The Equestrian Event

The creak of an unoiled door signified Jay’s departure from the antiques store. It was accompanied by a sigh from the human as he gazed in defeat at the paper sack he now carried in his left hand. Turning it over, he carefully shook the contents of the sack out into his open palm.

A length of silver chain spilled between his fingers, the strands dangling like a spider’s silky web. Attached to the chain was a silver pendant, bearing intricate detail. The pendant was cut in the shape of a crescent moon, fine engravings covering its metallic surface, while crushed shell of varying blue shades were set in the center. It was quite beautiful, to say the least.

“Buyer’s remorse,” Jay said, stuffing the pendant in his pocket and discarding the sack in a nearby waste bin. “Why must you haunt me so?”

As he began to walk down the sidewalk, staring out at the setting sun, he contemplated the events of the day. After he had parted ways with Twilight, Jay was free to make his own path through the city. So far he had managed to stay out of trouble, as nobody seemed particularly keen on interacting with him. Exploring the city was much less interesting than he had hoped. A surprising majority of the shops turned out to be boutiques or cafes.

“Not unlike the tourist towns back home,” Jay thought. “Too bad I can’t wear any of the clothes.”

He was beginning to wonder where Canterlot raked in the majority of its profit. The tourism factor was obvious, but the rest was more obscure. Jay had narrowed it down to pastries, fashion, or tea to being among the most prominent income pools, with fashion at the top of the list. There was no doubt that Canterlot was dress central, that much was clear.

The only store that had really caught his interest that afternoon was the antique shop. In fact, it was where he spent the majority of his time. Jay took a certain pleasure in browsing through the rows of dusty shelves, looking for the story behind each individual treasure that occupied them. The shop owner, an older stallion with a graying mane, didn’t seem to mind Jay in the slightest. Perhaps he was just pleased at the thought of a potential customer, as it looked like patrons had been short supply for a while.

Jay had come across the pendant in a small wooden box. He was immediately aware of the effort put into its craftsmanship and took great care in handling it. It seemed such a shame that it stay hidden away from the world. Jay was unsurprised by the steep price of such an item. Not that it mattered, though. Two small gems from Jay’s collection were more than adequate payment. Only when he left the store did he understand his plight.

“I can’t wear the damn thing,” Jay muttered to himself with a smile.

While the jewelry was beautiful for him to look at, it wasn’t necessarily an article that Jay found to be complementary with his sense of fashion. For one, it was much too flashy. Too delicate.

“Too feminine,” Jay thought.

Not that there was anything wrong with the notion. It was simply a piece that would be much better suited to that of a young woman, rather than a grown man. Something that he would give as a gift to a friend or a loved one. If the opportunity ever presented itself, that is. For now though, it would serve simply as a memento of his visit.

Jay stopped in front of one of the shop windows and withdrew the travel map that he had purchased from one of the newsstands earlier that day. He had already marked the location of the inn he was heading to with his pen and was now looking for the fastest route to get there. Turning to a nearby street sign and tracing the map with the tip of his finger, he concluded that he was only a few blocks away from his destination. Looking up at the window’s reflection, he now noticed a black cloaked figure that was watching him from the opposite sidewalk.

Jay remained stone-faced in light of this discovery. He had ditched the guards that had been sent to follow him earlier that day with relative ease. He had come to realize that most of them were more for show, as opposed to functionality.

Calmly, he folded the map and placed it back in his pocket, continuing on his way. Fleeting glances at passing reflections revealed that the figure was indeed following him. They were careful to keep their distance, matching Jay’s speed, step for step. But something seemed off.

While the guards from earlier were easy to spot in a crowd, there golden armor acting as reflective beacons, this new follower was the first to take any sort of precaution in masking their appearance. On top of that, Jay was certain that the figure was taller than most other ponies.

Suddenly, a certain realization dawned on him. He smiled and cut his path towards a small baker’s cart that was still open. As Jay read over the menu that was tacked to the front of the cart, the owner looked nervously at her new customer.

“Excuse me,” Jay said, looking up at the mare and smiling. “Would you happen to have any bagels left?”

“Just the plain ones,” the mare replied. “There from this morning, though, so they may be stale.”

“That’s fine,” Jay said, reaching into his bag. “How much for four?”

“You can have them for free if you’d like,” the mare said, placing four of the doughy rings into a paper sack. “I was just going to throw them out anyway.”

“Well, consider this a tip then,” Jay said as he placed a small gem on the cart’s top and took the sack. “Have a nice night now.”

Without waiting for a response, Jay continued on his way, whistling the same tune he had been for the past few months. He was now on the same side of the street as his pursuer, who was now much closer than they had been before. Scanning the path ahead of him, Jay spotted an alleyway and took the detour, disappearing from the figure’s view.

