“Alright team, flight check! We're airborne in five!”
A sharp commanding voice cut through the near-silent room. Five ponies snapped to attention and moved into formation, pairing off to perform the ordered flight check. A sky blue stallion with a navy blue mane stepped up to meet the orange mare who had called the order. She flared her wings and struck a wide pose as he checked each of the contact points for her flight suit. He lingered briefly over each one, each motion a practiced blend of maintenance and teasing. Teeth that tugged a zipper brushed the flesh beneath. A hoof pressed to a button lingered just too long. The mare couldn't quite contain a gasp as he gently straightened a feather with his lips, tongue lightly caressing the sensitive flesh beneath. Finally, he stepped back, meeting her gaze with a wink.
“All clear, Captain,” He assumed a similar posture as she moved to return the favor. She returned it with finesse, drawing a shudder from him as she traced gentle lines across his body. She spoke quietly as she worked.
“Nervous, Lieutenant? Canterlot shows draw big crowds.” First Lieutenant Soarin' chuckled, his throat vibrating against Captain Spitfire's muzzle as she traced up the yellow lightning bolt emblazoned on his chest.
“When am I ever nervous? How about you? Both princesses are supposed to be here tonight, along with the Sky Admiral. This could be your big chance to get promoted into Sol Flight.”
Spitfire whispered an 'all clear', finishing with a light nip on his neck that drew another shudder before stepping back and snapping her wings audibly to her side. The Wonderbolts moved at the signal, taking their positions. As the last seconds ticked down, the Captain shot Soarin' a smirking glance.
“What, and leave Luna Flight under your command?” The curtains opened, filling the room with silver moonlight. A moment later, six pairs of wings snapped out in unison with the flash of spotlights.
“They'd have to pry it from my cold, dead hooves.”
Soarin' let out a long breath, slowing his racing heart and easing the rush of adrenaline in his system. He could still hear the cheers ringing in his ears as the Wonderbolts of Luna Flight winged their way back towards their suite. The six pegasi were afforded the honor of a small two-story compound just offsite of the Royal Equestrian Airforce Canterlot Airbase to call home when they weren't on tour. It was nothing extravagant, but it was a fair sight better than the spartan quarters allotted to regular airponies of the REA and Royal Guard. Flying with the best came with perks.
He let his mind ride the high of the post-show buzz, only half paying attention to the Rookie's excited chatter. This had been her first Canterlot show, the first Big One. She'd been nervous earlier that day, even if she was too proud to show it. She was too proud to admit that she'd been curled up on her bed, trembling with anticipation and doubt when Spitfire had sent Soarin' to check on her that afternoon. Too proud to admit how much she appreciated his gentle conversation and calming words as his hooves pressed the tension out of her tightly-wound muscles. Too proud to show the tension shifting to excitement as his hooves worked lower along her back and flanks to her polychromatic tail. She wasn't, he recalled with a smile, too proud to cry out as his hooves and tongue found the center of her stress, and worked it until she burst.
He watched her now as she flew tight loops and spirals, excitedly recounting every maneuver from their show, and every ecstatic fan who had come to her for photos and autographs. Her lithe muscles flowed gracefully with every flap under her tight flightsuit, all tension gone and replaced with pure joyful energy.
Oh yes. Flying with the best definitely came with perks.
They landed, the sweat from their exertion wicked away by the cool night air. Still, clinging flightsuits and matted fur were an unpleasant combination, so the first stop after every show was the locker room. Soarin' reached the entry first, holding one side of the double door open with a wing and bowing with exaggerated courtesy to allow his teammates entry. The rookie giggled at his display, still too hyped to remember how uncool giggling was. The others smiled and thanked him as they trotted past. Spitfire, bringing up the rear, merely rolled her eyes as she passed, flicking his nose with her tail.
“Ingrate,” he muttered, following her inside.
Within the communal locker room, adrenaline was beginning to give way to exhaustion as six sticky, finicky flightsuits were shed by six worn, sweaty ponies. There was some light chatter over which maneuvers had been crisp or sloppy, and whose friends had cheered loudest from the stands, but the excitement of the day and the lateness of the hour was catching up to all of them. Seeing the day's toll on her team, Spitfire hopped up onto a bench. Sound and movement stopped as five ponies turned their attention to their Captain.
“Great show out there tonight, team. This was our last big show for the season, so we...” She cut off as the locker room doors banged open. Two royal guardsponies in full armor stepped inside, and crisply flanked the doors. The Captain turned to question them, but at the sight of the two tall, regal figures outside the door, the words morphed into something else entirely.
“Ten-HUT!” All six Wonderbolts snapped to salute as Princesses Celestia and Luna entered the locker room.
“At ease, my little ponies,” Celestia granted with a soft smile.
“Your highness,” Spitfire hopped down from her perch to stand before the alicorn sisters. “To what do we owe the honor?”
“Why, you owe nothing at all. My sister and I simply wanted to congratulate you all on such a spectacular performance. And, I believe, Luna had something she wished to ask.”
The six pegasi turned their attention to the princess of the night, who had thus far remained behind her elder sister. With the focus on her, she stepped forward.
“HAIL, WONDERBOLTS,” Everypony but the armored guards winced under the echoing force of Luna's voice. She ducked her head sheepishly before beginning again.
“Our apologies. We wished to... er, that is, we hoped thou would'st...”she trailed off, seeming embarrassed. Celestia took over.
“What my sister wishes to say is that she would like to ask you all for an autograph.”
Luna blushed slightly over her hopeful smile as she produced a rolled poster of the Wonderbolts from beneath her wing.
“Whattya say, 'Bolts?” Spitfire turned back to her comrades with a grin. “Think we can spare a few moments for one of our fans?” In an instant, the flight was lined up beside their captain. Luna's smile widened as she unfurled the poster and held forth a quill.
“Oh, we do thank thee. Tonight's festivities have been wonderful, and thy performance was awe inspiring.” The gleeful shine in Luna's eyes grew with each scribble of ink that marked her treasured scroll.
“It was our honor, princess,” Spitfire said with pride as the last of her flight finished signing.
“You know what they say,” Soarin' added with a smirk. “A pleased filly is a night well-spent.”
Spitfire sputtered briefly at his comment, and shot him a glare. “A little decorum, lieutenant?”
“Nay, he is quite right,” Luna interjected, ignoring the innuendo if she caught it at all, and tucking her prize back under an indigo wing. “We are sure thou hast pleased many a filly this night, and colts as well.”
“And I aim to please many more, your highness,” Soarin' replied with a wide smile and graceful bow. The rest of Luna Flight followed suit, if only to better conceal their struggle to contain their laughter at his bold, bawdy humor.
“Come then, sister,” Celestia said, her gentle smile as stoic as ever. “I'm sure these ponies are looking forward to their rest.” She turned to the door, catching Soarin's eye with a wink as she did, and her sister moved to follow.
“We thank thee again most heartily, and eagerly await thy next show.” With that, the alicorn sisters and their guards departed, leaving the Wonderbolts to dissolve into raucous laughter the moment the doors closed behind them. Spitfire simply sighed and shook her head at Soarin'.
“I can't take you anywhere.”
The blue stallion just grinned.
“Ah, lighted up, Spits. The princesses are great sports. Plus I'm pretty sure I made one of the guardsponies crack a smile.”
“As I was saying,” Spitfire said loudly, pointedly ignoring Soarin', “tonight was our last big show for a while. That means everypony's got two weeks leave starting tomorrow before we start training again. You all flew great out there tonight, so we'll skip the post-op. Dismissed, 'Bolts.”
The tired pegasi nodded their assent and began dispersing from the locker room. Soarin' had just opened the door leading back to the team's suites when Spitfire's voice cut across the room once more.
“Where do you think you're going, Rookie?”
The newest 'Bolt halted in her tracks, eyes darting around nervously as the orange mare glared her down.
“Uh, showers, Captain?” She answered. Soarin' halted in place by the open door, watching in amusement as the oblivious cyan mare squirmed under the Captain's teasing.
“Oh? And what's wrong with the shower in my quarters?”
Apprehension shifted into blatant confusion.
“Uh... nothing? I think?”
“Well then,” Spitfire's hard glare melted into a sultry smirk, “Let's go put it to use.” With a wink and a flick of her tail she brushed past Soarin' and strutted down the hall to the stairs, flanks swaying invitingly with each hooffall. The rookie stood, blinking dumbfounded for a few moments before her eyes lit with understanding.
A rainbow-colored streak bowled Soarin' over, leaving his head spinning as the rookie vanished down the hall after Spitfire. He groaned as his already strained muscles were battered once again, but couldn't help but chuckle at her enthusiasm. Goddess knows he'd put that enthusiasm to good use plenty of times.
As he got back to his hooves, the Second Lieutenant caught his eye giving a wink and a nod towards the communal showers where the rest of his wingmates stood waiting. Apparently the other 'Bolts had a bit of enthusiasm left themselves this evening. A tempting offer, but his own bed, empty though it was, called far too loudly tonight. Bidding his teammates a fond goodnight, he bowed out and plodded wearily to his suite.
The door to the mares' shared suite was ajar as he walked by; another, albeit less painful, testament to the rookie's impatience. He paid it no mind as the team had, and needed, little explicit privacy from one another. He nudged the door to the stallions' suite across the hall open and wandered in, not even bothering to flick on the lights. Between the gentle glow from the magically-maintained fireplace and his ingrained familiarity with the layout of his second home, he had no trouble navigating near-blindly to his personal room. He entered, barely taking the effort to kick the door closed behind him before collapsing into his bed. Showering could wait until morning. Now was the time for sweet oblivion.
