At Her Service: The First Time

Chapters

Day One
Day Two
Day Three

Day One

Pink. No. White. Translucent white in front of… Oh!

Night Light exhales and tries sitting up. His heavy armor weighs him down.

“Can you move?” a kind voice asks. “That armor looks really heavy.”

Night Light looks towards the voice and immediately closes his eyes when he sees white again. “Ma’am, I can see your…”

There is a shriek and sounds of shuffling. When Night Light opens his eyes again, he sees an odd, pinkish appendage in front of him. At the other end of the offered hand, a tall young woman with flowing light blue, pink and purple hair wears an embarrassed expression.

“Well, come on,” the woman huffs.

Night Light extends his own arm, which is clad in golden armor. Both young adults grunt as Night Light is pulled upright. The young man takes a moment to examine himself. He is wearing his full body armor, but his body has changed. Instead of the young stallion he remembers, he is some sort of ape, which he can tell by the hands he has acquired. Unlike the pinkish woman in front of him, he has slightly-darker skin. He removes his helmet to see if his horn is still present, but he finds his head is as smooth as an earth pony’s or pegasus’.

“What the hell?” Night Light groans.

“I can ask you the same thing,” the young woman replies. “It is not every day that someone in gaudy armor passes out in front of the school’s statue.”

“Wording it like that implies this has happened before.” Night Light holds his head. “Where am I?”

“You must be new in town. This is Canterlot High.”

“Canter…”

The young woman rolls her eyes. “Yeah. I know. The horse puns.”

“No, it is not…” Night Light groans and holds his stomach. “Besides, what are you doing here?”

“I was getting some late studying done in the library,” she explains. She frowns, concerned. “Are you okay?”

“Probably. I have had a long day so far.”

The young woman smiles briefly then blushes, looks away and plays with her hair. “If you would like, you could come over for dinner. My parents aren't home and…”

“I have a marefriend.”

The woman pauses. “What?”

Night Light thinks. “A, uh, significant other.”

“OH! I, uh, didn’t mean it like, uh, that. My sister is at home too.” She starts playing with her hair again. “We wouldn’t exactly be alone…”

Night Light laughs. “Okay. Fine. It will at least give me time to figure out where I am and what is going on.”

The woman smiles again and holds out both her hands to help Night Light up. They both grunt loudly as the armored man slowly rises to his feet. Night Light stumbles a bit once he is up, but the woman catches him and he grabs her as well. They stare into each other’s eyes for a moment before the woman backs away. She takes Night Light’s hand and gives a friendly tug.

“Come on. I’m parked this way.”

Night Light retrieves his helmet and follows. The short walk takes extra time thanks to the knight’s armor.

The woman smiles and looks back. “By the way, my friends call me ‘Tia’.”

Night Light nods politely. “And what should I call you?”

Tia laughs. “I said that my friends call me ‘Tia’. What is your name?”

Night Light bows slightly. “I am Night Light. It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Tia.”

Tia blushes and laughs silently to herself. “Just ‘Tia’ is fine.”

They arrive at a lot where a beat-up-looking metal vehicle is waiting. Tia gets out a set of keys and opens the doors. Night Light takes off his outer plate armor, leaving on his chain mail and cloth padding, and puts it in the back of the car before taking his seat. Tia laughs playfully at her guest and starts her car. Instead of watching the new city, Night Light closes his eyes and holds his stomach as they drive away.

“So, um, what’s with the armor?” Tia asks.

Night Light looks up. “I am a royal guard serving Princess Celestia. That is our standard uniform while we’re on duty.”

“Princess…” Tia shakes her head. ‘Sounds like a tough job. What are you doing out here?”

“A changeling had infiltrated the palace. I apprehended him before he could do any real harm. I was on my way back to the barracks to write up my report when I stumbled and fell. Next thing I know, I was staring up at your…” Night Light blushes, turns his head and coughs.

Tia blushes too and laughs nervously. “Well, uh, at least it was a pleasant sight to wake up to…”

Night Light blushes even redder and coughs again. Tia nervously laughs again before quieting and focusing on her driving. She keeps glancing at her passenger. Night Light appears to be meditating but with an upset scowl on his face.

“So, uh, this thing you were chasing. What happened to it?” Tia asks.

“Not really much to say.” Night Light leans back and takes a breath. “Another guard found the intruder. I chased the changeling to the throne room. We fought a bit, and I trapped him in a shield spell. I was a little surprised that a changeling made it that far past our security, but my training left me perfectly prepared to…” He cringes, holds his stomach and leans forward. “Oh, no.”

The young man vomits all over the floor of the car. Tia screams and almost loses control of the car.

“I’m sorry,” Night Light mumbles.

“Next time open the window!” Tia shouts.

“I’ll clean this up later…”

“Damn right you will!”

“... but first, I may need your help.”

“What do you mean?” the upset woman sighs.

“When we get to your home, I may need assistance curing this spell.”

Tia shakes her head. “What do you mean ‘spell’? Looks and smells more like a stomach bug from here.”

“ ‘Bug’ is not far off,” Night Light exhales. “I was hit by a magic bolt in my fight with the changeling. It must have been a curse of some sort.” He looks up at his host. “I know how to counteract this. Please he-” He heaves again.

Tia glances down at her guest, scowling.

Night Light smiles weakly and wipes his face. He reaches out with his clean hand. “Please, Tia.” His strength falters for a second and his hand lands on her thigh.

Tia growls and bats away the hand. “We’re almost home. Just keep everything inside you until you are out of the car.”

Night Light nods in agreement. Tia steps on the accelerator. They soon reach a two-story house. A light is on in one of the front rooms. Tia parks the car and quickly exits to help her guest. Night Light tries getting up, but he needs the door to steady his climb. Tia takes a deep breath and, putting fears of a future expulsion to the wind, she hooks an arm around Night Light and helps him to his feet. They walk to the house with Tia doing most of the work. Tia opens the door and drags her guest in.

“Lulu! I’m back!” Tia yells.

“About time!” another girl shouts back. “I was getting really bored by myself. Come play Super Nintendo with me!”

“Not now, Lulu…” the older sister grumbles, carrying her guest towards living room.

“Aaah! I did most of my homework already. Be nice.”

Tia and Night Light reach the living room. A pale young girl with long, dark blue hair lays on the floor in front of a television with a controller in her hands. She looks up at the arrivals.

“Holy crap!” Lulu shouts, jumping up after taking time to pause her game.

“I know, he is in bad shape,” Tia replies. “I need you to help me by…”

“Not that! You’re actually with a guy!” The younger girl fakes a shocked gasp. “Can it be that my sister actually has a life outside of studying and those magazines in her closet she thinks I don’t know about?”

Tia seethes. “Lulu, if you don’t want him puking on your precious Super Nintendo, you will get me a bucket. NOW!”

