My eye lids rose then fell. They rose then fell again as I drifted back into the realm of the awake. I was being dragged through the streets of Canterlot, I could see the castle up ahead.

"Shit, he's bucking heavy." One of the guards dragging me whined. A low groan was forced out of my throat from the pounding headache plaguing me.

"Hey, he's coming to!" That other guard dragging me shouted out to someone.

With my eyes half closed, I felt a sharp but weak pain in my left cheek, followed by my right as I was slapped to get me awake.

"Hey. Can you walk?" I recognised the voice as Shining Armor's.

"Argh... Yeah." I positioned my feet below me and pushed myself up. I was able to stand for a second before fumbling and falling towards my right. Luckily there was a guard who caught me and helped me stand up again.

"Twilight explained who you are and what you're doing here... Not that I buy it. We're escorting you to the castle now..." He turned around and started walking, but turned back around "... And, I guess I should apologise for what happened back at the station. It was needlessly aggressive."

"Well I guess I could've reacted a bit better as well." He smiled and patted me on the shoulder. We started walking towards the castle. There were seven guards tightly surrounding me, and Shining Armor was leading the way. I glanced down at my hands and saw they were cuffed in a pinkish red aura. "Mind if we ditch the cuffs?" My words fell on deaf ears as they all ignored me. I made sure I sent a glare at every single one of them. What made my day, though, was that one of the guards behind me made eye contact and he started shitting bricks. That's when I noticed something was different. "Uh. Hey, where's Twilight?" This time I got a response.

"She's gone ahead to talk to the princesses in private... and because your weight was slowing us down." Even if Shining Armor wasn't looking at me, I'm sure he knew I was giving him the 'really' look.

It felt like an eternity for us to get to the castle. I could feel the eyes of everyone we passed burning holes in my very soul and with no way of getting out of sight, I lowered my head trying to hide in the circle of guards. Finally making it to the castle, I couldn't help but look around and marvel at the impressive structure. With towers that seemed to pierce the sky and purple and gold accenting the white stone, it was truly the most breath taking building I had every laid my eyes on... but the outside couldn't hold a candle to the throne room.

Shining Armour shoved the doors open with way more force than needed, gaining the attention of everyone inside, which was five: Twilight, two guards standing beside a set of stairs that led to two thrones which were occupied by two mares. My guess placed them the princesses... and the fact that they're sitting on thrones. It turned out the castle wasn't the only thing that held a breath taking view.

As I was led towards the thrones, the guards around me made their way into two rows behind me, three in the front and four behind. The four guards at the back stopped half way leaving me, Shining Armor, and three other guards to approach the dais.

Stopping behind Shining Armor, I watched him as he dropped to one knee with his head lowered, I glanced back to see the guards doing the same. 'Oh, a bow. I should probably do that too.' As I was about to drop down one of the princesses rose her hand and they all stood back up. 'Whoops, too late.' Being closer, I could get a better view of their appearance. The princess on the right had pristine, white fur and a very attention-catching mane. It had a mix of blue, pink, light purple and green. The attention-catching part, especially for me, was that it was gently blowing in a breeze that wasn't there. Why does that feel so familiar? She had a white, silky dress that ran down her figure like shaped glass. The other princess was almost the opposite, in a silky black dress, dark blue fur, and a mane that looked like she had taken a piece of the night sky and fused it into her hair. Damn... just keep your eyes on theirs and don't let it drop below the neck. You can do this, Alex... I hope. I had to admit it, they were very attractive even if they were half horse.

The white one sat forward when she noticed I didn't bow, I'm not sure if I should be worried or not. "Shining Armor, can you please explain to me why you were at the train station?" It's very unnerving to hear such a soft and gentle voice hiding aggravation. It was quite obvious she wasn't happy about what Twilight had told her.

"I received a letter detailing a 'weird changeling' on the train arriving from Ponyville."

"Are you aware that you have a guest of Equestria in binds?" Shining Armor was sweating bullets. It almost made the trouble worth it.

"He rendered one of my best guards unconscious. I didn't want to run the risk of him injuring more." Her gaze fell upon me and my entire body froze up on its own , but all of a sudden it felt like she was wrapping me with a warm blanket on a cold night.

"I'm sure this is just a misunderstanding, but if you would mind telling why this guard is unconscious it would be greatly appreciated." It was at this point my hands were freed from their glowing prison.

