... "Oh shit." I said, looking into the cleaning closet.

It was an utter mess. There were two bodies lying on the floor in a heap as a thick, crimson pool steadily rippled against them from droplets constantly dripping from above. They were wearing the Night Guard armour, but it was barely recognisable as they were mangled, cut, crushed, you name it, a piece of them had it. I glanced around the small room seeing entrails decorating every wall and corner like an inside-out Christmas tree.

Running hoofsteps were heard coming from both directions of the hall. A few more guards rushed to the scene, all having shocked or disgusted expressions. "What in Celestia's name happened here?" One of the guards asked.

"Argh, it reeks!" Another exclaimed.

I bent down to examine the bodies, pushing the one on top. The body flopped to the ground with a clang of the metal on the ground. Both guards had their torsos ripped apart all the way to the spine, like something was digging a hole.

A flashback hit me of when I was leaving Luna's room last night after the weird vision. I remember closing the door quietly and running down the hall... With no guards posted outside her room or anywhere on that floor of the tower, yet there were four earlier in the night.

I turned to the guards. "You lot get this mess cleaned up and help her." I instructed before starting to walk away.

"Hey! Where are you going?" One guard tried to stop me.

"And who says you can give us orders." Another added.

"It's what needs to be done so just fucking do it." I retorted.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

"Oh my. That is bad news." Celestia said, sitting on her throne. I was crouching next to her while there were a couple ponies waiting for the interruption to end so they could continue their needless bickering. "How do you feel about this?" She asked. I was a little caught off guard with the question.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"I can tell you have a theory about what happened. Why else would you bring this to my attention and not one of the guards?" Well, she wasn't wrong.

"Uh. Last night when Luna led me to her room, I took notice of four guards patrolling the halls near her room. I think someone or something killed those guards to maybe assassinate Luna in her sleep..." Celestia's eyes widened from my words. "...But they weren't successful because they saw someone in her room awake." I finished.

"How did you come to the conclusion of somepony already in her room?"

"Uh... Because... It was... Me..." I said hesitantly. She slightly tilted her head and I knew there were the wrong assumptions being made. "I had a very strange experience after our talk..."

"I bet." She interrupted.

"Let me finish. Something happened to me and I fell asleep on that balcony. When I woke up, I was in Luna's room." I explained. There was a moment where Celestia went deep into thought and I didn't know what she was thinking, so my mind started wandering.

Wow... She is really hot. The way her mane falls over one of her magnificent, light magenta eyes then flows off in a non-existing breeze... I shook my head before my mind could continue. Ease up there, Alex. This is a serious matter.

"That might explain why I felt... We'll have to leave this to the guard, they will do their job and investigate the matter" She starting saying quietly to herself before being rudely interrupted.

"Hey! Monkey! Can't you see we have an important meeting at the moment?" One of the ponies shouted out. I stood up straight and faced the voice.

"Did he just call me a monkey?" I asked out of disbelief.

"Of course I did, peasant!" He continued to shout out.

"Who is this clown?" I was getting agitated from his verbally offensive onslaught. I walked down the steps towards this stallion. He seemed like a no good dick.

"I am BlueBlood. Prince of Equestria and nephew to Celestia herself." He answered proudly.

I hesitated a little, knowing his title, the wrong move could land me in a cell. He noticed this and advanced, getting right into my face even though I was a good two inches taller than him.

"Why don't you head back to the pig pens and your pig mother where you belong, dirt." I clenched my jaw and tightened my fists. I could feel the all-too-familiar heat start to build up in my chest.

"Ladies first..." I began motioning for him to start. "... I'm sure you know the way." I finished.

"You dare insult me, filth!" He shouted before pushing me backwards.

"I'll give what I get." I replied, pushing harder. He stumbled back, almost losing his footing. I was surprised that Celestia did nothing to stop what was happening, he was her nephew after all.

"I will cut you where you stand for that!" Blueblood regained his stance, pointing his finger at me.

"Do it then!" I barked at him. He froze momentarily, still holding his angry expression. "That's what I thought. All bark and no bite." I said, turning my back to him and facing Celestia. I was about to apologise for the waste of time.

Blueblood took this opportunity to make a move. He drew his rapier and marched up behind me, albeit quietly. I was hinted to his actions by Celestia standing from her throne in urgency. I twisted around as Blueblood brought his thin sword down on me. I closed my eyes for the oncoming pain.

*clang*

I opened my eyes and there was another sword that had met Blueblood's just before my face. My eyes trailed the second blade and saw the other stallion, it was the same one that stopped me in the streets. "Stand down, Blueblood. Nothing but bad will come of it." The stallion said proudly.

Blueblood pulled his sword back and went to swipe at the stallion's head, but the stallion blocked it again. Blueblood swept his hoof under the stallion's and knocked him off balance, as he did, Blueblood brought his sword down on the stallion. I reacted and reached out, grabbing Blueblood's blade before it could make contact with the stallion.

We stared at each other as I felt something running down my wrist. I kept the best poker face I could, but on the inside I was screaming like no tomorrow.

"Blueblood! You dare use weapons in my throne room!" Celestia bellowed, impossibly loud. She held out one hand as it and her horn glowed with a golden aura. The three of us were pulled apart and lined up in front of her. "You should know better!" she finished before he disappeared in a bright flash.

Celestia's demeanour dropped from aggression to annoyance. "Fancypants, your intervening is appreciated. You may leave."

"Any time, Princess." The stallion, Fancypants, said with a low bow before turning to me.

"Thanks for the save..." I said, offering my hand. "... Alex Regent." I finished.

"Likewise. I hope to see you around, Alex." He said, shaking my hand before leaving the throne room.

Once he left, Celestia gave a large huff as she flopped onto her throne and buried her head in her hands. I climbed the steps to her side, she obviously needed a break.

"Why does everything have to be frustrating?" She pondered. I placed my hand on her shoulder and she raised her gaze to me.

"I think you need a break. Do something fun for a few hours." I said.

"I would agree, but I can't just get up and leave. Equestria isn't going to run itself." She huffed, reburying her face.

"Look. If there's a problem it can be brought to Luna, but you need some serious time off even if it's a short time." I convinced.

"No, there's too much to do with the Gala so close." She moaned, resisting my efforts and sitting up. I could tell she wanted to. "Your hand. It's bleeding." She exclaimed, grabbing said hand and inspecting it before the golden aura glowed around her horn and hands. I felt the magic flow through my injury. It stung, but I was more worried about what else could come of it.

"Don't try to change the subject." I diverted, yanking my hand back. "Come on, I have an idea." I finished.

"Alex, you hand is seriously injured."

"No it's not." I said, showing her my hand after wiping the blood on my shorts. The wound had healed, but I instantly realised I had just wiped a fair amount of blood onto Shining Armour's pants. "Whoops."

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

"That truly was fun, Alex." Celestia said, breaking the silence as we sat on her balcony.

"Any time, and I mean it. Ruling the country is good and all, but too much of a good thing is a bad thing. Even you need to relax at some point." I replied.

We had just finished a short list of activities I came up with for fun. To get it started, I had to literally pull Celestia from the throne room. After that it was easier, though. The first thing I wanted to do was mess with the chef, there had been too many times where he had chased me out of the kitchen. We stood in a corner of the kitchen and Celestia put a camouflage spell around us. When the chef arrived and started cooking, I would take something away from his station when he wasn't looking and return it later. It was quite a laugh, but when we went to leave, Celestia thought it would be funny to remove the spell form me. Let's just say, I have a very close shave with a very sharp knife.

After that we went to Luna's room and put all the furniture on the ceiling. The look on Luna's face when she walked in was priceless. I even got a picture on my phone. At first Luna didn't do anything and I thought it was a bust... But then she started freaking out, it was hilarious.

The next target was Shining Armour. I didn't have a clue what to do, but luckily Celestia had lost all her worries and was really into it. We ended up filling his room with balloons that had an enchantment that made him sneeze. When he first saw the balloons he was so confused, but thought the simple solution was to get his sword... Well, I'm sure you can imagine how that went.