Lulu squeaks and runs off.

“And some towels too!” Tia adds, helping Night Light to the couch and removing his chain mail. “Lulu will be right back. Do you need anything?”

“Counterspell,” Night Light groans. ‘You need to do the counterspell.”

“Uh… Hate to tell you, but magic is all made up.” Tia stands and places a hand on Night Light’s forehead. “Want me to get you an aspirin or something? We’ll make sure you have plenty of water to stay hydrated while this passes.” She frowns. “Your temperature doesn’t feel unusual…”

Night Light reaches up and catches Tia’s skirt. “You need to kiss me.”

Tia blushes bright red. “WHAT!”

“Changelings are creatures of emotion,” Night Light explains. “This spell was caused by negative emotions. I need an infusion of positive emotions to counter it.”

The young man winces and holds his stomach again. He forgets that he is holding Tia’s skirt and pulls her towards him. She stumbles, landing on top of the young man she just met. She studies his face as it contorts in pain.

“A kiss?’ Tia asks.

“Listen, I don’t like it any more than you do.”

“Excuse me!” the young woman shouts.

“I have a marefriend!” the young man counters. “I am sure your coltfriend wouldn’t want you kissing some random stranger.”

“I, uh... don’t…” Tia looks away for a second. “Just one kiss, okay?”

Tia takes a moment to collect herself. She adjusts her position over Night Light, pulls back her hair and leans in. She pauses for a moment, but Night Light moans and winces again. The young woman takes one last breath and kisses him on the lips. She holds her position until a flash distracts her. Lulu snickers as she readies her camera to take another photo.

“Thanks,” Night Light exhales peacefully, closing his eyes.

“Lulu!” her older sister snaps.

“Just wanted something to remember your first kiss,” the younger sister laughs.

“That wasn’t my… Well, I wa-... Gimme that camera!”

Lulu backs away. “Nuh uh!” She grins. “If that isn’t enough and he needs you to suck out the illness, I bet I can guess where he want you to…”

“Lulu…” Tia growls, standing up to tower over her sister.

Before either sister can say or do anything, Night Light starts coughing. He takes a deep breath and exhales a dark-green mist that slowly dissipates above him. The young man groans and props himself up a bit. He looks at the fighting sisters. “Hey, kid, can you hand me one of those towels?”

Lulu frowns and scoots around her sister to give the young man his towel. “I’m not a kid. I’m only a couple years younger than Big Butt over there. And my name is Lu-”

Tia grabs her sister in a headlock. “ ‘Big Butt’? You’re one to talk, Loudmouth Lulu.”

Night Light wipes his face and clothes clear of any remaining vomit. He sits up and extends a hand to Lulu. “Nice to meet you, Lulu. My name is Night Light.”

Lulu breaks free and shakes the offered hand. “Hi. Are you insane or some sort of boy hooker?”

“LULU!” her sister shouts.

“What!” the younger sister defends. “I just want to know what he is doing with you. Those are the most likely explanations.”

“Are you saying I cannot get a guy normally!”

Lulu rolls her eyes. “One, you are eighteen and haven’t yet done so. And two, he is way too handsome to be into someone like you.”

Tia blushes and growls at her sister.

“Tia is a beautiful young lady,” Night Light states. “If I wasn’t currently involved with someone, I would be honored to get to know her better.”

Lulu grins and holds back laughter.

Night Light lets out an exasperated sigh. “I don’t mean like that.” -- Tia frowns a little -- “If you’ll forgive me, I made a mess of Tia’s motorized conveyance and should be cleaning it up.” He tries standing, but his stomach growls and he falls back down. “Maybe after dinner.”

“You must be running on empty after leaving everything in my car,” Tia comments.

Lulu groans and starts walking away. “I guess I’ll get started on dinner…”

Tia catches up to her. “Actually, I wouldn’t mind taking over for a night…”

Her younger sister stops. “You know mom and dad don’t want you cooking meals when they are not around. Not after the last time when you left the cookbook on the stove.”

“That could have happened to anyone!”

“You left it in the pot with the spaghetti you were boiling!”

Night Light laughs loudly. Tia blushes and moans, embarrassed.

“Not to mention the fire it caused. That water caused. How do you set things on fire with water?”

“Fine! Shut up! Whatever!” the older sister shouts. “Just let me help, okay?”

“You never wanted to help before. Why do you want to..?” Lulu hears Night Light still chuckling. A crafty grin crosses her face. “Oh. I get it.” She pulls her sister to the next room. “You’re sweet on him.”

“Shut up!” Tia glares at her snickering sister. “Now, are you going to let me help or not?”
…

Night Light, Tia and Lulu eat a simple meal of sandwiches and snacks in the living room. Tia sits on the couch next to Night Light, scooting close enough to him to almost avoid being creepy. Lulu tries to hide laughter at her sister’s awkward behavior.

“These sandwiches are really good,” Night Light compliments, pulling one apart. “What did you call them?”

“Grilled cheese,” Lulu answers. “I love them, but they are all I can really make. I’m not a good cook.”

“You did a fine job of these. Thank you.”

“I got the snack cakes!” Tia blurts out. “They are all my favorites. They are all really special.”

“All cakes are your special favorites,” Lulu counters.

Tia glares at her sister.

“You have fine tastes,” Night Light replies. “Depending on how long I am here, I can repay you with a meal of my own. I was known as quite the chef back in university.”

“That is so cool,” Tia gushes.

Lulu rolls her eyes. She looks at Night Light. “Tell us more about where you’re from.”

“Like what?”

“What are the people like? Why all the armor? How did you get here?”

Night Light thinks as he eats his grilled cheese. “Well, for starters, we’re all horses.”

Tia chokes on her drink. “What?!”

“Cool! Wait… Then why do you look like us?”

“I don’t know. Probably some magic about how I got here.”

Tia shakes her head. “There is no such thing as mag-”

“Can you do magic?” Lulu interrupts.

Night Light shakes his head. “Not anymore. I’ve been trying since I woke up, but it seems like I lost it in this form.”

Lulu grins. “I would love to know magic. I would control the night and stay up playing video games all the time and have a palace on the moon and…”

Tia rolls her eyes. “Say we believe you about horses and magic, what kind of horse were you?”

“Unicorn.”

Lulu stops her daydream to laugh. “That explains why Tia found you.” The others look at her. “Because unicorns only appear to virgins, duh.”

“Shut your trap and go to your room!” her older sister shouts.

Lulu looks away, pouting. “You can’t banish me. You don’t have the power.”

Before Tia can say anything, Night Light puts a hand on her shoulder. “Lulu, you shouldn’t tease your sister like that. You don’t want to say something you can’t take back.”

“But I’m telling the truth,” Lulu protests. “She’s never shown interest in boys before…”

Tia stands and collects her plate. “I think that is enough small talk for now.’ She takes Night Light’s plate and goes to her sister. “Lulu, did you finish your homework?”

