Author's Note

Clop is in this chapter.

Chapter XIII: θερμή αγάπη

The deep heavy breaths echoed into Aniketos’ ears as he slowly got onto his knees off of the muddy ground. The rain dripped off his nose as he stared down to the ground, hands and arms both dirty and muddy. His heavy breathing was soon replaced by a high-pitched sound growing louder while he looked to the side and grabbed his damaged helmet that came off him. He placed it on and looked up, his eyes widened, looking up to see the large black dragon that breathed out fire along with fire balls being fired from catapults as well as cannons being fired, attempting to hit it.

Instantly his eyes opened by the sound of knocking waking him up from his dream. He rubbed his eyes as he got up from his bed and out of his room. Again the door knocked as he reached the front door, opening it to see the princess of the night standing with her hoof up to knock once more. “Luna...” He started. “Good evening.”

“Good evening...” She replied, silence quickly taking over between them. “Can I come in?”

Aniketos took a breath and nodded, allowing her to walk inside. He closed the door and turned to her who was now lying down near the fire. He took a seat by her. “Tired?”

She blew a stray hair away from her face. “Very.” He smirked and stood back up, walking over to grab a jar with brown flakes that creates coffee instantly. “Ani...” She spoke up, gaining his attention. “I wanted to apologize about what had happened back at the castle. I was being selfish in not wanting you to assist the Griffons and not understanding their need in help is dire to winning against Sombra.”

He placed the jar down. “I know it was upsetting, but they need more than food to be able to assist them in fighting back. If I can bring their morale back up then they will have a chance to change into the offensive.” He walked back to her. “Plus I do not enjoy the sound of retreat. They will either win or die trying.”

“You and your stubborn ways,” she smiled. “But that is what makes you great.”

“Thank you,” he replied while turning back around. He stopped midway however by Luna tugging his hand with her magic. He turned to face her again, looking rather bothered. “What is it?”

She hid behind her mane for a moment before speaking. “I am afraid of what may happen to you, Ani. I understand you were bred to be a warrior and have gone through many trials and battles to be who you are now, as well as surviving much of what has come to you in this world, but I am fearful that this time you may die in this conflict.”

Aniketos sighed through his nose, knowing the connection she has with him for her to speak of such worry in her tone. He knelt down to her to eye level. “After everything I have gone through, I as well am unsure if I will be alive after everything is over.” He watched her look down. “Yet who knows, I may have a chance to survive this ordeal.” She still didn’t budge from her sad state, and he thought quickly of what he can do to change her emotion. He stood up. “Come with me,” he said to her.

The sudden request made her unaware of what he was planning, her heart racing in pain and nervousness as she entered his bedroom with him. She stood idly as he closed the door and walked past her to where his old damaged armor he wore when he entered this world was. He looked around the armor, soon stopping as he found what he wanted. “Close your eyes,” he told her which made her jump. She did so, hearing him be close to her. Soon she felt something going around her neck, like loose string. “Open them.” And she did so, staring at herself in the mirror he held. She was about to speak of what change he did, but soon lost any will to speak as she noticed she was wearing a necklace. “Ani...” She spoke.

“This necklace had belonged to my mother before she passed away. After that, I had carried it with me knowing she and goddess Selene would be by my side while I did what I had to do.” A small genuine smile formed on his face. “I do not think it is much, but I wish for you to keep it. As a way to remember me if I should fall in combat.”

The necklace had looked old and worn as she continued to stare at the small crescent moon made out of wood with a diamond on the center of it. “Thank you,” she spoke softly, her eyes starting to water. She tried to hold back, but the emotions in her were too strong and it came out. She was soon in his arms as she cried, both in fear and happiness for him knowing that this may be the last time she will see him. She felt him starting to move away, but did not wish for him to let go. In a failed attempt to continue being in his arms, she moved forward making him trip onto his back and she tripping onto him. So close to him as she attempted to get up, stopping herself as she looked down to him, he looking up to her. She was no longer able to hold back, and she soon pressed her lips onto his. His eyes widened by what Luna was doing, the action he soon returned to her as he wrapped his arms around her. Small kisses soon turned into deep passionate kisses as he rolled around with him being on top. He listened to her moan as he moved down to her neck, a fiery emotion taking over and pumping through his bloodstream. Whatever this was, it was surly held back to the point where it would explode to how he is acting.

