I wake up with my body feeling cramped all over, my mouth dry, and my tongue like a dead slab of wood. It almost feels like I’ve come down with a bad case of the flu; my body is heavy, my muscles are weak, and it feels as though a hammer strikes the inside of my skull every other moment. I reach up to rub my forehead to alleviate the pain, only to find that I’m completely covered in thick white and gold sheets up to my neck.

My vision focuses. I stare in blank confusion at the marble ceiling. I’m in an elaborate four-poster bed, lying on a soft mattress that hugs my entire body as I sink into it. Now I remember. Something happened on top of that mountain with Celestia, but what? It’s like what happened in the forest, except this time I hazily remember being lost, surrounded by darkness that wanted to pull me down. I shudder, overcome with chills at the memory.

Using one of the bedposts as leverage, I pull myself into a seated position with my legs hanging over the bedside. Then, I sluggishly reach for the bed curtains and sweep them aside. I must be back in the castle, in a royal suite like the ones Rainbow talked about. The room is roughly rectangular, with white walls carved into arch-like patterns and three large windows set in the back wall to my left through which the afternoon sun streams in.

As I try to find my clothes, the door to the room opens to admit a white mare dressed in a maid outfit carrying something on her back. No sooner does she walk in through the door than I cut an undignified retreat back into the bed covers, closing the curtains with a sharp screech.

“Oooh, you’re awake!” The mare’s voice is bubbly and happy, to the point I can hear the smile through the sheets. I scramble to get under the blankets before she pokes her red-maned head through the curtains like a deranged puppet and beams at me, her bright blue eyes shining with excitement. “I’m Feather Duster, a maid working for Princess Celestia! I’m so happy you pulled through! Healing fatigue can get really nasty if the wounds are bad enough!”

I blink, her words not fully processing. “What?”

She glances down at my disheveled state. “Oh, you must need fresh blankets! I’ll take care of that right away!”

I slap her hoof as she reaches for the blankets, causing her to yelp and withdraw. “No, I don’t need fresh blankets! Besides, I’m not wearing any clothes!”

Feather nods as she pulls open the curtains. “I know that. I’m the one that stripped you down.” A hoof goes to her chin as she tilts her head. “Not that there was much—your clothes were so shredded and burnt it reminded me of my furniture after I left the cats alone too long. I’m sorry about that…were they important to you?”

“I mean, they were Rarity’s…” I shake my head, slapping her hoof again when she attempts to take the blankets again. “But that’s not the point. I need privacy!

“For what? ” Feather puzzles cluelessly. She comes to a realization a moment later “Oh! You must be like some of the nobleponies who just can’t be seen without their clothes.”

“Seen without my…what!?”

Feather then notices my exasperated face quickly turning red. “Wait… are you embarrassed?” she asks with a mischievous grin. “I’ve seen all sorts doing my job here, so don’t worry!

“Shut up!” I sink deeper into the sheets, looking anywhere but at her insufferably cheery face. “Why are you even here!?”

“To take care of you, of course. You don’t think I dress like this for fun, do you?” Feather points out. “Though I totally would. I do look real good in it, don’t I? Hehe!”

“Gross.” I stick my tongue out and rub my temples as if to scrub her words from my brain. Nobody told me maids would be this rambunctious. “I don’t suppose you brought me some clothes?”

“You bet I did! Brand new, right off the looms of the royal tailoress herself, Sunshine Stitch! I’m soooo jealous!” Feather prances across the room to a circular glass table surrounded by red armchairs. I notice with relief that my rifle rests atop the table, along with the rest of my personal belongings. Her tail wagging like a dog, Feather indicates a stack of linens, which not only included clean white and purple towels, but a set of fancy clothes as well. “Come get them! I want to see how they fit you!”

“What? No!”

Feather tilted her head. “Oh…are you the type to shower after waking up? I get that, but I rinsed you yesterday afternoon after they brought you.”

There’s a mental image I would have paid all of my bits to erase. “I’m the type who wants you to get the hell out so I can actually get out of bed without you ogling at me!”

“Right, right, super shy. I promise I wouldn’t ‘ogle’; I’m a high-class mare with a bit more subtlety than that.” Feather leans in suspiciously, her brow rising. “Unless you want me to ogle. Do you want me to ogle?”

“Out!”

“I’m going, I’m going!” Feather waltzes out the door with one last giggle and a wave, humming and twirling as though dancing with an invisible partner. As I’m about to get back up, she pokes her head back. “Don’t forget to take the potion I left on the table! It’ll help with the fatigue!” The door finally shuts behind her, the humming slowly fading into blissful silence.

“...What and how many drugs are these maids on?” I rise from the bed, putting most of my weight on the bedpost. My eyes turn to the table where Feather left everything she’d brought. In addition to everything else, I also see a plate of steaming bread, a thermos, and an odd black bottle. I take tentative, wobbly steps toward the table, my feet sinking into the plush royal purple carpet that stretches across most of the checkered floor. It’s an odd feeling; my body feels tired, but apart from my headache, there’s no real pain—a welcome change from the state farm work leaves me in.

