Minimum as the hours were, Nocturnus and Mokata managed to get proper sleep after all their fornicating the night before. It should’ve been impossible given how late they stayed up, but no matter how it looked, they achieved it. Just as Nocturnus predicted, Mokata using his wing like a pillow was the first thing he woke up to. He honestly found it amusing despite expressing to his fellow friend he didn’t want to wake up to find her like that. Not that he really meant it at the time since he was obviously joking. Cute as it was, the thestral knew he couldn’t let his fellow flyer stay like that. Otherwise, his wing would be left aching for the whole morning. Something that he was not keen on letting happen regardless of circumstance.

Once he succeeded in getting the pegasus to lift her head off his wing, they shared a kiss before heading to the bathroom to clean up. Funniness filled Nocturnus’s mind at remembering just how different the atmosphere was around them when they did this the first time. Never would they have felt as comfortable sharing a bathroom if they didn’t do what they did the previous night. It just left him amazed at how such a thing as mating can really do you regarding confidence. Not that Mokata wasn’t feeling the way, based on her body language and the looks she was shooting him.

Two hours of brushing, washing, and showering later, Mokata and Nocturnus headed to the Hotel Café for breakfast. It was light with customers, being a polar contrast to how it was in Ponyville’s Sugarcube Corner. Due to this, the Crusaders did not have to wait long to get a table for them to sit at and eat. Signs pointed to their morning being pleasant, up until their inevitable meeting with the rulers of the West. Just when they thought it could not get any better, the goodness of their morning was amplified by the arrival of two familiar faces. Faces that they took the time to catch up with while things were mundane and steady.

“I must say, finding out you two were staying in the same hotel as I and Rylko wasn’t something I believed we’d discover,” Clemente commented. “I had the firm impression it would be at some other establishment in the city. Alas, it seems like Lucine decided to take things into her hooves.”

“She may have, given how we met up with you again so soon.” Nocturnus chuckled as he scooted a bit closer to Mokata. “We figured we’d see you later if not this morning then in the afternoon. Selene may have lent Lucine a helping hoof to make that happen quicker.”

“Now that I’m willing to believe! Our gods are quite alike!” Clemente giggled. “Time is certainly saved for me that I would’ve spent looking for you. It also gives me some time to follow up with you about your time at the Pink Moon Festival.”

“If you’re wondering if we had fun during it, yes. Mokata and I can’t remember a time when we have so much fun.” Nocturnus confirmed contently. “Queen Ambrosia and King Ambrogino really outdid themselves.”

“Got that on the mark there,” Clemente agreed, her leonine tail swishing under the table as Rylko swatted at its tuff. “I must say, I was a little surprised that it was only you two coming. My festival normally has friends, families, and mates as a whole due to how unified it is. I usually experience that whenever someone from another place comes here. But I didn’t have that with you.”

“Well, I think you can count that as the one possible exception that you did not,” Nocturnus said, resting his face in a hoof. “Our families and friends were busy with their own things believe it or not. I was planning on coming alone because of how booked my family’s schedule was. Everyone else I asked either had no interest or threatened to do… things to me if I tried taking them here.”

Clemente’s ears went slack. “Dear me… I can only imagine how disappointing that was for you. It would be one thing for some to not be able to spend such a holiday with you, but all of them? If I didn’t know any better, the universe was deliberately trying make you be alone!”

“I literally had those same thoughts while I was going home after getting so many rejections and door slams to my face.” Nocturnus snorted, his eyes becoming half-lidded. “Fortunately for me, I ran into Mokata’s older sister and explained my situation. After that… she decided to postpone her holiday plan with Mokata and let her go with me on this trip.”

“Is that so? What a nice thing for her to do! I bet that made you quite happy!” Clemente gushed, her pink eyes gleaming like those of an owl.

“It did! Nocturnus was elated when I accepted his offer to go to another land!” Mokata replied, mushing her cheeks with her hooves. “Not that I wasn’t since I was, well… close to crying. But it was so adorable when I said yes!”

“I’d say your reaction was more adorable than mine, considering you were going to cry like a bat pup just born.” Nocturnus retaliated, nudging at the pegasus with a wing. “But if we’re both being honest, the one who felt that way about both our reactions was Fluttershy. I think we can call it even there.”

Mokata laughed in a wing of her own. “Good point.”

“My, it sounds like you have quite the caring and kind families back home,” Clemente commented as she let out a sigh. “Honestly, I’m jealous of you for having it. It makes me wish I had a thing as wonderful as that.”

Nocturnus, sensing the sudden solemn shift in the vampiress’s voice, tilted his head. “What do you mean by that? Do you... not have family Clemente?”

“I do, and we all live in the jurisdiction as all the other citizens here.” She explained. “We… aren’t on the best of terms. I haven’t spoken to them for some time since reaching the age of being able to leave without being forced back. I ran into them at the festival and… it did not end well.”

“Oh goodness. I take it that was the reason why you felt so… sour when you left?” Mokata asked sensitively.

“It's also why I turned in earlier than I intended,” Clemente added with a huff. “It’s nothing you lovelies need to concern yourselves about. Just some bad blood between family that ruined what was supposed to be a time of coming together as one.”

Palpable tension clenched the air like an eagle crushing the skull of a fox as Nocturnus and Mokata shared nervous glances. In contrast to some, neither of them had the misfortune of being born into dysfunctional families. It was thanks to the familial essence of their home and the love of relatives that they knew how a family should and should not be. From the way Clemente described her’s, she fell into the less favorable category and was far worse than she let on. Mokata and Nocturnus couldn’t imagine being in any similar situation in their families. Let alone any that they would have down the road. It helped them see how lucky they were with their upbringings, and how others were not.

“From how it sounds, it’s not something worth prying,” Nocturnus murmured. “I know this won’t mean much, but you have our condolences. Mokata and I can’t say we know what you’re going through, but we know bad blood is ugly with family. I hope no old wounds were reopened during your… reunion with your family.”