Or it would be, were it not for the tapping on his window. Who in the blackest pits of Tartarus would be disturbing a Wonderbolt at this Celestia-forsaken hour?
Seeing lamplight glint off of the golden armor of his visitor did little to improve Soarin's mood as he dragged his weary hooves out of his soft, warm bed to open the window. He was in no mood to do any more than grunt questioningly, and the pegasus guardspony outside looked appropriately apologetic for the late intrusion.
“Message for you, Lieutenant Soarin'. Direct from Celestia.”
That was enough to peak the 'Bolt's interest, and certainly explained the direct delivery. He took the proffered note and sketched a quick salute with his wing. The guard returned the gesture with his hoof before hovering back away from the window. With one last respectful bob of his head, the guard turned to wing his way back to the palace.
Alone once more, Soarin' stepped over to drop the note on the table by his bedside. He gazed balefully between the ivory slip of paper, barely visible in the deep shadows of his room, and the Cloudsdale Direct Import Layered Cumulus DreamNest that he had paid for out of pocket to replace the standard layered cotton mattress in his room. Soarin' was a pony who took his sleeping seriously.
Unfortunately, he was a pony who took royal duties even more seriously, and so with a long-suffering sigh he walked back the door to flick on the lights. After all, Celestia would not have troubled him or her guard if it was a message that could wait until morning.
“You seem quite pleased with yourself, sister.” Celestia said with a knowing smile on her lips. The younger Alicorn hopped merrily about her room, her joyful demeanor fully unrestrained in the private company of her sibling. She had so far tested three locations on the wall for hanging her souvenir of the evening, and none had yet sufficed.
“Oh Tia, tonight was wonderful. So many ponies celebrating late into the night. And the Wonderbolts!” She paused in her dance, holding her poster aloft and looking over the suited forms, the grinning faces, and the bold signatures of her new heroes. She gave a happy sigh before setting the picture to rest on a desk and turning her attention to her sister. “Never have I seen ponies fly in this way. So skillful, and with so much joy! Their energy is simply intoxicating! I truly must thank you for convincing me to finally attend one of their performances,” Her indigo wings fluttered with excitement, lifting her to hover nose to nose with Celestia who met the younger alicorn's gleeful grin with a bemused smile of her own.
“They really are something, aren't they?” Luna bobbed her head in agreement before darting back over to the desk and her prize, searching once more for a fitting place to display it. “I shall have to make a point to thank them personally for their performance tonight. I have not seen you this excited it far too long, dear sister.”
Luna paused at somber tone beneath those words, setting the poster down and moving to wrap her neck around Celestias in a tender hug. The solar princess returned it gladly.
“It has been long, sister, and old wounds heal slowly,” She pulled back and looked into her sister's eyes, both pairs damp with tears. “But heal they do. By your hoof, and that of the Bearers of the Elements, I have been given a second chance after my... folly.” Her head dipped, tears spilling freely from turquoise eyes, but Celestia raised her chin with a hoof, an alabaster pinion gently brushing the tears from her eye.
“Now Lulu,” she gently admonished. “We've shared quite enough tearful nights over this already. I should not have brought it up in the first place.” Luna blinked the last of her tears away and raised her eyes.
“Nay, I'll not let a few tears spoil such a night. Each tear of sorrow is matched by a tear of joy for new beginnings.”
The princess of the sun smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling as they lit upon the proud smiles and bold signatures adorning Luna's new prize.
“New beginnings indeed. Luna, dear, did you have any plans tomorrow?”
It took the combined efforts of a shrill alarm clock and the piercing light of the morning sun to rouse Soarin' from his slumber, and even then it was a hard-won battle. He groaned in protest as a listless wing flopped randomly in the general vicinity of the alarm's snooze button. Finally accepting the futility of his effort, he dragged his head up and silenced the machine with a hoof. After blinking blearily, he shook that same hoof in defiance at the sunlight streaming in his window. It paid him no mind.
He gave a heavy sigh as he heaved his body off of the plush, yielding cloud mattress and flicked his wings to drop his hooves to the floor. With a yawn that shook his entire body, he dipped into a long stretch, rolling from his forelegs to shoulders, flaring his wings, then back to his hindlegs with a flick of his tail. Thus prepared for the morning, he took another look at the note lying on his table: the only reason he bothered setting an alarm for his first day of leave.
Soarin',
Forgive the intrusion, but I wish to ask you a favor. As you saw earlier, my sister greatly enjoyed seeing your show tonight. As you regularly spend your leave here in Canterlot, I hoped you would be willing to share some of your time off showing my sister what life as a Wonderbolt is like. She will meet you at Ten AM tomorrow morning in the west palace courtyard.
Have fun,
Celestia
He raised his eyes to the face of the clock. 9:17. Enough time to shower off last night's stink, grab a bite, and meet the princess.
Meet the princess, he mused as he stepped into the shower and twisted the spigot on to let steaming water pour over him. On the one hoof, he was supposed to be on leave, not performing “favors” for royalty.
He paused, then blinked that train of thought away rapidly.
On the other hoof, Celestia had been right; he was just going to be bumming around Canterlot otherwise, and he probably would have spent half that time flying for pleasure and the other half in bars and clubs. That is, living life as a Wonderbolt. What could it hurt to have Her Royal Highness Princess Luna along for the ride? She really was adorable when she got excited, even when she tried to hide that excitement behind her stuffy royal façade. Soarin' also had to admit that he always had a bit of a soft spot for rookie fliers, be they blank-flanked foals winging for the first time, or new Wonderbolt hopefuls in need of tips. If today goes badly, it's just one day lost and no real harm done. If it goes well, it could go very well. How impressive would it be for Luna Flight to fly a show with their namesake on the roster?
Turning the faucet off, Soarin' shook vigorously, leaving most of the loose water on his coat, and his silly daydreams, splashed across the shower walls. He winged quickly through his room to avoid dripping on anything he liked and pushed the window open, taking his usual shortcut out.
As he rose into the skies over Canterlot, Soarin' flew a tight corkscrew to shake the last of the water from his body. Properly drying could be left to the wind. He gained altitude, scanning the rooftops and winding streets as a diner would read a menu.
Pony Joe's? Eh, too sweet for just waking up. Honey Griddle's Pancake House? Not enough time for those lines. KuchenHaus? Spits gives me enough grief as it is.
Ah ha!
As always, the simplest answer proves the best. One quick stop down to Mocha's Cafe, and five minutes later the blue stallion was skyward again with a small bag of muffins clutched in his teeth.
The sun was still climbing into the crisp morning sky as Soarin' drifted over the palace walls, returning the friendly salute of the guardsponies posted there. He landed in a grassy clearing of the west courtyard, setting his breakfast down gently before flopping onto his back to let the morning sun warm his belly. He knew he was early, and had some time yet to relax and eat before the Princess of the Night was to arrive.
Minutes drifted by in a balmy haze of sun rays and muffin crumbs. One green eye cracked open, checking the position of the sun as it climbed ever higher. If his estimation was right, it was about five minutes to ten. Time to straighten up and look presentable for the princess. Soarin' got to his hooves, brushing a few stray crumbs off his chest...
And met a pair of turquoise eyes watching him placidly from a few feet away. The pegasus jolted, wings shooting to their full extension in shock before he dropped into a low bow, blushing.
“Erm, princess. Good morning. How, uh. How long have you been here?”
Princess Luna, sitting unadorned in the cool grass, covered a giggle with a graceful hoof before clearing her throat to speak.
“Our apologies, Lieutenant. We did not mean to startle thee, nor impede thy privacy. Seeing thee so comfortable and content, however, we could not bring ourself to disturb thee,” She regarded him with a cute smile on her face, star-speckled mane billowing gently in an ethereal breeze. He rose, returning her smile with a bashful one of his own. While not overly concerned with propriety, he still thought himself a little better than to be caught sunning his belly before one of the immortal princesses of Equestria.
For her part, Luna just watched the young stallion with barely suppressed glee. When her elder sister had suggested this encounter the night before, Luna had objected at first. As much as the little filly inside her cried out in joy at the idea, the princess in her still thought it unfitting to be so familiar with her subjects. It was a long-fought and yet ongoing battle between the sisters to get Luna comfortable with the idea of making friends. In this case, though, the night princess faced a losing battle from the start as Celestia needed only make mention of one of Luna's favorite parts of the airshow (there were many to choose from) and her traitorous cheeks would flush with excitement.
Here and now, sitting on the neatly-trimmed lawn with one of her new favorite ponies in all of Equestria, Luna could hardly complain. The mere thought of seeing one of the Wonderbolts fly again was enough to thrill her, much less the chance to spend time flying with one!
But first, she really ought to say something so that he would stop pawing the ground and coughing nervously.
“Now then, Lieutenant,” the alicorn did her best to affect the air of dignity befitting a princess, but the wide smile on her face undermined it somewhat. “Where shall we begin?”
Finally pulled out of his chagrin, Soarin' perked up to the question.
“Well, princess, perhaps you should tell me? The note I received last night was pretty short, just saying to meet you here.”
“Ah, truly?” The princess wilted slightly. “Our sister told us she would arrange everything. Thou hast been told nothing?”
