The Slumbering Servant.

Zakari and Twilight were walking along the path to Sweet Apple Acres. They had just gotten back from Canterlot, after a chariot ride that lasted a few hours. During the ride, they somewhat discussed Twilight's new authority and Zakari's new position. He was now pretty much a warrior servant who answered only to Twilight and the princesses.

But Twilight didn't want that. She didn't want to control him, she only wanted to be his friend. She tried to talk Zakari out of it, but he was adamant. He would serve her, fight for her, and if necessary...even die for her.

And she didn't want any of that! She didn't want any friend of her's dying for her. She didn't want power over another individual. All she wanted was to have someone to share good times with. Someone to have laughs with, to do things with. Parties, picnics, even just talking. She wanted that...not power.

She looked over at him. He didn't notice and kept walking.

"Something you need, Mistress Sparkle?"

Scratch that...he did notice

"No, I don't need anything." She said, somewhat softly.

He didn't say anything back, he only nodded his head to acknowledge he heard her. An awkward silence stood between them. There was tension there and he could feel it. They walked for a few more minutes before Zakari spoke again.

"Mistress Sparkle, are you alright?"

"You know I'm not. I don't like having this control over you. I want you to be free, not forced to obey."

"Mistress Sparkle, I am free."

"No you're not! The Princess ordered you to do this. She told you to obey my commands. That's not freedom, it's slavery."

"I'm more free than you know, Mistress. If you only knew the whole story, my submission would make perfect sense."

"But I don't know! I don't know why you're acting like this, I don't know what you and the Princess talked about, I don't know anything because you won't tell me!"

"I can't tell you. I promised the Princess that I would not disclose details until the time is right."

"And that's the part that really bugs me. You're hiding something form me."

"Yes, I am."

"And you admit it!"

"I'm sorry, Mistress. If I could tell you, I would. You will know soon, just not today."

She thought for a moment. "Wait, the Princess ordered you to follow my commands, right?"

"That is correct."

"Fine, then I order you to tell me."

"That will not work. Royal orders go above yours. You can ask me to do alot of things, just not that."

She looked at him, then huffed."Fine. But can you at least drop the mistress title thing."

"Is that an official command?"

"...yes."

"Then it will be done, Miss Sparkle."

"That too! No miss or mistress. Just call me Twilight...please."

"...Alright." He have a loud sigh.

"Hey, come on, don't act like that. Friends call each other by their first name, right?"

"...yes."

"And we are friends, right?"

"...yes."

"Then there is no reason you can't just call me Twilight."

"I...guess so."

"Good."

They walked for a few more minutes before the conversation was started back up again.

"You know, most would consider having a badass warrior doing your bidding to be quite the perk." Said Zakari.

"well, I'm not like most. I don't want power over another. And I'm perfectly capable of doing things on my own. But, if I do need help, I'll ask not order."

"I see." Zakari was glad for the helmet, it covered his smile. The first test Celestia put in place and Twilight was passing it with flying colors. The test of humility. Before all the secrets are revealed, she will go through many such tests.

The two saw Sweet Apple Acres in the distance, and Applejack running to greet them.

"Howdy, you two. Glad you're back!"

"Good to see you too, Applejack." Twilight responded. Zakari didn't speak, instead he bowed quickly in acknowledgement.

"So, what did the Princess want? Something important I take it?"

"It was, in a away. She wanted to see Zakari."

"Really? What about?"

"That's the thing...he won't tell me."

"What? Why?"

"Ask him." She tilted her head in Zakari's direction.

"What's going on? Why won't you tell Twi anything?"

"I'm sorry, Applejack. I swore to the princess that I would not discuss details." Zakari responded.

"Hmm, alright then, don't go into detail. Just tell us what you can WITHOUT the details."

Zakari sighed. "Fine, short version then. Twilight is important and needs to be protected. Therefore, I have been put in charge of helping her in anything she deems important and to protect her from danger. I am under her command now."

"Command? Does that mean she can tell you to do stuff?"

"That is correct."

She thought about this for a moment, then turned back to Twilight. "Well, if that's the case, just order him to tell you."

"Already tried that, it doesn't work."

"Why not?"

"Royal orders go above mine. The princess made sure he couldn't tell me."

"Hmm...well I don't know what to say, Twi, other than if he princess wants to tell you, she'll tell you. Until then, remember that it's the princess we're talking about. She wouldn't steer us wrong. That should put you at ease."

"Yeah...you're right. It's just...I don't like not knowing something."

"Oh, I already knew that about you, sugarcube."

The three of them walked along the path for a while. It was getting around lunch time, and Twilight was thinking about stopping at one of the small cafes for a sandwich.