"Uh... I was acting in self defence?" Hey, what do you know, I'm on the right road to fucking up these first impressions as well. Go figure.

Apparently the guard behind me didn't like how I was acting. There was a blunt pain that suddenly hit the back of my knee. 'They really like this move.' The guard used the back of his spear, and slammed it into my leg, making me fall to one knee.

"Bow to the prince... GARGH," with a mighty swing, I launched myself out of my crouching position and used all my upward momentum to spin and slam my fist into the bottom of his chin. His head snapped back and fell to the floor holding his face with both hands, groaning as he rolled around in pain. I slowly raise my hands and turned back around after seeing every guard present hold their weapons in my direction, however, both princesses were still seated and calm. The midnight blue one even had a small smirk on her face, obviously she was enjoying the show.

"That answers that question." I heard the white princess mutter.

Time to talk my way out of this one. "I sincerely apologise, your royal highnesses, but where I come from, presenting yourself on one knee is very offensive as well as demeaning to yourself." I could not be talking any more shit if I tried, but I put on the straightest face I could, stared at my toes and prayed to any one or thing that would listen for them to buy it.

On the inside, I was dying. There was a short silence which felt like years. "I understand. With you being of another world, you must have different customs and we shouldn't expect you to know ours or force them on you, In fact, I would very much like to hear of your world." The two standing guards picked up their friend and headed out the doors, my guess to a doctor. 'I should too, it feel's like I broke my hand.'

"I don't see why I couldn't share a few things about my world."

"Shining Armor, you may leave us now. I will speak to you about this soon." He did as told and left after a quick glare my way. Something tells me we don't have the most positive of relationships. I watched as he stormed out of the throne room, along with his entourage.

Twilight walked over to my side "I'm really sorry about my brother, Alex. He's captain of the Royal guard and takes his job very seriously."

"It's fine, no one got hurt... except for those two guys." I subconsciously reached up and rubbed the side of my head where Shining Armour had struck me. That damned headache still plaguing me.

"Are you feeling alright?" The white princess asked, having noticed my discomfort.

"I'm good. Just helped Shining Armor make sure his sword was in one piece."

The darker princess looked at me with confusion. "With thine head?"

"Shining Armor knocked Alex out with his pommel." Twilight explained dramatically.

"Thou haveth an amusing way with words. Though, a blow to thine head is no laughing matter. Perhaps it be wise you lay down and rest."

"My sister is right. We can talk when you're feeling a little better, Alex. A maids will show you to your room." As if on cue a young mare appeared from one of the side doors.

"Your majesties." She said with a small curtsy. But what had my attention was the stereotypical maid outfit she was wearing, only the skirt was far shorter than it needed to be but still long enough for it not to fall under lingerie. It was also very revealing around the chest. Something I noticed very quickly and continued to notice for a longer time than needed.

"Please show Alex to his prepared room." Celestia instructed.

"Of course..." The maid turned towards Alex and Twilight "... Follow me." She walked passed us and over to the main doors where she turned back and waited for us to follow.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The rooms weren't that far from the throne room... I think. My attention was continuously drawn to other things, so I wasn't entirely sure. I tried to fight it, but it was a battle I wasn't winning.

We came to a stop at one of the few doors in this hallway. "Master Alex, this is the room that has been prepared for you." The maid said before opening the door and leading us into a decently sized living area. On the left were two large, white sofas and a dark grey arm chair around a short, wooden coffee table. On the right was a small bench that had cupboards underneath and a single sink in the centre. It was like an apartment, way more than what I was expecting. I was expecting it to be just be a bedroom, maybe a bathroom. 'Hell. This is already bigger than my house back home.'

"Uh. You don't have to worry about the whole 'master' or 'mister' thing with me, I'm not important enough for that. Alex is just fine."

"Of course, Alex. Your bedroom is through the door on the left..." The maid said, pointing to one of two doors at the far side of the room. "... and the bathroom is through the door on the right. Either myself or one of the other maids will come in to swap laundry and tidy your guest quarters every morning as well." She turned to Twilight, who I had forgotten was there. "Miss Sparkle, All of the rooms along this hall have been prepared for everyone."

"Thanks, I'll sort everyone out when they get here." Twilight replied. The maid was about to leave before I stopped her.