Her crown soon came off, letting her hair come undone along with her shoes and royal necklace she always wore being magically pulled off as well. Suddenly she was lifted up and placed onto the bed, and watched as Aniketos undress himself, his war-torn body for once exciting her than frightening her. Soon she was rejoined into the same embrace that had started, but this time felt his hands run down her back and wings making her shiver by the sensation. She suddenly gasped from his hands grasping her flank, feeling his fingers squeezing it as well. Her wings shot out open as she grew more and more excited, feeling one of his hands run up her hind leg, moaning loudly as he rubbed her moist marehood then feeling his fingers slowly going in and out. Her face was flushed from excitement as she softly moaned from his speeding up fingering, soon feeling another being used and making her moan out loudly for a moment. She never knew she could be pleasured by his hands, the experience being new to her. Actually, it was her first time she has allowed a stallion to touch her in such way, knowing that he was the only one she would allow to do such thing. Her pleasure grew as his hand moved quicker and quicker, making her breathe fast and causing her to sound out louder than she normally was. Possibly the fastest he could have gone, she arched her back as she was succumbed by a pleasurable orgasm. She felt his fingers come out from her as she started to relax, looking at him and his soaked hand.

Luna watched him close the distance and give her a deep kiss, breaking it as he trailed down her neck, making her hum. Soon he went lower down her body, making her arch her back a bit as continued his trail of kisses down. How a Spartan like him can be like this is something she could not figure out. This fiery passion coming from him was not like him to be, but she will continue to enjoy every single second of it as long as it- She suddenly gasped as she felt his mouth and tongue on her teat, the other being cupped by his hand. She felt his mouth either suck or bite her teat, switching to the other and doing the same while his hand slightly squeezed it. He soon stopped, making her wonder what he was going to do next. Her eyes widened and she suddenly moaned out as he ran his tongue up her wet marehood. She couldn’t help but squirm around a bit, her hind legs being held down by his arms to allow him to keep up what he was doing to her. She cooed out his name, once again feeling herself coming close to another climax. Another gasp, much louder, came out from her mouth as she felt his mouth on her clit, his fingers thrusting her once more quickly, the wetness from her being audible to hear from his fingers going in and out repeatedly. “A-A-Ani!” She yelled out, reaching another powerful orgasm.

She shook in ecstasy and exhaustion, but soon felt something other than his fingers or mouth touching her. “W-wait! Let me catch my-” She was interrupted, moaning out and arching her back again as she felt him penetrating her, feeling the full and large length of his stallionhood. His motion began in regular speed, not needing to go slow after what had been done before. She felt his hand run through her mane and his mouth biting her neck as he thrust into her. She watched him lean back and pull her up with him, feeling his stallionhood go deeper and being pushed in harder by him holding onto her flank and bringing it into the rhythm. Her fore legs were on his shoulders, both him and her staring at each other looking sweaty before entering into another passionate kiss. Soon he broke the kiss, pushing her back and turning her around. He raised up her behind and grabbed her by her flank again and started to pull her in, her butt jiggling with each hard thrust. She was struggling to keep her hind legs up, it having no energy to stay up. She even doubted she would be able to stand at all tonight, everything that was happening was draining her into exhaustion. Soon she was turned back around onto her back, returning to their first position when they started and felt him thrusting faster. It felt like she was going to faint from the excitement as she crossed her hind legs around his lower back and fore legs around his neck. With a final thrust made by him, she orgasmed for the third time, feeling him release his seed into her not realizing she was yelling out in satisfaction and overwhelming pleasure.

With barley any energy left, she felt herself rolling around where she was lying on top of him. She was breathing heavily, feeling his hand run through her mane. “I love you...I love you...my Spartan...” She breathed out before succumbing into slumber.

