Fugue - Volume 1

"We do not see what the issue is," Luna stated nonchalantly. "You were wearing underwear. Why would you be embarrassed this time?"

"Two reasons!" Huey argued. "Firstly, the servant was a mare. Secondly, I was in only my underwear!"

"Exactly!" Luna fired back. "You were in your underwear! Therefore, you were not nude!"

"Th-That's not the..." Huey began before facepalming and sighing in defeat. "Look, it's also considered a social faux-pas to be seen in your underwear by those you are not romantically involved with. I didn't say that before, that's my fault."

"You humans truly are strange," Luna mused. "Not only do you prefer to cover your body, you also wear clothes underneath your clothes. Weird."

"Yeah, it kind of is if you're part of a species that walks around nude and proud everyday," Huey remarked. "Still, I'm going to make sure I get lots of clothes! It's bad enough I woke up... You know... Next to you. Having to then try and give orders to a servant, while attempting to cover myself up, is just rubbing salt in the wound."

Luna shook her head and rolled her eyes. The pair had descended down a long, winding set of stairs that lead to the basement of Canterlot Castle. It had been chosen as the perfect location for both the dungeons and The Royal Equestrian Exchequer, also known as "The Treasury", which was their destination.

"By the way, how did things go with Celestia?"

"Our sister was most delighted to hear that we wish to venture outside of the castle walls," Luna replied. "Although..."

"Although what?"

"We never got to ask if we could borrow the necessary bits from her," Luna mused. "She just said we were to consult The Chancellor of The Exchequer."

"Well, maybe things have changed since your exile," Huey suggested. "Perhaps there's been financial reforms regarding what Equestrian royalty can do with the nation's money."

"Maybe, but we can't think of why that would happen," Luna replied. "After all, we were more than satisfied before, why change what works perfectly?"

"Fair point."

The pair meandered down a few more dark corridors buried underneath the castle, before they reached a stereotypical vault door. Scattered around it were a number of guards, who were watching over a group of assorted equines scribbling furiously on scrolls of parchment and counting stacks of bits.

"Seems a bit low tech," Huey remarked as he approached one of the bureaucrats and looked at the pieces of parchment in front of her. It became clear that they were auditing the bags of money that had been provided by tax collectors scattered across Equestria. In one hoof, the treasurer held a list of place names with numbers, which Huey assumed were the amounts of tax expected to be deposited into the vault. In the other, she held a quill, which was feverishly scribbling down what may have been the name of individual tax collectors, followed by a corresponding location on the first sheet and the amount of bits they had sent. The final section had the totals from each collector added together and whether there was any extra or missing money.

"Seems simple enough," Huey commented. "Admittedly, some of the totals on these pieces of parchment are ludicrously large."

"And we count every single one," The female bureaucrat suddenly said without looking up, causing Huey to jump away in surprise. "So, it's not as simple as you suggest, sir. On the contrary, it is our duty to ensure that the totals provided by collectors across Equestria add up. If we find a discrepancy, well... Questions need to be asked."

"Q-Quite!" Huey stammered, his heart pounding while Luna giggled at the fright he had been given. "Who do I have the honour of addressing?"

"Abacus, but everyone just calls me Abby." She murmured, while putting her list down and offering her now free hoof to Huey. Amazingly, her gaze did not falter from counting her stack of coins, nor did her writing hoof. Huey reached out and shook it gently.

"Huey," He replied politely.

"Oh, the yu-man?" Abacus muttered. "Nice to meet you."

"Um... It's human, Miss," Huey corrected. "Also, you've heard of me?"

"Princess Celestia ensured that all of the staff knew who you were, so that we don't get a surprise if we bumped into you."

"How very kind of her," Huey said. "If you pardon my asking, do you happen to know where The Chancellor is? Her Royal Highness wishes to make a withdrawal."

The mention of "highness" caused Abacus to lose her concentration and scrawl a massive smudge across her page. All of the counters scrambled to stand up from their desks and bow to the princess.

"You Highness!" Abacus stammered. "W-We... I mean... I-I-It's an honour to be in your presence!"

