> Alternate Geoverse #3: Sharing The News
>  by GeodesicDragon
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> Prologue
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CHAPTER ONE


Prologue


I woke up to the sound of birds singing, the warmth of the sun against my face, and the gentle breathing of the mare who was lying on my chest. It was the start of my first day back in Equestria after an extended absence, and I felt like I was on top of the world.

The suns rays crept further into the room and soon reached Twilight, who blearily opened her eyes. As the world came into focus the first thing she saw was the large grin plastered firmly across my face. Without hesitation she scooted forward and planted a small kiss on my lips.

"Morning, Geo." She said as she pulled away. "I was beginning to forget what waking up next to you felt like. It's so good to have you back where you belong at last."

"It's good to be back, Twi." I replied, before glancing at the clock. "Wow, is it really noon already? Time flies when you're having fun."

Twilight got off my chest and lay next to me, wrapping her forehooves around my neck and nuzzling my cheek.

"Well we were celebrating our engagement last night." She whispered cheekily. "So it's only natural that we'd sleep in after such an exhausting night."

I chuckled and put my arms around her before clambering out of bed and walking towards the bathroom.

"As much as I would love to stay in bed all day," I said, "there are a few ponies, and a couple of people, who need to share in our good news. I know that Rarity and Pinkie Pie are going to love it."

"Yes, they will." Twilight replied. "Oh, and we'll also need to tell my family about it as well."

I stopped in my tracks and looked at her blankly. She looked back at me, cocking her head in confusion.

"Um, Twi?" I said hesitantly. "You do realise that I've never met your parents before, right?"

Twilight thought for a moment before her eyes widened and she groaned, making sure to facehoof for added effect.

"I completely forgot." She sighed. "All the time you've been here, all the time we've been together, and I neglected to tell the three most important ponies in my life about you."

"They can't not be aware of my existence." I offered. "Surely word has spread outside of Ponyville about me?"

"Maybe." Twilight tapped her chin. "But I guess we'll find out when we go to Canterlot."

I nodded.

"Sounds good." I resumed walking. "So, when are we going?"

"As soon as we're showered and you're dressed." Twilight replied. "So might I suggest that you wear something smart? My parents aren't easy to impress, and my brother can be a tiny bit overprotective of me."

"Sounds great." I lied. "I can't wait to meet them all."

Twilight raised an eyebrow and smiled wryly at me as I entered the bathroom. Within minutes we were in the shower, and I was working on the speech I'd no doubt have to give to my soon to be in-laws. The day had barely started, and already I was wishing that it would end as soon as possible.


***


Half an hour later Twilight and I were walking to the train station when we were suddenly set upon by a small mob, which was comprised of the other Element bearers, John and Ace. The girls immediately gathered around Twilight with large grins on their faces, while John and Ace simply folded their arms and nodded.

"What?" I asked as I looked back at them. "Have I forgotten to wash all the shaving cream off my face or something?"

"No." John replied nonchalantly. "But there is something that the girls want to see. Something... sparkly."

"Ah, I get it." Twilight said. "You want to see... this!"

She held up a foreleg and allowed everyone to gaze at the hoofband which was around it. The sunlight reflected off the gold and danced across the gemstones embedded within, dazzling us all in its radiance and beauty.

"It looks even better when you're wearing it, darling!" Rarity squealed. "I assume he... well, you know..."

"Proposed?" Twilight replied. "He did, and of course I said 'no'."

Everyone gasped.

"You said no?!" Pinkie Pie wailed. "But... I was so looking forward to catering your wedding! I was thinking 'everything must be purple'!"

"Sorry, Pinkie." I said. "But we talked about it, and we decided that it wasn't really working out. She's only wearing the hoofband because she sees it as a thoughtful gift."

Our friends looked at us, ashen-faced, before Twilight and I finally lost our composure and burst out laughing.

"I said 'yes'!" Twilight giggled. "What else was I going to say?!"

"Yeah..." Rainbow Dash muttered. "Good one, guys."

