Lunar Spartan

Celestia softly hummed to herself while moving around her bed, awaking to do her everyday duty as princess of the sun. Slowly she moved out of bed, stretching her body and wings to help wake her up. Halfway awake, she magically placed her royal attire and made her way to the balcony. A knock on her door made her stop and turn the other direction. Opening the door, she saw both Luna and Aniketos standing by each other. This made her raise an eyebrow. She knew her sister wanted to make amends with the Spartan but for some reason both still looked upset. Except Aniketos always looks upset.

“Why hello you two. Can I help you?” She asked.

“You can actually. Tia, he does not believe you can raise the sun with your magic. I had shown him my powers controlling the moon but it seems not to be enough,” said Luna.

The Spartan sighed. “I do not wish to see something I am aware can be true. Seeing you control the moon willingly proved that you both have control of your celestial powers.” He looked around then his eyes locked to Celestia. “I only wish to come and see because I enjoy sunrises.”

“’Tis a lie! You spoke saying that I was speaking from my behind!”

“I wish you would cease because I cannot handle the stench.”

Luna gasped while Celestia chuckled. “How dare you speak to your princess like that! After all that I went through to have your forgiveness.”

“You gave me permission to speak to you freely, your highness.”

“Then I take such permission back and wish to not hear you speak until spoken to!”

Aniketos nodded and remained silent. Even though he was in another world, respecting those of women, especially those in power, was to be done with of course a few exceptions for himself since they were not true spartan women. But even so, respect needed to be given to them, women give birth to the next generation to continue life, men are there to protect it.

“I am surprised he listened.” Celestia spoke, making her way again to her balcony. Both Aniketos and Luna followed behind, the Spartan closing the door. Outside, Celestia took a breath of the cool air before her horn glowed. Aniketos watched as the sun slowly rose from the horizon as the moon made its way down by Luna. He was impressed of the two holding such power but of course it goes against all of what he knows is true. Possibly the gods granted them the power for them to control. Them having much trust in the two princesses is surprising. However, his mind remained conflicted with Luna, as some of her traits relates to Selene. “Thank you for your moon, Selene,” he mumbled to himself.

Luna’s ear twitched, hearing a name that she hadn’t heard for many years. Did he say Selene? She shook her head, thinking to herself that such thing would not have occurred. Only Celestia and her Lunar Guards knows her full name but prefers to be called by her common one, Selene being merely a middle name to her. Her thoughts pushed through and left her with the reason why she came. Instantly she turned around to Aniketos and pointed her hoof towards him. “Ha-ha! I have proved I was not speaking in a false tongue!” She told him.

“Aye you did. Congratulations,” said Aniketos. He did not care, but he did find Luna amusing with her reaction.

Luna smiled with pride while Celestia softly laughed. She soon took notice of the Spartan, seeing that he was still with no clothing. “Aniketos, are you cold?” She asked.

He raised an eyebrow. He had forgotten that he wore no clothing except his loincloth. The weather around him did not affect him at all thus forgetting about the need for something to wear. He knew he was cold but he didn’t react nor show it since it was a sign of weakness that no Spartan can have, his younger days ensuring the weakness was no longer an obstacle. “I can say I am but I do not feel cold at the slightest.”

Luna calmed, not realizing like her sister that he was without clothing. She had also forgot that he was like this in the dungeon which is known for feeling like winter during the night. “Oh my, we must get you clothing at once!” Luna announced, charging out of Celestia’s room to do so. Both Celestia and Aniketos stood idle taking in her reaction.

“I see you two are rapidly getting along, even with what happened with you in the past,” smiled Celestia.

Aniketos turned to the solar princess. “I am surprised we are at all. If it was any other man I know, he would not stop threatening everyon-, pony here, especially her.”

“Then I am glad that it is you who stumbled into our world instead of who you speak about.”

“Aye, somehow I am calm with all the events occurring around me. I thought I would go mad by now.”

“You seem well in control from where I’m standing.” She walked back inside her bed chamber, the Spartan following behind. She moved on top of her bed while he continued to stand. “So when you say ‘man’, is it the same as saying ‘stallion’ in our world?”

