The Son of the Sun

Chapters

Chapter 1: A new Day
Chapter 2: The Week After
Chapter 3: The Son of the Sun
Chapter 4: The Week Before
Chapter 5: The Sun's Nightmare
Chapter 6: Returning to Normal (edited)
Chapter 7: Gala Night!
Chapter 8: Papers Of The Past

Chapter 1: A new Day

This story was greatly inspired by dnkntst's story called The Monster of Canterlot,

A story I always wanted to write myself, but never found the time or the passion to do; until now. While reading if you see some events in the story, or things that seem a little too close to their story, again as I said, I don't take any credit for the source idea. And I would highly recommend you read their story as well!

Many children can't remember much of their childhood, wither it's because of them being far too young to be able to remember; or the fact they don't' want to remember some things. However this day for me, I could, and can still remember clearly as if it happened just the other day.

I was home, in a city I can't remember it's name, in a country that I also can't remember. My mother was a single parent, working full time to provide for us, in a job that could barely give us the roof over our heads and food in our bellies. Even paying the babysitter who would watch me after I came back from school was a bit on the pricey side. Still, we were happy, whatever we had, whatever came our way; we would do what we could to get through the day.

While the babysitter was on her phone in the other room, talking to someone, I was in the living room watching TV, cartoons or anything that popped up. In one moment I was there sitting along and enjoying the finer things, the next...I was not.

A flash of light covered me, a strange feeling of pulling and pushing; it made me feel as if I was toothpaste being pushed through the tube it was stuck in. Where I once saw four walls, I did no longer, but a lush looking garden, grass so green it almost seemed like something you would only see on a painting or a movie. All I wore at that point were a pair of pants, a shirt with a dragon across my right chest side. Black sneakers you would get at a bargain shop, as well as a pair of white socks.

I got up rather quickly and was looking around, the air smelt clean, fresh, the sky clear and a crystal blue. At five years old I didn't really know what to do, as I span around and then started to walk around, even calling out for my mother, tears welling up, stress at not knowing where I was, what happened to me and what I would do. "Are you alright, little one?"

I turned around, and when I first met her, all I could think about was Pegasus from Disney's Hercules. She stood easily double my size, as I was only three feet tall at that point, however her horn if you added that would make her almost eight feet tall. Her coat held a white colour, mane holding many different color that flowed as if the wind was pushing it. Her eyes held a sort of purple like colour to them, a golden breast plate, crown and hoof shoes on each of her hooves.

She held a smile along her muzzle that, to me made me almost feel safe and comfort. However when she took a step forward, I took a few step backward; she stopped as well and said to me. "Do no fear me little one, I mean you no harm." She said as she lowered herself down, folding her legs in a way to make herself seem smaller. I noticed another pony, closer to my size, though she was around my size, her eyes were a darker color of purple, while her fur were a lighter shade than it. She had a horn coming out of her forehead, she hid behind the larger pony, staring at me, and then to the larger one. Perhaps they were mother and daughter? That I had no idea.

"I...I don't know how I got here," I said, my voice slightly quivering as I looked around. "Where am I, where is my home?" I asked as the pony sighed softly, as I noticed her gaze turn to the smaller one. She seem to shrink backwards a bit, but still held close to the larger pony's leg. She looked back at me and moved a hoof over toward me, it took a moment but I moved closer, and took a hold of it as she smiled. "Who are you?" I questioned as she gazed down at me before finally answered.

"I am, Princess Celestia of, Equestria." She spoke placing her hoof over her chest as I stood closer to her after I released her hoof. "And this, is my student, Twilight Sparkle." She said as the little pony nodded but still kept herself away. "And what is your name?"

"Brandon," I said looking at her placing my hands along my sides, looking up at her as she nodded her head slightly and said.

"Then, Brandon," she spoke softly, standing up as she kept her gaze at me. "Though I wish it was under better... Circumstances, you can stay here at the palace as we help you." I could only nod my head ever so slightly, however soon I heard Twilight speak for the first time.

"But, Princess...I...." The princess placed her hoof up a bit, silencing the small unicorn, who quickly closed her lip, back then I didn't think much of it.

"Not now, my faithful student." She answered with a softness in her voice, though her eyes did seem to gleam something else, as if she was hiding something from me.

The ponies that worked in the palace, seem to gaze at me with a look of curiosity, and slightly fear. I didn't know why, I was smaller than them, and I could see some use magic, fly; and one even carrying loads of things. Perhaps it was because I was something they had never seen before, so maybe there was that worry of what I could do. Twilight left to a section of the palace after, Princess Celestia told her to go, as she took me to what seem like a medical room. The doctor there, took a step back when seeing me, but quickly bowed to the princess. When told that she wanted a full testing done on me, mostly to see if there was anything wrong with me, or even what my diet could be. "We don't truly know what he is," she spoke as she then looked to me. "I rather not feed him something that could harm him, or worst."

"Of...of course you, Highness." He spoke and bowed again, however as he stepped closer and his horn glowed, I shrank back a bit; however Celestia stopped me with a softly hoof to my shoulder.

"No harm will come to you, Brandon." She promised as she nodded with a gentle smile. "We are just going to scan your body, it will be easier to know how your body functions. So if you do get hurt, or sick, we will have at least a baseline to work with." I stared at her for a moment, and then back to the doctor who only gave me a slightly, sheepish smile. After a small moment I only nodded and stepped along forward, waiting for them to start.

His horn glowed as did my body, after being told to stand still, I did as I was told but was still a bit fidgeted. Once the scans were done, the doctor went over and pulled out a sheet and used his magic again, as I watched as it looked like my body, a x-ray was printed on the thin see through like paper. He studied it for a moment and then went off and collected a few more, one was pony style, but the others I didn't know what type of bodies they were. Again only five years old after all.

There was a pause of only half a hour before the doctor came back, at this point I was sitting along Celestia's side, her wing over me like a blanket as she was humming a soft tune...that almost made me fall asleep. Though not looking, I listened into the talk they were having.

"His bones seem to almost be as close to a Minotaur's, however they are still just as different. His muscle mass seem to show rather small, but he is just a child, if he stays here for years to come, we can see about his size growth or what he will be like. Magic seem to be missing from his system, and from other scans...I don't really believe he can have children the natives of Equss."

"I see," She hummed softly as I heard a small tap like noise. "Will his lack of magic effect him in any way?"

"I don't believe so," The doctor said as he stared at the board and back at me. "I would recommend a daily scanning to see if anything happens to his body. However as you can see here," A taping was heard as he went on. "Here you can see that his digestive tract is a bit...different from a pony, but a bit along the same type of a Gryphon, though he could be Omnivore."

"And if he doesn't eat the protean that he needs...?"

"His health could lower down, and become sick." He said plainly as, Celestia hummed ever so softly.

"Luckily I have a cook that can cover for him on that sort of dish, I will just need to provide with more of what she will need." She paused again before adding. "Doctor, I would ask you tell your other nurses, and doctors within the palace to keep young, Brandon's on the down low. We don't need to cause a uproar of worry and such with the subjects, when he is ready and we make sure he is healthy, I will be showing him to the public." The doctor bowed his head as Celestia helped me to stand, and leading me off once more.

We were walking down one of many hallways, more ponies bowing, and others staring at me, some slightly flinching. We went to a few different captains, or heads of sections, Celestia telling them the same thing she told the Doctor, to keep who I was, or what I was, down and not to have any sort of leak to the public. She took me to the dining room for some food, as I sat beside her from the long dinner table. I had some of their food, which was more so just veggies, and potatoes, and I was fine with that...but I do wish there were some hotdogs, or pizza! But still it sated my hunger. She lead me off to where her bedroom would be but pulled me to a room next's to her own, a large bed that was nearly three times the size of my bed back home, large windows that she closed with her magic, as the only one that could fly close to the palace, were that o those who worked on the grounds...or I guess the air as well. She showed me the bathroom, which...I wont really explain how that worked, but it wasn't like the ones back home.

Celestia came over and laid along the bed as she asked me to come up, I did so as I sat in front of her, legs crossed as she spoke. "I understand this is less than ideal for you, Brandon. However, I promise that I will do all I can, to bring you back home."

"But..." I questioned as I looked up, I could even feel the tears slightly coming. "What...what if I can't go home?" I could see it in her eyes, as she hushed me softly, holding me close and wrapping a wing around me. "What if I can't see my mommy again?" I even wrapped my arms around her neck wanting to hug something, anyone, as now the gravity of it was hitting...I could be stuck here, forever.

The same humming that she sang back before came back as I just held her, she moving me so I was under her neck as she wrapped her arm and wing around me."I will do all I can," she whispered her promise me to. "If...we cannot send you home, I will make sure you live a comfortable life as possible here...you have my word. " I sniffled more, softly crying as she rocked me back and forth, the humming returned as my eyes closed, slowly drifting off to sleep. The feel of her feathers, and soft coat, working to me almost like safety blanket for me. My body becoming limp, as I drifted off to sleep.

Author's Note

I hope you enjoyed the first chapter of my new story, and please check out the story that gave me great inspiration!

Chapter 2: The Week After

Author's Note

Hey all, so I decided to try using a Grammar Checker online and I'm HOPING, this makes the story so much better, it fixed a lot of mistakes even I didn't see so let's hope that is the case!

The next chapter may be longer as well as there will be a time skip, not too many years but a time skip none the least but i still hope you enjoy!

Chapter 2: The Week After

It had been close to a week since I was brought to Equestria by Celestia, as she claimed, in a magical mishap for which she took full responsibility. I couldn't really be mad at her. I mean, how could I? She was taking care of me and working on a way to send me home. As per the doctor's request, at which I found out his name was Steady Hooves, I would be sent every day for checkups. Scans were done and brought up to the last scan to see if anything had changed. There really wasn't anything new happening to my body, as Doctor Hooves concluded, but again, this was only after one week of scanning. "His body just doesn't seem to have magic like the ponies do." He told the princess, who sat down on a pillow, and me between her large legs. "It doesn't seem to have any sort of effect on him, as he still looks like a healthy young colt." He then went over to his desk and came back with a book. "However, I did find something out that was quite interesting."

"And what is that, Doctor Hooves?" Celestia asked, as I too wondered what he was saying. Said pony opened the book up and showed a picture of a monkey as well as an ape, showing the skeletons of both animals. "Hrm, they almost look like Brandon's own skeleton."

"Correct," he confirmed as he closed the book. "After seeing his paws, or as he said, hands, I felt as if I had seen them before, and lo and behold, monkey!" He seemed to almost chuckle at that as he went on.

"I can only safely assume that from his world, his kind are a sort of evolved form of monkeys, apes, chimps, whatever." He took a small pause before going on. "They hold the same body in a strange sort of way, save for his hooves, or "feet," which are different from those of his ape-like cousins."

"And what could this possibly mean for us, to know of these things?" she questioned as he hummed.

"It is only theoretical, but monkeys are normally around the size he is now; chimps can grow a little larger; and some of the bigger apes I've seen go from five feet tall to even six feet tall in the wild." He pointed to my carts and then tapped the book he had placed back on the table. "So it gives us at least a sort of guideline of how tall he could become, somewhere between where he is now and six feet tall... maybe even taller if truly his race is more on the evolution chain." Both stallion and mare only sighed and hummed as Hooves said at last. "I don't believe a daily checkup unless his health is at risk is truly needed." He took a small pause to give himself a moment to breathe before going on with his request. "If he is staying here, however, I would love a monthly checkup; that should give us a better idea and give us a long enough pause to see how his body can change."

"He is a growing colt, if he is indeed a young one." She nodded her head and stood up as well as I did. "Thank you, Doctor Hooves."

"Yeah, thanks!" I exclaimed as he sort of smiled back down at me. Within that week, many of the ponies that worked in and around the palace would slowly get used to me. Though Celestia's student, Twilight, seemed to try to keep her distance from me, as we walked down one of the many hallways of my caretaker's home, I started to think back to what had happened within the week of my being here.

Celestia thought it was best to have tutors teach me, or at least see where my level of knowledge stood. Luckily, they wrote the same characters of English back at home, and my reading and writing were on the same skill level as a child my age here. Though writing with a feather was a bit hard to get around at first, I found myself quite enjoying it better than a pencil. Celestia also showed me her pet phoenix, Philomena, a beautiful-looking bird, from which I learned that after their lives were going to end, they would puff into flame and be reborn from the ashes. But one thing that was interesting was when I met the cook. Celestia spoke of the cook on the first day I was here, though after three days of me eating salads and veggies, she could see in my eyes that I wanted something different.

When I met the cook, Celestia brought me to the dining area where we would have our meals, as the pony and a pegasus made their way in. Her coat was snow white, but her mane seemed to be a golden blond. The one thing I noticed, however, was that her eyes were a bit different, more narrowed than the ones I was seeing here, and her coat seemed to be heavier. Still, as she walked over, she bowed, but when she saw me, her eyebrow raised. "Is this the one you wanted me to see, princess?" she asked, as this was the first time a pony hadn't flinched when seeing me. However, she didn't seem that scared of me at all.

Celestia nodded her head as she placed a hoof along the upper part of my back as she spoke. "That is correct, Crystal Shim," she said as she added the pony's name. "Young Brandon here is a being that can eat both plant-based food as well as meat, so I was more so wondering if you were more than willing to work more here as long as he is here." Crystal looked at me, hummed a bit, and then chuckled.

"So this little guy is a meat eater as well, huh?" Well, at least I can have someone give me a second thought on my cooking other than waiting for gryphons to come over only to say, "Oh, not bad for a pony!"

