“Do I really have to go?” I asked as I straightened my tie.

“You’re already dressed, so it’s kinda too late to have second thoughts,” Beth answered from her spot on my bed.

“They’re not second thoughts.”

“What are they then?”

“First thoughts. I didn’t want to go in the first place.”

“Don’t worry about it; you’ll be fine. Me and Dew Star will be right there with you.”

“You’re not getting what I’m saying; it’s not about whether I can handle it or not, it’s just that it isn’t my thing.”

“That’s what she said.”

“…I really regret telling you that stupid joke.”

“I know you do, now come on. We gotta fetch Dew Star.” With a groan, I followed Beth out of my place and over to Dew Star’s door.

“Hey, you ready to go?” I asked after knocking.

“J-just a second,” was her reply.

“Make sure you compliment her,” Beth said as she nudged me.

“…Why?”

“Mares like to be complimented every so often. That and I’m a little mad you didn't say anything to me,” she said as she did a little spin to show off her dress.

“Oh, so you wanted me to point out how weird it is for ponies to wear clothes? I think that’s a conversation neither of us want to have.”

“What’s weird about it? You wear clothes all the time!”

“…I guess you do want to talk about this. Well first off-”

“S-sorry I took so long,” Dew Star’s voice said.

“Don’t worry about it. I’m sure the princesses… Huh.”

“W-what? D-do I look funny?” she asked as she looked herself over, “A-am I wearing too much make-up?”

“No, you look great. Right?” Beth said as she jabbed me in the knee.

“…Yeah, you look good. Cute even,” I conceded honestly. The dress she wore complimented her colors well and didn’t look weird on her like other ponies in clothes I’ve seen.

“C-c-cute?” she repeated with wide eyes as her blush threatened to cover her whole face.

“Yeah, now let’s go. I’m not looking forward to walking through the snow in these shoes.”

“You don’t know?” Beth said as she pulled Dew Star along.

“Know what?”

“The princesses sent a carriage.”

“How nice of them; I’ll be sure to thank them when we get there.” After walking down the stairs and out to the main street, we found our carriage waiting for us. Though it was a little small for me, it was better than nothing and made the usual thirty-minute walk to the castle only take ten. When we pulled up at the front doors draped with tinsel, Princess Twilight Sparkle was waiting for us.

“Hi!” she greeted as I stepped out of the carriage, “I’m so glad you came!”

“Yeah, well I-”

“He wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Beth interrupted.

“…Yeah, what she said.”

“Great! Well, come on in!” With that, the three of us followed the princess down the Christmas-y halls of the castle.

“What’s this holiday called again?”

“Hearth’s Warming Eve,” the princess answered.

“Ah. And what’s it celebrate?”

“The founding of Equestria!”

“Right, and you celebrate it by giving presents, hanging lights and tinsel, and singing songs? You didn’t decorate a pine tree, did you?”

“Of course!” the princess replied as she led us into a large ballroom where a giant decorated tree sat, “That’s one of the most important parts!”

“…Of course it is.”

“It’s good to see you came,” a motherly voice greeted.

“Indeed. How have you been?” another added.

“Good, thanks. And how are you two princesses doing this fine evening?” I greeted the sister princesses with a bow.

“Better now that I know you’ve come,” Celestia answered with her usual smile.

“The night has been pleasant so far,” Princess Luna replied.

“That’s good to hear, and if I may be so bold to say, you two look lovely.”

“Oh, well thank you,” Celestia giggled, making me raise a brow.

“Your compliment is appreciated, but unnecessary. I’m well aware of how good I look,” Princess Luna replied with a pleased smile and small blush.

“Well, I just wanted to make sure you did.”

“And how are you two doing?” Celestia asked Dew Star and Beth.

“G-good, Princess.”

“Yep, just fine.”

“We once again would like to thank you for all the help you two have given us,” Celestia said as the two of them bowed their heads.

“Don’t worry about it.”

