//------------------------------// // Return to Canterlot // Story: The Adventures of Jake in Equestria // by Sky Hawk //------------------------------// The months rolled by and Jake got stronger with magic. He learned spells that he never dreamed would be possible, manipulation of some pony’s age or sex. Changing the weather and making objects come to life. Now he never had to clean his house. Brooms, mops and a host of other cleaning supplies worked in concert to keep his place immaculate. Of all the spells he knew he loved that one the most. Jake understanding of magic seemed to have finally taken hold. He even knew how to use magic to make his physical body stronger, faster or even immune to disease. He was still learning the specifics of healing magic. That required a firm understanding of the equine anatomy and because of that he volunteered at the local hospital to learn more. Twilight was running out of stuff to teach him and soon he would have the last of his magical lessons finished with the royal sisters. They could teach him magic that only an alicorn could do. He had other reasons for wanting to go back to the sisters. True he loved Ponyville and the friends he had made but he missed Celestia. Her visits were not often, at his request, and they never seemed long enough when she was there. As for his flying, Rainbow Dash was the best flight instructor he could have hoped for. She taught him everything she knew. Flight had just come naturally to him given his past experience but it was more physically demanding now. While Twilight crammed his mind with knowledge, Rainbow Dash worked his body to the bone. Thanks to her style of training he was doing maneuvers in the air that he never would have attempted in his old life. Flying had always been an outlet for him. True, he does love to learn more about magic but a solid session with Twilight could leave any pony feeling mentally wiped out. The morning was gorgeous and he was enjoying the wind in his face. He was supposed to meet up with Twilight in the park later. He wasn’t sure as to why she wanted to meet up with him at the park but it didn’t really matter for at that time all he cared about was pleasant morning scenery in front of him. He saw a cloud in front of him and he went down to pick up his speed. Then when he was passing underneath of it he pulled up and looped over the top of the cloud. At the top of the loop, he rolled up right and was off in the opposite direction. Seeing another cloud below, he dived and did a 180 degree turn only to pull into a hover over the cloud and come to land gently on top of it. He looked around and took in the site of Ponyville in the early morning light. In the distance was Canterlot the capital and in another direction the Ever Free forest. Suddenly a familiar voice was heard behind him. “Getting in some early morning maneuvers I see. I’m glad to see that kind of spirit in a student.” Jake turned to see his flight instructor Rainbow Dash hovering behind him. “Yeah morning flights are the best. Everything is so peaceful and still, although I wasn’t expecting an audience this morning.” “Don’t mind me. I had the same idea as you. Hey, are you still meeting Twilight at the park later on?” “Yes, why do you ask?” “Oh no reasons, the rest of the girls are going to be there too. It’s a picnic. So what are you bringing?” Rainbow asked as she hovered around to face Jake. “I didn’t know it was a picnic. I was just told to meet her. I didn’t know what was going on. I think the picnic is for you guys and she just needs me for something. I’m sure she would have said otherwise.” “Ah come on. Of course you can come. Listen whatever book, lesson or egghead thing she’s got you doing you can still hangout. Seems like all you do is study or work. If you’re not with her you’re training with me. According to Twilight you’re getting good. Your flying isn’t too shabby either if I do say so myself. So what do ya say?” “That’s the reason why I’m here Rainbow. I came to train and learn from you guys and then I’m going back to Canterlot. That’s why Princess Celestia sent me here remember. “Yea, yea I remember and that’s cool and all but you really do need to relax. Besides, what’s the big hurry?” The blue pegasus gave Jake a curious look as she cocked her head to one side. Jake was caught off guard by the question. He looked away trying to think of something as his mind raced. “Um, because I have important business back in Canterlot.” “Really, like what?” Rainbow persisted. Realizing he didn’t have anything he tried changing the topic. He let out a sigh and looked back with a smile. “Ok, you win. I’ll come to the picnic. So what are you bringing?” “What? Other than myself I guess I will bring cider. You could bring some cupcakes if you like.” “Done, I’ll be there this afternoon with cupcakes. Well I gotta go. I’ve got some homework for Twilight