The group suddenly heard someone call Twilight's name. They turned to the direction of the voice to see Spike running up to them. He stopped in front of them, panting.

"Twilight! Letters...came...for...you...two!" Spike pointed at both Twilight and Zakari.

"Really, let me see them." Spake gave Twilight the letters. She examined one and gave it to Zakari. They both opened and read their letters.

"Let's see." Started Twilight " The Grand Royal Highness, Princess Celestia of Equestria, is pleased to announce the Grand Galloping Gala is to be held in the magnificent capital city of Canterlot, on the first of September. You, Twilight Sparkle are cordially invited and will be given two tickets so that a friend may accompany you." A second later, Spike burped and in the flame was two tickets.

"The Grand Galloping Gala!" Shouted Applejack "That's one of the biggest events of the year!"

"I'm invited?! That was so nice of the Princess. Wow, I've never been to the Gala, have you Spike?" Spike shook his head. She turned to Zakari. "What about you."

"She...she remembered." He said, somewhat surprised.

"Remembered what?"

"Back when my kind walked the earth, the Black Shields would perform at the Grand Galloping Gala. For one hour, the most talented Black Shield warriors gave a martial arts demonstration with both weapon and hand to hand techniques. Each one performing with their own style or weapon. At the very end, the guests were moved to the courtyard for the finale. There, they would watch as 30 warriors fought in a mock battle. Well...in the letter, the Princess has asked me to perform my own demonstration."

"Wow, Zakari, that's great! I look forward to seeing you perform, I'm sure it will be spectacular!"

"Yeah...if I can get over my stage fright."

"Ah, don't worry sugarcube, you'll do fine, I'm sure." Commented AJ. She then turned to Twilight. "And, uh, while we're on the subject of the Gala...who are taking?"

"Well, I haven't-"

"Because, I could really make some good money selling my apples there. There would be so many ponies that I may just get enough money to fix that saggy, old barn."

"Oh, well I guess You-"

"Whoa!" The group looked up to see Rainbow Dash flying towards them. She hit the ground next to them. "Are you talking about the Grand Galloping Gala?"

AJ raised an eyebrow. "Rainbow Dash! I thought you were too busy to help. What were you busy doing?"

"I was busy napping. And I just happen to hear that Twilight has an extra ticket."

"Well...yes, but-" Twilight started, but was cut off

"Oh, please Twilight! I have to go! The Wonderbolts perform at the Gala every year! If I could go, I just might be able to meet them and make a good impression. They might even let me join!" Rainbow gave Twilight puppy eyes.

"Now hold on!" Shouted AJ. "She already said that I was going."

"No, I cut her off. That means she didn't."

"That's not fair! Twilight, tell her you're taking me!"

They both looked at her, and she backed up slightly. "Well, I did say that Applej-"

"Oh, come on, please Twi!" Rainbow pleaded." This could be my chance! Everything I've ever done has lead to this. If I went, I could finally achieve my life's dream!"

"Oh, enough of this!" Shouted Applejack"Twi, who's it going to be?" They both looked at her and she backed up slightly.

"Um, I-I don't know! Um, ok, whoever has a better reason to go gets the ticket."

"Getting money to fix the farm!" Shouted AJ

"Living my life's dream!" Rainbow also shouted.

Twilight looked to one then the other. "Wow, um, those are pretty good reasons." Her stomach then growled. "You know, I can't possibly make a choice on an empty stomach. So, uh, I'm gonna get some lunch and then think about it."

Rainbow and AJ watched as Twilight and her companions walked away. Rainbow then turned to Applejack.

"I'll hoofwrestle you for the ticket."

"You're on!"

They twisted their hooves and glared at each other.

Twilight, Spike and Zakari took their seats. They decided on having lunch at one of the small cafes back in Ponyville. After he sat down, Zakari took off his helmet and placed it on the ground next to him. He tried getting comfortable on the stool, but it was doing nothing to help his back. It was also a little small for him.

The waiter came by and was about to take their orders, when he saw Zakari. He was surprised, having never seen anything like him. Zakari couldn't help but notice the stare out of the corner of his eye.

"You know, it's impolite to stare." He said, not even looking up from his menu. The waiter shook his head and regained his composure.

"I'm sorry sir. Are...are you three ready to order." He asked.

"I am." Said Twilight. "I'll have the daffodil and daisy sandwich, please."

The waiter wrote down the order, then turned to Spike." And you sir?"

"Hmm, do you have any rubies?" Spike asked.

"No, sir."

"Oh, well then I'll have the hay fries. Extra crispy."

The waiter wrote down that order too, then turned to black clad monkey creature. "And...um...for you, sir?"

Zakari thought for a moment. "Do you have any steak?"

"Uh, n-no we don't serve that here, sir." He backed away slightly.

