The war hero's shadow

Finally getting out of the cold for the final time Cecil was there to take her scarf and ear muffs. He put them on the coat rack and then leaned down to give her a kiss on the lips. She smiled warmly at the gentle kiss savoring it before they broke and walked to the bar to chat a little with Alex. Eventually, Cecil stretched and let out a yawn. Flurry told him to go ahead of her since she wasn't feeling as tired as he was. Without arguing he gave her a good night hug and kiss before heading to his room leaving her and Alex. Alex for a rare sight was sitting at the bar instead of being behind it. The smoke from his cigarette rolled up and over his hat brim while his stony features focused on the mirror hanging behind the bar.

“What now?” He asked directly knowing she wouldn't just leave Cecil simply because she wasn't tired.

“Am I that easy to read?” She asked with a nervous smile while her hoof drew little circles in the wood.

“Since you left you had questions.”

Flurry let her hoof rest as she let out a sigh. This was going to be unpleasant.

“Why did you train Cecil, and before you say to defend himself, I know that but why the firearms training or malee training? Why train him to be well the same as you?”

Alex sipped his whiskey and calmly set it down as he stared at the mirror.

“Does your mom and dad have thoughts that you will follow in their hooves?”

Flurry scrunched her nose at his answer. She looked at the same mirror he was and while reluctant to answer him she let out a sigh “Yes, but what does that have to do with Cecil? He told me about you calling Generals down to your bar to tell him he wouldn't be accepted.”

“I trained Cecil because if God forbid he does find a way in he won't be trained by some half assed DI and then sent out in the field with no clue how to actually fight or scared half to death in a trench clutching his weapon like some scared kid.”

Alex hardened his gaze at the mirror just staring at himself. “I knew I wasn't going to be at his side holding his hand like every good parent wants to do. So I gave him the tools and know how to survive even the worst conditions. He knows how to hunt for food in the most extreme environments, He can eat pain like no one's business, He has a mind that's always thinking three steps ahead, He’s the second best fighter in all of Equestria, and last but not least if shit hits the fan I know he will come home alive.”

He wasn't done as a soft silence rested over the two of them just long enough for Alex to take a drink of his whiskey. He glanced over to Flurry just enough for one of his now red eyes to look directly in her own and the sight made her heart stop and her chest tighten up. It was like she was in a trace of fear as she stared back at that red demonic eye.

“And the real reason is because there are real monsters in this world.”

Alex slowly looked away from her and she felt like she had been staring at a predator the entire time. She was so scared that she didn't even notice that her horn had a hellfire spell ready. Trembling she dispelled her horn shocked that he had calmly sat there while she was in a blind panic the kind where you stop breathing and your whole body freezes. Sweat was rolling off her face as she looked at the mirror and noticed the unshakable fearful look in her eyes. She dared a look at Alex’s reflection and he was still staring at his own with a hardened look like he was waiting for his reflection to jump out and start a fight.

She gulped softly as the tension in the air began to thicken the more she watched him stare at his reflection. She didn't know if she was satisfied or wished she knew a spell to clear her memory because when she blinked the reflection was looking right at her with those red eyes full of hate and anger. The eyes of a demon locked her in her seat and made her feel as though her soul was leaving her body.

“I was in the badlands with your father coming up on the queen's fortress. Green blood painted the walls of her moving fortress while the dead littered the front. Holes that would swallow houses covered the front of her castle and went back two thousand yards like looking at a flattened golf ball. We had been hitting them hard with our artillery for four days while her troops ran to our side during the night to attack us. For four days we rained hell from the sky and fought demons in the night. We rushed the castle and those that the artillery hadn't hit dug themselves out of the sand once we passed. We were caught fighting from behind and then the doors opened and the bugs came out of the front as a final attack but we prepared for this and for the first time the guard used my guns. Shotguns rang like thunder blasting them out of the air while grenades rolled down rat holes as guard ponies held the trap door closed until they felt the explosion beneath them. It was a slaughter. I saw your father kick a bug to the ground and he was trying to surrender but Shining didn't care as he sank the bayonet deep into the screaming Changlings heart and pulled the trigger sending green blood and body parts flying.”

The eyes finally went back to looking at himself in the mirror.

“The war made us all change for the worse. Some like your dad had a family to help pull him out of the shock. That whole bloody war was hell on everyone especially the REM but like I trained them they fought like hell and showed the enemy no mercy. When we finally entered the castle the Queen had already fled from her nest leaving only her strongest guards to fight. One put a knife in my leg out of desperation and I put a bullet in his head. Buzzer was like a damn light and they were the moths. They wanted his ass and they were willing to send waves of dwindling soldiers to kill him. We used that to our advantage and got a horde to run down a hall with a mounted machine gun and the pony on the gun never took his magic off the trigger. In front of him had to be at least seventy Changelings, their bodies piled so high they nearly reached the ceiling.”