I gingerly step down a few steps from the platform where the bed rests and drag myself to the table, finding that even walking is arduous. My wallet is charred almost to a crisp, but my phone appears intact, though its protective case is lying in pieces beside it. I glance at the potion with unease. Yeah, I don’t think so. My body feels like it got run over twice by a steamroller, but it’s nothing a hot shower won’t cure.

After helping myself to the meal provided, I reach for the bath towels and notice a small card resting atop the pile of linens.

“‘I have done you a disservice. Please accept these as part of your compensation. Signed, Princess Celestia’,” I read out loud. As I mull over which disservice she might mean, it hits me that the words are written in English. I turn the card this way and that, bemused; sure enough, the letters are as clear as can be.

Placing the card on top of my stuff, I gently push past a small study and into the adjoined bathroom, making Rarity’s fancy bathroom look like something you’d find in a drab ratty apartment. The left wall is dominated by a white marble vanity with royal purple accents, my perfectly disheveled image staring at me through the large vanity mirror. On the far end of the room, below three curtained windows, is a bathtub large enough I could lie flat with room to stretch, with six crystal knobs likely responsible for controlling the water pressure and temperature. A shower walled off by clear glass takes up nearly the entire right wall, equipped with all sorts of soaps and hair care products.

It doesn’t take long for me to make full use of the facilities. Everything appears to have been pre-arranged for my benefit, with some products helpfully labeled in clean English. After spending over an hour spoiling myself and relaxing, I leave the bathroom wrapped in a towel, feeling refreshed, clean-shaven, and smelling faintly of flowers.

The outfit neatly folded on the table consists of a soft white jabot shirt, a black suit vest, and an olive green frock coat with pants, all of which wouldn’t look out of place in a Renaissance painting. At the table's base is a pair of clean white socks and fine boots.

I run my hands through the plush material, mentally calculating how much something like this would normally cost, and I grow pale as the price jumps from hundreds to thousands of dollars. I briefly deliberate not accepting something very clearly out of my league but grudgingly put it on when I realize the alternative is to walk around the castle stark naked. When fully dressed, I gather my things, sling my rifle over my shoulder, and step out in the hallway, where I’m stopped by the raised hoof of a guard with pale blue fur standing beside the door.

“I am Sergeant Swift Lance of the Canterlot Royal Guard, First Unicorn Regiment,” she commands in a harsh low voice, moving to stare me down through golden eyes set in a youthful round face. “I have been tasked to be your escort for the duration of your stay in the castle.”

I blink. “Uh…good for you, I guess. So you’re here to take me to the princess? She’s promised an explanation or three.”

Swift Lance steps back to give me room to follow. “Stay close, and do not stray. The Royal Guard does not take kindly to strange creatures wandering the castle unsupervised.”

“This ‘strange creature’ appreciates your concern, but I’m not a child.”

“Do not talk back, creature. Didn’t you hear my rank?” Swift Lance angles herself just long enough to flaunt an important-looking insignia engraved on her left shoulder.

“Yeah, I heard your spiel; I just don’t really care,” I say after barely a glance, speeding up my stride. It’s not like she’s moving fast, but trying to match her pace is more tiring than expected. “You’re a soldier, but that doesn’t mean I'll bow down and kiss your hooves. Especially when you don’t even bother to learn my name.”

She scoffs. “I know your name perfectly well. It is difficult to tune it out when you’re all everypony in the guard talks about nowadays. Some of us don’t appreciate the attention an ingrate like you is getting.”

“Yeah? Well…I never asked for it either,” I shoot back in between bouts of catching my breath. “If I had my way…I wouldn’t be…in this country, so…whatever inferiority complex you’ve got…take it somewhere else.”

Swift Lance stiffens, whirling to face me. “How dare you!? I graduated at the top of my cla-”, she cuts herself off as she registers how far behind I’m lagging. “I told you to stay close!”

I come to a halt, resting my hands on my knees, my heart pounding worryingly hard in my chest. “Easy for you…to say. You’re not the one…who feels like he…ran a marathon,”

“...Did you not take your medicine?” Swift Lance asks accusingly, marching up and looking me over.

“You mean that suspicious-looking bottle in my room?”

“‘Suspicious-looking…!? It’s medicine, you imbecile! You have healing fatigue!”

“What the hell is healing fatigue?”

“You don’t even know that? Healing magic takes a toll on the body, so there’s still a recovery period! Unless you want to risk killing yourself from exhaustion, go back to your room and take your damn medicine!”

I mutter under my breath, staggering back to the room. “If this…kills me...”

“It won’t kill you, drama queen. Weren’t you the one who said you weren’t a child?” Swift Lance retorts as I shut the door in her face.