“Yeah… Sorta…” She looks at her sister pleadingly. “Can I stay up and play Mario? Please? It is the weekend.”

“No video games until you finish your homework. You know the rule.”

Lulu frowns and fakes tears. “But we have guest. You don’t want to make him bored, do you?”

Tia sighs and holds her head.

“Let her have her fun,” Night Light suggests. “It won’t hurt. Besides, I should be cleaning your vehicle” -- he examines his clothing -- “And myself for that matter…”

Tia sets down the dishes on the nearest table she can find. “Oh! I can help with that!” She rushes to her guest and grabs his shirt. She freezes when she realizes she has Night Light’s shirt half off.

Lulu sighs and shakes her head.

“I mean! Uh… I’ll get a room ready for you,” Tia hastily says, collecting the dishes again. “Maybe you can borrow some of dad’s clothes…” She hurries away to hide her embarrassment.

Lulu groans. She looks at the guest. “Hey, wanna play Mario with me?”

Tia sits in her room at her desk. She has her books out in front of her, but she is not writing anything down. She sighs and leans back. There is a yawn and knock from the doorway.

Lulu moans, rubbing her eyes. “I’m done playing games for now.”

Tia smiles. “The Mushroom Kingdom can wait while you get some sleep.”

“Dinosaur Island,” the gamer retorts, flopping on the bed. “It is all there in the manual.”

Tia laughs, “Right. You can wash up after Night Light is out of the shower.”

Lulu grins craftily. “Did you peek when you loaned him some of dad’s clothes?”

Her older sister blushes and looks away. “I am not some unabashed pervert. I told him that his clothes were…”

There is another knock on the door. The girls look up. Instantly, their faces turn bright red and eyes go wide.

“... missing.”

Night Light stands in the doorway drying his hair. “Which room did you say was mine again?”

“COVER YOURSELF!” Tia screams.

“I’m fine,” Lulu counters.

Tia throws a pillow at her sister.

Night Light stops drying and wraps the towel around his waist. “Oh. Sorry. I’m still picking up your cultural norms.”

“Geez,” Tia seethes, covering her eyes. “You’re in the last room. In the other direction.”

“Thanks. Sorry for the embarrassment.”

Night Light walks away, sighing and muttering to himself. Tia takes a breath and takes her pillow back from Lulu. The younger girl is snickering uncontrollably.

“Now I really see why you helped him.”

Tia growls and hits her sister with her pillow. “Just get out of here and take your shower.”

Lulu leaves, laughing the whole way. She pops in a second later. “At least we know he wasn’t lying about being a stallion.”

Tia yells and throws her pillow at her quickly fleeing sister.

Night Light lays on a bed, reading a book. He is dressed in some baggy clothes Tia left out for him. There is a knock at the door.

“I’m wearing clothes,” the young man replies.

“That is good to hear,” Tia sighs, entering. “Do you like the books I left out for you?”

“Yes, thank you.”

“I thought they would help you understand our world a little better.”

Night Light sets down the book. “They do. Thank you again.”

“Right...’ Tia looks at the ground. She starts playing with her hair. She looks up and flashes a brief smile before looking away again. “If you need anything, Lulu and I are right down the hall.”

Night nods. “Thank you.”

“Night Light, I…” She shakes her head and smiles again. “Goodnight.”

Night Light returns the smiles. “Goodnight and thanks for everything…”

Tia nods happily and leaves.

“Princess.”

Night Light smiles, laughs and picks up his book again.

Author's Note

This story started as a Flashback chapter for Starlight Chronicles. As the story developed, I realized it had very little to do with the other story and would work as a self-contained story with no connection to my other works. I think that is for the best.

Day Two

Tia yawns and stretches as she walks into the living room in the morning. She hears an odd grunting. After a little investigation, she frowns when she sees what her sister and their guest are engaging in.

“Do it! Harder!” Lulu shouts. “Right there! Faster! Almost done! Right about… Done!” She squeals loudly.

Night Light grunts and rolls over, panting. “I haven’t done something like that since basic training.”

Tia’s frown grows as she steps forward. “Not what I expected to see when I woke up this morning,” the older sister snorts.

Lulu looks up and smiles. “Good morning, Tia. Night Light and I were just playing a game.”

“I can see. Mind explaining it to me.”

Lulu leans forward and picks up a controller. “Well, I gave Night Light a number of lives and dared him to beat a level.” She starts playing her game. “For every life he lost, he had to do ten push ups.”

Tia rolls her eyes. She looks at the young man seemingly having a heart attack on the floor. “And what made you think that was a good idea?”

Night Light groans and pulls up his shirt to wipe his brow. Tia turns red at the sight of bare chest. “I was in the middle of my morning workout when she came down to play. I thought it would be a fun combination of the two.” He grunts again as he stands up. “I just wasn’t expecting to do over two hundred push ups.”

“You really suck at video games,” Lulu snickers.

Night Light laughs and stands up. He ruffles Lulu’s hair as he goes to the kitchen. Tia follows him. Her guest pours a cup of coffee.

“Want a cup?”

Tia sighs and nods. “I’m surprised you figured out how.”

“I’m a fish out of water, not an idiot.” Night Light sips his drink. ‘I mean, the technologies are similar enough to what we have back in my world, even if the customs are a little different.” He smirks. “At least I’m wearing pants, right?”

Tia frowns. “Yes. That’s a good thing.”

Night Light laughs. “Oh! I also finished those books you loaned me. I learned a lot from them. Thank you.”

Tia chokes on a sip of coffee. “All of them!? It would have taken me weeks to get through them all.”

“What can I say? I just love reading.”

“Hmpf.” Tia drinks her coffee. “Well, I am top in my class.”

Night Light leans against the counter. “That shows me. I was only top of my class in high school. Then again in university. All with top marks. Too bad I am stuck here. I was currently serving in the military while doing grad school.”

Tia stares at her guest in shock. “I think I need clean underwear.”

Night Light smirks and laughs. He finishes his coffee and puts the cup in the sink. “Anyway. I think I should be cleaning out your car. I promised Lulu that I would make my trademark waffles™, and I don’t want to have anything in my stomach when cleaning what was in my stomach when I got here.”

Tia sighs and sips her coffee. “And the mood is killed…”

Night Light goes to the door and stops. He looks back. “Tia. Thank you. I really mean it. I doubt I would be here if it wasn’t for you finding me yesterday. I owe you immensely.”

Tia just nods and squeaks in reply. Her guest chuckles and heads out.

“The mood is back,” the young woman whispers.

After breakfast, Tia takes Night Light back to Canterlot High School to search for any clues about the young man’s arrival method. They tour the campus and surrounding open areas together. After a few hours of searching, the young couple sit on bleachers watching a pair of football teams running drills. They drink a sodas. She keeps moving her free hand towards his between sips.

