like?”

After a couple of more sales, Horizon was rejoined by Applejack.

As Applejack carefully put her sister’s uniform in one of the stand’s storage compartments, she said, “You and I are goin’ to have a talk on the way back to the farm this afternoon.” As she slid the compartment closed, she added, “A nice, long, and very honest talk.”

Horizon swallowed and said, “Yes ma’am.”

Fillies, Flights, and Frights

Chapter 8: Fillies, Flights, and Frights

As Applejack led Horizon to the outskirts of town, she would occasionally glance back at him.

“You don’t have to keep checking on me,” Horizon said. “I’m hitched to the cart. I can’t make a run for it.”

She matched her pace so that she walked beside him. “I guess we’re far enough away from town that we can talk. So, you and Shy have a thin’ goin’, huh?”

“We do. How did you figure it out?”

“You picked the best of the apples for her and then offered to put them in her saddle bags. You haven’t done that for anypony else.”

“You noticed that?”

“I sure did, but it was what she didn’t do that I told me a lot more.”

“What do you mean?”

“She has to trust a pony for them to touch her. Your hoof stayed a bit too long on hers when you gave her change, and she didn’t do anythin’. She didn’t even react when you opened her saddlebags and put the apples in. All of that showed she really feels secure around you.”

“I didn’t even think about it. I was just trying to be nice to her.”

“Why didn’t you two tell me and the girls?”

Horizon looked down at the path. “We thought it would seem improper if ponies knew that we were seeing each other while I was guarding her during the patrols.”

“Is there somethin’ in your regulations that keeps you from seein’ a pony you’re guardin’?”

He was silent for a moment and then shook his head. “Nothing specific, but I guess it would be against the regulation that requires that guards to refrain from conduct that would call into question the integrity of the Lunar Guard’ if somepony really wanted to argue it.”

Applejack trotted in front of him and blocked the path, causing Horizon to bring the cart to a stop. She gestured back towards Ponyville. “You don’t have to worry about somethin’ like that. Twilight’s brother was seein’ Cadence while he was guardin’ her and they ended up gettin’ hitched by Celestia herself.”

Horizon chuckled. “I would have thought that you would have been mad at me for not telling you, not trying to make me feel better about things.”

“I am a bit sore about it, I won’t lie, but I understand why you kept quiet about it.” She thumped his chest with a hoof. “We’re friends now; you don’t have to hide somethin’ like this from me. I won’t tell anypony if you don’t want me to.”

“Thank you. I won’t keep anything like this from you again, I promise.”

“You’re not out of the fryin’ pan yet. Fluttershy is like a sister to me and I don’t want to see her feelin’s hurt.”

“Are you worried that I’m dating her because she’s one of the Elements or because she’s an ex-supermodel?”

“I’ve had a couple of thoughts along those lines,” Applejack said, while adjusting her hat to sit at a more aggressive angle.

Horizon met her challenging stare. “What can I do to prove to you that I have true feelings for her?”

“I want you to answer me one thin’.”

“Alright, ask.”

“Do you really care for her?”

“I love her.”

Applejack adjusted her hat back to its usual position and nodded. “That’s what I wanted to hear. Now come on. There’s still work to be done back home.”

*****

Horizon placed a basket under one of the trees. He looked up, adjusted the basket’s position slightly with his hoof, turned his back to the trunk, and gave it a solid buck. The tree’s apples fell, most landing in the baskets. He sighed as he watched one apple roll a distance from the tree. “Whoever coined the phrase ‘apples never far too from the tree’ must have never bucked apples.”

Apple Bloom and Horizon circled the tree, gathering up and tossing the stray apples into the baskets.

“Don’t feel bad. They’ve had a lot more practice.” She tossed a bad apple over her shoulder. “At least you can get them to fall. I can’t even make one of them come down.”

“You will soon. You just have to grow a bit more.” Horizon hummed a light tune as he tossed the errant apples into the baskets.

Apple Bloom watched him. “You really like workin’ here don’t you?”

“I do.”

“Why? Don’t get me wrong, this is my home, but isn’t Canterlot more intrestin’ than here?”

“Yes and no.” Horizon paused in mid-motion of throwing an apple and looked at it. “Canterlot does have a lot more glitz, impressive buildings, and things like that, but that is about all it has.” He slowly turned the apple, causing the light of the sun to play across its surface. “It’s expensive to live in Canterlot, it’s crowded, and there is no grass or trees except in the parks. The city is just too artificial.”

“I would think living in a place like that would be exciting.”

“For a little while it was. When I first joined the Lunar Guard, everything in Canterlot everything seem great. But I quickly realized that it wasn’t a place I wanted to live for too long.”

Apple Bloom tilted her head. “What do you mean?”

“In Canterlot, it feels like you’re always under scrutiny. The ponies there are constantly measuring each other to see where they are on the social ladder. One of the worst things about living there is that the ponies that are raised in Canterlot don’t see bat ponies as being that high on the social ladder.”

“They shouldn’t judge a pony just because of how they look.” Apple Bloom overthrew an apple, sailing it over its intended basket.

Horizon deftly caught the apple in one of his wings and then rolled the apple down the wing’s membrane and into the basket.

“Neat trick,” said Apple Bloom. “Zecora scared everypony in town for a while, but once everypony got to know her they really liked her.”

“There are a lot of ponies that don’t care to get to know a pony before they judge them.”

“That’s just plain wrong.”

“I wish more ponies felt the way you do.”

“Apple Bloom was the one that got ponies to open up to Zecora,” said McIntosh, as he walked up to them with a cart. “Sis here can pull some foolish thin’s every now and then, especially when she she’s tryin’ to get her mark, but she’s got a good heart.”

“McIntosh!” Apple Bloom protested.

“I’m just tellin’ the truth.”

“That don’t make it right to say it in front of somepony else!”

Horizon laughed and helped McIntosh unhitch from the cart. “That is what we older brothers are for.”

“You’re an older brother?” said Apple Bloom.

“I am. My sister’s name is Restless Night. She’s a bit older than you.”

“What is she like?”

“If I had to describe her in a word, it would be inquisitive. She always wants to see and experience new things in new places. I wouldn’t be surprised if she ends up being a scout in the Lunar Guard.”

Horizon and McIntosh loaded the baskets into the cart while Apple Bloom made sure there were no stray apples left behind. Horizon helped McIntosh back into his harness. Apple Bloom rode in the back of the cart, as they made their way back to the barn.

“So your family’s talent is seein’ what other ponies don’t?” asked McIntosh.

“That would be a good description of what we do.”

“I wonder what my talent is goin’ be.” Apple Bloom looked at her bare flank. “I’ve be tryin’ everything to get my cutie mark, but nothin’ has worked.”

“It will come when you least expect it. There are a lot of ponies that don’t know exactly when they got their mark because they were so absorbed in what they were doing that they didn’t even notice it appearing.”

“I think I remember Twilight saying that she didn’t notice getting’ her cutie mark until Celestia pointed it out.” Apple Bloom looked over the side of the cart at Horizon’s tiger moth mark. “How did you get your cutie mark?”

“My dad and I volunteered to help a neighbor of ours move. Our town had a community cart that you could use so long as you took care of it and returned it. The thing was old, but it was still serviceable. To make a long story short, while I was helping my dad hitch up to the cart, I saw that something was wrong with one of the traces.”

“That’s not good,” McIntosh said, as he glanced at the traces of his own cart.

“Don’t worry; I look over the cart every day to make sure everything is alright.” Horizon turned back to Apple Bloom. “I was so scared about the trace or something else breaking and hurting Dad that I freaked out. I went over the cart from one end to the other making sure that everything was all right. I was so frantic that I didn’t even notice that I had gotten my mark until Dad started laughing. He said that it was fitting that I would get my mark for being a ‘worry wart,’ but he congratulated me and thanked me all the same.”

“Why is your cutie mark a moth then?” Apple Bloom said.

“Tiger moths warn predators that they are not good to eat with their colors and markings. Since I have a knack at seeing dangers and helping others avoid them, it fits pretty well.”

McIntosh pulled the cart into the barn, and Apple Bloom jumped down from the back. “Do you need my help anymore? I have to head over to Rarity’s place. She’s goin’ to have us show off our uniforms off before the patrol.”

“Go on little Sis, we’ve got it from here.”

Apple Bloom ran out of the barn, nearly running into Applejack in her haste.

“Careful, Sis, you could hurt somepony!” Applejack scolded.

“Sorry!”

“Big Mac, I could use Horizon’s help getting’ supper ready for tonight,” Applejack called into the barn. “Granny isn’t feelin’ her best. With all the other ponies comin’ tonight, I need another set of hooves in the kitchen. You don’t need him for any heavy liftin’ do you?”

“Eenope, we’ve already done the hard stuff. I can put the apples away by myself.”

“I’ll help Mac out of his harness and be right there,” said Horizon.

*****

“The salads are ready to go.” Horizon put down the knife he had been using and scooped the chopped carrot pieces into the bowls on the counter next to him. “What can I start working on next?”

“The next thin’ to get goin’ on are the desserts,” Applejack said, as she closed the oven’s door. “If you get another bag of flour, I’ll clean up here, and we’ll get started on a couple of pie crusts once you get back.”

“Sounds good to me, I’ll get some real quick.” He stepped into the pantry and looked over the shelves. “Applejack, we’re out of flour.”

“Is there any on the top shelf on your left?”

“Not that I can see.”

“Shoot. I guess I’ll have to get some from the cellar.”

Horizon backed out of the pantry. “I can go get it. Somepony has to keep an eye on the oven.”

Applejack glanced at the kitchen clock. “Looks like the girls are a little late. Rarity must be paradin’ them all over town.”

The front door opened and the sound of hooves marching together resounded through the house.

“Fox, I believe the ponies we are looking for are in the kitchen,” said Luna.

“I believe so, Princess. Cadets, report to the kitchen and prepare for inspection.”

A trio of fillies’ voices answered, “Yes sir!” Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle marched into the kitchen. They formed a tidy line, turned to face Horizon and Applejack with synchronized snap turns, and then stood at attention. The uniforms they had been given were light gray with purple and gold accents. On the left shoulder of each of the uniforms was the Lunar Guards’ crest. On the right shoulders, the uniforms bore Luna’s mark.

“Impressive.” Horizon smiled at the fillies. “There are full grown ponies that can’t do what you just did.” He slowly walked around the trio, looking them over.

Fox, Luna, and Rarity came into the kitchen.

“It’s amazing how well they took to marching in formation,” Fox said.

“They’ve put on a talent show and were the Ponyville flag bearers for the Equstria Games, so they already know how to move together,” said Rarity. “Well, what do you think?”

“Apple Bloom, could you buck a tree in your uniform?” said Horizon.

“Yes, sir, that would be no problem.”

“Sweetie Belle, are can concentrate on your magic with the uniform on?”

“Yes sir.”

“Scootaloo, do your wings have enough range of movement for you to get off the ground?”

Scootaloo swallowed. “I don’t know, sir.”

“What do you mean?”

“I haven’t tried, sir.”

Applejack moved over to Horizon’s side and whispered in his ear, “She can’t fly yet.”

“I didn’t know that,” he whispered back. “Scootaloo, can you hover yet?”

Sweetie and Apple Bloom eyes looked Scootaloo’s way, but they remained at attention.

“Sort of, sir.” Scootaloo’s voice trembled as she answered.

