As Stride and his fiancé awoke in her bed, with nothing happening that night in her cave, he could not help but find her cave of a room… cozy but dark. He opens his eyes with a bit of difficulty. He wasn’t exactly adjusted for the dark luminescence of the glow crystals. He slowly took his time, getting up, but not before he shook his fiancé, Moon, the bat pony to awake with him. The topaz yellow of her eyes looking at him as if he was in broad daylight, while he was lost in a cave, so to speak.

“Morning beautiful” He answered with a yawn trailing behind. Moon could only respond with a toothy smile and giggle at him. Her teeth and the fangs on her shone brightly with the glow of the room, her eyes squinting in joy. “Well handsome, get going, we need to get up and visit your folks next…” She said as she quickly got off him, perky as she was though excited. Stride nearly bolted off the bed with her when she mentioned his own family to be visited next, but he can only smile at her request.

“I knew you would get back at me for this visit.” He said smiling still while he moves quickly to steal a kiss from her, surprising the bat pony who can only moan as she returns the kiss. The two were in the moment of their love until a little filly made her presence known. “Oh! I envy big sister!” She shouted some, making the two flinch, jump a bit, Moon’s wings open still while the two open their eyes large and look at the chamber entry to find Lucy, the small purple bat pony filly smiling and dashing to the living room.

The two gave out a sigh as they made their way, saddlebags on Stride’s back as they saw the family very early up. The large glow crystal in the center of the massive cave of the bat ponies shone brightly though not harmful as if staring at the sun when you just woken up. “And there’s the lovely couple.” Moon Gaze announced, moving closely to the two taking Moon away from Stride, making sure to pass her knowledge to her while admiring the two as they were now clothed with their frontier armors. “Now dear, let them enjoy their time together…” Blood quickly tried to call out but was too late, as the two ladies were in a private talk, Meadow joining in on the two.

Stride could not help but smile at the scene as Blood can only sigh and stood face to face with Stride. “So sir, it was nice to meet you and to find that you have no problems with me being a unicorn and all?” Stride started as he saw the joy and the smirk on his face. “Well, when Moon left in such anger and rage, running away, me and my wife have thought hard about it, but when I first saw you, I felt angered a bit.” He admitted to Stride, with a bit of frown.

Stride could tell this was a serious talk from a father about his daughter. “I know you hated us ponies of the day but…“ He tried to answer back but Blood quickly continues. “But I relaxed myself a bit. After the incident and seeing her with you, I recalled why she did what she did and I really wanted to change for the better.” He said looking at Stride seriously. “I’m proud of her and when you marry her, I will be proud to call you son.” He said this time smiling wide.

The older pony extended a hoof which Stride shook immediately. “I won’t let you down.” “You haven’t, but you’ll need all your luck, with my wife telling her some… bedtime secrets.” Blood chuckles as the two males shared a laugh. The ladies were also laughing in their own little talk which left the stallions thinking hard about why they were in such a state of joy. “I think you are right… but I got magic to back me up.” Stride said confidently as the ladies return to them.

“Oh, it’s so nice to see you and Stride.” Moon Gaze said with a toothy smile hugging Stride and returning to Blood’s side. “Yes, but do invite us to the wedding, we haven’t really seen one of the more Canterlot weddings before.” Blood added, his fore hoof embracing his wife closer by her shoulders. What Blood said caused Meadow to cause a happy daughter scream. “Yes! I’ve always wanted to see Canterlot, Please sister, please have it in Canterlot!!!” This surprised Stride at the younger Glider sister asking them both with such pleading eyes, sparkling even brightly.

The young couple chuckle to the sight of Meadow being in such a thing, which Lucy joined in shouting in her own way as both sisters started to daydream about Canterlot and the like. This made the Glider family’s day and with it, Stride and Moon were leaving with smile on their faces, waving goodbye to them as Stride and Moon got out finding the sun not yet rising in the sky.

They walked smiling still, staying close to one another as they made sure to stay safe but then they really did not need to worry as they reached the small village where the train station was at. “Well, your family sure is a happy bunch…” Stride started, leaning and nuzzling her, earning him a kiss on the cheek. “Yeah, it was nice to find them… accepting and less demanding than I remember.” Moon said her smile saying it all, how happy she was and relieved about the event.

Walking through, the many ponies look on to them, from Earth ponies to bat ponies, they continue their activity until one bat pony stallion made his way with a rush and looking at them, nearly out of breath. “Moon!” Said the stallion, this one looked like any ordinary stallion with yellow eyes but his cutie mark was that of three white gash marks that start from top and ends at the bottom, making a rather odd numbering of three.

At first Moon looked weird at the stallion who knew her name, Stride was also in a state of confusion as to how he knew. Before they continue an Earth mare trotted beside the stallion though complaining a bit. “Claw, don’t you rush out on me when I’m talking to you.” She complained this mare having a bit of age but evidently a large bump on her belly. The mare has eyes of emerald, a pink coat and lime green mane and tail as she stops to look at them.

Upon realizing the bat stallion’s name, Moon’s smile grew and with it shouting proudly, “Claw, big brother!” She said while raising her front hooves and quickly hugging him by the neck. Claw returned the hug, leaving the earth mare to look weird at the new bat pony and at Stride. The two ponies look at one another but Stride could only smile as they waited for the siblings to finish their hug.

“I thought I missed you when I received mom’s letter.” Claw said as he lets go of his sister and the two staring at one another a smile on them. “Yeah, well, it was only one day of a visit, and nearly a surprise.” Moon answered as she quickly looks back at Stride. “Stride, meet my brother, Claw.” She said as she moves beside the unicorn and moving him forward to Claw.

