[Filly NMM] The Test

>"Hey, Anon. How are you?"
>The little dragons calls from his balancing act upon a large stack of books, chairs, and other assorted items that are teetering back and forth.
>It seems Spike has dared to make that tower just to hang up a welcoming banner despite that it looks like the lightest breeze could bring the whole pile down and him with it.
>Before you think to reply you scoop up the lizard and place him on the ground before placing the banner yourself.
"There's how many unicorns or pegasi around, why'd you have to go try and do it yourself?"
>"It's part of the dragon code of honour."
"Dragons don't ask for help when they can't do something?"
>"No, dragons complete any and all tasks they were given, no matter the hardship."
>He proudly puffs up his chest in a triumphant pose.
>You want to explain to him how stupid he is but you recall getting a massive migraine last time you attempted something that.
>Instead, you swiftly changed subjects.
"So, when do the princesses arrive?"
>"Around noon, I think."
>You nod and stand there, unsure of what to say next.
>You've never really had the chance to get to know Spike before.
> And part of you wants to but the other part of you has noticed Pinkie alongside Twilight and thinks that'd be a much better way to pass time.
"Alright, I'll catch you later Spike.”
>"Oh? Uh, yeah. Later Anon!"
>He gives a small and disheartened wave as you leave.
>It's been a little while since you've seen Pinkie what with your new job and all.
"PINKIE," you excitedly bellow.
>She spins around and stands on her hind legs while sternly squinting at you.
>Her fore hooves hover around her waist, reminding you of more than a few old cowboy westerns.
>"You've got a lot of nerve showin' yer mug round these parts. Anon," sounding more southern than the entire Apple family combined.
>Her voice is coarse and hardy, again reminding you of westerns.
>But the thing is, her tone also has you on edge because you can't really think of a time where Pinkie even jokingly tried to be serious around you.
>She's always giggly and bubbly when you're around. Or when anyone is around as far as you're aware of.
"What did I do?" you chuckled, nervously looking around for some kind of clue or out.
>"No more talk. On three, ya hear?"
"On three what?"
>"Two."
>She knuckles down slightly, readying herself for whatever she's about to send your way.
>You’ve never seen Pinkie mad before, in fact you’ve kind of thought her incapable of it but now that you see her so tense, you’ve begun to experience a new kind of dread.
"One."
>The counting doesn’t help the nerves either. She drops down and you recognise the stance she’s making.
>"Pink," is all you can muster before she charges into you like a cannon ball, knocking the wind and your senses right out of you.
>Your entire torso lets out a scream as the fuzzy little ball hits harder than one could imagine while sending the two of you fly for a solid few metres, rolling and tumbling together as Pinkie's grip tightens around you.
>Once you come to a stop, Pinkie leaps up and lets out a cheer.
>"WEEEEEE! That was so much fun, want to go again?"
>She hunches down like an excited puppy, her eyes brightly shine as her tail wags.
>There's a temporary lapse in your judgement as you consider the idea but your common sense returns before it’s too late.
"Another time. Perhaps with more of a warning."
>"Oh… No, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be so rough with you, old man," she answers seemingly apologetic at first but her cheeky grin and tone shines through at the end.
"Woah! Old man? I've yet to get my first grey hair," you defensively shout as you point to your head.
>"How can you tell? You always shave it," she curiously replies with a tilt of the head.
"Exactly!"
>She giggles while helping you to your feet, then you both take a seat beside one another.
>"How old DO humans live for anyway?"
"You knock the stuffing out of me like that ever again and you may never find out."
>Then the two of you spend the next little while catching up.
>Pinkie talks about all her parties she’s thrown, how all the folks in town are and the cakes, as well as a few adventures she’s gotten up to with her group of friends while you just tell her Moonie stories.
>Part of you feels bad that it’s all you’ve got to talk about, especially when she leads such an interesting life in comparison.
>You want to claim that Moonie is just a handful like you always do, but you know it’s because you just haven’t really gotten yourself much of a social life since her arrival in your world.
>Then again, you can’t really admit to having one before her either.
>”Anonymous. Pinkie. How are we today?” Twilight injects herself into the conversation as she looks over her checklist for who knows what time this would be.