"We are most humbled by your show of respect to us, diligent accountants of the realm!" Luna bellowed in reply, causing Huey to wince at the unexpected usage of the volume he had experienced when he and Luna first met. The bureaucrats were just as surprised too, their manes billowing out behind them as she spoke and their expressions all displaying bewilderment at being shouted at.

"Y-Yes, Your Highness!" Abacus stammered, while tottering towards the vault door with a mixture of fright and confusion. "The Chancellor is inside the vault. Let me just... Open the door for you!"

Huey grimaced. It was clear that Luna's archaic "Royal Canterlot Voice" was more terrifying than endearing. It was a habit he would have to assist Luna in overcoming, if real change was to occur. Storing that topic away for later, Huey thanked Abacus before swiftly following Luna into the vault. The interior immediately inside was narrow, but long. Smaller copies of the door they had just entered through lined the sides, each possessing a unique string of numbers, which Huey assumed were serial numbers for identifying specific sub-vaults. At the end of the corridor was a vast circular room with an ornate, mahogany desk situated in the middle. Sat at the desk, quill busy scribbling with the aid of magic, was a middle-aged unicorn blessed with a light green coat and a darker green mane that made him look similar to the colours of an American dollar bill.

As Luna and Huey approached the desk, the human took the opportunity to glance around the room. It was the same as the corridor they had used, sub-vaults covered the walls. A circular staircase that hugged the wall allowed those unable to fly to walk up to the upper levels. Suffice to say, it was clear that this location was nothing, but secure storage.

"Welcome to Your Exchequer, Your Highness," The chancellor murmured monotonously.. After completing the documents he was writing on, he levitated his quill into an inkwell in the corner of his desk and stood up. Unlike all the other stallions Huey had met, The Chancellor possessed much longer, spindly legs, resulting in him being taller, but also appearing much thinner overall.

"I am Chancellor Fiscal Policy," He continued, while providing a bow. "How may we assist you with your financial needs?"

"We wish to enquire as to whether we still receive a monthly stipend, Lord Chancellor!" Luna yelled, her voice echoing round the room and forcing Huey to cover his ears. Fiscal, on the other hand, was totally unfazed by the princess roaring in his face.

"One moment, Your Highness," He drawled in the exact same monotone voice, causing Huey to wonder whether he was capable of emotion at all. The unicorn's horn ignited and opened all of the desk's drawers. Within moments, hundreds of individual folders floated out and began to slowly orbit Fiscal. After humming for a moment, his horn's aura brightened and the orbit sped up to the point where the folders were a mere blur to Huey. As swiftly as the swirling vortex of documents had begun, it suddenly stopped dead with The Chancellor passively gazing at one of the many identical folders..

"Here we are," He muttered to himself before levitating the remaining folders back into his desk. "Shall I provide you with a summary, Your Highness?"

"We would be delighted!" Luna shouted. Fiscal merely nodded and opened the folder. After flicking through the pages, he closed the folder and put it away with the others. Huey pursed his lips in wonder. All he had seen was a blur of paper, yet it seemed The Chancellor had seen all he needed to see.

"To keep it brief," Fiscal murmured. "The Royal Exchequer has, in accordance with The Royal Fiscal Appropriations and Responsibility Decree passed one thousand, seven hundred and ninety four years ago, provided Your Royal Highness a monthly stipend of five hundred bits for personal use. I am happy to say that we have never been late with depositing the money you're rightfully owed into your account each month."

Luna's jaw dropped.

"You mean... Celestia didn't stop the payments when I... I mean we... Were banished?" She stammered in shock.

"Correct," Fiscal replied indifferently. "It was made clear in a directive, issued by Princess Celestia one thousand years and two days ago, that her sibling's stipend, also known as your stipend, was to be provided, regardless of your long-term absence."

Luna took a step back, her mouth opening and closing impotently. Huey swiftly leapt into action and turned Luna away from Fiscal for the purpose of whispering to her.

"What's wrong?" Huey asked quietly. Luna merely shook her head.

"We... Our sister didn't stop the payments," She muttered weakly. "Why?"

"Because she did not consider your exile to be permanent?" Huey reasoned. "Even though you had been banished to the moon, I think she couldn't bring herself to rescind the standing order, since it would feel like erasing you from her life."