"Wait?" I asked, slightly confused, and even tilted my head along the side. "You can eat meat?" Crystal seemed to chuckle at this and nodded her head as she even leaned close and opened her mouth for me to see. Though I never really saw the inside of a pony's mouth before, I saw a few sharp teeth along the inside of her mouth. When she closed them, she added

"I'm part of a sub-species of the pegasus," she answered as I looked on in confusion. "My ancestors moved away from others and mostly found a home around rocky, snowy areas." After many different generations, mostly because it's hard to grow food up there, we grew accustomed to eating meat. "Because it's mostly snowy up there, our fur is much fluffier, to say the least." She then smirked as she pushed her chest out, as if pride welled up inside for what she was saying next. "We are also known for being amazing trackers and hunters; it comes with having to hunt for food, after all."

"Cool!" I exclaimed as she chuckled at this, and Celestia seemed to smile down at me as well.

"I will be providing you the bits needed to have the food brought here; we have a second kitchen you can use for your meals, as well as young Brandon's."

"As you wish, your highness, shall I make him something now?" After her princess nodded, she quickly bowed and left, leaving us alone once more.

Crystal came back carrying a bag filled with the supplies she needed for the meal she had planned. I was curious about the food she was going to make and followed along, as did Celestia, though her nose wrinkled with the smell of cooked meat. Using the seasoning she had and boiling the potatoes that she brought, she worked to peal and mash. When done, the food consisted of what looked like steak, mashed potatoes, and some carrots along the side. It smelled amazing, and it tasted just the same; Crystal even sat down to enjoy a plate. The princess simply got a slice of cake to enjoy and seemed to be alright with us eating the meat. As I found out later on, with her living as long as she has, it makes sense for her to be used to the food of other cultures.

Every other night, I would have nightmares about not being able to get home; my home, where my mother lived, was always just an arm's reach away. and I would wake up crying and shaking. Celestia would come in and make sure I was okay, and I would fall asleep with her laying beside me, her softly humming along to that tune as I even felt her kiss my forehead and wish me a goodnight. I learned that Twilight Sparkle had normal schooling, or more so, a school for gifted unicorns, at which she would spend the morning and early afternoon and then come to Celestia to study magic under her. I would watch from the sidelines, having a baby Spike curled up sleeping after, and I kid you not, eating a whole gem as if it were candy. Philomena would also be with us, watching over us almost like a guard dog. At times, she would even sand on my knees, allowing me to pet her and have her nuzzle into my hand.

I tried to at times talk to Twilight, maybe even play with her, but she would always say she had to leave and quickly gallop off. Celestia promised it wasn't me; just Twilight was always focused on studying, and it was... hard for her to make friends." I could only nod at this again, but I was a little bit upset..I haven't seen any other pony around my age, and everyone else was either a worker, or guard that watched me or didn't pay any attention.

It was a bit of a pain dealing with staying inside the palace, but I understood it was for my own good for now, Celestia was still hard at work speaking to other high-power magic users to see if they could send me home or if it was even possible. However, that's when the crashing realisation came down hard on me.

"What?" It had now been a week since I had come to this world, and now I was sitting before Celestia in her study. She had pulled out a pillow for me to sit on as I gazed down at the floor. I was wearing a new pair of clothes. She claimed it used to be a hobby of hers—again, a joke of her long life—to learn how to make clothes. She claimed the pants were the hardest to make, but she made due. They were rather comfy, as was the shirt; she even put on her cutie mark on the front where my belly would be. "You mean, I can't go back home?" I asked her, and my eyes widen, and even a few fresh tears start to cling to my eyes. I could see the look of sorrow on Celestia's face as she got up to walk over, pulling me into a hug as I held her tightly.

"I am so sorry, little one," she whispered as I started to softly cry, understanding now that I could never go back home, see others like me, or even the few friends I had made. "We tried all we could to see if we could, but the risk was too great; your safety would be at risk."

"What do you mean?" I questioned as she hummed as she then started to bring items out—marbles and even some rings—and place them on the ground before us. She then placed the marbles along the rings and held one up that was green.

"Let's pretend that this is you," she said, placing it in one ring. "Now let's say this ring was your world, and the rest of these rings were worlds that were like your world but not." She then pulled the marble out, used her magic to move rings and marbles all around, and then said, "Which one was your world?" I blinked and seemed confused as she sighed, but not out of frustration, more so out of pity. "There could be so many different human worlds out there; there is no way that we can find the one you were from." I was still keeping her eyes along with mine, as she wanted to make sure I was paying as close attention as possible. "So we could bring you to a human world, but not one in which you had a family."

My head leaned down as I listened. I could somewhat understand it, but I had to understand one thing—one question I had since I came here. "Princess, how did I get here?" When I looked up at her, she was looking away, showing that she did indeed know what happened. She tapped her hoof along the ground for a moment before nodding.

"I will tell you, but you must understand that it was just a mistake." She kept her eyes on me as she waited to see if I would say anything, and when I didn't, she went on. "My student was working on a spell; however, her spell started to go a little out of control." She took a deep breath as she went on. "I worked to place a shield around it so it wouldn't cause any sort of damage and to keep her safe; however, we believe what had happened was that the combine magic... tore you from your world."

My grip tightened around her chest as she placed her arm around my back, and I pushed my face into her fur. "Twilight Sparkle was not at fault, and I will take full responsibility for what has happened." She held her head down towards me, her muzzle close to my ears, so she could still speak and I could still hear. "I will make sure you will live a happy, comfortable life, and I will even look to see if I can find you someone—a family that will be willing to take you in." I felt her hoof softly rubbing the back of my head. "Until then, you will be staying here." She said as she softly leaned down to nuzzle my head a bit as I couldn't say anything.

"Is that the reason why Twilight didn't want to talk to me?" I asked, looking up at her again. "Because she feels like it's her fault?" The Sun Princess nodded regrettably.

"She believes that because she started the spell, she should hold it responsibly, and she is worried that you will hate and yell at her."

"But...it was a mistake, I mean." I looked away, as I didn't really know how to think about this or how to really talk about it. I just learned I could never go home, and I didn't know how to react to it. Perhaps it was the shock of everything; perhaps I thought I was still dreaming. Whatever it was, how could I really react to this? How could I respond?

I was never going home.

Chapter 3: The Son of the Sun

A lot can happen in a short span of time; you can grow, learn, and meet some pretty interesting people. For one, I don't believe learning that I couldn't go home really hit me until a few days later. Some nights were fine, and I slept through them without any issues. Other nights, I came to Celestia's room, asking if I could be with her. So far, she was the only one I felt safe with, and she was more than happy to help me in my time of need and want. After learning that it was Twilight's fault for me being here, I used the unicorn words, not my own. I kept myself away from her for a while; whenever it was time for her studies with the princess, I would stay inside to do my own extra studying. I had picked up reading rather quickly, and the tutors I had were getting used to me. I did enjoy learning about history and, more so, the amazing things Celestia had done in the past.

A few days after I learned I wouldn't be returning home, she brought in some reporters to have an exclusive interview with her and the unknown creature; they even took a photo of me and her together. She was so hoping to get the word of the ponies far and wide to say who I was, what I was, and that I was of no threat to the safety of Equestria and her ponies. Of course, after this, there were rumors of where I had come from or straight-up lies like any newspaper or conspiracy lout could come up with.

It felt good to walk outside with her beside me as she showed me around Canterlot, with many ponies coming up to greet her, though they just flat-out paid no heed to me. Though some did come up to me. But then would quickly smile at the princess. Who would then tell me out of earshot that they were no doubt doing this to be in her good grace; It didn't bug me too much, as for me, I was just happy to be outside after so long being cooped up. Of course, I couldn't always be with Celestia, as she had her duties as a ruler to uphold, but that didn't mean I was left alone. Celestia had a niece and a nephew, though I have yet to see the one known as Blue Blood at this moment in time. Princess Cadance was someone I had a good chance of meeting.

She was known to babysit Twilight at times, so it seemed only natural that she would want to watch over me. She was around fifteen years old, but she was vastly mature for her age. A pinkish-like coat, her mane done in a ponytail, with three colors that flowed through them. Much like her niece, she held a set of wings and a horn. She was very nice to me and would read stories or play games with me. As Twilight studied, she took care of both me and Spike, who mostly crawled or slept most of the time but would come to join in on the fun in his own way.

"You are being very mature about everything that has happened." She said this to me one day as we were in the shade watching as Twilight worked on her magic. Spike was once again lying on my lap, almost like a puppy, with a gem sticking out of his mouth. taken away from your world, and you are not angry at the one who did it to you."

"Do you want me to be angry at them?" I asked her, rightfully confused about what she was saying, as she laughed softly and shook her head at this.

"No, no, of course not." She answered as she leaned down and nuzzled my cheek softly. I learned quickly that a pony nuzzle can be considered the equivalent of a hug. Though those with wings mostly held others with their wings, "Of course not," she repeated as she looked to Twilight and watched as she started to use some spells to change a stick into a little stone statue of a plain pony. Just as many would've done a lot when hearing what you heard—yelled, screamed, maybe even attacked." She looked down as she sighed softly, shaking her head. "Though the means by which it happened are rare, it could've happened to anypony." I'm not sure how I would've reacted to such a moment." I didn't say anything, as I only looked down at Spike as he let out a deep breath as he slept.

"I really don't know how to explain it myself," I admitted as I looked away. "Part of me wants to be angry, but another part of me knows it was a simple mistake. There is nothing that could be done to safely return me home, and Princess Celestia has been very kind to me." Cadance could only nod her head at this, and then I went on. "I'll try and talk to Twilight soon, just not now."

It took weeks for Twilight to finally want to talk to me; she was so scared about talking with me, saying sorry many times over, but I promised her I wasn't blaming her for anything and that it was a mistake. Just for her to promise not to do that sort of thing again, I didn't want someone to go through what I went through, and it was like Cadance said, what would they have done if they were brought away from their home? It took a bit longer than that, but it came to the point that me and Twilight started to become good friends. When she was done studying and working with the princess, she came over to me and helped me study. I can happily say that at that point, me and Twilight became good friends.

A few months later, when guards, maids, and cooks were getting used to me, they would smile and nod to me, and some of the guards would talk to me. Telling me about their duty and even talking about how Shining Armor, Twilight's older brother, was working to become a guard himself. If he wasn't trying to win her over. As a child, I thought that was gross—boys and girls, gross! But they only chuckled at me and told me that I should just wait until I'm older. There was only one bad thing about living here, and that was a colt around my age that had just moved in.

"Ugh...this thing is still here?" It was breakfast, and I was enjoying some cereal. I was greatly surprised when this came into the world, and I always had a sugar one. Of course, Celestia made sure I ate something healthy, so I had an apple or orange beside me and some apple juice as well. This person was Prince's Blue Blood. His coat, as he claimed, was white as snow; his mane and tail sparkled like gold; and his eyes were a light blue. He had come to the castle a week or so ago; Celestia wouldn't explain why, but he would be staying here. All I was told was that he had been away for a while before I came here and that he had returned.

From what I understood, though he called Celestia Aunty, they were not related by blood. He was part of the bloodline of a royal line that was known as Princess Platinum. Though Celestia is the ruler of Equestria, those of noble blood are still high-ranking and hold many things of power in Equestria. It seems that for Blue Blood, his parents were sort of merchants, or more so, the heads of the merchants. The other nobles held different titles and did different work, or more so, they had others do work for them. Though the reason why he was here wasn't known or wasn't told, he didn't like me at all when we first met.

"Blue Blood, we spoke many times not to call anypony names such as that." Celestia spoke with a clear look of just being annoyed, but she didn't want to punish him. "His name is Brandon, and..."

"But why is a peasant living in the castle? He is of no royal blood or title! He should be with the peasants down there!" Even though he was my age, the way he talked, and more so, talked down to others, was just horrible. He bossed everyone around, and as a prince, the servants had to. I even felt bad when Celestia said I could ask them if I needed anything, but I always said please and thank you; he just demanded it and got mad when they 'took too long'. I couldn't understand why he acted like this. Princess Celestia was never like that; Cadance wasn't ether, and they were Alicorns. From what I was taught, they outranked nearly any pony power in the nation.

"Brandon has gone through...a lot," She answered the colt as he rolled his eyes, seeming uncaring. "You remember what I told you about how he came here?"

"Then have him live with the students of your home; it was her fault after all."

"Blue Blood, that is enough!" She finally spoke up and clapped her hoof to the table as he slightly lowered his chin to his chest. "I will not tell you again."

I left soon after I finished my meal and went to get a bath. I had one of the maids offer to bathe me again. However, I simply said I could do it, though she did help with the warming of the water, and it seemed they used enchanted crystals to fill the tubs with water. It was kind of cool to see how it worked, and I always wished I could use magic. Still, when I was done, with today being a free day of studying for me, I was going to enjoy walking around when I saw him again. He was walking down the hallway with a maid or two behind him, and when he saw me, he scuffed again at me as the helpers seemed to be upset. Either they wished to say something but couldn't, or they knew I was going to be bugged by the prince again. "Oh look, the Thing is sinking up the hallway," he said in that same teasing voice he had. For someone who was a bit older than me then and claimed to be higher than anyone else, he seemed to enjoy tormenting or belittling people. "Perhaps we should get some maids down here to wash the floor, isn't that right?" he asked, looking back at the maid, who only looked away.

"I...can request the area be clean." She said this as I frowned, not angry with her but knowing she was only listening to what he said. I started to walk away as Blue Blood called out.

