Chapter 1: Happy Birthday! (And Late Birthday)
“Is that a bee?” Celestia asked, staring at the large fist sized insect on the wall of the throne room.
“Why on earth would anyone bring something like… that. Into the castle?” Luna questioned as she stepped back.
“I think he’s just adorable.” Fluttershy smiled.
“Yes… q… quite.” Rarity nodded slowly, hiding behind Applejack.
“How’d yah find a bee that big?” Applejack asked.
“Yeah… I’m wondering that too. And I’m beginning to wonder what’s taking Spike so long with the… other surprise…” Twilight said.
“What surprise would that be?” Celestia asked. “Wait… That’s a rhetorical question.”
The throne room doors opened up and Spike walked in carrying something that was wrapped under a blanket. “It’s done acting up… Finally.” Spike muttered.
“You really love your animals.” Celestia laughed, giving Fluttershy a quick glance.
“Oh um… This one’s solely mine. It took me forever to find the right one.” Twilight said, her eyes moving to the object Spike was carrying. “Well… at least it WAS… And it’s for you Luna.” She said as she turned to Luna.
“Oh?” Luna said curiously as she looked at the object, “What is it?”
“You’ll see. And I know you’ll love him.” Twilight smiled.
Buzzzzzzzzzzz
Everyone looked at the bee and saw it was flying in Spike’s direction.
“OH GOD!” Spike shouted as he jumped back, letting go of the object he was carrying to protect himself.
The object fell with a metallic clatter followed by a loud squeal. Something then darted out from under the blanket and underneath a nearby table. “Oh my.” Fluttershy gasped.
“What was that?” Applejack asked.
A little nose poked out from under the tablecloth, shortly followed by the rest of the head revealing that it was a ferret. It looked around at everyone before ducking back under the tablecloth.
Luna smiled widely and slowly approached the table. The bee landed on top of the table, staring silently up at Luna. She slowly backed off and watched the bee. Everyone saw the bee’s stinger retract, disappearing inside it’s body and leaving it’s black and yellow fuzz.
The ferret darted out from under the table and ran under another one.
Luna glanced at the bee and the ferret’s new location. She took a step towards the new hiding spot. The bee’s wings buzzed to life and it flew to the other table.
The ferret peeked its’ head out and looked up at Luna, tilting its’ head slightly as it curiously looked her over.
Luna stepped back and her horn lit up, a piece of cheese quickly appeared in her hand and she kneeled down and placed it on the ground in front of herself.
The ferret darted up to the cheese and began to eat it. The bee looked down at the ferret and cheese, then back up to Luna.
Luna calmly reached down and scratched the ferret’s head. The ferret picked the cheese up and ran up her arm. It laid its’ food down on top of her breasts and continued to eat as it curled up on her shoulder. “I think he likes you.” Fluttershy giggled.
“And I like him too.” Luna giggled as he scratched the ferret’s head.
The ferret watched as part of the cheese slipped down into the crevice between her boobs. He looked up at Luna.
Luna smiled and her horn lit up, the piece appearing right in front of her new companion. The ferret squeaked happily and grabbed the cheese with his front paws and finished eating. The bee stared at the ferret intently, it’s wings preparing as it looked about to charge.
The ferret stopped eating and balled up the last little bit. The bee bolted towards the ferret. The ferret squeaked and threw the ball of cheese at the bee. The buzzing grew almost frantic as the bee spiraled down onto Luna’s foot. Luna quickly shook the bee from her foot and backed away from it. The ferret hissed down at the bee and stared angrily at it. The bee sat motionless on the ground. Fluttershy brought her hands to her mouth and stared wide eyed at the limp insect. “I don’t know whether to laugh or be concerned…” Dash said quietly.
“Did you kill her?!” Fluttershy asked quickly.
“I wasn’t the one who hit her with a ball of cheese! Blame him!” Luna said, pointing to the ferret.
The ferret shook his head. Everyone looked down at the bee, seeing it was cleaning itself, gently rubbing its’ legs against its’ antennae and body, scooping the cheese off. “I think she was just a bit shaken.” Celestia laughed.
“That’s great.” Luna said with a small sigh.
The ferret jumped off of Luna’s shoulder and walked away from her. The bee crawled up to Luna and stared up at the night princess.