“I suppose so. I do not understand most customs and words here so my tongue will slip words you may never heard of.”

Celestia nodded. “I am curious about your world Aniketos. So far it sounds rather…chaotic.”

He was about to speak before Luna came trotting back in with his tunic, red torn cloak, and leather boots without its armor, all in her magical aurora. He was surprised to see his belongings still intact, which also means everything else he came with is still around. “I had the opportunity to have them clean. I could not believe how much it smelled!” Luna said, giving his things to him.

“Thank you, I suppose.” He was not surprised it would not smell well. He had come out of battle before appearing in this world. He raised his arms as he put on his tunic, tying the rope around his waist nice and firm. He sat down on the floor, putting on his boots before standing back up and putting his red cloak over his shoulders. Warmth started to return to him as he was now back in his clothing. What he didn’t realize was the two princesses staring at him as he checked himself. Looking to the two, both looked away like they weren’t looking at all. “Were you two watching me?” He asked.

“Not at all.” Both said simultaneously.

“Hmm,” he sounded, losing interest quickly.

“I must get ready for my duties for today. I appreciate you attending to my sunrise Aniketos,” Celestia softly spoke.

Aniketos nodded. “I suppose I should return back to the guest chambers assigned to me.”

“Shall I accompany you?” Asked Luna.

“You may, it wouldn’t matter anyway as I don’t have a choice of wanting royalty with me.”

Luna huffed. “You make it sound like I’m a bad pony.”

“You attempted to kill my many times.”

“And I was forgiven of doing such sort. Right?” She said. Aniketos started to walk away out of Celestia’s room, leaving Luna behind with a rare smirk. She soon started to follow. “Right!? Aniketos you answer to me right now!”

Celestia remained in the Solar Throne throughout the day carrying out her duties as princess of Equestria. Before remaining where she is, she had taken a chariot up to the Crystal Empire by request of Princess Amore. The two spoke of how everything was going before the main topic was brought up. A threat of some unknown magic was surrounding the Empire, and was assured by Celestia that she and her sister will help to protect it if needed. Before she returned to the castle upon assuring Amore of safety, she stopped by Canterlot to carry out an opening of a newly built library, cutting the bow with large scissors before the crowd cheered for its opening. Now mid-afternoon she is seated in her throne back in her castle, listening to nobles, politicians, and military officials yelling back and forth at each other. This was not her favorite part of the day as she must constantly push a headache away while listening to the stallions.

Her thoughts traveled to Aniketos and what he was doing. Being given permission by her to wonder around designated areas of the castle, he fully took her offer and started to walk through the halls. Before her departure to the Crystal Empire, both walked together, curious Celestia asking questions about his world. Learning about his home of Sparta was very interesting, hearing that at the age of six or seven boys would be taken from their home to start agog, a process of turning young boys into strong spartan men. In his young age, he and others with him were not spartans yet thus being called spartiates and went through grueling challenges for most of his life apart from gaining some education like poetry and music. In the end of his training, two boys had perished death early, one being in the hands of Aniketos himself. With discipline and honor beat into him, he was now a full spartan by the time he turned thirty-two. The details given to her made her fear the spartan race even more and was thankful Aniketos was as merciful as he is now.

“Your highness.”

Celestia broke out of her thoughts and looked down to the stallions looking at her. Turning to the military general, she cleared her throat before speaking. “Yes general?”

“What is…that thing outside the castle?” He asked, pointing his hoof out the window.

Celestia raised an eyebrow and stood up to walk over to the window. Looking in the pointed direction, she saw none other than the Spartan with his tunic and cloak off. Sweat shined from his back as he did pull ups from a thick branch of a tree. Even in a new world, he still finds a way to do his exercises. She watched him pull himself up and place his legs on the branch, now doing sit ups in the air with the sweat running off from him. She does not know about his anatomy, but she can’t deny what is muscle when she sees it, and he has lots. “Oh, that’s our guest,” Celestia smiled.

Others gathered around the window to watch Aniketos exercise. The general raised an eyebrow to the princess. “‘Guest’? What is it?”

“He,” Celestia emphasized, “is Aniketos of Sparta. He is a fierce spartan warrior that entered our world from his own.”

“That explains the scars,” replied the general.

