//------------------------------// // Playing Pretend // Story: Never Wish // by Ximer //------------------------------// "I request the presence of your human friend Daniel. I believe he may...oh no, she can't be serious!" Twilight exclaimed as she read the letter. The letter had arrived during the night and while Twilight was grateful Spike hadn't disturbed her with the unsettling parchment then it didn't make the message any less outlandish now. Princess Celestia couldn't seriously consider Daniel to be diplomatic material. Twilight had been sharing the human's progress with the princess and she seemed to be impressed by his adaptability if nothing else. Ponies were by nature deeply rooted in believing the whims of fate. Humans however, could pick multiple subjects throughout life and become skilled at them as opposed to one. Despite this, Twilight didn't see Daniel picking up politics of any sort overnight. He had come out of his shell since his arrival but having him meet a multitude of creatures his kind considered myth at once might not be the best idea. This had to be a joke, a very bad joke at that. "I'm not sure how to reply to this." Twilight said quietly. "Just tell the princess you don't think it's a good idea I'm sure she'll understand." Spike said. "I don't know if I can turn her down Spike. This is really important." Twilight said. "She must have a reason Twilight." Spike said. Twilight trusted Celestia, this was asking a lot though. While it might not be a life threatening disaster it could easily become one. The lavender alicorn wondered if she had been too vague on the details of her observations of the human, she was certain she'd been very specific about everything from his habits to what history he'd share. What he could remember anyways it always seemed to be about wa- "That's why she wants him there. She thinks he can impress the griffons and keep things calm." Twilight said. "That's a bit much to hope for." Spike said. "It makes sense in theory, but I'm not sure how it would work in practice." said Twilight. There was no guarantee this would work or that Daniel would even agree to going. It would be hard to simply pull him away from a job now, of course that could always be excused with a letter. "Spike, let's give Celestia our answer." Twilight said. --- "Opalescence you get down from there this instant!" Rarity exclaimed fuming at her cat. Opal simply meowed and stared down at the furious unicorn. She had just finished making a general nuisance of herself when Rarity tried to trim her nails down and put the bow back in her hair. "I hate cats." I said watching the scene unfold. "Opal can be difficult at times, but she really is a sweet heart." Rarity said. I had my doubts when the white feline looked down and hissed at me. I raised an eyebrow at the small fuzzy creature. I was the wrong person to hiss or spit at especially after work. I had never been a fan of cats for several reasons, their mightier than thou mentality being one of them. "I could just reach up there and get her out of the tree...why don't you use your magic anyway?" I asked. "I don't want to scare her any more than she already is." Rarity replied. "I'm going in then." I said reaching up for the cat. "There you are, I've been looking all over for you!" Twilight exclaimed making me cease my advance momentarily. "Oh hey Twilight." I said returning to my original task. Twilight cringed as she saw me reaching for Opalescence. A low growl came from the cat and the hair on her back started to stand straight up as her ears flattened against her head. "I wouldn't do that if I were you." Twilight advised. "Please, I did this a hundred times with my mom's cats when I was little." I said stopping once more. "Did your arms come out looking like shredded curtains afterwards?" Twilight asked. "Nope." I lied reaching for the cat again. "So what brings you my way Twilight?" Rarity asked leaving me to my fate. "I was trying to find Daniel he's been summoned by Celestia." Twilight replied. "That's quite the honor, I'm assuming he's not in any trouble right?" Rarity asked. "She-" Twilight started before my screams of pain interrupted her "It's something private I need to discuss with him. I assure you it's nothing bad though." she finished. I approached the two ponies with fresh claw marks running down my arms as I held a still hissing Opalescence. She managed to wiggle free and ran into Rarity's house. The white unicorn gave chase leaving me alone with Twilight who had an "I told you so" expression on her face. "A hundred of times huh?" Twilight asked. "One hundred and one thank you very much." I replied. Twilight shook her head and sighed. Though my arms were burning with pain I found a little joy from irritating the alicorn, I would have preferred said irritation to be with pain being inflicted upon me. "So before I become blindingly irritated at the cat, what was it you wanted?" I asked. "I think we should go to the castle for this, it's not something to be taken lightly or discussed over coffee." Twilight replied before teleporting the both of us. --- "Absolutely not." I said crossing my arms. "Stop being childish, besides your presence was requested by Celestia not me." Twilight said levitating the letter towards me. I looked it over again as if it's lettering would change through sheer will power alone. Princess Celestia had indeed asked for my attendance to some sort