The Hope for a Flexible Future (3)

Not gonna lie, I am not the kind of guy that likes balls.

Sure, parties can be fun but… I wasn’t someone that liked to mingle with others for extended amounts of time. I was averagely social, but I can’t see myself entertaining a conversation in a formal feast for more than a few hours. So, when the time came to attend the invitation to Canterlot, I was particularly… unsure how I was supposed to behave without sounding too awkward about it.

I was fairly nervous, Silver was more excited than else as he happily rested beside me, the giddy smile on his face at the notion of talking once more with Luna being a clear sign of how engrossed by the event he felt. The chariot barely experienced any ‘bumps’ in the way, the flight proceeding smoothly as the four pegasi showed some strong muscles in managing to carry the combined weight from me, the bat pony and two adult ponies. Because yes, it wasn’t just me and the foal as, on the opposite side of the rows of seats, Cadance and Shining Armor were busy fixing each other's clothes. It was oddly intriguing and satisfying how these two ponies that usually didn’t wear much were actually putting some serious effort in getting their outfits done right.

“Dear, you should be more careful with those two medals,” The pink-furred alicorn hummed with a hint of amusement. “They could fall off if you don’t place them right.”

“And you should be careful with the violet flowers in your skirt. Do you remember the last time we went to the gala? When you told me that you were mortified when you noticed those had unfastened off the hems?” Her husband rebuked playfully, both sharing a brief chuckle together as I smiled at the display.

It was a little fun scene to be introduced too as I tried to calm my nerves. I was no nervous mess, but I was definitely going to be worried by the time I met Celestia. Mostly because of the many secrets I now shared with Luna. I saw it more like having to meet my best friend’s big sister and having to lie about the fact I might have had a hand or two in depriving her cake-raiding ability when it comes to her younger sibling. It was a fun visual image, but also one that left me tense the very moment Celestia realized that Luna and I were close friends. But… I also didn’t fear an irrational reaction out of this.

Despite how big of a deal Celestia was within Equestria’s hierarchy, it was also true that she was no despotic ruler. A bit conservative, fairly democratic, but still unwilling to allow too much power to be given to others. Not because she wanted it, but because the nobility that existed in Canterlot was as positive in handling some affairs as it was troublesome when some stupid complaints come up.

“What about you, John?”

I blinked, the question piercing through my pondering.

“I’m fine. I spent two hours getting everything done with this uniform,” I replied calmly. I could still remember the time I wasted just to get it to look decent. The uniform had a military flair, something that I found fitting considering recent situations showing the kingdom was a bit more ‘attentive’ in terms of military affairs. I was also a perfectionist that had long had issues with small issues tied to insignificant details I forgot to fix so… I made sure I got the whole appearance right. Despite my best intention to be quick with this question, my response didn’t seem to satisfy Cadance as the Princess of Love huffed.

“Not that. How are you holding yourself? You looked quite pensive until I asked you that.”

And now I had a bit of spotlight I didn’t need as the unease was back to hit me once more. We were definitely closing in, I could see the lights of the Equestrian capital in sight, but I was still stuck with this discussion so… I tried to ‘outlive’ it.

“Just thinking of the kind of dignitaries that were going to be there. After all, I know for a fact that some are coming from beyond the continent and have different traditions than any of those known in Equus.”

“Are you worried that they could take any offense at a wrong move?”

“Yep,” I replied curtly, but that didn’t seem to really convince Cadance.

“But that’s not your main concern now, isn’t it?”

“...I believe you’re seeing things, Cadenza.”

She hummed. “And now I’m interested in this. So, what’s wrong?”

Shining could only show a sheepish look rather than helping me deter his wife from this topic, so I was left to handle a very curious Cadance on my own.

“Just thinking about a specific encounter I’ve been looking forward to.”

Her eyes narrowed in amusement. “Are we talking of Auntie Celestia?”

At this point, Shining too was giving me a curious look, wanting to know if I was indeed having trouble thinking about the potential meeting with the eldest of the two Alicorn Sisters. But, much to their surprises, I actually shrugged.