The figure rounded the corner and made their way into the alley. When they looked down the shadowy route however, Jay was nowhere to be seen. The figure stopped and frantically turned their head from left to right, searching for any sign of the human. Then, a voice spoke up from behind them.

“First rule of stalking someone,” Jay said as he leaned against the alley wall. “Don’t dress like a stalker. Though, I guess you have to disguise yourself in some way. Don’t you, Princess?”

“Was it that obvious?” Luna said, removing her hood. She shook her head for a brief moment, letting her mane flow back into its natural state.

“Not at first,” Jay said. He reached into the paper sack he carried and pulled out one of the bagels. He took a bite and continued to talk.

“The outfit threw me off at first. Not to mention the fact that I shook the guards from earlier,” he explained with a full mouth. “Hm, chewy. How did you find me?”

“Celestia’s informants are not as… discrete as mine,” Luna said, a sly grin forming across her lips. “I have my own guard for more reasons than one.”

“Not the type to hire jobbers I see,” Jay said. He held out the sack in offering. “Bagel?”

“Thank you,” Luna said, taking one of the baked goods. “And, yes I personally screen each of my guards. Another reason they number so few in comparison to my sister’s.”

“You trust them?” Jay asked as they exited the alley.

“With my life,” Luna replied. She took a small bite of the bagel and chewed very slowly.

“Do they volunteer?” Jay asked. “How many people around here are willing to work the night shift?”

“Very few,” Luna said. “Even less were apt to volunteer their services after…” She trailed off, her eyes now lost in the setting sun.

“I understand,” Jay said. Neither said anything for a moment.

“So…” Jay continued. “Why were you following me?”

“I suppose a justification is in order,” Luna said. “In all honesty, I just wanted to talk to you in private.”

“What for?” Jay said pulling another bagel out of the sack.

“To let you know that I think the council was wrong to deny you access to the case,” Luna said, looking up at Jay.

“Thanks, I guess,” Jay said. “Is that all?”

“Not quite,” Luna replied with a smile. “I have a proposition for you.”

“Let’s hear it,” Jay said, casually.

“As a princess, I possess certain… privileges,” Luna said, examining the dresses in a shop window. “As I mentioned before, I personally choose my guards. My informants and advisers undergo the same process. Those I choose are granted access to certain royal assets. For instance, any files pertaining to joint investigations. Along with the full cooperation of the acting caseworkers of said investigation. Of course, any informant I choose would have to report their findings back to me. The only problem is, I haven’t picked an informant to run this investigation. At least… not yet.”

“Surely you must have someone in mind,” Jay said. He could see a sign that read, “Reasonable Rooms,” ahead.

“Perhaps,” Luna said. She sized up the human, looking him over briefly. “Though, I thought you might be interested in such a position. Was I wrong?”

“Well, I’ve never said no to the offer of being a secret agent moon spy cop before, so I don’t see why I would now,” Jay said.

He turned to face Luna, who gazed at him expectantly, not seeming to grasp the joke.

“That was a yes,” Jay said.

“Excellent!” Luna exclaimed. Her wings fluttered a little under her cloak. Jay was surprised to see her so ecstatic. Noticing this, Luna quickly regained her composure and continued.

“Err- Well then. As my informant, I hereby grant you access to the investigation surrounding the theft of the Codex. Any and all who are part of the investigation are to give you their full cooperation. Any discoveries you make are to be reported to me as soon as possible.”

“Neato,” Jay said as they neared the inn. “Do I get a cool badge or something?”

“Actually,” Luna said, pulling a small box out from under her cloak. “I have this for you. It symbolizes your role as a royal asset and will grant you passage anywhere on the palace grounds.”

Jay took the box and looked inside. Resting in a bed of silk was a small medallion adorned with engravings. Jay recognized the symbol from the books he had been reading as the royal seal.

“Sweeeet,” Jay said as he closed the box.

They were now standing directly in front of the inn. Jay walked up to the door, while Luna stayed behind. Seeing that she was no longer next to him, Jay turned around.

“Hey, Luna,” Jay said, scratching the back of his head. “If you don’t mind, I actually was hoping you could answer a few questions for me. If you have the time, that is.”

“Oh!” Luna said, surprised. She glanced at the setting sun. “I… suppose that’s alright. I actually had a few questions for you as well.”

“Why don’t we talk inside?” Jay suggested, pointing his thumb at the door behind him. “As opposed to… you know, out on the street?”

“Very well,” Luna agreed.

“Great!” Jay turned and opened the door, gesturing for Luna to enter. “Ladies first.”