To finish it off, we went for a walk through the maze garden. Celestia said it was almost time to set the sun and that caused me to realise that the Gala was the next night and I didn't have anything to wear. I explained my predicament to Celestia and she took me to a fashion designer in the city. It confused me because I thought there were ponies that were hired in the castle to do these sorts of things, but Celestia said this mare was going to do the best job in the shortest time. That ended up with me stripping in front of the princess, was I comfortable? No, was it necessary? No, was it her idea? Probably.

So here we were, sitting on a balcony watching the last few hours of daylight before Celestia had to set the sun.

"I have to admit, Alex. Today was a lot of fun. The last time I did things like that were a long, long time ago." She said.

"I don't want to say it, but... I told you so." I joked. She replied with a short giggle before releasing a sigh. It grabbed my attention and I looked over. She had a smile while looking over the city so I guessed it was a sigh of content, but it felt... Off. "You okay?"

"Just thinking."

"About?" You know when you just tell something is bugging someone? Yeah, well this is one of those moments, but I didn't want to press too far Incase it was a delicate topic.

There was a small gap of silence. "... I'm beginning to realise why my sister is so interested in... Certain things." She finally answered.

I had no idea what she meant by that, but I gathered that it was probably the point. Silence invaded our surroundings and we went back to watching the view until something crossed my mind. "Hey, Tia?" I started, twisting to face her.

"Hmm"

"Who am I? To you?" All day I was getting this overwhelming feeling that I had changed from who I was. Not in a good way, either.

"What do you mean? You're Alex Regent."

"I mean... Never mind. I should go, it's almost time for you to lower the sun." I said before quickly getting up and going back inside, through her room and into the empty hall. Then a thought dawned on me: I just went through the princess' room... Man, I am moving up in the world.

With that I traversed the long halls with nothing interesting happening. Once I made it to my room, I went inside and made a beeline for the bed. And diving into it, after moving the carefully folded and professionally cleaned clothes that I would definitely use tomorrow.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

??? POV

"We should attack now while the ponies are too focused on their party." Said a member of my council.

"We are not ready. We need more time." Countered another.

"This is the perfect opportunity. Everypony important will be attending, making it strategically the perfect time to strike!" I watched, deep in thought, as they started arguing.

"If we were to attack, you would be sending an army of children to their death. They won't even break past the initial response!"

"The numbers would be enough! The ponies would be overwhelmed within the first hour! We still have the element of surprise!" Retorted the first.

"And we need to keep that for right time! If we attack now, our efforts would be for naught! Then the ponies would launch a counter attack here! It would be the end of all of us!" The second yelled.

"ENOUGH!" I shouted over the four of them. They all snapped to attention. "You two have little faith in my armies..." I said to the two councillors opposing the attack and the other two smirked. "... However, it is rightly placed." I finished, glaring at the other two. "Attacking now would be a waste of resources..."

"But, your highness, the ponies would never see us coming... Argh." A councillor interrupted. With a quick flare of my magic and a swift movement of my hand, I hand picked the councillor up from his seat by his neck.

"You dare interrupt me!" I boomed.

"I deeply... Apologise, argh, your highness." He said between struggled breaths. I released my grip and he fell onto the table with a loud thump. After a few groans he slithered back to his chair.

"As I was saying, attacking would be a waste of precious resources... But we will act... Scarab..." One of the councillors quickly stood up. "You are my spy master. I want you to organise a small few of your spies to infiltrate Canterlot and attend this party. Have them collect any valuable information."

"At once." He said with a bow before hurrying off to his duties.

"Do not worry. We will have Canterlot at its knees and the ponies beneath our hooves!"

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Alex POV

"All pilots scramble! I repeat! All pilots scramble!" A voice echoed through the landing strip and sirens blared and everyone ran round trying to get jobs done.

"Sir! We need to take off now or we never will!" One of my wingmen shouted at me over radio.

"Yeah cap. Those Germans'll be on top of us in no time." Another added.

"Let's rock and roll boys." I said before firing up the engine of my P-47 Thunderbolt.

Moments after take off we were instructed to defend and protect the runway at all costs. The Germans were making a bombing run and they had fighter escorts. Being this unprepared meant we only had five squads in the air for this battle. We did have ground support, but usually it's us supporting them.

"There they are gents. Fly swift, shoot straight." A British pilot said over the radio.

"How many we looking at?" I asked.

"The bomber alone outnumber us five to one." The Brit replied.

"Shit. That’s not good for business." Tom said. We have four planes to a squad, twenty in total, going up against a hundred bombers and plenty of fighters.

"Good! That's more for us to shoot down." Frank added.

"Come on cap, lead us to fight another day." Joe said, he was obviously freaking out, but he is very skilled in his plane.

We got into formation. Frank was on my left with Joe behind him and Tom was on my right. We were behind the British planes as we were the last to take off, but that just meant the German guns were already firing by the time we got there.

"Alright Yanks. You're going after those fighters, while we hit those bombers." The British pilot ordered. We were the only American squad based here so naturally we get the faster targets... We’re also the best dog fighters, but British'll never admit it.

The Germans were almost at us now. "Alright boys, let's show these Tommies how it's done." I said to my squad.

Everything went quiet to me as the battle was so close I could smell it. It was the calm before the storm. There was only the loud hum of our planes as both sides reached shot range... Blinding flashes went off, formations were broken into erratic dog fighting and the hum was replaced by the vicious bangs of fifty caliber cannons.

We flew straight past the Germans and pulled up for a loop to hit them from behind. "Break formation! Find those Jerry fighters and shoot 'em down!" I ordered my squad. My team broke apart and found their own targets.

I flew around in circles and figure eights, losing Jerrys or chasing them and lighting them up. "Yanks! We're getting slaughtered here! Take out that ace!" I looked around and spotted a German fighter that had a different paint job to the rest passing in front of me. He was tailing a Brit and stayed on him even through tight hammerhead manoeuvres. His guns flared and ripped the Brit's plane apart before it exploded.

I rolled left and went after him. He was on another Brit and I was too far away to hit him. Again, he shot down my ally and I was full throttle chasing him. It was difficult to stay on an ace while being shot at by German bombers and fighters alike. He was sitting in my sights and made the mistake of flying steady. I slammed my fingers down on the trigger and a torrent of bullets flew straight at him. There were several collisions and smoke was coming from his engine, but now he knows I'm here. He pulled a sharp inside loop to get behind me, it worked and I was now being chased. Bullets flew past my cockpit, narrowly missing me. I was pulling every manoeuvre in the book, but he was sticking to me.

"Tom! The bastards on me! Give me hand!" I shouted out for help.

"I see ya... I'm on him." He replied.

"Joe! Remember that..." I started but was interrupted by bullets boring holes in my cockpit. "... Holy shit that was too close! We're gonna do that move we pulled in training!" I finished.

"No can do, Cap. I'm in serious trouble right now!" He replied. I rolled right and tried to fake my turn by pushing down and going for and outside turn. The ace called it and a wave of bullets tore through my wing.

"Shit! He got me." I twisted my head back and saw the ace pull away with Tom hot on his tail. "Thanks for the save"

"Don't thank me yet, Cap." Tom replied.

I inspected the damage and my plane was flyable. It missed everything important... How lucky. I flew around the battle. The bombers were dangerously close to the air field, but they were thinning out. A Jerry fighter flew past me and I went after him. I got right in close and shot him down. One after the next I was taking down fighters and out planes were gaining the lead. I focused on the bombers and took out a few while only taking minor damage from the rear guns.

"Some one get this guy off me!" I heard Frank beg. I looked around and soon spotted him being tailed by the ace.

"I'm on it, Frank. Hold tight!" I said. I followed them and slowly caught up. I lined up the shot and fired. My bullets went trough his right wing, but it was wasn't enough. "Oh shit! My planes beat! I've gotta bail!" Frank yelled before I saw his plane fall from in front of the ace. We whizzed past Frank as he parachuted to the air field that was being hit by bombs.

"That's it ya bastard!" I screamed. I didn't care about ammo at this point. I unleashed all hell upon this Jerry. The bombers were circling for another run, but there were too many of us now and there was no chance they would make it, but they persisted.

