Bit by The Love Bug

by Winter Silvermane

Rating: teen
Tags: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Other, Romance, Changelings, Original Character, Slice of Life, Sad, Drama
Length: 7037

Will their love be capable of surviving the hostility between ponies and changelings?

Split Second, a pegasus guard, who is famous for... well.. nothing really. He is very clumsy, and very bad at remembering things. He believes that a smile could change the world little by little. Also he is Princess Celestia's personal guard.

Viper Trail, an infiltration specialist. She was sent to Canterlot to help with the impending changeling invasion by gathering crucial information. She is a very cold person, and she thought nothing could get her out of her shell.

They formed a very powerful bond. Love. Will they brake under the pressure, or will their love change the world? Find out in this not-so epic tale about love between worlds.

~ I dedicate this story for those who have not found their true love yet. ~

Published 2016-01-04 03:00:32 UTC
Last updated 2016-01-11 18:34:34 UTC

Invasion of Privacy - Morning In Canterlot Shimmers

Split Second was the second happiest pony in all of Canterlot. Why only the second? He didn't want to outshine Radiance. He was that thoughtful.

He owned a little apartment next to the castle just like half of the guards. He entered into the building, and couldn't contain his excitement anymore.

" Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! " He was jumping all around the place. On a sudden thought he went into one of the larger rooms. On the wall just opposite the door there was a world map. It had blue and red pins on it in different places.

If ponies wandered into this room, they would think, that they walked right into a conspiracy theory, or something crazy like that. It was nothing like that. The red pins were for the places he already visited, and the blue ones were for those he wished to visit. It was sort of like a bucket list.

" I wonder if Viper likes travelling. Maybe we could travel around the world, but that is for tomorrow. Good night map! " He checked on the map almost every day. To see how far has he come in achieving his lifetime goal.

He went into his bedroom, and put his armor on the pedestal. He carefully examined his armor. It had to be perfect all the time. Although his helmet was missing. He hoped the Commander won't give him a whole speech about what it means being a guard, and how is the armor part of him. He could almost remember the whole speech, as he heard it at least five times before.

He jumped straight into bed, as he was quite exhausted after the long day. On his bed there was two stuffed pony. He just simply couldn't live without them. Both plushie were characters from his favorite comic book called Endless Voyage. One of them was the most notorious pirate called Helix, Captain of The Maiden's Grief, and his eternal love, Lady Lightbeam, The Seeker of Faith. He found it quite romantic, that despite they belong to two different world, and they tried to kill each other countless times. In the end they still found happiness together, even though they died in a horrible way, but at least they were together in the end. It was a really sad and depressing end for an epic adventure.

" Good night Helix. Good night Lady Lightbeam. "

" Ugh... "

" Huff... huff.. "

" Argh! I can't sleep. " He was so excited about the whole marriage thing, that he just couldn't sleep properly. He looked at his clock. It showed 1:07.

Instead of sleeping he decided he will use this time to for something much more productive. He was at his desk, and he was writing furiously. What was he writing? Well, of course his fanfiction. It was about a pegasus stallion - totally not him -, who fought against the forces of evil using the power of friendship. From manticores to dragons there was no one, who could topple this hero, and stand against his undeniable charm.

Split Second was snoring lightly on his desk. His drool covered the paper he wrote on. He was awakened by his rude alarm clock. With the agility of a cat he jumped up quickly. Crashing into the ceiling, then with a 'thud' he landed on the floor. He looked up, down, left, and right, but he did not see the enemy. Suddenly his eyes were on the alarm clock. He turned it off.

" Oh... my bad. False alarm, Captain. *yaaaaaaawn* Ugh.. I wish I could sleep more, but alas, Equestria needs me! For Equestria! " With the ferocity of a thousand tiger, he charged out of his little apartment. A minute later he returned, while having a sheepish grin. " I almost forgot my armor. What would have Celestia think of off me, if I were to walk around naked in the castle? I would die in embarrassment. " Somehow he forgot to realize, that ponies are almost always naked.

