The Mayor Of Canterlot

"...And then once I secured the rope to my hips I jumped from the deck into a free fall right into the inferno that was the falling enemy ship. By that point it was split in two and yet was still exploiting left and right. My focus was solely aiming straight at the captain trying to close the gap between us as fast as I could before I lost her between the smoke and the debry, catching her just in time for the fire to lick both my arms and her back as the rope tensed and saved us both from a crispy end. The recoiled impact almost made me drop her for a brief second before I tightened the hug as the crew pulled us back into the ship."

Mark finishes recalling a tale of his past travels while he and the rest of the mares stop at a local coffee shop and decide to catch up and exchange past adventures.

By the time he was done, even Drusilla was fully invested in the adventure he had sailing among pirates while traveling through the badlands.

"What happened next!?" Dash has been the one most invested and eagerly getting very close to Mark as he chuckles and lightly pushes her away.

"Nothing worth mentioning really, after that last encounter with Captain Fangs, everything was smooth sailing and Captain Celaeno was kind enough to 'pay her pirate debt' as she put it and agreed to give me a ride to Hippogriffia free of charge as long as I kept it to myself why they were in the middle of the desert in the first place, and told me that I was welcome on her crew anytime if our paths ever cross again."

"And are you sure you can't tell us exactly why they were in there in the first place?" AJ asks with a raised eyebrow.

Mark only shakes his head and takes a sip from his coffee, "Sorry AJ, a pact is a pact. But don't worry, it wasn't anything illegal if that's what you were thinking."

"I can't believe it, you actually had a real PIRATE adventure." Dash continued to gush about. "Aght, what I give just to join you!" She laments as everyone laughs for a while.

"Looks like you had quite the adventure exploring the world partner." AJ mentions after drinking from her cup, "Now I really wished you kept sending those letters years ago. Some of those stories could become great chapters in a book."

"Nah, I'm not Daring Doo, but thanks, and I'm sorry I involuntarily cut connections with you girls." Mark apologizes, staring at his mug, "I just…aght I don't know, I suppose part of me thought it was kind of weird or maybe you were just being polite, but were getting sick of hearing someone you help saying 'thank you' over and over again. I even considered that it might have looked a bit dependent." He mumbled the last part with some embarrassment.

"In your defense, it might have looked a little like that, yeah." Drusilla points out, "Sure it is nice staying pen pals, and yeah after having first contact, nurse you to health and get to know them it is natural building a bit of a connection and all, but come on. You were in Ponyville for only 5 months, you weren't exactly THAT close to them, you didn’t have an obligation to write every day."

"Hey, don't forget we are called the pillars of friendship for a reason, five months is more than enough time to become very good friends with anyone." Dash points at her, "But yeah, can't exactly keep blaming him that much, he simply didn't know us that well yet." She shrugged in agreement.

"Anyway, I might have had one or two adventures here and there, but boy are those nothing compared to some of the news I heard about you while I was visiting Zebrika or Saddle Arabia. I mean Pinkie, did you actually grow briefly into a ten floor tall giant mare to summon a giant muffin?!"

"Nope, it was only nine floors tall. " She corrected before giggling.

"Sounds like we all have plenty to catch on." Twilight plays with her spoon as a small smile forms. "Mark, now that the air has cleared up, you don't need to feel forced to do so but…I really would love it if we could resume chats like this more often."

"You mean like becoming more active pen pals?" He raised an eyebrow. Drusilla slowly looks at Twilight suspiciously as the princess shakes her head.

"More like if we could reunite to have some tea and chat, like with Fluttershy and Eris." She mentions using them as an example.

"Oh yes, that sounds like a great idea!" Fluttershy agrees with a couple of nods, "That way we can stay in contact and build more of our friendship."

"Plus the treats!" Pinkie adds on.

"What do you say, partner? Would you like to visit us from time to time before moving to New Harmonious?" AJ suggested.

"That sounds like fun, I would have to reschedule my agenda, but I'm sure I could find the space." Mark agrees with a smile.

"Speaking of which." Drusilla looks at her clock and stands up, "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid we have to cut this chat short. Me and Mark need to attend to a pressing issue."

"He just got discharged! Can't you give yourself one day off?" Dash complains.

"It's regarding the assault." Drusilla points out with a deadpan, "As a government agent this case has more pressing matters than a civil attack, as crude as that sounds. Matters that are of the essence to sort it out as quickly as possible."

Understanding Mark rises up as well, at the same time that Twilight does, "Agreed, this case needs to be dealt with efficiently, fast and methodically. It would be best if I start working…"

Drusilla stops her by raising a hand, "Sorry your highness, this is a private Canterlot case, unless permitted by the princess…"

"…We can't intervene." Twilight finishes in realization, "Okay, in that case, we can talk once you have the time?"

"Sure." Mark nods and pulls out his phone "Do you guys have…?"

"Way ahead of you Marky!" Pinkie takes it and in a lightning fast way adds the contacts of all six of them before handing it over, "I personalized them too!"

