Canterlot's Hydra

Chapters

Flying High with Liquid Lights
Lullaby
The Library
Sewer Magic
Solar Sister
Golden Hydra
First Night in the Castle
Breakfast with The Princess
Guardian(s) of the Hydra
Outside
Hydra Channeling
The Guard's Meeting
Wriggling
The Guard and the Prince
Canterlot's Hydra

Flying High with Liquid Lights

When the sun rose the next day, I was excited to get in some more practice with flying. Now that I had at least a little bit of experience under my belt, I was more confident to fly without singing, meaning that I wasn't alone.

Gilded Spear followed behind me, our wing beats the only noise around us, beyond the occasional bird song. We passed by clouds, which reminded me of how pegasi in the show could just walk on them.

Testing this, I decided to glide my way through a cloud, fully prepared to not make contact. Though, instead of phasing through, my hooves made contact with solid and fluffy cloud instead. Tentatively taking a few steps around it, immense joy filled my mind.

Gilded landed right behind me on the same cloud, giving no strong reaction.

"I can't believe Pegasi just do this." I proclaimed ecstatically, gesturing to the cloud with a bright smile on my face.

My happiness must have been infectious, since Gilded smiled back at me, "Is this your first time on a cloud?"

"I was an earth pony before I ascended. I never even dreamed I'd be able to sit on a cloud, let alone fly." I said before looking down at all the ponies wandering around on the ground. They looked like ants from up here.

"Just be careful not to fall down, that's an awful long drop." Gilded warned.

"Absolutely, wouldn't want that to happen. Besides, we're loving this view." I responded, before my smile faded in an instant and a serious look took over my face.

"I see you've been hanging out with Princess Luna, came to you in a dream, I take it?" Said Gilded, but I was too lost in thought to respond.

Who's we? I wasn't talking about Gilded was I?

"Sorry... I'll do better." I said softly to myself more than Gilded, before I began flying again, all hints of joy gone.

"Aurum, what's wrong?" Gilded said as he began flying after me.

"Nothing, everything's fine." I faked a smile, despite knowing that he can't see it from behind me.

With his experience in flying, I wasn't surprised when he swooped beneath me and appeared in front of me, and thanks to me being self-taught, there wasn't enough momentum built up for me to crash into him.

"Aurum, Princess Celestia told us not to pry, and I won't," He said with a wave of his hoof, "I was planning to go get a few drinks after my shift. Would you like to join?" Hope filled his eyes.

A moment of hesitation passed, "This better not have anything to do with what was said yesterday." Came my reply, eyes narrowed.

Alarm took his features, "No, I was just..." He looked away from me and cleared his throat, "I was just offering, is all."

There was something he wasn't telling me. Honestly, though, I wouldn't mind a drink.

"You know what, sure. I'll... wait," I suddenly remembered, "I don't have any bits, nevermind."

"Oh, no worries, drinks are on me, food too." He said, almost too energetically.

"The guard pays that well?"

"Yeah," He said with spread forehooves before his enthusiasm wilting, "Well, I've been saving for a while." He seemed embarrassed.

"Well..." I didn't like feeling like I owed him money, but if I stick to the cheaper options it should be fine, "Alright, I'll give it a try."

A smile exploded onto his face, "Great. Once my shift ends, we can go."

"How do you feel about going now?" I asked, seriously.

He blanched at me, "I'm... not allowed to drink while on duty."

"If say, I ordered you too..." I left the sentence hanging, hoping he would pick it up.

"Oh... well, I am sworn to your service," He seemed like he didn't want too, "Want me to— lead you there?"

"Please," He started flying slowly down towards the street, "Although, If you'd prefer, we could do it later."

"No, no, I don't mind." He seemed like a different stallion now, back to being happy again. This is the second time I've seen his emotions shift so rapidly.

I followed him down to the streets with wind rippling past us, although, I was almost positive I saw him throw some litter down onto the street, and would've said something to him, but I didn't think he'd be able to hear me. I'd talk to him once we're inside.

We landed on the sidewalk in front of a nondescript building. There were no markings, nothing to distinguish this building from any other, it almost seemed to blend in with the surrounding buildings. The windows were opaque, as well. Gilded opened up the front door and gestured for me to follow him inside.

Wood flooring was what met me, and I was thankful to find the place mostly empty, only around four ponies inside. The bartender was the only person who acknowledged me, only with a nod. She was an older mare, dressed in a white tuxedo, her grey mane slicked back, and her eyes obscured by a pair of sunglasses.

I was led into the back of the dining area, "Where are we going?" I asked quietly.

"I rented out one of the V.I.P rooms." He answered in kind, and I would've argued, but he kicked a wall before I could say anything, and to my surprise, the wall rose up and a door was revealed. Without wasting any time, he led me into what I presumed to be the V.I.P room, an absurdly marvelous room. Dark stone flooring and walls, a swimming pool complete with waterfall, a stocked bar to one side of the room, a walled-off alcove with a fireplace burning nearby, and in the middle of the room was a table with two cushions.

It was my turn to be in awe, "Damn." I said, causing Gilded to gasp before letting out a childish giggle.

"Did you just swear?" He asked me incredulously.

"Right, guess I shouldn't have said that, sorry." I apologized.

"Oh, I don't mind." He responded, and the two of us walked over to the table, seated poolside.

"This must have cost a fortune," The cushion was comfortable, to my surprise. "And it's so dark in here."

The room was lit only by the pool, which bathed the both of us in a greenish blue light.

"Celestia mentioned how much you preferred solitude, and here, it's just us, and the barpony."

I looked towards the bar, but couldn't see anyone. While I was looking back, Gilded pulled out two menus and set one down silently in front of me, much to my surprise.

He's pretty quick... what's his game? To get me drunk enough to sleep with him? To get information? To extort me? I wouldn't know, but as always... If things go bad...

What if I'm too drunk to sing, though? ...It's been too long since I've had a drink.

"How often have you been here?" I asked, just to make casual small talk.

"In this room, or the bar?"

"The bar."

"Oh, I stop by once a moon... What would you like?" He asked, gesturing to the menu.

Picking the menu up in my magic, I looked it over. Neatly organized boxes were displayed on the menu, most of what was served was alcohol, and the amount served was astonishing.

'Angel Blitz', 'Calm Bear' ' Cappuccino Torrent', 'Cherry Bubble', ooh cherry bubble sounds nice.

"I wouldn't mind trying this cherry bubble drink, actually." I couldn't hide my excitement.

"I could go for a cherry bubble myself." He waved towards the bar, and a unicorn mare with pinkish purple fur carried over two tall glasses of a dark red, bubbly liquid. The smell of it reminded me of cherry soda, with the unmistakable aroma of alcohol in it.

Gilded took a measured sip of the alcohol and scrunched up his nose at the taste.

"It's got a bit of a kick to it, cherry bubbles is actually pretty high on the alcohol-per-volume scale."

"I didn't see a price on the menu, it's not too expensive, is it?" I asked before downing the glass's contents with a few large gulps.

It was sweet, cherry-flavored, with a cotton-candy aftertaste. Pony liquor is weird, but enjoyable. Warmth filled my stomach and as I looked at Gilded, he was staring me with shrunken eyes and a squirming mouth.

"Uh... is it... expensive?" I asked again, nervousness in my voice.

He shook his head and smiled at me while waving a hoof to the bar again, "Not at all, the drinks are complimentary with the room."

"You're pulling my leg." I said, as the mare brought me another tall glass of cherry bubbles. I tilted it back just as fast.

"You... you sure can drink, huh?" He asked, nervously.

"I haven't had a drink since I got to Canterlot. These don't taste like anything you can get back home." My drink was quickly refilled, and I chugged back another glass.

I smiled at Gilded, "Thanks for bringing me out here, Gilded."

"Uh, no problem, Aurum. Feel free to order any other drinks or food you'd like from the menu." He said, calming down as he got used to me finishing glasses quickly.

My drink was refilled again and I downed it just as quickly as the first two. I could've sworn I saw Gilded move over and shrug somewhere behind me, but I was having trouble caring at the moment.

"Are you still technically... on duty?" I said, slowly.

"Yeah, I'm not off until nightfall." He said, looking at me with an either nervous or excited smile, I couldn't tell.

"You're free to take off your armor, if you want... We won't be attacked." I uttered in a wistful tone.

"T-thanks, Aurum." Gilded began to remove his armor and place it against the wall separating this room from the fireplace alcove.

For the third time, my drink was refilled, and I knocked it back, "This... stuff is good." I rubbed the empty glass with a hoof.

"It's also really strong." He replied with an awkward expression.

"I remember back home... I used to... uh..." My drink was refilled and I downed it again, "I used to go to a store... bought... Bailey's. I don't think Canterlot has those." I leaned forward onto the table.

"It's the first time I'm hearing of it." I noticed he wasn't drinking any more, he flip-flopped between concerned and happy expressions.

"Like... whip cream, caramel, deliciousness... burned in your throat and chest." I let out a concentrated breath, mimicking how a dragon would breath fire.

"Uh-huh." Gilded had his head held on his hoof, as he smiled at me.

I shook my head as my drink was refilled... I couldn't stop myself, "Tell me a bit about yourself, Gild."

His head shot up and he wasn't smiling anymore, "Oh I... I've lived in Canterlot my whole life." He explained.

"You like it here?" I asked, slurring my words as my drink was refilled for the sixth time.

"Oh yes, It's a beautiful city." He nodded happily.

"Tell me about it," I hiccuped as my drink was refilled for the seventh time, "Even your sewers... are..."

My mind blanked.

What were we talking about?

What was I talking about?

"I shouldn't have come here." I said, staring at my glass as I downed another one.

"What do you mean?" I heard.

"Should've... shoun't..." My glass was refilled, bubbly cherry deliciousness awaited my tongue, and I had to drink. "Shouldn't have come here.... Place... here, bar."

"We could leave, if you wanted." Gilded offered me, rising from his cushion.

"No... too late now..." My drink was refilled for the ninth time. "Can't go... putting genies back in bottles once... they're out."

"Right." Gilded agreed with me happily, because he knew I was right.

A Pitcher of dark red, bubbly liquid was brought over to the table, and a low whistle escaped from my mouth and swindled around the table like a spider's web.

"I think I'm... in love with thisssss," My face blanched as it neared the table, "Place... already."

Lifting the pitcher in my hooves, I placed it drunkenly near my mouth and got most of it inside. I began to chug the alcohol, even as the drink poured out of the sides of my mouth and dribbled down onto my chest and hooves.

"Having fun, my Prince?" I heard someone ask.

"...Sorry..." I said finally, letting the pitcher drop onto the floor when it was empty, my hooves weren't feeling sturdy.

A honey-colored blur on the other side of the table appeared to be talking to me, "Don't be sorry, drink as much as you like."

"Hah... ain't gotta tell me tw-twice..." Another pitcher was brought over and I drunkenly downed it as well.

It was noon, and Gilded and I were sitting in the swimming pool, I had been consistently drinking for the past few hours. It was becoming a serious problem, and I knew I needed to stop, but...

"Why is all... Eques-Equestias... alcohol... Bailey's?" I asked in a daze.

"I know, right?" Gilded responded, because clearly I had said something profound, "Aurum, you always seem to know exactly what to do and say."

I laughed and smiled giddily at Gilded's wisdom, but as I thought about it, I realized that I was only ever right once.

"No." I said darkly, and a few seconds later, I had another drink beside me.

"You're okay, Aurum. Everything's okay." I heard someone mutter comfortingly.

"I was only right once... when I start... started to sing." I splashed at the wall indignantly.

"Sing? I didn't know you were a singer, Aurum."

Ha! That's the thing, nobody can know!" I practically screamed, and drunkenly rose from my seat in the pool.

"Aurum, calm down, everything will be okay." Gilded tried to sooth me.

"Nobody can hear me sing, Gilded. Nobody should... either..." I drunkenly wobble back down into a seating position before grabbing my drink and downing it quickly.

When I finished drinking, I found Gilded Spear sitting beside me.

"I'd like to hear you sing, Aurum." His green eyes stared back at me, and I could feel a warm hoof on my back.

Something had started to hurt... something inside.