"You know, she's only being nice to you because you're the only one of your kind here." I heard him say it as I kept on walking. "As soon as she grows bored of you, I'm sure she will kick you out where you belong, Thing!" I only clenched my fists tightly; I didn't want to answer or give him that satisfaction. So I just held my head up and kept on walking. He would have to grow tired at some point, right?

*************************

Years passed for me—five years of being in Equestria—and now, at the age of ten, things were getting better and better for me. I still got the odd look from time to time from anyone visiting Canterlot for the first time or who hadn't visited too many times. My studies were coming along great, but I soon knew what I wanted to do: I wanted to become a guard. It was silly, sure, but I wanted to protect the princess from anything, or at least help the ponies that helped me grow. When I went to talk to Celestia about this, she only smiled and said this would be a good time for me to learn how to train and defend myself, as starting young would be good. Of course, they normally start recruit training at eighteen, but there wasn't anything wrong with a trainer teaching me basic things and letting me see where I stood in terms of what sort of weapon I could use.

The sword was the weapon for me, and they had to use Minotaur's style handles because of our hands being so close together in a way. So my days would consist of studying homeschooling and then training with the trainer who came to teach me. Of course, all it was for now was just stances that had to be modified with my body; Celestia even got a book for the Minotaur's about their styles, modified by said trainer. It was hard work, but I wanted to do this and I wanted to learn, and it felt better than waiting around and not doing anything.

It even got to the point that soon, Twilight's brother and I would playfully spar, testing ourselves or just working our bodies. Sure, he was stronger than me, but it seemed I could last longer than him, and when it came to climbing, well, I beat him there. Around this time we also learned by mistake that I seemed to be somewhat immune to magic, not to the point that I wasn't harmed or it bounced off, but where some attacks would hurt someone, it was almost as the doctor said, my body could push back three quarters of magic. Like my body was just naturally able to defend against it. We even tested it by having Twilight try and lift something the same height and weight as me, but when she tried it on me, she said she had to try even harder to do it. Still, one day, something happened that would change my life, as well as the Princess's, forever.

Shining Armor was in a stance, holding his spear in his hoof. I was still surprised by how well a pony could hold a weapon, but it was still in a way that he could use it effectively. Celestia, Cadance, and Twilight were watching, with Spike a bit older and sitting on top of Twilight's back. We moved away, his spear coming to hit me as I blocked with my sword, using my foot to push him away, but he swung around, and I backed up a bit more. However, what I didn't expect was for his horn to glow. He shot a magic bolt, and this one was strong. It hit me square in the chest, which caused me to fall back and skid across the ground, even crying out in pain. I heard the clutter of both mine and his weapon as he rushed to me, as Celestia did as well. "Brandon!" Celestia called out as she was beside me, lifting my chest and seeing the start of a bruise. "Are you okay?"

"I'm so sorry!" Shining yelled out, as he too was upset at what he just did. "I didn't think it was that strong."

"I'm okay, I'm okay," I gasped as I felt Celestia use her magic to heal me as she made sure I was okay. "Really, Mom, don't worry, I'm..." and I blinked a bit as I just realized what I had just said. It was very silent after I spoke of this; as for me calling her mom, I never even thought of it. It just sort of came out. I mean, she had been raising me for five years, and even though she had been looking for a family to stay with, there just always seemed to be a reason as to why they were worried that I would be harmed under their care or something else. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to!" I soon felt the Alicorn of the sun wrap me in a hug, her arms and wings wrapping my body close as I was held to her chest. I was confused at first, but when I felt her nuzzle me softly, she said what needed to be said.

"Oh, young Brandon, it is quite alright," she said, and I blinked slightly as she added. "I've been meaning to speak to you these last few days and just never found the right time or way to say it." She pulled me back as she looked down at me, a smile on her muzzle as she added. "I've lived a long life and have done many things; I've watched many grow around me—friends and lovers—come and go." She gave a small, sad look for just a moment before smiling again. "But I've never been a mother, and with all this time looking for a family to take you in when I should've asked, would you wish to stay? So I will ask." She gazed at me with soft, caring eyes. "Brandon, will you grant me the honor of being your mother?"

It was a strange feeling, a strange washing-over moment, to hear someone you personally watched raise and lower the sun and moon now stand before you, asking if you wished to be adopted. I was going to be adopted into a line of royals, and I didn't know what to say. I didn't have to think long, as she was the one who raised me these last five years, watched over me, cared for me, made sure I was happy, and sang me to sleep. I knew what I wanted to say. "Yes, I want you to be my mom!" and her smile brightened more as we hugged. Twilight and Cadance seemed happy, and Spike was clapping his little claws. Shining, somewhat ruined it, as he laughed and said.

"Does that mean I have to call him 'your highness' now?" He asked as his sister lightly smacked him as we all laughed. It would take some time, but I would soon have my title and be known all throughout Equestria.

Prince Brandon Sol of Equestria, the Son of the Sun!

Chapter 4: The Week Before

Years had passed since I was formally adopted by Princess Celestia, or as I now called her, Mom. It caused quite a stir in the kingdom of Equestria as well, with many ponies believing it not to be true or that some wouldn't truly regard me as their prince. It didn't matter to me; the fact that I now had a mother and a family was more than good for me. I was even given a crown, though I barely wore it at all, as I didn't like it all that much; it just felt so heavy on my head. not because of the weight, but because of the idea of what the crown meant.

As the years went on, I gained the respect, however, of many as Blue Blood and other of the nobles that lived in or came to Canterlot, the Common Pony. Though I had to leave with at least two guards with me at all times, it was like a break for them, and though they were still on duty, I made sure they were relaxed. It almost became funny how, when Shining Armor became captain of the Royal Guards, when they learned I would at times take them out to lunch, there was now a list of those who went and those who didn't. This way, every pony had at least one "free day," as we started to call it, before the next rotation. Some may think of it in a bad way, as their duties were to keep me safe, but whatever I was doing at the time, whatever I wanted to do with them, what was wrong with treating them out at times? I know the pony that hated it the most was Blue Blood himself.

He didn't like the fact that now, in his eyes and in his words, I was not a pony, so I shouldn't be the prince of Equestria. There were even rumors of him and other nobles trying to work to get the idea of Celestia to disown me; of course, this was when I was far older and out of my "cute" stage. But of course, none were able to say that in front of their ruler at all. Blue Blood, however, would always remind me that many would never consider me their true prince, but I think he was more just pissed that, in a sense, I bumped him down in terms of who was in power. But I never abused that power that was given to me. I hated how ponies would bow to me and how they never treated me as an equal; the only ones who did were Twilight, her family, my mother, and a few others. However, with a week before the Summer Sun Celebration and now at the age of eighteen, things were going to happen, for both the good and the bad.

With only a week left until my mother would have to go to Ponyville, as she would go to different cities or towns, it was her way of bringing small towns a little bit of extra money in, as many would come far and wide just to see the princess do an amazing moment. There was still much to do; however, day court would be on hold for now, as every year around this time, my mother would wish to be alone at times. The story of Nightmare Moon being known to many, but not all knew the true story, that Nightmare Moon...was her sister. Princess Luna of the Night, her sister, my aunt; became Nightmare Moon because of her feeling jealous of the love and fame my mother gained when they were younger. She admitted this to me one time a few years ago, as I heard her cry in her room, even a bottle of hard Apple Cider from a family known as the Apple Family, beside her bed. I've never seen my mother like this, and I'm sure she never wanted the ponies to see her as such as well. She explained how the hate, and anger that Luna had for her, because she felt like a slap in the face, when everypony adored her sun, but slept and were fearful of her night. Making stories how monsters came out and attacked children as they slept, or only the vile of ponies would do their horrible deeds in the dead of night.

Mother never got a chance to stop her sister turning, as it was far too late. She blamed herself because she always pushed her sister away whenever she even tried to talk to her. Even though they were both rulers, even though they saved the land in different ways with the help of The Elements of Harmony; the whispers and rumors of ponies still painted her as something else. Mother even said she herself felt like she had...more important things to deal with then what Luna was feeling, that they were just words, they were princesses so who cared. She saw how deeply that care went, when the small civil war happened.

It was only a night, so not many called it a civil war, not even in the books. As sated no one knew Nightmare Moon was mother's sister. They just thought it was a evil Alicorn that came to take over, to rule the world. Nightmare Moon, no longer Luna, took her guards and attacked, however when the Elements were used to banish Nightmare Moon, her guards were quickly rounded up. Mother claimed they knew they were just following the orders of the princess they followed, however many of her own followers demanded they be killed for what they did. However, to save their lives, she banished them, the Night Ponies, leaving Equestria to form their own community and landmass. Many times, Mother tried to reach out to them to talk in hopes of building a relationship with the Night Ponies. However, their grudge ran deep, as they did not believe in the princess and her ways, claiming they were awaiting the day of their true ruler's return.

I met them one time, this was after mother drinking night...and after her bad hangover, as she was going once more to try out. Shining came with us, protection for me, but my way of the sword had gotten much better so I could defend myself if I had to. We went in the dead of night, as they slept during the day, a common thing they did as they considered the sun or daylight to be a reminder of the fateful day. Again my mother was denied, but when seeing me, their leader, a old Night pony her eyes slightly misty as if on the cusp of blindness saw me. It was like she was staring at your very soul, I could see the stares of the other of her kind, their eyes glowing in the night as we were surrounded. Their armor a dark blue and covered most of their body but light enough for them to fly. She stepped forward as a few flanked her.

She wore clothing like a sort of robe, the symbol of the night on either side of her flanks and her mane as silver as stars, from old age or natural color I would not know. I had to wear my crown, mother thought it would show who I was, as they said themselves they knew she had adopted a strange being, but I think this was the first time they truly saw me. However as they moved a bit closer, I removed my helm, and passed it to my mother she gave me a confused look but I just gave her a look back. She only nodded and stared back, as I looked back at the elder. I bowed my head to her, my hand over my chest as I did so, as this caused her to chuckle. "The sun of the Son, bowing before a being known to be traitors; I never thought I would live to see that sort of thing."

"You are the rulers of these lands," I spoke to her as I raised my head back up to stare at her in the eyes. "I believe it's only fair to show the respect that you seem to govern here."

"Oh? And what makes you think I have respect...Hooman was it?"

"Human," I corrected as I placed my hands along my front, showing them away from my sword. "I've learned from mother, that you don't have a royal rule, that each Elder is voted in, ether by the vote of the ponies around you; or by doing a great deed."

"The one who banished our ruler speaks true." They never called mother by her name, or title; always by their title; Banisher being the favour among them. In my younger years, I fought off bandits who had foalnapped many of our children. Allowed them to meek their makers by the end of my blade or fangs." She even gleamed as she showed off her fangs as I heard the movements of armor behind me, but I stood unmoving. I was named leader of our city, and worked to expand, and keep us safe; soon when it's my turn to step down, another will take my place, that is until our princess returns."

I nodded as I took in the small history lesson that she gave as she tilted her head to the side and asked. "Tell me, child," she started as her eyes shifted over toward my mother for a moment or two, before setting her eyes back to mine. "Did the Banisher tell you of what happened, of what really happened?" when I nodded my head, she hummed and added. "I truly don't believe it, but I wish to ask you something."

"That is?" I questioned as she looked deep to my eyes again.

"What would you, have done, in her hoof shoes?"

A question, I didn't expect of her, that was for sure, but perhaps it was a way of testing me, to see how I think. From the books that mother did save...as many of her followers would burn books that had any mention of Luna or her guards. Mother save us if Twilight ever found THAT out. I stood there for a while, moving my hands up to my chin, flat together as the tip of my fingers grazed the chin ever slightly. There was no right or wrong answer to this, or at least I didn't think there was; or could be. Still after I felt my answer was good and ready, I answered it as truthfully as I could.

"I don't know." One of her guards snorted at this, as she gave him a quick hard stare, as he stopped right away. "Allow me to explain, as I said, I don't know because I've never been in such a state of choice in my life before, I may be a prince sure, but I haven't been given the responsibility that holds the lives of many ponies in my hands." I held them palm side up, almost like cradling something as I sighed and put them back down to my side. "The question you are asking me, is a question that has no right, or wrong answer; anypony will give a different answer by how they feel. My mother banished the princess of the night, some would've frozen up, some would've taken a...not so pleasant path. She hummed and lifted her chin up slightly as she kept on listening, I even looked up, seeing the full moon, the image of the Mare on the Moon plain to see for everypony.

"I see," she spoke and nodded a bit before looking to my mother. "The talk of allowing trade is still off the table Banisher, there is still much bad blood between the Children of the Night, and you." She turned to leave as her guards followed, however she looked back and nodded to me before leaving once more.

That was a few years ago, and I did go back at times with my mother as a sort of moral support, as she claimed; that was the longest she had gotten to speaking to any leader of the tribe. As their walled off city looked almost the same size, maybe a bit smaller, then Canterlot. But we never really talked that much afterward, but I was surprised when she presented me with a book, a book she made me promise not to share with anyone else, that it was for my eyes only. I had to even keep it hidden from Twilight, who I swear when I returned, could've SMELLED, the Tartarus damned thing. The book was mostly about their culture, their way of life and the history they had growing up, how they proceed how the One Day War, as they called it happened. It seem they even raided some Equestria cities, or came back at times, to collect some books about Luna before they were destroyed; perhaps that was the reason for the burning in the first place? Still, I kept the book pretty well hidden after I finished reading it; nothing magical as Twilight would sense it, so the one place I put it was inside my armor that was made for me. Still, I stretched out as I got out of bed and made my way to the bathroom, ready to start my day off.

