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After my spa day with Rarity, Nova and I started to go on more dates. After our third date, we decided that we would be a genuine couple. We literally said to each other 'yup, let's be a couple.' I shit you not, that is what we said. It felt weird being in a relationship again after so long. It had been nearly a year since me and Lyra went our own ways. But still, to say I had a filly-friend (in their terms) felt great.

Even after being here in Equestria for nearly a week and a half, I still had plenty of bits. Hell, I could stay here for a few more days after the Gala if I wanted to. My vacation time from work still had about a week anyways. In the week after the spa trip, a lot had happened. Fancy Pants, Fleur and I always made time to meet up for lunch occasionally, or we simply crossed paths and made plans on the spot.

I found it weird that even though I was a much lower-class person than them, they treated me as if I was equal to them, and as if I was a pony. When it comes to Rarity and Fluttershy, we're still friendly with each other, but we're not really 'friends' per se, more along the line of acquaintances. Fluttershy took some time off to show me all of her little animals, and I had a fantastic time. Never once did I think I would have a bear hug me with a quite literal 'bear hug' after assisting him with a splinter. Try that on Earth, and you'd be dead. Rarity kept boasting about how grand my suit looked. She did admit that she went slightly overboard, but it was still as simple as she could manage.

Tensions between ponies and humans were still as tense as ever with two steps forward and one step back most of the time. The Gryphon Kingdom was now adopting some of the laws that Equestria had revolving around humans, and how they wanted peace with us both. Then, a group of humans in another distant pony city were caught setting a barn on fire. Thankfully, nopony was hurt, but there was thousands of bits in damages. Turns out that they got drunk off their ass and decided to have some 'fun'. They were banned from Equestria and sentenced to five years in prison on Earth for arson.

Of course, the bullshit 'True Humans' were fighting this, saying that the ponies provoked them; and on the flip side, the oxymoron group Harmony claimed that humans were nothing but barbaric primates and should be treated as such by being chained and caged. Thankfully, the other Princesses were now speaking up about this and trying to stop these hate crimes. They even wrote a statement for the paper regarding the conflict.

Quote:

To all of our subjects and to all of those from our neighbouring world that have gone through the time to become part of this kingdom, hear us.

Anypony caught verbally degrading a human, attacking a human or his property, or performing any other crimes upon humans will be punished as if they did such to other ponies.

We have sat idly by for too long, and now we shake our heads in shame for what we have allowed many of our subjects to come to: hating a race simply because they are who they are. Many of you wish for The Gate to close. Many of you wish for us, the Princesses, to show the humans who is superior. We say nay.

First, you all fought amongst yourselves thousands of years ago. Unicorns, thinking they were superior because of their magic. Pegasi, thinking they were better because they could fly. And Earth Ponies thinking they were the most powerful because they had raw strength.

But look at us now, we all stand united - all three tribes of ponies working together. And though many walk the way of old, they are vastly outnumbered by those who believe we can all be together in peace. But now that a new race has appeared, you all once more return to these damnable ideals.

Hear us now ponies and humans, who I am humbled that you have decided to call Equestria your home - we will no longer watch these unjust actions be performed! For if we catch wind of these crimes being committed;

WE will be your judge!

Damn, they don't play around, do they?

I decided that I should get up and get out of bed, even though there's almost 12 hours until it starts at seven in the evening. I had to get up, catch a train to Ponyville, get my suit from Rarity, try it on there and wait for her to fix anything she doesn't like, then take it back to the hotel and just... wait. Back home, I would no doubt just put in a game on my 360 and play for those hours until I had to go - but I wasn't home, and I didn't bring any sort of games with me for one good reason: I didn't want to spend all day playing games.

Other than today being the day of the Gala, it seemed everyone around here knew of me being friends with Fancy Pants and Fleur. I didn't think of it as a big deal at first, but I guess it is really a big deal. One day after I just got out of bed, I left my room and went down to the lobby and then I got swarmed by all of these reporters and paparazzos throwing questions left and right. I was insanely confused, even more when one asked if I was a part of some kink the two of them had.

They were thrown out of the hotel relatively quickly, leaving me there as a solid statue of confusion. Of course, I had a good laugh about it later with them. "It's just one of the many perks of being friends with two very well known ponies." Fancy said. "It should die down after a while; just don't say anything to them: they love to twist your words." I took what he said to heart and reminded myself to never say anything to them. But yet, they continue to come back and just keep asking more questions. I think I even heard something about 'sex candles' once. What the fuck is a sex candle? Is it that thing with the candle-lit bathroom with a soapy tub full of petals? Forget it.