"Wait this phone only allows words, how did you manage to draw your cutie marks next to your names?" Mark asks in shock at her handy work as she gives her a knowing glance "Right, don't question it."

"Bye Marky, and remember you are totally coming to my baby shower!" She reminds him one last time as everyone waves goodbye at him and Drusilla who was slowly pulling him away from the coffee shop.

"Can you believe it Drusilla? The main six. I mean sure, they are really friendly mares and easy to approach, but they actually wanted to keep me as a close contact, I would have never imagined that I left that deep of an impression on all of them." Mark turns back one last time before he follows Drusilla who lets him go.

"Neither do I, especially from Princess Twilight." She starts to hum and keep her gaze low bringing her index and thumb into her chin deep in thought.

That makes the human pause momentarily as he looks at her before resuming his march "Drusy, didn't we agree we would drop the subject?"

"That was before she brought it back up." She points behind them with her head, "Besides it's just a hunch, but how things are I'm starting to question if friendship is the only thing the princess is after."

Mark's eyes are wide in shock and snippets of last night's return, particularly how the princess seems to have had antics like the ones Twilight used to have while he was in Ponyville. "Drusy you don't actually think…Twilight…but she…?…Twilight?!" He repeated looking back and forward between her and the shop.

"Like I say it just a hunch, but when I arrived she seemed particularly hurt when you didn't come back to Ponyville, how she wanted to know more about you. And lastly how she actually suggests a regular get together."

"What's odd about that?"

"Right, you were probably too far to hear the rumors, but there was a time where ponies talk about how Fluttershy and Eris seem to have been an item."

"Fluttershy and Eris are…?!"

"Just a rumor that was proved false, they are just close friends. Eris isn't interested in those kinds of relationships. Turns out the rumor of Fluttershy being interest in intimacy was true while Eris was…well asexual. She proudly announces it in the…weirdest toast ever." Drusilla clarifies before he gets to ask more questions, "But getting back on track, those meetings were the cause that started the rumor in the first place, not to mention overall Twilight’s behavior seems a tad odd, especially with how eager she seems to strengthen your bonds, princess of friendship or not."

"But, this is Twilight we are talking about! I don't think there is anyone that loves rules more than her, and what we…" He shook his head, "What I and whichever princess did last night, was kind of taking a risk. If we were caught on the moment of doing something we shouldn't, and the piercing!"

"It's always the quiet ones, Mark." She smirks at her, "Don't you think it makes sense? A mare that spent all her life following the rules bending them a little and keeping things on a list, wouldn't it really be that hard to believe that she will find the idea of breaking them and be quote on quote “naughty” even a little thrilling? For her to take a spin into the 'wild side' of things."

"I…suppose?" Mark mentions still not completely convinced.

"Plus seems to run on the family, remember Twilight Velvet's proposal of installing a zipline from here to Ponyville?"

"Oh yeah she was heartbroken when I had to tell her how it would reach terminal velocity halfway there and would just kill anyone that tries it. Still it helps propose the idea of a sky gondola." He recalls with a shrug.

"Words of a true thrill seeker, and let us not forget about Twilight's brother."

"What about Shining Armor?"

"Mark please, he was Princess Cadence personal guard, before being promoted to Captain, they were taking risks, and the general public could have easily slandered them both for their actions despite their position of power. Sounds familiar?"

It slowly dawns on him, but when it does, his jaw falls. " So if Twilight was…Oh my god it really DOES run in the family."

"Yep, but like I say it's just a hunch so far. I'm just saying we better keep an eye on the Princess."

"Oh no, and the list, she probably still thinks I'm interested…" Drusilla stops him once more.

"It was determined to be placed on hold, any candidates can't apply while under an investigation, victim or suspect. So don't worry there is still time, in the meantime, let’s go to the police station, this was supposed to be done tomorrow, but the faster we put extra security around you, the better."

"Yeah I was meaning to ask, you told me there were some issues that needed to be taken care of, exactly what is gonna happen now?"

Drusilla accelerates their pace and grabs his arm, "Besides adding extra security around you, there is a plan to set a trap for those bastards that hurt you. So they will have to fill you in." She tells with a smirk. "Don't worry it is fool proof."

"Drusy, tell me you didn't offer yourself as bait or something stupid like that."

She doesn't respond and just refuses to make eye contact. "Drusy you didn't do that, right? DRUSY!"

"You'll see, don't worry, ok?!" She finally replies as they finally reach the building.

The next day, right after the sun rises

Preparing her speech, princess Luna practiced her speech as she stands behind a podium awaiting for the curtains to split open so she could address not only the press, but the public in general who was informed and gather unusually quick, backstage Mark and Drusilla were getting some minor make up and stand to attention for when they were gonna be called in.

"Remind me again why Princess Luna is doing this speech?"

