Spoiled Secrets
The emerging sun shines its solar rays across the land. Alex's house is one of its many targets on earth, and a certain mare is to the most part surprisingly annoyed. She looks up with tired eyes opening slowly before using her magic to close the blinds. The light still finds a way to penetrate the barriers and glimmer it's gift onto Celestia. She wraps herself in her blanket with a thought in her mind. I already miss controlling the sun…
Out of the usual, a loud thumping noise was heard from downstairs. A couple of loud noises as well as an annoyed bickering towards something. Celestia quickly rises out of bed with immediate haste to see what was going on. She was worried of what was going on. An intruder? A thief? What's going on?
Hoofing it to the door to the room she has never been in, she opens it and sees Alex placing a wheel of rubber to another wheel that was attached to the massive contraption. He at the time had a bit of oil and sweat on his hands and on his face. He seemed to be frustrated with the machine before him.
"Ah! Changing tires is nothing but a tire." He groaned. As he finished placing the wheel into its place, he turns to see Celestia with her bed head in lightning waves. He raises an eyebrow and says "… Celestia? What's with your hair?"
Celestia's eyes shrink and realizes she didn't go and brush it. She blushes in embarrassment and answers, "Bed Head."
"Ah… I see…" He nods in understanding. "Well, you better get ready to go."
"Go?" She repeats. The thought then came to, "Back to Equestria?!"
"What? No." He says, deflating Celestia's moment of excitement. "We're about to go to this place called Pony Plaza."
"Pony Plaza? What's that?"
"It's a special park inspired by some of my old friends." Alex says while reminiscing the time with her. "My human friend, Cole, built the park with all kinds of places inspired by the ponies. They have a nice bar, cool trinkets and souvenirs, all of my pony friends go there at least once. They often have a good time."
"Sounds delightful." Celestia says with a smile. "It could be nice to have some good memories while I'm here"
"That's the spirit!" Alex said cheerfully. "Go get ready. I still have something to do before we leave."
"Alright then." She agreed.
Leaving the garage with Alex tending to the contraption, Celestia trots upstairs to the bathroom. She enters the tub and lies lazily inside. She turns the knobs and lets the water run to fill the tub. She had skipped the chance to use the tub like a spa bath earlier due to her suspicion towards Alex, but now she can easily place her trust into him. That being said, she lets herself relax and unwind. The tub was quite spacious now that Celestia had a second look at it. Looking to the side, she sees a shelf of certain soaps. levitating the products closer to her, she reads them aloud.
"Relaxing Roses and Harmonizing Herbs. Don't mind if I do~!"
Pouring the contents into the bath, she relaxed as she lets herself soak in the peaceful tub. Every time Celestia finds a new way to relax herself, she becomes even happier knowing the next day, she can do it all over again.
Then there comes the question. What if she wasn't here the next day? She'd go back to Equestria, maintaining her duties of caring for her citizens. Speaking of which, how are they even doing? Celestia ponders at these questions before letting her head sink into the water. She rises out and strokes her mane.
I still have to go back someday… but when I do, I'll miss this place…
She exits the tub and uses her levitation. Everything she needed was then lifted into the air and brought to her. Towel to dry her coat, hair dryer to dry her mane, brush to comb her hair and some of her fur. Finishing her morning bath, she leaves and goes to Alex, who was waiting in the garage. He wipes his hands before looking at her and smiling.
"Beautiful as always." He compliments her. It was enough to make Celestia blush.
"Casually teasing me won't appeal me that easily." She stated.
"I was just saying the truth." He chuckled, only to make Celestia turn away with a giggle. He opens the door to the contraption and looks back at Celestia. Before she even tried to get in, they both noticed how small and crowded it would probably be for her. Alex's expression is a simple huff as he says, "Maybe you should get in the back."
Celestia nods and goes to the back of the contraption. Little did she know, it was a truck, and she was about to go for a ride. "So Alex, what is this thing we are riding?"
"It's a car." Alex answered.
"Pray tell, how will it move without anypony pulling it?" She questioned.
"Simply put, technology and innovation." Alex replied. He starts it up, and the engine roars, scaring the mare in the back a lot. He laughs as he says, "Hold on tight! And watch your head!"
Celestia complies as she grips to the back tightly. The garage door opens and the car moves outside. Celestia is astounded! It's moving, but Alex doesn't seem to need to push or pull the entire thing! She had so many questions, but her mind was absorbing every fleeting moment. Is this how the world of humans work? How far have they gotten in such advanced technology? This is so… exciting!
It only got better as Celestia lets the windy breeze brush against her fur. Even though she had to hold on tight just in case, she felt a different tune in nature. Something similar to flying, only she doesn't have to do much. To humans, it may be freedom they feel, but to Celestia, it was simply magical.
