Author's Note

HAPPY EASTER!!!

Chapter 14

Celestia followed the snowy view of the broken world and pondered through the unsettling thoughts of her desires, forcing herself to forget the three foals sitting in the back, eating peacefully with her annoying sister taking in the view as the beautiful blanket of white revealed the walls that tower above her. The blizzard was still tearing a new into sanctuary, but it let up enough for her to see what the outside was like. She was less enthusiastic to have Luna with them, as it was one of very few chances she had to spend quality time with Marcus. The need of a mate, however, did not just weigh on the alabaster mare, Luna was in the same boat as her and drifting that sea with a steering course to land in the man's heart.

Nothing could have prepared the princess for her younger sister being so aggressive and direct with Marcus; even she did not expect her ever-so quiet and strict sister to have a less formal personality about her, but she knew it was bound to happen sooner or later when the idea of taking him away from this world came to mind. It annoyed her, so much that she leaned on his shoulder and tried to nap through the entire trip. She always had a knack for falling asleep in a carriage or a chariot, and the truck was no different, save for the rough terrain and engine roaring every time Marcus feels the snow starting to slow him down.

She had been able to keep her instincts contained despite the frustration her sister was giving and she was glad that she had not taken the offensive. She knew it was the same with Luna, a lifetime of loneliness and abandonment with no one to turn too for support and comfort. And now a potential mate that could very well stay for a very long time, Celestia hadn't thought her plan through and felt that she was a failure due to Luna worming her way into their relationship.

Then the last thought she hoped to have hit her like bad cake; what would she do if they were mates but were separated by death? A fate that which cannot touch her, but it could very well take Marcus from her in a heartbeat. Her chest tightened with each passing second of imagining her human passing into the afterlife, leaving her alone and unloved forever. But with fear came another emotion that she rarely felt: anger. With it then came rapid thinking and a determination to prevent that, but could she really find a way and do that to Marcus?

She snorted, aggravated by her own kindness and rubbing her hoof against his leg as the turn onto the highway mesmerized Luna. Marcus was easily distracted by the alicorn's disposition and gazed at her from time to time to see if she was alright. She wasn't though, she was afraid and angry at her sister and Marcus' lifetime being so short. They say to enjoy life with what little time you have, but that was a bunch of hay to her. The understanding of that concept was nothing more than a bandage to cover the wound that grows during your eternal life.

She was going to make it so their lives intertwined, even if it meant using—

It dawned to her, shocked but not expressing herself when it was felt as she remembered the simplest way to keep him. God, did she feel so stupid for not realizing that forever could happen without having to trouble herself with another ritual or expedition for artifacts or runes. She mentally slapped herself for being so ignorant and then nuzzled the man, thus making her little sister jealous and Marcus slightly nervous.

All I need to do is to reverse his age!

"Tia."

Marcus came up to a stop sign and looked to the rear of the car for any traffic behind him, although it wasn't necessary since he was the only person to actually take the old highway. He was worried that Celestia's silence and he knew that she was deep in thought. He could not have her acting so strange while Luna was with them, especially when the foals were starting to notice her behavior.

"Yes, my mate." Celestia cooed with the intention to lick him on the cheek. She nestled in the man's neck when he switch the gear to park and leaned over to whisper. She stole his voice though, a tender kiss to his neck whilst heating the conflict between her sister and herself. She did not have to look back to see Luna was very uncomfortable with her advancement on the man, just the glare she felt on the back of her neck was enough. Luna could not do anything, for the foals took up the middle row and she barely got permission from Marcus to join them while Cadance and Twilight remained at the house to try more of the video games he suggested.

Everyone could imagine Twilight throwing a tantrum due to her greatest weakness now getting the best of her with those buttons.

Multitasking her magic.

"Are you okay?" He asked, leaning closer to close the gap on his favorite mare. He was glad that she accepted his response and decided to return the favor with nuzzling and petting she needed very badly.

"I am just a little bored at the moment," she lied. "Seeing this world as it was the first time I saw it does not intrigue me that much."

"Okay, but just let me know."

Marcus did push the matter any further, feeling that he was not going to get anywhere if he tried to pry the mare of what was eating at her. He was not fooled by the sudden change of behavior, but he knew there were some things that should be left alone for the time being. He checked both sides of the road before putting the truck back in drive, and pushed forward in the foot-tall snow that could very well strand them if he wasn't careful. Thankfully the truck was meant for this kind of weather, built with power rather than speed. He decided to focus on the road and keep his hands to himself whilst controlling the urge that Celestia gave him with her hoof stroking his leg slowly.

He could see a squad in the distance as the alicorn pushed into him a little harder to rest against his shoulder, but the armored men coming into view jolted her mind awake and made her help Luna put an illusion over the truth to hide their appearance as humans. Marcus came to distant stop with his hand firmly placed on his concealed glock, unbuttoning the holster for his own safety before separating from the concerned alicorn that was now holding his hand as he opened the door. That wasn't all that stopped him from leaving the truth; even with his mare having already implied to her fellow ponies that he was very capable of defending himself, they were afraid of something bad was going to happen. Luna was also afraid and latched onto his arm with her magic before he could get a foot out of the car.