The pegasus tipped his wings in a shrug before settling them to his sides and dropping to his haunches.
“No details, ma'am. I was just to meet you here and, in her words, 'show you what life as a Wonderbolt is like'. What that entails is really up to you.”
Luna's ears perked back up at the invitation.
“Well then! We should greatly enjoying flying with thee. We are sure there is much thou can teach us, Lieutenant.” She rose to her hooves, wings unfurling in anticipation. The blue 'Bolt rose as well, a confident smile curling his lips. Though some 'Bolts hated it, Soarin' loved flying with fans and trainees. Stadiums packed with screaming fans was one thing, but those smaller intimate moments where he could connect directly with another pony and share the simple joy of flight were what made it all worthwhile. All the better if that pony happened to be a cute, excitable filly.
No, bad Soarin'! Princess!
Tossing his mane to clear the lascivious thoughts, he directed his charge for the day to stand beside him.
“Alright, first thing's first. Stretch before any serious flying.”
Luna nodded, turning a questioning eye to her mentor.
“Very well, but we are admittedly unpracticed in the proper methods for modern calisthenics. Thou must direct us, Lieutenant.”
The pegasus grimaced.
“Eh, before first, let's get this out of the way. 'Lieutenant' feels so military and stuffy. I'd prefer you just call me Soarin', though since I'm training you 'Alpha' would also work. Cool?” He flashed her his most charming smile, known to make fanfillies melt at up to thirty paces. As a credit to centuries of regal formality, the princess managed to contain herself to a matching smile and light blush.
“Though it strain propriety somewhat, we shall find this acceptable today, Soarin', as thanks to thee for thy patience. We... nay, I shall also accept that thee call myself Luna, or if I kin thy echelon correctly, 'Beta'.”
“It would be my honor, Luna.” The Wonderbolt smiled again, this time feeling a faint blush warm his own cheeks. “Now then, wings out, foreleg extended like this.”
The two worked through a basic series of stretches, with added focus on the flight muscles along the withers and back. Soarin' was pleasantly surprised at how adept Luna was at adopting each pose, as well as how quickly and readily she took commands and correction. The pegasi were a proud lot, and doubly so for any that fancied themselves nobility; as such, it was not uncommon for those with enough influence to procure private flying lessons from an active Wonderbolt to insist that they already knew more about the art than their teacher, and thus argue over or take affront to his attempts to improve their form. The eager alicorn gave no such issue, accepting each word with grace and rapid reform.
Luna herself was pleased to note that, despite a general lack of physical exertion in her recent history, her body was still in fine shape and did not balk or ache overmuch at the sudden request of concentrated activity. Whether that fortitude would hold up under the coming aerobics was yet in question, but she was confident in herself, and moreso in the patience and understanding of her guide. Soarin' was, she decided, a most kind and honorable pony, and was quite earnest in his desire to spend a pleasant day with her. He was even, perhaps, a friend. Admittedly a foreign concept, but not, she was coming to find, an unwelcome one.
With their pre-flight preparations complete, Soarin' led the pair into the sky, positioning himself near enough off Luna's wing that they could converse without shouting. Taking care not to strain his less conditioned partner, he began with a few gentle laps of the palace grounds. The morning sun was warm and bright with a gentle breeze blowing in from the east. The weather was, as always in Canterlot, immaculately maintained to the demands of the elite; no rain or early autumn chill would mar their Sunday morning, nor a stray cloud cast an unplanned shadow over their garden parties.
Situated as it was upon the side of a mountain, the view from Canterlot, and moreso from the skies above it, was fantastic. From the finely trimmed gardens and chiseled walls of the palace, to the sprawling streets and lively bustle of the city itself, then to the rolling hills and fields beyond. To distant Ponyville, the verdant Whitetail Woods, the looming specter of the Everfree Forest, and all the principality beyond. It was a sight Soarin' never tired of, and Luna smiled gamely as he pointed out various favorite landmarks as they wheeled. The REA airbase and Wonderbolts Stadium she was familiar with, but much of the city proper was foreign to the sequestered princess. She knew nothing of the restaurants he pointed out, from high-class cuisine to hole-in-the-wall diners and dive bars. Theatres, night clubs, and game houses as well were new.
In the time since her return, Luna had seen so very little beyond the palace walls, choosing instead to lock herself away in the library in an attempt to read her way through a millennium of missed history and culture. She had very nearly refused the night before when her sister invited her to see the Wonderbolts' airshow. So caught up was she in what she had missed, she failed to realize what she was missing currently.
The duo finished their third rotation of the grounds, and Soarin' motioned a halt leaving them hovering once more over the west courtyard. Though the distance was not great, it had been a very long time since Luna had flown anywhere on her own power and she was beginning to feel the light burn of exertion in her wings. She relayed such when her companion asked how she was feeling.
“Good,” the pegasus responded with a laugh. “Spend a while flying professionally and that burn becomes your best friend. Be sure to tell me if that turns into a sharp burn or a tight pain. Sprains or tears will put a damper on your whole week.” His wince showed obvious first-hoof experience. The princess nodded sympathetically and asked what was next. “Well, warm-up's done, so we'll run some simple drills. First up, let's test your speed; from here to the Luna Flight training fields. Readygo!” And with that, Luna was alone in the sky save for a blue streak zipping away to the south. She blinked once in shock before taking off after him, the oaths from her lips coloring the air the same shade as her impish trainer.
The airfield in question was less than a mile from the palace grounds, making the race a straight sprint for any seasoned flier. Seasoned flier, or magically enhanced one. Though she may have been out of practice and unconditioned, Luna was still a royal and immortal alicorn. Magic coursed through her very blood, and as she poured herself into the impromptu race with all the glee and determination of a wide-eyed filly, she found herself quickly overtaking a very surprised Wonderbolt. Few ponies had the opportunity to witness an immortal alicorn exerting themself to the full, and so Soarin' was unprepared for the raw speed bursting forth from what he expected to be an enthusiastic but soft noblepony. Where he had set his initial pace to stay ahead of, but not embarrass his partner, he now found himself pushing for everything he was worth to maintain his steadily diminishing lead. His training and prowess paid off as he leveled out pace with the Luna, but he was still caught in a neck-in-neck struggle with his determined opponent.
As the pair rocketed over the airbase towards Luna Flight's training field, they crossed a wide stone-topped structure used for equipment storage. Its placement would be the princess's downfall, as the streaming sunlight had spent hours heating the rock and forming a pillar of heat above it. Unprepared for the uplift of the thermal, Luna's wingstrokes faltered briefly in overcompensation, costing her precious seconds to recover her form. That time was all the Wonderbolt needed, his own flight unhindered by the relatively minor turbulence. His hooves struck the ground, the force of his landing kicking up a small explosion of grass and dust, a full five seconds before Luna made her more sedate landing. He turned, panting far more heavily than he had anticipated, but grinning proudly nonetheless. The equally winded princess merely glared.
“A cheap and dishonest trick, sir, is the only reason thou wert victorious. Do not expect such fortune next time,” Soarin' worried for a moment that he had offended the princess with his playfulness, and had taken in a breath to apologize when the regal and dignified Princess Luna stuck her regal and dignified tongue out at him. The breath burst out of him in laughter which the princess joined him in a moment later. As they laughed and gasped for air, Soarin' held a hoof up amiably. Luna stared at it for a moment before turning her puzzled gaze to him. Still rather breathless, he gestured for her to do the same, and once she tentatively raised her hoof up, he bumped it with his own. Understanding lit her eyes as he congratulated her.
“Nice race, Beta. Remind me not to underestimate you from now on.”
“Well-flown thyself, Alpha. 'Tis apparent thou'rt still more capable than I, despite the advantages of mine blood.” Both satisfied, they turned to look out over the field as Soarin' began explaining a basic training regimen designed mostly to gauge the trainee's preexisting abilities. With a determined snort and a steadfast glint in her eye, Luna took to the sky once more.
The noonday sun beat strong on the backs of two sweaty ponies. For Soarin', the sweat was light and welcome, serving to cool the well-oiled flying machine that was his toned body. For Luna, the sweat dripped from her forelock, matted her feathers, and generally coated her body in a way with which she was wholly unfamiliar and rather displeased. Soarin' had taken to his role as Wing Alpha with gusto, and his Beta had refused to balk or show weakness as he ran her through drill after drill flying tight-cornered spirals, aerial loops and rolls, and even occasional ground sprints. Though this last request surprised her somewhat, she ran on her hooves without question. Such was her admiration for the stallion guiding her that she likely would have lifted rocks with her horn and tap danced had he told her it was part of the Wonderbolt's training program. To the disappointment of tabloid photographers the world over, Soarin' made no such request of his charge.
Her performance was rough at best. Soarin' had needed to explain every maneuver and trick, even though they used nothing more advanced than aileron rolls and Immelmare turns. She understood none of the technical terminology, and had no muscle memory for anything beyond basic flapping. Despite all of that, she never faltered in her effort nor took offense at his critique. She pushed on through every trial without complaint, and when Soarin' finally called a halt to their exercises, she collapsed to the ground with the same gratitude and dignity of any common recruit.
“Truly... I may have held too little regard... for thy full measure,” She panted as she stretched out on the welcoming grass. “Thou'rt not even winded, and I lay... as a mewling foal before thee.”
