A Roegadyn in Equestria

A Roegadyn in Equestria.

Chapter 46: Let's See. Card… Card… Card... A Ticket?!

*Point of view: Spike the Dragon*
*Location: Ponyville General Store*
*Time: One fifteen in the afternoon*

Spike was at this very moment inside of the General store for Ponyville, on an errand by Twilight to pick up some supplies for back home at the library. This was because they wouldn't have been able to deal with it in the morning, with how they were meant to go over to Applejack's farm to help out with harvesting some of their crops. Sure, the young dragon was glad that his older sister I was able to make some friends, although, he really wished that he wasn't dragged along everywhere at any time, especially when it was supposed to be his day off.

The only thing that made it worse, was how Twilight had promised to help only earlier that day. Which meant it was a last-minute change in plans and he had to immediately rush out to do the shopping a day early and all on his own. Honestly, he didn't really mind doing the chores, but Spike had noticed that whenever he would be around Ponyville on his own, he would always get some weird looks from the ponies around.

Even today, when he came inside of the store. He was immediately able to see just how the owner behind the counter was keeping her eyes locked on him whenever he roamed from one aisle to the next as he went through his list to check off the groceries he grabbed. At first, he thought it was just because they didn't know him and only showing up recently. But close to a month has gone by and it just hasn’t changed at all.

There were even a few occasions where he felt the scales on the back of his neck giving him the sensation that they were about to stand on end, whenever he was without Twilight or the other girls and there was a bunch of the ponies nearby. It wasn't like he was oblivious to the fact about how males are perceived in Pony society, with how he was so well-educated when they were back up in Canterlot. But what he was getting from the ponies was not anything along those lines, but he just couldn't place exactly what it was.

Right as he had gotten to the section of the shelves that had the bread, he had to take a moment to find the one that was one hundred percent made of hay. That was when he cursed his anatomy when it came to how is dietary needs were not fully met down here in Ponyville. With their hardly being anything, gemstone related in the food section. Sure, he had a decent supply that he had brought with him, but even he knew that much will eventually run out.

That was when he finally found the right kind of bread that Twilight wanted and placed it into a shopping bag. But before he was to go to the counter, he wanted to check out the back side of the store where they had some of the trading card packs and see if there was anything new. Aside from Twilight, none inside of Ponyville knew that he was an avid collector of the Adventurer’s trading cards. Not even her new friends showed any interest in pretty much whatever he said or did. Spike was quite all right with that. Especially after seeing how crazy their shenanigans tend to get them in trouble.

Although, he was pretty sure that Rainbow did collect them herself. It was too bad that he never really did get much of an opportunity to talk to the Pegasus about them. Seeing as how she would always be gone before he even got a chance to even say hi. While he was thinking about such things. The young dragon had nearly bumped into another while rounding the corner. Quickly, he began to apologize before he even had a good look at who it was. Woops! Sorry about that, I didn't mean to bump into yeah.”

The voice that replied, turned out to be that of a male, which surprised Spike quite a lot. Considering how he had barely had any contact with the male population of Ponyville. “No harm done.” After recovering from the shock, Spike looked up and saw that it was a very, very big pony that was standing in front of him, while wearing a hood and mask. Which he found very odd seeing as such a thing would not have been permitted within a store. thanks to their face being covered, the store clerk would immediately see them as a thief.

But when he began to look around, he couldn’t help but to notice that the guy wasn't even drawing any attention to himself as he stood directly in front of the rack of trading cards without moving. That was when Spike peaked around and saw how he was apparently staring at the part that displayed the starting packs. Which consisted of ten random cards a piece within each one.

With being an avid collector himself. Spike knew that these things came out only a few years after the combat schools were opened. Each one of the ponies that were printed on them, were assigned one of the classes that they intended to become from each of those Institutions. The ones in front, were divided up into four distinct categories. Starting from the left, there were the Tanks. Next the Healers and last were the close and long ranged Fighters. Which meant that you would only get the Class type depending on the card pack that was selected.

The stallion however, had yet to make a move during the time that Spike was examining the rack of cards and immediately came to the conclusion that he was a newbie with the way that his mask was slightly tilted towards where the starting packs and boxes were put. Thinking that this might be a good opportunity to at least talk to another Pony about something that he liked. He made sure that his presence was known by coughing into his left fist that would not be used in hold his basket.

When he noticed that the stallion was partly turning towards him with just his head. Spike then started to speak in an almost reluctant tone at the start. “Are you new to, Heroes for hire?” This earned him a subtle nod which got his gaming side to rear its head and egged him on to continue the conversation.

“Would you happen to already know the rules?” This time he got a shake of the head and this was followed with the stallion asking, “Could you explain?” Spike quickly look down to his other hand and saw how he had those groceries at really needed to get back to the library. But quickly shrugged, thinking that it would only take a few minutes.

“Well... The game setting is this. In a nutshell. Each player has a deck of fifty cards in total. No more and no less. There's a game board with two sides. One side being the heroes while the other side has to be occupied by monsters. Each character can be equipped with two items along with battle armor depending on both their class and level.”

“The monsters are all based off of what is already been recorded to be seen out in the wild. Most of which don't use armor or weapons like an Adventurer character can but they do have their own special gear and items to use. There are even some cards that affect the battle that you can play. Now those would require more explanation.”

“The objective is to either take out all of your opponent’s pieces or managed to get past them and strike the player three times. Oh! And one more thing! No matter what you do, you have to flip a coin in order to see if your action succeeds or fails.”

That was when he saw the stallion bringing his left hand across to hold on to his elbow while the other rested on the bottom of his mask to show that he was in a thinking gesture. After a second or two, Spike could have sworn that he heard him mumbling something just underneath his breath. “Hmm… Sounds to be a mix of Magic the gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh and Final Fantasy that's been all pulled into one if I was to take a guess.”

Spike wasn't all that sure but he was positive that out of all of that, his ears picked up the word Fantasy very distinctly. Whereas the ponies had a good sense of smell, Spike on the other hand had an extremely good sense of hearing. Which of course really paid off when he needed to hear Twilight calling for his assistance from anywhere back at the castle.

Seeing as this would be a good opportunity to introduce himself, he stepped up a little more so that he could be seen better and move the basket into his left hand while extending is right for a quick handshake. “By the way my name is Spike, what's yours?” The stallion slowly reached out and grabbed onto his hand and began to give it a light shake while replying in a casual tone. “The names Gambit. Nice to meet you Spike.”

After the handshake was finished, he heard him also asking, “Have any recommendations?” As soon as he had heard that, Spike immediately went on to point out the differences between the packs and what was most likely going to be found when opening the beginner ones. The whole explanation nearly lasted close to a good ten minutes before there was an annoyed cough that was made painfully loud and clear by the mare who was running the front desk.

The young dragon immediately blushed upon realizing how long they had been standing in the store and said his goodbyes to Gambit as he was heading over to the front desk in order to pay for the groceries. As soon as he had paid up and was in the middle of bagging everything for himself.

A few seconds later, the stallion that he was talking to before had come up to the counter as well and was paying for a handful of packs, which happened to be the very ones that he himself had pointed out just earlier. Spike wouldn’t have said it, but to see another taking his advice about anything, even when it came to something as small as a card game had made him a little happy.

With the big guy’s items being easier to put in a bag. The both of them ended up leaving pretty much at the same time. Spike had wanted to talk to him a little more about the card game, but knew that he was going to end up being very late if he didn't go now. But just before he did, he managed to muster up the courage and quickly asked the stallion a quick question.

“You know, if you're interested, then why don't you come by and we can possibly play a round of cards over at the library tomorrow? That's if you got nothing to do. It gets easier to learn the game if you play it with another that knows what they're doing and can explain the rules and how everything works as the game goes on.”

