Fighting Freedom

When I started running, the guards gave chase. Both of them were pegasi, but they hadn't taken flight. I ran through the streets, shoving ponies and stalls out of my way, and into the guards' way. Ponies cried out in surprise when I pushed past them and some in anger when I knocked them down. I ran into a side street, and blundered right into a dead end. Two buildings came together in a corner, and there was no wall to climb over.

I examined my surroundings quickly, and took everything in. The walls of the buildings that came together were both stone and weathered, and there was several windows on upper floors. The way back would soon be sealed off, and going that way wasn't advisable in any way. The guards came around the corner, and one pointed at me.

I looked back at the building one last time, and took a deep breath. I jumped up to one building, and grabbed at the wall. My hands managed to grab holes in the weathered stone wall, and my feet did as well. Without even thinking, I kept scaling the wall. I've never done anything like that before, but that wasn't going to stop me from trying. My advice if you want to try it at home, do not hesitate. Don't even think about it, because a moment pause could ruin it all.

I reached the window of a building, and jumped through it. I wanted to take a moment to just realize what I did. I wasn't going to get that moment as the guards how now taken flight. I ran through the room I was in, a nice kitchen, and flung open a door. I ended up in a hallway, and ran down it. I passed a door with a stair sign on it, and ducked inside. I heard voices from below, and went up. Always a bad decision, but like I said, I wasn't thinking. I raced up the stairs, and the voices followed me. I reached the last floor and flung open another door.

I was on the roof of the building, trapped. Once again I took a moment to take everything in, and then acted. I ran to the edge of the roof just as the door burst open again. Without looking back, I flung myself off the roof. I landed on a windowsill, and rolled into the room. I ran through this apartment, and out into the hallway. This time I ran down the stairs instead of up. I ran out the front door, and ended up back where I had started. I ran out into the street, but more guards were waiting for me.

Once again I surprised myself with my own agility. I clambered up one of the market stalls, and onto the roof of a smaller building. From this roof I jumped to another, and down to a side street. I ran down this street, but my stomach was getting to me. It flared in pain, and I wanted to stop. I had an idea though, one crazy enough to get me out of this.

I was chased across rooftops and down streets by royal guards. I ran through the city, making my way to the other end. The most guards chasing me at one point I think was 7. Can't be too sure though, they all looked the same. They had chased me to the bridge, and I was gasping for breath. 5 of the guards stood in front of me, leaving only the castle as a way out. Of course that was where they had wanted to go, and where they had been herding me. I knew what they had been up to though. I'm not a fool, well sometimes I can be, but not right now.

I stood on the bridge and one of the guards said,

"Just come with us lad, nice and easy."

I looked over the bridge and then back at the one who had talked.

"Tell ya what. I'll make it easy for you."

The guards all relaxed and took small steps towards me.

"If you catch me, I'll come quietly."

And then I jumped over the bridge. Air rushed to greet me as I fell towards the lake. There was quite some distance between me and the water, enough to kill me most likely. However, I was hoping I could pull of some sort of trick with the water to save myself. I began waving my arms to bring the water up to meet me.

Then I felt two weights on either side of me. Hoofs went under my shoulders and my arms stopped. I looked up to see that two guards had managed to fly down and catch me. They slowly flew back up with me to the castle.

"Damn you guys are good. I would've been stuck staring for a few minutes at least."

The guards said nothing in return, but just grunted as they flew upwards.

"Well fair is fair. I'll come quietly. Mind grabbing my pack?"

The guards put me down back on the bridge and landed behind me. Two guards were in front of me, and one on each side. They had me surrounded, and I didn't have a way out. Even if I did, I wasn't sure I would take it. That little adventure had me exhausted, and wanting to spill my guts. I could almost feel them writhing in my stomach.

They brought me inside the main chamber of the castle. It was large, and a red carpet ran up the middle to a throne. Large glass stained windows were behind the throne, and shone multicolor lights into the room. There were no grand stair cases, but several doors lined the walls. The throne was empty at the moment and I said,

"Shouldn't there be two?"

The guard nearest me seemed willing to entertain, because he spoke back to me.

"Only one princess works the court at a time. One during the day, and one during the night."

"Still this is a diarchy yeah? Need to keep up appearances and all that."

"Don't talk to him Fledge."

The other guard next to me scolded his compadre.

"Yes sir, of course sir."

His captain then. I had always thought the royal guards were more for show then actual function. I couldn't actually recall seeing any police or official civil protection. I guess before now they didn't really need it.

"So you guys going to tell me what I did? Do I even have rights here?"

They ignored me, and led me down a side passage. We got close enough to the throne for me to see it was more like a couch. Assumedly the princess in court would lay down on it. Everything in the castle was on the large size, which made the travel easier.

The corridors in the castle weren't in disrepair, which surprised me to be honest. I was expecting damp, dark, and maybe some mold. The stones were shining white, and were giving off light. The entire place screamed regal at me, and was starting to make me nervous. We reached a door and one of the guards opened it and motioned for me to go in.

I walked into the room and took a quick look around. Besides the grand fireplace, large four poster bed, stained glass windows, shag carpet, and gold chandelier, this was almost like a prison room. Well all it needed was some bars, and a toilet in the corner. After this quick glance I turned around and said,

"What exactly is going on here?"