One of the major things I was slightly looking forward to, and also worried about, was the meeting with Princess Celestia. Why did she want to talk to me? Well I kind of knew, but could there be more? I mean, if she just wanted to thank me, the letter was enough. Or perhaps she is trying to make herself look good for the press? No, she doesn't seem like that type of pony. I guess there was that small part of me that wonders that 'if I didn't get the tickets, would I go if given the chance?' However, considering that Rarity, Fluttershy and even Fancy Pants said it's an absolute bore, I'm not really sure what will happen. I'm sure that since this is the first Gala after The Gate opened and that all the significant world leaders from Earth will be there, things might be more lively.

I made my way to my door and opened it.. only to be blinded by flashing lights. Oh dear god, here we go again with these damn guys. I was surprised to see that there was a human interviewer this time as well as a lone gryphon.

"Sir, sir!" I heard one call out, wearing an old style hat with the word, 'press' on the side, you know the one from those old cartoons? "Please just a moment of your time to answer some questions regarding Fancy Pant's love nest!" that question and many more came droning out as I merely groaned. How did they get in here anyway? How did they know where my room was in the first place?!

"Is it true that you go to their home daily to partake in sexual activities?"

"Are you and Fleur trying to have the first human/pony hybrid!?!" another called out as I just grabbed my hair and walked past while they still threw question after absurd question at me. Up ahead, I saw the elevator open and made a dash for it. I pressed the close door button quickly and slammed the button for the ground floor. This would be the one moment in my life where smoking would probably help me, somehow. And I don't even support smoking.

"Having fun?" I opened my eyes and saw Nova Star beside me, giggling. She jumped up and kissed me on the cheek. "Well... you have been seeing those two 'friends' of yours a lot."

"What's wrong with that?" I defended as she only smiled.

"Oh nothing, but still; I heard rumors that little miss playcolt wants you to be the first human in their papers... you do have a nice body." She admitted as I blushed harder and facepalmed with a soft moan of embarrassment.

"I hate your teasing."

"Oh hush," she playfully slapped my leg with her hoof. "ya love it."

Our relationship had blossomed rather quickly. I don't know what it was with me and rushing some relationships, but with Nova, it just felt like we were on the same page. She was fun to be around and I could always just talk to her. She kept hinting about sex and I knew it, but I wanted to hold off for a while, which surprised her greatly. Surprisingly enough, when we agreed we should be a genuine couple that one night in front of her door after our date, she wanted to have sex then and there, saying it would be hot for the maids to clean up our escapade afterwards. However, I stopped her saying that yes, we may be a couple, but I want us to ease into this. Sure, we kissed and cuddled, two nights she stayed in my room for the night, and we shared the bed; but nothing sexual had happened yet. A part of me was rather worried, I'll admit that. Lyra was the only pony I've ever had sex with. It took us a while to get down what we liked and disliked, so I would have to learn all that over again with Nova. I rather not do something and she hates it and it just ruins the mood. Maybe I was thinking too hard on this, but I was worried.

"So..." the elevator doors opened with a soft, ding as we exited, "Have your other family members called you back yet?" Thankfully, the lobby was clear of the absurd amount of press and we proceeded out to the street.

"Yeah." I confirmed. Like Nanny said, she went on a calling spree, ringing up every family member she could find to see what they thought. The verdict came in, and here's what's funny and sad: my mother is the only one who thinks that what I'm doing is wrong, when everyone else is ushering me on and supporting me. "Pretty much everybody but my mom have my back on this. Some have tried to talk to her and most of them cut ties with her after she held to what she had with me, much to my dismay. I told them not to do that, but.. when my family has their mind set, it's hard to change it."

"Your whole family is hard headed?" she asked as I just laughed softly.

"Oh, you have no idea." I answered with a small shake of my head. "When one of us gets a stupid idea, it's really hard to talk them out of it even when we all disagree!"

"Give me an example?" she asked.

I thought for a moment before remembering something that happened once. "One of my cousins thought it was a good idea to try and make edible soap." I looked over at Nova, seeing her face crunch up and her tongue sticking out as she made an 'ugk' sound. "Yeah, I know. He started to eat his own soaps, and.. let's just say he had to get his stomach pumped a few times before his mother threatened to kick him out if he dared to eat soap again." I shook my head again before smiling. "Though I have to admit, I am lucky for the family I have, even if some of them are old school."

"What do you mean?"

"I'll admit, many of my family members are on my side with this, though, it's more like 'Do what you want to do, but I don't want to see you two sucking face'." she blinked a bit before I said, "They're okay with us." I made air quotes and put heavy emphasis on 'okay'. "But, say you were to meet my family, they would probably ask just to not see us showing any affection around them. This is all still new to them but they are surprisingly supremacists." There was a small pause, before I heard her laugh softly, looking over to see why she was laughing she then answered.

"Wow, and I thought you were the odd one in your family. Turns out, they're just as bad as you!" I just rolled my eyes, as I then waved her goodbye, promising to meet later on after everything was done and ready.