"So what brings you out of the house?" John asked. "I thought for sure you would be celebrating, if you know what I mean."

"I do," I replied, "and we have. Last night. We were actually on our way to the train station to catch the next one to Canterlot."

"Canterlot?" Fluttershy chimed. "Why are you going there?"

Twilight and I exchanged a sheepish glance.

"The time has come for Geo to meet my family." She said. "But the only problem is... they don't even know about us being together, let alone being engaged!"

"So in other words..." Ace snickered. "You're going to be dropping two bombshells on them at once? 'Hey, folks, this is my boyfriend! Oh wait, I mean fiancé!' Are you pleased?"

"Yeah." I deadpanned. "We are. And neither of us are really looking forward to it. So if you don't mind, I would very much like to get it out of the way as soon as possible."

I started walking again with Twilight close behind. The rest of our friends stood silent for a moment and then began following us. We passed the rest of the journey in silence and soon we were on the platform, just as the train arrived.

"All aboard for Canterlot!" The conductor yelled. Twilight and I turned to the others.

"This is it." I said. "If I don't come back, avenge my death."

"I'm sure it won't be that bad." John said dismissively. "I'm sure Twilight's family are really nice."

"Her brother is Captain of the Royal Guard." I muttered. "So he's going to be a problem... I think."

"Shiny isn't all bad." Twilight said comfortingly. "He just tends to be a bit... overprotective... of me is all, especially after what happened at his wedding."

"And what happened at his wedding?" I asked, shocked.

"Let's just say that somepony tried to crash the party." Twilight replied. "There was a lot of trouble, and my friends and I were caught up in the middle of it."

"Oh, okay." I said, not keen to press the issue further. We stepped onto the train and took a seat, or two in my case, and soon we were moving away from the platform. The girls and guys waved to us until they were naught but a speck on the horizon.

"How long is this trip?" I asked.

"Four hours." Twilight replied. "Better get comfortable."

I adjusted myself in the seat as the conductor approached us.

"Tickets please." He said. "Oh, wait, you got on in Ponyville. I assume you are going to Canterlot?"

"We are." Twilight replied. "Two return tickets, please."

"Of course." The conductor got the tickets ready. "That will be ten bits. Thank you for travelling on Equestrian Rail."

Twilight passed him the money and tucked the tickets into her saddlebags. The conductor tipped his hat to us and proceeded into the next carriage. We sat in silence for a moment before I moved closer to the window and invited Twilight to sit next to me.

"If we're going to do this," I said, "then we're going to do it together. I don't want to leave your side for the rest of the day."

"Agreed." Twilight nodded, and the two of us sat in silence, watching the splendour of Equestria speed by.
> Out In The Open
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CHAPTER TWO


Out In The Open


The journey to Canterlot was a quiet one. Neither Twilight nor I were interested in talking, as we were more focused on how her family would take the news we had for them.

The train arrived in Canterlot and we got off, Twilight leading the way through the unfamiliar streets. Part of me had always hoped that my first time in Canterlot would be a happy one — but now I was seeing it as the source of my impending doom.

I dutifully followed Twilight until we arrived at a large manor-type house. As we walked up the path, Twilight finally spoke.

"Well here we are." She said. "This is my parents house. As you can probably tell from looking at it, they're quite well-off."

"I don't care about how much money they have." I replied. "All I care about is getting their approval."

Twilight reared onto her hind legs and nuzzled me.

"And you'll get it, don't worry." She cooed. "Just be yourself – the wonderful man I fell in love with – and you'll be fine."

I nodded and kissed the top of her head before she got back to all fours and rang the doorbell. The sound of hoofsteps soon followed, and then the door opened to reveal a white unicorn stallion with a blue mane which had lighter blue highlights. He looked at me strangely, but upon seeing Twilight his face lit up and he grinned.

"Twiley!" He chuckled and hugged her. "Long time no see, sis!"

"Hi, Shiny." Twilight giggled. "I know it's been a while since my last visit, so I came here for that very reason — as well as to share some news with you, mom and dad."

