Embracing the Sun

Celestia yawned into the pillow and held out her hoof to Josh, needing to touch him physically. To know that he was next to her. It was strange to need anything at all, let alone the physical contact of her human. She ignored the sun's morning rays blistering across her snow white fur when it reflected off the snow on the window and into the room. She kept her purple eyes shut and instinctively reached around the space her love should take up.

"Josh," she said tiredly. "...Love?"

She worked to the pillow next to her. Waiting. He said nothing at all and did not respond with his own movement, just let her lay in confusion of his presence not coming to her grasp. Willing her to desperately search for his figure.

Celestia's eyes slowly opened to the empty space next to her. Thus she quickly remembered the tiff they had over him not doing his duty as her mate and taking her on this very bed. This memory snapped the answer a second time, creating tension in the alicorn's mind and loins. She used her most commanding voice as the sunlight licked her eyes, one that brooked no refusal; even though it was soft and gentle, power was laced into the tone.

"Joshua, your mare requires lots of snuggling. So get over here before I make you come snuggle with me."

She had the same, perfect melodic voice of an angel, unaffected in the least by anything. Not even the common illnesses of this world could touch her system, for she was a goddess of many traits—this including her immunity to disease other illnesses.

Still there was no answer to come when Celestia demanded. There was only a small silence—a distancing—as if she'd been talking to the air, but now had pulled away from her own grogginess. She arose from her bed and stretched every limb, loosening her joints enough to pop and crack multiple, while smacking her dry lips to moisten them. Celestia made no contact with the couch until getting out of bed and stretching her back legs a little.

"Josh, you need to wake up. We have to be on the move soon if we-" Suddenly the empty space on the couch awoke her mind and body completely. Her heart stuttered. She had always been aware of the short sessions Josh would take to give himself some alone time in another room or the bathroom in particular, but the bathroom was open and he was not in there.

Celestia stared at the empty couch for another moment. She put a hoof to her chest and slowly breathed to calm herself of anxiety. She willed herself to return to the benevolent mare she is in spite of her human missing right now. She actually observed the many spots he had taken up overnight, putting two and two together to see where his path led. Celestia knew she could follow his trail. He was the only being in any world that cannot elude her.

She lifted his dirty shirt with her hoof and sniffed aggressively, that blend of masculinity, cinnamon and honey. The moment Celestia took in that sweet aroma of her mate, she drew his scent into her lungs and was able breathe fully again. It intoxicated the alicorn, filling her with sweet nectar. She tasted the mixture that unique only to her, through her nose, and instantly wanted—no needed—more.

She turned her head to the coffee table to gaze at his belongings. The impact was far less hurtful than it was when she had to return to this world to ensure that he would still be her mate. Josh still hadn't been cured of whatever trauma he was under. She knew that by looking at him every time his hands clench to her for comfort. Looking at her almost hurt she was so beautiful.

Where in the hay did he go? Did he leave me behind for kicking him out of bed?.

It was the first time Celestia could ever call herself scared, or for that matter, worried. She was aware of everything now as if Joshua's missing presence had heightened every sense, as if both mare and goddess were on the alert. The heat in Celestia's body. The surge of weakened magic. The fact Joshua was nowhere in very close proximity drove her mind mad with guilt and fear. The breath from her body hissed out in a long, slow growl under the snort.

She tugged on her magic, drawing in enough magic to link with their bond. I do not like this at all. He should have woken me up instead of leaving me to worry about him. It was a lame excuse, but the only one she could think of to tap into powers long enough to reach out to her human.

He would never leave me. He...he loves me!

Just then...

Right there at the entrance of the door, a low click from the key card alarmed the alicorn that someone was entering their room. She'd never experienced such a powerful emotion or even one with such intensity. The normal mare of her nature seemed to be a little hard to control. She was going to have to get used to it—and so was her natural instincts as an alicorn.

She glanced fearfully at the door as it swung open to reveal a figure in the darkness of the hallway. That was strange. The halls are supposed to be full of right, so why was it so dark through there?

Celestia was being honest with herself of the fear in her chest—there was nothing at all in her demeanor to suggest anything else—but still, the shaking in her wings didn't lead elsewhere.