The stallion looked towards his bag before turning back to Spike to give a nod as he was holding up the bag full of cards while saying, “Cool. How does after lunch sound?” To which got Spike to swiftly give him a thumbs up before running off. As he did so, Spike would wave goodbye and calling out to him. “Okay then! I'll see you at the library after lunch time. We should be all done by then!”

*Point of view: Brex Mith*

The Roegadyn watched as he saw Spike rushing off to probably where Twilight was and having a small smile on his face from behind his mask. Within his mind, Brex was currently thinking. “I didn't exactly think I was going to run into him already just by going to the store. Also, I only intended to buy just one of these to see what was inside, but I ended up getting so caught up in the moment and ended up with enough for nearly two full decks. I don't know if it's just simply the fact that I'm a gamer or maybe I was a card player back in the day. Oh well, I suppose I'll head back to that new hotel room and open these up and see what's in store.”

Afterwards, Brex made his way back to his hotel room, the Roegadyn did just what he said he was going to do. After a bit of time, he currently had a pile of trading cards belonging to the game called, Heroes for Hire. He then picked up a few and began to examine the way that they were made and found that the two that he picked up where obviously equipment cards that had a picture of the standard gear one could get when buying them from a vendor that sells armor and weapons, just like those from his game.

The one currently held in his left-hand look like a simple, brown round buckle shield. As for the one in his right-hand, that looked to be a naturally curved wooden staff that has a white gem of some sort place near the top. After going through the details written, he found that these were meant to be placed alongside a corresponding Adventurer and they had the effect of adding certain stat buff to the user whether it be for attack, defense or perhaps a special effect that could be used only once in a single game. The next card he picked up from the pile had caused him to instantly begin to laugh upon seeing just who it was.

Right there, standing with a beaten up wooden and metal band shield. Was a Diamond Dog he had met a long time ago. It would seem that they even use the same picture from right after their first meeting and the shield itself was a complete wreck from when that one ice shard that was launched from that Imp, had torn right through it. Right there, at the top where the name was printed, he could see the letters spelling out, Einstein.

Just like with Steel Will. Brex had paid him a visit now and then the check up on how that city has been doing. In fact, the last thing he heard was how the Dog was being scouted for a position within the City Guard. But preferred being free for the guild and to work as a private investigator. Brex had to contain another bout of laughter when he remembered the catch phrase that Einstein was considering to use for his office. “None can dig dirt up better than me!” For Brex, it had been at least been a handful of months since they last spoke to one another. Even though he still goes to Baltimare every month.

Which reminded him that he was due to go within the next four days again That was when his good mood had went flying out of the window and he began to recall what happened the last time he had gone for a visit. How he had gone to the usual spot and saw no sign of the Vapor Trail that would always meet with him around noon to just say hello and have a small chat. How he had found out that she was kidnapped by not some two-bit gang. But by someone that he himself knew of. One that he really should have taken care of much earlier.

For as soon as he had learned of exactly what was going on. The Roegadyn had immediately rushed back to HQ and went into his private chambers without so much as informing any others. While within, he had vented all of his rage. Because of this, everything within the room was completely smashed to bits and or turned to cinders within a matter of minutes. If it wasn’t smashed with him slamming his fist into it. Or kicked so hard that it was sent flying across several meters and utterly broken into several parts upon colliding with the far wall.

Then it had to do with him swinging his arms so that his bear finger nails had clawed right through. The finishing touch, would be from his temper causing the room itself to spike to high, that it had not only turned everything to ash. The walls themselves had heated up that they were glowing hot. The very floor at his feet that was made up of stone, was softening into a state resembling that of lava.

He had no idea if it was his roars of anger or perhaps the shaking he was causing while destroying everything with his bare hands. But as soon as he knew that he vented enough to where he was no longer going to accidentally lash out at the nearest person to walk right up to him. Then the Roegadyn switched to his Black Mage class and used a wide area ice spell to stabilize the room before leaving.

When the door to his chambers was open on his way out. Brex had already found Rory, along with Rin and Lin who were standing there waiting. For the first time in his life, they looked utterly terrified when they saw him standing there with his room covered in ash. Along with the walls that had been partially destroyed with his fists having that had been ramming up against them. There are even a few claw marks left in the stone from where he swung his arm and his bare fingers carved away at it. That was when he finally ordered for the operation to be moved up a full month and that they were going to pay Big Mama a visit… Immediately.

After Brex was finished with going through that day’s events through his head. He had to take a good long, several seconds to calm down enough and was now sitting on the edge of his bed while looking out through the window. Although he was still breathing heavily. That was when he heard Rory speaking through the connection with her voice sounding a little worried. “Master” I know I didn't say this back then… But… That may have been the first time that I've ever seen you truly that angry. It took me a little while during the trip over there to calm down both Rin and Lin you know.”

“You weren't really controlling your emotions so they were able to feel everything once those doors were opened... No, it was long before they were opened. I was with them and I was sure that they had a reaction the very instant you came back.” That was when Rory's tone became a little lighter as she started to joke with what she was going to say next. “When we had finished discussing what was going to be our roles and you were off doing your own thing for a few minutes. Lin had asked me if it was okay to let her go on ahead and just kill everyone inside of the mansion all by herself in order to save you the trouble. Hehe-hee.”

“Those two seeing you in such a state really got to them that day. It wasn’t that they were scared of you. Not at all. They reacted to the thought of what could have caused the one they serve to be so upset. As much as I'd like to be there with you, I'm not sure how much longer I can keep the two of them from sneaking out of here and flying all the way over on their own.”

“Just earlier today, I saw them in the training room and I'll tell you this... If something isn't done soon. Then we're going to run out of training dummies really fast and they may resort to hurting someone else if they have nothing to take their frustrations out on. I swear, without you around to serve, they're getting more antsy than a bulldog that's been left home alone too long. Sooner or later, you're going to come home and find that everything has been chewed to bits. Oh, and I’m not kidding about the chewed to bits part. I really did see that Lin is having trouble with not showing some fangs while in her pony form.”

“Anyway, putting aside for the time being about your overzealous maid’s current state. Do you mind bringing that card up again so I can get a good look?” After hearing the request, Brex gave a light shrug before going over to take hold of the card of Einstein again. Now taking the time to go over the card’s details with one another. The pair began to talk back and forth about what they were seeing was printed on the card.

“Master, judging by how he's grayed just a tiny bit around the muzzle, I'd say that this picture was taken close to 5 or 6 years ago. I also did some research on these after hearing about them the other day. Would you care to know what was discovered?”

“It'd be nice to have some background when I go over to see Spike tomorrow, so sure. Still, I find it rather hard to believe that I haven't heard a thing about them until coming here. I guess I’ve just been too preoccupied.”

“Very well Master. Hmm… Now let's see. The company is well known for making toys for all ages. Mostly focused on the younger generation. It wasn't until the class system was put into effect among the Guild halls thanks to the schools that you built. that it became popular with using the terms that came from Final Fantasy online. Thanks to the steady increase in the effectiveness of repelling both the monsters and completing quests. It's safe to say that a great many Adventurers have grown in popularity over the last several years.”

“Hmm-Hmm. And because of that, the toy makers for that company decided to make a deal with the adventurers Guild in order to get their hands on some of the records to be used on the text that's been printed on these cards I take it. It looks like they not only put the person's name, but the basic information that any other can see when glancing at their identification plates. These consisting of their Name, Age, Race, Gender, Weapon Specialty and their current level at the time that this card was printed for. Hmm… I suppose this all effects the characters over all usefulness in the game too.”

