Welcome to Hotel Nebula

by The IDA Official

Chapter 5: Noble Pains

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My Room....

Amidst blissful sleep after our first day came to a close, I realized I had a great deal to reflect on. I was now in charge of one of the most phenomenal creations in existence, and had to take care of a plethora of unusual and fascinating guests from all over. I had to watch a whole pack of rodent-like Skritt, a Nordic human with an alcoholic obsession, a prone-to-violence Quaggan cook, a talking Prench Frog who acts like a ship captain, a series of futuristic robotic helpers, and now two of my oldest friends. I had to watch possibly dangerous guests like Discord and Jeff the Killer, and maybe innocent ones, hopefully, like the Triple-Header. Even though I've got friends keeping me company throughout the entire journey, but there was just something mysterious about this place. Guardian may have told me it was a Hotel, but I'm certain there are secrets about this building I don't know about. But for now, I guess I'll be content with what I know. However, I will immediately investigate why I feel a strange breathing on my face.

"6,785." I heard a raspy voice say, an eerily cheerful tone on its tongue. At first, I assumed it was a mere dream, but for some reason, it felt more... awake. "6,786... 6,787... 6,789...." My eyes shot open, and was greeted to something that changed my opinions of Jeff the Killer being the most frightening thing I've ever seen in my entire life. It looked like the Pale Pony of Death, a human adorned in a black cloak, the only visible features were its... hideous face. Devoid of all color, it had a wrinkly face, soulless sunken in eyes that peered into my soul, and exposed crooked teeth forming a disturbing smile. The odd thing that stood out with this being before me was that it looked like it was... drawn in pencil. I screamed my head off, jumping out of my bed, tangling up in the blankets, and landing on the floor with a violent flood. The mysterious intruder, to my confusion, pulled out a notepad and pencil and jotted something down. "6,789."

"What?" Was all I could ask, my heart rate rising with every second I saw this creature. It move towards me, looking with unblinking eyes into my own.

"6,789." It repeated. "You took 6,789 breaths in your sleep tonight, only twenty-seven more than you did the night before." This guy creeped me out. It counted how many times I took a breath while I slept? What kind of freak is he?!

"How did you get into my room?" I asked. "I have the only key."

"No you don't." It said, reaching into its cloak, pulling out a spooky looking key with a skull design. "I own the Hotel's skeleton key. It's my job to watch things at night." It was that last line that put things together. I remember Guardian mentioning the Hotel having additional security at night, and how he was glad I hadn't encountered him. Was this creep the...?

"You're the night guard?" The pale person backed away from me, still keeping his toothy smile, and gave a little bow.

"Yes, I am." It answered. "I am known as the Unwanted House Guest, or by others as Never Alone. I watch the rooms at night and make sure guests remain comfy in their suites. I also like keeping people company, even if they don't want me there." And thus, I found a new thing to fear about this Hotel, and the Big Daddies kept order during the day. Slowly pulling myself to my hooves, I began neatening my bed, still not taking my eyes off Never Alone.

"So, what do you do during the day?" I ask. Figured I'd know what a night guard like him, horrific as he may be, did off duty.

"Catalogue." Never Alone answered. I quirked an eyebrow in confusion. "Y'know, I catalogue the stuff I see at night. Put it in reports about what goes on. Fix-It and Commodore Legs know all about it." He started twiddling his pale and bony fingers. "I also kinda collect stuff guests leave behind."

"Like coins or missing items?"

"More like pieces of hair." I shuddered at how unnatural Never Alone acted. I've known about stalkers, hey Water Lily even confided in me that she once had a stallion follow her around creepily, but this guy was the ultimate stalker. Glancing at my alarm clock, I saw the time was 4:49 AM, the Hotel would open day services in about two hours. Normally, I'd go back to sleep, but recent disturbances made me dread nightmares once more. I was about to tell Never Alone to get out to change into my suit, but when I turned back, he was gone. Just like that. I bet he realized the time too, and went to go back to... wherever he lives in the Hotel. Things just keep getting weirder around this place....

Hotel Nebula Staff Meeting Room, 49th Floor

I entered the white board room, the long black table surrounded by sole job employees, like Moogaroo and Yigvar Beerbelly, and group representatives, Twitchy and Fix-It. I even saw Commodore Legs and my Equestrian friends, Midnight and Lily. Everyone chatted amongst themselves or looked bored out of their mind. Taking my seat in the cushioned black chair, I tapped my hoof on the table, silencing the room and drawing everyone's attention. Once all eyes were on me, I cleared my throat and began the morning meeting.