"Got... gotta song... won't... do nothin'." I rambled out, "Just... cover my mouth when... when it's... too bad."

Lost in time, a forgotten race I began singing, trying my best not to sound too drunk in my recitation.

Aliens of old, in an eternal... space

Gathered 'round a campfire in the cosmic sky

Their consciousness trapped... No way to say goodbye

I expected a hoof over my mouth, and hesitated, but none came, so I kept going.

Millennia gone, but their presence remains

A ghostly fire that forever burns

Never wanes

Whispers in the wind, their tales untold

Memories locked in limbo, a story to unfold

I splashed a drum beat softly into the water.

Eternal flame

Burning through the night

Lost souls united

Their spirits taking flight, In the void

They exist without a name

Forever bound by the campfire's eternal flame

I reached over and began downing another glass of cherry bubbles as soon as I finished singing.

Something smaller leaned onto me without consequence, "That... was incredible."

When I looked back, I saw something new.

Staring back at me was the most handsome stallion I'd ever seen, leaning against my side. His hoof rubbed gently over my chest.

"You have a beautiful singing voice." He said softly, smiling happily at me.

"Thanks for... letting me sing." I said as I wobbled softly.

His head was resting on my chest.

"Are you... okay with this?" He asked.

"Huh... oh, yeah... just don't... do anything... sexual." I said in a daze.

"You prefer mares?" He asked.

I huffed as another glass was brought to me. I swear, if a doctor examined me, they'd find blood in my alcohol stream.

"I don't know." I responded.

"If you want me to stop..." He left the sentence hanging, hoping I'd pick it up.

"Nothing. Sexual." I replied darkly, "Please, I'm not..."

"No, it's okay, I understand... Nothing sexual." He responded, as I turned to finish another glass. "Maybe just a hug, though?"

"Yeah... I'd... I'd like a-"

Hush now, sleep tight, mind takes flight

Gilded got off of me and went to get out of the pool, the both of us were confused.

"What? I'm not... I'm not singing."

Darkness creeping in, shadow figures in sight

Something felt off around my neck, and as I looked around, I noticed my neck was longer, and started to feel stretchy, and numb. Turning my head, my eyes widened in fear.

Another neck was coming out of my body, and my head was sitting at the top of it, my human head, anyway, now horribly deformed and colored a cherry red.

My other head's mouth was wide open in song, elongated teeth hanging out of it in a horrific view. The holes where my eyes were, laid empty. Blackened holes, slick with... something, were all that remained. Thick, bulbous veins poked from the other head and neck, as it smiled grotesquely and sang my song.

I sang in chorus with it, as I ripped the table me and Gilded were sitting at earlier.

Specters move slow, driftin' like smoke

THWACK!

I smashed the table into the other head and cringed in pain. It's nervous system was attached to mine.

It didn't respond to my attack, and kept singing, much to my dismay.

I would have to get rid of this thing, quickly and quietly, but where could I possibly go?

Lullaby

My clock read 2:00am, Canterlot slept. I can't remember sleep. I've been here for a week now, and I have not slept once. I didn't even feel tired. I haven't eaten, either. Which I guess is... good? I'm not sure what I would eat if I had to, grass? Rummage through the dumpsters?

It's been a new experience for me, being in Equestria. I worked so hard to get here, but I had no plans for what to do if I had ever actually made it. I tried to get here, researched ways to travel between dimensions, spent so long trying.

But I made it here. I succeeded. The consequences are mine as well.

Canterlot has a sewer system, a shockingly clean one, but I guess that's on par with Equestria, even their 'dirty' things are cleaner than what 'clean' is on Earth. I've been living in their sewers since I got here, only the occasional repair pony or the 'criminal elements' of city life come down here, so I'm afforded a good deal of privacy.

As for me, my humanity has given way to equinity... or ponyinity? Whatever, I'm a pony now. It happened instantly once my skin was in contact with Equestrian air, just POOF, and my arms and legs were hooves, and my face extended into a pony muzzle. I didn't expect to be turned into a pony, but I did rattle around the idea in my head before I transported myself over. What I didn't expect, was to be so... I'm unsure of the word.

I'm an alicorn, not one like Celestia or Luna, closer to what Cadance and Twilight looked like. No flowy mane for me, thank you very much. I couldn't stand even more gold on me. Yeah, my fur is gold, my mane and tail is also gold, in two different golden hues.

I hide myself in the sewer to avoid detection from the Princess, but the citizenry is just as much an issue. They've reversed the gender roles here, I never saw anything in the show that might suggest anything. Sure, there were differences, but...

It doesn't matter, I won't be interacting with them anyway. I'm perfectly content to be Canterlot's ghost.

If it becomes a problem, I'll just leave the city. Ponyville is only far in terms of height, not in length. Assuming I practice flying, I should just be able to glide my way down.

Despite having wings and a horn, I've never used either. Wouldn't know where to begin learning either. This is not to say that I haven't used magic, before.

I sing when I'm scared or nervous, don't ask me why, I don't know. I was discovered as soon as I entered, and all those people looking at me, talking at me, I panicked and started singing. All of a sudden, I was ignored again, the ponies went about their business, seemingly forgetting that I was ever there, which suited me just fine.

I can only chalk this up to magic, unless there's some prank or something? Maybe it's a secret custom that wasn't explained in the show? After all, Equestria is known for it's city-wide musicals, maybe they HAVE to ignore me or they'll be forced to sing along and they don't want to? But then, surely somebody would sing along, at least one person...

Of course, my isolation has resulted in me not making any friends. Sacrilege, I know, but... people just don't do it for me. Others. Conversing. The ponies are no different, acknowledgement just sends me packing, even from them.

I have no interest in interfering with others, I'm happy to be ignored myself, and that's why I'm not planning in attending the Summer Sun Celebration that sparks the show off.

Pre-Season-1, I'll get to be here as the show progresses, getting a front row seat as history is made. Alternatively, I can use my knowledge of how things progress to suit my needs. I could learn more, use the song to sneak around, take what I need...

My 'home' was far away from the city streets, off in a corner where nobody could find me, allowing me to not need to sing, unless I was caught. But with an entrance so close to the city streets, I can't risk detection and must sing before leaving.

"Hush now, sleep tight, mind takes flight,"

My voice of sand paper played upon my cursed tongue slowly and audibly. The words droning in an uninterested and cruel lullaby.

I exited through the door leading down into the sewer and entered another small and uninteresting room, just a place to access the tunnels. Canterlot has them around, at least five throughout the city. I was in the district the higher-class people resided in.

My hooves clip-clopped slowly along the cobble flooring as I shot my gaze all around, watching for any who may notice me. Thankfully, the room was empty, and the outside was unguarded.

"Specters move slow, drifting like smoke,"

The crickets joined me in chorus as I continued singing. I would have to sing the entire time I was out here, hell on one's throat, but I manage.

Fields of well-maintained grass and flora was arranged around the area, dotted by pristine and extravagant estates where the Nobles of Canterlot lived. Though I suppose they're the Nobles of Equestria, not just Canterlot. If there are different nobles for different places, is Granny Smith a Noble of Ponyville? Braeburn, a Noble of Appleloosa?

The image of Braeburn wearing a top-hat, monocle and tuxedo crosses my mind, and I briefly snicker at the thought, before returning to singing.

Heavy eyelids droop, beneath a darkened cloud

Two guardmares trotted past me as I wailed, not acknowledging me with even a glance, I continued on to my destination, through the rich district and into the also rich, but less district. I don't know what they call them, but it doesn't matter. Flecks of purple glinted through the night sky in the moonlight, Luna's guards, despite Luna still being in the moon..

Maybe they're just night guards, and not really hers. I'm sure Celestia will put them under Luna's command once she returns though.

There's the perfect spot in Canterlot for cloud-watching, out in the slightly less rich district's marketplace. I've come out here twice before, and nobody's caught me yet, at least, nobody's said anything to me. If people could hear me, they'd tell me to be quiet, right?

Silent footsteps echo, in deserted streets,

As I gazed up at Luna, still trapped in the moon, I was filled with one of the brief moments of happiness I am afforded. Equestria was beautiful, and I was grateful. My eyelids close in content as I feel a gust of crisp night air brush through my mane and wings.

Old reflections blur, fading out of sight.

Eternal twilight zone, no morning light.

The night will be over soon.

Author's Note

The Library

I was no fan of the sun. But early, it's not that bad. Noon comes around, it's torture, but that's hours from now. Canterlot started up like an engine, revved up at dawn. I couldn't hear them over my singing, but I figure their mornings are spent bathing, eating something for breakfast, and getting dressed, for the ones inclined to wear clothes.

Clothing seems to be a matter of status, though nobody wears pants. I remember a few people wearing pants in the show, I think Fluttershy did once, when she was a... floor assistant? For Rarity, I think? That won't be for a while, Rarity's only got her original boutique in Ponyville for now.

After breakfast, the streets were filled with the clippity clops of hooves. Ponies made their way all over, trotting this way and that way. Smiling faces were found all around, as ponies would offer pleasantries, good mornings, and how do you dos, to their neighbors and friends.

Calm the storm within, everything's alright.

The shadows of their back alleys hid me as I sang, watching allowed me to learn more about them. Ponies would form little families, called herds. Multiple women to a single man. The women tended to work, while the men stayed home, cared for the home, managed the children. This does not concern me, the horse system seems to work just fine. Though in my infrequent spying, I must say, there really aren't that many guys.

For every 10-12 mares, I'll find maybe 1 or 2 stallions. I'm unsure how they manage to breed so few men, pony magic? A horrible curse from Grogar? Maybe just happenstance? Who knows.

I'm unsure of worker ratios, but of the guards I've seen, very few of them were men. The repair ponies who sometimes enter the sewers to check out or fix pipes in the sewers were mares too... strangely enough.

Surely men are just as capable of entering the sewers and repairing things as the women are. From observing, I've learned that it's not complicated. turn a few valves, replace old or broken pipe with new one. Sometimes apply tape to pipe. I wonder if stallions just choose not to become repairponies. Of course, what they wish to do with themselves is their own business.

I walked out of the market area and back in the direction of the rich people district, still maintaining my song.

Through the dreams of the youth, where innocence spoke.

There's a public library around the less rich, but still very rich district, and this hasn't been my first visit. However, this is my first visit where I'll actually check out a book. I haven't spoken to a pony before, but I... I can... I'll just sneak around, use the song to hide. Nobody will know I'm there, and I can take my time. I'll search for what I want to read, and I'll eavesdrop on the librarian as other ponies check out their books, allowing me to just mimic what other pe...

I stopped in my tracks, still singing the song.

Wait a second, if I stop singing, they'll see my wings.

Wait, it won't matter. Oh shit, nevermind. Once I start singing again, she'll forget I ever existed, just like the ponies who saw me when I got here.

With a newfound pep in my step, I made my way down the streets of Canterlot towards the library. It's similar to just about every other building in the city, gold, purple, and white, placed together to give off a sense of magic and regality. Although, the library is remarkably tall, it dwarves the buildings around it, and the ones on the other side of the street.

Now that I was here, I stepped up to the door, tried to push it open, before I realized it was a pull door, and entered the library.

Polished floors, white walls, and golden accents filled my vision, and the sun's poisonous heat was quickly replaced with the sweet air conditioned paradise of the library. There were ponies around, I counted 6 up front, and who knows who's in the back searching for books.

Hush now, sleep tight, mind takes flight. Darkness creeping in, shadow figures in sight.

I'd have to keep singing the entire time, I couldn't let them see me until I was ready. Maybe I should invest in a cloak or something? Something to cover the wings, at least. But then, I'd either have to steal one or get a job to pay for one. I can't just go to Rarity in Ponyville and be like "Oh, hey, I'm an alicorn, would you please make me a cloak?" Because first off, that'd be rude, and second off, because I'd have to not sing the entire time she was making it, otherwise she'd forget who she was making it for.

At least I'm hidden.

There were ponies sitting in the... foyer? Lobby? The place where the librarian sits, I don't know what it's called. They read books from anything to fantasy novels to magical text books. I walked past the reading ponies and started to scan the bookshelves.

'100 Wacky Lives of Tomorrow' sat next to 'The Adventure of Stone Minute', I'm not sure what shelf this is, but I'm not sure they're supposed to be together like this.

