Pulling myself to my feet, I opened up the chariots door and got out, before holding it open for the mares. Once they disembarked, I turned and found several gryphons approaching our location, though they were still a short walk away. Dash was in the air in a moment, hovering beside me, while Celestia flanked me on the other side. Princess Celestia actually took a step closer and whispered into my ear, “Remember what we discussed Dominic...”

I nodded my head as the trio of armored and sole unarmored gryphon reached our position, the lead one bowing his head respectfully as he said, “Princess Celestia, it is a pleasure seeing you again... even if we only asked for Mr. Wild...”

The soft laughter I heard from Celestia sounded anything but sincere, and when I looked at her from the corner of my eye, I saw her smiling sweetly as she said, “The pleasure is all mine, Claw.” I felt a bit uneasy when her wing wrapped around my back and she pulled me closer to her, “What with this being Dominic’s first visit to the Gryphon Empire, and outside of Equestria as a whole, I felt it prudent that I accompany him on such a monumental trip.”

Hidden Claw scowled as he turned his attention towards Rainbow Dash, but I chose it time to intervene myself. “Honorable Hidden Claw, Rainbow Dash is here upon my request; I wasn’t going to go somewhere new without a few friends that know customs better than I.” When his sharp gaze turned and met my own, I saw the pure loathing in his gaze. I fought down a scowl of my own as I instead inclined my head and added, “It is a pleasure to finally meet your acquaintance, sir. I’ve heard a great many things about you.”

His scowl lessened, but was replaced with disdain instead as he took in a deep breath. He put on an obviously forced smile as he addressed me, “So it seems. It is a joy to meet you Mr. Wild, face to face. Tell me, when you read our invitation, did you not pay any heed to the fact we wished to meet you alone without outside influence?”

A tense silence fell between our two groups, the only disturbance being Dash’s wing beats. The gryphon, Hidden Claw, began to scowl at me expectedly.

Feeling a bit tense with how the entire situation was slowly spiraling out of control, I shrugged off Celestia’s wing and took a single step forward, forcing the gryphon before me to look up at me instead of sneering down the end of his beak at me. Swallowing thickly, I knew this was a risky strategy... especially since I was anything but a diplomat.

“I understand that you may have been expecting me to come alone, but first of all, both these mares came with me on my request. If that is a problem for you, we can always just get back in the Chariot and return to Equestria. I’m sure everyone else would like to hear how I arrived, but you simply turned us away.” His forced smile fell as the beginning embers of flame licked at his hardening gaze. I may have been bluffing... to a small margin, but then again, we weren’t technically required to stay here.

“No... we can... work around this unexpected change it attendance.” He maintained eye contact firmly with me as his feathers did a slight poof and tightening around his facial region.

Well, shit. He certainly is pissed. His eye even twitched...

Nodding, I decided to get this meeting back on track, “The princess here knows your policies better than I, and this mare is a personal friend that is here on my request, Rainbow Dash.” I gestured towards Dash, noting with a bit of humor she puffed out her chest and shined her hood on her fur.

Hidden Claw didn’t seem impressed in the slightest as he clicked a talon on the stone underfoot, before he gestured with his wings, “This is guard one, and this is guard two. They are escorts, and guards.” He drawled, as if speaking to someone much less intelligent than himself. I could only blink, suddenly feeling the urge to reach out and-

“Wonderful!” Celestia burst out, sounding happy as she walked forward and stood beside me again, casting me a side glance and a subtle shake of her head. “Now that introductions are out of the way, I do believe Talonus would much like to meet Dominic himself. Would you kindly lead the way?”

Hidden Claw huffed, before he spun on the spot and said loudly, “As you wish. Follow me, and do not wander.”

He didn’t spare a glance back at us, not did his escorts as they began to walk away. I looked towards Celestia when I noticed her staring at me from the corner of my eye, and as I did, I was greeted with what could only be surmised as a disappointed look. Her lips were thin and tight while she bobbed her head after the gryphons.

Feeling my jaw tighten, I actually felt admonished... but then again, I felt belittled as well. Part of me felt bad, but the other part was feeling a little ticked. Not even five minutes ground side and I was already feeling aggravated.

