//------------------------------// // Chapter 25: Time To Go // Story: I Dreamt of Her // by ben717 //------------------------------// "Ugghhh” I groaned as my eyes fluttered open. It was slow at first, I was not a morning person in the slightest. My eyes would open, then quickly shut, open again, a little longer this time. Rinse, lather, repeat. “Hmm..?” I heard from next to me, and there was a slight rustle of sheets. I felt a strange shift of weight on the right side of my body. I open my eyes completely and look around the room. The room was dark, but my eyes had been closed so there wasn't much adjusting needed. I couldn't tell what time it was, but I could definitely tell I was most definitely not back in the study. The thoughts were still groggy in my mind as my brain tried to boot up. Using my free hand I rubbed my face. Thats when I heard another rustle of sheets and I felt something moving next to me. I looked down to my side and viewed probably the most adorable thing in the world. There, laying next to me was Princess Luna. My heart stopped for a moment as the situation registered. I had slept with the Princess. Not like… slept slept. Just… Slept. In the most basic meaning of the word. Her head lay just on my chest, her mane was unkept and a little frizzy. The perfect bed-head. Mine probably looked no better. I always have to fix my hair each morning. Her mouth hung open and she was snoring somewhat loudly. Her wings were sprawled out, one ran down her body, the other spread out across the bed that was opposite me. It was the cutest thing in the world. Her hair was not nearly arranged. It was plain, blue, and unkept. She was using no beauty products, nothing, completely natural. This was the most beautiful I had ever seen her. Her walls were completely down, expression relaxed and calm. I could do nothing but smile. “Mhm… ‘Back at the study’. My flank” I whisper to myself. Ok… How am I gonna go about this? I ask myself as I try to decipher exactly how I’m going to get out of this bed without disturbing the sleeping beast, I mean beauty. I begin to inch to the left in an attempt to free my right arm from under the Princess. As I almost get out, the Princess decided to DO A BARREL ROLL! The Princess rolls to her other side but in the process, she is now completely sprawled out on top of me. Her face is resting on the pillow, literally face first in the fluff, just over my left shoulder. The front half of her body is over my chest. The lower half is belly to the bed, hanging off to my right. Her right fore hoof is laid against my left abdomen, her left fore hoof is resting across my right arm now. And now I’m trapped. Her mane is covering my face. I sit there for a few minutes because where else am I gonna go? As she shifts and moves ever so slightly in her sleep. Her mane tickles my face and my nose starts to twitch. Uh oh… Oh no. I feel the sneeze building. No no no no no. “Ah.. Ah… ACHOO!” I sneeze and Luna’s mane flies from my face. “What? Who's there?!” Says Luna as she snaps awake in an instant. Seeming to not notice me underneath her. She looks around frantically to find the intruder. I clear my throat. “Ahem… Down here.” I say raising my hand. I smile as she flicks her mane to one side and she looks down at me. She blinks a few times and then lets out a smile of her own. “What are you doing down there?” She whispers in a teasing voice. “I was hoping you could tell me. I thought I was back at the study?” I ask with a smile. Luna’s cheeks go a little red, “We thought that you needed a place to sleep, it was simply the proper course of action. It was right there and unoccupied… At the time.” “At the time.” I shake my head and mimic her. I laugh in disbelief, “And also… Where’s my shirt?!” “Oh! It looked like it would be uncomfortable to sleep in, so we removed the garb. It was only so you might be comfortable.” “Mhm…” I roll my eyes, “Is that the story?” “Yes.” She smiles. “What time is it?” I ask, sitting up from the bed. “Probably around midday.” She says with a yawn. “I should probably be going.” I say, “Twilights probably… probably… Oh boy.” “What?” Asks Luna “Well… I didn't exactly get back to the study last night. I wonder what she’s gonna think.” “The purple one isn't always good at perceiving situations. Perhaps she didn't even notice you were gone?” “Maybe. Hopefully. As far as I know she’s oblivious to everything. Oh man…” I state “What?” “Didn’t Princess Cadence babysit for Twilights parents?” I ask “We believe so.” She says “What would happen with the royal couple… after… Twilight went to bed? You know what? Nevermind.” I stand up from the bed and begin walking around to get my legs re-awakened. I move to the window and open the curtains. Sunlight floods the room and I have to cover my eyes from its blinding