that needs to get done before this afternoon, later.” With that Jake allowed himself to fall through the cloud as he opened his wings and dove for the ground. He pulled up at the roof top and soared back to his home hoping Rainbow wouldn’t follow asking more questions. It had been months and the only ponies that knew of him where the royal sisters and one chamber maid named Dusty. Even his romance to Princess Celestia was something he didn’t talk about. He felt it would bring up to many questions. How would the others feel if they really knew what he was and where he had come from? Would they be so eager to teach him? Especially Twilight, given how strongly she felt towards the princess. No, the time just didn’t seem right yet. He would have to tell them soon. He didn’t like keeping things from his friends but how do you come out and say “Hi, I’m an alien. Well not anymore since I died and was brought back to life by your ruler and oh, did I mention we’re dating?” He shook his head to clear his mind and landed at his front door. . . . . . . . That afternoon he met up with Twilight and the others at the park. It was a beautiful fall afternoon. The trees were changing color and the temperature was pleasant. The six mares had a checkered blanket laid out with all sorts of food and drink. Jake landed next to the blanket and took a box of cupcakes out of his saddle bag. “Hi everypony, I brought food.” Everyone greeted him and Twilight apologized for not remembering to invite him to the picnic. “I’m so sorry again. I’ve had a lot on my mind.” “Really it’s ok. Now what was the original reason you wanted me to meet you out here?” Jake asked as he took a bite of a cupcake. “Well as you know you’ve been working really hard and I hate to say it but there isn’t much more I can teach you. You’ve been a great student and a fast learner. However I have one last test for you.” “Oh, what is it?” “As you know the royal costume party is being held at the Castle the end of this week. Your final exam is to go to that party.” “Wait, what? How is that a final exam? I don’t understand.” Jake had confusion written all over his face. “Oh, the test is that you have to go there in a magic costume. In other words you must use illusion magic to make a costume or change your appearance in some way. Watch and I’ll show you.” Twilight rose from the blanket and stepped away from the group. She focused her magic and a purple orah encompassed her body. Then suddenly she was in her dress Rarity had made for her at the Grand Galloping Galla. A collective gasp escaped the group. “Hold on. If you could do this the whole times why even bother with me making a dress for you?” Rarity said with a hint of jealousy in her voice. “It’s not that simple. This spell though simple requires my attention. I can’t keep this up forever. Beside I love your dresses and the effort you put into making them. I much rather wear one of your outfits that do this.” Twilight said trying to reassure her friend. “Well if it’s so hard for ya to do that for a long time why are ya makin Star do it?” Applejack added. “Because he’s an alicorn. His magic is more powerful than mine. That is how it has taken him only months and not years to learn all the spells I’ve been teaching him.” “Wait, you said he can use magic to make a costume or change his appearance right? So you mean he could also look like other ponies?” Rainbow inquired looking a little stunned. “Well, yes he can. He could even look like other creatures. It’s entirely up to your thought Star. I want to be surprised and the princesses will be judging. Besides we all have tickets to go to the party as well so we can see what you’re going to be.” “He could even be a dragon? That would be so aweso..” Rainbow was silenced with Pinkie’s hoof over her mouth. “That’s not important Dash. So Twilight, let me get this straight. We are going to a costume party at the castle this week?” “I thought I just said that we were.” Twilight said. Pinkie eyes went wide and she started to shake. Finally she shot into the air like a rocket with a trail of confetti behind her cheering all the way. “I don’t know if that’s such a good idea Twilight. Remember last time we went to a Canterlot party? I just…I don’t know.” Fluttershy said in a small voice. “Don’t worry darling. You just stick with us this time. Last time we split up and it was awful but this time we stick together.” Rarity walked over and gave Fluttershy and encouraging nudge. “Ok ladies I guess it’s settled then. We’re going to a party. So, I’m not allowed to tell you what I’m going as?” Jake asked. “Nope, I think it will be fun to guess or see what you come up with Star. Remember I want to be surprised.” “Oh don’t worry.” Jake smiled at the thought. “I have an idea that will knock you right off of your horseshoes.” “Great, now remember all you have to do for this spell is focus your