September 2 1009 A.G
===•••===
It has been three weeks since Gallaxia and Nebula came back to Equestria. After guiding and protecting the galaxies in Valhalla for 1009 years.
Ever since then, every pony across the kingdom were talking about the two legendary monarchs. Reminding Celestia of what happened when Luna came back from her banishment just a year prior.
Thanks to this “galactic frenzy” everyone wanted to interview them from historians to late night TV hosts.
While this was all happening, Apollo was hard at work, helping Celestia and Luna organize the most important diplomatic conference in a decade.
===•••===
11:30 PM
Castle conference room.
Apollo was standing in the middle of the massive room by himself holding a clipboard. He’s there to make sure that every flag, chair and country’s name tags were in their right places.
“United Kingdom of Equestria, check. River federation check. Empire of Griffonia, check. Last, but not least, The Grand principality of Kemerovo. Check check and check.”
“Still burning the midnight oil?”
Apollo turned around and saw Gallaxia standing in the doorway.
“Yep, another one of those nights for me. What’s going on with you?” Apollo said.
“Nothing just walking through the castle before hitting the hay. But I’m surprise that you’re still in here.”
“I know that it is very late, but I can’t help but to check on everything one last time.”
“Hey, I know you’re nervous about this entire thing. But look on the bright side, all you have to do after tonight is shake some hands, convince a few world leaders and that’s it.” Gallaxia said. “So, relax and get some sleep.”
“*Sigh* you’re right, I’m finished with everything in here.” Apollo checked his watch.
“I might as well watch some TV until I get tired. Thanks for the talk Gallaxia, good night.”
“Good night, Apollo. Sweet dreams.”
After that, Apollo left the room.
After she couldn’t see him anymore, Gallaxia resumed her walk down the well-lit corridor eventually arriving at her destination.
The kitchen. More specifically the freezer inside of the kitchen.
“Operation midnight dessert is a go.”
===•••===
September 3 1009 A.G
12:00 PM
Castle courtyard
Celestia and Luna were standing outside of the castle main entrance, waiting for their special guests to arrive. Both alicorns were wearing warm clothing thanks to the mountain city experiencing 68° weather, thanks to the summer season slowly coming to an end.
Luckily, they didn’t have to wait too long when three royal carriages finally arrived.
When the first carriage came to a stop, two thestral stallions exited the royal transport with one of their royal guards holding the door for them.
The stallions have light gray fur coats with a light purple mane and tail and baby blue eyes. The younger stallion is in his mid-twenties. His name is Crown Prince Yuri, the heir to the throne of Kemerovo.
On Yuri’s right, is and much older stallion in his late fifties. Despite this, he looked as vibrant as a young adult ready to take on the world.
His name is King Rurik ii the mad king of Kemerovo. The reason why he has the nickname “mad king” is not because he’s some type of sadistic individual. It’s because of his eccentric personality.
The second royal to depart from their carriage was a sea pony mare in her late-20s, with a cyan fur coat with an arctic blue mane and tail.
Her name is Queen Prism. The leader of the newly reunified River Federation.
The last monarch is a gold-colored griffin with friendly blue eyes behind a pair of glasses. He is the most interesting out of the four royal guests because he is 16 years old. But don’t let his age or his friendly look fool you. He is very intelligent for a griffin his age.
His name is Emperor Grover VI. The leader of the Empire of Griffonia. The youngest monarch in the world.
“Greetings every pony and thank you for accepting our invitation.” Celestia said with a smile.
“Thanks for inviting us, princess. We wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Rurik greeted his old friend. “And you must be princess Luna, it’s very nice to make your acquaintance.”
“Likewise.” Luna said shaking the old man’s hand.
“And Yuri, congratulations on becoming an heir to your father's legacy. But I have to ask, how did your sister take the news?” Celestia ask.
“She did not take the news well. After the announcement was made, she stormed out of the parliament. She will eventually get over it. Hopefully.” Yuri responded.
“Celestia, thank you for inviting me to this conference despite the history our two countries had in the past.” Prism said.
