Canterlot, in many ways, is the shining city on a hill. The home of Princess Celestia, the recently returned Princess luna, and many of the richest and most influential ponies, It was the beating heart of Equestria. Its inhabitants viewed themselves as being beyond the petty squabbles of the rest of the nation, a bastion of enlightenment and culture, Tolerant to all who would enter their cities walls. This, like so many other ideas, would be ground to nothing in the rumour mills.
While Rarity had attempted to keep Pinkie's adventure with Nate through Canterlot discrete, it had nonetheless made its way to the presses. One of the monsters attacking Equestria was in their walls, and the public was on edge.
The already wary public was being wiped into a state of panic by the press, and the press had used it as justification to demand answers from Celestia herself. Standing before the crowd of journalists and photographers, Celestia could easily mistake her greatest foe for being the printing press.
"How has the Equestrian Guard been attempting to combat this invasion?"
"Is it true that luna's complete withdrawal from the public is related to the attacks?"
"What is the Crown doing to end the assault on villages and towns?
"Has The Crystal Empire offered any assistance in this matter?"
"What has our newest Princess been doing to assist in these matters?"
Celestia had to be careful in her response. Each question seemed innocent enough but was normally a cover for an underlying insinuation. Each question was an attempt to lure out the failings of the system, to show how she and her sister were failing even if no one would dare say so publicly. They wanted a panic because ponies buy papers when they're scared, they wanted to hear from their Princess things were not ok so ponies would snatch up every news article that reinforced their fears. But Panic would achieve nothing, front pages screaming that they were doomed and could do nothing to stop it would achieve nothing.
"My sister and I are currently doing everything we can to address the current crisis. As I speak, members from all major academies, as well as independent contributors, are attempting to discover the source of these anomalies and end the arrival of new aggressors. The Equestrian Guard has placed every active enlistee on alert, as well as established posts around every major settlement and travel node. My Sister is at this moment attempting to create her own countermeasure with great promise. " Celestia's response sent a wave of hooves into the air as each reporter wanted a different angle of the situation addressed. With a nod of her head at one reporter, a new question was fired.
"Addressing the other members of the Tetrarchy, has Princess Cadenza offered any assistance in this crisis?"
Celestia hated that term, Tetrarchy. Both for ignoring the political sovereignty of the crystal empire and placing her student in an unfair level of expectation. Cadence was the Sovereign of an independent nation, even if None of Canterlot seemed to care.
"The Crystal Empire has been contesting the same crisis as Equestria, and as such has been unable to offer aid at any significant level for the time being. Princess Cadence has however been doing everything in her power to aid our effort to locate the source of these anomalies and has provided many brilliant minds to the Equestrian effort."
Without waiting, another voice shot out of the crowd.
"What is your official response to the accusation that Princess Twilight has yet to provide any meaningful contribution expected of her new title?"
Celestia had learnt three hundred and forty-seven years ago that you cannot throw a reporter off the side of Canterlot, regardless of how personal the attack or how soft the landing was. while it may have been meant as a harmless scare tactic to get the world off her back for a while, it had taken years for the story to pass. Instead, she had learnt to bite the Bridle and ignore the personal part of the question.
"Twilight sparkle has many of her own trials and tribulations to overcome and expecting her to abandon her own struggles at this time serves to benefit no Pony. When and how my student wishes to contribute in a greater capacity to the situation is a decision only she knows best to decide, and I support her in this course of action. Regardless, Twilight is at this very moment attempting to enlist the aid of new allies in this struggle, along with her friends."
After a mass of voices all flared at the statement, Celestia chose another to present a question.
"What Knowledge does the crown have on the activities of the Elements bearers, specifically the rumour of two escorting one of the invaders around Canterlot itself?"
As much as Celestia loved Twilight's friends, The pink one's attempt to have their new guest flirt with Canterlot nightlife had left Celestia in a difficult position. She had hoped to introduce their new secret weapons in this war after a major victory, as to soften the backlash of their new choice of allies, however, she would have to work with the tools she has.
