FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Today began like most others. I awoke in the morning at the sound of twittering songbirds somewhere outside the window. They were probably even nesting in the foliage that covers our roof. I slowly pulled myself up until I was seated in bed. 8 AM. Just another typical Friday morning.

After taking a moment to stretch, I turned my gaze to my right. Fluttershy was still sound asleep while on her side, her head turned away from me. Very tenderly, I stroked my hand through her mane. "Morning, honey."

I waited for her to look back at me. I continuously stroked my fingers through her long mane in an attempt to gently rouse the beautiful pegasus from her sleep. But a full minute went by with no response. I never knew my girlfriend could be such a heavy sleeper. We did not go to bed any later than usual the previous night, so I could not see why she was having such a hard time waking up. I then tried to wake her up by gently rocking her from side to side with my hands on her torso.

"Honey, it's time to wake up... Sweetheart?" I spoke softly while gently nudging her over and over. I finally heard a weak grumble come from her while she stirred in my grasp. But once she lifted her head to let out a yawn, she then limply dropped it back down onto the pillow.

"Uh... Are you OK, Fluttershy?" I asked while starting to suspect something was not quite right with her. I did notice that her body was slightly warm to the touch, more so than usual. After continuing to nudge her some more, she finally began to lift her head before looking at me.

"Oh... Good morning, James..." Fluttershy spoke abnormally quietly. She was constantly swaying slightly and her eyes seemed puffy and tired. Overall, she looked absolutely exhausted. It was very clear to me that she had come down with something. And from what I could see, it was a pretty severe case of...whatever the illness was.

"Whoa, you don't look so good." I said while gently applying my hand to her forehead. She certainly did have a bit of a fever to her. "Huh... Yeah, you've come down with something, Fluttershy. How do you feel?"

She mumbled groggily before me while apparently trying to speak. "Uuuh... I feel kind of weak... And everything keeps moving..."

"Weakness of body, fever, and some vertigo. Uh... I would have to say you might have the flu, if I had to guess." I replied while gently caressing her mane once more. While I certainly was not worried that the case was life-threatening, I did feel the need to support her however I could.

The first person I thought of to ask for help was Twilight Sparkle. With all the reading she does at home, she has probably read a book on medicine and diseases. She probably knows of one that can ascertain exactly what it was Fluttershy had come down with. We do have a medicine cabinet in the kitchen, but it is mostly just for first aid and the like. We only have medication for pain and the common cold. Regardless, I then gently kissed Fluttershy on the cheek. "Well, I'll send for Twilight. Maybe she can figure out what's wrong with you."

"OK, honey... Ugh... I think I'm gonna...lie back down now..." Fluttershy said with a small smile before setting her head back on the pillow with a thud. She looked absolutely awful, but it would do her good to get as much rest as possible.

I felt a sigh escape my lips while I looked down at the ill pegasus mare before me. A smile crept across my face while I gently tucked her in. "Just take it easy today, honey. I'll take care of you."

Her eyes lazily looked up at me while her lips curled up into a weak smile as well. I could tell she was very weak, but that did not stop her from whispering to me. "I love you, dear..."

There was only one response I could give. I tenderly placed a kiss on her nose while tenderly caressing her mane. "Love you too, honey. Just rest up for today."

While Fluttershy drifted off to sleep, I decided to get dressed. Since today was a warm summer day, I dressed light. I wore a pair of khaki shorts and a green polo shirt Rarity had recently woven for me before sliding on my socks and shoes. Right after that, I gently tapped on the birdhouse that was hanging from the ceiling in the nearest corner. "Good morning, Angela. You awake?"

Seconds later, my little pet dove stuck her head out the hole in the front and let out a gentle coo as if to say 'I am now'. I reached out and tenderly caressed her head with one finger. "I need to ask you for a small favor. Could you please take a message to Twilight Sparkle in town? I need her help."

Despite being a mere animal with no means to speak, Angela nodded in response. I swear, the animals around Ponyville, and quite possibly all of Equestria, are so clearly intelligent that you can probably have a full conversation with them and they would understand every last word you say. Anyway, she fluttered out of her little house and perched upon my shoulder while I went over to a cupboard that held some stationery and inkwells. I pulled out the smallest scroll I could and began to write upon it.

"Twilight, this is James. I am sorry to bother you, but you were the first person I thought of to ask for help. I just woke up and it seems Fluttershy has come down with something bad. I am not certain what she has and I know we do not have any medication for it, so I was hoping you would be able to identify the illness by its symptoms. Could you please come over as soon as you can?" Once that was done, I tightly rolled the scroll up and slid a ribbon down to its middle. I then held it up to Angela, who then grasped it in her foot. "Thanks, Angela. I'll have a treat ready when you get back."

I walked over to one of the bedroom's windows and pushed it open before kneeling by it with my shoulder directed towards it. Once close enough, Angela spread her wings and flew out the window and out of sight. She knows where Twilight lives, that much I am certain of.

I then walked back over to Fluttershy's side of the bed and saw that she was indeed fast asleep. Poor girl... I know what it is like to be rendered bedridden by an illness that saps you of your strength and even the focus required to do anything you like. Not a fun experience at all. Still, one must never underestimate the effectiveness of rest.

However, it was then that I remembered something. I still had to get started on breakfast. And Scootaloo has school today. Mumbling to myself about it, I quickly went downstairs and peeked in on Scootaloo. The little tomboy filly was still fast asleep in her bed. It was while I looked at her that I had an idea of what to whip up for Fluttershy. Citrus fruits are great for the ill since they are rich in vitamin C. I knew we had some oranges and lemons around.

Once I stepped into the kitchen, I went over to the refrigerator and pulled the door open before removing a pair of oranges and a trio of lemons. I also checked for grapefruit, a particularly large citrus fruit, but found none. I was hardly surprised though. Even when compared to lemons, they tend to be extraordinarily sour to the point of bitterness. I know I do not care for them and neither Fluttershy nor Scootaloo does either.

I first cut the three lemons into wedges before reaching into a drawer next to the sink and pulling out my secret tool for peeling oranges. A utility knife. With a press of a switch, the triangular blade popped out of one end. Taking one orange, I dragged the tip through just under the surface of the rind from top to bottom. I pried some of it off before taking the blade and sliding it between the rind and the fruit inside, separating the two. Once I had 'shaved' the orange, I pried the wedges apart and set them aside. I then repeated the process with the second orange before placing the citrus slices on a plate and filling a cup with water, although I did eat one of the wedges for a light snack. After making certain Scootaloo was still asleep, I began to make my way up the stairs.

Fluttershy was still where I had last seen her. Lounging in bed with hardly any energy. I then kneeled by her side and tenderly stroked her cheek to gently wake her up again. "Are you hungry, honey?"

"Some honey does sound good right now..." Fluttershy spoke groggily while seemingly struggling to lift her head. But the instant she looked at the plate in my other hand, her listless sickly expression brightened just slightly. "For me...?"

I nodded while cracking a smile. "Yup. Citrus fruits are good for when you've come down with something. It bolsters your immune system. Here you go." I then held out one of the lemon wedges to my beloved. I could tell she was in no mood to move at all, so I felt it would be best if I fed her myself.

Fluttershy weakly opened her jaws and bit down on the wedge, taking all the fruit off of it while leaving the rind intact. She seemed to be having a hard time tasting it at first, but her expression soon showed a glimmer of a reaction to the taste of sourness. "Can you taste it fine?"

After swallowing, Fluttershy nodded at me. "Yeah... I didn't taste much at first, but... I think the sourness turned my taste buds back on. More please?"

Piece by piece, I fed Fluttershy almost like a pet. It was such a calm and peaceful moment between us. I mean, I could have been tending to things I would rather be doing, but I felt content just being there for her. Once she finished the lemon wedges, I started handing her the orange wedges. With no rinds, she ate them whole.

"Feeling better, honey?" I asked quietly while tenderly stroking her cheek. She seemed just a tiny bit more awake now that she had a bit more vitamin C flowing through her.

Fluttershy started to look like she was about to start to climb out of bed. But when she tried to make herself stand, she fell back onto the mattress with a quiet thump. "Oops... I guess I'm not going anywhere today..."

A faint chuckle hummed inside my cheeks. As helpless as she seemed, Fluttershy seemed so cute at that time. "That's fine, honey. You just rest up for today."

My girlfriend seemed to relax as a humble smile spread across her face. However, she suddenly gasped weakly while looking surprised and slightly panicked. "But... What about all the little animals? I still need to feed them for the morning..."

Right, I had all but forgotten about that. The many little creatures that live around our cottage rely on Fluttershy for their morning meals. And their midday meals as well, if memory serves. As much as I did not want her to strain herself, I still had no idea of where to start. "Um... I'd be happy to do it for you. But how should I go about it?"

Fluttershy weakly smiled at me before pointing to the desk that was just to the left of the bed. It had some bookshelves built into it. "Look in that folder there. I once asked Rainbow Dash to watch my place one day so I could go prepare a spot to watch the annual butterfly migration and I needed to write down the morning routine for her to follow."

As beautiful as it sounded to watch entire swarms of butterflies fly overhead, I still felt a question pop into my head. "Uh... Rainbow Dash? Somehow, I can't see her signing up for that."

A giggle came from Fluttershy before it was abruptly interrupted by a brief coughing fit. "The only reason I asked her... Ugh... The reason was because all my other friends could not set aside time for it. Rainbow Dash thought the whole migration watching was boring, so she agreed to watch my place for a day instead of going with me to help set things up faster..." She then sighed while an awkward grin spread across her lips. "I don't think she enjoyed it. And the animals seemed kind of glad to see her go when I came home. I guess she didn't have the patience for it."

That got a laugh out of me. "Rainbow Dash? Baby, patient she ain't!" Oh man, Rainbow must have hated having to take care of all the animals hanging out around our place. Regardless, I then reached into the shelf and pulled out a pink paper folder. When I opened it, I found a single sheet of paper with various food words and numbers on it as well as the names of various animal types. A quick glance revealed that it showed when to feed the animals and how much food to give them with each meal. It seemed to consist of one feeding in the morning and another in the afternoon. "Oh, it's all kept in that mini refrigerator. I was wondering what all that was for."

Fluttershy nodded with a small smile before gently setting her head back down on her pillow. "It's really easy and simple... But... I'm sorry, but can I go back to sleep? I'm still really tired..."

"Sure thing, honey. You rest up and I'll take care of the critters for today." I replied before placing one kiss on her forehead. Sure enough, she almost immediately nodded off. Hoping to get this out of the way as soon as possible so I could get started on my own breakfast, I went downstairs and into the kitchen.

Over the last year, I discovered the presence of a small refrigerator in one corner of the kitchen that always contained simple foods, such as lettuce, carrots, fish, and what seemed to be a large coffee can, among other things. I never bothered to actually inspect the can though since I have never cared for coffee... But now that I think about it, I have never seen Fluttershy drink coffee either. She has always been one for tea instead.

After looking through the fridge and removing a rather surprising variety of goods, I decided to look in the coffee can. I mean, it surely was out of place in our household since none of us drink coffee. Heck, I doubt even Scootaloo cares for it. But I was in for a surprise when I held it in my hands. There seemed to be several small punctures in the lid. Was there something alive in it?

I got pretty much what I was expecting when I popped the lid off. The whole thing was filled with moist soil. And plenty of earthworms were squirming around in it. "Oh, so that's where she keeps the worms."

Even so, I had to prepare the worms since they were likely covered in mud. I went over to the sink and pulled out a large strainer before reaching into the can and grabbing a handful of worms. I then turned the faucet on and began to wash the worms and my hand of the mud. All the while, I began to quietly sing a brief verse. "Nobody likes me, everybody hates me, I think I'll go eat worms..."

A moment later, I had pretty much a dozen worms wriggling in the strainer while I filled another bowl with a tiny layer of water before placing the worms in it. That would keep them moist while letting the birds pluck them at will. "Big fat juicy ones, little... Uh... How did the rest of that song go?"

With how much I had to carry, it required more than one trip to get all of the food outside. I could see many little animals eyeing me curiously. I suppose they were wondering where the little yellow pony who usually feeds them was at the moment.

"Sorry, guys. Fluttershy's calling in sick today, so you're stuck with me." I spoke up while setting out the bowl of worms. Not missing a beat, several songbirds swooped down before perching on its rim and began to pluck worm after worm from it. Perhaps this would go by more smoothly than expected. And I guess it helps that they have known me for a year.

"Let's see... One carrot for Angel." I read aloud the instructions on the sheet of paper I had. Off to the left of the cottage, I saw his little house within close proximity to a tree. He seemed to be sitting there on his haunches with his forelegs crossed while looking around impatiently. I suppose he was wondering where Fluttershy was with his breakfast. Somehow, I could almost imagine him calling out to her while threatening to drink his first ever carrot-flavored soda to get her attention.

"Morning, Angel. Hungry?" I asked upon drawing near with a carrot in my hand. While he initially looked rather surprised to see me coming, he soon crossed his arms again before looking away with disdain. He certainly can be a difficult little guy.

"Hey, I know you're used to it being Fluttershy who feeds you, but that's not happening today. She's come down with something bad and is resting in bed. So you've got me. Do you want this?" I explained while wondering if he would really be stubborn enough to refuse his breakfast.

The little white rabbit looked up at me with a look of mild concern while I nodded to confirm what I said as true. He let out a long sigh before once again looking away with a dissatisfied expression. But just when I thought I was going to have to leave him alone, he extended his paw to me in a fashion that seemed to say 'Fine, give it here' to me. I snickered lightly under my breath at this unintentionally humorous display and set the carrot down into his grasp. He then rigidly brought it to his mouth and began to nibble on it.

The rest of the animals around the place were far more accepting. I set out some berries and nuts for the chipmunks and squirrels, some more carrots and lettuce for the other rabbits in the area, and I had to take off my socks and shoes to get in the brook that ran in front of our home. I still had to get a pair of fish to deliver to the pair of weasels that live under the little earthen bridge that crosses it. However, I found that it was still too low for me to even squat under. "I guess even the duck walk won't work here..."

I could see that I was going to have to crawl to get under the bridge. It is only barely tall enough for Fluttershy to walk under. If I were to attempt to do a squatting walk to get under there, I would be liable to fall over and get my clothes soaked. Against my better judgment, I decided to take my shorts off. Wearing only my boxers below the waist, I was unlikely to get anything wet while crawling.

The two fish I had in hand were kept close to my chest while I crawled through the shallow water and under the bridge. I am no ichthyologist, but judging by the slender bodies and coloration of their scales, I assume the two fish were common daces. Although I did have to wonder if Fluttershy ever goes through any moral dilemmas when she has to feed a fish that was once alive to another little animal friend of hers...

Next to a small earthen den on the side of the brook that is nearest to Fluttershy's cottage is a very small wooden dock that apparently allows the weasels who live there to get out of the water without getting themselves muddy. Sure enough, the two lithe and flexible critters came out to greet me. They definitely seemed surprised to see me instead of Fluttershy, but they seemed happy enough once I had set the two fish on the dock. Not wanting to stay out of my clothes any longer, I quickly scratched their heads between the ears before crawling out of there as quickly as I could before stepping out of the brook and picking up my shorts while kicking the water from my legs. However, just before I could start to put them back on, I just happened to turn to the east and froze when I found someone I did not expect looking right at me.

I did not speak. Standing on the other side of the bridge was Twilight Sparkle with Angela perched upon her head. Even though ponies normally do not wear anything at all, it was still embarrassing to be caught outdoors in my undergarments. Finally, with a noticeable blush starting to shine through the purple coat on her cheeks, Twilight spoke first. "Uh... Why are you out here in your...underwear?"

Feeling my temperature rising in my face, leading me to suspect that I too was blushing, I hastily pulled my shorts back on. "Well... I didn't want to get my clothes wet while crawling under the bridge. Someone's gotta feed the critters, right?"

"Oh, right! Fluttershy came down with something bad, didn't she?" Twilight asked while glancing up at the little white dove on her head. "I read the note Angela brought to me and came over as soon as I could. I brought a book on medicine to help us figure out what she's sick with." Sure enough, there were a pair of saddlebags hanging at her sides with her cutie mark emblazoned on them.

"Sweet! And thanks, Angela. Come here, pretty bird." I replied with some excitement while I snatched up a few blueberries from a bowl nearby. My little friend flew over to me and perched on my opposite hand while pecking at the berries to open up the skin to reveal the fruit inside.

Twilight and I headed up the slope to the front door of the cottage before we headed inside. I set Angela down on the nearest shelf along with the berries she had not finished so she could finish her snack in peace. While I did so, Twilight peeked into Scootaloo's room. That little tomboy was sleeping late that morning. Before I could say anything, she looked back at me with a calm smile before speaking softly. "Scootaloo looks so darling when she's asleep."

"Yeah, you'd never know how much energy she has by seeing her asleep like that. Anyway, shouldn't we go check on Fluttershy now?" I retorted before heading towards the stairs. I did not want to keep Twilight any longer than was needed. I am sure she was in the middle of something when Angela showed up in the first place.

She nodded with a smile before trotting over to me and heading up the wooden steps. "Sure thing. The sooner we figure out what is wrong with her, the sooner we can figure out what needs to be done."

Upon arriving at the top of the stairs, we found Fluttershy fast asleep in bed. The poor mare... I almost did not want to wake her. "Care to do the honors, Twi?"

"OK. Leave this to me." My friend then quietly approached Fluttershy while I watched from a corner. Very tenderly, Twilight nudged our sleeping friend. "Rise and shine, Fluttershy. Doctor Twilight is making a house call."

Slowly, but surely, Fluttershy began to stir and mumble before lazily opening her very tired eyes. "Huh...? Twi...light? When did you bring your sisters?"

That surprised both of us. Sisters? Last I checked, Shining Armor is the only sibling she has. Cadence may be her sister-in-law, but I doubt anyone ever really calls them that. Twilight, her eyes opened wide in bewilderment, glanced to her left and right. "Huh? I don't have any sis... Oh, I see what's going on." She then used the levitation spell to pull a thick textbook from one of her saddlebags. "I thought you looked a little disoriented, but I didn't expect you to be suffering from double vision. That helps narrow it down."

"You're looking up the illness via symptoms?" I asked while drawing closer to keep an eye on Fluttershy.

Twilight gently rubbed Fluttershy's forehead with her hoof, both in a show of tenderness and apparently to check if she had a fever. "Let's see... Lack of energy, double vision, disorientation, great fatigue... Oh, here it is!"

Fluttershy and both leaned closer to try to see what was in the book. My girlfriend spoke first. "Uh... What is it? Do I have the flu?"

Our brainy unicorn friend smiled reassuringly at us both while placing the book back in her saddlebag. "Don't worry, it's nothing too serious. It seems you've come down with a case of the flutters."

I very nearly laughed at that title. Flutters? "Seriously? The flutters? You just made that up, didn't you?"

Fluttershy let out a rather weak giggle while Twilight too rolled her eyes, apparently finding the name to sound a bit silly as well. "I know it doesn't sound serious, but that's the actual name of the disease. It's caused by a viral strain that only affects pegasi. It's not lethal, but it mainly affects their hormones and nervous system to the point of generating significant energy loss and upsetting their equilibrium. It's called the 'flutters' because pegasi cannot fly when afflicted with it. All they can manage to do is flutter around haphazardly."

As silly as the name sounded, I soon found myself viewing it as being less humorous. The name certainly fits since it makes a pegasus' signature ability to fly extremely difficult to perform. "You heard her, Fluttershy. No flying until you feel better."

"Uh huh... I can live with that. But... Oh, wow... I didn't know your brothers came to Equestria too, James... What's their names?" Fluttershy groggily mumbled while turning her gaze towards me. I had no response to that. Twilight and I just laughed at how silly Fluttershy's illness was making her act.

Once Twilight had fetched Fluttershy a glass of water, she tenderly nuzzled her face. "There is medication for it, but another way to get over the illness is to get plenty of rest. Take it easy for now, OK?"

Fluttershy very clumsily lifted the glass to her lips before slowly gulping down about half of the glass's contents. "I will... I don't think I can do anything right now... But thanks for coming, Twilight... I think I'll get some more sleep now..."

"You do that. If you need anything, I always have time to stop by." Twilight replied while gently patting Fluttershy's shoulder to reassure her. Very soon, the sickly pegasus drifted off to sleep while Twilight and I headed back down the stairs.

"Thanks for coming, Twilight. I never would've guessed that she had something with such an odd name." I said once we had reached the bottom of the stairs.

My friend looked back up at me with a calm smile. "It was a pleasure. Fluttershy should be OK in a week or so, but some medication should have her feeling better in no time if you get some today."

That did raise a question though. I have yet to come down with anything significant ever since coming to Equestria. I know one of the local convenience stores sell simple medicines for pain and cold symptoms, but I have never seen them sell anything more specialized for specific illnesses. And I have not taken the time to locate the local pharmacy, assuming Ponyville even has one. "Uh... About that. Where can I even find that kind of medicine?"

I did not expect Twilight's response. She turned her gaze towards the far window, the edge of the Everfree Forest visible beyond it. "Well... If you want my honest opinion on what to do, I recommend you go see Zecora. Her homemade remedies are probably better than anything you can buy in a store."

Zecora... I had all but forgotten about her. It is a shame we do not see each other more often. "Oh, right. I almost forgot about her... Well, if she can come up with a concoction that can change me back after being turned into a pony, she can probably come up with a cure for the flutters."

"She certainly is a marvel with those natural ingredients. I just wish I knew that the first time I met her." Twilight replied with a slightly awkward grin on her face. "If anything... It might be thanks to her that the ponies of Ponyville were not more hostile or wary of you when you first arrived."

That was not a quip I was expecting. How could Zecora have possibly had a hand in my welcome into town being as smooth as it was? "Um... How so?"

With a slightly ashamed look on her face, Twilight looked back towards the window before looking at me again. "Well... Not long after I first got settled into Ponyville myself, I saw Zecora for the first time. And... Well, I know this is going to sound silly, but the entire town was scared of her to the point of everyone hiding indoors."

This made me roll my eyes in disbelief. "Um... That's probably the silliest thing I've heard since I first met you, Twilight. And that's saying a lot. Besides, what's so scary about Zecora? She's likeable, charming, and quite frankly beautiful. How can an entire town be so xenophobic of one person?"

Twilight rolled her eyes as well, apparently remembering some past frustration she held. "To be honest, it bothered me too. I never saw anything wrong with her at all. I knew she's a zebra and that her kind hails from a far-off land to the south. Although aside from that, I think they were put off by her odd coloration and the fact that she constantly kept herself shrouded in a cloak. It also did not help that she lives in the Everfree Forest and you know what kind of a reputation that place has."

"Uh... How can living in that place give you a bad reputation? I would expect them to want to know more about her if she can live there without trouble." I asked while finding this tale of Twilight's first encounter with Zecora becoming increasingly bizarre.

"It's because the Everfree Forest is 'unnatural', from what my friends told me. Mind you, this was very shortly after I arrived in Ponyville, so I wasn't familiar with how the ponies in town perceive things that are found locally. But... This is what they told me." Twilight continued to explain while looking increasingly irritated. "In the Everfree Forest, plants grow, animals take care of themselves, and clouds move. All on their own."

That revelation about how nature works had already been revealed to me in a previous conversation with the girls and I believe I already explained that once. Regardless, it still got a laugh out of me. Once I had managed to cease my laughing, I cleared my throat. "Right... So, what happened next?"

Twilight sighed while shaking her head. She clearly was not pleased with what she was thinking of. "Long story short, my friends and I ran into some Poison Joke while pursuing Apple Bloom, who was level-headed enough to not judge Zecora at first glance. We all suffered from some weird effects and were not even aware that the plant had caused it and assumed it was a curse. I'll admit...even I got dragged into the hysteria. We pretty much had a nasty first encounter with Zecora, but Apple Bloom got through to us and we realized that Zecora, while different and unusual, is a good person and never meant any harm. When we went back to Ponyville with her to get the remaining ingredients to whip up a cure for the Poison Joke's effects, we pretty much explained to the town that she was of no threat. If Zecora had never come along and showed us to never judge anyone who just looks strange at first glance... I'm worried your first impression with Ponyville would have been far more negative. Especially when we consider the delicate emotional state you were in at the time."

She was certainly right about that. When I think back to that first day, I was very distraught and nervous. And while the ponies in town stared, they never once showed fear of me or even the slightest hint of hostility. Curious, yes, but never hurtful. What would they have done if Zecora had not arrived first? "That's a good point... I'll be sure to thank her next time I see her."

Before we could even talk further, another voice spoke up from across the room. "Would you mind taking that somewhere else?! I'm trying to sleep!"

When Twilight and I looked in the direction the voice had come from, we were greeted by the sight of a groggy-looking Scootaloo gazing at us with an irritated scowl. I was quick to remind her of the current day. "Well, good morning, Scoot. You might wanna get ready for school. It is a Friday."

That perked her up right away. "Huh?! It is?! Uh... I'll get my stuff together! Be right back!" She then dashed back into the room, the sound of rustling saddlebags coming from within.

"Guess I better start on breakfast too. You wanna stay for an omelet, Twilight?" I asked while making my way to the kitchen.

Twilight seemed intrigued with the offer, but at the same time, she looked a bit hesitant. "That sounds tasty, but I already had breakfast. Spike cooked me some pancakes, so I'm not really hungry."

Scootaloo, apparently having heard Twilight, called out from across the living room. "You gotta try his omelets, Twilight! They're awesome!"

This seemed to get Twilight to rethink her decision since she turned her gaze to the floor while looking more focused. Eventually, she looked over at me again. "Well, what do you put in your omelets?"

"Oh, my favorite kind so far is with spinach, diced tomatoes, and feta cheese. They go together really well." I replied while searching through the refrigerator for the ingredients.

"Mmm, that does sound amazing... Well... Um... OK, I'll stay. But just for one omelet." Twilight spoke after a moment of thought. I then noticed her take a seat on the stool at the table while merely watching me.

The process of cooking the omelets was the same as usual and I know I described it in the previous entry, so I will not go over it twice. Along with the omelets, I fried up some hash browns and two slices of toast. By the time I had finished, Scootaloo had joined Twilight at the table. However, she was quick to notice that someone was missing. "Where's Fluttershy? In the bathroom?"

While I set out the food and plates on the table, I proceeded to explain Fluttershy's current condition to her. "Yeah... Fluttershy isn't feeling well today. It seems she's come down with a case of the flutters. It's an illness exclusive to pegasi, so make sure you don't get it too."

Scootaloo's eyes opened wide while her ears drooped. She clearly knew of the illness. "The flutters?! Uh oh... Uh... I'll be sure to give her some space until she's feeling better."

"Yeah, it is a little on the contagious side. You could... Whoa, that does look awesome." Twilight started to speak before I set the plate that was holding her omelet out in front of her. I had cut it in two to allow her to see the contents, which were an enticing mixture of green, red, and white.

"Care to do the honors?" I asked while holding out a fork to Twilight.

"Gladly." Twilight then used the levitation spell to grab the fork before using it to cut and lift a morsel of the omelet to her mouth. After a moment, she swallowed and grinned brightly at me. "Wow, that's delicious! Where'd you learn how to cook like this?"

"Well, my dad does run his own restaurant back home. I guess I inherited some of his cooking expertise." I replied while taking a seat on my own stool.

Breakfast was fairly uneventful from that point on. Scootaloo would keep talking about new scooter stunts she was developing while Twilight would often speak of her studies under Celestia and new spells she was trying to learn. I mostly just sat there and listened without a word unless they asked me something specifically. I actually felt rather bad that Fluttershy was not there with us, but I suppose it could not be helped. I doubt she would even be able to taste the food very well in her current condition. Although it made for a nice change of pace to have Twilight Sparkle with us.