He was flying in the castle, while eating his breakfast, which was nothing more, than a really big carrot, that he got from the market. It was fresh, and crunchy. Soon a very angry voice echoed through the empty halls.

" First Lieutenant! " Hammerhead was shouting at him as loud as he could.

" Good morning, Commander! " He waved at him, while still airborne.

" Aren't you forgetting about something? " He was prepared to shout him off the sky if needed.

" Hmmm.... " He was thinking very hard. " Yep! I knew there was something wrong. I didn't tell anypony the good news. " He landed in front of the Commander. He was right in front of his face. " Last night I asked Viper... the big-big question. She said yes! We are going to be married! " He used his very bright happy smile on Hammerhead.

" I thought you are going to say something embarrassing, but this is good news. Congratulations. " Hammerhead patted him on the back. " I know that you are really happy right now, but remember! You are a guard pony. So, please leave the celebrations after the Royal Wedding. Repeat after me. I am a guard pony, and I take my duties seriously. " Hammerhead thought that if the classical shouting don't work on him, maybe he should just use a different approach.

" I am a guard pony, and I take my duties seriously. " Split Second felt energized by this. He really was feeling the responsibility. " Don't worry, Commander. I got this. " Instead of flying he just ran off without another word.

" Princess Celestia's room is on the opposite way. " Hammerhead just sighed.

" Ops.. my bad. " He ran past Hammerhead again.

He was running so fast, that he couldn't stop himself to crash into a pony when he turned left. He crashed into Princess Cadance.

" Sorry, Cadance. I didn't see you. " He smiled at the mare trying to hide his embarrassment.

" Watch where you are going! " She said it with the most arrogant tone she could muster. " That's Princess Cadance for you, commoner. "

" Cadance, you won't believe me what happened. I finally asked Viper to marry me. She said yes! Can you believe it? " He clearly ignored the 'commoner' comment. He was just so happy, that on a sudden impulse he hugged the Princess.

" Get off me you filthy.. wait... " A sudden realization hit her. " Viper, as in Viper Trail? " She was now clearly intrigued. " Tell me everything about this Viper Trail. " Split Second failed to realize the sinister tone in her voice, or the shining green eyes she had for a second.

After a really long talk they just had to part away. She had to get dressed for her wedding, and he had to see Celestia before the wedding. He was just going towards Princess Celestia's private chamber. He was thinking loudly.

" So I hugged Celestia, and Cadance, that means I'm two princesses ahead. Eat that, Pinkie Pie! I only need to hug Luna, and I will be the King of Hugs! Huahuahahuahua! " He was trying to imitate an evil laughter, but failed horribly at it. He sounded like a seal. The guards who were around him started to slowly back away. They whispered something about, that he clearly lost his mind.

Without knocking he barged in to the Princess's room. The guards posted in front of her room just groaned in annoyance. How could Split Second be this rude towards Princess Celestia? Does he have no respect for her? To tell you the truth. He respects her more, than anypony else. That is why he does everything in his power to act as casually as he could around her. He wants her to feel like, if she was just a simple pony, with simple problems. Not a magical alicorn princess, who ruled over an empire for a thousand year. It is a sad, and lonely position.

" Good morning my little pony. I was just expecting you. " Princess Celestia was just as graceful as usual.

" Good morning Celestia. Viper said yes. It's official! We are going to be married." He tried to stifle his yawn.

" That is most wonderful. I wish for the both of you a very happy, and long marriage. " She smiled gently at her subject. " I'm afraid my duties are going to occupy me for the whole day. Don't forget to remind me to talk about the details of your wedding. I also invited my sister to our little get together. I hope you don't mind. Luna will bring the cake this time. " After she said those she became very serious. " As you know I entrusted you with a very important task. Do you remember? "

" Yes. I will be guarding the Elements of Harmony as you requested. " He wanted to say a lots of thing, but this time he didn't speak up. Clearly he wanted to take his duties seriously. He was a guard after all.