of political gathering. While politics for a human were simple and pretty much centered around lies I doubted the same tactics worked here. "I'm baffled that she'd even consider this to begin with." I said looking past the letter at the lavender alicorn. "You and me both, but what's done is done. It's not like you had anything important to go to." Twilight said waving a hoof dismissively. "Work." I said flatly. "A letter can take care of that." said Twilight. "Look as much fun as bsing my way through a party like this would be I know next to nothing about the other nations. This isn't something I can pick up in a few hours from books like you guys can." I said. "I'm not overly thrilled with the idea either, but you do kind of owe Celestia." Twilight said pinning me with the favor card. "I'm not good with crowds. I'd bend over backwards for you and her, but I always screw up and here I'm basically an alien. This is a train wreck waiting to happen and I don't want to be responsible for something bad happening." I said. "You wouldn't be alone. We'd be there with you, it's not like we're-" Twilight started. "Don't say throwing me to the you know what." I said cutting her off. "Right, sorry I forget sometimes." said Twilight sheepishly. "Twilight, I don't belong there. I'm the only one of my kind what am I supposed to tell them? That humans are starting to come through a portal? Under whelm them with unheroic tales of my mundane accomplishments?" I asked. "Celestia wouldn't ask for you unless it was for a good reason. Only those of important status are going to be attending." Twilight replied. I sighed and walked over to a nearby book shelf. I didn't want to have to resort to this, but Twilight was leaving me no choice. I didn't want to go to this thing and I was hell bent on making sure I wasn't invited. "What are you doing?" Twilight asked. "I'm not going." I replied taking two different books off the shelf. "You wouldn't dare." Twilight said narrowing her eyes at me. I glared back at her, matching her stare as I swiftly swapped the two books position on the shelf. I had to fight back a grin when Twilight let out a cute little gasp as if I had just committed murder. I swiftly swapped two more books which seemed to have the desired effect on the alicorn book worm. I couldn't help but let out an evil laugh as she flew towards me and started to restore order to the book shelf I was just at, completely unaware I was causing mayhem at another until it was too late. "No! You can't mix those, have you gone insane?!" Twilight asked exasperated. Eventually Twilight managed to focus on me long enough to hold me in place with her magic while she finished undoing the "damage" I had done to her library. It was funny how the simplest thing threw one of the most powerful beings in Equestria for a loop. "Are you done?" Twilight asked. "I have but begun to fight." I replied. "You two are acting like an old married couple." Spike said as he walked past us. "Not now Spike." we said in unison. Twilight turned her attention back to me still a bit irritated that I had defiled her organized book system. I felt a bit ashamed of myself afterwards and looked down at the floor. "I'm sorry." I said. Twilight was quiet as she studied me. "I'm asking you to do this for me, please?" she asked breaking the silence. I really didn't want to go. I didn't belong at something fancy like this and both princesses knew this. Still they wanted me there and claimed it was important. Besides I wanted to do something to repay Twilight for all the help she'd given me. "Fine...just don't ask me to be a social butterfly." I said swallowing my pride. "That's a start. One more thing before I let you go, don't reorganize my books like that again." said Twilight as her magic around me vanished. --- The sound of something heavy hitting the ground filled the air and was followed in close succession by the sound of another heavy object falling. The sounds seemed to echo off the walls of a red room that was slowly growing more detailed. "Come on tank accept the raise!" someone shouted. Raise? I thought to myself before my vision cleared completely. I saw a terrifying creature approaching me as I got to my feet. It was roughly the size of a two story house with bright yellow eyes. Its arms were the size of trees and the ground shook when it walked. "Titan?" I asked in disbelief. "TO THE LAST, I GRAPPLE WITH THEE!" Titan boomed. I recognized this creature from Final Fantasy XIV. He was considered one of the harder bosses due to his brute strength. It had taken me a multitude of tries to beat him which was a testament to the monster's difficulty. "This has to be a dream!" I exclaimed as I rolled out of the way just as the demigod brought his fist down onto the ground. "I've got him!" shouted an unfamiliar voice. I noticed a Dragoon drive her spear into the creature's thick hide before jumping away from the beast. Several spells hit Titan at once as two mages started to quite literally work their magic on him. "Why are you just standing there? Hit him!" one of the others shouted at me over the chaos. I noticed the axe in my hands and the familiar routine of the warrior started to come back to me. I took a mighty swing at Titan's knee, splitting the skin open. The demigod retaliated by raising his fist in the air to create a shock wave in my direction. I jumped out of the way in time for the attack to send a few