Scootaloo seemed to scarf her food down rather quickly compared to the rest of us. Was she worried she would be late for school? Sure enough, I got my answer after she chugged the rest of her milk. "That was awesome! Ready to go, James?"

In all honesty, while I do enjoy my walks with Scootaloo, I was actually rather worried about Fluttershy. It did not feel right to leave her unattended. "Uh... What about Fluttershy? Who's... Say, could you watch her for a little while, Twilight?"

My friend shook her head with a frown. "I'd love to, but I really need to get back home. I've got some errands to line up for Spike and I need to get back to studying. The list Princess Celestia has given me needs to be completed by the end of the weekend."

I have never once figured out just what it is Twilight's studies entail, nor their purpose, but it is probably something for scholarly pursuits or the study of 'friendship', as I have been told a few times. Still, one learns about friendship by experiencing it, not by reading about it. Perhaps she was studying behavioral patterns. Regardless, I respected her decision. "OK. Well... Could you go by yourself this time, Scoot? I know you know the way. And you'll probably meet up with Apple Bloom on the way."

Initially, she seemed rather disappointed. But mere seconds later, her expression perked up as if she just had an idea. "Oh, all right. I guess it wouldn't be nice to leave a sick pony alone anyway. I'll be OK." She then hopped down from her stool and trotted outside the kitchen before looking back at Twilight and me with a smile. "I'm gonna get going now. See ya tonight, James!" She then galloped out of sight, but not towards the front door. Instead, she seemed to be heading back over to her room.

Twilight seemed to notice this as well. "You think she forgot her saddlebags?"

A moment later, Scootaloo ran past the doorway and out of sight towards the front door. In the single second I saw her, she was indeed wearing a pair of saddlebags, but there was something else on her as well. "Was that a helmet?"

Not even a minute after hearing the door close, I heard the buzzing of a small motor. Twilight and I then headed over to the window and looked outside. Scootaloo was riding away from the cottage on her scooter. "Well, that's one way to go to school in style."

Twilight let out a small giggle, apparently amused by Scootaloo's choice of transportation that day. "Have you noticed how good she is on that scooter?"

"You mean how she's skilled at scooter stunts and dance in general? I have to wonder how she's gone this long without figuring that out." I retorted while shaking my head. Her special skills, as well as that of the other two Cutie Mark Crusaders, are so blatantly obvious that it is actually embarrassing.

Twilight soon looked up at me and cracked a smirk. "You think they just need a push in the right direction?"

"You know what? I don't see why not. If neither of them have figured out what they're good at by the time their school's talent show is one week away next year, I'll tell them myself." I replied after thinking of those three fillies. I adore those girls, but their utter obliviousness to their true special talents is starting to go from endearing to mildly annoying. Especially when they display them without ever once noticing what they are doing so well.

I walked Twilight to the front door after that. Once the door was open, she turned around and motioned with her hoof for me to lower myself. I saw what she wanted and dropped to one knee while holding out my arms. Sure enough, she wrapped her arms around me for a tender embrace. "It was good seeing you, James. Take care of Fluttershy. And be sure to stop by Zecora's place before it gets dark. I know she has a cure. And... Oh! I just now remembered! I stopped by Sugarcube Corner on the way up here. Pinkie Pie wanted me to inform you that you have the day off. She didn't say why though."

Well, that was certainly random to say at the end of our meeting. I mean it was considerate of them to give me the day off so I could watch over Fluttershy. But it was way too coincidental of that to happen without me asking them for it. I wonder...

"She did? Huh... Well, that's convenient. I was just starting to wonder if I should ask them. Anyway, I'll pay Zecora a visit today when I get some time. I just need to figure out when the best time is. Take care, Twi. And say hi to Spike for me." I spoke quietly while tenderly rubbing my fingers through her mane. Not wanting to keep her away from her studies any longer, the two of us said our goodbyes before I saw Twilight trotting down the dirt path and across the bridge towards Ponyville in the distance.

I will admit that while the atmosphere of Fluttershy's house was calming, I actually found myself becoming bored very quickly. Fluttershy was still fast asleep, so I could not interact with her in any way. And although I suppose I could have gone somewhere, I felt so restricted in what I could do since I was worried about leaving Fluttershy unattended in the off chance that she would awaken.

I very soon found myself missing the modest hustle and bustle of Ponyville. While I do adore the area Fluttershy lives in, being stuck in her house for extensive periods of time is not something I enjoy very much. Although I have to say the atmosphere was delightful with the wind tenderly blowing through the windows while songbirds would occasionally chirp from somewhere outside. The only problem was that there was practically nothing for me to do to occupy myself aside from looking through some magazines. Even so, I would rather be enjoying the great outdoors or be around people in town. I can see why Fluttershy goes to Ponyville so often. Despite being shy, it feels good to be around pleasant people.

It was while I was reclining on Fluttershy's bench-like sofa while reading one of the school's newspapers that Scootaloo brought home to pass the time that I was subjected to an unexpected interruption. I noticed the faint sound of footsteps just outside the window. Actually, it was more like hooves than typical feet thanks to the telltale clopping sound. And immediately afterward, I heard someone knock on the door.

"I don't think we were expecting any guests today..." I mumbled to myself while I set the newspaper down and began to approach the door. But when I opened the door, I certainly did not see who I was expecting. "Uh... Hello?"

I saw not one, but two lovely mares standing before me. "Good morning. May we speak to one Mr. James please?" Asked the taller of the two.

"Well... This is different. What's up, your highnesses?" I retorted while stepping outside so I would not have to crouch. As it turned out, Celestia and Luna themselves were standing right in front of me.

Luna was quick to smile at me and caught me in an embrace right away. "Well, as much as I would love to say that this is a pleasure trip, I'm afraid to say that we are here on important business."

While returning my beautiful friend's affection with an embrace of my very own, I felt the need to ask. "Important business? What for?"

The Princess of the Night lowered herself back to the ground before extending her wing to me. I had failed to notice that she was grasping something in it. "Well, do you recognize this?"

I felt my playful side coming out as I beheld what I was seeing. A silver chalice with a silver lid set upon it. I then took the chalice in hand and removed the lid. "How'd you know I was in the mood for some fine wine?"

Luna and Celestia instantly looked at me with horrified expressions while I began to lift the chalice to my lips. But before I could fake them out, the chalice was coated with a billowing golden yellow aura and pulled away from me by an unseen force. Celestia, clearly the one casting the spell, spoke up with a less composed voice. "James, that isn't edible! You know this isn't used to carry beverages!"

I burst into laughter at just how spooked I had them. "I know what it is! I just couldn't help myself!" The two princesses soon looked at each other with crooked smiles before they too joined in the laughter.

Once the three of us had gotten enough laughter out of my little gag, I took the chalice in hand again while looking down at its contents. As expected, it contained a swirling mass of dark blue and white liquid metal. "So, what's this for again? There isn't some sort of new crisis happening, is there?"

"Not at all. It's just time for your next lesson." Luna replied with a grin upon her muzzle.

This caught me by surprise. Lesson? For what? I never signed up for anything. "Um... What kind of lesson are we talking about?"

Celestia smiled at me before gesturing towards the chalice with her hoof. "Well, as you know, your armor gives you the ability to use various types of magic. But the only spell you have mastered by this point is the basic levitation spell."

Luna then winked at me while continuing Celestia's explanation. "And to that end, we are here to begin training you to get even more out of your equipment. It would not do to have all this potential in such an impressive piece of armor with no means to access it."

While this proposition did sound interesting to me, I had to question exactly why such a thing would be necessary. The only reason I was given this suit of enchanted armor in the first place was because Nightmare Moon had become separate from Luna and was still a potential threat to the world. And that was something no one saw coming. I could not see myself getting involved with any future conflicts that would require the use of this armor. "Well... That sounds fun and all, but...do I have to? I mean... You don't really need me if another crisis comes up, right? Shouldn't the Elements of Harmony be enough to stop them?"

Celestia and Luna looked at each other while their expressions became more neutral. Although they said nothing, they seemed to understand each other perfectly. Celestia then looked back at me and continued to speak. "True. We do not expect to ask you for any aid should another grave conflict occur. However... This is YOUR armor, James. You are the only one permitted to access it. And therefore, you should be able to get the most out of it."

Luna then spoke while Celestia fell silent. "There is untold potential in this armor. A fusion of both Celestia's might and my own. And unless the wearer can draw out that power, the wearer is getting not even half of the armor's potential out of it."

Again. The fact that the armor's magical properties contain both the magical capabilities of bother the Princess of the Dawn and Princess of the Night. The two most powerful alicorns on the planet, Nightmare Moon aside. I honestly felt somewhat intimidated about having that much power in my possession. To give that kind of power to someone... That would require more than just trust. "Are you certain it's a good idea to give that kind of power to a mere mortal? Let alone a human? I mean... From the way you put things, the humans who used to live in this world were not always the most reasonable bunch."

Their response was not what I expected. They smiled at me. Celestia, as usual, spoke first. "James. If we had any doubts about your moral integrity, we would not have even showed you this treasure in the first place. We know this armor is in good hands. And as the creators of this armor, and as your friends, we only wish for you to use this gift to its fullest."

"Granted, we have no intention of ever forcing you into partaking in any future conflicts. However, more recent events before your arrival have taught us the value of...preemptive preparation. In layman's terms, we wish to be on the safe side by making certain you know how to get the most out of what you have." Luna added while casting her gaze towards me and the chalice in my hands.

"Getting the most out of what I have... That actually does sound like my style." I spoke softly while looking down at the constantly shifting mass of liquid metal. With a slight smile, I slid my shoes off before sticking my finger into the liquid. Like before, it began to creep over my entire body before hardening into a tough metal shell. In a mere moment, a sturdy suit of familiar winged armor covered my body. "Shall we begin?"

The two princesses smiled at me in satisfaction before Luna spoke to me. "Absolutely. Right this way. It would be best if we tutor you in a wide open area."

While I followed Celestia and Luna out into the vast open meadow that was somewhere between my home, Ponyville, and Sweet Apple Acres, I noticed something odd. I had never worn this armor while wearing shorts before. And yet, despite having my shins exposed, they felt comfortable. Along with the hard layer of plate armor, does that liquid metal also generate a flexible layer of under armor as well? I am certain I could wear this armor in just my undergarments and I would still feel comfortable.

During the walk, my eyes frequently glanced at the two beautiful alicorns before me. I would then look down at my gauntlets. The parts of my armor that contain the magical energies needed to cast spells. My right contains the power of Celestia and my left contains the power of Luna. I then turned my gaze towards them once more. For as long as I have known them this past year, I never once saw them exert any significant magical might outside of the moving of the sun and moon. It is strange... I know that they indeed must be powerful to accomplish such a feat, but... I always saw them as two likeable and beautiful women. Not paragons of magical might. Just what kind of power do they truly possess?

Eventually, the two princesses came to a stop and turned to face me. Luna spoke first. "I believe this area will do. Shall we begin?"

"I suppose..." I replied briefly, not entirely certain of what to expect.

Celestia began to pace back and forth in front of me while never looking away. "All right then. As we saw on the night you first received your armor, you have become accustomed to your swift ground movement and physical strength in your legs, you have become a capable flier, and you know how to channel the magical energies in your gauntlets to cast spells. Today, we will instruct you how to increase your spell pool while also learning how to use the more specialized magical energies within your gauntlets."

"By 'specialized energies', you mean magic that only you two can wield?" I asked, not entirely certain if I should interrupt them.

"That is exactly what she meant." Luna replied while drawing near. "There are many spells that any unicorn can use. But Celestia and I... Our magic is of unique polarities. There are some spells that only she can use, just as there are with me."

Celestia then took a step forward, possibly to draw my attention away from Luna and focus it exclusively on her. "And we will get to that. But first, the basics. As Luna said, there are many types of spells a unicorn can learn. Hundreds, in fact. From the basic levitation spell..." Her horn was then coated by a billowing golden yellow aura before she suddenly rose off the ground. However, she then spread her gorgeous white wings and flipped herself upside-down before hovering...while upside-down without any difficulty. "To the gravity change spell."

I hunched forward while my jaw hung open. Celestia was not flying upside-down at all. She was flying properly, but with gravity trying to pull her up into the sky! "How does... I thought... Actually, never mind. Magic can't really be explained to begin with, so why should I even ask?"

The two alicorns chuckled at my obvious bewilderment before Celestia's horn was coated by her magic aura again. However, she was soon coated by her own magic aura before slowly rotating herself until her hooves were just off the ground. She then lightly set herself down, having apparently set gravity's pull on her back to normal. "Also, although you are more accustomed to using it on other objects, you can use levitation on yourself."

Luna then stepped forward to draw my attention. "Of course, there is also the ever-useful..." Her horn was then coated by her billowing blue magic aura before she vanished in a flash of light and reappeared on the opposite side of her sister in an identical flash. "Teleportation spell. But I assume you've seen this spell used before."

"Yeah, Twilight seems really proficient with it..." I said while taking in their words. It was rather shocking to see just what magic can do even after spending a full year in a world where magic use is commonplace. But that is likely because the spells I normally see are of the 'common' variety. "But aren't those spells difficult to use?"

Celestia nodded while beginning to walk around me. "Some are. The spell I just showed you and the teleportation spell are highly advanced spells that are both tricky to learn and more mentally taxing than most others. The key elements to the use of the teleportation spell are distance and mass. The farther you go and the more mass you have to move, the more difficult and tiring it is."

Luna then spoke up, apparently to cover something Celestia had forgotten to mention. "Another thing. It is also dependant on line of sight and memory. You can only teleport to a place you can see or a place that you can easily remember. And depending on how far away the location is, you may not be able to reach it."

In an attempt to be witty or funny, I asked a question. "So you're saying I could use this spell to teleport all the way back to Earth and grab a sandwich from my favorite lunch spot?"

This prompted a snicker from Celestia while Luna rolled her eyes with a smirk across her lips. "No, of course not. Your home world is light-years away. Even the most powerful magic casters can't possibly get that far. Even the moon is too far away to teleport to."

Luna then began to walk towards me while her horn was coated in her magic aura. "Of course, they are not the only advanced spells out there. Others inclu...oof!" For whatever reason, she walked right into me. She clearly did not expect it either, despite having her eyes open.

"You OK?" I asked while looking on in concern. That was certainly clumsy of her, but she seemed baffled by it as well. Luna then reached out and tapped her hoof on my armored abdomen, almost as if she was expecting to phase through it.

"Hm. It seems your armor works quite well. It seems to resist all forms of passive magic." She spoke with a focused gaze.

"What Luna was trying to demonstrate is the spell that allows one to phase through solid matter. But I doubt you'll ever be able to successfully learn that one. It's one of the most difficult spells out there to master. Even I never got it down!" Celestia explained while getting a good laugh out of Luna's failed performance. I raised my hands while shaking my head, not entirely certain if I could believe that such a spell exists.

However, while I watched these demonstrations, a question came to mind. "Do you really think I can actually use these spells? I mean...I barely have a grasp on how magic works at all."

Luna nodded right away. "You do have a point. Even earth ponies and pegasi possess types of magic, though they are mostly passive. However, humans have absolutely no innate magical abilities whatsoever."

Celestia then continued to speak in further detail. "For them to use any magic at all, they would often craft magical artifacts to compensate for that weakness. However, your armor bestows upon you the same level of mental and magical focus as Luna and myself. You cannot feel it, but your mental aptitude for focusing and channeling magical energies is just as great as ours. With practice, you will likely even be able to match us someday."

This sounded too good to be true. I certainly did not feel wiser or smarter or more serene. But perhaps that is not what using magic is about. "Well... Shall we start so I can get a better feel for being able to use magic?"

"By all means, let's. Which spell would you like to try first?" Luna asked while Celestia looked on.

After a brief moment of thought, I came up with my answer. "How about teleportation? Doesn't get much more convenient than that."

Celestia smiled at me before speaking. "Excellent choice. Now, just do as I tell you."

Even though I somehow had a bit of a grasp of what she told me, there is no possible way I can go into detail on what her instructions entailed. Magic is an arcane art that is excruciatingly difficult to explain. My apologies, but you have to actually experience it to have any idea on how it works. Anyway, I did as I was told. I tried focusing the magical energies in my right arm for this spell, a golden yellow aura coating my armored forearm and hand in response to my will. An instant later, I found myself standing not in front of my mentors, but behind them. However, the experience was...jarring, to say the least. I instantly dropped to my knees while my eyes rolled around in my head as if I had come down with the world's worst recorded case of vertigo. I honestly felt as if I was going to vomit.

"Oh dear, are you all right?!" Luna asked while rushing to my side, but was quick to back away when she saw me lifting my hand to my mouth.

"Oog... Gimme a minute... Ugh... I... I... I think... Yeah, I'm gonna be OK... Man, that was close..." I groaned while breathing deeply to settle myself. I then sat down with a thud, my head still swaying from side to side.

With a nervous grin, Celestia approached me as well. "Yes, that's usually the first experience one has when they use the teleportation spell for the first time. It's very taxing on the mind and unless your focus is just right, it leaves you heavily disoriented. The only way to improve is with practice."

"In that case... Can we take a break while my stomach settles?" I asked while falling on my back and just looking up at the sky. I swear I felt like the world was spinning under me.

"Uh... Sure. Take all the time you need." Luna replied while sounding like she was about to start laughing.

After a good three minutes or so, I felt the world stop spinning and sat up again. The two princesses seemed to be whispering to each other in conversation. "OK, I'm good now. Uh... Could you explain some of the more 'specialized' spells to me now?"

The two alicorns looked at each other and smiled. Celestia then spoke while they approached me. "Sure. I think you'll find this part of the lesson to be quite dazzling."

Luna's horn was then coated by her blue billowing aura before she began to speak next. "There are some spells that are of a more offensive nature. Created for self-defense. This spell, while very basic, is very effective in repelling most threats." A broad beam of blue magical energy was then shot from the tip of her horn that rocketed off into the sky. "While it will send most living creatures sprawling, the most heavily concentrated forms of this spell can obliterate boulders. Although the softer and more durable bodies of living creatures will likely survive it."

I nodded while crossing my arms, rather impressed by this show of power. "But that's still a spell anyone can use with practice, right?"

Celestia then flashed me a slightly excited smirk as she began to back away from me while her golden yellow magic aura surrounded her horn. As if she was about to show me a very unexpected surprise. "Very true. But the reason we showed you the most basic forms of attack-based magic is because the unique magical polarities within your gauntlets..." When she paused, my eyes opened slightly wider when I saw that the golden yellow aura surrounding her horn had become a cloak of flickering orange flames. "...possess extraordinarily destructive power."

With that, Celestia reared up on her hind legs and launched a surging stream of fire from her horn high into the air. Fire... Raw unfettered fire. Or at least it seemed to be. The fire coming from her horn seemed to be a bit more fiery yellow in color that typical orange flames... Perhaps magic-based fire has slightly different properties than natural fire? Even so, I could still feel the heat. But as brazen as this display of power was, I could see that Celestia was taking great care to not expose her flames to the meadow we were standing in. Even so, it was quite clear to me. The Princess of the Dawn commands the power of heat.

"This is the kind of power your armor possesses, James! The power of flames!" Celestia spoke rather boldly while the spell was cancelled and she landed back down on her hooves. But the instant she turned to face me, I ducked out of the way. Having seen what her horn can do, I felt as if I was standing before a loaded rifle. Wait... Do not worry about what a rifle is.

"Hm? James, what is... Oh, stop that! Why are you... Stop!" Celestia finally barked at me as I repeatedly tried to stay out of her way.

Luna too seemed baffled by why I was trying to make sure I was not in her sister's direct line of sight. "James, what's wrong?"

I knew I was going to sound silly, but I decided to be honest with them. "Well... Let's just say after seeing that... I don't want to be in her way just in case that horn goes off again."

Celestia rolled her eyes at me, clearly finding my fears humorous. "James. Listen to me."

The Princess of the Dawn began to approach me. I tried to duck out of her way the instant she faced me, but found my feet rooted to the ground. When I glanced down, I found a familiar blue billowing magic aura surrounding my armored feet. "Luna, knock it off! Lemme go!"

Luna cracked a grin while she giggled. She was clearly restraining my movement. I kept trying to yank my legs up, but it felt as if I had my feet stuck in blocks of concrete. I felt my fear rising the closer Celestia drew. But soon, she stopped with her face mere inches away from mine. She then spoke with a serene smile and a soft calming tone. "Calm yourself, my friend."

Celestia tilted her head down until her horn rested atop my forehead. I could see that her magic was being channeled through it, although no spells of any sort were cast. "I know I possess the power to bring great harm to you or anypony I wish. But the important thing is that I have no intention of ever doing so." She then looked me in the eye; her beautiful magenta irises focused right on me. "Do you think I would ever harm you?"

Despite how nervous I was feeling, I could see no hostility in those eyes. In fact, I saw a deep concern. Celestia is a sweetheart. I know she is far from being violent. She would never harm anyone unless they threatened her people. I wanted to believe her despite my fears. I gently reached up and grasped her horn before lowering it. I was hoping I would be able to get over my fear by looking my fear directly in the eye.

"No, you're not like that. You're a wonderful person, Celestia." I spoke softly while her horn was mere inches from me. I ran my armored fingers up and down it. It possesses great power. The power to burn and kill. But I know it will not kill unless it needs to. It would never be used to harm me.

I felt the magical restraints on my feet vanish as Luna drew near. "Are you sure you're going to be fine? If our magic frightens you, we can postpone any further lessons until later."

Having felt my fears mostly fade away, I felt more comfortable in their presence. "Nah, I'm good now. But what about you, Luna? What's your equivalent to Celestia's fire magic?"

The Princess of the Night gave me an awkward grin. "Really? You dare ask that? What is the natural opposite of fire?"

My first guess would have been water. But before I could even reply, she turned away from me while her horn was coated by her billowing blue magic aura. A second later, a surge of icy light blue frost, snow, and frigid mist was conjured from the tip of her horn and unleashed in a swirling vortex while howling with gale force winds. After several seconds, the spell ceased. I was both shocked and impressed by what I saw. The line of grass before her was glazed over with jagged ice, as if a powerful winter storm had blown through.

"Woo! Awesome, Luna!" I called out while surveying the results of her demonstration.

Luna took a bow before me before lifting her head to look towards me again. "Where my sister commands heat, I control the chilling cold of the night. Fitting, no?"

Celestia then smiled while approaching her sister. "That power is contained within your left gauntlet. And there is one thing you must know, James. While my fire magic is clearly greater in destructive potential, Luna's ice magic is far more versatile. Care to demonstrate, sister?"

"Gladly. Watch closely now." Luna spoke with some gusto. It seemed that the two princesses were actually enjoying themselves while showing these demonstrations of their power. I suspect it has been a very long time since they last had the chance to let loose like this.

I watched closely while Luna conjured up a cloud of frosty mist above her. Seconds later, what I assume was the moisture in the air being super cooled compacted together and formed icy blue darts composed of raw ice. Wait... I doubt she would need the moisture to actually make them. I am sure her magic can create ice from nothing. Even so, five ice darts were floating in the air.

"James. Be still." Luna spoke sternly while the ice darts turned towards me. I understood where this was going and stood my ground. A second later, the darts shot towards me at great speed. They all slammed into my armored chest, shattering in the process. Even though I did flinch a little from feeling the tremor of the impacts, I did not even see a dent on my cuirass.

"Wow, this really is pretty resistant to magic. Even those that have physical mass, huh?" I asked while I instinctively brushed my chest off. I suppose the reason why I was not more worried was because my armor had endured a pointblank lightning spell from Nightmare Moon; so several tiny darts would hardly do anything as well. While I was on that thought, I spoke up. "Wait! Nightmare Moon can use lightning magic, right? What about you?"

"I'm so glad you asked! Celestia?" Luna spoke with a somewhat excited grin while turning her gaze towards her sister.

Celestia nodded before looking towards me. "Very true. But allow me to explain. The spells you just saw, the manipulation and creation of heat and cold, is actually the first level of our magic. They are potent, but easy to cast. However, each of these polarities has a second level that is even more potent and requires greater focus. And as you saw on the night you faced Nightmare Moon, lightning magic is the more powerful 'cousin' to your ice magic."

I was hardly surprised. Lightning on its own is a deadly element. Traveling at almost light speed and with a temperature of fifty thousand degrees Fahrenheit, it is one of the most powerful natural elements in existence. But...wait. "Hang on... The lightning that Nightmare Moon shot at me seemed a little.....slow for electricity."

Luna nodded while her horn was coated by her billowing magic aura again. "Very true. Watch closely." With her horn pointed skywards, a burst of arcing pale blue electricity shot forth. It was fast, I can say that much. But it did not reach into the heavens as quickly as I could blink. It also lacked the accompanying deafening roar of a thunderclap as well.

"As you can see, lightning magic is slower than real lightning. That is because it is not raw lightning. Our secondary forms of offensive based magic are not quite on par with the natural elements, although they do come relatively close." Luna proceeded to explain before turning her gaze towards Celestia. Now that Luna had finished her demonstration, it was time for the Princess of the Dawn to display her strongest weapon.

Celestia, her face showing a stern frown, nodded and turned away from us. "Please do not interrupt me. It has been many centuries since I last used this spell."

Her voice was uncharacteristically serious in its tone. What was she about to use? I saw her close her eyes as her horn was coated by her billowing yellow magic aura. However, I soon noticed something forming at the tip of her horn. A steadily growing orb of some sort of yellowish white substance. It clearly was not fire. No, that could not possibly be any type of flame.

I was tempted to say something. I wanted to ask Luna what sort of element her sister was displaying. But I could not. I could not bring myself to interrupt them. The pulsing orb grew, never leaving the tip of Celestia's horn as if it was balancing upon it. When it grew to roughly half Celestia's size, I saw her open her eyes. With a growl of effort, she lifted her head back before bringing it down. The orb was launched from her horn, rocketing off into the horizon to the west without much fanfare.

"Um..." I started to mutter as the brightly glowing orb became like a twinkling star in the distant blue sky. But before I could even ask any questions, I saw and felt it. A colossal fiery explosion filled the sky in the great distance. I could feel a slight tremor in the air that even startled several flocks of birds that had been roosting in nearby trees into taking flight and flying away.

Celestia turned to face me, her expression still stern. What she had just used was no laughing matter. Seeing what I was wondering, she spoke the answer. "That was the most destructive form of magic I possess. Plasma magic."

Plasma. That word sent a shiver across my flesh that lifted goose bumps. What Celestia had just launched from her horn was not a compacted orb of flames, but was actually a miniature star! And I had just witnessed it go supernova! I mean, she is the princess who controls the sun. And it is made of the stuff! I suppose I should not be surprised that she could produce a magical variant of it.

"Plasma magic... That's... Well, that is beyond awe-inspiring. And you said that it isn't real plasma?" I asked, knowing that real plasma is one of the most unstable and destructive elements out there. Is plasma magic just as unstable?

Celestia shook her head, although her expression remained stern. "No, I am incapable of creating raw plasma. While plasma magic is certainly destructive, it pales in comparison to raw plasma. Only my mother and father are capable of generating natural plasma and lightning respectively."

This actually left me momentarily speechless. I had heard of Celestia and Luna's parents at least once before. But being able to actually create such deadly energies... What are they? Finally, my curiosity got the better of me. "Who are they exactly? Your parents."

Luna and Celestia looked towards each other before glancing at me a couple of times during another one of their silent conversations. They soon smiled and turned to face me. Celestia spoke first as usual. "I suppose we can tell you. Though I would appreciate it if you do not go around spreading the word. Their existence by this point in time is a bit of a secret."