Washing my face and pushing my hair back a bit, I stared at the mirror before me. My green eyes locking onto what I looked like after years of growing and puberty hitting me. A slight beard growing as the showing of it growing again was seen, I would have to shave it off sooner or later as I never did like it long to begin with anyway. leaning along the counter as I looked along before turning my head left and right, a slight cracking was heard as I sighed out heavily. I knew by the time I was done, dressed and ready to leave, Crystal would've had my food ready.

Working to get dressed, as after I was shown to the whole of the nation, it seems mother was able to get more ponies to get in making me clothing, some of my favorite coming from Fancy Pants, somepony I met a few times during the past Grand Galloping Gala. Seems he was part of a clothing empire, having smaller shops or such under his banner of ownership, but they would still have their own...flare. I'm not sure how it worked and I would never pretend to know of it; if it works, it works. Once dressed in my clothing I made my way out and toward the dining room. Mother was in her seat, and Blue Blood in another. Even after all these years we never really got along, and I would barley give him the time of day. He simply only gave me a look and a snort before returning to his meal, though I noticed that he didn't have his maid with him, or I should say; one of his new maids.

Blue Blood went through maids faster than I had ever seen before, he had many different reasons as to why he went through so many. And so far the one he had right now was the longest, six months. I almost thought he had gotten rid of her as well, and almost wondering which poor mare would be the next one. The only reason I didn't have a maid, was because I didn't want one, though I may have one sooner or later as having one would help me greatly in some way shape or form. "Morning son," mother said as I nodded and smiled to her. "Did you sleep well?"

"Eh," I said with a shrug a bit as I sat down, a server coming along and offering me a cup of coffee with cream and sugar. Taking the hot drink as I took a sip I sighed as they went back to their spot. "It was alright, nothing really to say about sleeping and such."

"Hrm, I supposed so." She said chuckling as I rolled my eyes. Crystal coming with the other cooks and passed me my food as she smiled to me. Whenever she wasn't working we would hang out at times, telling me more of her home land and where she came from; likes and dislikes and such. "Still any plans for today?"

"Not really, maybe relax a bit," I spoke with a shrug as I said it in a joking way, as I don't work at all. Being a prince and all does come with its perks of being able to do that; after all. She only chuckled and nodded back at this. As she hummed a bit and looked to Blue Blood.

"And you nephew?" she asked as he answered.

"I'll be heading out, I've a mare I'm meeting."

"Unlucky for her," I muttered under my breath, his ear twitched a bit and shot me a stare; eyes narrowing down toward me as I took another drink of my coffee.

"Unlike some PONIES!" he hissed out in slight anger, my eye shifted over toward him without moving my head. "I can at least get a date."

"I don't believe being with mares that you belittle, or are using you because of your title and bits, count as a date." I rebutted as mother only sighed as she shook her head slightly. The white stallion said nothing but get up and left, as a few workers came to take his plate and glass.

"You really must not go after him as such honey." My mother said as I gazed at her as I worked on my strips of bacon. "He just needs...a good mare to help him through and help him."

"He had ever since I've been living here mother, to change himself." I said as a almost cold matter of fact tone. "He too high and mighty, and one of these days, somepony needs to knock him down a peg or two."

"And you believe it should be you?" she question as I frowned.

"Mother, he treats the staff they are slaves, he goes through more maids almost as much as marefriends. He is always bugging you for money when you give not only myself, and him; a good set of bits for spending, but it seems he spends it all within hours and come the next day wanting more!"

"I'm just...hoping he will change Brandon, you can't force this sort of thing!" she exclaimed as I groaned, I finished and cleaned my mouth with a napkin and stood up.

"Let's just hope that he doesn't do anything that truly screw up something." I said mostly to myself as I went over and gave her a quick peck on her cheek."I'll see you later." She smiled and gave me a quick hug before I turned to leave as she finished her meal...and I saw a few slices of cakes being brought over to her as I left the dining room area.

I was walking along the halls of the palace as many of the guards and workers would bow or salute to me. I greeted them back as I kept on walking, however as I walked, down one hallway, I heard a sound, the sound of soft crying. I was confused and worried as I made my way over to the sound. Looking around as the sound got louder, I noticed the hallway were old rooms that were working on getting fixed up. Seeing a door ajar, I opened it, to see what was inside. A unicorn maid, who outfit was a black frilly dress, and a headdress that all maids wore. Her back legs held that of a black stocking, her front; white. her coat was a sort of oat brown, and mane a deeper shade of brown. Her back was to me as she was crying softly, muttering under her breath. I knew who this was right away, this was the maid of Blue Blood, I believe her name was Spirit Shine, her Cutiemark showed a set of feather dusters crossed over one another. However her ear swivelled before turning around; and quickly gasped and bowed. "Your...your highness!" She gasped and bowed more, head down to the ground. "I'm sorry, I...I..."

"What's the matter?" I asked as I came over and knelt down to her level, and when she kept on bowing, I stopped her by placing my hand along her shoulder. "I heard you crying miss Shine, so what happened?"

"Oh no...I...I can't talk about it," she said and looked away from me, as she couldn't look me in the eyes as her hoof went to rub her right arm.

"Is it something about Blue Blood?" I questioned, she only gave me a stare, unable to really say anything as I spoke. "It's not that hard to put the two, and two together. He has gone through so many maids, doesn't care about anypony but himself; and just a jerk." She looked away again before saying.

"He..threaten my job if I said anything." She spoke softly as I sighed, having a feeling now that he did something she knew, but I promised her that I would make sure she wouldn't lose her job...it couldn't be that bad...right?

How wrong I was, we now stood in the throne room, mother in her sea as I stood beside her with my hands behind my back I did have my own smaller throne but I didn't feel like sitting right now. The maid was beside me, still rubbing her arm with her other hoof and eyes darting from the door, to me, and then to mother. For once when it came to Blue Blood you could see that she was not holding back, or ready to go easy on him. I still couldn't understand why she would allow him to go as long as he did unchecked and untaught but hopefully today would be the day as I said; he was knocked down a few pegs.

The doors opened as a few guards stood on the outside as Blue Blood walked in, clearly upset and wearing a rather nice suit. No doubt for his date that was no doubt interrupted. "Aunty what is the meaning of this?" he both demanded and questioned at the same time. "I was enjoying my lunch and...what is she doing here?" he questioned looking to Spirit who moved a bit behind me as I stared down the bothersome prince with my eyes slightly narrowing on him.

"I am not sure nephew." Mother spoke looking to him as he turned to face her. "Do you have any idea why your maid is here right now?"

"Of course not," he said but I could already see the slight worry in his eyes, the way it jerked and twitched about looking from her to the maid. "Why, did she do something wrong?" he asked as my hands slightly twitched; but mother held her composer better then myself.

Mother didn't say anything for a moment and then said after a pause, and her eyes closed. When she opened them again she asked him. "Tell me nephew, have you had any sort of sexual relationship with this maid?" Blue Blood eyes shifted again over to Spirit, his eyes narrowed again but she stopped him and added. "I already know the answer, and I am giving you one, and only ONE chance to come clean with me." She then added. "There is nothing wrong with this, as long as both parties were agreeable to it...I don't enjoy it myself as it does not hold us royals and nobles, but I understand that it happens and I will not punish when two consenting adults agree to such an act." But her eyes locked onto Blue Blood, he even flinched back from how hard she was staring at him. "However, it's what you said to her today, is why I am angry."

"Well...I..." he spoke trying to think of anything before he said. "How do we even know that I am..."

"She is pregnant Blue Blood!" Celestia said, her voice still calm but you could hear the disappointment. "And the first thing you tell her when you are brought this information, is that she will lose her job if she even breaths a word of this."

"How do we even know that the foal is even mine," he spoke as he even shrugged and looked away. "She spelt with me only because she wanted to be with someone clearly out of her league."

"Not out enough that you agreed to it." I said as he glared at me. "You were stallion enough to bed a mare, a worker of the crown, and now the reasonability. Has come back to bite you in the flank."

"As if you have anything to say to this, Thing!" He snarled at me but I stood unfazed. "How do we know she doesn't have a stallion already, or got herself..."

"That is enough!" Celestia slammed her hoof on her throne causing him to stop and stare at her.

"She is two months along in her terms," mother said as she raised her head as she gazed at Blue Blood. "So this is what we are going to do a test in the next few weeks when she is able, to see if indeed the foal forming inside her; is yours." Blue Blood only sucked his teeth and looked away a bit clearly not happy with anything that was going on. "And if the child comes back as yours, you will be given foal support to said foal."

"If I am giving her bits, I will not want anything to do with that foal!" He pointed to the mare who moved closer behind my legs. "She was fine when she was on her back taking it from me, so clearly..." mother brought her hoof down on the throne again loud enough that it may have even cracked. He flinched backward as he tried to say something before I said

"I may have an idea, if you so wish to listen?" I spoke up, wanting to at least do something.

"And what is that, son?" Celestia asked, looking at me as I added.

"Blue Blood will pay for the support of the foal." He only glared at me all the more. "And he doesn't have to claim the foal as his own." "Because if this does come out, it will be a pretty big thing, and you know how the news likes to twist things around for drama."

"At least this is something we finally agree on." I heard him speak as I frowned, but I said nothing to his answer as I went on.

"However, the crown won't be the one giving her the money for this mother; it will be coming from Blue Blood's own money." "You give him then enough money that if he learned how to handle it, it would last longer."

"Hrm," my mother hummed and added. "So you're saying that I take a certain amount out and give it to Miss Shine?"

"Oh no," I said and smirked at Blue Blood. "Give him the same amount that you give him." But he has to go to the mail to give the money; this way he will always remember why. "Why he going and taking his own money to pay for his foal?" Though I said that it wouldn't be the crown's money, I knew it was still going to be from my mother and the kingdom. But he always considered the money he got as his own, so at least in his head, it will be like taking money out of his own pocket.

"I have more important things to do then..."

"Or!" I raised my finger and then crossed my arms. "We just let the press know what will happen...because tell me, cousin," he didn't like when I called him that, and I didn't like to call him that myself. "Because let me ask you Blue Blood...how many mares would want to 'date' you, if they find out you had another mare that has your foal, and you don't even want to do anything with them, I mean; your image would be oh so tarnish." This time he had nothing to say as he grumbled and looked away, Celestia only rubbed her eyes and said after I was done.

"You are excused, Blue Blood; we will have a talk later on. This has gone on long enough, and something has to change." "So leave; I will call for you later." He stared at her for a moment, glared at me and Spirit, and then turned to leave. "I am so sorry, my little pony." She added, gazing at the maid as she returned the princess's stare. "I will do whatever I can to make sure that when it does come back as Blue Blood's foal, he steps up." "If not taking care of it as a father, at least financial care for the foal."

"Thank...you," she answered with a bow. "But this was my fault as much as his own; I should never have done this with him." "He never once threatened my job before this. I just thought if I did this, maybe he would be nicer to me."

"In the end," the mother went on as she stood up and sighed deeply. "This has happened, and now we see where this leads... and what will you do?" "I clearly will not allow you to work with Blue Blood."

"Perhaps she can work for me, mother?" Both mares looked at me as I held my hands behind my back. "You were always saying having a maid would be greatly helpful." So why not? And when it's time for her to stay home to care for her foal, I can wait until she is able to return to work. "I lasted this long without a maid; I could wait longer."

There was a pause as the sun princess thought about it, but she smiled and nodded before looking to Spirit Shine and asking. "The choice is yours; would you rather work under my son?" She looked up at me as I waited for her answer before smiling softly and saying,

"I would greatly enjoy that, your highness!"

Chapter 5: The Sun's Nightmare

"I just can't believe he would do something like that!" Twilight exclaimed as she sighed, checking if everything in her library/bedroom was in the right place before heading to the little village of Ponyville. It had been a week since Spirit had told us about what she and Blue Blood had been doing while on duty. Of course, as Mother said, something she didn't find truly appealing; they were both adults and could make their own choices on the matter. Said choices came with the action of her now carrying his foal.

Tests being done as soon as they were able, and indeed it was Blue Blood's child foal, and though he demanded another, and a retest; it all came back the same thing every time. As promised, the prince would be going to the bank, to place the amount of bits in the child funds, this would only be used for food, clothing; or other such items needed for the foal. Mother would always have the power to see what the money was being used for, and would ask for any proof of it to be kept. As she said, it wasn't that she didn't trust the maid, but it was to make sure someone like Blue Blood couldn't claim she was using the money for something else.

She started to work under me, cleaning my room, gathering any mail I had, or even collecting me when I was needed, I had already made a deal with her when it came closer to her due date, that I wanted he to be off the job and resting, and that she would still be paid under the money I have. She was pretty good at it, I would wake up, and she would be knocking at the door around said time, as living as the son of the sun, you tend to wake up with the sunrise anyway.

"At least Mother is finally putting her foot down on this at last," I said as I crossed my arms a bit, watching as she did her check as Spike was beside her even checking off whenever she said as such to him. "Though it is now time to truly see if she will stay on top of him to make sure he is behaving himself."

"I would've told everypony what he did," Spike said, much like myself he didn't like the prince at all, mostly from how he acted before. "The fact that we aren't is just crazy to me!"

"It's more so to keep everything under wraps, Spike," Twilight answered as I nodded at this. "If the press got a hold of this, Spirit wouldn't be left alone, and many other things would go down that Blue Blood had his hooves in. Though he is not publicly being punished, he won't have the same chance to do this again...I hope."