"Excuse me, I don't think I caught your name."

"My name is, Feather Duster." 'how fitting'

"Well, see ya round." I said while she turned and walked out.

"Okay, Alex. You should try to get some sleep." Twilight started pushing me towards the bedroom.

"I'm fine, honestly." I protested.

"You might be, but we shouldn't risk you running around with a concussion. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go have a very, very long chat with my brother." There was something about the way she said that, that sent shivers down my spine. I sort of felt sorry for him. "Have a good rest, Alex." Twilight said as she was leaving my room.

"You too." There was silence as the two of us just stared at each other, comprehending my 'big dumb'. "I'm just gonna walk off a cliff." I said, embarrassment plastered over my face. Twilight smiled at my antics before she shut the door behind her. 'You fucking idiot. You too?.'

I went into my bedroom. It was pretty big. There was a queen size bed in the centre of the left side wall and had a bed side table on each side. In front of me was glass door leading to a small balcony. On the right side was a large dresser with large mirror on top of it.

"Let's see. Rest, rest, rest... Rest doesn't always have to be sleeping." I went out onto the balcony. It was over looking the castle gardens and was a lot higher up than I thought it was. 'hmm. I don't remember going up any stairs... Wait. Yes I do. I almost got an up skirt view of Feather Duster... I am such a fucking perv.' But then again you can't blame me for what she was wearing.

It was such an amazing view. (The balcony, not the maid) And with a slight breeze, It felt so calm. Beyond the gardens below was a waist high wall that had a huge drop off the side of the mountain and out to the rest of Equestria. I must have been out there for a good twenty minutes or so before I went back inside from some slight dizziness. I closed the glass door and looked at the bed. "Oh man, that bed is ripe for the jumping." Since I was a guest in a princess' castle, I decided against it. That and that if I did start jumping, I just knew fate would make an example of me and bring a thousand years of bad luck on me. Feeling mature and sensible, I just laid down under the white covers and did my best to sleep.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Twlight POV

"How Could You Treat Him In Such A Way!?" I was really angry with Shining, as was Celestia. We were in one of the private meeting rooms because of the soundproofing enchantment. In the room was myself, Celestia, Luna and Shining, who was going to get the scolding of a life time.

"How Was I Supposed To Know He Was Who He Is, Twilight!" Shining retorted

"He Looks Almost Exactly The Same As A Stallion! You Can't Just Arrest Him And Call It A Day!" I shouted. I really wasn't going to have any excuses from him.

"Only He's Completly Different From A Stallion! I'm Captain Of The Guard, This Is What My Job Entails!" He shouted back.

"ENOUGH! You two should know better than to shout at each other like this." Celestia intervened with a voice louder than both of ours. "Now, Twilight, I understand you're upset, but I shouldn't need to remind you that this is a discussion between me and my captain." I lowered my head in shame. It always hurts when she points out my mistakes. "Now. Shining, this does not excuse you from you actions."

"But, princess, he attacked first." A childish excuse from someone like Shining

"Only because your guards were pointing their weapons at us!" I said with as much venom as I could muster

"We got a report about a possible changeling on the train, I couldn't just ignore it!"

"Shining, I did inform you that there was a new being arriving via train at one in the afternoon." Celestia seemed to have shut him down with this. He went to say something but didn't, either because he didn't want to upset the princesses or he couldn't make up any more excuses. "You were under orders from myself, that extra guards were not to be at the station as not to alarm ponies to Alex's presence." Shining knew he was in the wrong now. "You have disobeyed a direct order. Because of this you will have one week of extra duties." There was a short pause before she continued. "What's done is now in the past, Luckly, nopony was killed. You are dismissed, Captain." Shining gave a salute before leaving the room. Once door was closed again Celestia released a heavy sigh and turned to Luna, who I only just noticed was very quiet the whole time, and seemed to be a little distant. "Now we have to deal with the numerous concerned citizens about a changeling in Canterlot." Celestia said before noticing what I had about Luna. "Luna, are you okay?" There was no response. Luna just kept looking at the ground while holding her arms.

"Princess Luna?" I tried to get her attention, but still no response.

Celestia placed her hand on her sister's shoulder. "Lulu?" Luna snapped out of her trance and saw all of our concern looks.

"We are sorry if we concerned thou. There is just something we can't stop thinking about." Luna replied with a mix of worry and sadness.