Flurry just listened to the grizzled war vet talk getting extremely uncomfortable as he continued to talk. She didn't want to hear about these gruesome stories especially hearing that her own father impaled a surrendering soldier and pulled the trigger. If this was only the final battle then she was almost afraid to wonder what the rest of the war was like. Just thinking about what he was telling her nearly made her puke up what was in her stomach. As a princess, she had to understand that things like war while unlikely were still a real threat and if this is what was entailed then she knew exactly why all princesses stiffened up when that word was mentioned. All the innocent life thrown needlessly at a battlefield to die and then when the war is done and they have nothing to do then what. Most ponies in the REM during that time came flooding back and thankfully most were still able to keep their jobs. She never wanted to be a ruler if a war was going on and hearing these two stories made it clear that she wouldn't be able to handle the stresses that came with a war. She had the privilege to read some of the war reports that were sent when Princess Celestia and Luna were in charge but those must have been the light ones where Equestrian Armies suffered minimal losses. How Alex was describing it made it sound like both sides were frankly caught in a shit sandwich. Death swarmed everywhere as the enemy was always inches from your standing point. A chaos that even Discord was revolted by. She had to talk with her parents and have a one on one with her aunt. She had to make sure things were going to be okay or else she was going to have to start speeding up her relationship with Cecil.

Flurry slowly managed to look at Alex and gulp as the fear gripping her was like nothing she could ever explain. If that was the face his enemies saw before he did the deed then she felt all the mercy in the world for them.

“I…I would like to know..”

“Why I'm even telling you?” He finished her sentence. Alex downed the rest of his drink letting his eyes change back to normal. Flurry could only sit in silence barely able to move her head in a nod.

“If you let Cecil join the military these are the kinds of stories he will have for you and you’ll only find out about them when he’s past his nightly drinking binge.”

Flurry felt her eyes grow wide with new fear and a sinking feeling in her heart. This wasn't Alex trying to scare her this was Alex trying to warn her. This is what she could look forward to when they got married and he left for the military. Gruesome tales like this and after tonight she would never sleep soundly knowing those would be the kind of stories he would hide from her. The amount of pain and suffering he would deal with just to try and keep her innocent mind at ease. The thought alone nearly made her cry. Turning back to Alex she scooted closer and pulled him in a tight hug nuzzling her head in his chest.

Alex returned the favor by rubbing the top of her head with his thumb. She caught a glimpse of his reflection and he looked broken and utterly defeated. That was the pure Alex that no one would ever see. He was a truly depressed and barely held together man contrary to what every single form of life thinks of him after they encountered him. Alex deep down was a good person who only wanted the best for his son but the surprises weren't done just yet. As Flurry pulled away he looked down at her and gave a weak smile.

“You are going to make him one hell of a wife one day. It's going to be a pleasure to call you my daughter-in-law.”

Flurry lost it and finally, the emotions she had kept buried down came out in silent tears as she hugged Alex again crying on his chest. His strong arm wrapped around her back pulling her in a hug. The hug felt similar to Cecil's but there was more meaning in this hug. Cecil and Flurry hugged for love but this felt more like an honest friend being in her time of need for support or like her own father. The hug felt like no matter what she could depend on him in a time of need.

The two separated as she dried her tears. They stared at each other for a second with their minds and emotions on the same wave length for the first time before she nodded and went up the stairs to her own room instead of sneaking in with Cecil who was passed out cold. She didn't want to be with him at the moment anyway. She had to much swirling in her mind and so the letter writing began. She was up nearly all night talking with her parents and Twilight about this possible conflict but it had been a misunderstanding. Twilight had never said a war was coming. She merely mentioned that having Alex as her general would be good security in case evacuations were in order. Supervillains weren't uncommon in the world after all and with all their power she would rather have someone like Alex to help her make plans and lead the guard and REM in case the trouble came.

The trouble in question wasn't even that bad. Animals from all across the everfree, according to Fluttershy, have been vanishing at a slow rate. In fact, if her animal friends didn't inform her then nopony would have noticed. For now Twilight was going with the option Fluttershy gave her. Rain in that particular area has been lacking so territory for watering holes would force predators and prey into dense areas with each other. The predators would have easier time catching the prey but then have to fight other predators. It was a logical answer considering the declining animal numbers were barely registered by the animals that did talk to Fluttershy.

