Pinkie darted across the kitchen, “Coming through,” She called in a singsong fashion as James hopped easily over her while she zipped between the counter and the oven.

A cloud of hot sugary air rushed out as the door opened, filling the kitchen with the scent of freshly baked cake. Pinkie paused briefly as she inhaled the sweet smell, enjoying the small comforts of the familiar.

Once back on the ground James abandoned the stand mixer of fresh frosting, turning to the assorted vegetables on the island counter and collected a nearby knife to begin work preparing a salad.

“Oh, my,” Seto commented as she walked into the kitchen, casually examining the food being prepared. “You two are working quite well together.”

Pinkie laughed as she fanned the cake. “It wasn't always this easy. We would trip over each other all the time when we'd try this.”

“Well, as much as I'd like to keep watching, I would hate to distract you. I'll just go and talk to the other girls for now.” As Seto turned to leave James spoke up without even looking her direction.

“Seto, I made a sample platter specifically so you wouldn't have to sneak anything.”

Seto laughed uncomfortably as she lifted the plate of pilfered food she had carefully concealed beneath James' sight-lines.

Pinkie chuckled as she examined the stand mixer of fresh frosting. “Yeah, we know you like trying everything so we made an extra special plate just for you.”

“Also, Fluttershy and Rarity have put a lot of effort into their tea party, including some very nice snacks.” James commented before adding, “Assuming Rarity hasn't been too much of a perfectionist, of course.”

“Oh,” Seto hummed, “that sounds interesting.”

“Honestly, I can't say things have ever been boring here.” James casually mentioned with a smile as Seto took the offered plate (and reclaimed the pilfered plate,) as she left to attend the tea party.

***

The dining room had been completely transformed for Lady Seto's visit, between Rarity's flair and Twilight's insistence on perfection the area was nearly unrecognizable. Though surrounded by the modern Japanese architecture – smooth wooden floors, sliding shoji doors and large windows to fill the room with natural light – the feel of the room was now more distinctly akin to the tea parties Fluttershy would host back in Ponyville.

The long dining table had been dressed with a lace table cloth that Rarity had pulled from her luggage. In the center, a delicate porcelain tea set sat, each piece placed carefully and adjusted by Twilight until it was perfectly positioned. Rarity's magic had been at work as well, placing bouquets of local flowers – selected specifically to match the purple and pink tea cups – strategically along the length of the table.

The large window offered more than light as it looked out over the meticulously maintained yard just outside. Sounds of the gentle cascade of water from the nearby bath providing a comforting sense of peace.

Lady Seto sat on a simple cushioned chair that Rarity had personally selected for it's comfort. Her calm demeanor made it impossible to gauge whether she found the setting amusing or quaint. Twilight, Starlight, Rarity, and Fluttershy sat across from her, each slightly on edge under Seto's gaze.

The setting was deceptively simple, as even the familiar tea party seemed to take on more importance in the presence of the Devil Princess.

“It's nice of you to visit us, Lady Seto.” Twilight politely said as she took another sip of green tea, and Fluttershy quietly agreeing.

“It's nice to get off Jurai from time to time.” Seto answered as she smiled at the group. “Of course, this isn't just a personal visit.”

“Oh, do tell,” Rarity said eager to hear about the goings on of the powerful, “what brings you out here?”

Seto's smile widened as several holographic pictures of men appeared around her. “I just thought I'd make a couple suggestions if you might be interested.” Seto calmly took a sip of tea as she began talking.

“Marius is a fourth generation kimono shop owner, and very financially stable. Of course there's also Raoul, he's a career GP officer but he's on a fast track to command.” Seto explained happily, “And there's Haru, the son of a diplomat to one of the worlds that make up the federation. Of course, they're all single, too.”

Twilight swallowed her tea suddenly at the unprompted solicitation. Struggling to not cough she eventually spoke. “Thanks for the offer,” Twilight said as she laughed uncomfortably, “I, uh, think I'm okay being single for the time being.”

Seto nodded slowly, “Perhaps, but you may want to consider it all the same. Haru is a well connected young man with plenty of friends around the federation.”

“I think for now I'm just going to concentrate on my school.” Twilight tried to insist.

“I see.” Seto calmly said, “I'm not going to force you into anything,” quietly in the distance Rainbow Dash scoffed, “but you are a political figure and, like it or not, securing political alliances and diplomatic ties is an essential role for you. In the wider world it's not always who you know, but who stands with you.”