Finally the figure walked inside revealed himself in the sunlight that beams through the window. He closed the door and set the tray of food onto the coffee table, all the while of Celestia surrendering to her more natural emotions as a lover.

"Damn fatties shorted out the backup generator with the elevator. It'll take them hours to start things up again." There was the merest hint of annoyance in Joshua's voice. "Thank you fat people of this building." he said rudely, while separating his food from Celestia's. Another reason why America needs to start regulating food consumption and exercise.

Celestia pursed her lips at the man. So he went downstairs to get breakfast. I hope he brought me some too. Celestia didn't even try to hide her worry. It was nothing at all like the gentle, kind, firm hint of worry she uses on her ponies.

"Where were you?" she asked. "I was worried sick about you."

Josh sent her a quelling glare. He forced his attention back to the pancakes, determined to keep himself at bay and to get his attention off of the frustrated alicorn. "I was busy carrying a crippled woman down the stairs to help her get to the cafeteria. The fat folk of this building filled up the elevator, and now the hotel is out of power because of it. Somehow the wiring is connected to the backup generator in a way that shuts down all power."

"I wish that you would wake me up before leaving," Celestia admitted. "I know you require some space to be alone, but I woke up to find you not in bed with me. My first thought was that maybe you were taken, or that I angered you enough to leave me."

"I did leave you. I left you in this room because you kicked me out of bed." Josh pointed out. "I was pissed at you for kicking me out of the bed, and I'm still mad. I actually woke up this morning to find a large bruise on my ass cheek when I took a shower."

"Well, I was mad at you for not claiming me in bed," Celestia said, with an answering smile that faded quickly at his growl. She began to realize how wrong it was of her to kick him, let alone sleep on the couch. "Look, I'm sorry that my needs got in the way. It was wrong of me to kick you out of bed." she apologized, sadly. "Are you...are you alright, my love?"

Josh wasn't soft now. He was mentally strong and firm, with the look of a man who had been wronged in the worst way possible—and he probably had. He had been Celestia's protector since their encounter back at his house.

"I'm not happy with you." He looked like he was about to burst from the seams with anger and spite. "Whatever culture your kind has in relationships needs to be out of your mind right now. In human culture, a relationship is without physical harm. Lovers trust one another. They talk to eachother when there is a problem. Most importantly...they wait for their lover, or mate in this case, to be ready."

Celestia managed a smile with her sigh. She scented the aroma of a dominant male from Joshua, his inner male, and knew instinctively she had a lifemate.  She breathed away the fear the seemed to come as an itch and go over her fur. "You're right. I should be patient for when you feel ready to claim me. I should not allow myself to indulge in my own greediness for complete bonding. She'd definitely been awakened too early for this drama. Her heart throbbed and pulsed with pain and guilt. No matter how hard she tried to suppress it, both sensations pushed back.

Celestia looked up to Josh as the plates were set at the coffee table, hurt sparkling in her intoxicating eyes. "I'm sorry for last night. I just...I love you so much. I fear that maybe you don't want to breed with an old mare like me."

Josh looked Celestia over, observed the princess without saying a word to her.

Sorry or not, she is still in the doghouse for putting a massive bruise on my ass. Joshua soft scold moved throughout his mind, but she didn't use their connection to listen. But...I have been neglecting her of any steps towards the development of our relationship. Maybe I need to reassure her with a little something to help her believe that I want more in the near-future.

Josh nodded to himself, pursing his lips at the alicorn. He felt like he might kick his own ass as well, but that was impossible with the purple mark on his hindquarters. Two unmatched choices were very close to him and Celestia, and both were targeting her as if they might engage in conflict at any moment. And just why the hell did that feel so right? What had gotten into him? His skin itched all over. His fists felt as if they might shatter, and he tightened his muscles trying to hold back the need to satisfy his mare. His instincts as a human are very weak in intimacy, his something more powerful than that prowled closer than ever to the surface.

Instinct. The word annoyed Joshua to his core, and yet, the feeling of it felt empowering, as if someone pumped him full of adrenaline and desire for the mare's soul.

"I just want us to be together for all eternity," Celestia said in the midst of wiping a tear off her cheek. "I'm never been in love—until I met you—and I just want to be certain that you want me for my mind, my soul, and my body."