Breaking eye contact, I huffed as I started following the gryphon assemble, already regretting this trip. It was with Celestia walking several feet to my right, and Dash hovering closer to my left, I knew deep down they were going to be my unknowing anchors...

Two days of this bull...

Letting out a heavy breath, I looked around at the rugged architecture around us, already letting myself zone out until the inevitable.

...

The first impression I got of the Emperor as we approached was pampered. He was reclined in what could only be surmised as a extravagant pool chair, with fine silks flowing down the back and spread across the ground beneath it. All around him stood servants holding platters full of fruits, small sandwiches, or other meals arranged on small platters. There was even, if the slim features were any indication, female gryphons languishing all around; some appearing to be sleeping, others preening their feathers, and some were even tending to the emperor himself. Our entrance drew more than a few eyes, but it wasn’t the fact I was the main attraction... rather I could occasionally see a silver glint in the feathers of the female gryphons from wherever they were situated.

Even those I had first thought to be napping showed signs of actually being awake.

It was with a grimace I realized they weren’t mere entertainment... they were guards.

And enter into the lion’s den, did Daniel go...

Swallowing thickly, I did my best to hide my unease as I returned my attention to the Emperor, who had turned his head to look upon us. Gone was the pampered impression I had first got, and now I looked into the gaze of a leader. His eyes were a piercing gold, and his plumage a rich blonde with flecks of grey and black. As he looked to me, I couldn’t help but feel an involuntary chill run down my spine, though I prayed it didn’t show outwardly.

Unlike Hidden Claw, Talonus beamed brightly when his gaze met my own, and he stood up and began to make his way towards us. It was three of his steps before we all stopped, Hidden Claw stepping off to the side as his escorts blended in with the servants.

“Emperor Talonus, it is an honor to meet you again.” Celestia said from beside me, lowering her head respectfully.

I glanced at her from the corner of my eye, before mimicking her and adding myself, “It’s an honor, Emperor Talonus.” I offered an awkward bow of my own, remembering a brief memory of how Japanese used to bow to their emperor.

Dash mumbled something awkwardly from her position between Celestia and I. I wasn’t sure exactly if the emperor minded though as his gaze never left my own. It is unnerving in its own right, even as he offered a respecting bow of his own, “Mr. Wild, the honor is all mine! I trust your journey wasn’t too distressful?”

Blinking owlishly, I felt a bit... put off. I had expected –hoped really- that he would speak with Celestia first. “It wasn’t of any great complaint.”

He nodded, before looking to my side, “Princess,” He inclined his head, before looking to the other side, “and miss...?”

“Dash. Rainbow Dash.” I couldn’t help but feel a bit defensive all of a sudden as I heard the slight crack in her voice. She is nervous...

“Ah, how quaint! The way you ponies come up with names is always so interesting to me.” He said more to himself.

Clearing my throat to draw his attention off Dash, I felt a lump jump into my throat as his intense stare met my own, before I swallowed and decided to add some backbone to my gaze. “Emperor, it is an honor to meet you, but excuse my forwardness, but what was the reasoning behind requesting my presence?”

“Straight to the point, I like it.” His wings widened to his sides, seeming wide enough to compare with Celestia’s herself. “What other reason could I want to meet someone that isn’t even from our world? Already I am the first in my lineage that can claim to have met an alien.” He stepped forward, before pushing himself up to his hind legs and reaching out. I felt myself tense up as his eagle talons settled on my shoulders, he frowned mildly as he spoke with disappointment, “I had thought you would be taller...”

He pulled back, did a odd walk backwards, before dropping back down to all four legs. I shrugged, making a show of replying to his comment; although it was mainly to shake off the uneasy feeling his touch had left. “There isn’t much to be impressed with here, Emperor Talonus.”

His gaze swept towards the sky, before he countered, “I beg to differ, Mr. Wild.” He glanced around, before gesturing with his head, “Please, let us have a walk. There is much we have to discuss.”

Taking up place beside him as we walked out of the pavilion area, I looked over at him and asked, “So, what is it you wished to talk about?”