"Good morning everyone," I greeted. "I trust everyone slept well." The room was a mix of yeses and some nods.

"What about you, Tabs?" Midnight asked. "'Cuz your eyes are bloodshot." Sighing, I leaned back on my chair.

"I was abruptly awoken in the middle of the night by our 'oh-so dedicated' night guard." I explained. Several of the older staff visibly reacted to my referencing of Never Alone, shuddering or moaning in irritation.

"You met the Unwanted House Guest?" Yigvar asked. "Surprised you saw him this early. I didn't meet him until well after a month of service. Caught me in the Void Vineyard, sampling some drinks imported from Steelport. Tried to smash the bottle of beer on that specter's head, but it passed right through him!"

"So he's a ghost?" I asked.

"No, he's a Creep." Fix-It explained. "He hails from the same world as Jeff the Killer, and possesses several supernatural powers like many of his ilk." I knew there was a connection between those two lunatics. "They're part of a group known as the Creep Collective, several paranormal monsters and killers that seek to stain everything red with blood."

"Quaggan hears rumors that the Creep Collective serve the Eldritch ones," Moogaroo said, twiddling his flipper-like fingers. "Seeing as the Faceless One leads them."

"Faceless One?" Midnight asked, visibly shaken.

"The Slenderman, as he is commonly known." Fix-It said. "Not much is known about the Eldritch creature, but it apparently exists in almost every known universe in some form or other, but it always remains the same: a tall, pale, faceless entity, wearing a black suit." I realized how bad it was to drink coffee and hear startling news at the same time, and Twitchy learned what it was like to be coated in hot coffee. Wiping the coffee from my mouth and apologizing to the now soaked Skritt, I realized that this Slenderman was like Equestria's own legend of the Everfree Forest and Whitetail Woods, the Slendermane. How connected were other universes if stuff like that can exist in multiple worlds? Shaking my head, I realized there was still a meeting going on.

"We're getting off track," I said. "We need to talk about our plans for the week. Commodore, has our position changed at all overnight?"

"Oui, several miles, in fact." The Frog said. "According to current statistics, we are currently located over ze Equestrian capitol."

"Canterlot?" Lily asked. "We're above Canterlot?"

"Zat iz correct, Miss Lily," Commodore Legs clarified. "Luckily for us, Princess Twilight Sparkle sent a message to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, so zere should be no widespread panic like when we docked above Ponyville." Internally, I wondered if their Highnesses would appear at the Hotel. Discord did, so why shouldn't I expect anything?

"Okay, since we're above Canterlot, you among the staff should know exactly what kinds of ponies live there." I said. "The Upper Crust and Nobility, as well as Equestrian royalty." Yigvar groaned loudly, thumping his head on the table.

"Oh great! Snobbish, rich, holier-than-thou nobles that have more coins in their purses than brainpower!" Yigvar complained. "It's a city of Imperials!"

"I don't know much about these Imperials," I said. "But judging from that reaction, you've dealt with the nobility before, and so have I. Just try and keep them happy, ignore their insults or negative comments, and just focus on how much they put in the register."

"I refuse to allow them into the Vineyard!" Yigvar exclaimed. "They order pansy wine and don't even drink it! Just swirl it in their flasks and chat about how fancy their hats are!"

"Just like those mercs at Mann Co." Moogaroo joked, earning a few snickers from those who understood it (excluding me and my Equestrian friends).

"I don't care how much you hate nobles," I grunted, slamming a hoof on the ground. "They are paying customers and unless they start fights, you cannot refuse service to them." I turned towards Moogaroo. "That includes you, too. Socialites like them practically eat tiny, unnecessary food portions, and desire style. Use whatever pizazz you can to keep them fed and happy."

"Quaggan will do Quaggan's best," Moogaroo said. "But Quaggan won't like it. Rich customers are always so picky, booooOOOOoooo."