“Good enough.” Horizon folded his legs under him and lowed himself to the floor. “Get on my back.”

“What?”

“I’m sure what you meant to say was, ‘what, sir,’ so I’ll let that slide this once.” He leaned towards Scootaloo and held her eye. “However, I will not tolerate a recruit that does not follow orders. Get on my back.”

“Yes sir!”

Scootaloo scrambled onto Horizon’s back. He got to his hooves and then slightly bowed to Luna. “My Princess, I would like to test the uniform’s potential. I ask your permission to advance this cadet to flight training.”

Luna nodded. “You have my permission.”

Horizon strode out of the house, carrying Scootaloo. The others followed behind him.

“Scootaloo, I know we’ve only met a couple of times. I need you to answer me honestly. Do you trust me?”

“Yes sir.”

“Good, then hold on.” Horizon launched himself into the twilight air and gained altitude in wide, ascending circles. “When we get high enough, I want you to jump from my back.”

Scootaloo went rigid and did not respond.

“I know you can’t fly yet. A lot of fillies and colts your age can’t. However, if you beat your wings like you are trying to hover, you will make it down to the ground without any trouble.”

“I don’t think I can do it, sir.”

“I have no doubt you can. If I did, we wouldn’t be up here.”

“You sure this will work, sir?”

Horizon glanced back at her. “It’s how my parents taught my sister and me how to fly.”

“What if I mess up?”

“You forgot the ‘sir’ again.”

“Sorry, sir, I’m just nervous.”

“There is nothing to be nervous about. I’ll be right with you. Fox is below us, acting as a safety. Luna or Rarity can grab you with their magic too. Trust me, you’re safe. If you’re worried about looking bad, don’t worry, you can’t do worse than my first attempt with my dad.”

“Was it really that bad, sir?”

“It was so horrible even my mom said it was a disaster.”

“That is bad, sir.”

Horizon leveled off his flight and slowly started to circle the farm. “You see that open field, west of the farmhouse? That is where we are going to land.”

“But…”

“Jump and flap those wings!”

Scootaloo launched from Horizon’s back. She flapped her wings, turning them into orange blurs, but her decent was still rapid.

“You’re not cupping your wings into the right shape. Brute force won’t help you stay in the air.” Horizon matched her decent. “Watch how many times I flap my wings compared to yours. You’re wasting a lot of energy.”

“You’re wings are different, sir!”

“They work the same. Well, almost. But that is not the point; you need finesse, not power.”

Fox joined them in the air. “Not bad. Somepony has been working with you.”

“Rainbow Dash has, sir,” Scootaloo said. “The ground is coming up pretty fast, sir!”

Fox flew under Scootaloo and allowed her to settle on his back. “That’s enough for this time. I’ll take up you up next.”

“You want me to do that again, sir?”

Fox landed and looked over his shoulder at Scootaloo. “Of course, training takes repetition. I could use the exercise too. You can drop the ‘sir’ now. I think Horizon was just trying to motivate you.”

Horizon sighed, as he landed beside them. “You’re too soft, Fox. That’s how discipline starts to break down.”

“That was so cool!” Apple Bloom cheered, as she and Sweetie Belle ran towards them. “I thought you were goin’ to take off!” Rarity and Luna followed behind the fillies, but at a statelier walk.

Scootaloo’s ears folded back. “I wasn’t even close.” She jumped off Fox’s back and onto the ground.

Horizon patted her on the shoulder. “You’re not giving yourself enough credit. You did some serious wing work up there and you’re not even breathing hard.”

“That’s because she pulls Sweetie and me all over Ponyville with her scooter,” said Apple Bloom.

“She trains with Rainbow Dash too,” Sweetie Belle said. “They do all kinds of crazy exercises. Just watching all the stuff they do makes me tired.”

“Do you train with your parents too?” asked Horizon.

“I can’t, they’re earth ponies.”

“That does tend to make things difficult,” said Fox. “We’ll just have to get more training time in with you before we go. Horizon is right. What you need more than anything is form work.”

“Scootaloo pointed something out in the air that I have been thinking about. Our wings aren’t like hers. I don’t know if the techniques that we use would be helpful to her.”

Fox shrugged. “So we need a pegasus that can fly slowly and smoothly, not a speed demon like Rainbow. Anypony come to mind?”

“Fluttershy,” Horizon said. “She has the best form I have ever seen.”

“I think you might be a little biased when it comes to judging Flutershy’s form,” said Fox, with a bit of a chuckle in his voice.

Horizon shot him a withering glare.

“We could get Fluttershy right now,” suggested Sweetie Belle.

“She could stay for supper too! Sis and McIntosh wouldn’t mind.” Apple Bloom gave Horizon a pleading look. “Please, I want to see if she can get Scoots to fly!”

Fox grinned. “Sounds like a plan to me. Keep in mind, even if she comes, it might not be tonight when Scootaloo starts flying. Training proper wing form can take a lot of time.”

“This may not be the best night to ask her over,” said Horizon. “She’s probably tired from going to visit Zecora and carrying those apples.”

“All the more reason she should join us this evening,” said Rarity, as she and Luna joined the group. “She would not have to go through all the trouble of cooking for herself.” Rarity smiled at Scootaloo. “That was a wonderful effort! Did you have any trouble moving your wings in the uniform?”

“I didn’t even think about having it on,” Scootaloo said.

“Your work is to be commended. Not every designer can create garments that are functional and pleasing to the eye.” Luna looked at the fillies with a thoughtful expression. “I would be most interested to see how the designs would fair when worn by one of the Guard.”

Rarity squealed for a moment, before composing herself. “If it is possible, Princess, could I borrow one of your guards to see how the designs would need to be adjusted?” She looked towards Horizon. “Having a good model can do wonders to inspire the design process.”

“Forget about the uniforms, Sis,” said Sweetie Belle. “Let’s get Fluttershy and see if the can help Scoots!”

“You must remain here to prepare for your patrol. However, that does not preclude her from joining us.” Luna turned to her guards. “Horizon, you shall deliver an invitation for Fluttershy to join us. If she declines, return swiftly to inform us. Fox, you are to take over Horizon’s post in the kitchen.”

Both Fox and Horizon snapped off sharp salutes and replied, “Yes, Princess!”

*****

Horizon knocked on the cottage door. “Fluttershy, it’s me, Horizon.” He smiled as the door opened. “I hope I didn’t come at a bad time.”

Fluttershy smiled back at him. “Not at all, I was just about to start supper.”

“That is sort of why I came. Luna and the Apples would like you to come over for dinner.” Horizon looked towards his hooves. “I have to apologize; I unintentionally volunteered you to help train Scootaloo on proper wing form too.”

“I don’t mind. Though, I thought Rainbow had been helping her.”

“Rainbow seems to have been trying to get Scootaloo’s strength and wing beat numbers up without correcting her form. I mentioned that you had the best wing form that I had seen and things went from there.” Horizon looked up into her eyes. “If tonight is a bad night, you don’t have to come over.”

“I would love to go. I just can’t stay too late. I have a lot to catch up on tomorrow.”

“You don’t seem as tired as I thought you would be. I’m glad.”

“I’ve gotten a lot better.” She gestured for him to follow her. She led him into the den, where she shifted into her bat form with little effort. “Our flight last night helped.”

“What do you mean?”

“I thought it was wrong to want to keep being whatever it is that I change into. I thought it was selfish.” She hugged him and put her head his shoulder. “Now that I have somepony to share it with, and who enjoys it as much as I do, I don’t feel as bad.”

He wrapped his forelegs around her. “You’ll feel even better once you’ve told your friends about this too.”

The cottage’s door opened. “Sorry, Horizon, I tried to get them to wait. They just insisted that…” Rarity’s words ended in a sharp gasp.

Horzion quickly turned his head. “Rarity?!”

Dodging around Rarity, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie rushed into the cottage. They froze as they saw the embracing ponies.

“It’s got Horzion!” Apple Bloom yelled.

“Sis, do something!” screamed Sweetie Belle.

“We don’t need your sister, we can take it!” assured Scootaloo.

“Girls, get out!” Rarity used her magic to shove the fillies out the door. “Run back to the Apple’s and get help!” Rarity slammed the door shut, muffling the fillies’ shouts of protest. “You’re not the first monster I have faced. Let go of him, and I might go easy on you. However, if you have hurt Fluttershy, I swear to Celestia there won’t be enough of you left for Twilight and Luna to examine.”

Horizon turned to face Rarity and held up his hooves. “Rarity, wait!” He spread his wings, shielding his marefriend. “She hasn’t hurt anypony!”

“Then where is Fluttershy?!” Rarity’s horn flared with power.

“Rarity, I’m right here.”

Rarity’s magic faltered. “Fluttershy, darling, please come out where I can see you. Tell me this thing hasn’t hurt you.”

Fluttershy put a hoof on the top of Horizon’s left wing and slowly pushed it down. She stepped forward so that she stood next to him. “It’s me, Rarity.”

“Fluttershy?” asked, her eyes widening.

Fluttershy nodded. “I’m the creature.”

Rarity fainted.

“That could have gone better.” Horizon picked Rarity up from the floor and carefully put her on Fluttershy’s couch.

“Is she alright?” Fluttershy asked in a weak voice.

“She’s out cold, but I think she’s fine.”

Tears rolled down Fluttershy’s cheeks. “Good.”

“I had a feeling that something like this might happen.” Horizon tenderly pulled Fluttershy against his chest. “I have a couple of survival packs and some bits hidden close by. Just say the word, and we’ll run. They wouldn’t be able to track us through the Everfree. From there, I know a couple of places we can go.”

“I’m not going to run. That is what caused all this trouble in the first place.”

“I’m glad you ran. If you hadn’t, we wouldn’t be together.” He stroked her mane and rocked her gently. “No matter what happens, I’m going to be right here for you.”

*****

Fox looked out the kitchen window. “Something is wrong. The girls are back, but nopony else is with them. They’re running like timberwolves are right on their tails too.”

“Luna, anypony, help!”

“Apple Bloom?!” Applejack raced out of the kitchen and out of the house. As soon as she reached the fillies, she hugged Apple Bloom to her. “What is goin’ on?!”

“It’s got them!” Sweetie cried.

“We don’t know where Fluttershy is, but it’s in her house!” yelled Scootaloo.

“Cadets, Lunar Guards do not panic!” Fox shouted. “Calm down and tell us what happened. Ponies’ lives could be at stake.”

“We wanted Fluttershy to hurry up and teach Scoots, so we begged Rarity for us to go get her since Horizon was takin’ so long.” Apple Bloom squirmed out of Applejacks hold. “Rarity wasn’t going to let us go, but Sweetie pointed out that Fluttershy hadn’t seen our uniforms.”

Scootaloo nodded. “Rarity agreed after that, so we went to Fluttershy’s to show off our uniforms and to try to get Fluttershy to come on. When we got there, the creature was already in Fluttershy’s and had Horizon.”

“Where’s Rarity?”

“Sis stayed behind to fight the creature,” Sweetie said. “She threw us out and told us to get help.”

“You did well and followed orders under stress,” Fox said, his voice sincere. “I have a couple of things for you to do that will help. I need you to tell Luna and McIntosh exactly what you told me. Then, I want you and Applejack to go get the other Elements and bring them here as quickly as you can.”

“Wait a plumb minute! You’re not thinkin’ about goin’ to help them alone are you?!”

Fox smiled at Applejack. “Fighting creatures of the night is what I am trained to do. I’ll be fine.”