The guards just slammed the door in my face, and walked away. I tried the door, but it was locked. I wasn't sure why I was stuck in the palace, but my mind was coming up with all kinds of theories. Like the idea that I was going to become some sick experiment. Basically, I wanted to get out of there, and then maybe find out what was going on. I looked at the windows trying to find some sort of lock or way to open it.

I wasn't able to find one, and I thought it was almost a shame to smash it. I took a poker from the fireplace, and approached the window. I wound up, and swung the poker. Imagine my surprise when the poker smashed into the window with no effect. It didn't rebound, but just smashed into the glass and stayed there. I threw the useless thing back into the fireplace and sat down on the bed. There didn't seem to be any way out of the room. Blowing air around did nothing, and I had no water to splash. Would have been a great time to get started on earth magic. I didn't have my book though, and I really doubted the princesses would appreciate me tearing up their castle.

Which brought to mind if the princesses even knew what was going on. There could be some political coup that was going on, but I'm not really sure who would be doing such a thing. Besides I was never good at politics, all that sneaky stuff and dagger and cloak things.

After a few hours, the door opened again. I sat up on the bed from where I had been laying down. I had been bored to tears just waiting for something to happen. If there was something that I hated, it was being stuck in one place with nothing to do. A guard walked into the room, and motioned for me to follow him.

"So are you going to talk to me?"

The guard was younger, but still had the appearance of white coat and blue mane. I assumed they just dyed themselves those colors.

"I'm not really supposed too."

"Just give me an idea of what's going on. I just want to know why I've been imprisoned."

"Imprisoned? You're the princesses royal guest."

"That explains the locked room then."

"Guests are not allowed to wander the castle."

"Then don't invite me in until they are ready to see me. I don't want to be stuck in a room for hours on end."

"Well the princess is ready to see you now."

He shut up after that, and led me back to the throne room. I walked into the main hall to see Celestia laying down on the throne.

"Silver, so good to see you."

"You guys should invest in mobiles. Y'know, so I don't wait for 3 hours."

The guard who had led me to the chamber was still next to me, whispered to me,

"I would suggest bowing."

Celestia looked to the guard and said,

"You may leave us now."

She got up off her throne, and walked towards me.

"Tell me Silver, what do you know of Equestria?"

"Well let's see. There's Ponyville which is the city down there, and Canterlot here which I assume is the capital. There is a diarchy, but with princesses not queens. You move the sun and your sister, Luna, moves the moon."

"I see you have studied a little."

"Just bits and pieces that I pick up."

Celestia was walking around me, almost as if she was inspecting me. The last thing I needed her to do was take a whiff. I didn't exactly smell that great at the moment. She moved her head to be level with mine.

"So how have you been adjusting to life here?"

"Well as one could be expected. Well no, probably better. I was always a traveler though, I consider this just another place to visit. Only this time, there is a whole new world."

I looked into her eyes, and I got stuck again. They sparkled and glistened, keeping me focused on them.

"I would say you've been adjusting very well. Considering that you're relations with some of my ponies."

"You know about that stuff?"

She bent her head even closer and whispered in my ear.

"I know a lot about you. You could say I know everything. I've been in your mind Silver, I hope you don't mind. I was just making sure you weren't a threat."

I shuddered when she said that, but more because her breath was cold. I was definitely creeped out at the thought of her looking through my mind. Suddenly the urge to think of everything I did not want her to know came up. Specifically inappropriate images of herself on the internet.

While I was thinking of such things, her eyes sparkled and she smiled at me. She was reading my thoughts! Which meant that she knew that I had seen those things. Even the ones where she wasn't a she. The internet, the defeat of any pure mind. I stopped thinking of things and cleared my mind of anything like that. By clearing my mind, I mean I imagined a wave clearing everything from my head.

When I hadn't said anything for awhile she said,

"And while there were some surprises to see, I think that you would make an excellent mate."

I nearly coughed in her face and I sputtered.

"Wait.. What?!"

Celestia moved away from me laughing.

"I was talking about you and the Rose mare. I'm 1000 years old, a bit out of your age range I think."

She winked at me when she said that, and my cheeks went red. I hadn't been expecting that, well maybe just a little. I took a deep breath and relaxed. No need to get worked up over a raunchy princess. Well unless I became directly threatened anyway.

"Silver if I could ask a favor of you."

"Yeah?"

"Close your eyes."

I gulped, but complied. I could see a glow behind my eyelids, a brilliant white. I opened them at the last second to see white heading for me. I was unable to do anything, and I was bathed in light. Seconds after I was once again bathed, but this time in darkness.

_______________________

I woke up, the memories of last night foggy. I was in a large bed chamber, even larger than the last one. The four-poster in this room was much bigger, and had silver curtains hanging down. Everything about the bed was silver, the sheets, the pillows, the covers, and even the railings around the bed. I got out of the bed and looked at my newest surroundings.

The room was circular, and the top was in a dome shape. My bed lay against the wall opposite the door, and in the center. There were three windows around the room, each with their own silver curtains. To the side was a fireplace embedded in the wall. Silver bricks lined it, and the chimney, up. Currently there was no fire lit. There was a desk against the wall as well, and it was also silver. The last piece of furniture in the room was a wardrobe, this was also silver. Looking at the floor nearly blinded me. It was a plush rug, that was bright silver.