“Some ill feelings did come back upon seeing their faces, but nothing else,” Clemente said a hoof going down to rub Rylko’s head. “l would rather not think about them right now. What I do want to think about is how you two will be going about your plan.”

“You mean our plan involving the Western Queen?” Mokata inquired knowingly.

“Obviously. Not once did you bring her up during this little get-together,” Clemente replied while sitting up. “I didn’t mind since I wanted to catch up with you, but I figured you’d have brought it up at this point. Do you have a way planned out as to how you’re going to go about it? Or did you need some extra assistance?”

“No. Not really.” Nocturnus denied. “We actually talked it over while getting ready to come down here. Mokata and I planned to see the Queen after we finished breakfast. We’re sure things will get busy for them later on, and we wanted to do it before they became busier.”

“Hm… so you were opting to do it at one of the two times where they’d be most free.” Clemente hummed as she thought it over. “I must say, that is a good idea. I wanted to frolic with you more since this will probably be the last day you’ll be here, so I’m fine with the afternoon. Any other time frame would possibly throw a wrench in it.”

“We guessed you wanted to spend more time with us. You wouldn’t have been as excited as you were if you didn’t.” Mokata giggled as Rylko went to nuzzle her lap. “I’m sorry. You and Rylko.”

“As if it was not made obvious~.” Clemente laughed. “Rest assured darlings! While the hours are limited it does not mean the fun is over yet! I will see to it that the remaining time you are here is the best you’ll have!”

“I have no doubt that you will. Unless the King or Queen do something to outdo you when we see them.” Nocturnus teased as Clemente and Mokata frowned cutely at him. “Now that I’m on that topic, we do have a favor to ask of you, Clemente.”

“Is it another tour around the city?” Clemente guessed dryly.

“Not exactly,” Nocturnus replied as he suddenly grew nervous. “You know about the Royal Castle, right? That’s in the literal center of your city?”

One of the vampiress’s sugar-pink brows rose. “Yes, I do. It’s big enough for all to notice even out in the Titan Forest. Why do you ask?”

With a smile that showed every single bit of his nervousness and embarrassment, Nocturnus spat out his next words. “You wouldn’t happen to know the quickest route to it… would you?”

Contrary to what they believed, Rylko and Clemente managed to complete their trip to the Blood Moon Castle in record time. It did wonders in leaving Mokata and Nocturnus stunned because of how hard it looked to get there. Regardless, the church grim and unicorn did wonders in proving them wrong with their expert navigation skills. Barley enough time was given to the Crusaders to take it all in given how fast they went. It was a wonder they didn’t end up disoriented and even more that Nocturnus didn’t lose his breakfast. Not that any one of them would have blamed him if that did happen.

Quickness in letting the guards know of their business followed after the quartet made it to their destination. Minutes of waiting went by before they were let in and guided to where the Royal Palace was in the castle. In a surprising act of courtesy, the three equines and one dog were given comfortable seats and snacks for the wait by the royal maids. While none of them were hungry, they accepted them out of politeness and not wanting to seem rude. Until they were left alone, allowing them to store them away for later.

“How do the two of you feel right about now?” Clemente asked once the maids left. “Nervous?”

“That, and a little unfocused,” Nocturnus replied, pressing a hoof on the side of his head. “I still the effects of going so fast across the city while riding Rylko. I know you trying to get us here on record time, but did you have to make it as quick as you did?”

Clemente looked off to the side while playing with a lock of her mane. “Well… I suppose I could’ve made him go at a normal speed rather than his supernatural one. Us losing track of how much time we had to see the Queen with no interruptions must have gotten to me more than expected.”

“You think?!” Nocturnus snapped, his forehead growing a pulsing vein. “Seriously Clemente! Did you forget last night?! I almost spat up my stomach acid from how fast we rode Rylko last time! Were you trying to make all of that happen again?!”

“I’m sure that wasn’t what she was aiming for Nocturnus,” Mokata soothed, putting a comforting hoof on the stallion’s wing. “It was more or less our fault for not keeping track of time and being at that hotel café longer the necessary. Clemente was only doing what she believed was helpful for us so we could get here.”

“I get that, but the problem I have is how over the top it all was!” Nocturnus continued, calming down slightly. “You and she saw how bad my body took it when that route of transportation was chosen! I would’ve thought that Clemente would’ve taken that into account if she decided to try that again! I can see how my hopes were too high.”

“Please don’t try to excuse what I did Mokata. Nocturnus is right, I did see how much my way of transporting you affected him, but I neglected to take that to heart,” A remorseful smile smeared its way across the vampiric unicorn’s face as she looked timidly at the thestral. “I hope that you can my sincerest apologies for almost repeating history with your stomach Nocturnus. I did mean to cover you both in an aura to keep you from feeling nauseous, but… you know how that went.”

“…It’s fine. Just please be more careful next time you do what I would recommend you not doing a third time,” Nocturnus sighed as his face softened. “I felt really drained after forcing the lunch given to me and Mokata like a Zebrican Wild Dog pack feeding their pups. I don’t want to feel an even worse feeling than that.”

Laughter filled the halls as Clemente nodded. “Preventions of that will certainly come. ”

“Going back to your earlier question, we are feeling pretty nervous,” Mokata chimed. “We don’t think it’ll go bad, but we’re wondering how Queen Ambrosia will take seeing us again. It’s been almost fourteen years since she first saw us. We’re wondering if she’ll even remember our faces.”

“Yes, it would be exceptionally hard for any to remember the face of some they met as a foal and only one. But I wouldn’t be too worried about that nit bit.” Clemente murmured. “If there is one thing that mythians are known for, it is our powerful memories. Vampires have the best of all memories to the point where we can remember faces that we’ll only ever see once. I will bet a hundred bits that my Queen will know you as if she just saw you on the same night she… well…”

“Crashed our first Summer Sun Celebration and took us and our friends’ hostage in the Everfree Forest?” Nocturnus finished as Clemente nervously trailed off.