'An Account of Wealth within Equestria's Western Coast.' No.

'169 Ways to Please a S-' No.

'Magic and You: A Beginner's Guide.' That might be nice. I ought to learn at least a little magic.

I took the book and climbed up a staircase into another layer with more bookshelves, and thankfully, fewer ponies. Though...

Now that I'm here, maybe it's just...

Maybe I don't NEED to check out the book, maybe I'll just take REALLY good care of it, and bring it back when I'm done? Nobody will notice, right?

...

Theft is wrong, I know...

Wait, do I pay for books? I'm not buying it, I'm checking it out, people do that all the time. I'm sure it's fine.

Dusty Pages sat at the Librarian's desk, nobody else was checking out any books, So I just slowly walked up, making sure to check, re-check, and re-re-check that nobody else also wanted to speak with her about anything before I did. Because I'm totally cool with waiting. In fact, why don't I just wait all day, until this place closes, and then just have the entire library to myself.

No, you need to talk to her.

My ears fell as I reminded myself that I was supposed to push myself and talk to someone. I don't need to have any small talk, just... say what ya gotta say.

I re-re-re-checked one last time before approaching her, then re-re-re-re-checked one final time before I stopped singing.

Her eyes widened as I was suddenly standing in front of her.

"O-Oh... my." She said, in shock.

"Hey... uh, could I check out," I place the book onto the counter in between us, "This book, please?"

Her eyes stayed on me for a second before she closed her mouth and looked at the book.

"Of course," She replied shakily, grabbing a card from behind the desk and stamping it with something. "And uh, your name is?"

"Aurum." I replied, making something up on the fly. I could feel the eyes of the other people in the library on me, it burned, I could hear gasps of surprise and books falling onto the ground, but I chose not to look.

"I haven't seen you around before, you staying up at the castle?" She asked, a look of concern on her face.

"I'd... I'd rather not... talk about it." My voice shrunk in my throat.

She slides the card into the book and hands it to me.

"I understand," She said before continuing, "But if you need any help, don't hes—"

She immediately went back to smiling and looking around at all the other people in the library, her worries forgotten, as I restarted singing. I was still standing in front of her, but now, I was free from her eye sight. Now with the book in possession, I ran full tilt out of the Library and retreated back into the alleyways.

Once I was sure I was out of sight, I clutched the book tightly in pride. I had done it, I spoke to someone!

Now I could retreat back to the sewers with the satisfaction that I had accomplished something today.

Sewer Magic

Back in the sewers around noon, I cracked open 'Magic and You: A Beginner's Guide.' and started to read aloud.

"Hello young reader, if you're reading this, it means you're taking your first steps into understanding your magic,"

It figures I'd pick a book for children, but I am starting at ground zero. I figure I could use the hand holding.

"In this book, you'll discover the basics of magic for Unicorns, Pegasi, and Earth Ponies. Starting with..."

The page lets off into the first chapter.

"Chapter 1: Your Mana Pool

Every pony has a mana pool, sat between their heart and stomach. Earth Ponies transfer their mana into their hooves unconsciously, whenever or where ever they need an extra burst of strength. Pegasi likewise transfer their mana into their wings unconsciously, this is what allows your friends to fly, walk on clouds, or even manipulate the weather. Unicorns transfer their mana into their horns, this is however, not an unconscious thing. A unicorn must call their magic themselves."

Makes sense, nothing that wasn't sort of covered in the show. I decide to skip a few chapters that covered earth pony and pegasi magic, so I could get to the chapter on unicorns.

"Feel your mana pool in your chest, and visualize a small basin of still water. Imagine dipping a hoof into it, and pulling out the water."

I did as the book said, and began to feel a strange sensation... but not an unpleasant one. I felt warmth spread up from my chest. I kept reading

"You should be feeling a warm and comforting feeling around your heart at this point. Don't fight it, imagine the magic traveling higher, towards your neck."

I did as the book suggested and soon felt the warmth spread into my neck, without a second thought, I began to pull it higher into my head, and my horn. Once the mana inside made a connection with my horn, I began to imagine my horn was a sponge. It sucked up a decent amount of magic from within, and soon my horn began to glow a bright gold. The same twinkling sound from the show filled my ears. I skipped over the next few pages.

"Now that you know how to transfer your mana into your horn, let's begin with some basic exercises. I want you to find something light and small in your home. It could be a quill, a piece of parchment, or even your pillow if you feel exceptionally daring."

I had a rock... oh, and this book... and sewer water. I'll settle for using the rock.

"With your item nearby, I want you to focus on picking it up, not with your hooves, but with your magic. For this next part, I want you to close your eyes and visualize a hoof coming out of your horn and picking up your item."

I sat the book down on the concrete and turned to my rock.

"Pick you up, with my horn. Sounds... easy enough." I said to myself before closing my eyes.

I visualized a golden hand elegantly flowing out of my horn and approaching the rock. It's golden, smoky fingers gripped around the rock and I could feel it pulling my magic down. The rock was heavy, the golden hand could barely lift it, and I began to struggle against it.

Sweating began as I would breathe heavier while trying to lift the rock. Exhaustion would take me, and I'd have to stop for a second as I tried to catch my breath. Due to my inexperience, lifting a rock felt like a herculean task.

The fingers wrapped around the rock multiple times, wrapping it like a Christmas present, and putting more magic behind it. The rock would lift slightly off the ground for a few seconds, then fall right back down. After each lift, I'd have to stop just to catch my breath again.

Struggle, lift, breath, struggle, lift, breath. For a second, I thought about checking the book to see if it had anything that could help me, but decided against it. Instead, I kept going. Struggle, lift, breath.

The rock would lift a little higher each time. A little further, a little less struggle.

Sunset came, and I was still going. 120th attempt, I began holding the rock for as long as I could before letting it drop.

180th attempt, and I began moving the rock around, dropping it into imaginary squares on the concrete sewer flooring.

240th attempt, I was twirling the rock around me and the number of imaginary squares increased drastically.

Come morning, I was skipping the rock in between my imaginary squares, the noise of the rock hitting concrete, water, and brick became the norm.

I was still practicing when I could hear the sound of armor clanking about enter the sewers. I began to sing.

Tangled in sheets, the void feels right. Seeped in darkness, faceless shapes of the night

Soon, the area I've been living in since I arrived had it's first visitors. A mare and stallion duo, dressed in golden armor.

"I forgot, what are we supposed to be looking for?" The stallion asked.

The mare looked deep in thought for a second, "Princess Celestia just wants every guard on the lookout."

"No, I get that. But what are we on the lookout for?" The Stallion added, innocently.

"I'm... Well, anything that looks... suspicious, of course." The mare assured, seemingly having forgotten what she was looking for.

The mare doesn't remember what they were searchi.. oh no.

I continued singing as I grabbed my book and rock, and sped my way out of the sewers, there were guards everywhere!

Guards were inside the access tunnel, more guards patrolling the walls, more guards in the sky. A lot of them seemed confused.

Day had returned at this point, and the streets were crawling with both guardmares and guardstallions. Shining Armor could be seen doing patrols with five mares tailing him.

Were all of these guards looking for me? It's morning, and it's too early in the show for something crazy to have happened. Discord should still be in stone... oh no, did I accidentally release him, did I add too much chaos by not being seen?

I steadied my singing to calm my nerves and continued on down the path in the rich people district, where my fears were confirmed. There were flyers posted on billboards and walls.

'Have you seen this stallion?' Written in bold letters on the page, underneath a pretty spot on drawing of myself.

They were looking for me.

"And why have the guards put up all these pieces of paper all over the place?" I could hear a fancy voice say, looking over revealed the voice belonged to Fancy Pants.

"I'm not sure what the Princess was thinking, honestly." Said Fleur de Lis, who was walking beside him.

"Have you seen this stallion? What stallion? They didn't even include his picture."

It was then that I decided to stop singing. I had been discovered somewhat, there was no point in hiding anymore. They don't know what they're searching for, but they know they're searching for something.

I was spotted immediately with a cacophony of gasps and 'Sweet Celestia's

Guards descended from the sky, and others bolted towards me and soon I was surrounded.

If they try anything, I can always just start singing again, and slip away.

"H-hi?" I offered the crowd.

Solar Sister

I felt sick to my stomach, all eyes were on me as I was led to the castle. Eyes seared my flesh, I could hear people whispering, and knew it had to be about me.

"My goodness, who is THAT?" Rang out the voice of Blueblood from somewhere behind me.

"He's covered in dirt... and why does he smell like the sewers?" I heard another voice, one I didn't recognize.

The streets were filled with ponies, and I wanted so desperately to sing and hide again. But it was too late, I'd have to sing nonstop until they eventually stop searching for someone they don't remember. Even then, as soon as I stopped singing, I'd be remembered.

Come to think of it, why didn't the few ponies who saw me before report anything? I've stopped singing plenty of times for them to remember. Maybe they just don't have the reach that Dusty Pages had. At least I assume it was Dusty Pages who sparked this. She did sound concerned when she saw me.

As we entered the castle, it looked just as it did in the show. White and purple checkered tiles, giant columns, and pristine walls of what I can only assume is marble. The guards kept leading me though, and I kept following.

I wondered if I could convince Princess Celestia to call off her guards and let me go. I could use the book as evidence that I'm no threat. I could have stolen it, but I didn't, that has got to count for something.

Deeper into the castle, we find the throne room, lined strategically with more guards. At the end of the massive hall, on top of her throne, was Princess Celestia, though... she didn't seem angry, or even... shocked?

The guards led me forward a ways until we were just a few bounds away from her throne, Celestia smiles warmly at me, a look of cheerfulness on her face.

"Howdy." I said simply, with a wave of my golden hoof towards the solar monarch, who waves her hoof, and the guards that have surrounded me since I was found leave the throne room, to my shock.

"Well, hello there. You must be Aurum, the alicorn stallion Dusty Pages told me about." She rises from her seat and slowly approaches me, her hoofsteps echoing in the quiet throne room.

"I was... kind of hoping she wouldn't have..." I said, looking down at the perfectly clean carpet.

She chuckles softly at my words, before her expression turns to a more concerned one. "Though, I see her description of you was not inaccurate. How have you come to be covered in so much filth?" She asks.

"I've been," I struggled to find the words, do I just tell her the truth? How much? "I've been living in the sewers, it seemed like a good place to hide."

Celestia blinks a few times, the concern on her face growing, "In the sewers? Who were you hiding from, down there?"

"Everyone." I said, meeting her eyes. "I've been hiding from everyone since I got here. The first per-," I caught myself. "The first pony I've spoken with was Dusty Pages."

I lit my horn and produced the book I checked out from the library from under my wing.

"I was an earth pony before," I lied, "So I checked out a book that might help me understand magic a bit better."

She studies me for a bit, but after a few moments of contemplation, her expression softens.

"I can understand needing shelter, but surely there were better places to hide. Why have you not come to me?"

"To be honest, I... I wasn't sure how you'd react." I answered truthfully.

"You were afraid I'd do something to you?" She asked, sounding concerned.

"I've been hiding for a while, nobody ever manages to find me. Not without help anyway." I contemplated singing again, interacting with people burned harsher than the sun.

She gazes upon me with a gentle and encouraging expression, "I promise I won't hurt you. I have no intentions to, nor any reason to. I would however, like to offer you something."

I gulp, wetting my throat in case I need to hide quickly, the song burgeoning at my throat. Fear on my face, I reply, "Y-yes?"

She picks up on my uneasiness, but remains calm and composed, "I'd like to offer you a safe place to stay. A room in the castle— it's spacious, warm, safe, and clean. You don't have to stay in the sewers anymore."

I was at a loss for words. Unsure to accept or decline. I probably could go back to hiding in the sewers... I could hide in the castle, right? And in here.. maybe the guards would be protecting me, instead of searching for me?

She leans closer, a motherly smile on her face, "Would you consider it, at least? And if you refuse, I won't force you to stay."

I'd like to stay... who wouldn't? Can I though? Be seen?

As thoughts ripple through my head, her smile becomes warmer to me, almost as if she knew what I was thinking about.

"You won't remember me..." I say in a conflicted tone.