"In an attempt to better understand the threats we are facing, the Elements of Harmony have been trusted with the task of finding new allies in this struggle and convincing them to aid us. It is our hope that they can provide new information on how to best counter the problems we are facing."
Celestia picked another reporter from the ever more restless crowd.
"Considering the localisation of these attacks the equestrian and her allies, has the Crown seen fit to question the griffon ambassador's involvement?"
Celestia internally asked herself the only question that mattered, When will this press conference end?
Nate had spent much of the morning unaware of the commotion his adventure with Pinkie and Rarity had caused. The night before, After finishing the otherworldly experience that was Canterlot, they had all returned to the castle. It was only upon entering through the front for the first time that the extravagance and opulence were seen in their full glory. Nate had seen the homes of millionaires in magazines before the war and even they paled in comparison. After one of the staff had shown the three tired guests to their respective rooms, Nate was presented with his own temporary slice of heaven. silken fabrics and delicately carved wooden furniture decorated the room, luxuries of all kinds made this room seem otherworldly in its extravagance. In many ways, it was what Nate had tried to capture in his own home, a memory of the world before. However, it was sickeningly over extravagant for his liking. Nate had been a soldier, his wife had started a career in law, and they were well enough off, but this kind of luxury was insane. Having spent just over four years in the post-war world, it was also an extreme change from the rebuilt homes of the commonwealth. The people had good homes over their heads, usually, they were the apartments and houses from before the war that had been made safe, but still worn from a century of disrepair. One could at least say American goods were made to last.
After using what was obviously a bathroom, but not as he knew it, Nate slowly slid into the silk bedsheets. The sheer comfort and relaxation the bed offered could only be rivalled by a cocktail of chems Hancock had shown him for dealing with a really bad day. Considering the crash that followed the trip, Nate never tried it again but regardless, the bed had been divine. In the time I took for Nate to fall asleep, He had attempted to put off any and all worries and thoughts until tomorrow when he would have more information to work with. To the room's credit, the soft scents and softer bedding did their job. The mess of subconscious thoughts could be called both a dream and a nightmare if Nate cared to note the difference anymore.
This morning, Nate was still his temporary heaven when Canterlot exploded into news about the infiltration of the strange monsters by non-other than the entourage of the newest Alicorn. Celestia had called a press conference to stop the rumours dead in their tracks. Nate's brush with Canterlot politics would begin with a knock at the door.
*knock knock knock*
Nate stirred from his sleep, shifting over just enough to see the door to the room open. A peach-coloured mare poked through the door in a maid's outfit.
"Wake up call, the princess requires your presence in two hours. when you're ready, just request one of the guards to escort you to the dining hall." After giving her a practised announcement, the staff member left.
After taking a minute to put his head in order, Nate began what was considered a standard morning routine. While he may not be in the Commonwealth anymore, He was still the general of the Commonwealth Defence Guard and dressed for the part. His uniform lay on the end of the bed where he had left it the night before, the mess of repairs and wear. Before putting on his only clothes, Nate decided to head into the bathroom he had seen the night before. Outside of the once-used and slightly odd-looking toilet, there was a sink with a mirror and a bathtub. Within a year of defeating the institute, running water had become a common aspect of many commonwealth settlements, but even a hot shower was still a limited luxury. With two hours to spare, Nate would enjoy that luxury.
Nate cleaned up pretty well, considering all the exposure and combat. He hoped to himself that he was presentable to a leader of a country, wanting to make a good first impression.
Leaving the room in his old minutemen uniform, Nate spotted two guards in gold Armour standing outside the door.
One looked up at Nate and asked "Are you ready to depart"
Nate gestured for the guards to go first down the corridor and follow with "lead the way"
The guards gave each other a glance before they turned and went in the opposite direction from where Nate had gestured. Realizing his mistake, Nate followed the two in the other direction.
As the three walked tone the halls and corridors, Nate once again took in the glasswork and clean stonework. Occasionally, one of the many castle staff would be seen working, quickly stealing a curious look at Nate before whipping back when they thought Nate was looking. Eventually, they reached intersecting corridors
"Nathan!" came a musical exclamation. Nate spun to see Rarity trotting in his direction.
