Luna's Lament

Andrew awoke to a repeated pressure on his pecs. He cracked an eye open to see his perfect blue alicorn smiling ear-to-ear at him.

“Morning stud.” Luna said with a final poke.

“You were just looking for an excuse to touch my chest weren’t you?” Andrew jested.

“Maybe I was?” Luna blushed, her intentions having been revealed.

“What’s the plan for today?” Andrew asked.

“Unfortunately we must return to Canterlot.” Luna grimaced at the words.

“Why?” Andrew asked, genuinely confused.

“There has been a terrorist attack at the castle.” Luna said, a tear dripping down her face from her tightly shut eye.

Andrew saw this and was up and by her side in an instant.

“What happened?” Andrew asked.

“This is all my fault!” Luna wailed.

“What makes you think that?” Andrew asked without thinking.

“Whoever it was had placed the bomb in my court. Three guards are dead now because of me” Luna sobbed.

“And how exactly is that your fault?” Andrew asked.

“I probably said something to provoke it correct?” Luna looked into Andrews eyes.

“If your world is anything like mine, which it is in some ways, then there are extremist ponies who will take anything you say and twist it to what they want it to mean. When others believe their lies, it creates cults and organizations like the one that bombed the castle.” Andrew explained.

Luna looked up in surprise. Carefully thinking over his words in her head.

“It makes sense, but I still can’t help but feel guilty for the guards.” Luna was overcome yet again.

“They were only doing their job. If you make me the head of your personal detail, I will make sure that the guards are laid to rest with the highest honor.” Andrew took her hoof in his hand and brought her chin up with the other.

“This is a bad time to ask for a promotion” A weak smile made its way across her muzzle.

“Will you let me do so?” Andrew asked.

“It is done. I’ll have you made a Major. Is it the same in your world?” Luna asked through her tears.

“Yes. It is. Thank you Luna. You won’t regret this decision.” Andrew said, beginning to get up.

“No, please. Stay, we can go to another tent if you like?” Luna pleaded.

Never in a million years would Andrew say no. He moved himself and his gear to an adjacent tent. Luna laid down on the bed and Andrew took his place beside her. Luna began to cry, letting her sorrow and guilt drain away. Andrew just lay there with her, her head nestled in his shoulder, his arms wrapped tightly around her middle and shoulders. Andrew occasionally ran a hand through her ethereal mane, it was something that had calmed her down in times past. It seemed to do the trick as her sobs became softer and softer and her chest rose and fell in a slow steady rhythm.

“Andrew?” Luna looked up at him.

“Yes Luna?” Andrew gazed into her beautiful cerulean pools.

“Never, ever leave me. Please promise me that?” She said, tears still dripping from her eyes.

“Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” Andrew smiled down at her.

“I would never leave you for anyone or anypony. That is a promise. I will be with you as long as you want me to.” Andrew said, his voice deep and calming to Luna’s ears.

“I love you Andrew” She buried her head back into his shoulder.

“And I you, my sweet lunar princess” He whispered as he gave her a loving scratch behind her ear.

The ride back to Canterlot was a silent one, with Luna snug in Andrew’s embrace and Twilight snoozing on a nearby sofa. Luna had sent his uniform to a local tailor to have it fixed and have several Major BDU patches made for him and a small jewelry store would make his Major lapel pins for his uniform as well as his Night Guard and Lunar Guard medals. They would be ready by the next day, when Andrew planned to lay the three guards to rest after they gave their lives for their country. Andrew had been to at least seven funerals. One was his best friend from Afghanistan, killed by an IED. The other were fellow Engineers who were killed in ambushes in either Iraq or Afghanistan. In other words, he knew what to do for this occasion. It would be a somber occasion but it was for a better cause.

Meanwhile, a white unicorn brushed a small amount of blonde mane out of his face as he scanned the newspaper.

“I thought you said he was there!” He roared at the figure in the shadows.

“We did our job per your request! Pay up!” He demanded.

“No, you never fulfilled your end of the bargain. No dead human, no bits.” The unicorn said firmly.

“Very well. If we do get him with our next try, I expect double pay.” The shadowy stallion grunted.

“Deal. I’m willing to pay the price to be rid of that foul cheating scum. The fact that he is even in that castle is a disgrace to the entire country.” He scoffed as the shadowy stallion left the room, leaving the snotty unicorn alone with his thoughts.

The train ride back to Canterlot was a somber and quiet one, with Luna and Andrew nestled in each other’s embrace while Twilight sat in her own little corner curled up in a tight ball, snoring loudly. Luna tried to wiggle her head deeper into Andrew’s chest but found she could go no further. She sighed and Andrew looked down at her with a worried look on his face.

“What’s up?” Andrew asked the mare in his lap.