“Nope.”

“You… are not lying,” The pink alicorn noticed. “Wait, there’s actually somepony at the Gala that you are more nervous to meet than Princess Celestia herself.”

“I would say it’s more of the meeting’s ramifications leaving me concerned rather than meeting with this individual.”

“What about, dad?” Silver Song asked, entering the discussion.

“Let’s just say that dad has made a friend. Just a friend, Cadenza,” I remarked strongly much to the mare’s chagrin. “And that this friendship could result in teasing her from her older sister. I’m sure we can agree, Shining, that’s something quite common with siblings.”

He nodded in agreement, but looked fairly disappointed. “Sadly, that didn’t happen much with Twi. I was so ready to be there and tease her into success.”

We shared a knowing smile, while the Princess of Love hummed.

“So, it’s just friendship but not love, you say...” The alicorn summarized. “Does that mean you are worried about what you have with the bond you have with Auntie Luna?”

…

“You what?”

Cadance huffed. “John, really? You thought I didn’t know of this? Auntie Luna might be the only one to enter dreams, but I can tell when she’s close around and I saw the bond you two have when she first visited. That’s not exactly something that happens out of the blue, John.”

While the revelation shocked me, I could definitely see that it shocked Shining Armor way more than it did for me.

“Wait, why didn’t you tell me?” The former Captain of the Guards asked and his wife pouted back at him.

“I know for a fact you would have told him about it. I just wanted to keep this ‘edge’ for myself.”

I narrowed my eyes as I knew what it was all about, and why she wanted that kind of blackmail. “I think you are not getting ‘that’ wish answered, Cadenza.”

“Gah! One day, I’ll get you to call me Cadance!”

Keep on dreaming the impossible, Candy-bar.

The discussion ceased right as the chariot started to land at the right parking spot. Once the landing process was over, we all vacated the vehicle and began making our way towards the royal palace. Six guards were soon escorting us through the staircase that led inside the main building, with many ponies stopping to look at us… specifically me. The attention was expected, but it didn’t mean I felt any less annoyed by the kind of glances I was getting.

Some were quick to notice who I was by the descriptions that have to have reached back to their society, while a few saw a ‘strange monkey getting some unwarranted privileges’. I didn’t think much of it as none was actively aiming to annoy me… plus, it kept any issue from popping up when it came to Silver Song. Bat Ponies weren’t seen nicely on this side of the world, but I was keen to believe no one but a few were going to notice his appearance. He was tiny and adorable, both factors playing heavily in any perspective, more tolerant or hateful those might be.

Eventually we made our way through the main doors and towards the one pony that was taking care of the visitors. Celestia had a small smile on her face as she finished greeting the group in front of us, leaving us before her as she looked much happier. Mostly because Cadance was there. The two were quick to share greetings with Shining coming closely behind his wife so he could politely greet the older alicorn. Once these two were done, Celestia finally addressed me.

“King John of the Crystal Empire.”

Man, that sounds so silly. A king in charge of an Empire. The plans to change the name sure needs to come up to fruition quick before it becomes too much of an awkward circumstance.

“Princess Celestia of Equestria.”

“I’ve heard much about you, King John. Luna was quite delighted about you and talked well of your attitude with the situation.”

“I try to do my best for my new subjects. It’s… tough,” I replied curtly and the mare gave me a sympathetic look.

“I understand. It’s a responsibility to do one’s best to make them feel part of the country.”

“And be happy of the lives they can make out of it.”

She giggled briefly. “You sure are quite mature for someone young. Not many can flaunt that kind of attitude in this situation.”

“It’s just me,” I replied humbly and she nodded, but soon her attention was aimed elsewhere, spotting the little colt standing close to my legs.

“And who is this little one?”

“My adopted son.”

She looked briefly stunned by the development, but overall intrigued by it as her interest towards the child increased. Silver Song looked up at me and I gave him a kind smile as he slowly replied.