Rarity gave Nate a once over and nodded in approval
"I see you made use of the Castle facilities, it's a vast improvement over before, especially the smell."
Nate didn't see any hint of maliciousness in Rarity when she said that, but it hurt.
"When every day is a life and death situation, sometimes hygiene takes a backseat."
Rarity brushed off the comment with a hoof and followed Nate as he continued to follow the guards, who were looking at him in annoyance.
"Ridiculous, how can you expect to be at your best when you're filthy? besides, the feeling of looking your best is its own reward. Your mane could use some work Nathan, but it shall have to suffice for now."
Nate raised an eyebrow.
"Why do you call me that?"
Rarity seems confused by the question.
"Isn't that your name?"
"People just call me Nate" Nate Responded
"Which yesterday you said was short for Nathan." Rarity replied.
She was correct.
"I prefer Nate" Nate stated.
"Well, if that's what you want. It's a shame really, I rather like 'Nathan'. it rolls right off the tongue."
Once more, a pony was starting at Nate. As soon as Nate looked at the pony, they quickly turned away.
"I seem to be getting a lot of attention" Nate quietly said to Rarity.
Rarity's demeanour shifted to unease at the statement.
"yes, well... it seems our escapade yesterday made the front page."
"What, local legend downs seven pies in one sitting?" Nate Quipped
"Nothing so wholesome, they're saying we intentionally brought one of the invaders into the city."
Nate thought for a moment about this news and broke a smile.
"Piper would have a field day here, she always loved a good story"
Rarity perked up at the mention of Piper.
"Oh, a friend of yours, maybe more?"
Nate let out a small chuckle
"No...No, Piper is just an old friend. She helped me learn about the world after I woke up. We met each other outside Diamond City, she had been kicked out over some paper she had written. Piper convinced the gatekeeper that I was a trader or something. She noticed I was a vault dweller and wanted an interview, in return, She would help me find my way in the commonwealth. Her sister convinced a few settlements to run their paper, the 'Publick Occurrences'. Since then, I don't have time to visit Diamond City as often, but I still grab a paper when I can."
Rarity let out a depressing sigh
"I understand that feeling, some days I fear that between my work and my passion, I don't have enough time to spend with my friends or my sister."
The guards split apart to the sides of the corridor as they reached a big door, standing on either side they opened the door and waited. Rarity, seeing Nate had reached his destination, turned and spoke.
"Well, seeing as you're here, I must be going. As nice as it was to meet again, I need to find where Pinky Pie has run off to. The girls should be all returning within a few hours and I haven't seen mane or tail of her. Goodbye, Nate."
Rarity turned around and waved as she left, quickly being stopped by a pony wearing a mailman hat and holding a piece of paper rolled up.
Nate gave a quick wave to Rarity and entered the dining hall.
"You make it sound like the worst thing possible, I mean seriously, think of all the things a robot could do," Rainbow exclaimed to Six.
"I'd rather not" Six responded while rubbing the back of his head.
Applejack was disinterestedly looking out the window when she cut into the conversation.
"As thrilling as this all is, we're about to reach the station."
Applejack's eyes shot wide as they pulled into the station.
"Woah Nelly..."
Rainbow Dash and Six followed by looking out the window to see what Applejack had spotted and was met with a concerning sight. The entire station was in military lockdown, with guards at every exit and covering the platform. Before Six or his two escorts could react, a pegasus stallion had flown by the carriage, seen them and alerted the rest of the guards. Six began to panic.
"what's going on?" He demanded.
"We Don't Know" Answered Rainbow Dash.
Six grabbed his helmet and threw it on just as one of the doors at one end of the carriage opened. A Mare in armour stepped through.
"You three are to be escorted directly to the castle, please grab your belongings and proceed to the middle of the formation outside on the platform." The mare barked.
Rainbow Dash shot up and flew up to the mare.