"What do you mean?" Mild surprise and confusion show on her face.

"If... I... If anyone... ugh..." I close my eyes and collect my thoughts with a deep breathe.

The more she looks at me, the more worried she looks. It'd be better if she just didn't see me at all.

"Just... let me think about it, please?" I ask with a hopeful expression.

Her expression softens and she nods in response, "Of course, take all the time you need."

I let out a breathe I hadn't realized I was holding in, "May I go?" I ask, just in case.

"Of course, I'll be aw-" She took on a neutral smile as she began to walk back to her chair, our conversation forgotten for the time being as I began to sing.

Silent murmurs fall, piercing through the shroud.

I crept my way back towards the exit of the castle, thinking about what just happened.

I spoke! With Princess Celestia! Holy shit!

And she wants me to stay? Here? I couldn't, could I? But I'd love to. Oh but all the people! But it'd be so much nicer than the sewers. We live in the sewers to stay out of sight. We could hide in the castle too, though.

I'm not sure I'm up for this, I've been seen too much already, maybe I should just leave town?

As more of the song passed through my lips, I held my face in my hooves, as two sides of myself fought to decide what I'd do next.

Golden Hydra

My song filled the hallway as I milled about in thought. What could I expect? What should I expect? From either option, which one seemed better? Would I still be able to hide, would I still be free to do as I liked?

My eyes looked down at the floor, my ears pressed against my head in thought.

If I stayed in the sewers, I'd be able to do what I liked as long as I continued to hide myself, and as long as nobody found me. I'd have the freedom to come and go as I liked, able to be nobody. I would always have a safe place to return to, and never have a lot of people around me.

But also, I'd have to maintain absolute secrecy about where I live, as soon as it became common knowledge that I live in the sewers, I'm not sure if even my singing could keep the sewers from filling with people. It'd probably become a tourist attraction, 'Come search the sewers for the mysterious golden alicorn.' What a headache.

If I moved into the castle, could I manage being around all those people? Having to deal with castle life? What would even happen in there? Would I have guards stuck outside my door, listening to everything I say and do? Would there be maids? Well there would have to be, unless they wanted me to clean the room myself, which I absolutely could, of course.

Give them a chance.

My inner thoughts raked at my mind. Give the ponies a chance.

I hate people. I don't know how ponies would react, I don't know them... and it's wrong to judge them for what humans have done. They're not the same.

It won't be perfect, nothing ever can be, and if it turns out to be a trap? Sing and leave.

But... I don't think it'd be a trap. Celestia doesn't strike me as the type. Neither from our conversation just a short while ago, or from the show.

I'll do it... I'll probably regret it... but I'll give them a chance.

Day Court had begun again since our last meeting, and there were a few ponies standing in the hallway before the throne room now. I stood at the back of the line and stopped singing.

I was stared at for a second by a few, while others kept staring at me for a while longer. The people in front of me kept looking forward, waiting for their turn with Celestia, and thankfully didn't pay me any mind.

The line moved steadily forward. One by one, ponies would file into the throne room, then exit shortly after. Some seemed upset, while others relieved. I did not care to eavesdrop.

Eventually, I was at the front of the line and had a small collection of ponies behind me. I was given a wide berth however, which I appreciated. Though in truth, they were likely giving it to me because I smelled unpleasant.

The last pony exited, and gave me a surprised stare before walking along back towards the exit. Then, it was my turn.

A guardstallion waved me in with a professional glare, and on top of her throne, Princess Celestia sat once more.

The throne room was bathed in a pleasant sunlight, appearing comfortably lit.

"Welcome back, Aurum. Have you made a decision?" Celestia asked me with a smile, not unlike the ones she gave me in our last meeting.

"I have, Princess... If you were serious, I'd like to take you up on your offer." I said, meeting her gaze.

"Wonderful, if you'll follow me for just a moment," She said, leading me back outside of the throne room, "I'm glad you decided to stay here with us at the castle, though, If I may, might you tell me what happened earlier?"

I decided to play dumb, "I'm not sure what you mean."

She gave me a bemused and lighthearted look, "You know what I mean, Aurum." Her smile didn't falter, however.

"You're referring to why you.. forgot about me so suddenly?" My posture shrunk as I followed along.

She nodded, confirming what I already knew to be true. She didn't seem upset with me for disappearing, "Yes, you simply vanished. One moment we were talking, and the next, you simply vanished."

"It's... uh..." I struggled to think of a lie I could tell, "It's a spell I picked up when I moved to Canterlot." I settled for a half-truth.

"Did you now?" She chuckled, amused, and clearly having not fallen for my ruse. She stayed quiet for a moment as we kept walking through the hallway, passing large windows with breathtaking views of the city below. "And what exactly did this spell do?"

I told another half truth, "Well, you saw. It turned me invisible, I went away for a bit to think about what you proposed, and came back once the spell wore off."

"I see." She stopped in front of a door in the western wing of the castle, "I don't mind you keeping secrets, but I would prefer if you wouldn't lie to me."

Shit, she called me out straight.

"Sorry, Princess." I bowed my head slightly.

Her cheerfulness returned to her, "Please, there's no need to apologize, just try to be more honest with me."

She opened the door with her magic and motioned me to step inside.

As I entered, I took in my surroundings. The room was bigger than the alcove I was living in, in the sewers. Checkered tiles of white and green, four windows with dull green curtains, a wooden dresser, and a double bed with purple covers and pillow cases were inside the room. Along with a door in the corner.

"Wow... this... this is incredible." I said, in shock at the beauty that surrounded me.

My evident awe seemed to amuse Celestia, and she closed the door behind her as she entered. "I'm glad it is to your liking."

"Funnily enough, we once used this room to house guests from far away lands or important diplomats." She said, and I knew I had to quickly change the subject.

"Won't they be needing it, though? I imagine important diplomats arrive quite often."

"Not as often as they used to." She said, sounding almost... sad? Her head turned and lingered on the door for a moment, as if she remembered something painful. Though, she quickly seemed to get her bearings and turned back to look at me with that practiced smile she wears. "We really don't use this room all that often, and even if it's needed, there are plenty of other rooms in the castle."

I decided not to pry, it would've been rude if I started asking about her after my behavior, "So, are there any rules I need to follow, or a schedule I need to keep to?"

"There will be time for that later. Though, I imagine you'll want to wash up and rest after so long underground. How about you join me for breakfast in the morning?"

"I'd be honored." I answered truthfully, with a smile of my own.

A pleased smile took over her face, as her magic grabbed the door handle and opened it back up. "Wonderful, breakfast is at 7:00am sharp, I'll send someone to lead you to the dining room."

I understood, while I could just walk around the castle while singing, It would just be easier to be led, "Thank you, Princess." I bowed again as she left the room and closed the door behind her again.

Alone again, I began to sing.

Tales wrapped in whispers, a hush bitter sweet. Silent footsteps echo, in deserted streets.

I would stop singing in a few minutes, once I collected my nerves again.

First Night in the Castle

Canterlot castle had gone to sleep, and being the unsleeping creature that I had been turned into, I was still wide awake. Moonlight filled my room, and to my surprise, Luna was no longer printed onto the moon's surface. While I was practicing telekinesis, the Summer Sun Celebration and it's events must have come and gone. I know now for certain that Twilight Sparkle is in Ponyville.

At least I won't have to worry about tripping her over, though I imagine Celestia will tell her about me in time.

I had sat my rock on the clean tiled flooring of my room in the castle and sat in front of it, my horn glowing gold. First, the rock was lifted with my magic a few times, then rotated and lifted, then rotated, lifted, and moved somewhere else in the room. Just a little bit of exercise before I was ready to try something.

I knew little of magic, but thanks to the show, I had 'sat in' on some magic lessons, primarily those of Starlight Glimmer, when she was teaching Trixie Lulamoon. In the episode where the mane six go to Manehattan Escapes, Starlight Glimmer made teacakes, while Trixie was trying to turn something into a teacup.

My eyes bore into the rock as I tried to remember Starlight's words, though I know I likely won't remember them perfectly.

'What does your teacup look like, what shape is it, what color?'

I want to turn this rock into a lilac colored plate with a picture of Celestia and Luna on it. I visualized the plate in my mind, took a deep breath in, and shot a bolt of magic at my rock.

Only for the magic to fall right off of it. My horn de-lit in disappointment at my failure.

Though, shortly after, a determined look grew on my face as my horn re-lit. "Oh well, I've got all night to practice."

2nd attempt, nothing of note.

10th attempt, the rock wiggled a bit, but that was it.

17th attempt, the rock doesn't even wiggle anymore.

23rd attempt, nothing of note.

I took a deep breath, "What am I doing wrong... Maybe this spell is just too advanced for me right now."

I looked down at the rock and got an idea.

"Or Maybe I'm just not using enough magic..." I braced myself and forced more magic into my horn, it began to glow brighter and brighter.

I aimed my horn at the rock and visualized the plate again in my mind.

With a ZAP, nothing happened.

"Damn it."

I sat down and looked up at the ceiling for an answer.

The ceiling offered nothing, of course. Beyond, a purple dome shape with four dark purple rapports, lined with golden diamonds.

It was at that point I decided to stop practicing for now and finally wash up. The dirt stuck between my feathers were becoming quite bothersome.

The room Celestia gave me came with a bathroom attached, thankfully, and it was far more luxurious than I deserved. The bathtub was the size of a small swimming pool, I could only imagine the type of parties that would often be had in baths so big. Noticing a large full body mirror against the wall, I decided to approach it and look at myself.

Before me stood an average stallion of Equestria, with wings and a horn. My fur was golden, with a moderately long tail and a short mane, both primarily light gold, with a strand of darker gold strewn in. I took note of my eyes, and their light gold color.

Standing up on my hind hooves, I puffed out my chest and flexed my forehooves to make my muscles more prominent. I'm not sure how I felt about them. I'm more of a loner than a jock, so having muscles just seems weird to me. I wonder how strong I actually am, or if these muscles are just for show.

Standing like a human gave me a perfect view of my lower half, and all therein. I was big, even for a horse. I'm just thankful I haven't felt anything from down there since I arrived. Could only imagine singing down the street, full-mast.

Practicing with my magic, I grab the hot water handle of the bath tub and gently turned it on, before looking back at the mirror and spreading open my wings. Filthy, that's what they were, filthy. Dust caked my feathers like a layer of powder. Rearing them back, I flap a few times and immediately fill my lungs with dust from the resulting blast.

Shaking away the dust and coughing to get it out of my lungs, I turned back to the tub and peered inside. It was still empty.

"Oh," I looked at the drain, and noticed that I forgot something. "Would have probably helped if I put the stopper in, huh?" I then levitated the plug over and firmly placed it into the drain.

Water quickly began to fill the tub now that the water was forced to stay, and I began looking around the rest of the bathroom. There were numerous different bottles of soap, some for washing your body, some specifically for your mane and tail, some specifically for just your mane or tail, and some for your hooves. I also found a few wonderfully folded towels.

Princess Celestia didn't say anything about what I was and wasn't allowed to use, so I just grabbed two towels and a few bottles of soap before slowly getting into the tub.

I stepped one hoof in. It burned for a while, but pain was good for me, so I hissed and allowed myself to get burned. Two hooves, four hooves, the pain was mounting.

"Ahh," I let out a pained sigh as I laid down in the hot water. My body was beginning to get used to it, and soon it didn't hurt.

In the beginning, I laid a hefty dose of soap on my hooves and scrubbed them each thoroughly, before moving on to my tail.

I asked myself how I was supposed to wash my mane, there's no shower head, or something I could use to carry the water and pour it out onto my head, so I just held my breath, shut my eyes, and dunked my head into the water.

Once I was certain I got it all wet, I shot back out from under the water and quickly lathered my mane with shampoo. My hooves made it a bit difficult, and yeah, I probably could have used magic, but oh well, clean is clean.

Back, chest, and lower region were next, each were thoroughly washed, and quickly the bath ran rampant with suds.

It then occurred to me, how was I supposed to rinse my mane if I was surrounded by soap debris?

I had to bite the bullet and put my head directly under the faucet. With closed eyes, my head was firmly placed beneath the boiling faucet and the water burned unpleasantly.