“Y-yes, please.”

“And like usual, I don’t get anything,” I muttered.

“Was the monetary compensation not enough?” Princess Luna asked, “If you need anything, just ask.”

“I was joking, but since you’re offering I could-”

“He’s fine,” Beth cut off, “but if you’ll excuse us, we need a drink.”

“That’s fine idea. Come, I’ll show you to the bar,” Princess Luna said before leading my plus two away with a wing.

“…”

“…”

“…So. How goes things?”

“Good, good.”

“That’s good.”

“…I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“A few things. For example, making your time here in our world not as pleasant as it could have been. You’ve been involved in now two dangerous situations that more than likely could have been avoided had I paid more attention to you. You do a job that I now see has been sorely needed and watch over my citizens in a way that I can’t. You’ve-”

“Relax, Princess,” I interrupted, “I know I said a lot of things the last time we talked, but all of them were suggestions. Suggestions that I possibly could have said a little nicer, but strongly support nonetheless. I don’t know what it’s like to be the ruler of a nation and I can only imagine how much work you do day-to-day; all I ask is you keep the things I said in mind. Cause I kind of forgot some of the things I said.”

“…You forgot?”

“Yeah, I said some of that stuff in the moment,” I chuckled, “I’m sure you’ve experienced more than your fair share of stress.”

“That I have.”

“Alright, and I appreciate the genuine apology. I’ve been getting those a lot in the last few days.”

“From Crystal Beth?”

“Yeah, but that’s enough of that. So is this holiday really about the founding of this place?”

“Of course; what else would it be about?”

“I don’t know. I’m just occasionally surprised by the similarities between this world and mine.”

“Oh, do you have similar holiday in your world?”

“Yeah, and pretty much everything about this is the same,” I answered as I looked around the room, “the season, food, presents, decorated trees…family.”

“I’m sorry if this makes you a little sad. You must miss your family; I know I do,” she said with a melancholy smile.

“…No, it doesn’t. And no, I don’t,” I replied.

“…I sense you had some troubles with your family before you came here,” she observed after staring at me for a moment.

“…Let’s just say I didn’t have much of one, but in a way, I’m happy I came here. Got to start a new life in a new and interesting place with new and interesting creatures doing a job that I have a love-hate relationship with. I’d go as far to say my showing up here was a blessing in disguise, and of the three God-like beings I’m familiar with, one wouldn’t be so merciful as to let me escape that life.”

“…If you’d like, I wouldn’t mind being what you are to my ponies; an open ear,” the princess offered, making me smirk.

“That’s alright. I’m better off sticking to what I’m good at; listening, not telling.”

“…”

“Well, I think I’ve taken up enough of your time,” I said as I nodded to the group of ponies standing a few paces away, “don’t work too hard; this is supposed to be a holiday.” With that, I left the princess to her own devices as I wandered around the large room. As I did, I eventually stopped in front of the giant tree and looked at the colorful presents under them. My looking quickly turned into blank staring that made certain painful memories emerge from the back of my mind. I was so inside my own head, I failed to notice Pinkie Pie burst out of one of the boxes until she tapped me.

“…W-what? What’d you say?”

“I said, are you alright? You looked a little down,” she asked with a tilt of her head.

“I’m fine,” I said as I petted her, “just thinking about stuff.”

“Like how much you missed me?” she said as she clasped onto my leg.

“How’d you know?” I asked flatly.

“Cause I’m smart!”

“Of course. Know where the food is?”

“Over there!”

“Thanks,” I said as I walked in the direction of her hoof with her still attached to my leg.

“Hmm… Thunder Wing?”

“No.”

“How about… Onyx Star?”

“Cool, but no.”

“…Cobalt?”

“No.”

“…Chris Pine?”

“…How do you-”

“Hello, Darling.”

“Hey, Rarity. You’re looking as nice as usual,” I greeted as I looked over the tables of food.

“I could say the same of you. You really make that suit work.”

