“Despite having to use a translator to talk to the ponies here, I think I made quite a bit of progress,” I commented as I and Celestia walked out of the ballroom and into the royal gardens.
Just like Twilight and Celestia said, the gardens were completely different than what they usually looked like. Every flower bed had its own little stream flowing through it, the trees adorned decorative paper lanterns as illuminated strings hung from tree to tree. To wrap it all up the cobblestone path was lit up by small garden lights.
Looking over to Celestia, I came to see the midnight sun glowing its brilliant blue glow. It was almost as if she had plucked one of Luna's stars out of the night sky and placed it in her mane. With a small smile carved on her lips, Celestia let out a sigh of content as we continued to walk through the garden.
“It eases me to see that the ponies are willing to look past the weather incident,” Celestia replied walking passed a white garden arch. “Who knows how long they would have held that against you if sompony got hurt.”
Nodding my head I followed her through the arch. Breaching the other side we came to the edge of the garden. Here at the edge, there was an opening with a small wooden bench that looked outwards towards the city. The view, like it always was here at the castle, was amazing. However, this time the beautiful night sky with all its stars hung above.
Without so much as a second thought, the two of us sat down on the bench. Since it was a pretty small bench, I found Celestia pressed up against me. Together we sat there not saying a single word as we watched the stars. To be honest, this was one of the most relaxing things I have ever done.
This has to be one of the most nerve wracking things I have ever done! I thought to myself as I felt Kenneth's warm body brush up against me. It felt almost as if I was a filly all over again. The same butterfly feelings, the knot in my stomach and the lightness of my head.
I had faced down dragons, defeated the god of chaos but here next to Kenneth I was powerless to act. Nevertheless, it was a feeling I didn’t mind being thrown into.
Just show a little affection and maybe he’ll get the idea, I thought nervously. The ‘walk’ with Luna did not leave me feeling any more confident either. In fact, it made things worse seeing as she kept mocking me about my feelings. Here I thought I could trust my sister with these kinds of stuff.
To be honest, after that talk with Luna this whole week has had me on edge. Usually, ponies calling my name out of nowhere didn’t make me jump, but now it was as if I was expecting something to happen. It was that reason alone that I followed my previous thought and slowly -albeit very nervously- placed my head on Kenneth's shoulder.
Other than a small glance, Kenneth didn’t seem to mind. In fact, I was pretty sure I saw his smile widen a bit. Then again it could be my mind making me see the things I wanted to see. Sadly, it didn’t help either that Kenneth was denser than a pile of rocks. Oh dear, here comes the butterflies again.
Unable to keep them to myself, I let them escape through a nice relaxed sigh. It had been a millennia since I had experienced anything remotely close to this. Sure, I had my fair share of suitors but none of them did I truly like, nor did I have to work to get any of them.
Either way it isn’t like Kenneth woooul- was all I could think before I felt his arm wrap around me and push me closer to him. I was now praying that he wouldn’t look down. The amount of blush that must be present could probably light up a room.
I, however, forgot the number one rule about Kenneth. The one thing you don't want to happen while he's here, will happen. It was like some twisted form of ‘Murphy's law’. With that being said, as I looked up towards him gazing over the city he slowly turned to look at me.
Our faces were mere inches apart, I could feel his warm breath brush against my fur. It was more intoxicating than any alcoholic beverage I could get my hooves on. The warmth I got from his body was more addicting than my morning cup of coffee. If anything I needed to show him how I felt.
As I leaned in and awaited the moment to come it never did. Opening up my eyes in confusion, I come to find my head leaning up against Kenneth's, back on the bench. A little line of saliva dripping from my mouth on to Kenneth's shoulder.
“A dream?” I mumbled to myself.
Arching my head up ever so slightly, I come to see Kenneth's head up against my own. His breath was shallow and his eyelids closed. Shoot! I exclaimed with a bit too much disappointment, it was just a dream, I continued to myself as I scrunched up my muzzle.