"Everyone else, just do what you can, and keep things under control." Everyone gave confirming nods or sounds of agreement, slowly rising out of their seats. "Oh, and one more thing before you all go to work: Keep an eye on Jeff the Killer. He may have said he'd behave, I don't trust him, and I don't want to have the Hotel become a crime scene. Meeting adjourned." With a final tapping of my hoof, everyone rose from their seats and filed out of the room. The last one to leave was Water Lily, looking back at me like she wanted to tell me something, but hesitated and continued down the hallway. Wonder what she wanted?

"She totally wants the 'd'." I heard a familiar voice say. "That's what ponies go for, right?" Yelping slightly, I whirled about, and much to my dismay, Jeff the Killer sat in one of the chairs, his white hood pulled over his head, only his carved smile showing. Glaring at the Creep, I moved towards him and slammed my hoof down.

"How long have you been in here, Jeff?" I demanded. "And why are you even in here?! This is an employee room only!"

"Wrong, Tabsy." Jeff said, waggling his forefinger at me. "This room is a public meeting room usable for guests and employees, so suck on that. And I've been here since that little note you said about me." He put a pale hand to his white sweater, sniffling a mock sniff. "I'm hurt, Tabsy, I really am. But seriously, I'm actually here on a legit reason."

"Explain, why don't you?" I said, annoyed by the Creep's antics.

"My roomie, Eyeless Jack, and I keep on hearing stuff going on in the room above us." Jeff explained. "So I went upstairs to Room 2082 on the 42nd floor to tell them to shut up, when this little Japanese punk with short black hair glares at me through the door and slams it in my face! I came up here to get you to tell them to cool their shit, or I'm going to pay them another visit, rules be damned." Narrowing my eyes, I thought about the scenario. Guests on the 42nd floor, Room 2082.... I didn't recall giving them a key. Normally, I'd just brush it off, mostly since Jeff asked me. However, that last notion Jeff added caused me to change my mind.

With a groan, I turned and faced Jeff, responding with reluctance. "Alright, I'll go speak to the ones in Room 2082. Now get out!" I ended by gesturing my hoof towards the doorway. Jeff merely snickered, and steadily strutted out of the room, hands stuffed in his pockets. In suit, I also left the room, taking to the elevator and riding it down. Thankfully, the trip was short (mostly due to yet another Big Daddy riding with me. Is this going to be a thing?), as I made my way to the 42nd floor.

The interesting about the floors between the 40th and 45th of Hotel Nebula is that they're actually apartments. Residents can choose to purchase rooms to live in on those floors, but apparently rent is very steep the longer people stay there. So most of the rooms between those floors are often vacant, and only those who have practically a bottomless wallet stay there. Finally coming across Room 2082, I rapped my hoof on the door and cleared my throat.

"Excuse me," I called out. "This is the Hotel Manager, and I'm here regarding a complaint." For a little while, there was no response, just the silence of the hall and the hum of a Mister Handy that happened to be further down the hall. Eventually, I heard the door unlock, seeing it open ajar. Slightly peering through the door was a young boy, no older than ten, I presume, with messy short hair and narrow eyes seen in Neighponese traits (or Japanese, as Jeff referred). He were a white t-shirt and had baggy jeans, and his face bore a neutral expression.

"Hi." The boy said.

"Hello, I'm Tab Keeper, the Hotel Manager." I said. "Are your parents here, I would like to talk to the people who rent this room?"

"It's just me and my roommate." The boy stated. Odd that a child could rent a room, but then again, odd things happen at this Hotel almost daily.

"Well then... What's your name?" I asked, hoping to find common ground.

"Akira." The boy answered.

"And is your roommate in also? I would like to talk to him also about this." Akira remained silent for a moment, staring at me with narrow eyes.

"Tetsuo doesn't talk to people." Akira said. Just as I was about to continue speaking, he slammed the door in my face! Jaw dropped, I began to snarl as I continued to knock on the door. "Go away."

"I need to talk to you!" I said, almost shouting. "Open this door!" Down the hall, one of the guests stuck his head out of the doorway.

"Will you shut up?!" He shouted. "I'll get the Manager if you don't!"

"I am the Manager!" I said, banging on the door. After a few long minutes of smashing my hoof on the wooden door, the locks on the other side clicked again, young Akira looking at me with a slightly annoyed face.

"You're being very rude." Akira said. "Please calm down or there will be problems."

"Problems?!" I shouted. "Of course there will be problems, because if you don't start cooperating with me, I'm going to have you and your roommate evicted, so help me Celestia!" I was quickly pushed out of the way by a pair of metallic arms amidst my rant, moving about three doors down. Rotating my head and calming down, I saw Fix-It floating before me, two of his appendages held against my side.