"What is it, sister?" Celestia coaxed.

Luna gave a deep sigh. "The previous week, our first full night back as ourself. We sensed somepony was having a nightmare. We went into the dream to dispel of the bad. Only when we got in, We couldn't use our magic... as if it wasn't there."

"Was it a memory or something?" I asked

"No, we are certain it was a dream. The place was a twisted, dark and terrible building of sorts. It seemed to consist only of long halls and we felt as though we were inferior and afraid."

"Do you know who's dream this was, sister?"

"We started to search for the pony whom was suffering. When we were searching, we heard voices in the distance. One male, one female. We started to hear screeching and screaming also. When we got close, we saw a stallion kneeling down and trapped amongst a mess on the floor. There was a mare standing over him."

"Who was the stallion?" I queried

"It was Alex." When Luna said Alex's name I suddenly remembered AJ telling me how he woke up screaming his first night at the farm, also how he was quite distant all week.

"What do you mean he was stuck in a mess?" Celestia asked.

"We mean he was stuck in a mass of bloody body parts and other gore. What was very frightening to us though was that the female knew we were there. She called out to us. Then everything changed to a dark room with a single, bright light over a table that Alex was strapped to and the female was standing over him with a large knife." Luna was staring to choke on her words now, as if it was getting worse than blood and body parts trapping somepony. "She called out to us again. About begging and us watching..." Tears were threatening to fall from Luna's eyes. but I could see she was straining to hold it back. "She started to drag the knife over his body without doing any damage at first. But then she stared to cut into him, we couldn't turn away. He was screaming and begging for her to stop, but she wouldn't heed his pleas." Luna took a moment to regain her composure and clear away the tears that broke through. Celestia was comforting Luna. I wasn't sure what to do, I didn't know this side of the princesses existed. Once Luna had gained a bit more control she continued. "It had come to the point where Alex had been flayed, however, he was still awake. He was still in his nightmare. We couldn't close our eyes or turn away. We could only watch."

"Oh dear, I had no idea his nightmare was so bad." I stated. Hearing about what he actually went through almost made me want to throw up. 'I think I need to talk to the girls about this.'

"Twlight, how did he act once he had awoken?" Celestia asked me.

"Well he kept to himself a lot around the farm, but I just thought that he was upset being away from his home. Applejack would know more than me, She looks after him most days." I replied.

"We were able to rejoin Alex in his dream scape earlier this day." Luna spoke up. "It was quite strange to see him have something so calming after such a disturbing nightmare only one week prior. Normally such a nightmare would have a recurring effect. Alex, however, had no dreams until earlier this day. It was a warm beach at night, though, we were not able to use our magic to teleport ourself to him again, we were only able to walk. Unfortunately he awoke before we could converse."

'*gasp* that must've been on the train when I woke him about the goats.'

"Perhaps this is something Alex could better explain to us." Celestia proposed.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Alex POV

I love it when you go to sleep and don't dream. I feel like I can control time itself with a blink of my eyes. That's what I've just experienced, waking up from my little nap. Everything seemed so great: I was on the most comfy bed I've every been on, I had a wonderful sleep, and I felt the most relaxed I had since I was eight years old. My only issue right now is that bastard in the sky that everyone calls the sun. It was setting outside my window, where it's orange, red and yellow rays were assaulting my eyes.

I got off the bed and rose to my feet, then stumbled over to the balcony. Sometime during my slumber I had taken off my hoodie and shirt. There was a beautiful, warm wind brushing against my torso and face. The sunset was very spectacular, though.

There was a knock at the door, but I didn't hear it. Too lost in my own thoughts and the view, I was unable to hear the second knock. The door was opened slightly. "Alex? Darling, are you awake?" Without getting a response, Rarity walked into my living room followed by Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy.

"Maybe he's not in here." Fluttershy suggested.

They saw my bedroom door open and went to investigate. At this time, I had felt like I'd had my sufficient amount of sunset watching and returned inside.

Rarity, Rainbow and Fluttershy had all entered my room and seen the empty bed. "Well, he isn't in here. I think Fluttershy might be right." Rainbow said.

I opened the door for the balcony and walked into my room. Of course, I was a little surprised to see the three mares there and didn't click that I wasn't wearing a shirt. We sort of just stared at each other for a few seconds before I spoke up. "Hey girls, what's up?"