With the situation clearly understood Flurry crashed on her bed a few hours before sunrise. She practically slept the entire day away with loud snores and cover kicks. When she woke up it was already dark and all she could do was huff thinking that she only got a few hours of sleep. She tried to roll over and continue sleeping but then her stomach growled and her ear flicked to the subtle sound of voices coming from downstairs. Sitting up and stretching she realized her body felt well rested. Finally, the noise from downstairs made her realize the bar was open. Disregarding how her frazzled mane and tail looked she rushed to the stairs peaking her head out enough to see that yes the bar was packed full. She pulled back trying to think of any reason as to why Cecil nor Alex wouldn't have woken her up.

“Hey beautiful love the new hair style.” came the sarcastic voice of Cecil, followed by his arms wrapping her in a hug.

Flurry rolled her eyes as she smiled into his chest. She looked up at him planting a small peck on his chin.

“Why in Equestria would you not wake me up?”

Cecil smiled down at her with a cheeky grin.

“Dad checked on you before he went to bed and saw you were still wide awake writing letters before morning so he told me to let you sleep.”

Flurry groaned inwardly at the two humans kindness and thoughtfulness but while she would have been in a cranky mood getting back on a proper sleep schedule was going to be ruined unless one of them was willing to wake her up.

“Well for tomorrow I would like to be woken up at least by nine.” She giggled bumping her hip into his own with a wink. “And trust me I am going to be a cranky mare but do not let me sleep in.”

Flurry smiled up at him sticking her tongue out “It's your punishment for letting me sleep the day away.”

Cecil chuckled a little as he leaned down kissing her lips. She was so cute and yet so mischievous at the same time.

“Alright baby you’ll be awoken at the bright and early time of nine sharp.”

Flurry smiled as she turned to head back upstairs.

“Excellent love, now if you’ll excuse me I have a shower calling my name.” She turned back to give him a small kiss on the lips before skipping happily to the shower.

After her shower, she came down and sat at a table in the back with Alex, Cecil, Carmilla, and Rockwell. Alex had decided to let his other tenders take charge for the night. The four talked stories while sipping on some fine beer until the old couple decided it was time to turn in around midnight. Alex wasn't far behind them considering he never went to sleep. Flurry and Cecil were left sitting next to each other just talking. At roughly two in the morning, Cecil was starting to feel sleepy and suggested they go to his room.

Flurry had been thinking about all the knowledge she gained from this trip and knew she had to be the one to pounce on Cecil. It was a little low but she was wide awake and still sober while Cecil was dragging a little and not yet drunk but boarding on it with his buzz. Cecil sat on his bed kicking his boots off when he saw Flurry standing at the door with a big mischievous smile on her face. Her horn lit up and the magic softly shut the door making the lock loudly click in place.

“Flurry what are you planning?” Cecil asked a little more then his normal concern.

Flurry Heart’s grin turned into a flirtatious smirk while her eyes lowered slightly. She flipped her mane to the side and walked to him with a slight sway in her hips. Pushing him down on the bed she straddled him gently leaning her head down to blow in his ear before whispering

“Something that's been on my mind since we started dating.”

While neither was ready to make a home run Flurry took him through the bases several times and at first Cecil was a nervous wreak but once he let his other head get some blood to it he filled his role showing her his experience and skill in the language of bedroom love. Flurry was afraid of not being able to sleep but after Cecil was done with her at four thirty in the morning she was heaving with sweat rolling down her body. Even laying on the messy bed her body was still on fire as the hot blush on her face burned brighter then it ever had before. She placed a arm over her forehead and looked at Cecil who was fast asleep on the pillow with his own sweat glistened naked body. He made her forget everything she had been worried about for nearly two and a half hours making her feel a euphoria of blissful emotions and strong feelings the likes of which she had never known were inside her. Oh yes, that man knew how to please a mare and now she understood why his friend at the dinner was so shocked that he hadn't pounced earlier. In fact she was slightly peeved that he had hidden this side from her. That emotion was quickly replaced when her numb legs reminded her that she was still riding that high and she made a mental note that they needed to do this more often or she wouldn't survive when he actually used his manhood.

The next morning started the sixth and final day of their vacation to Ponyville. to try and squeeze in as much time as possible Cecil and Flurry had decided to bump the tickets to the late ten pm train at the beginning of their trip. Right now it was a peaceful morning. The two were soundly asleep in Cecil's bed cuddled together tightly while a small red bird rested on the window seal curiously looking in. It didn't stay long as a crow landed on the seal forcing the bird to move. Like a bad omen, Alex was coming up the stairs like a cat. He knew where every creek and groan was made on those stairs and on the floor above.