“That's right Master. It would even show that it lists a few of the most worthwhile accomplishment they had earned. Also, the same person can have multiple cards that are redone as time goes by. This is when the stats are updated along with their newest accomplishments from between the old card and the new one. It would even seem that these perform two different roles when it comes to the collectors. One of course going towards playing the game where they pretend to be that certain adventurer while the other half merely collect them for the stats. You could say that it's not too dissimilar to baseball cards back on Earth.”

“Okay, then now here's a question that I know that you were obviously going to answer with a yes, but I feel as though I have to ask it anyway. You looked into the card regarding myself, didn't you? So, go on ahead and tell me what there is.”

“Well Master, the thing is… It would seem that your card has been discontinued due to a multitude of complaints from the consumers. Because of this, they haven't printed a new one in over, one year and nine months. Do you remember when you had to start dodging those aggressive mare’s that tried to capture you in order to give you a new rank? As it turns out, it was the toy company that issued the quest to begin with.”

Rory paused for a moment before continuing. “Due to the rules of the adventurer Guild. All ranked “F” members don't qualify to have their accomplishment put on record for others to go over. It was safe to say that your card was essentially blank. Which would leave others to think that you did absolutely nothing.”

“As a result, this caused a small backlash among some of the buyers of the product. Saying that it was unfair for a stallion to be left at such a rank and believe that it was because of his gender. Safe to say that this plan of theirs backfired and they went ahead and discontinued the card all together. They even went so far as to strike your name off of the list of candidates.”

After hearing this. The Roegadyn placed the card back down on the table and went over to his bed and sat on the edge. After a few seconds of silence, he brought his left hand up to his forehead and began to lightly chuckle as he fell back and flopped onto the bed itself. Brex’s laughter began to grow after a few more seconds of lying there. “Haa-Haa! Well, isn't that just something! I guess that finally explains why they were acting so weird. Is it safe to assume that silly quest has been removed from the guild halls and I can go back now without having to worry about them jumping me the second they realize who I am?”

To which Rory replied with her usual, carefree tone. “I'm pretty sure that you don't have to worry about that anymore. Besides, Master hasn’t even been anywhere near here as Gambit when it came to the Adventurers Guild Hall. I dare say you might be able to go back to playing around in there like you once did in the past. There's also the predicament you would be in when it came to the Public's eye if you were not to have a steady income now that you're renting a hotel room instead of continuing with your camping trips into the Forest.”

After hearing what Rory had to say. Brex immediately nodded in agreement before responding in his inner voice that now sounded lighter. “Yeah, that's a good idea! As much as I have like all this down time and just wandering around, having all of this free time can get boring fast. At least this will give me something to do. Speaking of doing... How about I take the rest of today off and leave a body double behind here in this room and I pay you and the girls a visit right now? It's still early in the afternoon. This means that you can have me for almost a day and a half before I have to come back.”

Sounding to be completely overjoyed on the other end. Rory quickly responded with her voice making some slight squeeze sounds and excitement. “Master! I love you so much! I'll see you soon. That's right, need to tell Rin and Lin right now. Hmm... now where did I put that riding crop? Oops never mind, I think Rin still has it. Anyway, I'll see you soon! Bye!”

Once the connection had been cut, Brex could do nothing but lay there and cover his eyes with his left hand while muttering under his breath. “I swear. If it's not killing, then sex is all she thinks about. But still... I've been here for about a month and she hasn't hounded me too much about coming to Ponyville. I wonder if she's up to something? Rory does tend to get into some mischief whenever she's bored. Once I was away for only a week and a half. I came back she had added a door to my room that led to a private Sex Dungeon over back at HQ.”

*Point of view: Third Person*
*Time: Eleven thirty in the morning, the next day*
*Location: Sweet Apple Acres*

Walking through the orchard, just happen to be two ponies and a young dragon that each all carrying a basket of apples while talking to one another. Well, at least two of them had a basket of apples. The third however, had just eaten the last that was inside of theirs. That was when the familiar voice of Applejack could be heard over the light breeze that ran across the orchard. “Thanks a lot for all of your help Twilight. With you lending a hand, I'm sure to beat Big Mac and win that bet of ours. Whoo-whee, can't wait to have a go at using that tractor.”

“Apple Bloom's been pestering me non-stop to show her how to drive it. My brother was going to be the one to teach her. But between you and me, Apple Bloom's got him wrapped around her finger with those puppy dog eyes of hers and I ain't going to let her run through the barn. It was either this or bet that the loser would have to wear Granny Smiths girdle and go down Stirrup Street at noon. That is if he wasn’t how he is with the mare’s. Even I ain't that cruel to do something like that to my own kin. Maybe if that brother of mine didn't have so much of an issue, then I would have.”

While looking over her shoulder towards Spike, who is at the back of the line. Twilight replied in her usual upbeat tone. “I actually had some fun. Having that new tractor must be making life a lot easier on the entire family.” Applejack was just about to say something while tipping her hat and giving a smile, when they both heard a loud rumbling sound that was coming from Spikes stomach.

The young dragon then looked into his basket and found that there were no more apples to be found. As a result, Spike found himself giving the two mare’s a weak little chuckle before he started to speak. “Hee-Hee Heee… Sorry about that girls. I really didn't expect us to be going at it for so long and we did miss brunch time. While lightly shaking her head and giving her brother a bemused smile. Twilight spoke as she was pointing towards his basket. “How can you still be hungry after having all of those? Almost every time I've turned around you've had a new apple in your claws.”

The young dragon merely shrugged as he started to casually say, “I did work up an appetite for a growing dragon. Also, we've been at this since morning and I thought we would have been done by now. Can't really blame me.” Spike was about to say something else, but then he started to give out a large belch, which startled Twilight and caused Applejack to take a step back while fanning her hat towards Spike ahead of time, as she spoke in a loud, startled voice. “Woooouheeeee! Spike! Don't you know any manners? You’re in the presence of ladies here!”

Applejack was about to say something else but was interrupted by another large belch that came from the young dragon and this one was accompanied by a swirl of green and purple flames that pulled itself together to reveal a rolled-up scroll in the air. It then fell to the ground right in the middle of their group.

Immediately after, Spike had this look of relief crossing his face as he started to rub at his belly a little bit as he spoke. “I know this is a very fast way to send messages to you Twilight, but maybe the Princess should look into some other means of telling you something?”

Twilight quickly replied by saying in a dismissive tone. “It's not all that bad. I'm sure that you're just exaggerating.” This earned Twilight a firm head shake from the young dragon as he gave her a serious look while replying to that statement. “Twilight, I was eating breakfast one time with you and she sent a letter that caused me to completely burn up my meal.”

“Tell me what do you think is going to happen if I should ever get together with a girl and that happens in mid kiss?” Twilight gave him a light chuckle to show that she thought he was joking. But upon seeing his serious face, had made her turn into a strained smile and she immediately went after the scroll as a form of distraction to get out of the awkward moment. Of course, Spike didn’t miss what she had done and dismissed it to see what was sent by the Princess.

As soon as the piece of rolled up paper was undone once the ribbon was taken off. A pair of golden tickets had slipped loose and fluttered to the grass. Twilight had then reached down to pick them up and also started to read the letter. She had gone onto inform both Applejack and Spike that the two included tickets that came along with the letter, were for the Grand Galloping Gala that was to be held in three months from now. Of course, Spike immediately stuck one of his clawed fingers into his mouth and made a gagging motion upon hearing about it and voiced his opinions about not wanting to go.

Applejack on the other hand, immediately thought of it as an opportunity to boost her business sales by trying to get the Nobles there to buy some apple products. Of course, this is all during a quick little song that she had pulled out of nowhere. As soon as the song was finished. Rainbow had made her entrance after zooming down from overhead.

