Author's Note

WARNING: The following depicts a panic-attack as I remember it feeling like in the past. (Sad overtones for this chapter)

Chapter 8: The Banquet of Fate

After some goodbyes, you head to the door that the Princesses left through and the two guard ponies on duties let you in. Then a maid leads you to a large set of double doors. She pauses only a moment to inspect her uniform before gently knocking on the door, getting permission to enter, and finally announce that you have arrived to the occupants before ushering you in.

The procedures you just witnessed, though smooth and well practices, annoyed you a bit as they felt like useless time-wasting practices that are designed primarily to seem impressive.

You barely manage to put on a fake smile instead of sigh as the maid pulls your designated seat out for you at the extravagantly large white marble table filled to the brim with many varieties of dishes.

This kind of thing usually wouldn’t annoy you this much but you are rather anxious to hear the verdict.

The maid finally excuses herself, after Princess Celestia motions her to leave. The only other pony that is not a Princess is a large white stallion guard with a cutie mark of a shield.

“Thank you for going along with that spectacle, Anon. It helps calm our ponies down to see such order and ceremonies.”

“Think nothing of it, I understand.” You try to not look annoyed as at least she apologized for the trouble.

“Now then, before we eat. How about we…Cadence, are you alright?” Now that Celestia pointed it out, you notice that Cadence is breathing rather rapidly while looking down.

“I-I’m sorry everypony. I a-am having… a bit of trouble, c-concentrating…~heph Huff Huff~”

“What is wrong? May We do anything to alleviate your discomfort?” Princess Luna offers with a concerned expression.

“N-NO! ~Ah, mph~ S-soory, I-I’m just not u-used to-ooo s-such strong f-feelings. ~Huff~”

Your not sure if Princess Cadence is going to orgasm or vomit, but she does not look normal. You are nervous about the upcoming conversation, but you didn’t think it was that strong.

“Shining Armor, please escort your wife to your chambers to rest, we will be fine.” Princess Celestia declares.

Shining Armor looks at you before making a move that you think is supposed to be the ‘I have my eyes on you’ gesture with a hoof, then brings his panting wife out of the room before closing the door with magic.

“Now then, before we eat, We do believe we have some business to discuss.”

You are going to need some time to get used to Princess Luna’s use of the royal ‘We’.

“I agree, Princess Luna. May I know the verdict.” You ask while trying to prevent the sweat dripping down your back from being noticed by sitting at attention.

Letting out a soft sigh, “Very well, Anon. I, Princess Celestia of Equestria, must fulfill my duty and inform you that we are not able to send you home. I am sorry.”

In that moment, the air seems to freeze, and time seems to slow. You hear your heart, beating in your ears; loud as thunder and fierce as a predator facing death.

You see the Princesses moving their lips around, yet you cannot hear them. They seem worried.

Finally, after what seems like years, the sound of your heart starts to fade. It is instead replaced by an annoying, high pitched, ringing sound. That sound soon fades as well and you can now hear a muffled voice. That voice gets louder and you look towards the source.

“Anon! Anon! Please look at me! Let us know that you can hear me! Do something to let us know you are ok!”

It’s Twi-force… what is she doing? You think to yourself. Why is she so sad?

You look at the sad, purple alicorn. Slowly, you lift your arm and pat her head. “Don’t be sad Twi-force. You cannot read your books with tears in your eyes.”

“Thank the Sun and Moon! Your alive!”, Twi-force hugs you.

“Aw, good pony.” You return the hug.

You look back over to the other Princesses when you are done comforting your best pony friend.

Princess Luna looks concerned and Princess Celestia relieved.

“We thought you a goner for a second there. Tis good you are recovering.”

“Thank you Princess Luna, for the concern. Oh, and sorry Princess Celestia, but I did not hear anything after the apology part.”

Princess Celestia looked back at the other Princesses, one of whom you are currently petting as an emotional support pony, sighs, then starts slowly explaining.

“Yes… We were not able to locate any trace of your home dimension. It is likely that it too is immune to our magic. Additionally, even if we were able to find your dimension, we could not affect you with magic needed to send you home. I am truly sorry, but without our magic, I am afraid we Princesses are but larger ponies.”

Princess Celestia looks at you with regret and maybe pity? Even after this long, you still sometimes struggle with pony expressions.

You feel Twi-force snuggle up into your hand. You look down to see her concern for you and you take the opportunity to wipe a tear from her face with your free hand.

“S-so, what should I do?”

“That is up to you Anon. If you wished to, you could live in the palace with my sister and I as a permanent guest. Alternatively, Twi-f…, Princess Twilight has offered that you may stay with her. It is up to you what you would like to do. You may also choose another option, forge your own path.”

You are not sure what to do. No, to be honest you know what you should do, you just don’t want to.

After gathering your courage, “If it is alright with Twi-force, I would like to stay with her until I can buy my own home with my own land.”

“W-why bother moving out at all? I have plenty of rooms…”

“… Twilight, I have some things that I must do to make myself feel right. One of those things is owning my own home and not relying on the kindness of my friends all the time. I also want to get stronger, strong enough to protect that which I value. I can think about the rest later.”

Twilight looks up from under your hand with he biggest, sad puppy eyes you have ever seen. It looks like she is hurt or going to try and convince you to stay, but then she closes her eyes and nuzzles into the palm of your hand.

“… ~wimper~ If that is what you feel is right, I will support you. But when you are done with that, please let me know, okay?”

“It’s a deal, Twi-force. Pinky Promise!” You even do the weird voodoo ritual P-Pop taught you.

“I’ll keep you to that one, Anon…” Twi-force smiles and goes back to letting you pet her.