"Just what the hay is this?" roared Rainbow dash
The Guard kept a stone face at Rainbow's outburst, while Six snickered quietly at the use of the word 'hay'. After a moment of staring at Rainbow, the guard spoke firmly.
"The Princesses have issued orders regarding the transport of the Outsiders. They are to be guarded at all times and their movements will be planned beforehand to limit the stress of civilians."
Applejack moved beside the hovering rainbow dash to oppose the Guard.
"You can't just do that, He decided to come of his own choice, you can't just treat him like some criminal."
The Guard looked to Applejack and responded in a slightly warmer tone.
"The Princesses believe that it is best if the Outsiders are seen as under watch, the local press has scared the city into thinking they are a threat waiting to happen. As such, until the situation has de-escalated, the outsiders will be guarded. For their safety much more than ours."
Before the debate could go further, a scrawny stallion mailpony squeezed past the guard. The Guard looked ready to bring fire down on the civilian who had just burst in.
"What do you think you're doing!?" The Guard barked at the mailpony. The stallion flinched at the verbal blast but splurted out his excuses regardless.
"I have a message for the bearers from the Princess of Friendship herself"
The pony pulled a scroll out from his bag with his mouth and gave it to Applejack who with some skill opened and unrolled the letter. After a quiet moment, Applejack made a series of babbles before blurting out "Rainbow, it's Fluttershy"
Confused, Rainbow snatched the letter with a "Lemme see that", After a moment, she stopped flying and landed on her hooves with a thud. After a moment, She dropped the scroll and crashed right through a window on the side of the carriage, taking off into the distance.
Applejack raced to the window cry out "Rainbow!", But The rainbow trail was already fading. Seeming to panic at the choice to stay or go, the Guard went up to Applejack, grabbed her shoulder and turned Applejack to face her.
"Go, we have our orders, he's to come with us."
After taking one last glance at Six, Applejack raced out the carriage door. The lone guard then walked over to Six who was still sitting where he was when the train pulled into the station.
"We to head straight for the castle, The Princesses want to meet you personally. When you arrive, you will be brought to a hall for orientation with the others."
Six looked down at the guard, and from his helmet have an electronic voice.
"Others?"
Fluttershy looked at peace on the hospital bed, even covered in wires and tubes. Twilight sat on a chair near the bed while John slept in a chair near the door, catching what sleep he could. Twilight had a hoof on Fluttershy, gently rubbing her friend's side as Twilight lamented her choices the night before. The only sound to be heard was the beeping of a heart monitor and light snoring from John. Then, the rhythmic ambience was broken by the sound of hooves coming down the hall with two ponies in a frantic search. John Woke and after a quick search of the room, settled into the chair awake. "There!" a high-pitched voice came from outside. The sound of galloping got closer and the door to Fluttershy's room blew open. Pinkie Pie raced into the room only to stop as she reached the end of the clinic bed.
Rarity briskly followed Pinkie and after seeing Fluttershy, walked over to Twilight.
"How is she?" Rarity asked softly.
Twilight looked up at Rarity, Twilight's eyes were flat and her eyes red.
"The Doctors say she has a few broken ribs and severe bruising, but avoided Any complications with internal bleeding. Fluttershy will recover, but it will take time." Twilight explained.
"What happened?" Pinkie asked now hugging the leg of Fluttershy.
Rarity went over to shoo Pinkie from Fluttershy's leg as Twilight went over the events in her head.
"We..we entered the Everfree forest, and for hours we didn't find anything. Fluttershy said we should go back, but didn't listen. We found these monsters and they attacked us, I was knocked out. Fluttershy tried to save me, if John hadn't been there..."
Rarity broke the following silence.
"It's not your fault Darling, you couldn't have known-"
"I knew! Fluttershy said we should have turned back but I was so stupid!" Twilight was breaking into tears as she hit both sides of her head with her hooves.
Rarity tried to calm Twilight down as John heard a commotion outside the room. Grabbing his rifle, John left the room to confront the cause. Outside was a Cyan pegasus with a rainbow mane being held down by two of the hospital staff.