"As do I." I agreed as I kept watching. "However, you don't need to worry about that for now, as you and Spike have a job inside Ponville."

"Yeah I know, but really, I hope everything goes rather well; I'm just wondering how such a small little village could handle something along with this size, we may have many ponies coming far and wide just to see the princess doing this!"

"I'm sure it can handle it," I responded truthfully as I smiled as I moved back to leaning against the wall, watching as she finished the last bit; and was ready to go. "Besides, with you and, Spike down there, it should all go smoothly."

"Perhaps," She answered, then with a small smile; she gazed over to me. "And you, how will it feel that you are in a sense in charge of Canterlot while Princess Celestia is down there?" I only rolled my eyes, as she was right on one thing, though I did a few royal jobs from time to time, going to openings, even seeing to some meetings where an unbiased party member had to be there. Then, there were the times I even went to the other nations alone if Mother had to go to another. Some considered me too young to do this, but I had studied as much as one could, to as some would say; ready myself for a throne I'll never sit. Still, Celestia would be in her wing of the palace, waiting for her to leave, luckily her magic would allow her to go from place to place rather easily, this here, would give her time to get herself ready mentally.

Mother was an Alicorn, of course, her age was in the thousands, and even though I am her son, logically, I would never be able to sit on that throne. Old age would never reach her, and I couldn't see her dying anytime soon. Moreover, with how the nobles of Canterlot are; I have a feeling they would sooner try and elect someone, a pony that could be their puppet. Or even have Blue Blood sit on the throne. That would be a horrible day, a Tartarus on Equis if I ever dared think of that.

"It's only for a day," I answered as she started to leave the room, with me following along after, as Spike road along her back. "All I will be doing today is her day court, a few little meetings, and waiting for her to return in the afternoon or night; depending on how things are handled down there." There was a slight pause as I then chuckled. "I heard there is an amazing little cake shop down there; you know how Mother is with cake." Twilight only chuckled as well, knowing my mother's love of cake just as much as I did. Still, however, after she was done packing with Spike, we bid each other goodbye as she left to do her duties.

After I was done with my morning meal, and I asked Spirit to work on the list of things I needed to be done, I made my way to the throne room, ready to start the long list of mostly nobles who wanted something. A paper pile next to me filled their request however looking through them one by one, I began to put them into piles pretty soon the large files of nearly 100 were twiddled down to only 20, as I passed the 20 to the guards by me. "When the ponies start coming, ask for their names, if it matches any of these names, let them in, if not tell them to return another day." They only nodded their heads curtly as they moved to leave out of the room.

The 20 that I picked were rather easy ones, out of all of them, only one was that of nobility, Sir Fancy Pants, a unicorn stallion that worked in not only a clothing line but in fact along the trade of merchant. I was surprised when I learned that he and Blue Blood were related, cousins; taking over the majority of the trading system of Equestria making him a rather busy and wealthy pony. However unlike many, he wasn't a snide or rude money-hungry pony, he liked to use his money to help the community, so whatever reason he was here I could only think it was truly needed. Without going through all the boring things it was more so a small fund help, though it seems some of the workers out of Equestria land were having trouble and just needed a bit of help. After agreeing to the terms and the time of being paid back he left wishing me good day, and to meet at the next Grand Galloping Gala, which was just around the corner.

However, the issues came when I could personally hear the raised voice outside the throne room. Confused as I sent the last pony I was speaking to away, I asked a guard. "What is going on out there?" The guard; gazed at me, and seemed embarrassed or more so flustered by what was going on.

"I am sorry, Your Highness," he spoke and quickly bowed. "But it seems many of the nobility you've refused to see, are rather...upset." I frowned as I stood up and turned my head, cracking my neck a bit, knowing what was to transpire. I made my way down and smiled at him, nodding for the door to be open.

Sure enough, the hallway was filled with different ponies, some I barely knew or cared to remember their names and some I knew as Blue Blood little Yes Stallion group. Seeing how these nobles were those on the lower chain of things, really only keeping the title in good faith, or passed down from a long line of bloodline, they didn't have that much power to what my mother, myself, or even Blueblood could do. Though my mother does trump all, to this day what I would say go; unless later on was changed by my mother.

I could already see many of the 'higher ups' of Canterlot civilians giving me narrow eyes, without their Princess here, they were not afraid to show their dislike of me; something I have grown accustomed to. One pony, a unicorn with a darker shade coat of fur walked forward, the guards standing beside me, as said pony huffed. "We are demanding to know, why you are not seeing us today 'Your Highness'." Even the way he said it, was more like a curse than anything else. "Is today not the meeting day, or are you too lazy to do your duty." I only held my hands behind my back, holding my wrist in one hand as I spoke.

"The ponies I am seeing today, their request seem more required than some of the ones you brought before," he only scuffed as I asked for his name when given I asked for the paper request with his name as I read. "Such as you, you wished to have for free more land, but did not give a reason as to why you wanted it."

"Does it matter?" He demanded as I looked up to him placing the paper back in the, as I would later call, the pyre spot. I hid my emotions well enough, my eyes tracing over to the others as if they were waiting to chew me out. So I questioned him rather simply.

"And where would you want this land to be expanded?" I questioned, already having a rather good idea where he wanted it. "At your home, if so; then what is near?"

"Just remove the family that is next door to me." He said with a wave of his hoof, as I utterly couldn't believe how careless he was, and in turn, others, as they nodded their heads as if agreeing with this pony.

I sighed, and loud enough that they could hear me, the fact they were openly saying this to me, showed deeply, that they didn't even care. Though I highly doubt they would say anything like this to my mother. Still, to try and keep the peace, though I wished I didn't have to or had to. "If you desire the property of theirs, then you can always go about paying them for it."

"Or the crown could...I mean, I am the one in charge of outfitting the guards here with their armor and weapons...it is a shame if I decided to...increase, the bill of sale."

"And you have every right to do so," I said as he gave me a smug look as he looked to me. "However, just as I have the right to speak to my mother about finding a local blacksmith who isn't under your banner, and give him a chance of work. From what I've seen, his prices are far better than yours." He seemed to jerk back at what I said, as I went on. "And no doubt he will need more workers, and with you getting far fewer, many ponies will leave your work to go for him, I mean, all of this is just an ideal if your prices were to increase." His eyes narrowed, a noise that seemed close to resembling that of a growl and grunt; before I added to the others. "And to all who wish to give the same little threat he has, just know, I'm sure we can find someone far cheaper to deal with, so unless you truly have a reason to be here, leave."

After that little, 'meeting' the other left rather quickly, I could see why Mother wanted something like this to be only a once-a-month thing, but really if she only took meetings that weren't needed, she could handle this in a few hours, not all day. But this was Mother's way, I could easily suggest something like this, but in the end, when she returns it will be up to her how she would run things. I mean; the nation hadn't fallen and she's been doing it for hundreds of years!

The day went rather smoothly after this, and as day became night, the parties went on for those old enough to partake in them. During the last day before the Summer Sun Celebration, those who were old enough would stay up all night to celebrate the next year, but also to celebrate the defeat of Nightmare Moon. It was said many after her defeat feared falling asleep at night so many would stay up to protect the young ones and families as they slept. As the years went on, it lost its original meaning, much like Nightmare Night, in favor of something more joyful or fun. I wasn't a big fan of parties myself...and over time I would think that it was like I could feel a force almost trained on me. But either way, it didn't matter all that much.

However, as the others were getting ready to see the sun rising, I knew Mother would be getting herself prepared to leave for Ponyville. Many were even counting it down...before soon; nothing.

Many around, myself included, seem a bit puzzled; more so worried. however many got their answer, a loud laughing. Everypony gazed up to see a large flying being, a horn, wings, and a flowing magical mane and tail. An Alicorn that we had never seen before, but the looks were engrained in many minds; Nightmare Moon! Screams and frights were heard, even more so when guards came rushing down, a nearby pony hearing that Nightmare Moon had somehow kidnapped Mother, left the city in a panic.

Quickly working to try and calm the minds of those around, I ordered the guards to go about and bring the ponies inside the palace. Many just rushed to their homes, locked up, and stayed hidden, but many others took the idea to hide in the palace with many of the guards around to keep them safe. Of course, all of the nobility were there, hiding; however, trying to order some of the workers to give them food and drink like this was some vacation!

Hours went on, as I went about to make sure as many of them were fine, as many had brought not only themselves; but their foals too. I did what I could to try and keep them at least happy and less scared, telling stories, or even getting some of my old toys mother refused to get rid of so they could play and keep their minds off of things. Though I showed myself to be in control and fine, inside I was scared and worried. Scared of what was going on, and if what I was doing could be enough. I trusted Shining to main the guards to have them working around the clock and ready for anything, but was I making it worse?

More time passed, before soon, something changed, a light, sunlight was slowly rising. Many voices of the ponies within wondering if that meant it was all over. When Shining Armor came bearing news from a pegasus; Nightmare Moon had been defeated!

Among the cheering, I released a heavy sigh as families worked to scoop up their children and took them to return home, news that not only my mother's return but also another as well. At first, I thought it would be Twilight, but the report that came left many with a sort of confused look. Their princess was returning, with her sister, Princess Luna; free of the Nightmare Moon.

They couldn't teleport from what I was told, the magic used to imprison, Mother took a lot from her. So I waited in the throne room for their return, wondering how this would go, and how all of this would change, but the one thing I also questioned myself about one thing, was the night ponies who were waiting for her return.

As they went by the idea that Luna was their true ruler, if and when news reached of the attack of Nightmare Moon, they would no doubt send someone to try and have Luna come with them. Truthfully that would be her choice on the matter, but I know Mother well enough, that she wants to have her family; so how would this go? They already hate her as it stands; more so distrusted her, and keeping Luna from them would put that even thin strand on an even thinner strand. When they return and I'm alone with Mother, I would need to speak with her. I didn't need to be long, as soon the doors opened, my smile was easily seen as I made my way over...and then I saw her, Princess Luna, and Aunt by Adoption.

She was...smaller than I thought she would be, as mother was and I stood around eye level, Luna was perhaps a head shorter than I stood. Her coat was a shade of blue, and unlike her sister whose mane seemed to flow, it held a shape and a lighter shade of blue; Cutiemark of that of a black splash with the moon along her flank. A black tiara sat on her head and a black neck brace-like object sat along her chest. As the two walked in, my Mother smiled at me, however, Luna looked toward me, her eyes, reminded me greatly of those back when I first came here; confused, or even wary. I made sure not to show my upset about this, as I understood one thing; she had been gone for nearly one thousand years!

"Brandon!" Mother came rushing over and pulled me into a hug. "I am so happy you are unharmed, I was so worried!"

"You?" I questioned and even gave a small chuckle. "You were the one that was taken away, is everything alright now?" she nodded at this and then moved out of the way to show the smaller Alicorn more to me, as she seemed to shrink away, or more so closer to her sister's side.

"I can explain more over a meal, come!" she said as I nodded and followed beside her, with Luna trailing behind me.

As we got our meals, I went with a more veggie style this time to smooth Luna in, I heard the tale of what happened, and what Twilight recounted as well as how Celestia was held and captured. How Nightmare Moon came to Ponyville, claiming she had bested my mother, how Twilight with her new friends ventured to the old ruins and came to find out they were the new holders of the Elements themselves, Twilight holding the one of Magic. Still, when it was all done, she looked to her sister and said. "I cannot wait to tell and show you all that has changed dear sister, and oh for you to get to know your nephew! So much has changed over the many years and..." however the younger sister spoke up and gave her input.

"I would..rather find a place to be alone for a while, somewhere away from others; I have a feeling many here are not...ready for me quite yet." Mother seemed puzzled at this, as I gave my insight.

"As you said, Mother, it had been over a thousand years, perhaps the tower off in the west side would be good." Looking between myself and her sister, she placed the tip of her hoof against her chin but nodded as she sighed. "Remember Mom, at times when I was first here I didn't interact with a lot of ponies."

"I suppose...but still..." she seemed to trail off again but nodded. "Very well, I will help you settle in and whatever you may need, don't be afraid to ask for it." Luna only nodded, as we finished our meal, we took her to the tower, after Mother got a bed up there for her, as other items she would need, or be replaced down the line would be given.

As we walked away, Mother still looked happy about everything but I said. "The Night Ponies should know about her, and she; them." She stopped as we were in the hallway, her sunlight coming through the window allowing me to see how weak she looked, and maybe even tired; I was with lack of sleep as well, but no doubt easily seen on me. "You know, as well as I, that they will find out, and they will try and send someone to see themselves."

"Yes, that may be true, however..."

"I know you want her to stay here, but she should at least get to know there are ponies out there that have a great desire for her, and that they could help her...and this can still put you in a good light."

"And what would you suggest?" she questioned me as I went on to say.

"Send a message to them, to say that Princess Luna has returned and that you are asking for them to come to meet with her, to let Luna know of the kingdom they have made. The book the Elder gave me, I can give to her so at least she has something to read. She may still want to stay, but if she still wants to go there, it can bridge two communities that had been separated for so long."

My mother gazed toward me, before looking away, she smiled softly and back toward me. "You've thought of this for a while haven't you?" she questioned as I smiled and shrugged.

"Only when I heard about Luna's return, but I still think it's a good idea."

"I agree, are you willing to give her the book and explain about the kingdom, as I work on the letter?" I nodded a bit at this, as I went along to gather the book.