“Y-yes, that,” She replied weakly as her confidence deflated like the balloon of a hooded seal.

“If that’s the case then we really won’t have anything to worry about other than the outcome of the meeting.” Mokata chirped sweetly. “I just hope neither she nor her husband is dealing with much right now. I’d hate to have to interrupt them in the middle of their duties.”

“Well, it just became afternoon so it’s doubtful that has happened yet,” Clemente speculated as she glanced at a nearby clock. “Then again, with how generous they are with guests, it’s possible they put them on hold after being told that we’re here.”

“That’s all the luckier for us if that’s the case.” Nocturnus shrugged. “It just leaves us more time to explore the city before we head home tonight. No doubt our sisters and parents are wondering if we’re back yet.”

“Yes… or they're secretly happy to have extra time alone.” Clemente joked. “I hope both of you will be ready after your meeting because we have quite a lot to do before your departure! You’ll be leaving here with more knowledge and valuables of our land by the time you do!”

“With how much we learned and saw already, it’d make no sense if you didn’t,” Nocturnus said with a laugh of his own before his eyes sharpened. “Just be sure to remember to go easy on us if we ride Rylko around the city a third time. Or to the train station if you’re opting to do that. You’ll be getting a good dose of my Crimson Glare if you fuck that up too.”

“Your wish is my command darling,” Clemente promised with a somewhat nervous smile. “By the way, just what is this Crimson Glare that you speak of?”

Mokata shivered. “You don’t want to know.”

Hooves clopping towards them knocked at the quartet’s ears as one of the maids from before walked up to them. Chatter and potential questioning were whisked away as the ponies and church grim went to face the cayuse vampire. Stopping just a couple of feet away from them, she coughed in her hoof before letting her poised voice take the place of her walking.

“Nocturnus Yakōsei and Mokata Rosario? Our Majesties have heard your request for a meeting with the Queen.” She stated calmly. “Both have agreed to let you come see her as of now.”

“Now? As in right now?” Mokata’s ears went up in surprise. “I thought they would be a bit busier and see us later. Do they still have free time?”

“Our Queen and King are efficient workers at time management. Creating time to meet up with visitors is nothing short of child’s play for them.” The maid replied with a smile. “Please be at ease that you are not interrupting them in anything they are doing. They still have time before they have to perform the duties needed for royalty.”

“Well, if they say they can see us now, then it’s best not to keep them waiting,” Nocturnus said, taking a couple of steps forward. “Mokata, are you ready?”

“Oh, y-yes, I am. Please, lead the way, ma’am.”

“Of course,” A nod was given by the maid as she glanced at Clemente. “Are you going to be joining them, Clemente? Or will you be waiting here for them?”

“As much as I’d love to see the Queen, King, and some of my relatives here, I’m going to have to decline Isabella," The other vampiress replied with a hoof wave. “It’s about time for Rylko’s afternoon run around the city and we’re a little bit behind schedule. We’ll come back once we’re finished with our exercise. Or when Mokata and Nocturnus are ready to meet with me again.”

“Very well, then. I’ll leave you two it,” Isabella nodded, looking at the two crusaders and gesturing her head forward. “Right this way.”

“Looks like we’re on our way now Clemente,” Nocturnus said with a smile. “Thanks for joining us for breakfast, it was nice catching up with you again.”

“Thank you for letting me join you on such an occasion,” Clemente thanked, climbing atop Rylko. “Good luck with your reunion with the Queen! I pray that it will go swell!”

“I have a feeling that it might,” Mokata murmured, ignoring the doubtful look Nocturnus shot her way. “So long and have a fun run!”

“We plan to,” Clemente smirked as she gripped her church grim’s fur. “Alright, Rylko! Off we go!”

Compliantly barking, Rylko ran down the hall, his snakish tail gracefully thrashing behind him as his owner held on. Isabella, Nocturnus, and Mokata watched as they galloped down the hall, their ears filled with Clemente’s elated laughter. With a sharp turn right, they vanished down the hall, the sound of double doors busting open a second after.

“Same mare as always. She’ll never change,” Isabella chuckled with a headshake of fondness. “Shall we?”

Sharing smiles of their own, Mokata and Nocturnus followed the cayuse down the hall to the Throne Room. In the moments they were, the duo took time to admire the macabre art around them. All were completed by a ruby rug going from the end of the hall to the double doors they were nearing. Doors that had what looked to be a church grim in a sitting position with orange gemstones for eyes. It was gazed at by the flyers for just a second before they shifted it towards an excitedly smiling Isabella. Winking in a way that would’ve been seen as flirtatious, she slowly pushed the doors open.

Warm sunlight was the first thing seen by the Crusaders as the Throne Room’s interior was shown off to them. Crystalline windows of mythological creatures and sentients took it all in, shining like gemstones in the darkest of underground caves. While not standing out as much, all the statues in between them got a shine of their own, with the rug taking the rest of it. At the far end, was a set of stairs going to where the thrones were, and sitting on them, faces blank and eyes gleaming, were…

“Queen Ambrosia and King Ambrogino…” Mokata and Nocturnus whispered in unison.

“Your Majesties, I have returned,” Isabella greeted. "And I have brought the guests requesting to see you as well.”

“So you have,” Ambrogino murmured, his voice as low and smooth as it was when first heard. “I can’t help but notice you came a little later than usual. Is there a reason for that?”

“A friend of mine was here with them and we did a bit of catching up,” Isabella explained without a hint of nervousness. “They weren’t here to request an audience with you but just to help bring these two here. I apologize if I made you wait longer than necessary.”

“Apologies are not warranted for such an innocent act,” Ambrosia crooned with a motherly smile. “We understand too well how it feels to see an old face after so long.”

