//------------------------------// // And they called him... // Story: The Wild Card // by Tyrant //------------------------------// My patience was becoming thin as each word escaped Twilight's mouth. I understood I pretty much botched up the first time being in the Princess's presence, and that more than kind of left a very questionable impression on her. Still, now I had Twilight trying to instruct me on what to say if she were to act this way or that. Seriously, she's a princess. From the stories I hear, they had a more regal personality and would act the part. Being courteous, polite, you know all the royal personality traits and responsibilities that came with the title. If the Princess wanted to tear a rug, knock back a few drinks, and get a little wild; I sure was not going to try and convince her otherwise. Finally we had come to an end on her instructions. Now was the moment of preparation and we both set to finish our tasks. The mare had a good heart, and a very annoying way of running a tight ship, but there were times I just wanted to shove a book in her mouth and walk away. Twilight Sparkle was a mare of intellect, but the amount of knowledge she seemed to want made me wonder if she was power hungry at times. You know the saying “Knowledge is power, and power corrupts.” My thoughts however would be interrupted by Twilight again. “Ziggy, have you seen Spike?” The purple unicorn mare asked me with confusion in her eyes; I suppose to her that her assistant not being here when the Princess herself could just casually stroll in at any given moment was something she was not hoping to deal with when she awoke this morning. Still, I was thankful to Spike for running the errand for me; saving me from feeling completely awkward for the rest of the day. The day was young however, and I was sure time would allow for my humility later. “I sent him on an errand for me. He should be picking up the pup so Princess Celestia can take a look at it.” Twilight was finishing up making the seating arrangements for everyone in the main study room. I could feel the question already incoming, and was prepared hopefully to answer it. “Why is Spike going and not you? I thought you would love for a chance to speak to Fluttershy.” “Well from what I can gather after last night, she doesn’t seem to share the idea of me becoming her—what did you call it again, special somepony? So yea, I was told very kindly that she was not interested.” “I’m sorry it didn’t work out. How are you holding up?” Sigh, to be honest, I wanted an answer. Was it because I was some alien? Hell I still wanted to know why the hell I asked out a pony? Was I serious in trying to pursue a relationship with Fluttershy? Or was I just infatuated and it would pass, the allure gone and I’d wake up one day thinking ‘What the hell am I doing? I’m dating a freaking pony! Snap out of it!’ To be honest, it scared me that I was thinking that way. They all had been nice to me, and I wasn’t even being experimented on. “I think, I’m okay with it. I mean, it wasn’t that big a deal, but I suppose it’s just that she was so… nice about it that I sort of blanked out.” Twilight poked her head around the corner giving me a very good view of her raised eyebrow look. “Wait you’re used to being rejected?” “Yeah, I've had some pretty bad ones. I don’t want to talk about it, if that’s okay with you.” My body felt a small surge of anger at the memories, ones I’d like to bury and keep hidden forever. There are some things you can get past, and some will just make you wish you could hit a reset button to stop that moment in time. “So, are you going to stop being friends with her?” “No. I just want to be away from her. The idea of her being around would make me... nervous." That was being kind, if Fluttershy was around me I don't know if I could stop staring. Than the storm of questions would come and yea, I just didn't need that now. A loud crash as the door burst open and a white armored male pony jumped through scanning the room before taking a more relaxed position. “The room is secure, this way your Highness.” So this is how the Princess makes house-calls. Could be worse, could have had a few pegasi smash through the windows and such. A real pain in the ass to clean later, but at least damage was minimal to just the door. “Next time might try to knock, genius.” The guard began staring daggers of death at me, and though it probably wasn’t the best idea to upset the royal guard I had to take a few jabs. “Some of us got to clean up any mess you might make, ya’ jerk.” A small staring contest started between us, his eyes were steady and sharp and I could feel my eye twitch as I inevitably blinked. You got lucky this time, you feather-head. “I am sorry about that Siegfried. My guards can be over-zealous at times. They mean well, but they have very poor mannerisms.” Ah, and her highness just happened to over-hear my complaints. The look she gave her guard was one I snickered on about. Someone was in trouble and would possibly hear about it when they got back. “Hello Princess Celestia.” Twilight and I echoed. Elegant and majestic, I’m not sure if a pony could pull it off, but from a human point of view the Princess seemed to radiate an aura of those two elements which even affected me. “Please be at ease Siegfried, I’m not that scary being so tall, am I?” Being teased is something I know all too well, though I even could feel the sincerity in her words. “No, Princess. I rather like 'em tall to be honest." Hey, if she's going to tease I can do a little harmless flirt tease my