Chapter 9

The birds from outside were the first thing I heard as the sun’s rays peered into my room. My eyes lazily opened and I yawned silently with my mouth wide open. I felt a certain weight on my chest and I glanced down to see something that put a smile on my face. Moon had her arms wrapped around me and her head was on my chest with a content smile that graced her lips. The events that transpired last night came back to me which made me both happy and nervous at the same time. I was happy that Moon accepted me despite my dark past and I was able to return the feelings she had for me in full which resulted in us becoming an official couple. However I was nervous due to the unwelcome new resident in my brain.

If one thing’s for sure, I knew that Dante would no doubt try to corrupt me by making me do things that would end up getting me into a lot of trouble. To think something like him was created because of my dark thoughts, and he can use my Conduit powers should I let him take control. All he wants is to take control and claim all who and what exists in this world. But then a thought crossed my mind that probably would sound stupid out loud. Did he actually mean what he said? In a way, Dante is technically an alternate persona of me. Maybe he has the same feelings I do? Perhaps he only said those things to rile me up…

No, it’s stupid to even think about. Dante is nothing but trouble and needs to be kept in check from here on out. I won’t let him ruin this fresh start of mine. Besides, I’m in a world where magic is a thing here, right? Maybe there’s a spell or something that could permanently remove him from my mind and I’d never have to worry about him again. My thoughts are interrupted when Moon began to stir awake and she slowly lifted her head to look up at me. Those cyan cat-like eyes gazed into my bluish green ones and her smile grew wider along with my own smile. Moon then leaned up and gently pressed her lips on mine, welcoming me with a good morning kiss.

“Good morning Ax.” Moon said sweetly as she pulled back. Her lips were still about an inch or two away from mine.

“Morning, Moony.” I said, earning a giggle.

“Are you feeling better?” Moon asked.

“Much, I really appreciate you helping me through all that.” I said.

“Of course Ax, I’ll always be there to support you.” Moon said.

“And I you, especially since we’re now a couple.” I add, making her blush.

“Do you really mean that? We’re a couple?” Moon asks shyly.

“Well yeah, are you saying you don’t want me to be your boyfriend?” I tease.

“What?! No! It’s just…I’ve never had a boyfriend before.” Moon said.

“Really? That’s surprising.” I said.

“When I was still within Luna’s subconscious, she and Celestia would always receive requests for suitors and marriage proposals from the different noble families. As far as having an actual relationship, I don’t recall ever having one” Moon explains.

Seriously? I think in my head. Huh, must’ve been pretty lonely for those two, Celestia especially since Luna wasn’t around.

“So does that mean I'm still a good enough choice for you?” I ask.

“There’s no other man I’d want as my boyfriend, Ax. Your kind heart is what won me over and I’ll always be with you.” Moon said as she pecked me on the lips.

“Well that’s good, cause I don’t think I’ll ever find another girl to love like I do you.” I said.

“You never know, maybe you will.” Moon said, confusing the hell out of me.

“Er, why say something like that?” I question.

“What do you mean? I’m saying there’s a possibility you might like someone else and you can choose to also be with them, so long as you still love me.” Moon explained as she looked up at me, but that only made me more confused.

“Ok back up.” I said as I lifted myself up until I was sitting up straight. “Why would I want to be with someone else when I already have you? I’d never cheat on you, Moon.”

“Oh! I suppose those girls forgot to ask this, but what are relationships like in your world?” Moon asked as she sat in front of me with her legs crossed.

“Uh…well, I guess you could say they’re mostly monogamous. Once someone finds another to choose to be with they usually stick with that person for good. That is if they don’t like each other anymore, they split up and either find someone else or not date again, why do you ask?” I wonder.

“Well Ax, here it’s a little different. You see, the birth ratio between males and females is a tad unbalanced. For every two to four girls that are born, a boy is born. To put it simply, females slightly outnumber males.” Moon explains while holding up a finger.

“You for real?” I ask and she nods. “Wow, must be difficult for the girls to find a proper relationship.”

“True, but there is a remedy for that.” Moon said. “Because of the birth rates being unbalanced, a male can choose to be with more than one female. Of course, so long as both parties agree to it.”