“Don’t worry about that water under the bridge. All that matters now is the future.” Celestia said.
“Wait, where is the child emperor?” Luna said.
Right on cue the young Grover ran up the stairs towards the group. Holding a brown folder with his country’s royal seal on it.
“Sorry every Griffin, I forgot this in my carriage.”
“If you don’t mind me asking young man, but what are you carrying in that folder?” Rurik asked.
“It’s just some notes that I wrote down just in case.”
‘Grover and Twilight would have become great friends if they ever met.’ Celestia thought.
===•••===
Castle conference room.
Apollo was sitting in his seat, getting his papers ready when the group of royals entered into the room.
‘Finally, this meeting can finally begin.’ Apollo thought.
“Now, before we start, I would like to introduce Apollo. He will be the mediator of this conference.” Celestia said.
“Hey guys.” Apollo greeted.
“A mediator? Celestia, this wasn’t in the invitation.” A surprised Rurik said.
“Father, you read one sentence of the letter before excepting it. I try to point out to you but by then, you were already packing your things.”
Yuri responded.
‘Huh, Yuri wasn’t exaggerating after all.’ Apollo thought.
“Is this be a problem?” Luna asks.
“No, this is fine. Please continue.”
“As Celestia have stated before, I will be here to make sure that all of our nations will benefit from this new alliance. From economics to military matters.”
“And the first issue that I want to bring up is trade deals. Does any pony have any suggestions?” Luna said.
“I suggest that we should freely trade with each other with low tariffs and allow foreign companies to invest in our industries.” Said Yuri
“My idea is that companies should be allowed to prospect for resources in allied territory, as long as they listen to environmental laws.” Queen Prism suggested.
“And both of you are fine with each other’s proposals.” Apollo asks.
“I am fine with it” the young prince looked at his father. “Are you good with it?”
“Yes, I’m ok with your idea and prism’s. This will benefit Kemerovo greatly.” Said Rurik
“All right, that’s great now does anyone else have any ideas before we move onto the next issue?” Apollo asks.
“Oh, I have one. If a country in the alliance is about to have a really bad recession, how about we could have an emergency trust fund set up just in case if that happens.” Grover said.
“That’s a good idea, where did you come up with it?” Surprise Celestia said.
“Well, as you know, my empire is not in the best state right now. And if I want her to survive to its 1000 anniversary I might as well propose something radical to save it.”
“I know we just met, but I can tell you have guts. It looks like your nation will survive with you at the helm.” Prism said.
“Royal sisters, are you OK with these ideas?”
Apollo asks.
“They all sound good to me.” Celestia said.
“I approve.” Luna responded.
As Apollo was going through his binder to get more documents, he couldn’t help but be surprised at how calm and civilized the meeting was so far.
‘Maybe this will be an easy day after all.’ Apollo thought.
===•••===
Three hours later
Castle atrium
3:00 PM
After three hours of boring negotiations, the participants decided to take a break much to Apollo’s relief.
But before he could enjoy his free time. He first has to answer a few questions from the very curious press.
“Can you tell us what this new alliance is all about?” A unicorn reporter asks.
“Well, I can’t tell you much. All I can tell you is that this alliance is both an economic and military pact.” Apollo said.
“When will this alliance be establish?” a Pegasus journalist ask.
“The signing of the treaty should happen around 10:00 AM tomorrow. Now, if you excuse me, I have to get going.”
Before Apollo can walk a few feet, a familiar obnoxious voice yelled in an irritated tone.
“Not so fast human.”
This made Apollo stop in his tracks.
“I hope I’m hearing things.”
He turned around to see Blueblood and a few of his friends in the crowd.
‘Damn.’ Apollo thought.
“I demand to speak with Celestia.” Said Blue blood.
“No can-do man she’s currently with the special guests right now, maybe you can come back tomorrow morning.” Said Apollo.
“That cannot do. You know what, I’ll just talk to her myself. You’re useless anyway.”