Applejack had outright accused Rainbow of spying, because she had come out of nowhere, even after getting out of helping Applejack by making an excuse about being busy. That was when Rainbow pointed out that she was in fact napping in the very trees that were being worked on. There was even a set of pillows and blanket set up there in the branches to be seen upon closer inspection.

This of course, got turned into a competition between the two as to who would get the second ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala. This was only after Rainbow had voice her need to use it as an opportunity to show off to the Wonderbolts that would be performing at the Gala. As a result, Twilight couldn't make up her mind and made up an excuse to leave after her stomach had chosen that moment to make itself heard. Saying to them that she couldn't make a decision right then, especially on an empty stomach.

What none of them had noticed. Was how, there was in the orchard, a tall figure who was half hidden behind one of the many apple trees. Their form mostly being shrouded in the shade and it had just turned their hood in the direction of the town. Only to have it disappear into the shadow of the tree were it was hiding under.

Of course, things like what had happened at Applejacks just kept on happening afterwards when Twilight would end up run into one of her friends after another. Pinkie Pie wanted to go because it was seen as the biggest party in the world and she really, really, really! Wanted to go!

Rarity had this image in her head that if she was to go, then she would meet her imaginary Prince charming and have a happily ever after wedding pretty much on the same day and accused Twilight of standing in her way of finding love. For Fluttershy, the Pegasus only wanted to see the rare animals that were within the royal palaces garden and saw going to the Gala as a good way to get there and the party itself was the last thing on her mind.

From there, it pretty much went the same way as it did in the show. With only some small minor changes. And that small change happened to be a large, two and a half meter, tall person that was in the background for pretty much most of it whenever something happened within town. For example, during the scene that Rainbow was keeping the rain off of Twilight when she was at that one café.

This figure in a set of white and blue robes was in the background, having something to drink outside. He was already holding a large umbrella, that was already opened up overhead just before the rain had started coming down and all of the ponies ran inside. They even got a glimpse of watching as Rainbow had closed the gap in the clouds after Twilight had told her not to give her any special treatment. Of course, after a few seconds of being completely soaked, Twilight had been yanked away by Rarity and pulled into the mare’s Carousel Boutique.

When it had come time to get out of Rarity's shop. Applejack was already waiting for her outside with a literal wagon full of Apple baked goods. But while Twilight was momentarily being distracted by the confections and Applejack practically shoving them in her face in order to get in her good graces after clearly remembering that Twilight said that she was hungry earlier.

The large figure in white and blue from before, was right at that moment coming around the corner and as he was passing by the pair of ponies all nonchalant. He had waived one of his hands dismissively and caused one of the apple fritters to levitate into his open hand and disappeared around the other side of the building. But of course, not without sending a couple of bits into the pouch that was hanging off of Applejacks hips without the farm mare even realizing any of this happening.

When Twilight was finished with Applejack trying to win her over through her own stomach. She had retreated back to the treehouse library, but only to find that the whole place was currently overrun by small animals. Any other in that position, would just think that there was an infestation but it was plainly obvious that something else was happening, with how they were all either carrying something from one spot to another, or using some type of cleaning implement.

While some books were being dusted, there was a group of squirrels and other type of animals that could climb trees up in the rafters just dusting up there and cleaning off the windows with the use of their very fluffy tails and some rags. There was even this small white bunny over on the table that was currently holding a pair of wooden spoons and tossing what looked to be a salad, while at the same time, wearing a tiny white chef's hat.

Twilight was able to immediately tie all of these things together once she heard a gentle humming coming that was from above the doorway that came from Fluttershy. Who was currently dusting away with a large feather duster in her right hand.

From there, Fluttershy started to say that she was doing some spring cleaning for Twilight, but the Unicorn had pointed out to the mare, that it was still summer. Even with the white bunny giving some not so subtle hints as to what Fluttershy should say, the mare had ended up misinterpreting them and had ended up openly admitted that it was all for the tickets.

She had almost fallen for it and was about to take a bite out of the salad that was being offered by the bunny, when her resolved kicked in and she immediately told Fluttershy that she was not accepting any more favors and wanted to be left alone to make the decision about the tickets herself.

So as soon as she had gotten Fluttershy nearly out of the now open door. There was a sudden boom of music and confetti flowing right into her house as Pinkie Pie began to start a short song about throwing a party for Twilight and getting the tickets to go to the Galloping Gala. Which by the end of it, was immediately pointed out by Twilight, that it was in no way subtle and at least Pinkie was willing to be completely upfront with her intentions once they were outside.

Of course, this ended up being something that she really shouldn't have done when pointing out the obvious while in front of a bunch of other town’s ponies. Because by doing so, she had inadvertently let it slip to the rest of them, that she had an extra ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala. This ended up turning into a big scene within seconds, as ponies began to gather around and asking about it and getting confirmations from other ponies and Pinkie that were already there about the situation.

So, for the rest of the day. Twilight and Spike had been making a run for it while being chased by pretty much most of the town as they ran back and forth down the streets and over the bridge. Due to the commotion and all of the focus being placed on Twilight. Not a single individual had noticed the same mysterious person from those other times, just sitting on a bench that had a perfect view of the entire chase going on. They even had a tub of popcorn and a sixty-ounce cup of soda. Along with a swirly crazy styled straw in their grasp, that wrote out the words, Go-Go-Go. And clearly enjoying the amusing show in front of them.

If there was any nearby, then they would have been able to hear him talking in a playful tone as a piece of popcorn was tossed into the air and disappeared as soon as it had made contact with the mask as his head was tilted back. “Now that I've had a chance to experience this on both sides. I can safely say that I prefer to be the spectator. Yum, these taste really good. I've been eating a bit more than normal today. It's a good thing I don't have to worry about gaining weight.”

“Also, does that music always play when a chase scene is going on in this world? If so, where exactly does it come from and can the ponies hear it? Back when this happened with me and Blaze Caster, he said that he didn't notice the music.” This was followed up with him taking the end of the straw and placing it against his mask and this elicited a large slurping sound as the liquid flowed through the twisty sections of the long straw and into his hidden mouth.

After Twilight had ducked, weaved and disguised herself for the next couple of hours. She was finally cornered by a group of gossiping mare’s that were all closing in when she had tried to go in behind some buildings. Only to be trapped in a pincer attack from both ends. Out of desperation, Twilight was huddling together with Spike as her horn began to charge with a large amount of magic. In the next moment, the two was gone after a small flash of light that was accompanied by a resounding pop only a second later.

Back over at the Golden Oaks Library. There was a loud flash before both Twilight and Spike reappeared in the middle of the main room. Whereas Twilight was currently nursing her head after showing how woozy she was after suddenly using such a spell. Spike however, was not looking so good with how some of his clothing had some scuff marks and there was even a part on his shoulder that was still sizzling with a bit of smoke for a few seconds after reappearing.

After taking a few seconds to recover and finding out that Twilight had inadvertently used a teleportation spell. The Unicorn immediately called out the Spike to start closing up and locking all of the windows and doors. After nearly a minute of the pair running around like a bunch of chickens with their heads cut off in an attempt to close everything up before they were found out. They only had a second to relax before Twilight looked over Spiked shoulder to only see that her group of friends where all together on the upper floor and looking down at her from the railing.

Obviously, this had the effect of triggering Twilight into having a full-blown panic attack as she pointed at them and started to scream in horror. “NOOOOO!” It seemed that they had noticed the way she was acting and immediately tried to calm her down after showing that they were not there to earn her any more favors. One by one starting with Applejack, they had said that they were sorry for putting her on the spot and were giving up on asking for the ticket and to just give it to another to have.