I wanted to scream, but I held back until I was sure that no more soap was in my mane. With it done, I pulled back and quickly got out of the tub, where I promptly fell back onto the chilly floor.

Steam wafted off of my body as my limbs were sprawled out, a content smile overtaking my features. With a flick of my horn, I lifted the stopper out of the drain and let myself cool off in the nice silence that followed.

Before I remembered that I forgot to wash my wings, and promptly facehoofed.

The night would be over soon.

Author's Note

It turns out, I can't draw ponies to save my life. I used Ponylumen's 3d pony creator for this. It's as close to Aurum's appearance as I can make.

Breakfast with The Princess

I was practicing my telekinesis with a pillow when I heard the knock at my door. Metal on wood, a guard, most likely. The pillow fell back onto my bed as my magic was turned towards the door knob and I opened the door myself, mentally bracing for interaction.

"The Princess sent me to bring you to the royal dining hall." A guardstallion of white hide and blue mane explained to me, his armor the identical shade of gold that all Celestia's guards wore.

"I-I'll be right behind you, lead the way." I said with a stutter before following him into the hallway, where I learned that morning was busy for the staff, if nobody else.

Guards were stationed at strategic intervals in the hallway. They seemed to overlook me, but I didn't like being exposed. My desire to sing and avoid everybody was quickly becoming the more appealing option, but I was afraid the guard wouldn't keep going to the dining hall if he didn't remember me.

I did my best to ignore them, but I could feel them watching me.

Of course they're watching me, it's their job, they're guards.

This sentiment did nothing to comfort me, or stop the burning their eyes left.

We crossed paths with numerous members of castle staff, none I recognized, though. Ponies, mostly mares, with the odd stallion or griffon mixed in, wearing chef or maid uniforms were going about their business. I can't imagine that they have an easy job, keeping the castle so well-maintained. I hadn't seen a speck of dirt or dust since I arrived here, unless I counted what I myself tracked in.

I was glad nobody was talking about how I looked or smelled anymore, I may prefer to hide, but if I must be seen, I may as well be clean. The wings took longer than I had hoped, and I'm not sure I cleaned them properly, but I think I did well enough. No more dust came out of them when I flapped, at least.

Eventually though, we reached a large, purple set of double doors, with ornate door handles, and the guard took position beside of it.

"The Princess is already waiting inside for you." The guardstallion said.

Opening the door with magic, I walked inside to find Princess Celestia sat in an opulent room, decorated with potted plants, with a large dining table stuck in the center. There was easily enough room for 10 people, and Princess Celestia was seated at the end of the table, all alone. She seemed happy, at least.

"Good Morning, Princess." I said softly, afraid to make too much noise.

"Good morning, Aurum. How did you sleep?" Princess Celestia's voice was as melodious as ever, with a hint of cheerfulness in her tone, and a smile on her face.

"Oh, well enough, I suppose," I wasn't going to tell her that I haven't slept since I arrived, "Thanks again for letting me spend the night, it's far more comfortable than the sewers." I then walked over to the other end of the table and sat on a purple cushion with gold accents.

"No need to thank me, Aurum. Everypony should have a safe place to rest their heads at night." She regarded me closely, "Though you're welcome to stay here as long as you like."

"That's very kind of you, Princess." I replied, "How about you, how did you sleep?"

"I slept quite well, thank you."

A finely dressed unicorn mare entered the room, carrying a notebook in her magic. With a bow to the Princess, she proclaimed, "Good morning, Princess. What can I get for you today?" And quickly levitated a quill to her notebook.

Celestia eyed the mare, "Good morning, Daisy. I think I'd like the eggs Benedict, and a freshly brewed cup of tea, please."

The mare quickly jotted down the Princess' order, then turned her gaze to me.

"Uh... same?" I offered, not enjoying the attention.

The mare nodded and wrote down my order, as well. "Wonderful, your breakfast will be brought out to you shortly." She said, before walking back out at a practiced pace.

"You don't need to be so nervous, Aurum. Daisy is a friend of mine." Celestia explained.

"I'm sorry, I've just..." I huff sadly and slouch forward in my seat.

Concern flashed in the Princess' eyes, and her smile faltered briefly. "It's okay, Aurum. We were all shy once. It's alright to need time to adjust to others." Celestia comforted me from her end of the table.

Daisy entered the room again, carrying a platter with two identical plates of eggs Benedict and a matching cup of tea, all of which was still steaming. In a flash of her horn, the plates and cups were sat in front of us.

With a gracious smile, Celestia thanked Daisy, and I did the same. The mare did not leave however, and I quietly sat in front of the food for a few seconds before levitating a fork over and beginning to eat.

It was delicious, the tea was perfectly brewed, and the eggs were hardy, but a bit sweet. I watched Princess Celestia eat, and matched her speed, not having a need to eat, myself.

For a few moments, there was a comfortable silence before Celestia spoke, "Now then, there is some business that we need to discuss, Aurum."

I was alarmed, "Business?" Although, I quickly assumed what she meant, "Oh, yeah, of course. Since I'm staying here, I'd be more than happy to work around the castle to pay for the room and board. I'm quite good at cleaning, if you need a... janitor." I offered with a halfway grin. It would've been the perfect job for me, I could clean while I sang, nobody would even know I was there.

"That's... not quite what I had in mind." The Princess said, "Harmony has chosen to make you into an alicorn, making you one of the four alicorns in Equestria, and the only stallion, at that."

I didn't like where this was going, and my emotions must have been on display, because Celestia quickly reassured me.

"There's no need to be frightened. You're not going to be expected to oversee anything extravagant, nor will you be required to take up any huge duties or responsibilities."

"W-what are you... saying?" I replied, wistfully.

Her expression was earnest, but firm, "What I'm saying is... You're a Prince of Equestria."

Fuck.

We sat in silence before she broke it again with a concerned smile, "I assume you're not the biggest fan of the idea?"

"I've never led anyone before, I don't even know the basics of politics." I explained briskly.

She nodded in an understanding manner, "You won't have to worry about all that heavy politics nonsense. I'll handle most if not all of the serious issues. You'll be a Prince in name only, if you're okay with that."

"What's the point in making me a Prince to begin with, then?"

Her expression changed again, looking practiced and motherly again, like she was hiding something. "While I am the ruler of Equestria, an alicorn such as you should still have some form of authority, if only for the sake of my little ponies. An alicorn without a role to fulfill would cause some commotion, and I want to avoid that. As a Prince, they won't ask you to do anything important... they'll just be satisfied with the simple fact that you're royalty."

Right, if an alicorn doesn't have to be royalty, why are Celestia and Luna the rulers of Equestria? Brilliant move, Celestia.

"What does me becoming a Prince... entail?" I asked, hesitation and discomfort on my face.

Her gaze softened, "Not a lot. The role of Prince is mostly ceremonial in nature, just something for the ponies to look at and make them happy. You only need to be there for show or for public events," She paused. "Or, for the few ponies that would want to... worship you."

My eyes turned into pinpricks as I reared back in horror.

She smiled reassuringly, "It's okay, I promise. They will love you like they do me. Or perhaps even more, for a new Prince would be a novel sight for them. I can only imagine the amount of mares you will have seeking to court you."

"To... c-court me?!"

Celestia chuckled at my reaction, "You're going to have a lot of mares and maybe even a few stallions falling all over for you. They're going to want to court you, marry you, start a family with you... You'll have the entire country vying for your hoof."

I wanted to start singing then and there, but I took a few deep breaths and kept going.

"Ignoring all that, what should I expect from being a Prince, what impact will this have on my day-to-day?"

She paused for a moment to think, "Not a lot should change. You won't need to worry about politics, you will be allowed to come and go whenever you please... only, now you'll have ponies wanting to fawn over you wherever you go."

"Do I at least get some guards? I can always cast my spell and hide, but, it wouldn't hurt to have some guards to protect me when I need to... be seen..." The thought of being seen by hundreds of ponies made me feel light-headed and nauseous.

"Of course, as your mentor, I will... let you pick from a line-up of my most capable and loyal guardsmares," She paused, "Or guardstallions, if you prefer." She tacked on, quickly.

I shuffled on the cushion, "Alright, I.. I can live with that." At least if I get to pick them out myself, I can get a better understanding of who I'm being settled with. Though, she called herself my mentor, and I am unsure of what to make of that. "So I'm your student now?"

"To an extent, yes. There's a lot of little things that a Prince needs to know, although, I hope I can also count as your friend, as well." She finished with a warm smile.

I've never had a friend before, I looked up at the much taller alicorn and wondered. How am I supposed to respond?

"I'll... I'll try, Princess..."

Guardian(s) of the Hydra

After breakfast, Princess Celestia led me into a part of the castle I didn't remember ever seeing in the show. The decoration and architecture became less regal, and more utilitarian as we went. These were the servant's quarters, I assumed.

I did not have long to assume though, as Celestia opened a door into a large room, we were standing on a balcony overseeing the floor below, where roughly thirty guards were standing in perfect order. Upon seeing us, they each saluted in unison, filling the room with the clanking of their armor.

"I did tell you I'd let you choose your guards, Aurum. Here are my most loyal and talented guards. You may pick five of them to serve as your royal guards."

All eyes were on me, but I suppressed the horrible bubbling feeling from my chest, and asked, "Do I have to pick five? Could I, say, pick three or two?"

Her motherly smile had returned as she addressed me, "Of course, five is just the maximum. One, two, three, four, or five, as long as you don't go over."

Most of them were mares, with a few stallions here and there. I gravitated more to the stallions, but knew that I should pick at least one mare. Noticing a staircase down to the guards off to the side, I headed down and begin giving them a closer look.

Celestia followed behind me, giving a friendly nod to the guards as we passed them by. They smiled at her, and looked at me like I was an oddity; which I suppose I was.

Looking them over, I realized that I have no idea what exactly I'm supposed to be looking for beyond strength. Some of them were big— smaller than me, but still quite strong looking. while others, who look like they've just recently earned their armor, seemed scrawny in comparison. There were even a few who were clearly veterans of the guard, gray manes and all.

A young guard I could probably trick to be left alone, older guards I could probably outrun if I was so inclined. I tried to hide my expression as I thought of the possibilities.

Celestia stepped to my side and kept her voice at a polite volume as to not be overheard, "You are looking for guards of a sturdy nature, loyal to a fault, and skilled at being discrete."

She spoke as if it was the simplest thing in the world without a hint of condescension, or hesitation.

How did she know what I was thinking?

Ignoring her statement, though. I need to get this over with, then I can leave and hide again.

I approached a young pegasus guardstallion with honey colored hide, with a brown mane and tail, he was scrawny, but looked like a fast flyer at least. Staring into his green eyes, the stallion froze up immediately and stood straighter, as if he was afraid I'd reprimand him for poor form. I studied his face and saw no signs of confidence in his expression. He was probably my best chance at finding a guard who I could get away from easily.

Having made my decision, I turned to Celestia, "This one seems like a good fit."

She looked at me with the face of a mother who was proud of her child for picking out their favorite sweater, before she turned to the guardstallion, "Gilded Spear, come over here, please."

Gilded Spear seemed less afraid now, almost like the Princess had removed his fears in an instant. He approached the Princess and bowed his head.

"Will you be choosing more guards, Aurum?" She asked, a strange twinkling sound rippled through the room, but disappeared just as quickly as it came.

"No, one... one should be fine." I answered, much to her shock.

Her shock quickly disappeared, however, "Very well," She turned her attention to Gilded Spear, "Gilded Spear, from now on, you will be Aurum's guard. I expect you to serve him as loyally as you've served me." She gave a motherly smile to the guardstallion.

While the two had their moment, I looked around at the other guardmares and guardstallions. Looks of envy were on some, most had neutral expressions, though.

"Yes, Princess. I will protect him with my life." The guardstallion said in reverence.

I had a guard now, but I knew he wouldn't be able to do much in the case of an emergency. Hopefully he'll at least be useful to me.

"With that, however, I believe we're done here. Would you agree, Aurum?" Celestia asked as she turned her attention to me.

"I believe so..." I replied simply.

"Wonderful, Gilded Spear," She looked at my guard. "Guide Aurum back to his room, please." The guardstallion saluted professionally, before he turned to me.