"We don't understand, we don't deserve that money," Luna replied in a slight daze. "That money belongs to the citizens, not me."

"If being in possession of a great deal of wealth bothers you, why not give it to charity?" Huey suggested. "You'll be giving away what you don't want, and it will be helping those who are less fortunate."

Luna nodded in agreement and smiled slightly.

"Yes, we shall do that!" She stated firmly. "We shall withdraw a small amount for your clothing needs, while the rest will be dispersed to various charities. Thank you for your advice!"

"You're welcome," Huey replied with a smile and a nod. He then turned towards The Chancellor, who had resumed his seat.

"Her Royal Highness wishes to withdraw," He began before turning towards Luna. "One thousand bits?"

Luna gave a quick nod of approval, allowing Huey to continue.

"The rest of the balance will be withdrawn later to be given to worthy causes," He explained.

"There is no need to explain why you need the money," The Chancellor replied drily. "We merely keep it secure."

"Right, my apologies," Huey said quickly. Fiscal levitated a piece of parchment and scribbled on it before tearing it in half vertically.

"Here is the receipt for one thousand bits," He droned. "As for the money itself, allow me to retrieve it for you."

Fiscal swivelled round in his chair to face the vault directly behind him. With a simple flash of his horn, the door flung open to reveal hundreds of brown bags with the necks tied shut with strands of rope.

"What, pray, would you prefer your bits to be divided into?" Fiscal enquired. "Tens, twenty fives, fifties or hundreds?"

Huey burbled in surprise before turning towards Luna for help.

"We shall take ten tens, four twenty fives, two fifties and two hundreds," Luna stated authoritatively. Fiscal nodded and levitated out eighteen bags of varying size. Huey reached out and took one of the smaller ones and looked at it. For all intents and purposes, the bag was devoid of anything that could identify it, as far as he saw.

"Forgive me for asking," Huey began inquisitively. "But what are tens, twenty fives and so forth? I'm guessing they're bags filled with the corresponding amount of bits, but how will a normal pony be able to carry all that money, and how does one tell what bag contains what amount?"

"There is a stamp on the bottom of each bag," Fiscal explained, while returning to his work. "As for carrying all of their money, most ponies rarely need it in large quantities. Earth ponies are strong enough to carry heavy loads naturally, so it's easy for them, Unicorns can just levitate it, only pegasai would, theoretically, have a problem. Regardless, banks are better equipped for dealing with large transactions."

"Hmmm..." Huey hummed in response before looking at the bottom of the bag he was holding. As expected, the royal seal, followed by the number ten, was stamped onto the fabric in black ink.

"Thank you for the explanation," Huey said. Fiscal did not respond, causing the human to shrug and follow Princess Luna out of the vault, who had levitated the rest of the money they had withdrawn with her.

"Princess Celestia requested that we provide you with an escort, Your Highness."

Huey watched as Luna listened intently to the two guards who had intercepted them as they attempted to leave the castle grounds. The first was a bright orange, male pegasus called Flash Sentry, the second was a dark burnt orange, male pegasus called Spearhead.

"We do not see the need to be escorted around Canterlot," Luna argued. "We are well versed in the locations of the shops we wish to patronise!"

"Oh, we're not here to help with directions, Your Highness!" Spearhead explained. "We are here to protect you."

"Protect me!?" Luna spluttered in surprise. "From what!?"

"The public, Your Highness," Flash Sentry chirped. "Ever since your return, there has been a number of... Rumours... About you. If you were to leave the castle grounds alone, it is possible there could be an incident."

"Rumours?" Luna repeated. "What rumours dost thou speak of?"

"Ummmm..." Flash began nervously, his gaze glancing towards Spearhead for assistance. "Well, Your Highness..."

"There are worries that you may still be... Nightmare Moon."

Luna visibly flinched, the revelation knocking the wind out of her sails and causing her posture to slacken with despair.

"Could you two excuse me for a moment?" Huey interjected, while stepping forward and patting Luna's shoulder to grab her attention. "I'd like to have a quiet word with the princess."