Claw did not show aggression or a hint of anger at the sight of Stride as he extends a hoof at him. “A pleasure to meet you Stride.” He said as Stride shook his hoof. “The feeling is mutual.” Stride answered quickly and before the earth mare made her presence know. “Don’t I get any attention here?” She complained a bit but Claw can only smile further. “I’m sorry, my wife, Belle Sway.” Claw quickly answered moving quickly to her side kissing her cheek, making the angry mare to relax within moment, finding she was happy and joyous of the affection he gave off.

Stride and Moon look at the two lovely couple and Stride could not help but whisper back to Moon, “We’ll be like that, and I’ll be kissing you when you have the baby bump.” He said with an aggressive and seductive tone as he was sure that made Moon’s thoughts swirl and blush. Claw soon was whispering things to his wife and with it, making the earth mare bat him away, he flank swaying to show the young couple she has no cutie mark, surprising the two.

“So, this is your sister who ran away?” Belle started, looking at Moon with a bright and motherly smile. “Well, I can see some family resemblance.” She comments further before moving her eyes to Stride. “And who is this stallion?” She said calmly. This is when Moon introduced Stride. “Claw, Belle, this is my fiancé, Stride.” She announced happily making the married couple to smile and congratulate the two. The lovely couple was smiling with them and with it there was small talk among them as the four headed to the train station.

“Wow, my sister, a lieutenant…” Claw comments nearly out loud but Belle added, “And marrying a fellow Lieutenant…” Making the two lovers blush against the married couple. “Yes, but I’m interested to hear how you knocked up a woman who has such a life yet…” Moon trailed, thinking hard if she should continue the question about a mood swinging pregnant mare, “Her Cutie Mark hasn’t shown up when she is such a talent, with what she says, her gift wrapping.” Stride finished, sweet coating the inquiry which made Belle smile and blush to his complement.

“I told you dear, no Cutie Mark can change how talented you are.” Claw said nuzzling his wife and looking at the two. “So Claw, since she’s a gift wrapping expert, what are you?” Moon asked, recovering herself from her near question about the pregnant mare. “I work as a courier; I can do both morning and late night shifts of course.” He announced proudly, “but when it’s near the holidays, I tend to help Belle here wrap some presents.” He proudly spoke as the four were now at the entrance of the station.

“Well, I’m glad I still get to talk to you Claw.” Moon said with a smile his way. “You also found a beautiful mare.” She spoke, making the married couple smile, Belle blushing once more. Claw felt proud of hearing his sister say that to him that Stride could not help but add a thought to his growing firewood for the fire of passion they might exchange on wedding night and many more.

AS the siblings said their goodbyes, waving at one another as Claw and Belle made their way back, Stride and Moon could not help but imagine themselves in such a life. “Do you think we’ll be like that?” Moon asked to her side, waiting for Stride to answer. “Yes, though you’d be the one carrying the baby bump.” He made a sly comment quickly getting to the counter after he spoke but Moon had to react, “Hey! I’m not going to be that fat!” She shouts back at him, only making the unicorn stallion chuckle under his breath.

____

The train ride home was uneventful, as Moon was invigorated, seeing the drastic change of her parents and finally feeling the love between them all, it was refreshing and it only made her more excited to see Stride’s parents. “So, where do your parents live?” Moon asked while stride was trying to relax in his own seat. The orange unicorn stallion looked at Moon with a simple smile as his eyes were transfixed on her own topaz eyes.

“Canterlot…” He simply answered her which caused a pause of silence between the two and Moon to think long. It was short-lived as Moon quickly said in her outburst, “WHAT!?” Making a many of ponies to look at them both but quickly look away as they saw two Guard ponies speaking, thinking it was something important to the two and not them.

Stride stayed calm, letting Moon to speak her mind, that was nearly badgering him with such speak. “You plan to meet my parents first when you KNOW that your parents were in Canterlot this whole time? What were you thinking? It would be easier to just go to your folks before mine.” She spoke up, continuing her banter of anger, frustration about the plan her lover made and now as they near the end of their trip, Moon was still fuming with anger and rage, refusing to speak with Stride, who continues to let his wife to be to vent out.

As they depart from the train, saddlebags on Stride’s back, they made a slow paced walk through the familiar pathways of Canterlot. Moon kept her sights to the castle, planning on getting back, unless Stride would just pop his own idea of their detour, then she had no other plans. That was until Stride quickly spoke up beside her to turn to an alley.

This caused Moon to wonder why he asked such a thing, but quickly got angry, thinking, this is going to his parents home. As they do so, they pass by shops, from horseshoes to boutiques. They passed the clothing district and quickly found themselves in the supplies stores and before Moon can look at the items in display by the windows, Stride stopped in front of the post office, this time Moon was less angry seeing Stride enter.

Inside, you can expect to find a line of ponies, the counters in the far side, few ponies who took note of the letters and the packages that needed sending and such. There was a many range of colored ponies waiting, the workers moving behind moving sacks of letters or packages behind the counter and moving through the entryway to the back room, which was only for personnel. From up above, in a wooden sign, printed in bright red colors and the words making a streak to one side, “Strider Express”.

Upon finishing their wait, one of the workers, an earth stallion greeted the two Guard ponies. “Welcome to Strider Express, how can I help you?” The cream colored, brown mane pony asked. This pony wore the standard mailcolt attire. Stride could only smile at the worker, “Hello Leap, can you direct me to the manager’s office?” He asked kindly, earning him a confused look from the worker pony and his own fiancé, who was still unsure why he needed to see the manager.