"We came to... Ahem... See how you were doing, and see if you would be accompanying us to dinner." Rarity answered.

"And it seems you're doing pretty well." I had no idea why rainbow said it like that or with a flick of her eyebrows. Then I realised I didn't have a shirt on. I might be a little self-conscious about my body appearance. I think I look pretty good, nice and defined, not that I'd ever admit it to anyone, but I do pose in front of the mirror. What guy doesn't? But I hate it when I don't have clothes on around others.

"Oh shit, I'm sorry. I didn't realise I wasn't wearing a shirt." I quickly turned and picked up my white t-shirt off the floor and put it on. In my haste to cover up, I fumbled a bit and got my arm stuck. I had my back to the girls as I tried to put my shirt on, but I was losing the fight. I could hear rainbow trying to hold in her laughter. It made me all flustered and I didn't think about my next move very clearly. It went a little like this. 'You know what, Fuck you shirt.' With a big shove, I forced my arm into the sleeve. *Riiiiip*. I made a giant tear over the shoulder and down the side. For Rainbow, that was the final straw. She burst out in a fit of laughter. "It always happens to me." I mumbled while looking at my toes.

"Don't worry yourself about it, Darling. I can easily fix that for you by tomorrow." Rarity offered.

"Thanks, Rarity." I said in an embarrassed tone.

"What was that on your back? Was it your cutie mark?... If you don't mind me asking, that is." Fluttershy asked, but shied away after, as if she had offended me or something.

"That's an odd place for a cutie mark." Rarity added.

"What? No. At least I don't think so... What's a cutie mark?" All three of them seemed a little confused that I didn't know what a cutie mark was, until I reminded them that I'm from another world. Then they explained to me what it was, and that it defines a pony's talent.

"Uh. No it's not a cutie mark. It's a tattoo." This time it was my turn to know something they didn't. So I explained to them about a needle injecting ink into my skin, and used to draw a permanent picture.

"Why would anypony want to do such a thing." Rarity seemed a little disgusted by the process.

"Yeah, it sounds like it hurts." Rainbow added.

"It hurts like a bitch. But generally when people get them, they're symbolic of something; maybe names, or tradition, mine is symbolic... Only I didn't ask for it." Instantly, I regretted saying that last part. I could see they were about to ask why I had it if I didn't want it, but that was a story for another time. During the discussion I had put on my hoodie. And yes I did manage to do it without tearing it in half. "I think we should get to dinner, don't want to be late for the princesses now do we." My attempt at avoiding their questions was successful, but I could just tell it was going to brought up again.

On the way to the dinning room I asked the three girls what they plan to do while they're in Canterlot. Rainbow wanted to find a really good place to 'chillax' and wanted to go to a Wonderbolts merchandise store. When I asked what Wonderbolts were, I got a lengthy explanation about the best flyers in equestria and so on, It was a little difficult to keep pace with how fast the words were getting slung at me. Fluttershy wanted to spend as much time as possible in the Canterlot gardens with all the animals, and Rarity wanted to go shopping and hopes to meet this prince guy while around the castle. Something, something, dream boat.

The four of us came to these big doors, a common occurrence around here, and went through them. Inside was a really large table and a smaller door on the far side of the room. The table was covered in a very large, white cloth that dropped down to the point where it was almost touching the floor. It also had about twelve seats around it, five on each side and one at each end. Celestia was occupying the head, Twilight and Luna were sitting beside her, Pinkie was next to Twilight, and Applejack next to her, and Spike was next to Luna.

Fluttershy sat down next to Spike, Rainbow sat next to Fluttershy, Rarity went next to Rainbow, and I sat next to Applejack. As I did so, I noticed the three at the far end giving me a weird look. Not the kind of look you give someone you don't like, just a look you give someone you know has secrets, which sort of got me worried because I do have secrets... apparently, not anymore.

We all started idly chatting to one another about other things, which slowly formed into one big conversation.

"So, Alex. How come you have that tattoo?" Rainbow asked, maybe a little louder than I would have preferred, but shit happens.

"What's a 'tattoo'?" Twilight gained everyone's attention and now they were all waiting for an explanation. Rainbow beat me to it though.

"It's a permanent picture that's drawn under somepony's skin, by a needle that stabs you really fast."

"Why would anypony go 'n do that?" Applejack asked.