“Thanks I guess, but you made it.”

“That I did, and I must say I really outdid myself. I’ll have to come by sometime for more inspiration.”

“Whatever you want,” I said as I ate.

“…Golden Mustang?”

“No.”

“Pinkie, dear, what are you doing?”

“Guessing his name! …Ace?”

“No.”

“Ah, right…” Rarity muttered.

“I saw Twilight, but where are the other three?”

“I’m sure Fluttershy is entertaining herself with the local animals and Rainbow Dash is anywhere but here. Applejack is here, but she said she doesn’t want to speak with you.”

“Hmm, alright.”

“…You’re not curious as to why?”

“I mean, sure, but it’s not like she’s going to tell me if I ask, right?”

“…Christian Bale?”

“How… No.”

“Well, I might be so inclined to tell you if you give me a little information.”

“…What?” I conceded.

“That’s the spirit! It’s simple, but what is you relationship with that mare?” she asked as she pointed to a table a ways off with Beth and Dew Star sitting at it.

“Which one?”

“I’m sure you can guess.”

“Well, the answer's the same for both; she’s just one of my customers that I’ve gotten a little too involved with. One for obvious and recent reasons, and the other for… it’s complicated.”

“Are involved and complicated the words you want to use?” Rarity asked with a sly smirk.

“…Yeah?”

“Alrighty, thank you Dear. Now, as for Applejack, she simply doesn’t want to talk to you until she figures out your name.”

“How’s she going to do that if she doesn’t talk to me?”

“I said the same thing, but she’s a stubborn one.”

“…Brendledick Crumblesnatch?”

“…I see what you did there, but no. Well, I can’t really help her if she doesn’t want to help herself.”

“So you’re saying you would tell her?!”

“Well, tomorrow is a day for giving gifts, isn’t it?” I replied as I headed towards Beth and Dew Star after shaking Pinkie off of me, “But don’t think about it too much.”

“Hey,” I greeted as I sat down.

“Yo. Some of these nobles are actually alright,” Beth said as she pointed to a stallion waiting to speak with Celestia, “that stallion invited me over to his place to hang out.”

“…Go at your own risk.”

“Why’s that?”

“Considering how popular you’ve just become and how eager he is to talk to the princess, he might just use you to gain favor with the princesses and get a leg up in whatever he wants. I can’t say that for sure without talking to him, but that’s just the feeling I get.”

“Hmm… I stand corrected; none of these nobles are alright.”

“A-are you having fun?” Dew Star asked.

“Eh, that isn’t the word I’d use. I’d say, pleasantly distracted.”

“Jeez, would you lighten up?” Beth said, “This is supposed to be a happy holiday.”

“Sorry, I’ll stop being myself for a few hours just for you.”

“Thanks,” she replied, making me shake my head.

“So what’s the point of this party the night before the actual holiday?”

“Beats me.”

“I-I’m not sure.”

“It’s not just for doing whatever the princesses have planned for me, is it?”

“Self absorbed much?”

“I just don’t like surprises.”

“Well, you’re in for a big one!” Princess Twilight said as she appeared out of nowhere.

“Great… Can I at least get a hint as to what it might be?”

“Nope! That would ruin it!”

“Of course it would. Fair warning; I might not react the way you expect.”

“Oh, I’m sure you’ll love what we have planned!” the princess said before trotting off.

“That’s what I’m afraid of.”

“I-I’m sure it’ll be fine,” Dew Star reassured with a pat on my arm.

“I hope so.” The three of us conversed between ourselves and whoever came up to us for a while until everyone’s attention was directed to the three princesses in front of the giant tree.

“Hello, my little ponies,” Celestia started, “and thank you for coming to this year’s Hearth’s Warming Eve banquet.”

“While this is a yearly tradition, we have planned something a little different this time,” Princess Luna picked up, “as I’m sure most of you have heard, the recent capture of a local drug dealer has led to the trial and sentencing of a notorious criminal organization.”