rocks falling harmlessly to the bottom of a pit. I didn't have long to relax however as the creature dug his hands into the ground beneath him. With a mighty effort Titan sent what could only be described as a tidal wave of rocks in my direction which knocked me off balance. "I SHALL GRIND THEE BENEATH MY HEEL, MORTAL!" Titan shouted. The white mage's magic managed to heal me just as Titan was about to stomp on my injured form. I ducked beneath him and swung my axe at the tender spot behind his knee, cutting the tendons. Titan roared in pain as he supported himself with his arms and shifted to his good leg. The dragoon and black mages seized the opportunity to attack the being once again, showing no mercy on the cripple creature. An agonizing cry filled the room as the final blow was struck and Titan began to dissolve into the abyss. One by one the other members of my party started to disappear as the sound of hooves clapping together echoed off the rock walls of the cavern I was in. "An excellent performance, we are most definitely pleased!" exclaimed the familiar voice of Luna. "Lu-Princess Luna?" I asked catching myself before addressing her without her title. "Indeed, it is us subject. Tell us why you never spoke of such adventures before?" Luna asked approaching me. "You never asked, and they're not really that special." I replied. "Perhaps you will enlighten us with more tales at the party?" Luna asked. "I guess I can." I replied. "Excellent, we apologize for intruding upon thy slumber and shall see thee at the appointed date." Luna replied as a door appeared from thin air. "Wait Princess Luna, before you go I wanted to say I'm sorry. You were right about everything and I was an idiot for saying you didn't understand how I felt." I said stopping her. "Thank you, we look forward to our next meeting." Luna said before departing. The world around me shifted and grew fuzzy as I slowly stirred from my sleep. I had almost forgotten all about that video game, fun though it was. I was kind of glad I got to relive what a gamer would consider a pretty big achievement. I rolled out of bed trying to decide what to do with my day off. I had been brought on at an odd time of the week. I had assumed Crafty Crate would have waited until the week after to hire me, but apparently they had different policies in this world, that or he thought I would be a flop. It put a smile on my face knowing that I was able to prove him wrong if that was the case. Applejack was right when she said I could keep up with his other workers, maybe not when compared against a few of the unicorns but I could hold my own. I walked outside to my mailbox more so out of routine than genuine anticipation of a letter. Oddly enough there was a letter that had Luna's seal on it. I had learned the princesses had what one could consider shifts, one ruled by day the other by night. I had a pretty solid idea what the letter was about as I walked back into the house. Dear Subject "I have a name." I said rolling my eyes before resuming reading. You are cordially invited to the Tranquility Celebration, an event which is to celebrate the unity of our allies from afar. You must present this letter as proof of your invitation upon entering the grounds. We look forward to your attendance. Princess Luna It was her signature, I had never seen a royal letter from Earth, but I assumed they couldn't be too different. Her seal was at the very bottom as if to reaffirm the letter's importance and validity for any who dared question it. "I can't decide if that was genuinely a dream or if Luna had something to do with it." I said putting the letter down. A knock came from my door. I sighed as I got up to answer it, I hated it when I would just finish sitting down only to be forced to stand back up again. I didn't want to answer it and for a few seconds considered pretending I wasn't home. "It seems this was the right address after all." Rarity said looking up at me upon opening the door. "Oh hey Rarity, what brings you all the way out here?" I asked stepping aside to let her in. "I haven't gotten the chance to see your home, and dropping this off would give me the perfect excuse to stop by and see it, if you aren't too busy." Rarity replied as a blue jacket levitated out of one of her saddle bags. I tried it on and was amazed at how warm it was. If I stood still long enough I probably would have fallen asleep standing up. Even though it was simple in appearance a lot of love and care had been put into making it. "It's certainly warm...like sleep warm." I said. "I took into account your lack of fur and compensated a bit on the material. Believe me the difference will be noticeable once you're outside, but not to the point it's troublesome." the white unicorn said proudly. "How much do I owe you?" I asked taking the jacket off. "Oh you don't have to worry about that." Rarity replied. "Rarity, at least let me give you something." I said. The small disagreement continued until finally Rarity relented and "allowed" me to pay her. She was generous but I didn't want to abuse that by any means. She followed me over to the counter and gasped when she saw the letter. Her eyes were wide with excitement as she skimmed over what had been written. I could only imagine what was running through the designer's mind. "You got invited to a royal gathering?" Rarity asked. "Yeah I guess, more so out of necessity than actually being