“His past isn’t for the light hearted.”

“Is that so?” The general started to walk out of the Solar Throne. “I am going to ask him a few questions, your highness.”

“I shall join you general,” said Celestia, the rest following behind to have a closer look of this spartan.

Out in the grass, Celestia noticed that he had a weapon in his grasp, most likely from the Royal Guard barracks. The general watched his strikes against the air, impressed by his form and on point accuracy. “Spartan!” Called out the general.

Upon reaction, Aniketos swung the sword towards the general and halted his attack, the point of the blade mere inches from the general’s nose. He froze seeing many ponies behind him, including Celestia who’s mouth was open. Turning back to the general who remained frozen in fear, he pulled back the sword and stabbed it into the ground. “My apologies, it is a natural reaction for surprises such as this.”

The general shook his head and returned to life. “Not a problem Spartan. I am impressed by your moves.”

“Years of practice.”

“How many?”

“Twenty-five.”

The general’s eyes widened. “T-twenty-five!?”

“Aye, twenty-five,” replied Aniketos.

“And what is your age Spartan?”

“Thirty-two.”

The general and everypony else except for Celestia had shocked faces while the Spartan stood normally, anxious to return to his training and stop this short speaking. He took notice of their facial surprise to his age but it mattered not to him. He soon felt a hoof push a bit on his stomach. “My goodness! Are you made of iron!?” The general awed.

Others flocked around the Spartan, feeling where the general had his hoof along with other areas. Aniketos stood still, confused to what was occurring right now. He looked at Celestia, who herself was giggling to the ponies being curious to him. How something like this could be entertaining to her was something he wouldn’t understand.

Celestia cleared her throat, making everypony realize what they were doing and moved away from Aniketos, apologizing as well. After what occurred, she walked forward a bit to him, noticing him flinch thinking that she was going to do the same which didn’t happen. “Can I know how you got this sword in your hands?” She asked.

He breathed out in relief and looked down to the sword then back to the princess. “I stole it.”

Celestia blinked in silence for a moment. “You what!?”

“I took it from a guard discreetly. I can’t train without a sword. Also, it is very light.” He looked dissatisfied upon speaking about the sword

“I see.” Celestia spoke. “I shall have your belonging returned to your chamber at the end of the day then so you can train properly. Can I trust you of not doing anything dangerous with your weapons?”

This was something Aniketos was waiting for. His gear would all return to him instead of having only his regular clothing. “No threat will come from me, your highness,” he said, giving a smile which he learned was something ponies liked. Why does smiling hurt my face?

Celestia smiled back and nodded, surprised to see a smile on the harden Spartan. “Good. If you excuse me, I must return to my duties.”

Aniketos watched Celestia walk away from him, along with others who still had curious looks towards him. It was probably the scars that made the constant staring. His mind set into the general who he would relate to greatly as he himself was a military man. Maybe he can see the tactics and methods the ponies use when the opportunity arrives. He will meet with the general another time, for now he needed to continue with his training.

The sun slowly moved down as the day continued with Aniketos relentlessly continuing to move. His last part of his training was to run; the only problem was he didn’t know anything about his surroundings. He started to run anyway, figuring he would make something along the way for future days ahead of today. His plan was to mainly focus on the green grass that so far surrounded the castle, so far noticing that there was plenty of trees which meant this area had many trees or it was in a secluded area. Whatever it may be, he would be undisturbed by wondering and curious ponies like what happened recently and would finally be alone to do his routine.

Two hours of running, or what Aniketos thought, made up the days he was locked up inside. The feeling of soreness was all over his body as he slowed to a walk, feeling his heartbeat race from the non-stop running. He had figured a pathway around the outer side of the castle along the grass, keeping it in memory for the next time he trained to keep in shape. Looking towards the sunset, he felt his stomach grumble for any food he can grab but felt no need to find any at this moment. He soon decided to walk into a pathway of large hedges that he passed by while running. He figured exploring more of his surroundings would help create a map of escape just in case the ponies try to kill him for some reason. For colorful, magical, talking horses, they know how to use violence that was very surprising to witness. Still, they were too merciful as he would have been dead by now.