"This way, your highness." He said, making me cringe internally at the honorific. I felt no need to argue and would be glad to be away from people again, so I followed after him, thanking Celestia as I went.

She didn't follow after us, or leave while we were leaving. She stayed behind and watched us as we left, eyes boring into the back of my head as a hawk eyes it's prey.

"Gilded Spear, right?" I ask my guard.

"Yes, your highness?" He responded, turning to me with a smile on his face, it seemed unnatural, almost... innocent? I can't place it.

"Do you know where my room is?" I asked him, curiously.

His expression changed into a more natural smile, almost practiced, "Of course, Princess Celestia briefed all of us on where your room is."

I didn't like the sound of that, and he seemed to pick up on that, almost as if he was expecting it, "This way." He said, leading me back towards my room.

"What else has Celestia 'briefed' you on?"

His ears fell down as he thought up an answer, "Your coronation is in just a few days, actually."

So soon? Though, I suppose Twilight's coronation wasn't very far ahead from when she got her wings, either. I should have assumed as much.

We made it back to my room in the castle without issue. My clock read 8:32am, and now, I had plenty of free time. Gilded Spear followed me inside and seemed impressed with my room for some reason.

"Wow, I like what you've done with the place. You really have an eye for interior design, your highness." He said, smiling brightly at me.

Shouldn't he know that I'm not the one who furnished this room— or at the very least, know that I've only been here for like... twelve hours? "Thank Celestia, it's her room... By the way, just call me Aurum."

I'm certainly not a 'Highness'

The guardstallion just smiled, "I understand, but are you sure you only want me to call you Aurum? I feel it would be disrespectful, given your status."

"Please, just Aurum."

"As you wish... Aurum. I'll be outside your door, keeping guard. If you need anything," He walked a bit closer, "Anything at all, please ask."

Was he blushing?

"Right, thanks." I replied coldly, before opening the door with my magic for him to leave.

With the most minuscule amount of sadness on his face, he left the room and closed the door behind him, leaving me to my peace.

"Finally." I muttered under my breath, before beginning to sing.

Hush now, sleep tight, mind takes flight. Darkness creeping in, shadow figures in sight. Soft whispers bounce, off walls they ignite. Calm the storm within, everything's alright.

I wasn't meant to go this long without singing. It felt natural, right even, to throw my voice in song. All this castle and Princely nonsense had me desperate for some air, so while I continued to sing, I opened the door and slipped past a now confused-looking Gilded Spear, on my way to the outside.

This life wasn't meant for me, not meant for people LIKE me, even. I suppose I should've expected this, especially since I was so brazen to simply reveal myself to Dusty Pages like I did. If I had simply chosen to steal the books I wanted to read, this could've been avoided.

Now I have a guard, yes, I asked for guards to protect me, but I don't need protecting. In Equestria, as well, the royal guards were always portrayed as useless. If nothing else, Gilded Spear could be of use. Maybe I could get him to bring me things, maybe I could have him run errands, while I focus on other matters?

I passed by many guards on my way out, none giving me the time of day, thankfully. Soon I was outside again, the sun rising further into the sky on another, beautiful, Equestria day. There was still time left before the sun threatens to melt my flesh under it's violent beams of fire.

Outside

The crunch of grass under my hooves, the cursed tone of my own singing, and the happy smiles of ponies, who are completely unaware of my existence. How we've missed this peace.

It was a little after noon by this point, and I was doing some snooping on the local pegasi population. At almost all hours of the day, pegasi would fly about from place to place, their wings engaged in a magical dance with the wind.

Dreams wash like waves, ebb and overflow.

My hooves matched the chorus of other hooves on the sidewalks of Canterlot, as I moved into position.

Donut Joe had a donut shop not too far from the gates of the rich people's district. Easily recognizable from the giant pink donut he has hanging from the second floor. I've never been inside before, but I have passed it by once or twice on my walks.

The walk over was unremarkable, beyond seeing Minuette walking down the street at one point, but that's unimportant.

Donut Joe's donut shop was packed with ponies. Not a table was left empty, and Donut Joe was serving up hot cocoa and donuts for his patrons at the bar. All around him were delicious looking donuts, slathered delicately in frosting, some sprinkled, some glazed. I didn't see any other employees, though. Not sure how he does it all. The floor was checkered tile, as most of Canterlot's flooring was; greenish grey and white tiles lined his floor. His confectionery styled stools really sold the idea of a bake shop, and the entire building smelled of sugar and fried dough.

Had I the capacity to hunger, I'd likely be salivating as I sang.

I moved past the dining area and ventured into the back, where the Kitchens were. Multiple fryers filled with clean and bubbling oil were spotted nearby, and numerous devices for pumping donut shaped dough were placed sporadically around the kitchen. I also noticed a collection of spices along the wall, neatly placed on shelves.

Most of the spice was sugar, though.

Up the stairs I went, onto the second floor. I was greeted by a hallway with 2 doors, likely personal rooms? A bathroom and bedroom, I'm guessing. I wasn't here to intrude on Donut Joe's privacy, though. There was another set of stairs, leading up to the roof of the shop.

I had seen a mare fly over here onto his roof before, and Donut Joe would bring out some donuts for her. So unless she was a special case, it's technically fine that I'm up here too. Besides, I'm just here for the view.

Based on my observations, Pegasus wings beat with a balance of power and grace, in an organized rhythm. I spread my wings to mimic them, while maintaining my singing.

Wings spread wide— I begin to flap, slowly at first, but picking up speed quickly. On uneven standing, my wingbeats grow faster, and soon I'm a few feet off the ground. Quickly after, I fall back down onto the roof with a clomp.

2nd attempt, and I produced roughly the same effect, and realized that I'm going to have to stabilize myself If I want to improve.

5th attempt, and I was evenly standing, both wings working in robotic unison for a few seconds before I clomped back down onto the roof.

My practice continued on, even as the hot sun and the exercise brewed sweat onto my brow.

30th attempt, and I was able to reliably fly for a few seconds, and decided to incorporate gliding into my practice.

40th attempt, no more clomping , once I reached the apex of my fly, I would spread my wings out and glide in a circle until I was standing on the roof.

60th attempt, I was confident enough to leave the roof and fly around, reassuring myself that I'd be able to glide to safety in the event that something happened.

Flapping wings and wretched tone paved my soundtrack of progress, and soon, my singing filled the sky.

100th attempt, and I was breezing through the skies above Canterlot at an easy pace.

128th attempt, I began to incorporate gliding into my flight patterns, allowing me to turn easily.

I would have kept going, but by then the sun was beginning to set. I was caked in a layer of sweat, that I found uncomfortable.

Practicing flying one more time, I flew all the way back to the castle, and formed a mini tornado when it was time to land.

When I returned to my room, I found Gilded Spear gone, but I didn't mind. Him not being here just made it easier to get back inside.

Finally back in my room at the castle, I stopped singing and enjoyed the silence again, before a loud crash came from my bathroom as Gilded Spear, looking like he had just remembered something important, burst through the door.

"Have you been in here, this entire time?!" He asked me frantically, embarrassment plastered on his face as he barely held onto his helmet.

"Yeah," I lied, "You may not have seen me. I was sort of obscured behind the dresser, leaning against the wall and reading a book."

He seemed to calm down, "I... right... that makes sense." He then looked at me and noticed all the sweat I was caked in, "Are you okay? You look like you just ran a marathon."

"Oh, y'know... I was just..." I pulled out a lie from the show, "Reading an exciting book, is all."

His eyes showed confusion, before quickly turning into acceptance, "Oh, hey, if you need any help with that..." He then gestured to me.

I narrowed my eyes at him, "What do you mean?"

"I don't mind helping out a fellow stallion in need..." He then blushed and gave me a flirtatious stare, "Especially when those stallions are so well hung." He bit his lower bottom lip.

It then occurred to me just what he meant by 'help'.

"Ok, get out." I pointed my hoof towards the door. To his credit, he didn't hesitate, and I was left alone in my room again.

Author's Note

Hydra Channeling

The singing of my other head filled the halls of the castle and all around, nobody acknowledged me. While usually I would be ecstatic, these are dire times. I can't go around with a second head, I'll never find peace then.

I was in the castle archives, in places I'm sure I shouldn't be. But I had no where else to turn to. I couldn't go to Celestia, she'd probably sic the elements on me, if not worse. I couldn't just chop the thing off, without likely going into shock from the pain or blood loss. There were few options to be had.

"A disguising spell, or... a transformation spell, Something to hide my other head and it's voice." I pleaded with the bookshelves as I levitated and skimmed through books.

Buried secrets lay, under shadows they grow

Well... I'll just have to go through all of them. Do we have time for that, though?

Anyone who knows me will realize that I've been missing for who knows how long once the singing stops. I can't just spend a year trying to fix this, then come back as if nothing happened.

"Unless... No... I couldn't...Or...Oh..."

What if I left? What if I just... ran away? This Prince nonsense, it had nothing to do with me, I'm no Prince. I could just leave.

No, that ain't right. There was still alcohol flowing through my system from the binge drinking I did earlier. Stupid...

The drinking is the only thing I can think of that made me grow an extra head, unless it was just... consumption? Drinking made me grow a humanoid head, of a cherry red color. The drinks were cherry flavored, maybe... I don't know.

I slapped myself as hard as I could to stop my panicking, but the wriggling of my second head made it harder to concentrate.

What I wouldn't give for another drink right about now.

Books on time travel led me only to paradox. Dimension hopping, I already knew. Divination, I already know that disaster is all there is in my future. Pyromancy, am I going to burn this head off of me? Studies on sorcery are useless, unless I plan to visit Limbo next. Theurgy, what's healing going to do?

One particular book however, caught my eye, 'Channeling and Projecting, the art of forcing passive magic into enchantments.'

I flipped through the book, "Channeling and projecting magic requires a strong unicorn, a steady supply of magic, and the item or creature you want to channel the magic into."

Strong unicorn, do I count?

Steady supply of magic, I've never stress tested my own quantity.

Item or creature, myself.

Good enough on such short notice.

"To channel one's magic, simply imagine a magical chain ensnaring your target, bind it tightly, and then perform the same spell on the unicorn's source."

Sounds easy enough.

I sat down on the ground and channeled magic into my vocal chords and my body, before I began to sing.

Hushnow sleep tight mind takes flight

Stronger the magic grew, as it invaded my being. The magic weaved through me, and I noticed that I couldn't see or hear the other head anymore. In no time at all, silence reigned, and I appeared one-headed.

I could feel it though, the nerves, musculature... wiggling about. I could feel it's mouth, biting it's own teeth as it sang.

I trudged back to my room, sore from my day so far. It wasn't even 6:00pm yet. I was supposed to train later, but I'm sure I could skip training for just one day, in light of what's happened.

Guards were looking at me, though none said anything. I was too worn out to care.

"Aurum, are you okay?!" A voice sounded from behind me, I turned and saw Gilded Spear again.

"Yeah... sorry about earlier." I responded quietly.

"Don't be, I was worried about you, you just up and disappeared without warning." He approached tentatively, "How are you feeling?"

Like I'm constantly burning a piece of myself to hide a second head.

"I feel fine. Just a bit tired, is all." I said with a lie.

He followed me back to my room and watched as I folded over onto my bed with a groan. Though, I was wondering something.

"Gilded. What happened exactly?" I asked.

"Back at the bar, you mean?" He asked in kind.

"When I teleported away, what happened from your perspective?"

"Well... we were... in the pool. You had just sung me a wonderful little song, and we were both really deep in our drinks," I didn't remember him drinking even one full glass, "And then, poof, you were gone." He was staring at me awkwardly again, like he was hiding something.

"You're hiding something, Gilded. You've been hiding something from me since this morning." I accused, pointing a golden hoof at him.

He backed away in fear or shame, "No, I... I-I wouldn't keep secrets from you." He looked at me with puppy dog eyes, but I didn't care for such things.

"Do you remember what we agreed too before I had to abruptly teleport away?"

"Nothing sexual?"

I nodded in response.

"You've still got some cherry bubbles in your system?"

I sighed, "Probably." I let a pause fill our conversation, "I could use a... cuddle-buddy, though..."

