Dawn

by Patric12345

Rating: mature
Tags: Slice of Life, Dark, Alternate Universe, Sad, Anthro, Romance
Length: 3876

A bat pony set to guard Celestia as she slept is sent off on his first night off in over a year is left wondering why he's let go and what he's going to do with his time alone.

A young bat pony guard named Echo is told by the Mistress that his services aren't needed for some time. Meanwhile a woman named Sunny walks into a bar in the shady side of Canterlot. These two cross paths and deep secrets are revealed between them.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2014-07-31 16:23:07 UTC

Chapter 1: Time Off

“Sister, I DEMAND that you take some time off.” Luna stated.

Celestia smiled as she looked at her sister. “I’m perfectly fine Luna. I don’t nee-”

“Yes. You. Do.” Luna cut her off, staring Celestia down. “You aren’t getting a choice in this.”

“Mm… and what will you be doing during this ‘time off’ hm?” Celestia questioned.

Luna’s eyes narrowed, “Are you accusing me of doing something?” She questioned.

“That depends. Are you guilty?” Celestia said with a growing smile.

“No.” Luna stated. “I don’t sleep with ANY of my guards.”

“I never said anything about that.” Celestia said with a smug and almost victorious grin as she scooted closer to her sister.

Luna looked away from her and muttered something under her breath.

Celestia paused for a moment. “So what’s his name?” She asked.

“I’m not sleeping with any of my guards.” Luna stated.

“Oh my apologies… I meant ‘her’ name.” Celestia corrected with a small laugh.

Luna’s head snapped to Celestia and she stared her down.

Celestia looked like she was about to explode with laughter. “Is she pretty?” She choked out.

“Unlike you I’m not open for public use.” Luna said smugly.

“Oh my apologies, I forgot you’re a woman of the ‘night.” Celestia said before laughing loudly.

“Why… I… M…” Luna muttered, clenching her fist before standing up.

“Oh sister please, I’m only teasing.” Celestia said apologetically.

Luna turned back to Celestia, “At least if I were I’d have more class then to let every male guard on the force call me ‘Sunbutt’.” She said.

“There’s a p-”

“Or Sunflower. Oh, ‘Sunny Sideup’.” Luna continued.

Celestia raised an eyebrow, crossing one leg over the other as she listened.

“I even think the hospital is keeping a record of all the guards with sunburn now.” Luna said. “It’s at least as thick as a small novel now.”

Celestia sat there, silently staring up at Luna. She stood up and started walking towards the door.

Luna stopped and stared at her sister for a moment, “Sister! Wait!” She said, quickly rushing over to cut Celestia off. “I was only kidding!” She said apologetically.

“You’re right, I need some time off. I’m glad I have such a great, caring sister that would rather see me suffer on a beach than let my health fade. Thank you.” Celestia said, smiling at Luna before walking out into the hall.

“I… I didn’t…” Luna mumbled, “I’m…” She sniffled. “S… Sorry…”

Celestia approached one of the guards. “You, I’m taking the day off. Make sure my sister receives the same treatment. She deserves a vacation as well.” She said.

“Yes Ma’am!” The guard saluted.

Celestia turned back to Luna. “I hope you have a great day sister.” She said.

“P… Please c…” Luna mumbled shakily, a few tears running down her cheeks.

Celestia walked back and hugged Luna. “Luna, please don’t cry… I’m not mad.” She said softly. “I really do just want you to be happy… you deserve some time off too.”

“No… No s… someone needs to be here… We can’t leave Blueblood to destroy Equestria while we’re both taking time off…” Luna said, hugging Celestia back.

“I’m sure they’ll manage.” Celestia laughed, kissing the top of Luna’s head.

Luna smiled a little, “I love you so much.” She said.

“I think we need some ice cream. How does that sound?” Celestia said with a widening smile. “Vanilla. With loooots of hot fudge.”

Luna’s smile widened, “That sounds great.” She nodded.

Later on:

A bat pony walked up to the entrance to the main hall in the castle, two bat pony guards were already stationed there.

“Echo, the Mistress wishes to see you.” One of the bat pony guards said, pushing the late comer forward.

“Shut it Wing you aren’t my boss.” Echo said, slapping Wing’s hand away.

“You here that Black? Echo here thinks we don’t out rank him.” Wing laughed.

