Later at the Royal Canterlot Garden

After handing the scroll he wrote previously to Spellslinger to put in her saddlebags for later. Henry headed towards the royal Canterlot Gardens with his two guards in tow. This confused the two mares since He was rather focused on regaining strength and knowledge while being secluded. So a garden that is open to the public at special events or predetermined trips was rather strange but they didn't mind it was much more pleasant then just standing in a boring office. What the two mares didn't expect was the expression of joy and wonder that formed on Henry's face as they came there.

Henry was enamored by the beautiful flora of the garden and stood still there for a full three minutes before speaking. "Well I expected something beautiful but this is far beyond my expectations. I hope I can make a habit of coming here." Henry said in wonder as he calmly trotted into the garden filled with many colorful and rare plants before he calmly laid down in the grass opening.

Spellslinger smiled at the expression of Henry "It sure is. Sadly the animals that live here are a little shy but yes it's quite beautiful." Spellslinger said as she sat near Henry.

Midnight just followed them and sighed as she dropped a book near Henry "I prefer this place during the night. Now Blueblood don't think I'll let you be a lazy flank now. I even got you a book about the basics of magic out of the library. So no being a lazy flank." Midnight said as she teasingly bumped Henry. This only caused Henry to smile.

"I know. I have a lot of work to do but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy ourselves. A nice cup of tea and pleasant company is it's own reward even if we do not get much done." Henry said in a kindhearted manner before being distracted by some bunnies hopping around in the grass which only made him smile more.

Spellslinger found the soft kindhearted manner of speaking pleasant and smiled as she also layed down in the grass.

Midnight just put the book near Henry "You still have work to do Blueblood." Midnight said sounding sternly.

Henry just laughed and saluted jokingly "Yes ma'am." He said jokingly as he took the book and opened it. And enjoyed the warmth of the sun and peace and beauty of the garden but when he noticed the book's title he cringed. "The basics of magic for little Unicorn's. Well there goes my pride." Henry commented as he opened it.

Spellslinger giggled like a school Filly and commented "It's very good for understanding the basics of magic. I remember my first copy of it. Though the explanation on feeling magic and understanding your connection with it for telekinesis and channeling was kind of hard to grasp. Though it's funny how midnight took this book." Spellslinger said smiling as she looked over Henry his shoulder who was calmly reading the book.

Midnight just facehooved "I just thought since he forgot so much a children education book would be the best way to learn." Midnight said in her defense as she layed down on the ground

Henry yawned as his eyes darted over the pages Hmm so magic normally is limited in somepony and requires practice but extreme emotions can effect it. Because of how the unicorn channel magic through their horn one must practice spells a lot so they gain a better control of the magic they channel to prevent unwanted accident. Why they show it with so many damn pictures I'll never understand. Oh so internal magic flow is channeled through a unicorns horn to react to ambient magic in the air to cause change. Henry thought as he summarizes what he was reading "Hmm maybe we could have a little pick-nick here in the garden. Some sandwiches for all three of us and a cup of tea sounds nice." Henry said smiling

Midnight just sighed "Fine I'll go tell a maid or somepony else of the castle staff. Oh and Spellslinger keep Blueblood out of trouble." Midnight said as she trotted off.

Spellslinger smiled at Midnight and teasingly said "I didn't know you cared."

Henry just smirked and in a Dreamy voice spoke "Said the kind maiden asking for my interest in mares."

Henry his teasing set Spellslinger in a stuttering and blushing craze causing her to hide her face with her hooves. Midnight could only laugh at this display and trotted of to tell a maid to bring some food and tea to the gardens.

Henry was enjoying the embarrassed state of Spellslinger and his peaceful surroundings and smiled as he felt at peace for a little while but then he began to ponder about something for a while only to be interrupted by Midnight return together with somepony in a maid uniform. "Aah the tea has arrived good. Spellslinger maybe you should stop being embarrassed like a school Filly and join us."Henry said jokingly only to get whack against his head from Midnight.

"I said you. I was allowed to act if you didn't behave Blueblood and teasing a poor mare isn't behaving like a gentlecolt." Midnight said with a smirk as the maid Unicorn pony brought a basket of sandwiches and a pot and some cups to where Henry and Spellslinger were sitting.

Henry just laughed "I'm sorry I just well enjoy the company and it's all in good fun teasing mares playfully isn't forbidden right?" Henry said smiling as he rubbed his head where got hit.