“I’m sorry I kicked you… I’m just a little wary of bees.” Luna said apologetically. The bee crawled back onto Luna’s foot and clung to it. Luna stared down at the bee.
“Oh great. I think it likes you too.” Rarity said.
“It’s not coming into my room.” Luna said.
Everyone heard a loud crash and saw the ferret had gotten onto the table and knocked the cake onto the floor. He stared back at everyone. “Oh you want some attention too.” Celestia chuckled, approaching the ferret and holding a hand out.
The ferret sniffed her hand and stared up at her. “I’m not going to hurt you.” Celestia said softly. The ferret crawled up her arm and rested on her shoulder. “There we go. I can tell you’ll be living here so you might want to get comfortable.”
“Oh so you like your gifts?” Fluttershy asked excitedly.
“Of course we do.” Luna smiled.
The ferret eyed Celestia curiously and he seemed to shift around a little more then he did on Luna. “What’s wrong little guy?” Celestia asked.
The bee on Luna’s foot twitched and rolled off and onto the floor. The ferret leaped from Celestia’s shoulder and ran away from her, curling up in the corner of the room.
“Hm…” Luna mumbled as she looked between the bee and the ferret. The bee crawled over to Celestia and clung to her foot instead, this time seeming a lot happier as it’s wings buzzed a few times.
The ferret darted out from the corner and stopped in front of Luna, staring up intently at her. “I think he is upset you ignored him.” Celestia said.
Luna looked at her sister for a moment before she kneeled down and looked at the ferret. The ferret got on his back legs and attempted to get up to her current kneeling height, only failing miserably. “I’m sorry I ignored you.” Luna said. “And I’m sorry I threw you under the bus… That was wrong of me to do.” She said in a whisper. The ferret stared at her for a moment before climbing onto her shoulder and stretching out around the back of her neck.
“Looks like you also get a free scarf.” Rarity laughed.
Luna whispered something to the ferret and he leaped down from her shoulders and walked up to Rarity. He plopped down in front of her and looked up at her. Rarity stared down nervously at the animal. “Oh… hello there.” She mumbled.
The ferret tilted his head and continued to stare up at her. “What does he want?” Rarity whispered to Applejack.
“I think he want yah to pet him.” Applejack said.
“Oh… I see.” Rarity breathed. She kneeled down slowly, reaching her hand out and patting him on the head. “Good ferret… rat... thing.” The ferret squeaked angrily and charged up her arm, burying himself in her hair and rolling around in it.
Applejack and Rainbow Dash instantly broke out into laughter. Rarity squealed and flailed around, jumping up and running for her life.
The ferret quickly jumped down from her hair and ran back to Luna who gave him a piece of cheese which he happily munched on. She had the biggest grin on her face and looked about ready to burst as she looked back at Rarity. Rarity ran out of the room and slammed the door shut behind her.
“I didn’t make her call him a rat.” Luna said.
“True.” Celestia chuckled, noticing the bee had moved to her shoulder.
“Hm… I’ll name you Kodo.” Luna said as she scratched his head.
“Rather grim don’t you think?” Celestia asked.
“And what would you name a ferret?” Luna asked curiously.
Celestia shook her head. “Never mind.” She said.
The ferret squeaked and shook his head as he stared at Luna.
“Oh you don’t like that name?” Luna asked. “Fine. How’s Nerugui?”
The ferret blinked and closed his eyes. “Is that a yes?” Celestia asked. The ferret shook his head.
“What about Nix then?” Luna asked.
The ferret nodded his head furiously for a moment before curling into a ball on her shoulder. “Now what about you?” Celestia said, glancing up at the bee, who had perched atop her head.
“Shouldn’t you be picking a name and seeing if she thinks it’s right?” Luna asked.
“Yes. I was thinking Astrid.” Celestia suggested. The bee sat silently atop her head for a moment before buzzing a couple times and nestling itself in her hair. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
“It’s settled!” Luna said with a smile.
“Great!” Pinkie shouted, startling everyone in the room.
“Where the… No… No I don’t want to know where you’ve been… I think I’m safer not knowing…” Twilight sighed.
“I am everywhere.” Pinkie whispered. “Including inside you. At least, when you’re asleep.”
“I… what?” Luna questioned.
“So hows the presents?” Pinkie asked.
“I love them.” Luna smiled as she scratched Nix’s head. Nix rammed his head into her head. “That’s not th-” She stopped as he began to rub his head into her hand.