" They must not fall into the hooves of our enemies. Even if they can't use Elements. It will be devastating for Equestria to loose them. I will entrust you with this key." She levitated a golden key, that looked like a unicorn horn. " This key can open the vault if something happens to me, and the Elements of Harmony has to be used, or if they have to be taken to safety. Only you and me can open the vault. Are you sure, you will guard this key as if the fate of Equestria depends on it? "

" Do not worry, Celestia. I'm a professional. Not even manticores, or dragons could deter me from my path. I will guard the Elements with the ferocity of a thousand tiger. Raaaawr! " He grabbed the key.

" Thank you. " She eased the seriousness in the air with a small smile. " You should be on your way, then. I have to prepare myself before wedding. Oh, and don't worry. I will smuggle out a few slices of a cake for you. "

Not everypony was in good shape during the morning. Viper barely slept during the night. Her eyes were puffy thanks to how much she cried. She was looking at herself in the mirror. She was in her natural changeling form.

" Alright, Viper. Everything will be fine. The invasion will go just as planned, then you will have a really long talk with Split. Maybe at the end of they day he won't completely hate you. Maybe. " She turned her head to the left. " Great. I'm talking to myself. I'm going to be just as insane as the other infiltrators. Get it together girl! Come on! Embrace your persona! " She changed into her disguise.

As she was cleaning out her house completely, so there won't be any evidence left. She found tulip petals randomly throughout the house. Viper smiled knowing why they were there.

But... something was not right. On one of the petals she felt something. The presence of an another changeling. A very familiar changeling.

" What are you planning? " She narrowed her eyes.

The flower shops were the first ones to open in the morning, as many restaurant bought fresh flowers from them. The flower mare, who helped out Split Second yesterday just put the open sign on the door, when her first costumer arrived.

" Good morning! How can I he-- " She couldn't finish the sentence, as Viper punched her in the face really hard, that effectively knocked the mare on the ground.

" Woah. You hit me really hard. " She massaged her aching jaw. " So... you remember me, and here I thought you infiltrators were above remembering us commoners. " She stood up. " How can I help you... sister? " She said it with as much venom as she could.

Instead of answering. Viper put the closed sign on the door, then closed all the shutters.

" You were careless. I found your presence on the flowers. You knew well he was allergic to flowers, but still you gave him some. You probably wanted to ruin our night. Am I right, or am I right? That's low even for you. Why are you here, Vapor? " Viper's voice was just as cold as the howling northern wind.

" I was just looking after, my twin sister. " Vapor was looking so sincere. Viper could almost believe her. Almost. " I heard rumors about you. You being with a pony. Preposterous, I know, but I had to see it with my own eyes. Oh girl, he is totally in love with you. I felt it. There is only a slight problem with that. You are essentially a monster, and he as a guard pony should hunt you down. You see the irony? " She laughed.

" I only tell you this once. Stay the fuck out of my life. I know you well enough. You are not a kind sister. You are a backstabbing bitch. After what you did to us... to me!!! " Viper was so angry, that she hit her again, again, and again. " I promised mom, that I won't kill you for what you did, but.. remember this warrior. As an infiltrator I could make your life a living hell. Do not cross my path again. " Viper was about to leave, but she turned her head back, and sent a final glare at her sister. " Don't you dare coming near him, or mom has to bury another one of her daughter. " Viper just left the flower shop. Leaving a very furious Vapor behind.

" That arrogant bitch. I will tear your world apart bit by bit, and I'm going to start with your little boyfriend. Ahahahahahaa! " Vapor was laughing like a maniac.

The morning went by really quickly. Viper completely cleared out her apartment. There was two soft knock on the door followed by two stronger ones. She opened the door. In front of her was a changeling in pony disguise. It was quite an amateur copy. She saw several flaws, that was just screaming fake. She tried to ignore these facts, as it clearly didn't mattered anymore.

" Message from the Queen. Ahem. Thanks to your connection to the guards our invasion will go smoothly, but there is one last critical task I'm going to give you. I am aware of your interactions with Split Second. Use your influence on him, and make him giving us the Elements of Harmony. That is your order. " He said it in a monotone voice.