His eyes became sharp and rippled with affection, "I'd be honored, Aurum."

He wasted no time in taking off his armor and and joining me in bed. His hooves made contact with me, my chest under assault by his warm and tender touch. I grabbed him and held him desperately, in need of some love after today. I couldn't feel tired, but here, I felt peaceful.

His forehooves surrounded me and his head nuzzled into my chest, to my joy.

"Is this normal guard protocol?" I asked.

"No... Is inviting your guard to cuddle normal Prince protocol?"

"I suppose not." I rested my chin on his head, thankful that he didn't have a horn.

We would be laying in each other's hooves for, what was likely, the remainder of the day.

All the while, my second head kept singing silently.

The Guard's Meeting

[The following chapter is from Gilded Spear's perspective]

The sun had long set, and my shift had been over for a few hours now. Before I could retire, I had one last thing to do. As part of my contract, I am to report to Princess Celestia.

The Solar Princess had been clear, she wanted to know everything about Aurum that I could find out.

I knocked on the door to the Princess' private quarters.

The door opened revealing the radiant alicorn princess. Despite the late hour, she looked alert, her face lit up with a warm smile. Her expression portrayed mild curiosity.

"Ah, good evening, Gilded Spear." She greeted, closing the door behind me with her magic as I entered.

I bowed to her, "Princess."

She waved a hoof dismissively.

"No need to be formal with me. We're acquainted well enough for some informality, don't you think?" She said, walking over to the large window, looking up at the night sky above.

I rose back up, "I did as you said, Princess. I took Prince Aurum to your bar."

Princess Celestia had ordered me to take Aurum to the bar that technically doesn't exist. It was primarily used for foreign diplomats and private meetings for high-ranking nobility. All of it was owned by the crown.

Celestia nodded, keeping her eyes firmly placed on the stars above, "Ah, good. And what did you find out from my little errand?"

I straightened up, "The Prince has... well..." I looked to the side to try to find the right words to say, "The Prince could outdrink half of the guard, at least."

She blanched and turned to look at me like I had grown a second pair of wings.

"How much did he drink?" She asked, a look of concern on her face.

"Roughly... 27 gallons over the course of a few hours?" I uttered sheepishly.

"27 gallons..." Celestia repeated quietly, looking like she'd been struck by a bolt of lightning, "Just how much can one pony drink?"

She stared silently out the window, "No matter. We can cross that bridge when we come to it. Offer to take him back tomorrow, after his coronation."

"I think he prefers to drink during the day, Princess. He practically ordered me to accompany him to your bar early this morning."

Celestia frowned, turning away from the window with a look of thoughtfulness, "I wonder what could've gotten him hooked..." She mused to herself before addressing me again. "How does he treat you, my dear? Has Prince Aurum been treating you fairly?" The tone matched that of a question hidden within another. She was asking if I had done what she ordered.

The intention was not lost on me, "I think he's gay, Princess."

"He's... gay?" The Alicorn repeated incredulously, and though she made no other outward indication of it, I could sense the flicker of disbelief behind her eyes, "Are you... certain of this?", She asked quietly, the corners of her mouth twitching slightly.

"I had offered myself up to him on our first night, after he mentioned having read an 'exciting book', I assumed he meant erotica. He turned me down, but the next morning and after quite a lot of alcohol, he was-" I was cut off.

"Stop right there." She turned to look at me, anger evident on her face, "Don't tell me that you started feeling him up when he was drunk."

I shrunk back in fear, "I... I thought it would be the best way to find out if he was into stallions. I asked him if he preferred mares, but he said he didn't know."

"And you thought the best way to find out was to wait until the prince was inebriated, and then start making your move without asking for his consent?!" The princess exclaimed, her face reddening with anger.

I stared at her, afraid that I could be thrown in the dungeons for this. I thought I was just doing what the Princess wanted.

"H-he didn't seem.. against it?" I whimpered out, my hooves shaking.

"Of course he wasn't against it, he was wasted! You don't think he might've been less receptive if he hadn't drunk 27 gallons of hard liquor?" Celestia retorted, her eyes narrowing.

"I... I'm sorry, Princess." I bowed my head low before the Solar Princess.

Celestia's expression softened a little upon seeing me so repentant.

"I don't want you to play dirty games with Prince Aurum again, do you understand? Not without his consent. If you want to find out if he's gay, you're going to have to ask him while he's sober. I'm going to do some looking into that book that he mentioned." She concluded with a small frown.

While my head remained lowered, I added, "While he was drunk, he did mention some things. He has a history of drinking, back home he ordered drinks called 'Bailey's'?"

Celestia seemed to be deep in thought, "I've never heard of an alcohol by that name."

"He also seemed to be upset... because nobody could hear him sing? That nobody should hear him sing?"

The Alicorn princess seemed confused now, furrowing her brow as I retold this to her, "Prince Aurum sings? I've never heard him so much as hum before.."

"I asked him to sing for me, and he sang a song about aliens trapped in campfires?" I recounted the song he sang for me. "He has a nice singing voice, even while he's intoxicated."

"Aliens in campfires?" The Princess pondered, "Sounds like Prince Aurum is a fan of sci-fi novels."

She paused, narrowing her eyes at me, "Stay on his good side. let him drink as much as he wants, don't try anything while he's inebriated, and if he tries to do anything to hurt himself or somepony else, just stomp on the ground. Understand?"

"You... want him to drink?" I asked out of turn, perplexed by her statement.

The Alicorn nodded, "Yes. I want Prince Aurum to drink." She stated with a calm yet firm tone, a look of almost resignation on her face.

She walked over to a large cushion behind her desk and sat down, "It sounds as though the Prince has a serious issue with alcohol, and while I loath to say it, this may be a blessing in disguise." She seemed upset at herself for feeling that way, "Not to mention, if we can figure out what this book he mentioned is, we can find out his preferences."

"Yeah, why do you want me to find out his preferences so bad, anyway?"

Celestia's cheeks seemed to redden slightly, though she quickly composed herself and her tone shifted to a slightly defensive timbre.

"Because I... care about what the Prince likes." She answered with an air of finality, looking at me expectantly. I recognized the look in her eye. It was a look of warning. She was saying, Do not question my reasons.

I took the hint and nodded obediently, "Yes, Princess. Though, I have more to report."

The Alicorn seemed eager to move onto something else, nodding at me in return, "Proceed, please."

"The two of us were relaxing in the waterfall, when all of a sudden, he teleported away back to the castle."

She looked back towards the window, her eyes narrowed. She didn't seem to believe me, "Describe exactly, what Aurum did."

"We were sitting in the pool one second and had a... we talked about something unimportant," I wasn't going to tell her what we talked about, "And then, all of a sudden, he was gone." I trailed off towards the end.

She didn't respond immediately, but she didn't look shocked, almost like this wasn't a strange thing for him.

I decided to continue, "Later that day he... requested a, and I quote, cuddle-buddy..."

Her face fell, "And how long had it been since he last had a drink at that point?"

"Five hours, give or take?" I responded, unable to remember certain moments around this time.

The Princess looked troubled by my response and sighed softly, "That's fine... what's he like when he's asleep? Sleep-talker, snorer?"

I shrunk back, "I never caught him asleep, Princess. Even while he was holding me, he never fell asleep." I was prepared to be reprimanded for having failed to learn more.

To my surprise, Celestia didn't display any anger towards me. Instead, she looked more concerned, "Did he ever look... tired? Did he ever yawn or complain about being tired?"

I recalled the previous few hours, "He complained once on the way back to his room about being tired, and he fell right into bed when he returned, but he never fell asleep."

She looked to be fighting a battle in her head, "If that's all, my spy. You have your orders." replied the Princess, dismissively.

"Yes, Princess." I saluted, and prepared to leave the room, it was time for a nice hot bath, and a relaxing night back home.

Wriggling

My heads were leaning outside the window of my room in the castle. The cool wind eased my nerves ever so slightly, and I found it easier to think.

I had never heard of a pony growing multiple heads; maybe it was in the show and I don't remember it? I couldn't be sure. Should've tried to bring a phone or something with me... but then, I'd risk it being found. I wouldn't want anyone else to know that this is all just a TV show.

While contemplating, a knock came to my door. Metal on wood again, but... floatier?

"C-" I inhaled sharply, "Come in."

The door glowed yellow and in walked Princess Celestia. Wearing her regal smile, just as bright as always.

"Aurum, I hate to intrude on you so early, but there was something I needed to discuss with you." The Princess said, watching me tightly as I got out of the window sill and closed it with my magic.

"Yes, Princess?" I tried not to panic, but could feel my heart beating faster. Did she know? I've been keeping my extra head hidden, it's still singing, there's no way she could know!

"The other day, you and your guard went to one of the bars near the lower ring," She didn't seem upset, or like she knew about my second head, "I heard that you had quite a lot to drink."

The Princess moved closer to me, her eyes locked onto mine,"I... Yes.. I had a lot to drink... I'm sorry, I'll not do it again." I lowed my head repentantly.

Her wing moved to surround me, bumping into my extra head before it got out of the way. She didn't notice. "Don't be, you're young, you should be allowed to drink when you wish," Her smile faded as she asked, "How were you able to drink so much, though? A stallion of your size shouldn't have been able to drink even half of what you drank."

Both of my heads hung lower, shame welled up from inside of me. "I had... practice?" I couldn't move my eyes from the cream colored carpet.

"Practice?" Celestia repeated. Her wings lowered from around me, "What do you mean, practice?"

She didn`t sound angry, but she did sound... somewhat concerned. Celestia's eyes were narrowed in thought, and from her reaction I could tell she suspected something from me.

I struggled to find the right words, "I'm not sure if Equestria..." I looked around the carpet sheepishly, "...has the words for it. But I'm an... a-alcoholic."

Celestia didn't seem upset, she almost seemed relaxed.

Her voice sounded relieved. She clearly expected something far worse. "Oh, thank the stars," She said. She placed a hoof on my shoulder, "I thought you were hiding something far more terrible, like a drug addiction."

I was immediately floored, "What?" I responded, looking up at her, concerned at her reaction.

"It's alright if you want to drink, Aurum." She said, earning a repeated response.

"What?" I shrunk back from her.

Celestia looked at me, and I could see warmth in her eyes.

"It's normal..." Celestia began. Her tone sounded more and more comforting the more she spoke, "...for ponies to have vices. Everypony has something they use to relieve stress. Whether it's an interest... or a drink," She smiled reassuringly, "There's nothing wrong with you enjoying yourself."

I was speechless, how could I react to this?

"In fact, I've arranged to have a fridge placed here in your room. You'll be supplied regular deliveries of your favorite alcohol." Celestia spoke, a more eager tone replacing the warmth she once had.

I must be dreaming, "This... this must be a mistake, this can't be real." I sat down and held my head in my hooves.

Celestia placed a hoof on my back, "Aurum, it's alright. I know how much you enjoy drinking, and you have every right to. I'll have my best ponies make arrangements for you to be supplied. There's nothing wrong with having vices, even princesses do," She chuckled, "In fact, Luna has a taste for dark chocolate, and I'm not sure what I'd do if I didn't get my daily cake quota."

"Those aren't the same thing. That's just sugar and sweets, this though, this is alcohol. Alcohol isn't harmless, it impairs the mind of the drinker and can lead to harmful health issues later down the line!"

She chuckled at my warning as a tall white fridge was wheeled into my room. Standing up, she trotted over to the fridge as the movers placed the appliance to the side of my room and departed.

"You worry too much." She said, her voice sounded almost like she was teasing me as she opened the fridge. The inside was lined with rows upon rows of many different forms of alcohol. I could feel the temptation creeping in again.

This can't be real... but I could use a drink.

"You can't be serious, that's... that's way more than I drank yesterday." I said loudly, alarmed at the quantity of alcohol now at my disposal.

Celestia closed the fridge before turning to me. Her expression was more serious this time.

"Aurum, you don't have to drink all of this in one day. You can take it at your own pace, whatever feels comfortable to you. You have my permission to drink as much as you want."

I was given the green light, and my mind struggled to think of reasons not to. The prospect of alcohol proving too much for me to deny.

"I... Y-yes, Princess. I promise to drink responsibly." I was lying to myself.