Josh tried to reply, but Celestia's sorrowful gaze kept his words straying throughout his stomach, and if he tried to touch her or attempted confession, all she would get is him acting on the connection that is changing him.

What the hell is wrong with me? he asked himself. I can feel as if the pieces of her that are inside me are starting to become more natural than they should. Emotional is one thing, but to feel some kind of animal inside me is too much. I feel as if I'm going to pounce her and...and...

As if she knew there was problem, Celestia glided smoothly to her human. She did not posture at his heavy breathing, but he was definitely in a threatening state of animalistic power. Instead of backing down, the alicorn rose with a loving kiss Josh could barely process in his suppression.

My instincts are now with him, converging with his own and increasing them. She pushed harder on his lips, forcing his tongue to meet hers their chests met. My powers are changing him at much faster pace than normal. Our bond is not yet complete and he's closer to being one with me through the connection of our love. If this keeps up, our connection will make distortion even harder for me to change his form into Equestrian.

Celestia breathed hard to try to stay in control of herself, but the way he kissed her back, so passionately, was making it more difficult than the last time they kissed so freely. But do I want this stop? Am I really inclined to cease this growth of our love?—No, I want him to feel how much I need him.

Joshua looked down at the alicorn and then at the television speculatively. I do not want her to touched by another guy. I don't know what's wrong with me—from seeing an alicorn in the mirror to sudden hot flashes—but if I ever see someone touch her, I'm not going to be able to stop myself from killing. Admitting to that desire when he knew Celestia saw it in his eyes was the most difficult thing he'd ever done for her.

He didn't hesitate to show his desire squeezing Celestia's flank, drawing out a sexy moan as her lips worked on his neck. Obviously she was sensitive to having her flank touched, or perhaps that her cutie mark is sensitive. Either way, he relished hearing her moan in his neck.

Josh stopped the princess from kissing him again "This doesn't change that you're on my bad side right now. But yes, I do want you." he confessed. "It is not a simple desire to have you. My desire is to make you my mare and no one else's, but I want this to be a steady relationship."

Celestia followed his gaze to the shower that's vacant at the moment. Though she was standing on her hind legs, his chest became her pillow to send away the uneasiness of her difficulty in understanding how slow things are to go between them. The moment she stopped trying to ravage his body, Josh chuckled. "You left a bruise on my ass, and that's very wrong of you." He indicated the sniffles that came after she nodded. "I have things to learn about having an alicorn as my mare and you have to learn to appreciate my body more,"

"I know I do." Celestia whispered.

"Which is why—as your punishment—you are going to take a shower with me after we eat our breakfast." Josh said teasingly. "If we're going to take this steady and make it work, then you're going to wash every inch of my body."

Celestia did not flinch in the face of her human. She muttered under her breath, but he winked in return. "The power may be out, but I'm certain there's enough hot water left for us to appreciate eachother."

"You mean we are going to make love in the shower?" Celestia asked excitedly.

Josh shook his head and kissed her once more. "No, I mean this is to help us take one step at a time in becoming more intimate. If we want to make this relationship work, then I need you to be able to control yourself." he explained softly, realizing the alicorn was happier to have some sign of him wanting more. He was beginning to be able to read her, but not too much. "There will not be any sex in the shower, but if you do a good job, I might reward you."

"You make it sound as if you're in control."

"I'm not. I'm simply trying to set boundaries on taking the next step of our relationship."

"You are such a tease."

"But you love me for it."

"Indeed. I do."

Chrysalis turned her head to glare at Sombra and Nightmare Moon. She realized that her surprise wake-up calls were not at all bumps on the snowy road to her human father. She turned back to Luna and grabbed her hand, her touch gentle as she curled her tiny fingers. She felt the warmth of the princess, which seemed to be stronger than usual.

"Aunt Luna, Sombra and Nightmare Moon keep poking me when I'm sleeping." the little changeling whined.

"No, we are not!" the two troublemakers rebuked, sending hateful glares to the changeling as she tugged on Luna's hand.

Luna sighed to the window and sank deeper into the seat. When she lifted her hand from Chrysalis, a long whimper sounded and she knew the child would not stop. "Little ones, you will behave yourselves or Uncle Joseph and I will inform your father of your bad behavior." she announced. She didn't sound too happy at all. Then again, the hours of tracking a human and her sister had taken their toll on her patience.