“Interesting game,” Night Light comments. “I played something like that when I was younger.”

‘That’s cool,’ Tia replies.

“I had to practice a lot to keep my horn from popping the ball or using my magic to cheat.”

Tia scoots to sit shoulder-to-shoulder with her crush. “I bet you were awesome.”

Night Light sips his drink. “I lasted about a month until I gave up to study magic full time.”

Tia laughs. She looks over, smiling. “Say, what sort of horse do you think I would be?”

Night Light smiles and stretches. “I bet you would be a great unicorn. Maybe even with big pegasus-like wings.”

“You make me sound like a princess.”

Night Light sets his hand down, not noticing it landing on Tia’s thigh. “I think you would be a great princess.” He looks over. “Besides, you showed me that trophy case. I saw your smiling face next to some of the awards.”

Tia only nods, blushing from the contact.

Night Light raises an eyebrow. “Are you okay? You’re looking a little red. Is it too hot for you?”

“It can get a little hotter…” Tia whispers.

“What?”

Tia bolts to her feet. “Anyway! We should keep looking for whatever brought you here. Time’s a wastin’!”

Tia takes one step away before Night Light catches her hand. They head off together, hand-in-hand. They head back through the school. When they get close to the front entrance, they see a pair of figures standing in the doorway. One is a girl about Tia’s age with long, dark cerulean hair dressed in a black leather jacket and dyed green jeans. She is arguing with a man slightly older than Night Light. He is wearing a sharp suit, but he has slicked back black hair and a long white goatee. If Night Light did not know better, he looks like a statue in the castle gardens back home. Tia slows her approach and grips Night Light’s hand tighter.

“You know them?” Night Light whispers.

Tia watches the other people. “The man is Mr Discord. He’s been doing his student teaching here this past year. The girl is Chryssy. She... She isn't very nice.”

“Interesting combination.”

“Why would they be together..?” Tia stops a distance away and tries to listen in.

Chryssy is snarling and baring her teeth a lot. “I would never agree to such a thing!” the young woman yells.

“It is in your best interest to assist me,” Discord counters.

“You can forget it and shove it!”

Discord snorts and straightens his suit. “Fine. If that is the way you are going to be, then I’ll just ask Naiad.”

“Whatever. Hope the psycho skins you just for asking.”

“You forget that I am a teacher. I could have you expelled for threatening me.”

Chryssy turns away. “And I expose your little plan” -- she smirks -- “and claim rape. Wanna take that risk?”

Discord snorts again and turns away. “It is a mystery how you have any followers. If you mention this conversation to anyone…”

“Whatever,” Chryssy growls.

Discord storms away, leaving Chryssy alone. He passes the two observers.

“How much of that did you hear?” the teacher demands.

“N-not much,” Tia stutters, trying to position Night Light between herself and her accuser.

“Sounded pretty intense,” her friend adds.

“It is is none of your business,” Discord hisses. “It is best if you forget you even saw me.”

The teacher continues on his way.

“What a dick,” Night Light comments. He keeps watching Discord as he leaves.

Tia hurries forward and catches Chryssy. “What was that about?”

Chryssy turns and glares at her classmate. “What do you care? Goody two-shoes going to report me to the principal?”

“Not without knowing what is going on.”

“Nothing, okay? Now scram!” Chryssy breaks free and storms away, grumbling to herself.

Tia stands in shock.

Night Light tugs on her arm. “Come on. I want to see what your teacher is up to. That might give us a clue as to what to do.”

“R-right,” Tia agrees. She turns to her friend and nods. “Let’s go.”

They head back into the school. They spot Discord coming out of a room. His head is down as he looks in a notebook. Night Light immediately presses himself against the wall, hiding behind some lockers. Tia freezes, not knowing what to do. Her friend grabs her arm and pulls her to him. He holds her tight to minimize their profile, but all Tia can think about is the close contact between them.

“Interesting,” Discord huffs, putting his book away. He walks down the hallway, away from the couple.

After a few seconds, Night Light lets go of Tia. He glances around the lockers to check the hall. Seeing the coast clear, he does a series of complex hand signals directing Tia silently follow him and watch their rear as they follow Discord around the school followed by getting another soda after the mission is finished.

Tia stares confused. “I have no idea what you just said.”

Night Light holds his head. “Just follow me and be quiet.”

He darts around the locker and silently follows Discord to a corner. He watches his target make another note in his notebook. Tia looks too, seeing Discord put his book in a pocket and walking away. Thinking it is clear, she starts rounding the corner, but Night Light stops her, accidentally grabbing her breast. She lets out a surprised squeak.

Discord stops and turns around. “Who’s there?”

Night Light pulls Tia back again. Discord heads towards the sound.

“Crap,” Night Light mutters. “We have to find a place to hide.”

The young man runs down the hall checking for an open door. Tia checks on the other side of the hall. The library is open, and she waves Night Light in. The soldier quickly scans the empty room.

“Here,” he says hopping over the front desk.

“Is this really neccess-?” Tia is cut off by footsteps outside. She hurries to the desk and tries climbing over.

Night Light sighs, grabs Tia’s waist and lifts. Not used to lifting as a human and the awkward balance of someone as tall as he is causes him to lose his balance. Night Light lands in a heap with Tia falling on top of him. Discord is heard trying the door. Right as the teacher opens the door, Night Light rolls over, pulling Tia under the desk with him. He wraps Tia’s legs around him and he presses down to try to minimize their presence. Discord is heard walking up to the desk.

“Hmpf,” the teacher grunts. “Thought I heard something. Stupid school. Can’t wait until tomorrow.’

Discord snorts and walks away. Night Light waits a few moments before rolling off of Tia. She lays under the desk and sighs. The soldier peeks from out of hiding. Seeing the coast is clear, he goes to the door and checks the hall. He turns back to the desk and motions for Tia. She still on the floor.

“Tia!” Night Light hisses.

“Coming,” Tia sighs. She stands, brushes herself off and walks around the desk.

“Looks like we’re clear,” Night Light says, checking the hall again. “This time, be quiet.”

“Excuse me!’ Tia gapes. “You’re the one who started groping me.”

“Would you rather have had Discord find us?”

Tia pouts and looks away. Night Light rolls his eyes and slips out. Tia follows. They head back towards the front entrance but stop when they hear footsteps. Night Light checks around a corner and sees Discord heading towards the sport fields. They follow as close as they can without making a sound. Discord stops in a doorway overlooking the fields. He frowns as he watches the football practise outside. Night Light and Tia hide behind some lockers and watch their quarry.

“Soon,” Discord states. “Soon, it will be over. This school. All the chaos. Just what it deserves.”

“What the hell does that mean?” Tia growls under her breath.