“What’s wrong?” Celestia asked.
“Nothing.” Luna said as she watched Nix. Nix squeaked and balled up again.
“Sooo…” Fluttershy started.
“Hm?” Luna mumbled as she looked up at Fluttershy.
“What now?” Fluttershy asked.
“I was going to head back up to my room for a little bit and let him get settled in.” Luna said.
“Me too. It was great for you all to come.” Celestia smiled.
“It was a good day. I hope you had fun Luna.” Twilight said with a widening grin.
“With all of you it’d be impossible not to.” Luna smiled widely.
“Well I gotta go. Good seeing you, even if it was only for awhile.” Dash chuckled.
“Likewise.” Luna nodded, shortly after walking out of the throne room and up the main stairs towards her own room.
As Luna stepped into her room Nix jumped from her shoulder and ran up to the desk and jumped onto it. He started rummaging through things on the table, obviously curious about his new home. “This is where you’ll be staying. Although, the entire castle is open to you.” Luna laughed, sitting gently onto her bed.
Nix looked back at her and squeaked as he turned around and faced her. “Is that a happy squeak?” Luna smiled, holding her hand out. Nix nodded and then backed away.
“What’s wrong?” Luna asked curiously.
Nix stood up on his hind legs and continued to stare at Luna for a moment before looking at one of the closed books on the table and then back to her. She stood up and approached the book, picking it up and looking down at him. “Did you want me to read to you?” She raised an eyebrow. He jumped up onto the book and the onto her shoulder. Luna laughed and walked back to the bed. She opened to the first page and looked back at Nix. He stared down at the page and his head moved, as if he was looking at each word.
“You can read?” Luna asked.
Nix nodded as he continued to look at the page. He squeaked and then hopped down from her shoulder and ran underneath one of the many pillows on the bed. “Oh really.” Luna chuckled, crawling over to the pillow and peeking under it. She instantly saw he wasn’t under that one anymore. Luna lifted the other pillow up. Nix squeaked as he was uncovered and he balled up. “You don’t say.” Luna smiled, petting the ferret and giggling quietly.
Nix licked her hand before quickly hiding his head again. Luna shook her head and set the pillow back down on him, lying her head down on the other and sighing. Nix squirmed a little before crawling out from under the pillow and onto her chest, he licked her face before rubbing his head against her nose. Luna wrapped her arms around Nix and squeezed him between her breasts, scratching the top of his head gently. Nix laid his head down and closed his eyes. “Nighty night.” Luna said softly as she closed her eyes and drifted to sleep alongside her new friend.
Astrid buzzed rapidly around the room, flying in circles and spinning happily.
“I take it you like your new home.” Celestia smiled. Astrid practically tackled Celestia as she clung to her face. Celestia laughed and scratched Astrid’s back. Astrid flew off and onto the bed, crawling under the covers.
“So you’re tired? That’s perfectly fine after a long day like today I would be too.” Celestia chuckled as she sat down on the edge of the bed. The bulge that was where Astrid was moved and bumped into Celestia’s hip. “Hello there.” Celestia smiled as she looked down at the bulge. The bulge moved towards the edge of the bed and dangled off as if trapped in a net. The covers slowly slid off the bed and bundled up in front of Celestia. Celestia watched the bundle for a moment before looking back to where Astrid was.
“Having fun?” Celestia asked with a small chuckle. A quiet buzzing was heard from inside the bundle of blankets. Celestia looked down at the bundle and her horn lit up, the blankets gently unraveling from around Astrid. “There you go.” She smiled. Astrid stared up at her for a moment before crawling back under the blankets. Celestia laughed and set the blankets back down for her.
Astrid flew up onto the bed next to Celestia and stared up at her.
“Hm?” Celestia said as she looked down at Astrid. “Is something wrong?”
Astrid crawled up into Celestia’s lap and buzzed a few times.
Celestia smiled down at Astrid and gently scratched her head. Astrid crawled and clung onto Celestia’s hand. Celestia giggled a little and slowly brought her hand up closer to her face. Astrid crawled onto Celestia’s head and held onto her constantly flowing hair, riding it like a wave. Celestia began to laugh, “I bet that is pretty fun.” She smiled widely.
Astrid slipped and plopped down onto the bed. She paused for a moment before curling up on one of the pillows.