“Like you’re any better.” I make my way to the table where the bottle waits for me. I uncork the bottle, an unappealing scent of sour apples and hospitals assaulting my nostrils. “Is this even safe for me to drink?”

“Do I have to go in there and pour it down your throat? The princess is waiting!” Swift Lance pounds on the door impatiently.

“I know that!” Grumbling less-than-flattering words under my breath, I pinch my nose and down the bottle's contents before I have a chance to talk myself out of it. I choke instantly as the foul-tasting liquid burns like fire on its way down my throat, followed by a soothing warmth that spreads through my body, alleviating some of the heaviness I feel.

Swift Lance greets me with a scowl when I join her back in the hallway. “Took you long enough. Come on.” The rest of the walk is spent in blessed—albeit labored—silence, and after what feels like an hour I once again find myself in front of the sitting room from before. Swift Lance beckons the door with her head. “The princess is waiting inside. Do not cause any more trouble. Remember exactly who you’re speaking with.”

“Go to hell, Swift Lance.”

“You…!” Swift Lance screws up her muzzle in self-righteous indignation and looks as though she’s about to snap back, but then she lets out a heavy sigh and departs. “That’s Sergeant Swift Lance to you.”

“Whatever.” Despite Swift Lance’s departure providing a little comfort, the door serving as the barrier between myself and the inscrutable Princess Celestia rendered said comfort null. I briefly entertain the idea of fetching Swift Lance back; she’s insufferable, but at least her opinion of me is clearer than that of the princess's. I take several deep breaths, open the door, and step inside.

No sooner do I get through the door than a relieved Twilight runs up to me. “Seth! Thank goodness you’re okay!” She walks around me in a circle, checking me over. “Are you feeling okay? The healing fatigue wasn’t too bad, was it?”

“I’m fine, just a little tired.” My attention is drawn to the presence of not only Celestia but Luna as well. The sisters stand side by side at the rear of the room. The latter’s eyes never leave me for an instant. “What are you even doing in Canterlot?”

“It’s Hearth’s Warming Eve. I’m part of an event for the crown, so I had to come here to be ready on time,” Twilight explains briefly. “Never mind that. Are you sure you’re okay? You’ve gone through so much…”

“Perhaps it would be best if we begin,” Celestia gently interjects as she notices my brow begin to rise. Twilight nods and retreats. “Firstly, I wanted to say how good it is to see you on your feet again, Seth. Did you find our accommodations to your liking?”

“It’s a royal suite. I feel that goes without saying,” I reply. “I can’t accept these clothes, though. They’re way too expensive for someone like me to afford.”

“My sister has given thee a gift, and thou wouldst throw it back in her face?” Luna demands, her expression hardening. “Knowest thou nothing of gratitude?”

“Peace, Luna.” Celestia delicately rejoins with a brief glance to her sister before I can air the protest forming on my lips. Luna emits a displeased grunt but allows Celestia to continue. “I thought you might think that way, Seth. Consider them compensation for the events of the past day. I hoped to clarify that to you before this meeting, but writing in your language is difficult for me.”

“I don’t even remember the events of the past day. The last thing I remember is being on the clifftop with you, discussing my magic, and then nothing.” I say with a helpless shrug. “It’s just like what happened in the forest.”

Celestia dips her head in understanding, looking unsurprised. “I see. Then I shall start from the beginning. But before I do…” she indicates Twilight with a brief head tilt. “Are you comfortable with Twilight’s presence here? I called her here because of her involvement with your mana and the events in the forest, but the final decision lies with you. If you prefer our conversation remain between the three of us, I can ask her to leave.”

I look at Twilight, who gazes back at me with hopeful eyes, her lower lip quivering with anxious anticipation. I sigh and turn back to the princesses.

“It’s fine. As much as I’d rather keep my affairs between as few ponies as possible, she’s come this far already, and if she left, she’d just come and pester me about it later.”

“I do have some tact, you know,” Twilight claims, giving me a wry look that soon forms into a grateful smile. “But thank you. I promise I won’t make you regret it.”

“Whatever. So what’s this ‘disservice’ you supposedly did to me?”

“That is an excellent place to start. That, and with an apology.” Celestia lowers her head humbly in a gesture I never thought I’d see her make. I don’t miss the slight scoff that Luna gives. “I have not been entirely truthful with you. I have kept much from you, and deliberately orchestrated events to put you in a position that could and has dealt you a great deal of harm. I cannot apologize enough for what I have done.”

My eyes narrow suspiciously. “What are you talking about?” My words are pointed and flat.

“It was on that day in the forest a little over two weeks ago, when we sensed your mana from here in Canterlot, that we discovered the next clue in the mystery of your arrival in our era,” Celestia begins, lifting her head to meet my judgmental gaze. “At first, we were unaware that the mana's source was you because your mana's signature and composition was identical to that of King Sombra himself.”

“Wha…” My mouth drops open, and my hand moves to my chest, where my magical core is supposedly located. “How in the hell…?”