Discord snorts and turns around. He heads back towards the front of the school.

Knowing they will be spotted, Night Light hastily comes up with a plan. “Tia, kiss me,” he whispers.

Tia blushes. “What?”

“Just do i-”

Tia grabs Night Light’s head and pulls him in for a kiss. She starts running her hands through his hair when they make contact. Night Light wraps his hands around her waist and pulls her close. To both of their surprise, Tia wraps her legs around him and grinds her body against his. Night Light holds her tight and turns them so she is against the wall. Discord glances over as he passes.

“Disgusting,” the teacher hisses after he walks by. “This place is full of perverts. That Chryssy slut was just the tip of it.”

Night Light and Tia maintain their make out session until they are certain they are alone. Night Light breaks off the kiss to check. Tia keeps kissing all over his face and grinding her body against his.

“Looks clear,” Night Light states. He is licked up his cheek. “Tia.” He turns back, right into another kiss. “Tia!”

Tia snaps out of her daze. “Huh?”

“I think we can stop now.”

The young woman frowns and sighs, “Fine…”

“Tia…”

“Yeah?”

“You can stop humping me.”

Tia squeaks and blushes. She unwraps her legs from around Night Light and dusts off her pants. “Sorry,” she apologizes, looking down and away slightly. “I got a little into it.” She glances back and smiles. “Looks like you did too.”

Night Light looks down, blushes, turns his head and coughs. “Anyway. I think we got as far as we can following Discord. Maybe we should return to finding out how I got here.”

Tia smiles. “Okay.” She leans in and gives Night Light a kiss on the cheek. She prances away. “There are still some places to check. Come on!”

Night Light chases after Tia as she skips through the halls. He catches up to her outside of the school. Tia smiles at her friend as she stands by the statue in the middle of campus. Night Light looks around.

“Seems about as likely a place for a magical portal as any other high traffic area on campus,” the young man comments.

“You must have been really out of it,” Tia sighs. “This is where I found you last night.”

“I thought it was early evening or late afternoon.”

Tia rolls her eyes. “Technicalities.” She leans against the statue. “This probably is where we should have loo-”

Tia screams as her rear disappears into the side of the statue. Night Light runs over and catches her arm. He pulls her free. She latches on to him and looks back.

“Do I have a tail?” Tia asks.

Night Light checks. “Looking good to me.”

“Yes, but do I have a tail?”

Night Light laughs. “Everything is okay. Great catch.”

Tia leans against his chest. “Ditto.”

“Tia…”

She frowns. “I know… You’ll be leaving.”

“I’m sorry…” Night Light apologizes. “If time passes equally on both sides, then I have been missing for far too long. I have to report back.”

“I understand…” She looks into his eyes. “I’ll miss you.”

He smiles. “Me too. I’ve had a lot of fun.” He lets go. “Maybe I can come back.”

“I hope so.” She lets out a long sigh. She gets a set of keys out of her pocket. “Your armor is in the car. Just leave these on the statue before you leave.”

“Tia…”

She puts on a fake smile. “Hey. I think I saw Mr Discord in the staff lot. I want to ask him about what he is planning. Maybe we’ll see each other when you’re at my car.”

Tia runs off before Night Light can respond. She wipes her tears and composes herself as she nears a parking lot. Discord stands by his car. He flips through a few pages in his notebook before tossing it in the car.

“Mr Discord!” Tia calls, jogging up. “Do you have a moment?”

“What is it?” Discord groans. “I am very busy.”

“It is about you and Chryssy… Is something wrong?”

The teacher rolls his eyes. “That is none of your concern. Just scurry along to your band camps or whatever it is you kids do these days.” He scowls at Tia. “Scram!”

“Now, that’s no way to talk to a lady.”

Tia turns to see Night Light standing behind her. She smiles. He smiles back and winks.

“Who are you?” Discord accuses. “Obviously, you are not the fashion police or else you would have to arrest yourself.”

“I’m a friend.” Night Light steps beside Tia. “Now, are you going to answer the lovely lady’s question?”

“No.” Discord opens his car door. “And if you keep harassing me further, I’ll be forced to take actions against you.”

The teacher climbs in his car. Tia and Night Light back away as Discord drives off. Night Light makes an obscene gesture after the car is out of the lot.

He leans towards Tia. “This means the same thing in human as in pony, right?”

Tia laughs and kisses Night Light on the cheek. “No comment.” She kisses him again. “Also, thank you.”

Night Light bows slightly. “I am at your service. Besides, I didn’t want to see you face him alone.”

“What about getting home?”

“It can wait.” Night Light frowns. “He is up to something, and he must be stopped.”

Tia sparkles. “You are so cool right now.”

Night Light rolls his eyes. “Let’s head back to your place. And tell me all about Discord and Chryssy.”

The rest of the afternoon and evening are spent at Tia’s home. Tia tells Night Light everything she knows about Discord and Chryssy. Night Light knows there is some connection he is missing, but he cannot place it. He tries to unwind, but Lulu insists on playing more video games with their guest. Night Light makes his hosts dinner in gratitude for their continued hospitality.

Later in the night, Night Light is in his room working out while trying to piece together Discord’s scheme in his mind. He is so focused, he fails to notice his audience.

“Looking good,” Tia comments.

“Huh?” Night Light looks up. “Uh, thanks.”

“You look sorta like an action hero, like James Bond.”

The young man laughs. “That’s silly.”

“What? You don’t like being compared to a super spy?”

“No. His name is silly. ‘James’. Sounds like something a nutter would be called.”

Tia rolls her eyes and sits on the bed. “Anyway, thank you for staying. You didn’t have to.”

“I want to get to the bottom of this. Chryssy doesn’t seem like anything more than your average delinquent who uses her followers more for personal gain than harming the school. But Discord… He just sounds like a grumpy teacher. Not really bad…” He stops his work out and sits on the floor. “Did she do anything to disrupt any of his classes?”

“I don’t think she even has him as a teacher.”

“Whatever he is planning is happening tomorrow.” He stands and starts toweling off. “We’ll have to confront him then.”

Tia smiles. “You really are like an action hero.” She looks over her guest. “A muscular, sweaty, handsome action star.”

“Tia…”

“Sorry. I just…” She looks away briefly then back. “We spent the whole day together. Close together. And that kiss you gave me wasn’t fake. You were getting really into it.” She smiles coyly and bushes. “You were a little into me as well.”

Night Light blushes too. “That was, uh…”

Tia laughs. “Thank you for being so sweet.” She stands and gives Night Light a tight hug. “I know it must be hard on you.”

“Tia, please. You’re letting your hormones control you.”

Tia pouts and turns around. “What is your problem?” she snaps. “I know I am attractive, and you have obviously shown interest in me. Can you get over whatever is holding you back and at least show some of what you feel for me?”

