It’s astonishing how dull this castle can be when you’re not accompanied by Celestia. Walking through the hallways alone and unguided just seems to make them lose their excitement. Whereas every other time, I wandered these halls; I usually had somewhere to be. So it came to no surprise that since this realization I’ve been trying to find her. I’ve checked the throne room, her room, the gardens and even the kitchen. Hell even Luna -her own sister- didn’t know where she went off to.
But, I guess it’s all for the best. I’m pretty sure talking to her before this ‘date’ would just serve to make things awkward, maybe even ruin it all together. Nevertheless, I still couldn't help but feel that she would know exactly the right thing to say. That's kind of her thing, being a princess in all. She grew up being taught how to read people and respond accordingly.
Letting out a large sigh, I turn myself back into the main corridor of the castle. Celestia’s words from yesterday echoing within the recesses of my mind.
“Eight o'clock, The Coffee Bean tomorrow and dress nicely,” Like what in the world was she thinking when she said to dress nicely?! I mean just look at myself; I’m still wearing the same shirt with a hole in it. Not to mention it was her that promised to get new ones for me.
Taking another turn into a new corridor I found myself getting lost once again. This time, however, it was deliberate that I took the wrong turn. Since I had many hours to waste before something interesting happened, I decided ‘why not’ try and memorize the rest of the castle. Who knows, maybe I’ll come across someone that needs help.
Then again the possibility of that happening was nearly zero, seeing as most of the ponies don’t even know English. Which reminded me that I myself should be taking the initiative here and try to learn their language, not the other way around.
Nonetheless, my journey through the castle seemed to have come to a halt as I came to a dead end. The only two ways out was a door to the right of me or back the way I came. Since I had already come this far in the name of exploration; I opened the door to my right and walked through.
Surprisingly the door led outside of the main building and into the lower bailey. The whole place was covered in gravel that crunched under my steps. Further ahead of me laid multiple targets lined against a stone wall being shot at by guards holding bows with their hooves and mouths. Next to the targets stood other guards paired and up circling each other. Some with wooden swords and some with nothing but their bare hooves. Every now and then one would make a move to hit the other, in response the other would either dodge it, block it or get hit by it.
Taking my eyes off the training in progress I come to see three flag poles in the middle of the bailey. The one in the middle held a nice cyan blue flag with two alicorns embroidered onto it, while the one off to its right had a blue heart in the middle with a purple background. The flag that caught my attention the most, however, was the one on the left which sported a simple white background with a red x on top of it.
Continuing my walk through the courtyard I made my way towards the upper bailey. Here ponies stood in formation with their spears cradled in between their right hoof and neck. The pony out at front barked commands as he to took hold of a guidon pole. On the pole swung the same cyan blue flag, seemingly to be their nations or rather regions flag.
Walking past them I found myself exiting the bailey all together and entering the castle's main entrance through the east. Even from here I could see the large double doors that led to the main corridor just a couple of meters off to my right.
Following the gravel path up to the cobblestone one I made my way out of the castle entirely and into the city of Canterlot. Now mind you I was quite hesitant exiting the castle alone. While most ponies were forgiving and some even downright idolized me, others didn’t see it that way.
Who was I to tell them they were wrong in their claims? In fact, I find myself leaning more towards their train of thought than the others. After all in their eyes; I was the one that caused all of the destruction and turmoil. Either way, no matter how small their numbers may be, it still sent a chill down my back knowing that some ponies might hold a nasty grudge against me.
Only two reasons kept me on track. One to prove to myself that I wasn’t dependent on Celestia to take me everywhere like a kid; and two because I was bored out of my mind sitting in the guest room. I hoped that if I left the castle, I would find something to occupy myself with.
Thankfully, my prayer was quickly answered the moment I crossed the threshold of the castle's walls. As two familiar ponies came up to me.
“Hay! What a coincidence running into you here!” Ruby commented with a large smile as she waved her hoof towards me, “it’s not like we were stalking you or anything, just a friendly, non-creepy, coincidence.”
Sapphire slapped Ruby in the back of the head then turned to me with a smile, “sorry about her, she tends to spout nonsense.”