somepony of importance." I replied. "Surely you're not going in that." Rarity said flatly. "What's wrong with jeans and a t-shirt?" I asked. "Were you raised by barbarians? Denim is absolutely not acceptable besides you want to look your best for the princesses." Rarity said starry eyed. "In all honesty I really don't want to go, I'm not the political kind of guy it's not-" I started to say. "Surely you don't think this is some trivial, unimportant social gathering?" Rarity asked cutting me off. "No, I don't have the temperament. I hate politics in general; I'd rather drill a hole in my skull than sit in a room or whatever and talk about them all night." I replied. "Since you're the only one of your kind in this world one would assume you are the representative of your race if you want my opinion. You simply being there will probably be enough to talk about rather than listen to the hum drum of war and the like. If you're dressed like a bum then they won't take you seriously." Rarity said. "I promised Twilight I would go, and Princess Luna so it's not like I'm trying to weasel out of going" I explain before noticing a smile spread across Rarity's face. "I see, well we most certainly can't have you going in that now if that's the case." Rarity said. "You're lucky you guys are too adorable to say no to. So can you have something ready in time?" I asked. "You're talking to somepony who's managed to pull off some incredible feats when it comes to the clothing industry, a single suit is hardly a challenge. Now if you would be so kind as to follow me back to the boutique we can talk a bit." Rarity replied. --- Rarity hummed a happy tune as she measured me again despite having taken my measurements once before. While I didn't quite understand the point I was confident the unicorn knew what she was doing. "So you mentioned Twilight, but Princess Luna's name was on the invitation letter, care to explain?" Rarity asked. "Twilight approached me about it first, apparently Celestia wrote her a letter requesting my presence. Since it's an invite only though I would still have to have some sort of formal letter on me so I guess Luna sent that one which is kind of weird." I replied. "Why would you think a letter from a princess is weird?" Rarity asked in return. "Just seems like something Celestia would handle...also this was the second time she was in my dreams." I said. "Dreaming about a princess twice? That is strange." Rarity said trying to hide her smile. "It's got nothing to do with that." I said. "I've no idea what you're talking about, arms out." Rarity said innocently, at least she got my anatomy right this time. The idle chit chat helped to put my mind at ease about the entire situation, that is until she asked what I knew about etiquette. I knew how to behave myself, it was the trivial information like what silverware you should use for what dish. "I don't see why it takes a spoiled stallion to have good etiquette." Rarity sighed. "Probably because they're forced to learn it. Honestly the privileged aren't care free, they're just a prisoner to their title. A slip up here or there can shame them for life in the eyes of the public and themselves, if you or one of your friends messed up it'd never go public unless it was something major." I said. "You have a point, I still find good manners a must though." said Rarity. "I think if I wing it I should be fine, nopony knows what I am anyways and there's still the chance I'll clear the building just setting foot inside." I said. "Just when I thought we were making progress on that negativity of yours." the unicorn sighed. "You have, I just like to look at a situation realistically." I said. Any talk of the party died down after that. I hadn't meant to offend Rarity and thankfully she didn't seem upset by what had been said. "Have you already met Prince Blueblood?" Rarity asked in a tone that was unstintingly neutral. "I think I have, he's not a talkative pony to say the least." I replied. "He's an absolutely dreadful unicorn who according to Twilight pesters the princesses day in and day out." Rarity said bitterly. "I've met his type before, they just need a good kick in the ass." I said making her giggle. "While a good kick in the flank would do wonders it would also cause half the guard to descend upon the one who delivered said blow. Even though I'm sure they'd love to get a kick or two in themselves." Rarity mused. "He messed with you huh?" I asked. Rarity stopped her work and sat down in silence. She sighed before looking up at me with a face that screamed the answer to my question. "I believed him to be something more, somepony worth his salt as it were. Blueblood displayed his selfish mannerisms continuously all the while I ignored them simply because he was a prince. I suppose that puts me in the wrong as well, turning a blind eye to another's actions because of a title?" Rarity asked. "We all get star struck sometimes. There's nothing wrong with that...you know I could scare him a bit, nonviolently of course." I offered. "It's nice to see a stallion willing to defend a ladies' honor, but I assure you I handled it myself...although..." Rarity said smiling up at me mischievously. --- When you're forced to attend something you hate, that's a pretty bad situation to be in. What's worse than that is knowing said event is coming and having to wait for it as if it's something you want to go to when in fact you