" What? " Viper hoped she just misheard the whole thing. " Repeat the message. "

" Thanks to your connection to the guards our invasion will go smoothly, but there is one last critical task I'm going to give you. I am aware of your interactions with Split Second. Use your influence on him, and make him giving us the Elements of Harmony. That is your order. " He repeated it without a problem.

" Do I get a help in this? Any reinforcements? " Viper was feeling sick. She had a knot in her stomach.

" The Queen could not provide you with assistance at the moment. Our forces are busy enough dismantling the city's defenses. Those heavy ballistas could have taken out our whole invasion force. Good thing the pony you charmed had a really big mouth. Your reinforcements will arrive as soon the shield is broken. "

Just as he said those words. The wedding bells started to ring. They both looked at the direction of the castle.

" The first phase has begun. " Viper said silently. Forgive me Split.

Author's Note

Sorry about the short chapter. I really wanted to separate the invasion from the rest of the day. Prepare yourself for the Invasion of Privacy part 2.

The First Step On A Long Road

Split Second yawned. It wasn't a particularly interesting yawn. The place where it occurred made it very special. He was in the middle of the all day long meeting before the Royal Wedding. Every officer were cramped into the war room. He stood next to Princess Celestia as always. That is when a very powerful feeling got a hold of him. He tried to put his hoof in front of his mouth, but it was too late. He yawned in a very hard, and rude manner. I swear even the figures on the table moved. Everypony looked at him. Commander Hammerhead just facepalmed at this while shaking his head.

" I hope I didn't bore you to death, First Lieutenant. " The Commander hoped, that the glare he sent his way will prove to be effective.

" No, of course not. " He just laughed lightly because he was embarrassed, knowing he just yawned in front of Princess Celestia. " I was... *yawn* helping Viper yesterday moving her little stand out of the way, so the guards could make a checkpoint in the market area. Before we realized it was almost night time so I thought. Why don't we go to the park and enjoy the clear sky? So we went to the park. It was a really beautiful night. Celestia could you thank for your sister in my name? Viper loved it too. " The guards groaned in annoyance as he just casually called her Celestia. He always did that.

" My sister will be pleased, that ponies enjoy her beautiful night. " Princess Celestia smiled gently at her bodyguard. Many don't know, but she chose her own bodyguard. Whoever gets this job will be automatically put into the rank of First Lieutenant. What they also don't know that, she becomes very intimate with her bodyguard. Not that kind of intimacy. She wanted him to be her friend. That is why she allowed him to call her simply by her name instead of Your Majesty, or Princess. Not even Twilight called her just Celestia.

The requirements of being her personal guard? Do not fret in her presence, and speak freely. Split Second had these two traits pushed to the maximum. Sometimes he went overboard with it, but she never complained. It was quite refreshing in her mind. Ponies always spoke to her in a very respectful way. Sometimes she just wanted to be a pony like everypony else. It is a tradition she used ever since she was all alone after the banishment of Luna. Technically she would never need a bodyguard, as she was capable of defending herself. They were defending her from loneliness.

" Where was I? Oh.. I know. The park. So we were there for many hours. I then realized, that we will have this super important meeting today, so I then walked Viper back to her home. Which is funny, because she lives in the opposite side of the town. " He was just going on and on. The guards were trying to hold themselves back not to murder him. They thought Princess Celestia actually enjoyed torturing them, that is why she chose the most annoying pony. Because he was with Princess Celestia almost all the time, he was there for the meetings, the court, and absolutely everywhere. He always did something embarrassing.

" I apologies for interrupting your line of thought, but I think you forgot something my little pony. " Princess Celestia spoke softly.

" Oh? " Split Second looked at her questioningly.

" If I remember correctly you wanted to bring Viper to a very special place, because of a very special occasion. " She winked at him knowingly.

" Oh! Oh.. the date! Oh, I remember know. " He was about to leave her side, then he quickly stopped. " Excuse me can I leave a little earlier? " Everypony face faulted at this. The nerve he had.