The amount of silver things in the room was killing my eyes, and I had to get out. Unfortunately the door was locked once again. I didn't even bother trying the windows this time. I sat back down on the bed when I noticed I wasn't wearing the same clothes. I was thankfully wearing something though. A long robe, that if you can believe, wasn't silver. It was a deep green with a white lining. Suddenly the door was banged on, and a voice came from behind it.

"My liege, I'm sorry to disturb you, but the princesses request you're presence."

I opened the door, which strangely wasn't locked now. I looked down at the guard behind the door. He wasn't a day or night guard. He was a deep green color with a white mane. His armor was a shining silver, and it covered his head completely, only his bright silver eyes could be seen.

"They would appreciate it if you could hurry up sir. May I suggest getting dressed?"

I turned around and looked at the wardrobe. I opened it up, and let out a gasp. Only two outfits were in there, but what outfits they were. The first was a complete set of silver knight armor. Obviously it had been compiled from pony armor, with minor adjustments in places. It didn't have a helmet though. The other outfit was a very complicated set. First were silver pants that had a black belt. The shirt was a deep green with white lining. Over this was a hooded green cowl. Then after all of that was a large robe meant to cover it all, but not be closed up in front.

I clicked my tongue at the sight.

"I don't do regal dress, and I certainly don't do knight armor."

"Would you rather appear naked sir?"

"You make a good point… name?"

"Rivet sir."

"I'm Silver by the way."

"I know sir."

"Well, I guess I'll have to do some work on this then."

I pulled out both outfits, and began making some adjustments. Pieces of armor went flying as I dismantled it. I finished my work and I turned to look in the mirror.

"What do you think Rivet?"

He looked at me in the mirror and said,

"Very patchwork sir. You will certainly… astound the court."

I had thrown on the shirt and pants, but I had forgone the cowl and robe. I had also refused to put on the ridiculous shoes I had been supplied with. I was wearing the armored boots though. One pant leg had several pieces of armor strapped to it. It was the kind of armor that had straps in the back, so it only protected the front. The same went for my left arm, pieces of armor covering it. Except for the wrist which had a familiar wooden bracelet on it. I couldn't quite place what it was doing there though. I had put on the breastplate with some help from Rivet.

I looked more ridiculous then cool, and I decided that patchwork armor was something that could only be pulled off in video games.

"Maybe you can work something out with the royal seamstresses after the meeting sir."

"Or I could just make my own. These are rather restricting on movement if you know what I mean."

"We should get moving sir."

"Right, special meeting. Lead the way friend."

Rivet stepped out of the room and I followed him. We went down several flights of stairs before going through another door. Every time I took a step, a loud clang went out. Metal on stone is bad for sneaking. We walked through endless halls and my mental map of the castle became ruined. The place was more like a labyrinth than a castle.

"How do you know where you are going Rivet?"

"The castle has many passageways sir, but all of them originate from the court at some point."

There were no torches in the hallways, just stone bricks. It all looked the same to me, and if Rivet really knew different, then I had no idea how. He finally led me through one last door and into the main hall. Celestia and Luna were sitting on the throne, facing opposite directions.

Celestia called out to me,

"Silver so good to see you."

I smiled at her, she always greeted me the same way. Luna said nothing to me as usual, and didn't look me in the eye.

"The two of you is always a lovely sight. Might I say that you princess Luna are looking quite fetching today."

Luna just put her head down in embarrassment and I let out a hearty laugh.

Celestia put on a fake frown and said, "Stop teasing her Silver, lest I decide to do the same."

I put a finger up and said, "It is not teasing if one means the words they have spoken."

Luna tried to hide herself even more, and both Celestia and I laughed.

"If you don't mind me asking, what happened to your clothes?"

"There was an accident. I'll have it worked on later. So to what do I owe this pleasure?"

Celestia raised an eyebrow and said,

"Guard, what state was Silver in when you fetched him?"

Rivet stood even straighter than he had been, and looked completely serious.

"He was sleeping princess."

Celestia laughed again and said,

"I doubted that you took this as a pleasure."

I grinned at her before saying,

"Do be fair. I can't seem to recall much of last night, its details are quite in the mist."

Celestia got off the throne, and Luna followed her, trying to stay behind her.

"I'm sure it'll come back to you soon. Would you accompany us on a stroll through the garden?"

"You woke me up to take a walk? A walk with two lovely mares to be sure, but a walk all the same."

"I'm sure you will enjoy it."

"Let's get it over with then."

Throughout the entire discussion we had been grinning like fools. I couldn't help myself, but to do so. I hadn't even gotten a good look at Luna's face though. The worries of whatever happened last night were washed away as I went out into the garden.

As we walked through the flowers of the garden, I couldn't help but sneeze a few times. Flowers of all kinds were growing, and the scents were overpowering.

Without thinking I said,

"Rose would certainly love this."

Celestia looked at me curiously and said,

"Who is Rose?"

I thought about it for a second. I had never even heard of someone named Rose.

"I'm not sure, must be the sun getting to me. So what can my presence help you achieve today?"

Luna had been trying to get Celestia's attention, but she was ignored.

"Well Silver, as you know, the ceremony is the day after tomorrow"

The ceremony… it took me just a second to remember what ceremony that was.

"Yes I do recall."

