After much hard work done by the ponies setting up the occasion, the Grand Galloping Gala was ready to begin in the large capital of Equestria. All of Canterlot was lit up with much colorful lights hanging above many who celebrated on the streets, awaiting for the grand spectacle of fireworks that would occur in midnight. Even though they had not received an invitation, much still celebrate in their own ways. Those ponies who had received an invite started to make their way to the Royal Castle, all greeting one another and complementing on the clothing worn tonight. Much of the nobles and the elites, celebrities and much more that many ponies look up to were here in the Gala.
Inside, few guards inspected each guest entering the castle before allowing them to continue forward to the Grand Ballroom where more were in, socializing with some laughter coming within each small formed circles. To the left, food and beverages were available on the long tables with waiters in their white suits standing behind ready to serve the ponies that approach. Champagne waiters continued to roam around the room, either serving or refilling the glasses much had in their possession. Another kind of waiter, similar to the one serving champagne, roamed around with small edibles to be taken.
While most remained within their circle, some were around a certain creature who remained still watching all behind his helmet. All awed at Aniketos, staring at his newly made armor for the Gala. It had the same material and design like his common one, but this instead had a silver lining design on the chest plate, helmet, and other parts of his armor, as well as the bronze being a bit brighter. He still had the same weapons and shield, something he had exhaled in relief since this was done with no knowledge. The only exception he had made was adding Luna's cutie mark on the handle of his kopis.
Cutie mark...such an odd phenomenon to be explained, he thought to himself remembering Luna explaining how one earns such mark. She had jest about he earning a cutie mark of his own, making him actually imagine him having a cutie mark on his arse. Oh how those back in his home and the gods up above would mock such humiliating discovery. Hopefully he does not gain one, the only mark or marks he wishes to earn are those from the battlefields.
Over-chatter around him was muted out, all becoming muffles along the music being played by the group of ponies with their weird instruments. They were the Canterlot Symphony, all playing together to create such sound that he has never heard of before. From what he had overheard, the creator of such music was named Vivaldi, the title being named Winter. There were more along this specific piece, it being one of four parts of others. It had helped with him ignoring those around him, the music being quite entertaining to his ears.
"I say, is this a statue?" One pony had mentioned.
"If it is, this is a rather realistic piece of art." Another spoke.
"What is it anyway? It is something I had never seen in my life."
Aniketos cleared his throat, startling those around him. "I am quite alive and breathing," he said.
"Oh my!" One spoke out, retreating behind another.
"Say, you wouldn't happen to be the Spartan that had entered this world?"
"I do not recognize who this Spartan is, but I will let you know if such appears," Aniketos replied.
"Hmm, alright then. I bid you a good evening, magical statue."
Aniketos watched the few who spoke to him leave into the large crowd of ponies, letting him return to his focused state as he stood. He didn't wish to have such attention be given to him, he didn't come back from battle victorious yet. He doubted such fight would occur anyway for this world was too peaceful, as well as too merciful. The sound of horns echoed in the room, making him turn towards the stairs where one pony stood ready to speak. All around had turned to silence, the music ceasing to what was to be announced.
The pony cleared his throat before speaking. "Mares and Gentlecolts, it is with my pleasure to introduce, the hosts of such celebration, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna."
Horns again sounded out in a small musical tone as both princesses took steps down towards the center of the stairs. Turning, both were met with much applause and praise, the two continuing to smile towards all down below. Aniketos remained still, staring at Luna who looked absolutely astonishing in the dress she wore. How a pony is able to take his breath away was something he could not understand. Probably his time being in this world had started to adjust how he sees mares, specifically Luna. He watched the two walk down the stairs slowly together, seeing straight ahead of him Sombra in his suit most likely waiting for Celestia. The dark magic he felt was slightly stronger than the last time he was in the same area as the stallion.
His distrust in the stallion was interrupted by feeling a pinch on his body, seeing Luna staring at him with a smile as she walked down the few steps left. He took it as sign to be near her, making his way to her and going down on one knee once by her side. Feeling her hoof touch his shoulder, he stood back up, now being fully ready to be her guard for tonight. For being in such position had to be an honor as he followed Luna to a location where she would most likely be welcoming the ponies.
For Celestia, she had really felt like a princess as she was with Sombra, all dressed up and pampered for the night, a stallion that was able to take her breath away so much. Around her, the ponies returned back to their circles, many being greeted by Celestia as she walked along with Sombra. The music continued on to play, this time a different piece in which the ponies can dance with. Majority of the ponies stepped more into the middle of the ballroom, dancing to the waltz which was in beat naturally like their body was one with the music. Feeling a brush on her front leg, she turned to Sombra who was rather close to her. A blush formed by how close he was, her heart beating quickly.