Either way, even if I didn’t get to show him my true feelings, this was more than enough. Sitting here deep in the gardens of the castle enjoying my sisters night. With another small smile carving its way onto my face, I turned my gaze back towards the beautiful Canterlot view and slowly let my eyelids close.
Stretching out my arms before opening my eyes I let out a large yawn. Every pop and crack my muscles shouted, told me that yesterday was indeed a good day. Taking this time to open my eyelids I come to see the same bland and boring ceiling staring back at me. Its white color doing nothing to entertain me during these early morning hours… and then it hit me.
The events from last night came flooding back into my head. Moments when I was with Twilight, the innumerable amount of nobles we had to speak with, and lastly the walk through the garden with Celestia.
But it wasn’t a walk ‘through’ the garden per say if I remember correctly, it was more of a quick nap. Which in all honesty confused me, I was wired during that party. So why did I suddenly feel like passing out on the bench? A question, that would continue to elude me until I got my morning cup of joe.
Sitting up in the posh guest bed, I keeled over and wiped the sleep from my eyes. With the window open in the room, I could already hear the morning birds sing. Shifting my focus towards the door to the room I come to hear the normal chatter from the other side. Still unable to understand the language, I let out a large sigh and walked over to the bathroom.
Passing through the door frame, I looked at myself in the mirror. My once short brown hair was now grown out along with my beard. If anything I needed to clean myself up, something that would prove to be difficult in a world where shaving was rarely done. Moving my gaze down my body, I come to see my attire.
“Alright scratch what I said before. Clothes are the number one priority,” I commented to myself as I looked at the fist sized hole in my sweater. I still couldn’t believe I went to a party meant for ‘nobles’ looking like this. I would be surprised if I wasn’t the laughing stalk of the entire town by now.
Either way, it’s not like I could do anything about it. Every store here sells clothing for ponies, who would've guessed. The only way I could get something that would fit me would be if I got someone to hand -or hoof in this case- make it for me. The problem with that is I already asked ‘someone’, sadly that someone is a somepony with a golden crown on top her head.
Sure she said she was waiting for perfection, but in all honesty, I think it wasn’t the top item on her list of things to do. After all, she is a goddess that runs the country, I could only imagine how much more important things she has to keep in mind.
Nevertheless, I digress, and with that thought now fading away from the recesses of my mind I walked up to the sink and started to brush my teeth. Which ‘normally’ to anyone would seem like an easy task, but ponyland is far from maintaining the status quo in regards to humans. Hens, the reason I’m attempting to brush my teeth with a piece of wood attached to a string. One of which I was assured was the correct utensil for the job.
Giving my teeth a couple more passes with the brush I spat out the leftover paste. Rinsing out the brush under the tap, I wipe my mouth and head back into the bedroom and over to the door. Quickly thinking everything over in my head, and reassuring myself that I had not left anything behind, I opened the door to my room.
“Sunshine!” Was the ever enthusiastic shout of Celestia as she came right into my view.
“Sunshine?” I questioned her with one of my eyebrows raised.
Letting a little chuckle escaped her lips she explained, “It’s a greeting I like to use in the mornings. It’s kinda like good morning or good day.”
“That’s a relief I thought you were giving me a nickname.”
Celestia looked at me with a smirk etched into her muzzle, “What's a matter sun-”
“You finish that sentence and I’ll tell Luna about your cake problem,” I budded in with a satisfied tone. I’m sure with this knowledge on the line she would get my point.
With a sing-song voice she said, “She already knows my sunshine,” with a quick wink she bumped me into gear with her flank, “So, we off to the coffee bean?” she stated more than asked.
I nod in response, “Need you even ask.”
“I guess not,” Celestia replied as we continued down the corridor till we came across the main hall. As per usual this part of the castle was under heavy guard. Every pillar had the same white stallion in golden armor.