Alex was at Cecil's door looking at his watch. He counted the seconds down in his head until it was nine on the dot and that's when Flurry got a taste of Cecil's childhood. Alex slammed the door open which already caused Cecil to sit straight up, not out of fear but habit.

“Off your ass on your feet outta the shade into the heat!”

The door slamming mixed with the yelling startled Flurry as she grabbed Cecil trying to figure out where the figurative fire was.

“Were up were up.” A groggy Cecil answered as he slowly rubbed his eyes.

Alex chuckled softly enjoying this more then he should. He went to the door leaving them with one last message.

“Breakfast will be ready and I expect you down there by the time it's ready.”

Cecil nodded finally able to open his eyes like a newborn baby. He gave a tired weak smile and a thumbs up that he understood. Alex nodded and headed down the stairs. Cecil dropped his arm and sat there for a minute just staring blankly at his dresser. With a blink and soft slap to his cheeks, he reopened his eyes and they were wide awake.

“Alright then time to get up.”

Flurry groaned as she tried to pull the covers back over her.

“Cecil dear it's too early let's simply go back to our blissful sleep.”

Cecil started poking her sides causing her to lightly squirm and swat at his hand with her hoof.

“Stoooop iit. That tickles and I am not in the mood. I want sleep baby.”

Cecil giggled as he kept up his antics.

“You were the one who told me not to give up because you wanted to get on a normal sleep schedule.”

She huffed as her magic held his hands still “That was a more responsible and better thinking Flurry. I am a tired cranky Flurry who needs her beauty sleep.”

“I'm just warning you that dad will be back up here with a bucket of cold water.”

Her eyes shot open as she stared at him with pure shock.

“He wouldn't dare?”

Cecil nodded with a smile knowing damn well his father would. Flurry gulped and then realized she was awake. Groaning that the small fear of getting wet with cold water was enough to rise her from her sleepy state. She threw the covers off them and looked down at Cecil thing saying hi to her. A small blush peppered her cheeks but it was covered with her big smile as her eyes looked into his.

“Well hello there sir. I didn't know you were that happy to see me.”

The passionate memories of last night started flooding back in her mind like a dam that broke. While it wasn't the best setting for their first time doing things like that, she realized with Cecil it didn't matter. Cecil was blushing a little when she pointed the obvious out. He rolled his eyes and quickly got out of bed to get properly dressed while Flurry climbed out of bed giving his bare butt a small slap. He jumped a little and gave her a questioning mischievous look. Flurry had to bite her lower lip considering if they should have a round two in the morning. Cecil was certainly ready for it but the smell of a freshly cooked breakfast started filling the room. Both young adults took a second to raise their noses and enjoy a long inhale of the smell. That was enough for their stomachs to overtake their lustful emotions and grow loudly.

“Tell your father I will be down a little later. I wish to take a shower and straighten my hair.”

“Will do baby, I’ll see you when you get done.”

Cecil told her as he watched her leave with a cute smile to the shower. Cecil made his way down the stairs where Alex was busy laying the plates out on the bar packed with food. One plate was clearly a vegan diet while the other two were meant for the humans. As per the norm, Alex had a cigarette hanging from his lips while his black battered and weathered stetson warped and twisted into its own personality covered Alex's head. Alex had his coat laying on the bar a tell tell clue he had plans to leave soon after breakfast but the oddest thing was the cowboy quick draw holster around his waist with no gun.

“What's up with the empty holster dad. Plan to beat the danger with your fists?”

Alex looked up at him with a scowl.

“No jackass I don't. I just don't want to hear Flurry complain about it. She, like all the other royals, doesn't understand weapons are a part of my culture and yours too somewhat.”

Cecil took his seat picking up a fork to eat. He took a bite of the fluffy eggs enjoying the flavor and immediately recognizing where they came from. Sweet Apple Acres didn't just sell apples after all. When Cecil found out the Apple family ate eggs he was shocked but Apple Jack explained that she witnessed her hens eating their eggs. So she took them to Alex he cooked them up and from there on the apple family had eggs for breakfast. Long story short within a year Ponyville was eating eggs which spread to the capital and now after a vicennial Equestria was having eggs for breakfast.

“You know she's not actually like that. She just got scared is all. Flurry really did enjoy the twenty two’s but the bigger guns just scared her hell dad they scared me the first time you put one in my hands.”