Applejack snorted. “Don’t be bull headed. I’m goin’ with you!”

“Somepony has to look after these three when they go to deliver the message to the others. You’re faster than McIntosh, so you won’t slow them down.”

“Somethin’ wrong?” McIntosh asked, as he and Luna stepped out from the barn.

“I have to go.” Fox said to the fillies. “Can I count on you three?”

“Yes sir!” They replied.

Fox shot into the air and flew towards Fluttershy’s.

“At least take Luna with you!” Applejack shouted at him.

“What would require me going with him?” Luna asked.

Sweetie ran up to Luna and saluted. “We have been ordered to report to you, Princess.” She quickly explained to Luna what had happened.

“You have done well. Now, you are to follow Fox’s orders. Summon the other Elements. McIntosh and I will do what needs to be done here.”

After saluting Luna, the fillies raced towards Ponyville.

Applejack began to follow them, hesitated, and then looked back to Luna.

“Fox spoke true of your speed and of the fillies needing a guardian this night.” Luna gestured after the trio with a hoof. “Go, Applejack, they will need your aid more than we.”

After giving Luna a nod, Applejack ran after the fillies.

McIntosh rolled his shoulders, making them to pop and crackle. “Well, I guess that leaves us to help wrangle in that critter. I’ll put the flour back and get my rope.”

“We need not get involved. Fox, Horizon, and Rarity will bring the creature in without incident. I need your aid in another matter that requires more immediate attention.”

McIntosh stared at her. “What could be more important than helpin’ with the creature?”

Luna turned and headed towards the house. “We must ensure that your sister’s toil in the kitchen does not go to waste.”

McIntosh caught up to Luna and walked by her side. “You’ve been keepin’ a secret or two under that crown of yours. I wondered what was goin’ on when you sent Sis with the girls.”

Luna nodded. “I must speak with you as to what is about to unfold. While I hold your sister in high regards, she is not the calmest of ponies when faced with the unexpected.”

McIntosh opened the door for Luna. “I take it she’s not goin’ to like what’s comin’?”

“Not in the slightest.” Luna paused before entering the doorway. “I ask that you take on a heavy burden. You will need to be the voice of reason when the fate of the creature is decided.”

“I don’t know if I like the sound of that. Are you countin’ on me to be a judge of some kind?”

“In a manner of speaking, yes I am.”

“I’m not much for judgin’ others, whether they’re creatures or not.”

“Then you are perfectly suited for the task. I cannot act in my official capacity in this matter, for reasons that I will explain.”

“What about Celestia?”

“I would not involve my sister in this unless there was no other alternative. Celestia too often thinks with justice in mind when mercy would better serve. The decisions that will have to be made are matters of the heart.” Luna put a hoof to his chest. “I trust yours to do what is right.”

“I’ll do my best.”

She gently kissed him. “I would not expect anything less.”

Dilemmas Abound

Chapter 9: Dilemmas Abound

Fox cracked open the cottage’s door. “Horizon, Fluttershy, you guys here?”

“We’re right here,” said Horizon.

Fox stepped into the den and shut the door behind him. “Tell it to me straight, Horizon. Just how badly are you going to rough me up before making a grand escape?” He stared at Rarity, where she lay on the couch. “Oh, horse apples! Please tell me you didn’t knock out one of the Elements of Harmony!”

“I didn’t touch her!” Horizon protested. “I wasn't thinking about knocking you over the head either!”

Fluttershy adjusted the blanket draped across Rarity so that it covered her better. “When she saw me as the creature she fainted.”

“You would have thought she would have recognized you. After all, she has seen you as a vampire fruit bat before.” Fox made his way to the couch and sat down beside Horizon. “You’re taking her passing out rather well.”

“She’s done this before, but I’ve never seen her out this long.”

“She was building up a lot of magic before she collapsed,” said Horizon. “I have a feeling that may part of the reason that she hasn’t woken up. The effort of pulling that much power and then seeing you was just a bit too much.” He turned to Fox. “I take it Luna sent you to get us?”

“No, I headed this direction before Luna knew something was going on.”

“You came even though you thought I was going to waylay you?” Horizon patted Fox on the shoulder. “I don’t know what I did to deserve a friend like you.”

“You helped me pull through some of my darkest moments; it’s only fair that I help you through yours.”

“You’ve done more than enough.”

Fluttershy hugged Fox. “Thank you for all that you have done for us. We’re going to keep it secret that you knew about me.”

“It was my pleasure. It’s not every day that you get to help one of the Elements of Harmony.” He gave her a brief hug in return. “As much as I hate to say this, you better let go. Your coltfriend is going to get jealous.”

“No, he’s not.” As soon as Fluttershy let go of Fox, Horizon shook his hoof. “I want you to know that it has been an honor serving with you.”

Fox pulled Horizon into a hug and slapped him on his shoulder a couple of times. “You think it’s going to get that bad?”

“It could.”

“Then it’s not. You’re always seeing the worst that can happen, but it never does.”

“I hope you’re right.” Horizon asked Fluttershy, “What should our next move be?”

“We should go to Sweet Apple Acres so I can apologize.” She shifted back to her original form and looked around the cottage at the various nests and animal homes. “If ponies start yelling, I don’t want my animal friends to be upset.”

“The farm is where the Elements are going to gather too,” Fox said. “I sent the fillies into town with Applejack as a distraction, in case you two decided to run for it.”

“We discussed doing that, but Fluttershy wants to stay.” Horizon hugged her across the shoulders. “I’m going to do whatever I can to help.”

Fox pointed a hoof at Rarity. “What should we do about her?”

“I guess you’ll have to carry her.” Horizon chuckled. “You can play the dashing hero saving the damsel in distress and bringing the bad guys to justice.”

“Don’t try to be funny. You’re awful at it.” Fox gently took the blanket off Rarity and gave it to Fluttershy. “Fluttershy, if you don't mind, fold the blanket and put it on my back so that my armor won’t hurt her. Horizon, you’re going to have to put her on my back.”

Fox lowered himself to the floor. Fluttershy put the blanket on Fox’s back.

Horizon scooped Rarity from the couch and put her across Fox’s back. “Are you going to make it?”

“I’ll be fine. She doesn’t weigh much,” Fox said, as he got to his hooves. He flicked his left ear a couple of times. “Could you move her head a little? Her breathing tickles.”

“I think it’s kind of cute,” Fluttershy said, as she angled Rarity’s head down a little.

“You better hope Zecora doesn’t decide to show up. If she sees you like this, she might get jealous.”

“Just get the door,” Fox grumbled.

*****

Rainbow stretched deeply into a downward dog pose for a few seconds and then hopped to her hooves. She moved into a fighting stance and jabbed the air a couple of times. “I’m warmed up and I’m ready to beat the stuffing out of that creature! What’s the hold up?!”

“We have no need to venture forth.” Luna nodded down the path leading from the Apples home. “It would seem our friends have come to us.”

“Rarity!” Sweetie Belle gasped. “What did the creature do to her?!”

Fluttershy carefully slid the blanket from under Rarity and put it on the ground. “She’s fine. She passed out when she saw the creature.”

Fox knelt down, and Horizon transferred Rarity to the blanket.

Pinkie ran loops around Fox, Horizon, and Fluttershy. “I don’t see the creature. Are one of you hiding it somewhere?”

“We’re not hiding the creature, Pinkie,” said Fox.

“You let it get away?!” Rainbow stomped the ground. “Just what kind of Lunar Guards are you?”

“Rainbow, you should just be glad that nopony got hurt,” Twilight said, as she levitated Rarity and the blanket to the ground. She glanced at Horizon. “Nopony did get hurt, right?”

“We're fine.”

Sweetie Belle patted Rarity’s cheek. “Sis, are you okay?”

Rarity stirred and sat up. “Sweetie, what is going on?” She looked around at the ponies gathered around her. “Why are all of you here? Perhaps more importantly, why I am here?”

Sweetie Belle hugged Rarity around the neck. “Fox and Horizon saved you from the creature and brought you back!”

“Let’s go after the varmint.” Applejack grinned at Rainbow. “You think you can catch up to it and keep it busy till I get there?”

“No problem. You just get that rope of yours ready and try to keep up.”

Luna met eyes with Fluttershy. “Do you know where the creature could be at this moment?”

Fluttershy slowly nodded.

“Then tell us, so we can get started!” Rainbow ran in place. “Come on! I don't want it getting away!”

Fluttershy swallowed and then softly said, “You don’t have to go anywhere.”

“You were hiding the creature!” Pinkie nosed through Futtershy’s mane. “Where is it? I want to see!”

“Pinkie!” Twilight used her magic to pull Pinkie away from Fluttershy and place her by Luna’s side. “Go on Fluttershy; tell us where the creature is.”

Fluttershy closed her eyes. A soft glow formed around her. It grew brighter for moment, flickered, and then went out.

“Fluttershy?” Rarity put a hoof to her mouth and pulled Sweetie Belle to her. “Darling, what is happening?”

“It’s some kind of magic!” Twilight said.

The glow surrounded Fluttershy again. It flickered and vanished abruptly after a couple of seconds. Fluttershy shook her head. “I can’t do it! There are too many ponies looking at me!”

Horizon hurried to her. “Just calm down, everything is going to be fine.” He put his fore hooves on her shoulders. “Relax and breathe.”

Tears ran down Fluttershy's face. “I have to change! I have to show them I can do this!”

Horison pulled her to him. “Fluttershy, it’s alright.”

“No, it’s not!” She put her head to his chest and sobbed. “I don’t want you to get into trouble! I want to fly with you like we did! I want to keep this! ”

“Fluttershy, we’ll fly together again. I promise.”

“We won’t be able to fly like we did if they take it away from me!”

“Will somepony please tell me what the hay is going on?!” Rainbow demanded.

Horizon wrapped Fluttershy in his wings. “They can’t see you now. Relax, breathe slowly, and let all the pressure you're putting on yourself go. You know you can do it, just let it happen.”

The glow surrounded Fluttershy, grew in intensity strong enough to make the webbing of Horizon’s wings transparent, revealing the veins in them clearly, and then slowly faded.

“Sugar cube, are you alright?” Applejack asked.

Horizon kissed Fluttershy on top of her head and held her a moment, before asking, “You ready?”

“I think so.”

Horizon folded his wings, revealing Fluttershy in her fruit bat form. He stood beside her and took one of her fore hooves with one of his.

Rainbow’s mouth fell open.

“Cool!” all three fillies exclaimed.

“You're the creature?!” Rarity stammered. Her eyes dropped to their entwined hooves. “You and Horizon are together?!”

“You knew,” Applejack stated icily. “You knew from the start didn’t you?”

“I did,” said Horizon.

Applejack stomped over and went nose to nose with him. “Tell me why I shouldn’t beat you until I’m tired.”

“Sis, you're mad and not thinkin' straight,” McIntosh cautioned.

Applejack looked at McIntosh with an expression of disbelief. “Mad?! I’m fit to be tied! This sorry varmint pulled the wool over our eyes!”

“I never lied to you.”

Applejack spun back to Horizon. “You didn’t tell us the truth either! A half-truth might as well be a lie!”

“Sis, you’re not goin’ to help thin’s by yellin’ at him,” McIntosh said, his voice calm.

“He could have saved us all this trouble if he had just said somethin'!” she raged.