“Heh that’s funny. So the shit cleaner thinks he’s better then the one’s who actually do a job worth working on.” Black laughed.

Echo growled and walked past them.

“Hey Echo.” Another guard waved.

“What do you want?” Echo questioned.

“Mistress Luna told me to escort you to the throne room.” The guard said.

Echo grumbled and followed the guard.

They entered the throne room and Luna looked up at the two of them. “Dark you can leave.” She stated.

Dark nodded, “Yes Mistress.” He said as he walked out of the room.

“Echo, you’re on leave for now.” Luna said calmly.

“But… I can’t go on l-” Echo was cut off.

“My sister is taking a vacation as am I. Your services aren’t needed for now, I will tell you when they will be.” Luna said. “Now go. Take some time off, you need it.”

“Yes Mistress… I’ll take some time off…” Echo sighed.

“Good.” Luna said, “You can go.”

Echo nodded and quietly walked out of the throne room.

“Something wrong?” Black asked in a serious tone.

“I’m on forced vacation.” Echo said.

“Is that really that ba-” Wing was cut off.

“I was told I to come back when I was told I was needed.” Echo said.

“Oh… Damn…” Black mumbled.

“Well… Goodbye then.” Wing waved.

“Yeah… Goodbye.” Echo grunted as he walked past the two of them and out of the castle.

A short time later he arrived back at his house and threw open the door. He stared at his now spartan apartment and sighed. “Fuck my life…” He groaned. He fell onto the couch and sprawled out on it. “God… What the hell am I going to do tonight?” He asked aloud to the empty room he was in.  He groaned as he laid face down on the couch and tried to go to sleep.

Meanwhile:

Sunny walked into a bar and the first thing she noticed was in the back a few people were having a great time playing pool. It was obvious to her that not all of them were ponies though. One of them had a particularly… different appearance then the rest. She brushed it off as it just being the lighting and strode calmly over to the bar counter.

She noticed one of the men already situated at the bar moved closer to her.

“Something interest you gentlemen?” Sunny asked.

“Yes there is… What’s a very beautiful woman like yourself doing in a place like this?” The man asked with a smile.

“What else would someone be doing in a bar besides getting drunk and hitting on helpless… I mean ‘beautiful’ women.” She said, staring intently at the man.

“Well sorry for trying to be nice.” The man said.

“Most people don’t have to ‘try’. Says something about you...” Sunny joked.

The man chuckled, “So you’ve got a sense of humor then, I like that.” He said, his smile returning.

The sound off the pool balls bouncing off of one another followed by a few loud groans came from the back of the bar.

“Oh come on how is that fair?” A voice said.

“There goes my paycheck!” Another groaned.

“Sounds like they’re having fun back there!” The man beside Sunny laughed. “You look like you could use something to drink, go ahead order anything I’ll pay.” He offered.

“Now you’re ‘trying’ too hard.” She smiled.

The man smiled and shrugged, “Can’t blame me for it.” He laughed, “Now, if you don’t mind me asking what’s your name?”

“Sunny, and yours?” Sunny said.

“Oto.” He said.

Another man sat down on Sunny’s other side, “Hey there.” He said with a smile.

“And who is this charming stud?” Sunny teased.

“I’m Risk.” He said, extending his hand.

“Well you’re sure taking one. Sunny.” Sunny said, shaking his hand gently.

Risk laughed as he took his hand back, “So what brings you to this part of town?” He asked.

Just as Sunny was about to speak she saw the strange man that she saw back at the pool table walk towards her, pool stick still in hand. She watched him casually flip it so the heavier part was now pointing towards the ceiling like he was about to use it as a makeshift weapon.

“Hello.” Sunny said, eyeing the man suspiciously.

The man walked by her and just as she turned around to see what he was doing she heard a loud crack followed by Oto grunting and falling to the floor.

“Ass hole.” The man said as he looked down at Oto.

Sunny’s horn lit up and sent the man across the room.

Oto rubbed the back of his head as he pushed himself off the ground.

“Dude!” Risk said quickly.

“Wha… Oh… Damn…” Oto mumbled.

Sunny glanced at the white powder on the counter. “And what is that?” She questioned.

“Su-” Oto was cut off.

