Golden Eyes

In the darkness of his room, Stride kept himself prepared and vulnerable. His body was warm under his coat, his skin crawling with unease and unsure whether to finally act. Through recent events, he had his visitor come and go, in his own room, like a stalker, looking to seize him as its own. Though he admitted it was a breach of privacy, he could not help but enjoy it.

He could hear her hooves clop slowly, him as prey, his body sweating some as she took her time. Yes, it was a she, as he has known on the first night he awoke in the middle of the night with her on top of him. He stares at the golden eyes dancing in the darkness, as if orbs of light that floats with grace and demand attention from the only audience it had. He can feel himself parched, the lust emanating from it sent towards him. He took one gulp, making it audible for them both.

The form slowed ever so more, her eyes closing slowly, as if grinning at him. She knows that he was aware of her presence and her plan. His mind continues to register that this is bad, but with the nights before, he could not help but just let it all go. His body started to relax, a sigh escaping his lips as he rests, trying to calm his nerves, his thoughts and his growing erection through all of this. Strangely enough he listen to her slow but very dominant steps, every sound she made, sent shivers through his spine as he remembered once again the events of his continued promotions through the petition he and Moon made.

_________

After the events of the wedding and the weeks that follow there was a dwindling of recruits and Royal Guards of both shifts. The citizens saw the Royal Guards as frauds and untrustworthy for their safety now. The wedding really took its toll on them all as the citizens kept a frown at them all. Still Stride continues his work as his and Moon’s actions within the wedding catapulted him through the ranks as if the higher ups also stepped down immediately.

It was another bright sunny day, Celestia’s sun now shone brightly up in the sky. Stride and Moon had been given promotions, and really it was surprising. First recruits, then privates and now they were sergeants. Still that did not change the fact that the Royal Guard was marked unreliable. The Guards were nearly half their numbers now and the recruitments were dwindling each day.

As weeks turn to months, the guards continue still on their training and job of protecting Canterlot and the two Princesses. Stride sighs as he moves along the castle hallways. His body encased in the enchanted golden armor that all Royal Guards don. His was different, being a sergeant. As always, the armor had a chest plate that shows his Cutie Mark, A large “X” on his armor stood, though the reason for this was another story. His head dons his helm, covering his head and mane, though leaving enough room for his eyes, mouth, nose, ears and horn out. His hooves were within the armors greaves as many would want to call it that. He gave out an audible sigh while he strode along but smiles to his side looking at his companion, his lover to be exact.

Fellow Sergeant Moon was moving beside him. Her smile radiated with confidence and beauty. Her armor was very similar to his, though modified to fit a bat pony, with wing clasps for her were much little, though longer, the torso also sported a midnight purple and shades of dark blue color, it was fitting on her own purple coat and her own Cutie mark, which was in fact bat wings held open to an open air, custom made onto her own chest plate. But surprising of all, was her helm. This was shaped to fit her slender more rounder head as mares did not really have a bulky look, the fact that when they were fitted showed how a stallion’s helm differs for the female.

“So, do you think it’s another batch of ponies to join?” She asked with joy and feminine beauty. It was no surprise to Stride about her change. “Not really, I just hope we don’t get tossed over the top again with the negative press.” He spoke back, his voice more rugged but confident all the same. They continue their pace headed for the meeting room.

Through the past days, both Stride and Moon were growing closer and closer bonding and staying together. After having experienced the wedding fiasco and the declining numbers of the Guard, they kept themselves close and very friendly. The change in their attitude was exponential. Stride, being the top and the cocky one among his fellows soon was speaking with confidence, his personality softer, though stern still held peace with his tone of voice and to top it all, his patience grew longer as he stayed close to Moon.

Moon’s change was also very noticeable. Ever since the wedding, and their time when she was in the infirmary, she had lost her sudden anger fits, her temper dialed down and her tone became softer, more motherly even, the fact that many of the guards suspect that Stride and Moon were deeper in their relationship only made the image grow and their love to meld strongly together. Both ponies chuckle as the rumor spread, but they were not complaining, it was evident that they were an item. Stride wanted to keep it under control once their careers stabilized but Moon was not so easy to keep it tight.

At the first instance when mares were more common to see joining the Royal Guard, Moon was not hesitant to smile and respond to the mares and their questions. They ranged from questions to complaints about the living quarters for the mares and the evident curiosities of the younger that wanted to know, were they really more than just a pair, more than just their special somepony. Moon was smiling wide when she can only answer what her heart called for, “Yes, I believe the negative reactions that begets the negative description about us were to be expected. So… why not let them have some news about two sergeants making wedding plans?”