“Applejack, please don’t be mad at Horizon. I’m the one that hid that I could change,” Fluttershy pleaded, in a soft voice. “He just wanted to help me, so he kept it a secret.”

“Did you ask him to?”

“She didn’t,” Horizon answered. “I saw how terrified she was that night and decided to keep quiet on my own.”

“Then you both did somethin’ wrong and then went and wasted our time!” Applejack pointed her hoof at Horizon. “You’re supposed to report to your superiors about somethin’ like this!” She then pointed towards Fluttershy. “You’re my friend! If you had just told me about you changing in a vampire bat, we could have fixed it!”

Fluttershy shrank against Horizon’s side.

“There is nothing to ‘fix,’ Applejack.” Horizon draped a wing over Fluttershy protectively. “The change does not hurt her, and it doesn’t hurt anypony else.”

“I guess we can just take your word on that,” Applejack scoffed.

The glow of Luna’s magic surrounded Applejack’s chin and turned her face towards the princess. Luna lowered her head till it was at the same height as Applejack's. “I understand why you lose your ire so. I too would be vexed with a friend who would keep such a thing from me. However, harsh words do nothing to move us towards a means to set these transgressions right.”

“I don’t know if this is somethin’ that can be made right.”

McIntosh patted Applejack’s shoulder with a hoof. “Sis, why don’t we get somethin’ in our stomachs and think this over for a bit?”

“You’re kiddin’, right?”

McIntosh shrugged. “We can settle thin’s right now, if that’s what you want, but you’re goin’ to be the one to explain to Granny why enough food to feed over a dozen ponies went to waste.”

Applejack swallowed. “Now that you mention it, I am feelin’ a might bit hungry.”

*****

“Will somepony explain to me what in tarnation is goin’ on?” Granny Smith leaned on the kitchen table and looked at each pony. “Y’all are too quiet. I may be older than the hills and my memory isn’t what it used to be, but I still have somethin’ goin’ on under my bonnet.”

“There have been a couple of revelations that have not set well with some,” Luna answered.

“You don’t say. The fillies ain’t here. The guard, the quiet one, the crazy pink mare, and the racer aren’t here either.”

“They’re eatin’ in Horizon’s and Fox’s room,” Applejack said.

“Judgin’ by your tone, you had somethin’ to do with that.” Granny used her free hoof to rub her back. “If my dern lumbago weren’t actin’ up, I’d go ask them what’s goin’ on myself. It doesn’t look like you’re, or anypony else is this room, is goin’ to tell me.”

“It’s all right, Granny. We’ll get everthin’ sorted out pretty soon.” Applejack cut her eyes towards McIntosh. “That is, if Big Mac quits puttin' his hoof into things.”

“That’s the second time you’ve used that tone, and I don’t like it a plumb bit.” Granny leaned towards Applejack a bit more. “I don’t know what is goin’ on, but I can tell you’re wound up about somethin’ and not everyone that is supposed to be here is. That tells me you’ve gone and got yourself crossways with at least one of your friends. Am I right?”

Applejack looked at her plate. “Yes, Granny.”

“Anypony hurt?”

Applejack looked back to Granny. “No, everypony is all right.”

“The farm and crops doin' all right?”

“Well, yes, but what’s that go to do with anythin'?”

“If nopony needs tendin' to, the farm and the harvest are in good, and there’s food on the table then thin’s aren’t too bad.”

Applejack jumped to her hooves. “They lied to me! They lied to all of us! They cost us hours of..!”

“Jacklyn Apple, you sit your tail down this instant,” Granny said, thumping her hoof on the table’s surface. “You’re a grown mare. You should know better than to be throwin’ fits like this, especially in front of guests.”

Nopony moved.

Granny locked eyes with Applejack. “You hear me young’un?”

Applejack slowly sat back down and nodded. “Yes, Granny, I hear you.”

“Good. Now, I want to you listen. You’ve had your feelin’s stung, I can tell. I don’t like that you’re hurtin’, but you need to keep your hat on straight and think about what is important.”

Applejack closed her eyes, sighed, and nodded. “You’re right. No sense makin’ a bigger mess by actin' like a stubborn mule and not workin’ on fixin’ everythin’.”

“That’s my girl.” Granny flinched as she sat back down awkwardly. “I think I’m goin’ to need a little help gettin’ back to bed.”

“I believe I can be of aid.” Luna’s magic wrapped around Granny and gently moved her to a more comfortable position. “I cannot diminish the pangs of age, but this spell should grant you some support as you move.”

“Much obliged.” Still enveloped by Luna’s magic, Granny gingerly made her way towards her bedroom. “The only thing that’s been helping my back here lately is Zecora's concoction. I don’t know what’s in it, and somethin’ tells me I don’t wanna know, but that stuff really does the trick.”

After Granny had made her way to her room and shut the door, Luna turned to Applejack and McIntosh. “Now that your matriarch is absent, I would like to discuss matters with you two.” Without taking her eyes from the Apple siblings, Luna began clearing the table of the dishes with her magic. “There have been wrongs done and those who are responsible should provide restitution for their actions. However, I urge that you consider the totality of the situation before presenting a demand for reparations to Twilight.”

Twilight's mouth fell open. “Me?! I can't act as a judge over my friends!” She took two deep breaths and made an odd gesture with her hoof. After putting her hoof back on the ground and clearing her throat, she said, “Besides, I am one of the wronged parties in all of this and am disqualified from being a judge.” She pointed at Luna. “You should be the one that rules over this. You are the Princess of the Night, and everything occurred during your rule.”

Luna shook her head. “I cannot preside over this matter due to two conflicts. The first being that I too am one of the ponies that has been wronged. The second is that no matter what occurs I am bound to address Horizon's actions due to his being one of my guards, and I am forbidden under the law from deciding civil matters that involve the same events.”

“What about Celestia?” Rarity ventured. “She hasn't been involved in this mess at all.”

Twilight sighed. “She can't get involved in this either. The press would have a field day if she decided a dispute between the Elements. She's just now recovering from the blow to her reputation due to the cake article in the Foal Free Press; she doesn't need another scandal right now.”

McIntosh lightly tapped his hoof on the table, drawing all eyes to him. “There wasn’t any harm done to anypony, so why don’t we just keep this amongst ourselves? There’s no reason to put a mark on either of their records. Far as I reckon, so long as they repay us for the hours we lost everypony should be square with each other.”

Rarity laughed. “Leave it to the gentlecolt to suggest a gentlecolt’s agreement.”

“All right, but there is somethin' that is goin' to make things a little more complicated.” Applejack left the room and returned with a pouch. She poured part of the pouch’s contents onto the table, sending bits rolling across the table. “How do we figure in Fluttershy’s overpayin’ for our apples into how many hours everypony’s due?”

McIntosh grinned. “I can work those numbers. I’ll just get last month’s ledger and figure out a fair rate.”

Twilight beamed at him. “I forgot that you take care of the farm’s accounting.” With a flash of magic, she made the patrol schedule appear on the table, along with a couple of pieces of paper, an inkwell, and a pair of quills. “We should be able figure everything out in no time. I just need to make a checklist of things that we need to take into consideration.”

“Darling, while this all sounds wonderful, aren’t we getting a bit ahead of ourselves?” said Rarity. “We don’t know if Pinkie and Rainbow are going to agree to this. We also don’t know if Fluttershy shifting her body like she has been is doing something horrible to her.”

Twilight nibbled on the feathery tip of her quill. “I was so worked up about the hours problem that I forgot about figuring out what we should do about that.” She put the quill down and rubbed her temples with both of her hooves. “Fluttershy seemed so scared that she was going to lose the ability to change, so I don't really want to take it from her, but what do we do if it is hurting her somehow?”

“Rarity is right, our friend’s voices must be heard.” said Luna. “Fox, go and tell the other Elements that their presence is needed here so that the terms of the agreement can be finalized.”

Fox snapped off a formal salute and left the room in a military style trot.

Twilight, Rarity, and McIntosh resumed figuring out the terms of the agreement.

Applejack’s eyes lingered on the empty doorway long after Fox had gone.

Luna moved to Applejack’s side and sat down. “What troubles you?”

“That’s the most formal and quiet I’ve ever seen him. He didn’t say a word while we ate either.”

“He worries for the fate of his friends.”

Applejack turned and looked up to Luna. “Princess, I was madder than a wet hen earlier, and I’m still a bit sore, but now that I’ve had time to think I’m not sure if we’re fixin’ the problem or just makin’ another one. Fluttershy seemed mighty upset about losin' bein’ able to change, and Horizon’s a stand up stallion. I mean, there are not too many ponies that would put their job and reputation on the line to help another pony they didn't really know.”

Luna’s brow furrowed. “Are you saying that you they should not be brought to task for what they have done?”

Applejack took her hat off and slowly turned in between her hooves. “I’m not sayin’ that.”

“No matter what you and your friends decide shall be the fate of Horizon and Fluttershy, I cannot ignore that he failed in his duties as a Lunar Guard.”

“I understand, but since nopony has gotten into real bad trouble throughout all of this I would hate to see somepony have something bad happen to them right at the end.” Applejack bowed low enough for her mane to lay the floor. “Please, go easy on him.”

The discussions between the others had stopped. As Luna looked to each of the other ponies, they bowed to her as well.

“I assume that you three share Applejack’s thoughts?”

“Yes, we do,” said Twilight.

McIntosh raised his head a little and smiled at Luna.

She returned the smile. “While Horizon cannot go without punishment completely, I will take your thoughts on the matter into consideration when deciding what the proper atonement should be.”

*****

Fluttershy put the shriveled apple down on the table.

“OOOooooo!” Pinkie cheered, as she bounced up and down. “That was neato! Do it again!”

Rainbow crossed her forelegs and leaned back from the table. “So you’re just like you were the last time you turned batty on us, but you have control over yourself?”

“I think so,” Fluttershy said.

“This isn’t doing anything bad to you, is it?”

“I haven’t noticed anything, except for the pointy teeth that I still have when I’m a pony.”

“You sure there’s nothing else going on?” Rainbow pressed.

“I got checked by somepony I trust and who knows about this kind of thing and they said they couldn’t find anything wrong.”

“I take it that you’re not going to tell us who it was?”

Fluttershy looked away and pawed at the floor. “I wasn’t asked to keep who it was secret, but I don’t want them to get into trouble.”

“I can respect that.” Rainbow shrugged. “It doesn’t really matter to me who it was; just that we know you’re all right.”

Apple Bloom took the apple off the table and examined it. “This looks just like what the other fruit bats leave behind, except you leave bigger bite marks. Maybe if you show this to Applejack and promise to give your drained apples to her she won’t be so sore.”

Fluttershy gave her a weak smile. “I hope you’re right, but I think Applejack is really mad at me right now. She might not sell me apples at all now.”

Rainbow snorted. “Nah, you don’t have to worry about that. That would bite into her bottom line for the farm a little too much since you buy for your animals too.”

“Excuse me. Can I ask you something?”

Everypony turned to Sweetie Belle.

She adjusted the collar of her uniform, before asking Fluttershy, “What did you mean when you said that ‘I want to keep this’?”

“I’m worried that after all of this that everypony will decide it would be best if I couldn’t transform anymore.”

Pinkie ran around the table to Fluttershy and hugged her. “Don’t make that face! I can’t stand it to see anypony so sad!”

“They can’t do that!” Scootaloo said. “All that you want to do is help the nighttime animals and be yourself!” She looked to Horizon, “Get her out of here, run!”