"I just wanted to make sure you were ready."

"I've been ready for a long time, my anticipation peaks as it nears though. If I could just leave the castle, I'm sure that I would relax."

"You know you can't do that. What would I say to your honorary father if you disappeared?"

"You could tell him that I was up to my usual games. I'm sure he would understand."

"Regardless, I can't allow you to leave."

"You win this time Celestia."

We walked through the rest of the garden in silence. Luna seemed to be worried about something, as she kept looking around quickly. When we reached the castle again Celestia said,

"Well I must get back to my duties, and I'm sure Luna is quite tired. You should get back to your studies Silver."

I nodded at her and walked back into the main hall. Rivet was waiting for me and we headed back towards the room I had come from. He left me at the door, and stood outside. I walked inside the room and sat down at the desk. I picked up a random book, and opened it up. I wasn't actually reading it though.

The sun was still high in the sky, and the time was most likely noon. I could call for lunch anytime, but it wouldn't just come. I opened the door and Rivet looked up at me.

"I won't be requiring lunch today, so if they ask, tell them to not bother."

He nodded his head, and I closed the door. I went across the room, and looked out the windows. I was very high up, but there were several ledges that weren't too far from me. The city itself though was on the opposite side of the castle. I looked around my room, and began constructing something. When I had finished, I looked at my rope in satisfaction. I had thrown everything in the room into it, and I hoped it would go far enough. I tied it to the pole of the bed and threw it out the window. It seemed to reach down to the next landing, and I began climbing down.

I was about halfway down when I slipped. I began falling, but my hands were able to grab holds in the stone wall. After taking a few deep breaths, I began descending even more carefully. When I reached the landing, I gave a mighty tug on the rope. It fell down on top of me, and I bundled it up. Didn't want some guards stumbling upon it. I was just going to be out for a few hours is all. I came to the city a week ago, and I hadn't even been outside the castle.

I looked over the landing I was on to see the grounds below. There was no point going down because I would be stuck at the castle gated. They were usually open, but I guess they thought I was going to try and escape. Well they were right about that, but gates weren't going to keep me out. I cautiously walked around the landing to face the gates. There were two archways that spanned the gap between the castle walls and the landing I was on. I threw my rope over one of the archways until I could grab it again. I tied the two ends together, and scaled the rope.

It was difficult to do, but I eventually reached the top of the archway. I was surprised I hadn't been seen by any guards yet. I wasn't exactly well camouflaged. I crossed the archway, sliding the tied rope down it. When I reached the gates I threw the rope over them. I slid down the rope, and onto the ground. I had managed to escape the castle. I was now faced with just the bridge, and that was hardly an obstacle. I couldn't get the rope to come down with me, and I heard some shouts from inside the castle. I abandoned the rope, and ran across the bridge. I was worried that the noise my boots were making would attract attention, but when I reached the city, I was only given odd looks.

I slowed to a walk, as to avoid attracting attention. Ponies gave me odd looks, but none more than usual. I guess I was camouflaged well. I walked down the street, and my stomach clamored for food. It ached with pain, and I decided that eating would be a good idea. I stopped at a small tea shop called 'The Jasmine Dragon', and went inside.

There were several small booth tables, and a bar table at the corner of the building. At the bar was a white mare with a purple mane crying her eyes out. Her head was in her arms, and she didn't look up when the bell rang, signaling my entrance. The mare behind the bar waved at me. She was a light green with a yellow mane.

I walked up to the bar and ordered some tea, and a bowl of fruit. I placed several bits on the table, which I had taken from the pockets of my pants. While she went off to get my stuff, I turned to the mare.

"Why the tears young lady?"

The mare wiped her eyes, but didn't look at me.

"I've lost a friend."

"Maybe he lost you eh?"

"We got separated in the city, and now I can't find him anywhere. I even found his pack that he had been carrying. I just can't help but think something awful has happened."

"Were the two of you close?"

"We were friends."

"Special friends?"

The mare laughed before saying,

"No, although he was very friendly."

The waitress came back with my things, and I said

"Well I'm sure if he is half as good looking as I am, he'll be fine."

"Here's your order dearie."

"It's Silver."

The mare jumped up while the waitress said,

"All the same."

I started on a piece of fruit when I felt hooves wrap around my waist. The mare next to me cried into my chest and squeezed me hard.

"Uh… are you okay?"

The mare rubbed her head against me and said,

"Of course I'm not okay. Where did you disappear to? I looked for you all of yesterday. I was so worried when night fell, I couldn't sleep."

"I think you may have mistaken me for someone else."

"Oh Silver stop playing around. I'm being serious here."

I patted the mare's back uncomfortably. I didn't really want to make a scene, but judging how everyone was looking at us, I messed that up.

"Have we met before miss…?"

The mare huffed at me and said,

"Rarity. If you insist on playing this game, would you tell me where you disappeared to yesterday?"

Rarity was looking up at me, but she thankfully pulled herself off of me. Seeing that my food hadn't really been touched, I dug into it again. Talking with my mouth full I said,

"Well I can't really remember yesterday to be honest miss Rarity. All in the mist so to speak."

She looked away from me and said,

"You remember coming here with me yesterday though right?"

"I arrived a week ago miss Rarity."

I looked around the room and leaned down to her ear.