light. Luna does the same. “My goodness, this is like your three A.M. isn't it?” I ask She lets out a loud yawn, “Yes. That would be correct.” I close the blinds and the room returns to the darkened state. Luna flares her horn and my shirt comes floating over to me. I pick it up out of the air and place it back on my body. As I buttoned it up I couldn't help but thank the Lord that she left my pants on. Good thing I liked her or that would have been really weird. Well I mean, Princess gets what she wants I guess. I looked back over to the Princess to see that she was no longer in the bed. She trotted over to me. She stood in front of me. With both of us standing straight up, her chin was just a little lower than my shoulders. We looked at each other for a moment. In a swift motion she kissed my cheek. I stood and stared. My heart had skipped a beat. She smiled and gestured towards the door. I had work to do. It was almost time to go. To leave Canterlot. I wasn’t sad. I wasn’t upset to leave Luna. Not because I didn't care about her. But because I believed that we would be ok. It would be alright. I turned to leave, but before I did so, I kissed her cheek. “Get to bed Princess.” I teased. She smiled and returned to the center of the room where the bed was. I turned towards the door and made my way out of the royal chamber. I stepped out into the hall and saw the guards standing there. I take one step. Then I stop when I hear a stifled male giggle. I look at the guards and they are stock still. As they should be. I turn and look ‘em dead in the face. With a bad pokerface I say, “Hammer Head? Got something to say?” With a pokerface much better than mine he continues to look straight forward. Not saying a word. I turn towards Jack Knife. “What’s the scoop, Jack?” I ask. He has a pokerface as well. They do not move, or so much as look at me. Without an answer I turn back towards the hall. With a *whap* I am slapped upside the head by a random wing. I turn towards Jack Knife who continues to have a pokerface. “What was that fo-?” *whap* “Ow! Hammer Head!” *whap* “Ow! Ja-!” *whap* *whap* *whap* “Ow! Stop! Why!? Ow! Boys! Ow! Quit it! Quit it!” They burst out into laughter as the wing slapping subsides. “Any reason you boys just started slapping me?” I ask “Oh well, you know, word gets around. According to the report you were seen entering said room last night. And it appears that only now you come out. Several, several hours later. Call us crazy but that rings some bells kid.” Jack Knife smiles. “What? Do you guards just sit here and discuss these things back in the barracks? Like keep track of me?” “After Hot Shot told us about that little episode in the garden, can’t be too careful. Gotta keep track of every threat to Royalty.” He admits. “So… Are you telling me… that the Princess’ love life is in the job description?” I ask “Well not her love life specifically. But we must monitor all potential threats, especially since the Changeling incident. They managed to replace one of the Princesses right from under our noses. Now I can clearly tell you aren’t a Changeling. All of us can. But it’s just part of the job description.” “Oh… Great…” I say, “And before you two get any funny ideas! Nothing happened last night!” “Mhm… Thats what they all say.” Tease the soldiers. I roll my eyes. “We’re just messing with you. Get to wherever you need to go. Before I have to remove you from the premises, Two Legs.” They joke. I continue on my way through the castle. Trying to remember my way back from the route that I vaguely remembered. It’s ok, I mean it was just one building. I wouldn't get that lost. Then again, this place held secrets. Secrets that even Celestia didn’t always know and some that she overlooked. Take this this Transylmanian mountain range for example. I walked down the hallway. I must have been really tired because it was nearly mid day. For whatever reason I seem to have misplaced my watch. It was probably gonna run out of batteries sooner or later, and I could always get a new watch. Of course it wouldn't be a wrist watch, because ponies don’t have wrists, but I wouldn’t mind a classy little pocket watch. I would have to let go of the last human numbers. Not really a big thing, but it does bother me. Where did that thing go? —————————— Luna giggled as she tried to fit the human’s time-telling trinket around her forehoof. It would hardly fit, but in her slap-happy, sleep deprived stupor she didn't care. She giggled and giggled as she toyed with it. “Wait a moment.” She said to herself, “I think I was supposed to give this back.” She paused for a moment. “Oh well!” She said sarcastically as she rolled over to return to sleep. —————————— I made my way through the long corridors. The laden tapestry hanging on the walls fluttered