Celestia laid down beside Astrid, a warm smile on her face as she pulled the blankets up over them. “Sweet dreams.” She said softly as she gently patted Astrid.
The next Morning:
Astrid flew into the throne room, landing atop the throne with the sun and perched on it. Nix slipped into the throne room under the door and started running around the now almost empty room. He stopped as he saw Astrid. Astrid stared down at Nix silently.
Nix slowly walked towards Luna’s throne, his gaze never leaving the massive bee sitting on it. Astrid buzzed down into the seat and watched Nix closely. Nix climbed onto the seat and stared at Astrid. Astrid flew over to the other throne and sat on the arm, staring down at Nix.
Nix squeaked and stood up on his hind legs. He crossed his front paws and stared at Astrid. Astrid raised one of her legs and scratched at the air for a moment. Nix shook his head and got back down before looking away from her. She buzzed and flew down beside Nix, poking him gently with one of her legs. Nix turned back to her. Astrid buzzed her wings a couple times before climbing atop Nix and clinging to him.
Nix squeaked and jumped down from the throne. Astrid held on tightly, her wings buzzing rapidly and pulling the two into the air. Nix squeaked loudly and almost fearfully as he started squirming around. Astrid brought Nix up to one of the balconies overwatching the room and set him down softly, landing next to him and looking over the edge at the view.
Nix looked around with her and plopped down. Astrid crawled closer to Nix and curled up next to him.
Nix squeaked and curled up into a ball. Astrid stared at Nix and tapped him with one of her legs. He peeked out at her and playfully batted at her with his tail. Astrid attached to his tail, tickling it with her antennae and fuzzy body. Nix squirmed around a little and shook his head. Astrid let go and rolled off him, lying on her back and kicking her legs into the air.
Nix rolled her over with his front paws. Astrid stared at Nix for a moment before pressing herself against him and lying down against him. Nix curled up into a ball. The two of them were startled by a quiet laughter.
Nix looked around and his ears moved back. Astrid’s antennae moved slowly and her stringer extended. Nix uncurled and stood up baring his teeth as his head snapped around. Astrid hovered up and floated slowly around the room, searching for the intruder. A moment later she buzzed loudly and plummeted to the throne room floor.
Nix ran over to the edge of the balcony and looked around for her. “Mm hello.” A voice said from behind Nix. Before the ferret had a chance to turn around, the next thing he knew there was no ground below his feet. He fell down and an instant before he hit the ground there was a bright white flash.
Celestia opened her eyes slowly, stretching out on her bed and yawning. “Good morning Astrid.” She said, expecting to hear the sound of her buzzing companion shortly after.
“Good morning.” A feminine voice responded.
Celestia paused for a few moments. “Luna. As much as I enjoy your pranks… this one isn’t all that funny.” She said.
“You two pull pranks? That must be fun.” The voice laughed.
“Who is this?” Celestia questioned. She jumped, startled by a hand on her arm. Celestia turned and saw the naked pony beside her. She had two antennae protruding from her forehead, and two large insect wings folded down her back. Her body was covered in yellow and black stripes along the colored fuzz that coated it. There was also a lengthy tail on her lower back, whipping and slithering slowly around the bed.
“I believe you called me Astrid. That is not my name, but I doubt you could pronounce it.” Astrid laughed dryly.
Celestia blinked a few times.
“Something wrong?” Astrid asked. Celestia also noticed the large yellow rack and black nipples on her chest, along with the bare black slit between her legs that seemed to be one of the only spots on her body that was without fuzz.
Celestia closed her eyes slowly. “I don’t even know where to…” She muttered to herself.
Astrid crawled atop of Celestia and wrapped her arms around the sun princess.
Celestia opened her eyes and stared at Astrid. “You… w… are the bee Fluttershy gave to me?” She asked.
“Queen bee to be exact. Last of my kind…” Astrid sighed with almost a hint of sadness.
“That is… very sad…” Celestia said quietly.
“Oh but now that I’m… Hm.” Astrid started, tapping her chin gently as she thought.
Celestia stared intently at Astrid. “Never mind. That is a thought for another day.” Astrid said, burying her face in Celestia’s chest.
Celestia bit down on her lip for a few moments, “Yes… Another day.” She said. “And now I’m worried that maybe… No… No that’s unlikely…”
“What would you be worried about?” Astrid asked, glancing up at her curiously. “I was talking about sex.”