I nodded in silent agreement, promising to not reveal the information to anyone. I will make certain to hide this entry once I finish writing it as well. Luna then began to speak. "As I am certain you have guessed, we do not carry the titles of 'princess' without reason. King Orbash and Queen Sunflare. They are our parents and they reigned over this world for a short time in the distant past. Father crafted the moon while Mother wove the sun."

I had to stop a moment to take that in. Even though Celestia and Luna control the movement of the sun and moon, which by itself is a phenomenal feat, their parents actually CREATED these two celestial bodies?! The moon I can kind of understand, but creating a colossal self-sustained nuclear reactor in the void of space millions of times larger than the planet I am standing on... What in the world are they?! Are they gods?!

Celestia was quick to notice my confusion and spoke with a soft chuckle. "I know what you are thinking and no, they are not gods. They are merely the most powerful ponies who have ever existed."

"Yeah, I can kind of see that. Just... Wow... Do you think I'll ever meet them?" I replied while glancing up at the sun. Queen Sunflare made that... Wow.

Luna sighed before she offered a reply. "I honestly cannot say. They left this world in our care. I am sure they are still watching from afar as we speak. It would not surprise me if they already know about you."

"Do you think they would want to meet me?" I asked rather absentmindedly, kind of just blurting it out.

Celestia rolled her eyes while an uneasy smile spread across her lips. "I am not so certain about Mother. She was a rather stubborn woman at times. Father, on the other hoof... I am sure he would love you. I think you two would get along very well."

I cracked a small smile before turning and looking west. The king and queen of Equestria. They sounded like truly spectacular people. Just hearing their names gave me a very righteous and noble vibe. Sunflare. Orbash. I wonder if I will ever have the opportunity to cross paths with them...

"Your parents sound pretty cool. And they raised some very beautiful daughters." I spoke once I turned back towards the two alicorn sisters.

"Oh, you..." Celestia spoke with a giggle while a slight blush filled her white cheeks. Luna offered a similar expression, though she offered no words. It did bring to mind a question though. If Celestia, Luna, and even Nightmare Moon are so drop-dead gorgeous, then just how majestic are their parents? They must have been beating off suitors with sticks still attached to the trees before they were wed!

"Well, enough of that stroll down memory lane. Shall we get back to the business at hand?" Luna soon asked while regaining her composure.

"Right... So, what spell should I try next?" I asked while glancing down at my hands.

"Let's stay with the standard spells for now before moving onto the more specialized ones. How about the gravity-changing spell?" Celestia asked while drawing closer to me.

After explaining how to cast the spell to me, which I still cannot describe, I gave it a go. This time, I tried to cast the spell with my left gauntlet in the hopes of trying to make myself more ambidextrous in the use of magic. "So, how does this go? Do I just whooooaaaaa!!!!"

Next thing I know, I am hurtling backwards for about five seconds before falling to the ground and flopping head over heels with a series of clanks. I sounded like someone getting kicked down a flight of stairs inside a metal trashcan. I am amazed that I did not hit my head on anything.

My mentors were quick to rush to my aid. Luna especially sounded like she was in a bit of a panic. "Good lord, are you well?! James, speak to us!"

"I'm a bit sore now... But that was kinda fun!" I replied while pulling myself to my feet. As embarrassingly badly as I was doing, I was still having some fun with it.

Celestia seemed especially relieved since she let out a sigh of relief. That look she was showing seemed to be of someone who only narrowly averted a massive mistake. "Let's not try that spell again until next time. I should have known better than to leave your helmet behind."

Bit by bit, we tried out more spells. I found myself having an easy time using them due to the armor heightening my mental focus, although actually using them correctly was proving to be a whole other challenge. I did not use a single one right. We must have tried out no fewer than a dozen spells. I believe it will take me several sessions before I improve enough to say I have mastered them.

After a while, I rubbed my head while feeling slightly lightheaded. My mind was clearly not accustomed to such focus and needed to rest a bit. "Man, this really takes a lot outta you when you've never used magic much in your life."

Luna hovered alongside me before gently nudging my side. "Do not worry about that. Even unicorn foals tend to tire easily when they use magic for the first few times in their lives, the levitation spell notwithstanding."

After taking a short walk around the field to clear my head, I returned to my mentors with a flap of my wings to close the distance more swiftly. "OK, I'm good. What spell is next?"

Celestia cast me a more subdued smile that seemed to show that her mood had shifted to one of wariness and caution. "I believe it is time that we begin to instruct you in harnessing the unique energies within your gauntlets. Now that you have a slightly firmer grasp of manipulating your magical energies, you should have an easier time harnessing them without losing control."

"All right then. Which first?" I replied while glancing at my hands. Left for cold and lightning, right for heat and...heat. Why did I write that?

Luna spoke up first. "I recommend ice. It is not as dangerous as fire and is more flexible and requires less focus."

The Princess of the Night then began to instruct me how to draw out the unique chilling magic within my left hand. I do not need to explain that there is no way for me to detail how I was understanding her by now, do I? Regardless, I looked down at my left hand while I curled my fingers slightly. My entire arm below the elbow was covered by a familiar billowing cobalt blue aura. Although I was also quick to notice that the same aura was surrounding Luna's horn. I suppose she was ready to intervene should I lose control.

Trying to do as I had been instructed, I watched as chilling artic mist began to emanate from my hand. While not much, I was succeeding. "How's this so far?"

"Good, good... Now, compress it." Luna spoke calmly while she watched with a focused gaze.

I did not want to try to go too far too quickly, so I tried to focus it into something simple. A slowly growing sphere of light blue ice began to form above my palm. I stopped the growth once it had reached the size of a baseball. The frigid mist did not disappear though and the icy orb continued to float above my hand.

"Not much, but it's a decent start." Celestia said softly while I tried to keep my focus going. I could only look on in small wonderment. I was harnessing some of the power of Luna herself. Even though it was only a mere glimmer of her full potential, it was right there in front of me.

"So... What now?" I asked, not certain if I should just let it go or not.

Luna then looked at Celestia. "Why not try launching it as a projectile?"

Celestia then flapped her wings to propel herself backwards before erecting a translucent spherical magic barrier around herself that matched her horn's aura in color. "I'm ready."

As I was beginning to lift my hand with the orb of ice still floating parallel to my palm, a question arose. "Wait... How am I supposed to accurately aim?"

Luna slightly tilted her head to one side in obvious puzzlement. "Pardon?"

I decided to explain in further detail. "Well... Whenever you girls launch any kind of spell from your horns, it is projected from right above your eyes. It's hard to miss when it's coming from just above your line of sight. A human's arms are not so properly aligned. How am I supposed to shoot straight?"

Luna cracked a smirk before chuckling in amusement. "Yes, I know. And we were quite aware of that flaw while forging your armor."

Celestia then spoke from inside her barrier. "To compensate, we infused a special enchantment into it. Like with other unicorns, where the spell goes depends on sight. If you point your hand in the general direction you are focusing your eyes on, whatever spell you launch will fly directly there. If your gaze on your target is not precisely focused when you cast the spell, it will still move in that direction, but there is a chance that it will miss."

"Let's demonstrate. Focus your gaze on a part of Celestia's body and let the orb go." Luna instructed while she watched.

My eyes scanned the Princess of the Dawn carefully. What was an obvious spot I could target? After a moment, my eyes rested upon a single point. The diamond-shaped amethyst on the front of the golden band that wrapped around the base of her neck. "OK... Target acquired."

I extended my hand in Celestia's direction, but had no idea if it was aligned with where I was looking or not. Apparently through nothing more than my will, I launched the orb of ice at her with speed that seemed to rival that of a bolt launched from a crossbow. And sure enough, it hit the barrier hard enough to generate a ripple effect upon its surface. Upon emitting a sound similar to tough thick glass being struck by a blunt object, I saw where the orb had struck. Right in front of the gemstone I had focused upon. "Huh! That really works!"

While my focus ceased and the blue aura around my left forearm vanished with the frigid mist, Celestia lowered her barrier. "Well done. Now it's time for the right." She then walked over to me and looked down at my right hand. "Allow me to explain how this works. Fire is less versatile than ice, but is still easy to cast despite its power."

After being instructed on how to manipulate the magical forces in my right gauntlet in a manner to generate fire, I first focused to bring up the golden yellow magic aura that corresponds with Celestia's magic. My right forearm was surrounded by the aura while I turned my palm upwards, fingers curled slightly inward out of habit. Celestia and Luna were watching with their magic auras coating their horns, probably ready to step in should I set the meadow on fire.

A moment later, small flashes of fire would flicker in my palm before fading away. Despite feeling the warmth on my face, my hand inside my armor did not feel the heat at all. Come to think of it, my left did not feel the cold when it was exposed to the frigid ice magic. And in hindsight, I was feeling rather cool despite the time of the year being late summer. I suppose my armor regulates the temperature inside to allow for greater comfort and optimal physical performance. Intense cold saps your stamina while intense heat can cause disorientation, dehydration, and even fainting at the most extreme prolonged levels. I was absolutely amazed by the sheer level of fine-tuning these two princesses had performed on this armor. They overlooked nothing during its creation.

"Go on. Focus further. Maintain it." Celestia spoke frankly while closely observing my performance. Trusting her faith in me, I gathered my courage and maintained my level of focus. A flame formed over my palm and continued to burn there without anything feeding it. I felt slightly apprehensive about having a flame that close to my hand, but I am sure I will get more accustomed to that over time.

Celestia smiled with a look of satisfaction on her face. "Very good. You can dispel it now." And I did just that. The flame quickly faded while my gauntlet's aura did as well.

"I have to admit it's...a weird feeling knowing you possess this much power in just your hands. I'm almost afraid to use it." I spoke while shaking my right hand almost instinctively to cool it, not aware that my armor was not even warm.

Luna smiled warmly at me before speaking. "True. But you should only truly be afraid of using it if you do not know how to control it. We will make certain you know how to properly control this magic before you can actually use it in a situation that requires it."

"Thanks. What's next? Lightning or plasma?" I asked in return, my gaze returning to my left hand.

Luna raised a hoof to her chin while seemingly pondering. However, Celestia then stepped forward with a more serious expression on her face. "We will help you get a grasp on how to use lightning magic today. However, I cannot let you use plasma magic. Not yet."

I was only partially surprised by this ultimatum. "OK... But why?"

"It's simple, really. Plasma magic, while not on the same level as its natural counterpart, is still highly dangerous. Only once you have mastered the use of ice, fire, and lightning magic will we deem you capable of properly controlling it." She replied with her expression retaining its stern stare. She was not joking around in the slightest.

"I get that much...but can't my armor endure it? It is almost magicproof, right?" I asked further, still feeling wary while also wondering what my armor's limits are.

Celestia's expression softened into a more worried expression. Luna too seemed wary as well of the thought. Finally, the Princess of the Dawn spoke softly. "Yes. Your armor is highly resistant to magic that may damage it. However, I will be honest with you. That spell I cast a short while ago? If I had used it on you instead...your armor would not have endured it."

Those words awakened a nameless fear in my heart. My armor is able to produce a type of magic that can...kill me? Luna was quick to notice that look in my eye and spoke next. "Your armor is indeed durable, James. But you know it is not perfect. We cannot allow you to have access to such a deadly form of magic until we are certain your control over other forms of magic is great enough to prevent you from being a threat to yourself."

"I get you... Yeah, plasma can wait. So, just lightning for now?" I replied somewhat meekly while trying to not look at my right hand.

Luna nodded while her expression brightened slightly. "Yes. Now, lightning magic requires greater focus than that for ice or fire. It is also more reliable than plasma for targeting a specific area. Since plasma tends to be rather explosive, lightning is much more precise. Essentially, it strikes hard and only effects a precise area unless your focus is not precise, which then it can spread. It is also the swiftest form of our magic."

I nodded in confirmation before she provided the details on how to actually cast it. I then looked down at my left hand as it and my forearm were coated by its blue aura. I focused harder than before, trying to get some sort of result. Soon, it happened. Light blue sparks and arcing bolts of electricity began to move through the air over my hand.

"That's enough for now. Do not rush yourself. We will continue this next time." Luna spoke authoritatively while I cancelled the spell right there. Knowing that lightning is potent and dangerous, I did not want to rush my training.

Before we had the chance to talk about anything else, a new question popped into my head. "Wait a sec... If launching spells depends on where my eyes are focusing, what happens if I try launching spells away from where I am looking?"

The two princesses seemed genuinely surprised by that question, if those looks they were giving me were any indication. Celestia cracked an awkward smile before stammering out a reply. "That? Well... Um... I honestly cannot recommend that. Chances are it would just go every which way. Not something you should do when someone is nearby."

"Ooh... So they would just turn into potshots. Thanks for the warning." I replied while the thought of ice, fire, and lightning just shooting every which way came to mind. As dangerous as it sounded, it also sounded like a randomly silly scene. "Anyway, what's next? I know plasma magic is off-limits for now, but..."

The two sisters then looked at each other before smiling and then looked back to me. Luna then spoke first. "Actually, that will be all for today. We want to ease you into this. Casting magic is not natural for humans, so it would be risky to rush your tutoring."

I suppose that made sense. I would not want to risk overreaching myself and turning the entire field into a scorched wasteland. And besides that, I enjoyed the session overall. I was especially glad to get to see Luna again, and Celestia was certainly a pleasant teacher as well. "Good point. Well, should we head back home? I should probably check on Fluttershy right about now. She's come down with a case of the flutters. Pretty unpleasant pegasus ailment, from what I was told."

Just as we started to head back across the meadow, Celestia seemed to know what I was speaking of. "Oh my, the flutters? That's no good. I had it once not that long ago myself. I could barely focus enough to get the sun up."

"How could you be affected by tha... Oh, right. Alicorn. Both unicorn and pegasus properties." I replied after a moment of confusion. "Wait... Is that why I heard there was an hour or two when the sky was without the sun and moon?"

Luna rolled her eyes while speaking in a slightly annoyed tone. "Yes. It finally got to the point that I had to raise the sun myself."

"At least we don't have to worry about not having a way to raise the moon if one of us has a sick day, right?" Celestia spoke as a cheeky grin spread across her face. The two sisters got a modest laugh out of that while I merely listened in silence.

The walk back to Fluttershy's cottage was fairly uneventful, although I enjoyed listening to the two princesses converse with each other. However, they soon noticed that I was staying behind them the entire time and looked my way. Celestia then asked, "Are you all right, James? You're being oddly quiet."

Luna, apparently knowing me a bit better than her sister, cracked a smile. "Are you just absorbing information back there?"

I bowed my head as a snicker rumbled in my throat. She certainly does know me well. "I guess you can say that. I'm just staying amused by listening to your conversation. Don't mind me."

When we did arrive at Fluttershy's cottage, we headed up towards the slope to the front door to retrieve the chalice that is used to hold my armor. It had been left right next to the front door when we departed. However, we found Angel stubbornly standing in front of the chalice with his arms spread wide, apparently trying to keep a few raccoons from getting to it.

"This again? Begone, you little urchins! That is not yours to take!" Luna spoke up with some minor irritation, causing the raccoons to scatter and flee.

"Meh, raccoons always have a penchant for shiny objects. Thanks for keeping them away, Angel. You saved us a scavenger hunt." I said while reaching out and gently patting the white rabbit on the head. I suppose he must have known that since Fluttershy is the only one around who could have convinced the raccoons to show us the location of the chalice if they ever took it, we would not have been able to find it for a while since she could not even climb out of bed. The little guy sure knows how to look out for her.

"That was very noble of you, little rabbit. We should bring you some carrot cake tonight when we return." Celestia said with a smile, although her words quickly caught my attention. Even Angel seemed puzzled.

"Wait... Tonight? You're coming back here this evening?" I asked while Luna used her magic to liquefy my armor before placing it back in the chalice. I then slid my shoes back on, which were still next to the door.

Celestia cracked a smile, apparently amused by my bewilderment. "What? Did you really think we came down here just to tutor you in magic?"

Luna then looked at me with a calm smirk. "Do you know what day it is?"

"Uh... Well, it's a Friday... Hang on... Eight days ago was the anniversary of when I first arrived in Ponyville..." I began to stammer and mutter while thinking things over. Was today another anniversary of sorts?

"Yes, and what happened on this day last year?" Celestia asked while that expression on her face looked more and more impish.

I crossed my arms while looking down. "Uh... I just finished my first week in Ponyville..." I then just happened to look to my left and saw the edge of the Everfree Forest. That was when it hit me. "Wait... Today's the day when I first met Nightmare Moon and Mitta!"

"Yes! And what happened the next day?" Luna replied while still looking at me.

"The next day? Um... That was the day when I... When I met you two for the first time." I spoke while gazing at the two beautiful princesses before me. It is true. I met all three of the royal sisters less than a full day apart.

Celestia grinned as brightly as her mother's sun. "Correct! And to that end, we have a special offer for you."

Luna then spoke after her sister. "James. As our friend, would you care to spend the day with us until nightfall? Nightmare Moon is expecting you back in Canterlot as we speak."

A day with the rulers of Equestria... If that is not a dream date, I do not know what is! I mean... I felt ungodly lucky. Celestia. Luna. Nightmare Moon. The three most beautiful mares in the world in my company for the entire day. Perhaps it is just because I am a man, but I shuddered in anticipation. And now that I think about it... Wow. To think that I have been friends with them for this long. I never would have had such an opportunity to get this close to any of the rulers or politicians where I come from.

"That's... Are you sure about this? I mean... Really? Me hanging out with all three of you?" I asked, still not entirely certain if I heard them right. As flattering as it was, it just sounded too good to be true.

Luna, clearly seeing my doubt, stood on her hind legs and held me in a tender embrace. "Of course we are sure. James. You have been my best friend since the day I met you. And there are no words to describe how important you are to Nightmare Moon. So, please. As the Princess of the Night, I implore you. May we have the honor of having you in our company for the day?"

There was only one thing I could possibly say to that. "It would be an honor, m'lady." However, I then pulled away from her and spoke sternly. "But not just yet. I need to pay a visit to Zecora to pick something up for Fluttershy. I did just tell you that she has a case of the flutters, right?"

Celestia nodded with a smile before glancing over at the Everfree Forest. "Ah, of course. That certainly must be tended to immediately. Would you like me to escort you?"

That certainly was an unusual offer. I would expect her to have ordered her guards to escort me instead. But seeing as how this was a personal visit for them, I can see why there were not any present with them when they arrived. "Um... Sure. I don't think I've ever run any trouble while heading there and back, but it'd be nice to have your company."

"I shall go as well! He is my friend, after all." Luna spoke up with a smile, although Celestia soon shook her head with a playful grin.

"No, you stay here with Fluttershy, Luna. I think you could still do with a little more instructing on how to speak as demurely as her." Celestia said with a rather jeering tone. Was she referring to something that had occurred before I arrived?

Luna did not seem to take that particular reminder very well at all. "Oh, you just had to bring that up! Well, so be it! I WILL stay here and soften my tongue with her over a spot of tea." However, she suddenly got right up in her sister's face with a stern glare in her eyes. "But you had best not allow anything to happen to him in my absence, Celestia. Understood?"

"Yes, yes! I will see to it that we both return unharmed. You have my word." Celestia retorted while looking noticeably unnerved. I can certainly understand why. Luna, despite her size, is likely every bit as powerful as her. And she certainly must value her friends highly due to likely having not had many throughout her very long life.

"Good. I will be upstairs with Fluttershy when you return. And I will keep this with me." Luna said with a satisfied expression on her face while levitating the silver chalice into the cottage with her.

"Well, shall we be going?" Celestia asked while she and I began to head down the slope before looping around the back towards the entrance to the Everfree Forest. And before long, we were walking along the simple dirt path that stretched out through it.

While we walked, I glanced at the Princess of the Dawn beside me. It was...an odd feeling to have just her in my company and not someone of the same social class. And she truly stood out against the wild and untamed foliage around us. Her radiant godly beauty was all the more noticeable at that moment. She seemed to notice my eyes looking at her and turned her head to look at me. "Something catch your eye?"

"Yeah. You." I replied briefly while getting right to the point.

Celestia let out a slight chuckle. "Are you worried about me? I do think I made it quite clear during that training session that I am not nearly as frail as I seem."

"Uh... It's not that, Celestia. I was looking at you because your beauty is just...radiant. About as radiant as the sun, to be honest." I responded once more while being as brutally honest as possible.

Her eyes widened at my words. I am sure she gets compliments all the time on her beauty, though this one still seemed to surprise her. "Well... Thank you kindly. Your appreciation is...well...appreciated." She spoke softly while giving me a subdued smile. "I actually don't get complimented on my beauty all that often anymore. I suppose that may be because that the ponies of Canterlot see me frequently and they just get used to it over time."

That sounds rather hard to believe. While I can understand Celestia may have a bit of competition due to Canterlot's extremely high aesthetic standards, I do not see how anyone could 'get used' to her appearance. "Well, I don't think I would ever stop noticing your beauty. You're gorgeous and it's plain as day."

Celestia did not immediately offer a retort. She looked at me in silence, as if her eyes were scanning me carefully to see if I was being honest or just trying to flatter her. Soon, I got a response. She extended her great left wing and draped it over me in a type of embrace. "Thank you, James. I can see that you do genuinely appreciate beauty. Never lose that quality. I'm sure the mares must be quarreling over you quite a bit."

I nearly facepalmed at those words. If only she knew. "Well, I'm way too shy to actually approach a woman I don't know too well on something like that. We would have to be friends for a while before I could feel I would not be rejected or attacked for it."

"Very true. I can see that you are a timid sort who is very cautious. You despise conflict and do all you can to not create any. You cherish peace and do all you can to make those you care for happy. You have a very big heart, one of the biggest I have ever seen. I would say Cadence is one of the few whose heart is bigger than yours." Celestia spoke with almost clairvoyant confidence. It was as if she was looking right into my soul.

"You sound like you've known me all my life or something." I retorted while listening to every word she said. And I can believe her about Cadence. That mare is a true sweetheart.

"James, I have seen many people over the course of my life. It's something you pick up on after several centuries." She spoke with a chuckle, having likely been asked that before. Even though, it was still flattering to be praised like that. And from her, of all people. What an honor.

While we walked along, Celestia seemed to be taking in our surroundings just about as much as I was. "The Everfree Forest has not changed all that much over the years. At least in form."

"You've been here before?" I asked before suddenly remembering the castle at the far end of the forest.

Seeing that look on my face, Celestia cracked a grin. "Of course. I used to live out here, you know. Although the forest was left untouched and undomesticated after Nightmare Moon came to be. I often wonder what has changed out here since that ti... Hm?"

Her ears flicked as she suddenly came to a stop. Her eyes then suddenly opened wide as her body became rigid. "James. Stop."

That tone of voice was very strict and wary. I did as I was told and froze, my eyes carefully scanning the areas along the sides of the path. I saw no movement in the trees. But Celestia then spoke quickly and with a tone of urgency. "Get behind me. Quickly."

I said nothing while I glanced around one more time before quickly getting behind the alicorn. A moment later, something stepped out onto the path while constantly glaring at us with glowing green eyes. A timber wolf. A growl constantly came from its wooden jaws as it began to pace back and forth before us. It did not seem to be the same one I encountered with Derpy not that long ago. It seemed bigger than that one. "Guess I should've brought my sword..."

Celestia did not budge from the spot she stood. Her horn was constantly coated by her golden magic aura. She then spread her wings wide, apparently trying to make herself seem more menacing and larger. With her body being as tall and long as it is combined with the length of her mane, tail, and wings, she was certainly looking too big to tangle with. The timber wolf seemed to understand this and rushed back into the underbrush.

"Hm. Smart dog." Celestia spoke while she folded her wings. "I doubt that one will... Huh?!" The rustling of branches and leaves were coming from the left. Somewhere directly beside me.

"What the...?!" I turned just in time to see the same timber wolf burst out of the underbrush, clearly having decided to go after the smaller and weaker of the two creatures it saw. But just as it leapt at me with wooden fangs bared, a flash of golden yellow light came from my right and slammed into the wooden beast. The instant it was shot, the creature was blown apart into dozens of pieces of wood and leaves.

My heart still pounding from that close brush with an imminent mauling, I instantly turned to face Celestia. She was looking at me with a panicked expression, her horn still coated by a billowing aura. The Princess of the Dawn then rushed to my side and instantly held me against her in her wing while glancing around cautiously. When it became clear that the timber wolf had not come with a pack, she let out a long sigh of relief. "Are you all right...?"

I too sighed as I felt myself relax. "Yeah... Thanks..."

Celestia rested her head on my shoulder as her grasp on me softened. Her tender touch almost felt motherly with how calming it felt to be held like that. "That was too close... Luna and Nightmare Moon would have my hide if something happened to you on my watch."

"It's OK... I didn't see that coming either... Thanks." I replied softly while holding her in an embrace of my own. I felt safe in her presence. Beautiful, yet powerful. Celestia's appearance is certainly misleading. She is not frail or delicate at all. She is truly a superpower of Equestria.

Celestia spoke softly to me in a soothing voice while she began to lift her head from my shoulder. "Stay close to me for the rest of the trek, James. I'll keep you safe."

"Thanks, Celestia..." I replied quietly before reluctantly releasing her from my grasp. My eyes then noticed the many pieces of wood littering the forest floor. "Uh... You really got that guy good, huh?"

Celestia shook her head while barely smiling. "Those timber wolves are a hardy bunch. It'll pull itself back together after a while. Although I doubt it will want to tangle with us again after that treatment."

"Come to think of it, just what are they? Bits of wood held together with some sort of magic? Did someone make them?" I asked while we continued on our way with the two of us staying very close together. I thought for sure that someone who used to live in the Everfree Forest would know something about a creature that dwells in it.

Celestia also seemed puzzled by the timber wolves' mere existence. "That is a very good question... Even after all this time, nopony has successfully figured out where they came from. They're quite an enigma."

Fortunately, the rest of the trek was peaceful. We eventually came to a familiar hollowed-out tree with numerous large exotic masks. It was while I was observing these that a thought came to mind. "Hey, Celestia? Have you ever visited the land where Zecora comes from?"

The Princess of the Dawn smiled at my question, clearly pleased with it. "Why, yes! The zebra ponies mainly hail from the Sereneighti, a region to the south that is known for its exotic wildlife and vast savannahs. The people there seem to prefer more nomadic lifestyles, but are friendly and hospitable with many fascinating traditions. Luna and I very seldom go since it is so far away, but we always have a good time with the locals."

"Exotic wildlife, huh? Fluttershy would have a field day down there." I retorted with a snicker while keeping in mind Fluttershy's deep fascination and love of all animals. I then peeked in through the window and saw that Zecora was indeed inside while apparently brewing something up in the cauldron at the center of her home's main chamber. "Well, it seems Zecora's home. Let's pop on in and see if she has anything for the flutters."

Celestia and I headed on over to the door at the side of the tree before I tapped on it several times. A moment later, the door opened to reveal Zecora. She smiled the instant her eyes fell upon us. "Ah, hello, my friend. Such a good morning to see you. Do come in. I have perfected a new brew."

"You mean some new tea? I can't wait." I replied while following the kindly zebra inside. "Oh, I hope you don't mind Princess Celestia tagging along. She escorted me here."

My royal companion then ducked through the doorway to enter as well. "Good morning, Zecora. I hope you do not mind. And did I just hear that you have concocted a new brew of tea?"

Zecora did not seem to mind Celestia's presence at all and greeted her promptly. "Yes, indeed I have, your majesty. To refuse your refined tastes would be a travesty." I suspect that Celestia must be a renowned enjoyer of tea and is probably a connoisseur of the drink. She would surely make a fine taster.