"My apologies, Master Tab Keeper," Fix-It said. "But you were about to make a grave mistake for the entire Hotel and Equestria."

"How could yelling at that kid cause problems?" I said, pointing at the door, Akira's head poking out of his room.

"The residents of Room 2082, Akira and Tetsuo," Fix-It explained. "Are two of the most powerful psychics and telepathic users in existence, known as Espers. Both of those tenants have the power to wipe countries off the face of existence should their power go untapped, and in the past, they have. They stay in that room because it's the only room that dampens psychic abilities, and should one of them leave, it would spell massive problems, sir." Well... This was unexpected. More incredibly dangerous guests, but at least these two stay in their room. Glancing back at Akira, the young boy giving me a stern look, I realized I still had the original conundrum to deal with.

"If they're as powerful as you say they are," I said. "Then how am I going to quell the complaint before Jeff decides to get involved."

"As funny as it would be to see Jeff try and fight the Espers," Fix-It joked. "He wouldn't attempt it if he knew that they were Espers. I'd recommend telling him and his roommate, Eyeless Jack."

"Eyeless Jack..." I mused. "He's the one with a black hoodie and blue mask with black eyeholes, right?"

"Yes... The Organ Cannibal." Fix-It muttered. "Don't worry, he's the one who keeps Jeff on a tight leash. Well, off on my rounds. Ta!" Concluding our business, Fix-It floated off, and Akira once again slammed his door. I was left alone in the hallway, so many things bubbling up in my mind with no way to express them. After a good five minutes of silence, I figured it out.

"WHAT?!"

One Conversation/Elevator Ride Later...

On my way down to the Lobby to being the day's work, I had luckily (or unfortunately, if you're so inclined) run into the two Creeps on the elevator, and explained the situation to them. Surprisingly, they were both pretty reasonable, especially since I had to just mention the word Esper to them. Who knew that boy and whoever lived with him held such position that even a homicidal maniac like Jeff wouldn't cross them? Anyway, stepping off the elevator, I saw that the Hotel was once again taking guests. Mixed among the ponies I had greeted before and the guests from other universes, I recognized the posh and fancy attire of the Canterlot nobility and Upper Class. Back when I worked in town hall as a simple filer, I had to deal with a few commissions and papers from the Canterlot snoots for funding (and one exceptional case when that pompous spoiled brat, Prince Blueblood, attempted to have a portion of Ponyville demolished for a private pool. Practically painted a bold NO over that entire paper), so I've had few experiences with the richest of the rich. Taking my place at the receptionist desk, once again flanked by a pair of Mister Handy's, I closed my eyes and put on the best smile I could when greeting guests. Oh, and someone left me some coffee. How kind!

"Hello and welcome to the Hotel Nebula, the Hotel that flies across the worlds!" I greeted, eyes closed. "Is there anything I could do to help you?" I finished, taking a sip of my coffee.

"I do hope there is, my little pony." Said a motherly, almost angelic voice. Only one pony I knew had a voice like that. Opening my eyes, I was greeted by the beautiful sight of...

PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!

And there goes my coffee, why must I take such big sips? Standing right in front of me, in all her regal glory, was none other than Princess Celestia! Her marble white coat shone like the sun she rose every day, her tri-colored mane flowed magnificently in the non-existent breeze. Her eyes looked down upon me with the love and care only a mother could provide. Like with encountering Discord, I was speechless.

"Y-y-y-Your Highness!" I exclaimed, reflexively bowing me head. Unfortunately, I forgot I was standing in front of a desk, and spent the next few seconds favoring my possibly broken horn. "This is truly an honor!"

Princess Celestia (THE PRINCESS IS IN MY HOTEL! AAAAAAH!) chuckled lightly. "No need for such formalities, Mr. Manager. It's an honor just for one of my little ponies to have such a tremendous role in multi-universal relations." She looked about the Hotel, a gentle smile on her face. "The Hotel has not changed since the last time I was here."

"You've been at the Hotel Nebula before, Your Highness?" I asked before mentally slapping myself. Discord had mentioned that already, idiot!