He beamed widely as he looked over at me, a gleam in his eye as he said loudly, “Your world! The simple knowledge that there is an entirely new world somewhere out there is baffling! I wish to know more about you, and where you came from.” He chuckled, before he shook his head, “The change must be significant more so for you. What was the first major change you noticed during your arrival?”

I blinked, before glancing over my shoulder and at the prismatic mare I knew all too well. Her deep violet colored eyes looking back at me. She gave me a small smile, though she remained walking beside the princess.

Looking back towards Emperor Talonus, I spoke softly and slowly, collecting my thoughts as I spoke, “The first thing I noticed was Rainbow Dash. I had briefly seen her during my fall before I lost consciousness, but once I woke in the hospital, I was surprised to see an equine with wings. If seeing her wasn’t enough, she then spoke to me.” The memories that were flooding my system brought with them the emotions I had felt when I first woke up. Confusion, panic, confusion... and even the chill of fear had coursed through my body.

“You don’t have ponies on your world?” Talonus asked, confused as he looked back at me. He smiled a bit, though it didn’t stretch past thoughtful.

I wanted to inject some humor into the conversation, but found I couldn’t bring myself to as I responded, “Ponies exist on my world... but Pegasi, Unicorns, alicorns; those are all nothing more than myth.” His confusion only deepened, so I continued, “I guess, the most basic of creatures are what exist on my world. Pigs, goats, lions, various equines, birds and many other mammals that aren’t exactly sentient in any way. And yet, every creature on this world that speaks seems to be myth on my world. Dragons, Minotaurs, gryphons...”

“That is most... interesting.” Talonus scratched his beak while looking forward, his eyes darting back and forth as he thought over the information I just gave him. His wings ruffled as he shook his head briefly, before a smile plastered on his beak once more and he asked, “What about your diet, what do you eat, other than the leaves and grass that ponies favor?”

There was a disgruntled sound made from behind us, but I couldn’t tell who it came from.

“Well... seeing as how I live amongst ponies, I don’t get a chance to eat much meat, red or white. It’s been... difficult to say the least to get a balanced diet, but I eat nuts, fruits, and fish when I can. I’ve had to make a few dietary changes since arriving here.”

“I couldn’t imagine having to live without true meat.” He visibly shuddered and chuckled softly, before he asked, “What meats did you used to eat when you lived on your world?”

I debated not answering that question, but in the end, the only one that would possibly judge me would be Princess Celestia... and I didn’t truly care about that.

Humming to myself, I looked to the end of the path and looked over the building we were heading towards. I decided to answer as I observed the structure to determine what it was used for. “I personally ate cow, deer, lamb, pig, turkey, chicken, and many different kinds of fish.”

“That is quite an extensive list Mr. Wild. How did you handle that sudden change, if you don’t mind me asking?”

Despite the situation, I found myself grinning as I let out a chuckle. I looked down the path and towards the large ornate building we were heading towards as I shrugged my shoulders. “It is a bit difficult to look at something, and think of it as food, when it can hold a conversation with you. Then again, it is hard to know I am talking to a creature that bacon, ham, pork chops, and so many other foods come from.”

Talonus hummed for a brief moment, before he snapped his claws and said, “Well, if you so choose, you may indulge yourself while you stay here. You will not be frowned on for eating meat while in our presence.” He looked back forward, nodding at some guards that pushed open the large double doors, “If it puts your mind at ease, all our meat was acquired... humanely to put it.”

Following him into the new room, I noted first the long table that dominated the room, and secondly the other gryphons in the room currently holding a hushed conversation.

“Our guest has arrived! Let us feast!” Talonus shouted, and as I looked back to him I saw him smiling widely while holding a claw up in the air. I and the two mares moved to one side of the table, but before I could grab a seat, there was a loud banging on the table. I looked over and saw Talonus looking towards me expectedly, and he spoke in a tone that brokered no negotiation, “Dominic, come sit beside me, I wish to not have to shout all my questions.”