"You may not recognize me, but I'm THE Silver."

She just looked at me weird, as if she had no idea what I was talking about.

"You know, 'honorary son of King Solaire' Silver."

She just gave me an ever more confused look.

"You really don't remember traveling here with me?"

"Not at all miss Rarity."

"Well I have your stuff, maybe a look at it will stop you from playing this game."

She handed me a white sack, which I was about to refuse, but then the door burst open. Two royal guards walked into the shop and one pointed at me.

"You're supposed to be at the castle sir."

I drank the rest of my tea, and pocketed the rest of the food. I threw the sack over my shoulder and said,

"Nice meeting you miss Rarity. Maybe you can come up to the castle sometime."

I followed the guards out, and back to the castle. One of them was berating me about how the princess was worried or something. They left me in the courtyard, and the gates closed behind me. I walked into the main hall of the castle and looked around. Celestia wasn't on the throne, and there was no one to lead me through the castle. I wandered throughout the castle trying to find someone. I ended up in a tower, and I climbed to the top. I reached a door, and was about to knock when I heard voices.

"The spell is failing."

"I can always apply it again."

"To what point sister?"

"We can keep an eye on him if he is here with us."

"I normally don't question you sister, but this is just too much."

"Enough Luna. I have made my decision about this."

I heard hoofsteps heading towards me, and I ran back down the stairs. Quiet wasn't going to happen with armored boots on, but I don't think she heard me. I was confused at what I had just heard. After some more wandering I found myself back in my room. Rivet was still standing outside the door, but when I waved to him, he did nothing. I threw the pack Rarity had given me on the bed, and I laid down on the bed. Could what she had been saying be true? No I knew who I was.

I was Silver, the odd, young human who had saved King Solaire from a land slide. He had taken me in as his honorary son, because he had no son himself. I had grown up in the desert lands, which had no official name because Solaire kept changing it. I had come to Equestria… for some royal ceremony. I couldn't quite remember the nature of it though. However, the more I thought about all of this, the less real it seemed. All these memories seemed thin as it were. I felt like there was something more that I couldn't quite remember. I couldn't help but think Rarity had been telling the truth. I looked at the bag I had been handed, and I opened it up.

I rifled through the clothes and food in it. I was looking for answers in some form, but nothing turned up. I threw the clothes in a corner, and laid down. I thought I just needed to relax some.

I opened the door and said to Rivet,

"Send in some R&R if you would."

Rivet only nodded, and walked away. I went back to my bed and tried to read a book while I waited. I was unsuccessful, my head was spinning with thoughts. I put the book down, not even aware of what it was. The door opened and revealed two young mares. They both looked very nervous which made me assume they were new at this. They were both a bright green with red manes. I waved at them, and one of them smiled at me nervously.

"Hellooooo ladies."

The one who smiled giggled just a bit, but was silenced by a look from the other. This one was the elder I assumed.

"Hello sir. I'm Phera, and this is my sister Mona. If you could just get ready on the bed, we can get started."

They turned around, and I stripped off most of my clothes. I laid down on the bed, and was soon joined by the two mares. I laid my head into the pillow and waited for them to start. I felt a cool sensation on my back, and it began to spread. When the coolness spread out all across my body, it changed to a mild temperature. I felt four points of pressure on my back, and they began to knead. I lost myself to the time, and eventually I was half asleep. The two started having a conversation, thinking I was completely out.

"Do you think he's ready for the ceremony?"

"I don't know, but its none of our business in any case."

"He is a bit dreamy isn't he."

Heh heh, my ego likes to be fed.

"Watch where your hoofs are going sister."

"Heh heh, they slipped is all."

They continued massaging my back for a while, probably about an hour's time in total. They stopped after a while and moved to get off the bed. I turned around and looked at them through half closed eyes.

"That was… amazing."

They both bowed and the elder one said,

"Thank you sir."

The younger one was smiling at me, but said nothing.

"Would you like to join me for dinner ladies?"

The older said, "We should really get going…"

The younger one said, "We would love to."

I stood up, and put my arms around both of them.

"If you wait outside my chamber, I shall join you shortly."

They left, and I started to get dressed again. They were both nice mares, and kinda cute to boot. I walked outside and put my arms around them again. Rivet rolled his eyes at me before leading the way. We walked in silence, the elder sister moving awkwardly. The younger sister seemed much more happy to push against me, maybe because she was on the side without armor.

We reached the dining room and I pulled out two chairs for the ladies. I sat between them, and awaited for the meal. Luna joined us at the table, and eyed us warily. She looked like she wanted to say something, but she refrained.

A waiter brought out a large tray of food, and began placing it around the table. Dishes of all the same stuff filled the table. Fruits, and more fruits lined the table. It was almost disappointing actually, there seemed to be nothing of substance. The waiter placed what looked to be a flower made of pineapple in front of me.

Luna began eating very delicately, but the two mares did nothing. I motioned for them to dig in, and then started myself. Rivet simply stood guard at one of the doors, and did nothing when I motioned for him to join us.

"Surely you would like some of this Rivet."

"Apologies sir, but it would be inappropriate."

I turned around and picked up a small piece of food. I took aim out of the corner of my eye, and threw it at him. He didn't duck in time and was hit directly in the face. Juice dripped from his face and he just sighed. He walked up to the table, and removed his helmet. He cautiously began eating, all the while watching Luna.