Wondering throughout what appeared to be a maze hid the sun, making the path harder to see ahead. He continued to push forward, not worried of finding anything that may come to harm him. Plus, he didn’t know which way he came in from so the only way was forward. Being alone around nature let his mind think clearly, accepting the fact that he may live in this world for the rest of his life, or eternity since he did not know if his lifespan was affected as well. All too quickly the light of the sun vanished, making way of the stars and so far, the light of the moon rise that he was not able to see. Darkness took its toll in the maze as he still couldn’t find a way out. His ears became more sensitive to his surroundings, a natural reaction when in darkness such as this. Calm he was, but ready for danger as well.

Noise made its way into Aniketos’ ears, making him stop his walking and focus. There could be no way something was here. It could possibly be an animal that made its way here and he kept moving forward. Making a turn, he immediately bumped into something, making him trip forward and collapse onto something soft. Now he was sure he wasn’t alone. Slowly rising, he looked down to who he bumped into, being no other than Princess Luna.

“Good evening, your highness,” he said, moving off from her.

Luna grumbled to herself as she stood on her hooves. “Can you explain why you are here?” She asked.

“I was merely walking until you collided into me, interrupting my thoughts.”

“You did the same to I as well. I do not appreciate it.”

Both were silent for a moment before Aniketos continued to speak. “Do you know a path out of this maze?”

Luna grew a smirk upon being asked. “Lost, are we?”

“Nope, I am making sure you know the way out just in case I need to protect you from harm, your highness,” said Aniketos.

“Please, call me Luna. I believe we’re acquainted enough to not need honorifics,” she told him. “And why should I need your protection? I am an alicorn of the night!”

Aniketos shrugged. “One day you may require it.”

Luna raised her head and walked passed the Spartan, with him following not too far behind. Silence made its way between the two, this time not breaking as they accustomed to each others’ company. The two still had some bitterness between them, but it is nothing but their prideful and strong personality that keeps them as such to each other. Luna had a small smile form which Aniketos couldn’t see due to her mane. He speaking about protecting her made her happy but at the same time detested help other than her sister coming to assist her.

“Luna?” Spoke Aniketos.

“What is it?”

“Is your hair always how it is?”

“Why of course. It is natural for my mane to be this way,” she answered.

“Ah I see.” He spoke. “If you don’t mind me saying, I envy your mane. It reminds me of how magnificent the night is right now.”

Luna almost tripped, flustered by what he had said to her. Somepony that appreciated her night so much had to be unbelievable, but here she was receiving comments about her night which was rare for her to hear. A blush formed on her cheeks, which Aniketos noticed.

“Luna, your face is turning red. Are you okay?” He asked.

“I-I am fine!” She blurted out before calming herself. “I am fine, thank you. I suppose I’m cold which makes my face red.” She turned away from the Spartan, not noticing him placing his cloak over her. She was startled by what he was doing. “Wha-wha-”

“I may have a bit of sweat, but it should keep you warm while we are out here,” he said as he walked forward.

Luna remained still, not believing such kindness coming from him even with his violent past. His scent was strong, warmth taking over her body which could be the cloak, or something possibly different. She watched him turn to her, his face being concerned as to why she wasn’t moving. “Are you sure you are okay Luna?”

“Yes! Do not ask again, Spartan!” She huffed, walking forward again past him.

The two remained in silence as they finally exited the maze and made their way back into the castle, her night guards taking over the night shift. Her guard saluted her as she walked by each one from their posts, not realizing she was following Aniketos instead of walking in her own path. Before she could react, she saw that she was by the room Aniketos was staying in. He noticed her silently following her and decided to speak up. She probably wanted to keep him company. “Would you like to come in, princess?” He asked.

“Actually, I was going to the dining hall to have something to eat. I didn’t realize I was following you,” she said.

“Mind in another world I see.”

“I happen to think a lot which keeps me occupied throughout the night.” She then heard Aniketos’ stomach roar, making her giggle a bit. “I suppose your stomach wishes to join me.”

He shrugged. “Before my stomach joins you, do you have water and a sponge for me to use? I should clean myself before accompanying you.”

Luna raised an eyebrow. “There’s a bathroom in your room.”

“Bathroom?”

