Lunar Spartan

In the middle of night, Aniketos stood by on the balcony of the castle looking up to both the stars and the moon that shined. He held both his shield and dory with ease, the tip of the spear remaining still on the cold floor. It had been many moons since he took time to watch the night sky for he was constantly doing something that occupied his time. Going around to different places around the nation and discovering new areas that he never seen before. The vast amount of magical technology was very impressive to him, but also made him feel ancient and outdated since back home had no such thing. The powers the unicorns had was something he couldn’t put together for only gods can have such magical abilities. There was an entire race of unicorns and the two princesses were part unicorns as well, so how can such have the abilities? Maybe an unknown god in this world created them with such gift. He scoffed, thinking of maybe one day meeting a very gifted unicorn in the future, but for now none such existed. All were common ponies.

“Selene...” He said, staring at the moon. “Aniketos,” a voice replied, making him shudder. He stared up looking around to who spoke such voice, only to realize Princess Luna was next to him. “Luna...”

“Enjoying the night I see,” Luna said. “And you also enjoy speaking my other name.”

“Well it is a lovely name, wouldn’t you agree?” Aniketos turned back up to the moon.

Luna smiled. “I suppose so.”

The Spartan turned back to her, remembering about her duty tonight. “Was your meeting with those in Canterlot enjoyable?”

“Ugh, I do not think ‘enjoyable’ is the right word to use.” She made her way back inside the castle. “Most were only complaining about not being able to expand their businesses to the Griffon Kingdom. I do believe they know that those Griffons are still hostile to us but still persist.”

“Odd. Have you not created a treaty with those of the Griffon Kingdom?”

“Nay, they are too stubborn to listen. They have also threatened to invade if we send them another messenger about peace.”

Aniketos laughed a bit upon hearing such thing. “Let them come then. They would only give us a reason to invade them.”

“You are such a violent stallion, Aniketos,” replied Luna.

“Maybe you are being too merciful, Princess,” he said before a sword magically appeared next to his neck.

“Is that a challenge?” She smirked.

“If I won’t be thrown in the dungeon, then yes.”

Luna was about to reply, but was interrupted when Celestia magically appeared next to her. She too was about to speak but ceased upon seeing the two. She sighed, “I do not wish to know, but please take your fight outside before you break something again.”

The sword disappeared from Aniketos’ neck, letting him relax a bit while Luna started to speak. “Is there something important you need, sister? You are usually asleep by this time.”

“Yes! It is of most importance!” She started to walk away, Luna following behind. “Aniketos stay where you are, it is only for Luna to hear.”

“Aye Celestia,” said Aniketos, watching the two speak with each other once they were far enough. Whatever it may be, it had to be serious for Celestia to look worried. He watched Luna speak to her, calming down to whatever was being spoken about. Being able to hear them was not going to happen, even if he focused enough to listen. Seeing the two hug and break away, Luna returned back to where he stood, Celestia magically disappearing. “What was the news?”

“Nothing much really, just the Gala,” she said, walking past him.

He followed behind. “Gala? What is that?”

Luna sighed, remembering that such event wasn’t explained to him. “The Grand Galloping Gala is a celebration of Canterlot being completed after Equestria’s founding. Much dances and music is played, as well as those of high class and nobility attending the grand party.”

“Sounds entertaining,” he replied.

“Do you have something such as this occur back in your world?”

“Aye, we would all celebrate Gymnopaedia in dedication for Apollo. Most men and women, boys and girls, would all dance together in the nude and also participate in competitive athletics to show our strength. In the end of everything, we would all enjoy a massive feast.” Aniketos smirked to the memories he watched play out in his head.

Luna noticed this, seeing a small smile form from behind his helmet before his common frown returned. “I assume Sombra will be attending such occasion,” Aniketos said bitterly.

“Yes, most likely.” She said, opening the doors to her Lunar Throne with her magic. “Do you still not trust the King? He has not done anything wrong nor anything that would raise suspicion.”

“I am aware of his innocent actions, but I continue to feel some dark entity coming from him. Can it not be the dark magic Celestia had spoke about to us before we met Sombra?”

Luna sat down on her throne, shaking her head in response. “My sister and I have not discovered such dark magic that Amore had spoken about when we both visited the Empire many moons ago. Sombra had spoken the same, not discovering anything.”

“He had also said that Amore had escaped even though there are no traces of such escape happening,” Aniketos said, removing his helmet.