<<>>

The train ride to Ponyville was rather uneventful this time. I think I made have nodded off for a few moments, because when the train stopped at the station in Ponyville, I was jolted awake. The conductor called out that the train would be delayed for about an hour, giving anyone who was going to be late plenty of time to do what they needed to. As I made my way toward the Carousel Boutique (where everything is chic, unique and magnifique), I was waved at by a few ponies. I smiled and waved back - everpony is so much nicer than in Canterlot. I really wish they had an inn here, I would transfer in a heartbeat. What also got me smiling was that I saw that a few human families had moved in. I watched a small brown colt with a weird hat that had a spinning top race over to a young boy that was walking out of his house. The colt pulled a pony version of a GameBoy and they sat down to play.

On my way to Rarity's, I was somewhat worried about how 'over the top' she went. I couldn't really complain, it was free clothing - as long as it didn't have flashing lights or tacky, useless trinkets, it would be great for me. I was about to enter the shop before noticing that a sign reading that her friends should come to the back door and knock, so she would know it was them. I walked around the building and saw the back, which looked more like an alley with all the crates and boxes and trash cans. Regardless, I knocked on the door. "Cooooommmiiiinggggg!"

A few seconds later, she opened the door. "Oh good, you made it! Come in, come in, I've been dying to see how you look in this!" She had a curling iron gripped in her magic as she worked on her mane.

"So how do you think it looks?" I asked, trying to quell the silence.

"Well, my young human friend," she spoke looking over at me over her shoulders. "Do you remember when I said you were more like a prince than 'he-who-must-not-be-named'?" when I nodded my head, she only smiled. "Well, I thought, if I considered you as such, why not wear clothing fit for a prince?" she clapped her hooves a bit before going on. "Ohh, and it's my first human one too! And for the Gala to boot!" she pointed to the back of the room where there was a small changing room. "It's all in there, go, try it on." I could only laugh as she nudged me with her magic into the changing room. I closed the door and turned around and.. wow.

The shirt was simply white with a quite large collar and cuffs that buttoned up three-quarters of the way up my body. The sleeves were baggy and the buttons were all a very shining silver. My vest was an almost skin-tight black silk that had golden buttons on both sides of the vest with silvery highlights in a small arrow on both sides, and there were some silver-threaded button holes on my shoulders, and around the area where the seams for the sleeves would be was some expanded cloth where a silver strip of metal wrapped around it all. Near the waist of the vest was a belt of sorts with very thin silver metal plating alternating with the black cloth.

There was a belt for my pants, a simple black leather belt, but it was obscured by my vest and the metal belt. (I'm assuming it's some kind of leather look-alike due to the fact that most wildlife is sentient.) My pants were like my vest, nearly skin tight but loose enough to allow free range of movement, in a nice not-quite-silk material. There were two also faux-leather bags that could be attached to my belt and dangled down to my upper thigh. My black (also faux-leather) boots (yeah, boots) came up to my mid-calf and had folded down tops and they tied up along the side. The pants were meant to be tucked into the boots, and there were also a pair of very stretchy, almost pantyhose-like white socks with them. Then, sitting on a hanger next to it all was a black cloak that had silver trimming on the bottom, and also silver buttons on the tips that would attach to my shoulders.

[size=0.75em](want to see where I imagined this from? click here.)[/size]

[size=0.5em](this isn't what Brandon looks like, it's just his outfit)[/size]

I was speechless, really. She really went all out with this; I mean, really? A cape? Knowing she wasn't going to allow me to leave until she saw me wearing the outfit, I decided to put it on. Once the boots were on and I managed to attach the cape, I looked down at myself and into the mirror. Damn, it does look good on me! But you know, looking at myself now, I couldn't help but think that this suit reminded me of something... I was no doubt once more thinking too hard on this. I spun around seeing how it waved so I wouldn't hit anyone with it by mistake. Once I thought I got it down just right, I nodded to myself before I heard a knock on the door. "May I come in, to see how it looks?"

"Sure!" I called out, and the door slowly opened. As she peered her head in, she let out a pleased squeal.

"Oh my goodness, it looks just so.. right on you!" she clapped her hooves together with a wide smile. "For my first time at making clothing like this for a human, I must say, I did a very dashing job, don't you think?"

"Yeah, I'll admit, a small part of me still think this is a bit over the top," she then slightly drooped a little bit. "But, don't get me wrong, I love it. My only question is where did you get the idea for this?"

"Well, I decided to order some magazines and designs from your world, but then I realized that your modern fashion is vastly different from ours. So, after a bit of digging, I found some costume patterns that matched what our fashion looks like. With a little bit of modification and inspiration, well.." she waved a hoof towards me.

"Rarity, for lack of a better word, this is awesome."

<<>>

With my clothing for the Gala now folded and placed in a box for protection, Rarity decided to treat me to lunch since her shop was closed and her and her friend's outfits for the Gala were complete. I, of course, managed to convince her to split the bill with me. As we ate, we talked a bit, and it seemed that she and Lyra were spending more time together, and Rarity was thinking of going to Earth to study our fashion firsthand.. err, hoof. I warned her of the dangers, but she only thanked me and smiled. "It's only an idea, darling. But I understand your worry." She seemed to look off as if she was thinking of something before I asked her.