“Your words touch me, My Queen,” Isabella thanked with a hoof to her clothed chest. “Do you need my assistance with anything else?”

“No, that will be all Isabella. We will let you know if we need your help later on,” Ambrogino replied with a dismissing wave of his hoof. “For now, you are free to go.”

Isabella nodded. “As you wish.”

Giving one last bow to her royal leaders, the cayuse turned to head for the door. She took a brief pause to give another tender smile at Nocturnus and Mokata before exiting the room. Her departure was immediately followed by the echoing shutting of the doors. Leaving the duo at the mercy of the vampires.

“Well now, this is quite the surprise,” Ambrogino mulled after almost half a minute of silence. “I was certainly not expecting visitors just hours before our sacred event.”

“It would seem not all of them were satisfied with just seeing us at the festival.” Ambrosia giggled like a popular idol meeting a fan. “It’s not like we can really blame them for that. I’m sure at least half of our participants have seen us for the first time so it would not be a surprise if it was done for this reason.”

“Maybe so my dear, but that’s only a speculation,” Ambrogino informed, side-eyeing his wife. “I think their objective would be made clearer if we asked them outright.”

Ambrosia smiled bashfully while pushing away a lock of her mane. “Yes, that would indeed be a wise idea. It does look like they are waiting to do just that. Best we don’t keep them waiting.”

“O-oh no! You aren't keeping us waiting!” Mokata objected with frantic hoof waves. “If anything, we should be apologizing for not saying anything sooner! W-we just didn’t know what to say!”

“She’s right, we’re the ones at fault here,” Nocturnus agreed, not sounding nearly as nervous. “We already know what we came here to do, but… seeing you in the flesh like this prevented us from making it known.”

“We have an adorable child of the night and a sweet maiden of the sky. Quite the combination,” Ambrosia gushed like she was addressing two young foals. “I can just look at you and tell how close the two of you are~.”

‘If only she knew just how close we became last night.’ Nocturnus thought, his face reddening at the same time as Mokata’s.

“If the two of us made you uncomfortable, we sincerely apologize,” Ambrogino said comfortingly. “It is understandable to be when you face beings only described as fake in stories for children to listen to before bedtime. We will understand if you want to postpone this meeting for another-”

“No!” Mokata squeaked just as the Vampire King was going to finish. Quickly realizing what she did, she cleared her throat before continuing. "I mean… no thank you, my King. It’d be better if we did it now. We wouldn’t want to come in the way of any duties you’ll have later.”

“Wise choice,” Ambrosia complimented as her husband nodded with her. “Now, to what pleasure do we owe you to see us this fine afternoon?”

“See, that’s the thing,” Nocturnus began while rubbing a foreleg. “We actually came to see you.”

“…Just me?” Ambrosia asked, the faintest flash of a crack appearing on her regal face.

“Y-yes, just you,” Mokata confirmed, unable to look the vampiress in the eye. “No offense to the King, but what we’re here for involves you. And you only.”

Silence passed this reply for a moment. “I see… is there a particular reason why you want to only see me?”

“We do have it, but… it’s complicated,” Nocturnus explained feebly. “We really think it’d be best if we were just with you… please.”

“Since that’s the case, I think it would be best if the three of you went somewhere else for your meetup,” Ambrogino advised, standing up from his throne. “I will stay here and handle the duties until you come back my sweet.”

“Are you sure you want to do that love?” Ambrosia asked doubtfully. “We don’t have that much to do until things begin to stock up.”

“All the more reason you should go now,” Ambrogino insisted, setting a black hoof onto his wife’s shoulder. “I can handle the simpler things alone. We can do the more… tasking things when we’re together again.”

Ambrosia frowned but relented. “Alright, if that’s what you think is best. I only ask that you don’t strain yourself. We know how stressed you can get when you try managing things by yourself for even a single day.”

‘Try doing so for the last millennium.’ Ambrogino thought while sighing. “No promises.”

Deadpanning at her husband, Ambrosia shook her head before walking down the stairs to the pegasus and thestral. Opening her wings, she guided them back to the throne room doors before glancing back at Ambrogino. “Well then, I’ll leave you two it darling. Please don’t hesitate to come to ask for help from our assistants or knights if the need arises. We wouldn’t want you having to resort to more intimate means of relief in the middle of it.”

“Perhaps not,” Ambrogino chuckled, giving a smile that revealed all of his teeth as the trio exited the room. “Not that you would mind if we did.”

Silence filled the atmosphere between the Vampire Queen and Cutie Mark Crusader duo during their walk around the castle. It wasn’t as if they didn’t half anything to talk about, but they didn’t see any reason to talk at the moment. Just being around Ambrosia was enough to make Mokata and Nocturnus feel safe and secure about their situation. Looks from various vampires - pegasus, unicorn, and cayuse alike - were directed their way, but it didn’t bother them. It was natural to be curious about two non-vampiric beings being with someone that was the complete opposite. Let alone the ruler of all things mythical. It did make them feel just a little bashful. Much to the sheer amusement of the much older mare.

Fortune smiled at the duo in the form of Ambrosia finding a room for the three of them to be in by their lonesome. It came as a surprise to Nocturnus and Mokata that it was a bedroom rather than one for a therapist to talk with her patient. It was supposed it was because Ambrosia wanted them to feel at least a bit more comfortable in her presence. In all honestly, it was a welcome act of courtesy since they felt they would not be able to feel as vulnerable anywhere else.

“Here we are darlings! Please make yourselves comfortable!” Ambrosia as the duo entered and she closed the door. “My apologies for not choosing somewhere more standard. Most of where I would’ve chosen was or is already occupied, so this will have to do.”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s not a problem,” Nocturnus assured as he and Mokata sat at a table in between a dresser and a bed. “We probably would’ve wasted more time if we spent it searching for the best room to be in. Best to go for the first room available rather than the best one that takes longer to find.”