“Yes. I got that…” Celestia sighed. “And as you said, that’s for another day.”
“Yes. But to my knowledge… You are the only ‘day’ here.” Astrid teased. “Because the sun. Get it?”
Celestia laughed quietly, “Yes… Yes I get it.” She smiled.
“Did you sleep well?” Astrid asked.
“Yes. Did you?” Celestia asked.
“Absolutely. I believe me and Nix are getting along well.” Astrid said.
“Oh? You two were up early then…” Celestia said.
“Mmhm. That’s also when this happened.” Astrid said, squeezing her breasts gently. “I do quite like these.”
Celestia bit down on her lip again and closed her eyes. Astrid’s tail wrapped around Celestia’s legs and clung gently. “I don’t know about the tail though, still a tad strange.” Astrid said.
“That is strange…” Celestia nodded as she scratched her chin in thought.
Astrid’s stinger extended from the end of her tail and dripped a liquid onto the bed that started melting through the sheets.
Celestia stared silently at the stinger. “I believe that is Hydrofluoric acid. It’s a highly corrosive acid, capable of dissolving many materials, especially oxides. Because of its high reactivity toward glass and moderate reactivity toward many metals, hydrofluoric acid is usually stored in plastic containers although polytetrafluoroethylene is slightly permeable to it. I wouldn’t use it on anyone unless they were attempting to harm you.” Astrid said calmly.
“You’ve taken a lot off of Twilight.” Celestia laughed.
“I’ve also found I can do many other things. But again, for a later date…” Astrid laughed.
Celestia chuckled a little as she hugged Astrid. “I wonder how Nix and your sister are doing.” Astrid said.
As Luna woke up she felt a mass of fur brush against her side. “Did you sleep well?” She said aloud, smiling as she pressed her face into the pillow.
“I guess… Did you?” An oddly calming unknown masculine voice said. Luna froze.
“Um…” Luna mumbled into the pillow.
“Oh right. I should be squeaking.” The voice chuckled. “Anyways… How did you sleep?”
Luna yanked her head up and looked at where she assumed Nix would be. She saw a large very furry man laying beside her. His tongue poked slightly out of his lips as he stared at her as if expecting an answer. “Dahh.” Luna mumbled.
“What’s wrong?” The man asked in a concerned tone as he scooted closer to her, his large bushy tail moving up and laying across her almost like another blanket. “You… Oh… Right. I’m different now.” He scratched his chin with his one black furred hand. “Okay… Most direct route. You named me Nix.” He said calmly.
Luna stared at him for a moment before petting his head. “They grow up so fast.” She chuckled, although still a little wary.
Nix licked her hand before clinging to her, he then started rubbing his head into her neck. “Oh you’re… naked.” Luna said.
“So? I have all this fur. I don’t feel like I need clothing.” Nix said as he looked at her. “And they seem so… restricting.”
“Don’t think you will coerce me.” Luna stated.
“What? I was just saying I won’t wear any.” Nix shrugged.
Luna eyed him for a moment. “Alright…” She said.
“What was that for?” Nix asked curiously.
“Nothing.” Luna said, hugging him gently. He shivered and laid his head down on her chest, his eyes never leaving her face.
“You know… Despite what Twilight taught me… I like you more.” He said.
“Oh is that so?” Luna raised an eyebrow, the slightest hint of a smirk on her face.
“You gave me free food.” Nix nodded.
“Well I had planned on letting you starve but…” Luna teased.
Nix blinked slowly. “Mm.” He mumbled.
“I’m joking.” Luna said, tapping the end of Nix’s nose.
Nix licked her face. “Sometimes it’s hard to tell.” He said.
“And just so you know, you’re still welcome in my chambers.” Luna smiled, kissing the end of his nose.
“I was actually worried you wouldn’t want me in here anymore… I mean I-” He cut himself off. “I probably shouldn’t go on…”
“No, you shouldn’t.” Luna said.
“It wasn’t about me more about… things I’ve seen.” Nix muttered before he laid his head back down on Luna’s chest.
“Shh… Just rest. I’m sure the others won’t mind if we sleep in.” Luna hummed, hugging him a little tighter against her cool body.
Nix shivered again and he closed his eyes. “Yes… rest sounds nice.” He yawned.