“Hey Twi’. When are the princesses meant to get here?”
>Twilight looks up from her checklist and pauses as her mind seems to collect itself.
>”Any minute now,’ she goes back to her list then a thought brings her back to you, “Are you and Moonie handling it alright so far?”
“Yeah, of course... Why do you ask?”
>”Well--”
>”I HAVEN’T FINISHED MY STORY!”
>Twilight apologetically smiles at you then sits quietly so Pinkie can finish her grand tale of the time she and her friends helped some distant land find the friendship they needed all along that you faded out of part way through.
>There’s something about Minotaur now plus griffins when you tune back in, so you have no idea how she’s gotten to this part.
>As Pinkie Pie continues to talk about, your eyes wander around until they find Moonie across the way from you.
>She can be seen playing in the park with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.
>According to Moonie the two have reformed in some capacity, or at least DT did and Silver Spoon mimicked by making up to the other kids and ceasing their bullying for the most part.
>The three of them all get up to a lot of “pranks” but you’re sure it’s just a part of them that are unable to kick old habits.
>”THEY’RE HERE,” shrieks a colt from somewhere in the crowd.
>The ponies all gather around making it impossible to see from your seat on the grass.
>A little disgruntled at having to be active, you rise to look over all the mares and stallions as they all cheer and excitedly hop around as the Princesses leave their golden chariot.
>Princess Celestia and Luna naturally tower over the ponies too so your eyes meet with theirs.
>You smile and wave while they give a nod of acknowledgement.
>There’s plenty of ponies swarming around hoping to greet the royals personally, so a nod is all you’ll get right now.

>Deciding there’s little reason to wait around and watch the Princesses greet everyone individually, you head over to where you last saw Moonie.
>As you try to track her down, you find yourself wondering if any kings or queens back on Earth dedicated time to trying to be as gracious to every individual as the Princesses here do.
>“Hello Anon,” Moonie coos as you approach.
“What have you done?”
>She just laughs in response before falling silent.
“Moonie?”
>“Wait, that wasn’t a bit?”
“No.”
>“I… Am shocked… And appalled that you…My caretaker and most TRUSTED confidant don’t trust me,” she replies as she does her best to seem hurt but you’ve never fallen for that.
“Where are Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon?”
>“Tied up in that tree,” she confesses alongside a giggle.
>With a shake of the head, you walk over to the little tree.
>It’d be kind of tall for a pony but considering your height, this is easy.
>Pushing apart the foliage you see two pony shaped objects tied to the trunk of the tree.
“Hey you two, let me get you out of there,” you call out as you pull the closest rope.
>Then your attention snaps behind you as you hear three victorious cackles.
>You catch a glimpse of blue, pink and grey as you are thrown around and upward into the tree.
>Somehow, you are now upside down beside the two stuffed pillowcases that are shaped like fillies.
>The cackling doesn’t end, it instead grows into a raucous chorus of laughter as the three send a barrage of water balloons your way.
>Autumn has only recently begun so it’s not like this is a bad thing, but damn are they getting you good.
>“Surrender,” squeals Silver Spoon.
>“I can’t believe he fell for it,” jeers Diamond Tiara.
>“Keep going,” Moonie eggs.
>Then, around the base of the tree, you hear a creak as it gives way for weight.
>You land on your head but it doesn’t really hurt as you were only a few centimetres above the ground to begin with.
>There’s a laughter inside you that is begging for revenge, so badly that as you get up and chase the little hellions you don’t bother to untie the tree.
>The leaves are dragging on the ground and making it hard for you to run, but those cute little stumps these fillies call legs aren’t able to outrun you no matter how fast they scamper or whatever weighs you down.

>You feel as strong as the titan Atlas through comparison, holding the weight of the world as you try to exact your petty revenge on three fillies.
“Got you,” you bellow as you scoop up Silver Spoon, the slowest.
>“No, please, they made me--”
“It’s too late,” you wide-eyedly cackle.
>You pick up some of the water balloons that were sitting in their bucket nearby and rub them into her face so hard that they pop.
>Silver squeals and squirms as she becomes soaked.
>You let her off easy, she is the third wheel plus the other two might get away if you dawdle too much on one filly.