Left, right, up, down. It didn't matter, I was staying on this guy. I was doing damage, but he was very slippery. Through a couple of the later shots I thought I heard a gasp from behind me, but I ignored it. The perfect shot lined itself up. "Got ya now." I said to my self. I was focusing really hard and just I went to take the shot...

"Holy Equestria! This is horrible!" A familiar voice shrieked from inside my cockpit. I jumped and pulled my shot, but it missed.

"What the fuck!?" I shouted, looking over my shoulder. "Luna? What are you doing here?" I asked, focusing back on the ace, who was now escaping my grip.

"This is a horrible dream." She said in terror. There was a bright blue flash that blinded me. When I opened my eyes I saw that I was on a cloud. I looked over the edge and saw Ponyville.

"What is going on!?" I shouted and turned around to see Luna.

"You were having a bad dream, so I fixed it." She answered.

"That was a dream?" I said, confused. She nodded. "I guess that makes sense. World War Two was nearly two hundred years ago." I said to my self.

"Alex, if you don't mind me asking, what was all that?" Luna asked.

"That, my furry friend, was a battle in World War Two." I answered

"World War Two?"

"The second war in which most of my world was involved... It was intense. Reading up on it at the library back home was one of my favourite things to do, until it got closed down. I didn't enjoy the third one so much because of world economic collapse and such, but we rebuilt... After a while" I rambled, going off topic.

"War is never a good thing. Countless lives ending because a few ponies with power disagree." Luna said, her words were full of sorrow.

And that, children, is how to kill a mood. "So... Um..." I tried to think of something more positive. "Do you come here often?" I said with an idiotic grin. It's not the best conversation starter, but it never fails.

Luna just looked at me and tilted her head to the side. 'Oh dear god. The adorableness, my only weakness.' I thought as I started dying from the adorable look. She started giggling with a slight blush and it was my turn to look confused.

"What?" I asked.

"I'm adorable am I?"

"What?" I repeated.

"We are still in your head, I can hear your thoughts." She explained.

'Oh fuck! At least she doesn't know about the things I would do to that beautiful body under the covers.' I thought.

Luna's face flushed so red it would put Big Mac to shame... Then I realised my mistake.

"Brain, how could you betray me like this?" Was all I said before her horn glowed and everything went dark.

3rd Person POV

Alex was put into a temporary coma from Luna's spell. Meanwhile in Luna's room, the alicorn was pacing back and forth in front of her bed. "Did he seriously think that? He is so perverted. I should have him thrown into the dungeons for that. It's so... So... Despicable." She said, not noticing her visitor.

"Who is so perverted and despicable?" Celestia said, startling her younger sister.

"Oh. Good morning, Tia. I didn't hear you come in."

"That's because you were too busy wearing a trench into your floor." Celestia teased.

"You saw that?"

"So who is so perverted?"

"It's... Alex." Luna said, lowering her head as she did.

"And how is Alex so perverted?" Celestia seemed quite amused.

"I entered his dream and we got talking. He said something I didn't know of and he thought about how my confused look was adorable..." Luna started.

"Is that all. It sounds like there is mutual feelings..."

"Tia, please!" Luna cut her off, all flustered. Celestia was having fun, getting such a rise out of her sister. Luna continued "I explained how I could hear his thoughts with full intent of making him squirm, but it back fired."

"How so?" Celestia was very interested.

"His thoughts said that he was glad I didn't know about what he would do to my beautiful body under the covers." Luna answered, acting disgusted, but started to realise that it wasn't as bad as she initially thought.

Celestia burst out laughing, much to Luna's dismay. "So you want to throw Alex into the dungeons because he thinks you’re beautiful. What did you say?"

"Nothing. Although I may have put him into a teeny, tiny... Coma." Luna's words were soaked in guilt.

Celestia burst out laughing again. "Oh Luna. You've come across many stallions actually bedding you in their dreams, yet Alex merely thinks of it and you call him perverted and wish to lock him up because of it." Luna became very embarrassed. "If you ask me, I think you're overreacting because knowing he may like you scares you." Celestia's grin couldn't have gotten any larger and luna hated how much fun she was having with this.

"Tia, he does not scare me, and there is nothing between us. There never will be." Luna said before walking towards her door. "Come, breakfast will be waiting." She said before leaving.

Celestia smiled. 'Alex likes Luna... If only I were so lucky.' She thought, finishing with a sad expression before following her sister.

It was nearly an hour before the princesses had company for breakfast. Alex slumped into the room and flopped down onto the chair opposite Luna, who was next to Celestia at the head.

"Good morning, Alex. How was your sleep?" Celestia asked with an all knowing grin. Luna went red in the cheeks and stared at her empty plate.

"I don't remember anything past falling asleep, but I feel like my hangover has a hangover." He answered with a gravelly voice as his head fell backwards. Celestia's smile dimmed and Luna sighed with relief. "I hope it doesn't last long because other wise I won't be going to the golo thing." Alex's eyes shot open as he realised what he said. "Hold on. A plan."

"Gala." Celestia corrected. "And you're still going. Your suit was delivered not long ago. It should be in your room by now."

Luna leaned over to Celestia and whispered in her ear: "He should still be unconscious. I didn't exactly hold back on the spell."

A servant came over to Alex with a bowl full of cereal and placed it in front of him before bowing to the two princesses and leaving. He picked up a spoon that was beside the bowl and started eating. Both princesses just watched him eat.

"Did I do something wrong?" Alex asked, not looking up from his cereal.

"What makes you say that, Alex?" Celestia asked, almost begging to tell him about what happened.

Alex looked up at them. "Because you seem so amused by something and Luna is looking at me funny." Celestia glanced at Luna before an innocent smile spread across her lips.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, Alex. Perhaps Lulu knows." She beamed.

Alex stared at Celestia completely hit by suspicion. She continued to smile at him so he turned his attention to Luna. "Uh... Did I do something wrong." Alex hesitantly asked.

"No. I'm as confused about this as you are." Luna answered.

"You!" An annoying voice exclaimed. Alex closed his eyes with a large sigh before standing up.

"Prince Blueblood, what pleasant surprise." Alex greeted, trying to appeal to the prince. He thought it would get him away from Blueblood as quickly as possible. There was snort from a certain dark alicorn from Alex's words.

"Don't think for one second that I'm going to let go of what you did!" Blueblood shouted, getting into Alex's face.

"Blueblood, remember what we spoke about." Celestia instructed calmly.

"What are you going to let go of?" Alex asked playfully, knowing full well of Blueblood's meaning. "Oh I think I remember now. Me whooping your ass while you were armed." Blueblood snarled in response.

"Alex, there's no need for this to get hostile." Celestia said.

"I will show you a world of hurt." Blueblood spat between his teeth.

"You can try." Alex retorted in the same manner. Alex was heating up, his blood pumping thicker and faster. Images of him beating this pathetic stallion to less than his knees flashed through his mind. His eyes started to darken. Blueblood noticed it, but was too stubborn to see that things we're going to get out of hand, and he would be on the receiving end of an almighty rage.

The air around Alex's hands started distorting with heat waves as these two stared each other down. The atmosphere became very tense, but nothing was done. Orange flickering occurred from key points around Alex: hands, feet, hair.

Blueblood's magic was coursing through him at heightened rates. A strong blue aura started dancing around his white horn and balled fists. His eyes blew off a similar, but weaker, aura as he almost pleaded to crush this animal in front of him.

Celestia knew this wouldn't end well and felt as though she needed to intervene. Luna, on the other hand, was excited to see where this would go. She knew Blueblood had strong magic for a unicorn, but Alex was a complete wild card in this sense as he had many unknown abilities, most of which, involve the manipulation and control over a powerful element of nature. It would please her greatly to see her nephew toned down a few notches.

The two males continued to glare at the other, waiting for the other to make a move. The tension rose and Celestia decided to act and just in the nick of time. Celestia stood and erected a shield between the two as both of them made an attack. Blueblood was slightly faster and his spell hit the shield and dispersed. Alex rose a fiery fist and threw it as hard as he could, colliding with the golden wall and shattering it. Celestia's knees buckled and she was thrown back into her chair from the impact. All attention was drawn to Celestia.