“Don't think too little of yourself; I made that mistake once already,” the pegasus chided. “You've been doing a lot more work today than I have, and trust me: I've been where you are right now. Many times before.” The winded alicorn gave a weak, grateful smile as she pushed herself rather back to her hooves, knees trembling a bit as she did so. She gradually regained her composure as Soarin' led her once more through a series of stretches, explaining as he did the necessity of a cool down after working out, and the painful repercussions of neglecting to do so. As they worked through the rotation, Luna could not contain her curiosity.
“So then, Alpha, what say thee of my performance today? Have I made myself worthy of thy inconvenience?” Soarin' rose from his stretch and stood before her, looking her over with a cool appraising eye. After a few seconds' contemplation, he spoke.
“You're a far cry from Wonderbolt material, but that's only because you've never done any stunt-flying before. You're a quick study with a cool head, capable of keeping both your ego and your temper in check. You're also much more amiable than most of the upper-class ponies I've dealt with in the past. All in all, today has been a real pleasure, Beta.” Luna nodded, considering his appraisal fair and honest.
“I am glad to hear that thou'rt not sore for my intrusion. What was the adage thou spoke? 'A pleased colt is a day well-spent'?”
Soarin' coughed, firmly suppressing any off-color quips about being sore from pleasing intrusions. Composing himself once more under Luna's concerned glance, he smiled a little too brightly.
“Yes, well, today really has been well-spent. Will you be retiring for the day then? You don't sleep at night, right?” He was genuinely curious as only the internal palace staff knew much of the personal schedules of the princesses, and they were appropriately tight-lipped. Fortunately for him, the princess was happy to share as she fell in step beside him towards Luna Flight's suites.
“In truth, my sister and I need not sleep at all. 'Tis a luxury, and certainly a beneficial one for our state of mind, but great stamina is one of the blessings of the immortal bodies we bear. I make my time to relax and recuperate as the need arises, but 'tis not the daily ritual that thou fleeting mortals need make of it. If thou'rt politely asking thy freedom of me, however, I should certainly grant it. I am quite grateful for thy time, Soarin', but thou would'st surely rather desire to spend thy furlough with thine own chosen company than in duty to thy sovereign.”
“Oh, no, I didn't mean it that way,” Soarin' protested. “Escorting you would be a more valuable and enjoyable use of my time than I'd likely make of it. I just didn't know if there was more you'd like me to show you, or if you had your own things to do.”
“Nay, not as such,” A smile lit Luna's face as she explained. “The daily demands on myself and my sister are less than many would think, and she of habit tends to most. 'Part from my requisite raising and lowering of the moon, the duties I engage in are more of volition than obligation.” She laughed quietly. “Sooth, so eager was my sister that I engage my time with thee that I found all those I would normally tend otherwise managed. Then, as respite from our toil, would'st thou fain join me for supper? Tho' a bit late the hour, the kitchen staff is ever amenable to serve.”
“And talented,” the pegasus noted, perking up and licking his lips at the prospect. “I would be honored to attend you at lunch, milady. I rather doubt they'd appreciate us in our current state though, so we'd best... oh...” He paused, drooping slightly as his hoof froze on the door of the building the pair now stood before. Glancing up, Luna recognized it as the locker entry she and Celestia had used the night prior, but could not discern the cause of his dismay.
“Is something wrong, Soarin'?”
“Well, ah,” A flush rose to the cheeks of the flustered stallion. “I was going to say we ought to shower before we go anywhere, but I realize the facilities here may be a bit less than suitable for you.”
“Oh?” The princess arched an eyebrow, looking down at her escort. “Think'st thou me some pampered noble, requiring the finest bath salts, and maids to scrub my hooves? Three hours hence have I shown my willingness to strive and sweat; should I balk now to remove my common sweat as thou would'st?”
Soarin' flinched under her rebuke, scrambling to explain himself.
“No, it's not that the showers wouldn't be good enough for you. It's just that they're... ah... communal.” Luna faltered, mouth snapping shut and a matching blush searing her face as she realized her mistake, and his implications. “I suppose I can wait outside and give you some privacy if you...” He fell silent at a shake of Luna's head.
“No, that will not be necessary,” she steadied her composure, though a faint blush persisted. “I am thy Beta today, as well as thy friend. It would do not well to treat thee as less. If thou would'st share facilities with thy wingmates with no shame between thee, then I may do the same. Now lead on, Alpha; my coat does mat most unpleasantly, and I should much enjoy being freshed.” Soarin' gave a shrug and a nod, and pushed the door open with his hoof.
“So long as you're comfortable, Princess. Right this way.”
The alicorn stepped through the proffered door with a grateful bob of her head. Only once she had passed did a flash of horror cross the stallion's face as he remembered his teammates' offer in the shower the night before.
By the Goddess, please have remembered to clean up after yourselves!
To Soarin's great relief, the showers were clean and presentable, with no lingering signs of whatever debauchery his wingmates had engaged in. Clean towels as well as hardy, if economical, shampoos were well-stocked by the base staff. The wide white-tiled shower held three simple shower heads along the wall with the open doorway, and four more on the wall opposite. They were nothing fancier than hot and cold running water, but they served their purpose well enough. Spitfire and Soarin', as Alphas of their respective Wings, had the luxury of private showers attached to their quarters, but those were little more than smaller versions of the facility he stood in now.
The Wonderbolt ushered his guest in, allowing her to choose a spot and settle in before courteously positioning himself on the opposite wall and turning on the cascade of warm water. He had to admit, as he squirted cheap shampoo into his hoof, he was rather impressed with the princess's attitude today. In the time since her return Luna had made very few public appearances, so little was known about her beyond her outdated speech mannerisms and apparent shyness or disdain for public interaction. Rumors as to her reason for such or her true nature abounded, but none had come close to the pony he had spent his morning with. Nopony but him, it seemed, knew of the hardy and determined pony who would insist on practicing an unfamiliar maneuver ceaselessly until she succeeded in coming out level, nor the lively and excitable filly who would cheer earnestly for a trick even when it was being performed as a demonstration over the training field. For one so rumored to be taciturn and remote, she was quick to share jokes and tales of hapless nobles and palace prank wars. Even Soarin' had believed at first that she would be too proud to stoop to sharing spartan facilities with common airponies, but here she was standing on the same chipped tile under the same modest showers as he without complaint.
Casting a furtive eye across the shower, he chuckled at the contemptuous look the princess was giving the white, nondescript bottle she held aloft with her magic as her hooves worked furiously at her mane which had gone from an eerie luminous field of spectral starlight to a mess of whitish streaks in a field of deep blue bubbles. Whatever magic maintained the supernatural shimmer of the princesses' manes obviously had higher grooming standards than military budgeting allowed for. He briefly considered seeking out the stash of higher quality shampoos and conditioners the team kept for pre-show grooming, but hearing the muttered curses over the hissing water, he decided it better not to draw her attention, and instead left her to battle for her dignity in privacy. Despite this decision he failed to contain a snort of laughter when, with a growl of frustration, the princess flung the hapless bottle clear across the shower.
Well, maybe not entirely without complaint.
Luna was not a happy pony. Despite her earlier protestations, she was in fact quite used to bathing in much greater comfort, and with the attendance of one of her personal hoofmaidens, trained in the correct dispensation and application of the shampoos and oils used to tend her royal coat. Training which the incensed princess now swore must have exceeded the level of education available in most rural communities. While the plastic dispenser bottle had seemed a simple enough mechanism at first glance, no amount of tipping, shaking, or forceful squeezing had elicited any yield. When at last she noticed the pop-top lid that she had neglected at first to open, she snapped it open with extreme prejudice and resumed her forceful shaking and squeezing, causing a thick torrent of the runny white product to spill into her mane. She sputtered in shock and frustration, working the excessive amount of shampoo into her star-speckled mane which, despite its unearthly appearance was still composed of nothing more than lightly enchanted hairs. Hairs which matted together thickly under the cheap, unglamorous product, utterly ruining the graceful enchantment upon them. She snarled at the future frustration of recasting the finicky spell on her now mundane midnight blue mane and tail and cast the offending bottle from her sight.
Hearing a noise behind her, she whipped her head around, prepared to deliver any necessary mixture of excuses or rebuke to her peeping partner only to find Soarin' fully engrossed in working a much more reasonable volume of shampoo into his own navy mane and tail. She paused a moment to watch him, one forehoof bracing his weight against the wall while the other scrubbed and stroked, the suds running with the falling water as it cascaded down his neck, past his drooping wings, and splashed to the tile below. He was a sleek and finely-muscled specimen of pegasus virility, and quite the gentlecolt to boot, despite being rather laid back and aloof.
It wasn't until she found her eyes tracing the rivulets of water down the winged lightning bolt adorning Soarin's flank that she realized exactly what she was doing and snapped her head back around, blushing fiercely and cranking the cold water up. She suppressed a yelp at the chilling burst from the shower head, and ducked her horn under to let it run across her poll and neck, cooling her body and her perfidious thoughts.
Thou ought be ashamed of thyself, gawking like some first-blush filly. She admonished internally. Such conduct is wholly unbecoming of a princess, and is an insult to thy host and his respected regiment. Cert any other airpony caught in such vulgarity in communal facilities would face stern censure!
Standing beneath the chastising deluge, she did not move again until she heard the other shower behind her trickle to a stop. Satisfied with her penance, she dialed her own faucet shut with a twist of her magic and turned to regard her companion, both still dripping. His mane, as hers, was plastered to his neck, wings wet and heavy as they drooped at his side. With no more warning than a playful wink, he began shaking vigorously. Luna shied away, laughing as she shielded herself behind a wing and giving him an arch look as he finished.