“I’m sorry sir, but why would you speak with Miss Strider? Even if you were Guard ponies, I can’t make an exception. But you knowing my name… is very disturbing” Leap said as he raised a brow to the orange pony. “Right, you really can’t tell who I am Leap, but it’s me Hoof.” Stride said with a wide grin as he shows his Cutie Mark to the cream pony to stare wide eye at the ‘X’ mark.

“Hoof!?” Leap said as he looked at Stride in a brighter light. “You have got to be kidding me? Guard ponies…” He said smirking some but Stride quickly interjected, “Royal Guard Lieutenant.” He spoke back confidently, making many inside the building to stop for a moment, at the mention of Royal Guard and Lieutenant in the same line made many stare at Stride and Moon, who the former kept smiling, the latter shying a bit, closer to Stride.

Before anything, the silence was broken with a sack falling to the ground and ripping a bit which caused many of the workers to snap back to attention as Leap lead Stride and his companion through and into a hallway and up a set of stairs. “Well, I’m sure you know where you want to go.” Leap spoke up to Stride and looking at Moon. “And she is?” He asked once as he glances back the group of ponies starting to ask questions. “She’s Lunar Guard Lieutenant Moon, my fiancé.” Stride answered, leaving Leap slack jawed as Stride and Moon climbed up.

“You never told me you were born a mailcolt…” Moon said, really, it was surprising a former mailcolt went off to be a Royal Guard. “Well, I was born into a family of mail carrying ponies, that’s why it was a bit relieving to find your brother a courier.” Stride added and the two were soon looking at an oak door with a translucent glass that can act as window for the occupant.

“And this manager is your father?” Moon added, again, really not seeing how Stride, or Hoof as he mentioned both to his proposal to her and speaking to his friend down below. “No, my mother…” Stride responded, knocking lightly on the door and the response, a muffled but still audible answer through the door. “Yes? What is it?” The female tone asked, near annoyed and almost stressed in the wake of it. Stride can only smile to himself, “Can I enter mother…?” He said waiting for what his mother’s reaction would be.

As if a storm hit, the room inside sounded like a lot of items were being shuffled, paper being crumpled or sorted out, hearing the flying sounds of paper, book and even a stone being placed roughly in a hurry. The loving couple look at one another, Moon was unsure what was happening while Stride smiled her way, “She’s fixing her office. “ He answered her confused look which made Moon realize it. “Okay… should I expect anything?” She asked looking at the door and hearing a slight click as the door was unlocked. “Not really, she’s just serious at times.” Stride spoke as the voice of his mother, muffled by the door answered, “Come in Hoof.”

Stride turns the knob and opens the door to show the office. Inside, there was the usual, desk, curtained down window on the far wall, four bookshelves, two on either side of the office, a single light bulb glowing brightly in the near dim room and a leather seat, where one very busy looking pale blue, yellow mane unicorn mare was busy scribbling on a piece of parchment with her magic glowing a faint blue glow on a black pen.

As she looks at Stride, her workaholic atmosphere quickly diminished and her smile displayed brightly on her face. She got off her seat and quickly made her way to her son with such speeds that were unimaginable for a unicorn pony to posses, again, Moon was staring dumbfounded at the sight of the motherly mare hugging Stride and Stride returning the hug back. “Oh son, it has been long…” The mare speaks softly yet retain a bit of stress on it.

“Hello mom, I know it took me a while, but my fiancé was determined to help the Royal Guard.” He answered back, which made the mare flinch and her eyes more serious now. “Fiancé, you proposed to somepony already?!” She spoke as she moves Stride aside to show her Cutie Mark within Moon’s sight, a pen writing on a piece of parchment.

Stride quickly moves to Moon, where his mother stayed put. “Mother, this is Moon, she’s-” He started but was quickly interrupted by his mother, “Lieutenant of the Lunar Guard, who is currently proposed with Royal Guard Lieutenant Stride.” She spoke quickly as if still at work. This surprised Moon as to how she knew so much with just a glance, and with them being in frontier Guard armor.

Stride was also still as if she took the thunder of his announcement. “What? We are the post office, we need to be up-to-date with all possible senders and receivers of our mails, letters, packages and such.” She said in her business tone, again, making it the workaholic atmosphere. “Mother… this isn’t about work…” Stride said with a sigh, as Moon can only chuckle at the annoyed look on Stride, clearly, it was a family thing as she saw how serious Stride can be when he sets his mind into it.

Stride’s answer to his mother quickly snapped the older mare to let go of her business idea and serious demeanor and cough awkwardly. “Right, son, I’m sorry…” She said glancing away for a second. “Okay. Moon, this is my mother and manager of the post office, or Strider Express, Lotta Writings.” Hoof said as he smiled further seeing Moon smile back. “It is nice to meet you ma’am.” Moon said with an extended hoof which Lotta quickly took hold. “And to you too, I never knew my son was this bold as to ask a very beautiful bat pony as his special somepony.”

Stride can only smile seeing his mother in such a good mood and away from the serious and work mindset. As they finish shaking hooves, Lotta looked at her son. “Son, I know you hate having ‘Hoof’ as a name, so I expected to find your old penname as your new name when you enlisted to the Royal Guard.” She spoke happily though this time the stallion was taken aback by how skilled his mother was when it concerned serious work. Moon could not help but giggle at the shocked look Stride had. “Okay, my mistake for not mentioning it to you and dad… Speaking of dad, where is he?” Stride asked as he always wondered where he was at some points in time.

“Don’t worry son, he busy with one delivery right now. Thankfully, it’s only within Canterlot right now.” Lotta answered as she moves back to her seat. “But right now son, this is not the best time, maybe latter this evening? I’m sure me and our father would be happy to see our son, in his more Royal Guard armor than the frontier ones.” She said glancing behind at the two. “But all the same, it was nice meeting you two but letters and work cannot wait for anypony.”

