One week had passed since Dash returned to Ponyville, one week had passed since we had nearly sealed our relationship in the most intimate of ways, and it was a whole week that we haven’t done that just yet either. After a multitude of things stopping us, after I got healed of course, we stopped trying on a single cause. Dash refused to enlighten me, and yet she kept reassuring me that in less than a weeks’ time, we would have all the time in the world... essentially.

No amount of prodding had gained me any clarification.

Now though, it seemed I had much bigger fish to fry.

Dominic Wild,

Your presence has been requested by her majesty, Princess Celestia, co-ruler of Equestria, to discuss an important opportunity. For convenience and confidentiality, you are only to notify your place of employment as well as your friends that you have business in Canterlot. Enclosed in this envelope are two tickets for the express train that will leave Ponyville Station at one fifty. You are permitted to bring no more than one guest of your choosing to attend the trip with you.

You will be gone from your home for approximately seventy-two hours. Make any preparations for your absence prior to the scheduled time for your departure, and bring only what is necessary, as all will be provided for you during your stay at Canterlot Castle and furthermore.

Upon arrival, there will be an escort awaiting you and your guest, should you bring another with you. You will be guided to Canterlot Castle to meet with Princess Celestia. Once in the Castle, matters of import will be discussed with you from there. Time is of the essence, please do not delay.

-Silver Quill

Princess Celestia’s Advisor

Now, I stood here on the platform to board the train. No details were in the letter when I first got it, and despite constantly going back to reread it, no other details have been divulged. Currently, the only information I had was from self deduction, and that wasn’t much to go off of. Firstly, Princess Celestia was summoning me to Canterlot, not her sister, so that was enough to let me know this trip was going to be strictly business; although what I couldn’t be sure. The second thing I could tell, was it was important, very much so if there was a limited amount of time that I had to prepare, as well as the fact I would be gone from home for multiple days. Third but not lastly, was the fact the deadline was so short as a whole... it probably wasn’t the Princess that was wanting to speak with me. But who, that was the question.

I didn’t want to bother anyone with my summons, but after some thought, I decided who I wanted to be with me for this whole escapade. So now, Dash and I sat on the train platform together. There wasn’t another pony I wanted to go on this trip with than her, as I didn’t know another as well as her, on top of the fact that there wasn’t anyone in Canterlot that I knew better than her. And while Princess Luna had abstained from flirting with me in my dreams, in person, or through letters, I thought it might be better to avoid giving her temptation.

“Geeze, what’s taking so long!?”

Looking at Dash, I found her sitting on her haunches with her forelegs crossed over her chest, an adorable scowl on her face.

Just as I opened my mouth to reply, I heard a shrill whistle cut through the air. I looked down the tracks and found the train steaming towards us, although it would still be a minute before it arrived. Instead, I looked back at Dash, smirked, and said, “Ask, and you shall receive.”

She looked at me in a mix of skeptism and cockiness. But when her eyes lit up with mischief, I felt worried. Anything else we may have said however was put on hold as the train hissed into the station. I shook my head slowly, before fishing out tickets out of my pocket...

Stepping off the carriage and onto the cobblestone path, I looked up at Canterlot castle as it stretched far overhead. Even after reading into the magical forces used to make Canterlot what it is today, as well as its supports and the spells used to hold the massive city onto the cliff, I still couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty of the alabaster walls and towers. The entire place held an air of power, regality, as well as showing how prosperous the city and surrounding country was.

Dash flew down from the sky and hovered beside my head as I returned to Earth and began to follow the guard up the path towards a smaller entrance. I made my way closer to the guard so that I could voice my question. “Hey, you wouldn’t happen to know what exactly the Princess wants me for, do you?”

The turned his head to the side a small margin as he replied, “No sir. I was only instructed to lead you to your destination. The Princess will speak with you when you meet up with her.”

Nodding, I fell back once more until I was following by two feet. Dash was instantly at my ear. “You actually got him to talk? I can never get the guards to talk!”

Chuckling briefly, I gave her a skeptical eye and said, “Were you just trying to get them to talk, or did you have a question they could answer?”