magic on yourself and picture what you want to be. You must maintain your focus to hold this but for you this shouldn’t be hard. If the spell breaks you will turn back into yourself.” There is a flash and Twilight is back to normal. “Ok got it. Well I better get started. If it’s all the same then I think I’ll hit the castle earlier this week unless there are any other lessons that I need.” “I got nothin. You’re flying is great.” Rainbow said. “That is all I have for you as well. So we will see you this weekend. Good luck.” The girls smiled and waved goodbye as Jake took off for home. The next day Jake arrived at Canterlot castle via the train. He could have flown or even teleported but he wanted to check out the train. It was fun seeing the country side go by from his seat. He listened to the other passengers talk amongst themselves. Some were excited about going to the capital city. Others thought interesting that royalty would be traveling by rail. Jake just smiled to himself, regardless of his title he considered himself just a regular pony. He hadn’t bothered to tell Celestia that he was coming today in hopes of surprising her. As the train pulled to the station the conductor announced, “Now arriving Canterlot!” He then walked over to Jake. “Your Highness I will have the royal guards come and escort you to the castle.” Not wanting his surprise spoiled with all the fan fair. “No thank you sir. I know where I need to go but thank you.” With a smile on his face he teleported to the castle. He appeared right on Celestia’s balcony. He knew she wouldn’t be in since it was mid morning. He had to be quick though. Word traveled fast around Canterlot and soon she would know he was back. As he walked into Celestia’s bedroom he found Dusty the chamber maid cleaning up. She was startled as Jake came walking in. “OH! I’m sorry your Highness. I didn’t know you were here.” Dusty bowed to Jake. Jake walked over to Dusty. “I just got in. How are you?” She rose, “I’m fine your highness. You do know we have doors you can use right?” “I was hoping to surprise the princess. She doesn’t know I’m here yet, any idea where she might be?” “Princess Celestia should be in the throne room hearing any disputes that need resolving. No, her favorite part of the day I can assure you.” Jake looked around the room for something to hide in. As he opened her closet he found a black hooded cloak. “This will work just fine.” “What are you doing going through my lady’s closet?” Dusty asked a little alarmed. “Relax, I did say I’m here to surprise her didn’t I? Think maybe you could help me out?” Seeming more relieved at what Jake was trying to do she said, “What do you have in mind?” “I need you to lead me down to the throne room. If I try to walk around the castle with this cloak on I might get stopped by someone. With you leading me there ponies would assume I had just gotten lost.” Dusty smiled at the thought “I can help you with that.” With that Jake threw the cloak over himself and put the hood up. Dusty stepped into the hallway to make sure the coast was clear and then signaled Jake to follow. They made their way to the throne room. Once there they discovered the last person was being seen. Dusty walked over to the guard and told them they had one more to see her Majesty. Both guards eyed the hooded figure with suspicioun but made no move towards him. They had seen odd characters before and this was just another one. Besides that the figure looked feble and weak. So the guards just assumed that it was an elder pony. The one by the door made a note in his log and said "It will be just a moment." "Thank you so much. He is an old friend of mine." "That's what where here for. Just have him wait here and we will call when it's his time." "You're all set. If you need anything just come and find me later ok?" The hooded figured just nodded, and with that Dusty went back to her chors. . . . . . . . As Celestia finished hearing what she thought was the last case she looked to the royal guard. “So that’s every pony today?” “No your Majesty there is a last minute arrival.” Outwardly she kept herself composed but inwardly she didn’t want to hear another petty argument. In fact what she really wanted to do was go see Jake in Ponyville. How much longer was it going to take for his training to be finished? She knew it was for the best for him to be there but that didn’t mean she missed him any less. She let out a mental sigh “Please show them in.” The cloaked figure walked in hunched over and moving slowly. “How may I help you this morning?” Celestia asked. The figure said nothing as it approached and stopped just before the stairs to her throne. “Are you alright? What brings you before me today?” Celestia asked again her curiosity was up. The figure bowed slowly and rose with what seemed like difficulty. “Good morning to you. I have traveled far to gaze upon