“Tia… It is not that. I shouldn’t…”

“You shouldn’t have emotions? Is it really hard to tell someone you love them?”

Night Light opens his mouth to answer but doesn’t say anything.

“I thought as much.” She shakes her head. “I thought there was something there.” She turns away.

“Tia, wait!” Night Light grabs Tia’s arm.

Tia starts turning back, but she slips on the sweaty floor. Night Light catches her, but he slips and they fall onto the bed. Night Light holds on to the woman on top of him.

Tia sighs, “Not another situation lik-”

“Tia. Shut up.”

Night Light leans up and kisses Tia. Tia returns the kiss and starts pulling up Night Light’s shirt. He responds by removing her shirt, getting her to break the kiss for a moment. He throws the shirt at the door, closing it.

“I love you,” Tia simpers.

Night Light smiles. “I know.”

He starts kissing her again. Both young adults keep removing each other’s clothing...

Author's Note

Since it isn't mentioned anywhere in the story, the rival football team is from Downtown City. There was going to be a cameo from a young Roger Baxter, but it didn't fit with the rest of the story.

Day Three

Tia sighs happily as she lays in bed. She rolls over and snuggles against Night Light’s bare chest, giving it a gentle kiss. The young man sighs as well as he puts an arm around the woman beside him.

“Tia, I’m sorry.”

“Me too,’ the young woman coos, “but it seems like three is my limit too.”

“Not that,” Night Light replies. “Well, technically that but what I mean is, we shouldn’t have done that.”

Tia frowns. “This is my fault, isn’t it? I forced you into doing something you didn’t want to do, didn’t I?”

Night Light shakes his head and strokes Tia’s hair. “No. No. I did this to myself.”

“Well, I think I had a hand in this too” -- she snickers -- “at least until the rest of my body got involved.”

“Ha ha,” Night Light moans. “I’m sorry, Tia. I shouldn’t have lead you on like this. I let our emotions get the better of both of us. I shouldn’t have done that.”

Tia sighs and cuddles Night Light. “I’m an adult.” She rolls her eyes. “At least I like to think I am. I fell for you the moment I saw you. When I got to know you, I realized you wouldn’t be here forever. And no matter how attached to you I let myself get, I knew you were going to be leaving me. And when you are gone, I will hate you. Hate you forever for leaving me with a broken heart while you go back to your life.” She rolls on top of Night Light. “Right now, I just wanted to think about how much I love you and screw your brains out. It will give me a modicum of something positive to remember you by when I am sad and alone after you go home.” She kisses him. “Can you give me that much?”

Night Light smiles. “Are you sure your name isn’t Twilight Velvet and that you followed me through that portal? Because if it is not, I am going to have a hell of a time explaining to her why I am also in love with someone from another universe.”

Tia laughs, shakes her head and rolls over. “You’re a dick, you know that?”

Night Light laughs. “So I’ve been told.”

“You know I am going to snuggle you once you are asleep, right?”

“Um hm.”

“And that I am going to screw you before breakfast, right?’”

“What if Lulu hears us?”

“She’s a big girl.”

Night Light kisses Tia on the cheek before rolling over. “I love you, Tia.”

“I know.”

They settle down to sleep.

Tia shifts around in bed. “So, are you good to go again?”

“Go to sleep, Tia,” Night Light moans.

Tia laughs and closes her eyes. She jumps when she feels Night Light wrap his arms around her.

“When you start hating me for leaving you,” he whispers, “feel free to come and find me in my world. I won’t raise a hoof to stop you from rightfully beating the crap out of me.”

Tia smiles. “It is a date.”

They laugh and fall asleep, cuddling.

Night Light stands beside Tia’s car, tying his gauntlets to his wrists. Tia sits half in the car, in the driver’s seat. She is watching the house.

“I think Lulu is going to be traumatized,” Tia worries.

“What she saw was completely natural,” Night Light replies. “It is nothing to should be ashamed of or reviled. She’ll get over it.”

“How can you say something like that about my sister!”

“Well, now you know to lock the door while you’re on the toilet. It is really your fault that she walked in on you.” He finishes tying his gauntlets. “Just be thankful she didn’t walk in on us after we got up.” He climbs in the passenger’s seat. “Now, let’s stop Discord.”

Tia moans and gets in the car. “Right. ... How?”

“Chryssy.”

Tia looks at her passenger. ‘What?”

Night Light buckles up. “She knows what Discord is planning. We know that from observing their encounter yesterday. We ask her what he is planning, so we have a better idea what to do to stop him.”

“And how do we find her?”

“Aren’t you her friend? You should know.”

Tia groans and hits her head on the steering wheel. “Ugh. Why does everyone think I am friends with her?”

“Aren’t you?”

Tia growls, starts the car and drives away.

Tia drives around the local mall. She and Night Light watch the patrons from the street as they make a pass around the building.

“There,” Night Light says, jumping from the car.

“Wait! Night Light!”

Tia starts looking for a parking spot as her friend rushes away. He catches a person by the shoulder.

“You’re a tough one to find.”

Chryssy groans and turns around. “Listen, I don’t know how those ended up in my purse.”

Night Light reaches into her purse and pulls out a knife. “And this is just a toothpick.” He tosses the weapon into a nearby shrubbery. “Anyway, I want to ask you about Discord.”

“Ugh.” Chryssy rolls her eyes and faces her accuser. Tia jogs up behind him. “The less you know about him, the better.”

“The more we know, the better chance we have to stop him.”

Chryssy scowls and looks past him. “What is your part in all this? Trying to get on the good side of our teacher by having your knight in shining armor bust me for something?”

“His armor’s not that shiny,” Tia pants. She catches her breath. “We saw Discord acting strange at school yesterday. We know he is up to something.”

“And you turn to the campus punk because you think she is in on it,” Chryssy growls. “You know you have a lot of nerve assuming that!”

“Hey!” Tia shouts back, pushing past Night Light. “We saw you with him too. You know what he is up to. Just help us out, and we’ll forget you had anything to do with it.”

“My prize for tattling is getting nothing.” She throws her hands up. “Great. Yeah. That is what I really want!”

“You’ll be doing good for good’s sake. That is more than enough reward.” Tia groans and turns away. “You are always like this!”

“Me! You’re the one trying to control everyone!”

Tia turns back and gets in Chryssy’s face. “I do not try to control everything! I am trying to help everyone else have a better life.”

“Bossy, know-it-all control freak.”

“Skeevy, two-faced delinquent.”

The young women growl and butt heads.

“All right! Stop it!” Night Light groans and forces them apart. “This is unproductive. Discord is causing trouble, and you’re squabbling like foals.”

Tia glares at Night Light. ‘Why are you grabbing our breasts?”

Night Light looks at where his hands are placed and backs away.