“Thank you,” Luna said.

Inside of the inn was rather cozy, close what Jay had expected from a family owned hotel. The reception desk was empty and the lobby sparse, save for a small pegasus filly who sat reading on the waiting room floor.

Jay walked up to the desk and looked around. Spotting a small bell, he gave it a ring and crossed his arms. The filly looked up and was suddenly captivated by the sight of the two strangers who had walked into the inn.

“Wonder if anyone is home,” Jay said to Luna, who simply shrugged.

“Coming,” a voice cried out from the room behind the desk. A second later, a light brown unicorn trotted out to the desk to greet the new guests.

“Apologies,” she said, shuffling through a stack of papers on the counter. “I was a little tied up. Now, what can I do for-”

The mare’s eyes met with Jay’s and she froze. Her mouth was stuck, unable to finish the sentence that her brain had already formed. Jay just smiled and proceeded to answer the unfinished question.

“Yeah, I was curious if you had a room for one available?” He patiently waited for a response.

It was a moment before the mare began to breathe again.

“I- I’m sorry, could you repeat that, um… sir?”

“Of course,” Jay said, leaning against the desk. “I wanted to know if you had any rooms available. If so, I’d like to rent one.”

“I’m sorry…” the mare said, fumbling with her words. “Who are you?”

“Oh, I guess you do need a name for the registry list, don’t you?” Jay said. “I’m Jay and this is my friend, Princess Luna.”

He scooted over slightly so the mare could get a better look at the princess.

“Greetings,” Luna said.

The mare’s eyes widened even more than they had before.

“Did you say… Princess? As in…” she stammered.

“Royalty, Alicorn, Goddess, and or whatever other term exist?” Jay finished for her.

The mare nodded slowly.

“Then yes,” Jay said. “That kind of princess. Now, about the rooms.”

“Of course, sir!” The mare suddenly snapped to life. “Anypony who is a friend of the princesses is welcome here. Um…” She looked back in forth between the pair. “Are you both staying the night?”

“Hm? Oh!” Jay said, looking at Luna. “No, just me. She’s only visiting.”

“I see…” the mare said. She looked through a small notebook that sat on the desk. “Well, seeing as you’re a friend of royalty, I couldn’t possibly think to charge you. Please, take whatever open room you’d like. I insist.”

“The hospitality is appreciated,” Jay said, flashing a grin. “But that’s no way to run a business. Take this.” He placed a small pile of gems on the counter. “I insist. Just go ahead and give me the largest single occupant room you got.”

By now, the mare’s pupils had widened so much that Jay wasn’t quite sure if her sclera were even visible.

“I’ll... go make sure your room is ready,” the mare said. Levitating the gems beside her, she turned and slowly walked to the back room.

“That was rather generous of you,” Luna said after the mare was gone. “Where did you get those from?”

“Eh, like I told Twilight earlier,” Jay said, turning to Luna. “When you’re in a gem mine for six months, you’re tempted to collect a few.”

“Only a few?” Luna asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Well…” Jay said, his eyes flashing to the ceiling. “Maybe more than a few. Though, I’ve practically been handing them out as party favors.” He frowned and stopped to think for a second.

“Which, now that I think about it, may be inadvertently causing inflation within Canterlot and lowering the value of your pre-established currency… Nah. I’m sure it’s fine.”

Jay was abruptly aware of something small tugging at his lower pant leg.

“Excuse me, mister.” A small voice emanated from below.

Jay looked down at his feet to see the that small filly from the other room was now doing her best to get the human’s attention. Her coat was a milky brown, not unlike the mare that had just left. It was also somewhat unkempt, with tufts of fur raised in various spots on her body. Two flashing amber eyes filled the majority her small face, one partially covered by a lock of chocolate colored mane. In the crook of one of her forelegs resided the book she had been reading in the other room.

“Yes?” An enormous grin had spread across Jay’s face.

Luna thought she heard a small squeal emanate from the back of the human’s throat, but dismissed it as her imagination.

“I was wondering…” the filly continued. “Are… Are you a monster?”

Jay slowly crouched down so the filly could examine him a little easier.

“Why?” Jay asked in a friendly voice. “Do I look like a monster?”

“Not really,” the filly said, placing her book on the ground. The title read, “Creatures of Equestria.” “I haven’t seen any pictures of you though, so I thought I should ask.”

“What’s your name?” Jay asked the filly, resting his elbows on his knees.

“Milky Dream,” the filly said, rubbing her leg with her hoof. “But my momma calls me Milky.”

“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Milky.” Jay held out an open hand in greeting. “My name’s Jay.”