"Penn- uhh, bit for your thoughts?" she turned back to me as I held a fist under my chin, watching her silently.

"So you and this Nova Star.. you are a couple now, yes?" Oh boy, where is this going to? I asked myself before she went on "I mean, you like her and she likes you, yes?"

"Yeah," I nodded before continuing "She's a great pony. We get along great, and truthfully, I want to see where this relationship will go. Why do you ask?"

"Well, ahh.." she tapped her hooves together nervously "Do you know what the term 'herd' means?"

It took me a moment to rack my brain to try and remember where I heard that term from, when it hit me, and my face flushed a bit. You see, in this world, it seemed that mares vastly outnumbered stallions. If I remember correctly, there was one stallion for every five mares. Sure, there were still monogamous relationships, but 'herds' (apparently their name for polygamy), where one stallion had multiple mares, were more common, but why was she asking me this? "Yeah." I answered "I know the term. Why?"

"Well... have you ever considered maybe... forming one, and having Lyra join in?"

"Uhm.. Where is this coming from?"

The unicorn mare sighed softly as she looked around, and upon seeing no one was around she looked back to me "Lyra really misses you, Brandon; more than she lets on when around you." I felt a bump in my throat when I heard this, looking down before the pony answered. "I'm not trying to make you feel guilty!" she exclaimed as I looked up to her before she continued "I'm just saying that.. if you ever did decide to form one, I bet Lyra would be all too happy to have a chance with you again. When she speaks of you, she perks up." I sighed softly as I looked away before I then offered my insight on this.

"I'll be frank, Rarity," I spoke slowly, as I was going on what was on the top of my head, so I was trying to word it slowly. "I would like nothing more than to be back with Lyra again. I care- no, I still care for her. But I was raised to be faithful to the one you are with. I've seen what a love triangle can do to someone, and it is not pretty." I saw Rarity nod at in agreement before I then went on. "But.. I don't know, maybe if I spend more time with Nova, get to know her more, and maybe if the two of them meet, perhaps..." I trailed off; a part of me didn't even understand where this was coming from. I mean, it's every guys dream right? To have more then one person to call a lover? But would this be a good idea after I told Nova that Lyra and I were nothing more than friends?

"That is understandable, darling," she spoke once more as I looked up to her, meeting her gaze. "Beside, many ponies have lived happy lives with just themselves and another, my mother and father being one, Twilight's family being another. Herds are not frowned on, but it is not as common as it use to be. Mostly today, many stallions simply offer their... er, sperm to local doctors so when ponies looking to be mothers can go and get it done there. There no shortage when the males are paid rather well too."

"How... do you know all of this?" She just smiled sheepishly.

After saying our goodbyes and saying that she would be seeing me at the Gala with the rest of her friends, we parted ways, leaving me to go toward the train station to return to Canterlot. As I was making my way back, I noticed that a group of ponies and humans were setting up poles around the city center. When one of the workers stepped down and motioned for another to do something, I heard a small ping from my phone. I checked it and was surprised to see that there was a new wireless connection available, with no password required. I looked back up and saw the group cheering in celebration.

And that is the sound of progress.

<<>>

Hours had passed, and it was almost time for Nova to come and meet me in my room so we could go to the Gala together. I explained that I would have to meet up with the princesses at the party because I was one of the guests of honor, as were all other humans in attendance. That, and because of the letter. All she asked was that I didn't tell her why the human attacked her, and I promised that I wouldn't.

I had just finished putting on my outfit and getting the feel for it before I heard a knock at my door. When I went to the door and opened it, I saw Nova wearing the same dress as the one she used when we went on that date, and thinking back on it now, I guess I could've worn what Fancy gave me, but I knew this would hurt Rarity's feelings. She looked just like when she was on the date, the same dress, the same makeup, and the same mane style. For some reason however, she looked much more attractive than last time. She took one look at me and her eyes seemed to double in size. "You seem a bit.. over-dressed.."

"Yeah, I know." I answered. "It wasn't my idea, though. Rarity made it for me. At least it's only for one night, right?"

"Quite. Although, it does make you look a little bit like a noble pony."

"Let's hope the clothing don't make me one," I said. "You dare gaze at me, commoner?!" she got a good laugh at my poor excuse for a British accent. "I say, I should have you locked away!" she laughed as I made more fun of how the nobles acted.

It was about 6:30 when we left the hotel to make our way to the palace, and as we walked I felt the eyes of everypony around us wandering over me, but then I felt Nova move closer to me, and I felt calm. There were times when I was worried that I would mess up something on one of our dates, but whenever I would look at her and see her smile, it all just washed away. All she wanted to do was have fun, and I guess that because she was my second date, I was a little unnerved that I would do something that would scare her off. Today was different, though. I promised myself that I wouldn't worry, and that I would have a good time with her.