“I didn’t say stop,’ Chryssy pouts. She smirks and glances at Tia, seeing her looking upset too. “Oh. My… You have a crush on him!”

“Shut up!” Tia snaps.

“Did you..?” -- Tia blushes -- “You did! I’m so jealous.” Chryssy looks at Night Light. “Jealous of you too. I mean, I’ve known her since I was a kid.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Tia leans towards Chryssy and whispers, “You have a crush on me?”

Chryssy pouts and a holds up her hand. Her fingers are held a couple centimeters apart. Tia blushes brighter red.

“Thank you for putting our romantic lives on display,” Night Light grumbles. “But I think we have a more important issue on hoof.”

Chryssy gives him a confused look. “Why are you talking like that?”

“I’m from out of town.”

“Whatever,” Chryssy sighs, rolling her eyes. “You want to know what Discord is planning? He wants to trash the school during the big game today. Some stupid reason. I wasn’t paying attention. He wanted me and my followers to do it for some deniability.” She snorts and looks away. “Like I would do that. That is my turf. We might not be the best students or always act like it, but we’re protecting it from worse threats.”

“What can be worse than you?” Tia huffs.

“Naiad,” Chryssy replies. “She isn’t right in the head. Perfect fit for Discord.”

“Do you think he went to her after you turned him down?” Night Light asks.

“Very likely.”

“When was the game?”

Tia looks at her watch. “This afternoon. That gives us… Get to the car.”

“Where did you..?”

“Go!”

Night Light sighs and starts searching the lot. Tia turns to leave, but Chryssy catches her.

“Hey. You’re not really going to try stopping Discord on your own, are you?”

Tia looks back. “Someone has to. If he is going to harm the school, we can’t let that happen.”

“But he can just turn the whole thing against you,” Chryssy argues. “Can you really take that risk?”

“To defend everything I hold dear, and yes, that includes school too, I will fight with everything I have.”

Chryssy smiles. “You were always the crazy, idealist leader type.” She leans in and gives Tia a peck on the cheek. “Be safe, okay?”

Tia blushes. “I, uh… I wi-... I’m sleeping with Night Light!”

“Yeah, it took you ten years to realize how I feel, but you bumped uglies with some guy you just met. What kind of person does that make you?”

Tia growls. “We’ll talk at school. Just don’t chicken out from it.”

There is a loud whistle from the parking lot. Night Light is standing by Tia’s car. “Are we going to school or what?”

Tia laughs. She runs off, waving to Chryssy. The other woman laughs and shakes her head. She leans against a wall and watches the others drive off.

Discord stands in a doorway overlooking the spectators gathering for the football game. He writes in his notebook and turns around. Behind him, a dozen teenagers, all wearing black and yellow clothing, chat and goof off.

Discord sighs heavily at the youth in front of him. “Listen up, you riff raff. You have a job to do. Chaos to cause. Your targets are the library, science and computer labs, faculty offices… Basically, anything not nailed down or on fire.” -- the teens cackle -- “No fires.” -- the youth moan -- “Okay. Maybe a little fire.” -- some of the youth high five -- “I’ll only allow a minor amount of stealing. Mayhem is more important. Do you have your graffiti stencils?” -- he gets mumbles in response -- “Good. With any luck, we’ll get that ‘Chryssy’ girl too…” He turns. “Anyway. I have a game to watch. You have about forty-five minutes until the first half is through. Have fun.”

Discord walks away, leaving the teens alone. They get up and head into the school. Some start beating on the lockers. They laugh and are starting to break into groups to spread throughout the school when someone walks out in front of them.

“All right, boys and girls,” Night Light declares, adjusting his gauntlets, “time to go home before I send you home.”

Some of the teens get out weapons. One holding a bat steps forward. “Out of the way, old man,” he hisses.

Night Light puts his helmet on. “Now you hurt my feelings.”

He walks forward. The lead teen runs at him and swings. Night Light blocks the attack with one arm, cracking the weapon on his armor, and punches the kid in the gut. He steps past the fallen teen and motions for the others to try their luck.

The teens rush Night Light. The soldier blocks the attacks with his armor and counters the attacks. A young girl slips behind him in the swarm and tries choking him. He backs her into a wall to daze her then throws her at a comrade. That distraction allows another teen to sneak up and try to stab him.

Night Light turns to face his attacker. “Really? You thought I wouldn’t be prepared for that?” He shakes his chain mail under his shirt. “Say goodnight.” He headbutts the attacker. He turns and wipes his helmet clean. “Next?”

The few remaining teens look at Night Light and their fallen comrades and run off. Tia peeks around a corner.

“Is it safe?” the young woman asks. She sees the battlefield. “Geez! There are girls here!”

“Yeah? And they swung first.”

Tia rolls her eyes. “Okay. Now what?”

“Tie them up and wait for the police? I don’t know.”

“Excuse me?” a voice calls. “Are you there? I had a couple more concerns.” Discord steps into the hallway. He quickly notices his fallen crew and the people standing over them. “Oh crap.”

Discord tries running, but Night Light chases and catches him before he can get outside. The young man drags the teacher back.

“Get your hands off me!” Discord shouts. “I’ll have you arrested! Help!”

“Calm down,” Night Light sighs. “You’ll have your chance to talk.”

“Talk? About what? I was just coming to use the washroom when I found a gang war in the halls.” Discord fakes surprise. “I am shocked! Simply shocked!”

“What a load of bullsh-”

Tia steps forward. “Mr Discord, may I ask why you arranged all this?”

“Me? This is all an independent affair,” Discord denies. “I’m innocent.”

Night Light raises a fist.

Discord glares at the other man. “Hit me and I’ll make sure you’ll never get out of jail.”

Tia paces behind her friend. “You try recruiting Chryssy, but she turns you down because it would have hurt the school. So you turned to an outside gang. Why is that? Why are you targeting this school?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” Discord groans. “Maybe because it should burn?”

“What was that?”

“You heard me,” Discord growls. “Snobby, elitist brats like you. Always looking down on everyone else. I became a teacher to go back to Everfree and help raise it up. Instead, I was assigned here to babysit you brats. I could have been helping students that really need it.”

“Really?” Night Light scoffs. “That was your plan? You get sent to the wrong school and decide to trash it as revenge?”

“I could make a good case for unfit working conditions and request a transfer to Everfree, where I belong.”

“You belong in jail.” Night Light grabs Discord. “Come on. We’re turning you in.”

“Right, and how do you explain this?” Discord forces himself free. “You tell them what exactly? That a gang of delinquents was attempting to vandalize the school, you stopped them and I just happened to be in the area at the time? Good luck convincing anyone that I am the big bad masterminding all of this.”

“He has a point…” Tia huffs.

Discord looks at her. “Oh, and wait until they hear you were involved. Kiss your valedictorian goodbye.” He laughs. “You have no proof of your claims, and I get everything I want.”