Horizon shook his head. “She doesn’t want to run, and I don’t either.”

Fluttershy nodded. “We did the wrong thing and we have to make it right the best we can.”

The cellar doors swung open, causing everypony to pause.

After shutting the doors behind him, moving in disciplined and rigid form, Fox made his way down the stairs.

Rainbow pointed towards the cellar doors. “Well, what’s going on up there?”

“I have been ordered to inform you and Pinkie that you are to join the others so that terms to an agreement between everypony can be drafted.”

Releasing Fluttershy from her hug and putting her hooves back on the ground, Pinkie tilted her head at Fox. “Is that a good thing or a bad thing?”

Fox broke his stoic poise and slumped onto his haunches. “To tell the truth, I don’t know. Nothing is really set right now.”

“Tell us what you do know,” said Horizon.

“Nopony wanted to involve the courts in this, so McIntosh suggested that you and Fluttershy could make up the hours that everypony spent during the patrols.” Fox looked to Fluttershy. “You overpaying for the apples you took is going to reduce the amount of hours that you have to work.”

“That’s great!” Sweetie cheered.

“It’s a good sign, but there is still a lot we don’t know,” Horizon said. “Was there any discussion about Fluttershy’s ability to change?” he asked Fox.

Fluttershy tensed.

“They were just starting to talk about that when I left.” Fox looked over his shoulder at the cellar doors. “Twilight didn’t know what to do about Fluttershy being able to change. She’s concerned that it could be hurting Fluttershy without her knowing it.”

Apple Bloom stomped the floor. “But we know that it doesn’t!”

“Then she has a chance to show that it doesn’t,” Horizon said.

Fox grinned. “You have a plan.”

“I’ve been thinking about one for a while.”

“No surprise here,” Fox said. “Spill it.”

“Twilight will want to study Fluttershy’s ability to change. If Fluttershy offers to allow Twilight to study her as part the agreement it would satisfy Twilight’s curiosity, let her determine that the change is safe, and allow her a rational way to not hurt a friend.”

Rainbow smiled. “Sounds like you’ve got this all figured out. Our egghead will certainly go for something like that.”

“What about Horizon?” Sweetie said.

Fox licked his lips before answering, “He is going to have to pay everypony back for their hours and face judgment by Luna for not fulfilling his duties as a Lunar Guard.”

“What?!” Rainbow’s wings snapped open. “You’ve got to be kidding! If he’s paying us back that should be enough!”

“That’s horrible!” Fluttershy said.

“That’s fine,” said Horizon, in a calm voice.

“Wait, what?!” said Pinkie. “You should be upset, mad, scared, something!”

“Yeah, what gives?” Scootaloo said. “Do you have a plan for that too?”

“I do. I’m going to take responsibility for my actions and accept the punishment for breaking my oath.” Horizon patted his chest with a hoof. “When I put on this armor and became a member of the Lunar Guard, I promised to protect all the ponies of Equestria no matter what the danger to myself.”

“You did that,” Apple Bloom said. “You helped Fluttershy when she needed it.”

“True, and I would do it again in heartbeat, but change a couple of things and what I did might have allowed horrible things to happen. What if the pony that I had let go had not been as kind as Fluttershy and they used that power to hurt others? What if that pony was a nice pony, but the transformation was making them sick without them knowing it and they needed help?”

Apple Bloom looked away glumly. “That does make sense.”

“You did what you thought was right, why should you be punished for it?” said Sweetie.

“What I thought at the time does not matter past a certain point. The real issue is that I chose to do something other than what I should have.”

“Being a Lunar Guard sounds like it’s a lot tougher than I thought it would be,” said Scootaloo . “Why would anypony want to be a part of it if it was going make them go through stuff like this?”

“The Lunar Guard strives to protect ponies when they are their most vulnerable. I liked that idea and decided to dedicate my time, body, and mind to helping the Guard meet that goal. I think I did a pretty good job as a guard and I enjoyed it.”

“You’re talking like you’re not a part of the guard already,” said Rainbow.

“After tonight, I most probably won’t be.” Horizon smiled at Fluttershy. “I wouldn’t change a thing, though. While being a part of the guard was a wonderful experience, I’ve found something that I love a lot more.”

Rainbow made a gagging motion. “When the lovey-dovey stuff starts it’s time for me to leave. Come on Pinkie, we better get going or they’re going to wonder what’s up.” She nodded towards Horizon and Fluttershy. “We'll keep our mouths shut about your plan, you just make it work.”

“We'll do our best,” said Horizon.

“I thought you liked lovey-dovey stuff Dashie,” Pinkie said, following Rainbow up the stairs.

“You know I’m not into that stuff.”

“You and Soarin were looking awfully snuggly on that cloud the other day.”

“We were cooling down after a workout! We’re just training buddies!”

“Do all of your training buddies hold you like that and ki--?”

The cellar doors closing cut off the rest of Pinkie’s question.

“Now all we can do is wait and see what they come up with,” Fox said.

“That's not all we're going to do, we're going to make a plan,” Scootaloo declared with conviction.

“Yeah!” Apple Bloom and Sweetie agreed.

“Girls, it’s nice of you to try to help, but it might be best if you don't do anything,” said Fluttershy.

“We can't just sit here!” said Scootaloo. “Friends help friends when they are in trouble, right?”

“Yes, they do. But you girls don't need to do anything. We got ourselves in trouble and can't ask for anypony else to help.”

“If you get yourself into trouble, that's when you need your friends the most,” Apple Bloom said. “Look what happened with Sis when she tried to harvest all our apples herself. She pushed too hard, made herself sick, messed up a heap of jobs around town, and made everypony worry. After all that, she still needed help from to get the harvest in on time.”

“Applejack was trying to help your family and made a couple of mistakes trying to do the right thing.” Fluttershy looked to her hooves. “We did things for selfish reasons.”

Sweetie Belle shook her head. “Neither of you were selfish. You wanted to help the nighttime animals, and he wanted to help you.”

“You're not going to talk us out of this,” said Scootaloo. “We can come up with some kind of plan.”

“I think at this point I think it might be best if I go and stand guard outside,” Fox said, getting to his hooves.

“No, Fox, you can stay.” Horizon motioned for Fox to sit back down. “We're not going to plot anything.” He turned back to the fillies. “Friends are supposed to help friends when they are in trouble, but friends are supposed to help each not get into trouble in the first place too. Thank you for offering, but we can't accept your help if it means you will get pulled into the mess with us.”

“Girls, he's right.” Fluttershy walked around the table and pulled the three fillies into a hug. “You are very sweet, but this is something that we need to work out with the others ourselves.”

There was a knock on the cellar doors. McIntosh's voice sounded through the wood, “Everythin's been written up.”

“Why don’t you girls stay here for a bit?” Fluttershy said, as she ended the hug. “I know there is not much to do down here, but I would feel better if you did.”

“I’ll stay here with them,” Fox said. He made his way over to the chest at the foot of his bed and opened its lid. “I can show them some of our maps and equipment.”

“Thank you, Fox.” Horizon smiled bravely at Fluttershy. “We need to get going.” He led the way up the stairs, opened the doors for her, passed through the doors himself, and then shut them.

Fox carefully shut the lid back. “Why are you looking so down?”

“We can’t help and we’re stuck here with you,” Scootaloo said, and then flinched. “No offense.”

“None taken, I understand.”

Sweetie Belle looked at Fox’s hoof where it sat on top on the chest. “I thought that you were going to show us some of your stuff.”

“Would you rather me do that, or try to figure out a way to help Horizon and Fluttershy?”

“Help them, duh!” Scootaloo quipped. “But they said they didn’t want us getting into trouble.”

“What if we come up with something that helps them without any of us getting into trouble too?”

Sweetie narrowed her eyes at him. “Whose side are you on?”

“I’m on my friends’ side, of course.”

“That doesn’t tell us anythin’!” Apple Bloom pouted.

“I think that Fluttershy and Horizon both made mistakes and should make up for them, but I think the rest of our friends could make as bad of a mistake if they take this payback thing too far.”

Apple Bloom stomped the ground. “It wouldn’t be so bad if Sis hadn’t gone and pitched a right royal fit.”

“Don't be too hard on her. I would be mad too, if two of my friends kept something important from me and made me waste a lot of my time on a snipe hunt.” Fox made a motion as if pushing something from in front of him. “Let's put that aside for right now. What we need to do is focus on how we can help them.” He looked at the three expectantly and waited for nearly a minute. “Well?”

“What do you mean, 'well'?” said Sweetie Belle. “You're the adult. You're supposed to be the one making the plans!”

Fox rubbed the back of his neck. “To be honest, I'm not all that good at this sort of thing. Most of the time I just go with what my gut tells me.”

"That might not be the best idea. We do that all the time and it gets us into nothing but trouble," said Scootaloo.

"Wait a minute," Apple Bloom said. "No pony is goin' to court, right?"

"As far as I know."

"What about Horizon? You think Luna is goin' to give him a hearing of some kind?"

Fox rubbed his chin. "I can't see why not. She's been pretty even hooved so far."

Apple Bloom grinned. "Then I think I have a plan. Can you teach us about Lunar Guard hearing rules really quick?"

Fox smiled back. "I'll do what I can."

One Ending and Three Beginnings

Chapter 10: One Ending and Three Beginnings

Fluttershy walked close to Horizon, almost brushing her shoulder against his.

McIntosh walked a small distance apart from them. “Sis has cooled quite a bit. She’s not callin’ for your ears anymore.”

“That’s good news,” said Horizon.

Fluttershy turned her head from McIntosh, hiding her face behind her mane. “You must think we’re horrible ponies.”

“I’m a bit sore that you didn’t come to us sooner, but I don't think that either of you are bad ponies,” McIntosh said.

Fluttershy took a slow, shaky breath. “Thank you.”

Horizon lightly bumped his shoulder against hers. “Everything is going to be fine. I doubt they are going to come up with something nasty just to get back at us.”

“Looks like everypony is chompin' at the bit.” McIntosh nodded toward the farmhouse. “They're comin' this way.”

Luna and the other Elements met them halfway and formed a semi-circle around Fluttershy and Horizon. McIntosh moved to stand beside Luna.

“The agreement has been drafted, but I would like you two to look it over before we go any further.” Twilight floated the three pages of the agreement to them, using her magic. “Since this isn't a true legal document, I tried to keep things simple.”

Fluttershy took the agreement from Twilight's magical hold and silently offered to share it with Horizon. There was a period of quiet, as they both read over the agreement.

“This is quite reasonable, considering what we put you through,” Horizon said, after a couple of minutes. “I would sign it as it is, but there are two things that are concerning me.”

“I take it you noticed that I didn't put anything in about Luna's hours or about Fluttershy's change,” Twilight said. “Luna told us that she did not want either of you to pay her back any hours.” She turned to her fellow princess. “She would tell us exactly why, but she said it would not be appropriate for you to.” Twilight then looked at Fluttershy. “I have to admit, I didn't write anything about Fluttershy’s changing because I have no idea what to do about it.”

“I want to keep changing,” Fluttershy said, in a shaky voice.

“Darling, we know you do, but what if it is doing something dreadful to you?” said Rarity.

“It isn't,” insisted Fluttershy, without much strength behind her words.

“Sugar cube, we don't know that for a fact,” Applejack said.

Horizon leaned towards Fluttershy and whispered, “Now is a good time to make the offer.”

“Hey, no giving answers!” said Pinkie. “That's against the rules!”