"Care to dance, m'lady?" Sombra asked, a look in his eyes being as intoxicating as it can be.
In the many Galas she has hosted, being asked to dance was something she had never experienced before. Usually she would greet and watch all those in the Gala, now she has the opportunity to be part of the festivities. "Lets," she replied with a smile.
The two joined in the dancing ponies, both moving within beat as they smiled. Not a step was mixed or messed up as they danced and spun, being in their own world like the many other ponies around that danced. Soon without notice, she was lifted up slightly into the air and back onto the floor, making her laugh a bit as the two continued to dance.
"Enjoying yourself?" Sombra asked, holding her still before pulling her back.
Celestia spun around Sombra, her mane brushing his cheek. She returned close to him again, both their chests touching. "If there was a greater word, that would be it!"
The two broke off, Sombra holding out a hoof which Celestia took with much excitement and continued their motion. "Heh, there probably is," said Sombra. Hearing the music changing into a faster beat, a smirk grew on his mouth. "Ready to amaze everypony here m'lady?"
Celestia returned a daring look. "Let us shock the room," she said, readying herself for the faster tempo.
Both held to each other tight, as well as other ponies with their own partners as they all danced to the music being played. The excitement coming from the music had everypony smiling, those watching in awe as the dancing ponies moved along the motion of the strings, percussion, and horns, the conductor having a large smile of his own as he waved the conducting stick with each beat. One, two, three, one, two, three, the count of the numbers matching the heartbeats of many as the movement of both body and instrument matched with one another. Soon the accordion joined in with the next piece of music, giving all a taste of the eastern part of Canterlot music. The sound mixed beautifully, giving off a romantic sound to the waltz that would surly make the night so far the greatest for those who are attending for the first time.
All in the crowd watching many ponies dance, as well as seeing their own princess dancing with a large smile, Luna stood idly speaking to a noble while Aniketos stood behind her, watching the ponies dance with their music, all of what he sees being new to him. He never knew such movement can be done, as well as the music being played in such high tempo. It too made him feel a bit excited, mentally nodding to the power music has on all around.
"Being as beautiful as you are, your highness, I am surprised to see you not with some pony to accompany you tonight," the noble pony said.
"It is alright, I am mostly here to greet all ponies here in the Gala tonight," Luna replied.
Soon another noble pony jumped into the conversation. "Maybe I, Rich von Dutch, can accompany a gorgeous princess such as yourself tonight."
More started to pop up to Luna, all speaking similarly, commenting on her beauty and indirectly flirting with her, making Luna begin to feel uncomfortable but didn't show it to not bring any trouble. Aniketos stepped up, making all the nobles silent. "I believe Princess Luna wishes for I to accompany her to have some food, nobles."
Hearing this made Luna silently breathe out in relief as she started to walk towards the tables with the Spartan behind and no noble following. Once they both were at the table, Luna magically lifted a glass of champagne from the table and to her lips. Pulling back, she gulped the alcoholic beverage before she spoke. "Thank you Ani, I did not know how long I was able to last with them being around me," she said.
"You are welcome Luna." He noticed Luna holding up her glass to him, which he waved his hand in denying the beverage. "Those stallions did not look good for a mare such as yourself. Their eyes had something more than only dancing."
"I see." She smiled. "Are you enjoying your first Gala?"
"The music and dancing are quite entertaining, something my people would probably enjoy in taking part in after learning more about it," he said, watching the ponies dance.
"Is there nothing like this back at your world?"
"Dances such as this are never before seen by my eyes. Our movement is completely different than what is occurring here."
Luna nodded before noticing Astra in her armor approaching her quickly. "Astra, what brings you here? You are not on duty tonight if I can remember correctly."
"There is a problem, your highness," Astra spoke, making Luna grow more concerned as she listened to Astra whisper the situation.
Luna's eyes widened in shock. "That cannot be true!" She said, almost yelling.
"The messenger had reported back with the news, I am afraid it is so."
Aniketos knelt down to both Luna and Astra. "What has happened," he softly spoke.
"Griffons are invading from the same eastern border that Tirek had appeared from," Luna whispered. "I must go and assist the ponies there."
"No," Aniketos said. "You will remain here. It would only cause more concern for everypony and your sister if you disappear. I will go and assist the ponies."