She joked with him, her smile growing as she glances his way. “You want to make it official? I’m sure we can schedule something.” He said in a joking tone, trying to avoid her sight, looking away from her. “Oh no! I’m not having another one of those parties in my chambers.” She joked back as her counter was effective as Stride flinches out. “What? I didn’t mean like that…” He said with a bit of blush on his face. “Oh? So you were suggesting something more… private?” She said, her grin still strongly pasted on her face as she leans closer to him.

“Not really… I just thought of sunset watching and moon gazing to be an appropriate way to ease and cuddle up after the wedding.” He said caught surprise with her aggressive response where he stumbled with one of his ideas for their honeymoon. Unknown to him, Moon was blushing as she shook back into position, no longer leaning near him. “W-well, I might just agree to that mild idea…” She said with a cough or too. Both ponies smile as they look at one another. “You know I love you…” Stride answered back to her. “I know that and I love you too…” She spoke back, smiling lovingly at him. Their eyes locked in on one another as they stared and walked their way to the briefing room. Many passing guards and castle workers saw them with smirks and giggles at the lovely couple.

The air around them became awkward but at the same time lovingly warm as they both had blushes on their faces. Before they could continue they arrived at the door, some murmurs muffled by it. He opens the door for her and closes it behind them both when they entered. Within the room were many of the higher ups or what’s left of them at the least. About a dozen and a half were accounted for as they waited for the Captain of the Guard, Shining Armor.

“I hear it’s a new mission for the Captain.”
“Please, nothing ever occurs these days, unless Princess Celestia sends her student.”
“I wonder what the Bearers were doing when the fiasco occurred.”
“Shining Armor sure is taking his time…”

The mumbles and murmurs and the little hush came about as their numbers were not as impressive as it came to be. Soon Shining Armor took his position, once he entered making many of them flinch and straighten up, hooves raised to their to salute the Captain. Shining Armor strode looking at them all, seeing the four different Ponies in the room. “At ease.” He announced as they all lowered their raised hoof.

“I have been informed that recruitment is still coming along slowly.” He started making a number of them glance around, looking if anyone is to respond to this. “I also have been informed that yet another article has been made about our own line of work, leaving more questions for us to answer about the events of my marriage and the appearance and reality of Changelings.”He said sighing as he can hear his fellow officers sigh about that as well.

“But back to the matter at hoof. I have been ordered by Princess Celestia to the north.” This sent gasps from a few of them. “Through recent events and intel, the Crystal Empire, thought lost for a thousand years, has resurfaced and I have been ordered to investigate the newly found city.“ That was when many of them, including Stride and Moon to gasp and start to talk amongst them. With patience, Shining Armor let the officers to quiet down for him to speak up again.

“This would mean I shall be unavailable to command and take my position here. Though that is true, I leave you all to continue training and doing your job to the fullest. That is all, dismissed!” He announced last as he took his leave. Many of them left wondering why such an order was given to him, though they know he was going there with his wife. Stride and Moon looked at one another. Stride was raising one brow while Moon just smiles still at hm.

“Well, better than hearing just bad news.” He said with a smirk as he started to leave. “True, I can see him being stressed out with his wedding being the center point of the depression the Guard is now having.” Moon answered back with a smile though sighing in the end. Stride escorts Moon outside seeing the training at the training grounds. As usual, many of the recruits seem reluctant and their numbers unimpressive as of late.

“Do you think we’ll see the Royal Guards in pristine condition as it was when we joined?” Moon said as she looks at all the ponies who have enlisted, finding more mares than stallions now. “You mean more stallions surrounding the castle with stoic looks and ample numbers to brighten the day?” He said with an attempt at joking but the growing frown on her face said otherwise. He took a cough, knowing he made an error. “Okay, my mistake. Still, if you want to see the Royal Guards back to when we entered, we can always petition in a change of training programs to better ourselves and the troops for the future.” He said with his tone wavering as he was making his thoughts on a whim.

His suggestion, though wavering at first, made Moon think and the thought passing through her like a shock to her system. “That’s it!” She said looking wide eyed at Stride who responded the same. “What’s what?” He asked as he was unsure about the idea that was coursing through his lover’s mind. “We can change the whole training program!” She said with a smile, hugging him in her excitement, planting kisses his way. “That’s a great idea!” She squealed in delight acting younger all of a sudden. Stride could not help but smile and hug her so, accepting the kisses. “Well, let’s get started with the petition and the training program we want to introduce.” He said to her, smiling at her as he hugs her back.

The two quickly retreat to Moon’s room, which was oddly spacious than his. The two soon were busy making plans, studying on both the possible opposition that may appear to threaten the castle, Canterlot or Equestria in general, they thought up of specific training schedules and work ethics with each pony type opting them both to agree that grouping all unicorns, pegasi, bat and earth ponies like they were before was not efficient enough.