" Hmm... let me think.. " Celestia looked around the room. Every guard in their mind chanted 'please, say yes'. " I think we covered everything. The meeting is adjourned. " A collective sigh of relief was heard. Except for Hammerhead, and Midnight Impact who had sweet drops on them.

" Thank you! " Split Second was so happy, that he hugged the Princess. Everypony tensed at the sight. They thought he just went over an invisible line. Surely the Princess will punish him for this. Celestia just laughed lightly at this display of affection, and hugged him back gently.

" Please send my regards to Viper, and have a good evening. " She spoke to him in a motherly tone.

" We will. Thank you! " He dashed quickly in the direction of the door.

" First Lieutenant! " Hammerhead's harsh commanding voice stopped him before he could open the door.

" Yes, Commander? " He looked back.

" Remember! No flying in the castle, and for the love of every deity don't forget about the flowers! " He hoped by warming him, he will be much more careful.

" The flowers? Yes! I forgot to buy flowers! Thank you, Commander. You are awesome. " He quickly flew out of the room, and through the castle.

" Wait! No... " Hammerhead just sighed. " Every time. " Midnight just patted him on the back.

He just arrived in time. The market was closing. Ponies closed their shops. He quickly flew towards the flower shop. Just in time, when a mare wanted to put the closed sign on the door.

" Please, please, please wait a little. " He gasped for air, and leaned on the door. The flower mare shook her head in disbelief.

" Split Second, are you sure you want to buy flowers? " The mare just simply sighed.

" Yes! They will be for Viper. It will be a very special occasion, so please give me your most beautiful flowers. " He said it so fast, that the mare barely understood what he said.

" Oh? For Viper? She clearly must have caught your attention if you are willing to buy flowers for her. Alright, I will help you out just this once. I just need a little time. You should go to the park, because your "gang" is there, and they should really go home. I will be there with your flowers. " The mare smiled. She was happy, that she could help him out.

" What are they doing there this late? I will be there at once. " The park was just next to the marketplace. The sun was setting at a fast rate. The last rays covered the land in orange light. Split Second pulled off his helmet. His shocking pink mane was free again. Many pony would have hated to have this kind of shade of pink, but he loved it. Pink was his favorite color. In his mind it matched his electric blue eyes, cheerful personality,and undeniable charm. His cutie mark completely reflected upon his personality. It was a sun similar to Princess Celestia's cutie mark, but he had a pink heart in it exactly the same color as his mane was.

Soon foals run to him at high speed. They all wore armor and helmet made out of cardboard. Fillies and colts alike tried to imitate him. They were rather adorable. Split Second was proud of them. He really loved children. They swarmed him really quickly, and started to ask him questions in rapid-fire.

" Yes, I was with Celestia. No, I still don't know what kind of shampoo is she using, or I would use it myself, trust me. " He tried to answer as many questions as he could. " Alright, alright. Settle down my little ponies. " It took a while, but they stopped asking questions.

" What are you doing here? It is almost night. " He tried to use some kind of commanding tone. He failed horribly, as the children in front of him just giggled. He pouted slightly at this. Soon a pegasus filly called Radiance stepped forward. For this filly her center of the world was Split Second. She wanted to be just like him.

" Well.. we wanted to go the castle to see Princess Cadance, Twilight Sparkle, and her friends, but the guards didn't let us in. So we came here to play as guards. It was really fun. We formed two teams. Night Guards and Royal guards, and we were chasing after these flags, and..- " The filly said before Split Second interrupted her.

" Alright. I get it. " He smiled at them. " Come on! Group hug! " Literally foals swarmed him.

" How about this? You go home, and tomorrow be good little ponies. After the wedding I might just ask them to meet you. If they say no I will annoy them 'till they say yes. "

" YAAAAAAAY! " The sheer magnitude of their voices was enough to push him back slightly. After saying goodbyes the park was empty except for the cardboard pieces that they left behind. Only one filly remained, who was looking shyly at the ground.

" Radiance, what are you waiting for? Is there something wrong? " He was asking very sincerely. Said filly just gave him a nod. " Come on. Sit with me on the bench. " He walked to the bench where he and Viper usually sat down.