Luna was about to speak against it, but knew what he said could cause the ponies to panic if such news was found out. "Very well Ani." She hugged him before he stood up. She then remembered the saying he had spoken about before going into battle. "Come back with your shield, or on it."
Hearing such comment made Aniketos smirk. "Will do, Selene." He then looked at Astra. "Stay with Luna as her guard."
Astra gave a salute. "I will. Go on Aniketos."
Both ponies watched the Spartan quickly walk past everypony and out of the ballroom. Luna let out a sigh, fearing for Aniketos' life. "Come with me outside Astra, I need some air from hearing this," said Luna.
"Yes, your highness," replied Astra, following her princess towards the outside gardens. "If I may ask, why did you speak of such comment to Aniketos? Wouldn't something more assuring be better to use?"
With her magic, Luna raised a flower up to her nose. "Our Spartan is not like our own Guard, Astra. Such words that I have spoken is common for him and his people. Another way of saying 'Good Luck' I suppose." She moved the flower from her into Astra's mane. "Though I still worry very much of his safety. If he were to die..." She looked down, imagining scenarios of death.
"I believe he will be okay, your highness. He has survived Tirek's massive attacks that most ponies wouldn't be able to sustain. So fighting a few Griffons may not be such a problem," said Astra.
"True, but even then he was barley able to survive with much injury against one foe. This is a battle he is going to face." Luna sighed to herself. "He may be experienced, but death can happen at any moment."
The two ponies soon fell silent, hearing the voices of both Sombra and Celestia. Luna rushed and hid behind a large bush, magically pulling Astra with her into hiding. Hidden with some visibility to see, both watched the two ponies smiling on the balcony. "Your highness, why do we hide?" Asked Astra.
"Shh! We cannot be discovered," said Luna.
The bat pony remained silent, as ordered, and looked up to the same direction her princess was starring. Towards the balcony, Celestia leaned against the stone edge panting while still keeping a smile, Sombra doing to the same thing, magically pulling his shirt a bit open to let the cool air in. The two had been dancing for awhile, having fun with each other as the music played. It was only now that they both decided to cease their activity and calm down in private. In the castle, the muffle of old baroque music played, the harpsichord playing a fast solo piece for all the guests while the main group of musicians relaxed.
Sombra continued to breathe slightly heavily, his smile keeping Celestia's smile up. "Sonata sixty-seven, Scarlatti." He said, looking at the closed doors. "I enjoy the stallion's work, though I wished I had met him when he was still alive." His eyes returned back to the princess. "Did you enjoy yourself, m'lady?"
"Oh Sombra, I had never fully enjoyed myself in any Gala until tonight," Celestia replied, moving closer to him. "The dancing was my most favorite."
He remained silent, feeling her mane from under his chin. They both were of similar height, him being slightly taller by most likely two inches. Slowly, hesitantly, he raised his hoof high enough and placed his around her neck, pulling her closer to his chest. Celestia softly gasped by his action, her ear listening to his fast beating heart, caused by the dancing most likely.
The two remained as such, the sky being as clear as it can be, revealing the many stars around the large moon that shined its light down upon them (by Luna's quick and discreet magic). No pony was around to see the two, all the guests being distracted by the now finishing music piece. Soon, a softer, much different piece began now on the piano. In a beat of a waltz, some ponies returned to the floor to make a soft dance to the beat. Sombra had picked up the sound, recognizing what song it was. He broke off the embrace he and Celestia was in, making her a bit confused as to what was wrong. Nothing came up to her mind as she started to listen to Sombra sing.
"Ange d'or, fruit d'ivresse, charme des yeux..." He started, his voice keeping in pitch.
Celestia remained idle, watching the stallion sing as he walked around her. His tenor singing voice was something she had never thought of hearing. The language he sung in was not of common equestrian, but a language that had developed when the eastern part of Canterlot was still being built. The ponies there were would speak in the same language as he was currently, as well as being able to speak the common tongue everypony spoke with. With her time as co-ruler, she was able to understand a bit, but was not as fluent as her sister.
For Luna, she remained breathless herself. The music being played was a personal choice made by her for the Gala, but hearing Sombra sing the lyrics adapted for stallions made her as she is right now. The words were romantic, filled with loving emotion along with some phrases being erotic. Astra remained still as well, even though she could not understand what was being said, the singing had captured her ears.
Celestia gasped as she felt his hoof raise hers up while he stood close to her. His voice had softened down, meaning that the song was about to end. His magic brushed a bit of her hair away as they both stared into each other's eyes. His words soon slowed down, meaning the end was now near.