Stopping, I let out a silent sigh as I turned and began to make my way towards the head of the table, hoping we wouldn’t talk about anything too intrusive while I was here. Once I was near his end of the table, which was simply several seats on the other side of Celestia, I sat down and crossed my fingers in front of me and nodded towards him. He grinned, before leaning closer and asking, “It wouldn’t be too much trouble if you sated my curiosity, would it Dominic?” He chuckled lightly, before he added, “I would have been at your informational ceremony that was held in Canterlot those months ago, but I had been... preoccupied when the invitation had arrived, so I had resolved to send my diplomat instead. I fear he may have left out many important facts when he told me about you, you see?”

“I completely understand, and barring a few subjects, I will answer any questions you may have.” I responded, hoping to sound as diplomatic as possible. So far, Talonus was proving to be of a much better mettle than the other gryphons I had so far encountered... and I would prefer if he remained amiable.

“Wonderful,” He all but purred as he clicked his talons, and one of his slim servant/guards was at his side immediately, “Please bring refreshments and finger food for our guests. Only the best.” He smiled as she nodded sharply, and turned to do his bidding. His eyes lingered for a moment, before he asked softly, “If you so wish, I can see if one of my, entourage would be willing to entertain you tonight, sir Dominic.”

I wasn’t quite sure how, but he had a cheeky grin plastered on his beak as he looked to me. I grinned, embarrassed and a bit put off as I shook my head, “I appreciate the offer, but please, I would like to refrain.” I glanced back at the form of the gryphoness as she disappeared around the corner, and added, “It is nothing against your species, but... I don’t find your females as attractive. the body structure is entirely different from what I would look at back home.” I say that... and yet I have been caught ogling Dash a few times...

“Ah... it is a shame then. Perhaps in the future, one of them shall pique your interest.” He said as he leaned back into his seat. I didn’t bother giving that remark a response, as I wasn’t sure it needed one. “Nonetheless, I have heard a great many things about you Dominic, but a great many more have surely been left out.”

Giving the emperor a nod, I could only shrug as I added softly, “Many of the questions I was asked at the meeting after dinner started were generally the same, just worded differently.”

“Well, I intend to not squander my chance like those fools.” He beamed brightly, before he said, “I have heard tales of your technology, of your species accomplishments. Is it true, you can fly higher than even the largest of dragons, using a construction made of metal and flames?”

Bobbing my head down gently, I nodded as I added more, “Yes, but our era of flight didn’t have such... eh, grand beginnings... nor were they as impressive as what we have achieved at this point in our history. Planes are so much common place usage where I am from, you can almost always look up, and somewhere in the sky you will see a plane; though what is seen is usually a passenger jet.”

“Passenger... jet?” Talonus asked, confused, though still beaming widely.

Chuckling softly, I nodded as I added, “Yes. Civilians from any walk of life can use them as a form of transportation to travel long distances, in hours. What would take a car several days to a week to travel, would only take a plane a handful of hours.” At his confused expression, I understood as realization flooded my mind, “Ah, sorry. For comparison, a car is like an advanced and self propelled wagon, and is how I would travel if I was on the ground. If you were to walk five miles, it may take out an hour to travel, but if you drove a car, it would only take ten, or fifteen minutes.”

His eyes widened, and his smile slowly disappeared, before he asked curiously, “and, are these jets and cars the only form of transportation your kind uses...?”

My smile fell as well, suddenly feeling stricken as I realized truly how much I was missing now. I had often lamented in my head missing using a vehicle to get around in, even with things as trivial as air conditioning, but it didn’t quite click before how much I was missing until now. Without meaning to, I responded wistfully, “No... we have cars, for many different uses, but we also have two wheel vehicles called bikes... motorized and non. There are also trains, boats, ships, helicopters, and planes. My civilization,” I let out a sigh as I grinned, sadly, “we are in an era of excess. We have the development and ability to create anything we desire. There are hundreds, if not thousands of different land vehicles, planes, boats... and even subs with which we can travel underwater.”

Talonus hummed thoughtfully, mumbling, “That’s amazing.”

We were pulled from our internal thoughts when plates were laid on the table, and I forced down the melancholy as Talonus shook himself from his thoughts. I looked towards the mares and saw Celestia watching me, her expression nearly unreadable. Dash had at some point switched seats to be on this side of Celestia, and I saw the awe in her eyes... but also sadness. Had I let my mood seep into my tone?

