Dark Alleys, Bright Hearts

I trot alongside Mark, up to the gates of Canterlot Palace. Standing outside are two guards. One of the guards salute Mark as he moves closer, “Sir Mark, Miss Love, the Princesses are expecting you.”

Mark nods, “Yes, I know. Let’s hurry this along, please.”

The other guard nods, “Of course, we do have to conduct our normal changeling test on you two.”

I raise an eyebrow, “Is that really necessary?”

The guard nods, “Yes, ma’am. We can’t risk another invasion or assassination.”

Mark frowns, “Listen, I really don’t want to delay, so cut that shit out. I don’t even know what a changeling is, but neither of us are one, so just lead us to the Princesses.”

The guard pauses, “I’m sorry, Sir Mark, but it’s standard procedure.”

He looks down at the guard, “And we aren’t standard guests, are we? I’m already wasting more time than I would care to, so step aside before I turn and go back home.”

I nod, “Plus, what changeling would be dumb enough to try and enter the palace a few weeks after that horrid invasion?”

The guard pauses again, looking at the other, “What do I do?”

The other guard looks at Mark, and back at him, “Let them through. Luna will have our head if he leaves because of us.”

The guard steps back, “Welcome to Canterlot Palace.”

Mark nods, and steps past them. I follow after him, and smile, “You really aren’t taking any shit today, are you?”

He grins, “Not from them. Seriously, they’re the worst guards I’ve ever seen.”

I nod, “They are quite shit at their job. I think things would be protected better if they weren’t there.”

He laughs, “I can’t say you’re wrong, Love. They’re practically just portable key dispensers for the places they guard.”

I giggle in response, “And they’re quite unprofessional.”

Mark grins as he stops in front of a door, “Alright, Princess time. Do watch, Love, they like to play word games.”

I nod, “Oh, I know how much they love to mince words already. Hopefully they provide good refreshments to make up for their bland appearance.”

He smirks as he looks at me, “You’re only here for a free lunch, aren’t you?”

I grin, “I will not confirm or deny that.”

He shakes his head, and opens the door, allowing us both inside.

Sitting inside is a table, with three tea cups, and little snacks on it. Sat on one side is Princess Celestia, who puts on a smile as we approach, “Mark, Miss Love, welcome.”

Mark takes a seat, and I seat next to him. I take a sip of the tea provided, and frown.

Celestia looks at me, “Is something wrong with the tea?”

I nod, “Tastes like shit.”

She frowns, “Oh dear, I’m sorry. Is there anything you’d like other than it?”

I pause, “Cider?”

Mark nods, pushing his tea cup aside, “I’ll also have a cider.”

Celestia smiles, and summons two bottles of cider into existence, pouring them into cups for us.

Mark takes a sip, “Much better.”

Celestia nods, “Yes, I’m sure it is. Oh, and I’m sorry to disappoint, Mark, but I’m afraid I couldn’t find a ‘garbage disposal’ in the time between your outburst and now.”

Mark frowns, “How sad. You know, I’ve never liked being spied on. Especially when that spy lies to me.”

Celestia nods, “I know now, and I do apologize. That pony worked for my sister, and thus listened to her. I told her to make sure you wouldn’t be harmed by any mean ponies, and she must have mistook my meaning.”

I take a small sip of cider, able to feel the happiness and confidence radiating off Celestia.

Mark shakes his head, “And what of the letter sent to Love, here? Practically orders for her to befriend me.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow, “A letter? If there was a letter sent to her, Mark, it was not of my knowledge.”

He raises an eyebrow right back, “So it was Luna, then?”

She pauses, and nods, “It must have been. I am dreadfully sorry, Mark. I shall have to talk to her after this meeting. She’s still stuck a thousand years back, it seems.”

I smile slightly, “The agent said otherwise.”

Celestia looks at me, “She said what?”

I glance at Mark, and shake my head, “So, how’d you know it was a her, Celestia?”

Celestia pauses, and sighs, “Fine. I was aware of the letter’s existence. But allow me to explain it further. I already knew you were going to befriend Mark, as you have, so I decided it was a good idea to let you know that your action had the full support of me behind it.”

I nod, “Well, it’s good to finally hear the true purpose of that letter, then.”

Mark grins, “See, Celestia, it isn’t that hard to tell the truth.”

She shakes her head, and smiles, “Fine. Here on out, I’ll be completely transparent. Now, how about we talk about why I asked for your presence?”

Mark nods, “That’s what I’ve been waiting for you to do.”

She nods, “Well, allow me to be straight to the point. Luna has seen glimpses of your home in your dreams-“

Mark holds up a hand, “Say that again.”

She raises an eyebrow, “Luna has seen glimpses of your home in your dreams.”

Mark narrows his eyes, “You mean Luna has been spying on me in my own head?”

She shakes her head, “Heavens no. Luna watches your dreams like any other citizen.”

Mark frowns, “Well, I’d appreciate it if you two would give me privacy in my own head.”

Celestia smiles, “I can respect that, Mark. If you wish, Luna shall not look at your dreams anymore. Now, as I was saying. We saw your home, and thus we saw that your land has quite impressive technology. I request that you provide me with said technology, in order to make the whole of Equestria better. Of course, I will pay you back for your work.”

He leans back, taking another sip of cider, “You want humanity’s technology?”

She nods, and I whisper to him, “We can use this as a bargaining chip.”

He nods, and looks at her, “Give me until tomorrow to think it over, Celestia.”

Celestia smiles, “Of course, if you need time to think.”

He stands up, “Alright. Come on, Love, let’s go back to town.”

I stand as well, but Celestia holds up a hoof, “May Love and I have a few moments alone, Mark?”

He pauses, looking between us two. He sighs, “Sure.” And he walks out of the room.

I look to her, “Yes?”

She smiles, “Miss Love, I must congratulate you on the good job you are doing. I know it must hurt to be disrespectful and snarky to me, but I commend you for doing it. You are definitely Mark’s friend now.”

I nod, “Yes, I am. And it seems he likes you less and less every day.”

She sighs, “I still request that you try and change that, Miss Love. If you can make him view me in a positive light, then you shall get more of a reward than you currently are on the way to getting. Keep that in mind, Miss Love.”

I nod again, “Is that all?”

She smiles, “Yes it is, my little pony. Enjoy your day.”