>So you release her and begin the chase all over again.
>Diamond Tiara never got far, so you begin to pelt her with a few water balloons.
>One of them hits the grass under her, causing it to be slippery enough for her to fall.
>That was unintended but it was such a good shot and seeing DT flail about mid-air has filled you with a sense of pride.
>“MERCY,” she pleads, but all you feel is barren inside as you drop the remaining water balloons on her. Save for one.
>Just for good measure, you tickle her some.
>“NO! STOP... I’ll tell my--DADDY!”
“Apologise!”
>“I’LL PAY YOU!”
>She wriggles and desperately tries to flee like you’ve never seen someone do before.
>You can hear her gasps for air fail as the laughter is endless.
>It’s kind of infectious.
“Coins won’t help you,” you laugh.
>“I’m--”
“What was that?”
>“STOP!”
“What were you going to say?”
>“STO--SORRY!”
>Without a moment to lose you dart off, leaving Diamond Tiara to finally catch her breath.
>Moonie has hidden behind a tree, and a faint bit of her flowing tail is what gave her away.
>Tired and out of breath yourself, you lean on the tree while you surprise her.
>She lets out a scream just as this tree also gives way under your weight. It was tiny and frail, so it’s no surprise.
>“You fool,” the little nightmare boasts as you fall and she flees.
>You pushed yourself too much too quickly, you’re too worn out to give chase right away.
>So you lie there.
>Moonie comes over to you with a hop and skip, bragging as she throws another water balloon at you.
>So you fire your final one back at her, sailing right over her head.
>“HA! I expect more of a sport from you, grandpa. How dare you let your queen down like this.”
“I know where you live,” you exhaustingly utter
>“How is that a thre--”
“I also make your food,” you say with a sly grin.
>Moonie climbs up onto your chest.
>You thought she was about to give a triumphant pose, gloat, or something, but instead she puts her ear to your chest.
>“I knew it,” she whispers.
“What?”
>“There’s… Nothing... Only the cold winds of winter.”
“Oh, I’m the heartless one?” you snicker as you ask.
>You’re halfway through picking yourself off the floor when you notice Princess Luna looking at you with wild bewilderment.
>Not that you can’t understand why.
>There’s a tree tied upside down to your back, another broken tree to your side, with two fillies exhausted as well as soaking wet.
“This... Is... exactly what it looks like,” you state with a glowing smile.
>“How did three fillies get the jump on you?”
>Using her magic, Luna helps lift you to your feet then frees you from the tree.
“They took advantage of my kind-hearted nature.”
>“Oh, when did you get one of those?” She cheekily giggles.
>You clutch your chest and feign being wounded which elicits another laugh from the Princess.
>“Ugh,” Moonie dry retches, “I think I’m actually going to help my failed minions.”
>Moonie darts away, in the opposite direction of Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara.
>Then Luna’s face relaxes into a more serious one before she speaks in her regal aura.
>“Unfortunately we are here formally.”
“Life of a princess never stops it seems,” you sigh.
>“I am afraid so… My sister and I would like to request an audience with you later this evening to discuss a few matters with you.”
“I look forward to it,” you smile, half expectantly.
>“Thank you, we won’t be able to stay long,” she nods, “Thus we will leave you to the events of the day.”
>Before she goes, she gestures her head to the nearby hiding location of Moonie.
>You smile and wait a while as the Princess leaves.
>While you try to give as few clues at first while you head in her direction, you break the farce as you madly dash at Moonie.
>There’s a sudden shriek as you tower over her.
>While Moonie does her best to scamper away, you scoop her up.
>If there’s one thing you’ve proven over the years and especially more so today, it’s that fillies have no hope in fleeing from you unless you want them to.
>“It was all Silver Spoon’s idea,” horridly lies Moonie.
>You don’t listen to excuses, instead you warmly cuddle her and give her some kisses on the cheek.
>She making some dry retching sounds and tries to push your face away but you’re not letting her.
>Plus you spy the tiniest smile on her face as she fights back a joyous giggle.
“Aww, who is my widdle mischievous demon?”
>Your voice is as sickenly cute as you can manage.
