Star Strider and Luna were back in their usual courtyard spot, princess Twilight and Spike in their company. Spike watched as Star Strider lifted a short spear in his hoof, holding it between the bends of his arm. “Now Spike, watch carefully. A spear is not just a weapon. You must accept it as a part of you if you want it to work with you.” He nodded to Luna, and she shot a bolt at him. He quickly lifted the spear as he stepped to the side, knocking the bolt straight into the ground. She shot three more in quick succession and Star Strider dodged with as much speed as before. As he did, he spun and knocked the first sideways into a tree. He jutted the back end of the spear into the second bolt, causing it to bounce off the back and slam into the third and final bolt. He landed in a cloud of dust and planted his spear in the ground. “This will be your first exercise. Your ability to fight is nothing if you cannot first defend yourself.” He threw the spear over to the small dragon, who caught it clumsily between his claws.

“How am I supposed to hold this? I’ve only ever seen ponies use these things.” Star Strider walked up to him, lowering a hoof onto his arm. He pulled the spear back between his arm and chest, angling his second arm to stabilize it.

“Your claws are your ally as much as the spear. Use them as the unique parts that they are. A spear is as good as its user.” Spike gulped and nodded, tightening his grip on the spear. He walked across the field to face Luna.

“Fear not, Spike. I will not be charging these bolts with much. Should you be hit, it would be as a pillow.” Luna spoke assuredly towards him. Star Strider raised a hoof.

“No. If he is to learn properly, he must also learn the sting of failure. While it is not necessary to harm him, give it enough juice that he would feel what it means to fail thus disenchanting him from making the same mistakes.” Now Twilight stepped in between the three of them.

“I don’t think Spike should be fighting against such powerful magic right off the bat. What if he gets maimed or scarred for life from simple training?” Spike had a look of frustration cross his face.

“Twilight, come on. I’m a dragon. Every dragon my age and older has hundreds of scars and fights beneath their belt. If anything, it’ll put me in touch with my kind. Just let me try for a little.” Star Strider let out a slight shiver at his statement, a motion only Luna caught sight of. He turned to Twilight.

“Yes. Trust is an important principle between teacher and student. You must trust Spike to his skills if he is to grow into them.” Twilight grumbled and lowered her head, stepping back out of the circle. Star Strider turned and nodded to Luna. “Now Spike, your goal is to not let a bolt hit you. Use whatever you can to ensure this doesn’t happen. You may begin by speaking to Luna.” Spike readied his spear again and tightened his stance.

“Ready.”

Without hesitation, Luna let out two bolts directly at spike. He raised the spear to try and hit the first, missing entirely. He narrowly stepped out of its way. The second bolt struck the tip of his spear, sending it flying from his claws. He took a few steps back as Luna let out another three bolts.

“Spike! Use what you have! Regain your composure and think!” Star Strider yelled at him from the sidelines. Spike’s face changed to a look of understanding. He rolled under the first bolt straight towards his spear. He picked it up and whipped around to bat the second bolt into the ground. His victory got to his head as he smiled wide as the bolt hit the ground. He forgot about the third bolt, which struck him directly in the chest, sending the small dragon flying back.

“SPIKE!”

Twilight jumped from her watching position and ran towards him lying on the ground. She picked him up in her hooves and cradled his head. His eyes were closed as she shook him. “Spike, come on wake up! Please!” The panic was evident in her voice. Spike coughed a few times and opened his eyes. He clutched his chest as he breathed rapidly.

“I… almost had that Twi. Did you see!” He grinned widely. He started to get up from her hooves and picked his spear up. “Let’s go again!”

“Oh no mister, not after that. You were unconscious for three seconds! Do you have any idea how bad that is! You are never fighting again I can’t believe I ever let—” Star Strider cut her off.

“He is fine. His scales are strong and his heart even stronger. If he wants to continue the exercise, let him. Otherwise, you may leave.” He spoke coldly, as though Twilight’s presence were an annoyance. Twilight looked at him and saw him staring at Spike. Or maybe, it was Spike that was annoying him. She stood up and faced him.