"Why would somepony want a 'tattoo', Alex?" Celestia turned all attention to me again.

"Well. People get them for many different reasons. It could be symbolic, it could be tradition, a lot of people get them just for fun."

"That doesn't sound very fun." Pinkie stated.

"So why did you get yours?" Twilight asked.

"Well... Um...' I went silent for a moment, thinking if I should tell the truth or lie. "It's a long story, It has a lot of meaning behind it. It's like my family tree mixed with a few personal things, type of deal... does that make sense?" I ended up lying because I thought it would make things easier. I don't think they'd understand the whole crush others to get ahead kind of world I'm from.

"Not really, that barely explains anything." Rainbow complained.

"."

"."

"Oh, oh. Do you like cupcakes!?" Pinkie practically screamed at me.

"That... Was a lot faster than I thought it would happen, but, I guess. Last time I had a cupcake was, uh, about sixteen years ago for my sixth birthday... It was the last gift my mom gave me before she died." I said that last part quietly and with my head hung, but everyone still heard it. Pinkie didn't press on about cupcakes and everyone else went quiet. "Huh, so much for happier things. Oh well. Let's see, why doesn't everyone tell me a little about themselves, I still don't know very much much." Me turning my mood so quickly caught everyone off guard so I had to push it a little. "Rarity, why do start then we can go around the table clockwise."

"Oh. Okay... I run the Carousel Boutique and design fashionable garments for all ponies. You need to stop by soon so we can get you some more clothes." Then she let out a small gasp in realisation. "Or you can come shopping with me tomorrow and we can pick something out." She said that with a lot of enthusiasm and I really didn't want to crush that.

"Um. Sure, why not." I didn't see the harm in it, and I don't know, I feel like I could wander the streets, no worries.

"Splendid! I know exactly where we can go."

Everyone turned to Rainbow. "Your turn." I said.

"Me, I'm the fastest flyer in all of Equestria, captain of the Poyville weather team, the only pony who can perform a sonic rainboom, aaand future Wonderbolt." Rainbow proudly exclaimed

"Yah hope." Applejack added.

Rainbow gave an embarrassed chuckle. "Yeah, that. But once they see how awesome I am, they're bound to let me in."

Applejack lent over and whispered to me "she's also very modest." we both laughed and Rainbow saw.

"What's so funny?" She didn't seem too please with use laughing

"You really want to know?" She nodded. "Alright I'll tell you... One word."

"Hurry up already." She demanded.

"Sarcasm." My vagueness made Applejack laugh even harder, and the sheer anti-climatic side of it made everyone else laugh... Except rainbow. "I'm sorry Rainbow."

"Nah, it's cool, but I'll remember this." well shit

Next was fluttershy's turn. It didn't go so well because I couldn't hear her, but I really couldn't bring myself to ask her to speak up. So instead, I played it cool and smooth. And this time I'm serious. "Really? That's so cool." Everyone knew perfectly well that I couldn't hear her, but caught on to what I was doing. I was trying to get her to feel more confident and maybe she would speak up a bit. I also noticed that it brought a smile to Celetia's face. hell yeah, making good impression for the princess.

My plan worked like a charm. She ended up telling me about how she's had many animals come to her cottage from the everfree, and how ponies will go to her if their pets are sick. So I put two and two together and guessed that she's a vet or something.

I looked to spike and he started his story. "I'm a dragon, as you know..." Fuck Yeah, I do! "... I help Twilight run the library. That's pretty much it."

"There's got to more, I mean your a dragon." I couldn't believe that he's a dragon and that's all he does.

"Um, I can send letters by burning them." Now that's what I'm talking about, magical fire breath.

"What? but wouldn't it just turn to ash?"

"Nope, I'll show you." He picked up is napkin and, with a shallow and lazy breath, a green fire shot out and set the napkin ablaze. It turned into a small, sparkly mist that floated over to Celestia, then reformed into a napkin, which she caught in her magic and floated it back over to spike.

"Woah, that's so cool."

It was Luna's turn and I could see she didn't know what to say. "You don't have to say anything if you don't want to, Princess."

"Words elude. We are unaware of what to say." This is actually the first time I've heard Luna talk.

"Just start with what you do." I suggested.

"We are co-ruler of Equestria, and princess of the night." hmm, spooky

"Um, so, what does 'princess of the night' mean?" I was a little hesitant in asking because I really, really don't want to say anything bad.