“You are correct, however not all escapes can be discovered.”

The Spartan stood idly, his predictions coming forward for it to be spoken. “What if, maybe, she didn’t escape?”

Luna was not liking where this was going. “Ani, you do not believe-”

“That he may have killed her instead of what he said had happened.” He finally said. “And now he is using Celestia as a way to get through.”

“Aniketos, I do not believe their growing bond is a plot of any sort.” She almost raised her voice, disliking such accusation. She understood why he would think such possibility, but for Celestia’s happiness, it was a topic she did not wish to be involved with. “I do not wish to speak any more of this, you may not trust the stallion, but throwing false accusations is not right,” she said.

Her tone was something Aniketos didn’t like, knowing she was upset for what he said. “As you wish,” he replied, placing his helmet back on. “I will go march around the castle. Do not worry, I will still be nearby if you request me.”

Luna watched the Spartan start to walk away. “Ani, wait!” She called out, seeing him turn back and walk up to her. “I-I was wondering...about the Gala...”

“Aye?”

“Aye, yes, I wanted to know...” She cleared her throat, not being able to look at Aniketos straight in the eyes. “I am asking if you would...”

He sighed, knowing what she was trying to say. “I will be your guard for the Gala when it occurs, do not worry.”

Luna raised an eyebrow, but then went with it. “Y-yes! That’s it! I will need much ‘guarding’ from all of those who will come greet me.”

Aniketos shook his head. “That’s all you had to say Selene, no need to be flustered and red.”

Luna didn’t realize the warmth on her cheeks until he said her other name. “G-go away! Do your patrolling! How dare you make thy princess turn red!”

“My apologies, your highness, I only say such special name because it works with thy beautiful night. And thyself if I may add,” Aniketos smirked, knowing what he said to Luna would make her react all embarrassed for some reason. He figured it was another thing ponies enjoyed, like smiling.

“Y-y-you...” Luna wasn’t able to speak, her chest feeling warm. “Get out! Out!” She finally yelled out, pointing her hoof towards the doors. Aniketos saluted her and turned back around towards the doors, not noticing the large smile she had on her face. He thinks I’m beautiful, she happily thought.

Aniketos closed the doors as he stood in the large hallways. Taking a deep breath, he turned left and started to do his common path of guarding. Doing such thing isn’t much necessary for there were her Lunar Guard around as well, but something like this he didn’t mind doing for it gave him a purpose. He was still young in age and had thirty more years of duty before he was able to retire his kopis and dory. True he was not in his homeland, but for the gods he needed to remain as such in case he is given a chance to return home. Would he take it though? For what he has gained was something he would surely miss. If there was a reason he was to be in this world, then returning home would not be likely as he now has another purpose to do. The gods would not put him here if he was not needed, even if it was done by mistake or on purpose.

A sight of a shadow had caught glimpse of his blind side, making him turn to where he had saw a shadow. Seeing nothing, he faced forward and continued walking. It was surely nothing but his imagination, however, a dark shadow continued to stare at Aniketos as he walked away. A shine of green erupted immediately, then disappeared instantly into nothing.

Soft knocks echoed inside Celestia’s bedchambers, slowly awaking her from the sound being made. A yawn erupted from her as she stood on her bed stretching her body and wings before she got off and walked towards the door. Slowly opening it, she saw the Spartan standing still with slightly tired eyes. “Good morning, Aniketos,” Celestia said softly.

Aniketos smirked for a moment, “Not the morning yet, Tia.”

“Playing with me even when I am not fully awake.” She opened the door wider letting Aniketos walk in before she closed it. “You do know there is no need to awake me every time Ani.”

“You may say such thing but the last time Luna and I left you alone, you were late in rising the sun,” he said, walking out onto the balcony.

“Hmph, that was only one time,” she defended, joining the Spartan.

“Last I recall from your sister, it was more than just one.”

“Hush,” said Celestia. The magic around her horn started to glow gold as she concentrated. Slowly, the sun rose, the top peaking above the horizon shining down towards all in the light. She soon ceased her magic, allowing the soft orange-yellow glow to awake the ponies all over Equestria for the morning. “Will you be attending the Gala, Ani?” She asked.

“Aye I am. I will be escorting her around while she greets the guests.” He pulled off his helmet and placed it under his arm. “For some reason she was struggling to ask to be her guard. But I guess she didn’t want to be a bother for asking for assistance.”