"Let me go, I need to see her!" Rainbow Dash shouted as she struggled to free herself.
the three mares left Fluttershy's room to see their friend.
"What are you doing?" Twilight asked the two staff members.
A burly nurse responded as he held down Rainbow Dash.
"This Pegasus came flying through the hospital interrogating everyone for the location of a patient and refused to stop, We had to chase her down multiple times."
After looking down at rainbow dash who continued to claw at the ground in front of her, Twilight informed the Staff members.
"She's a close friend of the patient. You can let her go."
After giving each other a look of confusion, the Nurses let go of Rainbow Dash who raced past everyone into Fluttershy's room. Applejack came round the corner, stopping to catch her breath once she saw the girls. In between a few deep breaths, Applejack croaked out a question.
"Did... any... of you... see...Rainbow?"
John spoke up as the three friends processed what had just happened, looking at the doorway Rainbow Dash had just run through.
"Cyan with the spectrum hair just ran in there."
Applejack, having restored the oxygen content of her body, explained to the girls what had happened.
"We got your message on the train in, the moment she started reading, she was already halfway across the city."
"But if you were waaay over there, how did you nearly beat Dashie here?" Pinkie Pie asked.
"Probably because Rainbow didn't finish the message, According to the pony at the front desk, Rainbow didn't know the floor or room even though Twilight had put it at the bottom of the letter" Applejack responded flatly. Applejack's attention was shifted to see Twilight entering Fluttershy's hospital room.
Twilight entered the lightly lit room she had just spent the last few hours in to see Rainbow Dash in the same chair, doing the same action. As the other four bearers looked in from the corridor, Twilight slowly approached her most loyal friend.
"Rainbow?" Twilight asked cautiously.
"Go away," Rainbow Dash said flatly, without turning away from Fluttershy.
Twilight, who had begun to reach out to put a hoof on Rainbow's shoulder, initially reclined her leg. After a moment of hesitation, she continued and grabbed Rainbow's shoulder.
"Rainbow, I'm sorry" Twilight started, before Rainbow Dash sharply cut her off.
"You're sorry? Look at her, Twilight!" Rainbow Dash was fighting back tears, a war she was losing.
Applejack tried to walk into the room, only for John to step in her way.
"You knew how dangerous the forest was, and you could have waited for us. You think you can plan for everything and you can just make it work. But you couldn't, and now she's here, so just... go". Rainbow croaked the last words as
Twilight walked back bit by bit before reaching to door, John stood out of the way as Twilight left the room. Applejack intercepted Twilight as she turned down the hall to away from the group.
"Twi, you okay sugar cube? You know Rainbow didn't mean any of that she's just-"
Twilight cut off Applejack, tears and conviction on her face.
"I know, But it's time I did something I should have done before." Turning back to look at John, Twilight continued.
"Let's go, John, We have a meeting to attend, I'll sign us out."
As Twilight continued down the hall, Applejack cut off John who had begun to follow suit.
"What the hay was that about, why did you stop me?" Applejack grilled John.
"She needed to see and hear this," John answered calmly before following Twilight's path, leaving a confused Applejack in his wake.
Nate had observed every surface of the Hall while waiting for someone to arrive. Partially his fault for being early, partially not for everyone else being late, even if by a few minutes. It would be during an intense staredown with a portrait of some pony with a moustache and monocle that the doors would open.
The large white Alicorn that Nate had been informed was one of the two leaders of this place. Celestia had all the looks of a strong leader, except her eyes. From the other side of the room, one could see in her walk, then as she approached, in her eyes. She was tired. Her moment of weakness was quickly replaced with the formality and empty confidence of a seasoned politician.
"We finally get to have proper introductions, Your name is Nate, correct?" Celestia asked as she meandered over.
"Yes, but mostly people Refer to me by my rank as General of the Commonwealth Defence Guard," Nate Responded formally.
Celestia's interest was peaked by Nate's response.
"Oh, you're a leader of your people?"