"...je te...veux…" Was the final words being said, absolute care being put into the words as to show how special the three words are. Sombra knew what emotions ran through him, and what he sung was a piece he was able to express it in. He saw tears in Celestia's eyes, but knew it was not of being sad.
"Sombra..." Celestia softly spoke out before she closed the gap between her and him.
A kiss. One that had been sought out for since the two had first met. Along with their connection, the symphony again started to play together, the piece being as soft as a leaf falling onto a pond of water, being perfect to both ears as they remained. Still behind the bushes, Luna smiled to what she was witnessing. Her sister had finally found love. Quietly, she moved away from the bush to return back inside along with Astra who wanted to speak in awe about such romance in her eyes. Now alone, Celestia and Sombra broke off, looking at each other with a smile before returning to their embrace, the musical piece coming to an end.
With a hard landing on the ground with his feet, Aniketos continued on running towards the highly active border while the flying chariot he rode flew back to Canterlot. Reaching the temporary camp, he saw much of both Royal and Lunar guards all either injured or in critical condition, some missing a part of their body such as their wing or horn. To the left of him, he saw much of the blankets over those who most likely died in the ongoing assault. He listened to the whispers around him as he continued forward, his eyes locked on a white stallion who walked towards him. The two met, the stallion turning around to walk along the Spartan.
"How much dead?" Aniketos asked.
"Fifty-three. Thirty earth ponies, nineteen pegasi, four unicorns," replied the stallion. "Captain Onyx Fritz of Celestia's Royal Guard, at your service."
"Alright." Aniketos stopped walking and watched the guards up on the wall firing arrows and magical bolts towards most likely the enemy. Finding a ladder, he climbed up towards the top, catching the view of dead ponies and griffons scattered across the beach-side, fire on the ground making light around. Ahead of the site he stared towards the waters where the Griffon boats slowly made their way towards the land. Having seen enough, he slid down the ladder back to Onyx. "The Griffons are about to rush the land. We must act quickly, Captain."
"With what support? Most of us are exhausted. We must retreat and regroup," Onyx spoke, having already been defeated mentally. He was then suddenly met with Aniketos backhand to the face, making him collapse to the ground in shock.
"I did not know the Guard would have such weak stallions. You may think of retreat being your best option, but in my world, we never retreat! We never surrender!" Aniketos yelled out, gathering attention from many guards. He noticed this, seeing mixed emotions. "Guards! Battle formations! We are going to do defend this border!"
Aniketos booted open the border gates, marching forward before stopping again to see if the guards were going to follow his order. Surprisingly, all remaining guards formed up with their spears and shields along the border walls, Onyx being in the front line. If the formation he recognized, the Phalanx, he turned back around to the griffons which started to charge out from their boats. He moved back with the front line getting into formation, having his dory and shield out along with their own, forming a wall of gold, bronze, and iron color. The screeches of the griffons pierced the ears of many as they charged forward with their own swords, spears, and shields.
"Hold!" Aniketos yelled, seeing the enemy close the distance each second that goes by. The ponies around him was sweating in both heightened adrenaline and fright. If Aniketos was to ever see the general of the Guard, he would need to lay down new training to better prepare the ponies that was around him.
Both sides of their shields connected, Aniketos' feet digging in within the contact as he forced the griffon next him back. "Push! Push!" He yelled out, charging his dory forward into the griffon, blood rushing down the pole onto his hand. What he expected was happening as the ponies pushed forward with him, charging their spears forward to their enemies.
The Griffon soldiers realized that going head on against this formation was not going to work as their side massed casualties, thus making them back up from the formation. Aniketos realized this, knowing very well that he would have to break up in order to continue to drive back. It went against his training, but he went forward throwing his dory towards a griffon's chest. Pulling out his kopis, he charged forward yelling along with the ponies that suddenly did not have any fear in them. He slashed one along the chest, bashing another with his shield as it charged towards him. His kopis followed through the fallen griffon, not realizing another had charged forward. The screaming metal echoed as the claw ran down his chest armor before it was cut off by the blade of his sword. It was now the griffon screaming but only for a moment as Aniketos drove the kopis into the mouth, the tip of the blade coming out from the other side of the head.
The Spartan pulled back, swearing to himself for being reckless to his surroundings. His memory of fighting the Persians flashed to him, reminding him of the dangers of being sloppy. He raised his shield up, blocking a strike to him and countering it with a thrust towards the stomach. Turning to see Onyx, he saw the stallion knocked back down about to be slain. With a quick toss, his shield flew into the griffon as he rushed over to Onyx.