"Of course. I happen to be really close friends with the true master of the Hotel." She said. "Granted, it's been well over 1500 years since the Hotel has last appeared, and Guardian has yet to extend an invitation into his order for Equestria. Speaking of," Celestia turned back to me, smiling lightly. "Is the Guardian of Worlds around? My sister and I would wish to speak with him."

"Unfortunately, no," I admitted. "But if you desire, I could go and speak with him." Celestia nodded, granting my request. Bowing once more, I removed the teleportation stone from my pocket, activating it and sending me across the universes.

Guardian's Office....

Once again, I was greeted to the sight of Guardian's massive office, the black room once again filled with various trophies and other effects. However, unlike last time, Guardian wasn't hiding in his faux portrait, but instead... playing golf with a coffee mug. The black-suited man looked up at me, smiling warmly.

"Ah, hello Tabs." Guardian greeted, lining up a shot. "Nice of you to drop by." Carefully, he putted the golf ball across the room, landing it straight into the mug. "How can I help you?"

"Well, sir," I explained, watching as Guardian picked up the mug and placed it further away. "Princess Celestia has arrived at the Hotel and requested to speak with you." Guardian made his shot, the ball sinking into the mug.

"Celestia wants to talk to me?" Guardian asked, placing the mug on the ground, near his desk. "Did she say why?" Another shot, this time the ball rebounded off a display case and into the cup in one hit.

"Well, she didn't exactly say," I admitted as Guardian set the cup next to me. "But she mentioned something about an invitation to your order. You never did tell me who you represent."

"Not represent, my dear unicorn," Guardian quipped, putting the ball. "Lead." The ball ricocheted off two display cases, the legs of the desk, until slowly rolling into the cup. Was he trying to impress me? "I lead a multi-dimensional organization known as the Inter-Dimensional Agency, which desires universal stability. Those star patterns you see on the roof are actually universes, and the ones marked by the letters IDA are protected by my organization." He picked up the cup and put it on his desk. "Celestia has been trying to allow Equestria to fall under protection, but since Equis is a peaceful territory, I cannot put bases here unless there was a mass threat." With a loud crack, the golf-club struck the ball, sending it flying across the room, crashing into various objects violently. I had to duck and cover my head to avoid getting my head knocked off by the rampant golf ball. Casually, Guardian picked up the mug from off the desk, held it sideways, and the ball finally came to rest within the mug. "And as much as I would love to talk with old friends, a recent issue has come up that could cause trouble across numerous universes if not contained, so tell Celestia I'm sorry, but I can't speak with her. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to finish this paperwork."

Setting the golf club, mug, and ball aside, Guardian sat at his desk and began sorting through papers, writing important stuff down with a writing quill. Knowing I had overstayed my welcome, I turned to leave, pulling the stone out of my pocket. Taking one last look at Guardian, seeing the frustrated look on his face, I wondered exactly what kind of problems does he have to deal with as the leader of an entire multi-universal group. Sighing, I placed a hoof on the stone and vanished into a bright light.

Back at Hotel Nebula...*(Doodlie doot... Doodlie doot... doodlie doot...)*

I'm never going to get used to the temporary blindness that comes from using that stone. Once my vision cleared, I saw I was in the Gourmet, the fancy restaurant abuzz with customers. Looking about, I saw various ponies and other creatures eating and enjoying their meals at their tables, all having a grand expression of joy on their faces (or as close as possible with those pompous nobles). I was quite curious as to why the stone brought me here. Then I heard a series of crashes and clangs coming from the kitchen, and realized that Moogaroo might lose his mind. Narrowly dodging the carts and customers, I reached the kitchen and pushed open the door, just as a plate shattered against the wall. Inside was Moogaroo, his chef's hat stained with various foodstuff, swinging a skillet in front of a griffon with a curly mustache.

"Quaggan cares not if you are a famous chef!" Moogaroo shouted, swinging the skillet. "You do not come in here and tell Quaggan how to run Quaggan's kitchen, feathered one!"

"But I have ze expertise of several years of Equestrian and Griffon cuisine!," Said the griffon in an over-the-top Prench accent. "You must allow Gustav LeGrande to use zis kitchen!"

"Touch so much as a pan handle," Moogaroo snarled, suddenly bearing rows of almost shark-like teeth. "Then Quaggan shall had stuffed CHICKEN to the menu!"

