A Second Life chapter 20

Luna’s POV:

“Guards!”

>In a heartbeat two of your trusted guards burst into the room, ready for danger.

>”Yes Princess? What is it you wish?”

“Follow the creature, tell us what it does.”

>She looked down from her tower at the lone, tall figure that walked along the courtyard.

>”You want us to spy on Anonymous?”

>The two guards looked at each other.

>This wasn’t in the job description.

“He is royalty, is he not? He should have an escort in public. And I expect a full report when he returns.”

>”Yes your highness.”

>The guards rushed out, and Celestia landed next to Luna on the balcony.

>”Sister, how are you feeling?”

“We are fine Celestia.”

>”Dear sister, you must realize we are not in the times you think. This is a different age.”

>Luna remained silent for a moment, staring off at the horizon.

”Where is Anonymous going?”

>”He said he had dinner plans with friends. If there is drinking he will most likely be back tomorrow.”

“Hmph. Typical common trash.”

>”Dear sister, I believe you should give him a shot. You two were a lovely couple…”

“Sister, if we were such a happy couple, surely ONE of us would remember the tiniest bit.”

>“The changelings have twisted his brain, contorting it to fit their will. He may never remember the time you two spent together. You however have a chance. The amnesia from the blast will pass in due time.”

“We- I am not sure I wish to remember the events involving the hairless ape.”

>”You say that now, but if… when you do… I think you will be happy.”

“Leave me sister.  I do not wish to dwell on such things…”

>”Very well, take care sister.”

>Celestia flapped her wings and took to the sky, landing in the opposing tower where her chambers were.

>Anonymous’ POV:

>You knocked on the door of the small house in front of you, waiting eagerly for it to open.

>A minute later, a faint voice called out from inside.

>”It’s open! Come on in!”

>You casually opened the door, walking inside.

>The place was cleaned up much nicer than you remembered, a few candles sat on the table in front of the couch.

>There was some grunts coming from the next room, along with some choice words typical for Spitfire.

“You alright in there bud?”

>You slowly opened the door.

>“Hey don’t open that! I’m getting dressed!”

>You paused, then thought a moment.

“Spitfire, you’re naked half the time anyway.”

>”I know! I just… I wanted to surprise you with this.”

“Do you want some help or not?”

>Silence.

>”Fine…”

>You went through the door into Spitfire’s bedroom, finding her in front of mirror, trying to fit into a simple black dress.

>Her orange hair, rather than blown back like normal, was down and flattened, almost as if it was wet.

“Wow.”

>”Like it..?”

“Yeah! You look… beautiful.”

>”Heh. Most stallions say hot.”

“Pun intended?”

>”Funny Anon… You look pretty handsome yourself. For a hairless monkey.”

>Spitfire stuck her tongue out, driving he tease home.

“Alright alright. You need help?”

>”Yeah, can’t really feel what I’m doing with these bandages on my wing. I hate being grounded.”

>You gently reached into the slot that her wing was supposed to pop through, grabbing said wing and gently guiding it out.

“There! How’s that?”

>”Perfect. So where we going?”

“I was thinking we could go to the Gilded Lily. I remember going there a long time ago, it was nice.”

>”Ooh. I never been there, it’s kind of expensive isn’t it?’

“Anything for my airborne buddy.”

>You reached down to ruffle her mane, but stopped.

>You didn’t want to mess it up after all the trouble she went to getting ready.

>”Yeah, two well dressed friends, going to the fanciest restaurant in Equestia…”

“You going to be ok?”

>”Yeah… ready to go?”

“Yes ma’am.”

>With Spitfire at your side, the two of you walked outside and into the streets, and you placed your beret on your head.

>As you walked, Spitfire would occasionally rub against you, “accidently” bumping into you, etc.

>It was kind of cute really, and it wasn’t hurting anything to let it continue.

>The one thing about being royalty that you did enjoy, was the fact that you never had to wait for a table.

>The instant you stepped foot in the restaurant, the p0ny at the podium recognized you, and led you both to a booth on the edge of a resteraunt.

>”Man this place is fancy. I feel underdressed.”

“Nonsense. You look beautiful. I can’t stand mares getting dressed up in overly elegant dresses and such.”

>Spitfire smiled again, looking over at the musicians playing on the stage in the center of the room.

“How’s the wing?”

>”Doc said I need to wear the cast for a month, then I’ll know if I can go back to being a Wonderbolt.”