As we approached the front gates, I could see that there was a line of people waiting to get in. We took our place at the back of the line, and I could spot a few humans, gryphons and dragons waiting in line as well. The dragons were the largest of them all, a few of them standing at least 9 feet tall, and the shortest probably around 6 feet. I also noticed a few ponies giving the other races nasty looks. When it was our turn in line, a guardspony stopped us.

"I need to see your tickets, please."

"But last year they didn't check tickets?" Nova spoke up next to me.

"Well last year, there weren't hate groups who intended to do harm to others. This is just a precaution." We both nodded and gave him our tickets. He used some magic on it and they both shined blue.

"What was that?" I asked.

"Counterfeit check. Over the years, ponies have tried to sneak their way in. This year, Princess Luna charmed all the real tickets so that they would do that when the proper spell is used on them." We nodded and thanked him and we were about to make out way inside before the guard spoke up again.

"Wait a minute, you are Brandon Casey, correct?"

"Yes, why?"

"The princesses have requested your presence tonight, so after a while, a few guards will come collect you. Just thought you should know."

"Right.. thanks." I nodded, and then we made our way inside.

As we walked inside, the sound of soft classical music permeated the sounds of many people talking. I looked around the large ballroom, and saw that the band was playing on a small stage to the right of the room, and at the back, in front of a long line of large, grand windows was a long table that rose over the rest of the room. In the center of the table were four empty thrones. A purple one adorned with a large star and five smaller white ones, a vibrant pink one with a cyan heart that looked like it was made out of a stone, a large white one with a golden sun, and a very dark blue one with a white crescent moon. I guess the princesses and leaders haven't gotten here yet. In the center of the ballroom, I noticed that on the left side were a couple of humans, closer to the middle were the gryphons and dragons, and the rest of the room were ponies. Considering that humans, gryphons and dragons numbered few, the ponies dominated the room. On the left side of the door was a huge table full of food, and wandering around the room were ponies holding trays of drinks.

Speaking of ponies carrying drinks, one of them came up to Nova and I and offered us a drink. "Sure, why not?" Nova said, taking a glass. "If this place is boring.. well, I can always just drink myself senseless!"

"Oh god." I muttered with a soft chuckle, before also taking my drink. "Thank you though." she smiled and bowed before walking off, no doubt to get more of the drinks for the others. "Do you really need to get drunk?" I asked knowing she was joking (I hope), but still I had to ask.

"Hey, when mares get drunk, nopony cares."

"Why not?" I asked, really wanting to see her reason for this.

"Power of the pussy!" if I was drinking at that moment, I would've spit that right back out as she only started to laugh loudly. Jesus, it's like she really hasn't had fun in years or something.

A little bit of time passed as I sat with Nova at a few of the tables adorning the room, when I noticed something about this 'Grand Galloping Gala' - It's fucking BORING. Like, seriously, what is there to do for fun around here? You'd think they would have something from our culture in all of this. Some light rock, something, anything, dubstep even! We haven't had a single drink yet, seeing how it was made to be used for the toast, and that was almost ten minutes ago. Nova did get us something else, but it was fruit punch. "I wonder how long it will take for somepony to spike it?" I said.

It wasn't long before the music stopped, and a few seconds later, a loud [url=]fanfare (click this)[/url] and an anthem sounded out. Every being in the room stopped what they were doing and turned to the large doors. When we saw the four princesses, everyone bowed, I did so as well, as a show of respect, and they began walking down a red carpet in the center of the room that wasn't there before. Then, there was a large gryphon wearing a crown and a regal cape, and a very large dragon with black scales and green spinal spikes. Behind the princesses were.. well, think of every significant Earth leader currently alive. Eh, almost everyone. Not Kim Jong-un or Vladimir Putin. I'd expect something that happened in 'The Interview' to happen if he was here. As the princesses and the leaders sat down, the anthem stopped.

"Rise, everyone. We are greatly pleased that you could be with us tonight at the 3210th annual Grand Galloping Gala. This year's Gala is special, because tonight, we welcome our new neighbours from another world." she gestured over toward the world leaders. Princess Luna then spoke up.

"Not only do we have our new neighbours to welcome, we see the faces of dragons and gryphons alike! Even though our races have met and had a rocky start, this show of unity proves that we can all live and coexist with one another!" The sounds of clapping and stomping piped up in as nearly-deafening roar until Celestia held up her hoof.