“Lady Seto,” Starlight interjected, hoping to accentuate Twilight's point. “At the moment we're just trying to feel out our place. And as James has pointed out, we have a long time to consider these things now.” She took a sip of tea to cover her discomfort.

“That's certainly true.” Seto calmly agreed, “But it's not always about matters of the heart. Entire landscapes shift and change on what may seem to be insignificant associations. Besides,” Seto continued, her voice taking on a more amused tone, “there will always be other men. Thought if you girls are interested, any of these fine young men would be good matches for any of you.”

Starlight balked at the statement, glad that she had the wherewithal to not spit out the tea she just drank in surprise. “I mean, if I'd known these guys for a while, or if they were ponies …” Starlight stammered while blushing.

“And what about you, Rarity?” Seto asked, moving on quickly, “Marius is both wealthy, and appreciates fashion. And Fluttershy, Haru is an animal lover and regularly donates to sanctuaries. As well as owning his own garden planet that cares for rare and endangered species.”

“He does?” Fluttershy asked, astonished, “I mean, I'm not going to date anypony, but I'd just love to meet him and talk about all the cute little animals he's helping.”

“Lady Seto,” Rarity added in a forced polite tone, “I have no trouble finding stallions, I am single by choice.”

“Very well.” Seto politely said as the images blinked out, “But the offer is there for any of you. But you should know,” She continued, pointedly looking to Twilight, “it's not uncommon for the ground to move beneath your feet like so. If you're always so surprised you may find the advantage ripped from you and you're left struggling just to keep up.”

Shortly after the images blinked out James approached from the direction of the kitchen. “Well, that took longer than I thought, however everything is ready now.”

***

Applejack, James, and Aoi collected empty plates from the table as the meal finished. Seto calmly smiling as she enjoyed a small cup of sake.

“Never knew you could cook like that, Captain.” Aoi said with a stiff smile as she picked up Rainbow Dash's plate, who leaned back in her chair and gave a satisfied sigh.

“Well, Pinkie and I worked on it all together. So I don't exactly cook like that.” James said with a smirk.

“That was certainly a delicious meal.” Seto said as she relaxed, placing her empty cup down. “Of course, I'm afraid it's time to talk about business.”

“Makes sense.” James commented, as he went to deposit the dishes in the kitchen. “I'll be back shortly.”

“Actually, my business is with Twilight.” Seto corrected as she turned to the surprised pony.

“Oh, uhm, what can I help you with?” Twilight quickly asked.

“We find ourselves in an interesting situation,” Seto began to explain, “as you are the only one of us so far who has a positive relationship with the newly formed Shisan Republic. And as such, any kind of lasting relationship with them begins with your help.”

“I …” Twilight hesitantly began.

“Of course she'll do it.” Rainbow Dash eagerly said, crossing her hooves over her chest.

“Rainbow …”

“This ain't her first time making friendly with the neighbors.” Applejack piped in.

“Applejack.” Twilight attempted to say.

“That's good to hear,” Seto said as she typed on a translucent holographic display, projecting a star chart mid air over the table. “Pirate guilds control a large section of space, and of course are always making incursions into federation territory.” As Seto talked a wide swath of the star chart was highlighted in emerald. The twisting blob of color sent tendrils off poking into every area surrounding it.

Twilight gawked at the display, understanding that every point of light represented at bare minimum a planet. The immensity of the task before her wasn't even crushing, it was numbing. Her mind reeling as the star chart reflected in her eyes.

“While they were the Shisan Guild they controlled this section of space right here.” As Seto spoke a section of the emerald blob changed to a ruby color, distinguishing itself from the rest.

“While the Federation would prefer an alliance, it's unrealistic to expect to expect their full cooperation this early in their formation.” Seto continued, with a small, knowing smile. “However, a trade route – that could prove mutually beneficial, carving into pirate territory while establishing themselves as legitimate.

Seto allowed the star chart to disappear as she continued. “That is assuming our information on their territory is up to date, which I expect you'll also be able to assess.”

Twilight's eyes were wide as she tried to control her breathing.

“Please, this will be easy for her.” Rainbow Dash boasted.

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight hissed.

“Of course,” Seto answered, “I wouldn't have asked her if I didn't believe she could handle it.”

Twilight didn't relax at the vote of confidence and had to force herself to speak. “Of course. And I'll do my best to help you however I can.” She said stiffly, panic clearly painted on her face.

“See, she's a natural.” Rainbow Dash continued.