“Sure...” I comment still unsure whether I should believe her with that unnaturally wide smile she’s sporting. Have I actually gotten myself my own die-hard fans? Not going to lie I was both ecstatic and appalled at the same time.
“So if you're not here to stalk me then why are you here?” I continue the conversation.
Ruby started to sweat a bit, while Sapphire quickly replied, “We came here to make sure that things went alright with the joke we all pulled yesterday. Either way what happened after we left? Celestia looked like she was going to burn you alive and send your ashes to the moon when the two of us left.”
“She picked me up, dropped me from what seemed to be 3000 feet and then asked me out as i plummeted to my death,” I stated nonchalantly.
If Ruby or Sapphire were drinking anything they would have spat it out with how quickly their expressions changed.
“Celestia asked YOU out?” They both seemed to say in unison.
I gave her a quizzical look, “yeah, don’t know if its still part of her ‘revenge’ or not. But she told me to meet her in front of the coffee bean today at eight and wear something fancy. Who knows maybe it is the real thing and not a plot to embarrass me in front of everyone. I still don’t see what's the big deal?”
“The princesses don’t just go on dates Ken! The last time Celestia even considered somepony was way before the arrival of nightmare moon. Even then it was the stallion to ask her out, I don’t think Celestia has ever asked anypony out before you.” Ruby commented getting a side approval from Sapphire.
“So what you’re saying is that this is going to be the first time Celestia is going to a date she actually wants to go on. I still fail to see how this changes anything?” I question.
Ruby slaps her hoof to her forehead, while Sapphire attempts to just come out and say it, “God you’re a thick one! It means that Celestia is really serious with her feelings towards you. To her, this might as well be her first date ever! All the other ones she’s been on have either been for favors or to keep the press from nagging her everyday.”
The rusty gears in my head start to turn as I take in what they were trying to get across to me. “Maybe I should wear something else other than this then.”
Ruby and Sapphire look like their going to faint from what I just said. Giving them a sheepish smile I say, “What? It’s not like I have any other clothes to wear.”
Before I could say anything, I was being dragged away by two Ruby and Sapphire. A determined look burning in their eyes.
I never liked tuxedos, sure they look cool but they just weren't my style you know? I was more of the plaid sweater, worn jeans type of guy. Nevertheless, that didn’t keep Ruby and Sapphire from dragging me all the way across town to get a tailor that would be willing to make a suit on such short notice.
I guess I owe the two a large favor, god only knows what Celestia would say if I showed up to her fancy dinner date wearing a shirt with a large hole in it. Either way, I digress from the task at hand. Ruby and Sapphire had left me a while ago to make my way towards The Coffee Bean. Both giddy like school girls as they told me to ‘go get her tiger’, and ‘use your manners’.
Now I’m not going to lie, walking down the cobblestone streets towards my first date with Celestia got me a bit on edge. I mean what are the customs of dating here in Equestria? Are they the same as on Earth? Or are there some traditional sayings?
Letting a small sigh escape my lips I deduced that I'm reading way too much into this. Hell, I’m pretty sure Celestia was thinking about the same things when she asked me out yesterday. And if I know her, I know she did this so she could dive head first into learning about human courting first hand.
Straightening my tie I turned the next corner to see Celestia standing next to The Coffee Bean. Her pastel colored mane with the midnight sun flowed freely down the side of her face brushing up against her elegant white dress she wore at the last party. Her hooves adorned golden strands that spiraled up covering the light scar.
As I expected from a princess, Celestia was not only beautiful but surrounded by ponies talking to her. Slowing my pace down to give her some time, I looked on as she answered each of their questions. Her eyes darting between them until they finally landed on me walking up to her.
Turning her head in my direction she let a small smile grace her lips. Even this late in the day her smile seemed to bright up the night. If perfection existed in this world then she would be it. The way her smile complemented her figure. The way the midnight sun cast its warm glow across her dress catching the golden trim and making it shine like the sun. It was all simply breathtaking to me.
