In the Shadow of the Sun - 4 AKAME JAN 30TH, 2013


                                            >"Stars, I hate stuff like that!"

                                            "Me too."

                                            >You and Ex walk down the halls of Canterlot Castle.

                                            >"Having some stupid magic creature constantly bugging you and saying, 'Hey, listen! We're in the treasure room! We can get gold here!'"

                                            "It's annoying."

                                            >"Damn right it is! Stories that use such an expositional device are lazy and unoriginal."

                                            >A large set of wooden doors comes into view as you turn a corner.

                                            >Delectable aromas fill the air as you get closer, causing you to salivate.

                                            >When you reach the doors, Ex stops and clears his throat.

                                            >"Eh hem. So, here's the mess hall! Where they serve every kind of food imaginable!"

                                            >Practically drooling at this point, you eagerly push the doors open.

                                            >Your nostrils are greeted with the rich smell of cooked carrots, squashes, and stews while your eyes behold the scenery.

                                            >Several large tables stretch the whole length of the room, all filled with guards, butlers, maids, almost all forms of servitude sat here.

                                            >A few eye you and Ex as you step into the hall, but some of the more grizzled looking ones ignore you completely.

                                            >They've probably seen worse than a hairless ape.

                                            >Ex leads you to a serving area where a large brown stallion in an apron dishes out a heavenly smelling stew.

                                            >The cook glances you over while growling.

                                            >"Easy Stu, Anon here is with me."

                                            >Ex slaps your back, indicating to the stallion that you were ok.

                                            >"Alright, if you're good with Ex, you're good with me."

                                            >The earthp0ny slides a large bowl over and slops some stew into it.

                                            >You shakily take the dish and step to the side.

                                            >Stu pours some stew for Ex and the two of you take a seat at one of the tables.

                                            >As soon as you sit, you down the contents of your bowl, swallowing loudly.

                                            >"Whoa there, be sure to chew at least!"

                                            >You slow your pace, taking care not to spill a drop of the life-giving meal.

                                            >It's been two days since you last ate, to say you are hungry is an understatement.

                                            >Setting the now empty bowl on the table, you belch.

                                            *Buuuuuurrrrrp*

                                            >"Nice."

                                            >Ex guzzles his stew and sets his plate on the table.

                                            >"But not nice enough."

                                            >He pulls his head back before releasing a burp of his own at you.

                                            *BuuuuuuuuuuuuUUUUUUURRRRP*

                                            >A mare behind you passes out.

                                            >Waving the fumes from your face, you smirk at the black unicorn.

                                            "Then it's a challenge, is it?."

                                            >Armed with freshly filled bowls, you begin the battle of masculinity.

                                            *BUUUUU~UUUU~UUUURRRP*

                                            >*Bu-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-rp*

                                            *Buuuuurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrp*

                                            >*BuuuUUUuuuuUUUUuuuuUUUUrrrrrP*

                                            *Buuuuurrrrrrrr-UUUUUUUUUU-ack!*

                                            >A piece of un-chewed carrot sticks to Ex's snout.

                                            >"You gotta chew better."

                                            >He wipes the vegetable off and flicks it to the floor.

                                            "Yeah sorry about tha-"

                                            >*BAAAAAOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRRRRP*

                                            "Oh god! It went in my mouth!"

                                            >Ex laughs as you try to rinse the taste of defeat from your tongue.

                                            >You gargle some water and spit it onto the floor.

                                            >Or you would have, if a large brown earthp0ny hadn't been standing there.

                                            >Stu's eye twitches as your gaze meets his.

                                            >"Both of you, out. Now!"

                                            >"Come on, Stu. Nothing wrong with a what we were doing."

                                            >"P0nies are trying to eat!"

                                            >You glance around the room again.

                                            >A few p0nies are vomiting, but the more grizzled looking ones still ignore you.

                                            >They've probably seen worse than a hairless ape having a belching competition with his new friend.

                                            >"NOW!"

                                            >Stu grabs both you and Ex and throws the two of you into the hall.

                                            >"Learn some MANNERS before coming back!"

                                            >With that bit of advice, Stu slams the doors to the mess hall.

                                            >You and Ex look at each other and begin to snicker.

                                            *Pfft*

                                            >*Ke-ke-ke*

                                            "Hahahaha!"

                                            >"Heheheheh!"

                                            >"What are you doing down here, you lazy idiot?"

                                            >Your laughter is cut short but an imposing white unicorn.

                                            >"Theos."

                                            >"Ex."

                                            >Huh, they both have machines for cutie marks… Weird.

                                            >Ex glares at the white unicorn as he speaks.

                                            >"So, brother, why are you down in the lowly halls of servitude?"