Zakari arched an eyebrow. "Oh, that's a shame. I guess I'll have the onion soup." He grinned a bit, showing his canines. "But don't make us wait. Other wise...I might need to find something else to eat."

The waiter nodded his head, ran off to the kitchen.

Twilight looked at Zakari. "Was that really necessary?"

He smiled."No, but it was funny. Before I got sealed into the statue, I used to do it all the time to ponies. Well, the ones that I knew didn't know much about humans, anyway. It didn't work with the ponies who were accustomed to us and our ways. Those ones knew I was only joking."

"It was a little mean if you ask me...but yeah, it was kinda funny."

The was a silence between the two, then Zakari asked. "So, do you know who you're taking to the Gala yet?"

"No, I don't. Applejack and Rainbow Dash both really want to go. But I don't want to sadden one by choosing the other."

"Well, I have an idea." Said Spike. "Maybe...you could give the ticket to Rarity. And maybe...tell her it was from me."

"Nice try, loverboy." She turned back to Zakari. "Say...can I use that official command thing?"

" Depends, what's the command?"

"...Solve my problem."

He shook his head. "Sorry, can't do that."

"What? Why?"

"I can fight for you, I can lift heavy things for you. I'll even take a punch to the face for you. But you can't ask me to solve problems. That requires brain power...which I don't have."  He smiled slightly at his own joke. "But, in all seriousness, I don't know how to help you on this. Not unless you'd like to give up your ticket so that both can go."

She looked down and sighed. "I...was thinking along those lines. But...I don't want to give up my ticket. I was looking forward to spending time with the Princess. The Grand Galloping Gala is one of the only times that I would be able to talk to her alone. And there are so many things that I wanted to talk to her about."

Zakari was about to respond, but suddenly, his helmet began to shake violently. He bent over and picked it up off the ground. Just as he was about to look inside it....Pinkie Pie popped out.

"HI!"

"AHHHH!" The helmet, with Pinkie's head poking out, landed on the table. Zakari...landed on the ground.

Pinkie pulled herself out of the helmet and stood on the table. "HI!, Zakari!"

The human was panting and holding his hand to his chest. "God, Pinkie, you scared the shit out of me! How the hell did you do that?"

"Oh, a mare has her ways. Speaking of which..." She turned to Twilight. "Did I hear you say that you have a ticket to The Grand Galloping Gala?!"

Twilight's ears went down and she sighed. "Oh, Pinkie, not you too."

"I have always wanted to go there. It is THE party of all parties! Please Twilight, you have to give me that ticket!"

Twilight  wondered why it was always her that got into these messes.

Due to Pinkie's loud mouthing, most of Ponyville soon heard of the extra ticket. Everypony in town began asking for it. Some were even willing to give gifts and bribes. The more time went on, a small mob began to form. Every pony followed Twilight, even the mayor!

Twilight also issued another command. She ordered Zakari to carry her and Spike on his back...and run like hell! They weaved through the town, through alleys and over bridges. Even going so far as to climb the buildings and run on the roofs like some Assassin's Creed reject.

They were eventually able to ditch the mob, and returned home. Upon entering the treehouse, they found that all of Twilight's friends were there. They were there to say sorry for forcing her to choose, then they gave up their right to the ticket.  Seeing as how none of her friends could go, Twilight decided to write to the Princess and tell her that she would be sending back the tickets.

Imagine her surprise when the princess sent back the tickets...plus extras. Now, they can all go and no one would get left behind.

And that's all Twilight ever wanted...for her friends to be happy.

After all that's happened today, Twilight was eager to get to bed. She walked up the stairs, turned off the lights and plopped onto the covers. She closed her eyes and let out a yawn. When she opened them, she saw Zakari kneeling by her bed. His helmet and sword were by his side. His eyes were closed.

"What...what are you doing?" She asked.

"Protecting you."

"By sitting next to my bed?"

"Not sitting, sleeping."

"You're just going to sit there...all night?"

"Yes."

"You don't have to do that."

"Are you sure, cause I can stay right here all night."

"I thank you for the dedication, but this is really not needed. I don't think anypony is going to hurt me while I sleep."

"I see. Well...I guess I can go sleep in the corner." He got up.

" Wait. You don't have to sleep in the corner. I can move over and make room on the bed."

His face blushed slightly. "That would be...just no. I'll take the corner."

He walked over to the room's corner and sat down again. She watched him, then got under her covers.

"Are you going to be warm enough? I have a spare blanket."

"I will be fine, don't worry."

"Ok." She looked at him one last time before closing her eyes. "Goodnight, Zakari."

He closed his own eyes. "Goodnight...Mistress Sparkle."

She threw a pillow at him.