The doors opened again before Nate could answer the question. One of the palace staff entered with a tea cart, rolling it towards the large table in the centre of the hall. As the pony began to leave without saying a word, Celestia started towards the table, looking back at Nate.
"Do you drink tea General?"
"Not recently, But I will try a cake" Nate responded, showing the formal respect he would show the politicians at home.
After seating arrangements were sorted non-verbally, Celestia poured herself a cup of tea and restarted the conversation.
"So tell me about yourself, General, Where do you call home?"
Nate thought for a moment as picked a cake from the tray and held it.
"I live in the commonwealth, what used to be called Massachusetts. My home is within walking distance from the city of Boston. I spend most of my time at the Guard Headquarters, called the Castle."
Celestia listened as she levitated her cup of tea to her mouth, Her eyes closed as she moved on to her next question.
"And how long have you been in your military?"
Finishing the bite he had taken from the baked good in his hand. Nate responded with his time in the commonwealth and pre-war enlistment.
"Nearly eight years now."
Celestia levitated her cup back onto the dish on the table.
"You must be very skilled to have risen to the rank of general so quickly"
Nate had just confirmed what was going through his head as the conversation went on, this was an interview. As to what reason, Nate assumed time would tell. While embellishing his career may have been useful at an interview before most businesses in the United States ceased to exist, Honesty had served Nate well these last few years.
"Actually, It's because I was the only one who could. Roughly four years ago, The Commonwealth was a collection of settlements just trying to survive. The Guard went by 'The Minutemen', A collection of militias and volunteers trying to make the commonwealth a safe place. By the time I joined them, there were effectively gone. My second in command, Preston, was one of the last minutemen. He saw something in me and thought I could bring the Minutemen back. With the help of others, we managed to rebuild the minutemen and help unite the commonwealth. When the provisional government was deciding on military policy, they elected to reform the minuteman into the C.D.G. Since I was already leading the minutemen, I was just folded in."
Celestia said nothing for a moment, deep in thought. As Nate put the last of his cake in his mouth and chewed, he wondered if she was waiting for something, the silence was broken.
"You make it sound like such a small thing, Yet for people to have so much faith in you, It must mean something. Being a leader is a calling that few can meet the challenge, and it comes with many burdens."
Nate didn't like being cynical of people, but being in his position didn't afford him the comfort to be idyllic. Celestia was a sovereign of a nation, and any attempt to be friendly could be tactical in nature. Nate needed to know more about who he was working with.
"So, Princess, How long have you reigned over Equestria?" Nate asked.
Celestia's face went through a flurry of emotions in rapid succession. Confusion, realisation, humour and finally nostalgia.
"A very long time, General. I have watched over my little ponies for a very long time, and in the last millennium I did so alone."
Nate's composure was legendary, being a soldier, a leader, a politician and survival the worst the commonwealth could throw at him. Furthermore, there was little that surprised him after waking up in the insanity of the post-war world. None of this was on show as Nate dropped the new cake he had picked up, froze and then looked at Celestia like a deathclaw had climbed out of a fridge.
"Wait, a thousand years. You're telling me you've ruled for over a thousand years?" Nate asked, bewildered.
"No, I said I have ruled alone for the last thousand years, my reign is much older than that. My sister and I were alive long before there were cities and peace. When we both ascended to the throne, Equestria was still a new kingdom. We faced many trials and tribulations, Made many enemies, lost many friends..."
Celestia took a deep breath before continuing.
"In time, I even lost my sister. And in her loss, I learned how to bring peace. For the last thousand years, Equestria has been at peace. My ponies in time learned how to govern themselves, though I fear my peace has left them ill-prepared for what is to come."
Nate stood up and looked at Celestia with a sad face.
" I have seen a world without peace, Princess, and I have learned there is no such thing as a bad peace."
Celestia looked into Nate's eyes, searching for something. Before further words were exchanged, one of the doors to the side crashed open.
A single leg swung through the door, and a Human wearing a leather overcoat and riot armour fell into the step. After rotating on the spot to awe at the room, the Human strolled over to Nate and Celestia. Stopping in front of Nate, the human looked Nate over from head to toe. A male voice came through the helmet's in-built speaker.