Celestia giggled a bit, making Aniketos raise an eyebrow. “I hope you are her best ‘guard’ for the Gala then.” She tried to emphasize a specific word but it looked like he didn’t catch it.

“I will always do my best for her, no matter the circumstances,” he replied.

“I am glad you will,” she said. “Shall we go have breakfast before you are dismissed?”

Aniketos nodded. “I always enjoy our morning supper.”

Both walked out of the room, Aniketos following Celestia a bit behind as the two motioned through the hallway. The now dismissed Lunar Guard were slowly being replaced by the Royal Guard, the switch of guards being swift and silent. For the time he Aniketos has been in this world, the only bat pony he has seen so far was Astra, the majority of the night guards being regular earth, unicorn, or pegasi ponies. There was probably more, but he yet has met any. Most likely he would ask Astra if there is more in the Lunar Guard. He pushed the thought away, now thinking of why such thoughts came up. It was no concern if there wasn’t more bat ponies, curiosity being the blame for thinking.

Without warning, he ran into Celestia’s behind, making her squeak from contact. He backed up before he spoke. “My apologies Celestia, I didn’t realize you had stopped.”

Celestia shook her head. “It is alright, it is my fault for stopping so suddenly.” She moved to the side. “I had sensed something odd following us, but now it has disappeared.”

Aniketos looked around, not seeing anypony or anything around them that could be a potential threat. “Odd. I do not sense any disturbance.”

She turned to him. “Are you able to feel the magic around you?”

“I believe so. I had sensed much of dark magic when-” He had stopped himself, knowing Luna would send him to Tartarus if he mentioned what he believes. “...when I had battled Tirek many moons ago.” He wasn’t lying for he had felt Tirek’s magic, but did not make note of it when he was in battle.

A nod came from her before she turned back and continued walking. “Let us continue, I wish to enjoy breakfast before attending to my royal duties.”

Aniketos walked by her left side, to make sure he wouldn’t run into her again. “I’ll be here in case you stop again.”

The sun rays illuminated through the window down the hallway floor as the two walked. The Spartan catching a glimpse of Celestia’s horn suddenly having magic for a moment before it disappeared. Being able to walk while attempting such powerful magic was quite impressive to do. If he was able to do magic, his possibilities of what he would do would be endless. Such imaginative dream that would never come true as he was only a Spartan and not a god. Those that were responsible enough and worthy deserve to hold such power. He wishing to hoist such power would have to be earned, not given freely.

He opened and held the door to the dining hall, allowing Celestia to enter first before he followed. Both then took their seats, the servers moving in haste to have the food for their highness. The solar princess looked around, trying to find something. “Hmm, I would have figured Lulu would be here,” she said.

“She had said she was going to rest more early as she had gotten tired. I had escorted her to her room before I went to yours,” Aniketos replied.

“She does enjoy her sleep,” Celestia giggled. Soon the food arrived, she receiving a plate of eggs, pancakes, and hash browns, along with a small glass of orange juice. Aniketos received the same, only difference being he had a cup of a black substance. She started to eat her meal, but then stopped when she saw the Spartan inspect the cup.

“What is this beverage?” He asked.

“Coffee. Do you not have coffee in your world?”

“I cannot say I have. Only thing I can acknowledge here is wine, water, and certain juices.” Aniketos said. “To be honest, having such food like this is a luxury to have then for a spartan, which of course I am grateful for.”

Celestia smiled a bit. “Why don’t you try it?”

He nodded, staring at the dark drink before he placed the cup to his mouth. The extremely hot beverage went into his mouth, the harsh and bitter taste of this ‘coffee’ was something new to taste but at the same time reminded him of his meals back in the barracks. Pulling the cup away, he drank what was in his mouth, feeling an odd bolt of energy being surged throughout his body. His wakefulness doubled and felt like he could fight all the gods in the world. Well, not gods, but fight a massive army by himself with only his fists. Taking the cup back, he downed the hot beverage until there was nothing left, letting Celestia know that he really enjoyed the cup of coffee.

“This drink is excellent!” Aniketos yelled out. “Another!” He then proceeded to throw the cup onto the floor, breaking it into many pieces.

It frightened the few ponies in the room, and it of course frightened Celestia since such actions coming from Aniketos has never occurred before. He would always be stiff, serious, and on his guard, but now here he was, excited and full of energy. “You really enjoyed drinking it, but refrain from breaking the cup please,” she said.