Although. when it got to Rainbow Dash. She had immediately gone back to her cocky attitude and was doing a fist bump, while hovering in the air once she realized that she was the last one and it meant that she could get the ticket. But as soon as the other Ponies were giving her a look. The blue Pegasus retracted her fist bump and gave a nervous chuckle before saying pretty much what the others were and didn't want to go anymore.

This ended up leading Twilight to ask Spike to take down a letter as she started to say that she couldn't make up her mind. And if she couldn't bring all of her friends, then she wasn't going to go at all. But before her friends could protest to this, she had already enclosed the two tickets and had Spike burn it in order to have it travel straight to Princess Celestia.

Twilight had started to reassure her friends that she had made the right decision, when there was a quick reply from her teacher in the form of another letter that said that she should have asked in the first place, which contained another set of tickets for all of them to go. As soon as they were done with their mini celebration and we're about to make a move to go out to eat. Spike had noticed that they were not alone in the room for the first time and called out to whoever it was and this caught the attention of the mare’s who looked in the same direction with confusion.

“Gambit, is that you?” After Spike was sure as to who it was, he continued. “Oh man! I'm so sorry. With everything that was happening, I completely forgot that you were going to come over today. You weren't here the waiting for me all day, were you?” The one that was being spoken to, turned out to be the very same one who had been occasionally wandering by throughout the entire escapade for the golden tickets and had his back turned towards them, while near the end of the room and holding onto a book that was still open.

He had partly turned his head to indicate that he had acknowledged to being called. But had not gone far enough to show his face as he replied, while using his free hand to do a dismissal type of wave. “No, kept entertained.” Twilight was clearly confused as to who this was and how they got into the library after everything had been locked up. Her friends were one thing, with them being on the second floor. However, he was literally in plain view on the same floor. So, she didn't know how she had missed him as she ran around to lock up.

Spike was clearly relieved in seeing that as his new acquaintance wasn't upset that he was stood up by him. As for Pinkie, she was currently giggling into her hands while looking at the rest of the ponies in the room. Rarity was just standing there while her eyes were roaming over his choice of clothing with a passive gaze. While at the same time, giving off this feeling that she was deep in thought.

Now when it came to the next three, there were obviously some mixed reactions. Fluttershy had immediately ducked behind Rarity out of shock. The yellow Pegasus was just poking her head around the mare’s form and keeping half of her face hidden with her hair.

Rainbow on the other hand, had taken to the sky in a defensive posture and had been glaring at Gambit. But seemed to have immediately changed to that of surprise and discomfort, after a few seconds of having a look of realization on her face. Before quickly landing and slightly looking away as she was now holding onto her left elbow.

Applejack had immediately noticed the change in behavior in Rainbow and was now looking from the mare and over to the stallion with a questioning look behind her eyes, as she lifted her right eyebrow slowly. Afterwards, Applejack began to say, “How did we all miss a big fella like you just sitting there?” This only got her a light shrug from his shoulders, as he turned his head back to the book in front of himself, while still keeping his back towards all of the girls.

The farm mare was about to ask another question, when she was cut off with hearing him talking again. “Over six hours.” Clearly sensing that they were all quite confused as to what he just said, because of the long silence. He went on to say in a monotone voice, that gave this sense of deep disappointment. “It took you all six hours figure out just what it was you were doing to Twilight. Also, it took six hours for Twilight herself to finally send that letter for additional tickets that she was not going to be able to go because she couldn’t make a choice among her friends.”

“Both princesses were saved by all of you. Do you really think that it would be strange for her to not invite you all to a party that she's holding after what you all did? She knows her own student’s personality, so I doubt very much that this was not something she had expected. How else could you explain the fact that she got right back to you so quickly and had those tickets ready at the same time? I don't know about her, but personally… I would give you a C. Perhaps a C plus if I was to be generous. Now, if this wasn't a test. Then I would say it was a gross oversight on her part.”

During the time that he was saying all of this. The five mare’s who were trying to get the tickets, were looking a bit more ashamed with themselves than they were earlier. Rarity was currently biting on the edge of her lower lip out of embarrassment and looking away. While Applejack was clearly showing a crooked smile and trying to cover her head with her hat. Fluttershy was somehow looking even smaller, while hiding behind Rarity and the party mare was looking a little deflated, but still had some of her hair doing that poofy thing.

Rainbow on the other hand, had recovered from the weird way she was acting from before and was already in the air, ready to do another dive bomb like back at the shop. She had then started to fly directly at the back of his head. But came to a screeching stop when she heard him saying three small words. “That type huh?” As soon as those words were said. There were two sets of reactions in the room. The one side that consisted of Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie and Spike. Clearly having no idea as to what that meant.

But Rainbow, Applejack and Fluttershy all were looking at one another with wide eyes, that just said that they knew exactly what he meant by those words. But the mood was quickly changed when Twilight gave a small shriek while grabbing onto the sides of her head, due to her finally registering what he had said near the end about getting graded with a C. Of course, this was paired with her beginning to hyperventilate as her eyes shrank in fear.

With Twilight screaming the way she was. Pretty much everyone in the library had been fully focused on her with the sudden noise she had made. Thanks to this, Brex got to his feet and had already put the book back where he had found it before approaching Twilight from behind.

From there, he leaned in close enough so that only she was able to hear him as he began to whisper a few inches from the left side of her head, in a slight British accent. At the same time, using his left hand to pat the top of her head in a slow, calming gesture. “Twilight... Please relax. You are a good student and your teacher knows it better than anyone. Just focus on slowing down you’re breathing and everything will be fine.”

But to everyone's surprise there that saw this. They got to see Twilight immediately coming down from a panic attack and was now breathing normally again. At the same time, leaning into the head padding almost subconsciously. Her eyes had mostly closed and her cheeks had a slight blush as she was giving off a light hum of approval.

This had progressed for a few more seconds. At that time, Brex had to pull his hand away once he noticed how Twilight had dropped her ticket due to both of her arms going completely slack and he was sure that he caught a glimpse of some drool beginning to come out from her mouth. Even the end of her tail that was near to the floor, was slightly swaying by then.

Within his mind, Brex began to wander to himself. “Didn't expect this to work so well on her. The accent must have really done the trick. I wonder if it has something to do with her personality and wanting to have approval from her second mother and teachers. Hmm… I guess it would make sense that she has a codependency issue. I wonder if it physically hurts her not to be given any praise. If I'm not careful about this, I'll be asked for head pats by all the ponies.”

Clearly wanting to make good use of the stunned expressions all around. Brex made his way over to the front door. But not before passing Spike and saying in a nonchalant tone. “Sorry that we couldn't hang out today. Maybe another time? Oh, by the way. I got too many of these and I don't know what to do with them. I don't mind if you want to take them off my hands. Otherwise, I just might go and end up throwing them away somewhere.”

That was when he reached into his arm sleeve and pulled out a sizable bag and presented it to spike. The opening to the bag had not been fully closed and the kid was able to right away see the glistening colors reflecting the light of the room just within the bag itself. Spike knew right away that it could only come from gemstones. His eyes went wide in disbelief as he started to eye the many types of gems. There were even a couple of diamonds that he could pick out quickly.

Just the top layer alone showed them all to be pretty much flawless and not a single crack could be seen on any of them. Some would range from the size of a marble and all the way up to that of being slightly bigger than a golf ball. He knew instantly that this would pretty much double his supply of gems and these looked way better than the ones that came with him from the castle. Because of this all he could do was to dumbly nod, while trying to contain a river of drool from dribbling from the edges of his mouth.

With that out of the way, Brex finally got out through the front door. But before he closed it, he ducked his head back in one more time before speaking in a loud enough voice that even the dazed Twilight and Spike could hear. “Make sure you feed the little Egghead. I been hearing her stomach growling all day long!” Then he pulled his head away from the doorway and close it the very instant that he was clear of the opening.

