The Last Man Standing

Adrian looked out over the crowd of ponies that had gathered in front of Canterlot Castle. Saying he was nervous would be like saying the ocean was damp, or that a light particle moved at an above average speed. The only thing that kept him from running back into the castle was an unbending will, and his trust in Celestia and Luna.

Celestia had explained the plan to Adrian over breakfast, she would give a short speech then Adrian would walk out from behind a nearby wall. He would say a few words to the crowd and answer some questions from reporters then Celestia would wrap up the ceremony, and that would be that. Adrian hoped that the speech he had in his head went over well, it could lead to disaster if he didn't get the words just right. But Adrian had always had a gift with words, his classmates and friends on earth said he would be a natural lawyer or politician (though he was not entirely certain that was a good thing). "Time to see if they were right". Adrian thought as Celestia began to address the crowd from a small podium.

"Citizens of Equestria, my sister and I have asked you here to address recent events in the town of Ponyville."

The crowd's eyes were glued to Celestia as she continued.

"No doubt some of you have heard the rumors of an alien having been found there a few nights ago."

Some ponies in the crowd nodded and others began whispering excitedly.

"Well I am hear to tell you that a visitor from another world did indeed come to Equestria."

A fair number of gasps were heard and the whispers intensified.

"I wish to assure you that this creature, known as a 'Human' means no harm and is not a threat, my sister and I have interviewed him and he has our complete trust."

The princess was immediately bombarded with questions, about everything from what does it eat?, to can it control minds?. Celestia waited for the clamor to die down before proceeding.

"I know you have questions, but I think it better if I let our visitor speak for himself."

Celestia turned to Adrian.

"Adrian would you please come here?"

Adrian took a deep breath, "time to put up, or shut up." he thought as he stepped into view.

There were gasps of wonder and murmurs of amazement as Adrian confidently strode out to take his place at the podium, despite his severe stage jitters.

"Thank you princess." Adrian acknowledged as he gazed at the crowd, who looked back at him with awed expressions.

"Greetings citizens allow me to introduce myself, my name is; Adrian Vincent White, and as the princess said I am a human also called a Homo Sapien. Now to clarify I am technically not an alien, I am an 'extradimensional being' I come from another universe altogether. I am certain you want to know what my people are like, and against my better judgment I am going to tell you."

Ponies including the princesses looked confused at Adrians words, but he ignored their looks and continued.

"Now I need to make certain you understand one thing, humans are capable of great acts of kindness and love on an individual level. However as a whole we are dangerous, we are killers, ignorant savage monsters that will murder each other over something as minor as skin color or sexual preference."

Ponies gasped in response to Adrian's explanation, but he kept talking.

"I think it's important that you realize that while humans can be good our society has always favored evil, I have always hated the way my species conducts itself. I am not the only human who feels as I do, but humans like me are not in the majority and my species is currently led by individuals who have no qualms about destroying others to get what they want. I can not say I am free of blame I am no saint and I am certainly not above using force when I feel it warranted. I can say that I have no desire to cause you or your world harm, in truth I wish to be more like you and to earn the right to be considered one of you."

Adrian paused to take a breath before proceeding.

"The reason I am telling you this is because all my life I have searched for a cause worth believing in, and in this world I have found one. You have shown me kindness even when you knew nothing about me, you have given me food shelter and friendship without a second thought. Your leaders are dedicated solely to ensuring the comfort and safety of their people and always act for the greater good of this world. Finally you have given me something I did not believed existed, a gift that I can never thank you enough for, you gave me hope. So now I will now make you a promise that I never believed I would make, because no leader or country in my world was worthy of it."

As the crowd listened to Adrian speak they felt the conviction and honesty in every syllable, these were the kind of words that had the power to inspire armies to win against impossible odds, the power to shake continents and move mountains, or even influence gods. As ponies watched Adrians eyes changed as they had the previous night. Glowing with the strength of his emotions they looked for all the world like two shining stars, as he made his unbreakable promise.

"I give you my absolute word, that I will protect and serve this land and it's leaders until my last breath and beyond, I will be whatever is most needed by this land's ponies. If you ask for a shield I will be a shield, If you ask for a sword I will be a sword, and if you need nothing more than somepony to listen then I will listen. This promise I give will never be broken by time, by pain, or even by death, and so I give you the thing no other has ever been worthy of, my absolute loyalty. I will not ask for your trust, only the opportunity to earn it and nothing more, will you grant me that chance?"