He trying to climb up one of the staircases, but he was stopped by four royal guards. Two of them were from the River Federation and the other two were members of the shield maidens from Kemerovo.
“Get out of my way this instant!” Blueblood snapped.
Four royal guards said nothing.
“You’re lucky that you’re not getting escorted out.
Since you’re not allowed on the castle grounds or inside of the castle of that matter, without the princesses' permission.”
“That wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for you putting charges on me, encouraging all of these worthless fraudsters to follow suit.” Blueblood said.
“That was not me that was my brother, and honestly, you deserve all the charges. So, get out before I have to ask these four guards mares to put you under arrest.”
After a few seconds of silence, Apollo was about to continue his journey.
“Then I demand a word with Gallaxia!” The spoiled Duke yelled.
When that happened.
Wanting this situation to be over with, Apollo just ignored the duke and walked away.
===•••===
A few minutes later
Castle observation lounge.
Atlas and Gallaxia were relaxing by enjoying the view of the city, when Apollo entered the room.
“Hey Apollo, how did negotiations go?” Gallaxia ask.
“It went very well. They decided to take a little break before resuming again. And the thing that surprise me was that Artemis was right about Grover, he knows what he is doing. Despite being a teenager.” Apollo said.
“I’m not surprised, I mean look at me for example. I came down to Equestria when I was 18.” Said Gallaxia.
“Gallaxia that’s impressive but you have to remember you’re a powerful alicorn. While Grover is just a 16-year-old Griffin with no powers at all.” Atlas said.
“I know, but remember I know what it’s like to not be taken seriously, especially from generals who think they know more than you.” Gallaxia said. “But enough about the visitors. Why does it look like you want to take a nap?”
“I just had a run-in with a pony that’s not very pleasant to deal with or be in the same room with.”
“You know there’s a lot of ponies that fit that description. You need to be more specific.” Atlas said.
“Who has blonde hair, white fur, entitled, and has a compass for a Cutie Mark?” Apollo said.
“You don’t mean him, do you?” Said Atlas
“Yep, Duke Blueblood decide to show his punishable face in the castle.”
“For real?” Atlas said with a grown.
“Yep.”
“Damn.”
“Gentle Colts I hate to ask this question, but is he really that bad? Every pony’s mood always changes in a blink of an eye anytime his name is mentioned.” Gallaxia reluctantly ask.
“Yeah, he’s that bad. The reason why every pony doesn’t like him is because he is a spoiled, hateful, entitled bastard that has nothing else to do, but flaunt his wealth around. And he thinks that the world of revolves around him” Apollo said.
“Wait a minute he’s not allowed on the castle’s grounds. So how did he get inside of the castle?” Atlas asks.
“I don’t know. Maybe he snuck in with the crowd of reporters? But luckily, he decided to make a loud outburst and got the attention of the foreign guards so he’s lightly still inside of the castle.”
Atlas grabbed his walkie-talkie from the table and said, “Do you want to report him in or should I?”
“You can report him, I just don’t want to think about the guy anymore.”
===•••===
The royal dining room
3:10 PM
Why Celestia and Luna was having a nice time with their guests, Mapleleaf was standing nearby the entrance of the dining room standing still, as usual.
Unlike the rest of her colleagues who are standing guard of the castle perimeter. Mapleleaf and her cousin firefly, had the privilege to watch the six heads of state in the nice warm castle.
Radio: “Mapleleaf, come in Mapleleaf.”
She grabbed her radio from her belt and responded.
“This is Mapleleaf, who is this?”
“It’s me Atlas. Sorry to contact you right now, but I need to tell you this. Apollo told me that Blue Blood is inside the castle, and he interrupted the end of his press conference.”
‘And it’s likely he still inside since there’s no royal equestrian guards in the atrium. It looks like I have to do this myself.’ Mapleleaf thought.
“All right, I’ll deal with him. Thanks for letting me know.”
“You’re welcome. Over and out.” Atlas said as he ended the transmission.
“Mapleleaf, everything all right?” Celestia ask.