"As such, we all have decided that today shall be remembered as a day of unity!" With a flare of magic from her horn, banners all around the room unfurled and rolled down. They were a solid white with a golden trim and had insignias from every kingdom. On the top was a golden horseshoe, below it were two brown flared wings with a red circle, below that was a gout of red and orange flame, and finally was a human fist. "This banner," she pointed out one above her that was far larger than the others, and was adorned with the cutie marks of the princesses "is a symbol. A symbol that even though we are all different, we all strive for one thing: peace. To all of you here today, we hope that you will be shining examples of such a symbol. We hope that this symbol and the meaning behind it will be one that you will guide your race with, be you pony, human, dragon, or gyphon. This day will be known forever as the Day of Unity!" This time, the clapping and stomping was deafening. I gazed up to the banners and I was incredibly happy that such efforts were being made for peace and unity between the races, but I knew that it would be a long time yet before these banners truly showed unity between everyone.

"TO UNITY!" she called out in the Royal Canterlot Voice.

Everyone picked up their glasses and raised them as we all repeated "To unity!"

After the toast and the introduction to all the leaders, Princess Celestia declared the Gala officially started. I actually checked my watch and saw that it was precisely 7 o'clock, before Nova piped up across the table. "No offense to them, but it's going to be a long time before any true unification is made." she said.

I took a sip of my drink and.. hmm, tastes like cider. "I think they did that to show that unity can be achieved. "I think it's a great idea. The dragon overlord is on board, the gryphon king is supporting it, and our leaders are very open to it. Even before all of this, the princesses voiced their idea for peace."

Nova sighed. "I feel as if they only want peace because they actually fear humans.."

"What?" I was about to ask her what she meant, but stopped when I saw two armor-clad royal guards approaching us.

"Princess Celestia has requested your presence. Please follow me." said one of them. I shrugged and got up to follow them.

"Have fun." Nova called out with a small chuckle.

On each side of me, the guardponies escorted me throughout the very large crowd. As we approached the long table, I saw Celestia taking a sip of something, and Luna looking rather bored. Next to Celestia was a small, lavender alicorn with a purple mane that had a pink streak down the middle, and the two seemed to be having a conversation. Next to Luna was a pink alicorn with a multi-colored mane, who also looked rather bored. As we made our way closer, Celestia looked over and gave a soft smile as we approached.

"Your Highness, we have retrieved Brandon Casey for you." said the guard to my right.

"Thank you." Celestia's voice was very soft, but it had an overwhelming aura of power and wisdom with it. "You may return to your post." The two guards beside me bowed and left, and I also lowered my head in bowing.

"Your Majesties." I kept my eyes glued to the ground a bit before I felt a warm sensation on my chin that lifted it up. She was using her magic to lift me to see into her eyes.

"You are not a subject of ours, young Brandon, you do not need to bow. Please, sit." Her horn glowed and behind me I noticed a chair pop into existence. "Can I get you anything? Tea, coffee, cake? I would suggest the cake."

"Of course you would, sister." I heard Luna giggle as Celestia only rolled her eyes.

"Coffee is fine, your-"

"You can just call me Celestia." she stopped me before I could formally address her. "This is my youngest sister, Luna." she motioned next to her.

"Greetings."

"This is my niece, Cadance." she motioned past Luna.

"Good evening."

"And this is Twilight Sparkle, my former student." she then motioned next to her.

"Hi there! I was wondering who that belonged to!"

"H..huh?" I stammered.

"Your outfit," she pointed out. "I went to Rarity's and saw that in the back one day. She said she was making it for a human that she didn't have the best first impression on. Guess that was you, huh?"

"Heh, yeah. We started off on the wrong.. uhm, hoof."

"It actually looks quite dashing." Luna spoke up.

I looked over to her and noticed something.. familiar about her. "Thanks, speaking of looks, you remind me of someone from back home."

Her eyes lit up "Elizabeth?"

I scanned my brain for a second before I connected the dots. "Yes, actually, how do you about Bioshock?"

"Oh please," we looked over to see Celestia shaking her head. "How she memorizes everything about these.. 'video games' is astounding. It was bad enough that I had to pull you away from that 'Sky-rim' on that box thing."

"Pssh, it's called an 'Xbox 360', sister." I cleared my throat and Celestia looked over to me only to be cut off by her sister. "You know of Bioshock, so have you ever played Skyrim, young Brandon?" I looked at the other three as Luna looked at me curiously. I cleared my throat, and..

"Gruz braan dovahkiin, vir los hin wund fah moro?"

The look the other princesses faces were absolutely priceless. Luna just clapped her hooved giddily and squealed. "Oh my, yes, you do play it! And my quest for glory is going quite wonderful, thank thee!" she and I shared a laugh as I heard Celestia clear her throat.

"Heh, sorry. Couldn't help myself."

"No, it was rather amusing," I looked back up to see her smile. "I was greatly surprised when Luna came home with that weird thing. She is very engrossed in it, so much so that it nearly took me dragging her here today to get away from it."

"But sister! I was busy fighting for the Dawnguard.. though I wish they made the Nightguard in that game." I held back my own laughter at this as Celestia only shook her head, muttering her sister's name under her breath.

"In any case," she spoke out once more before poring me a cup of coffee and floating some sugar and milk over. "Thank you, for both coming today and to see us. I trust that the Gala is treating you right?"

