Clouds Swallow The Moon

VII. Ponyville

“Oh thank Celestia, Dusk!” I whipped around and saw Eclipse, as well as Twilight, Forgetful and Midnight trotting towards me. I don't know what came over me, but I felt my eyes watering and I broke down, sobbing loudly at the sight of that white pegasus I love so much. Eclipse’s expression shifted from relief to concern when she saw me break down, suddenly picking up her speed and bolting into me. She wrapped her hooves around me and I followed suit, shoving my face into her chest as I wailed loudly. I don't know if it's from the stress, or what just transpired, but I couldn't hold it in anymore. I don't usually do this, something completely and utterly fucked up has to occur for me to break down like this. My mind raced as I muttered four words, my heart and mind sure enough that this isn't a dream. I know this isn't a dream, what just happened was too horrific and vivid to be a dream. This was real.

“I love you, Eclipse.” I whispered to her, loud enough for her to hear my confession. She gasped slightly at my words before gripping me harder, leaning down and making me the happiest stallion alive by saying five words.

“I love you, too, Dusk.”

My heart fluttered in my chest as an extreme feeling of happiness overcame me, and despite the situation I just barely survived through, a smile found its way onto my muzzle. I squeezed Eclipse with all of my will, tears of fear turning to tears of joy. All of these years together and I finally confessed my love to her… And she said it back to me! I can't even begin to express how giddy I’m feeling inside, my heart exploded. Twice! I looked up and noticed the Moon beaming down on the both of us, showcasing my mare in all of the right ways. The way her black mane glistened in the light, cascading down her face and neck. The way her eyes shined brightly under that big rock, twinkling at me. Her pristine white coat clung to the features of her face, presenting her beauty in no other way.

“Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?” I whispered to her with a grin, causing the pegasus to blush at me before leaning down and planted her lips on mine, her silky smooth lips feeling like Heaven itself was kissing me. I put my own force into it, wrapping my hoof around the back of her neck and savored the way her mane felt on my fur. I closed my eyes and just enjoyed the emotions running through my mind, her gorgeous cyan eyes gazing into my own, and the lavender smell of her coat. If I could, I would stop time itself just so this moment could never end. But, like all good things, ut ended when she removed her lips and beamed down at me with a smile so sweet.

“You have. Several times, Dusk. And do you remember how many times I've told you how handsome and sexy you are?” She purred at me, causing blood to rush to my cheeks. This time, I initiated the kiss by locking lips with her, closing my eyes as I put passion into our kiss. I felt her tongue prodding at my lips and I allowed passage, meeting her tongue with my own. Eclipse let out a cute moan as I battled for dominance with my tongue, flicking it across the broadside of hers. I panted as we parted lips, a thin strand of saliva connecting our mouths. I smirked and swiftly bopped her nose with my hoof, giggling at the way her muzzle scrunched up and her wings fluttered. Celestia, I love this mare. No one could ever replace her.

“You're a jerk, you know that?” She inquired as she stared down at me with a playful look, smacking me lightly with her wing on the shoulder. I rolled my eyes and planted a small kiss on her cheek, loving the way blood flowed to her cheeks just from that sudden contact.

“And did you know that you're cute?” I inquired, challenging her with my own playful expression. She just rolled her eyes and chuckled, patting me on the head teasingly. I swatted her hoof away as we laughed quietly, cherishing each other's company as if it's the last time we'll ever see each other. Suddenly, her expression changed from teasing and playful to one a caring mother would have adorned on their face.

“But, seriously Dusk, are you okay? It seems like something more happened for you to run off like that.” She admonished, stroking my face with her hoof. I don't know what to tell her, honestly. It doesn't seem like she would believe me if I said I was hunted by a being that I once knew and considered a myth. It was all too real for it to be just a legend, though… And what do I tell her about my left ear, now that's it completely deaf?