Charles waited outside in the parking lot. He looks out as he taps his foot on the concrete. He looks behind him as the place was silent. Pony Plaza was closed to the public for the day except for the people who work there and another special somepony. Charles was waiting for that special somepony, and hopes it was soon. He was eerily impatient as he looks around and ends up shaking his foot. He was getting stressed.
Before he even took out his phone to call Alex, he sees them. Celestia was riding in the back of Alex's pickup truck. He sighs as he watches Alex park the car and open the back for Celestia to exit. As they went towards Pony Plaza, Celestia saw something different. It was like Ponyville! The houses and buildings had the same design to that of the town Twilight resides in. This probably isn't a coincidence. It was inspired by ponies after all.
"This is amazing!" Celestia exclaimed.
"We haven't been inside yet." Alex remarks.
"But the resemblance is that of Ponyville! Is it not?"
"Why, yes it is. Lyra told me about that place, so we based off the design from her and the others who came here."
"It's good to see some familiarity."
"Hey guys!" Charles called over. The two spots him and walks over.
"Hey Charles! Nice to see you again."
"Nice to see you too!" Charles laughed. He coughs as he turns his direction towards the alicorn. "Um, anyways, what do you want to do first?"
"Well, I want to know if we have it on private today." Alex asked.
"Ah, don't worry. We closed it to the public for us to have the place to ourselves."
"Okay, that's good." Alex sighs as he faces Celestia. "You hear that? We have it closed to the public, so feel free to roam inside the park. Everyone in here should know about you and the ponies."
"That's quite assuring." Celestia responded in glee.
"Yeah, and not only that, but you can feel free to ask for any service you desire. My friends work here, so they'll know who you are once they get a glimpse of you."
"Enough explanation!" Charles says quickly. "Come on! Don't you want to do something today?"
"Hmm…" Alex held his chin in thought before grinning towards Celestia. "How about you lead Celestia? We've been here forever, but this is your first day! You choose something that looks fun to you."
"Oh, um… alright then…" Celestia said with a hint of hesitation. Together, they wandered in the Pony Plaza, there, many attractions and stores were seen with colors just popping out. Such decoration couldn't just be ignored that quickly as they were pretty much begging for the white mare to go in. What really caught her eye was the sweets shop. If the food Alex made was so good, maybe the ones here might be as well. Celestia points to her target, and the two complied to follow.
Opening the door had rung some bells in the process. They alerted the people inside, and brought them to the front desk. A woman wearing a apron with pink vertical lines greeted the three.
"Alex! Charles! It's good to see you!" The brunette said before noticing the mare with them. "And you must be Celestia, right? Charles told me about you."
"Oh? He did?" Celestia said in a bit of surprise.
"Yes, he told me how much you love cakes."
Celestia blushed in embarrassment, and cursed herself at the time when Charles had seen her in that mess. Alex chuckled a bit and added something to that quote.
"Yeah, yesterday, we had a picnic with nothing but cakes!"
"Oh my! Celestia! Don't tell me you aren't scared of cavities!" she questioned.
"As an alicorn, our defenses against such problems are phenomenal. You best not to worry about me." Celestia assured the girl.
"Even so, you could set a bad example for kids everywhere." Charles remarked.
"Best why we should keep these secrets to ourselves." Celestia winced as she nervously smiled at him.
"No more talking about your cake problem? Sure, but I already told a lot of people, so..." Charles said as he poked his fingers together and said, "Sorry?"
"This is going to be a fun day." Alex chuckled once more.
"But enough about that. Though I would want to limit your eating habits, let's make your first day here pleasant. What would you want?"
Celestia viewed what the store had to offer. There were cakes made with fruit, cakes made with candy, cakes made with other bakery goods like donuts, but what had caught her eyes easily. This one had cherries stacked by four, frosting circling the slice, layers by ice cream, and how much chocolate was on it! It would make Pinkie want to gallop in joy.
"I'd like this one." Celestia quickly pointed to.
"Oh? Are you planning to share it with someone?" She asked.
"Hm? I... Well, didn't think about it." Celestia replied.
"I see... It's just that this one here is our special, Couple's Cake. A pony named Bonbon showed us how to make it and what it was for. I thought you'd find it familiar."
"No... I didn't know one of my ponies made this..." Celestia said with a bit of surprise.
"Your ponies?" Charles repeated. "How big is your kingdom princess?"
"I, um..." Celestia realizes her wording mistake, and makes up for it quickly. "I just thought it might be. Maybe it could be another kingdoms pony."
"Oh... Okay then..."
"I'll just wrap you up two slices in case you do find someone to share it with." She offered.
"Or you could eat both of them yourself." Alex suggested.
"Are you saying that I have a problem?" Celestia questioned.