Her cheeks colored as she grumbled too quietly for me to hear, despite being right next to me. I simply felt a chuckle leave my throat.

“What do you think she wants to talk about?”

I shrugged my shoulders as we went from the stone pathway to the halls of the castle, the clops of hooves and stamps of my boots echoing loudly in the quiet halls. “I don’t know, but it must be something important.”

“Well, no duh! But what kind of important business would the Princess want you to come all the way here for, instead of telling you in a letter?”

Once more I shrugged my shoulders, before giving her a more serious answer, “I don’t know Dash. But it can be a multitude of things. Perhaps they discovered something in the wreckage of my jet, maybe something else happened that brought me here. Hell, I am the only human that we know of here on Equis, it might have something to do with that. All I know for certain is she doesn’t want to risk others finding out about it, or more likely, something time sensitive has come up that requires my presence.” I looked over at her to see her eyes wider now, and I finished, “There are too many possibilities for me to guess on just yet.”

Dash seemed to deflate a little bit, but then a spark flashed in her eyes, “What if more humans somehow came to Equestria?”

I faltered in my step, feeling a wave of paranoia sweep down my spine as I looked away. It was highly unlikely. I wanted to say impossible... and yet here I was; the lone human in Equestria.

Turning and looking towards Dash, I gave a smile and said, “That would be... interesting to say the least. Besides... I thought my appearance was linked to your Rainboom?”

“Oh, yeah.” Dash grinned as her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She shook her head, before adding curiously, “Why didn’t you seem more happy at the idea of other humans being here?”

Chuckling to myself, I couldn’t help but marvel at my clever mare. I shook my head as I spoke, “There are plenty of reasons really. I don’t want to say everything... but to put it simply. I am a good guy.” Realization crossed her eyes.

“Well, I’m sure if bad humans came to Equestria, we could stop them.”

That would depend...

Keeping my thoughts to myself, I looked back forward and said, “It’s better if we just leave these wild speculations alone until we actually know what the Princess called us here for.”

“Us?” Rainbow Dash laughed, before she said boisterously, “I thought you asked me to come with you?”

“Yes, us.” I said back, feeling heat flush through my face as the guards ear flicked. I turned my attention back to Dash, “I’m sure Princess Celestia knew if I brought anyone, it would be you.”

“Eh-hem. Sir. Ma’am.” The guard turned and faced us, causing us to stop. “The Princess is waiting for you through these doors.”

Dash and I seemed to share the same thought process, though she was vocal about it, “This isn’t the throne room.”

The guard pushed the door open regardless, “Please enter and speak with the Princess. She will have answers I cannot provide.”

I grabbed Dashes floating hooves and tugged her along with me through the doorway before she could argue anymore or delay.

The first thing I noticed when we entered the room wasn’t the princess herself, rather it was the large amount of scrolls stretched across a large conference like table that grabbed my eye. Princess Celestia herself was going over what looked like a map when we walked in, but the moment I looked over to her, she looked up and smiled tensely. Her eyes didn’t show hostility for once, but she appeared, stressed.

Her eyes danced towards Dash before returning to my own, a smile spreading across her muzzle as she tittered with laughter, “For some reason, I knew you would bring Rainbow Dash with you.” I took a moment to give Dash a pointed look. “Please, come in. We have much to talk about, and very little time with which to do it.”

I released Dash’s hoof and made my way towards an open chair near the Princess, feeling that was the best position to be if we were going to be discussing something of importance. Dash sat just on my other side, and then proceeded to prop herself up on my body to look over my shoulder. Glancing up at the colorful locks that fell from above, I shook my head in humor before asking, “So Princess, what exactly will we be discussing? From your letter, I assume it had something to do only with me?”

“How astute Dominic.” Celestia lowered her head, rubbing her eyes with obvious exhaustion, “I didn’t call you here for business in Canterlot unfortunately. No, your presence was requested by the Gryphon Emperor... you remember the gryphons, yes?”

I felt a bit of concern as I nodded my head. “Yes, I remember them all too well. What do they want do they want with me?” I asked as I felt distaste for the situation.