The two guards nodded and marched off to the gatehouse. Huey immediately ushered Luna away to ensure no guards were in earshot.

"Luna," He began urgently. "Look at me."

The princess slowly looked up at him, her eyes welling up with tears. Huey sighed and stooped slightly to reduce his height to Luna's.

"Luna, I'm sorry you had to hear that," He whispered. "But you need to remember that you have started anew. It is inevitable that there will be those who have concerns about you."

"But what if they're right?" She choked. "What if I am just Nightmare Moon, waiting for the right moment to strike?"

"No!" Huey hissed forcefully, his hands grasping Luna's shoulders and shaking her slightly. "I refuse to believe that's true. I know, deep down in my heart, that this is you in its purest form. I watched you when you painted the sky with stars last night. What I saw was a soul with the purest of intentions, not a monster."

Luna didn't respond, spurring Huey to continue.

"And you can't say I don't know a monster when I see one," He counter preemptively. "I saw Nightmare Moon with my own eyes. I saw malevolence in physical form! You are the furthest thing from that, Luna!"

The princess sniffled and looked away as tears escaped from her eyes and rolled down her face. Huey gently cupped her cheeks in his hands and wiped the tears away with his thumbs before compelling her to look back up at him.

"I believe in you, Luna," He whispered solemnly. "If you don't have faith in yourself... Then have faith in me."

Luna stared up at him, her eyes showing raw, unhidden fear, concern and despair. Huey frowned and let his hands drift down her neck to her shoulders for the purpose of pulling her into a hug, which she swiftly returned.

"I believe in you," Huey repeated. "No matter what happens, I will always be ready to fight for you."

Luna backed away slightly, so that she could look directly into Huey's eyes.

"Thank you."

Huey smiled and gently stroked her ears. Luna sighed happily before looking at Huey with renewed vigour.

"Let's go!" Luna said confidently. "As long as you're by my side, we have nothing to fear!"

"I am ordering you to keep back, sir!"

"Come on, just a quick snap of the princess!"

"No! Her Royal Highness wishes to have some privacy!"

Huey grimaced as he glanced back at the two guards blocking the door of the seamstress he and Luna had entered. It had not taken very long for word to spread that Luna had left the castle and was wandering the streets of Canterlot. As a result, the paparazzi had swooped down like vultures, eager to snap the first photos of "Nightmare Moon". His attention swiftly returned to Luna, who had hidden herself in one of the changing cubicles.

"Luna?" He called out. "Are you okay?"

The curtain separating him from her parted slightly to allow Luna's head to pop out.

"Are they gone?" She asked with worry. Huey glanced at the front door again.

"No, they're not," He confirmed. "I think the crowd's getting bigger."

"Perhaps we should have brought along more guards?" Luna wondered.

"Well, neither of us expected word to spread this fast!" Huey countered. "Unless one of us is psychic, I don't think we could have foreseen this in a million years!"

"You're right," Luna sighed. "But what do we do? We can't send one of the guards to fetch more, the remaining one may be overpowered!"

"But if we wait, the crowd might overpower both of them anyway!" Huey mused. "I think we may have to give them what they want."

"You don't mean..."

"We make this your first public event," Huey stated. "An impromptu statement to the press, let them take a few photos, then send them on their way."

"But what would our statement be?" Luna panicked. "We hath not prepared one!"

"Then I'll prepare one!" Huey soothed. "Just give me a moment to think."

"Excuse me."

Luna and Huey looked towards a sky blue, earth pony mare, who owned the establishment that was now under siege.

"I'm sorry to be a bother to you, Your Highness," She stammered nervously. "But that crowd out there is getting really big! It's scary!"

"Don't worry, Miss!" Huey reassured her. "If you'll give me a few minutes, I'll have the crowd dispersed."

"Alright," She replied with worry. "Best of luck!"

"Thanks!"

The seamstress swiftly fled to the back room. Huey took a deep breath and exhaled before looking at Luna.

"Okay, I have an idea!" He began firmly. "We will go outside and you will call for silence with that booming voice of yours. I'll then make up a statement, rebuke or something. Sound good?"