                                            >"HALF-brother. And because a certain librarian isn't doing his job."

                                            >Ex winces at his Theos' words.

                                            >"I… just needed some air."

                                            >"And to see Celestia's new plaything it seems."

                                            >It was your turn to cringe.

                                            >"Aw, are you bitter that your master didn't get what she wanted? Did Celestia come crying to you, saying, ^'Oh my silly little sister took my sweet Anon away! Boohoohoo!'^"

                                            >Theos' eyes widen at Ex's mockery.

                                            >Your friend is sent flying by a blast of dark gray magic.

                                            >Ex teleports midair and with a puff of pale gray magic, appears behind the white stallion, charging up his own offensive spell.

                                            >Theos turns, readying a spell to meet Ex.

                                            >The hall shines with magic as the brothers prepare to fight.

                                            >"ENOUGH!"

                                            >The two unicorns stop their squabble and face the source of the intruding voice.

                                            >Your eyes narrow at Celestia's figure walking down the hall.

                                            >Theos hastily bows, followed reluctantly by Ex.

                                            >You avert your gaze as Celestia glares at you and the Machina brothers.

                                            >"Head Librarian Theos, return to your station immediately."

                                            >Wordlessly, Theos turns and leaves.

                                            >"Head Librarian Ex, you may finish showing Anonymous around."

                                            >She glances at you and flashes a grin.

                                            >"After you have finished, show Anonymous to my chambers, I would like to speak with him."

                                            >Ex says nothing, preferring to stare at the floor.

                                            >Celestia's tail flicks against you as she trots by.

                                            >When the princess is out of sight, Ex stands and turns to you.

                                            >"Anon… I'm sorry you had to see that."

                                            >You scratch the back of your head awkwardly.

                                            "It's ok… So~ Head Librarian, huh? That's kind of interesting."

                                            >Ex's smile is filled with both pride and pain.

                                            >"My family has served as Canterlot's librarians for… well, ever. Since Canterlot's foundation."

                                            >He sighs as he begins to walk, prompting you to follow.

                                            >"We've served Celestia and Luna for generations, managing information and education, creating spells, among many more responsibilities."

                                            "Creating spells?"

                                            >Ex's face lights up a little more.

                                            >"Yup, I alone have refined several powerful spells!"

                                            >Ex flourishes his hoof around dramatically.

                                            "Like what?"

                                            >He stops walking and taps your armor.

                                            >"This baby here is one. A fully customizable, magic resistant armor that connects the caster and wearer across a short distances. Crafted especially for Princess Luna."

                                            "So that's why you told me not to worry? You knew the armor would warn of any danger?"

                                            >Ex beams.

                                            >"Basically."

                                            >You both share a laugh as you resume your tour of the castle.

                                            "Any more spells you made?"

                                            >"Aside from minor refinements like more efficient teleporting… There's only one spell that I have created at the Princesses' request."

                                            "Oh?"

                                            >Why does Ex seem hesitant to detail this spell?

                                            >"…"

                                            >"You've also had this one cast on you."

                                            "I don't remember any-"

                                            >"Celestia commissioned my idiot brother to do it, but he doesn't understand anything other than offensive spells. I jumped at the chance to show up that bastard…"

                                            >You take a few steps in silence, waiting for him to continue.

                                            >"It was a powerful healing spell, capable of healing almost any damage inflicted."

                                            >The night in Celestia's dungeon forces its way into your mind.

                                            >"I wanted to solve the pain issue, but Celestia didn't care. Like my brother, all she cares about is herself."

                                            >Ex's bitter attitude was a jarring shift from your belching buddy in the mess hall.

                                            >You lightly punch his shoulder and laugh.

                                            "Fuck 'em. If people don't care, you make them care."

                                            >Ex smiles at your comment, then coughs.

                                            >*Cough* "Don't get all mushy on me now. Come on, I'll show you around."

                                            >Ex gives a stellar tour of the castle.

                                            >He shows you the guard barracks, the treasury-

                                            >Incidentally, being able to swim through gold coins is a myth.

                                            >You'd have an easier time swimming through bricks.

                                            >You know that life lesson now.

                                            >The grand hall, throne room, the west wing of the library, the east wing of the library, the restricted wing-

                                            >The Library, he showed you the library.

                                            >The whole tour you regale each other with stories from your lives.

                                            >Your excursion ends several hours later at a pair of ornate white doors, accented with gold.

                                            >These sisters are not subtle about their color choice, are they?

                                            >"Anon…"

                                            >You face your companion.

                                            >"I tried to postpone this meeting as much as possible but… Listen, as long as you have that armor on, Celestia won't do anything drastic since Luna would feel it and likely come to your aid."

                                            >You nod.

                                            >"I'll… keep watch at your post until you return. Good luck."