“You know gold isn’t a strong material to use in the production of armor,” I commented as we passed by the guards.
“Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak,” Celestia replied back.
I gave her a quizzical look, “Did you just quote Sun Tzu?”
“I believe I did,” She replied back as we passed through the doors of the castle. The summer breeze was strong as it picked up her mane and tail. I could smell the faint smell of burning cedar wood from the houses nearby.
“How do you know Sun Tzu? You’ve only been to Earth for a couple of hours,” I commented as it finally started to dawn on me, “What exactly was that spell you casted on me back in the padded room?”
“Athunium,” Was all she responded with.
“Huh?” I questioned back seemingly caught off guard with her random spouting.
“It’s not gold, it’s Athunium. A compound a bit stronger than steel. Its natural color is gray with a red tinge to it. We coat our armor with gold for ceremonial purposes and for the same reason Sun Tzu stated. Often surprise on the battlefield is met with death, luckily for us, it’s usually the other side which is surprised,” Celestia lectured.
“Wow, that's actually pretty interesting,” I replied walking into the city. My earlier question forgotten completely by her in depth response.
Looking around rewarded me with the same warm feeling I got when I first visited the city. Ponies all around were out and about selling their wares while fillies and colts ran around chasing each other. A site that I wished happened more on Earth.
The rest of the walk didn’t last long at all for the two of us. This little route we tread was memorized a long time ago.
A soft chime echoed throughout the store as the two of us stepped into the coffee shop. As per usual, the mare behind the counter greeted both of us with a smile, one of which we politely returned back.
Since their language still eluded me Celestia took the initiative and ordered for the both of us. I, on the other hand, headed off to claim our normal seat. Sitting down I moved my chair closer to the window and wait for Celestia to return.
As I waited I continued to think about last night. Why did I fall asleep? The answer to that question seemed to avoid me the more and more I thought about it. With an annoyed huff, I looked up to see Celestia levitating the almighty cup of joe towards me.
Hearing my frustration she set the cup down in front of me and asked, “Something the matter?”
“I can’t seem to remember anything that happened after we sat on the bench,” I said taking a large sip from my mug.
Celestia raised an eyebrow at that, “Maybe that’s because you fell asleep.”
“I know that, but I was wired that entire time. How is it that I just fell asleep?” I question placing the mug down and looking towards the ring that River Breeze gave me. Its blue runes were glowing brightly. My action seemed to cause Celestia to look at it as well.
“Where did you get that? I don’t remember you having a ring?” Celestia questioned taking a sip from her own cup.
I gave her a sly smile, “got married yesterday.” My statement seemed to get the job done as Celestia started to choke on her coffee, “But truthfully River gave it to me so I won't cast spells every two seconds when I absorb magic. She said it expels it for me or something.”
After recomposing herself she replied, “Maybe that’s a side effect of the ring?”
I continued to look at her with an amused expression. It’s not everyday you get to cause a princess to choke on her own drink.
“Possibly, that would make more sense than anything else I came up with,” I took the ring off and started to twirl it around with my fingers.
“Can I see it for a moment?”
“Be my guest,” I said sliding the ring over towards her.
Gently picking it up with her magic she spun it around while reading the runes on it. Of course, I couldn't tell what the hell she was saying because it was in horse language. So, instead, I opted to sit back and wait till she was done before bombarding her with questions.
Dropping the ring onto her hoof she studies it further. However, when it makes contact with her hoof the runes die out causing Celestia to drop her mug and topple over onto the table.
As the mug shattered against the floor, I quickly got up and picked up Celestia's head. She was still breathing, and her pulse was strong. She was alive, but at this current state was out like a lamp.
Hearing the commotion the mare at the counter ran over. When she saw the princess passed out on the table she immediately looked over to me with a look of pure horror. Of course, I wasn’t able to get through to her that I had nothing to do with this. Within a few seconds she was out the door screaming.