I'm sure the meal was awkward for everyone who wasn't me, but for me it was just tasty. I still felt like I hadn't eaten anything substantial. I waited for everyone else to finish, and Luna was the first to rise and leave. She gave me one last look before leaving the room.

"If you two ladies are finished, shall we retire for the night?"

They looked at each other and then back at me with confused face.

"By that I mean we shall go our separate ways. Get your minds out of the gutter."

I had said that part nearly instantly, which was weird because it didn't sound like something I would say. Well in public anyways. They left me alone and headed for the castle gates. I wandered around the castle a bit, and found myself at the gate to the gardens. A stroll before bed sounded like a great idea, so I went in.

The gardens were a whole different place in the evening. There were flowers that were in bloom that had not been before. It almost made me want to come back at night to see what it was like. As I wandered through the hedges, I started to hear voices. At first I couldn't understand what they were saying, but I eventually managed to get closer.

"That's six memories altered sister, how many more will it take before you see this is fruitless?"

"It only has to last until the ceremony, after that we can change them back."

"That's another thing dear sister. This ceremony of yours, it seems very sudden."

"I know what I am doing sister. Believe me when I say I am doing this to protect our fair land."

"Protect it from what sister? The human? He looks less likely to smack a fly."

"Trust me on this sister."

"You're spell over him is already failing, it won't be long until he remembers, and then what?"

"Then I will cast it again. Once the ceremony is over, I'll remove it anyway. After just a few alterations, everything will be fine."

"I trust you sister, but if this gets out of hand you must promise to stop."

"I do sister."

The voices stopped and thumps were moving closer to me. I quickly retreated from the gardens, and nearly ran into Rivet.

"Sir, you should be in your room."

My voice was quiet, almost to where Rivet had to lean in to hear me.

"Ya… my room."

I took a long time to think over what I had just heard. This entire Canterlot business was throwing my head for a loop. It was mind numbing to think that what I knew could be fake. What if these memories were really fake and I got rid of them? Would I become someone else entirely? Thoughts like those raced through my head through most of the night. When I got to my room, I didn't even move to get on the bed. I looked back at the clothes on the floor, and went through them again. They looked like my clothes, but they didn't bring any memories up. I threw them in frustration, and something fell out of the robes.
It was a small vanilla envelope. The word 'Jasmine' was written across it. I looked down at it for awhile, and formulated a plan in my head. Tomorrow morning I would leave the castle once more, but this time I had an objective. By this time tomorrow, I planned on knowing the truth.

____________________

I woke up bright and early with the sun the next day. It's rays were only just beginning to rise above the land. I quickly got out of the bed, and got dressed. I threw on the robes that had come in the pack. The armor was not only ridiculous, but noticeable. Then again, my very appearance drew attention to myself.

I opened the door, and was glad to see Rivet wasn't at his post. I quickly descended the stair, the stone cold against my bare feet. I would rather go without shoes then wear the fancy ones, and the boots, while surprisingly comfortable, made a lot of noise.

I reached the bottom of the tower, and exited the door towards the courtyard. I was lucky to be in a tower that went all the way down to the ground. Most of the towers jutted out from some point of the castle. Now that I was on the ground, I just needed to get past the gates. Climbing over them wouldn't work again, and I wanted to get away without being noticed.

I started to make my way across the courtyard towards the castle gates, when Luna walked around a corner. I stood absolutely still, hoping that she wouldn't look in my direction. She stopped walking, and stood in place for a few seconds. I was willing for her to just keep going and not turn around. She eventually just shook her head, and continued walking. I let out a breath I had been holding, and continued walking.

I dare not run, because if someone saw me running from the windows of the castle, they would be alarmed. However, if they just saw me walking, they might just think I was on a stroll. I reached the closed gates, and opened the door to the guard house. The lever to open the gates was easily reachable, but I didn't want to risk opening them. I looked around for another way out, but I was running out of options. That's when I got lucky. Someone was outside the gate wishing to be let in.

I could hear them calling from outside, and I opened the gates. I slinked back outside and waited for the brown stallion to pass. He didn't see me, and kept walking towards the castle. Right before the gates shut again, I slipped past them. I was hoping no one had seen me, and wouldn't check on my room for awhile. I most likely had several hours before anyone would try to bother me. Even more if no one needed me.

I walked across the bridge, still not bothering to run. However, once I reached the city, I gave up trying to be inconspicuous. There wasn't a lot of ponies out and about yet, but a few were walking around. I got some looks, but no one made a move towards me. I didn't have a head covering, and it made me think that Rarity was telling the truth. If I was nobility, the ponies around would be doing something. They wouldn't just wave me off as unimportant. This wasn't some town, this was Canterlot. Where everyone was trying to become important, and the easiest way to do that would be to know someone important.

I walked down the streets until I reached the tea shop I had been in yesterday. It wasn't open yet, and wouldn't be for another hour at least. At first I was just going to wait outside it, but then two ponies walked past me gossiping.

"Did you hear what was going on in the castle?"

I stood up and followed them out of sight when I heard that.

"No."

"Well apparently there is going to be a large party or something. Bakers can be seen bringing in all kinds of foods in preparation. Juniper said that she saw a wedding cake!'

"A wedding cake? Can't be the princesses'."