almost like magic. The bright sun shone through the large open windows. There was no need to close them on this beautiful spring day. Even inside this large fortress I could tell that Canterlot looked beautiful today. Then again it always did. Unfortunately, today was my last day. Yes, today was the last one. I would soon be headed home to Ponyville. The little town in the southern hills. Not a very large town, but beautiful just the same. There I would find Lyra, Bon-Bon, his bosses Mr. and Mrs. Cake, the rest of the CMC, and the others whom I loved. But then I would leave the friends I had just made here. The Captain, Hot Shot, Scarlett, and Princess Celestia and Luna. Who were these ponies that had taken me in? Who am I to be so blessed by friendship? I can’t say that if any of them had been thrown into my world, that they would be treated the same. I couldn’t imagine Sweetie Belle lost on Earth. She would probably never make it on her own. As these thoughts crossed my mind I found myself back at the study door where I was probably going to get an earful from Twilight, providing she was even there. Maybe she wasn’t! Maybe she already left. Maybe she had some royal duties to take care of. With this I took a deep breath and took a step into the study. The moment I entered my eyes met with the eyes of a unicorn that didn't look very happy. The white coated unicorn looked at me with death in her eyes. “Or maybe Momma Rarity is sitting there waiting for me to get back so she can skin me alive.” I say to myself. She looks like the devil himself had incarnated himself into her body as she strode up to me. I had to back away slightly as these ponies, as short as they were, could look mean when they wanted to. “And just where do you think you were last night?” She says up on the tips of her hooves to get in my face. “I was with the Princess last night.” I say plainly, sweat dripping down my brow. Not wanting to mention where I ended up by the morning. Rarity stood up and looked me straight in the eye, scrunching her nose to further interrogate me, “And why didn’t you come back to the study last night?” She hammers into my skull. “Because I told her the story of the time I ran into Poison Joke and then I got tired!” I stated, the tone in my voice protesting this interrogation. “And?” She asks. “And what?” I resist. “Aaaaand?” She questions, her patience wearing down thin. “Alright? You want the truth? You want the whole truth?” I ask, I revolt as I begin to feel backed into a corner. “Yes!” She shouts. “We banged ok? There! Is that what you wanted to hear?” I shout back. “You.. Y-You…” She stammers at a loss for words, “You didn’t!” “You’re right! We didn’t!” I continue on my rant, “My goodness Mother you are being ridiculous! Now I did end up in the same bed as her but you are not letting me explain the situation!” Rarity takes a deep breath and shrinks down to her regular height then proceeds to trot back over to the other side of the room, feeling defeated. I follow her over and pick her head up by the chin. There are tears forming in her eyes. “Hey.” I say, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to raise my voice.” “I just want to protect you, Darling. But then you go running around, fighting bad guys, and falling in love and I worry!” She admits. “Welcome to parenting, sister.” I wrap my arm around her body, “Don’t think you’re doing a bad job. That’s the reaction every good parent should have. I’m just here to tell you that this time, the child was well-behaved. Here’s the entire story of what happened. You see I got to the throne room, she led me down some halls and we ended up in her room.” Rarity began to open her mouth to interject a parental protest. “Let me finish before you say anything please. I promise you I kept control. Anyway, she showed me some of the things in the royal chambers. There was this lovely painting of a Thunderbird. Then she led me out to the balcony where we watched the stars. Now here’s the part you aren’t gonna like. We may or may not have made lip to lip contact, it’s questionable that she may have wanted more but I said ‘No’ and we talked it over. Then I told her about the time I ran into poison joke. By the time I was done telling the story I was absolutely exhausted. I crashed right then and there on the balcony. We had a dream adventure where I showed her what I remembered about Earth and then I woke up about 40 minutes ago in a bed with said Princess, but I swear to you thats all that happened in that bed. Sleep. That’s the truth and the whole truth.” I finish. Rarity takes a deep breath and lays her head down on the desk she was sitting at. I place my head down and rub forehead to her shoulder. “I’ve only had you for such a short time and soon I won’t be able to control you anymore.” She