"Where are you going?" Both mares asked with concern, turning to glare at one another while Marcus pointed at the squad now focused on him.

"I'm just going to see what is going on," he answered, slipping out of their grasps and comforting the foals when they realized he was leaving.

"Don't go," Nightmare Moon whimpered, tears already building. He hated to see her like this and did what he believed to be right. He leaned around his seat, kissed her on the head and pet her mane.

"Don't worry babies, I'll be right back." He reassured, pointing at the squad again. "Daddy is just going to talk to those nice men and find out what's going on."

"Promise?" Chrysalis said with a stronger demeanor, receiving a kiss as well.

"I promise," he chuckled. "In the meantime, Mommy and Aunty Luna will keep you company."

Celestia cocked her head and pursed her lips at the man, wearing a sarcastic grin on her lips before implying in a curt voice:

"I did not expect things to progress so quickly."

Marcus glared at her.

"I got dragged into this mess Discord made, so yeah, you're mommy."

Celestia sighed and retained her smile. "Why am I not surprised? It's almost as if you're trying to make it so our relationship will be forever."

Marcus grinned right back at her and nodded. "Maybe that's my motive," he implied, shocking her and Luna a little. "What, did you think I wanted a short term relationship of you being here from time to time?"

She had no response, and watched him leave the vehicle as he added in a smug tone:

"I told you I want to be with you, and I meant it for as long as I live."

Marcus left both mares stunned and pushed forward to push through the snow, his grin as wide as it can be whilst looking back to the blushing princess staring down at the floor. He got her right where it struck her most, telling her the truth of his desires definitely hit a nerve he suspected to be there, but he hadn't expected it to have such results. Walking through the snow, his smile became as warm as his thoughts about spending the rest of his life with her. A life that is impossible—that much he was aware, but it did not mean he couldn't dream a little.

It tickled him to think what life would be like to have Celestia as a loving wife and mother.

"Just a fantasy, but a good one."

He did not want to stray from his fantasies or stay away any longer than he has to when the foals were uneasy. He approached the first guard that stepped forward with his weapon holstered at the order of his leading officer. His walk was anything but silent with the hydraulics powering the exoskeleton hissing with every step he took. He stood around seven feet tall with a custom fire-crop paint job done to hide the history his armor had. Marcus was quite impressed that someone could do so well, but this was not the time to be admiring someone's art. Their confrontation started with silence and eyes locked, neither speaking a word whilst the commanding officers stepped to the side and extended his bare hand after removing a glove.

"Marcus," the commanding officer said through his mask, his voice smooth and deeply russian. His hand was taken in handshake, and the retired runner smiled at him.

"Chief Markov," Marcus replied, releasing the handshake but keeping his eyes on the colorful officer still staring down at him. "It's been quite some time since I've seen you. Still giving the recruits some hell?"

Chief Markov, the head officer of the academy and highest ranking squad leader in Sanctuary, a real soldier behind the walls and one of the greatest to be had. Marcus had serious admiration for the elderly brute coming to their city after his wiped out by the infected, and let's not forget that he had the best damn vodka in the entire world. He was a good to Marcus and a great friend to him, probably to only friend that understood him and his reasons for retiring from the business. They were like two peas in a pod as teacher and student, but both of them knew that a runner of Marcus' character could never compare to a brute like Chief. That's why he admired him so much, for his incredible prowess and skill when going to battle.

"Got a new one right here," Chief said as he pat the soldier on his back. The curiosity got to Marcus. He raised an eyebrow at the silent newbie. "His first time patrolling the city, but things got a little interesting during our drive."

"Gotta be careful with those supplies. Name's Marcus by the way," Marcus said, extending a welcoming handshake to the officer until the continuing silence went on. Having no sense of this man being friendly, Marcus turned his head to Chief and nodded, which made the new recruit regret his actions.

"YOU PIECE OF SHIT!" Chief spat, and then cursed in his native language whilst punching the soldier's helmet with his power glove. It definitely rung the guy's bell. "THE NEXT TIME SOMEONE GREETS YOU, YOU DO THE SAME. IF YOU DON'T, THEN I WILL HAVE YOU DOING TOILET DUTY AT WALMART FOR THE REST OF YOUR DAYS!"

"Sorry, did I come at a bad time?" Marcus asked cautiously, moving back a few steps as the new recruit was ordered to go sit in the cargo truck as well as think about showing some respect to his superiors. Markov stopped his yelling at the humiliated soldier and looked back to him, adorning a creepy grin to hide the rage that was just expressed.

"Sorry about that, you know how new recruits can be when they are in armor—think they're big and tough."