Inside, all of Twilight's friends were just processing everything that they saw and heard within the last few moments. It was Fluttershy who was the first to speak when she went over to Twilight, who still had her eyes closed and was in a weird type of giddy trance. The yellow Pegasus started to lightly poke at the side of the Unicorns left cheek until, Twilight had finally broken free from whatever weird state she was in. This was followed with her quickly blinking and turning her head from side to side and seemingly very confused as to what is going on.

Twilight had even begun to ask in a rapid-fire questioning tornado. “Huh? What? Who? When? Why? Where? How?!” That was when Applejack came up to them and asked, “Just what tarnation got into you Twilight? One sec, you look to be needing a paper bag to breathe in. Then you turn into putty faster than mah daddy does when mother says that she has his birthday gift waiting upstairs.” After scratching the side of her head, Twilight turned over to where Spike was and remembered how familiar the two of them were and began to ask a series of questions back and forth between her and him.

“Spike, just who was that stallion just now? I remember you called him by name earlier.”

“Oh him? Yeah, his name is Gambit. I met him yesterday when I went out to the store just after Applejack came by the library to ask for some help for this morning.”

“Fine. Tell me Spike, why was he even here to begin with?”

“Well, while out. I saw him standing in front of the Heroes for Higher trading card section. He seemed pretty interested in them so I gave him a quick overview of what the game is. One thing led to another and we were going to play a few rounds here in the library after we got done helping with Applejack in the farm. But thanks for the whole Galloping Gala ticket craziness going on, that really didn't happen and I guess he might have been here for a bit.”

“Spike… I appreciate that you're finally making some friends after moving to Ponyville. But do you really think it's wise to invite a random stranger to our home? At least tell me about it in advance. What if I wasn’t decent and he walked in on me doing… I don’t know, anything!”

“Twilight, you do realize that we live in the public library, right? I don't know what you want to do about keeping others out when this place is meant to be opened to all of ponyville. Besides, during the whole time we've been here, I haven't seen a single pony come in to check out a book. Also, he can't be all that bad if he's into the trading cards like me. Gambit even said he was just going to end up throwing these out, so he went and let me have 'em.” That was when he showed Twilight the bag of gems that almost blinded her with how they reflected the light so perfectly.

During the time that Twilight was blinking repeatedly to try and regain her vision. Rarity had already quickly gotten up next to spike in order to look at the gems that had instantly caught her eye. The fashionista was just about to make a comment about them, but stopped just as her mouth opened to show that she was in deep thought. Although after a few seconds, the white mare started to shake her head of whatever she was thinking about and went back to admiring the sack full of gems again.

Applejack was the next to chime in. “I think I seen the fella here and there. He was staying over at Rose’s place during the summer sun celebration because all of the hotels were completely booked. For nearly a month, no pony knew where he was staying. But I heard while talking to one of my customers, that he's got a room now in one of those smaller hotels. I think it might be the one that's run by that stallion called, Young Geezer. But you want to know what the odd thing that I've been hearing? Is that I heard that Rose literally dragged him there and was screaming some nonsense about not allowing him to camp out anymore.”

That was when her attitude changed and was now staring straight at Rainbow before she began to talk again in a serious tone, that just said that the truth better be told or something was going to happen. “Now Rainbow… Don’t you go thinking that I didn’t see how you were acting when he was about. Also, I never seen you back down in mid tackle like that before. So, did you ever get around to actually apologizing to the poor fella?”

The question had clearly got to Rainbow as she was darting her eyes from left to right. At the same time, trying to keep herself from looking directly at Applejack’s own. This obviously peaked all of the mare’s attention and now all eyes were on Rainbow. Even Spike was doing the same as he was tilting his head slightly in confusion. Normally, Rainbow would love being the center of attention. But right now, she wished that she could go invisible. Unfortunately, she was not in the right frame of mind to use her hide skill at that moment.

After watching them, the mare was clearly struggling to say any words that were clearly absent during the time that she was moving her mouth. Applejack had released a heavy sigh and was now lazily dropping her head in disappointment. At the same time, she was mumbling to herself and only a few words that could be heard were something like. “Out of all the irresponsible things... Your darn lucky he didn't press charges.”

Suddenly, the farm mare’s head shot up and she had this burning rage behind her eyes as she asked the next question very slowly. “Here I thought that you went to apologize. For your own good I hope you didn't go and start at threatening the poor fella to keep his yep shut, did you?”

In response, Rainbow held out both of her hands and frantically waved them in a dismissive manner, while exclaiming loudly in a panic. “O-Of course not! Do you really think I go around attacking a stallion and then threatening him to keep his mouth shut?! Just what do you take me for, an idiot? Besides we ran into him, it was a complete accident. If you were to go around and tell others that I did such a thing, it would be the end of me and the Wonderbolts wouldn't dare touch me with a fifty-hoof long lightning rod.”

Now looking very concerned herself, as to where the conversation was going. Rarity entered the chat and asked in a very unsure and drawn-out tone. “Pardon me dears… But could a pony please explain just what it is you are both implying? I may have misheard, but it sounded as though you were saying that our Rainbow had assaulted a stallion and you think that she was covering it up.”

Upon hearing Rarities question, both Twilight and Spike went to cover their mouths as a loud gasp was beginning to escape their lips. As for Pinkie Pie however, her eyes drifted towards the door that Brex had just exited a little while ago before she brought her attention back to Rainbow.

For by the briefest of instances, the pink mare had all of her hair going instantly flat and she had this piercing gaze that was completely zoned in on the blue Pegasus. But due to what was going on among the rest of the group, none of them had even noticed how she had popped a few of her knuckles while making a fist with her right hand, before her usual appearance came back and she was all cheery once again.

Back over with Twilight, she had gotten over her shock and had run right up to Rainbow and was now grabbing onto both of the mare’s shoulders and shaking her violently. While beginning to go on a Panic rant. “R-Rainbow! Do you have any idea how much trouble you could be if word of this was to get out about this? The law specifically states that we're not allowed to assault a stallion, unless they do something that warrants it in the first place.”

Otherwise, it's jail time and it gets put on your permanent record that you're a stallion beater. The law states that any Pony who has that on the record has to notify all in town about it and you know how hard it is to get into a herd once that happens? It's not just hard, it's impossible! I was in Canterlot during that one trial over a decade ago. Celestia really cracked down on the law when it comes to their safety. I had never seen her that angry in my life!”

“Now I want you to tell me exactly what happened and what was the situation like. I need you to go into every single bit of detail. And I mean everything from the moment you saw him, until the end of the encounter. If something like this should ever get to court. Then it won't matter whether we prove your innocence or not. We mare’s already out number the stallions by Eleven to One. Even hearing that you were accused would hurt your chances with them!”

Rainbow had quickly pulled Twilight's arms off of her shoulders and took a hasty step back as to get some distance, before loudly yelling out in frustration. “You don't think I don't know that! I did really try to go and apologize to the guy, but it just came out all wrong! He knew right away that I was just doing it so that my reputation wouldn't be hurt and even told me that he was fine. I don't know what happened and I ended up saying some things that I think I shouldn't have!”

Clearly using a tone that display just how much she was dreading in asking. Applejack slowly approached Rainbow while slightly leaning in. “Land Sakes! Just what did you let out of that mouth of yours before thinking this time?” Rainbows wings immediately went slack as she went over to the nearby couch and plopped in the center before going on about what just happened during that whole day in regards to Gambit to the girls and Spike.

