Lunar Spartan

Over two months had passed since Aniketos arrived on this new world he slowly grew comfortable with, along with much other occurrences in the land of Equestria. The battle against Tirek was placed into new books, speaking of how Celestia defeated the beast with her magic. Much of the story being both fact and fiction, all of it leaving out Aniketos' involvement with the battle. It did not matter to the Spartan if he was honored in being in the tales or not, for he only did what he was trained to do, fight and battle on through any violent encounter. Much time after the battle, another princess he never heard of named Princess Amore was overthrown in a change of powers which looked to be non-violent. The new ruler, King Sombra, had requested to see both Celestia and Luna for a meeting. Him and Astra had joined the two princesses, seeing right after the meeting that it had gone well besides Celestia's unusual attitude Luna had brought up. He witnessed himself how she acted, but upon seeing the King, he had a dark feeling coming from the new ruler. Knowing something wasn't right, he swore to stay by Luna's side, to protect her for what was to come.

What he imagined never came as time progressed. Within time, Luna had grown to trust Sombra as his intentions were pure and innocent for both Equestria and the Crystal Empire, as well as entertainment for her sister. Trade between the two nations grew, and in times had joint military practices, both Royal and Lunar Guards along side Crystal Guards. Parades were held recently, having much to show from much across the land of Equestria, along side many other nations it was allied to joining in as well. Attending such parade led to more exposure to the Spartan, many ponies in awe about a new creature that was never seen before. He would be asked questions of where he came from, which he would respond back his home of Sparta.

Home would be the next question in mind for the two princesses, knowing castle life was something Aniketos was not for. He didn't mind living in the castle, however they insisted he would have more freedom if he had land of his own. For the next two weeks, he had found a patch of land nearby a river to start building his home. He had gathered enough wood and stone, along with mud bricks and clay tiles being all made by his own hand. He placed down one mud brick down at a time on top of the stone foundation within the designated area. Princess Luna would come to him by the start of sunset, seeing the progress that was made. She knew he was aware of many other supplies, most being much stronger, but he didn't bother to deal with it. Seeing the Spartan work was interesting, seeing what houses possibly looked like in his world. Rather, she is surprised to see a soldier be able to make a house.

The work done to his new house kept him busy, which was something he had a hard time finding. The two princesses were correct on having more freedom, now being thankful for being able to have a place of his own. The house was soon complete after having some modern modifications to certain areas, including an installation of a bathroom. Everything else was deemed okay and soon Aniketos' house was officially complete to live in. It was also nicknamed "Luna's hiding spot" due to her hiding from some of her duties which she would have to do in the end since the Spartan would haul her back. Candles lit up the inside along with a small fire burning within the stone oven. The house had a living room/kitchen, a bathroom, and Aniketos' bedroom. Small, simple, and comfortable.

Having nothing else to do, it brings him to where he is today, standing in the hot sun in a medium sized farmland he started himself. Doing much of this farm work would only be done by slaves or peasants, but as for now until sunset he would keep himself busy with common work. What was odd about the soil was that it accelerated the growth cycle with both the wheat and the grape seeds he had planted, making him expand the farm land from its original size. Instead of growth taking about seven to eight months, his crops would be ready in seven to fourteen days. Making sure the time was exact, he had planted an apple tree sapling, counting the days going by as the sapling grew slower than the rest of the crops around him. Before it only reached up to his knee, by now it had grown up to his waist. If only Sparta had such magic this land had, it would be more sufficient in having much food for the people and soldiers to enjoy.

Again, home returned to his thoughts, thinking of how everyone must be doing. He knew the Persians would still fight, but he also knew everyone in Sparta would never give up to a bunch of savages. While many other states had walls for protection, in his homeland the soldiers of Sparta were the walls of protection.

Aniketos' ears twitched as he heard distant trotting to the east of where he was. Stabbing the pole of the hoe down, he walked over back to his house, his kopis still by his waist just in case he ran into unwanted ponies. Reaching the front of his house, he saw a large kind of chariot along with a few more ponies in it. He did not know what they wanted or why they were here, but at least he knew they were of no threat or danger. Soon he noticed a small light green filly looking up to him in awe, something he was use to see by now from past occurrences. The filly had her light yellow mane in braids and orange eyes, another rare eye color he has seen in this world of colorful hor-, ponies.

"Hi there!" She squeaked out.

The Spartan raised an eyebrow to the greeting. "Hello there, young one."