self. Besides I wasn't exactly anyones special somepony right now, so I don't think anyone could be upset with me.. except maybe... I turned around to see Twilight staring at me with a very hard expression. Right, I tuned out most of what she was explaining so I probably crossed the line somewhere, far as she was concerned. A very musical giggle floated to my ears and I saw the Princess with a hoof covering her mouth. Score one for me. At that moment Spike entered followed by a very excited timber puppy who was being followed by.. a very familiar yellow pegasus. Spike, you goof. What the hell have you done?! My mind would have to wait as my pup decided to play tug 'o war with my pant legs. "Hey Mossy, what you want boy? Huh?" "Mossy? Is that what you are going to call him?" That familiar voice made my heart do a flip, and although the usual reaction would have had me staring at her like some love-struck fool; the current event had made me more resilient to her pony-mare charms. "Actually Fluttershy, I was thinking of calling him Moss-Foot. But you know, Mossy for short." If I avoid eye-contact I'll be fine! "Oh my, he is quite adorable. Though I've never seen one so little before." The Princess came to inspect the pup closely, and as she came closer Mossy stared at her before sniffing at her hoofs. "Very adorable, and I think it's a very catchy name Siegfried. Oh!" Mossy had as good a taste in mares as me. Licking Princess Celestia's leg affectionately I wondered if he was just a sly dog who knew he could get away with it. "I guess he likes me." ...lucky dog. "He's a very good dog. Even Angel likes him, I think he'll be great for you Ziggy. You'll both be friends I'm sure of it." My body noticeably jumped, and I am sure some ponies caught my actions. Somehow Fluttershy had sneaked her way beside me, and I could feel her very breath brush past my ear. My heart was beating a mile a minute and I wasn't sure how to react to her statement. A lame agreement was all I could muster to respond with. I headed to the kitchen away from the scene as everyone seemed to play with Mossy. I know, I know. I couldn't come up with anything more original. Give me some credit, naming a dog was somewhat easy. Naming a wolf pup made of wood? Seriously that's a little outside of what I'm used to. Grabbing a can of what passes for cola around these parts I popped it open and began to drink as my mind wandered. "Does Fluttershy make you nervous?" Holy crap she scared me. Coughing some soda that took a wrong turn I looked at the Princess. "I think I'm a little... uncomfortable around her right now. I kinda made a dumb move and asked her out on a date. Not thinking ahead like when I told you how tall you were." A small chuckle at the memory came from us both, and I continued. "See thing is, I don't know why but she really makes me feel at peace here. Like I could actually belong here. Twilight is nice, but her studies are her passion and well.. I'm not really all that bright. Not as brilliant as her, and I think I'd need another lifetime to catch up to her. However, Fluttershy just makes me feel different, I'm completely infatuated with her." "Ahh, to be in love. It is such a wonderful feeling, isn't it?" I stared at the Princess Celestia like she'd just grown an extra horn. Say what now? That sounded almost like she had herself a suitor or someone in mind. "Princess, are you dating someone right now?" Twilight would hurt me if she knew I was being so casual with Celestia. Still, I was very curious and that curiosity is like a locked box. You just have to know what's inside sometimes, even if you break a few rules. "Oh my, are you interested in me? I thought it was harmless flirting." Suddenly she seemed bashful and I felt my cheeks really flush. "And you just asked Fluttershy out last night, you do move fast. Well only if you ask me properly, I will give you an answer." Wait, wait.. WHAT!? Was this seriously happening right now? I must have had my jaw slacked open because she walked up and gently clamped it shut. "I'm teasing Ziggy. I just couldn't resist. I'm sorry." I let loose a relief of held breath. "Don't scare me like that Princess, please." I could have had a heart-attack right than and there. For a moment the idea of the Princess being bashful and giving me cordial hints at something more had my brain melt. "Is the idea of dating me unwelcoming?" Oh jeez, seriously? Is she still teasing me or just wanting to seriously know. Alright, no more nice guy. Screw Twilights advice, I'm talking to this Princess with nothing held back. "Honestly, no it isn't. However like you pointed out, even if you were kidding, I just asked out Fluttershy. And to be quite honest I am in no hurry to give up on the potential of getting her to be my special somepony. Not even a Princess as pretty as you would sway me in that. So, while you are charming in your own way, I still have my heart set on Fluttershy." My nostrils flared to enforce that statement, and she had this really annoying yet knowing smirk on her face. "I just wanted to see if you were serious about her. I'm glad to know that my suspicions were confirmed. Siegfried, even if she rejected you Fluttershy is very timid. Just be patient and keep trying to attempt to court her, I'm sure you can win her over eventually." And just like that she left to see what was happening in the other room. The words I just said sunk in and I suddenly realized what it meant. I was not going to give up on Fluttershy, and damn my dignity if I wasn't going to do whatever it took to get her to look at me.