The Princess of the Night

Chapter 2 – A Shocking Revelation

A/N: So in this chapter I removed a large chunk at the end in which Gerard and Luna professed their love for each other with what I hope is something more reasonable.

Bluemane: This takes place after Nightmare Moon is first banished, not when she returns to Equestria. I fixed the use of both horse and pony, I'm not sure how I missed that to begin with… And I've already mentioned how I cut out the man/horse thing last chapter

MG: Thanks! Yeah, I wanted to make it seem like it was more than just royal etiquette.

Alun Aleriksson: That's something I'm only doing now, so hopefully it's not too late!

Tex1911: Thanks!

Guest: Yeah, I changed the summary per your request, I hope it's a bit better now!

BadBoy17: I'm glad you do!

The next morning the man was shocked to find Luna in his kitchen preparing a breakfast salad.

"Really? I'm still dreaming?"

"No, we are actually real, and the sooner you can accept this, the sooner we can start getting answers," said the mare, levitating the meals over to the table and pulling a chair out for the man. "But where are my manners? We do not even know your name so that we can thank you."

"Gerard," said the man meekly, sitting down and tucking in to his breakfast.

"Well Gerard, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance," she said, extending a hoof. "And thank you for allowing me to stay the night," she said as they shook.

"Wait, wasn't your leg broken last night?" asked Gerard, confused.

"It was, but you would be amazed at what a good night's sleep could do for you," said the pony slyly.

"Yeah, that and being an Alicorn," responded Gerard, rolling his eyes.

The princess chuckled, "Well yes, we suppose that helps too."

Luna's laughter sent a shiver down Gerard's spine.

"What's with the 'we', by the way?" asked Gerard. "As far as I can see, there's only one of you."

"Oh," said the Alicorn, "you misunderstand, we are using the royal 'we', not referring to multiple beings. We are unsure… do royalty use the same patterns of speech in this world?"

"Umm, yes… But wait, you're royalty? Like a queen or something?" Gerard thought of bowing, but it seemed silly.

"Well, actually we are a princess. It is a long story…"

After the former princess had finished recounting her tale, Gerard was only able to sit there; slack jawed. Amazingly, the story had taken several hours to tell, although Gerard felt there were still elements to the story that he didn't know. Gerard had work to do, but as he looked out the window, he noticed the rain pouring down, drenching everything in sight. There was a distant peal of thunder.

"Ok, I think I'm going to need a drink after that," he mumbled, attempting to rise from his seat.

"Allow me," said Luna, opening the fridge with her magic. "What would you like?"

"A vodka and coke please."

"These?" inquired the mare, indicating the two bottles she had just removed from the fridge.

"Yes, perfect," replied Gerard as the bottles floated over to him along with a glass. "Oh, but where are my manners?" he said as he poured a generous amount of alcohol into his glass. "Would you like some, princess? God, I feel stupid just saying that."

"Please. We do not see why, do you not meet royalty often?"

"No, actually. In fact, you're the first," said Gerard, offering the drink to the mare.

"We see," said the princess, taking a sip and almost choking.

"Are you ok? I'm sorry, I must have overdone it on the vodka," said Gerard, circling the table and laying a reassuring hand on the princess's shoulder.

"No, it is fine, we… I mean I… am just not used to such high quality alcohol in Equestria," said the pony through a round of coughing. She turned her head around to further comfort him and their eyes met. They were silent for a few seconds. Gerard covered up this silence by taking a long, slow drink.

"So you're not even from this dimension?" asked Gerard as he returned to his seat.

"No, although I do not understand how I ended up in this reality to begin with…"

"It is a lot to get your head around…" Gerard agreed. "How do you plan to get home?"

Luna smiled sadly. "I am afraid I cannot, at least not for the next millennium." The smile turned shy, yet playful. "Why do you ask? Do you wish to be rid of me?"

Gerard almost spat out his drink. His eyes widened as he said "No! Of course not!"

"I was merely jesting Gerard, I know you would not be so inhospitable. You have a kind heart." She finished quietly, looking away as she did.

"Good. I wouldn't want you to think me rude."

Just then there was a sharp knock at the window. Gerard looked around and saw a local farmer peering inside, wide-eyed. Luna also noticed this and promptly vanished. Gerard moved to the back door and opened it.

"Hey! Can I help you?" he asked politely, leaning out and looking at the man.

"Umm, yeah… I was wonderin' if I could borrow some feed for me horses?" the farmer asked, still looking quite shocked.

Gerard answered automatically. "Yeah, sure. You know where it is."

The farmer nodded and then stopped. "Gerry, just now?"

"Yeah?" he answered, wincing at the nickname.

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but did I just see a horse in your kitchen?"

Gerard laughed nervously, sweating slightly. "I think you need to lay off the whiskey, Jim!"

The farmer eyed him suspiciously for a moment before relenting. "Aye, you're probably right. Well, be seein' ya!"

"You too Jim, have a good night!" he said as he retreated inside.

A few minutes later, when he was sure the farmer had left, he called out.

"Luna, it's safe to come back now!"

The Alicorn reappeared in the chair. "Are you sure?" she asked.

"Yes, he's gone now." Replied Gerard. "Although that was way too close. Having an Alicorn around is a little conspicuous." He thought for a moment before continuing. "I'm not sure how this magic thing works, but surely you could change your appearance, maybe something a little more human? Or at least get rid of the wings and horn."

Luna nodded. "Perhaps it would be for the best."

With that her horn began to glow. It became brighter and brighter, shrouding Luna's form. Gerard had to raise a hand to cover his eyes. When the glow subsided and he lowered his arm, a woman stood before him. She was beautiful. There was no two ways about it. her long, black hair flowed down her back like a river. Her eyes twinkled like stars, her irises a deep purple. The dress she wore was dark, like the night sky, and was covered in sparkling gems. Her skin was pale and almost seemed to radiate a soft glow. Luna coughed self-consciously. Gerard realised he was staring and looked away.

"Sorry," he muttered, still amazed by her beauty.

"It is ok," she blushed.