That information seemed to hit me like a cement truck and blow me back to the Stone Age. I just stared blankly at Moon and she tilted her head curiously as I just sat there, frozen like a statue.

“Ax?” Moon said, I didn’t respond. “Ax, are you there?”

“So…y-you’re telling me…” I begin to speak. “Men around here…can have a…polygamous relationship?”

“Yes, as can you. So long as you make sure to love me just a little more than anyone else.” Moon said sweetly.

“…Holy fuck.” I breathed out.

“Is there something wrong?” Moon wonders.

“Uh, yeah there is.” I said. “This new info is A LOT to take in right now. I mean, how would that even work? One guy, dating multiple women at once?”

“Didn’t you notice some of the male residents in the city walking with more than one woman when we ventured out of the castle?” Moon reminded me. My mind drifted back to our outing and I remembered there being a few men walking around with two or three women beside them.

“I mean, yeah I did. Are you saying they were all in a relationship together?” I ask.

“Quite possibly, yes.” Moon answered.

“And this is normal around here?” I ask.

“Indeed.” Moon said.

“And just so I’m clear on this, you, my new girlfriend, would consent to me dating other women along with you.” I question.

“Yes, so long as we have mutual feelings on the matter.” Moon said.

“…Oh good lord.” I breathed out again while running my fingers through my hair. “I figured this world was different but not that different.”

“Are you saying you don’t wish to be with more than one woman?” Moon asks.

“I can’t really answer that, Moon. As I said, this is kinda mind blowing information you just told me. I mean, we literally just got together and now you’re telling me I can expand it like some kind of joint relationship? If I’m being honest, the whole thing sounds too ridiculous for words.” I deadpan.

“Why is it ridiculous?” Moon wonders.

“Better description, it’s just plain dumb.” I said crossing my arms. “If two people, like you and me, wanna share their feelings with one another then by all means they can be together as much as they please. But when it’s something like this, where more than one person can be with one another, it just sounds unnatural. VERY…unnatural.”

“I apologize if you feel that way Ax, however it is just now things are in this world. Men can choose to be with more than one woman, the same can be said in vice versa.” Moon said.

“Yeah…I guess you’re right.” I sighed. “Still doesn’t mean I’m gonna partake in these traditions.”

“And you do not have to if you do not wish to.” Moon reassures me. “I am just as pleased to be your only girlfriend, should you wish for it.”

“Thanks for understanding my feelings.” I said with a smile.

“But you know Ax, fate has a mysterious way of working.” Moon smirked coyly. “Who knows, you might just end up tripping over your own words one day.”

“Doubt it, now let’s get dressed so I can argue with Celestia and Luna about you coming with me to Ponyville.” I said as I climbed out of bed.

“…Ax?” Moon whispered. I looked over my shoulder and saw she was blushing more than usual and her wings were twitching a bit.

“Something else on your mind?” I wonder.

“Would you…care to join me in the bath?” Moon offers.

“Uuuhhh…” I muttered with my own blush. My eyes wandered to gaze at her body. She had a generous bust that I sometimes shot quick glances at and her ass looked plump and round and were both hidden by her pajamas. Honestly, if I had to choose…

That ass, though… I thought to myself.

“I…guess I can.” I shrugged sheepishly. Moon’s blush deepens as she smiles and climbs out of the bed and takes my hand.

“We can bathe each other.” She whispers as she pulls me towards the bathroom. As we slowly walked, I glanced down to her ass and saw it jiggled a little with each step making me swallow hard.

Don’t pitch a tent, don’t pitch a tent, don’t pitch a tent! I repeated frantically in my head.

I was walking down the halls with Moon with a very obvious blush across my cheeks as Moon was practically skipping, she was so happy. I had to pull my beanie over my face because of how flustered I was after our little bathing session. That whole experience has been imprinted in my mind and will never be forgotten for the life of me. The way her body and pristine skin seemed to glow before my eyes, not to mention that I got a full view of her bare breasts and ass, was almost too much to handle. I even had to use my damn Electricity to numb my growing erection so I wouldn’t embarrass myself by popping a boner while we bathed. However…I was fortunate to get to feel those jugs and bubble butt of hers. Now I’m not saying I’m a pervert or anything, but what man wouldn’t find that whole experience as arousing as it was? I’m just glad we managed to finish before things got too escalated. We’re a couple but I don’t think we’re ready for that just yet.