It gave the perfect view for watching the sunset. He sat down in completely silence. Soon the filly sat next to him. They were looking at the sunset for a few minutes before the filly finally started speaking.

" My sister. She applied to the weather factory. She will be a weather engineer. She is so smart, beautiful, and she is a very good flyer. I wish I was more like her. " Split Second just let her speak freely without interruptions. After a few seconds she continued. " I'm such a letdown. I don't even have my cutie mark. All of my friends already got theirs. You helped me so much. I can fly although barely. " Small tears appeared in her eyes.

" You might not be able to fly properly right now, ... " The filly started sobbing lightly. " ... but you will be a great flyer one day. I can see that. " Radiance looked at him with watery eyes. " How about this? " He put his helmet into her hooves. " You keep my helmet, and when you join The Royal Guards, or The Night Guards you will be giving me yours. A fair trade. "

" B-but.. I thought only colts can become guards. Is it not the case? " She looked at the helmet as if it was the greatest gift she ever received.

" It might be true, but I believe you can change the world if you work for it. " The filly smiled. She had a very big smile on her face, because she was the happiest pony in Canterlot right now. Her hero just said, that he believes in her. Radiance was so happy, that she tackled him with a very powerful hug.

" Alright. Alright. " He gently patted her on the back. " Now go home before your parents will be worried sick about you. You don't want that, do you? "

" See you tomorrow. " Radiance grabbed the helmet, and went home.

" You are really good with children. " The flower mare came forward from the shadow of a tree.

" They just need a little love. Some need more, some need less, but they need love nonetheless. " Despite being clumsy, and not the sharpest spear in the barracks. He know how to world works.

" Viper is really lucky having you. " The mare said silently. " I brought you a bouquet of red and yellow Tulips. I hope she will like it. "

" Thank you. How much do I owe you? " He inspected the flowers. They were very beautiful. He hoped that Viper will like them too.

" Nothing. It was my pleasure. " She sat down next to him. She was looking into his electric blue eyes. " You know. If things not work out between you and Viper. There might be other mares who would like to go out with you. " Her tail swayed back and forth gently. She very slowly started to scoot closer to him. She wanted to lean closer to stole a kiss, but he stood up before it could have happened.

" It's getting late. I should go. Have a nice evening. " He put the bouquet into his mouth, and flew straight up into the cool night. He thought he heard a 'GAH! I almost had him!'

Split Second flew for about a minute before he felt there was something wrong. In the back of his mind there was a nagging feeling he couldn't shake. Holding the bouquet in his mouth might not been the best decision he made. Soon his nostrils were filled with the sweet scent of Tulips. Realization hit him hard. He was allergic to all kind of flower. How could he forgot something that crucial? Well.. Split Second maybe not the sharpest spear in the barrack, but his heart is in a good place. His good heart didn't help to evade the sympstons. Without warning he sneezed very hardly, and the bouquet was gone. He had enough hold on the situation to make a perfect crash landing. His specialty. Thanks to his unbelievable luck he landed in front of Viper's house. His graceful descent made enough noise to act like he would have knocked on the door.

The door slowly opened. In front of his eyes an angel appeared. An ultra pink pegasus in a black dress. Her dress was hugging her body perfectly. Showing her curves completely. Her charcoal mane was made into a bun with the help of two hairpin. She wore diamond shaped earrings. Blood red eyes shone in the dark. She had only a little make up on her face. Purple eye shadow and lipstick.

" Woah. " Split Second was speechless. His allergic reaction also helped with it.

" S-stop saying embarrassing things! " Viper stuttered while blushing furiously. She realized something really fast. The pegasus stallion in front of her had puffy eyes, and was sneezing heavily. Also his mane was full with Tulip petals.

" *sigh* What happened this time? " Viper giggled. She couldn't contain her laughter.

" I forgot I'm allergic to flowers. " He rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment.