"And Cadence." Shining Armour said with a grin. "She's here too. Now, who's this you've brought with you? He looks familiar..."

Twilight's smile widened at the mention of Cadence, but she quickly composed herself and motioned towards me.

"Shiny, this is Geo. Geo, this is Shining Armour." She introduced us. "He's my brother and my best friend forever."

"Twilight has told me a lot about you, Captain." I held out my hand. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Instead of shaking my hand like I expected, Shining Armour instead narrowed his eyes and glared at me.

"I thought I recognised you!" He yelled. "You're that human who arrived in Equestria some months ago... and under very violent circumstances, from what I've heard!"

I withdrew my hand.

"Shiny, please." Twilight groaned. "That's all in the past. Can we come in? There's something we need to tell you all."

"All right, Twiley, you can come in." He prodded me sharply in the chest. "But I'll be keeping a close on you, buddy. Any funny business and I'll kick your flank."

"Duly noted." I replied nervously. "But I can assure you that I am not here to cause trouble. Twilight brought me up here so that I could meet her family."

"Why?"

"You'll find out soon enough, Shiny." Twilight said as she dragged me into the house. "Now where's Cadence? I haven't seen her since the wedding!"

"She's in the living room with mom and dad." Shining Armour said. "Whatever this news is, it had better be worth you dragging this guy all the way up here."

"Trust me, Shiny." Twilight groaned. "When have I ever let you down? I was right about Chrysalis, wasn't I?"

Shining Armour winced as though Twilight had pulled the scab off an old wound. He didn't reply and allowed his sister to steer me towards the living room where three more ponies were sitting talking around a roaring fire.

"Hi, mom! Hi, dad!" Twilight called. "It's me, Twilight, and I've brought somepony who you need to meet!"

The conversation stopped as all three of them turned to look at the door, only to be greeted by the sight of a six-foot tall human being pushed along by a four-foot tall unicorn. Eventually Twilight stopped pushing me and stood in front of the trio. I could see two mares and a stallion. One of the mares looked like Twilight, except she was a light grey colour with a purple and white mane, so I assumed that this was Twilight's mother. The stallion was blue with a dark blue mane and tail.

"Hi, Cadence!" Twilight squealed. "It's so good to see you again!"

The third pony in the room stood up, revealing herself to be a pink alicorn. The sudden realisation that I was in the same room as a Princess, a Princess whom Twilight happened to know, only served to make me even more nervous. As I watched, Cadence and Twilight started doing a dance routine of sorts.

"Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves, and do a little shake!" They said in unison before falling over giggling. Cadence was the first to recover and hugged Twilight.

"It's wonderful to see you again, Twilight." She said. "I hope you'll stay a while, as we need to catch up."

"You're right, Cadence." Twilight replied. "We do need to catch up. But there is another reason why we're here."

"Yes..." Twilight's father said. "I can see that. Say, aren't you that... what's it called... oh yes. Aren't you that 'human' who appeared a few months ago? I read all about it in the papers... with some trepidation, might I add."

"I am indeed that human, sir." I replied, eager to make a good impression. "I've been in Equestria for a while now in the company of your daughter, who is a good friend of mine."

"I should think so too." Twilight's mother chipped in. "Our Twilight is one of the friendliest ponies I've ever seen." She paused for a moment. "Where are my manners? I am Twilight Velvet, Twilight's mother. This is Night Light, her father, and Cadence, her foalsitter from when she was a filly."

"I'm Geo." I replied. "It's lovely to meet all of you. I just... er, I just wasn't expecting a Princess to be here."

"I get that a lot." Cadence chuckled. "It's okay, Geo, you don't need to be formal with me. Any friend of Twilight's is a friend of mine."

"Yeah well I still don't trust him." Shining Armour muttered as he pushed past me. "You're all forgetting the violent circumstances under which he arrived. And as far as I care, that makes you a potential threat to Equestria."

"Shiny..." Cadence grumbled. "Leave him alone. He seems nice, and Twilight appears to have taken a shine to him."

Twilight and I both chuckled sheepishly, which caused Cadence to raise her eyebrow slightly.