“Art thou quite done?” He nodded, mane bobbing back up to its natural flair over his smiling face. “Good. Then it is my turn.” The pegasus yelped in surprise as he was given a second shower by the puckish princess. Green eyes blinked petulantly, once more matted under a sodden navy forelock. Luna couldn't help but laugh, and Soarin' joined in a moment later. Still laughing, the pair exited the showers to finish drying.
Lunch was a fairly simple affair, despite the opulence of the palace dining hall. It was nearly two in the afternoon when the princess and her Wonderbolt escort returned to the palace, so the staff and dignitaries had long since concluded their meals, and the two Lunar Guard ponies that met them may as well have been part of the décor. Thus they were left more or less alone in the hall with two simple garden salads and a pile of garlic bread. Soarin' specifically encouraged the latter, partly because he simply liked garlic bread, and partly because he expected the princess's usual diet was likely far lower in carbohydrates than Wonderbolt-style flying called for. If she intended to make a habit of joining Luna Flight for drills, which her demeanor suggested was a definite possibility, he'd have to leave some tips for the kitchen staff.
But that was for the future. The present was for munching contentedly on crisp salad and buttery bread, trading jokes and stories. Soarin' was in the middle of recounting a particularly embarrassing failed trick of his and Spitfire's design when the hall's doors opened under a golden glow. The solar princess entered the hall, smiling like a cat as her eyes fell upon the animated duo.
“Well, good afternoon you two. Enjoying yourselves, I see?” They both rose respectfully, Soarin' dipping into a courteous bow before returning to his seat. Luna moved to meet her sister halfway in a quick hug.
“Greetings, sister. Would you care to join us? I accorded Lieutenant Soarin' the honor of choosing our meal, and I fear he seeks to fatten me,” she joked, gesturing with a wing to the mound of bread they shared. Soarin' just laughed.
“You wouldn't think that if you saw the rookie tear through two piles this size, and go back for more. Even I don't know where that filly puts it, but being a 'Bolt burns a lot of calories.”
“Quite the energetic one she is,” Celestia laughed lightly as she levitated a piece of bread from the tray. “Twilight Sparkle was a bit concerned when she finally joined your team that she may be losing a friend to her dreams, but even with all the work your Flight does, she still visits Ponyville quite often. I feared at first she may have been slacking off in favor of her friends, but Spitfire assures me she is not.” Soarin' laughed again as the two princesses joined him at the table.
“Rookie raises slacking off to an art form. The captain jokes that she's only got two speeds: fast, and asleep.”
“'Rookie'?” Luna cocked her head quizzically. “I knew not of a friend of Twilight Sparkle's by this name, nor one among thy compatriots, Lieutenant.” Soarin' raised a hoof, covering his mouth as he swallowed down a fresh bite.
“'snot 'er name,” He coughed, stubborn crumbs lodging in his throat. “It's just tradition in Luna Flight. She earns her name back when a new rookie takes her place. Which might not be too long from now if things pan out for Storm Crasher.”
“Ah yes, I thought I recalled something of that nature crossing my desk recently,” Celestia chimed in. “Something about coincident discharge orders for Warrant Officer Crasher and Corpsmare Heart?”
“Discharge orders?” Luna's ears perked up at the possibility of insider gossip on her new idols.
“Honorable discharges both, of course,” The elder alicorn reassured.
“Poor Purple,” Soarin' intoned. “She's a fine mare. Too good for him, really.”
“They are to wed?” Luna practically beamed at the thought. Celestia nodded, humoring her excited sibling.
“Storm Crasher will finish his winter circuit with Luna Flight right as Purple Heart's regiment returns from drills at Fort Neighers. Spring weddings are nice, are they not?”
“Indeed, and just with time to settle in afore foaling season,” The younger replied with a sigh. Soarin' chuckled.
“Not sure either of them are too eager to have rugrats running around so soon, but Luna Flight's not really the ideal outfit for a married stallion. Not that Purple Heart ever minded us,” Soarin' mused with a private smile. Luna turned a curious eye to him, but he dodged her gaze by snatching up another hunk of bread.
Celestia, meanwhile, had just finished the last bite of hers, and rose. “Ah, well, I really must be going. It would be simply terrible manners if the zoning board members were to notice I had slipped out during their bickering. Have fun, you two.” With that, she slipped back out of the hall, leaving stunned silence in her wake, followed by riotous laughter.
As calm descended once more over the regal dining hall, Soarin' turned to the remaining princess.
“Why'd you slip back into calling me 'Lieutenant'? Not ashamed of me in front of Princess Celestia, are you?” He teased. Luna's indigo cheeks darkened slightly.
“Ah, I meant thee no offense by it, 'twas merely more proper before others to speak to thee as such. Thou'rt still my Alpha and my friend, and I'll not deny that before any.” Now it was Soarin's turn to feel abashed.
“Aw, no, I wasn't offended. Just curious, really. Don't pay my teasing too much mind,” The princess nodded her understanding, and the pair went back to demolishing the remaining bread. As the last flaky, buttery crust vanished down Soarin's gullet, Luna gave a contented sigh.
“Well then, my Alpha. What next in the day of a Wonderbolt?” Soarin' looked past her, through the wide bay window overlooking the Canterlot skyline, a wide grin stretching across his face.
Two blue specks, one light, one dark, circled the sky high above Canterlot. They wheeled for several minutes, seemingly aimlessly, until at last the lighter speck dove towards the city, the dark following in its wake. Long before they reached the bustling streets below, the two specks impacted a large, puffy cloud and were lost to sight.
“I am not sure I understand.” Luna said, her eyes sweeping the cloud's spongy surface as Soarin' nosed and pushed at it.
“Well,” he chirped, not halting his work, “They come outta the factory kinda lumpy, so you gotta tamp 'em down a bit to get a nice spot.” Circling the center of his labors twice, he dropped to his haunches then lay flat, navy tail curling over his hooves as he closed his eyes.
“Nay, 'tis not that. I do not understand what we are doing here,” She looked down at him, her face a picture of confusion.
“Napping,” He replied, as if it were the simplest thing in the world. A few moments passed before a green eye cracked open. Luna hadn't moved, her expression unchanged. Heaving a long sigh, Soarin' abandoned his cloudnest and rose to his hooves. “Alright, Beta. Come with me,” He stepped to the edge of the cloud. She followed, still looking puzzled. “Look out there. You see that?”
Her eyes tracked as his hoof swept over the open sky above Canterlot. They turned back to him, no further enlightened.
“Listen,” he said, ears twitching. “You hear that?” She heard nothing but the gentle whistle of the wind, but she caught on to his game.
“Thy wish is that I see and hear nothing, but still I understand thee not. What purpose doth this serve?” His face fell in disappointment, and she caught a mutter of 'spoilsport' beneath his breath before he perked up once more.
“Fine, yes. There's nothing up here. No noise, no interruptions. Nothing but free, open skies. Some ponies think that the pegasi's greatest gift is their wings. They're wrong. Our greatest gift is this; freedom. To truly appreciate a gift, it has to be used. Thus I'm up here, exercising my gift of freedom by napping,” Point made, he turned around and plopped right back down in his nest. Luna sighed, shaking her head at his curled form.
“Thou'rt... a very silly pony.”
“So I've been told.” Seeing no more point in arguing with the sedentary stallion, the perplexed mare found a space beside him on the cloud and laid down.
Hours passed, the sun continuing its slow crawl towards the western horizon. The two ponies did not spend all their time napping. They chatted some, reclining as they did so among the clouds. They flitted from cloud to cloud, chasing and dancing. While she still did not understand what purpose their antics served, Luna could not deny how pleasant it was to lie on a cloud, sun warming her back as they talked. In spite of her earlier protestations, she was almost disappointed when Soarin' rose, yawning loudly as he bent into a long stretch. He paused for a moment, eyes scanning the horizon and gauging the sun.
“It's getting late. Will that be a problem?”
“Dost thou mean in regard to my raising the moon?” Luna asked, rising as well. He nodded. “Nay, 'tis a simple and unceremonious act in its own right. What dost thou suggest?”
The pegasus turned to look out over Canterlot. The sun was dimming, and houses and buildings were beginning to glow in the twilight.
“Princess, how'd you like to meet more of the Wonderbolts?”
As night fell over the city, so too did the pair of ponies descend towards its streets. They were far from the palace now, though its pearly towers were still visible, dominating the fair city's skyline. The building Soarin' led them to was a squat, unassuming block, its gray exterior unadorned save for a single white eight-point star. Despite its lack of grandeur, its reputation clearly surpassed its façade as there was a long line of ponies outside its roped-off doors. Soarin' bypassed this entirely by landing on the roof.
A lone pegasus stood watch over the door leading downward. Seeing Soarin's approach, he moved to make a crisp salute before doing a double-take at his companion. The bouncer dipped into a bow as Princess Luna landed beside the Wonderbolt. He smiled, leading her down through the door emblazoned with a winged lightning bolt, and the prostrate pegasus murmured a greeting as they passed.
“Welcome, Princess Luna, to the Evening Star.”