“I’m fine.” I lied, mustering enough willpower to curve my lips upwards into a reassuring smile. I’m lying, I’m not fine. I feel like I’m being watched and I still have some of the primal fear lingering around in my mind, whispering to me. Not to mention that I lost my hearing, and witnessed myself almost try to kill myself several times in one day. What I experienced won't disappear and fade away from my mind, the White Tail struck fear into me and made me feel more helpless than I ever felt in my entire life. But, for the sake of not worrying her, I’m going to just deal with the trauma myself.

“Are you sure?” She asked with a raised eyebrow, gazing into the very essence of my soul. I pushed past her scrutinizing gaze and pecked her on the lips, answering her with just that one action.

“I’m sure.” I stated, once again feeling guilt in the deep pit of my stomach as I lied to her. I don't like lying, I never did and I never will, but lying to Eclipse just makes me feel worse. Tenfold now that we both confessed our love for each other… I just need to deal with it myself, I’m strong enough to… I’ll have to be. For my sake, and hers.

“Alright, enough of this lovey-dovey soap opera, let's get to Ponyville already so I can get something to fill my stomach. And I mean food, not cum.” I groaned at Midnight’s rant, but the sentiment about food I can agree with. I slowly but surely made my way to my hooves, shaking slightly before regaining my balance and walking steadily. I shot a glance at the Moon hovering in the night sky before shaking my head and pulling my hood back over my head, zipping it shut with my expanded wings. Eclipse got up as well and yanked the hood over her head too, but deciding not to zip it up. Midnight, Twilight, and Forgetful approached us finally, all of their cloaks zipped up fully, save Midnight who has been lacking her cloak since we first found her a few days ago near the rest of Bravo Squad.

For some reason, this sense of pride and want overcame, forcing me to glance over to the skeleton of the once great White Tail Deer. I broke off from the four ponies and walked over to the carcass, crouching down to look at it. Even now, when it's good as dead, I feel fear lingering in my system. Shaking my head to rid of the feeling, I gripped the skull of the supernatural creature tightly and twisted it, the spine snapping and disconnecting from the skull. I stumbled back and landed on my flank, but the skull was in my grasp. I brushed a hoof across the bony features and the solid antlers before I blinked, a thought passing through my mind; this is the White Tail Deer’s skull, therefore I… Should take it as a trophy.

I grabbed the jaw of the skull and tugged it downwards with all of my strength, the sounds of dry bones cracking echoing in my only good ear as I grunted. I was rewarded with the jaw snapping off and teeth breaking off, falling to the ground. I discarded the jaw by chucking it towards the rest of the bones, and focused on the top half of the skull. I messed with the teeth until they were jagged and curved so it wouldn't fall off. Lifting the skull, I placed it atop my hood and latched it to by shoving the teeth inside the fabric and clutch the material so it wouldn't fall off. Double checking to make sure it wouldn't slide off, I stood up and kicked the pile of bones before returning to the rest of my team, my new trophy bestowed atop my head.

“-en we can loop back and finally make it to Ghastly Gorge. If we don't dilly dally in Ponyville, we should arrive at Ghastly Gorge in about two days after we are fed and rested,” Forgetful said, stopping to look at me with a dumbfounded expression on his face. “You alright buddy?” I ignored him and sat down next to Eclipse, who nudged me a little. I nudged her back playfully, a smile appearing on my muzzle. Forgetful rolled his eyes before continuing. “If we leave and hustle now, we can make it there by dawn… Everyone ready?” We all nodded and stood up, preparing ourselves to trot and gallop to Ponyville. I didn't want to stay in these woods anymore after what happened. I don't think I’ll ever set hoof in here ever again, honestly.

“Okay, then let's move!”

We all began galloping at once, our hooves beating on the ground with a mighty thud as we weaved through the trees and over fallen trees, leaves crackling under our boots as we ran through the forest in the black of night, moonlight beaming down in rays of light, illuminating the forest in a white color as we traveled. I glanced to my left and saw Eclipse running beside me, and Twilight next to her. To my right was Forgetful, then Midnight, who was still having a hard time galloping, but she seems to doing fine. I narrowed my eyes and went into overdrive, harnessing my inner strength and endurance, tapping into my stamina, and felt the wind whipping against me as I picked up my speed, surpassing my own limit. I grinned as we ran off into to the night, one location in mind.