the mythical beauty of Princess Celestia. But mine eyes are failing me. Would you be so kind as to come closer so that I may witness thine own beauty?” The hooded figure said in a feeble small voice. “You came here just to see me; I mean just to look at me? Of course I would be my honor.” Celestia said being touched that this was all this pony wanted. She had to admit that is was an unusual request but this beat listening to another pointless argument. She approached the figure and spread her wings. She seemed to radiate light and color. She stood before the hooded figure now. “Is this what you desire?” Jake stood to his full height and tossed the hood back. “Every day and every night.” It took a couple of seconds for it to set in that the pony before her was, “STAR!” She leaned in a kissed him. “What are you doing here? I thought you would be in Ponyville still studying?” “I’m all done save for one last exam. That is to come in costume to the party here this weekend. I’m to use illusion magic for the costume.” “That’s great, but you’re done already? I figured it would have taken you longer.” She said as she stepped back to take him all in. "What’ no faith in me? I had great teachers. This is why I was so focused on my studies so that I could get through them quickly and get back here to you." Celestia blushed hard. “Oh Star I missed you so much.” She came to his side and leaned on him. “You know I don’t know if I’m ever going to get used to hearing you call me by that name.” Jake said smiling as they leaned on one another. Celestia gave a quick look around. “Just keeping up appearances Jake.” “That’s another thing. I think it’s time to let Twilight and the others in on our little secrete. They have done well and it can’t really hurt. Plus I know they want to know more about me and I don’t like lying to them.” Jake said as he turned to look at Celestia. “I’ve always said that would be up to you. If you’re ready then we will do it.” About this time Princess Celestia’s royal assistant Kibitz came into the throne room. “Excuse me Princess but you still have a meeting with delegation from Manehatten and oh. I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were here Prince Star.” Jake turned towards Kitbitz as he walked up to them. “It’s alright. I just came by to surprise her. I’m not here to mess up her schedule.” Celestia looked disappointed. “If I knew you were coming I would have made time.” “It’s ok. Technically I didn’t even know I was coming till yesterday and a surprise sounded fun. You do what you have to do and we will meet up tonight for dinner.” “Alright but your sure you will be ok?” Jake kissed Celestia on the cheek. “I’ll be fine get going.” And with that he bid Kibitz farewell and left the throne room. . . . . . . That afternoon Jake walked to Luna’s room around the time she usually received her wake up call. The maid was standing by the door as Jake walk up. “Good afternoon Prince Distant Star, welcome back. I was just getting ready to wake Princess Luna. I know she will be thrilled your back.” The maid bowed before Jake. “Good afternoon to you as well, if you don’t mind I think I will wake the Princess.” The maid looked a little shocked. “Are you sure? She can be somewhat fussy about taking visitors before she is ready.” “I will take full responsibility don’t worry. She doesn’t know I’m back yet and this will be fun.” Jake said with a smile and a wink. “Of course your Grace. Then here is her coffee and I shall come back later.” The maid nodded to the tray sitting on a small table with a cup of coffee sitting on a saucer. “I’ll see that she gets it thank you.” The maid bowed once more and was off. Jake walked to the door and knocked gently as he opened the door slowly. There was no answer so Jake levitated the tray into the chamber and set it on a small table in the center of the room. It was just as he had remembered it from the last time. The TV and the gaming system were in one corner along with a couch. There were drapes that Jake assumed led out onto another balcony. Where Celestia’s room seemed bright since she ruled the day, Luna’s room represented the night. Her ceiling looked like the night sky. There was a large throw rug under the table with a crescent moon on it. An assortment of furniture was about the room and in corner was the bed. A large crescent moon adorned the large black blanket that covered most of Luna. Jake approached her as quietly as he could. She was dead to the world. Her usual beautiful flowing main was now the worst case of bed hair Jake had ever seen. Her mouth was huge open and a string of drool was running down the corner of her mouth. As he got to within inches from her Jake could hear the faintest of snoring coming from her. Oh God this is too good. Jake blew lightly on her. Luna scrunched her face ever so slightly. He then cleared his throat and Luna started to