"No, I'm not implying that you have a cake addiction problem that will inspire other children of humans, fillies, and colts to do the same. I have no idea what you're talking about." He said sarcastically.
She rolled her eyes before turning to the girl at the counter. "By the way, I still don't know your name."
"Brinnet, but you can call me Brin."
"Brin happens to be my cousin who came here back then looking for a job. After she met Bonbon, she decided to take a career in baking stuff." Alex mentioned.
"Well, it was nice meeting you"
"You too Celestia! Have a nice day!"
As the three walked down the streets of Pony Plaza, Alex stopped with a small urgency.
"Uh... Hey, would you guys give me a sec? I gotta use the bathroom." He informs them in embarressment.
"Oh, sure." Charles replied. "Just make it quick."
Going to the bathroom stall, Alex enters alone while Celestia and Charles await from outside. The two awkwardly acknowledges the others presence, but does nothing to make contact. Quick stares from time to time from Charles were made. Celestia easily notices this, and sees how stressed he was. Something was off. Ever since they met, there was an aura of mystery around him. Something that made him tense whenever she saw him. Was it possibly her? What could Charles possibly want with Celestia? Or know for that matter?
But this is Alex's friend. She best not to challenge a friend of her friend, especially when nothing bad has yet to happen. She still attempts to scavenge what info she can gather from him.
"So Charles." She begins.
"Huh? Uh... yes?" He stuttered.
"You seem to have something on your mind."
"Oh, it's nothing to worry you about." He responded. "So, um... How's Alex?"
"He's been a dear to me. I appreciate everything he's done for me so far."
Charles lowers his head and sighs. "I see..."
It was strange. He seemed as if he was disappointed. "Why so glum? Are you displeased about my treatment?"
"Oh, no!" He quickly answered. "It's... complicated... I'm a bit weird is all, so don't mind me."
Charle tries to laugh it off, but Celestia begins to feel suspicious again. Before anything else could happen, Alex returns.
"Alright! Sorry about that! Let's get going!"
"Yeah, good idea." Charles agreed.
Celestia nods, but stares at Charles in curiosity of what was in his mind.
They arrive at what was a part of Pony Plaza's small carnival area. Celestia was a bit interested in trying out some rides. Surprisingly, royal duties deny you the favor of trying out new time passing activities. One of them was the ferris wheel. It simply took too much time for her to ride one and then attending what meetings of great importance. Now that she was here with Alex, she didn't have anything holding her back.
"This seems fun." Celestia commented.
Alex smiles before asking, "What do you want to try?"
"The ferris wheel." she insisted
"Really?" Charles says in surprise.
"I never had the chance to ride one back then. Now would be a great time to see how it's like."
"Usually, ponies like to try out the games before they try the ferris wheel." Charles claims. "If you want the Ferris wheel, okay then. I'll control the ride while you two enjoy yourselves."
As they made their way to the ride, Celestia notices someone. What seemed to be a child glaring at her from the corner. She seemed to be wary of Celestia for some reason. The expression on her face was almost as if it was a mix of pure hatred and fear. Before anything could be said, she ran away. Celestia turned to Alex and said, "Did you see her?"
"Huh? Who?"
"I think it was a little girl. Over there to be precise."
"I didn't see anyone." Alex states.
"It might have been Julie. She comes here with us as well. She's my little sister." Charles informs her.
"She was giving me quite a stare. It was almost as if she disliked me." She told them.
"That's silly. Why would anyone hate you?" Alex questioned.
Charles gulped and continued forward. Celestia was becoming more and more suspicious overtime. That wasn't enough to make her not want to take the Ferris wheel however. When they arrived, Celestia took in the view from what was before her. This wheel had lots of lights turned on once Charles took the control. After the carts got in place, one opened to allow Celestia and Alex to enter. She trotted happily inside and looked to Alex.
"Well? What are you waiting for?"
"Huh? Oh! Right then." He said smiling.
After getting in, Charles closed the door and continued the ride. Celestia looks out and takes in the view of Pony Plaza. It was like a town she had seen before. Nostalgia was running down her body, making her feel quite pleasant. She levitates the cake out and decides that this was the best time to eat. She brings one over to Alex to enjoy as well.
"Hmm? For me?" Alex says with surprise.
"Well, Brin said it was unnatural to be eaten alone, so let's share."
Alex chuckles as he opens the cake box with Celestia. Together, they take a bite and the flavor reminds them the majesty of a good baker. As the two had their meal in a beautiful view, Celestia feel content. The sun sets without her need of power. This was the first time in her life since she's seen a sunset without her working. It was so relaxing. It was grand. The moment was perfect for her, especially with someone she cares truly for. Looking to Alex, he smiles as he looks out to the sunset and to Celestia. A wide grin develops and out comes words.
"Celestia, I haven't felt this happy for a long time." Alex told her. "Just having you here makes me feel warm. Why do you think that is?"