Lotta bows to the two and with it levitating her own pair of glasses and perched it on her snout and quickly, as if the couple was not there, paper started to fly out of the shelves, stacking on her desk, books flying and opening on pages and dropped down on the ground on the same page still. Lotta’s horn glowing blue with all the items levitating them all and working her way. She was a busy mare and with it, she was back in her own zone. Moon was now the one taken aback, her work made such a clutter as if it was now a mess of paper, hardbound books and even flying ink bottles. All the while, Stride was smiling at the sight.

“Is she okay with all this mess?” Moon asked, a bit worried that this was not normal, but seeing her soon to be husband’s look reassured her to a degree. “Well, it’s my mother’s organized mess… it’s a unicorn thing from time to time, be thankful I didn’t do that when we worked on the petition.” He reassured her with a chuckle and looking back at his mother. “Let’s just let her be, later tonight we’ll meet them both.” He spoke and with it, he closed the door behind him and guides Moon down.

“Wow, and here I thought there were not that many crazy ponies out there.” Moon started as they made their way down to the post office. For some weird coincidence, there were fewer ponies inside and the workers look at them both with smiles.

“Heya Hoof!”
“Ha! Trotting back in memory lane?”
“Lucky catch ‘Stride’ Lieutenant for a Lieutenant.”

The responses of the working ponies seeing the couple, all mail ponies said as they smile and wave. Stride can only wave back and greet them so. “And now you know why I changed myself to Stride.” He spoke with Moon as they were about to get to the door, they found a few of the mail ponies holding the door shut, the blinds down and Leap was helping in stopping the door. This got the attention of the couple. “What’s happening guys?” He said which Leap took it as a step to speak.

“Yeah, about you telling yourself as Royal Guard Lieutenant… some of the ponies may have gasped it too loud and… the press is now outside…” Leap spoke, worried in his tone as the couple take a glance outside through the blinds and with they can see ponies with hats, pads in their hooves, pens ready to scribble, some carrying cameras and all of them were staring at the building waiting for any sign about the Royal Guard Lieutenant.

Moon took this chance to hit Stride’s shoulder, making the stallion flinch a bit. “Great work lieutenant, you have trapped us in our bunker while the ‘enemy’ await us from hiding in it.” She said with glee and joking about the military references she used. Stride can only sigh as he and she were basically trapped. “Well Lieutenant, there can only be two options here…” Stride started though smirking about the situation. Moon was worried about that sight, her little joke was one thing, but knowing Stride for so long, he had shenanigans written on his face right now.

“We go for the back door, earning us a negative response from the press.” He noted the back door, which was filled with sacks of letters to be delivered by the Pegasi teams come morning tomorrow. “We can go for the slingshot strategy, you flying out of here and within the castle borders and for me to teleport.” He continued, making Moon liking that idea, but she knew he had one last plan, the shenanigan one. “Or we can just march out the front door, another photo-op for ourselves and cause a large exposure to Strider express which will make my mother happier about business…”

After given the options, Moon was greatly in favor of option two until Lotta butted in, surprising many of the workers. “Option three please.” She said flatly, as if she was more interested in having publicity for their post office. Stride can only grin while Moon shook her head. “No, please no!” Moon pleaded but Stride was basically cheating on his fiancé, lifting her hooves off the ground and making her panic in the display as he signals the ponies blocking the door to move aside. Once they did so, they gave silent glances of good luck, and apologies for the bat pony mare thrashing about.

“Stride! Stride! If you go on with this plan, I swear, I will bite on your neck and drink your blood!” She threatened but the many ideas of Stride on how to counter her threat was shuffled back for a second as he opens the door slowly and with it, the pony press start to swarm seeing the orange pony exit and his bat pony companion in Frontier Guard uniforms. “I hate you for this…” Moon said with a wry smile and glancing about from the flash storm they entered themselves in, “I love you too, Moon.” Stride responded with a confident smile and wave as he creates a barrier for the two of them to be away from the crowd of ponies.

________

Stride and Moon were now back in her room, the two after their trip through Canterlot proper, or the main path to the castle was now resting their hooves on the bed, exhausted… well Stride to be exact for casting the barrier for so long. “Well, that sure spices things up…” He said with a huff from his tired body, body heaving as if he had finished a long marathon of galloping, while Moon was giving her own huff of annoyance towards her lover.

“Darn it Stride, did you really have to do that?!” She spoke with every fiber of her being to show how angry she was at him. Stride could not help but laugh some, “Well, it sure keeps you thinking on what to do when we are now husband and wife.” This caught Moon’s attention and thinking long about it she asked, “What do you think our foal will look like?” She started looking at him but he looks back at her with a smile. “I’m sure she will be just as beautiful as her mother…” He said with dreamy eyes staring at her.

Moon blushes at his little comment that she wanted to just stick her mouth and shut him up. “How do you even know it will be a she when we do rut in bed…?” She felt embarrassed in asking about that topic when they haven’t been wedded yet. “I just got a feeling…” He said back as he now gets back up and off the bed, this time, looking over his armor. “First, dinner with my parents, say, about 6:30 tonight? In the restaurant we frequent off-duty?” He started to ask snapping Moon out of her small daydream about their little foal.

“That one? Sure, but do your parents know?” Moon asked which Stride can only smile about. “Of course, it was I who showed it to you and I have seen my parents there on occasion when I do go there with you, they just haven’t noticed us since a few of the warrant officers go there too.” Stride explained. This made Moon nod seeing the reason about it. “Now then, best we start planning on the wedding.” Stride said surprising Moon once again as he stood up and moves to the side of the bed, Moon following and blocking his path to speak her own mind.