“Is there something on your mind, Ax?” Moon teased.

“Nope.” I quickly said.

“Are you certain?” Moon questioned with a coy smile.

“Nothing at all.” I said.

“Hmm, so you aren’t thinking how you graced your touch all along my body during our bath?” Moon asks. I snapped my head towards her and looked around. Thankfully any guards or maids didn’t hear her quip but that didn’t stop me from giving my girlfriend the stink eye.

“Hush, you!” I snapped. “Ok fine, yes, that whole experience was something I’ll never forget. Happy?”

“Of course, you were honest and that’s what matters.” Moon giggles.

“Why do I get the feeling this was an ulterior motive to tease me about?” I accuse.

“Oh my dearest darling boyfriend, Axel Rickert, whatever could have possibly made you come to such a conclusion?” Moon said with an obvious amount of sarcasm and fake drama.

“You’re enjoying this a little too much, you know that?” I deadpan.

“Oh come now, Ax, I was only teasing.” Moon said before she leaned up and kissed my cheek. “I truly did enjoy your touch, you have strong hands and it made me feel safe to be in your embrace.”

I sighed and smiled at Moon since it was impossible to stay mad at her. “Glad I could be of assistance.” I said.

“Would you mind if we did it again sometime?” Moon wonders.

“I guess, just don’t tease me like that anymore if we do.” I request.

“No promises, Ax.” Moon quipped.

“By the way, I’ve been meaning to ask, since when did you get those tattoos on your shoulders and…er, buttocks?” I asked, trying to find the appropriate word for posterior.

Buttocks? Really? I heard Dante say in my head. What are you, 4? Just say ass.

SHUT IT! I snapped at him.

“Tattoos? Oh, you mean my cutie marks?” Moon answers.

“Cutie marks?” I repeat.

“Indeed, cutie marks are often related to the personality, proclivity, or talent of their owners. They are obtained when people discover a unique characteristic that sets themselves apart from others.” Moon explains. “As you’ve seen, they can appear on the shoulder and our posteriors.”

“Ok but, I can see them showing up on the shoulder, but why the backside?” I question.

“Who knows?” Moon shrugs. “Don’t you want a cutie mark?”

“I don’t think I’d get one.” I dismiss it. “Since I’m not from around here, I doubt one would show up.”

“Are you saying humans from your world do not get cutie marks?” Moon asks.

“Nope, we sort of just figure it out as we go. Some people discover what they wanna do earlier on while others probably never do. As far as marks go, the only kind we get are tattoos.” I said.

“I see, but if you were to acquire a cutie mark, what do you think it would be?” Moon wonders.

“Not sure, but if I could I hope it’d be something cool.” I said.

Moon giggles as we round the corner and walk up to a set of double doors that led to the throne room. As we approached, the guards opened the doors for us and I nodded to them as thanks to which they returned. Celestia, Luna, and even the girls from yesterday were all waiting for me and some had welcoming smiles.

“Good morning, Sir Axel.” Celestia said.

“Morning Princesses, and you all as well.” I greet them all.

“I assume you are prepared for your arrival to Ponyville?” Luna asks.

“Yeah, about that.” I begin, bracing myself for what’s to come. “I want Moon to come with me.”

“Excuse me?” Celestia asked, shocking the others.

“I said I want Moon to come with me to Ponyville, I don’t want her to stay here by herself.” I said.

“Sir Axel, we have discussed this.” Luna reminds me.

“We did, but I’m now against it.” I said.

“Nightmare would not be alone, Sir Axel. She would remain under our supervision where it is safe.” Celestia said.

“Your supervision, or maybe your watch.” I accuse.

“What are you implying, Sir Axel?” Celestia questions.

“What I’m implying is that Moon would in fact be all alone if she stayed here. And if she did, would you two spend time with her? Would you make her feel welcome and not ignored?” I ask while crossing my arms.