"No offense, but it's rather..."

"Dull?" she asked as I looked up. "Yes, I guess it is, is it not?" she asked rising her cup to drink. "The Gala has been played out the same for many, many years. Perhaps a change is in order."

"Maybe a gaming station?" I asked as Luna seemed to perk at that as I saw Celestia looking at me from the side of her eye as I raised a hand. "Just kidding."

"I like this one, Tia," Luna spoke before asking. "can we keep him?"

"Eh?" I asked as I saw a twinkle in her older sister eyes.

"Yes, we could collar him and call him Fluffy."

I could feel my face draining of all color. "Uh..."

"A small joke, young human." a grin spreading across her muzzle. "As to why I have called you here to speak to you," she returned back to being a princess before closing her eyes. "I would like to thank you personally for stepping in and saving one of our little ponies. You have shown that humans care for ponykind, or some of them at least." She took another sip as I did as well, the other three watching us. "If I may ask, why did you risk your own safety to help somepony you did not know?"

"Well, I did know her before this. We met a few times before then, but other than that, I guess I'm a sucker for helping those who need help whenever I can."

"A noble heart," Luna spoke, as she closed her eyes with a nod. "such a rare trait today."

"Indeed." Cadance spoke up for the first time in a while. "I'm sure you and my husband would've gotten along rather well if he came today, too bad he had to stay back home."

"I'm very curious as to why somepony was after this Nova Star. Do you know?" Celestia asked.

I remembered my promise to her and said "Unfortunately, I do not. It's still a mystery to me this day."

"Ah. Well, I hope that whoever was after her does not strike again." she said. "So, how do you like Equestria so far?"

"It's a wonderful place," I answered truthfully. "My old marefriend spoke highly of it, and I always wondered what it was like. Now that I'm here, it's better than she described it. So much better, that I'm thinking of actually staying here." My brief pause gave Celestia a chance to ask a question.

"You used to court a pony?"

"If I might add," Twilight cut in as all eyes turned to her. "Rarity, Nova Star, and another pony from Ponyville, Lyra I believe was her name, have been talking a lot lately. I had the chance to have lunch with them the other day, and it seems Brandon here used to date Lyra," she looked back to me as I blinked. "If I might ask, why did you two stop? Did something happen?" I coughed a bit, looking down as I played with my thumbs a bit.

"That's... not something.." I stammered.

"Very well, we shall not go back to such a topic."

I cleared my throat and regained my composure. "T-thanks. Anyways, Equestria is certainly a place anyone would be lucky to call home." The princess smiled at this before going on. "I'll admit, Canterlot ponies can be a bit... snobby, heck, when I went to Ponyville I felt more welcome there than I did here. But other than that, I might go and see the rest of the world."

"Well," Celestia spoke once more. "We would be glad to have a human such as you be a subject of our fair kingdom, and for your heroic deeds, I believe some gifts should be awarded."

"No, no," I answered waving my hand. "that won't be needed; I didn't help Nova just to-"

"I understand that," Celestia answered cutting me off. "but please, it is the least we can do."

"Well... alright." I answered before she smiled and started to speak once more.

"Let it be known, that from here on out, you shall be invited as a VIP to all future Galas, your name shall be written on the lists of invites, and an extra invite for any guests you should choose to bring." I blinked; even though I said it was a bore they still wanted to invite me? "Second, if and when you should choose to move here, simply send myself or my sister a letter, and we would happily pay for your home and the moving cost."

"W-what?" There goes my composure.. again. "Princess, I can't possibly-"

"Please," she spoke, "you have a noble heart, but if it bothers you, we can make sure that no trail leads to us being the one who paid for it, if that is what is concerning you." I thought about it for a moment before softly nodding my head before I then asked.

"I do not want to know what the last gifts would be, instead, may I ask a question that could substitute?"

Celestia nodded softly. "Any question you have will be answered." I sucked in a breath before I continued..

"Is it true... that Earth isn't helping with the kidnappings?"

A dead silence filled the air around us, even though the Gala was going on in the background. I couldn't even hear these princesses breathe, much least speak. "I give you my word that I shall not breath a word of what is said about this... but I just want to know: is it true?" I watched as Twilight's horn flared with a purple aura before a dome appeared around all of us. In that instant, all the sound of the party was gone. I looked behind me and the party was still going on like normal. Soundproofing magic?

"It is true," I jerked as I saw the sad look on Celestia's face as she looked down and shook her head. "The council that deals with cross-world relations wants to help, they really do, but you must understand that at least more than half of them must agree before sending any form of aid to us."

"They are just covering their own flanks!" Luna said with bitterness to her tone. "They are worried those 'True Humans', as they call themselves, won't vote for them to stay in power! Some want to help, but are too scared of what the outcome will be!"

"It is a fragile topic, sister."