As Adrian finished there was only silence, then there was a defining mix of cheers, whistles, and stomping hooves mixed with a roar of assent. Adrian smiled as he bowed to the crowd, glad that he had managed to win them over despite his admission of his people's propensity for evil.

Two hours later Adrian finally managed to get away from the reporters and enthusiastic welcome's from the ponies of Canterlot. By the time he made it back into the castle he had been invited to an event, party, or charity by every noble in the city. He had eventualy ended up agreeing to every request just to get away, on the bright side he now had a great opportunity to work on Luna's image.

Luna was a little hesitant when Adrian asked her to be his date at a party he had been invited to that evening but he managed to persuade her. He had just entered his room and closed the door when somepony knocked, Adrian sighed as he opened the door again and saw a guard pony standing in the hall with a large white box on his back.

"Sorry to disturb you sir, but this package came for you while you were away."

Adrian was puzzled as he thanked the guard and took the package into his room, as he examined the box he saw an envelope taped to the top, tearing it open he read. . . .

Dear Adrian

Just thought you could use these, were all thinking of you, and Twilight sends her love,

Best wishes, Rarity

P.S if anypony in canterlot asks about your attire, be a dear and mention my name, won't you?

The box was filled with clothes, all neatly folded and ironed, there were a number of shirts, pants, socks, and boxers, as well as a black sportcoat, and, oddly, a black trenchcoat. Adrian put away all the clothes before crawling into bed for a nap.

It was getting towards evening when Adrian woke, after taking a quick shower he selected his outfit for his date. Deciding formal attire would be best Adrian selected a white dress shirt with black pants and the new sports coat."I want to make a good first impression after all" he thought to himself as he finished dressing. Walking down the hall toward Luna's room Adrian grabbed a white rose from a vase he passed. Snapping the stem a few inches from the flower he hid the rose behind his back and knocked on Luna's door.

"Who is it?"

"It's Adrian, just wanted to check if your ready."

Adrian had set his alarm for 6:15 and it was now 6:30 the party was at 7:30, Adrian took pride in always trying to arrive early to any appointment.

"Not quite yet I will be out in five minutes." Luna said her voice slightly muffled by the door.

"Take all the time you need Luna"

As Adrian waited he found himself considering the day's events, he felt a great sense of peace as he considered the oath he had made. It was a good feeling to finally have a purpose, after spending his life on earth devoid of one. Adrian had always been a loner with no job or direction, wanting to serve a greater purpose but never finding one he could embrace fully. Whenever Adrian thought he found a group or organization that would allow him to make a difference he inevitably found the flaws that made them ineffective. Non-profit was actually for profit, fighting for freedom never involved any fighting even when all other options were exhausted. Over time Adrian became increasingly disillusioned and angry, he knew the world was sick, and he knew how it could be fixed, but he had neither the power nor the resources to do what was needed. In the end Adrian gave up and he had lived only so he might see the day when the world finally burned to the ground because of human stupidity and greed. But now, now he had found a place that was everything human society should have been. What's more Adrian now had real power, power enough to make certain that this world would not make the same mistakes humanity did. "I will protect this world, no matter what." he promised himself.

Adrian was snapped out of his thoughts by the doorknob turning, straightening up he watched the door open to reveal his date. Adrian whistled as Luna stepped out into the hall, she had removed her crown and other royal attire and wore a jet black silk dress. Luna had touched up her appearance with just enough makeup to enhance her natural beauty, around her ankles she wore simple silver bands etched with gold vines, and from her neck hung a silver chain with a mother of pearl pendant shaped like a crescent moon.

"Wow, Luna you look amazing."

Luna blushed bright red at Adrians complement.

"Thanks, so do you."

Adrian smiled glad Luna approved of his appearance.

"Shall we head out?" Luna asked.

"Of course, but first close your eyes for a moment."

Luna arched an eyebrow, wondering what Adrian was planning, but deciding to trust him Luna closed her eyes, and felt Adrian place something in her mane.

"Ok follow me."

Adrian guided Luna into his room in front of the mirror.

"OK, you can look now."

Luna opened her eyes and saw the white rose Adrian had placed in her hair, and at that moment Luna felt like the luckiest mare in the world.

"Adrian, it's beautiful." she breathed out.

"Not half as beautiful as you are." Adrian replied without missing a beat.

Luna giggled uncontrollably.

"You are so corny."

Adrian smirked.

"I like to think it adds to my roguish charm."

Luna rolled her eyes as she smiled.

"Cmon mister roguish charm, we're going to be late."