“Everything is all right prinzessin. Herr Atlas just contacted me. He said that Blue blood is inside of the Castle’s atrium.”
This made the sun princess frown.
“What are your orders?” Mapleleaf ask.
“Kick him out.”
“Yes prinzessin.”
After that Mapleleaf teleported out of the dining room.
Prism looked at Celestia with a confused look.
“Why are you kicking blueblood out?”
“Because he is banned from the castle and the senate, unless given special permission. And before you ask, he’s banned because not only is he a disgrace to Cantorlot’s high Society, but he also got convicted of a bunch of crimes on corruption, blackmail, etc.”
“Oh my.” Prism said in shock.
“I think it’s a good thing that you’re kicking him out.” Yuri said. “We don’t need him to ruin the fun.”
“If he’s banned from the castle, why is he here in the first place?” Rurik asked.
“I think he’s wants to convince me not to allow Griffonia into this new alliance. And doesn’t want Yuri in Cantorlot.” Celestia said.
“Of course, he dislikes me. I remember I was getting more attention than him back during the grand galloping gala.” Yuri said.
“Oh yeah, I remember that. It pretty hilarious to see look at his face when he saw his ‘inferior rival’ was getting the spotlight.” Luna chuckled.
“Huh, this Blue blood reminds me of this one griffin that used to be the diplomat for the empire.”
“Is that the same one that cursed out Celestia?”
Luna asks.
“Yep.” Grover answered. “When father heard what he has done, he fired him on the spot.”
“Thank goodness he did that.” Said Luna.
“Yeah, thank goodness indeed.”
===•••===
Back in the castle observation lounge.
3:20PM
“So, what are we doing tonight?” Atlas asks his two siblings. While playing Angry Birds.
“Man, I don’t know. I was thinking after dinner we can hang out with Yuri or something.” Apollo responded.
“It’s been like what three months since we see him. So how about we do that?” Artemis said.
“If we do that, we have to deal with the shield maidens. That got me wondering, why did they had to bring an elite military unit?” Atlas said.
“Oh, right I forgot to tell you guys. It’s because of Yuri’s older brother, Boris. He’s a bit wary of discord coming out of nowhere and attacking the city so he decided to send the shield maidens here instead of the king's guard.” Artemis said.
“Oh, I forgot about that draconquus.” Apollo said.
“If I was in his shoes, I would’ve done the same thing. But look on the bright side, just like the royal guards, soldiers sometimes use some sort of invisibility spell anytime they’re on a secret mission. So, we could still have fun with him.” Said Atlas.
“I hope you’re right. Because it’ll be pretty awkward to have two muscular looking batponies staring us down. They look as intimidating as the Galactic Marines in my opinion” Apollo stated.
“You can say that again.” Artemis said.
(Random Fun fact: the Galactic Marines is most elite infantry branch of the Equestrian armed forces. And the oldest military branch.)
“Should we include our Royal guard buddies?” Artemis ask.
“Let’s see the only ones that are on patrol tonight is Lydia, Lily, Mapleleaf, and Firefly. So that leaves Connor and Otto.” Apollo said.
“How about we include Ruby In this little get together? It’s been a while since we hung out.” Artemis suggested.
“Why not, we can ask her if she wants to come along.” Apollo said.
“This is going to be one interesting night.”
Atlas said.
“You could say that again.” Artemis said.
“Sorry to change the subject, but when are you going back to the conference room?” Atlas ask Apollo.
“I think I got a few-“
He was immediately cut off when his alarm(which sounded like a clock tower on Christmas morning) went off.
“Minutes.” he said, with a frown. “Well, it’s time for me to get this treaty finish and send it to the royal ambassador.”
“I can do it for you if you want.” Artemis offered.
“Thanks for the offer, I got it. Besides, the payoff is more than worth it anyway. See ya suckers.”
After that, he walked out of the lounge.
“So now what?” Artemis asks.
“Do you want to play Mario kart or call of duty?”
Atlas said.
“Call of duty.”
===•••===
A few hours later.