“Stride, my stallion, you do know it is about the mare who plans most of it all?” She started but was quickly stopped as Stride continues. “How about we get married by Princess Luna once Celestia lowers her sun past sunset?” Moon was taken aback, a unicorn pony asking to be wedded by Luna. “I thought having Cadence as our official to be… obvious?” Moon started but Stride can only look at her seriously.

“Moon, you bat ponies came back in service when Luna has returned and restarting the Night Court as a means of peace within the blanket of night. I may not look like it but I have studied my history well enough to know that Luna is the more favored Princess among your pony kind. So as your stallion, I shall respect that Luna is your more favorable symbol for the night.” Stride spoke in both respect and a hint of seriousness which now made Moon speechless. There was a long moment of pause as Stride waited for her response while Moon, in this small span of time could not help but think positively great about Stride.

Moon was smiling wide, her teeth showing as she stares at her fiancé with all her respect behind the stare and before Stride could start Moon pounces on him, the both of them landing on the bed as Moon landed kisses after kisses on his face and lips. “The more I am with you Stride, you make me feel like I’m about to marry the craziest, the strongest and you make me feel that I am the luckiest mare ever!” She said landing her kisses on him that Stride could not even try to speak back, just keeping his face soft for her to kiss him.

As the romantic high, which Stride dubs the kissing fit of Moon, dies down, he got enough to take a breather. That’s when Stride kisses her cheek some. “Just wait until we get married, I’ll be worshiping your flank in our… bedtime fun.” He whispers to her ear as he got up. “Well, best I stay away from you while you plan.” He said with a smile, kissing her cheek before he departed leaving Moon to think hard on about the wedding, but her face felt red hot as she heard him speak his mind. “Oh, Stride…” She spoke softly as she dreamed of him kissing her flank and lower into her slits which started to quiver with anticipation.
____

That night, in the supposed restaurant Stride was talking about, the lovely couple was in their casual wears, their colors shining brightly for all to see yet not recognize them so no one suspected of them about who they were. Their table was for four, since Stride knew his parents would arrive as he sat next to Moon and two seats were empty across from them. The two were busy looking through the menu, Stride was checking the salads while Moon was looking at the fruits, interested to try out anything that can make her feel like sucking blood.

Speaking off blood, Moon glances at Stride, unknown to him, Moon was told by her mother that drinking the blood of your mate is… exciting and very useful in preventing your male from resisting your advances once rendered tired on the bed. She plans to use this to her advantage and with it, she smirks under her menu. Stride was unaware about her plan but he had his own ways to entice his mate on their honeymoon, though it will be just one whole night of them. He has learned all the regeneration/reinvigorating spells ups and downs, he practiced his sound proof barrier especially making it invisible, one hard task to make when your magic glows in the dark and any healing spells just in case they hurt themselves.

A waiter came by and took their orders, the Farm special, a dish that had a lot of fruit cuts and a good topping of daisies on the top, for Stride while Moon had the fruit salad and a milkshake. Stride added a bottle of wine for them both but he knew his parents will be here any moment. Just as the waiter was about to leave Lotta and an orange earth stallion with white mane and his own Cutie Mark is a box with sacks in it, appeared and looked around the restaurant.

Once Lotta was within Stride’s sight did he ask the waiter, “Can you please take these ponies’ orders as well?” The waited nodded as Stride waved over to his parents who quickly strode their way to him and taking the available seats. The waiter nods and waits further for the two new arrivals’ orders and soon was off.

Once the waiter was gone, Lotta smiles brightly to both Stride and Moon. Stride took this moment to speak to his parents. “Mom, Dad, this is Moon, my fiancé.” He spoke happily looking at Moon where the married couple can smile towards the bat pony though Stride’s father kept his face neutral. Moon can only blush being proudly announced again by Stride, where she bumped his leg some with her own under the table.

The action was making Stride smile wider, excited to announce to his parents happily about it. The two older ponies kept silent, observing the two, an act which Lotta did not do when they visited her in the office. “Moon, this is Lotta Writings, my mother and Dash Strider, my father. “ Stride continues and was smiling still at Moon. Moon was at a state of fear, nervousness and proud, a mix of emotions that beg to ask a middle point.

With a shaky and shy voice, one that Stride can say he has heard the first time now, Moon greeted the two. “G-good evening…” She said bowing a little to the two older ponies. This made Lotta smile, again Moon can smile back a little, but Dash’s stoic look at her made her nervous. “So, both of you are lieutenant of the Guard?” Dash said in a near whisper that only they four can hear. This made the young couple nod.

Dash just sighs as he smiles slowly, this made Moon lighten up, seeing the father joyous while Stride was grinning as there was no doubt about his parents and his choice in wife. “Good to hear. A nice catch son, a very interesting and beautiful mare you caught yourself.” Dash started which made Moon blush further. Stride could not help but smile still and look back at his father. “Dad, stop embarrassing my wife to be.” He said a hoof hooking over to Moon to calm her down.

The action made by Stride created an image of the lovable embrace made Lotta coo and awe at the two lovingly. “Oh, aren’t they just perfect?”The older mare cooed as the two now were blushing. “Just like us when we were near our wedding day.” Dash added as Lotta leans over to her husband and nuzzling up to him, which Dash accepts.

The two couples were now in a double date atmosphere as the older couple look to their son and his bride to be. The moment was clear and very warm. All of them were basking in the glow, even when around other ponies, pairs, couples like them or being with friends, it was a monumental moment. Before they can continue, the waiter arrives and serves their plates, the dish being set in front of their respective recipients. The two couples broke away from the moment and took their time to eat and enjoy their time together.