Ponyville.

* * * * * *

I skidded to a halt, my hooves sliding on the green, crisp grass as I slowed down. I breathed heavily as I turned my head, spotting Eclipse and Twilight catching up to me, Forgetful and finally Midnight arriving last. We all rested as we panted and sweated, all of us exhausted from having to run two straight miles and never stopping. I plopped down onto my flank as I pulled down my hood, the skull of the White Tail Deer attached to it. I flipped my mane and let the morning breeze flow through it, cooling me down. I lifted a hoof and wiped the sweat off of my face, desperately attempting to cool down in some way or another. I just wish we had some canteens filled with water.

I shot a glance to the Sun that was beginning to peek over the horizon, its bountiful rays of sunlight filling me with warmth and making me feel protected. The sky shifted from a dark purple to a dull yellow, and the rooster did his thing with the crowing or something. Darting my eyes from the rising Sun to Canterlot Castle, which was hanging off of the side of the tall mountain that cast a shadow over the small town of Ponyville. My thoughts drifted from the smell of the cool morning air to what Princess Celestia is doing. I’m sure that she's raising the Sun and lowering the Moon, that's obvious, but how about what's going on in her head?

She has to be worried over her sister, who has been missing without a trace for over a week, and has yet to be found; or has returned home herself. It must kill her inside that she has to watch over the Sun and the Moon, plus Equestria itself, by herself again, like before the banishment of Princess Luna. I wonder if she is worrying about us… I hope she is. We lost one pony already, Starsky may you rest in peace, and I nearly was forced to commit suicide two times in a single day… Make it stop… I shuddered and shook my head violently to rid myself of the thoughts that plague my mind… Make it stop… I smacked myself upside the head, which gave me a temporary headache. But, it seemed to have worked.

I finally laid my eyes on the small town of Ponyville, noticing all of the rustic looking houses and the big town hall on the middle. I also caught a small glimpse of the library, which was a carved out tree. If I remember correctly, Twilight lives there with Spike. I wonder how the little dragon is doing. I’ve only ever been to Ponyville once and that was when I was off duty, visiting a long time friend. Of course, we got into an argument and I left town, but I regret treating him like that. If he still lives here… I might pay him a visit, to apologize and bury the hatchet. What I did to him was wrong and I shouldn't have indulged in her like that, but hopefully we can make amends and move on. At least for my sake, anyways.

“I know of a place we can rest.” Twilight stepped forward, lifting a hoof to point towards the library. That one morning was a dream, which means don't know about her yet. Well, I hope you know what you're doing, Twilight. I also pray you're ready for a big explanation after the initial shock that ensures afterwards.

“Isn't that where Twilight Sparkle lives, the Element of Magic?” Eclipse inquires, turning to Twilight, who sighed at her response. Her horn activated and enveloped her hood in a purple aura, lowering the hood until Twilight’s dark purple mane fell out of the hood and she revealed herself.

“About that… I am Twilight.” She replied, looking at Eclipse. The white pegasus blinked at her before she shook her head, Forgetful and Midnight having a more extreme reaction; their jaws dropping to the ground respectively. Eclipse yanked her hood down and had an expression of disbelief written on her face as she turned to me.

“Did you know about this?” Eclipse asked, motioning to Twilight with her wing. Thankfully, she didn't look angry or disappointed or anything, she just had a curious glint in her eyes. There's no point in lying about it. Also, déjà vu.

“She revealed herself to Moth, Cheesecake, and I when we first arrived in the forest.” I explained, informing Eclipse of how I knew of her identity. To be quite honest, her Violet act was horrible. At least it was to me. I was stilm surprised when she announced it, though.