“It’s just been bugging me. Why the Night Court? Wait, the attack took place around midnight, the sacred hour of Night Court, that would mean that both you and myself would be there. Maybe it’s not me I have to worry about.” Luna looked quiten troubled by this,

“I suppose that could be the case. Humans aren’t exactly the most popular species on the planet and I’m certainly only one of two. I also happen to have authority over other ponies, so maybe racism is what we might be looking at here.” Andrew scratched his chin.

“I feared this day would come. Have no fear Andrew, Celestia and I will protect you.” Luna said firmly.

“I highly doubt I’ll need the help but I won’t refuse being with you more often.” Andrew rubbed his nose against hers, making her coo with happiness.

“I love you Andrew.” Luna whispered.

“I love you too Luna” Andrew pecked her on the lips.

“A-andrew? What? Oh Flash...” Twilight moaned between a snore.

Luna looked mortified as Andrew was giggling his ass off as to not wake the sleeping lavender slut from her very wonderful dream.

The somewhat cheerful mood of the day was shattered as soon as they arrived in Canterlot, Celestia was waiting for them on the platform, a somber expression upon her usually cheerful demeanor. To Andrew’s dismay, Blueblood stood beside her, looking as arrogant and pompous as ever.

“That you for coming so quickly sister. I apologize for the suddenness of the event, I hope the Zebricans were not offended?” Celestia asked.

“Fret not, they saw for themselves and understood. They told us to come back again when we want so we can resume our discussions.” Luna stated.

“Princess? Have you been informed of-” Andrew tried to ask but was cut short by Celestia.

“Yes Luna has informed me that you will be the new Major of the Night Guard, as well as heading the funeral for the three deceased guards.” Celestia stated, already knowing what he was going to say.

Blueblood’s eyes went wide as he went to stare up at Celestia.

“Aunty, do you mean to imply that that mongrel of a hairless ape will be leading a service for our service ponies?” Blueblood said incredulously.

“Yes, if you have an issue with such, you can roll it up and shove it where my sun don’t shine! Andrew here is an honorable man and has done similar things in the human world. His customs only differ from our own slightly so I feel he would be the person to do the job.” Celestia said, handing Blueblood’s ass to him.

He made a pouty face and stomped off in disgust.

As he made his way off, he saw the familiar stallion in the shadows.

“I no longer require your services. Take these bits and leave,” He said gruffly, tossing a bag of bits on the ground at the stallion’s hooves. He picked it up and walked away, not uttering a single sound.

“How childish.” Luna said with a hoof in her face.

“Beat me to it love” Andrew let the word slip as Luna and the now present Twilight gasped.

Celestia just gave a wry smile.

“I, um, I mean your majesty.” Andrew tried to correct himself.

“Oh come on now Andrew. It’s no secret, I’ve known since I saw you share your first little moment on that balcony.” Celestia continued to smirk.

Luna and Andrew both blushed a deep crimson and Twilight giggled. She let out a quick yelp after Andrew stealthily reached around Luna and pinched her flank. She glowered at him but knew she kinda had it coming after she tried to seduce him, and by the goddess, she was more into it than Luna had told her to be.

The day of the funeral had arrived. Andrew was dressed up in his refurbished Army dress uniform complete with beret and new gold Major lapel pins. Luna was dressed in her black mourning dress as she stayed close to Andrew’s side as they descended the stairs to the throne room, where the three guards would be put to rest.

“Thank you for this Andrew. You have no idea what it means to me.” Luna whispered as she nuzzled his arm.

“I want ponies to respect and like humans too. I mean, look at Blueblood, typical racist if you ask me.” Andrew sighed in disappointment.

As Andrew entered, the guards stood at attention.

“Presenting her Highness Princess Luna and Major Andrew Carcillo, Commander of the Night Guard!”

The massive crowd of mourners rose for them as they passed by. Andrew sat Luna down in her seat and moved to the podium.

“Please be seated” Andrew said once he had reached his destination.

“I arrived here quite some time ago. How and why I have not an answer in the slightest, all I know is that every pony in this place is here for the same reason I am. To honor and remember the three guards we lost in the terrorist attack 2 weeks ago. After learning their identities, I was grieved to find out that my previous commanding officer, Sgt. Darkbolt was among the dead. I admit, I was always intimidated by him yet I always had a soft spot for him as he did me. The other two I cannot remember as I never worked with them before, however, after speaking with several other guards I can now say that they were heros. Before we lay these ponies to rest, let us salute them one final time. NIGHT GUARD!”  Andrew finished his eulogy and the Night Guard snapped to attention, their hooves coming to their helms as the 3 caskets faded into sparkling golden light and drifted upwards.

As Andrew made his way back to Luna to escort her out, Blueblood approached him.

“What do you wa-” Andrew was stopped mid sentence by a small dagger entering his chest.

“Sic Semper Tyrannis.” Blueblood whispered in Andrew’s ear as he withdrew the blade and Andrew crumpled to the floor.

A loud scream from Luna was the last thing Andrew heard before he faded to blackness.