"OH! How dare you!" Gustav responded. "Why I ought to-"

"That's ENOUGH!" I shouted, standing between the two quarreling chefs. The two looked ready to kill each other, and if I didn't act fast, nobody would get their food. With a snort, I glared at the Quaggan and the Griffon intensely. "Now look, I know you are both accomplished chefs and cooks, but this behavior is hardly that above children." Wheeling about, I faced the Prench Griffon with steely eyes. "Gustav LeGrande, I remember you from the baker's competition in Canterlot. I've tasted your food before, and while I must admit it is delicious, you cannot barge into someone else's kitchen and demand to work here without the proper consent of the Head Chef." Gustav reeled backwards, eyes wide and claw pressed against his white feathered chest.

"You tell him, sir!" Moogaroo said from behind me.

"Oh, you aren't innocent in this either, Moogaroo," I snarled, turning about and staring down at the cook. "I understand you prefer to work alone in your own kitchen, but one of the most basic principles of life is learning to share! You can't simply just hoard your kitchenware and tools like a dragon over his gold!" Moogaroo shrank back, either from my yelling or the dragon comment, I'm not sure, but he was clearly frightened. Easing my breath, I closed my eyes and faced away from the two. "Now, let's all take a deep breath, start all over, and reach a compromise. Fair?" The two chefs stood quickly for a while, staring at each other with neutral expressions. Eventually, Gustav stepped forwards with his right arm extended.

"Monsieur, I apologize for my abrupt and rude behavior." Gustav said, his face and tone showing true remorse. "Although I am a griffon, it iz improper of a gentlegriffon to behave in such a fashion, pride and all zat." Moogaroo looked at Gustav's offer in friendship carefully, his small black eyes showing no sign of reaction. Quickly afterwards, he tossed his skillet away and put his tiny flipper hand in the griffon's claw.

"CoooOOOooo, Quaggan is so embarrassed." Moogaroo sadly spoke, shaking Gustav's claw. "Quaggan forgot Mother Mellaggan's teachings. Quaggan who share their hut with others, will learn knowledge from beyond Quaggan's own." The two chefs smirked at each other, moving over to a counter and talking as Moogaroo prepared meals. "This is a great chance for Quaggan to learn Equestrian food. Teach Quaggan what you know." Happy that the conflict ended itself, I walked out of the kitchen with a smile on my face.

"You did very well in there, Mr. Keeper." Said the elegant voice of Princess Celestia. Greeting me upon my exit was the Solar Princess, this time accompanied by Princess Twilight Sparkle, the two royal alicorns smiling warmly at me. I bowed my head (thankful there wasn't a desk in the way this time), and nodded to the Princesses. "You express Harmony so well unto others, you might even pass for an Element of Harmony yourself."

I chuckled, blushing. "Oh, Your Highness, it was truly nothing. There was a problem and I just solved it like anypony should."

"Don't think so humble of yourself, Tab Keeper," Princess Twilight said. "As a pony, you express friendship and keep balance among others. Aside from being manager, you serve a great purpose here."

"I can see why Guardian had chosen you." Princess Celestia said. My smile waned a little bit, remembering my conversation with Guardian in regards to Equestria's standing in his organization.

"Ah, yes, about Guardian...." I said.

"He said he couldn't speak with me, didn't he?" Celestia guessed, her face neutral.

"I'm sorry, Your Highness," I apologized. "But he said something about a catastrophe that took up his time." The Solar Princess merely sighed as Princess Twilight left to socialize.

"Of course. I expected this." Celestia solemnly said. "He's always busy watching the worlds. That's why they call him Guardian, as he protects over all he sees. Unfortunately, his gaze ignores Equestria. If only he were here when Tirek had returned...."

"He said he only deals in universal problems," I explained. "Unless something evil that lurks beyond the bounds of our world causes chaos, he won't be involved. I say we take this as a good sign, as Equestria is once again at peace." Celestia seemed content at my words, as a smile formed on her muzzle. "Just don't provoke one of my guests just to get him to visit." She chuckled at my joke, turning to leave the Gourmet with wings fully spread. I started to think about what she and Princess Twilight had said, about how I represent friendship and can bring various peoples together. Is it possible that the Insight Stone incident wasn't that? That Guardian intentionally sent it to somepony who could carry harmony to this Hotel? Anything's possible. All that matters right now is that I've got a job to do, and everything will go exactly as intended, filed in a neat order of events. And right now, everything is fine.

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