“They didn’t specify exactly what they wanted you for, but I have a very reasonable idea as to what they want from you. Gryphon’s are a militaristic species, and when you were talking about your worlds capabilities to them, they probably surmise you have with you weapons from your world, or knowledge on how to make those weapons.” Celestia looked up and met my gaze with her own, before asking, “Do you know how to manufacture your world’s weapons...?”

Dash shifted from her place on my shoulders, the bottom of her muzzle entering my field of view. She hummed, before she spoke, “Princess, the most dangerous thing he has is how clumsy he is...”

“Tch, as if.” I muttered as I scoffed. I shook my head, though I did look back towards Princess Celestia’s serious expression. I nodded slowly as I said, “While I do know the concepts of how to build my worlds weapons, I haven’t given it much thought before. However... that isn’t something I am willing to bring to your world. From What I have seen Princess, your ponies are relatively peaceful, and that isn’t something I want to be the reason for ruining. And if one side has those weapons... then it incites the possible conflicts that can follow.”

She let out a sigh, before nodding her head. She looked to the various scrolls on the table, before levitating a few over to me as she said, “It is highly unlikely, but I will be going with you to the gryphon Empire to ensure they don’t try to get... physical during your visit.”

Dash lifted her head from my own before she growled, “If they try to hurt Dom, I will feed them their own feathers...”

Celestia looked up towards Dash with what looked like she was about to scold her. Deciding to intervene, I raised my hand to forestall her, before saying myself, “Princess, surely there is a way for me to decline their invitation to their empire...”

“I’m afraid there isn’t a way of doing that. They will simply become more persistent, before undoubtedly coming and seeking you out instead to where you reside.” Her mane seemed to blow as she grew agitated, “Even if I were to condemn such actions, they are fool hardy and thick skulled by nature when it comes to speaking with those of other races and temperamental at worst.”

“Sounds like a headache...” I muttered to myself.

Princess Celestia laughed softly, before she levitated a set of scrolls over to me and said, “Here are a few gryphons you might meet during our time in the empire. It would go a long way for you to know who is who when we arrive.” When she lowered the scrolls, she looked above me and addressed Dash instead, “As for you, you being a pony will need to behave yourself. I understand you have strong feelings for Dominic, but acting on impulse can have consequences for Dominic just the same as if he did them himself. Do you understand?”

Dash grumbled softly, “Yes... I understand.”

Even though Princess Celestia wasn’t unkind in her warning, it was still a warning nonetheless. I wanted to chuckle, and yet I also wanted to frown. Instead, I reached a hand up and patted her neck gently, “Dash, they would be foolish to try something with you and the Princess there with me. Even then do not worry, I would be able to handle myself should the need arose.”

When I finished, Princess Celestia looked up at a clock hanging on the wall, before getting up out of her seat and making her way to the door. “I do apologize, but I must be going to get some final preparations in order. Please read over those scrolls carefully, I will be back momentarily. If you need anything, just speak with one of the guards.” As she finished, she disappeared out the doors, leaving Dash and I alone with the scrolls.

As I unfolded one of the scrolls, I found a detailed profile of the emperor on the paper. A quick scan showed his interests, dislikes, a brief summarized history, and then a detailed report afterwards as well. It was thorough report, that was definitely for sure.

Dash wrapped her hooves around my neck and nuzzled my cheek tenderly. I set down the scroll and grabbed one of her hooves with a hand as she spoke, “Dom, you’re my stallion... it is the mares responsibility to keep her stallion safe, no matter what you say.” I felt her lips actually press against my cheek as I did my best to wrap around what she was saying. It almost sounded like she was saying it was her job to keep me safe instead of the other way around. “If something happens to you, what kind of mare would I be?”

I felt honored that she felt such loyalty for me, even if she had the misplaced notion that I needed protection. Then again, I was living a pretty much docile life style, showing not a sliver of aggression or knowledge that I knew how to fight; be with weapons of my world, bladed or blunt tools, or unarmed combat. It was understandable then that she felt I was helpless. Given my fragile position in this world as the only human, and thus an unknown, I didn’t wish to set an example of aggression for ponys to see me as.