“I-I’m Silver Song. Nice to meet you,” The foal muttered and Princess Celestia’s smile widened. “Princess? Can I ask you something?”

Sporting a confused look, I was unsure what was up with the child but the white-furred Alicorn nodded.

“Sure.”

“Is it true that Luna is your younger sister?”

“Yes, Princess Luna is my little sister.”

Silver Song smiled. “Is it true that you two loved to play pranks on each other?”

This time Celestia looked a bit hesitant but… still nodded at the question.

“It was mostly Luna, but yes, we tended to prank each other when we were very young.”

“Luna told me that her pranks were the best.”

“She surely did. But… mine were the best.”

The bat pony’s eyes widened in interest. “Really?”

“I suppose I could share a few stories from the past once I’m finished greeting the guests,” The princess confirmed mirthfully, her gaze moving back to me. “King John, your son is quite a curious and jovial child.”

“I’m well aware of that. He’s also diligent and polite too.”

At this the Bat Pony mustered his chest outward in a sense of pride.

“Alas, I have to handle the remaining guests. I hope you all enjoy the Gala tonight.”

And after that conversation, we were soon given the chance to do so.

The feast was overall pleasant. There were numerous tables with treats and beverages, the waiters didn’t seem to mind my appearance as they behaved as politely as with everyone else, and I sure enjoyed the relative quiet as I chatted with Silver about the impressive ball we were in. The child was overwhelmed by the sight, running numerous questions about the place and asking a few silly ones that left me particularly amused. No one disturbed us even as Cadance and Shining left to greet a certain bookworm that was visiting with her friends, giving us the chance to overall enjoy the night without any strange interruption.

But as we were walking, I was quick to spot a certain mare slowly approaching us. Luna’s smile was radiant, and her dress was… quite pretty. I was no expert in pony fashion, but it definitely fit well with her fur pattern and ethereal mane.

“John, welcome to Canterlot.”

I nodded. “Luna, you look gorgeous.”

A scoff, a beautiful blush appeared on her cheeks. “As forward as usual. Still, thank you.”

“You’re really pretty, Luna,” Silver greeted, the compliment leaving her giggling.

“Thank you, Silver Song. And what a handsome outfit you have.”

The foal smiled eye-to-eye and I took this chance to warn the princess of the night about a possible future problem.

“Also, before this hits you out of nowhere, your sister might feel ‘enabled’ in pranking you after this feast. It’s possible Silver brought up the fact you brag about your pranks.”

Her lips formed a pout, but she smiled nonetheless to soothe the child’s unease at that awkward circumstance.

“It’s alright, Silver. After all, this chance will give me the chance to prove how my pranks are indeed superior to the Tia- I mean, Celestia could try to subject me.”

My lips twitched at the little slip, knowing that Luna was going to take this matter more seriously than she was making it sound. As much as a dutiful and proper princess, the little filly with a penchant to prank everything that moves was still there and looked ready to come out just to play a few tricks with her sister. The alicorn then decided to guide us around so we could enjoy the feast even better than without anyone to help us through the formal event. And as we strolled around and enjoying this first half of the night together, Cadance was smiling smugly at the scene we were part of as she admired it from afar.

“Just friends, my butt.”

“Uh? Did you say something, dear?” Shining asked, briefly looking away from his sister as Twilight looked a bit tense due to recent issues with her friends and… well, taking part in this ball.

“Nothing!” She lied with a forced smile on her face. The Princess of Love knew on the spot that this was a chance to see where this could develop.

It could either end up in a closer friendship or more… and perhaps getting the silly human to call her Cadance rather than her normal name. It made her feel so oddly annoyed. Not angry, but definitely pouty for lengthy hours whenever she was subjected to that.

And with so many hopes and interests invested for the night, this ball was sure going to end up being more entertaining than anyone could have expected.

Author's Note

Next chapter is going to be nutty. Expect lots of fluff. And I know, not much politicking but… this story is about strategy but also personal characterization for various individuals, ponies, Griffons, dragons, dark entities that will soon be awakened… you know, standard stuff here in Equestria.