                                            >Ex sets of, leaving you standing outside the sun princess's room.

                                            >You do the best you can to prepare yourself for her sick games, and knock.

                                            *Knock* *Knock* *Knock*

                                            >Please don't be here.

                                            >Please don't be here.

                                            >Please don't be he-

                                            >"Enter."

                                            >FUCK!

                                            >You pull the door open and enter Celestia's domain.

                                            >Her room is far more… empty than you thought it would be.

                                            >Aside from the fireplace and-

                                            >One, two- wow three beds. One near the fireplace, one on the balcony, and a larger ostentatious one in an alcove similar to Luna's room.

                                            >There's not many more furnishings besides a few small desks.

                                            >The white alicorn sits on the bed near the fireplace, writing several letters and drinking what appears to be alcohol, based on her flushed face.

                                            >She ends her chores when she notices her guest is you, placing the letters on a desk and finishes her drink.

                                            >Shakily standing, she trots over to you smiling.

                                            >"So, Anon, did you enjoy the castle?"

                                            >She looks at you through half open eyes.

                                            "What did you want to see me for?"

                                            >Celestia is taken aback by your comment.

                                            >"Hmf. I can't ask if my favorite toy is enjoying his time in my castle?"

                                            "Isn't this Luna's castle as well?"

                                            >Celestia rolls her eyes.

                                            >"Well technically~ but everyp0ny thinks of ME when they say 'Canterlot Castle'."

                                            >Wow- just wow.

                                            >Does she even care about her sister?

                                            >The tipsy mare walks over to a desk and opens a drawer.

                                            >She takes out two glasses and a bottle of clear fluid.

                                            >The label on the side seems to indicate that it is an alcoholic drink.

                                            >Celestia uncorks the bottle and fills the two glasses.

                                            >She levitates one over to you and hovers it expectantly in front of you.

                                            >You take the glass but don't drink it, no way you're letting your guard down around her.

                                            >The princess's face becomes serious as she approaches you.

                                            >"Anon, do you know how serious it is for p0nies to unjustifiably fight within the walls of Canterlot?"

                                            >Her eyes pierce your body.

                                            >"Ex is could face execution for his transgressions."

                                            "EX?! What about his brother, Theos? He's the one that started it!"

                                            >Celestia smiles as she swirls her drink.

                                            >"Theos has already filed a report about the incident, Ex has not."

                                            "That's not fair, Ex was showing me the castle like you ordered-"

                                            >"I never ordered him to do so, I simply said he may if he so desired."

                                            >A sly grin slithers across Celestia's face.

                                            >"He COULD have used that time to write up a report, but instead he chose to go sightseeing with you. Shame~"

                                            >Celestia pouts mockingly at you.

                                            >Shit… These exact word games of her's are getting on your nerves.

                                            "What do you want?"

                                            >She beams at you, reveling in your submission.

                                            >"Just a drink~"

                                            >You stare, unblinking, at the sadistic mare in front of you.

                                            "Just one?"

                                            >"Just this one ri~ght here."

                                            >She points to the sherry glass in your hand.

                                            "Then I can go?"

                                            >"You can do whatever you want afterwards."

                                            >This was obviously a trap, but you had no other options.

                                            >You tilt your head back and down the glass in one swig.

                                            >Celestia smiles ear to ear and does the same, making many small, audible gulps.

                                            >*Ulp* *Ulp* *Ulp* "Ah~"

                                            >You look at your empty glass and place it on the desk Celestia retrieved it from.

                                            >"Did you like your drink, Anon?"

                                            >You glance at the sun princess.

                                            >…

                                            >Has she always been this radiant?

                                            >What the fuck was that thought?

                                            >You tug on the neck of your armor.

                                            >Fuck it's hot in here.

                                            >Celestia approaches you as you fiddle with your cuirass.

                                            >"It's so hot in here, Anon. You should make yourself comfortable~"

                                            >Your hand holds your head as you begin to sweat.

                                            "What did I drink?!"

                                            >You stumble over to the desk, panting the whole way, and pick up the bottle sitting there.

                                            >Kelpie's Aphrodisiac.

                                            >'If he won't love you, make him!'

                                            >'WARNING: Recommended dose is one or two sips, no more.'

                                            >You had easily had three or four gulps.

                                            >Shit.

                                            >You place the bottle back onto the table and turn to Celestia.

                                            >God she was beauti-

                                            >No, that's not you thinking!

                                            >Your hand covers your crotch. The armor just got a lot tighter.

                                            >Celestia is showing her excitement, the drug affecting her deeply as well.

                                            >She drips onto the floor as she saunters over to you.

                                            >She props herself up and whispers into your ear.