“We got to talk to each other before Twilight wrote the agreement, they can talk to each other before they sign it,” said Rainbow.

“I guess that makes sense.” Pinkie sat down and stared Horizon and Fluttershy intensely. “I'm watching you, though. No funny stuff.”

“Twilight, what if you studied the change?” Fluttershy's voice shook when she spoke, but she continued, “That way you can find out how it works, see if it's safe, and I can keep it.”

Everypony looked towards Twilight.

Twilight bit her bottom lip. “The idea is really tempting. Any magic strong enough to change a pony's cutie mark is rare. The only thing that is stopping me from letting you keep it is that I don't know enough about this kind of thing to trust myself to determine whether it's hurting you or not.”

“I too am curious as to the nature of this enchantment,” Luna said. “Since she does not seem to be in any immediate peril, I would propose that you inquire into the nature of the enchantment and be vigilant for any degradation in her health. If there is ever a time that you are not certain of her safety, get word to me, and I will render aid.” She gave Fluttershy a small nod. “I believe that to be the prudent course. We gain knowledge without unnecessarily stripping her of an ability that she sees as a boon.”

“I agree,” said Twilight.

Fluttershy's knees buckled.

Horizon braced her, before she fell completely, and then helped her back to standing. “Thank you! You have no idea what that means to the both of us.”

Twilight walked over and hugged Fluttershy. “She is my friend. I am not going to do anything that would hurt her.”

Fluttershy hugged Twilight back and shook with quiet sobs.

“Yay!” Pinkie cheered. She bounded around and in-between the gathered ponies. “Everypony is happy and we're all still friends.”

“Pinkie, dear, there is still something that needs to be discussed.” Rarity motioned towards Luna and Horizon with a sweeping hoof gesture. “Something that will not have quite as pleasant of a conclusion, I'm afraid.”

“This shall not be a task I relish in, but it must be done,” Luna said, and then turned her attention to Horizon.

The barn's cellar doors opened smartly, making every pony look in their direction. Fox stepped through the doorway and then looked back down the cellar’s stairwell. “Cadets, front and center, march!”

The Cutie Mark Crusaders marched out of the cellar, turned together to face Fox, and saluted.

Fox returned their salute. “Cadets, present yourselves before Princess Luna, double time!”

The three fillies turned in synchronous and trotted in line until they stopped front Horizon and Fluttershy, putting themselves between the pair and the other ponies. As one, they turned to face Luna and bowed.

“The Cutie Mark Crusaders Lunar Guard Cadets are here to testify on behalf of Lunar Guard Dark Horizon,” Sweetie Belle said.

Luna regarded Fox with a raised eyebrow. “I assume that you had a hoof in this.”

“I did, Princess.”

“Did you intend to sway my judgment by putting these young Guards before me?”

“I merely informed them of the procedures that are followed during an official hearing, ma'am.” Fox looked at the fillies. “They were the ones that wanted to speak on behalf of Horizon, ma'am.”

Luna turned back to the trio. “Does he speak true?”

“Yes, ma'am,” all three of the fillies responded.

“His efforts, while noble, were not necessary. There shall be no formal hearing. The honorifics are not necessary.”

“What do you mean, ‘no formal hearing’?” Sweetie Belle said.

“I have not been forthright in regards to this matter myself. I knew of Fluttershy’s ability and chose not to divulge that knowledge. I cannot allow another pony to be formally judged for an act when I would not be.”

“Wait, what?” said Scootaloo. “You’re telling us that you knew all along and didn’t tell anypony?”

“I have not known for long. I gleaned the truth less than a fortnight ago. While delving into dreams, looking for insight into how to guide a friend, I learned of Fluttershy's ability to change inadvertently.”

“Why didn’t you tell anypony? Weren’t you wastin’ time too comin' here?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Unless there is a dire need, I rarely speak of or act upon what I learn while in ponies’ dreams before discussing the matter with them first. Dreams are sacrosanct parts of a pony’s heart and soul. Even knowing that the Elements and the Apples would be continuing a fruitless effort, I had to remain silent in order not to violate the privacy of the one whose dreams I visited.” Luna looked over to McIntosh, with a mischievous grin. “My keeping the secret also allowed me to escape the gilded captivity of the palace and visit your brother.”

“Does this mean that Horizon isn't in trouble?” Pinkie asked.

“While there will be no formal hearing, nor will I demand that he repay me for time that I willing gave, Horizon must still make amends for neglecting his duties.” Luna looked to the three miniature Lunar Guards. “I am at a loss as to what a proper penance on his part would be. I wish to know your thoughts on the matter. It might grant me insight to the situation that has thus far eluded me.” She pointed a hoof at Sweetie Belle. “I would hear what you think would be a fitting atonement would be.”

Sweetie glanced in Horizon's direction then quickly brought her eyes back to Luna. “I don't know. I was ready to tell you what Horizon told us about how he knew that he was going to do something wrong when he let Fluttershy go, but he did it to protect her since she seemed so scared. I didn't even think about his punishment.”

“Do you believe that his actions do not merit such?”

Sweetie shook her head. “Horizon said that he did something he shouldn’t have, and everypony did lose time, so I guess he should be. I don't know if what he did was really all that bad so it's tough to come up with something he could do to make it right.”

“How did he say that he failed in his duties?”

“He said that when he decided to help Fluttershy that he could have put other ponies in danger,” Scootaloo interjected. “He told us that if he had been following his oath he should have turned Fluttershy in to protect a lot more ponies instead of just keeping her out of trouble.”

Luna gave Scootaloo a measuring look. “Your tone tells me you do not agree.”

Scootaloo’s wings flared into an angry posture. “I know you're not supposed to keep secrets about important things, but he was trying to help a pony when she needed it! How can that be wrong?!” She folded her wings and looked down towards her hooves. “Sorry, but this whole situation and what Horizon said is really getting to me.”

“Clearly,” Luna said, with a touch of sympathy in her voice. “Can you articulate what is causing you such turmoil?”

“I'll try.” Scootaloo looked at her fellow Crusaders. “Apple Bloom and Sweetie are my best friends, but what if we got into trouble and I had to do something for one of them really quick knowing the other might get hurt while I helped?” She looked back to Luna with the beginnings of tears in her eyes. “I couldn't just watch, but I would feel horrible no matter which one of them I chose to help first. I don't even know what I would do if one of them got hurt.”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle hugged her from either side.

“Don't worry, Scoots, we would understand,” said Sweetie Belle.

“You girls might, but I don't think I could live with myself.” Scootaloo sniffed. “I’m not sure if what Horizon did was wrong at all.”

“Too often there is no true right or wrong, only choices and their consequences,” said Luna. “Would you have acted as he did? Remember, if you were to put yourself in Horizon’s horseshoes, you would not have known her until that night.”

Scootaloo paused for a moment, before hesitantly saying, “I would have helped Fluttershy.” Looking as if saying her words had lifted a burden from her, she smiled and nodded. “I couldn’t wait to see if helping her hurt another pony or not. If I did, it would be too late to do anything.”

“I cannot find fault with such an approach. If we fret at length about the possible outcomes of every action we might undertake, we would eventually do nothing out of fear of what might occur.” Luna looked to Apple Bloom. “What of you, young Apple? Your sister, brother, and your friends have shared their thoughts, yet I know not yours.”

Apple Bloom released Scootaloo and turned to Luna. “I don’t know whether lettin’ Fluttershy go was really all that bad or not, but he should have gotten help as soon as he could. That’s something that Scoots, Sweetie, and I learned a long time ago tryin’ to get our marks. Sis, Rarity, and Rainbow have always said that if we ‘pull some featherbrained stunt’ and got ourselves into trouble that we should tell somepony right away. They told us that they might not be happy about us doin’ somethin’ we ought not to, but they would be a lot more upset if we didn’t get help when we should have.”

“Did you really have to use my voice for that one part?” Rainbow groaned. “I've got a reputation to keep up.”

Rarity giggled and poked Rainbow Dash in the shoulder. “As I recall, you were the one that insisted that they Pinkie Pie Swear they would get us if they needed us.”

“What kind of Element of Loyalty would I be if I didn’t help out a friend when they really needed it?” Rainbow crossed her forelegs over her chest and pouted.

“To her credit, she did well in her mimicry. I had no doubt as to who had spoken the words.” Luna's smile faded and her expression changed to one of troubled introspection. “Your sibling's advice is sound, and you and your friends should heed it. Had I followed such wisdom, things might have unfolded very differently for my sister and me.”

McIntosh tenderly nuzzled her. Luna turned to him, their eyes met for a moment, and then she gave him an appreciative smile.

“My love is right; I should not dwell on past mistakes.” Luna turned her attention to Horizon. “Particularity since there is a serious matter that must be addressed at hoof. Step forward, Dark Horizon. I have decided as to your fate.”

Horizon hugged Fluttershy and whispered to her, “I love you. No matter what happens, I will come back to you.” He gave her a brief kiss and then moved to stand before Luna. After coming to full attention, he bowed to Luna. “I await your judgment.”

“You do not care to defend your actions?” Luna said.

“I do not,” Horizon immediately replied. “I fully admit that what I did was in violation of protocol and my oath. I could have put others in danger, including the mare that I have come to love, by not identifying who the creature was. I also realize that by remaining silent I caused others to waste time and effort on a hunt that would have never found a true creature.”

“Then we shall proceed to the matter of judgment.” Luna moved closer to Horizon. “I do not believe it just to punish a pony for acting from the heart when faced with the kind of dilemma that you found yourself in that night. Neither choice you were presented with could be considered right, nor wrong, so I will let the matter rest. However, I am deeply disappointed and wounded by your failure to confide in me after the time of perceived peril had ended.” She studied Horizon for a moment before asking, “Have I not been a just commander of the Lunar Guard?”

“You have.”

“Have I ever given you reason to believe that I would harm another being that was not a clear and immediate threat to me or mine?”

“Never.”

“Have I not taken your council and treated you with respect even when I did not see the portends of events as you did?”

Horizon swallowed and answered in a wavering voice, “You have.”

“Then why did you not tell me of your predicament? I could have determined whether the change endangered Fluttershy, helped her negotiate matters with her friends, and allowed you to be free of the burden of keeping her secret.”

Horizon’s ears folded back and his face showed nothing but misery. “I didn't want to disappoint you. You honored me with my position and your trust, and I repaid you by doing something against my oath by letting her go.”

“Your true failure did not occur on the night in which you discovered Fluttershy, but during all the nights and days afterward. You could have come to me, confessed your misdeeds, and I would have treated you as the Elements have you and Fluttershy, with understanding and temperance.”

“That is something that friends do for each other.” Horizon said, dropping his eyes from hers.

Luna tilted her head, and her ears went askew. “Do you not consider yourself counted among my friends?”

While still looking towards Luna’s hooves, Horizon said, “I am just a guard; I never dared think myself as your friend.”

A look of deep disappointment came to Luna's face. “It pains me to hear such words, but it gives me clarity as to what I must do.” She came to her full height, restoring her royal and powerful presence. “Dark Horizon, I have decided as to your fate. Since I gave my word that I did not wish to see any official inquiry into this matter, I will not reduce your rank or your salary. However, you will only receive pay equal to that of a private, while the rest shall be bequeathed to charities of my choosing. You will also be reassigned to duties that would be suited to one of such a rank.” She paused. “Do you think these first terms draconian?”