says. “Well I wouldn’t be a good son if I didn’t listen to mother. Even if I’m no longer a child.” I say back. “You’re certain that’s all that happened last night? You aren’t hiding anything?” She asks. I pick my head up and look her in the eyes, “Yes, that is all that happened last night.” She lets out another sigh, “You must be more careful next time, baby trots Ben, baby trots. This is a Princess of Equestria we are talking about, you can’t afford to mess this up.” “I promise, baby trots from now on.” I say taking one hoof in hand and raising the other. “Pinkie Promise?” She asks. “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” I promise. “Okay.” Replies Rarity. “Okay?” I ask “Okay.” She replies. “Okay.” I say. “Now go get packed up. You don’t want to leave a mess for the servant ponies to have to clean up. We leave tonight for Ponyville.” She says. I look down at the floor. “I know.” I say solemnly. “What’s wrong?” Asks Rarity. “Well. I have made so many friends here. It’s going to be hard to say goodbye.” I admit. “We all have those moments, but you can always write. Always visit whenever you get the chance. Train tickets aren’t too terribly expensive. And I imagine your new mare friend would be willing to chip in if you ever needed money.” I laugh at that statement a bit. She was my mare friend wasn't she? There was something happening there whether I liked it or not, so I’d better start liking it. I’ve already kissed her so I guess that means I’m all in. I had all or nothing and I chose all. My humanity will have to take a seat for the sake of love. That sounds like something a zoophile would say, but we all know ponies aren’t animals. Some are more human than humans are. So this will be the foundation I build my love on. “No. If I don’t have the money I will choose to not go. I do not want her for the financial perks. I am not ambitious. At least not on that front. That’s not what I’m about. Until the day I’m not longer a peasant. That is what I will be.” I say, “I will earn my living, not ask for it.” “Very well.” Says Rarity, “Well… You had better get your things packed. We will be leaving before too long. And at some point Celestia will call us all down to speak to us one last time before we go.” “Alrighty then.” I say, moving towards my corner of the study to collect my things. Rarity leaves the room to leave me to my own devices. I reminisce a little as the memories of the trip run through my head. A lot had happened in such a short time. It was strange actually. I was really ready to be home though. A lot had happened, like really. I don’t think I’ve had a busier month in my life. I beat a battalion of guards with a ballpoint pen. Then went to work out with the same soldiers. Like a boss. I had stopped the mass manufacturing of guns, primitive guns, but guns. I had stopped a vampire themed government takeover, been told the truth of ponies knowledge of humans, stolen a highly magical amulet. I had dined with the Princess of the Night, courted the Princess of the Night, nearly did sinful things with the Princess of the Night. All in all, I think it was a pretty successful trip. Many friends were made. On top of that, I had ALL of Twilights studies, plus the first day I showed up and got in a fight. Yup. Quite the month. I moved to the bed, went ahead and made it so that the servant ponies didn’t have to. I fluffed the pillow that had housed my human head for so long. It was like my friend almost. It’s gonna be a shame to see it go. But who doesn’t miss their pillow? Next was to get my bag out from under the bed and refill it with my clothing. A tettious task once again, but it must be done. So I then went over to the dressers and cabinets to collect my things. One by one I emptied the drawers. Socks, pants, shorts, shirts, under garments, hair brush? Twilight?! WHY IS YOUR BRUSH IN MY UNDERWEAR DRAWER?! AH. With that bit of internal confusion and screaming I unfold and refold things until they fit tidily into the duffel bag that had accompanied me all the way from Earth. After the bag was filled I close it up and grab my book bag. Twilight calls it a purse but ITS A SATCHEL. Anyway, I move to the study bookshelf and put my books into the satchel. However, before leaving there I move down a few rows in the bookshelf in order to “borrow” a very special book that I had been keeping my eye on. I grip its dusty grey spine and pull it off the shelf. The title reads, “Theoretical Magic: Amulets and Charms”. It sounds right up my alley. “You and I are going to have some very special adventures.” I whisper to the dusty old book. For it contained knowledge that was going to lead me places I never thought I would go. Looking around the room I swipe the book and throw that into my book bag. I am going to flat out steal