>“Oh, please no,” she screams, the hint of joy still lingers.
>By now Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara have long since caught their breath, they were just watching to see Moonie’s punishment.
>Moonie realises they're still there once they giggle to themselves and it sends her into a panic.
>All her strength, even her magic, goes into trying to pry herself loose.
“Moonie, my widdle Moonie. You’re hurt. Stay, have some kisses to make it all better.”
>Now she has begun to plead while continuing the struggle, so you offer some loud smooching sounds as she tries to fight you off.
>The more she struggles though, the more you turn up the embarrassment which leads to more laughter from you, which in turn spurs on Moonie’s desperation for freedom.
>A viscous cycle that you continue for a while, then you leave her be with her friends to pile on the harassment.
>Her face has lost all hint of being that midnight blue, instead her blush has made her as bright red as a rose or tomato.
“Adorable,” your breathlessly mutter under your breath as you leave the park.

>You wander around the square, taking in the sights of the fair the residents of Ponyville have put on for their beloved Princesses. >You can still see the Princesses talking to an endless line of ponies.
>It makes you wonder how Luna managed to slip away long enough to speak with you, even if it was brief and formally.
>“Cider?”
>The stall beside you has a green elderly mare giving you a toothless smile.
“Hey Granny. How are you?”
>Placing a few bits in her hoof, she passes a mug your way. You’re not really thirsty, but you felt an impulse of obligation as you wandered near the stall.
>“Good. How are you faring today?”
“Heh, that’s not a bad one.”
>“How would you know, you haven’t taken a sip yet.”
“No--I was talking about… the fair joke.”
>You examine her with a curious eye as you try to decipher if she did do that joke intentionally or if she’s doing that senile bit.
>She smiles at you warmly, giving no clues as per usual.
>Normally you wouldn’t be suspicious of an elderly person being crazy but Granny has proven time again to be one of the sharpest ponies in this town.
>Despite her age.
>However reading a pony’s facial expression is something you’ve still yet to get the hang of, you’re not convinced that she’s the senile type with few rare moments of clarity.
>“Well?”
>You take a quick squiz of your cider.
>The soothing liquid cools your throat and tickles your tastebuds with that crisp apple flavour.
>The heavy carbonation and fiz catches part way down, causing you to release a small burp but even that’s a pleasurable feeling as it feels like it released a knot in your gut.
>The aftertaste of crisp apple and yeast tickles and dances within your mouth, inviting more the the splendour in this mug.
“Great as always.”
>“I meant your day, how have you been Anon? ... You’re not going senile on me are ya?”
“Not that age yet, thankfully.”
>“Good, what with you being human, nopony can tell if it’s time or not,” she replies then pauses before speaking once again in an offended tone, “But there’s nothing wrong with going old.”
>She swats at you so you reel backwards enough to make her miss.
“I didn’t mean it like that.”
>“I know.”
“Besides, I’ve got plenty of years in me yet.”
>“Oh, so do I deary,” she remarks with a wink.
“No, I mean it. Humans live to be twice as long as me. I’ve actually got time.”
>Granny eyes you for a moment, then smacks her lips a little as the conversation falls silent.
>“Well?” She suddenly asks impatiently.
“Oh! Yeah, I’m good. You?” you answer as you take another drink.
>“What? Oh… I’m good too but enough about me, what about you?”
“Good,” you awkwardly repeat.
>Again you eye her to gauge if she’s really sane or senile. It’s so damn hard to tell.
>“No, I’m asking about you. If you’ve found yourself a special somepony yet.”
“Heh, I don’t really--”
>“Because it’s not good to be all alone, everypony needs a somepony.”
“I know--”
>“I’ll tell you a secret. Applejack still hasn’t found herself a special somepony yet.”
“That’s awfully nice of you, to try and suggest but--”
>“The two of you would be perfect for one another. Plus a big strong man like yourself would be a massive help around the farm. AJ and >Mac can only do so much you see.”
“Sounds like you’re more interested in a spare hands on the farm. Still, I’ve--”
>“How’s this weekend sound for you? Oh, I’ve got this old thing of mine that’d be just perfect for Applejack.”