“Fine, but I want to make sure this is safe. So how about a little deal? Any hits that Spike takes, you do too. Just to make sure that this is truly a safe practice.” Star Strider huffed indignantly.

“Very well. I agree. Now please move from the field. Spike, your confidence is a tool. Be sure it does not become misused. The fight is not over until the blows stop coming. When you were downed and without your spear, you forgot your other unique gifts. See to it you use them this next time.”

“But what are they? You said that before and I don’t know what it means.”

“Then think hard. I’m sure you’ll come up with it.” Star Strider walked back to Twilight’s side and nodded to Luna.

“Don’t you think you’re treating him a bit rough?” Twilight whispered to the gray pony. He continued to stare at Spike.

“Not at all. His kind are built for war. This practice is nothing compared to the atrocities of the dragon lands. The best way to teach him is to toughen the scales that have grown soft in our homes. He could be a powerful warrior if he works for it.” Twilight thought back to her few trips to the dragon lands, remembering the harsh treatment dragons tended to give each other. Maybe he’s right and I should just let this happen.

Spike readied again and spoke “Ready” to Luna. She shot at him again. This time, Spike rolled under the bolt, springing up in time to hit the second bolt sideways. He didn’t seem to be phased by this as he used the same motion to spin the spear. In his attempt to flow with his momentum, he sent the spear flying up as he lost his grip. The bolt closed in on him as he recalled Star Strider’s advice. He shot his fire breath at the bolt, hoping it would be enough to stop it. It wasn’t. It hit him in his arm this time as he spun over himself, landing in the dirt. He grimaced at the sting that flowed through his arm.

“Up, my boy. The fight is not over, and your opponent is relentless. The next volley is coming.” Star Strider coached him as he waved to Luna, showing her to shoot at him again. She unleashed another wave of bolts at the downed dragon. Twilight stood up again, ready to intervene. Star Strider crossed a hoof in front of her. “Let him think.”

Spike faced the bolts and narrowed his eyes, catching sight of where his spear was. He suddenly jumped up, flapping his wings to jump over the bolts. He dove at his spear as Luna adjusted her aim. Just as he swooped down to grab his spear, a bolt struck his outstretched wing. He spun into the ground with a loud crash. Twilight broke through Star Strider’s barrier and ran to him. He knelt up and raised his elbow. The scales had scraped down to cause a trail of blood run down his arm. He sucked air through his teeth as Twilight ran to his side. “Oh my gosh you’re bleeding! I knew this was a bad idea we are going to take you out of this immediately. We should have never agreed to this.” Spike pushed her off. He breathed soft flames onto his cuts, charring the blood and cauterizing the wounds. He stood up and looked angrily at Twilight.

“I’m not a baby, Twilight. You can’t try and protect me from every little wound. I can handle it.” He turned to Star Strider. “I wanna go again. I know what my other things are, I think I can beat her this time.” Twilight shrunk away from Spike, very clearly hurt by his words. Star Strider saw her walking away and called after her.

“Princess Twilight, perhaps you would like to have a round?” She turned back to him, her sad eyes looking between Spike and Star Strider.

“I— Think I’m alright. I’m just going to go to bed. Sorry Spike, you enjoy your training.” She continued her walk away. Spike realized how mean his words had been and looked up at the large stallion.

“Actually, Star Strider, I think I may have to be done. I’ll be back tomorrow night for more, but there are some more… pressing matters I gotta take care of.” Star Strider nodded down to the dragon.

“I believe that would be wise. A warrior is nothing without good allies by his side. Go get your friend.” Spike took off quickly towards Twilight as she entered the castle. Luna and Star Strider looked at the door as it closed behind the small dragon. The courtyard was quiet again as the pair slowly turned to each other. Star Strider grinned and broke the silence. “Your aim was a bit sloppy there towards the end. Is that compassion I sense? Or are you just getting a little rusty?” She flicked her tail at him, its flowy properties rippling at him.