Catching on to what was happening the ponies around Celestia started to disperse. By the time the last pony left her side I was standing in front of her, my own little smile on my face. “Looking as beautiful as ever I see,” I comment causing Celestia's smile to widen, “So where’re we heading tonight?”
Celestia took the lead as she started to walk down the cobblestone street, “A little place north of here, where I heard they serve the best fresh green garden salads and are known to dabble in some dishes meant for the griffons.”
My smile widened, “All you had to say was that there was meat involved and I would have been hooked.”
Chuckling at my response Celestia trotted in a little closer to me, “I’m actually quite surprised you were able to find such a fancy suit. I was half expecting you to come in your normal attire.”
“I was going to, but then a little birdy told me that this is going to be your first actual date,” I comment back with a small smirk on my face. As I expected, Celestia’s face started to adorn a nice shade of red that seemed to work nicely with her in the moonlight.
“I don’t know who told you that, but I've been on dates before.” Celestia quickly replied trying to quell her embarrassment.
I nod in response avoiding pushing her too far from her comfort level. Trying to inject some humor into the conversation I brought back up the topic of my clothes, “You know it was pretty hard to find a tailor that could work on such short notice.”
Celestia chuckled as she leads me onto another street, “I guess it’s all my fault then?” She questioned giving me her best impression of a puppy dog.
“Yes, this time it was all your fault,” I state the truth and only the truth.
Scrunching up her muzzle she huffed, “if you don't have nothing nice to say then don’t say it at all.”
Mustering up my best royal voice I retorted, “So you would rather me not say anything and let you continue to blame me unjustly?” a small smirk carving its way onto my face.
“Yes, a mare’s always right,” Celestia cemented with a firm nod.
Letting her have that one, we both found ourselves entering one of the buildings that lined the cobblestone streets. The placed looked quite cozy, not to mention pretty romantic, with the patio outside covered by a pinstriped awning. Just below that held multiple tables, each one sporting a nice rose and two candles on each side of it. The cushions looked to be made out of polyester, while the plates and glasses looked to be of fine china.
Walking up to the maître d' -and yes that what he was, seeing as this place was so fancy that they didn’t employ hosts but instead had a separate person just to guide you to your table- Celestia stated, “We have a reservation here.”
It not like she needed to say it, the moment the stallion looked at her he immediately bowed and let us in. I guess those are the perks of dating royalty, but to be honest I felt kind of guilty for enjoying such luxuries. I remember many times waiting in line for hours just to get in. I could see I was not the only one uncomfortable with the situation as Celestia smile wavered.
Brushing it under the metaphorical rug I and Celestia got seated and ordered our drinks. Me with some plain old water and Celestia going all out with some expensive aged red wine. As the waiter left I asked, “Remember when we first met?”
This got Celestia to nod, “Well you never really told me how I arrived. You said it was a story for another time, mind telling the tale now?”
“I don’t mind, but I was not the only one to say that. You brushed aside your own history if I remember correctly. I’ll tell you about how you arrived, but then I would like for you to tell me more about your world 'Earth'. During my short stay there I was so shocked at the advancements you humans made that I couldn’t even hold onto my anger towards River.” Celestia proposed.
“Do you always make everything a deal?” I question causing Celestia to chuckle as she moved a strand of her ethereal mane to the side.
“Yes, and as a little reminder, you did sign the integration papers. One of which states that you have to follow my every command.”
“You still have that document?” I question.
“Of course I do,” Celestia stated as she popped said document in front of me. Looking at the bottom I mentally high five myself, “So when did I actually sign it?”
“When you first arrived, I saw you sign it.” Celestia retorted taking the document from my grasp and looking over it herself.
Knowing full well that the document was completely worthless with a small stick horse figure representing her saying ‘I’m mc bossy pants and can get away with anything’ scribbled on the signature line. She crumpled it up and incinerated it. “You know, sometimes I hate how rebellious you are.”
“Clearly this ‘hate’ isn’t a lot seeing as you’re the one to ask me out.” My statement got Celestia back onto the main topic like it was aimed to do.
“So your arrival,” Celestia commented changing the subject.
Smiling warmly I nod, “you said I made quite the entrance, I’m interested to hear what actually happened.”