The two of us took a seat on some wooden stools near the cauldron while Zecora brought over a cast iron teapot that still seemed warm. I could notice a faint aroma wafting from the spout. Celestia, taking the fact that Zecora's jaws were preoccupied, used the levitation spell to bring over a pair of what seemed to be dark wooden cups from a nearby shelf. Zecora then spoke to us in her usual rhyming tongue. "A brew of a fusion of local and exotic flavors. Eucalyptus, pomegranate, and chamomile I am sure you will savor."

While I do have a taste for pomegranate and chamomile, I have to admit eucalyptus is something I have never tried. Although I am sure it is more common where Zecora comes from. Even so, I was not going to turn up an offer to try some new tea. I took one cup in hand while Celestia used the levitation spell to bring the other one closer to her. The tea was still warm, though not quite hot, which is just the way I like it. Together, we took a long sip from the cups. I immediately detected the faint taste of honey from the chamomile bit of the tea while also drinking in the delectable aroma brought on by the pomegranate. As for the eucalyptus... I am not certain how to describe it. Perhaps I will have a grasp of its description after tasting it often enough, but it escapes me as of this moment.

"That's some good stuff. It all blends together well." I said with a smile before enjoying more of my beverage.

Celestia mirrored my words and chugged the rest of her tea from her cup. "I concur! May I have some to take home and brew at my own leisure?"

Zecora's face showed satisfaction from seeing that her new brew of tea was well put together. "Absolutely, you both may. A request is all you must say." She then went over to a wooden chest that likely serves as her tea cabinet. Once she lifted the top open, the zebra mare reached in and lifted two bags from it that seemed to be slightly larger than my fist. "This brew is potent, so I recommend no more than one tablespoon for every two cups. And feel free to return to me for more once it is used up."

Once Celestia and I took our individual bags of tea, I then remembered what we were even doing there in the first place. "Oh, right... I forgot why we even came out here. Zecora, could I ask you for a tonic to treat a case of the flutters? Fluttershy's come down with a pretty nasty case of it."

Zecora lifted a hoof to her chin while she seemed to ponder my words. "The flutters, you say? Hmmm... Ah, have a cure I may." She then went over to another cabinet of sorts before opening it. Inside were many glass bottles that contained a rainbow of different colored tonics. It was rather dazzling to see how many types Zecora had amassed. "Ah, here it is. You are in luck. One of the ingredients requires much searching through swamp muck."

She brought over a translucent bottle filled with a fluid that was as white as the clouds. Once I took it in hand and looked it over, I asked the telltale question. "How much should she take in one sitting?"

"One should only consume a third with each day. The tonic is potent, so be patient if you may. Once the third day of consuming it has passed, her health will have once again been amassed." Zecora once again spoke in rhyme. Always so charming she is when she speaks. Is that how all the natives from the Sereneighti talk?

"OK. I'll make sure she takes some when I get home. I think that was all I needed." I replied while rising to my feet.

"It was a pleasure meeting you again, Zecora. And I will be sure to enjoy this fine brew you concocted. Shall we be off, James?" Celestia said while she too rose to a standing position.

I merely nodded before turning to Zecora and sharing a brief hug with the charming zebra. She spoke one last time before I could depart. "It was a pleasure seeing you again, my friends. Should you be in the Everfree again, feel free to stop by. My doors are always open, so please do not abstain."

"We shall, Zecora. Now we must be off." Celestia said with a grateful smile while I released my grasp on her. But before we could even face the door, I suddenly found myself standing before the front door of Fluttershy's cottage. "Well, that was a short trip! Shall we check on Luna?"

I immediately deduced that Celestia had transported us both back to my home with the teleportation spell. "OK, is there any spell out there more practical than the teleportation spell? I'm surprised I don't see Twilight using it more often!"

Celestia chuckled heartily at me while she used the levitation spell to push the door open. I suppose that spell can also double as a mere movement spell. "Well, overuse can be very tiring. Rapid overuse can generate nausea to the point of vomiting in even the most focused mages and even when spread out, overusing that spell can still leave you feeling mentally drained. You would know if you experienced it."

Once we went inside, the two of us went right upstairs. As it turned out, we found Fluttershy still fast asleep with Luna sitting at her bedside. However, it seemed that the Princess of the Night was taking a nap were she sat. Her eyes were closed while her horn was noticeably covered by her cobalt blue magic aura. "Uh... Luna?"

Celestia stepped forward while turning her gaze towards me as a smile curled her lips upward at the sides. "She's dream-diving, James. I'm sure she and Fluttershy are enjoying some quality time in the realm of dreams right now." She then looked closely at her sister before blowing into Luna's ear.

Sure enough, Luna's ear flicked in response to the flow of air rushing into it. This woke her up right away. "Eek! Don't do that, Celestia! I was enjoying an evening flight with a flock of bats!"

"Uuugh... Wha... Where are all the little squeaking... Huh? Princess Celestia?" It seems that breaking the link between Luna and whoever's dream she is diving into causes both dreamers to awaken seeing as how Fluttershy woke up too. She still seemed quite groggy, but she was awake and...semi coherent. Her head kept swaying back and forth.

"So sorry to awaken you, Fluttershy. I heard you had come down with something, so James and I visited Zecora for something to take care of it. Didn't we, James?" Celestia explained before looking over at me. I had made sure to grab a small cup from the kitchen before heading upstairs.

"Sure did. Here you go, honey." I said while coming over to Fluttershy's bedside. I then popped off the stopper on the bottle and poured some of the white fluid into the cup. I soon noticed that Zecora had drawn a black line across two parts of the bottle, apparently signaling how much made up a single dose. Once I had reduced the contents of the bottle to the first line, I carefully lifted the cup to Fluttershy's lips. I was surprised to find that the tonic did not really smell like anything. I was expecting some sort of extremely strong odor. "Drink it all down, dear. It's all you need for the day."

Fluttershy responded in kind by tilting her head back. I then tilted the cup further, letting the liquid flow into her mouth and down her throat. She gulped it down without much of a reaction before looking at me. "It didn't really taste like anything... Almost like a cloud."

"Really? That's the first thing I thought of when I saw this stuff's color. I thought clouds are one of the ingredients." I replied while looking at the bottle again. I suppose I could head back over to Zecora's place and ask, but I doubt it would be worth the trip. Maybe next time I visit for some tea.

"Do you feel any better now?" Luna asked while giving Fluttershy a slightly concerned stare.

Fluttershy did not reply right away. She seemed to check to see if anything was different by rubbing her eyes first. "Well... I think the world isn't spinning as much right now... But... Come to think of it, what are you doing all the way out here, your highnesses? Did something happen?"

The two sisters looked at each other before smiling at her. "Well, as you may remember, tomorrow marks the anniversary when we first met James after he returned from the Everfree Forest. And today marks when he and our sister, Nightmare Moon, first met." Celestia explained while glancing at me.

"To that end, we came out here to invite him for a little time with us as friends. But... Seeing as how you are bedridden, I feel it would not be right to leave you unattended." Luna then spoke with a more somber expression. I suspect she and her sisters may have been planning today for a while now, but I know none of us could have foreseen Fluttershy falling ill on this very specific day.

"Yeah, that's the story. I'd like to go, but... Will you be OK if I'm not here, honey?" I then asked while gently resting my hand on her hoof.

Fluttershy did not wait long to answer. Her expression was still very tired, but she still managed to smile just barely. "Oh... Is that what day it is? I almost forgot... Don't worry about me, James. I don't think I'll even be awake to enjoy your company very much today... I don't want you to sit around here doing nothing when you could be having fun with your friends."

I almost felt as if she just wanted me to be happy at the expense of her own happiness so as to not hold me back. I know Fluttershy adores me and wants me to be happy, but... Well, she will often choose to go along with something for the sake of a friend even if she herself will not be happy with the choice. "Are you sure? Do you really think you'll be OK?"

My girlfriend reached out and kissed my hand tenderly. "Don't worry, James. I've been sick before. All my little friends around here will take good care of me until you get back. Besides..." She then let out another yawn. "I...don't have that much energy. Is it all right if I go back to sleep now?"

I cracked a smirk as I saw just how sleepy Fluttershy was at that moment. She may as well have slept through the entire day. Hopefully she would be much closer to being back up to 100% by tomorrow. "Sure thing, honey. I'll try to bring you something home tonight."

"OK... Have fun out there... I'll see you this evening..." Fluttershy spoke softly before once again nestling her head into her pillow and closing her eyes. I tenderly kissed her on the cheek before standing up and placing the bottle of her medication and the bag of tea I had on the shelf nearby.

Luna and Celestia also rose to their feet while Luna gripped the silver chalice containing my armor in her left wing. Celestia then smiled at us both while her horn was coated by her golden yellow magic aura. "All right then. Let's be off."

A second later, I found myself standing in a chamber that I recognized despite having only been in it a few times over the course of the last year. The royal palace's throne room. There were no sign of any guards. Nor did I see Nightmare Moon anywhere. It was just the three of us.

"Well, first thing's first. Just let me return the armor to its resting place and we will go find my sister." Celestia spoke while she levitated the silver chalice from Luna's grasp. Luna, in turn, used her magic to reveal the passage to the hidden vault beneath the throne by raising the throne's foundation to uncover the spiraling stairwell beneath it. "I will be just a few minutes. Please wait for me."

Luna and I watched while Celestia stepped under the raised platform and disappeared out of sight. However, I felt a spark of curiosity in my heart. I had only seen that chamber beneath the throne a few times in my life. I felt the desire to see it again. I then turned to Luna and asked, "Excuse me. May I take a look in there as well?"

My friend nodded with a faint smile. "I don't see why not. Go right ahead."

I stepped under the throne's platform while Luna watched from the room's doors. But once I had descended to the point where I could not see her, I heard the stone pillars the platform rested upon beginning to rumble while they slid down. I suppose Luna and Celestia go to great lengths to make certain only a select few people know where my armor and weapons rest. And considering the kind of power they bestow upon the wearer, that is certainly understandable.

Once the throne was back in place, the only source of light was numerous small candles that lined the dark stone walls. It almost seemed as if the wax that made them up do not ever melt. I descended the stairwell, enjoying the musty earthen smell of the cool stone chamber. It was quiet. Very quiet. The only sound to break the silence was my own footsteps. Although the sound of hooves clopping against a stone floor soon reached my ears when I reached the bottom. Ahead of me was a stone hall that led to a familiar altar at the far end. It was noticeably brighter thanks to some torches that lined the walls. And walking towards me was Celestia herself.

The Princess of the Dawn stopped in her approach once she noticed me being vaguely illuminated by the light of the flames. Although I think I may have startled her in the process. "Hm?! Who are... Oh, it's just you! I hardly recognized you for a moment."

I got a good chuckle out of her reaction. "Sorry. I just wanted to see... Well..." I then pointed to the far end of the hall. The chamber where my gear rested.

Celestia took one look behind herself and looked right back at me with a smile. "By all means, go ahead. It is yours to do as you will with it."

Together, we went back into the chamber ahead. The liquid metal my armor is composed of was now resting in the basin in the center of the altar while the chalice that had been holding it stood to the left. And hanging on the wall above it were my prized weapons. The large and sturdy Lunar Shield and the hilt of the Celestial Sword jutting up from its scabbard on the shield's backside. But what drew my attention most was what I really wanted to see. Behind the basin that held my armor was quite possibly the most important component. My helmet and the Element of Humanity that lies embedded in its forehead.

I reached out and took the helmet in hand, my fingers lightly tracing over the elegant and smooth white gemstone that bore the form of two doves facing each other with wings spread, their bodies forming the vague shape of a heart while the gap between them created a perfect heart shape. Celestia seemed to take note of my silence and spoke softly. "It must be quite a feeling knowing that you are bound to an Element."

She was right. Although I cannot begin to describe it, I could feel a subtle connection to the gemstone upon my helmet. Almost as if it is a part of me. And the longer I looked at it, the stronger the urge to ask a fateful question became in my mind. Eventually, I turned to Celestia and did just that. "Celestia... Did you bring me to Equestria knowing this would happen?"

Celestia seemed slightly surprised by my inquiry. However, she calmly shook her head. "Not at all, James. The Lost Element's return to this realm was a shock for all of us. I honestly did not think for a second that a human who was not born and raised in this world would have the qualities needed to draw it out. But I am indeed glad that it is now back in our hooves. I hope it will continue to serve Equestria as well as the Elements of Harmony have done."

I felt myself smile slightly as well. The Element of Humanity ultimately gave us Nightmare Moon. By far one of my dearest friends. Without it, we would have never reached her. But still... There was one more question that still lingered in my mind. "Well... How did this thing come to exist?"

Celestia's expression instantly darkened when I spoke those words. However, she did offer a reply, though she seemed rather...forlorn at whatever thoughts were going through her head. "Well... The Element of Humanity is much younger than the Elements of Harmony. It was crafted by the last emperor of our human friends as a sign of kinship. The Element of Humanity, as I believe I explained to you, represents the fluidity of the human spirit. Nearly powerless on its own, but shining true when it is most needed."

"Emperor? He crafted it? And... What do you mean by 'last' emperor?" I asked further while taking in her words. The air was already cool, but the atmosphere carried a nameless uncomfortableness to it now.

Celestia nodded and continued to speak. "Yes. While Luna and I reigned over Equestria, the majority of the human population was governed by a lone emperor or empress. They mostly resided in towns and settlements out to the east, although many of our people lived amongst them and vice versa. We always maintained close bonds of friendship with each other and both of our people prospered, living under the same virtues of friendship that has guided this world for centuries. The emperor who created the Element upon your helmet was indeed a good man. An accomplished practitioner of the arcane arts, he was one of the most capable human mages this world has ever seen. I would even say he was on par with Star Swirl the Bearded. But seeing as how they both lived in different time periods, I was never able to compare them in person." She then let out a sigh and bowed her head. "How ironic that it would be Star Swirl who would foil him in the end..."

I listened in silence while putting the pieces together. When Celestia did not speak, I asked another question. "This last emperor... He was the one who was responsible for whatever happened that forced you to banish humanity from this world, wasn't he?"

She lifted her head and looked at me with a truly pained expression. Whatever it was that happened so long ago, it must have been especially jarring to her on a personal level considering how close the ponies of Equestria had been with the human population. "You are quite right... And despite it occurring long after his demise, Star Swirl had somehow foreseen it and devised a spell to be used in conjunction with the Elements of Harmony during the final years of his life. I will never know how he had the foresight to see such a cataclysm coming, or perhaps it was just on a whim." Celestia then sighed while looking away from me. "Mere days before his death centuries before that day came, he claimed that the spell he created for just such an occasion was the one spell he ever developed that he hoped would never have to be used..."

"And this spell banished them to distant worlds where they would harm no one, right?" I retorted while holding my helmet in my hands. I did not even ask her to tell me half the things she was saying. It seemed like she was venting more than answering my questions.

Celestia nodded in silence before suddenly casting her gaze towards me with a look that seemed to show shock. Almost as if she was then aware of what she had said. But she soon calmed herself and spoke with a rather somber tone. "I'm so sorry I told you all that. It's just... When those memories come to mind... I can't help wondering why it came to such a conclusion... It was so long ago by this point that...I do not even remember that man's name..."

How sad. A forgotten emperor remembered only by those ancient enough to have witnessed his most notorious deed. Still...it was rather disheartening to see Celestia looking so down knowing how jovial she normally is. "Are you sure this just came out of nowhere? Were there warning signs?"

She seemed to hesitate for a moment, as if she was debating whether or not to tell me something. "Actually... I do know what likely pushed him to do such a thing. But...I do not wish to discuss it. It's painful for me to remember how it came about..."

I said nothing else while I set my helmet back down on the altar. I then approached Celestia and partially extended my arms to her before stopping, waiting for her consent. She looked at me for a moment before stepping forward and allowing me to embrace her while she rested her head on my shoulder. It felt...odd to be this close to Celestia when we had very rarely spent any quality time together over the last twelve months. But she clearly needed a shoulder to lean on at that time. And I was happy to provide.

While we stood there in each other's grasp, I heard her whisper to me. "That is why you are here, James. To restore this world's view of humans to a positive level so we can slowly reintroduce humanity to this land. I have so many good memories of those days and I want to see Equestria finally be worthy of its name once more."

I did not fully understand that last line she spoke to me, but I felt it was not necessary. She was under quite a bit of emotional duress at that moment and I did not want her to be forced to remember anything else that she would prefer to not think about. "Well...how far off do you think that day is right now?"

A long breath blew near my ear as Celestia exhaled slowly before speaking. "It will take time... Much time. Possibly even decades. The process must be handled carefully. And the humans selected from your world must meet very specific criteria. But we can worry about that later. It is still much too soon to consider bringing another over." She then lifted her head and looked at me with a slight smile. "Besides, we would not want to spread a panic with too many people vanishing into thin air over too short of a time span, would we?"

That got me to crack a smile. And she certainly had a point. But then again, how would anyone even guess that those who vanish would have been drawn to a distant world light-years away that even the most dedicated astronomers had not yet discovered? It will likely be centuries before Earth ever discovers that this world exists. Or who knows? Perhaps a space probe has already floated by this planet, but misread it as being inhospitable due to this world's unique magical properties scrambling the sensors. That certainly is one such possibility. But I digress.

However, as I took in Celestia's words, I did feel a little pressure considering the sheer magnitude and even centuries of preparation Celestia and Luna had been putting into this project. And whether or not more humans would be allowed to be brought to this world is depending entirely on how this world perceives me. And while I am feeling...apprehensive on the thought of allowing more humans into this world who might bring Earth's vices along for the ride, I have faith in Celestia and Luna. They have seen many people over their very long lives and would likely be able to single out the best people for the job. Regardless, I slowly released the Princess of the Dawn from my grasp and looked at her with a slight frown. "I'll do my best to not give the people any reason to doubt humanity, your highness."

At my words, Celestia shook her head before tenderly resting her hoof on my shoulder. Her more somber expression had changed to show a calm reassuring smile. "No, James. You need only be yourself. I assure you that you are doing just fine."

Having decided that we had loitered in that hidden vault long enough, Celestia and I finally decided to head back to Luna. She was likely starting to wonder what in the world was keeping us by that point. But instead of heading back to the entrance on foot, I suddenly found myself standing before Luna while she jumped back with wings spread wide. "What the... Sister, don't do that! Use the stairs next time!"

Celestia let out a giggle at Luna's reaction to having us teleport right in front of her. "So sorry, Luna! It's just that I was worried that we were keeping you waiting, so I got us out of there as quickly as possible. And nothing is faster than teleportation!"

"You were down there for quite a while, weren't you? What kept you two?" Luna asked while eyeing us curiously. She did seem rather annoyed, judging by that scowl.

I decided to answer that question and spoke up before Celestia could. "We just got wrapped up in conversation. Sorry if we kept you waiting."

"Indeed. So sorry. Shall we go find our sister so we can get this day out on the town started?" Celestia asked while also looking noticeably embarrassed from having forgotten all about Luna waiting for us. Although I suppose I was just as guilty.

Luna, seemingly eager to get started as well, began to lead us out of the throne room and down the hall. "Absolutely. I believe she is in the garden at this time."

The three of us headed down the hallway that ultimately brought us to the main hall where the princesses greet the attendees of the Grand Galloping Gala. If it sounds as if I do not have the strongest grasp on the palace's layout, that is because I actually do not. Having only been inside the palace a few times, I do not really have its interior dedicated to memory. Pretty much the only place inside it I do have committed to memory is the main hall itself.

Regardless, the doors leading out into the royal garden were left wide open with a pair of guards stationed at either side. One seemed to be one of the royal guard's pegasi. However the other one seemed to be a unicorn stallion. Only instead of his coat being gray like most of them, I noticed that it was black. And there is only one guard I know who is a black unicorn. "Hm...? Estoc?"

The stallion turned his gaze towards the three of us, almost as if he had been awoken from a trance. His more neutral and serious gaze showed one of curiosity. However, his lips then curled up into a smile. "Oh, good morning! It's been quite a while, Sir James. And how are you, your highnesses?"

Celestia spoke first while we drew near. "We are quite well, thank you. Today is a special occasion, so James here will be in our company for the day. Have you seen Nightmare Moon this morning?"

Estoc replied while motioning his hoof towards the doorway. "Yes, she passed through here not even an hour ago. She has yet to come back inside."

"Many thanks, sergeant. Carry on." Luna replied while the three of us passed by. However, before we went too far, I stopped and whispered towards Estoc.

"Hm? The captain? He should be on patrol in town. You'll know him when you see him." Estoc explained in response to my question. I then thanked him and hurried on ahead to catch up to the two royal sisters before they could notice that I had fallen behind.

The royal garden has quite a different atmosphere during the day as opposed to the night. The garden was vast with many flowers, hedges, and even fruit-bearing trees. But I did explain how the garden is when I chronicled my first time attending the Grand Galloping Gala, did I not? Although I did not see Nightmare Moon anywhere, I did hear the occasional call of some sort of exotic birds that I did not recognize.

"She's around here somewhere. Shall we be off?" Luna asked before we ventured deeper into the garden. It felt less like a search and more of a leisurely stroll, to be honest. We often stopped to smell the exotic flowers that grew here and there, sampled the wild fruit that had ripened over the course of the summer, and even interact with the animals that would scamper or fly by. They were initially standoffish towards me, just like before, but the two princesses managed to convince them that I was of no threat to them.

Eventually though, we did locate her. Standing beside a bubbling stone fountain, I saw her. The Princess of Dreams. She seemed to be merely gazing into the basin at something. Perhaps a school of fish lives inside it?

Even though she was right ahead of me, I felt my stomach fill with butterflies. It was strange... I wanted to approach her, yet I was compelled to stay hidden. I do not believe it was from mere shyness. I felt myself tense up, my body slowly warming to uncomfortable levels. However, my two friends did not stand by idly. Together, they nudged me forward. They said nothing at all when I turned to look at them. They merely smiled and looked at me with gazes that seemed to say 'Go to her' to me.

After a moment of mental preparation, I did. I walked slowly towards my royal friend while keeping my footsteps as lightly as possible to avoid alerting her to my presence. I felt that feeling again... The one when I bid her farewell one week ago. I was happy to see her. Very happy. After all we endured together in the Everfree Forest on that night... It must have been the satisfaction of seeing our efforts bear fruit. She did not at all seem like the monster the legends spoke of. All I saw before me was a beautiful and passionate woman. And one of the dearest friends I have ever known.

Finally, I walked right up alongside her and looked down into the basin. As it turned out, there were some fish swimming around in the basin. Koi, to be precise. The colorful white, orange, and black carp became excited once they beheld me and began to scatter a bit without really retreating. Those kinds of fish are just so charming to watch... It reminded me of the pond my grandmother had installed in her backyard before she moved. However, I then noticed that the water was showing our reflections. Although I clearly noticed it before Nightmare Moon did since she soon let out a muffled gasp and looked at me.

I too looked at her once I saw her reflection show a look of surprise and found myself gazing into her beautiful exotic cyan eyes. There were no words between us at that time. I was not even sure of what to say at first. Fortunately, I did not have to. A delighted smile soon spread across her face before she reached out and wrapped one of her forelegs around me while resting her head on my shoulder. She then whispered to me what I felt was the perfect greeting for that time. "Happy anniversary, my friend."

It was then that I felt the courage to finally speak. I wrapped my arms around the back of her neck and spoke softly. "Can't believe it's been a year... And to think I found you entirely by accident back then."

"Most important day of my life, if you ask me." Nightmare Moon replied while lifting her head to look right at me. "I cannot thank you enough..."

"Then why not thank him with an entire day spent together as friends?" A voice spoke up from nearby. When Nightmare Moon and I looked to face the owner of the voice, we found Celestia and Luna approaching us.

I glanced at Nightmare Moon, whose mildly surprised expression became an excited smirk. "Point taken, my sisters. Now that we are all here, what is stopping us?"

Luna grinned broadly before turning and raising her hoof in the general direction of the garden's exit. "Then what is keeping us? Onward!" She was certainly getting into a festive mood.

However, before we could go anywhere, I took a good look at myself. All I was wearing were a pair of khaki shorts and a green polo shirt with slightly worn black loafer shoes. Not exactly the proper attire to be seen wearing in the company of royalty, let alone within the noblest city in Equestria. "Um... Ladies? Are you sure I shouldn't swap into something a bit more...sophisticated first?"

The three alicorns turned to look at me. Nightmare Moon glanced over me first and spoke with a dismissive smile. "You look fine to me."

Before I could even think up a retort to her claims, Celestia stepped forward. "James, don't worry about how you look. You're here to enjoy a day with friends, not to fluster over your attire."

Luna then stood near me and turned her gaze up to me. "You just focus on having a good time with us. If anypony has anything to say about your attire, you just leave them to us."

Well, I can certainly see how that would be effective. If the rulers of Equestria themselves tell you to back off, you had best listen. "Well, if you say so. Shall we?"

After a brief trek across the garden and then a walk through the palace itself, we departed out of the palace's main gate. Immediately on my left was a relatively small building I had overlooked in all my previous visits. Perhaps it was because I had not been exploring at the time, but I watched it as we walked by. A handful of guards seemed to be stationed around the building, which had a very steeply slanted roof despite being flat on the top. Luna noticed my silence and looked at where I was looking. "Those are the barracks for the royal guard, James."

After a quick glance over it, I deduced that the building and its contents were likely of very comfortable quality. "The guards get some pretty nice accommodations here, huh?"

"Yes, though it does not make them complacent. The royal guards always stay on top of their training." Celestia replied while we continued on. And before long, we entered Canterlot proper.

I believe I explained the overall architecture of Canterlot in a previous entry, so I will not go over it again here. Even so, while I did find the place to be rather elegant and easy on the eyes with its whites and golds and variety of pale colors, I felt very...out of place. I doubt I could have been more of a fish out of water unless I was a salmon in a desert.

Sure enough, many of the nobles we passed held their heads high and even had their eyes closed while their legs reached out far as they walked with noticeably exaggerated gaits. And with how some of them even held their heads so high that they were looking straight up, I almost found their obnoxious airs to be outright laughable. Although I did see that some of the nobles were more reserved than the others and seemed to be behaving normally in their posture and walking.

Nightmare Moon seemed to notice that I was being completely silent while lagging behind them and turned her head to look over her shoulder at me. "Are you well, James? You're being awfully quiet right now."

I shrugged my shoulders, not feeling very uncomfortable at all. "Oh, I'm just taking in the sights. I almost never visit Canterlot, you know."

Eventually, we came to a stop in the middle of an intersection of sorts. There seemed to be a café nearby with young couples and even single ponies seated around elegant round tables. Finally, Nightmare Moon asked the fateful question. "So...what's first?"

I suppose that was a very good question. Since I do not know my way around Canterlot at all, I had no idea where to go to have some fun. Celestia brought a hoof to her chin while apparently pondering what to do first. In mere seconds though, she looked at the three of us with an excited smile. "I just now remembered! The Wonderbolt Derby is being held today. And it should be starting soon. Shall we attend?"

Luna and Nightmare Moon seemed rather pleased at the thought, although I was not so certain at the time. It sounded like a sports event, which I am not entirely fond... Oh, wait. I had all but forgotten the lesson I learned when my six closest friends left for the Best Young Fliers event in Cloudsdale not very long ago. As long as I am with friends, I should still enjoy myself. "Sounds good to me. Where do we go?"