“Aw man… I hope you can. I know you love your job. I feel bad for causing your wing to break.”

>”I’d rather lose my job than a friend.”

>The waiter came by and collected your orders.

>Two plates of spaghetti.

>Seems you two had a lot in common.

>How p0nies used forks was still beyond you, even as Spitfire used one right in front of you.

>”So, how’s things with Luna? I know being with someone you don’t know must be hard…”

“It’s impossible. The concussion she suffered has caused amnesia. So neither of us know each other.”

>”Seriously? I mean, all you two need to do is start over and do everything you did before.”

“That’s the problem. We don’t know how we made this work. We can’t even be in the same room without something happening.”

>”That’s rough buddy…”

“Yeah. We got back on Wednesday, and I moved out of her room by Thursday night.”

>”What about the kids?”

“I’m taking care of Dusk, Luna takes care of Dawn.”

>”That doesn’t sound too bad. Given the circumstances I mean.”

>The waiter brought out a bottle of wine, setting it in a bucket of ice and setting aside two glasses.

>”On the house sir.”

“Thank you.”

>The waiter gave a bow, and disappeared as quickly as he appeared.

>”Must be nice having people bow to you and all.”

“I hate it actually. I don’t want to be seen as higher than everyp0ny. I’m still technically a foreigner here.”

>”You’re just as much of an Equestrian as anyp0ny.”

>Spitfire eyed the wine bottle between the two of you, and you reached over, picking it up.

>”I promised you I would quit drinking… remember?”

“Tell you what. From now on, you can’t drink without me, and I can’t drink without you.”

>”Deal.”

>You poured two glasses of the red wine, setting the bottle aside and holding up the glass.

“A toast.”

>”To friendship?”

“Good enough for me.”

>The glasses clinked together, and the two of you sipped on your drinks.

“We’re going to need a few bottles to get drunk off of this stuff.”

>”Eh, I’m not too worried.”

“You’re just awesome like that Spits. You aren’t afraid of anything, and nothing worries you.”

>”That’s not true. I was terrified in that desert. And worried, and-“

“Hey, but for the most part, you didn’t show it. I like a mare that can handle herself.”

>Spitfire broke eye contact, her yellow face beginning to match her mane in color.

“You want to get out of here?”

>She nodded, hopping down from her seat and waited for you so she could walk beside you.

>At the last second, you grabbed the wine bottle, dropped few bits for a tip, and paid the bill.

>The walk back was quiet.

>Just the two of you lazily strolling through the dark streets of Canterlot, Spitfire occasionally nuzzling you hand as you walked.

>For some reason, you couldn’t shake the feeling you were being watched.

>You hated that feeling, because 8 times out of 10 you were right.

>”Anon! Aren’t you going to say good night at least?”

>You looked around, and realized you had been walking longer than you thought.

>You walked back to Spitfire, kneeling down run your fingers through her hair.

“I had fun Spits…”

>”Me too… It’s not too late… you know… if you want to stay a bit and… hang out…”

>There was a thunder strike over head, and rain gently began to fall around you.

“I suppose I can stay a bit, and wait out the rain.”

>You walked inside with Spitfire, taking your jacket off and draping it over the couch along with your tie.

>Spitfire walked into her room as you did, and a series of grunts and choice words soon tailed out.

>You walked in after a minute and found her struggling with her dress, her broken wing refusing to cooperate.

“You could have asked for help silly.”

>Kneeling down, you helped her out of the dress, taking it over to her closet and hanging it up for her.

>Behind you, Spitfire drew a few glasses, and poured the wine for the two of you.

>The two of you sat in her bed, sipping the wine, casually shooting the breeze.

>Still, you couldn’t shake that feeling that you were being watched…

>You reached behind your back, drawing your pistol and setting it aside on the nightstand.

>”Do you always carry that thing?”

“It’s a habit. One I think saved my life once or twice.”

>”You’re paranoid Anon.”

“Blame my past life.”

>”I didn’t say it bothered me.”

>You reached over and ruffled her mane.

>You could do that now, the two of you weren’t going anywhere.

>Hell, if it wasn’t for Princess Bitch at the castle, and you kids of course, you’d be ok with staying here.

>”Thinking about her?”

“Who?”

>”Luna. Duh.”

“Oh, right. I guess. It’s not easy being married to a mare you don’t love. Buck, I don’t even know her.”