After collecting the book and heading to the tower where she settled, I knocked on the door and waited. There was a small wait as the door opened, allowing me to see Luna on the other end of the door. "Oh, hello." She greeted me as I held the book under my arm. "Brandon yes? Sister has spoken quite highly of you on the trip back to...here." she walked inside, and after I was given permission to enter I came along and closed the door behind me.

"Yeah, I'm Brandon...it's nice to meet you; well... formally, Luna." There was a pause in the air as I waited for her to talk, but she didn't I coughed a bit and saw a small desk as I went to place the book along the surface. Seeing her confused look I added. "During the fight a thousand years ago, many who followed you left, taking as much as they could to form their kingdom that is still thriving today" Her eyes widened as she came over and saw the book, showing the front hard cover. It held what looked like her Cutie Mark along the front of it, moreover, there was a picture of what she looked like before becoming Nightmare Moon, or more so a Silhouette of her head the book was even of a dark blue, the spine a silver like the moon. "This is the history of their kingdom, the Elder gave it to me, years ago. Mother is sending a letter to them as well, with hopes a few will come to see you."

"To send me off?" The way she said it...it was like she was hurt, as I quickly said.

"It was my idea...mother had told me how the...fight, happened, with how you felt that no one appreciated you." I let the words sink in, and when she said nothing I turned to leave. But then I heard her speak up.

"How did you do it?" She asked as I opened the door I stopped and looked back at her slightly. Seeing her looking up at me, she asked again. "How did you do it...you're the only one of your kind here and you don't seem...upset about it. The guards I noticed bowed to you and my sister, they flinched away at me, how did you do it?"

I only smiled at her and said. "I had friends close to me, and family, to help me through it...corny as it sounds." I gave a light chuckle as I rubbed the back of my head. "You need help with anything, come to me, Aunt Luna." When I called her Aunt, she seemed to be taken aback a bit...but a small smile came. I soon left, closing the door behind me, and leaving to let her be.

Chapter 6: Returning to Normal (edited)

A few weeks had passed since the Nightmare Moon incident, and everything seemed to have returned to normal, or as normal as possible. Luna had been slowly working on learning as much as she could, but still had a lot to cover; seeing how she had been gone for over a thousand years. The book I gave her helped, at least, to see what happened to those loyal to her during the One Day War, as they called it. Whenever I would come to visit; she would keep herself inside her room, barely leaving for meals. She would tell me a few things. For one, the first leader of the Night Ponies was, at the time, the leader of her Night Guard.

I could see the sadness in her eyes when she spoke quite highly of her, showing how brave and understanding she could be. The last few decades before the fight, many ponies feared or even let rumors fly about the Night Ponies, seeing how their wings were at-like and their eyes were silt-like, an enchanted act done to allow one to see more easily in the dark. After the battle, many couldn’t remove the enchantment without unicorn help, so the magic flowed to their foal. One of the many evolutions of generations apart from their cousins. Another thing, which I was also aware of, was that they could eat meat. Though the land around them was lush, it couldn’t grow as much food as the farmlands near here could, so they started to hunt and eat meat, allowing fangs to grow or, more so, sharpen their way of life. Sure, they could still eat plants, but it was almost like they were humans in the sense of omnivores.

Still, Luna and I spent many days, or more so at night, as that was her domain, and she even returned to her duties. Mother would rise and lower the sun, just as Luna would raise and lower the moon. I would spend time with her before I would then head off for bed for the night; just to get to know her a little better, as well as to let her know she had a friend. There was a night, however, when I was curious about how she could spend her time alone up there when I learned something, she even asked that I never relieve her sister. “Wait, Nightmare Moon was her being?”

Another night together as she sat along her new bed, a night themelike style. Her room was being filled with more items, a better desk, and a book shelf filled with key points to help her get better integrated into society today. A telescope along her balcony that she would use to better stargaze; and just other little items here and there. As my question hung in the air, Luna only nodded as she explained. “Magic, even to Alicorns is a fickle thing,” she admitted as she looked off outside, the gentle breeze of the night air leaving the room in a nice chill—not too much for me. “At times, the mind works in ways that leave many confused, or more so, some can cast spells without knowing if they are so in tune with it.”

Seeing how I couldn’t use magic, I at least understood the basic understanding of it, seeing how it was a magical mishap that brought me here. “During my downward spiral of feeling like Celestia was more so pushing me away to take care of the kingdom, and I pushed in the background, even with my loyal followers and guards, I still…craved a sort of sisterly desire. I thought at times I had to grow up more, so I would first transform myself to look as Nightmare Moon did, but I knew that it didn’t feel right, like a foal dressing up as a character for a play. But I would still do it as such, as it did work at first for a while.” She hummed softly as she looked on, still deep in thought, as if back in the moment.

"However, I started to notice the change rather soon after.” “It was small at first,” she went on with her explanation as I sat there and listened. “When I was alone and felt upset about something, I swear I could hear a voice telling me that everything would be alright, or when I would walk past a mirror, I felt like I could see something beside me, walking with me, almost protecting me. When I learned that my mature-looking persona had somehow gained sentimentality, it was a surprise, to say the least.” She would look over at me as I sat and listened. I’m not sure how I looked to her, I tried to keep my face as neutral as I possibly could, but maybe she could see the gears working in my head, trying to find out how something like this was even possible. Tartarus, I know Twilight herself would have a field day with this, working to wonder how something like this was even possible.

“Even to this day, I do not fully understand how this was possible, nor how one could repeat such a thing; or if I would want someone to. There are too many risks of the personality not being as kind as Nightmare Moon was.”

“Kind?” I questioned, sure with the old information I was told by Mother. I was always led to believe that Nightmare Moon and Luna were one of the same beings. The story of how the Elements purged her, made it sound like Nightmare Moon was more of a curse that twisted her mind; but here she was saying an utterly different thing.

“I can understand your confusion; believe me, I was once where you sat mentally. I too was worried that I would perhaps be swallowed by Nightmare Moon, but she was somepony who understood me, and my pain. It wasn’t like she was a daughter to me; the relationship didn’t feel as such." There was a pause, eyes shifting to the side. “Was like a sister to me; one I needed.” She went on to explain to me what she meant, how Nightmare was always there for her when she needed a cheer. She was everything Luna was, but more now. As Luna had a gift of dreamwalking, when they would fall asleep, both could leave or even see each other in the dreamscape in a much easier way, allowing Nightmare to grow to be more of her own. Whenever. Whenever Luna allowed her to take control, it was like she was going along for the ride, her subconscious behind Nightmare Moon’s but never overpowered as say a possession or the ideal of one. Still, it was rather shocking to know that someone who had been a part of her like that was gone now.

When the letter returned to us about the Night Ponies, they agreed to meet, but at a middle ground. I went to the group, as well as, of course, Luna and my mother. The leader was there again, and when Luna walked forward, everypony who had come, bowed to her right away, knowing who she was. There was some small talk, much like how we thought Luna had agreed to go with them to spend some time with them. Though the Grand Galloping Gala was close at hand, she did promise to come, as did perhaps, the leader of the Night Ponies. I was at least happy about that, Mother as well; after so long of trying to at least be able to speak to them, Luna could be the very thing needed to bridge that gap. Of course, there was always the risk of things happening in another way; but we can only see where things go from here.

The Elements were taken by my mother, and placed in a location under a key that only her horn and magic could use to open it. A safety protocol in case any thieves would try and take them, as well as keeping them close at hoof in case they were ever needed. However, just a few days before the gala, something happened, Truth be told, I was surprised that it was Twilight herself who did it. “You want me to... take your friend, Rarity, on a date to the Gala?”

The question hung in the air as I had come for the first time to Twilight's new home and place of work in Ponyville, after getting a letter from her to go and meet with her; I took the first carriage that was able and went on down by the flight of the pegasus guards. I hadn’t met the other ponies who helped her stop Nightmare Moon, as they had their own lives to handle anyway, and I was helping, Luna into her home. So now, with this letter and after having coffee with the unicorn, the question she left has me quite puzzled. She even gave a sort of sheepish smile, her hoof going to the back of her mane to rub as she said, “It’s…I have a good reason, believe me!” I only raised an eyebrow at her, as I waited; taking a sip of my drink as she sighed. “Rarity once learned she would be coming after your mother gave me the extra tickets, she has this ideal of royalty and such, and how a prince will come in, woo her off her hoof, show her a good time, or treat her like a lady should.”

“To be fair, a lot of mares are like that,” I pointed out as I took another sip.

“She said this thinking of, Blueblood.”

I spat my drink out rather quickly, coughing and pounding my chest to get whatever was sucked into my chest out. I coughed again as she used her magic to pass me a towel to clean up the mess I made. “Blueblood—the same Blueblood we know? Or some sort of magical alternate version where he is not a pain in the flank?!”

“I know, I know!” She answered as she sighed, rubbing her head. “I tried to tell Rarity that he was possibly not the best choice to... What’s the term? It’s what the guards call it.” I blinked for a moment, sighed, and said.

“Going Shag… but I don’t think this counts for this, as I highly doubt your friend wants to have a sexual relationship on the first meeting.” She only nodded a bit as she sighed and added.

“Ether way… I may have told her that you were looking for a date, and perhaps you could.”

"Oh, my mother, you didn’t.” I sighed heavily, covered my face with my hands, and leaned back in the pillow seat I was in, luckily not enough to fall off but still.

As we walked toward her friend's home, many more ponies were still bowing when they saw me, or even just greeting us. I would at times greet them back, or softly say that there was somewhere I needed to be, and I would keep on going on. When seeing the home or shop, reminded me of how Canterlot would look. The building just seemed so out of place in the small village-like place where it sat. Having Twilight explain to me, what she does and even the amazing works she does; surprises me that she could have all this rather high-end clothing, but lived here. Maybe she did a lot of mail orders? Still, we went up as Twilight knocked on her door, and we didn't have to wake long.

"Coming!" Even her voice held that sort of high-end 'Canterlot' voice that I would joke many would have. With arms behind my back, as I waited, the door slowly opened. Rairty had a coat of pure white, her Cutiemark seemed to be three blue diamonds; her eyes were a shade of blue, and her curly mane and tail, were violet. She was about to greet Twilight with a happy smile, however, when she saw me, her eyes widened rather quickly, and she bowed her front down in an almost elegant way I’ve seen some of the upper-class ponies do. “Your Highness, I did not expect to have some pony like you here today! To what do I owe the Honor?” I never liked when ponies bowed to me, or any pony for that matter. I think it was more so because ponies like Blueblood demanded it and would belittle them if they ‘forgot their place’. Still, I responded to her question.

“You don’t have to bow to me, Miss Rarity,” I said as she gazed up at me. however, held her pose a bit longer. After seeing that I wasn’t going on until she no doubt stopped, “I’ve come here to meet with you, more so on the request of Twilight here; may we come in?”

She allowed us in almost right away, even leaving to get some drinks set up. The sound of crashing objects and a slight muttering about her place being a mess can still be heard in the kitchen. As Twilight and I waited, I felt something along my legs, looking down and seeing a pure white furry cat rubbing my pants. I smiled as I bent down and rubbed its head, hearing it purr softly in enjoyment. “I never did think I would be treating royalty, more so the prince of Equestria himself!” Rarity claimed as she came out, using her magic to carry a tray of snacks and tea, placing it along the table near where we sat down. “I must say, if I'd known, I would’ve fixed myself up!”

“To be fair,” I added, gazing at her. “You look like you are rather ‘fixed’ up already.” She only laughed softly and softly batted her hoof as I looked to Twilight, who nudged her head a bit as I rolled my eyes. “Anyway, I was told you were going to the GGG.”

I questioned her as I took the cup of tea she offered me. Her eyes lit up as she explained with happy glee how she was so happy that she was happy. More so when Twilight explained she would be making all of their dresses to head up there. Spike was going to be spending the day and night with her family. It was funny as there was an inside joke about him being the closest thing to a grandchild they may have, so no doubt they were spoiling the young Drake with treats. After her gushing was done, she even showed her dress that she was still working on, personally putting some orders on hold to focus on her and the others's dresses. She then said the thing I was dreading for. “I also hope to catch the eye of the prince, Blueblood; oh, I can already see it now!” She said almost dreamily about it, hearing her gush about how she believed he was this proper prince, that she would go to him, and he would spend the night with her, treating her almost like a princess. But I knew, as did Twilight, that this would not be the case; not at all. I still wondered how I could work on convincing her that this would be a bad idea.

But I didn’t want to come off as some... I’m not even sure what I would call being completely truthful. However, after a deep thought, I had an idea, one that I hoped would work. “You know, Miss Rarity, if you wish to have a night with royalty, I am more than willing to share the night with you.” She paused in her explanation of how she believed the night would go, me thinking she was thinking of some old story of what the common pony believed all royals were like; not knowing many wouldn’t even give them the time of day. However, hearing my request, her eyes grew wide as I smiled a bit and added. “My mother had always been on my case that I should at least try and get somepony as a date of sorts and such, so I’m not just wandering around. So, if you wish, I could be your date?”

The room was silent for the moment, her eyes locked onto my own, as I slightly leaned toward Twilight and even whispered. “Is…is she okay?”

“Give it a minute.” As I turned to her with my eye raised a bit, that’s when I heard the start of it. A low start at first, but a strange sound of an ‘eeeee’ before it grew into a loud happy glee of a squeal. The unicorn was now up and running around, speaking so quickly about how she was living every filly dream, A prince asked her out as I deeply sighed. I know this was to protect her from the fate of dealing with Blueblood, but I wondered how this would turn out.