Celestia blushes before turning to her cutie mark. "M-Maybe that's my special talent?"
"Ah. That makes sense, seeing your cutie mark is the sun." Alex nodded. "You must have a close connection to it."
"Eh heh! Yes, that must be it."
A while passes, and Charles from down below sighs. He cleans his glasses with his shirt before saying to himself, "It's happening all over again..."
Time passes, and the three decide to make the day last by going for a drink. At the Tavern, Celestia, Alex, and Charles enters seeing Brin talking to the bartender. The two turn to the visitors and smile.
"Why, hello you three!" Brin greets them.
"Nice to see you again Brin!" Celestia replied. "And who is this fellow?"
"Harold." He answered.
"Hello Harold. I'm Celestia."
"I know." He stated. "Brin told me about you."
"I couldn't resist talking about the cakes." She giggled.
"Is my addiction for cakes really the talk around here?" the white mare groans. "That's not very nice or fair."
"Well, you should admit. Cake again and again? It's worth mentioning." Alex points out.
Celestia tilts her head in disappointment before sitting down with her new friends.
"It's nothing to be embarrassed about." Harold assures her. "I for one like to drink all the wine I want. However, they've always been reminding me how much of a drunk I am."
Celestia covers her mouth to suppress the laughter, even though everyone around her chuckled without hesitation.
"Yeah, you know it!" Brin adds to that fact.
"So Celestia, what would you like?" Harold offered. "On the house for your first visit."
"Hmm... Let's see..."
Celestia looks at the countless bottles on the shelves. Some were from Ponyville, some were not. There was cider, rum, vodka, tequila, wines, beer, both from her world and from this world. Too many to choose from, but uncertainty arises. Especially that Celestia isn't a drinker of much except wine. And even that, she only drank one kind of it.
"Do you have Mare's Vanity?"
Suddenly, the room became quiet. Everyone had a surprised look except for Alex. Celestia felt pressured. Almost as if she had said something wrong. All was silent until...
"Hey, Harold? You okay?" Alex asked.
Harold snaps out of his trance and nods. "Yes, we do. I just didn't expect you to know of that drink."
"Why is that?" Celestia questions.
"That is the same wine that is consumed in the Royal Castle, Canterlot in Equestria, is it not?"
Celestia widens her eyes and realizes her mistake. She looks away for a moment before replying to that statement.
"I have heard of it a lot, but I don't get the chance to drink it."
"Oh, so you want to try some real royal tastes?" Harold snickered as he got out the bottle. "Alright then, but be warned! It's got a strong kick to it."
Pouring the contents into the glass, Celestia levitates it and takes a sip. Alex then orders a scotch on the rocks, Charles gets some Vodka, and Brin takes the same wine as Celestia. The night doses off, and Alex stops drinking to remain sober enough to drive Celestia home. The other continued their get together.
About three bottles per consumer later, Alex and Harold watch three drunk companions lose their minds. They are openly talking about everything. Especially Celestia's interference in Alex's house.
"What~!? You broke into Alex's filing cabinet~!?" Brin hiccupped. "That's not very nice~!"
"I know, and I still feel horribly guilty about it~..." Celestia said solemnly.
"I already forgave you." Alex assures her.
Charles sighs as he looks over Celestia. This time, with his drunk behavior, he becomes vulnerable to questioning. Soon, Celestia, within curiosity asked, "Hey Charlie."
"Charles."
"Why do you hate me~?"
"What?" He responded with surprise.
"You keep giving me mean dirty looks as if I did something wrong."
"I have?"
"Is it because I'm a freeloader?" Celestia questioned.
"No, no, no, not because of that." Charles hiccupped.
"Then why?"
"Well, it was about two or three years ago? Yeah, you remind me of this other girl." Charles states as he tipped his glass back and forth.
Celestia raised a brow and continued. "Your... mare friend?"
"Nooo~!" He retorted. "You remind me of this pony that I really hate. I really, really hate."
The white mare was surprised. She didn't expect this at all. What kind of resemblance could she bring to a pony that came here previously?
"We all hate her." Charles stated. "Because she killed her...!"
Celestia's eyes shrunk. Even in her slandered state, she could connect the pieces together. The pony who killed Alex's sister was a pony. The thirteenth pony to be exact. She remains quiet to listen. But the answer she received was something that made her regret her life even more.
"She was an alicorn like you. That's why I'm scared, because... you might kill Alex..."
"An... An alicorn...?"
"Yeah! She called herself... Nightmare Moon!"
Celestia was beyond belief. She knew the state her sister was in for a thousand years. but she never thought Luna had done it. Her little sister killed another. A sickening realization mixed with dizziness and alcohal, this wasn't the best time for her to find out. Because after Celestia heard the answer....
She threw up.