"I told you sir, the assault happened under her shift as Princess of Canterlot. Therefore it falls on her responsibility to address the general public and ease any worries that might surge as a result. It is a way to remind everyone that she is still a princess of the night and uphold her vow of keeping them secure and peaceful." The thestral reminds him.

"I still feel bad for forcing her to stay up so late. The poor mare is probably beyond exhaustion at this point." Mark looked at her in pity yet Drusilla was noticing something else.

"Yeah you are right, she should be exhausted and yet…she seems well rested and prepared, in fact. She came to the station looking for us and offering her help pretty fast. Almost like she knew you were gonna be discharged that same day."

At that moment Mark remembered the promise the princess made him two nights ago.

Luna? Was that you?

"Ms. Drusilla, are you sure this is the only way? Maybe we should think of another alternative and…"

"It is our best chance sir, we need to set a trap that your attackers simply can't ignore. Besides;'' She gets closer to him. "Consider the situation even if she is our mare, I highly doubt she would want to discuss THAT other issue."

"Hope you’re right Ms. Drusilla, hope you’re right." Mark nods and the curtains finally open, letting plenty of camera flashes to take pictures of the princess as she addresses the public.

"Citizens of Canterlot!" Luna raises her arm and speaks loudly to get everyone's attention before speaking normally, "I thank you for your assistance, despite having so short notice, as I have urgent news to discuss. As some of you might have now, I'm ashamed to inform during my watch two nights ago, our beloved mayor was ambushed and attacked, by discontent nobles.''

A collection of gasps and a huge number of flashes go off as Luna allows the audience to recover for a couple of minutes before continuing. "I thankfully say attackers were lacking any power in physical damage and his injuries were minimal. Allowing the mayor to make an impressive fast recovery, and only made his resolve in determination on servicing the city and continue his campaign of aid and improvement. As he is eager to demonstrate by speaking with you right away, not shaken at all by the actions of the cowards, resorted to such shameless actions."

"Ja! That would surely make their blood boil." Drusilla smirks as she scans the audience to see if she can spot any unusually angry pony.

"And that is just the entrance, wait until you see this." Mark speaks in confidence as he goes to the podium by Luna invitation, the press going nuts taking pictures of him, more so when he shaked Luna’s hand

"I can't thank you enough for all this help, your highness."

"Please think nothing of it, my dear friend." She replied with a calm smile while casting a partial illusion spell so no pony could hear the next part. "If I could, I would be chasing those attackers myself, but since my position prevents me, toying with their minds, it would be the next best thing." She smirks lightly as she ends the hand shake and steps aside, "Now let's break the news and stir some pots." She nods at him and ends the spell allowing him to speak up.

"People of Canterlot, just as our majesty here said. Not too long ago I was attacked by those discontent with my position in office. A sad and pitiful action to say the least. Freedom of speech is more than welcome and I completely understand that not all of you might like it. But resorting to violence is and will never be the answer for when things don't go your way." He slammed the podium for enfasis.

"Those that attack me, can only be described as cowards and toddlers whining for things not going their way nor caring the opinion of the public. Among their threats, they tried to intimidate me, call me names, demanding I step out of office and overall thinking I can be intimidated into doing what they say."

The press inches closer as camera flashes fly around, for his reply. "I come to tell you that their threats will fall on deaf ears and would only serve to tighten my resolve on bringing Canterlot into a better tomorrow! No creature is above the law, my victory was fair and I was chosen by all of you to lead and serve. A trust I would never break, so to my attackers if any of you are listening. know this.” He gets closer to the mic, "Enjoy your last night of peaceful slumber, because the royal guard is on the case, they will hunt you down, they will find you and when they do. I guarantee. You all will be judged fair and just under charges of assaulting a government agent."

Stepping back Mark let’s Luna speak once more as the reporters were frantically shouting for comments and question about what would be the policy he would impliment to reprehend the criminals, if he suspect anyone and even a couple of them asking if rumors of him hunting them down in person are true as well as asking if he will do the same he did to Mayor Silver years ago.

All of that suddenly stop when Princess Luna raised her hand and made everyone pay attention to her as she braced herself to drop the biggest bomb of the evening.

"All this suffering just to try to send a message would not be tolerated and would only result in a message of my own." Luna talks with a cold gaze and deadly seriousness. "An attack on a public servant is an attack on Canterlot, something neither I nor my sister will be blind by. Effective immediately and until the ones responsible for such cowardly actions are brought to justice, Mayor Mark will reside inside the castle palace as my honored guest." She proclaims with a smile as the press goes wild with questions.

Drusilla smirks as she scans the area trying to spot anyone acting up.

"And that is just the preview you bastards, go ahead and try to attack me, see how well that goes."

Meanwhile a pony poked his head from an alley and took out his phone. "Boss, we have a problem." He tells in worry.

"No we do not." To the pony surprise the stallion on the other side replied calmly.

"But boss…"

"I know what just happened, the human decided to put on quite the show, not what we intended, but we can work with that. Now come back to the hideout before someone spots you."

The pony complies and leaves on the cover of shadows.