After Twilight thanked me as Rairty started to bounce about the room, all giddily about not only being asked out by a prince, but at the GGG, she seemed to be going into an almost overdrive. When I asked if she wished me to pick her up or go there with her friends, she seemed on the fence, however, Twilight chimed in. Having the idea that it would be more of a gentle-colt thing for me to pick her up, the rest of her friends can meet and enjoy the gala later, after she spends some time with her date. I gave the unicorn a side-eye glance when she said that, and she only rolled her eyes, as this would be something utterly new. I’ve never been on a date before, and now I'm at a huge event such as this. Sure, it was to keep her safe from the idea of BlueBlood but I could at least enjoy the idea. Still, I would have a lot to do when I returned home, one of which was to ask my mother for some advice on the subject of this; I’m just hoping she won’t make a big deal about it.

A few hours after meeting with Rarity, it was time for dinner, BlueBlood was gone for the night for something, which left the dinner rather quiet. At least, Spirit stood off to the side with the other maids as they spoke softly to one another as I and Mother enjoyed our meal. “So,” Mother started after our greeting and small talk were done. “I’ve gotten a letter from Luna.” I looked up at her after finishing swallowing the bite of food I had. “She and a few others within the Luner Republic will be coming to the Grand Galloping Gala.”

“Well, that’s great, yes?” I asked, looking at her as she nodded her head a bit at this. “At least she will see the Gala, and this could be the start of a better relationship with the Republic.”

“Yes, hopefully, this will be the start of something good. Though I wish my sister would stay with us, I can see that this was a good idea now.” I smiled and nodded my head a bit at this as I went to take a drink. “And what of you?”

“Hrm?” I questioned her, raising an eyebrow at her.

“I was told that you went down to Ponyville, was it to meet and see Twilight?”

She asked as I looked off and coughed a bit, not knowing how to say this. She gave me a puzzled look, and I had enough courage to ask her. “It was to see Twilight, yes, but also for another reason.” When she tilted her head to the side, I went on, as I said. “I will need some advice, mother.”

“Of course!” She said she placed her fork down with her magic and smiled before I finished, as her reaction surprised me greatly.

"I have a date for the Gala.” The room got rather silent, as even the maids stopped talking when they heard that. My mother's mouth opened a bit in a small O shape as she just stared at me. She was maybe quiet for a minute, and before I could ask if she was all okay, she had this huge grin plastered along her muzzle before the sound came. “Eeeeeeeeeeee!” As she leaned back in her seat, hooves were placed before her lips and even seemed to bounce a bit in place as I sighed heavily. "Oh, sweet, my mother...” I groaned, almost thinking this was going to be a bad idea.

Chapter 7: Gala Night!

To say that, Mother was thrilled about the news that not only did I have a date to the Gala, but my first ever date would be an understatement. At eighteen years of age, I hadn’t had a chance to date anyone, that would be because of the fact of I never really had a chance to, or anypony that tried to date me was that of high nobility that family were known to try and get into the royal family one way or another. Blueblood surprisingly alienated many of the mares he dated as even the ones only wanting to use him in hopes of an easy life, could not deal with him!

I remembered a few years back that there was one mare, a sister of one of Blueblood's victims, who seemed to try hard with me. But I could see from her eyes that every time she tried to flirt with me, her eyes judged me by how I looked. I couldn’t blame her; being the only human in the world, my looks wouldn’t be on the top of many mares' lists. Of course, that wasn’t always the case.

My mother wouldn’t know, however, when I went to Manehatten, there was one mare who seemed too interested. Not because I was a prince; that was the icing on the cake for her. No, she was very blunt with her desires, that she was interested in lovers who weren’t ponies and wanted to see what I had to offer. I nearly spat my drink out at that point, as Shining Armor was with me as my guard who only laughed at my beat-red look.

Still, as the days came up closer to the Gala, Mother was like a little filly always coming to me asking what I would be doing to show her a good time, and even tried again the whole ‘talk’ thing with me. Even though I told her no such thing would happen. She waved it off saying times had changed, that even first dates could spend the night together. I reminded her this was not a date like she thought, but to keep her safe from what Blueblood was like, in case she somehow caught his eye at the Gala. However, I would remind her of this. as she would only nod her head a bit with this look of ‘really?’ Type of look, leaving me to give up on reminding her. With how, Mother was, sometimes; you had to pick your battles with her!

Twilight would send me letters about how excited Rarity was, working almost day and night on her friend's dresses and her own so she could be ready for the Gala, as well as news to her parents who lived in another city were coming over. Twilight teasing that I would at least get to deal with that protected father cliché that seemed to always happen in those old stories or plays when the stallion would come to pick up the date. It would be rather amusing to see how this would turn out.

Still with it now being the night of the Gala, I was fixing up my outfit as I checked in the mirror and with the help of Spirit who had a lint remover brushing it along my back and leg to make me look as good, as I could be. The outfit I had on was one I wore in the last Gala, a white shirt and pants, however with red undercover along the open collars. The shoulders seem to overlap on top with the designs making it more or less not a simple design. A shoulder cape clipped along the right side that I could either push along my back or even cover my arm. The top had a spilt tailcoat that outlined and the underside was the same bright red that also came along my front, that would match with a red stash acting like a belt of sorts to keep it in place, a golden buckle.

My pants were a bit baggy but held the same design of my top an almost overlapping-like look to keep it looking from too simple. However I also worked to clip on my sheath and sword along my left hip, something I wore a lot as it was more of a royal thing something my mother thought would look good mostly for Rarity…a princely knight came to pick up his date. With again, Shining laughing when he and Cadence were in the room, I made the joke that I should wear his armour, so I could say I was her knight in Shining Armor. His Alicorn girlfriend snorted out a laugh as he frowned at me. “Spirit, don’t worry I think everything is good now,” I said as I finished tightening my sheath belt to make sure I could walk with it not falling off.

“Oh I'm sure it is, but you have to look good for your first date don’t you?” I rolled my eyes as she chuckled a bit. “I know you are always saying it’s to keep this Rarity safe from…him, but this is still a rather big day, and can still be considered a date!”

“Yeah, I suppose,” gazing back at the unicorn; seeing her lips curling up as she stared up at me, as I did one last check.

“Moreover, why are you always fiddling with your outfit if you don’t consider it a true date yourself?”

“Yeah, yeah,” I waved my hand as she giggled softly. “Anyway, are you going to enjoy your night off?” She only nodded a bit and added.

“I have a date tonight, I met him a few days ago...he knows I’m with foal, but doesn’t seem to care!” I only smiled at her when hearing this. “I hope it turns out well.”

“I’m here rooting for ya,” I said smiling as I held my hand out to her as she placed her hoof in my hand. “Here’s to a good date for us both then,”

After getting into the carrier and telling the Pegasus where we were going, I would sit back and relax as they flew me down toward Ponyville. Learning that, Twilight and her friends would be going up to Canterlot on their own as Rarity would be with me, so they would all meet up and spend some time together in the Gala later. Landing outside of her home, however; I noticed a few shadows inside, but not enough to be of her other friends. Once I was out and making sure my suit was clean again, bringing a set of wrapped-up flowers in my hand mostly thanks to my mother.

I went up toward the door, knocked and waited for a moment before it opened, however as I gazed down; I had to look even further down, as it wasn’t Rarity I was currently looking at, but a filly.

Her mane seem poufy with a bit of a curl along the bangs as well as the tip of her tail, a shade of two colours of purple and pinkish like shade; almost reminding me that of Cotton candy. Green eyes narrowed up at me as her greyish-white coat was seen, and before I could say anything, she spoke first. “So you’re taking my big sister out on a date?” Oh, that made sense that this being Rarity’s sister, I don’t know why my mind wandered if this was her foal when either she was too young looking, or I didn’t see her before hoof.

“Well, I’m taking her to the Gala yes,” I answered as I knelt so I was closer to her level, she puffed her cheek out, and my eyes gazed upward behind her for a moment, not seeing the others in the house either they didn’t hear the knock or asked the young filly to answer.

“So it is a date,” she confirmed as she even poked my chest with a hoof. “I don’t care if you are the prince,” she proclaimed and even puffed her little chest out. “You better not make my sister upset!” I blinked for a moment my mouth slightly agape I even let out a soft chuckle at this as I placed my hand over my chest.

“I don’t plan to, that’s not how my mother raised me after all,” I said chuckling again as she demanded, with a stomp of her little hoof.

“You gotta Pinkie Promise.” I stared at her with a look of confusion, I remembered when I was a kid in my old world what a Pinkie Promise was, where one would hold a pinkie and interlock it with another, but how would I… it seemed I got my answer when she sat down on the ground and started to make some movement, making a cross over her heart and then sticking her hoof…on her eye. “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!” And she just stared at me before pointing said hoof at me and said. “And Nopony can break a Pinkie Promise!” I could only blink for a moment, as I saw her do this, but I could see that she was serious about this I smiled a bit and I did the same; tracing my fingers across my heart with a finger and placing my palm over my eye.

“Cross my heart hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” And for some reason when I said it, I had this strange feeling, like a doom feeling that if I indeed broke it something bad would happen.

“Sweetie who are you..oh Prince Brandon!”

Rarity had come from around the corner allowing me to see her in her dress, and I had to admit she looked rather stunning. A puffy like red candy dress with yellow outlines dotted around with what seems like gems, along her neck, a pulled-out collar the same shade of red. She even had earrings and a red ruby-like necklace hanging along her neck. And lastly, a tiara that sat below her horn. As I already said she looked rather stunning and I could’ve sworn she was like a princess from another land, as I stood up, one hand held behind my back as I bowed my head slightly.

“Even, Lady Rarity,” I spoke and held the bundle of flowers to her. “I hope all is well?” She smiled widely as she used her magic to take the flowers smelling them for a moment before taking them to the living room, placing them in a vase as she filled said vase, with water. Her sister trotted along inside. She even pointed a hoof to her mouth; making a funny gagging noise. “Had a pretty good talk with your sister as well.”

“I hope she wasn’t a bother,” she admitted to me giving her sister a quick stern look. I chuckled and shook my head. “My parents decided to come and visit so they are spending a few days here, and I guess she got the idea of…eyeing you up from my father.”

“Ah,” I said as I had a feeling this would happen as I added. “Would it be best if I wait and let him have his moment? This would be the first time I had the father stare down.” I admitted myself as she only giggled hiding her lips behind a hoof.

“If you don’t mind humouring him?” I only shrugged softly at this as she led me off toward another part of the home.

The room she was leading me to seemed to be the dining room, it was just as flashy as even the main floor where All her Clients could see and buy her premade outfits. Sweetie Belle was already in the room with the other two adults allowing me to meet her parents. Her father a white manned unicorn with a brown mane and a matching brown moustache seemed to lock his blue eyes with me the moment I walked in, I could feel the way he was staring at me and I had to admit, for a unicorn, he was rather big. His cutie mark I couldn’t tell what they were, three brown-like objects along his flanks. The mare beside him, her coat seems a lighter shade than twilight, her mane done up with two different shapes of a greyish blue and possibly purple. She seemed as well along the bigger sides, mostly because I was so used to seeing mares in Canterlot being slim and small; though it suited them both well. “Mother, Father, I like you to meet the prince of Equestria, Brandon!” She spoke and even held a hoof up toward me as I smiled and gave a small bow toward them.

“A pleasure to meet you both,” I said at least trying my best to be on their good side, though I could see her Father's eyes still locked on me, as he stood up from where he was sitting to walk toward me. After coming close enough, though smaller than I was in height, I still felt rather intermediated by the stare-down he was giving me before he then spoke.

“So you are taking my daughter then, Prince?” He questioned as I could only nod my head a bit and kept my hands along my sides. “I hope you will not do anything unbecoming of her, even if you are a prince I….”

“Father!” Rarity breathed heavily as she quickly stared between her and me, but I only smiled a bit and shook my head.

“My mother wouldn’t allow for such a thing of me, sir,” I promised him, bowing my head to him. He still gave me a narrowed-eyed look, until Rarity’s mother spoke up.

“Hondo, leave the poor colt alone!” She chastised her husband as she then took a sip of the drink she held in her magic. Said stallion looked back to her and then back to me, before splitting into a grin.

“Sorry, your highness I couldn’t quite help myself.” He said as he gave a rather small but hearty laugh. “When we learned our little filly was invited to the Gala, but then found out also going with a prince, how could I ever let it passed up, that I gave the ‘what are the intentions with my daughter,’ type stare down?”

“I can understand,” I promised chuckling again and rubbing the back of my head. We spoke for a bit more but had to excuse ourselves as it was time to go, giving their daughter a hug and a goodbye, I waited by the ride that would take us to the party of the year, my hand down, to help her climb in.

She spent most of the flight looking out the window and watching as we got ever so closer to Canterlot, the palace alive with lights as many nobility from the other kingdoms came as well. With her reminding me that she would still like to spend some time with her friends at the gala, I only nodded and agreed as it would only be fair for her after all. Still, as we landed the doors were opened as guards came to escort and help Rarity down from the Carriage, already some of the help, asking if she needed anything. She seemed to be enjoying this but not in a way of someone enjoying the power, just the idea no doubt of beings dotting on her. We walked together toward the palace as she was taking it all in, the guards outside seeing me quickly stiffened up and held their weapons up. “Even, Prince Brandon!” One spoke in a clear voice as I held my hand up for them to be at ease. “The Gala is not to start, for the next little while, your mother wishes to see to you, and to your date for the night.” I rolled my eyes a bit but responded all the same.