really don't. As flattering as attending a peace dinner or whatever with a princess was it still didn't change the fact that if there was a revolver in my hand I'd probably use it in half a heartbeat. I was just an average Joe, there was no reason for me to be here other than the sun princess, as well as her sister, requesting my presence. "Popularity sucks." I mumbled before receiving a swift swat to the back from Twilight's wing. "You said you'd behave yourself." Twilight scolded. "I will, I also said I wouldn't be a social butterfly. I'm here as a ornament remember?" I asked. "I doubt Celestia had that in mind when she asked for you." Twilight replied. I rolled my eyes, I could hardly wait for this to be over and I hadn't even set foot through the door. The suit Rarity had made was comfortable at least, those from Earth failed in comparison. "Excuse me sir, ma'am; your invitations please?" requested a guard that had odd bat like wings and bright yellow eyes. Both Twilight and I pulled out our letters respectively and showed them to the guard. With a small bow of his head he push open the door to let us through into the main dining hall. It was a massive room that was neatly decorated, and the full moon's light shining through the large windows added a nice touch, though it was nowhere near as impressive as the stained glass hall we had passed to get here. "Presenting her royal highness Princess Twilight Sparkle and Ambassador Daniel of Earth!" announced a unicorn on the other side. The room was filled with a multitude of creatures that should logically not exist, but here they were. They ranged from minotaurs to bipedal dogs, and what I swore looked exactly like a griffon. They all stopped and stared at us as the doors closed behind us. "So when did Equestria become Narnia all of the sudden?" I asked quietly. "You're not nervous are you?" Twilight asked as we approached the group. "Yes, horribly so." I replied. I could see a few of them whispering to each other which made my heart race. I had wanted to stay a wall flower, but thanks to the guard that was now impossible. I suddenly found the once comfortable suit growing unbearably hot. It's okay, it's not like Equestria could suffer if you screw something up...no pressure. I thought to myself. The music in the background was soothing, but did little to ease the tension. I felt as any one of these beings would try to tear me limb from limb. Most had done so according to old myths from my world most notably was the minotaur that dwarfed me in size by a good foot, not to mention muscle mass. "I've never seen one of his kind before." I heard one of the guest whisper as we walked by. I opted to stick with Twilight as she navigated her way about the room. It was taking every ounce of self-control not to duck behind one of the pillars in the room and remain there the rest of the party, anything to escape the others gazes. "Twily!" shouted an unfamiliar voice that stole the alicorn's attention. "B.B.B.F.F! Cadance!" Twilight shouted abandoning me to greet a white unicorn and bubblegum pink alicorn. I was half a second from going after her when I felt something cold rest upon my shoulder. Spinning around I was relieved that it was only Celestia. After my brain processed that bit of information the sense of dread came washing back over me two fold. "Thank you for coming." Celestia said. "N-no problem, just uh glad to be here Princess." I lied. "Then there's somepony I'd like you to meet, I think you share a bit more in common with their kingdom than you think." Celestia said motioning for me to follow her. The mare led me to what looked like a trio of griffons. They were roughly the size of a pony like Twilight and their only notable intimidating feature were their hooked talons that clicked against the tile floor as they walked. "Ah Princess Celestia, so this is the whooman you spoke of?" the shortest one asked. Hue-man, is it really that hard to say human? I thought to myself. "Indeed it is Great Claw, this is the ambassador from Earth." Celestia replied. "Earth seems like a peculiar name, were your kind aware of the earth ponies when your kingdom was settling on a name?" asked what I assumed was Great Claw's advisory. There was a third Griffon amongst them that seemed to have a green glass eye. It was a bit unsettling to look at and I did my best to avoid contact with the individual. "No we were not, and Earth is split into several different lands. I come from the United States of America." I replied. "So what made the United States wish to be the first to approach Equestria with an ambassador?" Great Claw asked. "Well I'd like to think our nation has always been the one to take the first step, or try to anyways." I said. While I had a patriotic side I couldn't help but feel a bit boastful, like one of those idiots from Facebook who would go out of their way to post how the U.S is the greatest nation despite having its own flaws. I despised sinking to the level of a braggart and wanted to avoid doing so though tonight I might not have much choice if I valued my head. "Are your ties with the other nations of your land fairly secure?" Great Claw asked. "I'd like to think so, I have a good friend in Germany who I keep in contact with as much as possible. Now that I'm here though that has become a bit harder." I replied. "Yes political affairs tend to put strain on friendships. I must confess you're a very