“Great just what I need more complications,” I mumbled under my breath as I tried to wake Celestia up.
Sadly, yelling her name and slapping her muzzle did nothing. Although I would be lying if I said I didn’t get a little satisfaction from slapping the princess of ponyland. An action I’m sure to regret later.
Another chime from the shop's door causes me to take my attention away from Celestia. As I should've expected a pair of guards come through and scan the room. The moment their eyes landed on me holding Celestia's limp form I knew I was in for it.
“Now, this isn’t what it looks like fellas,” I comment gently placing Celestia back onto the table. My words, however, fell on deaf ears as the two guard ponies charged up their horns and aimed them at me. Before I could even attempt to escape one of the bolts of magic slammed against my chest knocking me unconscious.
Opening my eyelids I come to see a black chiseled roof. Which was a nice change of pace from the bland white one from the guest room. However, my mind started to change its mind as I come to see the rest of the room I was in.
Lying on the straw bed I turned my head to see a couple iron bars keeping me from leaving. Just outside the bars, I could see a lone guard standing vigil. His golden armor catching the warm glow from the torches in the hallway. I didn’t have to be a genius to come to the conclusion that I was being held as a prisoner.
Which meant, of course, that Celestia was still out cold. Otherwise, I’m sure she would have resolved this situation already. While it was a simple misunderstanding, it didn’t leave me any less pissed.
Letting a sigh escape my lips I slowly got up and walked over to the bars of my cell. The guard on the other end of the hallway spared me a quick glance before returning his eyes towards a spot on the wall. I wanted to say something to him, maybe if Celestia was alright, but the language barrier once again stood in my way.
Before I could think about heading back to the cell's bed a sudden burst of wind whipped through the hallway. One by one the torches went out until the entire dungeon was pitch black. I could hear the guard shuffling around a bit before the sound of metal hitting the floor arose.
The next second after the clattering armor, the torch in front of my cell lit revealing River Breeze. She held a little smirk as she locked eyes with me.
“Oh, how the winds of fate change, I don’t think this could have worked out anymore in my favor.” River stated as I looked down the hallway to see the guard on the floor, blood pooling around his head.
“It was you, the whole time,” I commented as the pieces of the puzzle started to fit in together.
River lets out a little chuckle, “of course, your teleportation, the weather, the phone; do you really think that it was all just one big coincidence? I had this all planned way before you even stepped hoof in Equestria. Why else would I be so knowledgeable in the art of natural magic?”
I was completely shocked at this revelation, I didn’t even know what to say to her. The pony I thought I knew changed before my very eyes, “You know how long I’ve waited? The act I had to put up in order to get this close with Celestia? The research I had to complete in order to make sure this would all go on without a hitch?”
Shaking my head out of its stupor I finally replied, “Why? Why go through all that trouble to bring me here?”
“Why does anypony go through troubling times? For power, for immortality!” River exclaimed.
I looked at her with confusion stung across my face, “What power? I’m just a human, how does bringing me here warrant any kind of power?.”
Bringing her hoof up towards the cage I come to see the power she was talking about. Her hoof was laced with blue arcs of electricity. The very same blue electricity that had engulf my arm when I touched the phone. Her eyes flashed an even brighter blue as an arc of electricity shot out towards the bars.
Upon impact, the bars immediately liquefied allowing her to enter my cell, “This power,” River claimed with a demonic laugh, “Now come or follow the same fate as the guard.”
“I don’t get it! What do I have to do with this? Why do you need me? Where do I fit in all this?” I questioned following her out of the cell. It wasn’t like I had a choice in the matter, River seemed to hold all the cards in her hooves.
Hearing the commotion a couple guards came running down the stairs. With a flick of her hoof River effectively dispatched them with a single bolt of electricity, “Excellent question, ones that took many years for me to figure out. Luckily for you, all you have to do is wait and the answers will show themselves to you.”