“I’ve figured as much, Is she in the lobby?” I asked as they nodded, Rarity seemed now a bit worried, but hopefully not too much.

As we made our way I could already see my mother, she was working on the last bit of work before the Gala would officially start, she still wore her normal outfit of shoes, neck brace and crown. She said something about not many ponies got a chance to meet her, and she always hated wearing a lot when it came to the Gala. Seeing me walking up with Rarity in tow, she smiled a bit as the latter bowed toward her princess who only could let out a chuckle.

“There is no need to bow, Rarity,” she spoke waving her hoof a bit. “More so seeing how you are on this date with my son,"

“Of course!” She spoke but still kept her head down for a bit longer before nervously looking up at my mother who was only smiling.

“I am just happy my lovely child has found a mare that he wishes to spend the night with,” and she gave me a side-eye look as I only raised a brow. “I thought for the longest time he would NEVER be willing to date!”

“Mother…” I exclaimed in a low voice, narrowing my eyes at her as she playfully stuck her tongue out at me.

My date looked either very confused or in a slight look of shock. “I jest,” she waved her hoof again. However, looking at the unicorn she asked. “However, if you do not mind, after I announce the Gala to be ready, would you mind that I borrow my child for a little bit?” She questioned before adding. “His Aunt is here with a few guests, and I’m sure they wish to meet again, but also; there is a little bit of a family matter we must speak of .”

“Oh, yes, of course, I can always go and see how my friends are doing as I wait!” Rarity exclaimed, gazing at me with a small smile before then moving off to find her friends.

As more ponies piled into the palace, Mother soon made her speech welcoming all, not only the pony nobility and those who were invited in one way or another, but some other allies from other nations were among the crowd, griffins, and some large pony like beings from the east. Zebra in rather amazing-looking outfits that seem to pop from the boring same look I was always looking at when it came to Canterlot nobles. There were even some small dragons, as unlike how many didn’t know. Many dragons had the skills to shrink themselves. Some called it magic but it was an evolution-type skill. From what I was told many dragons hated to do it; pride being one reason, but another it made their body feel…tight like wearing an outfit two sizes too small.

Still, as everyone moved to their little group, I could already see many of the nobility trying to crowd around Mother, mostly the ponies that were in Canterlot trying to butter her up in one way; shape or form. After she was able to get away from them, she moved her hoof to the side asking me to follow her; I did so, as we walked side by side, away from the bustle of the ball.

“So,” Mother started as she turned to gaze at me. “Any reason as to why all of a sudden you wanted to have a date to the Gala?” She asked looking at me and even raising her brow at me with a small smirk.

“Mother, I’ve already told you,” I said almost more so annoyed than anything. “She is one of the Elements holders, and she wanted to come along on a date, so I thought, because she saved not only you, and Aunt Luna; why not give her a royal escort.”

“Mhm,” she hummed looking forward again as we walked, the sound of her good shoes and my own echoing throughout the floor as we made our way toward a hallway. “Now do you want to give me the REAL reason?” I stopped for a moment as she turned to me, I could see in her eyes she knew I had another reason for my reason on taking Rarity on this date, and after a moment I sighed a bit and said.

“Because she was hoping on trying to get a date with Blue Blood, and I did this in hopes of saving her from that disaster of a train wreck.”

Mother just stared at me for a long moment, before sighing heavily a bit, her head down and shaking as she added. “Brandon, you must understand with Blue Blood, after what happened with that young maid I possibly don’t…”

“I’m not taking any chances,” I cut her off as she stared at me. “Moreover with one of Twilight’s new friends.” My mother just gave me another look, and I’m not sure why, for years Blue Blood had been like this for as long as I could remember. Someone who felt like he was above everyone around him, belittling everyone; and using them for his gain, and for what?

“Brandon, do you mind doing me a favour?” She asked me as I hummed but still looked toward her as she then added. “After the Gala is done, tomorrow, go down to the archives and look for his family name. I’m sure looking up his background may shed some light on him.” My arms crossed as I kept my stare on her, as my Alicorn mother turned fully to look at me.

“Mother, I highly doubt…”

“For me, please, you may see why I am more lax with him, but I do understand, I have been far too lax with him.” She sighed a bit and shook her head from side to side. “I can’t change the past I know that, and I know now I have to try my best in hopes that he doesn’t turn out any worse than he is, though I hope that you can see why the way he is and maybe be a bit understanding.”

“Understanding about what?” I questioned her, and though she was about to answer me I stopped her and added. “Mother, whatever happened to him in the past; to be a crutch and a reason for him to be the way he is now.” I gave a small pause for her to listen, before going on.

“That’s like me saying I should hate every pony out there because of Twilight’s magical mishaps that brought me here, would I be allowed to treat ponies like Blue Blood treats others because of what happened to me? No of course not.” I crossed my arms and looked away for a moment. “He may have a past that may contribute to why he acts the way he does, but I will never allow him to get away with this, he belittled all the workers in the castle, spends all his bits you give him on things to make himself look good and demands more, and even forced himself on the maid now under my services and is pregnant with his foal. Any small amount of sympathy you think I should give him; I’ve none.”

It may have been a harsh thing to say, but to me, it was the truth of the matter, I know at least she was trying now, trying to correct him on many things, to make sure he learns something, but to me it’s too little too late; and one-day Blueblood may push the wrong person over the edge and he will have only himself to blame.

After our little meeting, I left and found Luna as the Gala was in full swing; she was with a few of the Bat Ponies as they wore outfits that seemed more battle-ready with metal chest pieces, but still, something one could wear to something like this…almost like a military dress/suit. We exchanged a few words, as she said she would be coming back to Canterlot soon, and that the nation of the Bat Ponies would be willing to open up trade between Equestria and themselves. A great first step, though before all that would happen, an Ambassador would be picked to stay here, and they would personally pick one that would go and stay there. She made a joke saying she wished it would be me but knows that it’s not a duty I would truly want. After giving a few more goodbyes, I left to find Rarity.

After finding the unicorn who was ready to spend the night with me after spending a good amount with her friends, we enjoyed the Gala, helping to give her drinks, holding the door open for her, and even giving her a flower that she was eyeing up that I knew I was allowed to take. Of course, some of the nobility came toward us, and she seemed to enjoy the attention when I said that she was my date and that her dress was something she designed herself. The fawning over it, but I could see through the lies; buttering her up, in hopes of making themselves look good to me. As the night went on, I had taken her toward the royal garden, the moon high in the sky as she sighed heavily and leaned against the railing. Looking toward her and seeing the smile on her face I smirked a bit back.

“Enjoying yourself?” I questioned as she quickly gazed over at me.

“Oh yes, of course!” She exclaimed turning around to fully face me, falling back on all hooves.

“This has been a wonderful night and you have been such a gentle colt to me.”

“Well, my mother did raise me right.” I pointed out as she hid her muzzle over a hoof and laughed. “You wish to return to your friends soon, and spend the rest of the Gala with them?”

“Oh, well I couldn’t possibly leave you without your date,” she pointed out, but I waved away the thought with my hand.

“Mother didn’t invite you all together because you are Twilight’s friends.” I pointed out as I chuckled. “It’s fine either way, I may retire after a bit, or spend it with my mother; I just wanted to make sure that you had a good time.”

“Well I did, again thank you, Prince Brandon,” she answered as I chuckled and rubbed the back of my head a bit.

“Brandon is just fine, I never did like those…”

“Well, well, what is this.” I frowned, hearing the voice and knowing who it was. “I’ve heard that the monkey had a date, but I never expected it to be true.”

Both of us turned over to see Blueblood standing nearby, standing there with this smug look along his face, and more so the air of his self-worth. Rarity did bow her head and body a bit, to show her respect to the noble before her, as I crossed my arms to stare at him. “I must say, however, for a monkey you do seem to have some good taste at least.” I could see from the corner of my eye, that Rarity seemed rather shocked at how he was speaking to me, but with all the years of insults and belittling, I’ve learned to bug him more; it was as simple as to not to give him the satisfaction of responding to such trivial things.

“Uh..pardon me, Prince Blueblood, but I do believe that is rather rude to speak to, Prince Brandon as such,” Rarity spoke up to defend me as the stallion unicorn scuffed a bit as she went on. “And calling him such horrible names.”

“You will learn to keep to yourself, you common folk!” He shot back as my body tensed and even moved to block her a bit, as I stared dagger at him. “What gives you the right that you believe you can even try and speak to me as such, I can say whatever to whomever I wish!”

“Wouldn’t have the balls to say it to Mother though would you?” I questioned as he shot his eyes at me. “Now what do you want Blueblood, or are you just going around trying to cause issues, knowing no one will try and talk back?”

He scuffed again and said. “As I said, heard rumours that someone like you had a date, and I could acquire one.” Gee, I wonder why, is what I said to myself as I looked at him. “At first I thought it a joke, I mean I still believe it to be.”

“Right well,” I placed my hand softly along the back of Rarity's shoulder to move her a bit.

“You can laugh at your little joke, we have a gala to return to.” Watching him as we tried to walk past, ready for any other vile things he would say. When he didn’t, I thought we were in the clear…before I then heard…

“Perhaps when you’re done with her, I can find her and find out what she charging you, as no doubt she is nothing more than a common night worker!”

I stopped rather quickly when I heard this, for as long as I could remember, he has belittled me, called me named, insulted me, but never once ever called someone that was just near me in such a way just because they were there with me. He had said some words about Spirit Shine, but nothing like this! “What did you just say about me…you…you…” I heard Rarity spatter out. “You oversized pompous Creighton!” I had to admire her choice of words, as I turned around my eyes flashed with rage toward the stallion, whose horn seemed to glow ready to use some sort of magical retaliation.

“You dare speak to me in such a…”

—-CRACK—-

My body moved on its own as I quickly moved over to him and brought my fist down hard across the left side of his head, square in the eye as he hollowed out in pain and stumbled to the ground. His body twitched as he held his face screaming out in pain, if anyone heard in the gala I didn’t care. Before he could look back to curse me out, I grabbed him by his tux top, dragged him up and slammed his back to a nearby tree as I breathed heavily and lifted him just a few more inches before saying slowly. “Let me make this very clear to you, you poor excuse of a stallion.” I started my voice even having a hint of a growl, as I started to feel the throbbing pain in my fist, I bet I hurt it pretty bad, but I didn’t care at that moment, my anger toward him was too much. “Call me what you want, drag my name through the dirt because you and those plot-sniffing nobles mean NOTHING to me. Dirt under my shoes has a better purpose than you and those inside just wanting to better themselves and not those around them. Call me a Monkey, or whatever coltish little jokes you think will make you feel better..but do t you EVER,” I tighten my grip again causing him to gasp his eyes widening and pinprick.

“EVER insult anyone near me, because let me tell you something, you, don’t deserve the title of Prince, lording those over you because they are too scared to speak up…I’m not, you are nothing to fear, a stallion forcing a mare to bed him and the. Demand they terminate the child,” I could hear the intake of breath from the mare behind me and I didn’t care to let her know the prick this pony was.

“No more, no more will I sit around and watch as you belittle everyone around you, you do anything like that again to ANYONE and I find out…I’ll make sure they can’t even figure out who you are!” And I roughly dropped him, before he scattered off quickly. I watched him go seeing his eye already swelling shut, but it seemed I cut above his eyebrow with the blow, blood already dripping down. As I worked to calm myself down taking a few steady breaths, I could feel the pain throbbing heavily on my hand.

“P…Prince Brandon…” I looked over seeing Rarity was shocked, maybe scared look, as I turned away, and moved to grab a handkerchief from my pocket to cover my hand slightly flinching at the stinging.

“I’m sorry,” I said as I held my other hand over the wounded one, wiping the blood off of my knuckles that were bleeding. “I…I should’ve had better control of myself, but when he…”

“Hush darling,” she spoke and came closer. “Let me see your hand,” I gave her a confused look as she said. “I’m a fashion, designer, I’ve hurt myself plenty of times to learn some healing magic, and cut myself far too often to not learn a thing or two, come.”

She led me off toward a bench and sat me down, sitting next to me, she gently took my hand and removed the handkerchief, tsking as she checked the wound. We were by a flowing river in the garden, so moving to wet my handkerchief, to clean the hand, I would jerk at times before she could see what she was dealing with. “Not a too deep cut, hold still.” I listened as I watched her horn glow, seeing the skin meld back together. It didn’t take long before she was done as she leaned back to check her work. Me flexing my hand, as she nodded her head. “There, as good as new, and without a scar, I say that quite the work yes?” I didn’t say anything as I gazed at my hand before she placed a hood over it. “Thank you,” she spoke as I gazed at her, her muzzle showing a soft and tender smile. “Thank you for trying to defend my honour…I must say, seeing a prince do that, it’s like the old stories.” She said and smiled with a soft chuckle. “And to think once…I wanted that…brute to notice me.”

“That was the plan for me asking you to be my date…” I admitted as she stared at me. “She. Twilight told me she overheard you possibly trying to catch Blueblood's eyes…well…” I sighed and shook my head a bit. “Perhaps I should’ve been more clear with you or…” I stopped when I felt her leaned over and plant a soft kiss along my cheek. I blinked and looked over as she smiled.

“Isn’t it custom for a saved damsel to kiss her hero?” She asked as I coughed and blushed heavily. However when I thought things would calm down…I looked over as it seemed it wouldn’t…Mother was there standing under the archway…and Blueblood beside her.

Buck me sideways…

Chapter 8: Papers Of The Past

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.