this book. Thug life. Get used to it ponies. I mean who’s gonna miss this book that looks like it hadn’t been opened for a good century or two? I am at least seventy-three percent sure they don’t keep inventory in here. This isn’t a hotel. I could probably steal one of these paintings and I’d get away with it. Then out of the corner of my eye I notice a twinkling. I glance to my right and on top of the shelf is something I nearly forgot about. There sat a little glass vial. Inside of that vial, sat a tiny miniature star. It was still burning and still shining. Luna’s star, how about that? I pick it up and pop open the tiny glass container and let the star roll into my palm. It was still warm, ever shining and beautiful. It reminded me of her. Carefully picking it up with my thumb and index finger I place it back into the vail. I pop the cap back onto the vial and slip it into my pocket along side my trusty ballpoint pen. I gather all of my things together and place them onto the newly made bed. Finally I lay down on my stomach and pull the shield that I pulled from the abandoned crypt out from under the bed. I pull it up and take a good look at it. It was old, crude, and a little rusty. My claws hadn't served as very good engravers. The intended “Captain America” star looked all lopsided and very daft. I had done it in a hurry for my sake. But even with these, I had plans for this shield. I was going to take it home and grind it down so that the paint and incantations were gone. I would start over, I would make a real shield. It would be glorious and amazing. Why? Because I can. A personal project some would call. I am determined to be the Marvel man. I take the shield and pull it across my back. I grab my things and place them next to the door for the ponies to take down to the station when we leave. Though I would be carrying the heaviest thing myself. I kind of like it on my back, making sure I didn’t get zapped from the back from one of Twilights rogue spells. Speaking of Twilight, I raise my hand to open the door when it flies open to smack me in the face. In a burst of agony I drop to the floor and hold my nose which I am at least thirty-two percent sure is broken, even though I am completely fine. “Ow!” I cry as I attempt to get up. “Oh I’m so sorry! I didn’t see you there!” Says Twilight. Still holding my nose I say with a smile, “Oh it’s ok, I just didn’t expect to get hit in the face again on this trip.” “Well I came up here to tell you that it’s about that time.” She says in a hurry. “That time?” I ask “Celestia wishes to bid us farewell.” Says Twilight, “Get dressed and look nice!” “Already?” I say moving back towards the bag I had just packed. “Yup! Now I’ve got to go ahead and get down there! Wouldn’t want to be late!” She says as she rushes out the door again. “Well that was pretty random.” I say as I take a deep breath, “Guess it’s time to go.” I place a hand on my big purple duffle bag when I stop. Out of the corner of my eye I spy something that doesn’t seem right. I glance to the bed and see something I can’t explain nor believe. Laying on the bed is a strange outfit that is of some style I had never seen before. Its colors were black, green, and gold. It had an almost modern vibe to it, although it clearly wasn't modern human clothing. It was like a strange cross between modern and medieval stylings. The piece consisted of four main parts. The under layer was a bit of a white, long sleeve shirt that fit tight to my skin, followed by a black leather chest piece that fit perfectly. It was already perfectly measured and made of thick, hardened leather. That bit ran down almost to my hips and covered most of my back as well. The strips of leather also had golden accents that highlighted the curves and contour of the piece. The second bit of the outfit was the pants. Everyone loves pants. They were black. They were black and a tad green. They contained many different pockets and pouches. It was like it was built for combat. The pouches were all small but various. Like each pocket had a purpose. I took the vial with the star inside out of my other pants and opened a pocket that looked like it fit. It slipped in, almost like magic. They hung just a little loosely because everypony should know I hate skinny jeans. Thankfully I had a belt. But seriously how do men even wear those things seriously? Probably the most interesting part of the piece was the jacket. It wasn’t thick and for some strange reason it left the chest exposed. It wasn’t a measurement mistake. The jacket covered my arms and part of my torso but it left most of it open. This allowed the chest piece to be plainly visible as I stood about. As I reviewed the outfit in the mirror I became even more confused. This jacket is what contained the colors