"Tia! Are you okay?" Luna asked, gripping her sister's shoulder. Alex joined them, all anger replaced by concern as he knelt down on her other side. Blueblood just stood there, not knowing what to do.

"Yes, I'm fine. I just didn't anticipate such a strong ripple effect." She said, easing everyone's nerves.

"I'm sorry, Tia. I didn't intend for it to happen." Alex apologised as he was flooded with guilt.

"Apology accepted, but it wasn't entirely your fault. You both need to stop acting so foalish and be more civil around each other. Now, off to your rooms, the pair of your, think about were you went wrong." Celestia ordered.

Alex rose to his feet and walked towards the stallion. They threw daggers before they both left the room and retreated to their respective rooms.

Celestia slumped in her chair with a large sigh. Luna looked on with a concerned gaze, her hands still on her sister's shoulder. "Are you sure you're okay?" She asked.

"I have faced worse, but there was an incredible amount of power in that attack. Had it not hit my shield, I fear it could very well have killed Prince Blueblood." Celestia replied in slight disbelief.

Alex POV

I walked the short distance to my room, but it felt never ending. I definitely felt guilty and there is a large part of me that wishes Celestia hadn't interrupted us, but I'm also glad she did. I don't know what would have happened if she didn't, Blueblood's attack was clearly faster than mine, but it didn't even scratch the shield... Mine shattered it.

I got to my door to find it slightly ajar. A million thoughts ran through my head as to why this is. I definitely closed it when I left. What if someone had broken in? What if someone was planning an assassination? What if it was Blueblood? It could be any number of things. Of course I was only thinking of bad things to worse. I carefully place my hand of the door and slowly pushed it open, watching like a hawk for any movement or disturbances. There were none. I pushed the door fully open, entering with extreme caution and quiet steps. I heard some shuffling from my bedroom and quickly ducked beside the door. I placed my hand on the knob and twisted slowly. More shuffling emanated, someone was in there.

I wasn't sure how I would play this out, 'I could burst in guns blazing, or I could come up with a plan. A plan sounds like a good idea, I need to be ready for anything...' I thought. I started planning out like it was a video game or something, but my body just started moving. 'Then I'll use the bedside table as a hammer to break the window... Wait we're moving, but the plan... I was better at improv anyway!' I casually opened the door and strolled in, despite my great efforts to actually come up with a plan.

No one was here. The room was empty... My eyes caught something on the balcony, I went over to the door and peered out. There was a thin mare in a black dress that had gold studs through it. It completely opposed her light blue fur and brilliant orange mane and tail, but it seemed to work. It was the mare that I went to see about my suit. 'What was her name? S, S, S, S... Suzie? No, Sally? That sounds right.'

"Can I help you, miss Sally?" I asked calmly. The mare jumped and twisted to face me, fright plastered across her face, as she let loose a light squeak.

"Oh Celestia, you scared the hay out of me... And it's Sassy" She said, breathing heavily and placing her hand over her chest.

"My question still stands." She looked at me like a child caught stealing from the cookie jar.

"I was dropping off your suit and when no one answered, I came in and placed it on your bed... Then I noticed this view and couldn't help myself." She explained, almost as if she wasn't intruding.

"I don't like it when others stroll into my room without my permission." Her stature dropped, along with her head as she avoided eye contact and started rubbing her arm and shuffling her hooves.

"I'm sorry, it's just, once I finished your suit, my boss told me to deliver it quickly as you had ties with the princess. I was given directions from one of the servant mares, but you weren't in here. I needed to get this to you. I'm already in the bad books with my employer and if I didn't get this to you, I could have been fired..." She explained, getting all worked up. She paused as she took notice of my unamused expression. "I promise I was going to be in and out, no dawdling about... But the view was..." I cleared my throat as I felt a slight tickle. She obviously took this the wrong way. "Please don't complain to my boss!" She cried out, grabbing my arms.

"Woah, calm down. I was just clearing my throat. Look, I get it: being in the castle is cool... Why are you so afraid of your employer anyway? You seemed so professional in the shop."

"I'm sorry, sometimes I get a little carried away..." She started.

"A little?" I interrupted.

"I can get a little... 'Productive' at work. It's always been my dream to run a fashion shop, but I can't afford to open my own. Sometimes it gets to my head and I start making decisions for the company which change it and it doesn't go down well with my boss." She explained.

I pulled my head through the door way and saw the suit on the bed. It looked amazing. It was a magnificent black suit accompanied with a black dress shirt, black shoes and a garnet coloured tie that sits below a black vest. "Look, I'm not going to complain, but I want to try it on before you leave." She visible calmed and agreed to the idea.

"Absolutely, I can make any final tweaks and adjustments to make sure it's perfect."

Once I had it on, Sassy ran around me with vigour, removing any and all flaws. When finished, I looked in the mirror and man, did I look classy.

I said it looked perfect and thanked her for her help before she left me to stare at that good looking fellow in the mirror. I did have a big problem, though. I don't know how to tie a tie. An idea crosses my mind and soon enough I had the suit hanging neatly to the side. The tie still tied, but loose enough to slip over my head. I smirked at my genius before realising I now have nothing to do... And I got sent to my room!

Over the next few hours I decided to practice with my powers. Maybe I could gain control if I used it enough. I started small with just igniting my fingers, I got it on the first try, but the flame only lasted a couple seconds. I soon got the hang of it, all I needed to do was think about setting my fingers on fire and it happened.

I got curious about what I could do and pictured a small ball in my hand. I closed my eyes and when I opened them, there was a ball of fire floating in my grasp. I twisted my hand and the ball stayed a few centimetres from my palm "woah." I muttered in astonishment. "Imagine getting hit by one of these." I said out loud, thinking about the damage it could do if I threw it... Uh oh. The ball flew out from my hand and hit the nice, white couch. There was a very small explosion from the impact and I watched, stunned, as the couch caught fire and started burning. "Aw shit" I panicked, grabbing one of the cushions and hitting the fire to smother it. That was until the cushion caught fire as well. "Aw shit!" I started quickly pacing around, trying to find something to put out the fire. "Um... Um... Uh!"

A light bulb lit up above my head, not literally, as it hit me. I held my hand out to the fire and focused on putting the fire out. The tips of the flames started leaning towards my hand. It was like they were reaching out for me. All of a sudden the flames jumped from the couch to my hand, swirling around before disappearing. "Woah." I looked up from my hand and at the couch to see half a cushion and a large scorch mark in the centre of the sofa. I blinked a few times, hoping it was an illusion, but alas, it was real. "I'll deal with it later. I have an idea." I said, hastily making my way to the balcony.

Standing at the railing, I held my hand out and imagined a flame thrower. Waves of ruthless flames shot out into the air. I halted my efforts as excitement grew within me.

I held out both of my hands and focused. Again, the flames shot out. I pushed harder and the flames grew in intensity, so much so it started pushing me back. One large tense and the flames exploded out ten times the intensity as before and threw me backwards to the ground. I got up and enlightened myself with a brilliant idea.

I was balancing on the railing and focused on my plan. The bottom half of my body burst into flames, including my arms. "Woah." I set aside my amazement as the excitement got the better of me. I bent my knees and lowered myself like I was going to jump. I felt something building up within me, something that would fuel my plan. With a deep breath, I was ready. I sprung up and pushed with all my might. There was a massive burning noise behind me and I looked down to see the castle getting smaller and smaller as a trail of fire followed me high into the air.

"Holy Shiiiiit!" I screamed out with a nervous laughter as it caught up to me and I slowed down. I felt butterflies in my stomach when gravity retook its grip on me and the castle grew bigger and bigger, closer and closer.

Free falling was an amazing feeling. The wind whiping past my face and the increasing flow of adrenaline through my veins. I lost enough confidence and reignited the strong push of fire. "Woohoo!" I cheered out at the top of my lungs as I flew dangerously close to the roof tops of Canterlot city. I pivoted my shoulders to turn and lifting or dropping to change pitch. I turned around to face the castle and pushed my self to go as fast as I could. I was going faster than I had ever gone and probably rivalled a plane. I was getting close to one of the princesses' towers and pulled up, but I felt an immense drain of energy. I looked back and saw there was no fire, no smoke, and no hope for survival. I mean, I need to learn to land and this option is as good as any. I look back forward just in time to scream and see the glass door leading into a bedroom.