They agreed splitting the types was the optimal choice though not time efficient was well worth the training ideas once they finish basics. They had a lot of tomes, books and even a board in Moon’s room as they continue to think and to brainstorm. Of course they still attended the usual drills and looking over the troops, which wasn’t eventful but still essential in their line of work and to gauge the current reactions of the troops when they introduced their plan to change of drills.

They took their time in planning out the petition and the program plan. This however did not go unnoticed by the troops and the castle workers. The troops were commenting that Sergeant Strider looked weak and sleep deprived than he lets on, his ruffled sky blue mane while orange coat was in the same predicament was one indication and the yawns he keep giving. Moon fared better than him but still shown fatigue with her yawns which snap the Lunar Guards as her having a rough day, which they think was her and Stride rutting in bed. The unfortunate thing was they didn’t take that step yet when the two slept in Moon’s bed tired.

Of course the couples finished their petitions in weeks. They have heard what occurred up north, Shining Armor and his wife, Princess Cadence, were now the new rulers of the Crystal Empire. Though it seemed like their Captain would be out most of the time, they waited patiently when the new prince of the Crystal Empire would arrive to Canterlot to act his own rank, regardless of his new status, once again changed.

That day came with his visit as the two were in a room standing proudly though nervous still as Shining Armor, flanked by 1st Lieutenant Cloud Drop, a Pegasus, and 2nd Lieutenant Strike, a bat Pony, review the petition and the training program they produced within the weeks. All of them had opted to remove their helms, the room not that cool. The two lovers stayed as still as possible though looking at one another in glances as the Lieutenants grunt and gave different facial expressions about the plans. Shining Armor on the other hoof, was looking at all the plans with a solid expression, not showing any outward sign.

The two lovers were holding their breaths some as they waited. Stride could not help but think they have done the plans wrong, or at least the mistake of missing a page but Moon kept thinking positive about this as Shining looked to be reading everything. The two Lieutenants were now done reading, their expressions carrying a frown as they looked at the two ponies before them. A moment later, Shining Armor was done reading through the papers and looked at the two.

“Any thoughts about these plans petitioned to us.” He started. Cloud Drop started, “Well, it sure shows how thorough these two looked at the old program.” He answered. “It also suggests separating the specific types of ponies for the sake of training them all together for maximum awareness of strength and weaknesses. As much as it can be suitable for the future, it still cannot help us with maintaining the protection Canterlot needs with time being an enemy of sorts.” He responded his thoughts. Shining Armor nodded to his explanation and looked at 2nd Lt. Strike for his thoughts.

“I agree with the Lieutenant. Even if there are merits to this, I see that the plans beg to ask time. This is not what we need at the moment. We are scarce as it is and only extending the time period for training will not change the current situation but overly tire our troops.” Strike answered as he gave the two a stern look. Both lovers stayed put their faces changing from nervous to near panic looks, eyes wider than they were before and everything else trapped inwardly.

“I see…” Shining Armor answered, trailing deep in thought. The two Lieutenants stayed put, unsure of what Shining Armor can say about the plans and the program. “Have you two implemented this to your units as of these past weeks?” Shining asked looking to the both of them. “Yes sir!” the couple answered as they regained their composure.

Shining Armor looked at the guard inside with them. “You! Get the mock skirmish reports of Sergeants’ Stride and Moon.” He ordered and with a salute from the armor clad pony, trotted away to get said plans. This caused mixed reactions from the remainder occupants in the room. “You can’t be serious?” Strike said as he looked at Shining as if he was near crazy. “I have to agree with Strike here sir, why are we to look at the records?” Cloud Drop added.

Stride and Moon looked at one another, unsure of how to react now as Shining Armor kept a stone look on his face while not answering either Lieutenant. In a span of minutes, the guard returns with two saddles of paper, one for either squad. Shining, his horn lighting up in a reddish pink hue, levitated the saddles off the guard, who returned to his place. Shining soon checked on one of the groups of paper.

This group of reports had Stride’s squad, consisting of more unicorns than the other two types of ponies. The Lieutenants sigh as they checked on the reports themselves only to find themselves slacked jawed for a second. This caused the couple to look one another in wary looks. Stride’s squad had successfully won every mock skirmish, from complete victories to one-on-one combats. What was surprising of the reports were how his squad won over the lunar guard AT NIGHT! This was the most notable info as that was just two days ago.

Shining then looked over Moon’s squad, finding them faring just as well as Stride’s even in broad daylight as the report said. The Lieutenants on either side of him were speechless, the reports shown positive and more than naught, near perfect results. It was then that Shining Armor had a smirk in his face. Everypony in the room stood and waited for his verdict. Stride was sweating even without his helm from the intense atmosphere that started. Moon was in a similar nervous level with her lover. She felt her armor tighten around her, near constricting as she looks at the Captain.