Sombra and Nightmare Moon froze in fear. Afraid, they looked at one another and nodded in agreement to stop pestering their sister for the rest of the trip.

Luna shook her head frustratingly, crossing her arms under her chest as Joseph stole a quick glance of her D-Size. "Nothing is making sense with Joshua's strange family occurrences. First he is a normal human that was taken care of by his grandparents, then he is some sort of secret to a conspiracy that involves his mother and father. The clues we have are not adding up at all, and frankly I am more opposed of him being with my..." She broke off, pinching the bridge of her nose. "No, I must not think of him that way. It is not his fault that a web of lies surround him and my sister."

Joseph put a hand to her shoulder indicating he felt her frustration. He leaned over the armrest, just for a moment, as he eased into the next highway. His lips worked over hers and his touch seemed to calm her down. That much he was certain of when she moaned happily. It might be the only thing he knew for certain right now.

"I know Josh better than anyone," Joseph said softly. "His intentions with Celestia are to be with her and keep her safe. I know that just from the way he is. I am certain that Josh loves her more than anything in the entire universe and he'll do anything within his power to make sure she is safe."

"I still don't understand why you said they're walking into a trap," Luna replied.

"Are daddy and mommy in big trouble?" Sombra asked.

"Okay," Jospeh said softly, realizing there was no way out of this. He was starting to mentally pray for god to help him. "The letter Josh has is older than the one his mother wrote, which seems to insinuate that his letter is merely a lie. I don't know Josh's mom, but the way she wrote it tells me that his dad is nothing but trouble. I don't know why, but if she really worked for the government, and if her 'last job' was serious enough to give him up, then Josh's dad is most likely a very dangerous man."

"How dangerous?" Luna asked.

Joseph turned his glare to the alicorn. "Let me just say this babe; there is nothing more dangerous than a person that goes against the government. That is, like, the top level of criminal activity, and Josh being in a family of soldiers and god knows what else makes this more important than ever."

"But you said Josh can protect her." Luna pointed out. Her began to pound too fast at the admission that Josh and Celestia are heading towards great peril. She reached out and took Joseph's hand. "Joshua can protect my sister from danger, can't he?"

"Oh he can, but I'm afraid to find out what happens if Josh goes ape-shit again." Joseph confessed. "He took my sister down without even trying and acted as though it didn't affect him. Whatever Josh's grandfather did to him clearly broke something inside and reshaped it to only come out when bad things happen."

"Is Josh as dangerous as you say."

Jospeh's glare deepened. "He was dangerous when it came to protecting the school from my sister." Joseph said. "Now imagine how dangerous he can be if he is just protecting himself."

The rest of the conversation was complete silence between the two lovers. Joseph ran his hand through his hair, and Luna turned away to stare out the window in deep thought. Both, however, had the same thought going through their heads as the tracking spell grew stronger.

Josh, wherever you are, you better not be heading to where I think you're going.

It was all those two could think without losing themselves to this unbearable suspense, just for tone they shared in their stress.

"I miss daddy and mommy," Nightmare Moon said, keeping her voice low. "I want to see them now so we can watch cartoons together again."

"I miss them too," Sombra added, flinching at his own tears while the Princess of The Night looked back. "Why did daddy and mommy leave us? Do they hate us or something?"

"No, little ones," Luna said in a motherly tone. "Your daddy and—mommy—love you very, very much. They had a small fight and came back to this world to sort some things out. I know it looks bad with how things are right now, but I promise you that Joshua and Celestia love you three with all their hearts."

"Then why does it feel that they hate us?" Chrysalis whimpered. Tears set her green eyes sparkling like diamonds.

"Little one..." Luna broke off, unable to muster anymore reassurance for the foals. What else could she do when the solution to their problems is miles away.

"We need to get there now." Joseph said sharply.

Luna turned from the foals and glared at her mate, her hands weaving more of the tracking spell as the highway became desolate. "We will only stop for food and to use the bathroom. Other than that, we will find those two faster if make as few stops as possible. Now step on it, because the foals need them."

Jospeh nodded. "Right." He pushed a little harder on the accelerator, increasing their speed to fifty-five. Just hang on a little longer kiddos. We'll find Josh and Celestia. We'll find'em

To Be Continued...