Aniketos sat down, not realizing he even stood up and was trying to control himself. Such energy was continuously rising and being difficult to handle. “My apologies...” He took a breath to calm down, which helped a bit. “The cup of coffee is giving me much energy that I cannot control easily.” Another cup filled with coffee was placed onto the table. “If my people had such drink we would be unstoppable to everyone!”

“I can believe you on that,” said Celestia. “Now, shall we eat?”

“Aye. Again, my apologies.”

Quietly the two began to eat their breakfast, Celestia eating elegantly with each bite and Aniketos attempting to eat regularly. He was not one of politeness when it comes to eating, usually only doing it when in the castle. Actually it was difficult to eat slow knowing it could be done much faster. Why it was difficult to do so was a question he would never know, maybe Celestia would know but asking would be odd.

“How is Equestria fairing you Aniketos?” She asked.

It had been awhile since she had asked that question, the first answer being more hostile since he had only arrived in the past. Now after living in this world of magical ponies, all being friendly with no sign of threat, he has slowly come to enjoy their company. Besides the onslaught of Tirek, who still remains in Tartarus heavily guarded, it has been peaceful with no need of any assistance from him. Though he hoped of some action to happen, he was a spartan of course, the calmness in his life so far was welcomed as well. “It is fairing well Celestia. I am surprised to still be here since I am not from this world,” he said.

“So far you have been great help to all of us and the ponies around, we cannot thank you enough for what you have been doing, especially my sister.” She placed her silverware down, looking at the now cleared up plate. “She has always been...alone when she is doing her nightly duties. There will be times when she will be meeting others, but overall she has not been with anypony for the rest of the night. You being there for my sister is the greatest help of all.”

Aniketos smirked. “Luna can be quite entertaining at times when we both walk together. Three moons ago we had walked through the garden maze and I had frightened her.” He started to laugh but slowly stopped. “It was a mistake however as I was sent flying through the air and crashing through the castle wall.”

“So that was the reason of having to re-wall that part of the castle...”

“My apologies Celestia”

“It is alright, though you should be more careful about playing games with Lulu. She can overreact at times,” she said, remembering many occurrences of her own with Luna.

The Spartan stood up, now being finished with his supper. “I will keep it in mind, Celestia.” He grabbed his things, placing his helmet on. “I will take my leave now, take care your highness.”

Celestia watched him begin to walk away. “You take care as well, Aniketos.”

After a few minutes walking through the hallways, Aniketos exited the castle and began his walk home. He did not mind the walk home, not taking either Celestia’s or Luna’s offer of having a chariot taking him instead of his own two feet. It also gave him a better inspection of the surroundings near the castle, seeing if there would be any threats to it and the ponies that remain inside except the few guards patrolling outside. As always there would be none and he continued on within his normal pace.

A snap to the right of him caused him to stop and turn towards the sound. He gripped his dory tighter as he slowly approached the bushes and trees that had sounded out. It could have been a common animal of this world, but he can never be too sure. Moving close enough, he noticed a light green color coming from inside the bush. An eyebrow raised, a believable guess popping into his head. “Ann?” He called out.

Upon speaking out such name, the filly popped out from the bush and in front of him with a huge smile. “Hi Ani!” She yelled out.

Aniketos knelt down. “What are you doing here, young one?”

“Well, you weren’t home so I thought I could come see what you were doing.” She looked down, kicking the dirt with her hoof. “I’m sorry, did I bother you Ani?” She said, soon feeling his hand shuffle her hair. She looked back up seeing a smile.

“You have not young one. Do not worry.” Aniketos stood back up. “Do your parents know you are here?”

“Nope!” She said with a smile.

“You are a sneaky one Ann. Come, let us go home,” Aniketos said, beginning to walk again. Being as nice as he was to her was not in his way, for back in his home, acting in such way would only make such child weak. Being here now in this world, there is no such thing of harshness being done, and he must adjust so he cannot cause any trouble.

She followed by his side. “Our names kinda sound the same! Ann and Ani!” She spoke out cheerfully as they walked together through the brightening morning.