To say that a number of them weren't very happy with what they heard, just wasn't doing it justice. Obviously, there were mixed feelings where one part of the spectrum was Fluttershy trying to cover her ears. Twilight, Spike and Rarity were looking at Rainbow like a fish out of water. Pinkie Pie just stood there silently which was very concerning to a few of those in the room that knew her for a long time.

Now when it came to Applejack, now she was beyond angry. Especially with the mistreatment and stereotypes aimed at stallions. What she heard coming from her friend was almost too much to bear hearing for the farm mare. But she displayed how level-headed she could be by taking in a few deep breaths, before speaking in a calming tone that was hiding a simmering rage behind it.

“Rainbow, I know that there are times that you can get a little heated in the moment… and I'm willing to let this one slide. But as Granny Smith as my witness, if I ever hear you say something like that to another stallion while within earshot! I will and this is a promise, I will buck you so hard straight from here with just one kick that you will be visiting your parents by the time you land all the way back in Cloudsdale.” In order to send this promise clearly to Rainbow. The orange mare slammed her right hoof onto the ground and this caused the whole tree itself to give a strong shutter from the impact.

On rainbows part upon seeing this, her eyes went comically wide as she was now nodding her head so fast, that one could have sworn they heard something bumping around inside as she replied with a quick. “Yes ma'am!” Fluttershy had come out from where she was hiding and had approached Rainbow as soon as Applejack was finished with her. The yellow Pegasus then just started to say to Rainbow, while lightly patting the mare on the back.

“Um... I was there too. If you want, I can go with you and we can apologize together... That is if it's okay with you?” Instead of getting a clear answer, all Fluttershy was able to gather from Rainbows grumbling response what's a not so clear, thank you. At the very moment there was a lull of silence in the treehouse after that. All the mare’s and the one dragon had nearly jumped in place from being startled by a very loud and angry growling sound that had just come out of nowhere.

A few seconds later, it came again and all of their ears began to swivel in order to find just where he was coming from. Only to see that it was Twilight stomach and she was giving them a very embarrassed toothy smile. Along with a weak laugh as she said, “Sorry girls, I really need to eat. A mare can really work up an appetite from running around till sundown.”

*Point of view: Brex Mith*

Brex was currently enjoying the nights warm breeze that came from summer and had his gaze turned towards the sky as he admired both the moon and the constellations. Most of the residents of Ponyville were already in doors as only a few were out and about on the streets. As the light poles slowly began to turn on down the row of streets one by one. Brex found himself absent-mindedly opening the connection with Rory.

“Rory, Twilight got her tickets today. That must mean that they're about to come flooding in this year within the next couple of days, right?” He then heard a small chuckle on the other end as Rory replied. “Oh, no doubt about it Master. You've been getting them for the last seven years now. Out of all of them, you're going to receive the usual four tickets. Each one specifically sent to the president of a company. I'll have to say, that it's been a waste to throw all of them out every time. You didn't even bother to send a stand in and just ignored the invitations all together.”

Brex had just turned onto a street corner and was now on a direct path to his hotel and had a small look of concentration underneath his mask before speaking through the connection. “Now, if I'm correct. Then a ticket would go to the head of Tech Hex Institute of Technology, Apothecary Medical Traders, Endless Enlightenment and Cross-species Bridge. Ha-Haha... I'd really like to see her reaction when she finds out that she's been sending them all to the same person.”

At the end of that, Rory was giving a light hum before replying. “Master, would it be right for me to assume that we are going to be attending this year's Grand Galloping Gala?” Giving his own little chuckle, Brex reply to that immediately in a cheery tone. “That's absolutely correct! Make sure you tell Rin and Lin about it. Because all four of those tickets this year are going to get used. Also, don't forget about picking out a dress for each of you. The next time I come by I'll see what I have in storage so that we can have something that matches.”

Suddenly, there was a loud squeal that came through the connection right as it was terminated, that nearly caused Brex to stop in place in order to bring both of his hands up to cover his ears out of reflex.

*Point of view: Princess Luna*
*Time: Seven at night*
*Location: Canterlot castle*

Luna was currently leaving her bedroom after getting a good night sleep and was heading over to the dining room to meet her older sister Celestia before she was to go off to bed. Although the two missed each other very much, the sisters couldn't be with one another at all times with the way Luna was more of a nocturnal sort of individual.

However, over the course of the last month, the younger princess had been regaining her strength and was now fully capable of going into the dream world to start on doing the patrols that she was so accustomed to before her banishment and couldn’t wait to tell the good news to Celestia.

Even with regaining this much power, her physical appearance had only shifted enough to look as if she was close to hitting nineteen years of age when compared to others. Not even her ethereal mane had recovered yet, so it was still in the short style that she had, when she had awoken within the castle of the two sisters.

Luna was very happy that her sister would try to stay up as much as possible to spend time and help with the adjustments to the modern era... But at the same time, it made Luna feel quite guilty that it was because of this, that Celestia could not get a good night sleep and must have been affecting her daily duties with how she was noticeably getting more tired upon each meeting.

In the beginning, the two would meet up around this time and would be with one another until midnight so that Celestia can get at least a good six hours of sleep in. As of late, they've been dropping down until at most, it would go as long as nine and even when doing that. Her sister would just be nodding off, even in the middle of a sentence by that time. However, tonight Luna was going to have a few words in order to fix this problem once she had gotten to the dining room.

The journey from her bedroom all the way there, would have taken a good ten or fifteen minutes to do. Luckily, she had cut it down to just five, once she was sure that she was within range to try a teleportation spell. When she did, the blue mare found that she was actually standing not only there after a flash of light, but she was also standing atop the table itself and Celestia was looking at her with blinking eyes while appearing to have been looking over a few papers.

Even though Celestia seemed quite surprised, she still put on a joking tone when she looked up at Luna. At the same time, arching her right eyebrow in amusement. “Well, good morning, dear sister. It's rather fortunate that our food has yet to arrive. Otherwise, you just might at this very moment be standing ankle-deep in our soup.”

Being rather amused at the joke herself, Luna had just extended her wings outwards and gave them a good flap or two in order to help in getting her down off of the table. Once her hoofs were firmly on the stone flooring, she quickly went over to her elder sister and gave her an affectionate hug as a wing was draped over the alabaster Alicorn.

As the two were embracing, Luna began to lately hum from enjoying the contact for a few moments before breaking the connection and was now walking around the table to her own chair while beginning to speak. “Dear sister. We-.” Luna had for a brief second paused in mid-sentence, before resuming again after a small cough. “I am overjoyed to inform that we-. I mean I, have regained enough Magic. Dream walking is now possible. Also, it has come to my attention that your health might be an issue from all the late evenings.”

This caused Celestia to arch and eyebrow while looking extremely confused as to what was said and Luna caught on to this before continuing. “Sister, you have been staying up far longer than you should and have so many duties that you have been keeping track of and with very little sleep. I feel that I should really get up a couple hours earlier before the sun goes down in order to spend some time with you or possibly get more familiar with our... people.”

The confused look from before had faded from Celestia's eyes and had adopted that of one who was deeply moved after hearing her younger sister’s concern. But only to return almost as quickly upon hearing the word, “People” being used. As Celestia started to speak, one of the side doors had open and a number of servants came into the dining room and were now putting together the dishes and left as soon as everything was set after nearly a minute had passed.

Once they left, Celestia went on to speak what was on her mind before the interruption. “Luna, I believe this is the first that I've heard you say that word. Did you happen to hear the term people, from any of the castle staff recently? It is not something I'm very familiar with but I'm quite sure it has been said in court on a few occasions.” Luna had just about brought some fruit up to her mouth with a fork and had stopped mere inches away to look up at her older sister wow giving it some thought. After a few moments of humming, Luna gave it a slight shrug before popping the food in her mouth and speaking between every few chews.