Her smile grew as well as her curiosity. "You're really big! Where did you come from mister?"

"I came from a place very far away from here, my home of Sparta," Aniketos answered, kneeling down to about her height. "Tell me, where are your parents young one?"

"Howdy there!" Another pony spoke out, being a large stallion with an unusual looking hat, to Aniketos that is. "Don't mind the young one, she always goin' out on her small adventures without her Pa around."

Aniketos stood back up. "It is of no problem sir."

The stallion chuckled a bit. "M'name's Pokey Oaks. Nice to meet you," he spoke, holding up his hoof.

He clenched the hoof with his hand, shaking it after. A strong hoof he has. "Aniketos Xenagoras of Sparta."

Both released their grip, the Spartan seeing Pokey Oaks raise an eyebrow. "Ah, you're the 'Spartan' everypony's been talkin' about. I heard you helped Celestia take on that monster Tirek months ago."

"Aye, Luna and I were among Celestia in the fight."

"Heh, a warrior and a farmer!" Pokey Oaks said, looking at the farm Aniketos had. "That's a mighty fine farm you got going there. You think I can take a look at what you have?"

"Not a problem-" Aniketos soon halted his speaking as he felt something lying on top of his head.

"Grannie Ann! Get down from his head!" Pokey Oaks yelled.

The young filly shook her head. "No!"

Aniketos smirked to this filly's stealth. "Not to worry Pokey Oaks, I do not mind the company." He started to walk forward towards his farm.

"Heh, if you say so," said Pokey Oaks.

The two walked together, Pokey Oaks commenting on how great everything has grown as he inspected both the wheat and grapes that was growing. With permission, the stallion was able to gather a bit from both sides, keeping everything in his hat since he did not carry a bag.

"Tell me, what brings you here? Are you traveling?" Aniketos asked.

"Not anymore," Pokey Oaks replied. "We were traveling for awhile now, and soon enough we got to Canterlot. From there me and my family had met Princess Celestia and pointed out here the clear land we were given permission to live on. Once we arrived here, my brother noticed your house and now here we are."

"Interesting. Well you have many spots to choose from, seeing there is a vast amount of space in this area."

"Heh, true on that. Glad to have you as a neighbor!" The stallion said, patting Aniketos' back. "Well I 'ought to be goin' now. Gotta start setting up a house while there's still daylight. Come on Ann, off his head."

"Aww okay," she said, hopping off to join her Pa walking away. She then stopped and turned back to the Spartan. "Will it be okay to come visit you again?"

"Not a problem, young one. You are welcome to come, with permission of course," Aniketos replied, seeing Grannie Ann's smile enlarge once more.

He watched the large chariot leave, seeing it travel much further out into the land before it stopped again. It was very far from where he made home, but was still visible to his eyes. A sigh came from him, thinking if his time being in the new world had made him soft. Possibly, for he was not attacking anyone nor keeping a military attitude when among others. He was a spartan of course, made to be rough, strong, and deadly to all who stand against him, but here he was keeping a child on top of his head like a hat. Is it wrong to be such way? Many back home would consider him weak for doing much of what he was doing now. Or maybe this was something he needed for his life. Calmness and peace within himself, only needing to act when necessary. A balance such as fire and water; fire being the soldier he is raised to be and water being only a man who is only living what seems to be a simple life.

Aniketos looked up to the sky, seeing much of the sun still in full. There was still time to do much of his own activities before attending to Luna for the night. He would need to attempt to ask her about his dreams, for she invades them in every dream. It is not a problem considering it is only him dreaming, but he can be aware what is his own mind creating such imagination and when she herself has invaded. He would be able to see the lovely princess in the night, so why dream about her?

“What the?” He spoke up, shaking his head to what he was thinking. He wasn’t wrong about thinking such ideas about her, but to him it was still odd to think of a pony in such way. He took a deep breath before focusing on his farm, looking over to the new neighbors building their home, witnessing their progress.

Celestia’s mane brushed along the breeze of her flying chariot as it flew over the ponies down below of the Crystal Empire. After a small unexpected meeting with a group of earth ponies back in Canterlot, she made her way to her scheduled meeting with the king. What she put down into her schedule was meeting of something diplomatic that needed attention. Little did anypony know besides her closest guards she was only going for a friendly visit to see Sombra. It was wrong for her to put false information, but it was the only way to escape her duties for a bit. A bit of slyness wouldn’t hurt any pony other than time itself.