"Far from satisfactory, but it will have to do," Luna murmured. "Do we go now?"

"Yes, but first, how do you address a crowd? They're not ladies or gentlemen, since they're not human."

"Oh, we use the phrase 'fillies and gentlecolts'."

"Gotcha! I'll go first and speak to the guards. Once we're ready, I'll give you the signal to come out." Huey explained, earning him a nod of understanding from Luna. After taking a deep breath, Huey walked to the front door and leaned down to speak to the two guards, while the volume of the crowd increased as they spotted the human.

"What's that thing!?"

"Why's it in there with Nightmare Moon!?"

"Is it one of her minions!?"

Huey rolled his eyes at the shouts and ignored them.

"Flash, Spearhead," He began loudly, so that they could hear. "I need you to push the crowd back so that Luna can come out to speak."

"Difficult, but doable, sir!" Flash remarked before pushing another journalist back and bellowing at them. "Stay back!"

"Well, let's get on with it!" Spearhead said eagerly. "The quicker this crowd disperses, the better!"

The two guards turned their spears sideways and began using them like the blades of a bulldozer to push the crowd back. However, they were just as determined to resist. Huey shook his head and took a deep breath.

"SILENCE!" He roared at the top of his lungs. The two guards flinched at the sudden noise and the crowd swiftly stopped its pushing, shoving and shouting.

"Look at yourselves!" Huey scolded. "Acting like a bunch of hooligans! Have you no respect for someone who wishes to do their shopping in peace!?"

"We want to see her!" A voice cried out from the sea of ponies. Huey raised his hands up defensively.

"Calm yourselves!" He ordered. "Her Royal Highness, Princess Luna, will show herself in a few moments. However, I must stress that this will not be a press conference. There will be no questions, since you didn't have the decency to think about whether she wanted to, and after you've had the opportunity to see her and take a few photos, you will disperse and leave her in peace. If you don't agree with those conditions, then I am more than happy to advise the princess to teleport back to Canterlot Castle."

"Boooooo! No fair!" Another voice cried out. Huey shrugged his shoulders and smirked.

"That settles it then," He stated nonchalantly. "No one will get to see the princess. I'll go and tell her to head back to the castle."

"Wait, don't go!"

"He didn't mean what he said!"

"We'll do as you ask!"

"Who are you?"

"To answer that question," Huey said loudly. "My name is Huey. If you're wondering what I am, I am what's called a human. I am the only one of my kind here in Equestria."

A collective gasp erupted from the crowd, followed by muttering and whispers.

"Are you a diplomat?"

"Why are you here?"

"The answers to those questions are; no, and accompanying the princess, while she goes shopping." Huey answered. "Now, if you'll all stay quiet, Princess Luna will be here shortly."

Calmly, he walked back into the shop and approached Luna's cubicle.

"Luna, it's time," He said. "You won't need to speak at all."

The princess nervously opened the curtains and stepped out.

"Deep breath and have no fear," Huey murmured. "I believe in you."

Luna nodded and took a deep breath. After holding it for a few moments, she exhaled and then gingerly approached the door. Once she had emerged from the building, the crowd stared at her in wonder. Huey was quick to stand beside her for comfort, and to ensure he could put himself between her and anyone who pushed past the guards.

The silence persisted, all of the equines in the horde had been struck dumb by their first glimpse of the second princess. Much to Huey's surprise, Luna broke the silence.

"Citizens of Equestria and Canterlot!" She shouted. "We are honoured that you are so eager to set your eyes upon us! We give thee our deepest thanks!"

The crowd immediately descended into panic. Screams of terror erupted as the horde dispersed in all directions. Huey gasped and quickly ushered Luna towards to door to allow a quick escape if the riot began to threaten her safety. To his relief, the crowd did not attempt to break past the weak cordon being operated by Spearhead and Flash. Instead, the crowd ran away from her.

"Was it something we said?" Luna asked once the crowd had disappeared. Huey shook his head and guided her back into the shop.

"I think your Royal Canterlot Voice frightened them," Huey mused. "I don't believe Celestia uses it anymore, so that was the first taste they had of it."

"Hmph... They were truly unruly!" Luna remarked. "Perhaps our dear sister should consider using it for controlling rioting crowds."