"No but you need to focus on your studies not tease the poor innocent mare." Midnight said smirking at Spellslinger. The maid that accompanied Midnight with the food and tea was in utter shock at how Henry and Other mares were acting.

Spellslinger bursted at Henry and Midnight "Will you two stop it and Midnight is right you should be studying Blueblood." This caused the mare that brought the food and tea to look even more confused.

Henry had a kind warm smile as he made the tea pot and tea cups and poured Midnight, Spellslinger and himself some tea. He recognised the smell of the tea immediately it was black tea with the oil of bergamont to add flavor or in laymans terms Earl Grey tea. "Yes I know but why don't we all enjoy some calming tea it would be a waste to let it get cold." Henry said calmly That mare that came with Midnight seems in shock. I can't openly discuss anything and need to play the kind an probably amnesiac Role for as long as they are near. If poison can be slipped in one of the staff is in loop and ponies talk to each other so they might gossip leading to issues. So I will need to be wary of what I do and say.Henry thought as he closed his eyes and relaxed as he drank from the tea.

Midnight sighed and took her cup. "I didn't think you'd just drop studying to drink tea. It's not like it will help you with anything." Midnight said annoyed towards Henry. This caused the Maid pony to look worried and shake vigorously.

"Actually according to the book you brought concentration and calm mind help with the channeling of magic and casting of spells." Henry said calmly as his eyes were still closed and he kept pondering about the subject of ambient magic knowing it was everywhere and because of the episode with Cozy Glow trying to destroy all magic got him pondering. If magic is everywhere here and I can effect the world by channeling magic to invoke change I could theoretically let ambient magic in or get atunned to it to see well depending on my reach which probably is limited by my own internal magic and my limits within it. Henry thought and within his mind suddenly he saw the entire Royal Garden and all the critters hiding within and the ponies that accompanied him but somepony was staring at them from the distance before a headache claimed him and this strange sight faded and he opened his eyes feeling mentally exhausted as he struggled to keep his cup of tea levitating near him.

Spellslinger just looked at Henry who was sweating and noticed his grip on the cup was hard for him. "Blueblood! If it's to hard to keep channeling magic you should stop. You are probably worse of then we thought." She said worryingly.

Henry turned his head to hear and whispered "It's not that i had one of my weird ponder about something while channeling magic moments. I figured out we are being watched. Behind those bushes back towards the entrance to the ball room." Henry whispered softly before taking another sip of tea to not seem suspicious.

Spellslinger looked at Henry in shock"I am not sure if you are paranoid or pulling my tail. But we should look and make sure if somepony is there they don't notice." Spellslinger whispered back before taking a sip of her cup

Both Midnight and the maid looked confused at Spellslinger and Henry.

"I disagree. Milk in such good tea would ruin it Spellslinger. Though I understand you have your tasted and wouldn't think of you less it is just my opinion but i am happy you agree with it's usefulness to help somepony concentrate and calm down."Henry said calmly as he layed down in the grass.

Midnight just stared confused at Spellslinger and Henry "You two were discussing tea? That's why you whispered? Honestly you two whisper about the weirdest things." Midnight commented

Spellslinger just laughed "Well Blueblood didn't want to seem to uptight about it. Since he worries about his manners and image." Spellslinger said teasingly as she bumped Henry playfully with her hoof.

The bump caused Henry his concentration to break making him drop the teacup and a small sap to come from his horn. "My apologies for the mess it seems I haven't fully recovered from the poison." Henry said as he closed his eyes and tried to fight the headache and horn ache. How the hell does a horn hurt it makes no bloody sense. Henry thought worryingly not being used to Blueblood body his abilities limits and what certain senses meant like the mental exhaustion.

The maid quickly grabs the teacup with her magic and looks worried at Henry. "Prince Blueblood did you just say poison. The staff heard something happened to make you seclude yourself but we weren't given any details." The maid asked nervously.

Henry fights the headache and looks at the maid "There was an attempt on my life miss it luckily failed but left me worse for wear. But it isn't important. I've got two good guards and my aunties who will help me manage my responsibilities while I re-adapt until I can manage my duties myself." Henry said in a calm kind voice. If everypony thinks the changes I'll enduce and my responsibilities are managed by my aunties it will not come and bite me in the flank. And all other ways of behaviour will be seen as results of re-education. Henry thought calmly.

The maid just smiled "Oh that explains the pleasant changes not that you were unpleasant before your highness." The maid said as she looked a bit embarrassed.