“I haven’t heard this,” I whispered to Beth.

“Shh!”

“This was thanks to the brave efforts of three individuals who are among us. Please stand.” With a sigh, I stood up with the two and put on a fake smile as I waved and tolerated the massive amount of attention and applause before sitting back down.

“Thanks to these three, the streets of not just Canterlot, but the nation as a whole are safer,” Celestia continued, “but while these three have helped a great deal, there is one in particular that has willingly served this country for nothing in return.”

“That’s not true.”

“Shh!”

“Would you please join us?” With another sigh, I got up and walked through the throng of ponies over to the princesses.

“When this young stallion appeared in our world, he was without a home, help, friends or family.”

“We mistakenly didn’t help him in his time of need and continued to do so despite knowing he was suffering,” Princess Twilight picked up sadly, “and as the Princess of Friendship, I take this very seriously. While I’ve recently learned that friendship cannot be forced, the least we can do is give you a new name to fit your new home.” The crowd applauded lightly from the announcement as I clenched my fists.

“The name that we have chosen will not only signify your acceptance into your new home, but your acceptance into our family,” Celestia said, making my fist tighten, “from now on, you shall be known as Celestial Comet!” The crowd applauded again as I looked them over, specifically Beth and Dew Star who had sad smiles on their faces that helped me make the decision that was on my mind.

“Care to say anything?” Celestia asked as she put a wing on my shoulder.

“Sure,” I answered before taking a breath and putting on a smile, “thank you, you three. I’m humbled by your decision to let me be part of your family, but… I can’t accept.”

“And why is that?” Princess Luna asked.

“…The name I was given by my parents holds a lot of meaning that I can’t just throw away, no matter how bad my family was. It’s a burden I have to carry for as long as I live, and I can’t allow myself to forget all of the pain I’ve caused.”

“…Pain?” Celestia repeated as she looked at me with the most concerned eyes I’ve seen her show, “What pain?”

“…Heh, I’m sorry,” I chuckled, “I don’t know what I’m talking about. Those potions you had me on in the hospital must still have me feeling funny. I accept your gifts; thanks everyone.” The crowd of ponies looked between themselves with confusion for a moment before applauding and dispersing.

“What was that about?” Beth asked when her and Dew Star trotted up to us.

“Nothing, I kind of lost myself for a second. I’m not too great with crowds,” I lied, and I’m pretty sure Dew Star could tell, “and because of that, I’m going to go get some air.” Leaving my little group of mares behind, I headed towards the doors on one side of the room leading to a pavilion. Walking to the far end of it, I leaned against the railing looking over the distant landscape covered in snow. The view brought up memories from earlier, causing me to get stuck in my head again and fail to notice Dew Star show up next to me.

“H-hey.”

“Wha-oh. What’s up?”

“A-are you alright?”

“Yeah, just a little tired. So much stuff has happened in the last few days; I’d love it if I could get back to my usual routine.”

“…Y-you’re not fine, are you?”

“No, I’m alright.”

“…N-no you’re not.”

“Yes, I am.”

“No, you’re not.”

“…Alright, fine; I’m not okay! How could I be?!” I exclaimed as my emotions flared up, “The princesses thought it would be alright to change my name! My name! The name my shitty parents gave me! The name my mom cursed everyday without fail! The name my mom said she hated with her dying breath! It’s because of my name-no, me that my family went through so much pain! It’s because of me that my first actual friend left on a day just like this! It’s because I’m such a terrible person that I can’t have a real family or real friends; I don’t deserve it!”

“…”

“Is that what you wanted to hear?! You wanted to hear the real reason I distance myself from others; the reason I’m a dick when I meet people?! It’s because when you get involved with me, you’re in for more pain than you thought possible! But you know what?”