"Right this way. And let's not delay. It should be starting relatively soon." Celestia replied before she and her sisters led on. While we walked, I was getting quite a few stares from the locals. Especially the fancier of the lot. It was not the kind of feeling I was getting during my first week in Ponyville. That was more of a curious type of feeling. These stares felt much...colder. It was not pleasant, to say the least. But I did my best to just brush it off and stayed close to my friends. No one would dare attack me in any way if I was in their company.

As it turned out, our destination seemed to be a type of open-air stadium built right into the side of a part of the mountain Canterlot itself is built upon. The view from the cliffside seats was quite impressive, if not somewhat intimidating. It seemed to be on the northeastern side of the mountain, providing a fantastic view of the northern plains and even a river that flowed through them. Two aisles divided the seats themselves while six booths were at the back of the bleachers that seemed to be club boxes or something to that effect. The more expensive seats, so to say. Those three were divided by a single stairwell that seemed to lead up into what I assumed was a VIP box at the very top of the place that was adorned with a golden four-sided slanted roof with a flagpole jutting up from the apex that had a pair of long narrow triangular flags blowing in the breeze with the one at the top being the longer of the two. There were two similar flags being flown at the far ends of the roofs with two elegantly designed alicorn statues positioned on both sides. Sprawled out before the three rows of seats was... Well, the best I can describe it is an elongated circle of clouds with a large gap in the center floating out over the empty air next to the mountain. It seemed to be a racetrack of sorts that the Wonderbolts would use.

The bleachers were noisy and packed with nobles of varying colors and attire, but it seemed that we would not be seated among them. The three princesses led me up the steps in the aisle and towards the stairwell at the middle. Although I did end up noticing an exceptionally cold stare from one noble couple at the very edge of the seats while I passed them. I did not have time to get a good look at them, although I instantly disliked them.

I actually ended up falling behind a bit due to the chill I felt from that couple and noticed Nightmare Moon's tail disappear from sight while she headed up the stairs to the VIP box. I hurried over and found the stairs roped off by a rather elegant thick rope and poles normally used for crowd control in fancier establishments. Positioned at the side was a single unicorn stallion royal guard decked out in his golden armor. I began to reach for the pole to use as leverage so I could step over the rope and head on up after my friends, but the guard stepped forward suddenly with a stern expression. "Halt."

Before I could even begin to argue with the guard, I noticed Luna come back down the stairs before seeing me and giving the guard a rather stern glare. "Guard, allow James to pass. He is permitted to follow me and my sisters wherever he pleases."

The guard seemed rather shocked by this revelation and bowed before taking a step back. He seemed as if he was about to use magic to unclip the rope to let me pass, but I merely stepped over it. I was especially impressed to see that the stairwell was high enough to the point where I would not have to duck to walk up it. "Sorry I fell behind, Luna. I got a bit distracted by these new surroundings."

"It's no trouble at all, my friend. Feel free to make yourself at home up here. We have the best seats in the house." Luna replied as we reached the top of the stairs. It turned out that not only did we have the best seats, but the best accommodations as well. There was a table at the far end of the box that held bowls of fruit arranged in a stylish manner.

Before I could even really take a look around, a familiar unicorn stallion approached me who I recognized despite having only met him once before. "Ah, Sir James! It's been quite a while! When did we last meet, by chance? Wasn't it during the Grand Galloping Gala?"

I smiled while looking the fine fellow over. "Good to see you, Fancy Pants... And still no pants, I see."

This prompted a rather embarrassed chuckle from the refined gentleman before me. "Oh, dear me... I suppose you have a point. I really should start working into my routine a means for my attire to better match my name, shouldn't I?"

"It's fine, really. You look fabulous already. I just find it a little ironic that your name is 'Fancy Pants' despite that I have never seen you wear any pants." I replied while cracking an amused smirk. The two of us got a good laugh while I noticed Celestia, Luna, and Nightmare Moon caught up in conversation with a handful of finely dressed nobles at the far end of the box.

Fancy Pants drew closer to me before we shared a handshake. Really fine fellow, that stallion. Prim and proper, yet warm and friendly. "Well, what brings you to Canterlot today? I don't believe I've even laid eyes on you since the night we first met."

"Yeah, true. I'm just here for a special occasion with the princesses. An anniversary, actually." I explained while reaching for an apple nearby.

I was hardly surprised by Fancy Pants' response. His head jerked back so suddenly in surprise that his monocle popped off his face before dangling by its chain. "The princesses?! My word, you certainly have connections in places as high as the heavens! What could the occasion ever be?"

My eyes turned towards the three lovely alicorns nearby, the first one that caught my eye being Nightmare Moon. "Well... The anniversary when we first met."

The refined stallion before me lifted his monocle to his eye before apparently trying to gauge exactly where my eyes were looking. "Hmmm... Nightmare Moon has certainly proven herself to be a fine mare in recent months. I was just as shocked as everypony else to discover that she still lives, let alone that she actually had a change of heart." He then looked up at me and cracked a smile. "I have noticed that she occasionally mentions a 'James' whenever I speak to her once in a while. That's you, isn't it?"

I sighed while beholding her. "Yeah... I don't know what I would do without her. She's amazing."

Fancy Pants seemed to glance at her and me a few times before cracking a whimsical smirk. "Are you certain you two are not courting each other?"

That certainly came out of nowhere. Feeling mildly flustered, I nearly laughed. "What?! No, of course not. She's way outta my league. And besides that, I already have a girlfriend."

"Yes, yes, I have not forgotten. I recall you being quite sweet towards a certain Miss Fluttershy during the Grand Galloping Gala. I was merely jesting you, my good sir. Though Lady Nightmare Moon is quite a fine mare, is she not?" Fancy Pants replied with a hearty chuckle while levitating a martini glass filled with sparkling cider to his lips as a gold aura billowed around the glass and his horn.

I once again looked over at the three beautiful princesses while Fancy Pants awaited my response. In all honesty... It was difficult for me to decide who is the most beautiful of the three. Celestia, by far, is the most explicitly beautiful of the three royal sisters. As I said in a much earlier entry, I even mistook her for a goddess at our first meeting due to just how radiant her beauty is. Luna, while smaller in stature and not quite as eye-catching in terms of raw beauty, exudes a type of allure that just draws one in. Truly one whose inner and outer beauty come together as a fabulous whole. And Nightmare Moon... She certainly is unusual in her form. Those unnatural eyes, her mane and tail seeming more gaseous in appearance than her sisters, and that sleek black body. Some may be intimidated by her, but I... I see a great beauty in her. She is bold, yet tender. Passionate, yet sweet. I can understand that some would be a little put off by her physical appearance, but I feel her beauty rivals that of Celestia and a true beauty of a mare lies beneath that exotic and seemingly demonic shell. In the end, I cannot choose who is more beautiful. They must be the envy of many a mare and the cause of wet dreams for many stallions. "They all are, really..."

While Fancy Pants and I got into a conversation about Rarity, I noticed Nightmare Moon approaching me while a trio of very well dressed nobles flocked about her like a trio of foals following someone who was carrying a box of ice cream cones. They were largely incoherent with how they were all chattering at once, although I have to say some of their upper class accents sounded a bit...forced.

"Ladies, I wish for you to meet someone very important." Nightmare Moon spoke while apparently trying to get their attention once she was standing before me. They did eventually silence themselves while looking on in silence towards the Princess of Dreams. My friend then extended her hoof towards me while showing a genuine smile. "This is James of Ponyville. Equestria's only human and the dearest friend I could ever ask for."

The three nobles, each of them mares, stared at me with rather...disdainful looks while muttering to each other. I could tell they really did not think much of me, and it was clearly due to my attire. Finally, one of them spoke up in a voice that sounded ungodly snobbish. I mean...even Rarity has never sounded anywhere near that over-the-top snobbish. "Well... It is a...pleasure to meet you, Mr. James. But are all humans dressed as...boorishly as you?"

While I normally would have brushed that subtle insult off, largely because I would have seen it coming, Nightmare Moon did not take those words well. She looked down at the three nobles with a truly unsettling glare and asked, "Come again?"

The three mares instantly backed away with alarmed expressions while the one who spoke to me quickly tried to come up with something to say. "Oh, I mean... I mean modest! Yes, you humans have such a modest choice of wardrobe! Very simple and practical!"

To be honest, that does sound like me. I prefer clothes that are practical over stylish. Although if I can mix both categories into one attire, that is a plus as well. But regardless, I could tell that those words were not honest and were more sycophantic than anything. Even so, Nightmare Moon cracked a smug smile. "Much better."

While the three nobles quickly scampered off over to the refreshment table to escape Nightmare Moon, I could see by that look in her eye that she knew their words were not appreciated and she made certain they knew that. However, Nightmare Moon then turned her gaze to me and frowned with a truly forlorn expression. "My sincerest apologies, James. I was not expecting them to go quite that far in my presence."

"Meh, I kinda saw it coming. If they were trying to strike a nerve, they failed miserably." I replied with a shrug of my shoulders and even a slight smirk.

Regardless, Nightmare Moon shook her head in disgust before looking at me once more. "Even so, how can these people, with so much influence, wealth, and prestige in the very capital of Equestria, be so bitter and prejudiced towards those from less privileged towns for reasons as petty as clothing?" She then placed her hoof upon the shiny blue metal band that hung from her neck. "Look at this. With the exception of my crown, everything I wear is the same armor I wore when I sought to bring eternal night to this world. It is not made of gold or silver. It hardy even qualifies as jewelry. And yet they reserve their scorn for you. It's pathetic. Absolutely pathetic."

"Well, if it makes you feel any better, I never really take anything they say seriously. I just interpret it as...a bunch of hot air being let off by their inflated egos." I replied while reaching out and giving my friend a hug to show my appreciation for her intimidating the nobles for trying to offend me. I am glad to see that Nightmare Moon is not afraid to cross the line to put unpleasant nobles in their place.

I heard a brief chuckle come from her before she spoke softly. "Hot air, you say? That seems to sum it up quite nicely."

Before we could say anything else, a voice suddenly called out as if yelling through a megaphone. "Fillies and gentlecolts, welcome to the Wonderbolts Derby! The competitors are taking their places at the starting line and the race will begin momentarily!"

I recognized that voice right away. Although it had a bit of a noble accent to it, it sounded a great deal like... "Is that Luna?"

I looked around to try to find the Princess of the Night and saw her standing at the window of the box while clutching a microphone in her hoof's ankle joint. I somehow found it funny that she of all ponies would be acting as the announcer.

"Hey, Luna. Was that you just now?" I asked while drawing near. My friend turned to look at me and cracked an awkward grin, giving her actions away. However, I then noticed something out over the cloud circle that I did not see before. Hovering in a line were four members of the Wonderbolts decked out in uniforms and flight goggles. I recognized two of them right away. Soarin and the captain of the team herself, Spitfire. The other two consisted of a stallion, who was at the far end of the row and was too distant for me to make out any accurate details on, and a mare with icy blue wings and a white mane and tail with a windswept style. They were also more grown out than Spitfire's. I was also able to make out that her form was just barely smaller than that of Spitfire herself.

Fancy Pants stepped forward while his entourage flocked around him like a bunch of sycophants vying for his approval... Actually, scratch that. That is EXACTLY what they were. After a quick glance at the four pegasi, he spoke up with great confidence in his voice. "I'll be placing my bets on Fleetfoot. That little speed demon is sure to come in first."

"Mind if I throw my chips in as well?" Celestia spoke while using the teleportation spell to summon a purple coin purse with a golden mouth. Bit by bit, everyone began to toss some bits into the pile and made bets as well. I found that the fourth member of the Wonderbolts competing goes by the name 'Rapidfire'. "What about you, James? Who are you betting on?"

Although I have never been one for actual gambling, I took a quick look back out at the Wonderbolts. And my eyes fell upon just one. "Can't go wrong with the captain herself. I'm placing my bets on Spitfire." I then reached into my pocket and pulled out ten bits. A decent amount, but no great loss if my predictions turned out to be wrong. Even so, that is Spitfire. She surely must come out on top more often than not.

Out of nowhere, some fanfare was placed from the intercom system used to carry Luna's voice to the audience. The referee, a gray pegasus stallion in a black and white striped shirt standing beside the Wonderbolts on the cloud circle, blew a whistle while swinging a checkered flag. And then they were off. The four pegasi rocketed forward and began flying laps around the course. I knew they were fast, but they completed a lap in under two seconds. They were moving so fast, it was actually kind of dizzying. The ponies beside me kept following the racers as closely as they could, the four Wonderbolts being very close together as a blurred mass of blues, oranges, and whites.

After what I believe was a total of ten laps, Luna called out through the microphone just after who I believe was Fleetfoot crossed the finish line first, although Spitfire was not even half a second behind her. "And the winner is Fleetfoot by a nose!"

I felt a slight sting of disappointment as the crowd burst into cheers and applause. Even though it had been close, Spitfire lost by a nose. Although Nightmare Moon then brought up a question I did not expect. "Good choice on Fleetfoot, Fancy Pants. What made you so certain she would come out on top?"

Our prim and proper friend replied happily while adjusting his monocle. "Oh, it was from a little insight from Miss Rarity. When I first met her, I was expecting Rapidfire to triumph. But Rarity insisted that Fleetfoot was the superior choice since while she is smaller in size, she makes up for that in speed. And she was right. You were wise to place your bets on Spitfire though, James. She certainly put up a good fight."

Fancy Pants then nudged part of the pile of bits towards me. "Here's your share. Spitfire may not have come in first, but she still managed to net you some profit."

Relieved that I was walking away with more than I bet, I took the bits and pocketed them. Twenty bits in all. "Many thanks, Fancy Pants... Hm?"

As it turned out, the Wonderbolts were performing an encore of sorts with them flying around the outer edge of the course before swooping right over the audience themselves and right by our faces. However, one of them came to a quick stop after passing the VIP box and looked back with her mouth hanging open slightly. While I could not see her eyes, I recognized the pegasus as Spitfire by her mane and tail. Sure enough, she swooped back over to the box and lifted her goggles to reveal her eyes before smiling brightly. "Well, hey there, James! Never thought I'd see you up here! What's up?"

I reached out and shook Spitfire's hoof while gently pulling her into the box before she landed. "Just enjoying a day out on the town with some good friends. Sorry about your loss though. You almost made it."

"Huh? Oh, you mean the race? Nah, forget about it. Fleetfoot's the fastest flier we've got. I bet she's even faster than Rainbow Dash, between you and me." Spitfire replied with some dismissive gestures of her hoof and that warm smile I always see her with. She just has such a pleasant and laidback presence in spite of her name. You would think someone called 'Spitfire' would have a fiery temper, but Spitfire just seems very warm and friendly. A very pleasant woman indeed.

Seeing me engaged in conversation with the captain of the Wonderbolts herself seemed to draw some odd stares from the nobles. Fancy Pants then came forward and spoke with a curious smile. "Ah, jolly good show today, Spitfire. Very close race. But, uh... You seem to know Sir James quite well. Have you met before?"

Spitfire rolled her eyes while showing a toothy grin. "Know him? I taught the guy everything he knows about flying. Got pretty good at it really fast too."

Another one of the nobles spoke up in her irritatingly snobbish tone of voice. "You taught him how to fly? But I do not see any wings on him..."

"That's because the wings are on a suit of armor he has! And it's the sweetest suit of armor you'll ever lay eyes on." Spitfire replied promptly while apparently spreading her wings wide to emphasize my armor's size.

"Armor?! But you're clearly not a member of the royal guard... Sir James, are you a knight by any chance?" Fancy Pants asked as his monocle fell from his face once again.

Luna then spoke up before I could, although I found it hard to speak due to a rising feeling of nervousness in my gut. I was not used to this level of attention, especially from people of such a high social class. "No, he has yet to be knighted. Although he likely deserves it after all he did for Nightmare Moon."

In a rather disgusting display of fickleness, the nobles who had been rather dismissive of me minutes ago drew closer to me with looks of interest and admiration while constantly chattering a plethora of words that blended together to become completely incoherent noise. Their accents did not help either. Although they were clearly smiling at me, I felt nothing but irritation and contempt for these nobles. If Spitfire had not mentioned my armor, they would still be treating me like someone who is not worth their time. Bigots.

Before much else could happen, someone flew up to the window and called in. Judging by the white mane, I believe it was Fleetfoot. "Hey, captain! Soarin's taking us out for some pies! You wanna come too?"

Spitfire turned to face the pegasus and grinned brightly. "Sure! But come over here for a minute. I want you to meet someone!"

Although seemingly baffled, Fleetfoot hovered into the box through the window while lifting her goggles to reveal a pair of brilliant fuchsia eyes. "Huh? OK then... Waaaaait a minute... Isn't this the guy you were talking about? The one who..."

Spitfire cracked a smug smirk while Fleetfoot landed beside her. "Yup. Best wing massages in Equestria. One session with him and you'll swear you could bend your wings into horseshoes."

This instantly got Fleetfoot excited since she flew right up to me. "Oh, awesome! I've heard about you! I've gotta stop by for some of those magic fingers! My wings could really use it!"

"Uh... Sure. Just stop on by the Ponyville spa sometime. I work Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays." I replied rather briefly, not entirely certain of what to say to this woman. I also was not used to this level of praise or enthusiasm towards me.

Spitfire seemed to notice how uncomfortable I was becoming and called out to her wingman... Or is that wingmare? "All right, Fleetfoot. Let's get going. Wouldn't wanna let Soarin horde all the pies for himself. Great seeing ya, James. Let's fly again sometime."

"Yeah, see ya! And expect to see me in a few weeks!" Fleetfoot added before she and Spitfire took off for the rest of Canterlot.

"Well, that was a stellar performance as always. However, I must be off. Although it was a fine meeting, your majesties. And do give my best regards to Rarity, Sir James." Fancy Pants spoke while he and I shared one last handshake.

"I'll do me best to remember. And it was good seeing you again. Take care." I replied before seeing the fine fellow off, the gaggle of nobles flocking after him while leaving me alone with the three princesses. But once I was certain they were gone, I let out a loud sigh. "Finally... I thought they'd never leave!"

All three of my friends also showed signs of uncomfortableness as well as relief. Although Luna seemed slightly surprised by my words. "Why? What was wrong with Fancy Pants?"

"Oh no, he's fine! Really nice guy! But the others... Were they deliberately trying to sound as obnoxiously snobbish as possible? Those louts were absolutely agonizing to listen to! I can't tell you how much I wanted to tell them to shut up!" I raved while expressing my dissatisfaction with the other nobles. Trust me, if you had to be around people who sounded like they did, you would find their speech to start grating very quickly. I cannot accurately describe how they sounded through text, but you would be sick of them in a very short while.

"Ditto. That is one of the few things I honestly do not care for in Canterlot." Celestia spoke with a chuckle in her throat. She clearly found it satisfying to be speaking to someone who speaks so freely of how insufferable some of Canterlot's nobles can be. It must be frustrating to be known for having to live very close to such people.

Down below, the audience began to depart from their seats and headed out back towards the rest of Canterlot that was very nearby. Nightmare Moon took one glance at the moving mass of ponies before looking back at the rest of us. "I suppose that is our cue to be on our way. Where shall we go next?"

Celestia looked out through the window before looking at us with a smile. "Well... How about a visit to the art gallery?"

"Art? Huh... I guess it would be interesting to see some of Equestria's culture depicted in oils, acrylics, and canvas." I replied while the three royal sisters and I began to descend the stairwell to the bleachers before heading back into Canterlot proper.

"I do think you will enjoy yourself. I know you have a thing for art as well. Especially the written form." Celestia said while giving me a wink.

"Whatever do you mean? Is he writing a novel or poetry?" Luna asked with a look of mild curiosity. I suppose she was unaware that I keep journals on certain days and events.

Nightmare Moon looked on in silence while Celestia explained to them. I suppose I could have said something, but I felt Celestia telling them would be better than tooting my own horn. "Not a novel, per se. Although I'm certain it could become one if he attempted to publish it. You write some very emotive and descriptive journals, James."

I felt a shy smile creep across my face upon hearing her praise. Especially right in front of her sisters. "Well, yeah. I have a penchant for the written arts. I once tried painting, but I was never terribly good at it. Besides, I'm more interested in putting pencil to paper than putting a brush to a canvas. Although I think I prefer looking at visual art over written art, funnily enough."

"Then you will surely enjoy the sights we will see there. Onward then!" Nightmare Moon spoke with some enthusiasm while she and her sisters led me on.

Once again, we found ourselves trekking through the streets of Canterlot. Since it was midday, things were starting to get rather busy. Both the Canterlot elite and the middle class were out and about while tending to their schedules. It would seem that despite the class differences, both social classes do not seem to mind each other. Perhaps that is why Twilight Sparkle never seems to think poorly of the elite. They most likely never minded her due to being a Canterlot native.

Eventually, I caught sight of somepony I really was not expecting to see. Tall in stature, a white coat, flowing gold mane, and a vest around his neck. Prince Blueblood. What were the odds of me catching sight of that lout after the Grand Galloping Gala? Sure enough, Luna caught sight of him too and whispered to us with a snicker. "Don't look now, but I see Prince Blueballs."

That got a good laugh out of us. I had all but forgotten that little tidbit from my first encounter with him. However, he then seemed to notice me among the crowd and instantly flashed me a glare. I tried to pretend I did not notice him by never making eye contact. Even so, he began to trot my way with a scowl on his face. He was likely planning on giving me a piece of his mind. But before he could get much closer, Nightmare Moon stepped before him while her eyes were filled with a bright glow, stopping the prince in his tracks. "Keep walking."

This show of intimidation very easily subdued the cocky lout since he suddenly backed away and galloped off. Nightmare Moon certainly knows how to use her appearance and pre-coronation reputation to great effect. Celestia cracked a smirk while speaking as her sister's eyes lost their glow. "Well played, sister."

"I take it you've met him before?" I asked upon noticing how readily Nightmare Moon got between him and me. She really did seem displeased by his mere presence.

"Unfortunately, yes. And he knows to stay well away from me." Nightmare Moon replied while letting out a noticeably equine snort. I swear it feels as if only the Canterlot elites alone could like that guy. And even then only because they are infested with the same vices.

"Well, I doubt we will be seeing him again for the remainder of the day. Shall we be off?" Luna added before she and her sisters began to lead me through the crowds. To be fair, the streets were not really all that packed. I did not feel as if I was walking through a large metropolitan city at all. Then again, I suppose the local population cannot be allowed to become too saturated due to having nowhere for the city to expand, what with it being built on a mountainside.

I could have easily gotten lost among all the tall pale buildings if it was not for my royal friends guiding me. I swear the whole place looks the same everywhere I go. The only place that really stands out in town is the castle itself. Eventually though, I think we were drawing near since my friends began to veer off to the side of the street. Just as we began to stop, I thought I heard someone call out to me.

"Hm? Am I the only one who finds that voice familiar?" Nightmare Moon asked while glancing around, having apparently noticed it as well.

A second or two later, Celestia looked behind herself and smiled while looking past me. "Ah, I had forgotten that we have a guest staying with us in one of the castle's suites. Look alive, James. She approaches."

When I turned around, I saw a familiar unicorn mare galloping towards us. And I was all too happy to see her. "Rarity! Fancy seeing you here!"

My beautiful friend sailed into my arms as I lowered myself to one knee. The two of us shared a tender cuddle before she looked at me with those gorgeous azure eyes. "Truly, fortune is on my side to see you here! What brings you to Canterlot on this fine day, darling?"

"Special occasion, to be honest. You here on business as usual?" I replied, wondering if Rarity was in Canterlot for pleasure or for business. Every once in a while, she leaves Ponyville for Canterlot by train in order to place orders for some of her more specialized supplies that Canterlot has readily available. These trips seldom last more than a few days and I do miss her when she is not around. Talk about lucky meeting her when she was out of town. I was also quick to notice she was wearing a rather stylish black beret on her head along with a matching black scarf around her neck.

Rarity nodded while pulling her head away to get a good look at me. "Oh, absolutely. There are some tailoring supplies I can only get here and I have quite a few connections. And a special occasion, you say? And... Wait, where is Fluttershy? Surely you didn't leave her behind!"

Luna stepped forward while displaying a calm smile. "Actually, your friend has come down with a case of... What was it called again? The flutters?"

My friend seemed to recognize the name instantly. "Oh dear, I can certainly see why she would have to stay home. Poor Rainbow Dash nearly got herself fired from the weather team when she insisted on setting up a thunderstorm after coming down with a case of that. That was the first natural tornado I ever saw. Thank goodness the rest of the weather team fixed it before the thing could whirl into town."

I facepalmed at that thought. Rainbow Dash's ego would never let an illness keep her away from making her look tough and cool, but being so disoriented to the point of creating a storm cell that generates a funnel cloud? That must have been quite an embarrassment for her. I wish I could have seen it! "Good grief, Rainbow... She was stubborn enough to do that while sick with the flutters?!"

"Darling. It's Rainbow Dash. What would you expect?" Rarity replied dryly, almost as if she was baffled I would expect our brazen pegasus friend to do anything less. "But before I forget, what's this 'special occasion' that brings you here today? I can't imagine you coming all the way up to Canterlot alone."

Celestia smiled while she looked down at the lovely unicorn. "Well, it started off with a bit of magic training with his armor this morning. And now we are here to celebrate a very special anniversary with him."

Nightmare Moon then showed Rarity her signature smug smirk while lowering her head to her. "Can you guess what the anniversary is?"

Clearly puzzled, Rarity rubbed her hoof against her chin while casting her gaze towards the ground. "Hmmm... Well, if memory serves... On this day last year, James took shelter in the Everfree Forest to escape from that wretched Diamond Tiara... Ah! Now I recall! Today marks the first time he and dear Mitta met!"

"Who else?" I spoke while starting to feel myself smirk. Surely even she could deduce it.

"Who else? Well... Hmm..." Rarity muttered while thinking hard for a moment. Her eyes then glanced up at us before they settled on Nightmare Moon alone. Slowly, her eyes began to widen. "Oh my... Did he, by chance, cross paths with you that night?"

Nightmare Moon smiled warmly at Rarity's words. "He did. And he was the first person to ever view me as a mare instead of a demon that night." I then smiled a bit nervously while she draped her elegant sable wing over me in a type of embrace. "And we are celebrating that day today. Along with another anniversary of sorts. Can you guess what tomorrow will mark?"

"Now you have me baffled. Aside from the anniversary of James coming home from the Ever... Wait! Is it to celebrate the anniversary of the day he acquired his cutie mark?" Rarity retorted rather enthusiastically out of nowhere. I had all but forgotten that little detail. When you have had a cutie mark on your body for a full year, you tend to stop noticing it. I mean, you do know it is there and feel a bit of pride over having it, but... Well, it is a complex subject. But I certainly fail to see the need to celebrate it. I cannot recall seeing anyone else celebrate the anniversary of their cutie mark's appearance.

Luna got a good chuckle out of that guess. And I can guess why. "No, not quite. But it happened less than a full day after his first encounter with our sister."

After only five seconds of silent thought, Rarity sighed in defeat. "Well, I am certainly out of ideas. What will have happened one year ago tomorrow?"

The three royal sisters got a small chuckle out of Rarity's obliviousness. I suppose since she had not been present at the time, she would not be so quick to recall it. Celestia then spoke the truth. "Well, long story short, the three of us are celebrating the days we all met our friend here. Especially Luna and Nightmare Moon."

Rarity's mouth hung open for a moment, as if trying to find the proper words. "Wait... Truly?! When... Ah, now I recall. Yes, you two did stop by to address that issue last year. It just never occurred to me that the three of you would cross paths!" She then took a bow. "If that is the case, then do not allow me to disrupt you. Enjoy your evening together, darlings. I must be off as well. I am to rendezvous with Fancy Pants for some lunch in a short while. Au revoir!" With a friendly wave, the four of us saw the beautiful unicorn off.