"Thanks," said Onyx, gripping his spear again.
Aniketos stabbed the griffon before grabbing his shield. "Don't expect such help in situations like this," he blocked a sword strike with his own and slashed the griffon down, "not everyone can assist you like they always do."
Onyx drove the spear into a charging griffon's chest, pulling it back quickly. "Noted," he said.
"Captain! The Griffons have sent another wave!" One guard yelled out.
Both Aniketos and Onyx watched the new boats let out more griffons out to continue to fight. The ponies around him were already tired, but Aniketos knew, they knew, if they retreated now they wouldn't have the chance to fight back again in such high morale. Death was accepted in the ponies, and they all charged forward with them screaming out louder than of their enemies.
Aniketos met another claw, this time to his helmet. The three lined marks went across the right side of his helmet, scarring only the metal and not his skin. He countered it with a thrust to the liver, slashing it open and letting the blood rush out as he moved onto the next enemy in front of him. In a world where violence is rare, when violence does occur, it is much a mess. His ability to fight is foes with deadly ease made him reckless, he knew, the same warning he gave to himself moments ago again being ignored with fighting back the enemy. He was not in formation, there was not much control to be in with a state like this.
What became endless started to tire the Spartan out. He was still human after all, not like the gods that can fight endlessly any foe they come across. Sweat and blood dripped down his chin as he bashed the edge of his now battle damaged shield down onto the griffon's neck. His breaths were heavy and fast, his ears hearing noise that was forgotten to him as he continued to stare down towards the dead bird. Looking up, he saw that the ponies were cheering as the surviving griffons retreated back with their boats that weren't set ablaze. The orange light beamed into his eyes as he knelt down to wipe the blood off onto the bird before he sheathed it back in. He turned around and searched for his dory which was surprisingly near by. His motion stopped as he saw Onyx lying on top of a dead griffon. The Captain had fought hard and died honorably, having used the Spartan's dory to strike down his final enemy.
"Rest well, Captain. You, and many others, have earned such reward," Aniketos said, listening to the remaining guards cheer out his name along with the Spartan's. Hearing wings flapping, he turned around seeing Astra landing by him. He allowed her to take in the aftermath of the rapid battle that had ended only moments ago, seeing much death of ponies and griffons. "Astra..."
She jumped a bit to Aniketos saying her name. "S-sorry. Ahem. Princess Luna was asking for any update on the assault being made and sent me here to see."
"Is Luna fairing well at the Gala?"
"She is very worried. It is something I had never seen before in my life. She hides it well enough to not worry the guests," she said, seeing Aniketos start to walk towards the border wall. "We heading back?"
"Aye, I am no longer needed here. I must return back."
Astra looked at his right arm, seeing blood run down from the top of his arm down off the tip of his knuckle. "Are you sure? You are hurt Ani."
"I will be okay. I believe walking from here back to Canterlot will take four hours so we must start immediately," he said.
"You want to travel to Canterlot by hoof!? Oh no!" She pushed Aniketos, turning him right. "We will make our way to Baltimare and get transportation from there. It will take only an hour."
Aniketos shook his head as he followed the bat pony. "You have guts to push me."
"I may be a mare Spartan but I am not afraid to kick your flank if I need to," said Astra. Her comment made him laugh, something that has never happened before. A genuine laugh with a genuine smile, even after facing certain death.
Luna remained alone on the balcony that both Celestia and Sombra were on hours ago. She was in deep thought about the situation that only she knew while most of everypony remained unaware of the battle that was occurring east. Any messages that came for Celestia had been intercepted by her, for she wanted her sister to enjoy her time in the Gala which she did. She could not understand why Aniketos would still think negatively about him when he has done nothing wrong, though a bit of an odd magic was noticeable for only a moment when she had met Sombra again before the closure of the Gala, greeting everyone as they all left including her sister which left her by her own.
The castle remained silent with the exception of many cleaning ponies around the area of the party, returning much to its cleaned state. Why she didn't leave was to be here when Astra arrived back with Aniketos, knowing both would still expect the Gala to continue on. It was no problem in staying in the Canterlot castle for there was a room for her here if she wished to rest a bit. Thinking of such idea came a silent yawn after, which was odd for the princess of the night to have in a night still so very young.
"A small nap wouldn't hurt much," she said, making her way back inside.