“…”

“All of this has helped me realize how much this world has actually changed me. Back in my world, I wouldn’t give people any chance to become anything more than an acquaintance. But here? Here I’m regularly talking to the same creatures, I’m helping crack ponies kick an addiction, hell I’m consulting with deities on how to run their own nations! I’m not a caring and loving person, I’m a piece of shit that only causes pain.”

“…You’re right.”

“…What?”

“You do cause pain, but it’s a pain you don’t understand. The crack pony you helped? She experienced pain, but she was willing to because you were there to help and motivate her to become a better pony. The princesses you consult? They feel pain because they know they can’t help or satisfy all of their subjects no matter how hard they try, but you do. And the creatures you speak to regularly? They feel pain in their hearts because you refuse to see how much you mean to them and how much good you’ve done for them.”

“…”

“The princesses gave you their names to help you get over the pain that only you understand. You don’t have to forget; I know it’s impossible to, but you can move on and all of us who are your friends will be with you the whole way.”

“…Damn you, Star,” I muttered as I tried to hold back my tears, “…You got me.” I didn’t last long; sinking to my knees, the first tears I’d shed in years were let loose onto the cold ground. My sobbing was quickly muffled by Dew Star’s neck as she pulled me into a hug and held me gently. We sat there for a good few minutes as I let out all of the emotions I’d held in for years onto Dew Star’s coat.

“Thanks,” I sniffed when I eventually stopped, “God, I’m such a baby.”

“I-it’s alright. A-at least I’m the only one who saw.”

“Yeah, I don’t think so. Right, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy?” I said towards a tree a few paces away.

“H-how’d you know?” Rainbow asked as her head peaked out of the tree and Fluttershy emerged from the bush next to it.

“You didn’t hide your gasps very well,” I answered as I stood back up, “the same goes for the rest of you.” It took a moment, but Beth, the princesses, and the rest of the Elements emerged from various spots around the pavilion.

“Heh, sorry,” Beth said.

“I-I didn’t mean to listen!” Princess Twilight said nervously.

“Please excuse us,” Princess Luna apologized.

“I can’t say the same,” Celestia said.

“Sister, don’t be rude!”

“No, it’s alright. Now you all know what my problem is.”

“And I’m sorry you had to deal with so much, Darling,” Rarity said as she trotted up and gave me a comforting nuzzle.

“Yeah, sorry I gave you such a hard time, Dude.”

“I should apologize as well for our earlier interactions.”

“Nobody has to apologize for anything,” I stated firmly, “none of you did anything wrong. I’m a dick and everything that’s happened would have happened anyway.”

“…I suppose, but you won’t be taking the name, will you?” Celestia asked sadly.

“…I guess you all do need something to call me,” I replied, making the princess’s face light up, “and when I’m ready, I might tell you my real-er, original name. Until then, let’s get back inside. I’m sure the rest of the guests are wondering where you all are.” With that, the group started to file back into the ballroom, save for Dew Star, Beth and me.

“So now that you’re a changed stallion, are you gonna compliment me on my dress now?”

“I haven’t changed yet. I can still feel the dick in me,” I answered, causing Beth to snort as she tried to hold back her laughing, “…Oh, poor choice of words.”

“Ain’t that right?” she giggled as she headed inside, leaving me and Dew Star.

“…I want to say thanks again because I don’t think you understand how much this means to me.”

“A-as a matter of fact, I do. I understand completely,” she replied as she flashed me a smile.

“Well, thanks anyway,” I said as I gave her a firm hug, “and I’ll be counting on you from now on.”

“It’s the least I can do.” That tender moment lasted for a while until Beth yelled at us from the door that the dancing was going to start.

“Let’s go. I just might feel like dancing.” I didn’t.

Author's Note

Well, there you have it! The next and final chapter of this semi-dark tale. Our protagonist is on the road to becoming a somewhat decent person and is involved with the princesses even more than he thought possible, leaving his future completely unknown. There are still a few loose ends that need tying up, but they might be answered in the possible sequel that I'll maybe make someday. Don't hold your breath; below-average genius takes time.