The parents were quick to start asking questions to the couple and Moon asked her own questions about Stride’s parents. “How did you meet Moon, Stride?” Dash started as he was sure Lotta would ask the intimate ones with Moon privately later. Stride smiles to his dad, “It was the second week of recruitment and basics training. We were introduced to a new regiment of training alongside the Lunar Guard recruits, and it just so happen that Moon was the only mare of the squad that was placed under us.”

Stride spoke with such a reminiscent tone that he felt like dreaming of the day as he gazed at Moon affectionately. Moon took this time to explain further, “I was the one who made the impact first. When it was time to sleep, we were one bunk short… and I made an outburst of how insulted I was…” Moon answer as she herself returned to the reminiscing tone similar to Stride’s. The older couple stares in awe as the two lovers kept their eyes locked as if they were once more in a date.

“Then, being a stallion who was too tired and a bit lazy, I offered my bunk while I opt to sleep on the floor. As annoying as she was, my body demanded to rest and I slept on the stone floor.” He said with a hint of pain but still a lovely tone at Moon. “I thanked him for that… but the display was fuel for our own fellows to tease and spread rumors about me and Stride being a couple of sorts.” Moon continued, making it sound like a jest about the coupling portion.

“But regardless that it was a tease and a rumor, she and I grew together closer, me sacrificing my back.” Stride added his own back, the echoes of the pain still lingering some. “And I was eternally grateful with him.” Moon finished explaining that cause Stride’s parents to smile widely about the two. “The rest, from the wedding invasion till now… I’m sure you two know.” Stride assured his parents who were in such business within Canterlot.

“Of course son, and a good thing you chose an alias, else me and your mother would be having our hooves deep in letters of comments from the press and the pony press barring at our doors.” Dash finished as they finished their meals with ease and pleasure.

Before the night was over for them, the parents were happy and impressed with Moon that they openly showed how happy they were to have her. It was something to see Stride’s parents hug Moon like they were the daughter they never had, which was in fact true as Stride was an only foal. The reason for that was due to the parents being heavily busy.

___

Once back in their room, Stride and Moon were lounging on the bed, or resting on it as they relaxed and let their foot settle down on their bellies. “So, how do you think of my parents?” Stride asked Moon, looking down at her as he was on his back while Moon chose to lie on top of him, her head at his neck. “They were very courteous and very great to talk to.” Moon responds as she looks outside seeing the moon high up in the night sky.

“So… going to work on the wedding plans dear?” Stride started, head resting down on the pillow as he magically levitates the horn plug on his, and the yellow bright ball covers his horn from poking anyone. “I will do that, maybe tomorrow with the other mares.” Moon replied with a toothy grin as she tries to rub more of her head against Stride’s neck.

“But for now… I want to sleep…” Moon spoke with a muffle response trying to sleep, eyes shut as her body begs for rest. Stride could not help but chuckle, his hooves wrapping around her body and magically move the covers over them. He gave her one long kiss at the top of her head, smelling her wild spicy scent mixed with sweet oranges. He smiles as he kept her close, warming them both. Stride himself was getting sleepy, his mind thinking of so many things, from their wedding and how the reception would look, but he was sure Moon would try to make it equally enjoyable for both Canterlot standard and her own tradition, which Stride had read over the time before visiting her parents.

Their consciousness drifting to dreams occupying a space within the dreamscape. The princess of the night continues to govern when not in her night court. The lovely pair dreaming of one another and their life to come once their unity becomes sacred. Their smiles plastered on them as they had the best dream yet they ever have.

___

Stride could not help but be nervous. He was standing by the altar princess Luna, who kept smiling as the orange glow of the evening cascaded inside the small section of the castle, the same tower their Captain had those many months ago, that was to be where the wedding shall occur.

He was nervous for a great many reasons, one, he was dressed in the best dress armor he can take his hoof on, a golden main colored, black after shade and only covering his body snug, leaving his head open, second, he is beside princess Luna, and third, he was standing in front of many of his relatives, the staff of Strider Express attending as well, Moon’s family and some of their neighbors and friends. The arrangement wasn’t that bad. Moon thought hard on the seating and had made it so that they had the morning ponies on one side, the other side occupied by bat ponies but the twist was that the outer line, where Royal Guard ponies position was swapped, thus the Royal Guards were facing the bat ponies and Lunar Guards were at the other color palettes of ponies.

This arrangement caused many of the attendees to wonder what the couple was thinking but it was for the best for the sake of having no racial discrimination. The sun has already set and Princess Celestia enters through the balcony just behind Stride though still placed at the side as Stride wanted Luna to do the honors, though he hopes she won’t use the ‘Canterlot Voice’ She was well known for.

As the Moon rise from a different horizon, Luna’s horn glowing faintly, the wedding ceremony officially starts then and there. The wedding song being played by a small ensemble of players who were happy to do the honors of such a special ceremony it is a three pronged reason for such a thing, for one, it IS a wedding, second it is a marriage between a unicorn pony and a bat pony, and finally, it was between two Royal Guard Lieutenants.

When the double white doors part open many of their attendees and even some of the guards stare at both awe and wonder at the bride. Moon entered in her own dress armor, one that had a main color of purple with an after shade of white, this one worn close to body, very similar to Stride’s own but she has her white veil down on her as she paced forward, slowly, basking in the moment of her happiest moment. Moon was in her most happiest. She was the center of attention; she looked beautiful in her dress armor and not a glint of nervousness on her body.

Stride was now staring at his bride, his eyes showing how joyous he was inside and how much it was to be in his hooves now. Their attendees, audience, the Guards even were staring at Moon as she moves with such grace and with a flutter in his own hooves. Her image looked like she was the night’s greatest gift while Stride was the day’s own. She moves slowly but to many it would look like she was flying slowly as her wings were open, wide and prominently showing with the black of it.