With an audible snort from the Captain of the Guard, he looks at the two sergeants and their plan. “Based from the reports of your practice battles with the squad under you, which is 3 weeks of recorded and reports from both soldiers and other squad leaders. I find that your petition shall be accepted and the training program to immediately change and implement these plans.” He said flatly as he was sure an opposition would occur.

As expected both lieutenants protested. “But Captain, implementing it now seems a hassle.” Cloud quickly opposed. “The soldiers will not take this kindly.” Strike added. The one other Guard with them sighs with worry. Shining kept his stoic stance and looked to both his lieutenants and at the couple. “If we do not change the regiment, even if we were prepared for the danger, my wedding proved that we were easily shocked to see the danger and freeze in our hoofs. I have chosen to take this as a means to improve our own selves and to make the respect and the favor of the ponies of Canterlot.”

Shining finished as he started to take his leave. “Sergeants, you two best get some rest. I expect your squads to start with the program and any new recruits will be briefed by you two before they are given to their respected program.” Shining continued as the room speechless but breaking in cheers within seconds as Moon leapt up, wings open wide. Stride could not help but smile wide and smile further when Moon caught him in a hug, kissing his cheeks, which made the two smiles at one another.

Shining gave one audible cough, snapping the two ponies back into place, faced riddles with a shade of red on their cheeks. “Now you two, save it for when we leave. I know love is a beautiful thing but Guard rules states, no relationships in the open until 4 months of service. And since I recall my wedding was 3 months ago, I expect you two to dial it down a bit.” He said smirking. The two lieutenants sigh in defeat as Shining Armor’s call still held authority over their own and thus they quickly gather the petition, the contents and the training drills and program, “dismissed.” Shining said last as he and the two lieutenants went their way to both record and implement, and the guard leaving the couple alone.

The couple smiles were still plastered on their faces. “We did it Moon.” Stride started, looking over to his lover. His ruby eyes shining brightly with joy and satisfaction that Shining saw their petition and accepted the whole thing. “I know!” Moon added, her topaz eyes looking back at him. The two were still in an embrace as they were left to be. “Wow… I felt like sweating a pitcher when they kept looking through the notes.” Stride said as he sighs and snorts with relief. “I know, I wanted to just cuddle you close when they would say no…” Moon said, her worries gone with the verdict given to them.

The two smiled at one another as they lean close, their lips locked as they savored the moment of relief and their bodies heated up. They kept their positions, as their mouths did the talking for them. Their tongues entering one another, tasting each other, moans escaping their lips as they savor the moment. The pair was in victorious bliss, distracted greatly. Stride’s tongue, enters hers oral depths, glazing over her sharp fangs but it did not hurt him, just entice him so that they were celebrating. Moon was taking her time, basking in the kiss they were lip locked. They loved each other and it only strengthened that their combined efforts were realized.

But as any kiss, they had to break away, letting in air for them, both light-headed due to their intense kissing. They were both out of breath as they look at one another. Their eyes stood still looking at the other lovingly. “So…” Stride tried to start, “Let’s celebrate?” Moon butted in, finishing Stride’s sentence. “Okay, wine would be nice with a balcony view of the sunset…” Moon added, which only made Stride chuckle at an instance. “I’m sure my room can provide that.” He said as they soon were starting to leave. “I hope so, I want to discuss about wedding plans.” She said, making Stride look at her funny as they left.

“Moon…” His last words as they left their relationship only changing greatly as they found out, Shining was more than impressed than they thought.

___________

Stride stared at the glowing golden eyes dance about, the moonlight very dim but bright enough to let the slit golden eyes look at him. The visitor’s steps were no longer coming from the floor but were now on the bed. Her form was now over his, the eyes closing half-way creating an alluring sense come off it. His breathing held as he waited for something to happen. But unfortunately for him, he knew who his guest was on the first night she invaded him, his room and took a chance. The visitor soon lies on top of him, her body pressing warmly on top of his, his hard erection pinned between his belly and hers. She moans, between a feral growl and a seductive hiss as her form shivers over his, her form hotter than the previous visits.

Up close, he can feel her hot breath, breathing down on him, her mouth very near his shrouded in the darkness. His hooves stayed sprawled on the bed and inviting the mare on him to rub her front hooves over his cheek and his sides. “Ready for me again?” She said in a mix of aggressive but sultry need in her tone. Unlike his lover who had a calm and very caring tone, but one thing was certain in Stride’s mind on the first day this happened to him.

“Yes, Moon.”