"Well, I certainly was not expecting to cross paths with her. But shall we be off? The art gallery is right there." Nightmare Moon spoke once Rarity was quite a distance away from us. With a glance to my left, I found that we were indeed standing very close to a rather large white building with elegant blue and gold banners hanging from poles near the entrance.

Upon gaining entry, I was greeted by the sight of several large paintings in several chambers. A few royal guards were stationed throughout the place, which actually caught my eye. "Armed guards in an art museum? You don't see that very often... Pity, really."

Overall, the place was rather small. I suppose because being located in Canterlot and all that they only accept the cream of the crop in artwork. Although to be fair, I personally...was not terribly interested in most of what was being displayed at the time. Perhaps my tastes are very specific or perhaps I just do not have much appreciation for the more traditional styles of art, but I found myself becoming bored rather quickly. Although I have to say the atmosphere was quiet and calming, perfect to do some thinking.

The paintings seemed to range from abstract to surrealism to even cubism. One that caught my eye even seemed blatantly similar to another painting from where I come from. It depicted three...ponies that seemed like they had been deflated and spread out, hanging over a block, propped up by a few forks, and draped over a tree branch. I honestly almost laughed at the similarities. If I did not know better, I would have assumed the artist responsible was guilty of stealing the style from the artist from Earth.

Celestia walked up alongside me and seemed to take note of my temporary interest in said painting. She then tilted her head towards me and spoke in a whisper. "Yes, I know it looks rather silly. But surreal sights can be entertaining to look at."

She must have noticed the crooked smirk on my face. I replied with an equally quiet whisper to avoid disturbing the other visitors. They seemed too taken with the art to pay me any mind. "Huh? Oh, right. It just seems freakishly similar to another famous painting where I come from. Almost thought it was a rip-off."

What Celestia said next shocked me. "Ah, I think I know what you mean. Salvador Dali, wasn't it?"

How... When did she find out about that? I understand that she knows Earth exists, but still... Celestia seemed to notice my confusion and whispered before I could say anything. "I know what you're thinking. Well, I have been monitoring Earth for the past several hundred years while waiting for the proper time to bring a human to this world. So I know a bit of your world's history. And by the way... He truly was frightened of grasshoppers."

Wow... To think that Celestia had been preparing for that project so meticulously when she sought out a world that had the people she was looking for. And she actually saw Salvador Dali in the flesh? Man... I suppose anything really is possible with magic. "That's... Huh... That's some impressive dedication. And yeah, I recall reading somewhere that he had a fear of grasshoppers."

I found that Nightmare Moon and Luna had spread out through the art gallery, so I did not see them anywhere right away. Spicing up the gallery were a few sculptures here and there that seemed to depict various ponies and other creatures. My personal favorite was one that seemed to depict an earth pony stallion wrangling a manticore. You could almost feel the energy that would be exuded from such a scuffle.

The last chamber I viewed I found would be my favorite. The paintings on display seemed to be of a more realist nature, featuring landscapes and places and people in real locations in Equestria. The one that drew my attention most was a painting titled 'Canterlot at Dusk'.

I silently approached the painting and gazed up at it. It was truly impressive in sheer scale as well as detail. The scene before me appeared to be an oil painting judging by the texture of the dried paint before me. From what I could see, it depicted the city of Canterlot when viewed from a distance; the orange glow of the sun having almost faded over the western horizon while the moon was beginning to rise over the mountain the city had been constructed upon, the many stars dotting the darkening sky. It was actually rather calming to look at.

My train of thought was interrupted when I felt something drape over me before pulling me to my right. I soon found that Nightmare Moon was standing beside me with her wing 'holding' me. "Exquisite depiction, is it not?"

I felt a smile spread across my lips while I tenderly draped my arm over the back of her neck before pulling her closer to me as well. "Yeah. I always had a preference for these landscape paintings."

For a good three to five minutes, we just stood there in each other's grasp while our eyes remained focused on the beautiful painting before us. I even soon found our heads resting against each other as well. It was a very calm moment and I even felt myself starting to feel rather tired. Field trips like this tend to do that to you.

Before long though, Celestia and Luna made their way over to us. The Princess of the Night was the first to speak. "Enjoying yourselves... Oh, lovely view. Canterlot always looks so much better in the moonlight, does it not?"

Even Celestia smiled at that claim. "It most certainly does. The mostly white colorations all over the city really stand out in the darkness."

I replied only after letting out a yawn and releasing my grasp on my friend. "It certainly is... Can we go somewhere else? This place's atmosphere is too relaxing. I could curl up in the corner and take a nap if I had a few pillows and a blanket."

"I concur. Shall we go get some lunch? It is around noon now, isn't it?" Nightmare Moon added while she folded her wing against her body.

The two royal sisters looked at each other and nodded before looking back at me. Celestia then motioned for the gallery's exit. "Sounds good to me. Shall we be off?"

A very short while later, we were standing outside what I assumed was one of the most expensive restaurants in town. And, of course, I was worried for my wallet. "Uh... Ladies? Are you sure I can afford to dine here?"

Luna let out a snort while she rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. James, leave the bill to us. We have much deeper pockets, after all."

I have to say I was quite grateful that I would not have to worry about emptying my wallet for a hot meal. And I was quite intrigued on what I could find on a menu at such a fancy restaurant. Once we stepped inside, I found that the restaurant was indeed quite impressive to behold. There were many indoor plants and even some elaborate fountains here and there. And at the far end of the dining room was the exact same band that I had seen performing at the Grand Galloping Gala. "Impressive aesthetics and live entertainment. Very nice."

The server standing at the front desk bore an uncanny resemblance to the waiter I normally see tending to customers at Ponyville's café. The only difference between them being that his mane and tail were a blond hue. Upon seeing the three royal sisters approach him, he immediately spoke up with a very similar voice to the waiter I know as well. "Ah, your majesties! Right this way." My three companions began to follow him into the dining room without a word. But when I tried to follow, he spoke up again. "I will be with you in a moment, sir."

Nightmare Moon, clearly disappointed in the waiter's dismissal of my being in their company, spoke up with a frown on her face. "He is with us. James, come along please."

The waiter instantly looked back at me before glancing at the three royal alicorns behind him. I suppose he was wondering how someone who was dressed so casually could have anything to do with the three rulers of Equestria. And I admit I was feeling very out of place myself. It almost felt as if I did not belong there. Even so, he did not object and led us all over to a booth. It consisted of a single half circle-shaped seat against the wall. Celestia went in first before being followed by Luna and myself and finally Nightmare Moon. Once we took our seats, Celestia used the levitation spell to pull the table a little closer so we were snuggly tucked into our spots. I must say that I felt much safer with at least one of my friends by my sides. Although the frequent stares I was getting from the many nobles were very unwelcome.

A quick glance around the room from where I was seated revealed that Rarity and Fancy Pants were also dining in on the other side of the dining room. Once they happened to look our way, the two of them gave the four of us a friendly wave. In return, we waved back. Although they were not the only ones seated at that booth. It seemed they were joined by another one of Fancy Pant's hanger-on's. However, this mare seemed to be a step above all the others in terms of beauty. Along with being noticeably taller with an elegant body structure akin to Luna's, she had a perfect white coat and a pale pink mane that had a few curls at the tips. Her eyes seemed to be a light violet, I think, while an exceptionally long horn jutted up from her forehead. While I could not make out her tail and cutie mark due to their table and its tablecloth obstructing my view of her lower body, I instantly viewed her as being exceptionally gorgeous. It would not surprise me if she is a local model.

The three of my companions engaged in quiet conversation while I took in the rather elegant atmosphere and scenery. Before long, another finely dressed unicorn waiter silently set out four glasses, which he promptly filled with cold ice water. He also set out a basket of buns that were quite soft and warm with a plate of butter chips along with four menus before departing with a bow.

"Warm bread... You seldom find restaurants that serve this." I spoke quietly while taking a bread knife and parting one such loaf down the middle before spreading a butter chip out on it. Once it was pressed between the two halves of the loaf, it melted quickly and made for a tasty treat. The three princesses also helped themselves to the four remaining loaves while I looked through one of the menus. The prices... I actually cringed at some of them. If my friends were not handling my bill, I would have insisted on dining elsewhere. Or just stuck with an appetizer.

Before the waiter could return for us to place our orders, I noticed out of the corner of my eye that two ponies had approached our table and were not departing. When I glanced up from my menu to get a better look at them, I felt a slight chill. I recognized them as the unicorn couple I passed during the Wonderbolts Derby. With the following impression they made on me, I really cannot be bothered to remember everything about their appearances or attire aside from the colors of their coats, manes, tails, and eyes. The stallion had a gray coat while his mane and tail were a darker shade of gray. His eyes were a shade of blue while a pair of spectacles was resting upon his snout. His wife had a yellow coat similar to Fluttershy's and was wearing aqua green eye shadow. Her mane and tail... They bore an uncanny resemblance to Diamond Tiara's in terms of color. Her eyes themselves were a light purple and they were directed at me with a look of cold disdain.

"Ah, hello. Jet Set, Upper Crust." Celestia spoke with a smile that seemed slightly forced. I suspect she was not exactly pleased to be in their company, but had to keep face due to her stature and social position among the Canterlot elite. Luna and Nightmare Moon did not even bother to crack a smile.

The mare of the couple, who I suspect was Upper Crust, returned Celestia's greeting with a typical snobbish tone of voice. Though to be fair, I had heard worse that day. "Good afternoon, your majesties. I hope we are not intruding."

I instantly found myself feeling somewhat uptight and just tried to distract myself with my menu so I would not have to listen to the egotistical voices of the couple before us. Nightmare Moon spoke, her voice only barely hiding her own disdain for the two nobles. "No, we were only just seated. Do you recommend anything today?"

The stallion, who I am sure was Jet Set, offered a reply while using the most cringe-inducing snobbish accent I had heard from a stallion all day. Give Prince Blueblood some credit. At least his voice sounds genuinely noble and not snobbish! "I really must recommend the quiche today, Lady Nightmare Moon. The broccoli and spinach blends so well with the sage and basil with just a touch of red pepper."

Luna spoke up while apparently intrigued by the recommendation we had been offered. "That does sound delightful. Thank you."

However, I just happened to notice Upper Crust glance at me with that gaze of disdain before looking at Celestia. "But while we are here... Lady Celestia, I must ask. Why do you shame yourself by allowing such a...ragamuffin to be in your company?"

That... I have to give those two some credit. Calling out the princesses themselves just for spending time with friends from less privileged towns? That takes some serious courage. Or misguided conceitedness. Even so, I could tell from the looks on all three of my friends' faces that this question truly came out of nowhere and even shocked them. Although Celestia soon managed to collect herself and gave the couple a rather offended frown. "I beg your pardon?"

Jet Set then spoke while casting that high and mighty gaze at the three princesses before him. "I can understand that your royal duties require you to occasionally mingle with the common rabble down below, but why bring such a boor into the very heart of Equestria? He may be the only human in the world, but just look at him. No sophistication to speak of." He then turned his gaze towards me directly and gave me a very cold stare along with his wife. "You have no place here. Why don't you head back home to the mud and filth where you belong?"

Under normal circumstances, I would have simply not given such a lout the time of day. But in the presence of friends, I knew that I could offer a reply and they would stand by me should things get out of hand. While my eyes glanced him over, I felt myself smirk as a perfect retort came to mind. "At least I don't walk around with my balls exposed for the world to see."

Those words got quite a reaction as pretty much all of the activity in the dining room stopped. I heard a screech come from the cello, several nobles spewed their drinks, and Jet Set... Oh, Jet Set. That look on his face. Upper Crust looked absolutely mortified by what I had just said while her husband's mouth hung open as he twitched, a blush filling his cheeks. Luna and Celestia were snickering rather reluctantly to my left while Celestia was even holding a hoof to her mouth. Nightmare Moon, on the other hand, had burst into hearty laughter at my retort. And what made those words especially effective was the fact that it was true. Granted, nearly all stallions do not wear pants in Equestria, but that retort was directed towards just him. So if you happen to be a stallion who is reading this, please do not take those words personally.

Eventually, Jet Set began to stammer out a retort. "You... Ha... How dare you..."

My disgust having reached a level it almost never does, I continued to speak while slowly closing my menu and setting it down before me. "You do know not everyone has the privilege of being born with a silver spoon in his mouth, right? Those who are born into more modest lifestyles have to make due with what they have. And that teaches them the joys of the simple things in life. Which is more than I can say for you louts."

Just as it seemed that Upper Crust was about to speak a response, I noticed something unusual. A deep blue magic aura was coating their jaws. When I glanced to my right, I found that Nightmare Moon was casting a spell. Using the levitation spell to keep their lower jaws pressed against their upper jaws? I have got to remember that trick. She then glanced at me and cracked a smirk. "Do go on. I'm curious of what else you have to say."

Quite a few eyes were gazing at our table by then. And while I did not care for the attention, I decided to wrap things up there. "I bet you would be singing a very different tune if I was dressed up in shiny black boots, silken slacks, and a tailed jacket. But that just means you value one's clothing over the person itself. You would probably even like to invite my fanciest attire over for dinner, wouldn't you? That's what I really can't stand about noble louts like you. You are shallow fools who only value the petty and never the fundamental. By all means, tell me I'm wrong."

By then, Nightmare Moon released her magic grasp on the two nobles' jaws. I then decided to end my argument while reaching for my menu. "You may be better than me in terms of financial stability, but at least I'm a better person."

I think that last quip may have struck a nerve since Jet Set began to look absolutely furious at me. Considering his behavior, I suspect he is completely not used to being talked back to by someone of a much lower social class. I then noticed his horn become coated by a pale blue aura that seemed similar to his eyes. "Better...than me?" All four of us jumped when we saw him lift our bread knife into the air with levitation, a knife of which I will say right now is actually quite sharp. "You...wretched urchin! You need to learn your place!"

With myself being boxed in by the three princesses beside me, I was unable to flee. I firmly grasped the underside of the table and was prepared to flip it at the furious stallion to keep him away from me. But before either of us could make a move, Nightmare Moon suddenly shouted. "Guards!!!"

As if from nowhere, a spear was thrust forward and caught the bread knife as it was swung. Jet Set instantly lost that furious glare in his eyes and looked to his sides in terror. A pair of unicorn royal guards were standing with their spears crossed before him. I have to say it was very satisfying seeing such a high and mighty member of the Canterlot elite looking so frightened. His wife was no better off, looking as if she was about to flee in terror.

Once Jet Set released his magic grasp on the knife, Luna spoke with a very stern glare. "Harassment. And one charge of assault for Mr. Jet Set."

The two nobles before us seemed absolutely mortified and even confused. It was as if they could not comprehend being arrested. But just as they began to look less shocked and more frustrated, Celestia looked at them with quite possibly the angriest glare I had ever seen on her face. "I am only going to say this once. Nobles like you give Canterlot a very poor image. Not a day goes by where I do not feel shame whenever I see you and others that share your petty lifestyles and outlooks."

Wow... There was an audible gasp in the dining room as the rest of the customers and employees heard that. Those words coming from Celestia, of all ponies, were very satisfying and cathartic to hear. And I suspect she had been hoping she would get the proper opportunity to say them someday. Considering that she is often grouped with the Canterlot elite, it must be exceptionally frustrating to have to be compared to such unpleasant people. The Princess of the Dawn turned her gaze to the guards and spoke with a very displeased expression. "Get these louts out of my sight."

The guards nodded without a word and escorted the two humbled nobles right out of the restaurant with spears drawn. However, once they were out of sight, I noticed that Rarity was standing right behind where they had been standing with...something floating behind her head. "What's up, Rarity?"

My beautiful unicorn friend grinned very nervously at us. "Oh! Well... Um... I was just... Well... I was bringing...a bottle of... Yes! A bottle of sparkling cider!" She then levitated the object behind her head over to us. It looked like a very fancy wine bottle with golden foil wrapped around the top, but the label seemed to say it was sparkling apple cider.

Nightmare Moon's rather anger scowl became a more relaxed smile. "Ah, many thanks, Miss Rarity. It is appreciated." She then used her own levitation spell to bring the bottle to the table. A closer look showed that a thin layer of frost and condensation coated the dark glass, a sign that it had likely only just been taken out of an ice bucket. With that, Rarity gracefully bowed before trotting back over to her table. The rest of the nobles in the room began to return to their activities and the band began to play again.

"I suspect she was preparing to smash that bottle over their heads." Luna whispered with a smug smirk. I too suspected that. Why else would she have gotten that close to those louts while keeping that bottle concealed behind her?

A few seconds later, Celestia turned her eyes to me and spoke with a quiet whisper. "James, I want to apologize. I really did not want you to have to deal with that. Generations of such extremely high standards of living has caused many of Canterlot's nobles to fall into a state of moral decadence. It is a constant blight on this city. I truly must thank you for giving me the opportunity to finally say something about it. I've been wanting to say those words for a very long time."

I shrugged my shoulders, not really bothered at all by any of the insults Jet Set and Upper Crust had thrown at me. If anything, my words had much more bite to them. "It's OK, Celestia. I actually saw them coming, so they really didn't get to me. Although I'm really impressed that none of you have ever acted the way they do."

Luna spoke softly so as to not allow anyone else to hear her. "Well, perhaps that is because we know what it is like to live as commoners. We were not always princesses, you know."

I took a sip of my water before suddenly freezing as I took in those words. I then turned my gaze to the Princess of the Night and spoke equally softly. "You weren't?"

Nightmare Moon cracked a smirk, apparently wanting to speak. However, she held her tongue. Celestia then spoke softly as her rather displeased expression brightened slightly. "Indeed. Mother and Father were not always a queen and king, you know. They were commoners at one time as well. We only became royalty when they became the rulers and leaders of this world."

I would have never guessed that Celestia and Luna had such humble beginnings. No wonder they enjoy spending time in humbler towns. They once lived just like most people do, so they can actually appreciate such lifestyles. However, this did raise a question that I felt I had to ask. "But...who ruled over this world before them?"

The three princesses showed rather uneasy expressions upon hearing me ask that question. Luna was the first to speak. "You certainly know how to ask the most forbidden questions."

Celestia then whispered quietly so as to not draw attention. "Do you remember when I told you that some things are best forgotten? Trust me, James. Some things are better left unremembered. Please, do not worry about the past. Focus on the present."

It was rather disquieting to see the three princesses going to great lengths to not have to address such a question. What in the world happened so long ago before the rise of the king and queen? Who reigned over this world before them? Or was there no ruler and the world was just overrun with chaos? Well, they do have a point. Whatever happened that long ago has absolutely no bearing on today. Whatever happened back then, it is none of my concern. It was then that I decided to just leave the subject be.

Our waiter came back with four martini glasses for our bottle of sparkling cider. He must have caught sight of it from the far end of the room. "My sincerest apologies, your majesties. I could not have foreseen such a confrontation. Is there anything I can get you?"

Nightmare Moon spoke with a slight smile while she used levitation to remove the bottle's golden foil before popping the cork out of the bottle's neck and pouring the bubbling golden liquid into our glasses. "Yes, please. And thank you."

At this point now, I cannot recall exactly what each of us ate. Although I ordered a type of salad with a delicious mango-based dressing and an entrée of risotto. I have to say our dining experience from that point on was rather pleasant. And that sparkling cider was quite good as well, but we decided to leave out dessert. Although nothing really occurred that I feel is worth mentioning during the meal. My friends handled the bill and we departed without much bother.

However, just as we exited the building, we were then promptly approached by Fancy Pants and Rarity. My beautiful friend trotted towards me while Fancy Pants approached us at a walking pace. Their gorgeous unicorn mare companion was nowhere to be seen, but she had likely ducked into a store nearby. "Are you feeling all right now, darling? I truly hope that those wretched oafs didn't ruin your appetite."

I reached out and held my dear friend in a tender embrace, which she all too willingly returned. "Nah, it's fine. Actually felt kind of good to tell them off. If it wasn't for my friends here, I probably would've just stayed quiet."

Nightmare Moon, as well as her sisters, cast me some very puzzled gazes. "Huh? What did we do? I don't think any of us really did anything until Jet Set snatched up that knife."

It was understandable that they did not immediately understand. So I explained it to them. "What did you do? You were there. If I was by myself, I would've stayed quiet to avoid starting trouble. But knowing I had good friends at my back gave me a bit more courage. And sure enough, you were there for me when things got ugly."

Celestia instantly smiled at those words. "Very true. Knowing that you have dear friends by your side who will support you certainly does boost one's confidence."

I then looked towards Fancy Pants, who was standing a short distance away from me. "Uh... Sorry if I struck any nerves with what I said to them, Fancy. I really only meant it towards...well..."

To my surprise, Fancy Pants chuckled heartily while using the levitation spell to lift his monocle while a white handkerchief emerged from his coat's pocket and began to rub the lens. But if that lens has the same enchantment that my old glasses do... Perhaps it was out of habit instead of to clean it. Or perhaps it just happened to not be enchanted with... Am I rambling? Sorry. Anyway, he spoke to me with a calm smile. "Oh, don't be sorry, my good sir! They deserved every word of it. Everything you described. Every flaw you mentioned. It was all quite true and they knew it."

Fancy Pants then adjusted his monocle while placing it back over his left eye as a sigh escaped his lips. "And everything you spoke... It is quite a problem among the vast majority of Canterlot's elite. Quite disgraceful, really. It is as you said. Not everypony is fortunate enough to be born among us. And far too many view such ponies as being below them instead of being less fortunate. I hope to change that one day. One's value is not determined by their wealth or their social status, but by their strength of character."

To hear that from one of the Canterlot elite himself... It was rather unexpected. I could only look at the fine fellow before me and smile. "Fancy Pants... You're a very good man. Definitely one of the best in town."

Our refined friend smiled rather modestly. "Ohoho, James. I just try to appreciate the simpler things in life as much as I enjoy the more elaborate. And I find your home of Ponyville to be charmingly rustic. And Miss Rarity has told me quite a bit about you during our meetings. You single-handedly saved our very own Princess Nightmare Moon and even slew an entire mob of undead demons? You, sir, would be made a celebrity overnight if the Canterlot elite discovered your feats!"

However, I extended my hand to him and shook my head. "You do understand that any praise they give me would be just for that accomplishment and not for me being myself, right? I'd prefer to not have to interact with aristocratic oafs who are as sycophantic as Rarity is generous."

My beautiful friend sighed while bowing her head. "To think that I wished to become one of them for most of my life... Such a toxic influence they must have on others. I swear, from this day forward, any interaction I have with them is strictly business." However, Rarity then grinned nervously at Fancy Pants. "Oh, but not you! Your kind is truly a marvel among the nobles!"

Fancy Pants chuckled rather loudly at that show of desperate praise. "Your compliments are appreciated, Miss Rarity! But truthfully speaking, I do hope to turn the elite's behavior around someday. They just need a little push in the right direction."

Rarity then bowed towards the three princesses before slowly backing away towards Fancy Pants. "But enough talk. I've distracted you from your special day together long enough. I hope the rest of your day goes by smoothly." She then flashed me a wink. "I will be returning to Ponyville in a few days, so let's enjoy a spot of tea together next time we see each other."

"Sounds like a plan. I'll see you then, m'lady." I replied while waving goodbye. Together, Rarity and Fancy Pants began to walk away while I overheard one of them mention a yacht. But there is not a river that runs through Canterlot... Is there?

"Fine fellow, that Fancy Pants. Tis a shame that there are not more stallions like him in Canterlot." Luna spoke with a sigh, though she then smiled at us. "Well, enough of dwelling on that little disturbance. Where to next?"

I shrugged my shoulders, still having no grasp of Canterlot's layout. "I don't have a clue. You know your way around more than I do."

Nightmare Moon then rubbed her chin with her hoof while seemingly contemplating our choices. "Well... Why not stop by the opera house? A performance should be starting soon."

I did not care for the sound of that at all. "Before we go, isn't that just sitting in a VIP booth while looking down on a stage as a single performer sings in foreign lyrics without much of anything else going on?"

Celestia cracked a crooked grin at those words. Judging by that look she was giving me, I was right. "Well... In a nutshell, yes. It's lovely to listen to... Just not that much fun to watch."

"Thought so... But what else do you royals like to do?" I then asked, starting to wonder just how we were going to spend the rest of the afternoon and evening together.

My three royal friends started to look a bit troubled. This was clearly not what they had intended on happening. They are certainly part of the Canterlot elite, but I am not. So what they find fun and enjoyable may not necessarily apply to me. Fortunately, Nightmare Moon soon spoke with a smile. "Hold on... I see what the problem is. Instead of doing what the nobles around here do for fun, why don't we do what we think is fun?"

So simple and obvious, yet so brilliant. I just had to smile at her. "Sounds good to me. What can we do around here that's fun?"

Celestia and Luna looked at each other before smiling brightly. The Princess of the Dawn then looked my way and asked, "Why not hit the tennis courts? We can have a few doubles while we're down there."

While I have enjoyed a few tennis simulators of sorts back on Earth, I confess I had never played tennis in the flesh before. "OK, sounds good. But you'll have to walk me through the rules. I have no experience in the sport."

"No worries, my friend. We all have experience in the sport. Right this way." Luna replied before she and her sisters began to lead me through the elegant city while I tried to keep my eyes from falling upon any of the more snobbish nobles we passed. I was not going to let them affect my mood on this special day.

The tennis courts were located closer to the side of the mountain than most other places in town with plenty of trees and natural greenery adding to the atmosphere. It seemed that the tennis courts were outdoors while surrounded by tall chain link fences to prevent the tennis balls from being knocked too far away. But as we drew near, we were quick to notice the sound of a ball being smacked around by tennis rackets. Luna turned her head to ascertain the exact direction it was coming from. "Hm, seems we won't be the only ones here."

After drawing closer, I saw who was playing. Locked in one of the singles courts was Shining Armor and Cadence, the latter of which having her mane tied into an adorable ponytail while having removed her golden jewelry for the time being. Using the levitation spell to hold their rackets close to their heads, they kept smacking the ball back and forth while running here and there to keep it from getting past them. Sometimes the ball would soar high while at other times it would barely clip the net that divided the court in two. It seemed to be rather heated and neither was really at a disadvantage. Finally though, Nightmare Moon spoke up. "Good afternoon, you two!"

Just as Cadence returned Shining Armor's serve, the stallion looked our way and got smacked right in the side of the face by the ball while looking as if he had no idea what just hit him. Granted, tennis balls are light and soft, so it was unlikely that it hurt him. Even so, this was so random and unexpected that absolutely everyone burst into laughter. Even Cadence, who seemed rather embarrassed that she had practically slapped her husband, laughed so hard that she lost her grip on her racket and dropped it.

"OK, that's a first! Anyway, what's up? I didn't think I'd see you in Canterlot, James. At least not without my sister and her friends." Shining Armor managed to speak while using levitation to snatch up the ball, his wife having won a point.

"Special occasion, to be honest. I'm just having a night on the town." I replied while Nightmare Moon inched slightly closer to me.

Once I finished speaking, Nightmare Moon continued it. "Today marks the one year anniversary of our first encounter. And tomorrow marks the first with my sisters. So we're celebrating with our friend here."

Cadence then drew closer while she allowed her mane to fall free. "It's been a full year already? My, how time flies. Well... With how many there are of you, I think you would prefer some doubles. The courts are open right now." The doubles courts are a bit wider to accommodate the two extra players.

"Thanks... Wait a minute, what are you doing over here anyway, captain? I thought Estoc said you're on patrol in town." I spoke upon remembering what his right-hand stallion said to me earlier.