"Unless..." She said. "You two share a bond which surpasses that of mere friendship?"

When Twilight and I didn't answer, Cadence closed her eyes. Her horn began to glow softly, and I felt myself being enveloped in her aura. On the other side of the room, Twilight was also affected. After a few seconds Cadence stopped casting her spell and opened her eyes, a sly smile spreading across her lips.

"I know why you're really here now, Twilight." She said. "You and Geo love each other, and you've brought him her to seek your family's opinions of him."

Twilight nodded while my jaw hung open in shock.

"How did you..." I stuttered. "How did you know that?"

"Put simply, my special talent is love." Cadence said. "I am able to feel it and, on occasion, help two ponies realise their affections for each other." She chuckled. "It's unreal how many couples I've stopped from arguing!"

I nodded in understanding, oblivious to the fact that Twilight's parents were dumbstruck and Shining Armour was grinding his teeth together furiously.

"That's not all." Twilight said. "Not only are we together..."

I crossed the room and stood by her her side, laying a hand atop her head. She held up the foreleg with the band on it and allowed everypony to see it.

"We're getting married!" We said together.

A dull silence descended across the room as the occupants took the time to process what was just said. The results varied immensely.

Cadence squealed with glee while Twilight's parents passed out. But then everything went black as Shining Armour suddenly charged across the room and cracked a forehoof across the side of my head.

The last thing I heard before I hit the floor were the raised voices of two angry mares and an even angrier stallion.
> Damage Control
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CHAPTER THREE


Damage Control


I came to slowly, wondering what the hell was going to happen to me next. I could make out Shining Armour standing in front of Twilight, who was standing in front of me defensively. Cadence was standing next to Twilight, and the three of them were having a very loud discussion with each other.

"Why did you do that?!" Twilight demanded. "Geo isn't the threat you're making him out to be, Shining Armour. In fact, the only threat I can see here is you!"

"Twilight's right, Shiny." Cadence added. "Why are you being such a jerk? Can't you see that Twilight and Geo are happy together?"

"Haven't you read your history books?" Shining Armour yelled back. "In case you've forgotten, his kind tried to destroy Equestria! Who's to say he isn't the scout of some kind?"

Twilight facehoofed.

"Shining, I love you a lot." She said. "But you can be a complete idiot at times. Geo isn't even related to the humans of Old Equestria, because he's from a completely different universe."

Shining Armour was about to interrupt her, but when she mentioned the different universe he stopped himself and blinked in surprise. While he was momentarily stunned, I stood up rubbing my sore head.

"See what happens when you jump to conclusions?" I said smugly. "You end up looking like a complete and total jackass."

"A different... universe?" Shining Armour said blankly. "But... how is that even possible?"

I sat down on the floor and smoothed my hair back before taking a deep breath.

"It's a long story." I said with a small laugh. "Are you sure you want to hear it?"

Shining Armour nodded, and so I began telling the story of my time in Equestria.


***


By the time I had finished, Shining Armour's facial expression had changed dramatically. Where once was anger, there was now regret. Where once his eyes burned with hate, they now avoided my own gaze.

"I... I had no idea." He said. "I just assumed that because you were a human, you were like... them."

"Well he's not." Twilight snapped. "I hope you see that now."

"I do." Shining Armour nodded and turned to face me. "And I can only apologise so many times. You clearly care about Twilight, and you've been through Tartarus itself to prove that. I can see now that you are the perfect stallion... man, even... for my little sister."

"Thanks." I replied. "I'm happy that I've managed to get you on my side. Unfortunately, I think your parents are going to take some more convincing to get used to the idea."

We all looked over at the still passed out Twilight Velvet and Night Light. Cadence and Shining Armour walked over and gently roused the two of them, by poking them with their horns. They sat up with a start and looked around the room, their eyes finally coming to rest on me. I grinned and waved at them.

"What happened?" Velvet asked. "The last thing I remember is Twilight telling us that the two of you were together and... oh, I remember now."