Alex sat down next to Cecil taking his own bite of the food.

“Yeah and how did you get over it?”

Cecil let his fork and head drop a little as he sighed knowing there was only one answer.

“She’s not me. Hell, her world and mine are on opposite ends of the spectrum. I was told to perform and get over it. She was patiently guided and had ponies to help her.”

Alex arched an eyebrow at Cecil. Like that was any excuse in his eyes. Cecil could only take another bite of his food. The conversation wasn't going to go anywhere anyway no matter how much he tried to defend Flurry. The men ate in silence for a few minutes quietly eating their food when Flurry came down the stairs. Her straightened mane and tail were tied into a ponytail. While Cecil loved seeing this look on her because it brought her face out more he still preferred her normal wavy hairstyle.

“Not much for chatter this morning are we gentlecolts?”

Flurry asked as she took her place with the only remaining plate. Her horn lit up and she started eating with a smile on her face. The food melting in her mouth was helping enough to keep the cranky side down.

“So what are the plans for today? I have a few errands of my own but they arnt time restricted mostly picking up some dresses I ordered from Rarity and visiting Starlight at the School of Friendship.”

Alex picked the two empty plates up as he stood to bring them to the back for washing.

“I was planning on taking you two for a day in the snow. The ice rink should be open about now.”

Flurry was surprised that the legendary stoic man wanted to go do something normal.

“My my the calloused angry Alex Steel knows how to have fun? What could have brought this on?”

Alex glared at her and Cecil kept his head down. They were all tired and hungover a bad mix for Flurry to let her mouth run.

“Quiet your shit and be grateful.”

Flurry rolled her eyes as she watched him go into the kitchen. She looked to Cecil with a tired smile on her face.

“I suppose that could have been worse judging the look on your face.”

Cecil leaned over the bar grabbing a cup and filling it with water. He gave her a weary smirk and slight shrug.

“If I had said that either I would have been slapped or he would warn me next time I’ll be picking my teeth up off the floor.”

Alex walked back out drying his hands with a small towel.

“Talk shit get hit.”

Again flurry was disgusted by the violent nature of Alex. After her talk with the terrifying man when she saw his true colors this front he put up didn't intimidate her as much. Staying on the safe side and heading the warnings from both Cecil and Alex she decided it best to keep quiet. After breakfast, the two humans equipped their dusters. Alex offered Cecil some lace up boots to keep his feet warm but the stubborn young man refused even with Flurry telling him he should do the same.

The three left the bar walking to the frozen pond. Flurry was only wearing a scarf since the temperatures were still nothing compared to her own home. Even Cecil wasn't feeling the cold like he was in the crystal empire.

As they walked through the fresh powdery snow Cecil and Flurry kept looking at each other with loving happy eyes. The setting was like they were in a fairytale made just for the two of them. Alex was behind them watching the love birds cherish the moment thinking back to his own wife and their time together. Like him, she wasn't much for the corny romantics but he had to admit watching Cecil smile with pure love for the mare at his side was something good to see. Likewise, Flurry looking back at Cecil with those same eyes gave Alex hope. He knew she was the only one to ever keep him on a leash and allow him to follow the straight and narrow path. The talks they had or the things he showed her were all part of a plan discussed with Shining. If she was truly committed to Cecil then she had to know what she was getting involved in. She had to understand the stakes at hand and be cautious about the future. From here on out it was just going to be about the two of them.

Alex stopped for a second looking at a tree. His head held even and his eyes getting a soft look. The tree was barren, curled, battered, and looked decrepit. There was nothing special about it but that was the tree he proposed to May Flower under. He could still remember her giggles and the slap to his back as she told him to stand up. He was acting like a dork and a fool. A cold breeze brushed his cheeks and he saw he was getting left behind. Continuing on he looked at the young couple ahead of him getting reminded that while he considered himself expendable there was one who reminded him every day he was deserving of love and forgiveness. Cecil was going to erase his bloody legacy and turn the world on its head for the better with his inventions. Alex couldn't even begin to understand what was going on in that boy's head but if Cecil ever called Alex would be there to help.

The three arrived and as he thought the pond was clear with the exception of a smiling ice skate renter. The Stallion renting the skates out was a well known trader in ponyville and for years Cecil and Alex had been coming to this spot so much so that the trader used his own profits to work with Rarity to make ice skates just for the two only because Cecil loved it and would always try his best to skate in pony made ice skates.

Alex walked up to the stallion after Cecil and Flurry got their skates heading to the rink while the stallion got Alex out but the man just put a hand up shaking his head.