Henry just laughed "Oh believe me from what I've heard I was a hooffull but do not worry about offending me about my past actions I myself find revolted by some of my past actions." Henry replied with a kind smile as his headache got worse but then unexpectedly he felt something fluffy land on his horn with a soothing warmth and Infront of his eyes were red majestic feathers. "Cute!!! Fluffy feathers" Henry blurted out in glee as he noticed Philomena flew landed on his head.

The maid looked confused while Spellslinger and Midnight just giggled at Henry his response to having a Phoenix land on his horn.

Philomena jumped of Henry his horn after playing with his hair making it a big mess and let out a playful shriek.

Henry just smiled and started baby talking Philomena while scratching her behind her head against her way her feathers fell. Causing Philomena to playfully nibble at Henry.

Meanwhile near the entrance of the ballroom to the Royal garden's

An unknown pony looked at the display confused observing it until they heard hoofsteps getting closer and left the area.

Back with Henry in the Royal Canterlot Gardens

Philomena had puffed up her feathers and was now pudy in Henry his hooves. The mares also joined in the petting of the warm fluffy feather ball. Enjoying their tea and Hay sandwiches.

Henry just smiled as other critters of the royal garden suddenly came out of their hiding holes and slowly approached where the mares and him were sitting.

Spellslinger laughed "I didn't expect you to enjoy Philomena so much. When you were a child you and her were inseparable according to Princess Celestia." Spellslinger said happily while petting Philomena

Henry just smiled "I guess amnesia is good for something. Also If I can cuddle it I will spoil it. I can't help it. They are so adorable and cute." Henry said smiling as he started reminiscing about earth. His most favourite time was when he was hired for a freelance job to program a management system for a shelter to make a website and management software and how he enjoyed taking his laptop working on site first going there for analysing the company and write what they required but then wanting to work on site because he enjoyed the company of the animals. The parrot in the office escaped it's cage multiple times to land on him and playfully wobble or wanting head scritches. After a while the animal shelter let the parrot free in the office because it always went to Henry even if it broke out during his lunch or smoke breaks.
As Henry reminisced a sense of joy and happiness overwhelmed him and before he noticed it the bunnies and other critters of the Royal Canterlot Garden were near him and he couldn't help but smile and pet and cuddle to his heart's content.
I missed this. Nothing is more pleasant then the unconditional love of an animal. Henry thought to himself as he started petting a bat.

Midnight looked worryingly at Henry"Maybe we better go Blueblood. You used to have a distate and hate towards bats and Thestrals." Midnight said worryingly

Henry just smiled "You will not take me away from all these cuddly sweethearts not even the sky puppy."Henry said smiling as he pet the bat. "No she won't not even the bat pony can take me away from you cute sky doggo woggo" Henry said baby talking the bat who seemed to enjoy the pets and attention and squeaked happily filling Henry up with childlike joy.

Spellslinger smiled overjoyed as she was petting some bunnies."I think it's a good change atleast we know how to bribe the Prince into doing his work." Spellslinger said jokingly.

Midnight laughed "Well it's better then I expected. I still think Prince Blueblood should practice magic you unicorns keep saying that emotions can effect magic so maybe the animals will help." Midnight said and she then noticed Henry smile a happy childlike mischievous smile.

Spellslinger looked worried at Henry."Oh no no no. Blueblood you are not going to try any more magic you could barely hold a cup before" Spellslinger stated but Henry wasn't listening.

Henry smiled and noticed after the joy and happiness from the animals his horn and headache left. I'm no longer mentally tired nor do I have horn or headaches. Maybe that means I can try magic again. Hmm what did the book say understanding and familiarity. If magic is so flexible I might be able to mimic hands and scritch and pet the animals. Henry thought as his smile grew wider and his horn started to glow and before Spellslinger could even comment on him not listening a white levitating transparent white hand was near Philomena petting her and ruffling her feathers while Henry was still cuddling and petting the bat.

Spellslinger just facehooved "You shouldn't be doing that." Spellslinger said sounding like a mare talking to her foal "How did you make a construct with magic and why is it a malformed claw?" Spellslinger asked in confusion.

Henry just smiled and continued the petting spree "Because then it's soft and only has hard bits on certain parts perfect for petting and giving scritches. As to how I did it I got no clue but it's not to hard so I just imagined it's form and how it moves and I can feel what it touches this is just to much fun." Henry his horn glowed a brighter white and another see through white hand appeared and started petting one of the gardens it's bunnies.