“Oh hush. He’s just a young dragon. I couldn’t hit him every time in good conscious.” She playfully smiled back to him. He strode up to her as their heads almost touched.

“Maybe you’d like a little more practice? A little rougher?” Luna blushed at his words and turned away.

“Star Strider, I hardly think this is the right—” She was cut off by his legs sweeping hers as she fell to the ground. He pinned her and came even closer.

“Never turn your back on your opponent.” He smirked at her and let her up. She brushed her back off. She sneered at him and stuck her tongue out.

“Cheap shot. Maybe you’d like to get your ass handed to you again?”

The two of them had grown close over the last week, closer than Luna had ever been to somepony. She had become comfortable dropping her royal demeanor around the pony. He made her feel safe.

Star Strider took up his place at the end of the yard as she did hers. The two fought, exchanging shots back and forth, parrying each other’s blows. The engaged in magic fighting, hoof combat, and witty banter through the night. They finally paused after what felt like hours of fighting. Both of them were sweating and panting as they tried to stabilize their breaths. They both had cuts and dirt riddling their coats, detracting from the natural beauty both of their fur had. Star Strider straightened himself and walked towards the door to the courtyard. Luna ran to catch up with him.

“Another great session. Your control is improving. Perhaps we begin experimenting with more ancient crafts next time. There are a few spells I believe you would do well to master.”

“That sounds great. I look forward to it!” Luna walked by him in silence for a few halls. She had an idea and hoped it would pay off. “Are you doing anything for the night? I thought we could talk some more and watch the sky. I still have so many questions.” Star Strider smiled at her.

“A generous gesture, but your duties surely take precedence. I also am filthy, which is no way to present oneself to a beautiful princess. I believe it would be in our best interests to clean and rest tonight. But perhaps another time? A talking session is just as good as any physical training.” He walked off and waved at her as he rounded the corner.

Luna barely had time to register his compliment before he was out of sight. Damn it. Luna hung her head and continued walking. She went past the hall that led to her chambers. She didn’t quite know where she was headed, but she didn’t want to go to her room. She kept walking until she found herself outside of the castle. She followed the river that surrounded Canterlot upstream. She busied herself with thoughts of Star Strider. His beautiful eyes and strong stance. Why does it have to be so hard to move on him yet so easy to be his friend? I’ve never met somepony this… special in my life. I doubt he feels the same. Surely he’d accept my offers if he did. Get a hold of yourself Luna, he’s got much better things to worry about. She paused in her thinking as she heard soft singing coming from behind a grove of trees. She was almost at the waterfall that roared down the slopes of Canterlot. She carefully waded through the trees, so as not to disturb the voice that sang. The closer she got, the more she could make out the words and tune. A rich voice was singing a pleasant melody that carried over the sound of rushing water. It came closer as Luna stopped in the trees. Whoever was singing was moving downstream. Closer to me. Luna backed away from the shoreline as it came even closer. Now she could hear the words very clearly.

“Stay, O sweet, and do not rise;

The light that shines comes from thine eyes;

The day breaks not, it is my heart,

Because that you and I must part.

Stay, or else my joys will die,

And perish in their infancy.

'T is true, 't is day; what though it be?

O wilt thou therefore rise from me?

Why should we rise because 'tis light?

Did we lie down because 'twas night?

Love, which in spite of darkness brought us hither,

Should in despite of light keep us together.

Light hath no tongue, but is all eye.

If it could speek as well as spy,

This were the worst that it could say: -

That, being well, I fain would stay,

And that I lov'd my heart and honour so,

That I would not from him, that had them, go.”

Luna held herself to a tree as she listened intently to the words. The song was beautiful, and the phrases within contained passion that carried through the voice of the singer. Her hair stood on end as the melody continued past her, her heart warmed and her eyes slightly damp. She began following the sound as it continued. She suddenly stepped on a fallen branch, causing a loud crack to interrupt the singer. She quickly backed up as a voice called out, booming through the trees.