“Indeed. Our castle tends to be rather couped when go into our royal duties in spite of us being evening ponies,” Ambrosia agreed walking over to the table to seat herself there as well. “It leaves us not really choosing the best rooms sometimes. And only caring about if we have a place free for important business.”

Mokata gave an unbothered shake of her head. “It isn’t a problem. With the work you and our Queens have, you sometimes have to go with what’s available.”

“As the old saying goes, beggars can’t be choosers,” Nocturnus added. “And in this case, we were really limited in our choosing.”

“No words spoken have ever been truer,” Ambrosia chortled with crossed forelegs. “It makes me think about discussing expanding the castle a bit more with Ambrogino. More so if we have any fledglings in the future. It will need to happen if that happens if you’re aware of what I'm implying.”

Joyous guffawing followed that comment, helping the atmosphere to feel more comfortable. It was needed once it became silent and the trio was left without much to discuss. Something did need to be, but it felt on Mokata and Nocturnus to bring it up. A topic they reasonably found to be easier thought of than actually done. Help was quickly given when Ambrosia spoke again, asking the one question they waited, and dreaded, to hear.

“Now that we’re here with no interruptions, I would like to go back to my earlier question,” She began, putting one hoof over the other. “For what reason did you want to have an audience with me and only me? I can understand me and my husband since… we’re both the Royal Rulers, but it’s not every day only one is granted attention.”

“We were actually going get into that… but we didn’t know where to start,” Nocturnus replied as he pursed his lips. “Before we get into that, we’d like to ask you just one question.”

“And that would be?” Ambrosia pressed inquisitively.

“Do you remember what happened fourteen years ago? The incident back in Ponyville?”

“Incident?” Ambrosia repeated with a raised brow directed at Mokata. “I’m not sure I’m understanding you.”

“She means the incident that took place on a particular Fourth of July,” Nocturnus specified. “The crashing of the Summer Sun Celebration and your return from the moon. Along with… what almost happened to Queen Elianna.”

Ambrosia’s eyes became clouded. “Oh… that incident,” Her voice took on a different tone as she lowered her head. “Yes, I do recall it… I recall it considerably well in fact. So much so that I feel only occurred hours ago even though it was so long. Why do you ask?”

“W-we’re not trying to open old wounds or anything,” Mokata comforted, holding a hoof up. “It just… we asked this because we’re wondering... if you remember us.”

“…Remember you?” Ambrosia gave them a perplexed look. “Are you implying I know you too? I’m not sure if that’s the case. Usually, when I see a face once, I’m able to remember it as if I see it daily. It isn't like me not to remember a face. Even if they were once a child.”

‘Hm. Looks like Clemente was right. She can remember a face if she puts her mind to it. But I can see it’s not the case here.’ Nocturnus internally mulled. ‘I guess all that happened during the Summer Sun Blood Moon Invasion kept her from doing it properly. We’ll need to jog her memory a bit.’

“We know. We heard from one of your other subjects about vampire memories,” Mokata nodded as Nocturnus was about to speak. “Another reason why wondered if you remembered us is… it’s because we remember you. Because we were one of the several foals you abducted and too with to the Everfree.”

If there was a way to describe the look on Ambrosia’s face at this, none could be used other than complete shock. Her voice died as if those words suffocated it like a lion to a zebra after a successful hunt in the savanna. What took up most of the shock was her eyes, the pupils looking like they would disappear with how much they were contracting. A minute passed before she finally reclaimed her ability to speak. Allowing her to say just one word before going silent again.

“Y-you…!”

“Finally getting some recognition?” Nocturnus asked warmly with a sad smile.

"Crimson Moons of Selene…!” Ambrosia whispered as her body began to tremble. Light flew across her eyes as they began shaking, courtesy of the liquid rising and forming at their corners. It soon began to run down her cheeks, making parts of them a shade greyer as her lower lip quivered like a shivering chick. “It’s you!”

“Yes, your Highness. It is us. At least two out of the five of us,” Mokata confirmed with an even sadder smile. “It’s nice to see you again.”

At the pegasus’s soft expression and tender words, Ambrosia’s silent whimpers turned to full-on crying. Only the act of her hooves going up to cover her muzzle prevented it from being heard outside the room. It would certainly not bode well for her visitors if someone were to come in and see her crying. Not because she was afraid of showing her vulnerability, but because she didn’t want Nocturnus and Mokata accused of making her so. It was still hard to do, given the revelation she was just given and how important she realized it was to this little meeting. Ambrosia could already guess why they were here and see where this talk was heading along with what would be brought up. It was a conversation she was not excited about, but at the same time, one she suspected would come. Feelings of dread were still felt from it either way.

“I…I-I’m sorry for breaking down like that,” She finally said once she managed to cease her crying a bit. “I was not hurt by your words, truly. It… it was just so unexpected that I’d see the faces I once saw as young foals.”

“Not surprised in the least,” Nocturnus murmured calmly. “It has been fourteen years since you last saw any of us. Let alone me. We did grow up a lot after that nightmare of a night. And not in just the physical sense either.”

“Certainly. You do look different from how I first saw you,” Ambrosia agreed, drying her face with her wings. “To be honest, I did feel something when I saw you. Like I saw you before but couldn’t remember when or where. It appears my memory has become rather hazy since my return.”

"Yes well, that is what comes when becoming older. Even if you’re body doesn’t age physically, you still feel all of the mental and emotional side effects of becoming elderly," Mokata stated in her head while laughing a bit. “I know one a certain green earth mare farmer does.”

“Please don’t remind me,” Ambrosia dryly protested with a half-lidded look. “In any case, it is a surprise to see you after so long. You coming here at all was the last thing I expected. Of course, given what happened between us, I cannot blame you if you didn’t.”