I bit my tongue, despite wanting to reassure her I could fight for myself. Instead I reached a hand up and stroked her cheek, speaking softly, “Thanks Dash... and you would still be the same mare to me...”

She hummed happily, and I nodded as I reached forward and plucked a different scroll from the pile. I may as well get some reading done while we waited for Celestia’s return.

The scroll revealed to me the chief war advisory was named Hidden Claw, and as I went through his profile, it stated his duties to the emperor, his past accomplishments, and some of his likes and dislikes, plus special notes, and behavioral patterns. As I did a quick review of his profile, I deduced he was essentially the same as Secretary of Defense, with a more hands on approach to foreign and domestic matters. The more I read his profile however, the more I got the feeling he was more akin to a loose gun. Was reasonable when it came to discussions and terms, was deadly efficient as a warrior, but had a hot temper...

Rolling the scroll back up once I had the important information down, I grabbed another, and then unfurled it. This scroll had much less content on it than the last one, and that was because it was rated as Public Relations. The scroll showed a beady eyed looking gryphon with a dirty looking plumage, and the name read off as Silver Beak.

Heh, public relations... silver beak must be a way of having a silver tongue.

The file was small, because it seemed this gryphon was relatively new to the position. The accomplishments seemed to point towards more domestic, with only two major one. He seemed calm, but with an aggressive stance towards ponies as a whole. While he didn’t seem to oppose ponies as much, he deemed them as ‘below’ him. It was noted any and all that associated themselves with ponies also fell under that category. That would mean I could fall under than category.

Tossing that scroll back onto the pile, I grabbed another and looked at it, and found the gryphon in charge of their finances; Midas Claw. If they indeed were after my worlds weapon, then I could see them trying to bribe me with money of some kind. The fact Celestia found it important that I know this gryphon meant she believed they were indeed going to at least attempt to bribe me. I could essentially be offered a blank check if they were truly desperate enough.

Grabbing a new scroll, the last one, I saw this one was their version of R&D. Developmental research. If he was present... he would most likely be looking forward to speaking with me. I’d have to be careful what I said around this one for sure.

Dash prodded my side as she asked, “How long do you think we will be gone for?”

“I don’t know... I hope we don’t have to stay there too long with what I’m reading about some of their important representatives.” I poked a few of the other scrolls, unsure if I should look in them without permission from the Princess. Tilting my head back, I asked, “So, got any advice regarding gryphons?”

“Yeah.” Dash responded nearly instantly, “Don’t call them chickens, don’t mention chickens, and most importantly, don’t make chicken noises.”

A laugh left me as I asked, “Do you know this from experience Dashie?”

Before she could respond, the doors opened and in walked Princess Celestia. She appeared flustered as she returned to her seat and looked back down at the map. When she looked towards me, she asked, “Did you review those scrolls?”

“Yes. Do you really think I will be meeting them all? That’s practically every leadership role.” I said, grabbing and shaking one of the scrolls for emphasis.

Celestia sighed softly as she lifted the scroll from my hand with her magic, and then grabbing the rest and teleporting them all away. “Unfortunately, if they are after what I think they are, then without a doubt they will all make an appearance.” She stood up and asked, “We will discuss more on the flight there, but for now, do you have any questions you want answered before we leave Canterlot?”

I felt a nudge at my side from Dash, and I nodded as I asked, “Yeah, how long do you suppose we will be gone for?”

The princess turned and began walking away as she spoke, “Hopefully we won’t be there for any longer than two days. The gryphons can be persistent when they desire certain information.” She opened the door and led Dash and I out of it, presumably to where we would be going for transport.

Dash nudged me again and whispered in my ear, “I’m hungry...”

Shaking my head as I grinned at my mare, I turned back towards Celestia and cleared my throat to gain her attention. Once I knew I had her attention, I asked, “I hope I’m not imposing, but could we by chance stop and get something to eat before we leave...?”

Princess Celestia paused in her steps, before she smiled and nodded, “Yes, I suppose we can stop for a quick meal...”

Author's Note

Not going to make promises that I can't keep, but Here is me trying to resume normal updates, starting at monthly.