The whole room was in great pause and silence but the musical crew continues to play as many look on. Stride was snapped back into reality as he heard behind him. “A lucky catch you have there, Lieutenant” Spoke a near deep but very caring voice. “Yes, well, she may not be like a princess, but she sure knows how to look like one…” Stride comments back behind him to his superior officer, Captain and Prince Shining Armor at his side.

True it was a surprise but Stride chose Shining for two major reasons, he has known his superior officer well since his petition, and constant promotions kept him meeting with the white stallion that they had a lot of time to converse. The second reason why Stride chose Shining was that his wife, being Princess Cadence, the Princess of Love, that it matched perfectly to have her at Moon’s side beside the Princesses. This was a major event and with it happening between sunset and night had both princesses, their co-rulers, to attend and to be their officials for the ceremony.

The moment of silence was broken once moon glides quickly to the front, many of their guests calming down but continue to look at the two Royal Guard ponies. Stride fixed his posture, all four hooves down on the ground, back straight, neck straight, head held in level, not high, and his body set to calm. Moon was in a similar preparation as they stood in front of Princess Luna, who opens a black booklet with blue stars printed on the cover.

Princess Luna starts, “We are all gathered here to witness two ponies-” She continues but both bride and groom were trying to calm themselves, even under their confident smiles, their unwavering sight at the Night princess and her beautiful dark purple with white star mane they were both nervous inside, minds racing about the events.

Stride was once again snapped back when Luna asked him, REAL name being called then nickname, “Will you Hoof Strider, Lieutenant Stride, take this mare to be your wife?” Stride made a small shiver in his spine, his body shaking under his armor once as he tries to snap himself back. Within those moments, he tries to forget about the audience and think hard. He looks back at Moon, at a glance, his smile growing, eyes looking at Moon lovingly as he spoke, slowly but happily. “I do.” He announced without a break and with as much joy as he can muster.

Moon was in her own world, shouting in her mind, the processes of her life going through many, if not, the most enjoyable she had. There were her sad moments but it did not concern Stride at first, her recruitment was bumpy but meeting with Stride was the best thing that has ever happened to her, her own happiness only increasing as Stride supported her ideas and plans. Then she heard Luna call onto her, “Moon Glider, will you take this stallion as your wedded husband?”

There was a fraction of a pause, the question swirling in Moon’s mind. Though many saw this as the bride hesitating, a bad sign, Stride kept his cool, smiling still. Then as if to rival Luna’s Canterlot Voice, Moon bellowed with pride and enough force to make Lune find herself staring widely at Moon. “Yes, I will take this stallion.” She bellowed and head held high with her tone a hint of being proud, which earned her a few gasps from the morning ponies and a cheer from the bat ponies.

This small cultural mixture caused both to look at one another thankfully it did not escalate as Luna continues, before any of the ponies can ask a question or react. “Then I pronounce you two as husband and wife!” She tried her best to out match Moon’s bellowing, which was effective, rendering many of the attendees to silence themselves, but Moon’s sudden action made the same reactions once more. Moon removes her wedding veil, unceremoniously, and pounces on Stride as she kisses him passionately. The cheers came about and a few whistles making the two blush some as they rose up, Luna giving them a raised brow while Princess Celestia can only smile at the two.

Shining Armor and Princess Cadence were just as stunned but like the rest they all quickly recovered. Cheers were now the prominent sound as the two Royal Guard couple wave at them all and proceeded out the door. And before anything, they proceeded to the banquet hall where the reception would occur. White round tables, wooden seats that can fit all the attendees, a long table where the food can be taken, and another long table for the newlyweds and special guests of honor, three princesses and a prince were to be seated was found within the given venue.

The married couple thanked all who attended when they enter, greetings, waving their hooves and bowing at the guests. Thankfully, the four royal bodies were seated at the table, just waiting for the couple to enter once the guests were seated and in their places. Stride could not help but smile wide as he and his new wife Moon trotted along through the path the tables were spaced enough. Again, the musical players played tunes refreshing and calming to them all.

Moon was grinning, showing her teeth and visible canines. Again, the seating arrangement was very colorful, most of the seats had an equal ratio of bat ponies to the other ponies that way it would force many to make small talk and converse and killing the rest of the misconceptions that were about bat ponies and the other way around. This plan also was made so that there was a better relationship between the different ponies.

Once o their seat, Stride and Moon look at one another. “Well, here we are at last.” Stride said standing tall and ready. “Yes, who knew they day would come?” Moon replied, leaning her body closer to his as they look at their guests and the four royal figures seated with them. With a cough and tapping of his glass, Stride took the attention of many.

“We thank you all for attending this monumental moment for me, for my wife Moon and for all.” He spoke out, bowing and smiling still as a round of applause came from their audience. “We know it is almost uncommon but it is not impossible that we, Earth, Unicorn, Pegasus and Bat ponies gather for one common occasion.” Moon announced, this time, murmurs from all the tables came about. She continues, “Do not worry. This is not about making more pairings of a kind like me and my husband, unless you mares do plan to.” She cheekily spoke, earning a few giggles from the mares who knew her well.

“This is also to earn awareness and some thought to all our fellow ponies, whether they are of the night, or of the day, we have our princesses to thank for both times of the day. Please let us give them a round of applause.” Stride said joyously as he started by stomping his feet, which many followed and Moon clapping her front hooves together as others follow too.