“Where is Moth and Cheesecake anyway? I noticed that we don't have enough cynicism and weirdness.” Midnight joked, nudging Forgetful playfully. He wasn't amused. “You fuckers are no fun.” She pouted, fluttering her leathery wings cutely.

“We split up with them. They headed towards the Frozen North, most likely the Crystal Empire.” Twilight explained, taking the words right out of my mouth and mind. Well, at least I don't have to say anything. Oh wait, that reminds me, I still have to contact them… I also have to tell everyone of our new objective; but that can wait until we're rested.

“Alright, enough dilly-dallying. Twilight, lead the way.” Forgetful announced, motioning for Twilight to lead us to the tree-house-library-thingy. I don't know. Thank Celestia I have a simple and normal room in the Castle, I don't think I would enjoy living in a house that could set fire very easily. Or maybe she has some kind of fire-resistance spell cast on it, I don't know, I’m not a unicorn.

Twilight lead us very quietly to her house, the five of us sneaking around and sticking to the very few shadows that remain. The last thing we need is a bunch of ponies sticking their noses in our business and interrupting our mission. Thank Celestia’s glorious round plot that there is very few ponies around and about at this hour, otherwise this would be much harder. Eventually, we reach our destination and Twilight unlocks the door quickly, ushering all of us inside swiftly. Once we were all inside, the purple mare's horn lit up and she shut and locked the door, as well as closing the blinds on all of the windows. Next she turned to us and pointed at the four of us quickly.

“I suggest you all take your cloaks off and hide your weapons in the basement… I’m sure my friends will find out I’m back sometime today.” She ordered, and we all complied. I untied my boots and slipped them off, placing all of them together. I then unzipped my cloak and stripped it off, careful not to let the skull fall off. I placed the holster that is holding my pistol atop my cloak and set it next to my boots. I suddenly felt like I weighed a few pounds smaller and that I feel much cooler. I shot a glance and saw that they have taken everything else off as well. Twilight, who also undressed herself, hummed in approval and encompassed all of our equipment, save Midnight who has none, in her magical aura and opened the door to her basement, placing it all on the shelves neatly before shutting the door and locking it tightly. “I’m to go and see if Spike is here.”

“Spike?” Midnight and Forgetful inquired, turning to look at me and Eclipse. We both glanced to each other and shrugged our shoulders, we already know who Spike is.

“It's her assistant. He helped us with King Sombra and was vital for communication in the battle for Canterlot.” I explained, shooting a glance up the spiral staircase where Twilight went up. Sighing, I plopped down on the couch in the middle of the room, groaning in relief as I sank into the plush cushions. Eclipse sat down next to me and put her head on my chest, sighing in content. I twirled my hoof around in her mane, gently playing with it as Midnight and Forgetful sat down on the opposite couch in front of us. Now, that all of our cloaks off, I finally looked Eclipse's cutie mark. It was ball of blue flames in front of a solar eclipse, similar to mine. It's odd that we share that similarity, but I think it just means we're closer. I glanced to Forgetful’s flank, gazing at his cutie mark; a swinging light bulb above a wooden chair. Hah, I’m sure his parents loved when that appeared. ‘Sweetie, did you waterboard somepony’?

“Oh hey, Dusk and Eclipse. Uh, hello two ponies I don't know.” Spike pronounced his presence when he greeted us. I turned and saw him walking down the stairs along with Twilight, who I finally noticed that had bags under her eyes. Actually, now that I look, we all look tired and exhausted. I guess we've been pushing ourselves too hard for the past few days. “I’ll make some tea.” He said as he glanced to Twilight, who nodded and yawned cutely. She shuffled to a spare chair and laid down on it. The five of us sat there in silence as we rested, our bodies tired from constantly moving. Suddenly, my stomach rumbled loudly. I blushed when everyone turned to me. “I’ll make some pancakes, too!” Spike called out from the kitchen. Thank Celestia for this dragon!