Milky stared at the open hand, before finally deciding to placing her hoof in it. Jay lightly shook it and gave her a reassuring grin. Luna couldn’t help but smile at the exchange. Milky took notice.

“Who is she?” Milky asked innocently.

“Oh, that’s Princess Luna,” Jay said.

“Hello,” Luna said, giving a small nod.

“I’m helping her with some really important royalty stuff,” Jay whispered into the filly’s ear.

“I’ve never seen a princess before,” Milky said, her head cocked. “Are you an alicorn? Like Princess Celestia?”

“But of course,” Luna said, somewhat perplexed. She lifted her cloak to reveal one of her majestic wings.

“She’s very pretty,” the filly said, turning back to Jay. The comment left Luna blushing slightly. “Are you-”

“Milky!”

The mare from before had returned and was now glaring at the filly in annoyance.

“What have I told you about bothering the guests?” she scolded, frowning.

Milky dropped her eyes to the floor and said nothing.

“I’m terribly sorry if she bothered you in any way,” the mare apologized to Jay and Luna.

“Oh, she was no trouble at all,” Jay said, standing back up. He gave Milky a wink. “She’s a very polite girl. I enjoyed talking to her.”

“Oh!” the mare said, almost surprised. “Well… I would hope so. That’s how I raised her to be. Um…” She looked around the desk, searching for something. Opening a drawer, she pulled out a small key and placed it on the counter.

“Here’s the key to your room, sir.” She pointed a hoof at a set of stairs beyond the waiting room. “Just head up to the second floor. You’ll find your room at the end of the hall.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” Jay said as he took the key from the counter. He flashed one final smile at Milky, who responded in kind, and made his way toward the stairs.

“A soft spot for children, I see,” Luna said, trotting up the stairway behind Jay.

“Only the good ones,” Jay said. “Besides, I think it’s impossible not to have a soft spot for an adorable floof-floof like her. I mean, did you see her? Proper floof.”

“I suppose,” Luna chuckled.

Jay walked down to the door at the end of the hall and inserted the key into the lock. It turned with a click and he opened the door to the room.

It was rather spacious for a single person. Quite similar to the guest room at the library.

“How quaint,” Luna stated as she entered the room after Jay.

“Why don’t you take a seat so we can talk?” Jay suggested, as he closed the door. He then slid his bag off of his shoulder and set it on the bed.

Luna unclasped her cloak and sat in the chair near the window that overlooked the Canterlot streets. Looking outside, she could see that the sun had already dipped below the horizon and darkness now crawled along the roads, broken only by the occasional street lamp.

“No moon tonight?” Jay commented absentmindedly as he dug through his bag.

“No,” Luna said, gazing out into the darkness. “Not tonight.”

“Too bad,” Jay said as he patted his pockets. He pulled out the pendant he had purchased and put it in his bag. “Though, I suppose that leave us free to talk.”

“Indeed,” Luna said, turning her attention away from the window. “You said you had some questions?”

“Sure do,” Jay said. He sat down on the end of the bed. “I guess you do as well.”

“Call me paranoid, but I’d like to know a little more about the ones who are reporting to me directly,” Luna said flatly.

“Fair enough,” Jay said, rubbing his hands together. “What do you want to know?”

“Where to start?” Luna laughed, leaning back in the chair. “Twilight mentioned a few things when she came back to the palace. It seems I shouldn’t have left the council evaluation so early. There’s a rumor that you are, ‘from another world,’ as Twilight so aptly put it.”

“I wouldn’t call it a rumor,” Jay said with a grin. “I think I may have thrown ‘em for a loop with that one.”

“So it’s true?” Luna asked, leaning forward.

“It’s either that, or I’m just crazy.” Jay took a second to think about what he just said. “Come to think of it, either one of those could be true. Probably both.”

“If you’re not from here, then where are you from?” Luna asked intently.

“Earth,” Jay said with a shrug. “As to where that is relative to here… It’s hard to say.”

“Could you be more specific,” Luna asked, raising an eyebrow. “What is... ‘Earth’?”

“I guess you compare it to Equestria,” Jay said, closing his eyes. “Or… you could at one point. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen home. I doubt it looks anything like I remember.”

Luna listened quietly, waiting for the human to continue. When he said nothing, she spoke up.

“What happened?”

“Did I tell you that this is the thirteenth marker that I’ve found?” Jay asked, his voice taking on a gravel like quality.

“I don’t recall,” Luna said, confused by the change in subject.

“It’s also only the second one I’ve come across that wasn’t fully active,” Jay said. He looked up at Luna, a certain spark missing from his eyes.

“What was the first?” Luna asked, thrown off by Jay’s suddenly grim demeanor.

“Home,” Jay said with a faint smile.

“The first one was at home.”