*CRASH! *

My body ragdolled through the window and straight into the side of a familiar white and gold bed, glass going everywhere.

I groan and open my eyes. The room was familiar... A lot of white... A bit of gold... A large sun painted on the ceiling... An obliterated glass door... A crushed bed with white and gold covers... Glass littering the floor... And a startled white alicorn staring at me with a hint of concern, a hint of confusion and a lot of 'what the fuck?'

"*groan* Hey... Tia." I manage to gargle.

"Alex... What have you done?" Celestia asked, admittedly, very calmly... But I could sense it was a cover.

"Um..." I struggled to think as the room slowly ceased its spinning. "... Style is underrated?" I answered with an innocent smile.

The mare facepalmed and sighed. "You were alone for half an hour. How did you even get up here?"

"I managed to use some of my powers without losing my head..." 'Where's your head at "... And then I flew into the air and kind of got really exhausted, crashed and here we are."

"As good as that may be. Where am I supposed to sleep now?"

As quick as ever, my mind started racing with smart ass things to say, but I settled with "Well... I'm sure my bed could fit one more." Waggling my eyebrows for a better effect. I can only imagine what it was like to see me do that while lying in a pile of crushed bed.

"Alex, please. This is no time for jokes." 'Hello, darkness, my old friend...' "although, I suppose the arrangement could be made, as a way to pay back for destroying my bed." A slither of hope shined brightly against the dark void they call the friend zone. "You can sleep on your couch." 'Ha, oh you mean the one I burnt half of to a crisp.'

I shakily got to my feet and dusted myself off. 'No injuries? Hell yeah.' "Is there some way I can help fix this?" I asked, my tone changing to serious.

Celestia sighed. "You could start by apologising to Blueblood."

It took a while for me to register what was said. "What? Im not apologising to that sack of shit!" I started to raise my voice and I knew it wasn't right to speak to her like this, but her even suggesting it made my blood boil.

"You do realise your speaking of the prince?" She said in efforts for a result I couldn't comprehend.

"I don't care if he's the king!" I shouted. I didn't want to shout, but it just felt so necessary. "One: Not only did he insult me, he insulted my mother. And two: He started it."

"You're right to be mad at him, but sometimes you have to accept defeat to obtain true victory."

I groaned, knowing that it's the better thing to do. "Fine. I'll apologise if I see him tonight."

Celestia smiled, "That's all I ask." She opened the door for me and I stepped through, but stopped when I felt her warm breath on my ear. "Keep that bed warm for me." She whispered as I felt a light tap on my tush.

'Did she really just say that? I thought, turning around to ask only to meet a closed door. 'What? This leaves so many questions? Was she serious about taking my bed? She can't be, there are like a million others. And what did she mean by keeping it warm for her?'

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

I found myself in the ball room after wondering the halls in search of something to do. There were ponies decorating and setting up for tonight's event. I decided to entertain myself and give them a hand. A few hours past before I was hanging a large and heavy tapestry with another stallion as we stood on long ladders. We just finished getting it secure when I heard a commotion from down below.

"You call this punch! I call it piss!"

"I'm sorry. I'll take it back immediately."

"I am a prince and you will address me as such!"

"I'm sorry, my prince."

I looked down just in time to see my favourite member of the royal family hit a bowl of punch from a mare's hands, covering her in the beverage.

I slid down the ladder and picked up a cloth from one of the nearby tables and walked towards the two, ignoring Douche Blood. I saw the mare was quite upset as I placed my free hand on the side of her face in a comforting manner. She looked up at me with tear filled, green eyes.

"Here, go clean yourself up." I said, handing her the cloth.

"Thank you, Alex." She said softly before turning and walking away.

Without saying a word or making eye contact, I went back to what I was doing, however, I was stopped before I could do so. A hand gripped my shoulder causing me to take a deep breath and face the owner of the hand.

"Prince Blueblood, what a surprise. How can I help you?" I said with a false smile and calm tone.

"Drop the act, Dirt. It wasn't your place to interrupt." He said, his words dripping with malice.

"It wasn't your place to torment her to begin with." I replied with just as much venom and pushing his hand off my shoulder. He didn't take too kindly to that.

"Seize him!" He shouted out. Out of nowhere, guards surrounded me with their weapons drawn as two of them on either side of me stepped forward to grab my arms. I didn’t want hurt any of them, but I would if they touched me. "Take him to the dungeons!"

There was hesitation from the guards, but they went to grab me. As soon as I felt hands on my arms, I step forward and span around, flinging the two guards together. There was a loud clang as the two collided and fell to the ground. There were four others and they all took position around me. There was no movement until one of them cried out lunged at me with his sword. I flicked my foot up to meet the blade forcing it out of the stallion's grip. With my leg still up, I twisted around with my back to him and shoved the sole of my shoe into his throat. He fell to the ground gasping.

The last three attacked all together. I held out my hand as the downed guard's sword landing perfectly in my grip. 'If only Dash saw that. I thought in the split second before a coordinated attack came at me. The three of them swung their swords in the same direction at the same time. It was definitely unexpected, so much so, that I lost balance in desperation to dodge and one of them had the eye to see it and smashed his pommel into my right cheek bone.

I landed on my back and one of the guards stood over me with the tip of his sword pressed against my chest. I held my hands up in surrender.

"Finish it." Blueblood said as he relished in the amusement of my defeat.

"But, sire..." The stallion started

"I said finish it!" The prince screamed. The guard just stood over me, not moving. He obviously hasn't killed anyone yet. "If you do not finish this now, I will have you thrown in the dungeons for treason and disobeying my order." Blueblood threatened.

I watched as everything went round and round through the stallion's head. He took a deep breath in lifted his sword and got ready to plunge it straight through me.

"Halt!" 'whew, the heavens shine down upon my so lucky self... More specifically, the moon.' "You two. Take this stallion to the infirmary, now." Luna ordered the two guards watching and pointed to the unconscious stallion on the floor, most likely with a crushed trachea... Oops.

The stallion over me quickly sheathed his sword before facing the princess and getting down on one knee in a bow.

I glanced over to Blueblood, he wasn't happy and just to add fuel to the fire, I got up with a smirk directed straight at him. 'Not today.' My gaze returned to Luna's direction to see her speaking to the stallion who was now standing, then he performed a small bow and hastily walked off.

"Blueblood, why are you trying to execute royal guests?" Luna spoke calmly, but firmly. It was like a tenser version Celestia.

"I don't have to answer to you. Celestia is the only real princess around here. You're just a pretender" The amount of venom coming through his teeth could have killed an army ten times over.

"Now that wasn't very nice." I said, taking a step towards him.

"It's okay, Alex." Luna said softly. She didn't seem fazed in the slightest so I stepped aside, a little confused. She looked back at Blueblood with a deep and heavy sigh. "YOU WOULD DARE SPEAK AS SUCH TO ME! YOU ARE BUT AN INSECT IN COMPARISON AND WILL DO RIGHT TO AKNOWLEDGE IT OR YOU WILL SUFFER THE WRATH OF THE MOON!" her voice boomed through the room at impossible levels, it even started pushing against us.

Both of us were shitting ourselves and Blueblood tried to hold it in as he stormed away, but it was easy to see that he was severely intimidated by Luna. I looked at Luna, shock plastered on my face and she seemed happy with herself as a proud grin adorned her muzzle.

"Holy shit..." Where the only words I was able to say. Luna giggled to herself. I glanced around the room to see if anyone else had the same expression as me, but no one was in here. My sight landed back on Luna, who was still ginning. "Remind me to not get you angry... So what brought you here? And, uh. Thanks for the save."

"Anytime, but Tia is in day court and I got board and I thought 'what could amuse me?' My answer was of one pony that always seems to find trouble even when it isn't there. You."

"Yeah uh, glad I could be of assistance. I never thought my skill for trouble-making would do any good."

"I do have a question for you."

"Oh? Fire away."