groan as a hoof came up to wipe the drool from her face and she smacked her lips. “Silver Shade is that you?” Luna asked in a groggy voice her eyes still closed. “Um hmm” Jake answer suppressing the biggest smile ever. I really wish I had a camera right about now. Luna yawned and stretched as she sat up in bed rubbing her eyes. “You know Silver Shade I wish I could wake up to a big handsome stallion like my sister has. How come she gets to have Prince Yummy Delicious and I…” At this point Luna finally opened her eyes to find that she is looking into the face of Jake. “Good afternoon. Who’s Prince Yummy Delicious?” Jake says with a broad smile on his face. Luna turned the brightest shade of red there is. “J Jake, how long have you been standing there?” “Long enough to know that you drool, snore and think I’m yummy and delicious.” At this point Jake knew by the look on Luna’s face that she either wanted to die, or kill him. Luna pulled the covers up over her head and proceeded to hide from Jake. “Sweet Celestia, I can’t believe you heard all that.” She peeked out from underneath the covers. “I’m so sorry, I…I please don’t tell Tia.” Jake cocked his head to one side. “Sorry? Sorry for what? Come out of there. It’s time to get up.” “Nope, I’m staying in bed. My night is destroyed and I can’t face you. Beside I don’t want you to see me like this.” “So you think I’m cute, what’s wrong with that? Why would Tia care what you think? Besides I wanted to surprise you and this is was just too good to pass up.” “Because you’re her special somepony and I don’t want her to think I’m up to something.” Jake began to laugh. “I’m sorry, this is just too funny. You're fine, we're fine. I’ve missed you too you know. Tia isn’t going to care about this, trust me. She trusts you completely and so do I. The only question I have is who came up with that nick name and how long has it been going on?” Luna slowly emerged from beneath the sheets and avoided eye contact. “The servants came up with it and it has stuck.” Jake still chuckled and leaned over and kissed Luna on her burning cheek. “It’s good to see you again.” Instantly Luna’s wings flew out rigid. “What the?!” Luna pushed Jake away. “Don’t look!” Jake looked away instantly. “What’s going on with your wings? Are you alright?” There was real concern in Jake’s voice now. “Nothing, it’s nothing. I’m fine really but I need you to leave now.” “Um ok, I’ll see ya at dinner. Oh, the coffee is on the table.” Jake said as he made for the door. “Coffee on table got it…I mean thank you.” Later before dinner Jake caught up with Celestia and told her all about the prank he pulled on Luna. Celestia laughed so hard she started to tear up. “Well, that’s good. We missed you. There are times that Luna can be so proper and hearing her getting that flustered is funny.” Celestia said as she wiped a tear from her eye. “Yeah but the whole wing thing I didn’t get. Also I think it best that we don’t mention it to her she was pretty embarrassed. I should probably apologize.” “No no she will be fine and as for her wings…that hasn’t happened to you yet?” Celestia asked. “Not that I can remember.” Jake said looking at the ceiling as he tried to recall. Celestia looked at him with her beautiful eyes in a way that made Jake feel a little uneasy. She leaned in close as to whisper in his ear in a satin voice. “Well, I’ll tell you all about it tonight when we are really alone.” Suddenly Jake’s wings shot up and rigid. Celestia laughed, “Do you understand now?” Jake blushed, “Yup, I’ve got the idea. Give me a second ok.” He closed his eyes and took a few calming breathes and his wing relaxed themselves once more. At dinner Jake told them all about why he had come back. “So that’s why I’m here. I have to use magic to go in disguise to this party.” Luna looked puzzled. “That sounds rather easy for an exam. I would have expected more from Twilight.” “Now Luna it is not for us to judge the methods of how Twilight wishes to teach. However this does seem a little easy.” Celestia said in between bites of her dinner. “Well she said she ran out of things to teach me. This is it and most of the training has been intense. So I’m glad for an easy test at the end.” Jake said looking from one sister to the other. “So what are you going as, a costume or maybe a full illusion all together?” Luna asked. “Oh, I know what I’m going as. Trust me; you’ll know when you see me. But for now it’s my little secret. I want everyone to be surprised. “I’m sure it will be great whatever you decide, but first a toast, to Jake; welcome home.” Celestia said has she levitated her glass. “Hear hear!” Cheered Luna. “Thanks girls. It’s good to be back.” Jake said raising his own glass. “Now, tell us all about your time in Ponyville. I want to hear it all.” Celestia said and with that the rest of the night Jake spend telling of his adventures in training.