"You're engaged?!" Night Light shouted. "You never even told us you were dating him, Twilight, and all of a sudden you tell us that you're getting married?"

"I'm sorry, dad." Twilight replied. "But as enjoyable as our time together has been, it hasn't been without its downsides."

"Downsides?" Velvet parroted. "What do you mean by that."

I groaned, and found myself telling my story for the second time that evening. Twilight's parents listened with rapt attention and by the time I'd finished, they were deep in thought."

"Hmm..." Night Light eventually said. "I can see why you neglected to tell us. That can't have been easy on either of you."

"No it wasn't." I replied, hugging Twilight. "But the main thing is that I'm back now, and I am going to marry your daughter... with or without your consent if necessary."

"Without our consent?" Velvet queried.

"You heard me." I snapped. "As Shining Armour said earlier, Twilight and I have been through Tartarus just to be together. If I have to risk antagonising you so that I can be with the mare I love, then so be it. I will not let anypony, not even the Princesses themselves, get in the way of the happiness that we deserve."

All eyes were on me by the time I had finished my speech. It wasn't the one I had originally intended to give, but at that moment in time I couldn't care about that fact. All I cared about was getting across the point that I was going to marry Twilight.

Velvet and Night Light both turned away from me and began having a hushed conversation with each other, casting the occasional glance back towards me. Cadence and Shining Armour stood by idly while Twilight opted for jumping into my arms and holding me tight, as if to show her parents that she agreed with what I had said.

Eventually her parents turned back to face me, their stern expressions slowly giving way to smiles. They nodded once, the simple gesture telling us both what we wanted to hear.

"Anypony who can say such wonderful things about our daughter, and show that they are willing to do whatever it takes to make her happy..." Night Light said. "Well, I for one would be happy to call you my son-in-law."

"As would I." Velvet added. "You have literally crossed universes in order to be with Twilight, and that alone is a testament to the love the two of you share."

Twilight and I both beamed from ear to ear.

"Thanks, folks." I said. "That means a lot to us."

"It's our pleasure." Velvet said. "We know that the two of you are going to be very happy together. And maybe..." She giggled. "Maybe we can look forward to you informing us we're going to be grandparents in the future?"

"Moooooooooooooooooooooooooom!" Twilight whined, turning bright red. "It's a little bit early for that!"

"I'm sorry, Twilight." Velvet chuckled. "But a mare can dream, can't she? I think you'd make a great mother."

"Can we change the subject please?" Twilight begged. "We came here for a visit, so come on! Let's do something!"

With those words I was dragged onto the couch by Cadence and Velvet, whereupon both mares proceeded to interrogate me about what the wedding was going to be like.


***


Hours later, Twilight and I were finally able to leave the house. I had managed to persuade Velvet and Cadence that the wedding was going to be lovely, and that they would be the first to get their invites. After a round of goodbyes, and a pat on the shoulder from Shining Armour, the house finally disappeared from our sights.

"Well that was... eventful." I said. "I'll tell you one thing though, Twi, your brother has a mean right hook. I can see why they made him Captain of the Guard."

Twilight rolled her eyes.

"He's sorry for that, by the way." She replied. "Even if he didn't tell you to your face."

"I know." I chuckled. "But at least we have his support, as well as the support of your parents."

"And Cadence." Twilight added. "Don't forget about her."

"Of course." I smiled. Approaching a junction I went to turn right towards the station, but stopped when Twilight turned left instead. "Hey, Twi? The train station is this way."

"I know." She said. "But we need to make one last stop before we can go back to Ponyville. There are two more ponies who need to know the good news."

"Oh?" I queried. "And who might they be?"

"The Princesses of course." Twilight said cheerfully. "They're my friends as well, you know."

She continued walking while I remained motionless. It was quite a while before I finally ran to catch up with her on her approach to the magnificent castle which lay before us.
> Royal Approval
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CHAPTER FOUR


Royal Approval


Canterlot Castle seemed a lot bigger than I expected it to be, but I put this down to my nerves. The mere fact that Twilight was going to tell Celestia and Luna, whom I realised I had never met, about our engagement was causing my mind to wander.

