Twilight's point of view:

"I would say that our attire is most likely not suited for a café, so how about the Crimson Orchid? It's somewhat of a formal establishment. And it is also very fitting of our ties, wouldn't you agree Astral?" I suggested smiling, glancing at both of our black ties.

"Oh, my, Princess, you taking me to a restaurant and complimenting my tie, I'm flattered." Astral said, placing her hoof against her heart and looking up into the ever fading sunlight and the color slowly shifting into pink and orange along with a monopoly of other variations of said colors.

"Well, I mean, I guess I could abandon you..." I said, smirking before full-blown laughing at her reaction. She had whipped her head to look at me before using one of her front hooves to wipe an imaginary tear before finally giving me a large frown and staring at me like the world was ending. Her lips curled into a smirk before she stood proudly and confidently a smug look plastered well more like engraved on her face.

" You look so confident, but you're pretty short." I stated smugly as I turned and walked down the cobbled street, leaving her huffing and stuttering for a response as she trotted after me.

"H-Hey, I-I'm not that short, right?" Astral said, glancing at me pleadingly. My smirk deepening.

" I suppose you aren't that short since you're what 12?" I replied, noticing how her eyes were subtly charging color.

" I am not twelve, and I am only maybe three or four inches shorter." Astral reprimanded.

At this point, we were nearing the restaurant, so I quickened a bit before responding, "No more like six or seven. And oh, look, here's the restaurant!" I could tell she was fuming but chose to hide it well aside from her eyes still being slightly off color. Reaching a booth outside of the front, we were quickly able to reserve a seat with the grey stallion, his bowtie matching the cream color of his slicked mane. He practically bowed the entire time. Within the span of five minutes, we were escorted by a deep blue colored mare with a pale yellow mane after she bowed. Of course, I really don't think I am used to that happening.

As soon as we entered the main building, whispers and murmurs traveled throughout the many tables. We were led to a table outside in the back corner. The string of magic powered lights covering the fence all around the patio area.

" I've never been here before, so do you have any recommendations?" Astral asked, glancing down at the menu, looking both overwhelmed and skeptical.

"Well, I usually get hay pasta with this lovely apple garnish. It also usually comes with a side, I would definitely recommend getting a salad as the side." I stated, hoping it would put her at ease. It seemed to work.

"I think that sounds delicious, I get a bit of anxiety having to make decisions, especially since this menu is what nine or ten pages long. If it weren't for you, I would have most likely ordered off of the filly's and colors menu!" Astral said, breathing out a sigh of relief before glancing down at the drinks portion of the menu.

"So how did you start working at the -um office?" I asked, trying to end the awkward silence.

She looked up from her menu before smiling. " Well, I was and still am a pretty good game developer and hacker, plus I am quite smart, at least that is what the school told my mother. What about you?"

"Well, I've known Luna for a while, and when I had seen her after the -uh Wedding incident, she offered me a job. It also ha really prepared me in militarized magic and hoof to hoof combat. I guess I really enjoy getting a break from being 'Princess' Twilight or 'Celestia's Prize Pupil' or even just one of 'Equestria's heroes' it let's me be Twilight and it also allows me to have a real job plus I am pretty good at it. Why do you enjoy working there?" My slight frown changing into a genuine smile at the end.

"I suppose I enjoy it because it allows me to do what I am good at, but also allows me to explore more, plus I get to be like a special secret agent. I.T support rules!" She said, beaming with pride. I chuckled.

Soon, a server stopped by our table taking our orders after apologizing profusely for being so late reaching our table.

"So, as you know, I am supposed to assist you in stopping said threat, getting up to date on the office happenings, helping you prepare for your new role, along with many other things." She stated seriously, I simply nodded before she continued " I would so like to be friends with you, not for my own personal gain might J add, what we've done today has been extremely fun." I couldn't help but smile.

"I would love to be friends with you, plus you wanted to hang out with Twilight, not a princess or even a hero, just Twilight. Even my friends don't want to hang out with that Twilight." My voice growing small and sad at the end. I didn't have a long time to wallow because our food was brought to our table. We ate in a comfortable silence as I stared down at my plate. However, the second I looked up, Astral was practically beaming her eyes the size of the plates both our meals were on. I used a forehoof to cover myself from chuckling as I swallowed my food.

At my reaction, she gazed around at the patio, the lights growing brighter, bathing the wooden fence in white with a tinge of blue light. Orchids lined a small stone wall each red, but none were the same shade or size. The pots were all grey, practically blending in with the wall. The piano player plays a slow tune to match the dimming skies, each note serenading with the chatter of voices.

"It really is quite beautiful, isn't it," I say, my eyes seem to glow just a tinge brighter as my smile grows, radiating happiness.

"... Yeah, it truly is." A smile now spreading across Astral's muzzle soon twisting to be as bright as mine.

"Would you want to get dessert? We don't have to." I ask, looking at our two pretty much empty plates.

"I am pretty full, plus it is getting late." She said. I nodded and stood up. She teleported a wallet and began digging through it.

"No, no, let me pay. After all, you're going to take on double the work to help me. The least I could do was treat you to a meal." I state firmly. I teleport a large bag of bits onto the table and then pull out ten with my magic, teleporting the rest back.

"Okay, but I'll get the tip."She says, placing three bits farther away. She heads towards the front door, but I make my way to the register. Rejoining her outside once the payment was settled.

"So it is kind of late, I'll walk you to the castle, okay? Plus, it is on my way home." Astral says as she starts heading in the direction of the castle as the sun begins to meet the water line.

"Okay, to be entirely honest, I really don't want to go to the castle." I state as a sigh escapes. She glances at me and gives a small smile.

" Yeah, going home can be pretty interesting. Luckily, I live alone aside from my pet." She says.

" My friends, family, and other princesses aside from Lune are suspicious, but to be quite frank, it was Luna who planted those suspicions." I state blatantly.

"Yeah, for all of her talk about not telling anyone she sure likes to make it obvious. I think she does it to get drama or something." Astral whispered, glancing around as if waiting for Luna to appear. I giggled slightly, staring at her, causing her to once again suddenly stop before bringing a forehoof to wipe away a tear. " You find me funny, Madame Sparkle?" She questioned, raising an eyebrow at me.

" I suppose sometimes I do." A smile creeping onto my muzzle.

We were soon standing in front of the wide gates leading into the castle. "I supposed this is where we part ways." She says, waving goodbye as she turns around and continues down the now somewhat busy street. I stand there for a few minutes before heading through the gates and into the main building of the castle. Guards and maids bow to me as I take that familiar trek to my quarters.

? Point of view
Watching Twilight stand there with that strange pony fills me with confusion. I get that Twilight was raised in Canterlot, but the mare was dressed exactly like her, and why was Twilight gone for so long?
That's it what is going on?

Author's Note

Alright the next chapter. The drama is getting started who was watching Twilight? Will Astral and Twilight make it to the C.C.I.U in time? How will everyone find out? So many questions.