“That is a relief to hear. If you pull this off, you'll be helping millions of people, not just for the Shisan republic, but for the federation as well.” Seto calmly explained as she stood up.

“Millions.” Twilight whispered to herself, her heart pounding as her mind raced at the number of people alone. She swallowed hard, attempting to force down the feeling as her mind continued. What if I can't do it? What if they don't listen to me? Her mind conjured every worst case scenario, but she forced herself to nod, smiling stiffly. “I'll … I'll do my best, Lady Seto.”

“While I do wish I could stay and enjoy your company some more,” Seto said, politely nodding as she stood, the gentle flutter of her robes giving the impression of one who would not be rushed. “I unfortunately have more business that I must attend to. I hope all of you keep my offer in mind, as well. After all I do have a good reputation for matchmaking.”

The soft click of the door closing left the room less tense, though her words still weighed heavily. Twilight exhaled, only now realizing that she had been holding her breath.

“Well, that was … certainly something.” Starlight commented, looking towards Aoi, who even now stood, staring at the door as if she had just escaped death.

James chuckled slightly, shaking his head. “Can't exactly say that I'm surprised.” His dismissive attitude breaking through the tension. “Just wouldn't be Seto if she didn't do something to stir things up.”

“I'm glad you told us that we can tell her no.” Starlight sighed, feeling slightly more able to breathe. “Even though she only asked it really felt like she was pressuring us.”

“Yeah, I have no idea how just her presence can do that.” James said, shaking his head. “Whatever it is, though, she's clearly good at it.”

“You can tell her no?” Aoi asked, her jaw dropping as she turned to her former captain.

“Well … yeah. Trust me, I know it's hard but you can actually tell her “no.”” James said.

“She's the Devil Princess of Jurai!” Aoi emphasized, as she grabbed James' shirt. “Telling her “no” would be suicide!”

“Clearly it isn't.” Rarity said as she fussed over the linen napkins. “Though I have to agree, she does have a rather dominating presence.”

“She's really a lot nicer than that name makes her sound.” Starlight told Aoi, who herself had turned her shocked expression towards the ponies. “I've talked with her myself more than once.”

Rainbow Dash groaned. “Are you kidding me?! She lives up to her reputation. I mean, James and I nearly died thanks to her meddling.”

“Yeah, and her daughter Misaki is super fun.” Pinkie excitedly said, ignoring Rainbow Dash completely, “She's definately intense, but she can't really be that bad.”

Aoi let go of James' shirt and looked over the group, her face pale. “In pirate guilds across space, we'd hear about the Devil Princess of Jurai. She tore apart entire guilds with her Dance of Death, the “Triple Z” weapon. Jurai itself is powerful enough that you do what you can to not provoke them, but if Seto showed up: it was already over.” As Aoi finished talking, she sat, staring down into her drink.

“I heard those same stories.” James calmly said, placing his hand on her back “And they really are true. But that's not all there is to her. Besides, Seina Yamada is a more effective pirate hunter than Seto ever was.”

Aoi shook her head and smiled faintly. “Seina's not ruthless the way Seto is.” Aoi paused as she began to reflect. “I actually met him once; the Kage guild was going to try to recruit him.”

James chuckled as he considered what may have happened. “And how did that go for you?”

Aoi began to laugh as she spoke. “Poor guy went to admire the view of the bay, only for the guard rail to break and send him tumbling down the cliff into it. I think he was fished out later by a dedicated team. Almost sounded like they were expecting it.”

“Yeah, he's got some notoriously bad luck.” James said with a smile.

“You're telling me, the boat they used to fish him out with sprang a leak and sank with them all on it.” Aoi explained, shaking her head, “I grabbed a rope to fish them out with …”

“Let me guess,” James interrupted, smiling wide as he made his guess “it broke.”

“Yeah, I'd gotten the rest of the people out, and as he was about half way up it just snapped.”

“That is really unlucky.” Starlight said, astonished.

“Has anypony seen Twilight?” Fluttershy asked as she looked around.

***

“Millions of people are counting on me?!” Twilight repeated to herself as she paced in her room, pausing occasionally to stare out the large window before she began pacing again.

“Are you in here Twilight?” Fluttershy quietly asked as she cracked the door open.

“Oh yeah, she's Twilighting hard.” Rainbow Dash said, pushing the door open wide and flying in.