unique individual, not to mention a bit young for such a title." said the griffon with the glass eye. "I'm no older than those that make up the military. A fine group of men and women." I said. "Why did you not take up arms then? Or have you already served perhaps as General Sharp has?" Great Claw said motioning to the glass eyed griffon. "I come from a military background yes, I've lead an army before so I'm no stranger to the risk of war. I prefer fast strikes over foot slogging as a few of my piers do." I replied neglecting to tell them that it was a game and my army was nothing more than plastic. "We find strength in numbers tend to over whelm even the most brutish of enemies. Needless to say I believe you "fast strikes" are impressive as well." General Sharp said. Oh so it's a dick measuring contest now huh? I thought to myself smiling a bit. "The Tyranids utilized this on us before, though Spirit of Combat and Brother Rex made short work of the purple tide. Warlord Titans are known for their devastating fire power and I consider myself lucky to have two at my disposal." I said proudly, the titans took forever to make sometimes since no model existed for them and only the data sheet was available. "Titans? I've never heard of such war machines are they really as powerful as you say?" General Sharp asked skeptically. "I trust you know what a cannon is? Picture one the size of a cathedral." I replied. "There's little I wouldn't give to see such a construct." Great Claw said. "Unfortunately due to its nature I don't think it would be wise to bring one to Equestria without a justifiable cause. The behemoth of a war engine causes a great deal of damage to the landscape as well as its enemies." I said hoping they would buy the excuse. "Let's hope things never come to that, of course we are still in the process of peace negotiations." Celestia said helping solidify my excuse. "Of course, forgive my hastiness, I just think such a marvelous device should be a symbol of honor, I'm certain having two means you have some sort of power in your land." Great Claw said. I thought about how to respond to the griffon. So far things were going smoother than I had expected. These griffons were none the wiser that I was talking about a game, but the power statement made me think for a minute. "While I do have them at my disposal I also know that the position I have does not exist to serve my own agenda. I believe having a position of power exist so that you can serve others, not yourself." I said. "I couldn't agree more, there are times that call for difficult action though, when the timber wolves must be fought off and kept at bay." Great Claw said. The griffons were truly a nation of war, if any of the equipment I had spoken of was real there's no telling what they might do to possess it from the way they reacted. I didn't want to think too much on the matter and completely ruin my opinion of them, besides Great Claw seemed okay. "Daniel come here I want to introduce you to somepony." Twilight said doing her best to contain her excitement. Oh thank God saved by the book worm! I thought to myself. "It was nice to meet you all, Princess." I said giving a small bow to Celestia before departing from the group. "See it's not so bad." Twilight said once we were out of ear shot. "Yeah, they just didn't ask any hard questions that time." I said "Just keep playing nice with the other foals and you'll be golden." said Twilight smugly. "So who is this you wanted me to meet? It's not another war monger is it?" I asked ignoring her previous comment as we approached the two ponies Twilight had ditched me for earlier. Both seemed a bit nervous at my presence, but quickly masked it with a smile. The white unicorn was dressed in what appeared to be a soldier's formal attire. I'd seen my dad's a few times when he would attend a military ball or some other formal occasion. The alicorn was in regalia much like Twilight, except the crest on hers was a heart instead of a star like Twilight's. It made me wonder what exactly it was she governed and why I'd never heard mention of her before. "Daniel this is Shining Armor, my big brother and his wife Cadance." Twilight said introducing the couple. "It's nice to meet you both." I said. "You seem a bit nervous, are you feeling okay?" Shining Armor asked. "Yeah a little, I've never been to one of these things before and I'm not a fan of crowds." I replied. "I wouldn't think somepony as big as you would scare easily." Cadance said. "I'm just trying to put on a good show and not start any wars." I said with a shrug. "Twilight tells me you're from another world, is that true?" Shining Armor asked. "It is, your sister has helped me get acquainted with the populace of Ponyville. It was a rough start, but I think I've almost got all of them convinced I'm not some terrifying monster. I'll take a wild guess and say you're in the military?" I asked in return. "I used to be captain of the royal guard here in Equestria, now I'm in over the Crystal Empire with Cadance." Shining replied. "What is it that you do?" Cadance asked putting me on the spot. "Right now I'm still in talks with Celestia about the future of our two worlds co-existing. Given the reaction I received I'm hesitant to bring another human over." I said hoping they would actually buy this bs. If I actually had any say so in the matter I would never bring another human here. Simply because it