“From my perspective, there’s not much to tell. I was in day court like I am every day talking to two ponies that were arguing over who should get a plot of land when one of my priceless murals was shattered when you were thrown through it.
Everypony was in shock when you hit the ground, no one knew who or what you were and on top of it all you were bleeding so much that it started to pool around you. I immediately got my guards to take you to the infirmary, and you know what happened after that.” Celestia retold
“So how much are one of those murals anyways?” I question generally curious to how much damage I had caused.
“Seven thousand bits,” Celestia commented causing the couple next to us to choke on their meal.
“Put that in perspective?” I asked.
“A house here in Canterlot costs about the same amount.”
I felt that my emotions needed to be explained physically so I waited for the waiter to come back and hand us our drinks. I then proceeded to take a sip of my water and then promptly choke on it.
“I guess I have a lot to make up for then,” I stated as we both made our orders. Celestia ordering her green garden salad and me with what I would assume is the equivalent of a new york style sirloin, with of course a side of a cooked potato fully loaded.
As the waiter left Celestia picked back up, “A debt I'm sure you will pay off over the years, now it's my turn to ask about your world.”
“Go ahead, what do you want to know?” I question.
“Do you ever miss it? Do you ever regret coming here to Equestria?” Let me tell you I was not prepared to be punched in the stomach from this type of question so early on in the date. I could see that Celestia knew how much a question liked that weighed but it seemed like she really wanted to know my honest answer to that question.
“There hasn’t been a day where I don’t think about that question. I look at my past and how it was compared to now. I had a life, friends, and family that all cared for me, and it really hurt beyond measure to be taken from that all. But what can you do right? What’s done is done, there is no way for me to back in time, and if I were to go back to earth right now I would be starting from scratch.
It's a question that changes as time goes on. If you asked me that when I first arrived I would have told you that I wish I would be back there, but now I'm not too sure. Time has changed me and I’ve come to love the ponies here and I can now start to see the light here. Yes, I miss it dearly, but do I regret coming? I really don’t think I do.” And to make sure I end this all off on a high note I couldn’t help but add the cliche, “plus if I didn’t come here I would have never met you and I think that makes up for most of my losses.”
Celestia's face went beet red, meaning my line hit right where it was supposed to, “It means alot to me that you were able to say that.” Celestia commented her eyes starting to water a bit, “I-i haven't had someone open up to me so willingly other than Luna. It must be so hard for you to go on knowing what has happened.”
Picking up one of the napkins I reached over and wiped her eyes, “It’s better than going on not knowing.”
Once again Celestia lets a small sad smile carve its way onto her face, “So enough of this sob questions time to get into the good stuff.”
This caught Celestia's attention as she composed herself, “The good stuff?”
“You know the meat of this date,” I comment.
“And that is?” Celestia questioned with a quizzical expression.
“Embarrassing stories!” I exclaim causing Celestia to take a large sip of her wine, “Like the time I got too drunk and pretended I had an invisible ID to the bouncer when I had the real one in my pocket.”
This caused Celestia to choke and spit out a bit of her wine back to the cup, “Ew, that's just gross Celi.”
“Celi? It was your fault anyway! Making a mare spit out her drink, how ungentlecoltly of you,” Celestia commented chuckling to herself as she said it. Her warm smile back on her face as she moved to wipe her muzzle.
“Rather I call you sun butt? Or how about sunny? No?”
“If you’re going to give me a nickname do it privately not publicly,” Celestia retorted looking around to the ponies around us.
“Where's the fun in that?” I question as the waiter came back with our respected meals. Mine looking ever so scrumptious while Celestia's looked rather bland. With a nod on both of our parts the waiter left.
“Either way you must have some stories to tell,” I comment taking a bite out of the steak. The juices hitting my tongue in the best way possible. They might not sell meat here in Equestria a lot but when they do, they sure know how to cook it just right.
“And what ruin your perfect image of me?” She scoffed taking a bite of her own meal.
“I’ve seen you covered in banana cream pie and hit a Seran Wrapped door at full speed. I think if you could ruin your perfect image, you’ve done it already.” I replied.