" Of course you did. " Viper rolled her eyes. " It looks like you won't be able to bring me to that.. what did you say? Ah! I remember. The most expensive place in Canterlot, where you could watch the beauty of the night, and I saved up all my money just to take you there for a date. "

" Do not worry my lady. I, Split Second... your knight in shining armor - which I may add I polished like four times to be extra shiny - will lead you to the fanciest of..- " He couldn't finish the sentence, as he sneezed again. His nostrils were clogged, and could only breath through his mouth.

" No no no no no. You are clearly not fine. Come inside. " She opened the door fully. The stallion just stood there. Nothing indicating that he would move in any time. " What are you waiting for? "

" Well... I was never in your home before. I thought this was like a sanctuary for you. "

" It is, but we are together for like a year right know. I think you earned the right to come inside. If you don't come I will smash the door into your face, and I will drag you inside. "

" Yes, Ma'am! " He made a mock salute. Viper just hit him in the face with her tail as she walked inside.

As Split Second walked in he expected.. well he never really thought about what he would find inside her home. He could summarize it in one word. It was plain simple. Nothing fancy, or extraordinary. Only the bare minimum. Although in one of the room he found something amazing. It was full of the paintings she used to sell in the market. This was normal. What wasn't normal, that green goo covered one of the corners. He slowly approached it. Armed with the curiosity of an explorer he touched the green go. His hoof immediately got stuck in it. No matter how hard he tried to pull back.

" What are you doing? " Viper appeared in the door. As she looked at him, she saw the green goo. Only one thing came to her mind. Fuck. I'm so screwed.

" I never knew you were into this kind of art. I always thought you are the painter type. " Now both of his front hooves were trapped.

" Yeah, sure. " Phew. Nice dodge. " I always tried to explore different kind of arts. Let me help you with that. " She approached him. It would be the perfect opportunity to put him under her spell. She looked into his eyes. He smiled warmly at her. It melted her heart completely. She couldn't just turn him into her slave. No matter how tempting it was. " The trick is that you have to be very slow. Feel it around your hoof, and as it retracts very gently pull your hooves back. " Not a minute later with a 'plop' he was free again. " Wash your hooves very thoroughly, and use soap! "

" Yes, Ma'am! " He snickered as Viper got angry because of this.

" Stop calling me Ma'am! I'm not like my mother. " She pouted slightly.

" Speaking of mothers. " He shouted from the bathroom. " Mom wants to meet you again. She asked me if I could bring you to our traditional Heart's Warming festival at Rainbow Falls. "

" Wait. Your mother asked me to accompany you? Last time we met she called me a harlot. " She shouted back.

" It was just a joke. I think. "

" She also said I'm going to steal your soul using witchcraft. " She deadpanned.

" The only thing you stole was my heart. " He laughed lightly as he was expecting a certain reaction.

" S-stop saying embarrassing things! " Viper's cheeks were fully red.

" Oh.. I really love when you are stuttering. It makes you look cute. " He said with the biggest smile he could afford without injury.

" J-just.. just shush! " She gave him a quick peck on his lips to shut him up. " How was your day? " They sat down in the kitchen. Viper brought hot tea for both of them.

" Well... It was rather boring. I mean sure I need to remember that, there will be double.. no.. triple patrols, and the gate will be closed, or we brought out the heavy ballistas to bring down the sky if needed. Also the wedding will be totally unprotected, which many of us protested against. " Without realizing he spilled everything to the enemy.

" Why will the wedding have no security? " She already knew, but she had to ask it. She sipped into her tea.

" Oh.. you know how Cadance don't want guards at her wedding, so I will be staying in a different spot. " He tried to drink his tea, but it was burning hot, so he decided against it.

" You are Princess Celestia's bodyguard. It doesn't seem to be logical not to be next to her during the wedding. Where will you be posted then? " She hoped he will be in a relatively safe position.

" I will be guarding the Elements of Harmony! " He almost shouted if Viper didn't put a hoof on his mouth.