wasn't right to choose between two worlds and secondly if they could mingle together where did that leave these ponies? They had magic, but the greed of some men was a great threat. This place was the closest thing to utopia I had seen and I couldn't stand the thought of something ruining it. An oil pipe line or a shopping center parking lot wouldn't make this world any better. "That's understandable I think-" Cadance started to say before Celestia's voice caught our attention. "Dearest friends and allies of Equestria I thank you for your attendance tonight. The peace and friendship that has fostered between our nations is not something to be taken for granted which is why we hold these celebrations. To commemorate the efforts of all leaders who have set aside their differences for a greater purpose." Celestia said as cheers came from the crowd. "Dinner, you're almost there." Twilight said encouragingly. --- I had hardly socialized with any of the other beings, that is until I realized that seating was prearranged. I was to be wedged between Luna and a centauress named Teal. I had the feeling the mare that was to be sitting to my right had arranged this to ensure I kept my promise. I had been pulled around all evening and I felt quite helpless in my current situation. I tensed a bit as Luna took her seat next to me which was ebony in color and much more detailed than the one I was in. I noticed the other princesses seats weren’t exactly thrones either but much more care had been taken in crafting them for obvious reasons. “We pray the gathering hast given thee an appetite?” Luna asked. Her choice of language was a bit antiquated to say the least, but I could appreciate it. She also used the royal we unlike her sister which led me to believe she was a bit more serious when it came to the regular activities of royalty. “Sort of, I’ve never been to anything like this before so my nerves are kind of dulling my sense of hunger at the moment.” I said before I noticed a steak of some sort being set in front of Great Claw. I don’t need it…I don’t need it…I don’t-screw it I need it! I thought to myself. Luna ordered something I didn’t quite understand through her old English, which I didn’t think was possible to order in, as the waiters came around the rather large table. When one finally asked me what I wished for I grinned and asked for a simple salad and a steak similar to what the griffons had which shocked those around me. “We were under the impression thoust were an herbivore such as ourselves.” Luna said. “I’m an omnivore, I can survive on both. It’s a trait that comes in handy when living among a populace that primarily doesn’t eat meat.” I said. “Your race must be an indecisive one.” Teal said startling me a bit; I hadn’t expected her to speak to me at all. I couldn’t help but stare longer than I intended to, at my core I was still human. Teal was the closest thing to a human female I had seen, and needless to say her upper half was far easier on the eyes than her fellow male centaur. She could have passed for a model were it not for her blue skin and fur covered equine lower half. “You’re not far off the mark.” I said. “We request to learn of the events that took place after the creature was slain.” Luna said her expression shifting once I turned to face her, had she been upset about something? “Well after Titan was beaten we decided to take a break for a while before taking on Ultima. It was a nasty fight that I didn’t make a habit of repeating. The Crystal Tower was full of traps and dragons that took three parties to get through.” I said. “Dragons? I wouldn’t take you for a slayer of dragons; you don’t look like you have the killing spirit in you.” Teal said with a coy smile. “The dragons where I’m from are a bit different, besides I’ve come to call a certain dragon by the name of Spike friend.” I said. “We can attest to his abilities as a warrior, such an adaptive race would be ideally suited for such trials.” Luna said her voice carrying the smallest hint of irritation. I was curious about what Teal was in terms of a diplomatic position, but a small voice in my head advised against asking. I had the feeling the centauress was competing for attention that I had technically already promised to the princess of the night. Teal narrowed her eyes at Luna’s response and shied away from the topic. So much for celebrating unity and peace at the rate this conversation was going. While most would find my situation favorable, I didn’t enjoy being sandwiched between a princess who could call upon darkness itself and a centauress who could do who knows what to even dare make a facial expression like that towards Luna. Oh thank God! I thought to myself as a plate was placed in front of me. As I ate I couldn’t help but notice Luna and Teal watching me as they chewed their own food. I chewed slower and looked back at them, alternating my gaze between the two of them. Teal turned her attention to her own plate while Luna continued to watch me out of mild fascination as, true to my word, I consumed both vegetation and meat. I noticed the stray glances from the griffons who seemed to nod to one another as they carried on a hushed conversation while watching me. I couldn’t help but feel like I was on display as some sort of attraction. There wasn’t much talking after the food was served and any that was had was brief and lighthearted than serious. Luna would occasionally