"We are called that because we raise and lower the moon. The same as our sister raising and lowering the sun." Luna almost seemed a bit quizzical that I didn't know about raising and lowering the moon. Me, on the other hand, was completly confused.

"I'm sorry, did you say that you control the moon?"

"We did."

"And you control the sun?" I said looking at Celestia. She gave me a nod as her response. "As in, the giant orbs in the sky?" They both nodded. "The sun and the moon?" Again, they nodded. The other seven were stifling giggles and I could see both princesses were amused by my astonishment. "No shit..." and you just swore infront of royalty. Well fucking played dickhead. I thought while mentally clapping. "Uh. uh. uh. Excuse my language princess Celestia and princess Luna." I was panicking. Everyone started laughing, including the princesses.

"It's okay, Alex, you can relax. And you don't have to worry about using our titles in private." Whew. Finally I can catch a break... In private eh?

In my moment of relief, the door at the back of the room opened up and several servants walked through with large, silver platters. They each placed the platters on the table, infront of each person/pony and lifted the cover to reveal cooked vegetables.

It is refreshing to have something that isn't apples, but the food granny cooks never gets tiring. A brief flash of sadness crossed my face at the lack of meat, but I don't know how any one will react to me being an omnivore, even if I've never eaten and never will eat pony. Celestia noticed the flash of sadness, but knew it was something she would need to ask me alone.

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Dinner went on with everyone talking and eating and having a good time. Celestia and Luna excused themselves early to go lower the sun and raise the moon, something I really wanted to see. The princesses leaving coaxed everyone else to finish as well. The seven of us got up and left the dinning room to retire for the night. After we left, I made haste over to the nearest window just in time to see the sun and moon moving unnaturally fast beyond and above the horizon. To say I was impressed would be an understatement.

When I got to my room, I bid everyone goodnight and went inside. Due to the nap I took earlier I wouldn't be able to sleep for a while, so instead I went and sat on the right side of the railing on my balcony with my back against the wall, my left leg hanging over the edge and my right leg stretched out on the railing. It was very peaceful, and without a dome, the night sky was absolutely astonishing. I could see countless stars and different kinds of reds, purples, blues and yellows among galaxies, and the moon was so bright and large...

"Can't sleep?" The voice beside me snapped me out of my thoughts. I turned to see Celestia standing at the door. "Excuse me for coming in without permission, but I have something I needed to ask you."

"No, it's absolutely fine." She walked over, I bent my leg up so she could sit on the balcony with me, only she had her feet on the floor. "What's up?"

"During dinner, I noticed you didn't seem pleased with the meal." She started.

"Oh, not at all, it was delicious."

"We both know that's not what I mean. There's something about you that you haven't told anypony."

"*sigh* You're right. It's just I'm afraid of how everyone will react."

"If it helps, you can tell me and I will tell you how everypony will react." I know she telling the truth, I can see it in her eyes.

"I... I... I don't know how to explain it." I just opened my mouth to reveal my pearly whites. I could see she recoiled a bit seeing my teeth, she instantly knew that I was a meat eater.

"That's the exact reaction I was afraid of..." my head dropped. "...Then it leads to either everyone running from me, or rejecting me."

"Alex..." Celestia reached out and placed her hand on my knee. "... You are not the first we have come across that eats meat. Gryphons can also. You haven't shown any sign of wanting to prey on my little ponies thus far, so I see nothing wrong with you. You don't eat ponies do you?" Her words were very comforting, I could feel the worries melting away.

"Never have, never will. I guess I was just working it up in my head. Thanks Celestia." After saying that, I came to realise something and buried my head in my hands. "Oh my god... That is probably the most clichè thing I've ever said." In response, Celestia smiled and stood up. "Oh well..." I was about to use one of the things I love to say.

"All's well that ends well." Did she just steal my line? the worst part was that she gave me this look of triumph before there was a bright flash and she was gone.

"I feel violated."

Author's Note

Chapters are getting longer now, Yay!

Thanks to: Frankie2 for some help mid way through the chapter.

Also, you may have noticed that I skipped over the definition of a cutie mark. I just feel like it's common knowledge and throughout most fics I've read, they say the same thing and it gets tiring. So yeah, theres the reason if you were wondering.