“Drugs.” The man Sunny had sent to across the room said as he stepped back towards them.

“Mm… quite the scene I have walked into.” Sunny said, looking back to Oto.

“You know… I’d be running right about now.” The man said as he calmly cracked his knuckles and glanced between Oto and Risk.

Risk stood up and bolted out the door. Every one heard him yelp before he was thrown back onto the ground just outside the door.

“And they’re here.” The man chuckled just as Risk was hauled to his feet and pulled away from the entrance.

Oto looked up and glanced between Sunny and the man.

“Who’re ‘they’?” Sunny asked.

“Guards.” The man said.

Oto stood up and started to back away.

“And they’re dealers?” Sunny questioned, eyeing Oto.

“Nope.” The man said.

“Users?” Sunny asked.

“No one chooses to use any knock out drug.” The man said.

“Excuse me?” Sunny asked.

“It wasn’t anything like that…” Oto started.

“Suuure. You didn’t just see a pretty woman and decided that you needed to have her all to yourself.” The man nodded.

Sunny’s gaze turned back to Oto, her glare obvious as she looked almost as if she was going to kill the man, the light in the room slightly dimming.

“You’d better let a professional take care of this.” The man said as he laid a hand on Sunny’s shoulder before punching Oto square in the face sending him sprawling onto the floor.

Two night guards rushed into the bar and one of the picked Oto up and put cuffs on him.

The second guard looked up at the man beside Sunny and raised an eyebrow. “What the hell are you doing here?” He questioned.

The man removed his hand from Sunny’s shoulder, “Spending my time off doing something fun.” He said.

“Has this man done anything wrong?” Sunny asked.

“No, he hasn’t.” The guard said. “And he’d better watch himself because I doubt Tiana would want to hear about you getting arrested Echo…”

“Oh? And who is Tiana?” Sunny asked, her gaze switching back to Echo.

“My ‘fiance’.” Echo sighed. “Not like I want to marry her either… God I wish I didn’t have to…”

“Ah after the wedding that won’t really matter.” The guard said, waving his hand dismissively.

“And who is the one forcing him into this marriage?” Sunny asked.

“My parents. It was set up at birth, I didn’t have any say in it.” Echo said. “I really don’t enjoy talking about her.”

“Good luck with that!” The guard laughed as he and the first guard dragged Oto out of the bar.

Echo put his head in his hands and groaned into them.

“From my perspective this is all silly.” Sunny laughed.

“You’re not the only one.” Echo chuckled. He glanced around, “You mind if I sit here?” He asked, motioning to the now empty chair beside her.

“Not at all.” Sunny smiled.

Echo sat down, “It’s great… My first night off in a year and a half and I’m still working!” He sighed.

“Mm well you’re not working now are you?” Sunny asked, raising an eyebrow. “Unless you get paid to hit on women.”

He laughed, “No, I wish.” He said.

The bartender set down a glass of water in front of Echo, “There ya go.” He said as he walked away.

“So what’s wrong with this ‘destined marriage’?” Sunny asked.

“I don’t want to be anywhere near her… Our last meeting ended off horribly and I can already tell that’s how she’s going to be acting all the time.” Echo sighed. “And like I said, I just don’t feel anything close to love for her.”

“Well in my book, that’s not right. You should stand up and say something.” Sunny said.

Echo raised an eyebrow as he looked at her.

“It’s fine… Confidence isn’t for everyone.” Sunny said, glancing over to the bartender. “Another please.”

The bartender nodded and started making her drink.

“Really?” Echo questioned.

“Don’t worry, I won’t judge if you prefer being the…” Sunny started, leaning close enough so her breath was on his neck as she whispered, “Bitch.” She said, extending the word as much as possible.

“God you sound just like my father.” Echo groaned.

“Well you’re making it easy.” Sunny laughed. “You should hear how silly this all sounds. If you’re still listening to your parents then… Mm maybe some of these other gentlemen would like to share a drink.”

“Ha. As if.” Echo said, “Get me something strong.” He said, looking at the bartender.

“Go easy on the kid.” Sunny said, giving a smirk to Echo and the bartender.

The bartender smiled and quickly poured a drink before placing it down in front of Echo.

Echo stared at the drink for a few moments before he downed it, “Gn… Been too long since I’ve even tried drinking…” He mumbled to himself as he shook his head.