We all waited patiently as Spike cooked and brewed in the kitchen, and soon found myself falling asleep. My eyelids drooped and lowered involuntarily, but I shook myself awake. I noticed everyone else was in a similar predicament. I distracted myself by focusing on playing with Eclipse's mane, who by the way, lost her battle and is now breathing softly, sound asleep. I gazed down at her, a small smile forming on my face. She always looked so cute when she's sleeping, especially when her wings flutter and ruffle. I love her… Maybe I should think about proposing to her. I know we just confessed our love, but we've been together for several years… I can tell she's the one I want to spend the rest of my life with, for better or worse.

Finding a nice mare to settle down and start a family with was always a dream of mine. It was one I've had since I was just a teenager, when I finally realized that I don't want to spend the rest of my life by myself, watching ponies just carry on with their lives and find love themselves. The first sign was when I saw a old couple sitting on a bench in Canterlot, feeding each other scraps of food they found. I found myself giving them some of my allowance money for them to go get something to eat. I was only fourteen, but it stuck with me for awhile. The way they clung to each other even though they were barely eating. One of them could have easily just saved that extra portion for themselves and eaten more, but they decided to divide amongst themselves instead. It made me realize I wanted something like that in my life…

Soon enough, Spike came in with two big trays on his claws, balancing them perfectly. He sat them down on the coffee table in front of us and beamed at us. Everyone perked up at the sight of the teacups filled with warm tea, and the five plates that had a pile of steaming, scrumptious looking pancakes on each one. I shook Eclipse awake with my wing and grabbed two plates for me and her. She sat up and grabbed it with her hooves, flashing me a smile of gratitude. I smiled back and focused on my own pancakes. There was three thick pancakes piled atop each other, melted butter at the top and a bunch of syrup cascading down the sides of the pancakes. Grabbing the fork with my hoof, I began to dig in.

I moaned in delight as the spongy food dissolved in my muzzle, coating my tastebuds in soft, sweet heaven. I chewed vigorously and with more greed as I gulped down the delicious pancakes, forking another piece into my muzzle to be greedily devoured. The room was filled with the sounds of forks clattering against plates and ponies chewing and swallowing. Not before long, my plate was empty and covered with syrup. I licked up the remaining residue and pouted when there was nothing else left on the plate. You know the say; nothing good ever lasts forever. Eclipse sighed as she patted her tummy, and Twilight finished right after, closing her eyes in relief. Midnight didn't use her fork, just eating it off of the plate with her muzzle, while Forgetful looked at her in awe. I groaned when she said ‘This is how I eat mare's pies’, which caused Twilight to cover Spike’s ears with her magic.

Setting my empty plate onto to the coffee table, licked clean by yours truly, I gripped a tea cup and gulped it down, not really savoring the taste. But, it did taste like peppermint, which oddly enough, is my least favorite flavor of tea. Oh well, I’m not going to complain about free food and drinks, I’m not that much of an asshole. But, the pancakes were the best pancakes I ever had… Actually, no, my mother’s pancakes are the best I've ever had. But, I can't ever tell her that Spike’s come close to hers, she’ll kill me and bury my body in the backyard. Eclipse savored her tea, considering it's her favorite flavor, and sipped daintily. Twilight did the same, as well. Midnight, surprisingly enough, drank like an actual sophisticated pony would… Then, I found out she was mocking said sophisticated pony, and gulped it down without a second thought. Forgetful didn't drink his’ yet, he just sat there and rested.

“You guys stink. Why don't you all go take a shower. It's down the hallway to the left.” Spike suggested, giving us directions. I glanced to Eclipse, who shrugged her shoulders and followed me as we walked up the stairs, listening to Spike’s directions and going to the left down the hallway. I allowed Eclipse in and shut the door behind us, securing it by locking it up tight. Before I could move, Eclipse jumped me and began furiously kissing me, her lips pressed against mine as she moaned in my mouth. I fumbled around until we fell in the shower, her landing on top of me. Grinning, she flicked her tail and turned the shower on, warm water cascading down on the both of us, steam slowly filling the room. She looked back to me with half-lidded eyes, licking her lips as she descended down on me.

So much for an actual shower.