The princesses were smiling, Luna waving a bit shyly at being the center of attention for a second while Celestia can smile at all her subjects, being used to the scene before her, familiar with it all too well. As the applause dies down, the newlyweds continue. “We thank you all and we hope you all would enjoy!” Both ponies cheered as the chef ponies arrived, setting up the little flames and opening up the platters and the lids to show the food which many would be about to eating right now.

As Stride and Moon sat down, they took a glance at their cake, many of the ponies eyeing it with mixed reactions. The cake had small figurines of them, but what was special about it was the cake having two colors than the traditional white. At the top had a dark brown color with blue stars at its edges, thus making it seem near night. While the bottom was made in the traditional white with yellow suns decorating the walls of the cake, many would think was vanilla but in all reality, this cake was all chocolate. Before any of the ponies were to get anything, the couple moved towards the cake and with Stride’s magic, the cake knife floating in his crimson aura, he and with Moon’s constant handling with the knife, cut the cake, many of the ponies cheering as the celebration went underway.

It was a magical moment, their lives now together forever. As the night went on, many of the guests eating happily with their food, the happy couple fed one another though smothering the bit of cake from their mouths. They even caught Princess Celestia taking a large section of cake, many of the onlookers who notice to chuckle as the sun princess cut her slice a bit, but Stride convinced her it was her choice and she should be happy it was hers as Moon took two slices, together bigger than Celestia’s, that were from either sections of their cake.

Many of the ponies greeted the couple happily, Moon’s parents were thrilled to both meet and speak with the Moon princess that they basically bowed at her through it all, making said princess blush about the attention. Stride’s parents were faring just as well, as the news of them being a very well known mailing business got Celestia’s attention and have inquired about their services and any positive things about it. Another good thing about the night was Claw, Moon’s older brother, had a job proposal from Stride’s parents, as Stride informed them about Claw as a courier. To say Claw was happy was an understatement as he and his wife get to live in Canterlot, thanks to Stride’s parents as usual.

All in all, ponies from all four kinds were mingling, conversing and even speaking in equal terms now as if this was one event all must attend. It was refreshing to see all of them and for the fact that many of the single bat ponies, stallions or mares were having positive results from the other three. This made Moon to survey and looked on with a glow and sparkles of joy in her topaz eyes. “Enjoying the change?” Stride interrupted her as he nuzzles her. Moon snaps back as she enjoys Stride’s nuzzling. “Oh yes, it’s nice to see my fellow sisters taking a stallion or too. “ She replied, making Stride by surprise as he flinches. “I was just kidding about that, dear.” She added with a giggle about how easy it is to surprise her stallion.

“This is one wonderful night…” Moon spoke in reminiscent as if this was the best memory she has. “Don’t count on it yet dear… Our honeymoon still hasn’t occurred yet. I can change that memory with one of my best performances yet.” Stride said whispering into her ear, making the bat pony mare blush, even against her purple coat, it was very visible to see, making him laugh at her but smile warmly. “Oh, you…!” She started but stopped as she relaxes smiling herself about how great it is to have him as her husband. “We’ll just see about that…” She whispered back at him as the two lovers lean closer, their mouths closing together as they kiss deeply, savoring the moment and the small scene they were making for their audience to be distracted upon.

______

Stride stops kissing his wife once the memory stopped flowing, Moon gasping for air, surprised and dazed at how very passionate Stride can be when he wanted to be. Moon basically shook and collapses on top of Stride, confused why he would be kissing her so. “Stride, dear, I’ve been riding you since last week… why aren’t you angry at me for doing this… secret sex?” She said with huffs from her, being breathless from the kiss.

Stride could not help but smile down at her and was surely happy to find his wife and in bed with him now, though tired still while both of them were naked. “Moon, I’ve married you without any regret. I’ve also suspected it was you the first night you became my midnight rapist.” He spoke softly as if soothing her worries as he starts to kiss her ears which flick and twitch to his touch.

Moon coos a bit, shivering to his advances, “What gave me away as your rapist?” She asked looking up at him as she licks his neck affectionately. “Well… I always wake up finding that tennis ball of a horn plug on me when I was really sure I did not wear it.” He answered in a whisper as he smiles, feeling her body shook on top of him. “I knew I should not have done that…” She complains as she kept herself on top of him…

“But that’s not the only thing… my wife in season.” He added, again, the body shook and froze on top of him. Moon was caught, yes, being the rapist, but caught being in season, that is more of the impact she did not want to hear. “I’ve known it was you when I can smell you on me that first night and the alluring scent had a very distinct smell for me to know… it was you.” He whispered, his front hooves quickly hugging her close, Moon gasping.

“But don’t worry dear, I don’t blame you, I can try to understand what you are going through.” He whispers making Moon sigh in relief. “Now then… we’d best get back to what you and I were about to do.” He finally noted, his tone turning seductive and very dominatingly sexy, which caught Moon in surprise. She wanted him, oh her pussy was burning with need but that did not change her positives about this prospect. “Sure… let me just get some lube and I’ll-” but before she can do anything, she felt her wings being pulled shut against her back and a ring locked snug into her body.

She looked down onto herself and with a gasp, there was a magical conjuration that pinned her wings and she looked up to find herself flipped onto her back, looking up to her stallion. She growls a bit at his forceful move and the sensation that will wash over her. “But, I’ll be doing the work now… my sweet bat mare…” He whispers to her, sharing a long kiss his cock hard and pressing against her now wet entry. This is one night that neither pony would want to forget.

Author's Note

A change of plans was in order, I have finished the story proper which I can place as Complete.

There can be another chapter to be added here, but I was thinking hard on whether it will be a separate piece, just for me to say I've made a clopfic.

Anyway, I thank the several users who had read my story and bearing my bad use of tenses. I thank you all for reading.