“Your parents gave permission right? I wouldn’t want you to get in trouble.” Sunny said in a serious and cautious tone.

“Stop treating me like a kid.” Echo said. “I’m twenty three not twelve.”

“Isn’t the legal drinking age twenty five?” Sunny asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Hm. Oh well.” Echo shrugged. “I think spending the last year and a half of my life trapped in the same two rooms every night constitutes I deserve some privilege.”

“Well whatever you say.” Sunny said.

“You look a little young to be out here drinking.” Echo said.

“I do? And how old do I look?” Sunny said, turning her full attention to Echo.

“You can’t be older then twenty.” Echo said quickly.

“Oh really?” Sunny questioned, eyeing Echo with an absolute serious glare.

“Yeah.” Echo nodded.

“Well what are you going to do about it?” She asked.

“Nothing.” Echo said.

The bartender set a second drink down in front of Echo.

Echo grabbed it and downed it in a matter of seconds. “Ahhh… That was still a little rough…” He grunted.

“So what do you do?” Sunny asked.

“I’m a guard…” Echo said.

“Oh, and what do you guard?” She asked.

“Princess. And no, I can’t tell you anything that I’ve heard.” He said.

“Mm and which princess?” Sunny asked.

Echo remained silent.

Sunny smiled. “Well maybe I should report your good service to the crown to MY superior.” She said, taking a sip of her drink.

“Who’s your superior?” Echo asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Princess Luna.” Sunny said.

“Really?” He asked sounding unconvinced.

Sunny reached into her pocket and pulled out a cell phone, dialing in a number and pausing.

“What are y-” Echo started.

“Give it a moment.” Sunny said, tapping her foot gently on the floor. A few eyes turned to a sudden flash from the door to the bar. It opened softly and Luna walked in, glancing around the bar.

Echo’s eyes widened slightly as he stared at Luna. “M… Wha…” He mumbled.

“Oh Luna!” Sunny called.

Luna turned to Sunny and smiled, striding over gracefully and taking a seat next to the two. “Hello Si- unny.” Luna said.

“H… Hello M…” Echo mumbled.

“Who’s your friend? Did you catch yourself another fish?” Luna teased.

“Mmm he’s too young for me.” Sunny laughed.

Echo sighed, “I just need to shut my mouth more often…” He grumbled.

“It’s going to be hard to drink with it closed.” Sunny said, spanking the visible part of his ass.

Echo stiffened up and stared at her for a few moments, “Gonna be kinda hard to drink if I’m already done. The alcohol isn’t going to help with my problems.” He said, grabbing his glass of water and downing it.

“I’m sure a lot of men have that problem.” Sunny said.

“I was talking about my insomnia but whatever.” Echo said waving his hand dismissively.

“Oh he’s cute sister, can I have him?” Luna said.

Sunny paused before staring at Luna.

“Oh.” Luna said, clasping a hand over her mouth.

Echo coughed and quickly stood up. “I’ve… Got to go…” He said, throwing the money he owed onto the counter and rushing for the door.

“You’re not letting him get away are you?” Luna asked.

“Nope.” Sunny said, standing up and walking after Echo.

She followed him all the way to the front door of his apartment. Celestia, now in her normal state, brushed herself off and knocked.

The door cracked open and Echo peeked out. He remained silent for a few moments, “H… Hi…” He mumbled.

“So you decide to run off on the Princess you are assigned to guard. Do you know the penalty for treason?” Celestia questioned.

“I… It’s not like that…” He mumbled.

“Not to mention underaged drinking, and a list of other offences that I do not take lightly.” Celestia said, her tone becoming more firm and serious.

Echo stared at the ground.

“And now you won’t even let me into your home. I’ll get started on the paperwork immediately.” Celestia said, turning and starting to walk away.

Echo opened the door fully, “I’m…” He mumbled. “I just…”

Celestia disappeared in a flash of light, leaving Echo alone.

He sighed and turned back into his apartment, he closed the door and as he walked back into the living room he saw Celestia standing in the kitchen working on dinner. “What?” He questioned aloud, shocked by what he saw.

“I didn’t know what you liked so I thought I’d make a little of everything you had in your fridge, which wasn’t much so I re-stocked it.” Celestia said.