Armor seemed to be taken aback by those words. Had he been shirking his duties? "He did, huh? I'm actually on break right now. Once Cadence and I grab a bite for some lunch, I'll suit up again and get back to my post. Fuller is currently taking my place."

"Well, we had best let you get going then. And good show, Cadence. Way to keep your husband on his hooves." Celestia said with a smirk across her lips while giving Cadence a wink.

Cadence let out a playful giggle while winking at her husband. "Oh, I try. I need to make sure that the married life doesn't let Armor get soft on us." Shining Armor could not really offer a retort, merely snorting while rolling his eyes. Regardless, the young couple then left the caged court after putting their rackets and ball back before trotting away and back into town.

I was led inside one of the cages that held a wider court than the one Armor and Cadence had been using. Propped up in the corner were four identical tennis rackets and a single tennis ball. I went over to retrieve them and began to carry them over to my friends. "OK, so which sides do... Uh..."

"Something wrong?" Nightmare Moon asked while showing a slight smirk. While I had my back turned to the royal sisters, they had gone and done up their manes into ponytails like Cadence. And I have to say...those hairstyles with those long beautiful billowing manes was absolutely gorgeous. "You like our hair?"

There was really only one thing I could say. "Well... That new look for each of you is stuck somewhere between really cute and really hot."

The response I got ranged from flattered blushes to amused snickering. Luna was the first to offer a retort. "Well, we have to keep our manes from hanging low when we're making lots of movement. Would not want to trip over them or let them get snagged on anything."

After a brief moment of observation, I noticed that Nightmare Moon's mane was not tied up in any way. Although I suppose I know why. It does not hang as low as Luna's or Celestia's tend to and even seems lighter. Regardless, we took our places on the court after my three friends used levitation to grab a racket. Luna and Celestia took one side of the court while Nightmare Moon and I took our places on the other side. Since I still had the ball, I was tasked with serving.

I was slightly nervous about the whole thing. Even though I have had several experiences in virtual versions of the sport, I had never actually played the sport itself. After bouncing the ball a few times, I tossed it upwards and swatted it towards the left side of the opposite end of the court. And right into the net.

"Dang, that's a fault." I grumbled while Nightmare Moon used levitation to bring the ball back to me. I attempted another serve in the hopes of making it count. However, while it did clear the net, the ball landed on the side of the court that was parallel to me.

"Double fault! That's a point for us!" Luna called out while she tossed the ball back over to us. "James, are you certain you've played this game before?"

"Not in person! Only in simulations of sorts." I replied while grabbing the ball. However, Nightmare Moon began to draw near.

"Here, let me serve for the rest of the game. You just focus on returning the ball." The Princess of Dreams spoke softly while taking the ball from me. I offered no real reply, but moved over to where she had been standing regardless. Nightmare Moon then hurled the ball upwards before deftly smacking it over to the opposite side of the court, where Celestia returned her serve.

I do not have any desire to go over all the rules or technicalities of tennis. You could look those up in a book about the thing. Even so, the game got pretty heated. The three princesses were swift in their movements while looking absolutely stunning. I confess I may have missed the ball a few times because I was distracted by the ungodly beauty of the two royal sisters ahead of me, although Nightmare Moon at times served as a distraction as well. Despite this, I do feel Nightmare Moon herself did most of the work. I really was struggling to hold my own.

By some miracle, we managed to tie Celestia and Luna at one point before they got the advantage. And then at the break point... Well, we did our best, but Celestia and Luna came out on top. Even so, we had fun and played a few more games as well. Although I am sorry to say that my lack of experience doomed our chances at winning each time.

After a total of five games, we decided we had enough and returned the ball and rackets to the far end of the court. I had worked up quite a sweat, as had my friends. Luna then spoke up while untying her mane. "Well, that certainly was a fine time. You did quite well for your first time, James."

"Yeah, but you girls owned me. I still need to get used to actually playing this stuff in person." I replied while wiping some sweat from my brow.

Nightmare Moon seemed to glance over at a distant building that seemed to be at the edge of the sporting grounds. "Hmm... Why don't we all cool off with a swim?"

"Oh, of course! The fitness club is nearby and they have a pool. Shall we?" Celestia said while her pace quickened. It seemed she was really in the mood for a swim. And so was I.

The local fitness club was actually very close by. And once we stepped inside... Well, I actually rather liked it. It seemed to be a place where your social stature in Canterlot did not matter. I saw ponies there who were clearly nobles using several of the exercise equipment, such as the weight machines and treadmills. But I also saw just as many of the middle class there as well doing the exact same thing. It was rather refreshing to be somewhere in Canterlot without having to worry about rude glares from the elite.

Celestia led us to the front desk, where a young stallion promptly greeted her. I cannot recall how he looked since I did not see him often enough to remember, so I apologize. "Ah, welcome back, your highness! How can I help you?"

The Princess of the Dawn replied with her warm smile. "Yes. Please sign James up for one day of activities. I will handle the payment."

"The human? Ah, I was wondering if I would ever see him. One moment please... Your name has an E before the S, right? There we go. Please enjoy yourselves!" The receptionist spoke while jotting something down on the desk.

While my companions led me away and down some stairs, I glanced back over at the receptionist before we dropped out of sight. "He knew about me?"

Luna spoke up in response. "Well, yes. When you are the only human on the planet and you live among our people, word tends to spread. And it has been a full year since your arrival by now. So the initial surprise and bewilderment of a human's presence has likely worn off by this point."

Once we reached the bottom of the stairs, I was greeted by a glass door that led into a huge room with a large swimming pool. There did not seem to be anyone there at the time and it seemed to lack those pesky dividers that tend to split the water into rows, so we had the place to ourselves. However, it was then that I noticed a big oversight. "Hang on... I didn't bring any swim trunks..."

Celestia did not seem bothered much at all by that realization and immediately turned to face me. "Oh, don't worry about that. Just wear your shorts. I'll dry them off for you before we leave."

I watched as the three princesses removed their jewelry and neatly sorted them on a stone bench of sorts nearby. I have to say... Even though they wear next to nothing to begin with... Well, it is difficult to describe. But I swear they looked even more radiant with all their jewelry removed. I made certain to not say anything about it though and proceeded to remove my shoes, socks, and shirt while stuffing my wallet inside my shirt.

"My, you've slimmed down quite a bit since we first met, James. Equestrian cuisine must have done wonders for your waistline." Celestia spoke while I stood before the beautiful sisters. She was right. I cannot remember the last time my weight did not start with a 2. Living in this world has not only been good for my soul, but also for my body and health.

"Yup. An almost all-vegetarian diet is bound to slim you down. Although I do try to always follow a visit to Sugarcube Corner with a salad." I replied while looking down at myself. It felt great to see how much better I looked after spending so much time in this world.

I watched as Luna approached the edge of the pool. Her hooves checked the smooth stone floor for moisture, which was certainly a smart move since there were warnings posted here and there to not run where the floor was wet. With a show of true grace, she galloped forward before flapping her wings for a greater jump and tucking them against her sides while she dived into the pool. She got quite a bit of speed with that dive, resurfacing halfway across the thing. "Woo! A bit cold, but not too bad!"

"My turn." Celestia spoke before breaking into a run as well. But instead of performing another dive, she instead did a type of drill dive upon jumping. Spiraling through the air, she drilled through the water and popped up a short distance before Luna. I suppose not getting the extra speed Luna got stopped her from getting as far. "I suppose an aileron roll is not enough for less resistance."

I then looked at Nightmare Moon, who returned my gaze with a smirk. "Amateurs." She then spread her sable wings and lifted herself high above the pool. And as with most indoor swimming pools, the ceiling was pretty high up. We all turned our faces upward while watching the Princess of Dreams hover high above the pool. She then folded her wings and began to fall with her legs outstretched. From the look of things, she was going for a belly flop. But from that height... She was going to be feeling sore in the morning.

However, just before se could hit the water, her horn, as well as the rest of her, was covered by a billowing deep blue aura that held her just a few inches off the water. Celestia rolled her eyes while Nightmare Moon stood upon the water. "Showoff."

Nightmare Moon chuckled while she slowly sank into the water and began to float there while treading water. "What? Can't I have a little fun? Your turn, James!"

I approached the edge of the pool and decided that I would dive in as well. I brought my feet to the edge and leaned forward. However, when I jumped forward, I felt a sting on my abdomen while I heard all three of the princesses called out in some sort of groan just before my ears were covered. I quickly brought my head to the surface while still feeling the sting of my failed dive all over my torso's front. Luna immediately spoke up. "You really should try to avoid performing belly flops!"

"Not like I was aiming to do that anyway!" I replied while treading water. I decided to not try that again. Would not want to be sore the next day or for the rest of the evening. I never was that good at diving.

Having never seen any of Equestria's ponies swim before, I expected them to do some sort of dogpaddle. But that only seemed to be the case whenever they were treading water. The three princesses were quite graceful in their swimming movements, their swimming ranging from the backstroke to the front crawl and so forth. Me? I am not entirely certain how I was swimming. I am self-taught from years of trying to overcome my fear of the deep end and just do whatever works. I was likely the slowest swimmer out of the four of us, though the lovely ladies with me never once confronted me about it.

Once more, I felt rather out of place among the beautiful nobles. I was such a slow and cumbersome swimmer compared to their graceful strokes. After a few minutes of aimless swimming, I decided to get out of the pool and just have a look around the place and to give the princesses some space. But once I made my way over to some stone steps that extended down a few feet below the surface, I heard Luna call out to me. "Where are you going, James? You only just got in."

I decided to be completely honest with my words that time. I knew they would understand. "I really just feel like I'm cramping your style. I'll leave you ladies to enjoy some quality time together."

However, just before I could step up out of the pool, I froze when I found myself covered in Nightmare Moon's magic aura. "Oh, no you don't."

Before I could even try to get a word out, I was suddenly dragged across the water and back into the pool before finding myself stuck in a group hug by all three of the royal sisters while they kicked their hind legs to stop us from sinking. Celestia then asked, "Have you forgotten why you are even here? Today is a special occasion. So what if the Canterlot elite does not approve of us mingling with friends from a lower social class? That is not their choice to make."

Nightmare Moon then nuzzled my cheek with her snout. "Relax, my friend. For today, just forget that we are royalty. This is not a day of princesses with a commoner in their company. It is a day celebrating our first meeting."

Luna then spoke quietly into my ear. "So please... Let go of your worries and inhibitions. If not for yourself, then do it for us. We WANT you to enjoy yourself with us. Not as our subject, but as our friend."

Being in such close proximity to these beautiful ladies was a bit...different from what I am used to, to say the least. Even so, I felt a bit silly to let their royal status get between us. They could have gone the entire day without me as a day together as sisters. But they still invited me to come along as friends. And so I wrapped my arms around them the best I could to return their affection. "Sorry about that. It's just that royalty spending quality time with commoners is just such a rarity where I come from. But then again, this is Equestria and not Earth. I just need to adapt to your customs."

"Much better. Now think fast!" Nightmare Moon replied before the three of them dragged me under the water before immediately releasing their grip on me. I quickly swam to the surface before gasping for breath while the three royal sisters did the same. Once I shook the water from my face, we all had a good laugh.

To be honest, I was already feeling tired by the time we got out of the pool. Who knew that days spent having fun with friends could be so exhausting? Even so, I went over to my clothes and put them back on before turning to face my three friends who had left the pool behind me. "OK, so how am I gonna get my shorts dried befo...uh..."

"Something wrong?" Luna asked while she and her sisters stood before me. They were all quite a sight with their manes and tails weighed down by water. While wet, they did not billow like they usually do. Their manes and tails even seemed longer. While Luna and Nightmare Moon looked stunning in such a state, Celestia... Oh god, Celestia... That aurora-colored mane and tail were being dragged along the ground.

I must have been making quite an expression because Celestia started to look a bit worried. "Are you all right? You didn't drink any pool water, did you?"

"Huh?! Oh, no, not that... It's just... Well, look at yourselves." I replied promptly while feeling myself becoming rather flustered.

The three alicorns looked at each other and their manes and tails. Finally, Nightmare Moon seemed to catch on and smirked at her sisters. "I think what he's trying to say is that he thinks we're...oh, what's that modern term? Hot?"

Celestia and Luna also joined in with smirks of their own. Celestia then looked at me with an alluring gaze, though I could tell she was just messing with me. Still got me feeling nervous though! "Is that it? You think we look exceptionally attractive with our hair wetted down like this?"

"I would be lying if I said otherwise." I replied briefly, not entirely certain if I knew where this was going.

The three sisters suddenly laughed, though it was Luna who spoke first. "Well, the compliment is appreciated!" With Celestia's horn aglow with her magic aura, a powerful swirling warm gust engulfed us all for a full minute. The heated air was basically functioning as a hairdryer since I soon found my clothes entirely dried off.

"Oh, so that's how you were going to fix that. Well... Uh... Oh lord..." I began to speak until my eyes once again fell upon the three royal sisters.

"Oh dear, I'm not sure I care for that look... What is it, James?" Celestia asked while looking worrisome. The uncontrolled warm air had dried their hair. But... Their manes and tails looked impossibly puffy and... Oh lord, basically imagine them trying to get their hair to look like Pinkie Pie's, but failing.

All I could do was point at them while trying to not laugh. When the three sisters looked at each other, they all let out a shriek of shock. Nightmare Moon winced while her eyes glanced about nervously. "Oh good grief! This... This just won't do! Uh... James, you make yourself comfortable upstairs! We need a visit to the local hairdresser. We'll be back soon!" In a flash of light, the three sisters were gone. Shaking my head while snickering under my breath, I left the pool area and went back upstairs before taking a seat on a surprisingly plush bench that could have been a sofa.

No one in the lobby bothered me while I read through the latest issue of Equestria's Finest. It seemed to delve into information involving the ponies and...buffalo of the Appleloosa settlement to the southwest. Yes, I was quite surprised to see that there are sentient intelligent buffalo living in this world. But I suppose I should not be too surprised by that since there also seem to be cattle and oxen who are on the same level of intelligence and awareness that the ponies of this world are. Although I must say the cattle of this world still are not that smart since I have rarely caught a glimpse of a herd of them stampeding towards Ponyville before. Fortunately, Applejack always seems to straighten them out before they can reach town. But I digress.

After what I assume was fifteen minutes to half an hour, there was a flash of light in front of me before I lifted my head from the magazine. Once again, the three royal sisters were standing before me while their manes and tails had been returned to their natural billowing forms. It also seemed that they had retrieved their jewelry from the poolside. Nightmare Moon then winked at me before speaking. "I know you would prefer us to have our manes wetted down, but it would not do for us to keep tripping over ourselves. So you will just have to settle for us staying dry."

"That's cool. You're always stunning to look at anyway. So, where to next?" I retorted while setting the magazine aside.

Luna seemed to avert her gaze for a few seconds while seemingly being lost in thought. She soon turned our way and spoke with a smile. "Why not do a little window shopping in the business district? There are plenty of shops to see there."

Celestia grinned brightly before looking at us. "That sounds lovely. And you could take the opportunity to pick up some souvenirs, James. Shall we go?"

"Sounds good. Lead on." I quickly replied while climbing to my feet. Without further delay, I followed my royal friends outside and through town.

The place they had in mind seemed to be a single street lined with many ponies coming and going. The buildings there had tall windows displaying many types of products. From jewelry to clothing to cosmetics to pastries. There was even a toy store that really caught my eye by having an electric train set put up to go all around the store's interior.

Once again, my friends insisted that they handle any and all purchases I made. I was not entirely certain on what to do in terms of toys. I have no need for any and Scootaloo had always been content with her scooter and just having fun with her friends. Although it was interesting to just browse and see what kind of entertainment kids in Equestria are into.

We made certain to stop by a bakery to fulfill my promise to Angel that morning to reward him with a slice of carrot cake. I also made certain to pick up a strawberry shortcake for Mitta. I had to make certain that I spent some quality time with her before the day had passed. Today may be the anniversary of when Nightmare Moon and I first met, but it is also the anniversary of when I first discovered Sunny Town and Mitta along with it.

Eventually, I ducked into a jewelry store while my companions entered a boutique across the lane. I told them I was just going to do a little window-shopping while they browsed. Of course, the reason was something else entirely. For buying me lunch, inviting me for a day in Canterlot, and even having the guards arrest a couple of louts who tried to attack me for talking back, I had to thank them somehow. And I felt especially compelled to visit the jewelry store. After all, what woman does not like gold, silver, and gemstones?

I found that this jewelry store's interior was noticeably larger than the interior in the jewelry stores back in Ponyville, but the overall layout was quite similar. I suppose it does not matter where you go. Jewelry stores are all about keeping the merchandise easy to spot and observe.

Behind the counter stood a young unicorn mare clad in a fine vest. Aside from her cutie mark displaying a diamond necklace, I cannot recall the rest of her appearance. Regardless, she took note of my presence and spoke up with a refined accent much that that of Fancy Pants, but did not really sound snooty at all. Although it is possible she was only being hospitable to avoid turning away customers. "Good evening, sir. Can I help you?"

I tried to think of something that would go well with Luna and Nightmare Moon. "Well, I would like something that is a pair. You know, two rings or something that compliment the other?"

"Ah, I know exactly what you mean. Getting something for you and your beloved back home, are we?" The clerk replied with a playful tone, apparently being quite the romantic. And as much as I would like to get Fluttershy something, I know she is not big on jewelry. If I am going to get her anything, it will be a wedding bracelet. But only when and if the proper time comes.

"Not quite. I'm getting them for some friends of mine. Twin sisters." I explained while following her around the store. Inside a glass counter she stopped at were a pair of silver rings that caught my eye. They were set beside each other, one being embedded with diamond-shaped emeralds and the other with rubies. Perfectly complimentary. Red, the color of passion and confidence. Green, the color of balance. Each represents one of the night sisters perfectly. And green... I can certainly see why Luna and I get along so well. I too feel a connection to the color. My favorite.

Before I could even point to them though, the clerk spoke up once more. "Twins, you say? What race are they? Rings for unicorns? Or bracelets for anypony else?"

"Alicorns, actually. And those two right there look perfect." I replied while pointing to the rings. But before the clerk could open the case, she gave me a most peculiar look. "Uh... Yes?"

"Alicorns... You said 'alicorns' just now, didn't you? I thought for sure that only the princesses are alicorns." She replied while looking positively flummoxed. I suppose I should not be surprised. You seldom come across common people with close ties of friendship to the rulers of the land.

"Uh...yes. They are. Luna and Nightmare Moon, to be honest. Do you take credit?" I responded while being completely honest. I checked my pockets and pulled out my wallet before removing my debit card from it. I very seldom use it and only for my most expensive purchases. I could only hope that it was still working. With no way of checking my balance in my bank account back on Earth and with no way to add to it, I am certain it is only a matter of time before I end up significantly overdrawn and something is done and my account is closed. But until that day comes, I will get as much out of it as I can.

I could tell by that look she was giving me that the clerk was highly skeptical of whether or not I was truly getting something for the rulers of Equestria, but she did not question it any further. She removed the two rings and placed them in the same velvet jewelry box with the interior lined with cotton. "Will that be all, sir?"

I was about to speak up, but I noticed something else in the display case. And... Well, I will withhold what it was for now. Read on to find out more. I think I held my breath when I paid though. It had been quite some time since I last used it, so I was worried that my bank account on Earth had been closed despite having sent word back to my folks that I was doing fine. Thankfully, there were no problems and the payment made it through without trouble. I still have to wonder how that works... Regardless, I thanked the clerk, stuffed the jewelry boxes into my pocket, and then headed on out the door. And I made certain to not even look at my receipt.

Right as I headed out the door, I was greeted by the sight of the three royal sisters emerging from the boutique across the lane. They were laughing and smiling, apparently engaging in friendly banter. Each had a bag of sorts hanging off their sides like saddlebags with each being stuffed with various forms of clothing. I could make out scarves, shoes, and hats. I suppose even royalty like to dress down into something softer and more flexible than metallic jewelry now and then.

"Having fun, ladies?" I asked while drawing closer to them with my hand in my pocket, ready to pull out their gifts. And I am sure they did not see it coming.

Nightmare Moon grinned while glancing at the bags hanging from her sides. "Oh, we most certainly are. It was quite cathartic to shop til we dropped for once. Good thing we have deep pockets, hm?"

Celestia cracked a grin while letting out a cute giggle. "Now now, sister. Let's not get carried away with our indulgences. It's not a good example to set for the Canterlot elite."

Luna then looked my way and asked, "And what of you, James? Where did you run off to?"

"I'm so glad you asked." I replied while pulling a jewelry box from my pocket. "I wanted to get you girls something."

This clearly caught them by surprise, seeing as how they had been paying for everything today. Luna spoke after a moment of silent hesitation. "James... You did not have to... You do not have to spend your money on us."

I shrugged my shoulders while prying the box open to reveal its contents. "It's not anything too pricey, but I thought it complimented you two perfectly. Besides, I just like making my friends happy."

While my friends looked on, I took the silver ring that was lined with rubies between my fingers and slid it over Nightmare Moon's horn until it was snuggly nestled against its base. I then did the same for Luna when I grasped the ring lined with emeralds. "Don't you think they fit?"

The Princess of Dreams and the Princess of the Night looked directly at each other, their eyes focused on the ring at the base of each other's horn. Nightmare Moon soon smiled. "Indeed. It does seem to fit."

"And they compliment each other quite well. All too perfect for our contrasting dynamics, wouldn't you say?" Luna replied with a satisfied smile spread across her lips. I too smiled; glad to see that they appreciated my gift.

Celestia looked back and forth at her sisters before looking at me with a warm smile. "You're too kind, James. I really should have you compensated. This really was not necessary."

I could not help but smirk as I reached into my other pocket. "Really? Thanks. But don't think I forgot about you."

All three of them glanced at me with very surprised expressions, but said nothing. I then opened the box to display its contents. A gold ring lined with amethysts cut in the same shape as the diamond-shaped gemstone of Celestia's golden band around her neck. Purple. The color of royalty and wise judgment. Truly a color that represents the Princess of the Dawn well, if I do say so myself.

I slid the ring down Celestia's long white horn until it rested at the bottom. I was actually quite surprised to see how well it blended with the rest of her attire. She was silent, never speaking, as I truly believe she could not believe that I would have gotten her something like this. "Hey, are you all right?"

Celestia and Luna looked on in silence as well. What was Celestia going to do? Finally, I got a response. She rather shyly looked at me before speaking in a very matter-of-fact tone. "You value your friends' happiness over your own and do everything you can to make them happy. There is no cost too great for them." I then got the mother of all surprises. Celestia reached out and planted a brief kiss on my cheek. "You truly are sweet, my friend. You wear your cutie mark well."

The instant those soft lips touched my cheek, all activity in the street just...stopped. It was as if time had ceased to flow. All eyes were staring in our direction. Could they not believe that the Princess of the Dawn herself had just shared a kiss with a mere commoner? I too was shocked as well. Fortunately, Luna managed to break the silence. "Hmm... What time is it? Isn't it past five by now?"

Nightmare Moon flexed her neck before speaking a reply. "I do believe so. Time certainly does fly when you're out and about with friends. We should get some dinner soon."

"Good idea. And I know just the place." Celestia added while motioning for me to follow. "I'd hate for another confrontation like at lunch. Let's go somewhere where we will not have to worry about being bothered by anymore louts."

I was in quite a hurry to get away from the prying eyes and followed without objection. However, Celestia eventually looked back at me and smiled warmly. "Thank you again for this, James. I think I will permanently include it as part of my royal attire."

Before long, I found that my royal companions were leading me back into Canterlot's castle itself. "Uh... Why are we coming back here? I thought the restaurants are in town."

Celestia looked back at me and was clearly entertained by my confusion. "I never said we would be dining out, James. We have someone staying at Canterlot Castle right now who is quite a wizard in the culinary arts."

"A private dinner? Sounds tasty... But is this place really a castle? When I think 'castle', I think a towering fortification with walls made of thick stone blocks. This place seems to say 'palace' more than that." I replied while also taking in the ornate outer design of their home.

"Hmm... I suppose Canterlot Palace would make more sense... But somehow, Canterlot Castle has just stuck with the place over the centuries. You are free to call it whatever you wish though." Luna too replied while analyzing their home. I really cannot even begin to describe that place's outer appearance. You have to see the place to really understand it.

Once my companions had dropped off the items they had purchased in their own private quarters, we gathered in what I assume was a dining room very near the royal kitchen. The room was quite large and I found myself seated at a long table with around a dozen seats on each side. It felt awkward that only four of us were there, but I suppose it is rare to have enough guests to fill up the whole thing.

"He will be along shortly. I'm quite curious of what recipes he has developed during his career." Celestia said while she and her sisters joined me at one end of the long table.

"And who exactly is this guest who is staying here?" I asked, finding myself increasingly intrigued. Whoever the person must have been, it was unlikely he was a Canterlot native.

Nightmare Moon spoke next. "Well, he is more of a baker than anything, but he still has quite a repertoire of other types of dishes. He's quite balanced."

Before I could even say anything, another voice spoke up from the opposite end of the room with a very thick French accent. "Indeed, madame! And I must thank you for granting me ze honor of being here zis evening."

When I looked to my left to see who was approaching, I was surprised to see that our chef was not at all what I expected. Instead of being a pony of any sort, he was instead a griffon. You know how they are, right? Half lion, half eagle? Although to be fair... That yellow beak of his was too broad to be that of any sort of predatory bird. It looked closer to some sort of waterfowl. A tall cylindrical chef's hat stood atop his head while a red cloth was tied around his neck. His lion body was a shade of gray while a tuft of white fur covered the tip of his tail. His forearms and hands strongly resembled the yellow scaled flesh of most birds of prey. The feathers that coated his head and wings were a very light gray and his eyes were a brilliant yellow. He also had a very long and elegant moustache that curled at the ends, which he would sometimes stroke between his fingers. I also found that unlike ponies, he could easily alternate between quadruped and biped stances. "I really was not expecting to see a griffon..."

The griffon chef took one look at me and instantly froze, his eyes scanning me closely. "Ah, ze human of Equestria! I had heard rumors, but never dreamed I would cross paths with you! Gustave le Grand, at your service."

I reached out and shook his hand. He certainly had a bit of flair for the dramatic and even seemed slightly arrogant, but I suspect he had good reason to be confident. "A pleasure, monsieur."

Celestia then looked towards the griffon chef and spoke with a smile. "Gustave, if I may? We've had quite a long day and are quite hungry by now. If it's no trouble, may we ask you to prepare dinner?"

Gustave graciously bowed before the Princess of the Dawn with his arm and one wing draped over his chest. "But of course, madam. Allow me to present to you ze menu."

With one hand, Gustave lifted his hat and pulled four small menus from it before passing zem out... Drat, now his unique lingo has worked its way into my writing. Well, he then spoke while we opened them. "You must forgive me for ze menu being so small. I'm afraid ze castle's kitchen may not have all ze ingredients for ze full menu."

"So it's basically a catering menu. That's fine." I replied quietly while looking over ze appetizers. I have to say zat I cannot really recall what each item was since I have never dined out at a French restaurant and am not familiar with zeir cuisine... Dang it. Sorry about that.

Anyway, my royal friends ordered varying types of salads while I ordered a French classic. Escargot. Yes, it is exactly what you think they are. Snails. Without their shells. I assure you that it is much tastier than it sounds. And being mollusks, and therefore a type of seafood, it is good for you. Once Gustave left to start preparing our appetizers, I turned to my three royal companions. "A private dinner in the Canterlot palace with a master chef. Could this get any more sophisticated?"