"I can definitely see it serving that purpose," The human murmured thoughtfully before calling out to the owner of the building. "They're gone now!"

"Wonderful!" She replied happily, while emerging from her hiding place. "I've never been good with crowds. They're frightening."

"That one definitely was," Huey replied with a thumb pointed towards the door. "So, you're not alone."

"A-Anyway, how may I help you, Your H-Highness?" She stuttered. "M-My name's Honey Dew."

"We are here to furnish this dear human with clothing!" Luna stated loudly. "Are you capable of such a feat?"

"W-W-W-Well," Honey Dew stammered, while her body trembled in fear. "Th-That depends, w-w-what did you have in mind?"

"I was hoping I could get some copies of the clothes I'm wearing," Huey said softly to comfort the traumatised seamstress. "I'm not that interested in fashion, so..."

"Oh, c-copies?" Honey Dew repeated. "I can do that! However, I will need your clothes."

"You will?" Huey asked in surprise. "Why?"

"Well, firstly," She began. "I'll have to examine the clothes for the types of stitch, fabric, how it's pieced together, followed by creating a pattern so I can begin making it!"

"Urgh..." Huey groaned. "How long will that take?"

"Oh, not very long," Honey Dew mused. "Judging by your physique, you could be the same dimensions that most of the clothes I make are made to. Just that you are stood on two legs, so it's hard to tell."

"Fine," Huey sighed. "You can begin with my shirt and work through the other garments one by one."

"I swear there's a conspiracy that seeks to ensure that I become as nude as the rest of you!"

"Don't be ridiculous, Huey!" Luna scolded. "You were able to relinquish your garments on your own terms."

"True, but throughout the course of the day, I had all of them removed for... 'comfort reasons'. I was then railroaded into having to give orders to a servant in my boxers, and then I had to hand over all of my worn garments to that poor mare."

"They were fresh from the wash!" The princess protested in annoyance. "Stop whining!"

"I'm not whining, I'm complaining!"

Huey was finally free to leave Honey Dew's shop, after having to let her examine every article of clothing he had. Much to his delight, she was more than happy to make some exact copies due to their simplicity. With an order for six sets of trousers, t-shirt, socks and boxers placed for delivery to Huey's Ponyville address, he and Luna left the building.

"How are things, you two?" Huey asked Spearhead and Flash Sentry, who had been guarding the front door the entire time they were inside.

"Fine, sir!" Spearhead reported. "There hasn't been a single sign of another crowd developing."

"Excellent!" Luna remarked. "Where, pray, shall we venture next, Huey?"

Huey's response was curtailed when a sudden bright flash of light blinded him. His hands immediately rushed to cover and rub his eyes, which were now capable of seeing only pure white.

"What the hell was that!?" Huey exclaimed. "I'm blind!"

"Sorry, I think I went a bit overboard with the flash setting."

"Who's that!?" Huey asked frantically. Luna quickly placed a hoof on his shoulder to calm him.

"Name's Snap Shot, Snap for short," A mare's voice replied. "I was in the crowd that you addressed."

"Oh, really?" Huey muttered. "So someone was brave enough to stay?"

"Yes, I was," She confirmed. "It's a pretty good catch too! First photo of the princess and her human companion!"

With his vision returning, Huey became aware of the mint green, pegasai photographer hovering at eye level, wearing a shabby fedora on her head and a Polaroid-style instant camera strapped around her neck.

"How're your eyes, Mister?" She asked gently. "I didn't know you were sensitive to bright lights."

"I'm not," Huey replied. "I was just taken by surprise, that's all! Just give me a minute."

"Alright," Snap Shot said before examining the photo she took. "Oh dear... It's blurred! I'm sorry to be a pain to you, Your Highness, but could I have one decent photo of you and your companion? Please, pretty please!?"

Luna raised a hoof, causing Snap Shot to squeak in surprise and fall silent.

"We shall provide you with a photograph," Luna stated calmly and authoritatively. "Only one!"

"Yes!" Snap squealed. "Thank you so much, Your Highness! You're the best! Alright, just give me a moment to get a good shot!"