“Yeah well, a lot of growing up and a couple of tickets to your festival changed that,” Nocturnus stated with a little adjusting of his hat. “Speaking of, while we did want to go to your homeland for it, that wasn’t our only objective for coming here.”

“Yes, I figured as much after all that you just told me,” Ambrosia said softly, looking at her hooves. “I assume you’re here to call me out for the terror I caused when you were children?”

“If we were anything like Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and some of the other ponies, maybe,” Mokata replied gently while giving a silent prayer to Faust that she wasn’t. “But no. We’re here to bury the hatchet with you~.”

Ambrosia’s head lifted up so slowly she could’ve been mistaken for a snail. “…What?”

“You heard the girl. We’re here to say that we forgive you,” Nocturnus emphasized while tapping at his ears in a scolding fashion.

“F… forgive me?!” The word came out of the Vampire Queen’s mouth like it was forbidden. “But… but why?!”

“Uh, because we want to put this behind us-” Nocturnus was interrupted when Ambrosia held out her hooves.

“No! I understand that, but why me of all creatures?!” She asked, pressing both forehooves onto her chest. “You said it yourselves! I was the one who attacked you during a time when you were supposed to celebrate as one! Don’t you remember?! I was the one who brought darkness and bloodshed to your town! I was the one responsible for abducting you and holding you as hostages! I was the one who nearly murdered one of your empresses and turned the empire your race dominated into the kingdom you’re in now! I’m responsible for all of that!”

“You are,” Mokata said simply.

“So why?!” Ambrosia demanded, standing from her chair. “I cannot fathom why you would come to my kingdom and grant my forgiveness for the sins I’ve committed against your race! Against your Empresses! Against your families! Against you! What reason do you have for doing something so honorable?! I have not done or said anything in the fourteen years that I have seen you that grants me even a little of that! Not one thing!”

It was a good question. It was an exceptionally good question. Nocturnus and Mokata didn’t have any reason to do what they did. From the external point of anyone who was at the age they were, no blame would have been put on them for it. Those who knew the Crusaders and saw what had happened would confirm every deed Ambrosia listed for why she should be forgiven. No one who experienced the horrors they did would’ve come even close to it. Especially if it was by a creature, they were raised to fear and despise. It was doubtful even the Vampire Rulers would blame them if they decided to leave and never look back. If that was what they really had planned to do and not what they agreed to actually attempt. Fortunately for Ambrosia, luck was on her side in spite of not being aware of it.

Plans were made by Nocturnus and Mokata just before arriving in her kingdom to accomplish what they wanted. Not all of it was an accomplishment since they decided not to bring the others but felt that it was for the best. Most of their other friends would’ve more than likely not responded kindly to being put in their little operation. Let alone being taken to a place where the source of their greatest nightmares would remain for good. Sad as they both were that the gang as a whole would not be together for this, the due was gonna let that stop them. Too far did they come to back out, and there was no way they were doing that now. Or else they would never be able to look each other in the eye again.

“You’re wrong,” Nocturnus said once Ambrosia calmed down. “You have done something to get the forgiveness you say you don’t deserve. Creating a peace treaty between you and our Empresses is one of them. Not to mention allowing us and other species access to your city to learn about it. You and Luna even left it up to Empress Elianna, Amalthea, and Zoe as to whether or not your subjects can explore our kingdom in spite of everything. That grants you at least some forgiveness if you ask me.”

“Maybe from them, but what about you?” Ambrosia continued as she teared up again. “Not once have I come to your home to see any of you or express my remorse for what I did to you! I have not done the same for your sisters either! You were the ones who came to see me! I don’t see that as a reason for you to mend bridges with me if I was the one who hurt you!”

“Except it is. Because we wanted to relieve ourselves - and you - of the burden that we’ve been carrying for so long,” Mokata objected patiently. “Not of the scars you left us, but of what we’ve been too scared to do since it came to mind. Which is to give you forgiveness for what you did and repay you for all you did to make amends. Yes, we could've decided not to do so and curse you as if you were a demon from the nine layers of Tartarus and leave it at that,” Her brows furrowed as her eyes of green oceans gleamed. “But that’s not what we’re going to do.”

Ambrosia’s next question came out like she was being choked by an anaconda. “…Why not?”

“Because that is not who we are as ponies,” Nocturnus replied firmly. “We’re not ones who hold grudges against those who harm us yet repent with genuineness and sincerity. I will admit even we have limits. Especially regarding those who feel no remorse and enjoy the hurt they caused to others. But if that person does what they can to prove they want to and will change, then we see no reason why they do not deserve forgiveness.”

“You make it sound like you’ll only give it if you find the strength to and it depends on what was done to you,” Ambrosia commented quietly without a hint of spite or negativity in her tone.

“Probably, but what you did isn’t any different or worse compared to what other villains did in the past,” Mokata retorted comfortingly. “And it isn’t like you killed anyone or left us orphans. It’s a win for all of us if you think about it.”

“…Maybe. Even if it doesn’t sound like it at all,” Ambrosia replied with a humorless chuckle.

“If we say it’s a win for us and you, then it’s a win for everyone,” Nocturnus declared, putting one hoof on one of the mare's own. “Whether you believe us or not, what we’re saying is the absolute truth. Everything you did? We don’t hold that against you anymore and we’ve put that part of us behind us for the sake of moving forward. I think it’s time you do the same too. If not for our sake, then for yours.”

Ambrosia found herself not able to retort on that. More because her feelings were still raw and less because she knew how to. It wasn’t like she couldn’t see their point as it wasn’t wise to hold onto negative feelings for so long. And it wasn’t like she wasn’t trying to let them go, but the weight of her actions made it harder than she thought. Nightmares of that night and occurring memories of looks of fearful trauma by those she did and did not harm didn’t help matters. Over the course of the one decade and four years since Ambrosia slowly managed on living with what was done by her hooves. She truly believed that even if those she earned the grudges of came to unleash their pain on her. And she’d be willing to accept it all.