green, gold, and black respectively. The jacket too had a few crannies to slip things in. Yet I still didn’t understand where it had come from. Had Rarity created this? Even if she did, it was nothing like she usually makes. Her clothing is usually colorful and extravagant. This is something else entirely. My only hint as to its origin, was found on the inside jacket pocket. There was a note that read, “A thank you for all the fun! - D.” Do I know a D.? Fun? The most disturbing part, is that inside the jacket lapel there was a small dagger. Carved on the hilt it read, “Time’s will be rough.” ——— We sat in the Great Hall where there was a single large table set in the center of the room. The ponies gathered around for one final meal before we set off. There were Pegasi dusting off the tapestry high above the ceiling, just doing their regular jobs. For most ponies it was was a normal day, but for this pony, it was a stepping off point. It was another step in the pony themed journey that was now my life. I hummed a little tune in my head as the ponies regrouped. One by one everyone showed up. Celestia, Twilight, and Luna were the first there. I was the first one to enter. The ponies eyed me as I entered wearing a strange outfit nopony had seen before. “Ben, pardon me but what are you wearing?” Asks Twilight “I was hoping you could tell me.” I said. We were followed by Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy, who were followed by the Royal couple. Those two, Shining and Cadence, they are so cute it makes me want to throw up. I know they love each other but it’s almost like they are never apart. Of course they are, I just like making fun of them in my head, but Cadence turns Shining from a vicious attack dog to a love puppy. This power to turn a ferocious soldier boy into your own personal play thing I will never understand. They were then followed by Rarity who had done some last minute shopping naturally. My step-pony-mother is probably the girliest mare I had ever met. But I love her and that is ok, I wouldn't have her change for the world. She comes and sits next to me with a bewildered look on her face. “Where in Equestria did you get that outfit?” She asks “What do you mean? This isn’t yours?” I ask “No, I would never make something so… so…” “Interesting?” “Those aren’t the words I was looking for, darling.” “Odd… I mean they just showed up on my bed. I have no clue how they got here, but I mean I would say they were somepony else’s, but how many ponies do you know that walk around on two legs and have arms?” I say “Not many.” Replies Rarity A few minutes later Applejack and Rainbow Dash came in together. Their manes were a little roughed up and sweat was dripping from their brows, I wonder what they had been doing beforehoof? The main doors to the room were pulled to a creaking shut as my two favorite soldiers came trotting in. The Captain and Hot Shot trotted up to the table and set their helmets on the table and took their seats. Hot Shot whispered something to Captain Sunfire with a mischievous smile on his face. She forced back a smile then socked him in the jaw for almost making her laugh. Finally, a tiny bat came fluttering out of a segment of tapestry, startling a Pegasi servant as she brushed dust off of the hanging banners. Scarlett appeared next to me in a puff of smoke. Celestia cleared her throat to speak but then Luna raised a wing in front of Celestia’s mouth. “I would like to speak please.” Luna asks very politely. “Very well.” States the Sun with a smile. “Ahem…” Luna clears her throat, “As you all know, this has been probably the most eventful Spring Summits that had happened since as long as I can remember. We ended up calling all of you ponies together to help discourage any other breaches in security. However, with all of this, we had managed to pull together and hold our own. We had even managed to make a few friends in the process.” She said gesturing to my Vampony friend. “I personally would like to thank our new friends for joining us and I hope you all have a safe trip home. Now with that said, shall we eat?” Asks Luna “Oh yes please.” Said Twilight The Chef Pony shuffled out many trays of food. “Yes please, I’m starvin’ ” Said Applejack. “Yo Chef pony! Can we get some grub over here?” Shouts Rainbow Dash very loudly. I smile as the ponies all eat their food. I’m not even hungry. I just sit and appreciate the company that I have and the friends that are here for me. I haven’t given them much of anything in return or their hospitality. They were always with me no matter the cost. Maybe I could learn a few things. These ponies are true friends. After all Friendship is Magic isn't it? Soon however, the feast was over. Everyponies stomachs were full and Rainbow Dash was sprawled across the table. “Tooooo