For their first date Adrian had decided they should attend a party being thrown by somepony named Fancy Pants. Adrian had chosen this particular party simply because he seemed far less stuck up than anypony else. When Fancy Pants had invited him he had been very polite and had not tried to pressure him, Adrian respected that. Another reason was that when he asked Celestia who among the nobles was the least conceited, she had named Fancy Pants. The princess said he had always been accepting of anypony regardless of their social status although few in Canterlot seemed to notice this trait, Adrian decided this would be a perfect opportunity to boost Lunas popularity. Besides they could always leave if things didn't work out, Adrian's only goal that night was making certain that Luna had fun.

As Adrian and Luna left the setting sun made the buildings of Canterlot glow with a golden radiance while a gentle breeze spread the smell of lilacs across the city. Luna was guiding them since she knew the way, but Adrian kept himself locked at her side wanting to assure her she wasn't alone. When Adrian suggested the party, Luna had been worried about how everypony would act towards her. Adrian had assured her that he would not leave her side, and that they could leave anytime she wanted. Privately, Adrian also promised to make life very short and very painful for anypony that intentionally hurt Luna.

Adrian and Luna talked and joked as they walked to the party, each just enjoying the others company. Before they knew it the pair arrived at large but very tasteful mansion with every one of its windows lit and the sound of music, and talking easily audible from outside. Noticing Lunas nervous expression Adrian placed his hand on her shoulder.

"All you need to do is say the word and were gone."

Luna nodded.

"I know, just promise you'll stay close by."

Adrian smiled.

"I promise to stay by your side no matter what, and I never break a promise to someone I care about."

Luna felt more confidant hearing Adrians words, steeling herself she and Adrian walked up to the front door and knocked. The door was answered by a butler who looked like he had swallowed a Lemon. Upon seeing Adrian however the butler's eye's widened and he seemed to be debating whether or not to slam the door and run. Fortunately he was saved having to decide when a refined, cheerful voice rang out from inside.

"Ah Adrian, delighted you could make it, and is that princess Luna? Welcome your highness to my humble home."

Fancy Pants happily waved them in, as all the other guests stopped talking and stared in awe and a little fear at the two new guests.

"Thanks for the invitation Mr. Pants, I hope you don't mind me bringing a date." Adrian said smoothly.

Fancy Pants didn't even blink as he replied.

"Not at all dear boy, I'm honored to have you both here under my roof, come in and make yourselves at home."

As Adrian and Luna walked forward only Fancy Pants himself refrained from backing up slightly, instead he walked up to them shook Adrians hand and gave an elegant bow to Luna.

"I hope you two brought your appetites, we were just about to have dinner please follow me."

Adrian was beginning to like this pony, his enthusiastic welcome and good manners were quite in contrast to the other guests who seemed reluctant to get to near the human and alicorn.

"I say, what's the matter with all of you? They're not going to bite." Fancy Pants admonished when he noticed how the other guests were acting.

Fancy Pants words immediately caused the other guests to surge forward, nopony wanting to offend their host by hesitating. Adrian made certain to stay at Luna's side despite the other ponies crowding them both. Making a note to thank their host for his endorsement Adrian and Luna followed Fancy Pants through the crowd to the dining room.Luna and Adrian didn't get back to the castle until almost 3:00 in the morning, exhausted but happy the two ended up both crawling into Adrians bed and falling asleep together.

The next morning the two were found by Celestia whose face turned crimson with embarrassment until she noticed both Adrian and her sister were still fully clothed. "They must have had fun. Celestia thought smiling as she looked at the two sleeping lovers. Deciding to have some fun with the two, Celestia put on her most severe looking expression.

"LUNA! what is the meaning of this!?" Celestia yelled, struggling to hide her smile as Luna and Adrian woke up and upon seeing Celestia, fell out of bed. Luna recovered first, completely freaking out and trying to explain.

"Sister this isn't what it looks like!"

Celestia almost cracked seeing how mortified her sister looked, but managed to keep up the act.

"Oh? I think it's obvious what happened, you two should be ashamed! Adrian I thought I could trust you! How dare you take advantage of my baby sister!"

Now it was Adrians turn to freak out.

"I swear all we did was sleep together! No wait! I mean we shared a bed! I-I mean. . . ."

Finally Celestia couldn't take it anymore and burst out laughing, realizing that this had all been a prank Luna's eye twitched as she gathered mana for a spell. Roaring in rage Luna materialized hundreds of what appeared to be water balloons in mid air and began telekinetically hurling them at her sister who dodged into the hall.

"GET BACK HERE!" Luna screamed as she gave chase.

Adrian was about to go after them but after thinking about it for a moment he just shut the door and climbed back into bed.