“That’s…is that even possible?” Twilight asks, brushing her chin with a hoof. “Your mana is unique to the individual. Even if I shared some of mine with another pony, that doesn’t mean they could produce it themselves.”

“In the usual case, Twilight, you would be correct,” Celestia confirms. “Seth, it has become clear that Sombra did not send you to us simply on a whim. The spell he cast on you was not only a stasis spell but a combination of various magical effects intertwined into a single spell of incredible complexity, something that would be impossible to all but the most skilled of spellcasters.”

“If all this time it was his mana…” Twilight says, her eyes gleaming with sudden understanding. “That’s why it lashed out at me back at the library! King Sombra didn’t want us to find out that it was his! No wonder I thought it was a curse!”

“Precisely. Your earlier assertion that humans possessed no mana appears to be accurate, as the magical core within you is a result of Sombra granting unto you a piece of himself, likely as part of one of his contingency plans in the event that he was ever defeated,” Celestia reveals grimly. My eyes widen in shock, my pulse racing in my chest beneath my hand. “Your mana is his mana, and you cannot remember the events that day because you were under his influence from the moment you began to use it.”

“You mean I was possessed!?”

“At the time, it was difficult to say. When we arrived in the forest and saw you engaged in battle with the Scorpio, you were fighting with a level of brutality and skill on par with his. The movements you displayed and the techniques you used were his. Most notably, the blatant disregard for life that you displayed was unmistakably his, as shown when you attempted to murder little Diamond Tiara in cold blood.”

“I did…what!? There’s no way I would have done that! Somebody would have told… me…” I recall something mid-sentence and trail off. “Is that why Rainbow was acting so weird in the hospital?”

“She and Filthy Rich were the only ones to see it happen, not counting the princesses,” Twilight explains uncomfortably. “I didn’t get there until after that. I only learned of it a few days ago.”

“The two of them brought it to Commander Iron’s attention, and I made sure nopony else learned the truth,” Celestia states. “It was too soon. How deep did Sombra’s influence run? Was it a true possession or something else more complex? It is that question that made your situation so delicate. As long as that question remained unanswered, I could not act directly. If you had simply been Sombra in disguise, any careless action I made could have tipped him off, and one such as him could deal irreparable damage before my sister and I could contain him.”

Celestia takes a breath. “This is the part you will not like. I am the reason why you are in Canterlot in the first place. I suspected you or Sombra would not accept my invitation, so I contacted Erratic Tune. I had him invite your employer to participate in his holiday music festival.”

My expression darkens. I should have known. The timing of such an invitation coming so soon after a letter from the princess was too suspicious. How did I not put that together? I briefly recall how excited Vinyl was to come here. I can’t imagine how she’d feel if she realized she wasn’t here on her own merit. “Go on.”

“Once you were in the city, I had Commander Iron bring you to me, where I then took you to the top of the mountain where we would be alone. Once we were there, I had my sister enclose us in a triple barrier, and I had you release your magic to determine the exact nature of the threat lying within you and to assuage it if I could.”

“That’s when I suffered mana backlash again?” I question levelly.

Celestia shook her head, closing her eyes with a pained expression. “No, Seth. That is when the influence of Sombra within you took control and attempted to kill me.”

“Oh.”

“I am responsible for the injuries you received. Had I not responded in kind, the damage you could have dealt would have been immeasurable, and you might not be standing here. I know that comes as little comfort. Regardless of my reasoning, I hurt you. You have every right to be angry with me.”

I take a deep breath, my chest tightening. “What happened then?”

“You broke free from Sombra’s influence and exerted control over your mana. From there, I healed you and brought you back with me to the castle.”

“Is that everything?” I ask, dangerously calm. Celestia nods. “Okay. So let’s say I didn’t break free. Would you have killed me?”

“I had hoped it would not come to-”

“Answer the damn question. Would you have killed me?”

Celestia dips her head, every word she says sounding as though it physically pained her. “Only if I had no other choice.”

I sigh heavily. My hands ball into fists at my side, my nails digging into my palms so hard that blood trickles down my hands. Celestia’s words to me on the mountaintop run on repeat through my head, making me feel sick to my stomach. When I open my eyes, I see the three ponies looking at me with varying degrees of anxiety and concern.

“Seth? What sayeth thee?” Luna prompts me with a hint of impatience.

I turn around and screw my eyes shut, unable to bear the weight of their gazes. I bring my fist to my forehead, focusing on breathing in an attempt to prevent my building rage and self-disgust from overtaking me. “How can I even begin to process all of this?”

Twilight steps forward, reaching out a hoof to my thigh in an attempt to comfort me. “Seth, please. Everything Celestia did, she…”

“Shut up, Twilight!” I push her away, ignoring her pained expression from my harsh rebuttal. I pace the room restlessly, rubbing my temples angrily. “Everybody shut up! Nobody say a damn word. I need to think.”

“Take all the time you need,” Celestia concedes gently, dipping her head.