“Not at all, Princess,” Horizon replied, in a humble tone.

“As for the hours you squandered in your official capacity, you shall repay them by helping train the incoming recruits, particularly by teaching them about what the oath of duty should mean to them and how to conduct themselves when faced with dilemmas such as you faced.”

Horizon's head snapped up. “Princess, I am in no place to argue, but why would you have me teach about what the oath if I willingly broke it?”

Luna nodded towards the Cutie Mark Crusaders. “You instructed these three well enough. I also believe that those who have erred in the past and have come to recognize it are often in the best position to keep others from treading the same path.” She held Horizon's eyes in a firm stare. “You do see where you failed and wish to better the situation, do you not?”

“I do.”

“Then you shall instruct the recruits to your utmost so they do not err as you have.”

“I will.”

“There is one final matter. You will not be allowed to renew your term in the guard.”

Horizon’s head fell so that his chin touched his breastplate. “You can't have a pony whose loyalty is questionably in the Guard, I understand.”

Luna snorted. “No, you do not. Your talent is seeing the worst that can occur and doing what you can to prevent it. You worry more about others than you do for yourself. I have watched time and time again as you helped others, including me, navigate through difficult circumstances, and yet you have neglected to use your talents to benefit yourself.”

“Princess, I-”

Luna reached out a hoof and gave Horizon a light tap on the nose. “Hush, I have not finished,” she said as if speaking to a foal. “I am not pleased by your actions, make no mistake, but I have seen that while you have toiled here that the doldrums that plagued you have all but gone. I could not allow you to remain in the guard, knowing there is a better place for you.”

“I don't deserve this light of a sentence.”

“Your sin was not so great. Therefore, there is no need for a harsh punishment.” Luna put a hoof on his shoulder. “I also do not make a habit of punishing anypony unduly, particularly those I am fond of. I choose those among my personal guard not only on merit, but on the belief that I can count them among my friends.” She smiled at him. “While you have not 'dared' to do so, I wish you to regard me as a friend as well.”

Horizon smiled and nodded. “I would be glad to.”

*****

Applejack leaned against the farm’s fence. “Twilight said that you’ve almost finished your hours with her. She must have been studyin' you pretty hard the last couple of months.”

“She has, and so has Luna.” Fluttershy said. “I don't understand half of what they're saying, but I do know they still don't know what the magic really is. Luna says it might be magic similar to what causes wereponies. Twilight thinks that is more like the magic that Changelings use. What they do agree on is that it's changed the magic in me a little bit. I have a more wild magic in me than a typical pony.”

“That doesn’t bother you?”

Fluttershy did not take her eyes from the sky, as she answered, “I kind of like the idea that I am a little closer to the animals that I take care of.”

Applejack adjusted her hat in a worried way. “They haven’t found anythin' that makes them think it's doin' something nasty to you, have they?”

Fluttershy smiled and shook her head. “They think it's actually helping me stay healthy since I'm getting more exercise flying at night and eating all the apples that I have been.”

“You are lookin’ good, and I can't complain about the apple sales either.” Applejack gave her a knowing look and grinned. “Watchin' for them isn't goin' to make them get here any faster.”

Fluttershy turned back to Applejack, looking embarrassed. “I'm sorry. I'm being rude.”

“Don’t think anythin’ of it. Mac looks towards that same patch of sky when he knows Luna is comin’.”

“It’s just that I haven’t seen him in two months. We’ve written back and forth, but it’s not the same.”

“Luna and Mac have takin’ up writin’ to each other too. Luna gave him a candle that he can use to send mail to her, like Spike does our letters to Celestia.” Applejack looked past Fluttershy and grinned. “Looks like your lover colt and his friend are here, I see a couple of ponies comin’ this way.”

Fluttershy fidgeted more and more as the pair of flying ponies came closer.

“You're actin' as bad a school filly. You really do have it bad for him don’t you?”

“I do.”

The two unarmored guards began to descend towards Sweet Apple Acres. Fox slowly spiraled down. Horizon dropped much quicker, skimmed along the path leading to the farm's gate, and used his momentum to transfer into a run. Barely coming to a stop, he scooped Fluttershy up in a hug and nuzzled her mane. “I can't tell you how happy I am to see you.”

She wrapped her forelegs around him in return. “I'm glad to see you too.”

“That was some pretty fancy flyin'. Not too many ponies can go from the air into a run like that,” Applejack said.

Fox landed not too far from them and walked over. “It's something we're taught in the guard, gets the drop on the enemy.” He poked Horizon in the back a couple of times. “You two can cuddle later; you're supposed to be getting to work.”

Horizon pulled back from Fluttershy and kissed her nose. “I hate to say it, but he's right.”

Fluttershy blushed and let him go. She looked to Applejack, “What do you need us to do?”

“Mac and I need some help in the western orchard, and this afternoon there are going to be three filies who are goin' to need some lookin' after while I'm at the market. I think one of them is expectin' some flyin' lessons.”

“Sounds good to me,” Horizon said.

Applejack looked to Fox. “I didn't know that you were goin' to be comin' to.”

“Somepony had to escort him, or he might have gotten lost.”

“What's in the saddle bags? They look kinda heavy.”

“Fox is leaving out a couple of minor details,” Horizon said. “There's a reason he's out of armor too.”

Fox cut his eyes over to Horizon. “I was getting to that.” He looked back to Applejack. “Technically we're both on leave for the next couple of days, but we both still have to make things up to Luna.”

One of Applejack's eyebrow's rose. “What did you go and do to get lumped in with with him?”

Fox looked down and lightly kicked the ground. “I confessed to Luna about something that I had done, or rather, what I hadn’t done. She didn’t hammer me like she did Horizon, but I have to clean the Luna’s bat house and Tiberius's litterbox every day till Horizon is out of the guard.”

“Should I even ask what it is that you didn't do? I have a feelin’ I wouldn’t much like it.”

“You wouldn’t.”

“Then I’ll let that dog lie.” Applejack pointed a hoof at his saddlebags. “I still don’t know why your saddlebags are that much heavier than his.”

“Guano isn’t exactly light.”

Applejack pulled back from him, almost coming off the fence. “What in tarnation are you carrying saddlebags full of bat droppin’s for?!”

“Don’t worry, they’re sealed with magic.” Horizon patted the top of one of the bags. “Guano is a great fertilizer. I’m taking some from the bat house to Zecora for her garden.”

“I told him coltfriends usually get their marefriends flowers or jewelry,” said Horizon. “He wouldn’t listen.”

“We are just friends at the moment, I’ll have you know. Besides, I like to give practical gifts.”

“Fox, you’re getting’ awfully close to lyin’,” Applejack said, giving him a disapproving look.

“Fine, you got me. It was Luna’s idea.” Fox chuckled. “I think she liked the idea of me flying all the way from Canterlot with saddlebags filled with royal bat waste too. She included bringing the guano as part of my making things right with her.” Fox touched one of the smaller side pouches on his saddlebags as if its contents could shatter. “I’ll admit I did get Zecora a few things. They’re that actually what caused Luna to suggest the guano.”

Fluttershy asked, “What are they?”

“They’re seeds and bulbs from plants that can be used in healing brews.”

Applejack whistled. “Those don’t come cheap. How did you manage to afford somethin’ like that?”

“One of the royal gardeners owed me a favor, so I asked him to give some of the leftover seeds from the last batch they planted. Don’t worry; I got permission from Luna to make it official.” Fox looked at the pouch, with an expression of concern. “I hope she likes them.”

“No sense you standin’ here with that stuff on your back and wonderin'. Go find out if she likes them.” Applejack gave Fox a wink. “You never know, she might end up likin' you a bit too.”

“One can hope.” Fox turned and trotted towards the Everfree Forest, humming a light tune.

“All right you two, we need to get movin'.” Applejack said, addressing Horizon and Fluttershy. She waved a hoof indicating that they should follow her. “Mac's glad you two goin' to be around for the next few days. There is a lot we need to do before cider season starts, and it's been just the two of us tryin' to get everythin' ready.”

“I remember Rainbow telling me about your cider. She thinks it's the best in Equestria.”

“It is, hooves down,” Applejack said, without hesitation. They moved down the path for a bit, before Applejack asked, “Have you thought about what you're goin' to do after you're out of the Guard?”

“I will still have hours to make up with you and the other Elements. That will take priority. From there, I'm not sure.”

“You got a place to stay while you're finishing up your hours and don't have a bunk to back to?”

“I do.”

Applejack looked over her shoulder at Horizon and gave him a scrutinizing look. “And where would that be?”

“I'm going to be staying in one of the spare rooms at Twilight's castle. They need help arranging a couple of rooms in the castle to serve as the town library until there is a decision made as to what the permanent solution is going to be. Why?”

“There for a second, I thought you might be stayin' at Fluttershy's.”

“I offered, but he turned me down.” Fluttershy blushed at the look that Applejack gave her.

“I thought it best if I didn't stay with her for that long,” Horizon said, drawing Applejack's eye back to him. “Ponies might get the wrong idea.”

“It would look like you two were movin' a mite too fast.” Applejack sighed and turned to face forward again. “At least you two have common sense, unlike Luna and my brother.”

McIntosh's voice boomed through the trees, “Hello!” As they drew closer, McIntosh titled his head. “Miss Fluttershy, what are you blushin' like that for?”

“I was just askin’ where Horizon was goin’ to stay while he was workin’ off his hours after he got out of the Guard,” Applejack said.

“How did that make Miss Fluttershy blush?”

“I kind of insinuated that they might be sharin’ a roof.” She turned away and muttered, “And maybe a bed.”

Fluttershy squeaked and hid behind Horizon.

McIntosh asked Horizon, “You goin' to be stayin' with us?”

“No, Twilight and Spike are letting me stay with them in exchange for helping set up the temporary library a couple of hours a day while I'm here.”

“If you get tired of catalogin’, dustin’, and movin' books, you're welcome here.”

Horizon studied Applejack, as if trying to read her mind.

“What are you lookin’ at me like that for?”

“Were you going to offer me a place to stay back there?”

Applejack gave Horizon a warm, genuine smile. “You shouldn’t be so surprised. If I held a grudge against everypony who did somethin' wrong, I wouldn’t be able to talk to anypony.”

Horizon bowed his head to her. “Thank you. That means a lot to me. I thought you were still angry.”

“She might not be holdin' a grudge, but she's plannin' on workin' you into the ground,” McIntosh said, with a chuckle.

“You got that right.” Applejack titled her hat forward. “For all those hours you owe, you are mine.”

Fluttershy peeked around Horizon. “What about me? I have to make up hours too.”

“I've got plans for you too, don't you worry none.”

Fluttershy's eyes widened. “Oh my.”

******

Applejack took off her hat and wiped her brow. “Just close up the doors, and we're done for the day.”

“Can do.” Horizon said, pulling the barn's door's closed and dropping the bar in place. “Are you all right, Fluttershy?”

“I'm just tired,” Fluttershy said, leaning against the barn.

“You two worked your tails off,” Applejack said, putting her hat back on. “If we keep this up, we'll have the west orchard done in no time.”

“What will we be working on after that?” said Horizon.

“We'll need to check the barrels for leaks and clean them out. You can't put good cider into bad barrels.”

“Somepony needs to get her home,” McIntosh said, nodding towards Fluttershy. “She's about asleep on her hooves.”

Applejack put a hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder. “I'm sorry Fluttershy. I was plannin' on workin' Horizon till he gave out, not you.”