The other gryphons at the table had also moved closer, sitting opposite of our side of the table.

“Ah, thank you.” I looked over as Talonus took a gulp from a mug that had been placed in front of him. A server was looking at me, holding the wine in both talons as he showed me the brand and raised an inquisitive brow at me, and I reluctantly nodded. There was little chance of it being tainted in any form if the emperor himself was drinking the same vintage. In the back of my mind, the thought of a poison being in the bottle flashed through my mind, but I quashed it quickly. So far, the worst I have encountered was harsh words, or meaner looks. Both ponies and gryphons had weapons, but I haven’t even seen a fight of any sort break out during my time here.

“Thank you,” I offered the server as the filled mug was handed to me, as well as a plate of dried meats being placed in front of me and all the gryphons. I even saw a platter of fruits, nuts and pastries being brought around the table for the mares to my right.

“Now then, how your kind gets around is most interesting, but what you speak of hints towards a large, if not massive population.” Talonus said, looking at me pointedly for an answer.

“Yes... massive by this worlds standards at least. My home country, last I knew had a standing population in excess of three hundred and forty million pe-” Talonus coughed into his mug, a few dribbles of red wine leaking down the sides of his beak as his eyes nearly bulged. He quickly lowered his mug and used a table cloth to wipe of the mess, before he looked at me and asked incredulously.

“How do you feed that many mouths? I do not know the exact numbers, but I believe Gryphonia hasn’t even scratched past a tenth of one million.”

I hadn’t ever thought about the population of this world before, but now that the subject was here, I couldn’t only wonder. The size of Canterlots capitol, with Ponyville being on the small side, and the few larger cities I have heard about, I couldn’t only guess Equestria had a few million... but then again, I could always ask the princess sitting nearby.

Shrugging, I picked at some dried meat as I said, “I never bothered looking up the number, but sufficient to say, I am sure it is something like fifty million acres of farm land, give or take a few dozen. And that’s not even foods we have imported from other countries around the world.” Bringing up the meat, I gave it a subtle sniff and nibble, before I added, “Preservatives can ensure food lasts for weeks, if not months, so we can afford to transport food without using salt; which was our preservatives in the old days.”

“How can packing that much, er, preservatives into food be good for your population?” I looked over at Princess Celestia’s inquiry.

“It’s not good, other than to make sure the food doesn’t spoil on the stores shelves before it gets to the consumer.” I shook my head as I added, “The food I eat in your country, princess, is by far the best I have had in my entire life. It’s all fresh, organic, and with nothing added. I won’t know until I get to the age, but I dare say my life span might have been extended ten if not more years. Even your air is cleaner...”

“How can the air be cleaner...?” The female gryphon on the other side of the table asked.

“Centuries of industrial progress, and then add on top of that, the pollution from all those different vehicles I described earlier. In some cities, you can see the tan bubble of smog that hugs the city from miles away.”

“I don’t mean to interrupt... but have you not told Celestia of your world either?” Turning and looking back at Talonus, he had a small grin on his beak.

“Not much more...” I said with a shake of my head.

“Do tell, why?” He asked, a small chuckle leaving his beak.

“We have our differences... and she has let those differences keep us from furthering our relationship more than it currently is at.” I said, grinning as I worded it in such a way.

“That is interesting... alas, that is a story for another time.” His eyes danced between Celestia and myself before he cleared his throat purposely, “Back on track... I am sure the fair princess has told you already, that we gryphons do enjoy our... physical activities. My diplomat said how you the thought of our muskets was amusing to you. Care to elaborate further?”

“I’m sorry if you found that insulting,” I started, but it was immediately waved off.

“No, no, not at all my fine guest. I am merely intrigued, since the knowledge of our best weapon was amusing.” He said with a small chuckle, before lowering his claws.

Nodding slowly, I settled back and began again, “If you say so. Well... humanity is hundreds of years past the stages of musket weaponry, and if your muskets are anything like those from my species past; then that would make them big, bulky, horribly inaccurate, and you would only have a single shot before needing to reload the entire thing. Frankly... the only benefit they have over arrows is the damage they can possibly result in, as well as the range they might reach.” I paused, trying to think back to my old history classes as I added slowly, “I have only seen pictures of them... but pouring black powder into a metal tube seems like it would simply explode in the users hands more likely than fire the bullet.”