I run through the past week's events and compare them to Celestia’s explanation, my sense of betrayal getting worse as I note the connections between them. I really was being manipulated. I was a marionette on a string the whole damn time!

My jaw clenches as furious rebuttals boil to the surface. I wheel on one foot and open my mouth to unleash a scathing tirade, but before the first word can leave me, I pause, a realization striking me.

“Wait a minute. Your story doesn’t add up,” I accuse her, swiping my hand to the side as if to clear the air of her lies.

“How do you mean?” Celestia asks, raising a hoof to forestall her sister’s indignation.

“There’s a flaw in your logic. If I really were Sombra in disguise, I’d be too much of a threat to leave alone. You should have killed me the moment you realized that. I can think of at least three opportunities where you could’ve done so, including in the forest.” I cross my arms, my accusing eyes piercing through hers. “Except you didn’t. So there’s something else going on that you think you can use. Cut the crap and tell me exactly what that is.”

Celestia solemnly nods. “You are correct, Seth. It would have been much faster and easier to kill you in the forest, and I doubt that many would disagree with me for doing so.”

“Then why didn’t you?” I demand.

“I wanted to save you, Seth.” Celestia’s sincere words catch me off guard, my breath catching in my throat. The princess gazes back at me with soulful eyes. “You did not ask to be taken from your time and brought to Equestria. You did not ask to be given Sombra’s mana or thrust into his endless machinations. How could I allow you to take the fall for him when none of this is your fault? What sort of pony would that make me?”

“That’s…”

“I know it may be hard to believe now, but I meant everything I said on the mountaintop. My intent has never been to exploit you, nor do I expect some grand favor from you in exchange for this. I simply…truly wished to save you, even if I had to deceive you in the process.”

“H-How can I believe that?” I ask weakly.

“You never deserved any of this. If your reward for persevering in this world despite losing everything was death…I…that would be unconscionable.” Celestia briefly chokes up, then sighs. “No, killing you would have been beyond cruel. I learned a hard lesson a thousand years ago: if I had simply reached out my hoof to help instead of resorting to violence, I would not have lost somepony very dear to me.”

Luna flinches beside her, and her stern expression melts. She uncomfortably clears her throat. “My sister is correct. I admit that, just as you claimed, I wanted to kill you. The threat of Sombra was too great. But…it seems I still have much to learn…I apologize.”

I stay silent for a full minute and mull over their words, attempting to sort through my emotions. “...I don’t understand you at all. You don’t talk or act like anyone I’ve ever met,” I finally say. “Okay, so let’s say you’re telling the truth. What exactly did you find out after all this?”

Celestia adopts a smile, and Twilight lets out a less-than-subtle sigh of relief. “I discovered that although you are in possession of Sombra’s mana, he is not in possession of you. There is a theory in some academic circles that one’s mana is linked closely to one’s identity and soul, and while sharing mana usually has no negative effects, it is unknown what would occur should mana be shared with one who possesses none of their own.”

“You’re saying that Sombra’s identity took control when he used his mana?” Twilight reasons, already scribbling down notes in her notebook.

“I am, but remember that this is just a theory. The facsimile I faced atop the mountain acted like the king but possessed none of his cunning or talent for wordplay. There was no mind behind its actions.”

“So, it’s like telling a machine to act like someone. It might look or sound convincing, but it’s not that person,” I consider out loud, connecting the dots in my head.

“Precisely,” Celestia agrees, pleased at my analogy. “Your lack of memory came from clashing your identity with his, and ultimately you won that struggle.”

“This is all so hard to believe. Magic makes no sense… How do I even begin to process all of this? What does this mean for me going forward?”

“You must learn to control this mana in the same way as unicorns do,” Celestia states solemnly. “I am prepared to provide you with any and all necessary resources to facilitate this.”

“Seriously? I never want to even think about mana again after all this,” I complain. “How about I just never use it again? It sounds too risky. What if Sombra controls me again?”

“That is precisely why you must learn. One of the effects bundled into the spell cast upon you was increasing your mana output over time, likely in response to negative emotions, as Twilight surmised. Should you be unable to control your mana properly, it is possible that Sombra’s identity may assert itself once more.” Celestia’s words send a pang of cold fear into my heart.

“Well, I can’t exactly say no now, can I? Even after death, that damned king is still ruining my life,” I retort bitterly. I find myself desperately wishing that Sombra was still alive so I could kill him all over again. “Fine, how do I begin?”

“You need a teacher. To that end, I-”

“Me! I can teach him! Please!” Twilight wastes no time in interjecting, waving her little hoof around like a child trying to get picked by the teacher.

“...believe young Twilight here would be the best option, given her latent talent and scholarly nature,” Celestia finishes, rolling her eyes with a knowing smile.

“Yes! I can’t wait to get started on my lesson plan!” Twilight exclaims, excitedly bouncing on her hooves. “Isn’t this exciting, Seth? There’s a whole world of spells, charms, and enchantments out there for you to discover and learn!”

