//------------------------------// // Talk with Tia // Story: One Way Trip // by SoulSpirit //------------------------------// I woke up the following morning with my memory being rustier than weathered copper. So I was confused when I woke up in an unfamiliar bed and a face full of fur. Don’t panic. Assess the situation. Unlike when I first arrived in Equestria, when I would have probably attacked the closest living thing first in this kind of situation. One problem though, I can’t properly assess the situation if I’m blind with a face full of fur. Wait, fur? I flipped over, but there was something blocking my vision. Fethers? So, a wing? I flipped over again, now facing the fur, and cranked my head up. Luna? My face started to heat up as I remembered what happened the previous night. Oh, right. She forced me to stay in here and I fell asleep on her bed. Fuck, this is embarrassing. I activated my horn to see if I can use my magic silently. I have never bothered listening to see if using magi made any sounds because the idea never came to mind. Geronimo! I executed the teleportation spell, disappearing from Luna’s bed, then reappearing right outside the door. No sound. Success. The guard to my right cleared his throat, followed by a bold “Sir!” which startled me for a moment before I replied. “What seems to be the problem?” “Nothing Sir. Princess Celestia would like to see you as soon as you’re ready.”Why am I not surprised? “Where can I find her?” thought I should ask due to how early it felt. “I believe she should be in her private chambers.” “Thank you.” he smiled in response to my thanks before it faded and went back into that statue like state of a stance. I walked away toward the stairs to start making my way to Celestia. Better not keep Tia waiting. How I didn’t get lost among the twists and turns of the corridors is beyond me. They started to feel familiar, like it was my body learning it instead of my mind. Better that way than being lost for thirty minutes at a time. I chuckled at the thought. I just rounded the corner into the corridor that had the door to Celestia's private chambers on the third floor of the castle when the guard spotted me, saying “Sir, Princess Celestia’s expecting you.” I continued to approach him. “So I’ve been told. Have you heard anything as to why?” “No Sir.” I sighed. “Well…. Thanks anyway.” as I passed him to knock on the door, I saw him smirk with a glint in his eye. He’s a fucking liar. I proceeded to knock on the door with a raised hoof a few times and waited for a response. I heard Celestia squee followed by her calling “Come in”. I opened the door to let myself in. Celestia was on her balcony, sitting at a fair size picnic table that had an unoccupied chair across from her. Celestia, upon seeing me, smiled at me and gestured to the empty seat. “Let’s talk. Please, take a seat.” I trotted over and took the seat, which was more comfortable than it looked. “I heard you were with Luna.” “Don’t play the idiot Celestia. It was obvious, out of you and Shining, that it was your idea.” I closed my eyes in an attempt to clear my head. Celestia just giggled, her face full of mirth. “You are certainly correct. I thought that visiting her should help both of you. Have some tea while it’s still fresh.” Wait, ‘both’? I’m not gonna question it this time. I opened my eyes and used my magic to pre myself some of the sweet-smelling beverage. Upon sipping it, I felt some tension in my muscles release. “When I see Shining next time, I’m going to slap him a good one for not telling me it was Luna's room before I went in.” Celestia giggled at my announcement. “Also,” she began. “Shining and I were just pulling a prank on you when we said you were going to move in with Twilight's’ parents.” something in me snapped. With my magic, I locked the door so there wouldn’t be any interruptions from the guards. Celestia’s face changed to one that screamed of confusion, but I didn’t care. I was pissed. “Are you shitting me?” I started. “Do you have any idea how bad things can go when you do something like that. I forgive you, but I can’t speak for anyone else that you decide to emotionally toy with.” I might have started to begin sounding like a father, but she needed to know this. “You are a goddamn princess for crying out loud.” I sipped on some tea for a moment before continuing. “I just thought you would be smarter, no, more careful than that.” with a sigh, I looked up to Celestia. She looked a little upset. Fuck, I forgot how sensitive ponies are. “Sorr-” “No, no. You’re right. I should have seen what it was doing to you.” she interrupted. “He, forgive and forget. Water under the bridge. What I’m saying is it’s alright.” I finished my tea. “Don’t mind if I have more?” Celestia’s face went back to its usual smile. “Help yourself.” I cast the levitation spell to pore the tea, followed by a heating spell on my cup. “What I called you in for is to tell you where you will really be living. You will have your own personal quarters here in the castle.” I started hacking when my tea thought my lungs would be a lovely place to visit around this time of year. Celestia only waited as she watched me, her face filled with mirth. After managing to clear my lungs, I responded “But Celestia, you know how I -” Celestia raised a hoof to my lips. “It comes with the job.” she lowered her hoof. As long as I think of it like that….. “Alright, I can accept that. So, who’s going to show me to my room?” Celestia just smiled down at me when I asked this as if she was waiting for this question. “I will. Also, I can’t help but notice the pendant around your neck. Even though only Luna and I can give it, we haven’t done it in a very long time.” I started to get a little nervous. Was there something about it that Luna didn’t tell me? “What did Luna tell you about it?” oh, good. I might get some answers sooner than later. I took a sip of my now warm tea and replied “Luna told me that it’ll give me access to the royal library along with the royal archives. Though I get the feeling there’s more to it than that, am I right?” she nodded for her answer. “There’s a lot of little things behind it, but the most important meaning when that’s given is that the pony receiving it is highly trusted by the crown.” she paused, then gave me a smirk that put me on edge. There’s something else she’s not telling me. “Is there something going on between you and my sister?” To help settle my nerves, I took a few gulps of my tea. “Between me and Luna? No, why?” I braced myself for the worst. I’m probably just being paranoid though. “I think it would be better no to tell you.” she stopped to take another sip of tea. “Would you like to stop at the library on the way to your room?” I smiled. That would save me a trip, and Celestia could help me find what I need too. Perfect! “Sure. I need to find some spell books anyway.” we both finished our tea. “By the way, I’m sure you will need this.” Celestia levitated my saddlebags from god knows where. My eyes widened. I completely forgot.  I don’t even remember taking them off. Then I remembered what was in them. The only secret I have regarding safety. The book! “You didn’t open them, did you?” I tried hard to hide any fear that might show in my voice, but I couldn’t tell if I was successful. “Don’t worry, I didn’t look in them.” Thank goodness. “Well, I’ll wait out in the corridor for you,” I said, leaving the room. “Please do,” she added giving me a wink.