The sound of birds chirping echoed into Luna’s ears, rousing her from her deep sleep she had, possibly one of the best as well. The smell of sweat and sex still lingered on her and the bed, feeling the blanket over her slightly come off as she rose up. Looking out to the window, she noticed that the sun was going to be rising soon. Luckily she is still able to use her magic unconsciously even after what had occurred. She moved the blanket off her and stood up, almost falling onto the ground from how weak and sore she was. She slowly walked out of the room, hearing the shower running, letting her know that Aniketos was awake and most likely cleaning himself up before his departure. Oh, right, she thought, remembering what was happening in the world right now. She opened the door to the bathroom, closing it behind her and seeing the Spartan stand there with his face being hit by the water.

“I believe you owe me new sheets,” he said, slightly startling her as she was sure to be silent.

“Funny,” she replied, walking over to the shower door. “Can I join?” Aniketos opened the door, allowing her to enter and stand close to him. He closed the door once she was in, his body moving to allow her to be hit by cold water. She yelped and hid from the water with his body. “Too cold!”

“Cold?” He smirked, attempting to move over but failing as he felt the water heat up. “I am surprised you can use magic.”

Luna stood up, having her fore legs on his shoulders and looking up to him. “I had a good night’s sleep.”

“I wonder why,” he said, turning a bit and letting the steamy water hit her as well.

Her mane went straight from the water hitting her while she closed the distance between both their lips. A soft connection that slowly turned more passionate, their tongues dancing with each other as she was lifted up by him having his hands on her flank. “Already…” she breathed out, “...excited?”

He slowly penetrated her, making her moan out, a sound of music for him to hear. “Your fault.”

She breathed out heavily as she felt him thrusting into her, hissing a bit from her back touching the cold wet wall behind her. “I do not- Ah! Regret it.”

Soon she was lowered down to her one of her hind leg, being pushed against the shower door along with her other hind leg being held up while he continued his growing motion. She turned her head, seeing her Spartan in the same pleasure as she was. My goodness, I am such a pervert for enjoying such thing so much, she thought to herself as she reached her climax along with his, the inside of her again being filled by his seed. She leaned against the door and he leaning on her while they both catched their breath.

The feeling of warmth was addicting for Aniketos, not having such occurrence happen since his mother’s death. He pulled back away from Luna, catching her suddenly as she wasn’t able to stand. From how he was yesterday he wasn’t surprised, with how he acted being more animalistic yet with the majority feeling of love and a bit of lust. Love, he thought. He sat Luna down and reached for the bottle of shampoo, squeezing the molasses-like liquid onto his hand before placing it onto her wet mane. “Close your eyes,” he told her, rubbing it through her mane.

Luna could still not understand how soft he can be coming from his own violent race. His hands would be hard and rough most of the time, but in these moments they’re soft like silk, a feeling she will miss once he is gone. “Ani...” she spoke.

Aniketos finished cleaning her mane and tail, not having a brush to wash her body. She had magic so she could do something about it. “What is it?” He asked, putting the shampoo now onto his head.

“I was wondering...about my confession to you last night...”

“Aye?”

“Well,” she grew hesitant, “do you...feel the same way?”

He sighed through his nose, more in humor than anything else. “I would not do what I had done if I didn’t, though it would have been different back in Sparta.”

“Oh okay,” she said. A short response but the only one she was able to make as she was too tired to jump onto him with joy. “Well, what would happen if we were in Sparta?”

“You would have to shave your head, like how the boys would during agoge, dress in male clothing, and wait alone at night in the dark till I would arrive and we would both do what we had just done. After it is over, I would sneak back to the barracks,” he explained.

“It seems like you are hiding from some pony if that was done.”

“Aye, that is exactly what it is.”

Luna tilted her head a bit then smiled. “That sounds exciting.” She shook as she stood up. “What happens after such occurrence?”

“We are now together, I your husband and you, my wife.”

Her heart jumped, not expecting such thing like this. “W-wife?”

“Aye,” he smiled, “In my world of course. For here I am unaware of such customs but be sure to others know that you are mine.”

Luna turned off the water and jumped up to give Aniketos a hug. “I will, my Spartan.”