“Who goes there? I urge you to reveal yourself lest I cause unwanted harm.”

That’s Star Strider’s voice Luna realized as his heavy voice shook through her. “It’s just me! Just me, no need to bomb the forest Star Strider.” Luna walked out of the grove and stood on the shoreline. Star Strider was standing in the water with his hooves at the ready. He relaxed as he saw who approached him.

“Princess, why are you out here so late? Is there something I can help you with?” Luna paced the shoreline and blurted out.

“I never knew you could sing.” Star Strider shifted uncomfortably at her comment.

“I tend to sing to myself. Poems transformed into song. It was not meant for others to hear.”

“Oh… That’s a shame. It was a beautiful song. The lyrics— they were about someone important to you, weren’t they?” He again shifted uncomfortably in the water, sinking lower into it.

“…Yes. I had hoped to one day present it to them for the first time.” The two of them stood awkwardly apart and Luna crossed her forelegs.

“So… why are you bathing in the Canterlot rivers? Is the bath in your room not suitable? We can get you a replacement if you need.

“No, that’s quite alright. I just prefer the natural way the waterfalls cleanse the land. I spend time in this river and the top of the falls meditating on important things… and ponies.” He raised his hooves from under the water and ran them over his mane. Luna couldn’t help but feel embarrassed watching him clean himself. She had intruded on his sacred space, a feeling she knew was annoying to bear. Before she could wrap her thoughts up, Star Strider stretched out a hoof to her. “Care to join? I see you have yet to wash yourself from our earlier bout.” Luna was shocked at his invitation. To bathe together, albeit in a river, was not something anypony did casually. She blushed and slowly walked into the banks, removing her royal dressage, and placing it on the shoreline. The ponies sat in the river facing away from each other and running water over their manes. The sound of flowing water and the distant waterfall did much to ease Luna’s stressed mind. The peaceful sounds of the nature around, the dancing of the fireflies over her head, she understood why Star Strider chose to stay here.

She was disrupted from her observations as a splashing sound came from behind. She turned around to get a face full of water. She wiped her eyes clean as Star Strider bellowed his laughter.

“What did I say about turning your back!” He laughed again as Luna gave him a crooked face, seemingly unamused at his attack. She suddenly smiled back and lifted up a ball of water with her magic. She dumped it all over his laughing face as he gulped up a mouthful of water. He spat it out and coughed as her plan clearly worked.

“And you clearly need to pay attention more to your opponent.” She smirked at him as he approached her and pushed her underwater with his hooves. She fought back and pushed him. The pair laughed as they tugged on each other, eventually coming to a rest, holding each other. They looked into each other’s eyes again. We always seem to end up back here Luna thought as she swooned at his deep, warm eyes. They held that pose for a few moments when Star Strider suddenly began pulling her closer. Not hard, but enough to be a suggestion on her end. Luna couldn’t believe what was happening. They came closer as their eyes closed. She leaned into his hold as their lips met. Her body was filled with a warmth she had never experienced. She fell deeper into his hold as they reengaged the kiss. They held each other, his hoof running through her mane; their lips broke for mere moments before they kissed again and again. They were lost in each other. Their tongues carefully encircled one another as he pulled her head closer to his. She was sitting on his lap now. The cold of the river was nothing to them as they kissed more passionately. She ran a hoof down his back as his tugged slightly on her mane; they broke the kiss and placed their foreheads together, eyes still shut. Their breathing was the only sound Luna focused on as she smiled. I can’t believe it she thought as she pulled into him closer. The stallion she was fawning for had just kissed her with more love than anypony she had spent an entire lifetime with. She wanted to stay in his arms forever as he put a hoof to her chin and raised it into another kiss. This one was deep and long, as she felt her heart pounding through her chest. She pressed into his body harder and felt his heart beating fast as well.