>Spitfire just laid at your side, looking up expecting you to continue.

“And then… there’s you.”

>”Me?”

“Don’t act surprised. You know I love you.”

>“I love you too…”

>you could feel the wine start to tug at your eyelids, drawing you to sleep.

>Just then a hoof pressed against your chest, and a pair of lips met your own.

>After dealing with Luna for two days, you welcomed any affection you could get, especially if it was the mare you loved.

>But a faint “Ooh” from the window to your left drew your attention in the middle of the kiss.

>Lacking better judgment, you grabbed your pistol from the nightstand and fired a single shot at the silhouette that miraculously danced out of the bullets path in time.  

>”What the buck Anon?!”

>There was a crash coming from the front door, as if something broke it down.

>Training kicked in, and you took a position by the door that led to the living room.

>Sure enough, it was kicked in as well, and before you even recognized what was coming though, you delivered a kick to its chin, flipping it over onto its back.

>Placing your foot squarely on its armored chest, you turned the corner and leveled your pistol at the second intruder.

>It was one of those freaky bat guards, and his snake eyes were about as wide as they possibly could be without becoming normal eyes.

>The figure below you was exactly the same, down to the wide eyes of fear.

“Why are you two here?”

>”Escort! We were tasked by Luna to protect you.”

“Were you looking through that window?”

>They both shook their heads no, and you removed your foot from the guards chest, lowering your pistol from the other.

“Secure the perimeter, and then get out of here. I do not need ‘escorts’.”

>The two guards nodded and quickly started to leave before you stopped them once more.

“Two more things. What happened here, will not be spoken of. And fix the darn door before you leave.”

>The two guards left quickly, leaving the two of you alone once more.

>”Well that killed the mood…”

“It’s for the best Spits… Sorry about the damage.”

>”It’s fine. Not your fault.”

>You sat back down next to her, reaching over and petting her mane again.

>”You leaving?”

“I suppose I could stay… if you don’t mind that is. I mean, with that window it might get cold in here. I don’t want my buddy freezing.”

>”I like the way you think.”

>You and Spitfire crawled under the blankets and pressed against each other, falling asleep together.

>When you woke up, you found you and Spitfire hadn’t moved the slightest bit.

>You felt like you got ran over by a truck, and after it ran over you, it tossed out a 40lb box of guilt right onto your chest.

“Ughh…”

>You pulled away from her, dragging yourself out of bed and slowly getting dressed.

>”Trying to sneak away again?”

“No…”

>”What’s wrong Anon?”

>You stayed silent for a few moments, buttoning your shirt.

>”Anon, talk to me.”

“This is wrong Spitfire.”

>”We didn’t do anything aside from a little kissing. And I doubt Luna would even care if she knew. Not like she loves you…”

“I think the real Luna is still there. Just… blocked by something.”

>”It could be years before she regains her memories.”

“Then I should try every day until I get through to her!”

>You placed a hand on your head as a lance of pain shot through it.

>”Calm down Anon. You can’t stress yourself out over this kind of thing. It’s beyond your control.”

>Spitfire nuzzled against the back of your head, trying her best to make you relax.

>”I know, you aren’t used to things beyond your control. You like straight forward problems with a simple solution, no matter how hard that solution is.”

“Yeah, I guess that hits the nail on the head.”

>”Relax, try to enjoy the little things.”

“I hate when you use my own advice against me.”

>”I love it, because then you can’t argue against it.”

“I still think we need to stop this.”

>”You’ll come see me next weekend right?”

“Sure…”

>”Alright then. Get out of here. I’m sure somebody at the castle is looking for you.”

“Probably Celestia. I bet Dusk has drove her crazy by now. See you next week Spitfire.”

>Spitfire kissed your cheek and sat on the bed as you made your way outside, and back into the streets of Canterlot.

>Spitfire laid back down on her bed for a while, her mind stating to slip into depression.

>No, she wouldn’t let this get her down.

>She leapt down from her bed and onto the ground, making her way to the kitchen.

>She didn’t have much in terms of food, but after 5 minutes of rummaging around in her refrigerator and pantry, she had enough to make up a meal.

>”I really need to go to the store…”

>Just as she took a bite into an apple, there was a knock on her door.

>”Ugh… They always show up right when I decide to chow down.”

>She opened the door, still agitated about her breakfast being interrupted.

>”Wha-Anon? Did you forget something?”