“Im about too old for activities like this.”

The stallion leaned on his cart with a knowing smile chewing on some gum.

“I hear ya. Took the grandkids here about a week ago and they ran circles around me while my knees barely survived a lap.”

Alex nodded as he pulled out a white ace cigarette offering one to the stallion. The stallion held a hoof up to politely decline.

“Doc told me I had to quit or I wasn't going to see my grandkid's graduation. If you don't mind can you with hold the smokes till ya leave or go where I cant see…I'm fighting the craving like crazy just seeing them.”

Alex respected the request and put the cigarettes away. Instead he pulled out a flask and tipped it back. The stallion smirked as he looked to the young couple making laps like it was nothing at all.

“Seems your colt finally found someone to stay hitched to. Who would have thought it would be a princess?”

“Trust me your not the only one who feels that way.”

The stallion chuckled a little as he took a seat on his wooden stool rubbing his knees a little. He spit the gum in a cup and immediately put a fresh piece in shuddering a little.

“I bet, but this is Cecil we're talking about. He’s always had a talent for the mares.”

Alex crossed his arms knowing all too well what the stallion was talking about.

“And the trouble that follows.”

The stallion just laughed with a knowing smile on his face as he remembered Cecil running around with his friends and a new mare each week at his hip.

“We were that young once to Alex. Have they caused you trouble in the nest?”

Alex glanced over at the stallion with a small smirk.

“They tried to be sneaky one night.”

The stallion could only chuckle as he watched Cecil and Flurry practically dancing across the ice. It was clear Flurry was the better skater but Cecil was keeping up or she was letting him.

“One out of the five nights isn't bad. It's remarkable for Cecil to have that much control with a mare like that in his arms. Good on him for growing up and using that brain.”

“I wouldn't go that far.”

The stallion arched an eyebrow wondering what could have happened. He let it go seeing it wasn't really his business anyway.

“Care for a cup of coffee. Just made a fresh pot on the stove burner.”

Alex put his arms down turning to the Stallion and nodded. He went to pull his wallet out to give the stallion a bit but the stallion held a hoof up. This was just a friendly gesture. The two old souls talked over some coffee while the young couple enjoyed their private rink. An hour passed by and the two were ready to come off the ice. When they did Flurry was introduced to the Stallion who promptly bowed out of respect. They talked for a few minutes and Alex paid for the rentals as more customers were on their way.

The three left the ice rink heading to the magical school of friendship. The kids were all on vacation for winter break but some were in the dorms due to long travel distances or other reasons. Either way, Starlight was in her office planning out the next semester.

Hooves clopping in the hall barely made her ear twitch when she heard the click of boot heels causing her to look up and pay attention a little more because then she heard them. The heavy thunderous steps of boots. Only one person in Ponyville wore them and her heart stopped for a second knowing Alex Steel was in her school. She gulped and got herself ready.

There was a knock and she nervously called them in. To her surprise once again Flurry was the first face she saw and then Cecil behind her finally Alex who leaned against the back wall with crossed arms. Flurry rushed to the desk walking behind it to bring Starlight into a tight hug. The mare happily hugged her back.

“Oh Princess Flurry it's so good to see you. It feels like it's been ages since we talked.”

“I know and I'm so sorry for that. I've been super busy with school and my social life. As aunt twilight says it's good that I'm interested in learning but I should make time to have friends as well.”

Starlight giggled glad that the lessons she and Twilight passed to her stuck but it was a little funny hearing Flurry repeat them after the fuss she used to put up.

“I'm glad to hear you took the lessons to heart and I completely understand. Running this school seems to take up nearly all my time.”

She turned to Cecil and offered her hoof to shake. He smiled and walked around the desk to give her a hug as well. Starlight melted into the hug just as she did Flurry with a big smile on her face.

“You’ve grown a lot since I last saw you in my school. It still seems like yesterday you were skipping class to go flirt with mares or a teacher.”

Flurry put a hoof over her mouth to stifle the giggle. Starlight caught Flurry's look and had to giggle herself while Cecil rubbed the back of his head a little embarrassed at the situation.

“Yeah I might have been a little troublemaker.”

Starlight just smiled brightly shaking her head as she sat back down.

“Your little trouble put these gray hairs in my mane. Still, I wouldn't trade the time for the world you were a bright student and when we could get you in class you did exceptionally well.”

Her eyes looked to Flurry with her own proud smile

“Just like a certain Princess, I know when she had Twilight teaching her"

Starlight said with a bright smile to Flurry. The pink Princess blushed a little as she wore a proud smile. Starlight inhaled as she looked over the two as pure pride filled her heart at all the acclomplishments they made so far.