Her little secret has been continuing since the first meeting with Sombra. The two had gotten along fairly well throughout their time together, speaking about their duties for the week and whatever may concern their two nations. Relations between the two nations has even grown better than before with trade benefiting each other, along with some celebrations being held together with much positive feedback. It is peaceful as it is, a goal Celestia wishes to keep for as long as she is ruler of Equestria. War would be harmful to the harmony between the ponies is such thing occurred.

The chariot landed softly in the front entrance of the Crystal Palace, much of ponies around the gates being in awe seeing the princess of the sun visit the King. No matter how frequent she comes to their homeland, it would always be an honor to have such royalty upon them. Celestia stepped off, nodding to her guards before she made her way inside. The Crystal Guards pay no attention to the princess, except greeting her with the upmost respect. Sombra made sure she would always feel welcomed to the palace, and it sure is succeeding. Walking up the few steps, she reached the Crystal Throne, the guards opening it to let her in to their king.

Slowly she made her way, walking along the red carpet seeing Sombra being surrounded by many other ponies with much paperwork to be reviewed and given a decision on being approved or denied. Seeing Sombra struggle a bit made Celestia giggle, reminding her of her royal struggles when bombarded with paperwork. Her laugh was noticed by Sombra who looked at the princess. Instantly, a smile grew as he jumped off the throne and rushed over to her, leaving behind his ponies.

Once the distance closed, they both embraced in a warm hug, both their hearts fluttering with joy that only themselves know about. Both broke apart, their smiles never fading. “It is so wonderful to see you Tia!” Sombra said, waving his hoof towards his ponies before he started walking, Celestia joining him. “Tell me, how is everything going along with you?”

“Everything is fairing great Sombra. Throughout the morning I overlooked the opening of a new city in the east of Equestria. The founders named it ‘Baltimare’,” said Celestia.

“Ah yes, I had heard about this new city you were speaking about the last time we met. It is great news to hear though I may look out for the Griffons if they try anything.”

“Not to worry, the Guards are over there assisting with any problems the city may have while they build their emergency response services.”

“My, my, impressive as always m’lady,” he smirked. “Care to grab some lunch?”

“I would like that, I’ve grown a bit hungry,” she replied.

The two of royalty continued to walk together through the castle hallway, soon out in the open where the sun shined brightly upon the crystal ponies. A few crystal guards made formation to bring a chariot for their King and honored guest, but Sombra had waved it off, preferring to go on hoof instead. He wished to take his time with the lovely princess of the sun, which in return Celestia didn’t mind. At least two guards would still be with him, keeping a safe distance to not interrupt his time with Celestia as they exited out of the gates and onto the streets. All ponies around greeted the two, bowing for a moment before returning to their regular routine for the day. Around her, she saw much growth and progress in the capital of the empire, seeing much new building being created replacing the older ones that stood when she was a filly. The roads by now were much repaired and more smooth with a small shine coming from it.

Reaching a more congested part of the capital, Sombra held the door open to what would be the place where they would eat in. Celestia walked inside, Sombra following after with the two guards still keeping their distance. Looking around, she saw the restaurant packed and busy, the over-chatter echoing out with the few common laughs, clinking of cups and plates, the single candle in the center of the tables, and the music of calm jazz being played as background music by the few musicians. It looked more certainly for those who live in Canterlot to be in here, but instead was a mixture of ponies which was a new sight to behold. Noticing Sombra walking again, she followed behind him as they were lead by what appeared to be the manager of the establishment. A bit sweaty from probably working, or having to serve two royal subjects, she brought them to a table which looked rather comfortable as well as a bit safe from other pony interference. Once seated, one waiter had brought two glasses along with a bottle named Pomme d'Erotica, pouring it into both glasses before leaving the two with the menus.

“I’ve never been here before, is this new in the capital?” asked Celestia.

“Yes it is. It recently opened only a few days ago. Only now have I gotten the time to visit such place, but I didn’t expect it to be very busy.” Sombra chuckled a bit, raising the glass to his lips, something Celestia stared at as he took a sip. “Ah, Pomme d'Erotica, finest cider in all of the Empire.”

She raised the glass to her lips as well, taking a sip and tasting the cider. Smooth, sweet, and with a hint of alcohol not too strong nor too faint, all bonded together in a perfect balance which made her taste buds dance with satisfaction. “Oh my goodness,” she said, the only thing she was able to say.