“No. I just wanted to tell you I love you. And to Tartarus with the castle, and everyone in it.”

>”Anon, did you hit your head on the way out? This is a complete 180 of you 30 minutes ago.”

“Is it? Or is this what I’ve been telling myself I shouldn’t feel the entire time?”

>”I-“

“You were right. I should enjoy the little things. But you aren’t little. You’re the best thing in my life right now.

>Spitfire was lifted off the ground and carried into her bed room.

>”Are you sure Anon?”

“More sure than anything in my life right now. I love you.”

>”I love you too… Wanna-”

“You know I do. Give me everything.”

>Back at the castle, you stood in front of Celestia’s door, and knocked.

>There was a light clopping of hooves on the other side, and the door magically swung open.

>”Hello creature. Here to pick up thy child at last?”

“… I thought, but you live… Wait what?”

>”Are thou really so dense? Celestia has taken ill. I have been watching both children while thou went to dinner.”

“So you were spying on me.”

>”Call it what thou wish.”

“So you do care about me, Princess?”

>”Thou wishes.”

>Luna’s horn glowed brightly, bringing a sleeping Dusk over to you through the air

“I do wish.”

>Her eyes widened and her magic dissipated, causing Dusk to drop.

>At the last second you snatched him out of the air, keeping him from landing on the ground.

>You could have gotten her with a good insult or two for that, but it was time to set aside your differences.

>”You dare try to court ME, creature?”

“Why not? You are the fairest in the land Princess.”

>Direct hit!

>Luna’s face flushed, contrasting her dark blue face.

>”Thou should reconsider thy words. Another statement like that and I will personally blow you in half.”

>Luna slammed the door shut in your face, waking Dusk in the process.

>He whined for a moment before looking up at you then gave a squeal of happiness.

“Miss me Dusk?”

>Dusk gave a little giggle, wiggling his little legs in the air.

“Well, Daddy put the moves on Mommy, and he got a death threat and a door slammed in his face. Mission successful?”

>Another giggle.

“I thought so too. Come on, I’m hungry.”

>You made your way to the dining hall, passing Shining Armor along the way.

>”Anon, come with me, we have a situation.”

“Can I get some food first?”

>”No time.”

>You sighed.

>The life of a soldier never was a peaceful one.

>You gathered around a table in a room with several maps, surrounded by several officers.

“What in Equestria is the meaning of this?”

>”Anon, we think changelings have infiltrated Canterlot.”

“I thought you said you defeated them.”

>”We did, until we found this.”

>Shining Armor levitated a picture over to you, which you took in your hand and examined.

>It was a grey p0ny, lying on the ground.

>Its face was twisted and contorted, frozen in a look of shock.

>Actually, the p0ny wasn’t just grey. It’s eyes, mane, everything was grey.

“Is this p0ny… stone?”

>”You got it.”

“And what about this leads you to believe changelings are involved?”

>”Given the time frame, it would make sense. Only a week after the failed invasion and something like this comes across my desk.”

“Failed invasion. Key word. This is probably some spell that back fired or got out of control.”

>One of the officers piped up. ”How can you be so sure, you weren’t even here!”

“Are you trying to imply something Lieutenant?”

>”Possibly.”

>”Lieutenant! Stand down.”

>”No! If Anonymous had been here, instead of where ever he was, we might have saved a few more civilians. Do you know how many died Anon?”

“Watch your tone Lieutenant.”

>”Who promoted you and put you in charge of us anyway? How do we know he has Equestria’s best interest in his heart?”

>You reached over and pulled the guard up by the breast plate, bringing him eye level with you.

“I bucking live here guard. I have two children and a wife here. I am as Equestrian as you. And if I wasn’t, I would have thrown you through that window already.”

>”Anon… put him down.” Shining Armor spoke as if his words would break glass.

>You dropped the pony, causing him to land on his flank, and watched him franticly scramble away.

“Why am I even here Captain?”

>”You always have been my trusted advisor Anon.”

>For some reason, that drew a smile out from you.

“Fine, do what you think is necessary Shining Armor. If you think these are changelings are somehow infiltrated into Canterlot, do your best to find and destroy them.”

>Shining Armor nodded, and began to speak.

“One more thing. Do not let the public get wind of this, or there will be panic.”

>”Agreed. Would you like to draw up the patrol patterns?”

“You know the situation better than I Captain. I’ll trust your judgment.”