"You from the West Coast?"
Nate, perplexed by the man before him, answered the question.
"East Coast"
After a moment, the electric voice responded.
"Nice"
The man then turned and took a few steps toward Celestia, whose hair flowed as she waited patiently.
The man spoke again.
"You know, this is still not the strangest meeting I've had with a ruler, but it's pretty close. Princess Celestia, I presume?"
"That is correct, and your name is?" Celestia Inquired.
"They call me 'Courier Six', I swear, you tell your life's story to a reporter once..." Six threw up his hands. After another quick look at the hall around him, Six removed his helmet.
Celestia raised an eyebrow.
"So you deliver packages then?"
"Naa, these days I'm retired, probably why they now just call me six." Six responded.
Nate was surprised by this.
"Seem pretty young to retire in the wasteland, especially as a courier."
Six gave Nate a look of contempt.
"So what do you do then?"
"I'm a soldier," Nate said bluntly.
Six looked at Nate with curiosity.
"So, are you an officer, or do you actually work for a living?"
"Actually, I'm in charge because they couldn't find another idiot to do it," Nate replied.
After another moment had passed, Six smiled and lightly punched Nate in the shoulder.
"Your fun!" Six Stated.
Celestia decided to jump into the conversation.
"What do mean when you say east and west coast, do you hail from the same land?"
"They were before the previous owners decided to blast the place back to front" Six responded as he and Nate turned to face the Princess.
Six turned back to Nate.
"Of Course, over in the NCR, they a least have the power back on."
Nate knew that acronym.
"The New Californian Republic?
"The one and only, I'm surprised you know it." Six said
"I...knew someone, he travelled out east from California" Nate responded, Six cocked his head and jumped his eyebrows.
"That's a hell of a walk, I spent a fair bit of my life on the road but never made it past the Midwest. Heard the Brotherhood tried it once, no clue how that went." Six pondered out loud.
Nate's face sterned up, as Celestia quietly listened.
"Depended on what side you were on. They're a growing power on the east coast, they arrived in Boston on a massive airship. We eventually convinced them to leave, but something tells me one day they will be back."
Six held a soft smirk.
"A brotherhood chapter not on the verge of collapse, I had a friend who would have loved to see that."
Celestia rose to her hooves.
"As interesting as it is to learn about your world, our final guest is here"
The two men turned around to see A unkempt man walking beside a Lavander alicorn.
"It would be my honour to introduce you both to my old student, and Equestria's newest Princess in waiting, Twilight Sparkle," Celestia announced to the two men in front of her.
Twilight instinctively went to bow to her mentor and leader but consciously stopped herself midway.
"Prin... Celestia, This is John, the human from the Everfree."
At seeing the three humans finally together, Celestia opened the conversation.
"I trust the companions sent to find you three told you something of why you are here?"
"I was told that if I heard you out, you would find a way for me to go back to where I came from," John stated bluntly.
Twilight, from behind John, looked at Celestia with a mix of anxiety and desperation. Celestia, having never looked away from John, stated in a calm voice.
"Yes, if you will listen to our request, we will look into the matter as soon as we can. If you would all walk down this hallway to the Element's vault chamber, we can meet with my sister to discuss the matter." Celestia used her wing to motion to another door to the side of the hall.
Slowly the three humans went to the door the Princess had gestured to. As Twilight herself made for the door, A large white wing cut her off.
"John doesn't know we brought him here, does he?"
Twilight was quickly on the defensive, with her eyes wide and ears down.
"He was furious, I didn't know what to do, he was going to leave and I didn't have time to explain. I told him we could send him home if he at least came and listened."
Celestia looked at Twilight for a long pause with a neutral face. Celestia then closed her eyes and spoke to Twilight.
"Twilight, as your friend and Teacher, I will go along with this. But I want you to consider how long this will last, No trust was ever built on lies."
With that, Celestia left to guide the humans around the maze that was this castle.