                                            >"Come on~ It's so hot. You could stand to lose some of that heavy~ armor."

                                            >It's impossible to think clearly anymore.

                                            >You nod and slide your right gauntlet off.

                                            >Celestia's mouth wraps around your fingers and begins to suck.

                                            >Her tongue darts between your digits, lapping up the sweat that was accumulating.

                                            >One of her hoofs works in conjunction with your left hand to unclasp your cuirass, letting it fall to the ground.

                                            >Next is your greaves.

                                            >Before they even hit the ground, Celestia is fondling your throbbing member.

                                            >She pulls herself from your hand with a drawn out *sluuurp* and licks her way across your body, stopping just short of your crotch.

                                            >But she doesn't grace your member with her tongue, she just laps at your stomach.

                                            >You start to go insane from the denial of pleasure.

                                            "Wh- why aren't you-"

                                            >"I want you to beg for it. I want you to say, 'Please, your highness, let me soil your divine mouth with my worthless cock. Please, let me give you my seed and become yours forever.' Say it, and I'll give you what you want."

                                            >Her teasing is inhumane.

                                            >You can't…

                                            "P-please… your highness…"

                                            >Celestia moves a little closer to your member.

                                            "Let me… soil your divine mouth… with my worthless cock."

                                            >She laps the base of your shaft.

                                            "Please, let me give you my seed…"

                                            >Her tongue trails up your shaft slowly.

                                            "And become yours forev-"

                                            >Your remaining attached armor pulses painfully.

                                            >Luna's heart rate skyrockets.

                                            >She's in danger.

                                            >Granted some clarity from the adrenalin, you push a denied Celestia away.

                                            >"Anon, wait!"

                                            >Your armor reattaches itself magically as you sprint out the door, leaving the sun princess to sit in frustration.

                                            >The long halls of the castle only serve to frustrate you as you run.

                                            >If only you could get there faster.

                                            >Teleport or something.

                                            >You feel the air around you grow cold as light bends around you.

                                            >A blue flash engulfs you and you appear outside Luna's room.

                                            >What you just did is amazing, but you don't have time to think about it.

                                            >Luna's doors are flung open, deep gashes carved into them like something was dragged across.

                                            >You see Ex battling several figures while Luna shakes on her bed.

                                            >Dashing into the fray, you slam into one of the enemies and throw them against the wall.

                                            >"What took you so damn long?!"

                                            >Ex shouts as he blasts an aggressor.

                                            "I don't know how to explain."

                                            >You strike an enemy strait in the snout, forcing them to the ground.

                                            >"Don't bother, I can smell it from here. You took off the armor didn't you?"

                                            "Can we not talk about this right now?"

                                            >"Whatever."

                                            >The rest of the assassins are dispatched.

                                            >"Ha- Ha-"

                                            "Ha- Ha-"

                                            >You and Ex try to regain your breath.

                                            >"This mission is a failure, we're pulling out."

                                            >The defeated foes all disappear in a flash of gray magic.

                                            >A cloaked figure stands on the balcony.

                                            >It laughs at you.

                                            >In a flash, you teleport next to him and grab his cloak.

                                            >"Don't touch me, you PLAYTHING!"

                                            >A blast of magic sends you flying onto Luna's bed.

                                            >"Anon! Are you ok?!"

                                            >Luna shuffles over to you and cradles your head.

                                            >"That toy can't protect you forever, princess. We will claim your life soon enough."

                                            >Ex charges the assassin, but he teleports away before Ex reaches him.

                                            >"Damn!"

                                            >Ex curses as he turns to you.

                                            >You sit up unharmed, the armor took most of the damage from the fight.

                                            >Luna is sobbing next to you, terrified of the threat made on her life.

                                            "Shh-"

                                            >You hold Luna in a close embrace.

                                            "Don't worry, I'll protect you."

                                            >You stroke her mane as she sobs into your chest.

                                            >"B-but, where were you earlier? Why did you leave me alone?"

                                            >Her words carved you into a million pieces.

                                            >You had left her alone, vulnerable to something like this.

                                            >You're a fucking hypocrite…

                                            >You of all people should know what it's like to be ignored.

                                            "I'm- I'm sorry… Never again will I leave your side."

                                            >You clasp her shoulders and look her resolutely in the eyes.

                                            "I WILL protect you."

                                            >Luna nods silently as she cries.

                                            >*Choke* "Thank you."

                                            >It's almost sunset, you help Luna clean up and ready herself for her nightly duties.

                                            >She hangs her head as you walk behind her.

                                            >This mare, who no one understands, who's own sister cares nothing for her…

                                            >You will protect her.

                                            >Not because you have to.

                                            >But because she deserves to be protected.

                                            >Until the day she finds happiness…

                                            >You will protect her.