James paused as he looked inside the room, the fourposter bed sat neatly made along the wall, oriented to look out the window. Two large loaded bookshelves formed a nook with a plush reading chair and several books lay open on the floor. In the center of the room was a circular rug that James remembered purchasing at the beginning of their stay, however it had been rectangular when he had bought it.

“I see you've been stressed lately.” James commented, focusing on Twilight's pacing.

“She's always stressed.” Rainbow Dash answered dismissively.

“More so than usual.” James corrected, cocking an eyebrow as he looked to Rainbow Dash.

“Millions of people are counting on me!” Twilight practically shouted, as she turned to James. “How could I not be stressed?!”

“Twilight, nobody even knows. They're not counting on you.” James tried to explain.

“Seto just said that they were!” Twilight emphasized.

“Settle in, James, this is going to take a while.” Applejack said as she sat in Twilight's chair.

Twilight stopped pacing as she looked to her friends. “Maybe Celestia was right to not retire. I can't even handle the thought of people depending on me. How would I react to the pressure of actually ruling?”

“Well.” James calmly said.

Twilight's mouth opened and closed several times as she stared at James. Eventually she found the words she was looking for. “Who would respect a leader in constant panic?”

“Plenty.” James answered, “I wasn't a leader until I was thrown into the position. Now I run not only a government, but a trading empire that in sixty years now is the only reason more than a few planets are even able to support their population.”

“Not everypony can handle that!”

“You're right, not everyone can. But guess what: you can.” James calmly said. “I know it's going to sound like total crap, but part of why Seto is so good at arranging relationships is because she's good at evaluating people. She's gotten to know you enough that she has a good idea of what you can and can't do. And likely, the only thing she sees holding you back is your own lack of confidence.”

“Yeah Twilight.” Rainbow Dash said optimistically, “You always stress out, but when have you not been able to pull these things off?”

“Oh, I don't know …” Twilight snapped sarcastically, “The yaks.”

“What? That turned out great.”

“Because of Pinkie, I nearly started a war!”

“Were you thinking you'd be doin' this alone?” Applejack casually asked.

“Darling, we can help for more than adventures.” Rarity insisted.

“You have all the resources you need, you just have to ask.” James chimed in.

Twilight looked to each of her friends, their warm smiles and familiar support for her giving her the strength to dare a smile. Applejack's and Rainbow Dash's casual confidence, the gentle reassurances of Fluttershy and Rarity, Starlight's warm smile, and Pinkie's crushing hug helping the tension in her chest begin to loosen.

Finally she met James' steady gaze and while the knots in her stomach were certainly still there, they didn't feel quite so overpowering. Released from Pinkie's hug, she finally let herself sit and just breathe. “You're right, I won't be doing this alone. And I know I can count on each and everyone of you.”

“Exactly, darling,” Rarity said, gently resting her hoof on Twilight's shoulder. “Whatever you need of us.”

“And I guess now's as good a time as any to bring up the suggestion Lucca and Tali made as thanks for all the work you did freeing me from those pirates.” James said, grinning slightly as he spoke.

“As much as we actually did.” Starlight said under her breath.

“You did more than the GP were ready to do. And that's saying a lot.” James answered, looking to Starlight, who promptly tightened her lips and looked away.

“You can hardly blame them: They believed you were being well treated.” Rarity offered. “Although I do believe they should have been doing more anyway.” Rarity shook her head slightly as she recalled. “It all seemed to casual for them.”

“And Twilight, as Seto helpfully pointed out: You brought in the help of the Shinsan fleet.”

“They wanted to help already.” Twilight responded dismissively.

“The fact that they asked at all tells me that they wouldn't have helped without permission.” James countered. “You're not giving yourself enough credit. But we're already off topic; Lucca and Tali actually suggested I take the time to thank you individually with a night out.”

Applejack sat forward, looking to James skeptically. “Y'all mean like a date?”

“If you want to think of it that way.” James said smoothly, flashing Applejack a half smile before going back to normal. “I mean, you can call it that but I really was just thinking about a fun evening out.”

“That sounds lovely.” Fluttershy said with a polite smile.

“A day of fun with a good friend is a wonderful idea.” Rarity agreed.

James got a curious look as he began to talk, “Huh, Aoi, I'd have thought you'd …” he paused as he looked around, not seeing his former body guard in the room. “Oh, I guess she didn't follow us in here.”

Author's Note

I'm getting some help to try improving my writing and deal with some burnout. Hopefully I can get more chapters out with higher quality. While this likely means I will still take a long time per chapter, hopefully the quality will come closer to comparable with the wait.