8:30 PM
After the conference was over and Apollo sent the treaty to the ambassador. The triplets, their friends and prince Yuri all went to the newest bar in the city.
A gaming bar named Game night.
Right now the group of seven are playing a game similar to monopoly.
“Oh, would you look at that. You landed on my property, and you owe me 100 bits.” Ruby said to Connor.
“Dammit” The gray Pegasus said.
“Mine turn.” Otto said as he picked up the dice and rolled it. After his piece landed on the? Square, he picked up a card.
“It looks like the banker have to give me 100 bits. Again” he said. “I am on a roll tonight.”
“At least you didn’t end up in the dungeon twice.” Apollo said, while eating another slice of pizza.
“Oh stop being such a sore loser Apollo.” Ruby said.
“That’s easy for you to say, you are the richest pony in the game.” Apollo responded.
While this was all happening, Yuri lost 150 bits.
“Sorry buddy, you have a pay up now.” Said Artemis.
“At least I didn’t lose any property.” Said the prince.
Now, it was Atlas’ turn. And everything was at stake. If he rolls the dice wrong, he will end up in the dungeon like Apollo. If he rolls just right, he can get the luxury resort in las Pegasus.
‘Please be an eight. Please be an eighth. Please be an eight.’ He thought.
Hoping that luck was on his side, at least through the dice onto the table.
And luck was on his side because one of the dice landed on six, while the other one landed on two.
“YES, Yeeeeesssss! I finally got something.” Atlas cheered.
“Fuck tartarus! I was this close to kicking you out of the game.” Otto said.
“Come on, I wanted that resort.” Ruby said in disappointment.
“All right Artemis, give me my resort.”
After Artemis handed his brother the card, Apollo just stood up and said.
“Who want some more pizza?”
“Me.” Everyone at the table said.
===•••===
9:30 PM
After a few more games later, the group of seven friends decided to leave the establishment.
“So what should we do next?” Apollo ask the group.
“How about we just call it a night?” Yuri asked.
“Oh come on, just one more activity, then will call it a night.” Said Ruby.
“*Sigh* all right what should we do next?”
Ask the prince.
“I downloaded a few episodes the super colt series on my tv. Maybe we could watch that tonight.” Otto suggested.
Everyone just looked at the Pegasus with wide eyes.
“You have the super colt series! I thought it wasn’t supposed to come out for another week.” Connor said in shock.
“My TV provider was able to break a deal with the studio. The moment I found out, I downloaded all the episodes that were available.”
“Do you have popcorn, soda and chips,?” Atlas ask.
“Yep.” Otto answered.
“Well, it looks like this is going to be one long night.” Artemis said to himself as he followed his friends back to the castle.
===•••===
September 4 1009 A.G
10:00 AM
The castle conference room was filled to the brim with journalist and reporters, taking pictures of the royal sisters and the other heads of state signing the treaty in front of them.
After they put their pencils down, Luna picked up her microphone and said.
“It’s official, the Harmony Entente is born.”
After that 20 seconds of clapping, the news reporters started asking them questions.
While this was all happening, Apollo was standing on the sidelines, watching his weeks of work paying off.
“I told you there was nothing to worry about. You should be proud of yourself.”
Apollo looked, was right to see Gallaxia standing on his right. Before there was no one standing right next to him at all.
‘I swear this woman has to be a ninja or something.’ He thought.
“I was just doing my job, that’s all.”
The former empress patted his back with her left wing and spoke. “You don’t have to be so humble Apollo. If it wasn’t for you, this wouldn’t be happening. If some pony told my younger self, that Equestria and Griffonia we’re in an alliance with each other in the future, I would’ve thought of them as crazy. You should get as much credit as my two daughters right now. And it looks like you’re about to get it.”
“What do you mean by that?” Apollo asked in confusion.
“Hey Apollo, what are you doing over there? Come and get your photo taken.” Rurik said.
“Are you sure?”
“Of course you’re a part of this as well.” Rurik answer.
With a big smile on his face, Apollo join the monarchs for a big group photo.
He would frame that photo in his office an hour later.