She sighed, walking into his room. “Follow me.”

Following the princess inside, he was lead to another room which was supposedly the bathroom. “What is all this?” He asked.

“This is the shower with nobs hot and cold. This is the toilet, here’s the switch to flush your waste. And here is the sink, same nobs as the shower.” Luna paused, realizing that Aniketos never stepped in here. “Where did you do your ‘business’?”

“In the silver and cold chamber pot of course.” He looked out of the room and noticed it was gone. “Huh, someone must have taken it.”

“Ani…” Luna started, getting his full attention upon saying his name like that. “That was the trash can. It is for trash not for your waste.”

“Oh. My apologies princess.”

She sighed. “It’s okay, you didn’t know. I assume most of what you see is nothing like in your world.”

“You assumed correctly.” He moved past her to the shower, inspecting such thing in front of him. “Water comes out from here?” He pointed to the shower head.

“Yes,” replied Luna.

He felt stupid not knowing such thing existed, but he couldn’t be too hard on himself not knowing such thing. Turning the ‘cold’ nob, water started to sprout out from the head. He placed his hand out and felt the cold water touch his hand, nodding in satisfaction. He began to disrobe, making Luna lift her wing to cover her eyes, almost all her eyes. Aniketos stepped into the shower, feeling the water hit his body.

“There is shampoo, soap, and a sponge for the soap inside where you are. Before you ask, you use the shampoo for your hair and you rub the soap onto the sponge and rub it around your body. Don’t get any in your eye or it will hurt.” Luna spoke.

Aniketos watched the molasses-like liquid fall onto his palm and placed it onto his head. “Thank you Luna, you may leave if you like.”

“I’ll be out waiting in your room,” said Luna, magically levitating his clothing with her. Walking out of his room, she laid out the clothes on his bed and with a quick zap to it, all the clothes were now clean to use once more. She thought to herself of getting the Spartan new clothing for him to wear. She shook her head, halting her thoughts of doing such thing for him. She was only being nice but she decided to get him new clothes another time.

Hearing the shower turn off, she watched a naked Aniketos walk out from the bathroom. Again, she quickly covered her eyes and magically levitated a towel for him to use. “Thank you,” he said to her.

“You really don’t care who sees you in the nude,” said Luna.

“Figured you’d be interested since I am not of your kind.”

“I’ve seen enough the first time you undressed in the bathroom.”

Aniketos chuckled a bit, grabbing a placing his clothing back on, noticing it was clean but not speaking about the sudden cleanliness. He soon noticed his armor and weapons being held up on a rack, and seeing it how it used to be let him breath out in relief. “Are you ready to for supper Luna?”

“Very much. I am starving.” She groaned out.

The two walked out of the room and down the hallway, silence between the two remaining until they reached the dining hall. From there, Aniketos’ questions were answered by Luna about where he was and the culture while they ate. Learning about having a way of telling time and different races of ponies and much more fascinated him as he thought of all of this being in the realm of gods. The food offered to him was the same as he was given in the past, only there was no meat at all. In this country of Equestria, eating meat was taboo by all ponies. Giving up meat would not be so difficult for him as his mental discipline made him ready for not getting food that he would normally eat.

Once the two finished their meal, Luna took the Spartan to the private library in the castle upon learning he was educated in poetry and music when not training to be a soldier. The excitement she had to share her favorite poetry to him was not noticeable by her cold and stubborn attitude to him, which she noticed he didn’t mind. Of course, he would be the same as well so he took it as being normal. No wonder they got along so quickly somehow.

The two would remain in the library, Luna giving him many books for him to look at and gain more knowledge that she herself knew but was better for the book to explain. Surrounded by many books of history and poetry, Luna lost track of time as she read through another poetry book not noticing Aniketos softly sleeping while sitting up. She stopped her speaking and looked towards the calm Spartan, giggling to herself upon seeing how innocent he looked while sleeping, ignoring the scar on his eye. Her smile disappeared as she noticed his breathing increasing. Another nightmare was taking over his state. Moving over towards him, she laid her horn down on his head, using her magic to sooth his dream state. Seeing him calm once more, she softly levitated him up and started her path to his room for him to sleep soundly through her night.