Rolling her eyes Celestia gave in, “Alright, last grand galloping gala Luna was having a bit too much to drink. When I told her she should stop, she pushed me onto the buffet table in front of all the nobles and my student Twilight. As if that wasn’t enough when I got up I spilled all the punch over the floor and slipped on it. I don’t think I’ll ever get the laughter that followed out of my memories. I even had to throw away my favorite pink dress after that.”
Suppressing a chuckle I took another bite from my steak. I could see out of the corner of my vision Celestia eyeing it. “You want to try some?”
“No thank you, meat doesn't really go to well with ponies digestive system.”
“Have you ever tried it?” I question.
“Yes, and it didn’t end out too well,” She continued.
“Looks like we have another embarrassing story coming up,” I pointed out as I took a bite out of the baked potato.
Times flew on by once we got the ball rolling. The night was filled with laughter and interesting stories all leading up to now where the two of us are walking side by side through one of Canterlots many parks.
“So let me get this straight. You a princess, slapped a noble just because he didn’t use your title? Seems a bit harsh no? I mean I don’t use your title either.” I question Celestia.
“When they keep pestering me every day for money or permission to do something, then no, it was not too harsh. In fact, I’m quite sure the stallion had it coming with the way he was acting.” Celestia stated puffing out her chest.
“Yeah, sure, you just wanted to slap him,” I commented rolling my eyes.
“There was that too, but like I said it wasn’t the main point,” After she said that a nice little bit of silence settled between the two of us. It wasn’t an awkward silence, but one that told each of us that we were contempt with just walking in each others company.
Like I've said many times before, all good things must come to an end and come to an end they did when we reached the castles main doors. Walking into the main corridor and down one of the many halls, we soon found ourselves at a crossroads. Where going left would lead to the guest rooms and right would lead to Celestia's room.
“I’ve had fun tonight, I don’t see why I didn’t do this before,” Celestia commented as she let her warm smile show.
“I would like to do this ag-” was all she was able to say before I moved in and placed my lips against hers. I could feel her tense up from the initial shock then slowly start to melt into it. Before long she was leaning into me as I pulled away, her eyes half-lidded with a dazed look in them.
Smiling to myself I turned towards my room, “We’ll definitely go out again,” I commented turning out of sight and heading towards my room. Leaving a half shocked half dreamy-eyed Celestia in the middle of the hallway. To be honest I didn’t know what went over me, but it wasn’t like I was holding onto any regrets for doing what I did.
Nevertheless it didn’t take long to enter my room, a small quirky smile on my face. Taking off my tie I made my way to the bathroom and quickly splashed a little bit of water on my face. Looking up I caught sight of my reflection.
Looking back at me was a man I barely knew. The stubble reminding me where I came from the long journey that had changed almost every aspect of me. I thought I had a plan, but with the danger out of the way and with this new feeling bubbling inside the fog in my mind started to clear.
Now I stood blinking empty-minded, looking at my reflection. The sound of running water forgotten and left in the background as I remembered what Celestia had asked. “Do you ever miss it?” For an instance I could see my mother and father behind me. Their kind faces smiling back at me. ”Do you ever regret coming here to Equestria?” Shaking my head I looked back at the mirror; once again showing just me all alone. The only trace of their existence was a lone tear making its way down my face.
It was hard not to show the pain in front of Celestia. Especially on such a day like today, but here in a secluded area where no one was watching I let my emotions surface. The mask I had put on started to crumble away as more tears started to flow turning the white sclera of my eyes red. A hiccup of a sob escaped my mouth and that's all it took. Before long I was crying on my knees in the bathroom. My chest hurt, my lungs burned and my mind was numb.
More distant memories flashed through my mind. Every friend I left behind, all the good times we had and all the troubles we pushed through. I thought I was over the break from my past. I thought I pushed through this before, but the truth was out in the open now. Forgetting them was wrong, I held a duty to keep them alive in my heart. Yet, even with the fact of carrying on their legacy I still mourned. That night I didn't make it back to my bed. Instead, I cried on the bathroom floor till I succumb to a dreamless slumber.