“We still have a country to rule, Sir Axel, even if Nightmare is our guest we cannot focus solely on being by her side.” Luna argues.

“And that’s exactly why she should come with me.” I counter. “I can already see what would happen if she stayed here, true she’d be safe, but she’d also not have anyone to relate with. Most of the people still see her as an infamous villain and she’d probably have to isolate herself from the outside to avoid any backlash. You say you would look after her, which I believe you would, but I don’t think you’d actually be there for her. She needs someone who will always be by her side and help show the world she’s not who they say she is.”

“You seem to be very passionate about wanting to be with Nightmare, Sir Axel, why is that?” Celestia asks.

“Because.” I begin and take another deep breath. I reach out and grab Moon’s hand and she smiles up at me, making everyone’s eyes widen. “As of last night, Moon and I are officially together.”

The Princesses and the six girl’s eyes were all staring at us in complete bewilderment at my confession. Twilight blinks and clears her throat while pointing at us.

“You…and Nightmare Moon?” She asks.

“Yup.” I answer.

“Like actually together?” Rainbow adds.

“Uh-huh.”

“Y’all’re fer real?” Applejack asks.

“Very real.”

“Oh my…” Fluttershy whispers.

“I know, right?”

“How…romantic~.” Rarity swoons. “A forbidden love?”

“Uh…I wouldn’t call it forbidden.”

“Will there be a party?” Pinkie wonders.

“I don’t think that’s necessary.”

“Sir Axel.” Celestia spoke up as she rose from her throne along with Luna. “I had no idea you cared for Nightmare so much that you would court her.”

“Let’s just say she’s come to be very special to me.” I said. “So special that no matter what you say, I won’t leave Canterlot without her.”

“But what if she is threatened or provoked?” Luna warns. “She could lash out and any future plans of reconciliation would be for naught.”

“I wouldn’t let that happen, I can guarantee you that.” I said.

Celestia and Luna walk down the small steps and stand before Moon and I. They both look to Moon who was gripping my hand and I held on to comfort her.

“And you believe him?” Celestia asks.

“Yes.” Moon said.

“Would you attempt to harm anyone out of spite towards us?” Luna adds.

“No, I would not. I hold no ill will against either of you. If anything, I truly want to prove I am not the curse I once was. And if it is any consolation.” Moon said as she actually bowed to them. “I am truly sorry for any pain I have caused you.”

The two Princesses were caught off guard by her gesture, as were the rest of the girls, and sighed as Celestia reached out and cupped Moon’s cheek.

“Very well.” Celestia said with a smile. “You have my blessing to see the world with Sir Axel.”

“Mine as well.” Luna said. “I too believe you are true to your word. So with that being said.” Luna raises her hand and it glows a dark blue glow. A small orb of magic leaves Moon’s chest and disappears in front of her. Moon smiles with happy tears in her eyes and wraps an arm around the two Princesses and hugs them close.

“Thank you…thank you both so much.” Moon said. “I will be sure to not disappoint either of you.” Celestia and Luna smile as they return the embrace and I smirk proudly at my girlfriend.

“So.” I said as I turned to the six girls. “Now that Moon is coming along, does that mean you’d also be willing to give her a chance?”

They all looked at each other for a moment and smiled as they all nodded.

“If someone like Nightmare Moon wishes to right her wrongs, then who am I to say no?” Twilight said.

“Indeed, she is a noble soul like you Axel.” Rarity said.

“I guess she’s alright.” Rainbow said.

“She seems a little scary, but I think she deserves friendship. At least, that’s what I think.” Fluttershy whispers.

“She’s as honest as can be, that’s fer sure.” Applejack said.

“Are you sure I can’t throw a party for her?” Pinkie asks.

“Maybe when she’s a little more comfortable with her surroundings.” I said. The three Princesses break their group hug and Moon steps back next to me.

“Sir Axel, we now leave the responsibility of Nightmare Moon under your care. I expect you to keep your word and always look after her as you say you would.” Celestia said.

“Of course.” I nod.