Along the large hallway held much of equestrian art, keeping her eyes locked on one painting after another before she reached her room. Her horn glowed, unlocking the door and walking inside, closing it behind her. It had been awhile since she was in here, being mostly in the other castle with the trees. Celestia had mentioned of moving here a while back so the two would be much closer with all the ponies in the capital. Knowing herself, she wished not to as there was much memories of her youth being in the castle they're currently in.
Another yawn erupted from her mouth as she undid her mane, letting it fall from its fixed and made style back straight to how her mane is usually is. The pearl white vanity with its mirror reflected her appearance, the magic she had her crown around in being placed on top of the counter, followed by her necklace placed beside it. The shoes on her hooves were removed from her, letting them relax as they remained on the soft carpet. Soon her dress slowly slipped off from her, letting the room-temperature air touch her bare body. Wearing such clothing had tired her out, making her wonder why and how Aniketos can be in clothing all the time.
Standing still she stared at herself through the mirror, having neither a smile or a frown on her face. "Hmm, I suppose I should shower before doing anything else," she said.
Having a shower would wake her up, as well as cleaning off the much perfume that clung onto her. So much perfume was around mixing with one another while in the ballroom which didn't surprise her that no one had gotten a headache from it.
She opened the door of the bathroom door, closing it behind her as she continued forward to the shower frame, opening that and closing it behind her. The faucet came to life spraying water onto her, making her jump from the water being cold. She moved a bit back, letting the water warm up before she was comfortable with the temperature she wanted. The wave her mane had was no more as the running weight of the water pulled it down, her fur also being wet, the color looking a bit darker. The shampoo bottle was lifted in the air letting the liquid come out, that being still in her magical hold. She stood still, eyes closed and smiling while humming, putting it onto her mane, the soap forming then falling off. With another set of magic, she used a brush with soap on it and rubbed it around body, assuring that the perfume scent was off.
While Luna showered, both Aniketos and Astra had finally returned back to the Royal Castle from the newly opened city of Baltimare. The bat pony held a box of popcorn while she and the Spartan walked inside seeing that it was empty with nothing but guards still patrolling. "Huh," Astra said with popcorn in her mouth, "I guess the Gala ended while we were gone."
"Do not speak with your mouth filled with...what was it?" Spoke Aniketos.
"It's called popcorn. Don't you have anything like this?"
"I cannot say. From seeing what it looks like, I can tell it is unhealthy to have," he said.
"Well screw health, I like how it tastes." She proceeded to finish the rest by dumping it into her mouth. "I'll go this way...and you go that way," she muffled out.
"Aye then. I'll meet you when I have found her." The two made their way in different directions, Aniketos to the left and Astra to the right. He looked down to the floor, seeing if he was leaving a trail of blood from his arm. It was non-existent and continued to walk normally past each door that didn't have the slight look of holding a princess.
After a few minutes walking endlessly down much hallways, his ears had picked up one where some pony was singing elegantly. Leaning more closely against the door, he heard Luna's voice doing the singing. He slowly opened the door, hopefully not to disturb her singing as it was very great to hear. His eyebrow rose seeing no one in the room, allowing himself to enter and close the door behind him. He leaned his dory against the wall and walked around the room, walking up to the vanity seeing both her crown and necklace off on it. Looking to the right he saw her shoes all lined up against the wall and her dress on the floor.
He looked up to the door that Luna had to be in as her voice was coming behind it. He walked toward it, avoiding her dress in the way. He gripped the doorknob, turning and opening it. A gulf of steam was in his face, making him wave his hand as he walked in. Why Luna needed steam was something he didn't know the answer to. Unless this was…
Walking up to the shower frame, he wiped the glass and saw Luna using a brush as some musical instrument while under the water. Oh Zeus, she's going to kill me. He turned around and started to make his way out of the bathroom, however the kopis had came in contact with the counter.
"Huh?" Luna spoke out, ceasing her singing. She opened the shower frame and used her magic to clear the steam. Once she saw Aniketos, her face had turned completely red.
The Spartan turned around and cleared his throat. "It seems I have stumbled into the wrong room. I will be leaving now."
"You...pervert!" Luna yelled, charging up her horn.
In the distance of the castle, Astra heard a large explosion while she was in the gardens looking for her princess. However, upon seeing Aniketos spinning and flying out of the castle and down towards the buildings, she knew that he found her in a place where she would be embarrassed. Taking flight, she flew towards where the Spartan had landed. Dipping through a hole of a tableware store, she saw Aniketos lying unconscious on a broken table with much broken plates and cups around him. In a needed moment, the bat pony started to laugh loudly.