>You walked out of the room, leaving the officering to the officers, reaching up and patting dusk on his head.

>You forgot he was up there during the whole meeting.

>Hopefully that little act of violence wouldn’t impress on him.

>He was already a handful as it was.

>Finally, around noon you found yourself at the dining hall, where you at and enjoyed the first meal of the day for you.

>It wasn’t glorious.

>In fact, you were tempted to go out into the desert again just to find some snake meat.

>Eh, that wasn’t happening though.

>As you finished your meal, you stood up, gathering Dusk, and walked off, right into Luna.

“Forgive me Princess.”

>”Are thou clumsy as well?”

>You bit your lip in an attempt to avoid retaliating with an insult of your own.

“Yes, I apologize.”

 >”At least thou have learned some manners.”

>Luna brushed past you, walking over to her normal table and sitting down.

>Was all of this really worth it?

>You lost track of how many times you asked yourself that, best to go back to your room and call it a day.

>That night, you sat on your balcony, looking up at the stars with Dusk.

>This was probably going to become a nightly thing for the two of you.

>It was the least you could do, if you failed to get Luna back.

>The night sky was the closest thing he would have to a mother.

>Ok, that was depressing, even for you brain.

>”Creature!”

>Luna swooped down from the sky, landing on the other end balcony.

“Good evening Princess.”

>”What is thou doing up so late? The rest of the city is sleeping.”

“I come out here every night with Dusk. It helps him sleep.”

>Dawn leapt down from Luna’s back, landing on the ground.

>Dusk in turn, leapt from your arms and scurried over to his sister, tackling her in a ball of adorableness.

“We should let them see each other more. Just because we can’t put our differences aside doesn’t mean they should be separated as well.”

>”You dare tell me how to raise my own child?”

“They are both our children, whether you accept them or not. I am merely suggesting they be allowed to play together occasionally.”

>”…That is acceptable.”

>Holy dog shit, the princess finally gave a little ground.

>”But do not get any ideas. I still want nothing to do with you.”

“Fair enough.”     

>You both watched the two foals play from opposing ends of the balcony, occasionally looking up at the sky, while a small game of tag ensued.

>Dawn leapt into the air, her tiny wings carrying her over the edge of the balcony.

>You scrambled to your feet, hurrying over to grab Dawn.

>Doing so, you startled her, and watched as she plummeted.

>You grabbed her, tripping over the railing and falling about 5 feet before a magical aura suspended you mid-air.

>Slowly you were hoisted up to the balcony, Dawn leaping from your arms and setting back down on the balcony.

“Uh, thanks.”

>”My intentions were to only grab Dawn. I could care less about you.”

“Well since you have me, would you please let me down?”

>Luna gave the equivalent to a shrug, and dropped you head first onto the balcony.

“Ow!”

>”Are you alright?”

>You sat up, clutching your head in one hand, but you had a smile.

“You do care!”

>Luna looked away, her expression stern.

>”Quiet before I throw you off of this balcony.”

>You sat back down against the wall, and Dawn came over to you, nuzzling against your hand.

”Hey you! It feels like I haven’t seen you in forever!”

>You picked up the little filly, holding her in the air above your head and laughed as she squirmed and giggled.

>You looked over at Luna, who in turn was staring you down as if she expected you to hurt the little filly.

>There was a giggle, and suddenly Dusk leapt off the wall high above you two, flaring his tiny wings, and landed on Luna’s face.

>Luna’s eyes narrowed, but let out a sigh.

>”Why does he insist on doing this?”

“It’s a game Luna, he’s just trying to have some fun with his mom.”

>Luna quietly lowered her head, allowing Dusk to slide off and gently land on the ground.

>”Dawn! Come hither. We have been away from my sister long enough.”

>Dawn gave a soft whine, and curled into a ball, pressing herself into your chest.

“What’s wrong with Celestia?”

>”We aren’t sure, but I have taken her biggest responsibilities until she is capable.”

“I don’t mind watching Dawn as well. It sounds like you have a lot to do Princess.”

>”Nonsense, I am capable of taking care of my own children. Be thankful I am letting Dusk stay in thy company.”

>Dawn was levitated away from your body, and placed on Luna’s backside.

“Same time tomorrow Princess?”

>”Thou should not hold thy breath ape.”

>Luna beat her wings and launched into the air, off to her sister’s tower.