There was a pause afterwards, but Talonus spoke lowly, “Yes, our early tests did result in some explosive results...”

Looking around the room at the various guards, I felt mildly comforted that I knew they had blades on them, instead of firearms of any kind. I would rather be stabbed, than have a bullet intended for my gut instead blast my knee apart. But, as I looked at them, the largest weapon I saw was a halberd held in the claws of the fully armored guards. “If you would excuse me, Emperor Talonus, why is it none of your present guards are wielding muskets, if they are your most advanced weaponry?”

He gestured a claw at the other side of the table, and Hidden Claw spoke up with less mockery than earlier, “The muskets in question are prone to... malfunctions, and as such, they are slow to produce, and left alone unless exclusively needed.”

He reached a talon up and scratched at the underside of his beak in a dismissive fashion, his glare turning to me as he added, “Besides, a blade works just the same in close quarters.” My blood ran hot through my veins, but the more I thought about it, the more I found it amusing. It must’ve shown, as Talonus chuckled heartily.

“Something tells me that is not the case with our guest here, Claw.”

Letting a smirk touch my lips, I put my elbows on the table and interlaced my fingers below my jaw as I turned my gaze towards the rude gryphon, and added my own two bits, “In most cases, yes. But, I think it would be safe to assume your senses are sharper than mine in many ways, but that would be your downfall in a fight against a human. We may not have claws, a sharp beak, or wings with which to fly... but in almost any circumstance, a gun would be superior to a blade. In an enclosed space, the sound of one, if not many rounds being discharged would deafen and disorient you.” Grinning, I shrugged my shoulders and said, “We have a saying where I am from. Don’t bring a knife to a gun fight.”

Hidden claw frowned, but thankfully refrained from adding anything further as he leaned back.

Giving myself some breathing space, I leaned back in my chair and picked up my discarded meat stick, and ripped a piece off with my teeth and began to chew. It was good... yet as I began to chew, I began to taste more flavor in the meat, and I had to force myself not to grimace. I couldn’t identify the meat, but I didn’t want to know either as I could taste how gamey the stick was.

Ugh... I wonder if they have a way of dehydrating this meat before they start to preserve it.

As I finished the meat stick, I looked over at Talonus, noting how his gaze had never left me as I ate the stick...

...Fucks sake... if I landed here, I might have ended up as a pet, or in a zoo...

Swallowing thickly, I nodded towards the Emperor and said, “Uh, thank you... that was satisfying.”

He spoke without any indication that he heard what I said, “Pardon me for staring, but I was struck by a sense of familiarity as you ate. There are obvious differences, but subtle similarities as well... are your kind merely a hairless and advanced society of monkeys?”

There was a chuckle from my other side, and I could tell from the pitch it could only be Dash. I could already hear her saying, who’s a good monkey boy... do you want a banana?

A solitary ‘hah’ left my lips as I shook my head, “No, we are not... but apes are our closest ancestral relative. Somewhere along the line of a million or so years ago, we began to evolve differently, and we began to make tools.”

“How is it you know how long ago your evolution process began? I wouldn’t believe it if you said you have a million years worth of recorded history.” The female on the other side of the table spoke up once more.

“We don’t.” I said, before I further clarified, “Archeologists from where I come from can carbon date fossils, and through trial and error, we can tell how old some bones are.” I watched as she began to scribble on a piece of parchment I hadn’t noticed before. Before more could be said on the subject, I added, “I apologize, but I don’t know the exact sciences used behind the method, so that’s the extent of my knowledge on that matter.”

There was a clatter of porcelain, and plates began to be piled onto the table, as well as the plates of finger foods being removed. Utensils were deposited around the table as plates were placed in front of everyone. I glanced over my shoulder and saw a dozen or so carts had been wheeled in, and dozens of dishes were being unloaded from the carts to the tables. Meats of all kinds, vegetables piled high, along with expertly prepared fruits and other dishes. I had heard the term, ‘fit for royalty’ before, but not even Celestia’s staff had pulled anything this extravagant the few times I had visited Canterlot castle. There were roughly eight creatures around the table, so much of this would be wasted regardless...