"Why do you like to pick fights with the guards?"

I completely paused on that question. My entire brain was working double time for an answer. "Thinking back on it, they started it. I was only acting in an aggressive self defence."

"Is that what you call it, because there have been six ponies sent to the infirmary by you alone."

"Are you telling me off? And here I was thinking you were the cool princess." I teased.

Luna seemed a little insulted by this. "I'm cool." Her bottom lip started quivering and her eyes grew wide as she tilted her head to the side. 'Oh dear god, she's giving me the puppy eyes.' my jaw hung slightly slack as words and general function was robbed from me.

"Okay, fine. You're the cool princess." I gave in and she gave a cheer in victory. 'Man, she is so gorgeous.'

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

I was checking myself over in the mirror and making final adjustments to my tie. It felt so good to be dressed up all nice, even if it's for an event I have naught interest in.

It was fun to have hung out with Luna after that little spat I had with Doucheblood and the guards. I pressed my fingers against a bruise that had formed over my right eye, for some reason it didn't heal like any injuries I've received previously and did raise some concern, but I just passed it off to be dealt with by future Alex.

I inhaled deeply and held it for a few seconds before releasing. I then turned and walked through my temporary residence, opening the door and finding a mare servant I hadn't met yet.

She gasped from the door being opened before she could knock.

"Evening." I greeted, slightly amused by the coincidence.

"Oh, good evening, sire..." She started.

"Please, I'm no one important, call me Alex." I interrupted.

"Of course, Alex..." Her words had noticeably changed to a more relaxed deliverance "... I've been asked to be your personal escort..." '*gasp*' "... and lead you to the ball room." 'aw, I got exited for a second there.'

"Thanks, but I have a decent idea on where I'm going." I replied, closing my door and walking away.

"Alex, The ball room is this way." The mare's voice called out from behind me and I realised my regretful mistake.

I turned around nervously chuckling. "Ah, yes. I knew that, I was just... Making sure you knew, yeah."

She just rolled her eyes before taking my arm and leading onwards.

During our, so far silent, walk I decided that talking was a must. "I don't think I got your name."

"Autumn Swirl." She answered, still holding my arm.

"Autumn Swirl... Autumn Swirl..." I repeated to myself. The mare briefly glanced at me as if I were crazy. "That's a really nice name. It just rolls off the tongue with a pleasant twist." I didn't realise I was speaking out loud until I looked at the mare who was donning a thick blush. "Whoops. Sorry, I didn't realise..."

"No, it's fine. It's not everyday someone compliments you about your name." She interrupted before we both fell silent and the distant echo of the ball room became noticeable.

I constantly found myself looking at the mare to my side. She was wearing tight black dress that hugged her rather curvaceous figure. Her vibrant orange and yellow toned mane was done up in a large bun with two single curls draping either side of her beautiful face. There was also a small, white waist apron to signify her servant stature, If I were to guess.

The hall we walked wasn't poorly lit, but it was a little darker than I thought it would be. My thoughts were caught off guard as a sickly green flash struck forth from a door that was slightly ajar. "Did you see that?" I whispered to Autumn, stopping abruptly.

"See what?"

I brought my finger to my lips in a hushing motion. I quietly snuck over to the door and grabbed the handle tightly. My heart was racing from what I was going to find. 'One... Two... Three!' I burst through to find something that made me freeze in my tracks.

"AAAAH! GET OUT!" A shirtless mare screamed at me before throwing a high heel shoe. I slammed the door shut just in time for it to deflect the shoe.

"I'm so, so sorry, miss!" I apologised through the door.

"Just get out of here!" Her voice called through.

"I think we should just get to the ball room." Autumn suggested from behind me, trying to hold in her laugh. She took my arm once more and pulled me along.

"There was something about that green flash that just sets off alarm bells in my head." I said

"Well it couldn't possibly be a changeling." Autumn said, a little too loud and fast and her smile seemed a little nervous.

I was too confused to piece anything together. "Um... What's a changeling?" I asked.

"Nothing, don't worry about them." She answered dismissively, but back to her normal tone.

It wasn't much longer before we came to the entrance of the ball room. There was a large line leading outside where ponies were arriving in large carriages. Looking to the front of the line, I saw Celestia greeting every guest. "Wow, I'd hate to have that job." I joked to Autumn, but there was no response. I her direction only to see empty space. "Autumn?" I said, spinning around, but to no success. She had left me.

I shrugged my shoulders and headed to the back of the line. Just as I reached my destination, seven familiar mares stepped out of a carriage, followed by a young drake. Now, I know you're thinking seven mares? And I'll admit, I was confused myself to see Nightmare moon, or Night Bloom, as she is so fond of being now.

I was completely taken away by the utter beauty of the mares in front of me. Spike looked like a fine young man, in a very tidy suit. I mean, I can respect his effort, but I don't swing that way.

Rarity had really outdone herself this time.

I know it may sound creepy, but I couldn’t stop looking at them. I found it difficult to gather the courage to face them, but I had to. Even if they want to push me away. 'They're better off without me anyway.'

'Don't think like that, I bet they're gonna be very happy to see you okay.'

"Nathan! Holy shit, where have you been?" I exclaimed, the mare next to me giving an awful look at me.

'Forget about me, go and see them.' Nathan was right, just seeing them is enough to flush out my worries.

I tried to act civil and started walking with dignity, but on the inside, I just wanted to run over and give them all a big hug. I don't know what it was, but I felt truly happy right now.

"I'm going to have to ask you to leave." I joked as I stood in front of the mares while they were too busy with their attire to notice me.

They all snapped their attention to me with worried looks from my words.

"Alex!" Of all people... or ponies, Rainbow was the first to launch herself at me. In the blink of an eye, she was wrapped around me in the form of a hug. Actually no, I think she was really trying to steal my lungs. I was pushed back a few steps from the collision, but did nothing other than return the hug.

I gave a small chuckle. "Hey, Dash. It's good to see you too." She held on a bit longer before letting go and returning to her usual self, otherwise known as a punch in the arm. "I deserve that."

Pinkie appeared between us and before anything could be said, all of my chest bones were crushed. "Hey... Pinkie." I managed to say. Luckily, Twilight came to my rescue and pulled the Boa away from me, before copying her. I could have sworn she used her magic to crush me further. "No, no. The pleasure is mine." I said, half sarcastically as she let me go. Applejack gave me a short a sweet hug, which I was more than thankful for.

"It good to see yer okay, Sugarcube."

"Likewise." I replied. It looked like Fluttershy was next, and going by what's already gone, I was fearing for my safety. I was quite relieved when when she gently placed herself in my arms. Fluttershy stepped back and Night took her place. "I didn't think you would be here?"

"Nor did I, but Twilight came up with a new type of spell that allows me to physically take this form, instead of just being seen like this." Night explained.

Night removed herself from my arms and for the first time in ages, I felt extremely nervous. Even with my time as a living distraction for bullets, I've never felt so nervous since the first time I talked to Zara.

'Its okay, Alex. Just stay calm and accept what happens.' Nathan's words were very comforting, but I still couldn't shake how I felt.

In my moment of freaking out, Rarity had calmly embraced me. "It's good to see you safe, darling." Her words brought me back and I placed my arms around her, being exceptionally careful of her mane and dress.

"Shall we?" I motioned towards the slowly progressing line after the greeting finished.

It didn't take long to reach the front where we greeted Celestia. I was the last to do so.

"It's good to see you in high spirits, Alex." Celestia said as Twilight stood next to her.

"Thanks to you, your highness." I replied with a low bow.

I turned around to keep the line moving, but all I saw was Spike and Night.

"Where did the others go?" I asked.

"Pinkie went to show everypony how to party, Applejack went to set up a stall with all her apple pies, Rainbow went to find the Wonderbolts, Fluttershy went to the gardens to find all the critters, Rarity wanted to get to know this prince fellow and hopefully fall in love sort of thing, and we watched as they took off in different directions." Spike answered, listing off everyone like he knew I was going to ask.

'Wait, where did Applejack have her stall all this time? The carriage was tiny.'

'Good question, why don't we find out.'

'Don't you have more important things to do?