As we approached the castle gates, the two guards on either side of it barred our approach with their spears, crossing the weapons over each other while staring us both down relentlessly.

"Halt!" One of them said. "Who goes there?"

"I am Twilight Sparkle, Princess Celestia's protégé and Bearer of the Element of Magic." Twilight replied. "And this is my fiancé, Geo. We are here to see both Celestia and Luna."

The guards posture relaxed as Twilight introduced herself and they withdrew their spears before saluting briskly.

"Apologies, Miss Sparkle." The other guard said. "You may both pass. Princess Celestia and her sister are in the throne room, making preparations to turn over from the Day Court to the Night Court. I trust you can find your own way?"

"I can." Twilight nodded. "Thank you, sirs. Come on, Geo."

I didn't say anything as I followed Twilight into the castle. I was awestruck by the magnificent architecture of the place, but I had other things on my mind at that moment. Twilight seemed to know the place like the back of her hoof, so I allowed her to lead me to a large ornate door, emblazoned with Celestia's cutie mark on one side and what I believed to be Luna's on the other.

Twilight knocked on the door a few times and opened it slightly. I couldn't see past her, but when she smiled broadly and waved I assumed that she had just spotted Celestia. Sure enough, the Princess' voice filtered out through the crack in the door.

"Twilight!" Celestia said cheerfully. "This is a pleasant surprise. Please, come in."

Twilight pushed the door open further and stepped in, followed closely by me. Celestia seemed surprised by my presence, but she wasn't nearly as surprised as the other alicorn who was standing nearby. It could only have been Luna.

"Geo?" Celestia seemed confused. "This is definitely an unexpected pleasure. What brings you both all the way out to Canterlot? Is there something wrong?"

"No, Princess." I replied. "There's nothing wrong. Twilight and I just have something to tell you."

"I see." Celestia nodded. "Well whatever it is, I can tell that you're both eager to sh—"

"Are you not going to introduce us, sister?" Luna interrupted. "I have heard you speak of this human before, but this is the first time I have had the privilege of meeting him."

"Luna..." Celestia groaned. "What have I told you about interrupting? It's not nice. But you're right, where are my manners? Luna, this is Geo. Geo, this is Luna."

"The privilege is all mine, Princess Luna." I said as I held out my hand, which Luna shook. "It's a pleasure to meet you at last."

"Such manners!" Luna replied. "And please, you don't need to be formal with me. You may call me 'Luna'."

"As you wish, Luna." I said with a bow, which got a giggle out of her. "Now, as Twilight said, we have some news. I just hope you don't react the same way her family did..."

Celestia and Luna shared a glance before Twilight, seemingly eager to just get things out of the way, blurted out the news.

"We're engaged!" She squealed, holding up the golden hoofband. "I know that you were already aware of Geo's plan to propose to me, but I felt that you should know he's actually done it."

Celestia smiled and brought Twilight in for a hug with her wings. Twilight returned the gesture fondly, nuzzling her mentor's chest.

"This is wonderful news, Twilight." She said. "I wish you both nothing but the very best for the future."

"As do I!" Luna exclaimed. "But... I'm curious as to how your family reacted. Would you care to elaborate?"

"Take a seat, Luna." I laughed. "Because it's a long story."


***


By the time I had finished telling the story, which included telling Luna how I arrived in Equestria, both Princesses were on the verge of hysterics. For some bizarre reason they found the idea of Twilight's parents passing out funny, though they did express shock when I told them how Shining Armour had rendered me unconscious for a while.

They also had nothing but kind words to say about Cadence, pleased about the fact she was on our side from the start simply because she could feel the love oozing from Twilight and I.

Once I finished Celestia took Twilight aside for a chat, leaving Luna and I alone to have a private conversation of our own. As soon as Celestia and Twilight left Luna's smile faded, replaced by a thin line where her lips should have been.