"No one knows. The castle has been very quiet recently. Apparently there's also one of those hairless bears at the castle. The guards apprehended him yesterday, and the day before."

"Sounds like he doesn't want to be there."

"Oh I know. Everyone is trying to figure out what's going on, but only bakers are getting into the castle."

They then went to talk about other rumors that I wasn't interested in. The ceremony tomorrow, why couldn't I remember what it was? I just knew that there was one tomorrow, nothing else. I sat down in front of the tea shop, racking my brain for answers. Everything seemed to be foggy though. I still felt like there was a thin veil in my mind, but now it was losing focus. It wasn't getting lighter, but less detailed.

The door to the tea shop opened and the light green mare put an 'open' sign outside. I walked inside and up to the bar. The mare waved cheerily at me and told me to wait a tic. She was definitely on the younger side, most likely living with parents. I was never any good at judging pony age though, at least I don't think I was.

When she came back she asked me,

"What'll it be dearie?"

The whole dearie thing seemed inappropriate on her, but I didn't comment on that.

"Actually I was hoping you could tell me something. I'm looking for somepony named Jasmine."

The mare laughed and said,

"I'm Jasmine hon. You are in 'The Jasmine Dragon' you know."

"Oh, well then I guess this is yours."

I handed her the envelope and she opened it up. She read it in front of me with a smile on her face. She laughed a little when she finished it, and put it away somewhere. Where I'm not sure, but I couldn't see it anymore.

"Thanks for delivering that for my dad."

"Not to be rude, but what was it exactly. See I don't know why I had it is all."

"Oh… Well it was just a letter from my dad in Ponyville. He was just asking when I was going to come and visit him. Did he not give this to you?"

"I don't know, that's the problem."

"You hit your head to hard or something? He calls himself Peg these days if that helps. Never did like his given name much. Can't say I blame him. Marcel isn't a very good name for him."

Peg… the name was familiar, and not in the object kind. I couldn't place a face though.

"It sounds familiar, and I'm not sure what's going on with my head."

"Well I wish you luck. Some tea might stir your brain up."

"A salesmare at heart eh? Well tea does sound good. Maybe a little something to eat as well."

"I'll bring it out soon."

She walked back into the kitchen where I couldn't see, and I laid my head down on the counter. A day ago everything had seemed fine, but now it was falling apart. Then again, I guess that's what happens when your memories are messed with. If that was even what happened. From what I had heard and seen, it sure seemed to be that way. However, I wasn't going to make any accusations just yet.

Jasmine brought out my tea and a plate of biscuits. Glad to see something that wasn't fruit, I dug in. While I ate I continued to ponder what had apparently happened. Even if my memories were changed, who would bother doing that? Had I found something out that made me dangerous? There would be a reason it had happened, and I was a bit scared of that reason. Then again, if it was big enough for me to be in danger, it was probably something scandalous. Just as I finished my food, Rarity from yesterday walked into the shop.

When she saw me at the bar, she rushed up next to me.

"Oh am I glad to see you again dear. Whatever did you do to get the guards after you?"

"I left the castle is all. They want me to stay inside at all times."

"Do you still not remember yourself yet?"

"I don't even know the self I used to know anymore. Everything's been thrown up in the air so to speak."

"Well dear, if you come with me I can tell you what really happened. Seeing as we did travel together for a few days."

"You're right. If we stay here the guards will eventually come back for me. You have a place or something?"

"Oh no I don't live here. I have rented a room at one of the hotels though. We can go there."

"Bringing me back to your place? I didn't know you were that kinda girl."

Rarity huffed at me and said,

"Even when you can't remember yourself, you're still you."

She led me back into the city, and down a few streets. The city was very confusing from my point of view. All the streets looked close to the same, and I couldn't see past the buildings. Rarity led me into another building, and up some stairs. I walked into a modest room with her. A decently sized bed laid against the wall, and there was a side room with a bath.

"Well here we are."

Unable to resist teasing her I said,

"You want to freshen up first?"

She looked like she wanted to smack me, but settled for huffing instead.

"I see we're off to a good start at least. If you can remember to tease me, then everything else can't be far behind."

She laid down on the bed, and motioned for me to join her. I laid down on my back next to her. Looking up at the ceiling, she began to tell me her story of what had happened. When she mentioned the bracelet, I remembered that I was still wearing it. I had forgotten it even existed. I tried to pull it off, but it wasn't going to go. In fact, the harder I tried, the tighter it got.

When she told me that I had done magic, I wanted to laugh. Only unicorns could do magic like that, and that was because they had horns. She seemed really adamant about it though, so I decided to try. She brought me a bowl of water and told me to lift the water. At first I was just teasing, making exaggerated motions and speaking gibberish. After awhile though, I decided that I would really try. I concentrated hard on the water, and did what Rarity was telling me to do. I willed the water to rise, and moved my hand with the bracelet up. The bracelet glowed faintly and to my surprise the water rose up.

Of course it splashed down once I lost my concentration, but all the same, further proof that she was telling the truth. She spent a good time telling me everything about the trip, and even some of the time before it. It all sounded so right to me, but it also sounded so impossible. She told me about a mare named Roseluck, who I had apparently been sweet on. Or rather who had been sweet on me. When she finished I said,

"Sounds like I was over thinking everything. Strange, I feel like that I would just go with it."