“I really can’t--”
>“Great! I’ll pass the great news onto--”
>Finally she’s interrupted by a large red stallion who sternly towers over her.
>“Oh, Big Mac. You’re just in time, Anon here is planning on asking AJ’s hoof in marriage. The kind dear was just asking for permission, weren’t ya Anon?”
>She looks up at you, hopeful.
>You’re only capable of looking at the two apple ponies in pure terror as you try to recall which part of the conversation lead to marriage, but then Big Mac’s huffing at Granny grabs your attention.
>“Fine.. I’ll stop me dang meddlin’.”
>Mac looks to you and nods.
>You nod back in understanding, the kind of understanding two bros have when they feel each other’s needs on a deep level.
>He sure saved you from being reeled into his family against your will plus not being able to get a word in is always irritating to no end. So rather than risk waiting around for granny to try round two of her conscription, you head off for something else to do.
>There’s things like drinks, food, and a few small rides like sitting in the back of a wagon. None of it really takes your fancy. Not that you’d fit in a single one even if they did. So you wander around aimlessly without a thought or care. That is, until you bump into a princess.

>“Careful dear--Oh, Anonymous. How are you on this fine day?” Celestia smiles warmly.
>You know she controls the sun, but it’s still strange how warmly inviting her entire demeanor is.
“Heya Princess, I’m well. How are you?”
>“Wonderful. It’s so nice seeing all everyone here enjoying a day they’ve worked hard for, is it not?”
>You look over the square and see some foals are enjoying a quiet cart ride while the adults are happily smiling as they eat, drink, and talk amongst themselves.
>“Careful dear--Oh, Anonymous. How are you on this fine day?” Celestia smiles warmly.
>You know she controls the sun, but it’s still strange how warmly inviting her entire demeanor is.
“Heya Princess, I’m well. How are you?”
>“Wonderful. It’s so nice seeing all everyone here enjoying a day they’ve worked hard for, is it not?”
>You look over the square and see some foals are enjoying a quiet cart ride while the adults are happily smiling as they eat, drink, and talk amongst themselves.
>Naturally there are some who are working stalls and things, but even they are chatting away and enjoying a treat or two.
“They all seem pretty content with the day.”
>“Indeed.”
“I’m surprised to find you without the swarm of subjects trying to garner your attention.”
>“Yes, well everyone is enjoying the fair for now. We’ll all speak again later, I’m sure of that,” she lightly chuffles.
“So, what is it you and Luna wanted to speak with me about? She said you’ll go into it this afternoon, but I’ve really got nothing to do until then anyway.”
>“Well… It’s about... Moonie.”
“You two of you haven’t been here for an hour yet,” you state with a long sigh.
>“Oh, she hasn’t done anything wrong if that’s what you’re thinking.”
“That’s great… Then, uh, what about her?”
>“My sister and I thought it to be a good idea to test Moonie, in order to see how well she has reformed under your care.”
“Well, she hasn’t tried the world domination thing in a while. That’s gotta be good, right?” You nod.
>Celestia lightly chuckles and smiles at you.
>“True. There’s no doubt she’s reformed, but we were curious about how far she has come in that regard.”
>You nod in response for a little before you question her.
>There’s something about Celestia’s air, like she’s of royalty but not quite that way in particular that prevents you from talking.
>Then again, there’s some aura she’s always giving off that makes it uncomfortable whenever you have any type of question for her.
>You can’t really relax, especially in a formal setting when talking with her about something serious.
“Why?”
>“Despite... her history, she is royalty. Like Luna and myself. And as a princess--”
“Don’t let her hear you say that.”
>“Hmm, why is that? If I may ask.”
>Your sudden remark catches her and she looks with you with genuine bewilderment. Which you find calming to see the usual poised demeanor falter, even for a moment.
“She prefers queen,” you smile.
>“Ah, yes,” Celestia laughs softly as she returns to being composed, “Either way, we thought it best to test her... I hope that’s alright?”
“Of course, just… I’m still wondering why. Are you going to need her to rule or something? You two are immortal I though. So why does it matter that she’s royalty?”
>“We will cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, I think I should spend some more time with my subjects and you, yours but we can talk more about the matter later if you wish.”
>“Sure… Let me know how the test goes,” you reply rather casually.