" Not so loud you big dummy. " Despite scolding him again she smiled at him. He was always like this. Being loud, and clumsy. Not even suspecting that his date is a changeling who will use this information against him. " Wait a minute. " She narrowed her eyes dangerously. " You will be guarding six mares? Six very beautiful mares? " Her voice was so sweet, but it was filled with the venom of jealousy.

" O-of course not. " He stuttered very heavily under her very powerful gaze. " I-I will.. b-be guarding the necklace thingies. " Split Second could almost felt like she was choking him to death with her eyes.

" Oh... " She blushed lightly at the thought of how jealous she became very sudden. " Sorry.. I just thought. Never mind. So you will be guarding the boring jewels all day long? " Viper was somewhat relieved, that he won't be staying next to beautiful mares all day long. She should have been more thankful knowing he won't be there where the heavy fighting will be.

" Yep. " He said it in a very happy tone. " I will try to.. get away with a few slices of cake If I can. "

" I don't think that the Princess will approve your sugar high lifestyle. " Viper already knew, that he and Princess Celestia both had a craving for pastries. They both laughed at this. Soon a very awkward silence was between them.

" Listen, Viper. There is something I wanted to tell you. " He was suddenly very serious. It made the mare nervous. " I wanted this night to be special. I'm sorry it didn't turn out as I wanted. "

" Don't worry. I only wasted few hours getting into this dress, and making everything perfect. " Although she joked. She was getting very nervous with every passing second. Please don't ask me that. Not know. Not before the invasion.

" I don't know how to say it properly, but... " He pulled out a small box under his breastplate. He slowly pulled off the top part of it. In the box there was a very beautiful silver pendant. It looked very expensive. Her cutie mark was engraved on it. A viper coiling around a dagger. " Viper Trail, will you marry me? "

" Oh.. god! " She put her hooves in front of her mouth. For the first time in her life she was speechless. Her eyes were fixated on the pendant. Made by a pony who must have loved his/her job to put his/her whole heart into making it. She liked it. It was so beautiful.

" Viper, are you alright? " He was worried now.

" S-sorry. It was just so suddenly. I need a few minutes to gather my thoughts. I'm just speechless. " She breathed very hardly.

" Oh.. okay. Just take your time. " He was relieved the she didn't say no. At least not immediately.

She got up, and started pacing around nervously. She was conflicted. Her duty was to serve the Queen, but her heart belonged to Split Second. She just couldn't choose between the two. It was impossible.

After tormenting herself for an eternity. She finally decided. Viper walked to him, then quickly pulled him close just to give him a very passionate kiss. " Yes, I will marry you. " Please don't hate me for what I will do tomorrow. I hope the invasion turns out as we expected. Maybe the Queen will allow us to marry.

" Wooohoo! I cannot wait to tell Celestia about this. " He quickly remembered something. " Oh. The pendant. Open it. "

" Another surprise? " Viper grabbed the pendant, and slowly opened it. Inside there was a picture. The picture was taken when they were at Rainbow Falls. In front of the waterfall. In the picture they both had a small smile on their faces. She remembered this picture. This was the moment when she completely fall for him. " This is beautiful. I will wear this pendant all the time. "

" I wanted to give it to you after the date. I hope it didn't ruin the moment. " He said sheepishly. Rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment.

" No. It was perfect. " Raw emotions were swirling inside her. " Uhm.. maybe you should go home. It is rather late. "

" Oh? You already trying to get rid of me? You wound me, my love." He dramatically grabbed his side as if a knife was twisted in him.

" Of course not! " She stuck her tongue out playfully. " How else would you tell everypony the good news, if you don't wake up early? "

" You are right! The early bird gets the worm, or something like that. " Without another word he dashed out of the kitchen towards the door. In halfway he quickly returned. " Have a good night. " He pecked her on the cheek. He flew out the window this time.

She was breathing very hardly. Clutching the pendant in her hooves. Viper tried to hold herself together, but she couldn't. She was in pain. Her heart was throbbing in ache. She curled on the floor, and started crying. She was so out of her place, that she cancelled her disguise. There she was on her kitchen floor as a changeling. She never thought she would be crying this hard, because of a pony. Whom she loved with all of her heart.