Echo looked at the food that was scattered across his kitchen. He couldn’t see anymore counter top. “I… What?” He asked again.

“Sit down and dig in, there’s plenty. I hope you don’t mind I invited a friend.” Celestia said as someone knocked on the door.

Echo quickly rushed over to the door and opened it up to see Luna standing there, wearing a party hat with a party blower in her mouth, which she blew shortly after.

“I need a minute.” Echo said as he shut the door and rubbed his eyes.

“Aren’t you hungry?” Celestia asked, peeking out of the kitchen.

“I think my appetite faded after I found out I was hitting on you.” Echo said bluntly.

“Oh, I see.” Celestia said, turning away and walking into the kitchen.

“Wait!” He said quickly, rushing after her.

“Well I’m happy to make your day off the best I can, enjoy your food.” Celestia said calmly, sitting down and crossing one leg over the other.

Echo chewed on his bottom lip for a moment, “I just…” He mumbled.

Celestia stood up and approached him, grabbing his hand gently. “Just sit down and relax. Let someone take care of you… just this once.” She smiled.

He stared up at her and his otherwise pale complexion began to redden significantly.

“Now sit down and get some food in that stomach, Princess’ order.” Celestia said, gently pulling on his hand as she guided him to the table.

“Okay.” He said, sitting down and starting to eat.

“You know, I’m fine if you have feelings for me.” Celestia said softly.

Echo started to choke a little and he looked away from her. His face reddening even more.

“Oh my, you’ve got a little…” Celestia started, smiling as she took a napkin and wiped some food gently off his face.

Echo’s eyes darted around as he was at a complete loss of words for what was going on.

“You look thirsty. Maybe you’d like some milk.” Celestia suggested.

Echo’s eyes wandered over to her breasts.

“They’re very full.” Celestia said.

“Huh??” Echo said, his eyes darting up to hers.

“The container is full, I just got it.” Celestia said.

“Oh.” Echo said, chewing on his lip, “Thank you…”

Celestia walked over to the fridge and poured a small glass of milk, setting it on the table in front of Echo. “Anything else?” She asked.

“Not really…” Echo said as he grabbed the glass and started to drink from it.

Celestia glanced downward, her gaze becoming more coy as she looked up at him before laughing to herself and standing up.

“What?” Echo asked curiously before he looked down to see the little bump that had formed in his pants. His face blanked and he just stared silently at it.

“Size doesn’t matter, take it from me.” Celestia said sincerely.

Echo just shrugged and put the glass down. “I learned something new tonight.” He said.

“What’s that?” Celestia asked curiously.

“You can’t judge something or someone by their first appearance.” He said as he stood up and walked past her.

Celestia stared at him, noticing the small bulge in his pants growing larger. She sat there, tapping a foot gently on the floor as she sipped her drink.

Echo stopped dead in his tracks, “I was just…” He mumbled to himself before he groaned loudly.

“How about you take a seat.” Celestia suggested.

Echo sighed, “Too late not to.” He said as he walked back to his original seat and sat down.

“Well I’m glad you still have ‘some’ pride in yourself.” Celestia teased.

Echo rolled his eyes. “Any other orders or is this the part where I get arrested?” He asked in a half joking tone.

“On the contrary. In fact, I’m appointing you my personal guard.” Celestia said.

Echo remained silent for a moment, “Excuse… me?” He asked in disbelief.

“Unless you have a problem with that position, although I bet you’ve tried all of them.” Celestia joked.

“I don’t have a problem with it!” He said quickly.

“Good. You start next week. Until then, I will have to train you myself on what to do, and what you will BE doing.” Celestia said, calmly drinking from her glass.

“If I can ask… What are my other duties… Other then protecting you?” He asked.

“Serving me, and fulfilling any needs I have.” Celestia said.

“Okay…” He mumbled, taking in a deep breath as he collected himself.

“You have needs too I see.” Celestia said, staring at his still bulging crotch.

“Um…” Echo mumbled.

“Oh, where is Luna?” Celestia asked curiously.

“She-” Echo stopped and stood up before bolting for the door and throwing it open. Luna stood there and Echo noticed she hadn’t moved an inch, blowing the party blower again.

The blower slipped from her mouth as she glanced at his crotch. “Boner.” She pointed out.