“Yay,” I deadpan. As if my plate wasn’t already full enough with my language studies and musical pursuits. I look back to Celestia. “Will you be keeping me in the castle?”

“Certainly not. I am willing to release you from the castle so you may enjoy the rest of your time in the city with your friends, provided you perform a small test for us,” Celestia reveals.

“Thou may have emerged victorious with thy first struggle against Sombra, but we require proof that further attempts will not result in a similar loss of control,” Luna states. She eyes me with a guarded expression. “Dost thou have any objections?”

“You want me to try using magic again.” I rub my forehead, stress exacerbating my headache. “I guess that makes sense. Let’s get it over with.”

“Very well. However, it would be best if we relocated to someplace more suitable.” Celestia walks past me towards the door, which swings open delicately before her. “Twilight, you may return to your friends now. Thank you for coming on such short notice.”

“You’re welcome! It was my pleasure.” Twilight beams. “Are you sure you don’t need me for the test?”

“Thank you, but we can handle it from here. I imagine you need more time to rehearse before your performance,” Celestia leans down and nuzzles her student lovingly, who reciprocates with a happy squeal.

“Performance?” I echo curiously.

“You’ll see!” Twilight answers mysteriously. I raise an eyebrow, but all I get out of her is a giggle. A moment later, her mirth fades, and she looks at me with a small smile. “Thank you for letting me be here for you, Seth. I know it’s been rough, so I just want you to know I’m here to help.”

Taken off guard by her sudden heartfelt words, I scramble to find something to say. I default to sarcasm. “Right, I’ll be sure to remember that when I’m drowning in lectures and homework.”

Twilight briefly pouts at that before she shakes her head with an exasperated smile. “I’ll see you later, Seth.” With one last wave, she breaks off and heads her own way.

“Where exactly are we headed?” I ask, a persistent nervousness settling in my breast. “Back to the mountain?”

“Not as such. The mountain has taken significant damage and must be treated by professionals before it is ready for hoof traffic once more,” Celestia explains. I wince and decide I’m better off not knowing precisely how much damage I caused. “Instead, we will meet with the royal guard in one of their training halls. Should the test go well, they would be best suited to teaching you the basics of control at such short notice.”

I don’t like the sound of that. “How long will that take?”

“You may expect to be released in the early afternoon, provided no further complications arise.” As Celestia leads me through the castle halls, I quickly lose track of where I am inside due to all of the twists and turns. Before long, we step out into the early midday sun, the lingering effects of the morning chill causing me to break out into goosebumps.

It quickly becomes clear that the parade grounds I traveled through with Iron were but one of many. Furthermore, there’s more than one set of barracks spread out along the outermost wall of the castle. Each set is separated from one another by white stone partitions and elevated tiers accessible by staircases; the barracks at the highest level are built directly into the outer wall itself, with lightly armored pegasi flying between openings.

Each barracks consists of a single large building and several smaller buildings of identical design arranged squarely around a roughly circular parade ground, where guards could be seen training both in and out of armor. Each building is made out of white stone and wood and labeled with a set of characters I can’t understand.

As Celestia, Luna, and I pass into one of the barracks, the guards nearby immediately stop what they’re doing and salute the princesses smartly. Celestia greets each of them by name and with a smile as she passes, the guards swelling with pride and happiness as a result.

“Do you seriously know every single guard’s name?” I question her as we draw closer to the large building.

“I make a point to remember the names of every pony I meet, especially those that pledge to serve us as royal guards,” Celestia replies. “I am not perfect at doing so, but it is one of the few ways I can show my support and appreciation for their service.”

“Huh. I didn’t think such a thing was possible,” I admit with a hint of surprise. I can’t say for certain, but I feel that if I were to ask the president back in my era the names of all the soldiers who served him, he would be unable to do so. I am curious about how much action they actually see, but we walk into the large building before I can ask.

Celestia had described our destination as a training hall, but it’s clear that this building also doubles as an armory and storage facility. Along the walls at the far and right side, in elaborately carved alcoves, are weapon racks and armor stands, each fully stocked with everything I could imagine and more. I see everything from broadswords to rapiers, lances to bardiches, axes to hammers, and even more irregular weapons I didn’t even think could exist. I can’t help but marvel at the sight; someone like me could go a lifetime without seeing anything more elaborate than a machete.

On the left wall are training dummies and targets like the ones I saw outside, half of which were currently in use. At one of the dummies, I recognize Swift Lance with annoyance, who, after slamming her lance into the shield of her dummy, turns and notices us as well, scowling at me. In the center of the room is an open circular area where guards actively spar, their wooden training weapons filling the air with the clashing of wood. Even Stalwart Iron is among them, the stallion training with a younger mare and barking advice while easily fending off her inexperienced attacks.