"Fragile?!" she hissed. "A young colt and his mother were kidnapped! Many more are missing, and by Faust, we don't know where they are! The humans could help with their incredible technology, but won't!" she slammed her hooves on the table, causing me to flinch slightly. "We have no leads, no nothing! I have been trying so hard to find their dreams and reach out to them, but they're not there! But nooooo, if a human was taken, they would be demanding that their forces take over just to find that human-"

"Luna!" Celestia cut her off and she fell silent. "I understand your anger, I understand your sorrow, but you must understand-"

"I have to agree with Luna. No offense Celestia, but if another human was to be taken, they would be all over it. Both of our presses would have a field day with this topic. I can't even fathom the, and pardon my language, absolute shitstorm that it would cause." My voice was filled with frustration and anger, and I took a breath before continuing. "Believe me, I wish I could help, I really really do. If I could somehow make them listen to understand that they're absolute idiots, I'd bitch slap them five ways till Sunday until they saw nothing but reason!" I clenched my fists and barely restrained myself from slamming them into the table. I took a few deep breaths. "This is why I want to move here, you know." They looked on in silent questioning. "Humanity in general, for as long as I can think of, has done nothing but try and take what it wants, whenever it wants, all because they think they can. Look at the state of disrepair our environment is in. Earth is falling apart. Global warming, wars, and nobody is doing anything to stop it. I'm sure you all have your protocols here, but at least you guys are trying to do something right!

All four of the princesses were silent when I finally leaned back in my chair from my tirade. They seemed to muse over my words before Twilight nodded with a smile. "He's right, as long as we do not give up the search for these ponies, there is still a chance to find them!"

<<>>

We spoke a bit more before I excused myself, thanking them for the chance to speak to them all. They thanked me back, each bidding me a good night, and to at least try and enjoy the party. I make no promises on that. Walking back through the crowds as I pulled out my phone, I was surprised to see that it was a little bit after nine. Shit, was I gone that long? Man, Nova must have been worried or at least tried to find me, right? Looking around, I couldn't see her anywhere. I even tried to ask a few ponies and people if they had seen her. Many said they didn't see her at all, some said they saw her at other locations around the party. The last one I met, a gryphon, told me that Nova was last seen outside, perhaps on her way home. Damn, I guess I really have to make it up to her this time.

Making my way outside, I looked around and saw that there were a few ponies sitting in the gardens, but most of everyone was inside, save for a few guards. I went up to one of them and asked if they had seen Nova, and he confirmed that she left, claiming that she went out to find me. I thanked him and went down the streets of Canterlot. Many of the lights were off except for those of the street lights. As I walked, though, I heard the sound of a groan coming from my right. I looked and saw an alley, and a body slightly covered in the shadow of the night. I noticed that this creature wasn't a pony, but that of a dog. Bigger than an Earth dog, this one was almost the size of a bear. I heard a soft whimper as the dog held it's arm. One part of me wanted to get the guards so they could help it, but one part of me wanted to make sure that it was okay before I went to get help. As I walked down the alley slowly, I saw the dog stiffen a bit, and I knelt down before it. "You okay?" I asked before a soft nod was my answer.

"Yes," it sounded male. "I is fine, hurt self, bleeding much!"

"Let me help you up then," I spoke offering my hand as one paw held onto my hand.

"Very kind, thank you much, but, must ask,"

"Ask what?"

"Does human know, what sucker mean?" I blinked before a damp cloth was thrown onto my face.. it.. kinda smells.. oh, I need to sleep..

<<>>

As Brandon fell over, another creature appeared down the alley. "Boss said only ponies!"

"Unicorn best, others use for work! Human work better than pony, hard labor!" The 'hurt' dog laughed softly as he pet Brandon's head.

"How long think he sleep?" the second voice asked. "Pony knock out for two hours, he not pony, could be longer, shorter?"

"Then we move quickly!" the first hissed. "Get the cart, cover and quickly run, ponies coming."

<<>>

I groaned as I started to wake. Damn, it felt like I was hit by a frying pan and then a train! My hands felt asleep, and as I tried to move them, I couldn't. I quickly found out that they were behind my back and bound together by rope. This caused me to open my eyes fully, jerking and trying to get free, but couldn't! I quickly took in my surroundings, and the only light in this.. place, was a glowing crystal. As my eyes adjusted, I was shocked at what I saw.

I was in a cage, and even more of them lined the stone walls. They were big enough that I could stand fully, and I was six feet tall. There was about a foot of room above me, and I'd guess enough on the sides for me to do a full turn with my arms extended, and a little bit more. Oh no. These cages around me were occupied. There were a handful of ponies locked up as well, all three types. Looking to my left, I could see a mare crying softly in her sleep, and her messy mane just pushed far enough around that I could see.. oh shit.. the stub of where her horn used to be. "Human is up now!" I looked over, seeing a diamond dog standing there, a smug look on it's face, wearing what seemed to be a ragged vest, as he only grinned at me. "Good! Boss wants to see you now!"