“Twilight, along with learning the importance of friendship, I would also like for you to write about Nightmare Moon. I wish to keep track of her progress of fitting in and maybe have her learn about the importance of friendship as well.” Celestia adds.

“You can count on me, Princess Celestia!” Twilight said proudly.

“Then it is settled.” Celestia said. “I wish you luck on your new surroundings and responsibilities, Sir Axel. And you as well, Nightmare.”

“Thank you Celesita.” I said with a curt nod.

“Yes, thank you so much again.” Moon said.

And with that, the six girls, Moon, and I walked out of the throne room. We made a quick stop by our room to gather any of our belongings and we headed out of the castle.

As we walked through the streets of Canterlot, Moon was striking up a conversation with Twilight and Rarity which made me smile seeing how she was already connecting with the others. Aside from the obvious stares from the snobs, I was thinking about what life was gonna be like now that I can finally leave the castle and see the rest of the world with Moon. Since this was a world filled with magic, I wondered if there were any magical creatures around? It’d be pretty sweet if I could meet a dragon, however I probably would get eaten or something should there be any hostile ones.

I then noticed some men working on a few power lines connected to a circuit breaker. One of the men had wings and was flying a little too close for comfort. I didn’t think anything of it since he probably knew what he was doing and we all passed by the workers.

Suddenly, there was a cry of pain making me stop and spin around to see the flying worker fall to the ground. He groaned as he tried to pick himself up but I noticed sparks of electricity flying from the top of the circuit breaker and one of the power lines broke off and fell down. The power line flailed in every direction and had the man trapped since he was too terrified to move without risking getting shocked as the broken end of the wire had electricity pouring out like a hose. The lights that were on in the area had gone out since there was no more electricity which meant that a blackout had just happened.

“Oh shit! Someone grab the thing with magic!” One of the workers cried.

“I can’t!” Another said as he tried to catch it with his magic. “The power line is moving too fast and I can’t get a grip on it! Go shut off the power!”

“What?! But that will shut down the whole area!”

“We can’t just leave him! He’ll die!”

“SOMEONE HELP ME! I DON’T WANNA GET FRIED! I HAVE A FAMILY!” The trapped worker cried.

“Damnit, fine! I’ll be right back!” The man said and ran off.

“That poor man! He’ll be killed if nothing is done!” Rarity said.

“I’ll save him!” Rainbow said as she unfurled her wings.

“Are you nuts!” Applejack snapped, grabbing Rainbow. “Y’all’ll be crispier than an apple fritter if ya get anywhere near that thing!”

“But we can’t just leave him!” Rainbow shot back.

I looked back at the scene and all the panicked faces, especially the frightened man. I then got an idea that would probably work but might also fail. I could grab that power line and keep it at bay while absorbing the electricity like a battery so that he could escape. But since I’ve never done something like this, I’d probably end up frying myself in the process which would hurt like a bitch. Besides, that other guy said he’d shut the power off, maybe he’ll make it in time?

You really shouldn’t bother. Dante whispered. It was his fault for being stupid enough to end up in that situation. If he ends up dying, then he would only have himself to blame.

…

Yeah, but I’d also blame myself for not doing anything. I shot back as I placed my duffle bag on the ground.

Without warning I dashed towards the power line and downed man, ignoring the screams of protest behind me. The power line whipped around violently until it swung itself in my direction. I raised my hand while activating Electricity and caught the power line with my bare hand by the exposed wires.

BBBBBBRRRRRRRRRRRZZZZZZZTTTTTT!!!

“HHHHHOOOOLLLLLLYYYY SHIIIIIIITTT!!!”

I felt the electricity from the wire flow through me like the biggest adrenaline rush I’ve ever gotten. My whole body had bolts of electricity sparking off of me as I held on to the wire tight. I grit my teeth and grunted and tried to stabilize the energy coursing through me and turned my head to the stunned worker still sitting on the ground.

“Get…away…NOW!” I shouted.

The man wasted no time and scrambled out of the way as I resumed my focus on the task at hand. I then reached over and grasped the power line with my other hand and continued to stabilize the flow within me. The sparks along my body danced and sparked as I held on and I felt something within me, like my Electricity was becoming stronger. I began to steady my breathing and my power and the sparks started to dwindle and spark out less. Eventually I finally stabilized the electricity flow and the sparks only covered my hands. I looked over to the girls who were in complete awe at the sight of me and I just smiled at them. The other workers walked up to me and just stared slack jawed.