'Procrastination is an important thing.' I thought before walking off to find out how Applejack pulled off a Pinkie Pie. It probably would have been a good idea to ask which direction to go, but I mean where's the fun in that?

I took me a good half hour to find Applejack and sure enough, she was standing behind a small wagon-type-thing that had many pies all over it. I quietly stood behind her and watched as she tried to wave over customers, but all she was doing was driving them off.

"Maybe it's because of the free food inside." I suggested, startling her.

"Darn it, Alex. Why'd ya have to sneak up on me?" I just gave an innocent smile and shrug of my shoulders. She gave a sigh and obviously agreed with me. "I don't know what ah was thinking. Nopony will want to pay for something while there's free food just inside."

I looked off to the ponies around us. There was a significant amount circling one pony...

"Hold that thought. Don't do anything." I said to applejack before walking off.

'How rude.'

'Quiet Nathan, I have a plan.'

I walked over to the popular pony, it was Fancypants and his entourage.

"Ah, Alex my boy." He said, drawing his attention to me. "I had a feeling you might be here." He continued as we shook hands. "Alex, this is Fleur dis Lee, my other half. Fleur, this is Alex, the one who saved me from Blueblood's blade." He said to the mare beside him.

"A pleasure to meet you, Fancy has told me all about you. You have my gratitude." She said as she held out her hand. I have to admit, she looks like a supermodel and sounds like an angel.

'Kiss the back of her hand. It's gentlemanly.

"The pleasure is mine..." I took her hand gently and did as Nathan instructed. "...but if I remember correctly I wouldn't have been able to save him if he hadn't saved me first."

"Such a gentlestallion."

"Believe me, I'm anything but."

"A gentlestallion, modest and good-looking. He's better than you, dear." She said, playfully hitting Fancypants' arm.

'You're too smooth for your own good.'

"On another topic." I started, getting too uncomfortable with the conversation. "Is it just me, or is the food here a little... Dull."

"What do you mean? I think the food is quite suitable." Fancy said with smile that told me he knew exactly what I was talking about.

"Don't get me wrong it's better than anything I could cook, but it lacks any real sensations."

"As I said, very suitable." The three of us laughed and then the majority of ponies around us started laughing as well, which made it very awkward.

"Anyway, there is a young mare over there that has an incredible apple pie. She's selling them for five bits, but if you ask me she should be selling them for twice as much with how good they are." This was my plan. Spread word about Applejack's stall.

"Oh really. I think we may have to try some for our selves." Fancy said, rather loud. I guess he knew what I was trying to accomplish. Fancy and Fleur went over and tried the pies with the whole group following.

"So, Alex. What gave you the opportunity to be here tonight?" Fancy asked as he and Fleur walked up to me with a pie each.

"Well, it's a long and dark story, but I made a very bad mistake with my friend, Rarity. I plan to make it up to her tonight by asking her to dance with me." I explained.

"Aw, that's so sweet. Why can't you be more like that?" Fleur said, insulting Fancy.

"Because, that part of me died when you said 'yes'." Again, the whole group laughed with us.

'And that's why I hate being popular.'

"Anyway, I should go and try find Rarity. I'll see you later, Fancy. It was nice meeting you Fleur." I bid farewell before continuing my quest.

'So now you want find Rarity?'

'Don't hate me cause I'm beautiful.'

I found myself back inside where I bumped into Spike and Night near the drinks table.

"Hello, you two. Are we enjoying ourselves?" I asked, grabbing a random beverage.

"Hey, Alex. No, well I'm not. I was told that all of us would be spending the night together and that's why I agreed to coming, yet I only see three." Spike whinged.

"What about you, Night?" I spoke over my glass as I took sip, but regretted it. I spat the liquid back into the cup and turned around to find the most snobbish mare absolutely ranting about how disgusting the poor are.

"Excuse me miss, would you care for a drink?" She took the offer with not even a glance my way and started drinking. I turned back to my friends and they were trying their hardest not laugh. "Disgusting. Sorry, Night. You were saying."

"You're too funny, Alex. The only reason I'm here is because Twilight offered me a ticket while the others pressured me into coming. I will admit, while it isn't exciting, it is still rather amusing and I don't regret being able to wear this dress." It was a stunning navy blue, strapless dress that had a sparkly floral design twisting up like vines from the bottom. She also had long gloves of the same fabric and colour.

'Perfect time to compliment her appearance.'

"Speaking of, you look very beautiful tonight." Her cheeks lit up like lights and her smile grew twice as big. She struggled to keep eye-contact as she whispered a thank you.

'Perfectly executed.'

'Im so glad you're here.'

"Oh, Spike. Do you remember where Rarity went to?"

"Yeah, she went to find prince... Um. Prince blow... Prince Blue? Prince Blueblood, that's right. Apparently she's got a huge dream with him or something."

My glowing smile faded to a dull frown and my face lost a bit of its colour. 'If he's done anything. I will crush him.'

"Are you okay, Alex?" Spike asked, concern evident.

"Which way?" Spike pointed and Instantly started walking in that direction. My eyes were caught by the windows where I saw Prince Doucheblood and Rarity. My blood thickened at the sight of him.

'Hold on! She looks happy. Remember this is about her, not you.

'*sigh* You're right, I'll take it slow to make sure he's not being a... Him.'

As subtly as I could, I made my way outside and stood in the background as Rarity and another mare competed for the prince’s attention. It was a little amusing to see the glares and smirks being thrown about between the two whenever Blueblood turned away. It wasn't long before the other mare abandoned ship, as much as I wish it was the other way around. This does give me the opportunity to show Rarity what Blueblood really is like, but how?

The two of them were walking somewhere when Blueblood suddenly stopped Rarity, preventing her from treading in a muddy puddle. Seeing this made slivers of doubt cross my mind. 'Maybe he just doesn't like me.' That was until he took Rarity's showl and threw it in the mud with a smug look like he just solved the greatest puzzle. The puddle wasn't even that big, as in: he could have stepped over it, small. Good thing they were coming towards me. At a quick pace, I walked straight at Blueblood with fire in my eyes. It didn't help that Rarity looked incredibly upset by his actions.

I deliberately bumped into him with my shoulder. The unexpected force pushed him backwards and he stepped into the mud. "Oh, sorry. I didn't see you there." I said, feigning sincerity. Blueblood looked down to his hooves, now covered in mud. I quickly threw a wink at Rarity while he wasn't looking. It felt good to see her smile.

"Why, you insolent... You!" His temper boiled over at my presence. "I should have known you would do such a dispicable thing!" Blueblood shouted, gaining the attention of everyone around.

"I said I was sorry and seeings as how you're still in the mud, it would seem you like it." I quipped. A round of hushed whispers and laughter was heard and Blueblood started to go red with anger.

"I will destroy you!" He retorted, stepping out of the mud.

"Such a comeback, but I suppose it's expected. Thinking isn't your strong suit, is it?" His anger grew even further and a bright blue bolt stuck forth with power into my right shoulder, throwing me into a spinning fall. I landed on my stomach and everyone around gasped? There was a hole with burnt edges straight through my clothes revealing my singed skin below. Rarity was quick to my side and helped me up.

Blueblood had cooled off enough to make a comment. "First and only to his side. Miss Rarity, you may have thought we could've been something, but I would never stoop so low as to mate with a whore." He spat the words at the ground below us.

I didn't even need to look at Rarity to know that it was a hard hit. "Rarity, you may want to step back." I quietly said to her.

She gripped my arm and stepping into my view, staring me in the eyes. "Alex, please. You don't need to retaliate. Let's just go." She said, but it fell on deaf ears. I gently pushed her aside and stepped towards Blueblood.

"What are going to do now, dirt?" Blueblood taunted. He felt superior, as if he was the champion, as if everyone was behind and below him, as if he had already won. I was going to show him a wealth of pain he couldn't begin to understand.

'Nope, you're not going demon powers on him. As much as I would love to see it, you can't afford everyone here to fear you.'

'What do want me to do! I'm not walking away after what he said to Rarity!'

'Just knock him about. From the memories i've seen, you should have no trouble.'