“We don't believe we have. Oh! I uh, am I mean, I don't believe I have. 'Twas a slip of the tongue perhaps. Must be from learning the common tongue. By the way, is our nephew by chance going to join us tonight for our meal? I find his company quite enjoyable and has been of great assistance in learning about this day and age. So much has to be caught up upon in order to ingratiate ourselves among our Pe-Ponies. Oh dear, I almost said it again. Perhaps I have heard it being said and have just forgotten about where and when.”

Celestia was currently giving her little sister a flat look while carefully sipping on some soup after witnessing how Luna was eating at the table before she spoke up. “Luna. I know it's just us here, but could you maybe have a little self-control. I can do such a feat as switching back and forth on eating habits but you on the other hand have been away for quite some time. If not careful, you could end up doing this very same act in front of a dignitary without even realizing it until it was too late.”

This earned her a roll of the eyes from Luna before she continued. “Now putting aside the table etiquette. I would deeply appreciate it if we can make our meetings a little earlier as it would greatly help me out. As for that term, I am positive that it has been used quite often but not in talking directly with myself.” After giving it a few seconds of tapping her left index finger onto her chin. The alabaster mare suddenly had a look of realization on her face before speaking again.

“Ah! I do recall that Sir Fancy Pants has been using that word quite often. There have even been a few of the other Nobles who I have caught saying it as well on a few occasions now that I think about it more. Perhaps during our next meeting I'll enquire as to its full meaning. As for Blue Blood. No, I’m afraid that he won't be dining with us today. I hear that he is quite tired after the training session with the guards late in the afternoon yesterday. Feels almost as though we were in the past after seeing both my nephew and our current Captain Shining Armor displaying such strength.”

“You wouldn't believe the strange rumors I have heard in court where there has been an accusation about the both of them taking performance-enhancing drugs. Sure, these days it’s extremely rare to see a stallion outperforming a mare when it comes to physical labor, but to make such outlandish assumptions is nothing short of saying that it’s going quite far.”

Luna had just finished her fruit and was now working on her next dish when she paused and began to ask her older sister a question while having a dubious look in her eyes, that said that she couldn't believe what she was hearing. “Sister, is it really that rare for a stallion to be strong in this day? After recalling the lessons in recent weeks, I understand that the numbers between the males and the females are quite vast and because of this, they should be protected more. But for them to diminish in such a drastic way...”

“To say that is hard for us to fathom cannot justly put words to it. Also, I have met the captain a number of times and I do not see how others could even say that he would be taking such an underhanded concoction in order to be strong. I have even asked questions to my night guard and they tell me that he is an extremely capable captain.”

“As for our nephew, I find dependable as well. Considering his age in comparison to Captain Shining Armor. As eager as I am to hearing what he has to teach me, the young stallion is the same way towards us and ask quite a few in regards to how the males acted a thousand years ago. Is his attitude due to your upbringing? If not, then you are quite lucky that he did not turn out like most of our.... Uh, Ponies. Forgive us, we almost said that term again. Honestly, I have no idea why it keeps popping into my head. Perhaps I should take a small break from all of the lessons for a day or two in order to let one's mind process it all.”

Luna then saw how her older sister had a sullied expression when she got near the end. But before she can ask what was wrong, Celestia was the first one to speak. “I'm afraid I can't take too much of the credit when it comes towards the way that Blue Blood is. I really let him down. After catching Scarlet Prize, our relationship was rather strained for quite a while and had nearly lost all of his trust. It took a little over a year after that for him to begin to warm up to me again. Now that I think on it more. I do believe he got better after coming into more regular contact with Fancy Pants and that wife of his. On occasion he would even go to their place for a couple of hours once in a while.”

“I had asked him once if he was by chance the noble stallion that helped Blue Blood just as Scarlet Prize mentioned in her confession. Instead, he just played it off as randomly being at the right place at the right time and acted as if it were nothing. If he had said yes and requested a reward then at the time, I would not have been able to bring myself to deny it. Why are there only so few Nobles that are capable of living up to the title while many are seen in such a bad light?”

Once she was sure that her sister was done. Luna began to say, “Perhaps you should inform me of when he next has a meeting. From what I have been hearing from you. I would very much like to be able to meet him. There has been quite a lot to consider. If he is but half of what you say, then I have no doubt that this Fancy Pants has played a great role and mending your connection with our nephew.” When the word mending was used, Luna could plainly see for but a brief second a flinch coming from her sister and this brought back memories of that letter from their first tea time together.

This was quickly followed with Celestia emitting a small wine as she lowered her head enough that she had used both of her arms to prop it up with her elbows. Luna then slowly asked, “We take it that there has been no mentioning of his whereabouts yet?” This got her a reply from the alabaster mare with a very weak voice.

“No… there hasn't been any reports. How can there be no information about a strong, capable male anywhere in Equestria that fits his size and build? Also, what did he mean by he will come and visit me soon? How long is soon to him anyway? Does he mean within the next week, a month? What if he’s a long-lived species like us? Maybe we won't see him for another eight hundred years for all we know!”

As Celestia was going on. her voice was turning a little more hysterical by the second until she had caught herself looking straight at Luna with panic showing in her eyes when she had finished. Also, when that moment had happened. Luna had just moved on to the next part of her meal and was about to take a bite from a piece of chocolate cake. But had to stop with her teeth just barely touching it on her fork, while looking at her older sister with wide eyes after witnessing her in such a state.

After lowering the fork of the delicious dark confection back down onto the plate. Luna slowly chose the next words before putting them in order in the most articulate way possible to get her point across without seeming too pushy. “'Tis time that we put the new speech lessons to the test. It is to our knowledge that the best words of advice that could be given in such a situation would be best put into those of this generation. We would also request that we be pardoned for anything that might sound presumptuous or possibly out of line. For we are about to attempt to put it in a way that we believe it is meant to be said.”

While giving Luna and unimpressed look that just scream that she was over it and wanted it to just be done. Celestia said flatly, “Luna, could you stop trying to beat around the bush and just tell me what it is that you wish to say and I promise I won't get mad.” After getting the confirmation. Luna gave her sister a curt nod before straightening up and closing her eyes for a few seconds before opening them again. From there, she gave Celestia a stern look like a ruler would when addressing their people. But instead of coming out as one would expect, Celestia got the following instead.

“Sister. What can we say but, you have royally bucked yourself up so bad that you need to go and find him and beg for his mercy! And I mean show just how badly you are sorry for your actions. Go down on your hands and knees and kiss the very ground he walks on in beg for forgiveness. Because, after we heard the vulgarity before behind his words when he called out to that Hydra, then it is safe to say that he is pissed off. You're going to have to get down and show just how badly you feel on this issue and aggressively take into your mouth his-.”

Before Luna could go any further with that sentence. Celestia had shot up from her chair and screamed in nearly the same amount of volume that the Canterlot voice was known for, out of both surprise and embarrassment as to exactly what her sister was implying. “LUUUUUUUUUUUNA! Exactly what are you learning in these lessons of yours!!!”

On Luna side of the table, the sudden scream had nearly knocked her off of her chair. Unfortunately for the chocolate cake, it was not so fortunate and had slid off and onto the floor. Her eyes were slowly blinking as they were shot completely open. Even her short mane had taken a few seconds to come back from being blown straight from the amount of power that Celestia had used when calling out her name.

After shaking her head a few times to get the ringing out of her ears. Luna answered with. “Most of that was taken from what one would hear when using an amplification spell to listen in on the city from our bedroom late at night. One could learn quite a lot from listening to the night life going on in the streets.” She then had a thoughtful expression before adding. “It does make one wonder what kind of dreams we will end up seeing tonight.”