Luna cracked a smirk while her horn was coated by her cobalt magic aura. "I can think of one way." A second later, I heard soft classical music beginning to play from nearby. After glancing around, I found that a phonograph in the corner of the room had been turned on.

I decided to try passing the time with conversation. "So... Who's this Gustave fellow? Seems like a nice guy."

Celestia nodded and glanced towards the doorway as if checking to see if he was coming. "Well, he certainly is confident in his skills. He was one of the contestants for the National Desserts Competition not that long before you arrived. Things got...awkward in the end for him and the other three contestants."

"And they were...?" I replied, hoping to get some more information out of her.

"Well, you know two of them. Pinkie Pie was participating on behalf of Sugarcube Corner with her entry being a... If I recall this correctly... A marzipan mascarpone meringue cake of some sorts. I understand it must have been quite a sight. There was also Donut Joe participating with his entry being his 'Donutopia' creation. I know you've seen that before. There was also a mule named Mulia Mild who entered with a full-sized mousse...moose. As for Gustave... Well, I have a hunch we will see his finest creation before long."

I had actually heard about that incident from Pinkie Pie herself once when she and the Cakes baked another Marzipan Mascarpone Meringue Madness. That is the name of the cake in question, believe it or not. It seemed some bizarre circumstances during the train ride had resulted in the four competing desserts being heavily damaged, so they compromised and fused the surviving parts together to form a truly impressive work of culinary art, winning all four of them the prize. She has a photo of the end result lying around somewhere at her place, now that I think about it. But then I decided to ask the most obvious question. "Sounds tasty to me. But anyway... I don't think I've ever seen a griffon before. I mean I've seen mules and other creatures that live in Equestria's society, but I don't think I've ever seen a griffon in person until now."

The three sisters looked at each other before smiling at me. Luna then spoke to me. "Well, they are rather rare compared to us ponies. They reside all over Equestria, but are quite spread out. They are very similar to pegasi, even sharing their weather-manipulating abilities."

"Do they get along with the ponies and other people living in the world?" I asked, remembering from Rainbow Dash that her former friend, a griffon named Gilda, was extraordinarily unpleasant. If I had not forgotten about her at the time, I would have likely been a bit warier of Gustave at our first meeting.

Nightmare Moon spoke next. "Well, they get along with our kind about as well as all the other races of creatures in our society. Of course, like with every society, you always have a few bad apples here and there, but the griffons are pleasant folk in general like us. So don't worry about them should you ever meet one."

Before we had time to even really say anything else, Gustave came back into the room while pushing a wheeled cart that held four silver platters that each held a plate. Three scrumptious leafy salads and eight baked snails in a white wine cream. I think Luna's mouth may have been watering as she beheld our appetizers. "My word, those look delightful."

"Aren't zey always, m'lady?" Gustave replied with a confident grin while he set out our orders. I have to wonder how a beak can flex enough to show a smile or a frown... Well, in a world as magical as Equestria, who can really say?

Gustave seemed to be taking a particular interest in me while he stood there. It felt rather off-putting to see the face of an eagle or whatever kind of bird his avian side was looking at me so intently. Apparently speaking up before I could say anything that Gustave might take as insulting, Celestia got my attention. "James? As the guest of honor, why don't you take the first bite?"

I suppose Gustave was just eager to see what his very first human customer would think of his cooking. And so I decided to indulge him. Taking a fork in hand, I stabbed one of the seasoned snails and lifted it to my lips. Seeing as how it was fresh out of the oven, I had to blow on it quite a bit to bring its temperature down. It is difficult to taste anything when all your mouth is detecting is pain. Once I felt I had cooled it enough, I took the snail into my mouth and chewed thoroughly.

Once I swallowed, I looked up at Gustave and spoke while letting out a satisfied sigh. "One word, Gustave. Délicieux."

"Ah, music to my ears. Now, what can I get for you as ze main course?" Gustave asked with a delighted smile as his fingers stroked his thin and elegantly curled moustache.

We looked through the menu once more before placing our orders. The princesses ordered crepes of various sorts and an eggplant dish while I settled for some pan seared shrimp and scallops with a tomato and truffle oil relish. Gustave actually seemed rather delighted that I asked for a seafood dish before he took our appetizer plates away on the cart. Once he was gone, I turned to my hosts once more. "Hey, uh... What kind of diet do griffons have? Since they have both lion and eagle aspects, they're more carnivorous than all of you, right?"

Luna turned to me and spoke with a slight smile spread across her lips. "Yes, but not much different from you humans. They are omnivorous, but they especially have a taste for fish."

"Huh... Makes sense if they're part eagle. Those birds have quite a taste for fish." I muttered lightly while resting my arms on the table with one hand resting upon my fist. Even though I have seen fish that have a degree of awareness, such as those I see swimming in the pond within Ponyville's park, I suppose there are ordinary fish without much intelligence or awareness at all that no one minds being harvested for food. Just as long as they do not overdo it, I doubt any real harm comes from it. Although I am certain Fluttershy would prefer to not think about it...

In a matter of minutes, Gustave returned with a bottle of sparkling cider and poured us some in champagne flutes for some extra flair. He left the bottle behind before rushing back to the kitchen. Nightmare Moon smirked slightly while levitating her glass to the center of the table. "I was wondering what we would be drinking tonight."

Celestia and Luna then did the same, their glasses floating near the center of the table. The Princess of the Dawn then looked towards me. "Shall we have a toast? To our growing friendship?"

I could only smile at those words. I grabbed my glass of cider and held it out towards their glasses as well. "By all means." With several simultaneous clinks, we tapped our glasses together before all taking a sip in unison.

The following minutes while waiting for our entrees were spent with pleasant conversation, although I admit I mostly just listened. The sisters discussed various topics, such as Twilight's studies on friendship, Nightmare Moon's integration back into Equestria, the coming solstice, and so forth. I admit that I did get a laugh when Nightmare Moon brought up that Prince Blueblood shrieked like a little filly and climbed to the top of a lamppost in order to escape her when they first crossed paths. I can only imagine what that douche did to incur her wrath.

After a good while, we noticed a delightful aroma wafting into the chamber. Luna inhaled deeply before licking her lips. "Oh, I do hope he hurries. That scent is such a tease to the nostrils."

A few minutes later, Luna got her wish. Gustave entered the room while pushing the same wheeled cart as before, although the four platters were covered with silver domed lids. "My sincerest apologies for ze wait. But it is as zey say. You cannot rush art!"

One by one, he set out our platters before lifting the lids to release a cloud of steam. The aroma was absolutely delectable and really got my salivary glands working. And as soon as our entrees were set out before us, we dug in. Man, that was some good cooking. I failed to notice that Gustave had slunk away until after I was halfway done with my dish.

Once we had finished out meals, Gustave returned with his wing draped over something that he was carrying in his hand. "I trust everyzing was to your liking?"

"Indeed, Gustave. Simply fantastic. And is that dessert I see?" Nightmare Moon sighed with satisfaction while eyeing his wing.

Our griffon chef stepped forward before moving his wing aside. "Indeed, madam! Behold, my finest work! Exquisite, no?"

Resting upon a silver platter were eight chocolate éclairs that still seemed rather cool, as if they had been removed from a refrigerator around half an hour earlier. "That's what you entered in the dessert competition?" I asked while eyeing the desserts hungrily. I cannot even recall the last time I tried an éclair, but his had really caught my attention.

"Ah, so you heard? Yes, I entered my exquisite éclairs into ze competition. But I eventually found zat I was quite evenly matched against ze other three. And that mousse... Mmmmhm, tres magnifique. How I wish I could taste it again." Gustave explained while looking rather serene, as if fondly remembering the flavor of the mousse he tasted. I have to wonder who this 'Mulia Mild' is. I know Pinkie Pie, and I have met Donut Joe in his own shop, and I met Gustave just this evening, but where does Mulia hail from? Perhaps I will find out someday, or perhaps not.

Gustave passed out two éclairs to each of us, probably because he anticipated that just one of them would leave us craving another. With a light touch, Luna seemed to notice that the pastries were not as warm as traditional treats. "These seem rather cool."

However, Gustave seemed to know what he was doing. "But of course. Ze éclair is best served cooled, but not quite cold."

Whether it was meant to be eaten cool or warm, I found the éclairs to be...well, as he would put it, exquisite. And sure enough, I was left wanting more. We all devoured every last one of the éclairs, the chocolate topping going well with the rich cream filling. I really did try to savor it, but I could not help eating mine quickly. Then again, that is how the éclair got its name. Because it is normally eaten in a 'flash of lightning' burst of speed or so it is said.

"Phew! Fantastic, Gustave. It was all great." I spoke once I let out a sigh of true satisfaction. That fellow truly is a master chef and baker. If only I could figure out where he normally works.

The griffon culinary master took a bow and began to gather up our dishes. "And it was a pleasure, sir and madams. Anyone who appreciates my cooking is appreciated by moi in return."

We were all feeling quite full after that once Gustave took our used plates, glasses, and utensils away. And the atmosphere was much better without those snobbish nobles around. "Phew... Much better than lunch."

Nightmare Moon held a hoof to her mouth while she seemed to suppress a belch. "Indeed. And it was a pleasure to have you with us."

I then looked towards the nearest window and saw that the sky was turning a shade of orange. Sundown would be arriving soon. And judging by Celestia and Luna's horns being coated by their magic auras, they knew it too. "So... What comes next? This has been a really nice day, but how long am I permitted to stay?"

The three sisters glanced at each other, as if silently asking each other for an answer. Eventually, Celestia glanced at me. "Well... Forgive me if I am wrong, but didn't you say today that there was someone else you met a year ago on this day?"

I had all but forgotten about that bit. "Oh, right! Mitta! And...was there someone else?"

Luna nodded with a warm smile. "As much as we would prefer to spend some more of the evening with you, we should allow you to have some time with your other friends and...hm?" Nightmare Moon had silenced her sister by tapping on her shoulder. She then whispered something into Luna's ear, prompting a delighted smile from her. "Oh, yes! I had forgotten! Before we say our goodbyes, there is something we really must show you."

Celestia seemed to catch on as well and looked my way with a fairly excited grin. "Oh, I remember now! Please, let's be on our way now." I saw no reason to deny their request and followed the three sisters out of the grand dining room.

They led me through the palace halls here and there until we entered a long hall that I had been inside only once before. "Isn't this the Hall of the Elements? Or at least I think that's what you call it?"

Nightmare Moon looked back at me and nodded. "It is. Have no fear, we are not here to bring out the Elements of Harmony. This hall serves another purpose. Take a look at the windows. Do you recognize them?"

My eyes turned to face the tall stained glass windows that lined the walls of the room. I already went over some of them in an earlier entry, but there was one that I did not recognize at all. "This wasn't here before..."

Celestia and Luna stepped behind me while all four of us beheld the scene being depicted before us. The Princess of the Night spoke with a smile, "This hall also serves as a place where great important events are etched in glass to never be forgotten. And I know you remember what this scene is."

The window before me depicted my six friends from Ponyville rearing in an identical manner to how they are depicted in the window that shows Nightmare Moon's defeat at their hooves, but they were in a row at the very bottom while the six gemstones of the Elements of Harmony while floating above them as pink beams of some energy moved in two upward directions. At the center of the window depicted an angel with great white wings spread wide while clad in a mostly blue suit of armor as his arms reached partially upward. Above him was the 'Lost Element' itself. The Element of Humanity. The two beams of pink light seemed to be curving around the angel and ran into it, as if the Element of Humanity was empowering them. And at the very top was clearly Nightmare Moon with wings spread, the scene showing a frontal view. Although she was noticeably missing her helmet. Outside the pink curving beams of pink were a crescent moon on the angel's left and a sun on the right. And the way he was reaching up without sword or shield in hand... He was not reaching out to Nightmare Moon to do her harm. He was reaching out to her in order to merely reach and possibly comfort her.

"That's me..." I muttered quietly as Nightmare Moon stood by my side. There were no other words I could say. Knowing that was me in the scene being shown before us... I had been immortalized in Equestria's history. What can I possibly say to do such a feeling justice? There are no words.

I felt something as I stood there. My three royal companions draped their wings and necks against me for a silent embrace. Nightmare Moon was the first to speak. "I cannot thank you enough, my friend..."

"I am so glad you did not do what I had hoped you would do that night, James. Thank you for sparing our sister." Celestia added while sounding noticeably shaken. Seeing that window again... It must have stirred some powerful emotions within her. Guilt? Relief? Who can say?

"And thank you for giving her to us. Nightmare Moon has become a very welcome addition to the royal family." Luna spoke softly while I tried to return their affection with an embrace of my arms. However, I could not even begin to hope to get my arms around all three of them.

After a moment more of admiring and taking in this impressive work of art, we began to make our way back down the hall so I could gather up the two cakes I purchased. I had stored them in the kitchen's refrigerator upon entering the castle. But before I could leave, my eyes were once again drawn to another window I had seen once before. The one that depicts a 'chimera' puppeteer seemingly manipulating three ponies. Again, I felt a nameless feeling of dread in my heart. The scene was rather...ominous compared to the others I had seen.

"Discord." A voice spoke from behind me. When I turned to look, I found Celestia standing before me. Nightmare Moon and Luna had seemingly not noticed that I had stayed behind and were nowhere to be seen.

I looked back at the window again before turning to face the Princess of the Dawn. "Uh... Discord?"

She nodded at me with an expression that seemed both stern, yet melancholy. "Yes. The creature you see depicted here is Discord. He is the Spirit of Chaos."

That title certainly did not sound very nice to hear. "Chaos, huh? The guy looks like a mess. Almost like he was put together in a lab."

"Not exactly. He has always looked like that and is as ancient as the world itself. He is powerful and cunning. And...highly sporadic." Celestia spoke softly with a rather...tired tone of voice. She was clearly bothered by something... I just wish I knew what was wrong with her.

"Where is he now though? Is he an enemy of Equestria?" I asked, wondering if this entity being depicted before me had at one time been an extreme threat.

At first, Celestia did not say anything. Instead, she walked over to a tall arched window just to the right of the one we had been looking at. "He's right there."

This sounded like a joke when I first heard that. Regardless, I took a look out the window. I think that side of the hall faced the backside of the palace. And sprawled out before me was a very...VERY large hedge maze. A labyrinth. There were a few large statues set out in the courtyard that seemed to depict ponies holding flags, scepters, scrolls, and so forth. But at the point where the pattern of statues were supposed to meet at the center, there stood a much taller and...weirder statue. From such a distance, I could not make out much aside from the fact that it was tall, slender, and the body language seemed to show a type of panic. It seemed to resemble the creature depicted on the window to my left, but surprisingly enough, the body was not as crooked or jagged as the window made it out to be. "Interesting pose... Who carved that one?"

My question managed to coax a suppressed laugh from Celestia before she could offer a reply. "No, that's no statue. That is Discord himself. He was encased in stone when the Elements of Harmony were used on him. And that was the pose he was in when... Well, you know."

Petrification? That certainly sounds like an odd effect for the Elements of Harmony to inflict on someone. Does not sound very...harmonious to me. Not to mention knowing that a living breathing person was inside that statue... Not a pleasant thought by any standards. "Uh... Why that though? Nightmare Moon was purged from Luna and they only severed her control on the night when used on her a second time. Why such a fate for Discord?"

Celestia let out a long sigh while she shook her head. "I wish I could answer that... I cannot say I know exactly how the Elements function. Perhaps they left him trapped because there may still be a glimmer of good in his heart, but also perhaps because he cannot... I just do not know. Luna and I can no longer reach his twisted mind. He's...beyond reason."

Whatever it was she was thinking, I could tell Celestia was deeply bothered by something. And it was clear she was not entirely willing to discuss it. Even so, from what she was saying... This Discord guy sounded like bad news. Or at least a major headache. "Well... Do you think there's any way for him to break out of that shell?"

"No. As long as the Elements are bound to the ones who sealed him in the first place, he cannot possibly escape. Don't worry." Celestia spoke with a more relieved tone of voice. Just... What did this guy do? As of right now, I cannot fathom it. I have not seen any real scars on the world from some tyrannical rule from him or anything. Well, regardless, it was not something I should dwell on. The two of us then hurried down the hall to catch up to Luna and Nightmare Moon. Whatever it was Discord did, it will not be happening again.

The three princesses escorted me to the kitchen, though Gustave was nowhere to be found. Probably out browsing the local market and bakeries for inspiration. While I retrieved the boxed cakes, I overheard Nightmare Moon speaking to Celestia. "So, how did his first session go today?"

I assumed that she was referring to my first training session in harnessing my armor's magical potential. And I was right. "It went well. We had a few hiccups here and there, but that was to be expected. I'm confident he will be able to use our magic on the same level as us in time. Although that may be a ways off."

"Speaking of which, we should try to develop a proper schedule for visits in order to further his training." Luna added before looking at me. "James, what days of the week do you think would be best for us to set up a training schedule?"

"Which days? I think Sundays would be best. I have the whole day off then. Maybe the afternoons?" I replied without much thought.

"Agreed. We will stop by at 2 PM on Sundays from now on." Celestia spoke with a calm smile. It felt good to see her in better spirits.

Once I approached my three companions, Celestia gave me a rather somber frown. "Such a shame you cannot stay longer. I was truly enjoying today with you more than I expected."

"Always next year, right?" I replied with brighter smile. If this was to become a yearly event, then I am certainly looking forward to next year.

Luna then stepped closer to me. "Where shall we drop you off? Your home near the Everfree Forest?"

I was about to suggest that, but then I looked down at the boxes in my hands. "Actually, how about Carousel Boutique? Mitta lives there and I need to pay her a visit."

"Ah, there! I know the place. Shall we be off?" Nightmare Moon asked while the three of them stood near me. All together, the three princesses focused their magical energies through their horns. And an instant later, I found myself standing right outside Rarity's home with them around me.

I looked at the three beautiful alicorns beside me. Today, despite a few hiccups here and there, had been spectacular. And despite being as tired as I was, I felt a little disheartened that it had to end. "Same time next year?"

The three royal sisters each gave me a very pleased smile before Nightmare Moon spoke a reply. "Count on it."

Together, we all shared one final embrace. Those three mares... They are truly wonderful people. It is no wonder they are so revered by the people of Equestria. We all said our goodbyes before the three of them vanished in a flash of light. The sun was getting quite low in the sky by that point. Knowing that Rarity was likely still in Canterlot at that time, I turned and knocked on the door.

In a moment, the door swung inward and tripped the bell that hung just behind it. And sure enough, Mitta stuck her head out to see who had knocked. "Hello... Oh, James! Hi there!" I think she was about to jump up and embrace me, but stopped herself when she saw the two boxes I was carrying.

"Hey there, Mitta. Mind if I come in?" I asked while taking a step forward. While the boxes were not really heavy, I was still eager to set them down.

"Sure! Let me get the door." Mitta quickly pushed the door open before closing it behind me. "I'm sorry if you're looking for Rarity. She went to Canterlot for something involving her business. So I have the run of the place for now."

I cracked a smirk upon hearing that. "Yeah, I know. I ran into her up there."

Mitta was understandably baffled by that. She cocked her head to one side while she followed me into the kitchen. "Huh? You did? What were you doing up in Canterlot today?"

I decided to be blunt with my words. "Oh, I was whisked away by the royal sisters for a little fun out on the town to celebrate the anniversary of when we first met. And I think we had a good time." While I set the boxes down on the kitchen table, I looked at her over my shoulder. "But I had to cut the trip a little short since there is someone else I met a year ago today."

My friend looked at me with a somewhat confused expression, but I think she caught on since her ears suddenly drooped. "Oh my... A year ago... In Sunny Town..."

I sighed while cracking only a slight smile before I approached her and dropped to one knee. "Mitta, you saved my life a year ago on this day. Thank you."

There were no words between us for a moment. Mitta bowed her head modestly before tenderly embracing me while I did the same. I have to wonder... What was happening in Sunny Town at that moment? Surely the monsters were just going about their daily business in blissful ignorance to their past sins. But at least now Mitta is free of them and the curse they had brought onto that town. However, we both jumped as a familiar voice called out from the corner of the room. "Aren't you forgetting somepony?"

When we looked towards the source of the voice, we saw a familiar little filly with glowing yellow eyes trotting our way. "Ruby? Oh, right! I met you a year ago too! I swear, it's so easy to forget about you since you're so hard to keep tabs on."

Ruby giggled in amusement, apparently not surprised I have a hard time remembering her on occasion. "Yeah, I'm all over the place! Sometimes I'm right under your feet in the floorboards." However, she then trotted over to the table and sniffed the air. "Mmm, something smells really yummy! Is there any for me?"

"Leave the little box alone. That's for someone else. And yeah, I think there's enough for all of us." I replied while walking over to the bigger box and flipping the lid open before lifting the cake out by the small circular tray it had been set on.

When Mitta and Ruby laid eyes upon that white cream topped with sliced strawberries, they simultaneously licked their lips. "Ooh, strawberry shortcake..."

I suspect the cake may not have been an actual shortcake, judging by the size and icing. But I certainly was not complaining and neither were my friends. I cut us each a slice, although I cut mine smaller since I was still pretty full from that amazing dinner I just had. "You've picked up quite a sweet tooth since settling in Ponyville, huh?"

Mitta grinned broadly while she chomped down a bite of the cake. "I guess. Sugarcube Corner always has so much to choose from and we never had so many goodies back in Sunny Town."

I still am not certain of how a ghost can eat anything, but Ruby really seemed fond of the cake too. "And this is from Canterlot? It kinda does taste fancy."

While we sat at the table, I decided to break the ice with some conversation. "So, Ruby... Has your 'business' been booming?"

The little ghost filly looked my way with those glowing yellow eyes focused on me. "Uh huh. Every other day, somepony asks me to find something for them. It's like they just can't hold onto their stuff!"

"And how do you expect them to when they don't have any fingers?" I replied in an attempt to be funny. "That, or everyone's been getting a case of the butterhooves lately."

My two friends really seemed to like the cake, and I too have to admit the quality felt and tasted very high. If there is one thing that I have to say is superb in Canterlot, it is their cuisine. I even made certain to cut two more slices to take home to Fluttershy and Scootaloo.

As much as I would have really liked to spend time with Mitta and Ruby, it was just too late in the day to really get anything worthwhile done. And I still had to get home and check on Fluttershy. I strongly doubt one dose of that tonic Zecora gave us would be enough to have her entirely back on her feet. "Hey, girls? I really don't want to cut my visit short, but I should probably get going now. Fluttershy's come down with a case of the flutters and I need to make sure she's holding up all right."

Mitta and Ruby seemed to be very understanding and gave me calm smiles. "Oh, the flutters? Sounds nasty. Is she fluttering everywhere over there?" Ruby asked with a look of concern.

"Actually, I think it got its name because it makes pegasi very clumsy fliers. But no, she's mostly just bedridden. And... I'm sorry that I only just got back. I wish I got back sooner so we could actually have enough time to celebrate."

To my mild surprise, Mitta shook her head. "No, it's fine. I honestly had completely forgotten what day it was. Living that long in Sunny Town really messes with your ability to notice the flow of time. But what about Sunday? That's a day off for you, isn't it? We could have the entire evening to ourselves."

Although I was expecting Celestia and Luna again that afternoon, I was certain that our training session would have concluded for the day by the evening. "Sounds good to me. I'll show up at 5 PM and we'll figure out what to do from there." I then proceeded to box up the two slices of cake for my girlfriend and little sister.

Before I could leave, I shared one last hug with my two friends. It really does my heart good to know that they have become so accustomed to life in Ponyville. Hopefully their lives here will compensate for all those misspent centuries in that accursed deathtrap. After a few more words of parting were said, I headed on out the door and made my way across Ponyville to go home amid the hissing of cicadas. Hopefully this Sunday will make for a great evening with those two.

By the time Fluttershy's cottage came into view, it was getting quite dark out. But I could still make out plenty of movement. As it turned out, Fluttershy was outside tending to her little animal friends. Did that tonic's first dose really fix her up enough to be up and on her feet? Even so, I quickened my pace and hurried over to her. "Evening, honey. Feeling better already?"

Fluttershy's eyes immediately brightened upon turning to face me. But when she tried to flap her wings to hover up to me, she staggered back and forth. "Oops... I guess I'm not all the way there yet... But I feel good enough to get up and take care of my little friends."

Knowing what she wanted, I got down on one knee and tenderly kissed her forehead. "Well, I'm glad you're already feeling good enough to be back on your feet. Is Scootaloo home yet?"

Before Fluttershy could even reply, a familiar voice called from the side of the cottage. "Fluttershy! I think I've got a problem!"

When the two of us looked towards the source of the voice, I could not help cracking a grin. Standing by the side of the cottage was Fluttershy's entire flock of hens standing close together. And being carried upon them was Scootaloo. "I tried feeding them like you said, but... I guess they really like me and wouldn't leave me alone!"

"Maybe that's because they see you as the queen of chickens, Scoot!" I laughed while beholding my sister being carried around on a bed of chickens. When one moved in a direction, the others followed. Scootaloo did not seem particularly bothered though. She actually looked like she was having a bit of fun.

I just happened to glance over at Angel's house when I remembered what was in one of the boxes I was carrying. "Excuse me for a bit, honey. I need to give Angel something."

Angel was sitting at the entrance to his house while having apparently just finished nibbling on a carrot. He looked up at me while I set the box down at the base of the ramp and dismantled it to reveal its contents. "Thanks for guarding that chalice today, Angel. Here's a little something in return."

Angel's eyes brightened as he beheld a slice of carrot cake that was almost as big as himself. The little white rabbit then looked up at me while giving me a big smile before running inside his house and coming back out with a fork that seemed to match his height. He then used it to take a big bite out of the slice before beginning to slowly chisel away at it. I doubt he finished it this evening.

When I went back over to Fluttershy, she seemed a bit puzzled over what I just did. "Why did you give Angel a slice of carrot cake? It's not his birthday already, is it?"

Considering that she was likely asleep at the time it occurred, I was not surprised she had not seen it. "Nah. He did a good deed for me today, so I returned the favor. And besides, I've got something for you and Scootaloo." I then opened the other box and lifted out a plate holding two slices of that strawberry cake.

Scootaloo was quick to notice the white and red cake. "Whoa, that's awesome! Lemme... Whoa! Hey, chickens! Let me get off... Fluttershy! Get these birds away from me!" It seemed that Scootaloo just could not get down from her living feather mattress with those chickens constantly moving every which way like a single organism. It was as if she was a joystick and they were the vehicle.

"Oh my... Hold on, Scootaloo! Come on, girls! Let's get you back to the pen." Fluttershy called out while she trotted by, the tender pegasus making a familiar clicking sound with her tongue. The chickens then followed after her with Scootaloo along for the ride. I could only watch with a smile.

The rest of the evening went by without anything really worth noting. Man, I am tired. Why is it those long fun days like this leave you so exhausted? I am actually struggling to stay awake to finish this by now.

Today was fun and really cathartic. It was amazing to be able to spend so much time with two of my dearest friends in the world. And Celestia... I am amazed by just how much personal quality time we spent together. Almost as if today was specifically a bonding experience for us. That mare is such a sweetheart.

Although... There is one thing on my mind. Discord. What is the story behind that guy? As of right now, I am not entirely certain of what to think. But as long as the Elements of Harmony are bound to my friends... I suppose I should just put that thought out of my mind. There is no way we will ever be speaking in this lifetime.

Well, that is enough for now. My pillow is calling. Time to put the pen down and get to sleep. Hopefully, Nightmare Moon and Luna will be joining me tonight. I wonder where we will be? Skyrim? Tallon IV? Maybe even Pop Star? Only one way to find out. And off to sleep I go.