“How…are you doing that?” One of them asked.

“It’s just my power.” I shrugged. “I can hold onto this for as long I want, but I’ve got somewhere to be. How long until your buddy turns off the power?”

“Uh…he should be at the power station by now so it shouldn't be too long.” The man said.

I glanced over to the buildings off to the side and saw that the lights were back on. Guess since I’m keeping the flow of electricity going they were able to light back up. But eventually I felt the energy from the power line diminish and the lights turned off, which meant that the power was switched off. Feeling that the power line had no more energy coursing through it, I dropped it to the ground and deactivated my Electricity. In doing so, I got a little dizzy all of a sudden and stumbled back a bit and fell to the ground on my ass.

“Are you ok?” The worker asked.

“Ugh, yeah…I just need a minute.” I groaned. “Jeezus, that was a jolt.”

You could’ve been killed. Dante growled.

Yeah well I didn’t, so screw you. I said.

“AX!”

I turned my head to see the girls running up to me and Moon almost tackling me flat on the ground.

“Thank the moon and stars you’re alright!” Moon cried as she peppered my cheek with kisses.

“Easy there Moon, I’m still a little sore from all that.” I said.

“Axel, how in the heck did you do that?!” Twilight yelped. “You should be burned to a crisp right now!”

“Did you forget what I told you about my Electrokinesis? I can absorb electricity like a battery without harm. Though it sure does a number on my body if I don’t control it properly.” I said as I picked myself up.

“That…was…AWESOME!” Rainbow cheered while flying up to me. “You looked so cool with all those bolts flying off you!”

“Ah gotta admit, though it was just plum crazy what ya did, ya sure managed to wrangle that wire up nicely.” Applejack said.

“Darling, are you positive you are alright?” Rarity asks.

“Oh yeah, never felt better.” I said as I stretched my limbs. I then started to hear different whispers here and there from the snobs.

“Did you see that? What in the world kind of magic was that?”

“That didn’t look anything like magic I’ve heard of.”

“It’s unnatural, he’s unnatural.”

“Perhaps he’s not even human if he can do something like that.”

“I agree, he’s more like a Demon.”

“What’s with these guys?!” Rainbow scoffs. “Axel just saved these men, and they say such mean stuff about him?!”

“Relax Rainbow, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.” I said.

“Hey buddy.” I looked to see the injured worker and he had a smile on his face. “You saved my life, I really appreciate that so thank you.”

“No problem, you gonna be ok?” I ask,

“I’ll live, it’s just a burn so it’s not a big deal. I gotta get back to work, thanks again!” He said as he waved goodbye.

I smiled as I turned with the others back in our original direction and I picked my duffle bag back up. All the girls kept making sure I was unharmed along the way, which was a little annoying because of the repetitiveness but I still welcomed it since they cared so much. We eventually arrive at the train station and the train is waiting there for us to board. Twilight shows the conductor the tickets and we all board the train. Once inside, I placed my duffle bag on the top shelf and set my sling pack with my Amp under my seat and sat down. Moon sits next to me as Twilight, Rainbow, and Applejack sir across from us and Rarity, Pinkie, and Fluttershy sit on the seats next to ours.

“So Axel, are you looking forward to going to Ponyville?” Twilight asks.

“You bet, Canterlot is nice but it’s a bit too snobby for my taste.” I said.

“Well I’m positive you both will enjoy Ponyville, and we’ll also make sure you fit in just like everyone else.” Twilight reassures me.

“Thanks Twilight, we appreciate it.” I said.

“All aboard!” We hear the conductor call out. Soon the doors close and the train begins to move. I take one last look at Canterlot as the train picks up speed and I smile.

No turning back now. I think to myself.

Author's Note

Axel’s little display of power may have earned him a nickname. Question is, if he’ll be able to prove them right or wrong? Only time will tell.

Hope you enjoyed!

~WurkyWilk has left the building…