"It's so wonderful to hear that you two are in a University now getting to expand on your dreams and make them a reality.”

The two sat when Starlight did and just to add a hint before Flurry dropped the news she took Cecil's hand in her hoof. Starlight caught the motion and gave a knowing smile to Flurry who simply smiled even brighter as her heart fluttered thinking about her relationship with Cecil.

“That's not the only good news. I found someone to share our dreams with and his name is Cecil. He's been nothing but kind and pure hearted even my parents approve of him. My father thinks highly of him even if Cecil thinks of himself as a humble stallion.”

Cecil could already feel his cheeks heating up as he smiled some more. Flurry was simply the best in his mind and his heart. She always knew him so well already and vice versa but the best part to it all was her genuine open feelings for him. She loved doting on him to her friends or bragging about how kind and generous he was. When he messed up she was there to talk with him about it and show empathy when he needed it. She was there to scold him and keep him in line and most importantly she was there for support when he needed it the most.

“I dont know…I kinda just…”

Alex finally looked up and spoke killing the mood with his direct way of talking.

“Cecil take pride in what she says. You are a hell of a man.”

Starlight closed her eyes in mild frustration but she had to agree with Alex.

“As your father said, you are a brilliant man Cecil and those of us who watched you grow up are incredibly proud. You didn't have it easy by any means but you never let the bad times hold you down or stop you from being the outstanding person you are today. All of us especially Flurry are happy to have you in our lives.”

Cecil would have cried in pure happiness but he held the tears in and tightened his grip on Flurry's hoof a little tighter. She was his pillar and the one he knew he could fall back on. He could tell her things he could never tell his father. He knew she was the one for him and by her big beautiful bright smile, he could feel the love and pride she had for him.

The three talked some more. Cecil and Flurry mostly recapping what their time in school had been like and of course, leaving out the parts when Cecil was nearly taken to jail on several occasions or kicked out of the school. It was a pleasant time but they wrapped it up and after long hugs and longer goodbyes the original three walked out of the school. Some students peaking out their door to see the rare sight of the Alex Steel and Princess Flurry.

After the visit it was nearly lunchtime so they headed to grab a bite to eat but instead of a quick trip to a hay burger joint, Alex took them to a more refined dining area. Nothing in Ponyville was going to come close to the lavished restaurants that were notorious in the cities but the place had a nice air of posh to it while still allowing the public to feel relaxed and comfortable enough to walk in. Alex had a salad while Cecil ate the vegetarian platter and Flurry got something similar to a flower sandwich with hay fries, and a bowl of vegetable soup.

Flurry noticed Alex not eating but he assured her he was fine with his choice. She felt guilty for ordering so much while he hardly had anything. It made her feel like she was taking advantage of him but when it came time to pay she tried to do the same trick she did to Cecil only for Alex to glare at the waiter. He nervously placed the bill in front of Alex.

Once paid they talked some more about what the next semester's classes would be like for them and plans for Cecil to move out of the barracks and into a real room in the castle something Flurry was adamant about doing. Cecil tried to put up and argument trying to address how he was going to make money but Alex once again showed his power over Cecil telling him to get a part time job close by or simply ask Shining to give him an allowance considering Shining was the one who got him in that situation in the first place after Flurry had whined to him. Cecil wasn't thrilled at the idea of asking for handouts but his father had valid points.

After lunch, they walked around town stopping in shops where Flurry bought some nice trinkets. The main stop was the jewelry shop and it was time to see if Cecil would pay attention. Flurry caught what Alex was trying to do and played along. She picked up a unicorn horn ring and placed it on her horn or she picked out a pegasus wing bracelet. She was trying them all on making sure her words were clear when she talked about the ones she liked or what sizes to get. Cecil should have been soaking all the information up but he was worried about the cost of everything in the store and how he was going to even afford something like a bracelet, ring, or clasp and what she would even prefer. Being an alicorn made getting her something like this so much harder.

It was cute to watch from Flurry's point of view. He was a nervous wreck and doing a terrible job at hiding it but hopefully, he gained some valuable information from it and she was sure he was going to start working himself to the bone again. That was something she definitely didn't want happening. She would help by putting extra bits in his wallet when he wasn't looking or in his clothes and she would start picking up more bills like when they went out on dates. The last thing she wanted to do was cause him stress so if he could get the saved money up quickly then his financial worry would go away but that all depended on one thing. Flurry looked in the mirror at herself catching a glimpse of Alex.