Luna's ears flattened back as a wave of throbbing bass echoed up the stairwell. As she followed Soarin' down into the dimly lit building, she became less and less sure of the value of these “night clubs” as he had called them. Still, her apprehension was outweighed by her excitement to meet more members of the various Wonderbolt Flights, as her guide had promised that this was a favorite hangout within the illustrious division.
The stairs ended, leaving them in a classy barroom. An impressively stocked bar dominated one wall, and rows of small booths lined two others. Opposite the bar, the final wall was replaced with a massive set of plate windows overlooking the club proper, showing a busy dance floor and pulsing DJ set. Tending the set was a powder blue unicorn stallion, black-spiked mane bobbing in time with the beats, and the pulsing electronic music he summoned, though muted, still filled the Wonderbolts VIP lounge. In the center of it all sat one large table surrounded by pegasi.
A chorus of friendly cheers pierced the pounding bassline as the pair approached the table of ponies. Luna noticed a slight falter as the entire table performed a synchronized double-take. They recovered quickly, their efforts led by a jibe from a familiar orange pegasus.
“Geeze, Soar. How'd you con somepony that pretty into riding your wing tonight?” Luna flushed slightly at the compliment, unused as she was to such offhoof praise.
“Easy, just told her I was a Wonderbolt. Can you believe the things mares will fall for these days?” The groups laughed, obviously retreading a common joke. Soarin' exchanged friendly hoof-bumps with each of them as they took their place by the table.
“Fillies and gentlecolts, allow me to introduce my new friend, Luna. Luna, you know Spitfire and Misty of Luna Flight,” He pointed to the two mares who bobbed their heads in greeting. “From Sol Flight, also known as 'the washed-up 'Bolts', meet Rapidfire, Blastbolt, Fleetfoot, and Highwind Streak.” The three stallions and one mane gave respectful salutes.
“Well met, all. 'Tis truly our honor to be welcomed among thee tonight. Though it pain us to admit, we are passing unfamiliar with thee of Sol Flight, and the distinction thereof. Art thou not one team?” She and Soarin' settled into positions around the table as the blue stallion waved the waitress over with his wing.
“One team, different duties,” The orange stallion identified to her as Rapidfire answered. “Luna Flight are the showponies; the smallest team that does the Equestrian airshow circuit. Sol Flight's the Canterlot home guard. We do the local derbies and fly-bys as well as taking on more of the military duties. Stella Flight's the training division. They'll do anything from flight school visits to REA drill instruction. And don't think I can't still fly circles around you just 'cuz I got promoted!” This last comment was directed as Soarin', who was pointedly ignoring the senior pegasus in favor of holding a whispered conversation with the unicorn waitress. She nodded quickly before shuffling back to the bar.
“So Princess,” Misty chimed in before Rapidfire could take another shot at Soarin', “What brings you to the Evening Star tonight?”
“Lieutenant Soarin' has been gracious enough to share his day with us. We flew and dined together, and now he has brought us here that we may meet thee. Truly, it has been a most pleasing day.”
“Glad to hear it,” Spitfire said, nodding at her subordinate. “I'd hate for Soarin' to be out making the 'Bolts look bad in front of royalty.” At this, Soarin' finally joined the conversation, doing his best to feign indignation.
“Hey, now. When have I ever done anything to make you look bad?”
“Uh, always?” The fiery mare gave him an exasperated glare. “I swear Soar, with how much of our lives you've spent embarrassing me, I'm surprised your cutie mark hasn't morphed into me facehoofing in shame.”
“Gee, Captain,” He shot back with a wink. “If you wanted on my flank that bad, all you had to do was ask.”
Spitfire facehoofed.
She was saved from further humiliation by a tray of drinks hovering down to rest in the middle of the table. The 'Bolts, most still with partial drinks of their own, looked up curiously as an amber glow placed a glass before each of them. Soarin' reached for his first, raising the fizzy blue drink.
“A toast!” He called as the other ponies lifted their own cups. “To our new friend, and honorary Wonderbolt, Luna!” An answering chorus of “To Luna!” rang out, but the alicorn herself froze in shock.
“M...me? Wonderbolt? But thou thyself said...”
“I said you were a ways off. Nopony can expect to fly like one of us the very day they learn what an aileron roll is, but you've got the heart. You're welcome to train with my Wing any time, and of course, the lounge at the Evening Star is always open to you.” He tipped his glass to her before tossing it back. Lucky thing too, as a moment later the glass flew from his hoof as Luna wrapped him in a tight hug.
“Thank you.”
He regained his composure in time to return the embrace, pointedly ignoring the whistles and catcalls from his teammates. Luna herself only noticed them moments later as she straightened back up blushing furiously.
“Ah, well... that is, my thanks, Wonderbolts, for thy warm welcome.” She grabbed for her drink, downing it quickly. It burned pleasantly, the sweet taste of blueberries covering the harsher bite of alcohol. She slammed the glass onto the table, staring at it for a long moment before turning her head to the bar.
“Another!” Her cry was met with a rousing cheer from the Wonderbolts as fresh drinks were served all around, Luna electing to drink this one a bit more sedately. She was no stranger to the heady effects of intoxication, but neither was she a stranger to the excruciating aftereffects of overindulgence. Besides which, dipping too deep in her cups oft left Luna's memories compromised, and this was a night she never wanted to forget. Never before had she felt so accepted by a group of ponies who were not her sister or the Elements of Harmony. Granted, never before had she felt comfortable abandoning the trappings of royalty around any but her kin. For that, truly, she had one pony to thank.
As the lively chatter resumed, Luna found her eyes drawn towards the pale blue pegasus beside her. Even discounting her mild fan-worship of him and his team, there was something utterly disarming about the charismatic stallion. From the moment she had met with him that morning, she had simply felt more relaxed. His demeanor had always been different from that of the ponies she so often found herself surrounded with; on-duty guardsponies were little better than breathing statues, the so-called nobleponies of the court were all simpering sycophants, and her sister was... her sister. All of them treated her with a certain amount of respectful distance, save for when Celestia took it upon herself to goad her sister into new activities like celebrating rural holidays and attending airshows.
Soarin' on the other hoof had hardly acted as though she were a princess. He ordered her about during their training session, teased and joked with her as they napped and gamboled in the clouds, and now raised glass with her amongst his closest comrades. He did not seek her favor, or hope to increase his own influence by proximity. He simply enjoyed her company. And, she found, she quite enjoyed his.
And though it may have been the third delightfully bubbly glass of alcohol talking, she also quite enjoyed watching the way the toned muscles of his shoulder rolled under his coat each time he raised his glass to his lips, and the way his emerald green eyes sparkled as he laughed at Highwind's joke. The way his flanks swayed and tail bobbed in time with the music as he walked away to use the little colts' room and Oh my, was it getting warm in here? Suddenly recalling where she was, Luna snapped her gaze back to the center of the table. Taking stock of her company, she realized she need hardly have bothered trying to hide her wanton leering. At some point during her distracted musing, Highwind and Fleetfoot had slipped off to the dance floor, Rapidfire and Blastbolt had moved over to the bar to easier facilitate their competitive pounding of shots, and the remaining pair of Luna Flight pegasi were... Oh my.
Soarin' finished washing his hooves, checking himself in the mirror and slicking a bit of water back through his mane for good measure before turning to exit the washroom. Tonight has gone even better than I hoped. He beamed as he nudged the door back to the VIP Lounge open. Luna really seems to be enjoying herself, and... He froze, staring aghast at the mostly-vacant table. Aaaand the captain's busy shoving her tongue down Misty's throat. Buck my wrinkly apples. He dashed back to the table, knowing he was far too late. The princess had long-since noticed the amorous entwining occurring not three feet away from her, and was very carefully not staring at them, and blushing heavily.
Resigning himself to his fate, he approached the flustered alicorn, nudging her gently and gesturing towards the wall of windows overlooking the club. With a final furtive glance at the blissfully unaware pair, she nodded her assent, following him away from the table. As they reached the viewing balcony over the sea of pulsing lights and writhing bodies, Soarin' cleared his throat awkwardly.
“I'm, uh, sorry about that. Spitfire always tends to get a bit hoovesy when she gets a couple drinks in her, and Misty's... well...” He trailed off, but Luna picked back up with a genuine smile.
“Nay, you need not worry. In sooth I am quite elated for them. Be there, perchance, another bonding planned amongst your comrades?”
“Another wha...? Oh!” Soarin's eyes widened as he caught her meaning, then he flinched in shame. “No, ah, they're not really... Er, that is, they're just...”
Luna giggled, finding the image of a shrinking, stammering Soarin' far more amusing than she truly ought. Blaming the drink once again, she could not help but goad him.
“Ah, they are but wafting wanton clouds? Fields to sow, but ne'er to reap? Meat found meet to meet, yet...”
“Yes, alright?!” He snapped, his cheeks nearly as dark as the coat of his tormentor. “They're not 'together' together. Not like Storm and Purple, but... It's more than just...” He huffed a sigh, shaking his head in frustration. Luna nosed his ear gently in apology.
“I meant not to offend you so; 'twas just in jest. Truly, I would not have thought your feathers so easily ruffled at the prodding of thy Wing.”
“No, it's not just that, it's... They're my mares,” He admitted, giving a resigned sigh. “We try not to talk about it too much since we prefer our private lives private, but... Luna Flight's more than a team. We're kinda like a herd.”