Spellslinger just smiled "Well if it helps you get better at magic and have fun it's alright for now. But you better not overexert yourself. " Spellslinger said as she continued petting nearby critters.

Henry was overjoyed and continued petting and scritching every animal he could baby talking all of them. I feel like a Disney Princess with all these cutie patooties around me to pet Henry thought to himself filled with joy

Spellslinger , Midnight and the maid couldnt help but giggle and laugh at what they saw unfurl and after a while both Henry and them where surrounded by animals all cuddling up to them and wanting pets and scritches. Only to be interrupted but what can only be described as a kind laugh which was followed by a kind motherly voice. "When Philomena flew away and I heard you were doing duties I didn't expect this nephew" Celestia said kindly looking at Henry with Philomena and a bat cuddled up to his side and being surrounded by animals all around.

Henry just smiled at Celestia"Well I did have to practice magic and I well tried to use a construct made with magic to pet the animals and see how long I can hold it up to train magic." Henry said embarrassed.

Midnight, Spellslinger and the maid smiled nervously for being caught snuggling up and petting animals on the job.

Celestia just laughed and smiled "No need to worry nephew I saw. It was quiet adorable to see. It seems you have achieved something you wanted when you were a little foal. And the staff shouldn't worry you did your work dutifully even if Bluey made it quite a unexpected job." Celestia said softly laughing motherly.

The three mares sighed in relief sinking back into the cuddle pile with the sweet critters.
Henry just smiled and looked at Celestia "You could join us auntie? I'm sure with your warmth and motherly nature they'd cuddle around you too" Henry said embarrassed about the situation he found himself in.

Celestia smiled a kindly motherly smile before looking at Henry"I am sorry to interrupt your fun Bluey but you desired a meeting in private so we better get going." Celestia said kindly but Henry just pouted in response.

"Could you maybe teleport us away or levitate me out carefully I just can't move these cuddle bugs. They are two cute and sweet and comfy." Henry said while making puppy eyes towards Celestia.Please Celestia don't make me the buzz kill. I can't move these cute patooties my heart can't handle that. Henry thought when suddenly his thoughts got interrupted by Celestia laughing at Henry his request.

"You really have regressed slightly to your old foalish ways haven't you. I am happy to see you have regained such a kind and tenderness heart." Celestia said in a kind tone but as she looked at the bat that was cuddled up against Henry her expression temporarily turned to worry or shock before returning to her normal kind expression.

"Yeah that's something I'll have to discuss with Auntie Luna and you and I worry about it."Henry said as his mood was brought down by the realisation why Celestia was there.
Should I tell them honestly it's dangerous. I know I should it would be the best thing to do but I don't understand what is going on myself or if it would hurt them. Henry thought worryingly as his previous childish smile faded then suddenly he heard a voice in his head again.
You should tell them. Aunty said honesty is always the answer A little colt voice rang through Henry his head.
Easy for you too say you aren't probably possessing somepony and what are you? You aren't the grown up Blueblood I know off. He would most likely want to prevent me from saying anything relating to my current situation to his auntie's. Henry thought trying to reply to the little colt voice.
Our aunties!! And you aren't possessing me I had fun with the animals and I don't know what you mean mister aren't you the nice grown up version of me? The little colt voice asked confused.
Uhm? No I don't think I am. And how can I only hear you when I have an inner conflict and what do you mean you had fun with the animals that was all me I just like cute things. Wait a second pony swears. Attraction to mares! Oh buck me I'm already seeing what's going on and I don't like it one bit. Henry thought as he started to get nervous.

Celestia looked worried at Henry and booped his muzzle "Are you alright Bluey? You didn't seem to be fully there." Celestia asked worryingly.

Henry shook his head as he regained focus and looked at Princess Celestia "Honestly no, but we better get going. Spellslinger, Midnight time to go and I hope you didn't misplace the scroll I wrote for the meeting. I am sorry for being a buzz kill but duty calls." Henry said sounding serious as he got up the entire talk he dreaded putting him back on focus but as he got up the bat and Philomena both clinged to him.
"I guess the sky doggo and Philomena want to come along and i can't remove them." Henry said calmly as he noticed Celestia her horn glowing ready to teleport them to where Luna was probably waiting.

Author's Note

I'm sorry it's a little late but my work and I'd at least want a small chapter out this week.
Also to everyone here confused Sky Doggo is a nickname for bats. i'll just tell you all never to touch a wild bat without being vacinated and yes parts of Henry's backstory are based on personal experiences while doing freelance work. :p