Celestia trotted back and forth in her throne, her thoughts going haywire as she waited for Sombra to arrive in the castle. Her sun had reached the highest peak in the sky, which meant their little meeting would be happening soon. Why she was worried was how he was going to be after their little date when she went over to the Empire. Date? Would it be considered a date if they were only being rather friendly to each other the many times meeting? She thought so, but many other of her voices in her head said otherwise. Much saying to cancel the meeting with the attractive, strong…

She shook her head, almost making her crown fall off as she pushed away her wonderful thoughts. No, not wonderful, forbidden. But why would it be forbidden if her heart wish to imagine more of him. NO! Such affection cannot occur to her, she is a powerful alicorn of the sun! So what if she couldn’t have the feeling of his soft looking and moist lips being placed onto hers, a kiss deepening into their fiery tongues to meet each other as he laid on top of her with his strong chest…

“UGH!” Celestia groaned out, pushing out yet another thought of fantasy. It didn’t have to be a fantasy, she knew such thing can be possible to occur. “Shut up me!”

Using such common phrase had somehow helped as her thoughts calmed down. Her heart that was racing began to calm down, and her breathing slowing into a soft pace. She returned to her throne, sitting still as her memory of kissing Sombra on the cheek kept replaying in her eyes. Why she did such thing was not known to her, it was automatic to what had happened. Her chest was warm when she did that, the same feeling occurring again, only stronger than before as she remained seated looking at the doors. She was soon startled as the doors slowly opened, revealing two guards using their magic to open it while Sombra slowly entered the room. Her heart began to speed up.

“Tia!” Sombra yelled out with a smile.

Celestia got up from her throne and walked over to the stallion, giving a tight hug to him which he returned. “It is good to see you Sombra,” she smiled.

Both broke off the embrace, the King seeing Celestia’s face slightly red. “Are you alright, m’lady? You look flushed.”

“Huh?” She sounded out. Her body flinched when she felt his hoof on her head.

“Are you having a fever Tia?” He asked, pulling his hoof away after. “Come, let’s go to the infirmary. You may have to lead since I do not know the way.”

She didn’t respond with words, instead she nodded and started to move along with the stallion who remained close by her side. Forgetting that she had to lead, she made a left in the hallway and continued on down the hallway. She wasn’t sick, actually she doesn’t know if she can even get sick in her powerful state. Illnesses have never effected either her or her sister since their birth, being as healthy as they can be. Immortality maybe being the reason why.

Immortality? She thought, remembering of such fate she and her sister share. They were not fully immortal, but instead their aging has slowed down to almost not aging at all, which is why Luna had almost been killed. Thankfully she had not, if it weren’t for Aniketos, she would not have been here right now. But since such curse was put upon her, everyone she loved and enjoyed being with is no longer around, being only known in her diaries and memories. Would Aniketos join those who reached death as time passed on? She herself didn’t know. A Spartan’s life cycle could be as long as a regular pony, or as long as her own. The world he is in may affect his life cycle. She hid behind her mane, hiding the frown that formed as she further thought about it. With her life, it would mean she would outlive Sombra.

Her hooves stopped moving, making her stand still which of course made Sombra grow more concerned. “Celestia, is everything alright?” He asked, trying to see past her mane.

She shook her head, trying to think of an excuse. “I am okay. I am just...”

Sombra raised an eyebrow. “Just…?”

Nothing came up in her mind as she remained silent. It was best to speak the truth to him. “I am not ill Sombra. I am...nervous.”

He breathed out in relief. “Oh thank goodness.” He moved in front of her. “I suppose this has to do with the Gala.”

“Y-yes… I am nervous about this year’s Gala.”

“Nervous?” Sombra chuckled a bit. “I am surprised to see a princess like yourself be nervous.”

“I can get nervous!” She blurted out before she controlled herself. “Ahem, it doesn’t happen as often since I am always in stressful situations.”

Sombra nodded. “You have been through many galas if I can remember, what makes this so different?”

“Well...I” She took a breath, and then continued. “I was wondering if you...you would like to accompany me to the Gala?”

He tilted his head. “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that.”

“Would you like to accompany me to the Gala!” She yelled, covering her mouth after. Her face turned red in embarrassment.

Sombra stood still, taking in on what she had asked him. “You wish for me to be with you?”

“I-I mean, if you wish. You do not have to if you do not like to. I can be by myself again like all the other times when-”

“I’ll accompany you.”

Celestia stopped talking, wondering if she heard that correctly. “You will?!” She smiled greatly.

He returned the smile as well. “Of course m’lady.” He raised her hoof and gave a soft kiss. “It would be an honor to accompany the princess of the sun.”