“Ah,” She nodded her head in understanding. “In day thou share'st the sky, in night thy beds.” Soarin' nodded. Luna smiled at him. “'Tis nothing to feel shame over. In truth, I find your defense of them sweet, and the blush on your cheeks quite pleasing. You are an honest and true stallion, and they are lucky mares.”
Soarin' did not know how to respond besides blushing harder, so he did that. For a time, they both just sat, mere inches separating their sides as they watched the ponies dancing below, feeling the steady beat pulse through the club like the heart of a great beast. Entirely without her conscious consent (a foul and devious drink, alcohol was) Luna found herself edging over until those inches shrank away into almost nothing, the breadth of a few hairs and the last of Luna's regal restraint keeping them apart. She chanced a glance over at her companion. Her Alpha. Her friend. He sat still, neither drawing nearer to her nor pulling away, the only motion of his body a light bobbing of his head and tapping hoof in time with the music. If he noticed her advancing, he made no show of it.
A thousand thoughts buzzed through Luna's head; a mix of desire, doubt, and apprehension. It was clear enough to her that she wanted to know this kind, silly stallion better. He made her happy and comfortable in ways that nopony else ever had. Had his naming her an honorary Wonderbolt been an invitation? Or was it merely a friendly gesture, lacking the implication she accorded it? Did he still see her as a princess?
An unexpected sound jarred her from her inner turmoil. Amidst the constant pounding bass and chiming electronic tones, a moment of silence fell in the music making way for the clear high notes of a piano melody. Turning her ear to the novel sound as perky vocals rejoined the sweet tune, she found herself paying heed to the lyrics.
I'm gonna hold my hooves up high
Don't worry 'bout tomorrow 'cuz I'm here tonight
I'll grab the world before it passes by
Don't worry 'bout tomorrow 'cuz I'm here tonight
With her conscious mind distracted, her body had once again moved without her, and she looked down in mild shock to find one wing draped gently over the stallion at her side. He glanced up, meeting her gaze with a warm smile. Wordlessly, he leaned into her embrace, his body melding softly against hers. She leaned in too, head resting over his as she breathed in the scent of his mane. It was deep and heavy, like a summer wind in the path of an oncoming storm. Her spine tingled as she filled her lungs, shuddering slightly as she sighed. His ear twitched, laughing lightly as her breath tickled him. She pulled back at the motion, and he turned his head to gaze up into her eyes.
Soarin's taste was as pleasing as his scent, still laced as it was with blueberries, and Luna's wings fluttered in excitement as warmth passed between their lips.
The kiss did not last long, but it left Luna's heart pounding. One wing extended fully into the air, the other preoccupied clutching her stallion to her side. She leaned in, brushing her muzzle with his again before whispering.
“I believe I am ready to depart. Would you care to accompany me?”
“It would be my honor.”
If any of the other Wonderbolts noticed their departure, they made no mention of it. The pair dashed back to the roof, paying the bouncer nary a backwards glance as they leapt into the night sky. The clouds were few and the moon shone brightly as they spun and danced in its silvery light. The city dwindled below them as Soarin' led the princess higher and higher, flying lazy spirals and occasionally dipping in to brush his wing past hers. She met his dance, reveling in the the sheer joy of shared flight.
As they cleared the thin line of clouds, Luna made to bank towards the glimmering towers of the palace, but Soarin' dove in front of her path, halting her flight before looping around behind and above her to hover inverted, his grinning face before her eyes. She made to speak, but he placed a hoof over her lips. He then reached lower, taking her hoof in his and leading her silently upwards once more.
They climbed for several minutes, far past cloud level, past the top of the mountain, until the air grew thin and cold even by pegasus standards. Flying took greater effort, and Luna's wings began to ache with the effort, but Soarin' drew her still higher. Finally, when Canterlot was naught but a blob of lights on the mountainside below, he stopped. Luna hovered beside him, panting slightly and casting a curious eye to her guide. He smiled at her, then turned his gaze out over the wide countryside below them. Pointing a hoof down, he spoke. “Canterlot.” Finding another speck of light to the south, “Ponyville.” To the east, he found Baltimare, then north of that, Manehattan. Cloudsdale shone like a star in the night sky. Far to the west, Los Pegasus was barely visible.
As he finished tracing a map in the lights, he turned back to the alicorn on his wing.
“I come up here every once in a while to remind myself.”
“Of what?” The puzzled princess prompted.
“Of why I do it,” Soarin' replied, a quiet smile on his face. “It's harder to tell in the daylight, but at night, you can see all of it.” He gestured again to the lights dotting the darkened landscape. “Every light out there is a pony. I like to come up here at night to remind myself that everything I do, I do for them.” He turned his smile to rest on Luna. “I figured it was a sentiment you could appreciate.”
The princess's heart swelled at his earnest grace. Forgoing the clumsy weight of words to express her appreciation, she drew the pegasus in, wrapping her forelegs around his neck and kissing him deeply. There, miles above the Equestrian countryside with naught but the moon and stars to bear witness, a Wonderbolt bared his heart to the Princess of the Night, and she opened hers to him, welcoming him gladly.
She would have held him there forever, that wonderful pony that brought such happiness into her life, but after a few minutes she noticed that even the warmth of her embrace was not enough to shield her lover from the chill. His body shivered, and his teeth chattered into her kiss. She broke away, bopping him lightly on the nose.
“Come, thou silly pony. 'Twould do not at all to let you catch ill up here. Most diligent are my maids, who keep a fire stoked in my bedchambers at all hours. Where mine kiss doth fail, mayhaps that shall warm you.” Soarin' gave her a grateful nuzzle as they pointed back towards the city below.
“Would that the fire in my heart could warm the flesh, all of Canterlot would see a new star burn this night.” Luna shot him an impressed glance.
“It seems the heat of passion doth quicken your tongue. Quick, then, to my bower, that the heat of my hearth may quicken else of your flesh.”
With that parting promise, the Princess of the Night dove from the sky, her Wonderbolt close behind.
The pair forwent the lazy spirals and relaxed flying of their prior sessions in favor of a quick descent to warmer climes. Luna led the way to the open balcony of her tower bedroom, landing gracefully before the billowing curtains whose deep shimmering gauze looked much like the mane of the princess they covered. Soarin' landed but a moment behind her, hooves clicking on the stone as another shiver wracked his body.
“Come, come. E'er is my fire stoked, though so rarely is its warmth shared.” She herded her stallion inside with a wing and led him before the dancing fire, a smile playing across his bluer-than-usual lips.
Either she was the most adorably innocent pony ever born, or was playing the longest-running prank in history by convincing everypony of such. Either way, her fire was warm, and he was eager to share it.
He settled in on the plush woven rug, letting the heat of the fire wash away the night's chill. He was neither surprised nor alarmed when he felt a soft, warm body settle beside his own and drape a fluffy wing across his back. He merely turned his head and smiled his thanks to the alicorn cuddled beside him. She smiled back.
“'Tis the least I can do in gratitude for all you have shown me this day. Though short our time together, truly, Soarin', there is none save my own blood whom I count closer to my heart than you. A truer friend have I never had.” His smile deepened as a blush warmed his face.
“You give me too much credit, Luna. There are plenty more ponies like me out there; you just have to go out and make friends with them.”
Green eyes met turquoise, reflecting firelight making them dance like gemstones. Long seconds passed, their gaze holding steady as their stared into one another before Luna whispered.
“There are no ponies like you.”
Their lips met, indigo pressing down on blue with passion and longing. Soarin' pressed back gladly, his wing rising to stroke and mingle with the one blanketing him. A high-pitched moan eased from Luna's throat, the heat of the fire on her face tepid compared to the inferno rising inside her. When at last the kiss broke, she flung her neck around his, crushing their bodies together as if she would never let go. Soarin' rubbed his muzzle against her comfortingly, letting out his own sigh of comfort and pleasure. Concern yet tickled the back of his mind, so after a long moment, he was forced to break the silence.
“Princess,” His use of her title called Luna's attention back, and she eased from the embrace to look him in the eye. “You know what I and my Flight are to each other. I wouldn't...” She interrupted him with a soft kiss.
“I would never ask you to change who you are, nor abandon those you care for. I ask only for you to share your love with me as well,” She flashed him a coquettish smile. “Spend this night well, Alpha.” He blinked at her, then broke into a grin.
Clever filly.
His fears settled, Soarin' wasted no time in kissing her soft, inviting lips. Fearing no further inhibition, he pressed for, and was granted, access to her mouth, running his tongue along hers with passion that rivaled her embrace the moment before. She let another sharp moan escape as his lips ravished hers, the heat in her core spreading to ignite every nerve in her body with longing.
She was not left wanting long as he continued to push until she yielded, rolling onto her back as he climbed atop her, tongues still wrestling wantonly. Her wings were splayed wide across the floor, his standing proud and erect above them as they twined. His hooves stroked her neck and muzzle, chest brushing and rubbing against hers, and every hair that moved sent a new spark of excitement through her.
At long last, they parted, both gasping for breath as a strand of shared saliva linked them for just a moment longer. Luna's eyes fluttered, her heart racing as she gazed up lovingly at the stallion over her. He smiled down, moving to kiss her again, but she moved faster. Her head darted past his, lips brushing his neck as she nipped the skin beneath, eliciting a gasp and a shiver that had nothing to do with temperature. She trailed licks and nips up his neck until she was breathing into his ear, her voice a husky whisper.