Suddenly, a voice called out from the trees Luna had been in earlier. “Princess Luna! Are you here? Princess! We need you to show up please!” Luna’s eyes shot wide open as she pushed away from Star Strider hard and distanced herself from him. She had no time to notice his look of sorrow as she parted from him There was a good few feet between the two of them as a guard in night battalion armor broke through the tree line. He saw the princess and bowed immediately. “Princess, we worried when you did not return from your practice. Is everything alright?” He shot a wayward glance at Star Strider, whose head hung as he sat unmoving. Luna glanced to him as well and rose up from the water.

“Yes, everything is quite fine. Star Strider was just showing me some more… training out here. Water combat and all that. I shall return soon. Thank you for your diligence.” The guard put a hoof to his chest, glanced between the two of them again, and turned to start away. Once he was out of sight, Luna sank back into the water and turned to Star Strider. She approached him and put a hoof to his face. He batted it away gently.

“Do not, princess. I’m sorry for what happened. You must return to your duties.” Luna was hurt at his sudden change of heart. She bent to look into his eyes as he turned away.

“What is wrong? I thought things were going well, what happened?” Star Strider rose and walked towards the shore.

“Luna… Princess, I waited for weeks now. I believed we were on the same page. My apologies. I shall not bother you again.”

“Star Strider— Wait! We are! I lo—like you, a lot. More than anypony. Why this change of heart?” Her voice was on the brink of tears and desperation as he rose onto the sand and grass. He turned to her with a solemn look on his face.

“I prefer to love a pony who is unashamed of me. I will not be a secret love or embarrassing want. My love is a gift I intend to give fully and without shame. I understand you have your qualms with public love, so please understand mine when I say that my love will not be hidden or broken by a wandering guard.”

“Star… I didn’t mean it… It’s not like that. I’m a princess! What would my sister say! What would the world say? We’re supposed to be regal and stoic. I can’t just do whatever I want with whomever I want!”

“Unless there your guards, right?”

Luna blushed and looked down again, ashamed to meet his eyes. She lowered her voice; “It’s not like that with them. They’re just… stress relievers.”

“So, what separates them from me? I won’t be toyed with.”

“But I haven’t done that in weeks. I vowed never to share that intimacy with another pony again!”

“Then what was that?”

“I like you. I really do, I want to be with you in more ways than just physical. I wanted you to be my…” Heavens I feel like a filly “… special somepony.” Star Strider was silent for a few moments. Luna looked back up to him, hope in her eyes. She was met with a cold gaze as he took a few more steps back.

“I would expect someone who feels so adamantly about her special somepony to relish every moment with them, observed or not. I am not ashamed to be with you. But if you cannot handle the whispers of the public over the shouts of my heart, then we have no place for each other there. Good night.” He turned and hastily walked into the trees. Tears were streaming down Luna’s face as he left. She was filled with anger, sadness, frustration, and a crushing despair. You fool, you had the stallion of your dreams and you pushed him away. And for a guard. You don’t deserve his love. She beat the water before her as she let out a sob. She just pushed the only pony she wanted to spend her life with across the water. She sat in the river for a few more minutes, crying as her heart felt like it was breaking a million times. She slowly gathered herself and pulled her way to the shoreline. She gazed up at the moon to calm her crying down. Drying herself with magic and reapplying her wear, she trudged towards the castle. This pain… It’s all my fault. I should have stayed. A few stray tears left her eyes as she entered the castle grounds. The night guards were stationed high above. They saluted her as she walked by but looks of worry filled their helmets as they saw their beloved princess hang her head low with her steps slow and short.

“Is everything alright princess? Can we get you anything?” One of the guards looked to her eyes full of sorrow.

“No. I…” She trailed off as another tear rolled down her cheek. She wiped it away, ashamed of her incompetence. “I’ll be okay. Goodnight.” Luna wandered through the halls until she came to her room. She planted her face into her pillow as she closed her door using her magic. She sobbed for hours until she felt the warming rays of the sun rising over her balcony.

Author's Note

Poor Luna. Poor Star Strider. Hopefully I hit the heartstrings with this one.