>And with that and a low bow, Celestia heads off into the crowd to mingle.
>Even when she’s disappeared, you find yourself unable to think of how you to respond to any of her words.
>There’s something nagging at you that you should protest her but you don’t quite understand that feeling.
>Why would it be a bad thing to see how well Moonie has reformed?
>Perhaps it’s just a nagging feeling of what the punishment might be if Moonie doesn’t meet the standards, but that doesn’t feel right either.
>All you can think to do right now is to find Moonie.

>It’s not a surprise at all to find Moonie in the middle of terrorising a pair of colts.
>“Hurry it up you feeble twi--”
“Moonie,” you bark, startling all three of them.
>“This isn’t wasn’t it looks like, I swear!”
“Oh, really? We’re going to have a few words so you two can clear off.”
>The two colts look at each other then at Moonie. But they don’t seem to be checking if it’s okay, they instead seem almost annoyed.
>“Moonie, this wasn’t part of the game.”
>“Yeah!”
>“Well, that’s because he doesn’t--”
>“AH-HAA! Your tyranny has finally come to an end--Woah, hey Anon,” chirps Sweetie Belle as Scootaloo and Applebloom dart out from a nearby bush alongside in superhero costumes.
“A game?”
>“Well, I do excel in playing the part of the villain above all else,” Moonie states in a matter of fact kind of way.
>“Yeah, until your pops ruined it,” one colt mutters as the other ribs him for his remark.
>The two boys smile innocently at you while the Crusaders wait for some kind of cue on what to do, and Moonie looks up at you for a similar cue.
“Moonie and I really do need to talk, so come with me please. I hear Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon are good at playing villains too.”
>The fillies are all sorrow-stricken until your comment.
>Then they excitedly light up as they realise their game doesn’t have to end yet before darting off in different directions.
>“I didn’t DO anything wrong this time.”
“Yeah, but you might have.”
>“Come one. It was just a game.”
“No, I mean… Look, the princesses have ulterior motives for being here.”
>“Well. That’s kind of their job you know.”
>You hesitate before you speak further.
>Naturally you feel a voice of reason saying not to notify her.
>Normally you’d ignore her and just try to steer her onto the right path but being the impulsive little bastard that you are, there’s that voice that feels particularly sobering.
“I just mean… The princesses are always trying to keep an eye on you. I don’t want them thinking you’re still the same old demon they once knew.”
>“It’s not like they don’t have good reason,” she mutters lowly.
“Don’t murmur like that. Speak clearly or not at all.”
>“I said, you’re being paranoid. It was a game.”
“I know now, it just didn’t seem that way. I’m sorry.”
>“Very well. I accept your apology,” she huffs up as if she is doing her duty in taking the higher road, “However, if you are truly repentant you would buy your queen some kind of confectionery as a token of apology.”
>For a brief moment, her eyes dart towards a sweets cart. You’re not an idiot, you know it’s a clue for exactly what she wants but her over-the-top nature has a bizarre way of putting you in a good mood.
>So you go and buy a little bag of candy and hand it to her. While you tell her to share it before she happily skips away, you have no confidence that she will.

>So now you’re alone again.
>The fair is rather small and you feel you’ve seen all there is to see. It seems like the best option for now is to retreat into your house, and take it easy until later in the afternoon.
>You can already tell the wait is going to wreak havoc on your nerves but you push those thoughts aside as best as you can until that time comes.
>Once you step inside, you slink into your couch, it’s padded leather cushions sink low inviting you into slumber.
>Your nap is brief as Moonie comes darting inside, tracking mud through the house. She’s made her way to the bath and dives in soon after getting the water running from what you can hear.
>You wait where you are for a time, hoping she’ll be responsible enough to clean after herself without reminders. But after the bath water has drained, you hear doors closing then silence.
>Figuring she’s retreated into her room you stamp up the hallway to find her standing there with the mop in her floating grip.
>“I know,” she states before you even open your mouth.
>You hover over her as she mops up the now hardening mud hoofprints. Clearly that seems to make her grumpier than she already was.
“What were you up to?”
>“Just playing,” she dismissively grunts.