“Long has it been since I have felt the touch of another 'pon my flesh. Far too long have I waited.” He shuddered again at the sensation of her warm breath tickling his ear before giving her a tender nuzzle as he shifted his weight. His wings flapped, lightening his weight as he moved down her body, peppering her neck with kisses as he went. A hoof, black as night in the dim firelight, rose to stroke his mane as he worked his lips further down, trailing across her chest to her gently rising barrel. Luna gasped sharply as his playful tongue found her nipple, teasing and flicking the sensitive flesh as his hooves roamed and stroked her supple flanks. He sucked briefly, teeth grazing the puckered skin before finishing his teasing journey, weight fully off her now and head poised above her waiting treasure.
Luna's legs parted wide, her tail lashing across the ground as his hot breath caressed her far hotter flesh. His hooves gave one final squeeze to her flanks before moving in to stroke and tug at her dewy petals. She moaned again, this time low and passionate, and he wasted no more time in preparation. His tongue lashed out, pressing in one long stroke from the bottom of her lips to the top, and a shudder wracked the princess's form as he let one long, hot breath wash across her before repeating the motion. He kept up with long, steady licks, working her arousal higher and higher until her crotch was soaked with a mix of saliva and her own juices. Her moans rose in pitch once more, and her stroking hoof began tugging at his ear, begging silently for him to end the torturous teasing. At her cue, he gave one last leisurely pass of his tongue before pulling her lips apart with his hooves and diving in.
He pressed deep into her hot tunnel, tongue searching and probing for every sensitive spot within her as she moaned and writhed. Her wings beat listlessly against the floor, and her tail lashed until he dropped one hoof to trap it, wrapping the silken, starry hairs into a handle and tugging sharply to the side. Luna let out a whinny of shocked pleasure as the tug became a bolt of sheer ecstasy flashing up her spine and bursting out of her horn in a small shower of sparks. Soarin' gave her not a moment to recover as his tongue delved deeper still, finding a rough patch of flesh within her that sent another spasm of raw pleasure through her core. Finally, he moved his last free hoof to the top of her entrance, seeking and stroking until it brushed the tiny nub of nerves waiting there. Another spasm shook her, and her legs wrapped reflexively around his neck, trapping him perfectly in every place she wanted him. Her ragged breaths could form no more than a whimper, but still she tried to form a single word to press him on.
“Pl... Plea... leeeeeEEEEE!!!”
Another jerk to her tail turned her begging into a sharp cry, and he rode that cry to her finish, moving tongue and hoof in tandem against her sweetest spots until the pleasure broke within her. The room was momentarily lit as though by perfect silver moonlight when a cascade of sparks shot from her horn as her body erupted in orgasm. She gasped and shook, Soarin's hoof and tongue still working her steadily as the pleasure surged through her. After a short eternity, she relaxed, and Soarin' ceased his ministrations with one last teasing tug to her tail and a gentle kiss to her tender clit as he raised his head.
“Well spent, milady?”
Luna took a long steadying breath as Soarin' grinned cheekily from between her stretched legs. Composed, she met his grin with a predatory one of her own.
“I should hope, good sir, that you are not spent so soon, for the night is long and my desire great. Rest not on your laurels with the race yet ahead.” With renewed vigor, she lunged forth, wings catapulting her off the floor and into her laughing stallion, bearing them to the ground again with positions reversed. She kissed him passionately, paying no heed to her own wetness still adorning his lips. Her tongue pressed through his parted lips, dueling once more for oral supremacy, yet neither caring who the victor was. Dominant now, Luna trailed a free hoof along her partner's body, rubbing and stroking aimlessly through his soft blue fur, wandering his body for the mere sake of exploration because she was free to do so. Every touch left a light shiver in its wake; a testament to his arousal, and the deftness of her caress.
Screaming lungs once more forced them to separate, their muzzles remaining mere hairs apart as their panting breaths mingled, seeking almost to breathe in one another rather than the air separating them. Their lips met again in one more sweet, luxurious kiss before Luna brushed her muzzle along his to breathe again into his ear.
“I would have you this night, my stallion. Take me, and share in the sweetest gift a mare may offer.”
His breath caught in his throat, and his reply was faint and rough, aching with lust.
“I would like nothing better.”
Brushing her lips past his once more, the princess of the night rose slowly, the movements of her body matching the languid drift of her ethereal mane as the firelight danced across her form. Soarin' did not move a muscle, transfixed by the spectacle presented as her slow, graceful steps took her away from him and towards the waiting bed. She glanced back at him, tail raised high, the dancing curtain of cosmic beauty granting teasing glimpses of her dripping marehood. Her wings were high and proud, and her eyes were fixed on his; staring, tantalizing, bewitching. As she raised a hoof to climb onto the bed, she spoke but a single word.
“Come.”
At her command he rose, though with none of her grace. So entranced was he by the fay creature beckoning him that he nearly stumbled over his own hooves pursuing her. As he climbed onto the bed with her, his hooves were met with the finest silk he'd ever felt. Moonlight poured in the open window, bathing the couple in sheer silver light on one side, with the flickering red of the fire on the other. As Luna bent before him, raising her haunches to present herself for her stallion, a single drop of fluid fell from her waiting lips; testament to the height of her desire. She turned her head to look at him as he raised himself, forelegs gripping her back but eyes locked on hers. He eased his hips forward, and Luna bent slightly, lowering herself to accommodate her partner. Both gasped in unison as the tip of his shaft first touched her lips. The heat and wetness of it beckoned, begging the pegasus to bury himself with all haste, but he restrained himself, instead pressing forward with slow, careful ease as her marehood swallowed him one long inch at a time. After a minute that could have been a millennium, Soarin' felt his hips meet her flank, tail brushing wildly beneath him as she clutched at his rod. He was suddenly aware that she was moaning, but had no idea how long she had been at it. All his senses and all the world were focused on that one point of glorious heat where their bodies united in passion.
Soarin' leaned forward, settling his weight between Luna's outstretched wings and burying his muzzle in her starry mane. He breathed in, smelling a faint flowery scent that was at once nearly imperceptible and omnipresent, as if breathing in an entire moonlit field of wildflowers from a mile above. He held her there, bodies melded in perfect comfort on the precipice of ecstasy, savoring that last deep breath before the plunge.
And then he moved.
Luna's moan redoubled as Soarin' slowly drew his full length back, leaving just the very tip within her folds, letting her struggle and grasp in helpless anticipation. Then at once, he drove himself to his limit, burying his entire shaft and causing a loud slap of his thighs against her flanks that was entirely drowned out by her rapturous scream. He fell immediately into a steady rhythm, drawing out all but an inch before thrusting back in, shaking her body and her voice as she continued to cry out her pleasure. He did not let up as he felt her second orgasm of the night begin, her voice giving out and the walls of her tunnel clutching down greedily on his working member. He rode her through it, teeth clamping down on her mane and tugging to send an extra jolt of pleasure through her. Only when her quivering ceased and her breath came in less than fevered gasps did he slow, looking up to meet her eyes. Luna twisted her neck about, bringing her lips to his in a desperate kiss before giving a single command.
“More.”
Locking his lips to hers, Soarin' obligingly resumed his pace, her quivering moans squeaking into his mouth as he thrust. She struggled to press back or raise herself, but her forelegs were as firm as jelly under the 'Bolt's relentless pounding. In the end, she resigned herself to letting him ravage both ends of her freely as his tongue swirled and danced in her mouth and his cock reamed her pussy. She surrendered entirely to the sensations coursing through her body. So lost was she that she wasn't even aware when his lips left hers, her head dropping to the bed, mouth hanging open to let her drool spill onto the silk sheets.
Soarin' had other plans for his mouth, raising himself up to reach to her back where her wings stood rigidly extended. As a pegasus himself whose most frequent lovers were also pegasi, he was intimately familiar with their myriad uses. He felt Luna gasp as he nuzzled the soft patch between the base of both wings before letting his tongue out and dragging it across the leading edge of her right wing. He stretched his neck, following the rigid limb all the way to its end and flicking the tip of the longest primary before sliding back down to repeat the motion on her left wing.
When he bit down, teeth delicately massaging the nerves at the base of the wing, she screamed.
Luna was no longer aware of her own echoing voice. She was barely aware of her own body, save for those points currently being tended to by the absolutely wondrous pegasus atop her. Every touch of his hooves, teeth, or tongue sent reverberating waves of pleasure between their point of contact, and the ever-present ecstasy below her tail as his powerful rhythmic thrusts never faltered. He was like a machine, working every part of her body to an absolute excess of delirious pleasure.
It took the third hoarse whisper of “Luna.” directly into her ear to elicit anything more coherent than a euphoric moan from her. Regaining enough sense to raise her head, she gave him a questioning look.
“I'm nearing my end. How would you like me to...”
“Fill me.” Her eyes locked on his, pouring every ounce of passion and need into those heavy words. “Fill me, my stallion, and make me overflow with your AHN!”
Overwhelmed as he was by the sensations long-building in his loins, it took no more than those lust-filled words to drag Soarin' over the edge. Hilting himself within his mare, he unloaded his hot seed in a flood that left her moaning insensibly once more.
Spent, exhausted, and utterly satisfied, Soarin' gently withdrew from his lover, drawing a satisfied gasp as she was left empty, yet deliciously full. Easing his weary body to the side, Soarin' dropped onto the bed, Luna collapsing beside him. He took but a moment to wrap his forelegs around her in a gentle hug before both were lost to the realm of dreamless slumber.