"Why don't you find out?" I said though my clenched teeth, raising my fists.

"My fighting talents are not going to be wasted on dirt like you."

"All bark and no bite! You're a coward!" I shouted out and everyone that had now formed a circle around us gasped again.

"I am no coward!" He shouted, firing another blue bolt at me. This time a saw it coming and slipped underneath. That was when the crowd learned they will also need to stay on their toes.

Another bolt and I pivoted to the side as it skimmed past. Every time I dodged, I stepped closer and closer to him. He was getting more frustrated and his shots became more erratic and less accurate, some I didn't even need to dodge. One did hit me in chest and dropping me to a knee. ‘A little rusty, let's shake that off.’

He celebrated his hit and turned to the audience, enough time for me to stand and recover. He turned back to me and shot another bolt.

'You’d think he would learn to try different spells.'

This time as I slipped below, I was close enough to throw a quick jab at his ribs. He recoiled from it but quickly sent a knee in my direction. I roughly managed to get my hands in the way, but hurt my wrist from the impact.

He threw a punch that was reenforced with magic and hit my guard. It sent me off balance with a very saw arm. ‘okay, this isn't the same as boxing.’

He charged his horn longer than the bolts before took, so a quick jab to his stomach made him lose his focus, which was followed with a right hook to his jaw. I was a little surprised at how quickly he recovered, and I payed for it in the form of a bloodied nose.

He went for a wide swing and I ducked below it before sent a strong hook into his kidney as he spun around .It slowed him down a lot and I released all hell upon him as he quickly turned back to face the threat. A quick left jab to his nose, another to chest, a right jab to his stomach, a quick left hook to his underarm, a strong right jab to his chin, a right low right hit to his stomach, while he buckled over a huge right uppercut and it was lights out. His head snapped backwards and he slammed into the ground hard. The best part was that he landed in the mud.

'Atta boy. That’s how it's done!'

The crowd was shocked at the outcome. No one was doing anything until there was a single pony loudly clapping. I turned to see who it was and saw good ol' Fancypants.

“Jolly good show, chap!” He called out and soon everyone was clapping. I had little time to revel in it because I was too busy nursing my aching knuckles. A guard came over and gave me an approving nod before picking up the sleeping prince and carrying him off the the infirmary.

‘It appears I'm not the only one that hates Doucheblood.’

The applause died off as I walked over to Rarity. She didn't look to happy with me. “Alex, I told you not to retaliate… But I am glad you controlled, you know.” It didn't seem like she was glad, but the way she stood there with her arms crossed and a sour but cute look across her face put me in a trance.

“I'm sorry, but I couldn't just stand idly by while he insulted you in such a way.” Her demeanour was released and she seemed a bit brighter before wrapping me in a hug.

“I'm still mad at you for fighting.” She said as she let go. We headed inside and the ponies that witnessed were all having a laugh and a good chat about their enjoyment of the fight. “Come, let’s find the others. I'm sure they would love to know what has transpired tonight.”

Upon entering, the whole gala was in shambles, animals were running wild and guests were running and screaming. Something caught my eye as it was launched into the air. I looked up and saw a very large cake coming straight for us. Reactions took hold and I shoved Rarity out of the way.

*Squish*

I stared off into space as my lovely suit was now covered in cake. I felt something on my cheek and I lazily looked to my side to see Rarity with a finger in her mouth. I looked down and saw that my lovely suit was actually a lovely, cake covered suit that was singed and filled with holes.

'Ah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! It's always you!'

“Come on, you. Let's see if the others are okay.” I said, pulling Rarity from her giggling.

Easily enough, we found the five girls with Night standing at the entrance and we joined them, but very much a few moments too soon. No joke, as soon as I took my last step, the entire ‘party’ was staring daggers at us. I started having a mini panic attack before I heard Celestia, whom was standing next to Twilight, whisper “run.” and I was gone. I didn't even look back to see if the others were following. I was, however, nice enough to wait for them at the castle gates. It didn't take long for them to catch up and they did have a good laugh at my cakey goodness.

“Did you jump into the cake or something?” Rainbow managed to say while almost collapsing.

“Other way around. Hey where's Spike?” I asked.

“He said he was going somewhere called Doughnut Joe’s before I joined Applejack in some dancing.” Night answered.

‘Oh shit! That's what I was supposed to do.’

'I think you have a pretty good excuse.'

‘I’ll just have to come up with somethjng else.’

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

“You did what!” The seven shouted in disbelief as Rarity told the story of how I knocked out Prince Blueblood. There were a few twists that Rarity added that weren't exactly true like how took all of his hits without a flinch, but I let her story be her’s.

“I can't believe you actually knocked out a prince. That's so cool.” Spike said.

“I still don't understand what provoked you.” Twilight questioned.

“Simple. I don't like it when people insult those I care about… That and we've had a few encounters earlier.” I replied, taking a bite from my doughnut.

“You taste delicious!” Pinkie exclaimed before trailing her tongue along the side of my face. Everyone laughed at my displeased expression.

“What happened earlier? If you don't mind me asking?” Fluttershy questioned.

I told them about the first time I met Doucheblood in the throne room, the second time in the dinning hall, and the third time in the ball room. Just as I finished, there was a small ringing that sounded off indicating more customers. We all looked over to see none other than Celestia and Luna.

“How are my little ponies?” Celestia asked. I stood and gestured for one of the princesses to take my seat in the booth we had, which Luna took. I walked over to another table and grabbed two chairs: one for Celestia, the other for me.

Everyone answered with apologies, Twilight continuing further until she was cut off. “It's okay, Twilight. In fact, tonight was the best gala in years.” Looks of confusion filled the room. “The gala started out with the idea of being a large gathering where the main focus was on the clothes and dancing, it was also a diplomatic hotspot. But in recent times it has just turned to nobles flaunting their wealth.”

'So what was the deal with Autumn Swirl?' Nathan asked.

‘What do you mean?’

'When you ran in on that one mare, she said something about changelings.'

‘You don't know what they are?

'I’ve never come across them before, what are they?'

‘I was hoping you would know.’

“Excuse me, Celestia.” I said, interrupting the story of the fight.

“Yes.”

“What's a changeling?” The group, minus Night who seemed uncomfortable, gave me strange looks.

“What brings this topic?”

“When that mare came to escort me to the ball room, she said something about changelings but I didn't know what they were.” I explained.

“Which mare?” Celestia asked.

“Autumn Swirl. The maid you sent.” Things were getting spooky.

“I didn't send a maid, I thought you knew the way to the ball room. When did she mention changelings?” Spooky.

“Where we were not far from the entrance. There was this gross flash and when I went to investigate, it turned out to be someone changing. When we were leaving I said there was something about the flash and she was way too fast to say, and I quote: ‘Well it couldn't possibly be a changeling’.”

“Sister, when the horizon seems dim.” Luna said cryptically.

“Follow the light of the queen.” Celestia said, just as cryptically

“Can someone please fill me in?”

I was told about what changelings are, what they do, and how they feed. I felt like a dick for laughing when they said they feed on love, but in all fairness, I was expecting them to be blood thirsty beasts that feed on the hearts of ponies… Bad example, but I'm sure you know what I mean.

'Alex, get to the castle now!' Nathan Shouted at me.

‘what?’

'Get fucking moving!' I stood up and bolted out the door without warning.

“What's this about, Nathan!” I yelled while running the short distance to the castle.

'Every guard you've passed, I've been putting tabs on.'

“What!”

'It lets me know when a guard has come across anything of interest.'

“Where are you going with this!” Two stallions gave me funny looks as I seemingly shouted to myself upon entering the castle.

'Left! One guard you passed this morning… Right! Has lit up like a fire in a field of dry kindling. '

“Why! What's he seen!”

'Stop! We’ll find out once you open that door directly on your left.'

I grabbed the door knob and lightly twisted. My nerves were going haywire, my mind was spinning, and my breathing was heavy with the run.

I swallowed everything away and shoved open the door, charging in…

Author's Note

Wooooooo! New chapter up!

Huge thanks to CommanderWolfe for editing my 'inferrier speleen abilete!'

Hope you all enjoy!

Sincerely

-Note