"Now that my sister and your fiancée have gone, I can talk to you about something serious." She said sternly. "Twilight Sparkle is the first friend I have had in over a thousand years, so you can imagine that I won't take kindly to anypony who would do her harm."

Oh crap. I thought. Here we go again.

"I can assure you, Luna, that harming Twilight is the last thing on my mind." I replied. "I only assume you are doing this because of what Twilight told me about the humans of Old Equestria... and how you and Celestia took part in the last battle against them."

Luna's ears flattened against her eye and her eyes widened. Instead of a regal princess, she now resembled a deer caught in the headlights. A faint whimper escaped her lips as ancient memories forced their way to the surface.

"Idiot!" I chastised myself. "I'm sorry, Luna, I didn't mean to bring up the past like that."

"It's fine." Luna replied. "Really. I shouldn't really be treating you like this, as you did say you came to Equestria from another universe altogether. It's just that... the memories of the past aren't easily forgotten."

"If you don't want to talk about it, then that's fine." I said. "We can always talk about something else. I don't want you feel like I'm pressuring you into doing something you don't want to."

Luna and looked away from me, focusing at a random spot on the wall. She ruffled her wings and sighed wistfully.

"I assume you know of my past as Nightmare Moon?" She asked, to which I nodded. "That happened a few months after the battle. I didn't want to take part, but I had no choice. Once it was over, I was angry. We had a chance to live in peace with the humans and they threw back it in our faces. I felt as though they had betrayed us. My loathing of Celestia's sun had already manifested itself by this point, but to this day I feel as though the hatred I harboured towards the humans acted as a sort of catalyst for my transformation into... her."

She turned to face me again. Not knowing what else to do, I kept silent and patted her shoulder in a comforting gesture. This got a small smile out of the sullen alicorn, and she continued talking.

"During my exile, I had time to think. I mostly thought about how I had let Celestia, and by extension all of Equestria, down with my selfishness and greed. But I also thought about the humans and what they did — and eventually I came to realise that they didn't betray us... because violence and hatred were in their nature. So I taught myself to cast aside my loathing, but seeing you brought it bubbling back to the surface."

"I can see why." I replied. "While it is true that humans have a bad side, there are a lot of us – like me – who strive to show off our good side. If it's any consolation, Luna, then I apologise for what you had to go through. But I assure you that I am not like them in any way, shape or form, and that the only time I would ever resort to violence would be to protect Twilight or my friends."

Luna's smile widened and, to my surprise, she hugged me. I felt her leaning into my neck, and her voice came out as a whisper.

"Thank you for the apology." She said. "But it wasn't necessary. You have nothing to apologise for... except maybe being a hopeless romantic with a heart of gold."

We both laughed at this as Luna moved away from me — just as Twilight and Celestia came into the room. They were talking, but fell silent as they caught sight of Luna and I laughing merrily.

"It sounds like a couple of someponies have each made a new friend." Celestia said with a small grin. "What were you two talking about that was so funny?"

"Nothing much, sister." Luna replied. "Geo was simply giving me some much-needed words of wisdom."

"Say no more." Celestia said. "Anyway, I have given Twilight her new assignment, which is to learn about how friendship can evolve into love, and I have also arranged for a chariot to take you both back to Ponyville. It has been nice seeing you again, Geo, but do remember what I told you while you were in hospital: that my door is always open if you ever want to talk."

"I'll bear that in mind." I nodded. "Thank you, Celestia. Ready to go, Twi? I'm sure our friends are waiting."

Twilight nodded and said her goodbyes before walking out onto the balcony, where a chariot was waiting. With a final wave we got in and took off for home, holding each other close for comfort.

Which was good, because I learned that I really hated heights.
> Epilogue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


CHAPTER FIVE


Epilogue


The chariot landed outside the train station, as Twilight had spotted the rest of our friends waiting on the platform and asked the guards pulling us to land there. As we did I leapt out of the chariot and kissed the ground.

"Solid land!" I exclaimed happily. "It is so good to feel you again!"

"Oh come on." Twilight giggled. "Chariots aren't all that bad. I didn't have any problems with it. Then again... you are taller than me, so I can only theorise that your centre of gravity is different than mine, which is why you kept sliding around in there."