She brought her hoof up to her face as she looked at his hands. She remembered being human and what that felt like. She liked it no she loved it. For the short time she was human she immediately spotted all the inconveniences ponies had to deal with. She had known most from growing up but she really spotted them while she was in class with Cecil. He didn't have magic but he had hands that just wrote while earth ponies had to use their teeth. She watched him play buck ball and while ponies could outrun him they couldn't out maneuver him. She never worried about any of that before. It was just normal to see ponies using their teeth or some who were skilled bending their hooves to grab certain things. She never experienced that hardship but the biggest reason she loved being human was the fact she could actually hold hands with Cecil. They could be compatible physically and the best part was the spell wasn't permanent if done properly so if he still preferred her as a pony then she could simply change back. Her staring caught the attention of Alex who now was staring back at her through the mirror. Slowly he walked over after sending Cecil on a wild goose chase to speak softly to Harmony.

“May Flower, Cecil's mother, was human to carry him. She was an earth pony who enjoyed having hands but while she was human her friends constantly asked when Cecil was going to be born so she could go back to her old self. Due to the extra emotions that come with pregnancy she was peer pressured into turning back. If you do decide to stay human you will never be looked at the same again and you’ll finally have your eyes truly opened to how racist creatures can be.”

Flurry felt her blood run cold as he whispered all that into her ear and then walk away. Her own friends pushed her into turning back when she didn't want to. May Flowers's own friend's adults made snide remarks or wished Cecil would just hurry up and be born just so their eyes could rest easy or they wouldn't have to associate themselves with a human. The more she thought about it the more her blood began to boil and she knew her reaction. She didn't know May Flower but she knew what it felt like to be human and it felt good. She was going to make contingencies so her own feelings didn't get twisted like that and she was going to remind them, and herself that she was Princess Flurry Heart heir to the Crystal Empire and no pony no creature was going to tell her what she can and can't do no one but the goofy man panicking over what to get her.

When she looked in the mirror her eyes had red slits with a slight green shad and small almost invisible black smoky tendrils trailing out of them. She quickly blinked shaking her head. Alex was looking at her through the mirror and all he could do was give her a small smirk letting his own eyes flash red for a split second. If it wasn't already clear that small moment that they just shared bonded them enough for her to know without a doubt Alex was on her team now and anyone in her way would have to deal with him. She had her father and mother, her aunt, and now Alex in her corner. Four of the biggest heavy hitters to ever walk Equestrian soil were on her side and she just dared someone to throw a hissy fit about her life choice at being human.

Once the shopping was over, Flurry separated from the group to go visit Rarity and surprisingly Alex and Cecil accompanied her. Rarity was overjoyed to have one last visit from Cecil and Flurry. She wasn't too thrilled to see Alex but they were on good terms as they talked. Cecil saw the tuxedo and looked a little nervous at it but Alex slapped him across the back of the head telling him he better not get a letter from Flurry about his unwillingness to wear something nice once in his life. Flurry was liking Alex more and more it seemed. After Rarity’s they managed to make it back to the bar where Carmillia and Rockwell were in their rocking chairs sipping on coffee enjoying the winter day.

What followed wasn't anything interesting just more talking and joking. Wholesome quality time until it was time to leave. When that moment arrived as much as Cecil didn't want to get back on the train he knew he had to. He said his goodbyes again to Carmilla and Rockwell as Alex lead them to the train station.

Alex and Cecil stood across one another as Cecil fixed the lapel on Alex’s coat this time.

“Im going to miss you son.”

“I know dad, I'm going to miss you as well but I will try and come home for summer break.”

Alex nodded and held out his hand. Cecil took it and the two shook in a firm grip.

“I love you son, take care of yourself.”

Cecil smiled brightly as he hugged his father

“Will do and you keep your old ass alive long enough for me to get home again.”

Alex chuckled a little as the hug broke. He looked Cecil up and down one last time before patting his shoulder.

“Go on son, you have a train to catch.”

Cecil nodded as he and Flurry boarded. Flurry was still in awe about their lack of emotion to the situation. She still believed Alex should have showed more but in his own way he was. Her father was going to be a crying mess when she pulled back into the station and more then likely her mother was going to be the one to pull him off her. She loved Shining to death and was more then happy he was willing to show that much, but Alex? Alex was a man who knew what he wanted. He was going to say what was on his mind and ponies were going to listen. No one was ever going to question the word of Alex Steel because everyone knew he meant what he said. Every word was like a promise that he himself would make come true if it called for it.