"I used to be the same way when I was in the academy. I remember being the same as him when I got my first armor set and started patrolling the city." Marcus finished, applying a hand to Chief's shoulder before having a gander at the cargo that was somehow in a ditch.

"Yes, but I straightened you out," Chief guffawed, putting his hand on the young man's shoulder in return. "I beat the stupid out of you and made you one of the best."

"People say you can't fix stupid, but if anybody can, it's you." He commented, getting another hardy laugh out of the russian and a harsh pat to the back.

"It's good to see you again my friend, but I have to ask," Chief pointed out to the pair of women approaching from Marcus' truck; at least they appeared to be women in his eyes. As for Marcus, his breath was caught in his throat. "Who are those two lovely ladies coming towards us?"

Oh shit. . .

"Marcus," Celestia said calmly, but he could see the neediness in her eyes, as well as Luna's. "We need to get going. The. . .kids are getting fussy and need to have a nap when we return to the house."

"Agreed," Luna nodded, appearing to be a slightly thinner woman compared to Celestia yet with bust that made Markov straighten himself a little. "They refuse to settle unless you are in the truck with them."

"Kids?" Markov questioned for a moment, but the lightbulb came on and he put his young friend in a headlock. "Marcus, you young son of a bitch! When were you going to tell me you had kids! I should make you run ten miles for not telling me!"

"Kind of been. . . busy," Marcus grunted as he waved his hand at the mares to stop them from attacking the russian. They hadn't realized it was something humans do to one another and grew worried as Chief continued to tighten his grip. "Chief. . . let go. . . can't breathe."

"Oh, I'm sorry," Chief said, releasing the man, who was immediately hugged by both alicorns very protectively. The happy attitude of Chief Markov was now ten-fold and Marcus was fearing what he would do. He was well-acquainted with the russian having tendencies of celebration and hoped that—

"Are these two your women?" Chief asked with a cocked eyebrow. Marcus did not get the chance to respond, as it was already done by Celestia and Luna snapping their gazes at the bearded russian and telling him "YES" with proud voices.

Marcus could only slap his forehead and mutter: "That's what I wanted to avoid. . ."

"Marcus, you skinny bastard!" Chief laughed, confusing the royal sisters. "Not just one, but two beautiful women and children of your own. You must tell me your secret, after we celebrate that is!"

"Celebrate?" Marcus, Celestia and Luna said at the same time.

"Yes!" Chief stated. "A celebration for Marcus becoming a man. Tonight we will drink at your place, but first—" He proceeded to approaching the truck, making the three fear the man. "I must say hello to the children. They MUST meet their Uncle Markov!"

"I don't think that's a good idea Chief!" Marcus sputtered, rushing to the truck to stop the man before their secret was discovered. He was too late and fearing for everyone's lives in the middle of seeing Markov stop dead in his tracks after seeing his old teacher stare at the foals.

"Greetings little ones, I am your Uncle Markov." Chief said as friendly as he could. Thankfully the illusion was still working. "I see you have colorful hair as well."

"Please don't find out," Marcus prayed, having the comfort of both princesses as they did the same.

"Why do you have so much fur on your face?" Chrysalis asked through the window, tugging on the facial hair and trying to pull it off. Chief simply pulled away and laughed before turning back to his extremely nervous friend.

"You have three children, which means you have been very busy." The russian brute implied with a wiggle of his eyebrows.

"Yeah, sorry. Being a dad takes up my time." Marcus conceded. Chief rolled his eyes and pat him on the back again, this time knocking the wind out of him, their difference in strength being very obvious to the alicorn sisters.

"It's good to see you Marcus, but time will not stop us."

"Uhh. . . sure. . ."

"And now that I know there are little ones I will be making many visits—starting tonight."

"WHAT!?" Marcus screamed. Chief nodded and proceeded to walk away, having to return to his work before things got out of hand, though he clearly knew it was just a job to kill his boredom for today. Plus he ran out of vodka to drink back at his room and needed a little extra cash.

"See you tonight. And with good liquor!"

And with that, Marcus was left confused and astonished of his old teacher whilst returning to the task at hand. Having no idea what to do or what to say, he got back in his truck and waited for everyone to be buckled in before taking off with Chief waving as they disappeared around a snow drift that covered most of the highway.

"I like him." Luna admitted. "He is a very positive human."

"You only like that man for the fact that he acknowledged you as a lover to Marcus!" Celestia spat, clinging to the quiet man while her sister spat raspberries at her.

"We gotta get the dogs and get back home," he said aloud. "If Markov finds out that I have talking ponies in my house, he's going to flip his shit."

"Who was he anyway?" Celestia asked, staring into the mirror to see her sister pouting in the backseat again. "He was very friendly with you, and somewhat aggressive."

"He was my old teacher at the academy," Marcus sighed.

"What did he teach you?" Luna piped up, curious as all can be until Marcus responded with a low tone in his voice.

"How to kill the infected."