"Sorry Celestia but you can get yourself out of this one." Adrian muttered as he fell back to sleep.

An hour later Adrian dragged himself out of bed undressed showered and re-dressed before heading to the kitchen. On the way Adrian saw evidence of Luna and Celestias passing. Overturned furniture as well as walls, ceilings, and floors soaked with water indicated the path the two princesses had taken. Adrian had to admit he was a little sorry he missed the no doubt epic battle, but all things considered he was glad to have gotten the extra sleep.

Passing the throne room Adrian saw it was in complete disarray, and in the center of everything stood captain Shining Armour who appeared to be in a state of mild shock. On sighting Adrian Shining snapped out of it and ran over to him.

"Adrian! Thank goodness, I need your help, Luna and Celestia are having some kind of fight and I have no idea how to handle the situation."

Adrian was half tempted to say that shining should just let things settle on their own, but he couldn't ignore the slight panic in the captain's eyes.

"Where are they?" Adrian asked in an exasperated tone.

Shining visibly relaxed as he told Adrian that they had last been seen in the west garden, Adrian nodded and gestured for Shining to lead the way. A short walk later Adrian and Shining Armour could hear the sound of Celestia's laughter and Luna's irate shouting. Walking into the garden Adrian had to duck as a water balloon nearly hit him square in the face. If he had not still been waking up Adrian would have found the scene before him extremely funny.

The garden was a warzone; sculptures had been knocked over, flower beds were trampled into oblivion, and both Celestia and Luna were hurling balloons at each other from behind a pair of hedge's. Adrian stepped forward and was about to call out to them but he stopped as an idea struck him. In a previous conversation with Twilight she had described to Adrian the basics of mana shaping and spellcasting. . . .

"The first thing you have to do is gather mana, this is done differently by every mage, I use mathematical equations in my head to summon the precise amount of mana I need for a spell. Some other methods use mental images or sequences of words recited in a mage's head, but the idea is to bring your power out in a form you can understand. Next you shape the mana by carefully changing the image or equation you used to summon the mana so it is formed into a mental image of the effect you want. For example; if I wanted to change an apple into an orange I would picture the equation I used to summon the mana turning into the apple I wanted to change. Then I would envision the apple turning into an orange while at the same time envisioning the length of time I wanted to pass before the spell wore off, understand?"

Adrian nodded.

"I think so, but how do I connect the mana to the images in my head? and how do I know it's working?"

Twilight beamed at Adrian, ecstatic that he asked such good questions.

"That is an excellent question Adrian, the way you connect the summoning images with your mana is a little hard to explain in words. The best way to explain it is that you need a summoning image that you can connect to an emotion or feeling corresponding to the effect you are trying to create. Like in the example I gave, the feeling I would want would have to feel similar to how a pony feels when one positive emotion transitions into another positive emotion. When mana is building in you it's a very unique feeling, I can't really explain it but trust me you know it when you feel it."

Adrian took a deep breath closing his eye's and blocking out the world around him, "ok, first I need an emotion that connects to walls somehow". After a moment's consideration Adrian focused on an image of the great wall of China and decided to try associating it with a feeling of invulnerability. After a moment of focusing on his mana summoning image and emotion Adrian felt a peculiar sensation, as if a sort of electric charge was building up within him, "Ok, next I need to shape the mana." Adrian envisioned the Great Wall becoming a vertical plane of shimmering force that would expand horizontally until it touched an object or living thing but would grow no higher than ten feet. Opening his eye's Adrian chose where the spell would manifest and willed the wall to appear.

Luna watched as her sister dodged another barrage of her aqueuse missiles. If she was honest with herself she wasn't really all that angry with her sister anymore, but she was definitely having fun. At some point in the hour and something long chase, Luna's anger had given way to enjoyment of the chase. Luna was determined that she wanted to hit her sister at least once before stopping, so when she noticed Adrian and Captain Shining Armor Luna decided to launch one final assault using a few dozen balloons at once. As Luna hurled her fusillade of balloons at Celestia she smiled triumphantly knowing that there was no way for her sister to avoid the attack. But Luna's expression turned to one of total confusion when her balloons exploded against a shimmering translucent barrier that had inexplicably formed between her and her sister. Luna was about to yell at her sister that she wasn't playing fair when she noticed through the barrier that Celestia looked just as confused as she was, "but if it wasn't one of us then....". Luna turned to stare bug eyed and slack jawed at Adrian who's eye's were once more shining brightly as he smirked at the two monarchs.

"Now that that's over who feels like breakfast?" he asked nonchalantly.