I shrugged and kissed the ground again, only to stop when several shadows converged over me. I looked up to find John, Ace and the girls looking back at me with bemused looks on their faces.

"Oh sorry, Geo." John said. "Is this a bad time? Would you like us to leave while you make out with Mother Nature?"

"Very funny, John." I laughed sarcastically as I stood up and dusted myself off. "But after spending nearly an hour sliding around a cramped chariot a few thousand feet above the ground... I think I've earned the right to make out with the dirt."

John cackled and slapped me on the back as everyone else gathered around.

"So how did it go?" Ace asked. "Was Twilight's family pleased with the news, or did the sudden bombshell obliterate their minds?"

"Oh hell." I said. "Where do I begin? Well first of all, Twilight's brother took an instant dislike to me. And when we told everypony about the engagement her parents passed out and he smacked me upside the head, knocking me onto my arse."

Everyone gasped.

"But after I came to we managed to convince him, with some help from his wife, that I was a good guy. Then we woke the parents up and pretty much told them the same thing. It took a while, but I won 'em round in the end."

"... Then I got interrogated about wedding plans for over two hours. I was thankful to leave, because my arse was numb from sitting still for so long. But to my surprise we weren't done, as Twilight dragged me off to the Castle to see the Princesses and tell them the good news as well!"

"They appreciated it, and I got to talk to Luna about some stuff for a while as well. And then we came back here... and I think I can safely say that you know the rest."

Silence greeted me as I finished talking. Eventually John burst out laughing. He waved a finger at me as he spoke.

"Nice one, Geo." He said. "You almost had me there. You're just playing another joke on us, like you did this morning. Now seriously, what actually happened?"

Twilight and I groaned.

This is going to take a while.


***


It took half an hour, but eventually we got everyone to believe what I was saying. Rainbow Dash burst out laughing at Shining Armour's impromptu punching party, while Pinkie Pie seemed more interested in the fact that the wedding was going ahead. She rattled off page after page of ideas which I eventually just tuned out, although I did notice Ace listening to her with rapt attention.

Rarity was ecstatic about making a dress, but seemed upset when Twilight said that she would just wear her Gala dress instead. After a bit of cajoling, Twilight eventually agreed to let Rarity be her manestylist and her Mare of Honour.

The rest of the girls were told they would be bridesmaids, which pleased them immensely. Since I didn't want to choose between them, I told Ace and John that they would be my Best Men.

With everyone content, Twilight and I said our farewells and headed back to the library after a busy day. Spike was happy that the wedding was going ahead but declined any major role, saying that he'd simply prefer to watch.

I got undressed and flopped onto the bed next to my fiancée. She kissed me tenderly and we both snuggled up together.

"I can't wait for our big day." I said eagerly. "Being married to you is going to be fantastic."

"Mmm, yes." Twilight replied. "I just hope we can get everything organised on time! There's the catering, the decorations, my dress, your suit, the invitations, the entertainment, the—"

I put a finger to her lips to silence her before she went off on another checklist rant. I gazed deep into her eyes and smiled, hoping to reassure her that everything would be all right. Thankfully she understood and nodded.

"Sorry." She mumbled. "But you know how serious I am about my organisation. I just want our perfect day to be... well, perfect."

"And it will." I replied. "Our friends are helping us, Twi, and they're not going to let us down. Our big day will be the best one we've ever experienced, I promise."

"I know it will." Twilight paused for a moment before she grinned, her eyes going half-lidded while she bit her lower lip. "I just hope that the honeymoon is even better."

"Oh that?" I waved a hand dismissively. "That's a given. But if you're not sure... why don't we get some practice in?"

"Sounds good to me." Twilight giggled. "They say that you shouldn't rush perfection... so let's take it easy, shall we?"

"We've got all the time in the world, my dear." I said as I pulled the covers over us. "All the time in the world."

For the rest of the evening no more words were said, as we were once again united in love.


*** THE END ***