Knock, Knock, Knock.
Alfred didn't answer, instead, he remained silent as his eyes were still fixed on a particular window; the human didn't take his eyes off it for a single second, he just stood there, watching how the figures of many beings that he once knew appeared one after another, returning the gaze...
Knock, Knock, Knock.
"Sir," Called a voice from the other side of the door. "Listen... I know that today wasn't your best day; but, if you could allow me to accompany you, I might be able to help you as I did today."
The Prince sighed and replied. "Because it's your duty, isn't it?"
The bat pony behind the door stopped in her tracks, what she least expected was such a comment - and with a rather cold tone, although it was something she understood perfectly -; she thought for a moment about her answer and stared at the door for almost a minute until she spoke again...
"That isn't the only, nor the main reason;" She sighed as she lowered her gaze and fixed her gaze on the ground. "You've been nice, as well as having supported me at all times during the course of this... particular day. You've given me the strength to have a better opinion of myself and it's all thanks to you, your highness."
Jimmy smiled to herself, remembering the very morning the Prince confided to her his darkest regrets, pains and sorrows; that smile showed her gratitude towards the human for such an act and many more, even if he didn't see it...
"I appreciate what you have done for me, sir. You are an extraordinary friend." The Corporal concluded, after which she closed her eyes; then the constant sound of footsteps made her look forward, only to be greeted by the door opening, revealing Alfred, who just shed a tear while outlining a soft and pleasant smile...
"Honestly," Said the monarch. "I never thought I would hear you say that... I'm glad I was wrong."
Jimmy was grateful to hear him speak like that, which was reflected in a slight blush, being noticed by the Prince. However, it was the pony who took the floor...
"Well, as you once said. Being a royal guard, either solar or nocturnal, doesn't transform me into a machine... Heh. You're very good with words, I see now why you're so loved by the citizens." She commented, to which Alfred chuckled.
Then, still smiling at her, the Prince crouched down before Jimmy, and extended his arms, surrounding her in a sweet embrace; at first, the Corporal remained somewhat confused, but almost instantly, she understood what was happening and reciprocated the gesture...
A voice sighed. "You know, I really feel bad for him, Celly." His eyes remained fixed on the sweet and moving scene...
"There are times when I don't think too much about life itself, I just... have fun in my own way." Then, his gaze dropped to the ground as his expression suffered a progressive change, showing signs of melancholy that the Draconequus hadn't shown for a long time. "Now that I've witnessed all of this, I feel like I've... I don't know, screwed everything."
Celestia didn't say a word, instead, she only dedicated to outlining a soft smile while her eyes changed direction to where Discord was...
"We all have committed mistakes, Discord." She replied. "Nevertheless, you came to that conclusion on your own, not for some creature else."
"First you both," He said, referring to the royal sisters. "next Fluttershy... and now, Alfred." The Chaos Lord sighed again, then looked at the floor for a few seconds before saying...
"Celestia, thanks for letting me try to help." Discord had appreciated she’d let him do the favor, so she was for letting him do so. "I knew I affected Alfred a lot, but... I never believed it would be so severe."
His comment wasn't answered, although the Draconequus could get the idea of what she might answer; Celestia, on the other hoof, turned to look at Alfred and Jimmy, then gazed at Discord to comment back...
"You have a long way ahead, Discord. Like Alfred, you have both taken the first big step, but you will have to work hard to overcome this situation and re-forge a friendship as great as the one you two had."
"I'll try, Celestia." He replied, to which the monarch said...
"Do, or do not, there is no try."
Both immortal beings smiled at each other for a few seconds before turning to look back at where Alfred and Jimmy were, still embracing; then, Celestia and Discord disappeared in a matter of a snap, leaving - definitely - the human and the bat pony alone…
“Always try to be patient, the world may reward you for it.”
THE END.