"I think you were more worried about the physical interactions."

"Why would I be worried about that?"

"Something about the planet you came from or something. Apparently it also weirded you out."

I had actually been okay with the whole different planet thing. As far as I knew, I was the only human on Equestria, so being an alien was very likely.

"What's weird about kissing?"

Suddenly Rarity was up against me, pushing her lips to mine. I nearly had a heart attack I was so shocked. If what she was saying was true, then I could see why I was weirded out by it. Her lips didn't feel like mine if that makes sense. It wasn't bad per se, but it would take time getting used to. Especially because my stomach wanted to bring up everything inside to vomit out. I supposed it was just a gag reflex or something.

Rarity pulled away from me and said,

"Mmm can't help but be a little jealous of Rose."

I backed up just a bit from her and said,

"Well if it wasn't weird before, then it's definitely weird now."

"Oh you're not mad are you?"

"No not really. No point in getting mad, it’s already happened. Freaked out just a bit yeah, but not mad. Don't know what I'm going to tell Rose though."

"So you believe me then?"

"Don't have a choice really do I? First the clothes, then the fire scar, the magic, and everything else. It all just adds up. I guess I'm really not who I thought I was. Kinda weird, knowing that your life has been altered."

"So you remember everything?"

"No I don't oddly. I can only just believe you. I feel like there is this white fog in my mind blocking everything. I can barely remember the memories I thought were real anymore."

"Well that doesn't sound pleasant."

"It's kinda like when you kissed me. Not good, not bad… just weird."

Rarity huffed and I lightly tapped her.

"Keep working on it and you might get better though."

She could only huff again and smack my hand.

"So what are you going to do now?"

"Confront the pony responsible, make them lift the fog."

"You know who did it?"

"I've got my suspicions, but I need to reaffirm them. So for awhile, I'll go along with this prince thing. I would like you to come to the ceremony at the castle tomorrow though, just in case they recast the spell."

"How can I do that? They have it sealed off to everypony."

"You said you were good with illusions, figure something out."

"I'm not going to fool the princesses with my magic."

"Fine, I've got another idea then."

We spent another good hour or two discussing the plan for tomorrow. I wasn't quite sure what was going to happen, but I tried my best to be prepared. We had spent a long time talking to each other, and the sun was lowering again. I wasn't hungry though, the kiss might have had something to do with that. When we finished talking I said goodbye and left the hotel. I was only on the streets for a few minutes when a guard approached me. I was somewhat glad to see it was Rivet this time. He was still in the odd silver armor, but from his eyes I could tell he was relieved.

"Sir I'm glad I found you. Once the princesses found out… Well never mind about that. We need to get you back to the castle as fast as possible though. If you would sir."

Rivet lead me back to the bridge, and into the castle. From there we went to the dining room where Celestia was eating her dinner and Luna was eating her breakfast. I sat down, but didn't move to eat.

Celestia noticed this and said,

"Why do you not eat Silver?"

"I just do not have the room today."

"That doesn't sound like you. What were you doing out in the town?"

"Simply exploring. Seeing the sights as it were. You have a beautiful, if not crowded, city."

"Well thank you Silver, but you really should eat something."

I reluctantly picked up a piece of fruit, and bit into it. I finished it and then excused myself from the table. Luna and Celestia just kept exchanging looks while I was there, and it was starting to unnerve me. On my way out Rivet approached me and said,

"Sir, the seamstresses have made your clothes for tomorrow, they are in your room. Are you going to retire soon sir?"

"I think so Rivet."

"Would you like some R&R sir?"

I almost laughed when he said R&R, but I waved him off. I stopped on my way into my room and said,

"Rivet, to whom do you swear loyalty?"

"You of course sir."

"Do you answer to the princesses?"

"Only after you sir. Your orders are my highest priority. Your father, King Solaire, appointed me your bodyguard sir. If you think you are in danger may I suggest…"

"I'm not in any danger Rivet. I just wanted to know if it came down to me or the princesses, who would you join?"

"The princesses are not our enemy sir."

"I know, it would just reassure me to know nothing would turn you against me."

"Well then sir, I will be by your side, no matter who opposes you or your father."

I felt kind of bad for Rivet. I was almost positive he was like me, fake memories and all. However, if the person who had laid this trap had given me a loyal guard, they were either very good, or very stupid. I closed the door to my room and put my back against it. On the bed was my new fancy clothes. The colors were still the same, green with a white lining. Only this time I had a tux to wear instead of some silly robes. I hung the tux, complete with shoes, in the wardrobe.

The sun was very low in the sky now, and I was starting to feel tired. Although my stomach seemed to be complaining a great deal. I passed it off as just not eating much that day, and laid down. For a while I just stared blankly at the ceiling. Eventually I nodded off, and time passed quickly.

At some point during the night, someone came into my room, a very big someone. I couldn't see anything in the night except a glowing horn. A spell was cast, but it didn't contact me. The mysterious pony left the room, with me worrying about the spell that had been cast. Eventually I did manage to fall asleep again, and this time I didn't wake up until the morning.

__________________________________________________________

AN: I hope this doesn't confuse the bullocks out of everyone. And I certainly hope it doesn't make you dislike the story. If you're confused about this, then know I should have answered everything in the next chapter.