Celestia leads us towards the guard overseeing the sparring—a white unicorn stallion with a dark blue mane streaked with light blue, dressed in unique heavy armor colored purple and gold, with a purple shield and a pink star emblazoned upon it pinned to the breastplate.

The moment the stallion notices us, he calls out to the room. “Royalty present in the barracks! Everypony, salute the princesses!” Like that, all activity stops, with every guard turning and doing as directed.

“At ease, everypony,” Celestia directs, graciously acknowledging the gesture with a dip of her head and a smile. Then, she addresses the stallion. “I see you are as disciplined as ever. How are you feeling, captain?”

“Feeling ready and eager, Your Highness,” the stallion responds in an easy-going tone, flashing her a winning smile. He glances over at me and takes a moment to observe my appearance. “Is this the human?”

“That is correct. It is time for the test I told you about. But first, please, introduce yourself.”

“Will do. Just a moment.” The captain turns back to the room, where the guards have been watching the exchange with interest. “You heard the princess! We need the room; all ponies dismissed!” At his order, the guards proceed to leave. When Stalwart Iron passes them, the captain holds out a hoof. “You stay, commander.”

“Yes, sir.” Stalwart Iron takes up a position beside the captain wordlessly.

“There, that’s all taken care of.” The captain steps towards me and gives me a welcoming smile, offering his hoof to me. “Greetings, human. I’m Shining Armor, captain of the Canterlot Royal Unicorn First Regiment. It’s a pleasure to meet you in the flesh finally.”

I accept his offered hoof and shake it, figuring it would be stupid to be overtly rude to someone this high up in the chain of command. “Seth Rogers. That’s a rather impressive title you have there.”

Shining Armor chuckles. “It is a bit of a mouthful, isn’t it? Anyhow, if everything goes well, I’ll teach you the basics of control. I look forward to working with you.”

“Right…” I say uncomfortably, unused to such a professional introduction. I was lucky if I even got a name from my peers back in my era. “So, how is this going to work?”

“As we discussed, captain,” Celestia states calmly. Shining Armor nods and retreats to the back of the room, closest to the exit. With a flash of his horn, the door closes shut. With his brow furrowed in concentration, the captain casts a series of spells upon the doors and ceiling, a complicated sigil flashing upon each surface with every casting. Lastly, he plants his hooves and casts one final spell. His horn lights up like a beacon. With one last grunt of exertion, a wave of magenta light surges outwards in every direction, engulfing me before I can react. My skin tingles and the air pops briefly as though a static wave has just passed through me.

“What the he…” I start to say, but then two more waves pass through me only moments after the first. “What the hell was that?”

“Barrier spells, my specialty,” Shining Armor answers, tapping the tip of his horn, whose light had lessened to nothing more than a faint glow. “We’re enclosed in a triple barrier now, and the building has been reinforced with various enhancements in case things take a turn for the explosive.”

“Oh…that sure fills me with confidence,” I say weakly, gulping. I look at the princesses. “What should I do now?”

“Do you recall how to exert your aura?” Celestia asks. I nod. “Good. Simply do as such, and that will tell us all we need to know.”

I take a deep breath, close my eyes, and reach within myself. Once again, utilizing the visual technique of the ships along the river, I attempt to draw upon the mana inside of me. This time it comes easier to me, the spring within me bubbling with darkness at a steady, manageable pace. My body is struck with a chill as the mana travels through me, yet it doesn’t rush out of control like it did before.

An odd thrumming accompanied by the quiet zapping of electricity erupts from within me, the sound pulsating at regular intervals. I feel the floor crack beneath my feet, causing me to stumble. I open my eyes to take a look around me, only to be met with an odd green film over my eyesight, the effect most noticeable in my peripheral vision. I can also see a curtain of darkness raging around me, green lightning sparking from and through it, seemingly at random.

“Seth. Please speak to us,” Celestia orders me in a deadly serious voice, breaking me out of my confusion. Beside her, Luna’s gaze never leaves me, a threatening aura of starry darkness surrounding her like a veil of night.

“I’m still here, yeah. Is this what an aura is supposed to look like?” From my words alone, I see signs of visible relief from Celestia and Shining Armor. I rub my eyes in a vain attempt to clear them of that annoying green film.

“Praise the heavens. The worst has passed, then,” Celestia emits, allowing herself to smile. “How do you feel? Is the flow of mana holding steady within you?”

“I think so? I feel cold, but not physically. It’s more on the inside.” I describe to her, my voice coming out breathy as I’m captivated by how surreal this situation is. I look at my hands, turning them every which way while marveling at how the aura clings to my skin, electricity running along my fingertips without pain.

“Is it growing stronger?” Celestia presses.

“I don’t think so,” I say after a moment’s pause. I breathe deeper, feeling an odd sense of exhaustion seeping into me. It’s not a physical exhaustion but instead something more internal that I can’t describe. “Should this be tiring me out?”