“What’s--”
>“Door,” she states before there’s a brief knock at the front door.
>You open the door to see Luna standing there, you also happen to notice your nap took longer than you thought as it’s now night time.
>The princess seems rather caught off guard briefly but composes herself into a warming smile.
>You smile back at her, just as fondly as you find yourself staring at her.
>Her coat matches the blanket of the night sky and her mane seems to glitter and twinkle just as brightly as the stars above.
>Then you notice a bit of mud on her tail that snaps you back to reality.
“So… Is the test over already?”
>Luna nods, as Moonie takes the cue from your quick glance towards her to step into her room.
>Then you step aside and hold out an arm to gesture inviting Luna in.
>“It’s been quite some time since I’ve been here,” she states, sounding almost wistful.
>She draws a deep breathe as you think over a few responses that’d be the most welcoming. But you keep your mouth shut for a fear of stuttering.
>You’re not sure what to say.
>It’s not like you see either Princess often, let alone Luna but you also need to know about the test.
>“My Sister and I didn’t really have much of a test for her to be honest. It was just a few questions, which was rather... enlightening.”
“Did she pass?”
>Your voice catches as you ask, the words feeling almost acidic as they leave your lips.
>“Yes, for the most part. We wanted to tell you, we think she’ll be better off staying here with you as long as you’re still willing to be her caretaker” her eyes meet with yours and while you try avoiding direct eye contact, you can tell she’s deeply looking into yours with a lot of intent behind every word, “You’ve been a great influence on her.”
“Thanks… It hasn’t been easy sometimes.”
>“And for that, you have our thanks. We can’t stay long, there’s some minotaur and griffin delegates arriving in the morning but I wanted to at least deliver this news.”
>You nod, not wanting to make things more of a pain than they already might be for her.
“What was the plan then?” You formally ask.
>“I believe you already clued in when talking with my sister earlier. Moonie is not quite ready for that, she still has much to learn... But she has made more progress than we thought she would at first.”
“So… One day you two are--?”
>“One day. But not today.”
>Her words feel like a massive weight is lifted from your shoulders, yet you can’t help but feel a little pensive.
>In a hurry, Luna takes her leave without a word.
>As she walks past you, you feel a brush along your arm which grabs your attention.
>She smiles at you warmly then nods goodbye, which you return.
>You stand outside your house for a while as you watch her fly away, even when she’s out of sight you still stand there gazing up at the sky.

>“What’s with the goofy smile?”
>Moonie has appeared next to you, looking up at you curiously with a raised brow.
“I just found out you’re going to be my problem for a good while longer,” you remark, being dramatically sad.
>“I failed, huh?”
“Depends on how you look at it.”
>“How should I look at it?”
“Either you failed because they think I can still be a good influence on you or you passed flying under their notice and don’t have to live with them watching over you.”
>She shudders, “Celestia would probably make me call her Auntie.”
“And you’d have to be up for a certain time for breakfast,” you jeer, “using the proper fork out of fourteen to eat soup, never to see another pancake again.”
>“Oh, yes, and I’d have to bow to everyone.”
“Don’t forget the misters and madams.”
>“Mister Anon,” Moonie mockingly bows.
“Madam Moonie,” you bow with a stifled giggle.
>Moonie chuckles a bit herself then looks up at you with a serious gaze.
>“What about you?”
“What about me?”
>“How do you feel about this, still having to care for me and all?”
>You take a brief moment to ponder that question then take a deep breathe to speak.
"They say that when a star goes out, you can see its light for millions, even billions of years. I think the same can be said of the light I've brought you. You'll always have that little bit sweetness that I brought you, and you're welcome for it."
She dry retches at your shoes. You know she’s faking it but you reel back anyway in surprise.
>“That’s so sickenly--”
“Sweet? Sappy? Cute?”
>“Please don’t, I’m going to be sick again.”
>“I’ll show you sappy,” you bellow and you scoop her up into your arm and make kissing noises.
>She tries to fight you off, keep your face away from her but you blow a raspberry on her belly that gets a laugh out of her and her strength fades enough for you to plant a kiss on her cheek.
>She giggles and protests but it’s all a farce, you know this little devil enjoys every minute of this.
>And you do too.