A knock coming from the front door startled the two standing in the shower, making them break apart and exit the bathroom. Luna returned to the bedroom while Aniketos walked towards the door, not noticing Luna magically wrapping a towel around his waist. He opened the door, the feeling of the cold morning air not bothering him and looked down to see Astra in her armor. “Ah, good morning Astra,” he said to her.

Astra raised an eyebrow seeing the semi-nude Spartan. “Morning,” she started, noticing something different from his eyes, “Have you seen Princess Luna? She was supposed to be back from her ‘visit’ here four hours ago.”

“I am here Astra,” Luna spoke up, walking over to them. “My apologies, I had fallen asleep.”

“It is okay your highness, though the commanders and politicians are not happy.” She looked carefully at Luna’s neck, noticing a necklace and a few bite marks which look noticeable if one was to look hard enough. “How was your time with the Spartan?” She smirked.

“Lovely, we had much to speak about what he will see in the Griffon Kingdom” Luna replied.

“Ah yes, he will be going to the Griffon front.” Astra gave a light punch to Aniketos. “Leaving me by myself to kill these Crystals.”

“I had figured I would only be in your way, or the other way around.” He replied.

“Hmm, whatever you say Aniketos,” she said. “I believe the Griffons are waiting for you. I had saw them waiting by their boat figuring you had left already.”

He nodded. “Aye I will get ready. I had only cleaned myself up since I will not for awhile.” He turned and walked back into his room to get his armor on.

Astra cleared her throat, gaining Luna’s attention. “Permission to speak freely, your highness?”

“Permission granted...” Luna raised an eyebrow.

The bat pony moved closer to her princess’s ear. “Did you do it?”

Luna jumped away from her, face red. “No! Of course not! We only spoke.” She noticed Astra’s face, knowing that she was lying. “We did kiss, but nothing more!”

“Yes, yes, the bite marks he made on your neck shows it was nothing more,” said Astra.

“What!? Is it that noticeable!?” Luna grew worried, not knowing how the other ponies would feel if they found out such news that could possibly be taboo.

“Not really. If you were to look hard enough at a certain angle then maybe, but it is pretty much hidden.”

“You dare frighten thy princess?” said Luna with a serious tone.

“I-I, my apologies-”

“Oh relax Astra, I was only speaking in jest.”

Aniketos returned from the room in full armor, carrying his shield and dory. “Onward.” He said, walking past the two ponies.

“So eager to leave so soon,” frowned Luna, hoping to be with him for much longer than now.

“My apologies your highness but this war does not wait,” he replied.

Luna understood, not saying another word as the three of them continued to walk together in the early morning towards the waiting chariot. She looked back to his house, using her magic to put out any flame that was lit, the house blending in with the dark blue surroundings.

Aniketos pulled open the chariot, allowing Luna and Astra to enter before he did, angling the dory to stick out of the window. With Astra giving the order, the chariot went in motion with a jolt, the speed of motion rising making the distance grow from his home and Ann’s home as well, soon being hidden by the amount of trees around. He soon felt the chariot take flight, making him clench his dory tightly as the ground was far away. Such speed flight can take many from one place to another, as well as something he will most likely see in combat once at the front.

His eyes squinted a bit from the rising sun bleeding out its light, changing everything from dark blue to a bright orange-yellow. Truly this was a sight to see, however the sky has acted odd with much of the clouds from the north bringing much snow or rain closer to Canterlot. He was told a story of how much negative emotions upon disharmony can bring about these creatures that feeds on it and causes the weather to deepen into a much bigger storm. For this war, much of that may return. If these creatures were in his own, there would be an unlimited supply for them to feed on knowing the skirmishes that occurs. Damn Athens, he thought, remembering one that had occurred because of a territory dispute. Again his thoughts wandered as always to his home and his people of Sparta. By now the war against those damned Persians would had been over and possibly his king bringing more prosperity to Sparta. If only he was able to bring such knowledge over to his home then maybe Sparta could grow much stronger than it is. Or be called the next mad man of Sparta for bringing up a world of talking horses with magical and flight abilities.