“Hear that Dusk? I got promoted from beast, to creature, and then to ape!”

>Dusk vanished and reappeared on your head, making himself comfortable.

“Ready for bed?”

>A tiny yawn confirmed your thoughts, and you took him inside.

>Today was a good day.

>The next morning you were rudely awoken by a hard knocking at your door.

>wearing only shorts, you groggily answered the door, meeting Luna’s eyes.

>”I see why thou wear clothes now. For that I am grateful.”

“Did you wake me just so you could insult my figure Princess? I must brighten up your day when you see me.”

>Luna glared at you; perhaps making jokes wasn’t the best thing to do first thing in the morning.

>”There will be a meeting in an hour in the throne room. I expect you to be there.”

“What type of meeting?”

>”I do not know, Shining Armor has called it so I would imagine it to be relating to the guard.”

>Luna trotted off, her words were saturated with annoyance.

>It didn’t bother you, not even a week ago they had been full of anger and hate.

>If she was only annoyed now, that was an improvement, right?

>First thing first, Dusk needs his bottle.

>Thankfully he could feed himself, which allowed you to get ready while he ate.

>You quickly dressed in your fatigues and donned your battle rattle, slinging your rifle over one shoulder and a diaper bag over the other.

>Bad ass dad reporting for duty.

>Oh, don’t forget your cover.

>You took the bottle from Dusk after a few minutes and set him on your head, making haste to the dining hall to grab a muffin before heading to the throne room.

>You couldn’t think as well on an empty stomach.

>As you entered the throne room, several sets of eye fell on you.

>A lieutenant, Shining Armor, Luna, and pair of guards, and a prisoner p0ny.

>”Thou brought Dusk to a meeting?”

“Well I can’t exactly leave him by himself can I?”

>”Princess Cadence is more than happy to look after them.”

”Noted. Can we get on to business? Why is this p0ny in chains?”

>”It’s no p0ny Anon. We believe it to be a changeling. It just won’t give in.”

“Well I just happen to know how to change them back to their creepy, bug looking selves.”

>You drew your pistol, making sure the magazine inside was  loaded, and slapped it inside.

>”Whoa Anon what are you-“

>Without a second though, you pistol whipped the p0ny in the side of the head, knocking it out cold.

>It crumpled to the ground, completely still.

>Shining Armor flipped.

>”What in Tartarus are you thinking Anon you could have killed him!”

“Relax Shiny. He’s just unconscious. When he comes too, let him go. This one is no changeling.”

>”How crude.”

“But effective, Princess. Now, is this the reason you called a meeting?”

>The guards shifted uneasily, avoiding eye contact as best they could.

“Before calling another meeting like this, I suggest you figure out if something is a changeling or not. I do not like striking innocent p0nies.”

>You holstered your pistol and proceeded out of the throne room, nearly tripping over a yellow p0ny.

>Wait, yellow… orange… wings…

“Spitfire? What are you doing here?”

>“Heh, hi Anon! Funny story. Remember when Princess Celestia said if something happened to my home I could crash here?”

“More or less, what happened?”

>I think I left the stove on, because it caught fire when I was at the store.”

“Well, I’m pretty sure there’s a room available. Follow me.”

>”Is that Dusk?”

“Sure is, want to hold him?”

>”Oh no, I couldn’t.”

“Sure you can, just let him ride on your head.”

>You set Dusk on Spitfire’s head, and watched as the black colt was nearly engulfed in orange hair.

“Now that’s adorable.”

>You showed Spitfire around the castle, where the dining hall was, and finally to her room.

“This one should be free. Make yourself comfortable.”

>”You should swing by sometime, I bet it gets lonely in the castle.”

“I’ll see if I have some free time Spitfire. Come on Dusk!”

>Dusk teleported over to your head, happily squealing as the two of you walked out and back to your room.

>”Friend of yours Anonymous?”

“Yes, that was Spitfire. She helped me through the desert and helped me escape the changelings. I owe her a great deal.”

>”I see.”

“Hey! You said my name!”

>”Wha-?“

“Normally you call me ‘beast’ ‘brute’ ‘creature’ or some other degrading name. You just called me Anonymous.”

>”A slip of the tongue brute.”

“It was nice while it lasted.”

>You began to walk away, but were immediately halted by a hood to the chest, pinning you against the wall.

>”I will warn you one last time. Stop. I have no interest in associating myself with a brute such as yourself you hairless ape.”