Now that the day she dreaded and prepared for came, Ambrosia found herself doing what she swore not to do. Except it was what she did not expect from who should have hated her and not shown compassion for her. Her body, from the tips of her ears to her wings, was prepared for the lashing upon realizing who Nocturnus and Mokata were. Words that were only reserved for the vilest of beings who committed the most unforgivable of acts. Ambrosia was ready for all of that and more if there were any. Yet there was none of that.

No yelling.

No screaming.

No spewing of hatred.

And that made it more unfathomable for her.

“I must confess. A part of me knew this day would come. But at the same time, I wished it didn’t. Not because I was afraid of facing you, but of how you would react when facing me. I was so certain you would let out your hate and resentment towards me for what I made you endure,” She said after letting the words of comforting wisdom sink in. “And I would have been willing to take it all if that were to happen.”

“All the more reason why we’re taking the higher road instead of the tempting one,” Nocturnus continued, stroking the hoof in his grasp. “I’m not saying there are those who aren’t going to hate you for what you did. Some may forever see you as a demon deserving of eternal suffering with no salvation. It doesn’t mean all of them won’t. No matter how small. Sides will always be taken in regard to this subject and will continue that way long after you depart into the next life. But as long as you keep going down where you’re going now, I know more will see you as something other than what you are.”

“It’s not going to be easy. It could take years. Centuries. Probably millennium for all of the damage you did to be fixed,” Mokata began to conclude. “But with your mate, subjects, us, and anyone else willing to show kindness and give you help, you can someday count yourself as a true member of Equestria. In time.”

Subdued laughter rose from Ambrosia’s throat before it exited out her muzzle. “You know, I must admit I underestimated you. To know you not only do not hate me but forgive me and want me to let go of my guilt?" Sniffles followed her words as she stared at the duo. "It’s shocking enough to know that, but to hear hope for us to find our place in this land? Elianna, Amalthea, and Zoe truly have incredible children.”

“Hey! I’m only twenty and Mokata’s just a year older! I don’t think that counts for us being kids!” Nocturnus laughed as Mokata followed along with him.

“Maybe, but don’t forget I’m a Queen darling. I and Ambrogino see all our subjects as our children. I’m sure your Empresses feel the same way,” Ambrosia countered as the thestral frowned at her. Another giggle left Mokata as Ambrosia rubbed at her face some more. “I am truly touched by your words, Nocturnus and Mokata. Never did I think you would go out of your way to do this for me. I think I have a hint as to how amazing the Equestrian Empress’s subjects are.”

“We can’t say that for all of us, but the majority are nice. In our own ways,” Mokata said, her tone sheepish. “Do you feel better now your Majesty?”

“Very much so,” Ambrosia sighed, rubbing her eyes one last time. “I know this will be out of place right now after all you’ve just said, but I’m sorry for what happened between us. It may mean nothing now, but I am truly, truly sorry.”

“We know,” Mokata murmured, leaning forward to hug the vampiress. “We know you have been even before this.”

Nocturnus nodded as he repeated his friend’s act of affection. “And we forgive you. We already have for a long time.”

Ambrosia’s forelegs came from under the table to return her ariel counterparts’ hugs. A peaceful silence fell over the three as they let themselves bask inside the warmth of each other’s fur, legs, muzzles, and manes. It felt nice, being surrounded by so much fluff even if other parts were not as comfortable. Sweet as it was, they knew it could not last forever. A reminder that was given by the aching in their bodies that quickly awoke. A final squeeze was shared before all three parted, nearly falling back in their chairs in the process.

“My word! That was quite the conversation,” Ambrosia commented, some of her maternal sweetness slowly coming back. “I cannot remember the last time I was that emotional! I think I can count that as the third time I’ve talked to the point of in tears.”

“With what we were talking about, it would be worrying if you didn’t,” Nocturnus commented as he and Mokata rested back in their chairs. “I bet it felt nice to get it out, huh?”

“It did. I feel like a coffin has been lifted off my shoulders!” Ambrosia replied, not noticing the sweat drops her smaller visitors gave. “I was already a bit stressed since I woke up, even though I did not do much this morning. Now I feel ready to face the day. In spite of how much I hate it.”

“Why did I know we had at least that in common?” Nocturnus giggled, his tail swaying behind him.

“Now that’s some of the best news that I’ve heard today!” Mokata expressed sweetly. “I’m sure that will definitely help you in performing your duties for the rest of the day! I’m not sure if I can say the same for your husband, but you should be able to focus more on helping him!”

“If he decides to ask me. A diminutive chance of that happening,” Ambrosia grunted with a clear look of skepticism. “I do have to thank you for bringing him up though dearie. I very nearly forgot I have a certain stallion I need to make sure does not overwork himself.”

“I think that may be what’s happening from how your talk with him went,” Nocturnus speculated. “You may want to hurry over there anyway. ‘Cause something tells me you’re in for an unpleasant surprise.”

“Please don’t jinx it, love,” Ambrosia shivered as her face gained a blue tint from above. “Anywho, I must get going. I truly appreciate having this talk. Even more that you have no hard feelings are held to me for my, um…”

“Past sins?” Mokata guessed for the queen.

“Yes, that! It has truly been a help and is sure to continue doing so until tonight,” Ambrosia confimed a thankful nod. “I wish I could chat longer, but I must return to my duties. Feel free to explore the castle if you feel adventurous. Our subjects should be more than willing to help you around here since it's… well, so big.”

“I think we’re up for that!” Nocturnus said, seeing Mokata nod from the corner of her eye. “We'd like to stay here and have some time to ourselves if you don’t mind. We’re feeling a little bit out of it after that… right-in-the-feels reconciling.”