“You need to control the flow. What you’re likely doing is pushing out your mana as fast as you can force it out, which will not only exhaust your core but also strain your leylines,” Shining Armor speaks up, moving past Celestia to stand before me. “Bring it down a notch. Don’t force it; just allow it to flow like a trickle. The less you exert, the less you’ll tire yourself out.”

I struggle to do as I’m told, but I have no idea what I’m doing. I have to run through a series of mental images before I find one that works; a sluice gate that slams down onto the river to control how much flows simultaneously. As a result, my aura shrinks in size until it’s just barely noticeable. In addition, the aura feels calmer and more tranquil, no longer damaging the floor just by existing.

“Excellent. You’re a quick learner, Seth! I have to say, it’s always nice when the best-case scenario is the one we get.” Shining Armor praises me. He turns back to Celestia to say something, only to see her brushing at her chin, a troubled frown on her face. “Is something wrong, princess?”

“Wrong is not quite the word I would use. It is more puzzling,” Celestia says. “On the mountaintop, when I battled with the false Sombra, his mana output only seemed to increase as time progressed. I am troubled that I no longer see that effect.”

“Perhaps such a phenomenon was a side-effect of Sombra’s influence,” Luna suggests. Her eyes narrow suspiciously. “Or, perhaps 'tis still occurring, and Seth is simply unable to utilize it.”

“Both are possibilities. There is much about Sombra’s spell that we still do not know,” Celestia admits. She looks back at me. “More to that point, I imagine Sombra’s techniques and movements are lost to you now. Have you tried transforming your weapon into other forms?”

“Other…what?” I question incredulously. I unsling my rifle and bring it before me. I stare at it and try all sorts of images, but none of them work. “Yeah, that isn’t happening.”

“As one would expect. You are roughly the level of a unicorn foal in terms of mana control. Spells and techniques are likely far beyond you.” Despite her words, Celestia looks pleased. “Very well, I am satisfied. Shining Armor, Luna, you may stand down. Seth is no longer a danger to himself or others.”

“Alright! Great news, eh, Seth?” The glow on Shining Armor’s horn dies down, and the barriers dissipate, followed by the remaining reinforcement spells. “That means we can start your training in earnest.”

“It also means that we can take our leave…and my sister can get some well-deserved sleep,” Celestia adds with a hint of a smirk. She reaches over and nuzzles her sister, who just huffs in annoyance, a ghost of a smile flitting across her lips. “I must also return to Day Court, but before I do…”

Celestia approaches me. “I want you to keep those clothes. You deserve them after everything you have been through at my hooves. Furthermore, if there is anything else I can do for you, you have only to ask.”

“I think I’ve had enough of your help for now,” I say in the most sarcastic means possible, earning a wry smile from her. “That said…I should probably thank you for saving me…”

“You are very welc-”

“-on the caveat that I don’t get forced into something stupid as a result later.” I finish, crossing my arms. “I refuse on principle.”

“That is only fair, I suppose. I do not usually come asking for favors, but should the occasion ever arise, rest assured I will make it worth your while,” Celestia responds. I open my mouth to argue. “...and you may, of course, refuse. I am a princess, not a dictator.”

“Some would say those are the same thing,” I remark, but Celestia just shakes her head with a smile.

“Then I shall take my leave of you now. Perhaps in the future, we could catch up in a less harrowing situation,” Celestia expresses with finality, then accompanies her sister towards the door. Before she leaves, she tells me one last thing. “When you are ready, your friends await you in the castle gardens. They have been quite worried about you. Ask Shining Armor; he can take you to them.”

I freeze. “Shoot. I forgot about them.”

“You want to go see them right now, don’t you?” Shining Armor asks with a knowing grin. “That’s fine. Now that we know you’re in control, there’s no reason we have to start your training right this instant.”

“I probably should go see them. They’re already going to tear me a new one for disappearing on them,” I say, defeated. “Lead the way, and I’ll try to figure out a way to explain all of this.”

“You’ll be fine, I’m sure of it. Come on.” Shining Armor angles his head towards the door and walks in that direction. Before we reach the exit, he looks at Stalwart Iron. “You’re dismissed, commander.”

Stalwart Iron salutes and the two of us exit the barracks.

Author's Note

Welp, I'm back from the dead. Unfortunately, life got in the way, and Vayne Hellslinger is no longer editing for me for a variety of reasons. I was unfortunately too stubborn to find someone else due to how skilled he was, which, along with some life changes such as finding a girlfriend and a new hobby in the form of Warhammer, resulted in the two year long wait before this chapter could come out.

However, I have appointed Double R Forrest, a regular commenter here, to the position after much urging from my discord to get on with it. It'll likely be some time before he's comfortable enough with me to ~~abuse~~ push me to be better like Vayne did, but he's done a fine job for his first chapter. Thus, this chapter is finally out of editing hell. Hallelujah.

Personally, I'm very satisfied with the way the magic was handled this time around. Having the benefit of experience and rewrites behind me really does make a difference when it comes to making things flow and connect better.