asked me about some of my other “exploits” which equated to a game’s story line, but if it made the princess happy so be it. --- Twilight scanned the departing guest for her friend, it was as if he had vanished. A hoof being placed on her shoulder made the young alicorn jump, her attention caught up in trying to find her friend. “Princess Celestia, I’m sorry I didn’t see you.” Twilight apologized. “No need to apologize, I wanted to tell you and Daniel thank you for coming, I think it made things a bit more bearable with our carnivorous friends, they didn’t seem as isolated…I may have to borrow him in the future if you don’t mind.” Celestia said. “Well it was a struggle to get him here...he rearranged my books.” Twilight confessed. She was stunned when Celestia tried to stifle a laugh. “It seems like he’s come a long way from the timid creature you brought before me. You should be proud of the progress you’ve made with him.” Celestia said. Twilight’s expression brightened a bit at the praise from her former teacher. While he was a bit stubborn at times, Daniel’s heart was in the right place and that was enough for her. Working on his habits and mannerisms could be a side project. “Thank you princess, I wish I knew where he was though.” Twilight said scanning the crowd once again. “I’m sure he can’t be too far, perhaps he got held up by one of the other guest.” Celestia said. “Princess, were you actually planning on allowing humans to come to Equestria? I know we can’t control what happened with Daniel, but were you considering opening up to them?” Twilight asked recalling what Daniel had told Cadance. “I don’t know. Truth be told he reminds me of Discord…not in a bad way, but in the sense that he’s hard to read. Most ponies have a set life style, having the ability to change that on a whim is something akin to Discord’s chaotic power…while I sense no malice in Daniel I can’t help but assume not all of his kind are as understanding.” Celestia replied. “You’re probably right, I just feel sorry for him some times. I told him I knew what it was like to be out of my element once, but being the only one of your kind is something I can’t begin to imagine, that feeling of loneliness.” Twilight said. “I wouldn’t say he’s completely alone, as long as he has you for a friend I don’t think he’ll ever have to endure that hardship.” Celestia said. Twilight was about to respond when she saw the familiar figure of her friend approaching. He had on an unusually bright smile, but Twilight dismissed it as nothing more than his attempt to act like he was enjoying himself. --- “I’ve been looking for you, are you ready to go?” Twilight asked. “Yes, I think I’m about partied out. It was cool to see all of the other leaders though, and thanks for going along with my story Princess.” I replied turning to Celestia. “It was an interesting one to say the least. I hope you won’t be offended if I call upon you again? I’d hate for Twilight’s library to suffer your wrath.” Celestia teased. “Heh, no problem Princess.” I said nervously. “Good, I think I’ve kept both of you long enough. Have a safe trip home.” Celestia said with an angelic smile. “Where were you anyways?” Twilight asked as we approached her chariot. “I was looking for a bathroom a very nice guard helped me.” I replied with a grin. Twilight gave me a skeptical look but didn’t press the issue. I closed my eyes after stepping into the carriage, I found it odd how as a pegasus I wanted nothing more than to fly yet I was terrified of heights. I smiled in amusement at my upside down life, not willing to trade it for the world. --- Prince Blueblood could hardly believe Celestia had invited that filthy hairless monkey to such an important occasion. Not to mention the being seemed to have spent his time mingling with Luna, oh how it disturbed him so. “How can a beast be held up in such a manner? A fragile animal given more attention and prestige than I?” Blueblood asked aloud as he opened the door to his room. The prince let out a cry of terror which triggered two guards to come rushing towards him. He could hardly believe what he had stumbled upon; it was truly a horrific and maddening sight. “Prince Blueblood! What’s wrong?!” one of the guards asked having never heard such a mortified scream come from the unicorn before. “Look!” Blueblood said pointing a hoof at the interior of his room. “I don’t see it.” one of the guards said. “Are you blind to the madness that has transpired? Look you fool!” Blueblood said getting to his hooves and pointing at one of the walls. “The painting is tilted?” the guard asked unsure if his guess was correct. “Not just that painting! All of them! Who could, or would for that matter, do something like this?!” Blueblood demanded. “I’ve no idea Prince Blueblood, but I can assure you we’ll get to the bottom of it.” the first guard said fighting back his laughter. “Be sure that you do! This crime cannot go unpunished!” Blueblood said slamming his door shut. The sound of something sliding against the walls could be heard from outside the door as the frustrated prince tried desperately to correct the wall decorations. “So, you let him in after all?” the first guard asked the other. “Absolutely, he said he needed to find the bathroom and halfway there he asked if I wanted to be in on a little prank…this turned out to be better than I thought.” the other one replied before the two burst into laughter.