“I'm all right, I just stayed up a bit too late last night,” Fluttershy said, putting her hoof on top of Applejack’s.

“You stay out too late with your nighttime critters?”

“No, I just couldn't sleep.” Fluttershy's eyes went to Horizon.

Applejack grinned. “I think I’ve gotcha. You were thinkin' about somethin' a bit too much, weren’t you?”

Fluttershy nodded.

Applejack pointed a hoof at Horizon. “You still got some work left in you?”

“I do,” Horizon said, with a bit of pride in his voice. “What do you need me to do?”

“Don't go and sound so smug. That just means I’ll have to work you harder tomorrow.” She tilted her head towards Fluttershy. “Could you make sure she gets back to her place?”

“That wouldn't be work at all. It would be a pleasure. Let me get my saddlebags first and we'll be off.” He looked around, with a confused expression. “Speaking of which, where are my saddlebags?”

“I forgot to tell you,” Applejack said, lightly hitting herself on the side of the head. “I moved them just inside the door to the house so Winona wouldn't chew on them.”

“Thanks for that. I'll be right back.”

After Horizon had gone a few steps towards the house, Applejack whispered in Fluttershy's ear, “Do you want me to ask him to carry you?”

“Applejack!” Fluttershy hissed back.

“That wasn't a no,” Applejack teased.

“Sis, what did you say to her to make her turn that shade?” McIntosh said.

“I was just asking Fluttershy if she would like to be carried to her place.”

One of McIntosh's ears flicked. “Like Fox did with Miss Rarity?”

“That's what I was thinkin'.”

McIntosh Rubbed his chin with a hoof. “I bet he would, even after all the work he did.”

Fluttershy begged, “Please don't encourage her!”

“I won't. I don't think she means it anyway.” McIntosh turned towards the house. “Here he comes.”

“Sorry about taking so long,” said Horizon. “I was saying hello to Granny.”

“You know, she's missed havin' you and Fox around the house,” Applejack said. “Apple Bloom has been missin' you too.”

“I've missed being here.”

McIntosh motioned towards Fluttershy. “You two better get moseyin'. She's about asleep on her hooves.”

“Shall we?” Horizon said, with a slight bow to Fluttershy.

Fluttershy and Horizon made their way towards Fluttershy's home as Applejack and McIntosh watched them go.

“I thought that Fluttershy was goin' to burst before he got here,” said Applejack.

“They look like they're goin' to be good for each other.” McIntosh bumped Applejack with his shoulder. “That reminds me, has Granny been buggin' you to find a special somepony?”

“You have no idea.”

“I surely do. She put the pressure on me to go ahead and settle down with Miss Cheerillee.” He bumped her again, with a little more force. “She wasn't the only one.”

“I take it that the horseshoe is on the other hoof?”

“Eeyup.”

*****

“How are you doing?” said Horizon.

Fluttershy hummed a note and said, “I'm fine, just a little tired.”

“We're nearly there.”

“You remember the spot where we had our picnic?”

“Of course I do.”

“Do you want to go there for a bit?”

“You sure you're up for it?”

“I am.”

“I don't have a blanket with me. I could go and get one from your place, if you would like.”

“We can sit on the grass, it wouldn't bother me.”

They made their way to the picnic spot. Fluttershy drew in a slow breath and sighed happily. “This is one of my favorite spots in the world.”

Horizon took of his saddlebags and rummaged through them. “I don’t have a blanket, but I have a towel.”

She looked over at the towel, as he held it up. “Would we both be able to fit on it?”

Horizon turned the towel a couple of different ways. “It would be close, but I think we can get most of the two of us on it if we're close together.”

“Sounds perfect.”

Horizon spread the towel out and allowed Fluttershy to settle down on it first. He then joined her, pulling her close with one of his wings.

She leaned against him. “How many days are you going to be here?”

“Just three. Luna wants me to use up my leave time before my term with the Guard ends, but there are limits on how many I can use at a time due to our rotations.”

“You didn't tell Applejack that you were staying with me while you're here during your break.”

“She didn't ask, so I didn't offer the information. I didn't know how she would take it. ”

“I don't think she would have a problem with it.” She paused. “Well, not much of one.”

“Rarity probably wouldn't handle it as well.” Horizon put a hoof to his chest and his nose in the air. In an elite Canterlot accent, he said, “She would probably call it scandalous or indecent.”

“Then she would ask for details,” said Fluttershy, with a laugh.

“I wouldn't doubt it.”

After a couple of quiet moments, Fluttershy's breathing slowed and her head began to droop.

“Asleep all ready?” Horizon whispered. “Let's see if I can move without waking you up.” He moved slowly, arranging it so she lay against him.

She stirred for a moment. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to fall asleep.” Fluttershy attempted to sit up, but Horizon stopped her by resting a hoof on her shoulder.

“Don't worry about it. As much as we worked today, a little nap wouldn't hurt either of us.”

“But I don't want to waste any time with you.”

“I don't consider this a waste at all.” He kissed the top of her head. “Besides, if we get a little rest we can go night flying again.”

“That sounds wonderful.”

*****

McIntosh smiled as Luna descended towards him. “That's always a beautiful sight.”

Luna landed and returned his smile. “Thank you for your kind words, but all pegasi could do the same.”

“They wouldn't be you, and they wouldn't have your grace.”

Luna gave him a soft kiss on the cheek. “I think most would find that you overly favor me in your comparison.”

“I'll admit I'm biased, but that wouldn't make what I said any less true.”

She shook her head, her smile remaining. “Putting aside the matter as to whether my skills surpass other fliers, as I made my way here, I saw a sight I wish to share with you.” She led McIntosh away from the gate of Sweet Apple Acres. “I trust my guards arrived at the prescribed hour?”

“They did. I heard that you had Fox haul a load of guano all the way here.”

Luna laughed and nodded. “Verily, I did. However, I must confess that the idea began as a jest on my part. I think his desire to impress Zecora made him deaf to the levity in my voice when I made the suggestion.”

“I didn't know he was datin' her.”

“At the moment, he is not. However, I have no doubt that their courtship will begin in earnest without much time passing.”

“What makes you think that?”

“Fox asked my blessing in taking her seeds of healing and magical plants from the royal garden. That he thought of such a thing shows that he is attentive to what she values. If she recognizes and values that he is aware of what is important to her, which I have little doubt she will, then she will allow him to continue in his efforts to woo her.”

“She's helped us by makin' medicine for Granny and our animals a couple of different times, sounds like he's givin' her a gift that will help a lot of ponies.”

“I have yet to speak with her, which is a failing I intend to remedy during the next fortnight. She and I have many things to discuss.” Luna motioned for McIntosh to be quiet. “We are nearly there. I shall cast a glamor that will aid in us not being seen, but it will not diminish any sounds that we make.” Luna's horn glowed, and their outlines faded into the evening. “If we move with stealth, there is little chance that we shall be noticed by pony or beast.”

He followed her to the crest of a nearby hill, their forms moving like vague shapes in deep waters through the twilight.

Luna put her mouth close to McIntosh's ear. “Do they not paint the very picture of tranquility?”

“Eeyup,” he whispered back.

On the slope of the next hill from them, Fluttershy and Horizon lay together on a towel. Fluttershy was leaned against him, her head tilted against his shoulder. Horizon's head was turned so that his cheek rested against her head.

“I confess, his actions galled me more than I let show. There were moments that I scolded myself for being too generous in his sentencing. Seeing his affection for her has aided in quelling my vexation with him.”

“Ssh. I think he might have heard you.”

*****

Horizon's ear flicked and his head rose. He looked around for a moment. After passing over the spot where Luna and McIntosh stood a couple of times, his eyes lingered on the hilltop. His ears focuses forward and he leaned forward slightly, giving him a predatory appearance.

Fluttershy raised her head and yawned. She followed his gaze and looked the nearby hilltop. “Is something wrong?”

Horizon shook his head, breaking his gaze. “I thought I heard something. Sorry for waking you.”

Fluttershy looked up at the moon, where it was still low in the night sky. “You shouldn't be.” A soft glow surrounded her, and she shifted to her fruit bat form. “We'll have most of the night to fly now.”

“As much as I love the idea, we can't. Not with all the work that we'll be doing tomorrow. We'll have to keep it to a short flight.”

Fluttershy's ears folded back and she drooped a little. “You're right.”

Horizon put a hoof under Fluttershy's chin, lifted her head, and kissed her. “I'll be out of the guard soon and working my hours off here. It's eating me too, but before long we'll be able to fly and be together a lot more. We just have to be patient.”

Her ears perked back up. “You're right, I shouldn't be worrying about you not being here while you're here.” She got to her hoofs, stepped away from Horizon a bit, and spread her wings. “You ready?”

Horizon stood up. “Ladies first.”

Fluttershy launched into the air.

Horizon gave her a couple of wing beats head start before following her into the night air.

*****

“I am glad to see that they give each other such joy.”

“Being with the pony that you love tends to do that,” McIntosh said. “I know bein' with you does that for me.”

Using a wing, Luna pulled him in close. “I have made it clear to Horizon that I am to be the one that presides over their wedding.”

“What if they decide to elope? Neither of them is exactly fond of crowds.”

“I spoke to him of that possibility as well. I made it abundantly clear that if they do not seek me out to perform the ceremonies, even if it is just the two of them and my sister as a witness, then I shall be most cross.” Luna took a deep breath, and said, “Speaking of such matters, my sister has insisted that she be the one to perform our marriage.”

McIntosh turned his head towards her. “Are you alright?”

“I am in good health.” She met his eye. “Our wedding date will have to be decided with more haste than we envisioned.”

A look of comprehension and a broad smile spread on McIntosh’s face. “How long?”

“Of that I am not certain. After our first night under the stars, there have been several opportunities for such a thing to occur. When sister learned of my condition, she congratulated me and teased me unmercifully in turn.”

McIntosh's red paled to an almost pink hue. “I hope she isn't angry with me.”

“She is most excited at the prospect. She also understands, better than most, that this kind of thing can occur when ponies are passionately in love. Do you know of Prince Bluebood?”

“Eeyup. Can't say I've ever heard anything nice about him, though, especially from Miss Rarity.”

“His title has a touch of validity, as his ancestor, many generations ago, was my sister's foal. She was begotten in a fashion similar to our own.”

“Celestia had a filly?!”

“She has had several foals, as have I, truth be told. While I have not sought to determine the truth of the matter using the royal records, the thought has occurred to me that Twilight and Cadence might be our descendants.” She smiled. “Of course, judging by their respective powers and coat colors, Twilight would be of my lineage and Cadence of hers.” Luna used her free wing to gently tap McIntosh on the nose. “Surely you did not think my sister and I, with our long lives, would not have raised foals?”

“I guess I never thought about it before.” He rubbed the back of his neck with a hoof. “I guess I should have, especially after you had that talk with me in my dream.” He looked down towards her belly. “A foal. Our foal.”

“It is far too early for me to give any outward sign that I carry.”

McIntosh's eyes returned to hers. “I know, it’s just the idea of what is goin' to happen.”

She smiled. “I am glad to hear such such delight in your voice, even though this is not going to how we had envisioned.”

“This might rearrange thin's a bit and move up the weddin', but that's not important.” He kissed her and pulled her into a hug so that her head rested on his shoulder. “What's important is that I'm goin' to be havin' a foal with the mare that I love. I can't be any happier.”

“Nor can I.”