Seeing this made Sombra chuckle more. “First time, m’lady?”

“This is wonderful. I’ve never had such cider like this before,” she said.

“I’ll shall have a barrel sent to your castle, if you like.”

“That won’t be necessary. It wouldn’t be special to have if I was able to drink it whenever I please.” A smile formed onto her, which in return Sombra did the same.

“As you wish, m’lady,” Sombra said, raising his glass.

Celestia raised hers as well, the two glasses clinking one another before it was brought to their lips once more, enjoying the drink that was certainly now special to them. The waiter had returned shortly after, the two forgetting to look through the menus while they were seated. Both looked through the choices quickly, Sombra soon deciding for both him and Celestia what meal they would like. Their menus were then traded for a batch of warm bread sticks which had just come out of the oven, the waiter trotting away to give the orders to the chefs. Using her magic, Celestia raised the bread stick to her mouth, taking a bite to the warm bread. The taste of butter mixed with salt along the piece of bread stood out, a soft satisfying hum coming from her throat as she chewed and swallowed before going for another bite.

Across from the princess, Sombra leaned his cheek against his hoof, watching her give off a smile of pure joy as she ate the bread stick. Who would have guessed she would enjoy the bread so much on a first visit? He too was here on his first visit as well but did not give off the satisfaction she gave off. It mattered not if he didn’t enjoy it enough or not at all, for seeing Celestia happy and relaxed was all it mattered to him. Ever since their first meeting, he felt a strong connection to her as they met in friendly meetings speaking whatever may come to mind while either trotting somewhere or staying put at the gardens. He was never able to answer why though, for the feeling was instant and sudden with the first meeting. There was times of seeing her in the past from the distance while being a politician, but now being King and meeting her up close made the odd emotion erupt from him. One thing was for certain, she was beautiful, captivating, and breath-taking as he would sometimes forget to breathe when near her.

Celestia noticed his eyes looking towards her, and soon their eyes locked on, the small flame on the table making Sombra’s green iris come to life with the shine. The sound around them turned into a soft muffle as she stared, everything that she unconsciously focused on turning to the stallion across from her as he continued to smile. Any attempt to break the connection herself was not possible, not like she wanted to anyway as she felt her chest beating fast along with her cheeks feeling warm. Was such thing like magic being used to lock her in the spellbound of such strong emotions? Nothing of the sort would be likely, knowing there was no indication of magic being used around her. She wished to be close to continue such trance, but such thing would never come as she was brought back to the world upon the waiter laying out their lunch in front of them.

“Enjoy, my king and your highness,” the waiter announced before walking away to serve others.

What just happened? Celestia thought, looking down to what Sombra had ordered. A plate of spinach alfredo along with a bowl of potato soup with much vegetables in it. All looked delicious to eat, she not knowing why she hasn’t started eating yet.

“The food isn’t going to bite m’lady, I can assure you that,” Sombra smirked, taking a bite of his food.

“R-right,” Celestia smiled, raising the fork and wrapping the pasta around the silverware.

The two ate together, small talk being made here and there while the food still remained on the table. In the span of twenty minutes, their food was by now finished along with the bottle of cider and empty glasses. For a new restaurant, their experience was outstanding, Sombra leaving a generous tip to the waiter and establishment as both King and princess left back outside. Both started to trot together once more through the streets, their smiles never fading and laughs only ending to take in needed breaths. Their trotting slowed as they reached the palace, not wanting to separate from a wonder day they were having. Even with their slow pace, the two reached the gates then the palace entrance where they now stood still, silence being around them for only a moment.

“I enjoyed our time together, Sombra,” said Celestia.

“So have I, m’lady. It was a good break from all the royal duties,” Sombra replied.

The sounds of the chariot approaching to a halt echo into their ears, letting the two know it was time to end their day together. Both knew they wanted to be together much more longer, but being important to their nations they needed to return to their duties. Without warning, Sombra’s cheek felt the princess’ lips, the softness sending chills all around his body.

“Until we meet again, Sombra,” Celestia said before turning away towards her chariot.

“Yes...until...” He was with no words as he watched the princess enter her chariot and fly off back to Equestria. He remained motionless, not knowing how to react to such thing Celestia had done. He turned around facing the doors to his throne, giving a hoof in the air before trotting inside where his subjects were waiting, with paperwork needed to be done.