“Did someone ask for proof?”

Everyone looks. Chryssy walks down the hall. She has a camcorder in her hands.

“Good thing I showed up when I did,” Chryssy states. “I might have missed your whole confession.”

“You don’t have anything,” Discord growls.

“What are you doing here?” Tia asks.

Chryssy holds up her camcorder. “I thought I would tape the game. I didn’t know I would be taping more.” She stops by Tia and whispers, “You owe me.”

Discord snorts angrily. “So, what? You’re going to rat me out? There is still the matter of this mess.”

“Simple,” Chryssy replies. “You take credit for it.”

“What?”

“I get it…” Tia agrees. “Discord found Naiad’s gang destroying the school and fought them off. He gets credit for saving the campus, but it still looks unsafe for him here, so he can go anywhere he wants.” She smirks. “But there is one little problem…”

“Which is?” Discord groans.

Tia grins evilly. “You didn’t receive enough damage to have fought off all these thugs on your own.” She puts a hand on Night Light’s shoulder. “Care to help him out?”

“With pleasure.” Night Light raises a fist again.

“Not the face!” Discord begs.

“Pfft. Be a man.”

Night Light swings his punch. Tia and Chryssy step away while the soldier goes to work.

“Why did you really come back?” Tia asks.

“This school is my turf,” Chryssy replies. “I was just helping defend it.” She looks back to see Night Light knee Discord in the chest. “Besides, I couldn’t let you have all the fun.”

Tia laughs. She turns around to see Night Light helping Discord up and tending to his black eye. Discord’s suit is torn, and he is holding his gut, but he looks otherwise unscathed.

“Someone order a ‘hero’?” Discord grumbles.

Tia, Chryssy and Night Light stand by the statue on campus. They watch as police escort Naiad’s gang out of the school. Discord stands by front of the school, holding a bag of ice on his eye and giving his statement to an officer. He keeps looking over at the group by the statue. The officer finishes collecting Discord’s statement and walks away. Discord glares at the group and heads to his car.

“Looks like we won,’ Chryssy comments, ‘for now.”

“The school year is almost over,” Tia replies. “He gets to make his move, and we walk at the end of the year.” She turns around. “We’re set.”

“That’s what you thought about your Fall Formal candidacy,” the other woman counters. “Look where that got you.”

“I thought I said to never bring that up again.”

Night Light laughs. “Ladies, as much fun as I have had, I think I should be going.”

Tia pouts and takes his hands. “Do you have to? You can stay here and make waffles. We’ll go bowling.”

Night Light smiles and shakes his head. “I have to go. I’ve been gone too long.”

“Will you ever be back?”

He closes his eyes and looks away. “I don’t know.” He gives Tia a weak smile. “If I ever can, you know what to do, right?”

“Can I borrow one of your gloves?”

They laugh and lean in to touch foreheads. Tia gives Night Light a peck on the lips. She flashes a quick smile and leaps into his arms. He leans against the statue to support them during their makeout session.

“A! HEM!” Chryssy coughs.

Tia breaks the kiss and backs away. She adjusts her jeans and rebuttons her shirt. Night Light tucks in his shirt and pulls up his pants.

“Got a little carried away there,” Tia apologizes.

Chryssy just rolls her eyes.

Night Light touches the portal to make sure it is still active. “Keep an eye out for anything. If this is active and I don’t come through, watch out if you cross over yourself,” -- he smiles -- “Princess.”

Tia is shocked. “Princess?”

“You think I didn’t notice?” Night Light turns and bows. “It is always an honor servising you, Princess Celestia.”

“Serving,” Chryssy coughs, failing to cover a laugh.

Tia growls at her friend, glowing red. Night Light blushes and laughs as well.

Tia gets ahold of herself and looks back at Night Light. “What should I tell Lulu?”

“Tell her that her second controller’s d-pad sticks, and no, that is not an excuse. You can test it for yourself.” He shakes his head. “My console back home has none of those problems.”

“I thought you didn’t know what anything about our technology.”

Night Light smiles and sticks his arm in the portal. “I never said that. I’m a fi-” -- he laughs -- “a pony out of water, not an idiot.”

Night Light enters the portal, heading home. Tia and Chryssy watch him leave. Tia reaches out and takes Chryssy’s hand.

“So… Pony, eh?” Chryssy says.

“Yeah. I guess,” Tia replies.

“Was he..?” Chryssy makes a motion with her free hand. Her fingers are held several centimeters apart.

“You’re disgusting.”

Tia tries leaving, but Chryssy holds tight. “So, uh, about owing me…”

“Yeah?” Tia huffs.

Chryssy leans close and whispers. “What are you doing next Friday?”

Night Light steps out of the portal. He looks back and sees his reflection in a mirror, a blue unicorn with messy darker blue hair. He turns around to see a white alicorn towering over him. He immediately bows. “Princess.”

“You had us worried, Mr Night Light,” Princess Celestia states. “A little longer and you would have been stuck there for quite some time.”

“Very lucky, Princess.”

“So, what did you see?”

Night Light closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. “I’ll have a full report written by the end of the day.”

Celestia nods. “Very well. I will leave it in your good hands.” She smiles to herself and starts trotting away. “Oh! Be sure to take some time to see your marefriend. I am sure she is worried about you.”

Night Light nods and trots away.

Night Light falls onto his bed in the barracks. He closes his eyes, ready for sleep. His bed is tapped.

“What?” the tired stallion grunts.

“I wish to speak to you about your report,” Celestia states.

Night Light bolts upright. “Princess!”

“Please. Just ‘Celestia’.” She smirks. “Or ‘Tia’ if you prefer.”

The unicorn blushes. “Sorry, Celestia.”

“That was quite the adventure you had,” the princess comments. “I assume your commander doesn’t believe a word of it.”

“It is all true.”

The princess sits on the bed next to her knight. “Even the mating?”

Night Light looks aside and coughs.

“Would you like more of that?”

The unicorn slides away. “I-I am already in enough trouble with Velvet as it is. I-I-I…”

Celestia gasps and blushes. “Oh! I did not mean that,” -- she grins evilly -- “though I know a few memory spells that might help any further messes.”

“Princess!”

She laughs. “I kid. I mean, would you like further adventures? There is space open in the special services for you. You would get a promotion, pay raise, more time for your studies, other benefits. What do you say, Mr Night Light?”

Night Light ponders the offer for a moment. He gets up and bows to Celestia. “I am at your service.”

Author's Note

When this story was planned as a one-shot, there was going to be an epilogue where Night Light has a conversation with Twilight before her coronation. There was going to be a big moment between Night Light and Tia where she passed on some bit of wisdom/a motto that he would then give his daughter. Now...

Night Light will return in At Her Service: Night Light of Saddle Arabia. Check back if you are Daring.