much foooooood…” Muttered Dash as she groaned. I laugh at her misery as she tries to roll her way off the table. Oh Rainbow, she tries so hard. Wiping food crumbs from her mouth like a lady Celestia stands once again. “I declare this Spring Royal Summit, adjourned!” “Alright.” I clap, “Not bad for one month in Canterlot.” ——— As we board the train to head back to I am stopped just outside of the station by three ponies. Hot Shot, the Captain, and Scarlett all wait for me to say their final goodbyes. As I approach them Scarlett is the first to act. She grabs me in a huge, super strength bear hug, careful not to break my ribs but enough for me to feel it. “GGRRAAAA.. ERRR THANK YOU!” I shout between squeezes. She releases me and looks at me with this crazy smile, “Thanks for beating me to a pulp!” I laugh, “Oh anytime! Anytime!” She then places a hoof on my shoulder. “Seriously… Thank you for giving me a chance.” Without another word she trots away, as smooth as silk. The next to speak is Hot Shot. “Well..” He says “Well.” I reply “It’s been good.” He says. “Yup.” I say “Yup.” “Mhmm” “Sure was” “Totes” “Oh would you two just hug or something?” States the Captain “Okay, come here you flank hole!” I shout as I grab the Corporal in bro hug. “Hey Hey Hey! Watch the armor! Watch the armor!” He protests “Nah screw you bud!” I tear his helmet off and give him a good ol’ noogie. “Hey! Cut that out! I will end you!” He begins jabbing me in the gut with his fore hooves. I release him and he stands on his hind legs with his hooves up ready to box. “Yeah!” I shout as I fake some jabs at him. He swipes at me. “Yeah Yeah! Gimme the ol’ one two! MFM!” I cry as he clocks me in the jaw. “Oh sorry,” He apologizes, “You alright?” “Yeah I’m fine, just got a metal boot to the jaw, no big deal.” I joke, he didn’t hit me that hard, we were just messing. But a metal boot to the face still stings a bit. “Cya around, Two Legs.” Says Hot Shot as he trots away. Finally the Captain trots up to me and gives me her word. “I’d like to thank you once again for cleaning up the mess that our guard failed to prevent.” “It wasn’t anything. Just doing my civil duty I guess.” I say “It was a bit more than that soldier. I’m here to tell you that the offer to join us still stands, if you choose to. Naturally we would have to wait until you were of age. But that will be soon won’t it?” “In a few months.” I state “Yes. Once again thank you. Have a safe trip home, and keep in touch.” I make a salute with my hand, “Yes Ma’am” She frowns, “Don’t do that. You aren’t a guard yet.” I quickly put my hand down, “Yes ma’am.” “Farewell, and safe travels.” The Captain trots away leaving me on the train platform. To my right I see the ponies loading up on the train. Celestia is conversing with Twilight as Luna stands by. I walk over to the Princess of the Night for one final goodbye. “Well.” I start Luna smiles, “Well.” “I suppose this is goodbye.” I say “I suppose it is.” She replies. I look down at her hooves. Her shoes sparkled in the sunlight. “It’s been fun. I really loved Canterlot.” I tell her. “It is a beautiful city. It’s as new to me as it is to you. I have only lived here a few years. Let me tell you it is much better than the last place I lived!” She jokes I laugh, “Well I can imagine. So I can assume that you will visit me?” I ask, gesturing to my forehead. “Oh maybe, if you're lucky.” She says with a smile. Just then the train whistle blows, signaling that the train was about to leave the station. “ALL ABOARD!” Shouts the conductor. “Well this is it.” She says. Using magic she floats me a small pouch. “What’s in this?” I ask “Magic wax seals.” She says. “What now?” “So you can write me. To tell me of adventures and other things. I hear there's a little purple dragon who will be perfectly happy to send your letters my way.” She winks. I smile. After a moment of awkward silence I hear the air brakes unlatch. “Goodbye.” I say “Goodbye.” Says the Princess. With that, quick as lightning she steals a kiss on my cheek and flies away. I watch her go as I see a bone-chilling shadow loom over me. I look up and receive a grim reminder that man once lived in fear of Celestia. “Woah!” I say as I jerk my head away from the stern faced Princess. Her eternal gaze is ice cold. I find myself trying vainly to match her height but I keep backing down a bit. Celestia is one scary *buy some apples*. I swear Applebloom has stowed away on this train somewhere. I hear the train start moving. “BEN SHORT GET ON THIS TRAIN!” Shouts Rarity from the window. I turn to board the train when I am yanked back by my collar. I hear these words enter my ear canal and I promise you I will never forget them as long as I live. “If you hurt her… I will end you. Understand?” Whispers the Princess of the Sun.