Huey grimaced before standing beside Luna for the photo.

"How do you want us both?" Huey asked. "Smiling? Stoic and silent?"

"Whatever you think's appropriate!" Snap replied excitedly. "Oh gosh, this is the best moment of my life!"

Huey glanced towards Luna, who had adopted a stoic expression with a faraway stare that oozed authority. Huey smiled as he looked down at her, admiring the generosity and benevolence she had displayed by permitting this single photo to be taken.

"That's good!" Snap remarked loudly. "Hold that position!"

Huey resisted the urge to take the pose he had in mind. Much to his surprise, his gazing at Luna had been interpreted as his position for the shot. However, Snap was happy with the position, so who was he to deny her the opportunity to photograph it?

"Alright, steady!" Snap said slowly. "Wait for it and..."

Another bright flash emanated from her camera, followed by the whirring of the photo being printed. After giving it a vigorous shake, Snap looked at it and gasped.

"Perfect!" She squealed before showing it to Huey and Luna. "It's better than I thought it would be!"

"We are happy to see that you are satisfied!" Luna replied.

"I'm over the moon!" Snap squeed before wrapping her hooves round Huey's neck in a surprise hug. "Thank you sooooooooooooo much!"

The photographer disengaged to give Luna a hug, but swiftly changed her mind when she realised that she was about to hug royalty. With an embarrassed blush on her cheeks, she scratched the back of her neck nervously.

"Sorry, I almost went overboard there," She admitted. "I can't thank you enough though!"

"There is no need to thank us, citizen," Luna explained calmly. "We are grateful that we could assist you."

"St-Still, thanks a bunch! I'm gonna go and see my editor!"

"Wait!" Huey called out, causing Snap to cease her attempt to fly away. "Could I ask you something?"

"Name it!"

"Well, firstly, could I borrow your camera for a moment?" Huey asked solemnly. "And may I ask where you purchased it from?"

"Firstly, sure!" Snap replied cheerfully, before removing the strap and passing it to him. "Just press that button there to take a photo. As for your second question, I bought it from the photography and film store at the Canterlot Department store. There's only one, so you can't miss it!"

"Thanks!" Huey said before taking Luna to one side. "I'd like to take a photo too, if you don't mind?"

"What for?" Luna asked. "You are residing in Canterlot Castle! We see each other every day!"

"I know, but I might have to head back to Ponyville," Huey explained. "I'd like something to remember you by."

"Well, since it's for you," Luna murmured thoughtfully. "Okay!"

Huey smiled and leaned down so that he was closer to Luna's head height. He then stretched his arm out as far as he could reach, allowing the camera to have some distance between it and him.

"Alright, ready?" Huey asked, before glancing at Luna and finding she had adopted the same stoic expression. Huey grimaced as Luna nodded, her expression was far from the one he was hoping for. However, he doubted that she would smile if asked to. As such, he opted for a more devious plan.

"Say..." Huey said quietly in preparation for taking the shot, but paused ominously before completing his sentence.

"Princess Sunbutt."

Luna suddenly burst into a fit of giggles, giving Huey the window he needed to take the photo. Triumphantly, he took his prize once it had been printed out and passed the camera back to Snap. With a quick salute, Snap flew away, leaving Huey alone with the snickering princess, while the pair of guards kept their distance and watched for suspicious individuals.

"S-Sunbutt!?" Luna gagged with laughter. "What in Tartarus made you say that!?"

"Because I wanted to have a picture of your smile," Huey admitted. "What better than an unexpected joke?"

"Oh, you rascal!" Luna declared, her hoof to her lips to stifle her snickering. "We doubt we will ever be able to look at our sister the same again!"

"I'm sure you'll get over it," Huey said nonchalantly. "What matters now is, what do you think of this?"

Luna's eyes settled on the photograph, which caused her giggling to cease instantly.

"It's..." She began quietly. "It's lovely!"

"I think so too!" Huey said. "It definitely caught your beautiful smile."

"Well, since the photo is so good, we shall forgive you for the... amusing nickname you have given to my sister."

"I'm glad!" He sighed with relief. "But now, let's continue shopping!"