He continued to think in his mind, as boring as it may sound to him he did not wish to speak during the ride, did not wish to create a conversation. He had fought against Griffons and fought against a centaur who’s weakness was bronze, now it was time to fight against ponies. Ponies that are battle-hardened and experienced by now with armor and weapons that is known in this world as the strongest one country has, or at least until the Griffons discovered a new kind of metal, Griffon steel, that is able to cut through crystal metal. However the king had decided to give a majority to Equestria instead of incorporate it into his own army. Self-suicide and insane he considered it, knowing well enough if Sparta had such metal it would had been used to dominate other places, maybe even the world. Possibly if he can gain his hands on this new metal he would soon become more unstoppable.

The chariot landed with a slight thud, bringing Aniketos back into reality as he saw Baltimare’s ports. Once the ride had stopped, he exited out first, listening to the birds sounding out along with the waves of water crashing against the docks. Looking around, he spotted what appeared to be the boat he was to ride on. He had no choice of course, being a Spartan and not a creature with wings. Above the sails waved the Griffon flag. Hearing the chariot door close, he turned to Luna and Astra then back forward to begin walking. He moved along with Luna by his side looking concerned and more worried with each step towards the boat growing closer. The ponies who were awake watched the three walk towards the Griffon boat, soon seeing them stop in front of the walkway.

Aniketos turned again to Luna and Astra. “I suppose we separate from each other for now.”

Astra looked at her princess and the Spartan. “Come back in one piece Spartan.” She smirked.

“Will do Astra, take care of Luna while I am gone.”

The bat pony nodded and left the two, knowing they needed the time to themselves. Luna watched her guard walk away then back to Aniketos. “Do you really need to leave?”

“Luna...”

“Yes, yes, I am aware for being selfish. I may be a princess but I am still a mare.”

Aniketos shook his head, placing both his shield and dory down. “Come.”

“What?”

“I know what you wish to do, it is not healthy to hold back.”

Luna turned her head. “Hmph, as if I would do that. A spartan needs a strong mare to hold back such emotions and watch his warrior off with her head high.”

“We are not in Sparta, however,” said Aniketos. He was glad she understood his custom, but he knew was she really wanted to do.

“Right,” she said, soon pouncing onto him making him fall back onto his back holding him close as she kissed him with much passion. She broke it off and looked straight into his shining eyes, a trait she enjoyed seeing since it is her that causes it. Yes it may have raised some questions for some ponies around about her and Aniketos, but she did not care anymore. “You better return to me after everything is over Aniketos. If you die I will surly find you in Tartarus and torture you myself.”

“Aye, I will do my best Selene,” he replied, receiving a hoof to the chest.

“You know I dislike being called as such name.”

“But you enjoy it if I call you as such at times.”

Luna smiled. “Of course.” She got off her Spartan, helping him up with her magic and giving him back his shield and dory. “Now hurry up, I do not wish for you to see me cry.”

Aniketos shook his head. “As you wish.” He was about to turn around but was halted by Luna’s magic. “Yes?”

“I love you,” she said.

He raised an eyebrow, noticing how embarrassed she got upon saying such words. “Have I spoken to you about how funny you are when embarrassed?”

“Shut up! Leave Spartan!”

“Aye I will,” he turned around and started to walk towards the boat. He stopped once more and turned to her. “When I return, we will marry.”

This caught Luna of guard. “M-m-marry?”

“Until we meet again Luna,” he said, continuing to aboard the ship.

Astra returned, laughing a bit. “I can’t wait for the wedding, your highness.”

Luna turned to her guard then back to Aniketos. “Aniketos Xenagoras of Sparta! Come back here and explain what you meant!”

“Why don’t you fly onto the ship, your highness?”

“I- Well- Because-” She wasn’t able to, being frozen in heart-pumping excitement of what he said to her. Her imagination of her being in the white dress every mare wishes to be in on their special day with their special some pony. Though their relationship had only started and now is being paused due to the war, her connection to him was greater than everything, and she knew he shared the same even though he rarely showed it. Both she and Astra watched the ship sail off, Aniketos waving to them before disappearing from sight, most likely being on another part of the boat. “Come Astra, we have much planning to do. Like Ani said, war does not wait.”