>Luna bared her teeth, but the lack of canine teeth made it ineffective. In fact…

“You’re really pretty when you’re angry.”

>”UGH!”

>Luna bought a hoof across your face, dazing you as she trotted off.

“Well Dusk, Daddy’s still got swag.”

 

>Dusk cooed, slobbering on your head as you began to walk away.

>”Wow Anon, you weren’t kidding. She is… unpleasant.”

>You looked behind you at Spitfire, who nosily had poked her head out the door during the argument.

>”Why don’t you… you know. Just leave.”

“No chance. I told you I was going to repair this marriage.”

>”She just made it clear for you to quit trying. Why can’t WE be happy together, I don’t even care if we move. P0onyville, Manehattan, Las Pegasus, I don’t care.”

“I said no. If Luna dissolves our marriage, then we can go off to where ever and build a house, start a new life together. But until that happens…”

>”Fine…”

“See you later Spits, I have some stuff I need to do.”

>You walked down the hallway, wondering to yourself why you said that.

>You didn’t have anything to do; life in the castle was boring for that very reason.

>Part of the reason why you were so tempted to take Spitfire up on her offer.

>You could leave this castle behind, get some thrill back in your life.

>But you took an oath, at least, so you were told.

>”Till death do you part.”

>You would do your best to see that through.

>When you got to your room, you sat Dusk in his little play pin, even though you knew he would wander out of it in a few minutes.

>What to do…

>You had a few books that you had already read, none of which were worth reading…

>Why not write your own?

>That’s a brilliant idea brain! What about?

>How about a weird creature dumped into a foreign land and he works to turn it into his home?

>That’s a terrible idea brain, what kind of story is that?

>You asked for ideas, that’s all I have in stock.

>You sat down at your desk and began to scribble down some basic ideas, basic plot lines, etc.

>Before you knew it, you were writing by candle light, with Dusk sitting on your head watching you write the strange letters.

>Strange to both of you that was, seeing as he couldn’t read, and you had not written anything in Equestrian in so long.

>You were on a roll until there was a knock at your door.

>You let your guest in, or guests you should say.

>Dawn zipped through the opening door quickly, tackling her brother in a ball of furry.

>Luna remained in the door way, staring you down.

“Um, come in Princess?”

>She sighed, walking in slowly.

“You didn’t feel like flying?”

>”It’s raining you dunce.”

>Huh, so it was. You had been so enveloped in writing you failed to notice.

“Well, make yourself comfortable I guess.”

>”Thy manners still need some work.”

>You ignored her as she moved past you and laid on your bed, while you sat in the chair across the room, watching the two foals play.

>”Dare I ask the reason thou have so many ink wells and papers at thy desk?”

“I’m writing a book.”

>”Pfffffft-“ Luna began snickering uncontrollably for a good few minutes before looking back up at you.

>”Thy must be jesting. Surely a brute such as thyself cannot hope to write a book.”

“I’m not saying it will be good. It’s only meant to help pass time.”

>The princess chuckled at the thought of you writing once more before turning her attention back to the foals.

>After a few minutes of silence, you walked over to the night stand beside your bed and placed your pistol inside, then sat beside Luna.

>She shifted away uncomfortably, putting a few feet between your bodies.

>A lingering tension seemed to fill the air, so heavy you could cut it with your knife.

“You look lovely in this light Luna. Well, you look lovely in every light, but-“

>”Quiet creature.”

>Cautiously, you reached over to her and stoked her mane.

>Her pupils narrowed to pin pricks, and her jaw clenched at your touch.

“I like how your mane looks like the night sky. I can’t decide which I like more.”

>It was impossible to tell for certain in the dim candle light, but she seemed to blush at that comment.

>Outside, Private Starshine, a Unicorn guard patrolled the halls of the castle.

>It was a thankless job, one of long dull hours filled with uneventful patrols.

>As he passed by your room however, things changed.

>You were sent flying through the door, knocking it off its hinges and landing against the wall on the far side of the hall.

>Luna trotted through, her horn glowing as she pulled Dawn from the room and sat her on her back.

>“Have a good evening guard. Anonymous, I trust we understand each other.”

>The guard looked down at you,  waiting until Luna was away to speak.

>”You ok Anonymous?”

“Yeah, just give me a few minutes…”

>He helped you off the ground and into your room, setting you on the bed.

“Thanks…”

>”Take care sir.”