That’s because Celestia wouldn’t waste such a bounty on so few souls. There was always more than enough, but never to this magnitude...

Realization washed over me like a bucket of cold water. Talonus lightly clacked his claws on the tabletop and said, “I wasn’t informed of what your diet consisted of, so I had a wide assortment prepared prior to your arrival. I understand the ponies sometimes lack in the compensation department.”

There was a soft weary sigh from Celestia, and for once I felt compelled to stand in her defense, “The few times I went to the castle, I have never been left hungry... but nonetheless, thank you for this consideration. It is most generous of you.”

I feel like they are trying to butter me up... but they haven’t even played towards wanting technology yet... it’s only been idle chitter chatter. What am I missing here?

“Don’t feel the need to thank me, I merely wish to leave you with an everlasting impression of what Gryphons can offer.” He spoke with words of honey, and as I looked to his eyes, I couldn’t find any form of deceit. I felt... ill at ease...

Shrugging off the unease, I nodded as I smiled, and waited as the Emperor began to fill his plate. This dinner had only just begun, and yet I knew it was going to be quite long.

“Can’t sleep...” Dash said softly in the darkness. Letting out a sigh, I opened my eyes and looked up and across the pillow into her eyes. Her eyes twinkled in the moonlight as I shook my head, idly running my hand down her side. She hummed, before her eyes widened, and she said quietly, “Here, uh... scoot closer...”

Doing as I was told, I leaned forward and moved a foot closer to dash, being careful for the wing she was lying on. Once I settled down, she stretched her other wing out and draped it over my shoulder. I grinned, even as I was forced to abandon her side and rub her lower back. She grinned mischievously and asked quietly, “So... was that smooth?”

Chuckling softly, I leaned closer and planted a kiss on her forehead and said softly, “The smoothest.”

She grinned as her wing tightened around my back, and her hoof pressed against my chest, her eyes closing slightly as she yawned cutely. A tiny squeak even left her muzzle, one I’m sure she didn’t quite catch. When she was done, she asked, “So... do you want to talk about it?”

Letting out a yawn of my own, I tensed by back as I stretched my arms out. After I let out a sigh, I muttered quietly, “It’s just,” letting out another sigh, I tightened my arms around Dash’s back and continued, “I’m not a diplomat Dash. I understand that a lot of p... creatures will be interested in me, but all I have is my words. If I had a phone, I might be able to show everyone what I am telling them, but...”

But I don’t have a phone, and I never will have one again. I finished in my mind... I didn’t want to burden Dash with my troubles... not like this.

“So... what’s a phone...?” Dash asked softly, her mane rubbing against my face as she shifted a bit to get comfortable.

Smiling softly, I resumed rubbing her back. “It’s... this tiny hand sized device that humans use. If I had one, and someone had one in Equestria, we could talk without each other like we were standing next to each other.”

“That... is seriously cool.” Dash said, awe in her voice.

“Yes,” I chuckled softly, “It is... and that was only one of the functions it has. You could listen to radios, music, and watch videos, amongst other things. But-”

“But nothing, Dom.” Dash said, her eyes opening fully as she pressed her hood firmly into my chest and said, “Here, on this world, what you are describing is a fantasy for us. Many of the things you talked about earlier sound like science fiction, like they came straight out of a comic book, or a Daring Do book.” The pressure from her hoof eased up, and she brought it up and rubbed my cheek softly. “Some might say you are lying, but for the rest of us, you are proving that many of those things we hope would exist, will one day. Buck them Dom... you came from another world, that is way cooler than anything else my friends and I have done... and Fluttershy is friends with Discord.”

Smiling softly, I nodded as I pressed my forehead against hers, but before I could say anything else, tapped my chest as she began closing her eyes, “Now go to sleep, I want to enjoy you before everypony else has you tomorrow...”

Author's Note

I apologize for the delay, but these past few months... nay, this past year have been quite a rollercoaster of a ride for me, with a few curves I am still reeling from...

Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I can't promise when the next one will be out, but as it has been for years, the next few chapters are thought out, I just need to lay them into words now.