“Of course, of course! Take as much time as you need to rejuvenate yourselves! Food and drinks are available in that fridge if you want that too!” Ambrosia accepted, gesturing to a medium-sized fridge just next to the drawer. “Now, I must take my leave! My paperwork, advisors, counselors, and husband can’t be kept waiting for long! Please don’t hesitate to come and see me or my husband if you need us! Of if you just want to mingle.”

“Until then your Highness!” Mokata thanked as she and Nocturnus waved at the Queen’s retreating back.

Seconds was the only word to describe how fast the sigh that left the latter came when the door closed. Mokata looked over just in time to see Nocturnus plop down on his rump right next to her. Feeling her sense of concern flare, she went over to him and pressed her hoof against his back.

“Gleaming Fangs of Nyx!” Nocturnus breathed. “I cannot believe how well went! I thought things were gonna be worse!”

“I was expecting her to go off on us for telling her our reasons for meeting her like this,” Mokata agreed with a relief. “Looks like we were paranoid over nothing.”

“Yeah, but it was nowhere near Twilight’s level, thank our goddesses,” Nocturnus added. “It’s a bit of a bummer that everyone else didn’t come with us so they could say their peace. I wanted us to be in this together so we could fully mend bridges but… well, we just didn’t have the time.”

“I think it was best this way,” Mokata said soothingly. “Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie made it clear they want nothing to do with Queen Ambrosia. For now, we should let them be for a bit longer before pulling off the gauze.”

“You’re kind of making it sound like they’re rehabilitating wild animals in need of being retrained to go back to the wild,” Nocturnus commented dryly.

Mokata smiled awkwardly. “I suppose so. I guess that’s what I get for having a vet for a sibling.”

“Who's one of the best vets in Ponyville,” Nocturnus praised, making the mare’s smile soften. “Comparison aside, you did a great job with your side of our talk.”

“I could say the same for you,” Mokata returned the compliment. “You did so wonderfully I was almost going to squeal!”

“Didn’t see any tears there from where I sat,” Nocturnus criticized playfully, rubbing at the mare’s cheeks as if there were tears. “Speaking of which... I can make you squeal in another way if you’d like~.”

A doe-like blink took up a second of Mokata’s incoming response. “What do you mean?”

Without warning, the thestral suddenly grabbed the pegasus by her barrel and threw her across the air and onto the bed. A squeak popped from her muzzle as Mokata’s back hit the covers, her eyes opening only for Nocturnus to be staring back into them. Her mind already knew what was going to go down the second he got on top of her, but she was not any less surprised.

“W-wait… here? Right now?” Mokata questioned as Nocturnus began kissing her neck and rubbing at her heart-shaped chest fluff.

“I felt myself getting excited after that adorable face you gave me,” He hissed sultrily, gesturing to the slowly emerging organ rising from his sheath. “He decided he wanted to come out to play.”

Soft pink sprouted across Mokata’s cheeks like a field of blooming flowers as her friend began to play with her teats. Her legs instinctively spread as she put a hoof atop Nocturnus’s head, torn as to whether to let him continue. “B-but someone – Ah! S-someone might come in and see us!”

“We’re in a bedroom right now. I doubt someone is going to come in here even if we make a lot of noise.” Nocturnus countered in between his suckling of the pegasus. “Plus, with how this room looks, no one has been in here for a long time.”

Pausing in letting her feel the pleasure of the thestral’s fondling, Mokata took another brief look around the bedroom. Nocturnus’s statement was proven to be more justified the more she gazed at its structure. While it was nowhere near dirty or dusty, it was clear it was abandoned long ago, and no one had occupied it since. Taking that in mind, there was a chance no one else would be coming… if nobody saw Ambrosia walk out just almost a minute prior. Gut instincts told Mokata it was alright, and she didn’t have anything to worry about if she and Nocturnus mated now. She still wanted to be sure of it anyway. More so since she was getting more and more in the mood.

“Y-you’re sure?” Mokata asked as Nocturnus occupied her nipples with his lips. “Nobody is going to come here?”

“They won’t just stay out of here. I’ll make them not come here,” Nocturnus said confidently. “My gut is saying we'll be safe and we have time to screw each other. I’ll even put a ‘do not disturb sign’ for extra security if you want. How does that sound?”

Mokata didn’t reply right away, courtesy of the thestral pulling at her nipples and making a cry of pleasure make up for it instead. He let them bounce back into place and patiently waited where he was to hear her response. Mokata’s eyes first went to the door which looked to be a bit more closed for some reason. Her spheres of green then swirled to the right to plunge into Nocturnus’s eyes of pale mountain peak blue. One second of looking into them was all it took for any resistance she had to crumble and give in. All powered by her insatiable need to be fucked and filled up.

“Just… don’t go too crazy.”

Author's Note

I just want to say right now that I am so thankful this chapter did not take as long as it did then with the one with the actual clop! Seriously, a year of writer's block was something I did not want to go through again and I'm glad I got this one out sooner! A few rewrites did have to be done to build up the meeting between Nocturnus, Mokata, and the Queen. Most in the form of scene one rather than scene two, which was surprisingly the most difficult one to do. Once we got started getting to the third scene, things started going far more smoothly and I was able to get it out without spending too much time on it.

One thing about this I will say, is that I'm a little conflicted as to how I did the make up talk between Nocturnus, Mokata and Ambrosia. I wonder if i rushed it or extended it too long and took away the emotional impact I was trying to aim for. I mosly feel I didn't do either, bt a little part of me is saying that I did. Not sure if that's my anxiety talking, but I'm willing to take the other possibility. I think I'll led the readers decide that so I can take that into practice when making emotional scenes. I'm more skilled on it in the poetic sense, and I hope to be able to do that with actual storytelling.

Well, that's all for tonight everyone! I hope you enjoyed this story and maybe felt at least a little tug at your heart from the reconciliation scene there! Based on how I ended this off, I think you guys will guess how the conclusion is going to start. Whether or not it will end in a similar way, I'll leave that up to your imagination. Until then, see you all in the final chapter!