Celestia smiled again, her face returned to its relaxed and cheerful appearance.

"Good, I'm glad." She stated. Before moving back towards the door, she added, "And please, just call me Celestia. There's no need for the formality between us."

The worst possible circumstances have brought me to where I secretly wanted to be, on a first name basis with Princess Celestia, "Yes, Celestia... and... thanks."

Celestia beamed at me, clearly proud at my response, "You're very welcome, dear."

After that, she made her way to the door, "I'll leave you now. I know you're probably excited to start drinking. If you ever need anything, my door is always open."

Before I could respond, she was already back outside, and the door was closed behind her. I opened the fridge back up and took in the sights that would occupy my next few nights.

What a beautiful world.

The Guard and the Prince

"Mmmm" I hummed in contentment. I was three bottles down, and was lying in my bathtub. Warm water surrounded me as I floated along in a relaxed and drunken state.

I didn't care about my second head right now. Right now, I was relaxed and content, and nothing could stop that. Princess Celestia had given me free reign to drink, and I needed a drink after what happened.

There were a few bottles sat next to the rim of the pool, I had carried them inside after I had started to drink. I always wanted to try this out, floating in a pool while drinking. A pipe dream on earth, now reality in Equestria.

I put my hooves behind my head and levitated another bottle over, before I began to chug it. That hot, burning sensation, that warmth that makes you feel like a living furnace, I've always loved it.

My relaxation was interrupted by a knock on my bathroom door. I couldn't tell who it was, my bathroom door's made of painted stone instead of wood.

"Who's there?" I slurred out.

A cheerful, sing-song reply came from the other side of the door, "It's Gilded, I have booze."

I look down at myself, noting a... particular limb on display, and sighed. It was time to get out of the tub.

Popping the drain off, I slowly got onto my numbed hooves and levitated a towel over so I could begin drying myself off.

"Come on in." I replied dully as I quickly dried myself off, leaving my mane and hide unkempt.

In walked Gilded Spear, carrying a few bottles of an orange looking liquor under his right wing. He seemed pleasantly happy as he entered. I scrunched up my nose as a pleasant and flowery aroma followed Gilded in.

"Evenin'." I slurred with a lazy grin as I sat down on a small stool, letting the towel fall to the wayside. There was a slight scent of booze in the air around me, it was obvious to tell that I wasn't exactly sober at the moment.

"Evening? Aurum, it's barely noon." His smile remained as he reminded me.

"Ah... right, my mistake." I said, apologetically. My mane was disheveled and damp from the water, and beads of water were trickling down my torso. I looked less like myself and more like a drunk tramp at this point.

Gilded approached me and handed a bottle over to me. A pinkish liquid that turned into a darker pink the further down the bottle you go. It almost looked like there was glitter in it.

"Ain't never seen a drink like that," I said, "What is it?"

"It's called White Pearl, kind of hard to get unless you know where to go." Gilded explained.

I tapped the bottle open and gave it a whiff, the scent of strawberries and cream wafted from the bottle and brought a smile to my face, and a hum of approval escaped my lungs, "Thank you, Gilded."

"No problem, Aurum." He responded, with a look of enlightenment on his face, as if he just realized something.

I took a large gulp of the White Pearl and immediately was hit by a wave of fruity perfection and love. My eyes closed in joy as I swallowed.

"It's... so delicious..." I murmured, taking another large gulp. "It tastes like warmth and kindness." My cheeks began to heat up as I chuckled hoarsely and lowered the bottle from my lips, now noticing the strange look on Gilded's face.

"What?"

"I've noticed you speak with a southern drawl after you've had a few drinks." He said. Apparently, Gilded was examining me.

"I was an earth pony before, as I've said." At least, I think I said that to Gilded before.

Gilded shook his head, "I wasn't criticizing, I actually find it... pleasant."

"Gilded- we need to talk." I said seriously.

I watched as his cheerfulness faltered, replaced by something solemn and serious. There was some emotion in his eyes that I couldn't identify.

"Sure," He started hesitantly, "What about?"

I didn't know what exactly to say, I was never good with words. Instead of a long winded statement, I just came out and said it. "I'm not into you."

Gilded froze when I spoke, but not out of shock or heartbreak, if anything, he seemed accepting?

I could see his shoulders tense up as he quietly spoke, "Ah, alright."

Silence befell in the bathroom after he spoke, cold and uncomfortable. I winced as I realized how blunt the statement was.

"Thank you for..." I paused, struggling to get the words to come out, "the other evening... I was going through something and needed..." My voice trailed off.

He seemed sympathetic, and grew a warm smile. It couldn't hold a candle to Celestia's though.

"It's alright. I am your guard, and I serve at your pleasure." He saluted.

"At ease." I said with a smile, before finishing off the bottle of White Pearl. As I placed the bottle down on a nearby table, I began to idly scratch behind my ear with my hoof.

"Though, I was wondering something..." Gilded said, he was looking at me strangely. Smugly? Like I had... fallen into a trap?

Something was wrong, my vision took on a purplish pink hue and I... I felt... good.

"What's... happening..?" I murmured. I was feeling strange. My head felt fuzzy in a way. Like a nice, warm, fuzzy blanket.

I felt... happy. Was this the drink, or-?

Suddenly, I was hit with an intense desire, a need, to hug something, something warm and soft.

"G-gilded? What was in that drink?" I slurred out as I began to wobble from my seated position.

"I'll tell you in a minute~" He cooed out. His eyes were fixated on me, in an affectionate and smug manner.

I could feel the sensation of needing something, like my body was craving for something.

Gilded walked back over to the door that lead into my bedroom, and opened it. Soon, a collection of mares and stallions entered. Each of them looked like they had just finished preparing for the Grand Galloping Gala, except they forgot to wear clothes.

I didn't know what to say as the mares and stallions entered my bathroom. They looked... beautiful. My breath hitched as I felt my heart beat faster and my pupils constricted. A part of me was screaming to run away, that this was wrong. But another part of me, the one growing and spreading throughout my body, felt...needy.

I rose from my seat on unsteady hooves, figuring that I knew what this was about. Just to be safe however, "What's... all this?" I fought to keep myself standing.

I was breathing heavily as I stared at all the ponies. Each one was elegant, beautiful, and their eyes were all focused on me. None of them spoke, only looking at me with lust and love.

Gilded had a smirk on his face as he leaned back against the wall. "Don't worry, your highness, just enjoy yourself."

I didn't like this, memories had come up from my time back home and I felt my mind fade away.

Suddenly, I wasn't in my bathroom. I was back in the sewers, practicing magic again for the first time. This, this was where I belonged, this is where I was supposed to be.

"Gilded, you have the key to my bathroom, right?" I felt myself say, but it wasn't me who said it.

The lustful faces had shifted into ones of worry, they wondered why my voice had changed, most likely. Gilded looked a little confused, probably startled by my question. "Yeah... I have the key right here." He replied, pulling a small key from within his saddlebag. "Why?"

"Lock the door for us, would you? We would hate to be interrupted." We replied, eagerly.

His smirk returned as he quickly nodded in understanding. He approached the bathroom door and locked it. "No-one should be interrupting you now." He assured in a sultry tone.

"Wonderful." This voice was earning stares from the other ponies, suddenly, they didn't look like they were in charge anymore. My legs walked past them, moving towards the door, and to Gilded. "Gilded... why don't we start with you?" I held Gilded closely and forced him to look into my eyes. "You have held me when I needed comfort, you introduced me to Equestrian liquor. You've even gone through all the trouble to bring these mares and stallions here, for... the most 'official' reasons, of course." I winked at him.

He chuckled in response, a shiver passing down his spine as I held him to me. He was practically quivering underneath my stare.

Then, he spoke in a sultry voice. "I... had a hunch." He replied, his eyes fixed on mine. "That you would need some help... blowing off steam."

We leaned forward and captured him in a kiss, that quickly formed into a passionate make-out. Tensions in the room lowered for a brief moment, before I stopped casting the spell that separated my second head from me.

Gasps broke out, as we could hear hooves moving away from me and Gilded.

"Sweet Celestia." We heard a mare say, sounding sickened.

"The Prince... he..." Muttered a stallion.

"What is that thing!?" Shouted a mare.

"Why... what's... oh Celestia..." Wistfully, a stallion spoke.

We didn't need to look behind me to see the looks of horror on their faces, we could practically feel the disgust as my second head rose to life. A wave of nausea rolled through the crowd, one mare stumbled and fell over in fright.

Gilded's eyes widened in terror, and he tried to back away, but our hooves had him in a vice.

We've always wondered just how strong these hooves are. we told him, before we grabbed Gilded's head in our hooves.

"Please!" He gasped out. His eyes were pleading as he realized there was no escape. "Aurum! Please!"

His pleas fell on deaf ears as his gasps and grunts filled the room. He attempted to reach a hoof up and pull our hooves off, but he might as well have been pulling on a mountain.

In one swift squeeze, Gilded was no more. Blood splattered onto my chest, face, and hooves, as Gilded was held in my grip, lifeless. Our second head reared around and made short work of Gilded's corpse. A few sickening crunches and gulps later, and his body was gone, eaten by us.

It happened so quickly, like the snap of a finger. One moment he was alive, the next he was... disposed of. A moment of silence befell, a calm before the storm.

Then, one of the mares began to scream.

Purple magic escaped from our horn, as a third head began to grow out from our neck, looking similar to Gilded in appearance. A purple force field surrounded the ponies, now trapped in it's binds. Our third head lunged out at the screaming mare, and crunched her head into a red slurry, before it began to eat her too.

All of the remaining ponies began to scream and try to get out of the force field.

The ponies began to bang loudly against the shield, their screams and desperate shouting filled the room.

"LET US OUT!"

"PLEASE LET US GO!" they cried, sounding terrified and pleading. One of them even passed out from the fright.

"You wanted us?! Now you'll have us!"

A fourth head began to grow, resembling the shouting mare and the three heads started to lunge into the force field and pick the ponies out, one-by-one.

A cycle had begun. Lunge, grab, chew, swallow. Pony bone and flesh was ground up in our jaws, filliing us with viscera.

It was a slaughter, as every pony found their way down our throats, and into our gullets. Screaming, fighting, and begging ceased in the dim of the bathroom. A fifth head grew, then a sixth, then a seventh. But soon, we were alone again. and my heads began to sing.

Hush now, sleep tight, mind takes flight. Darkness creeping in, shadow figures in sight. Soft whispers bounce, off walls they ignite. Calm the storm within, everything's alright.

Our six other heads sang in chorus, as I was slowly returned to the forefront of our mind. The ground around me was stained with blood, and I feared the world would be tainted by my actions.

"What did I do?" Tears began to well up in my eyes, as I held my head in my hooves.

"WHAT DID I DO?!" I wailed, as I fell onto the bloody floor and wept for the lives who had just been lost.

Canterlot's Hydra

The day had finally arrived. My coronation into an official Prince of Equestria, and I was late. I simply dreaded the whole thing. I felt sick to my stomach, ready to vomit as both the thought of being seen by hundreds of people, and the memories of all the ponies I had eaten just yesterday remained.

I fought to maintain control of my gag reflex, but the memories were too strong. A sickening squelching sound came out as I vomited all over my cream colored rug.

Singing was always an option, I had seven heads now, each as deformed as the second, and all it would take is for me to stop maintaining this individuality spell, and let their singing engulf me into imperceptibility too.

A knock came at me door, metal on wood, rough, a guard?

Gilded's face passed over my mind, and I shuddered.

"I'm... so sorry..." I mumbled, as tears threatened to fall.

Not having an answer, a white guard stallion with a blue mane and tail opened the door, and stood out of the way for the solar princess.

"H-hey, Celestia." I offered weakly.

She raised a brow at how dreadful I must have appeared. To her, I must be quite the mess, my mane was in disarray, unkempt. The carpet laid on the floor was covered in vomit.

"Are you well, Aurum?" She asked, her voice stern yet filled with concern. Approaching me cautiously, she stated, "You appear distraught."

I had to lie, she couldn't ever know... "Yeah, just..." I thought up something on the fly, "Just had too much to drink." A sheepish smile graced my lips before I remembered the other day again, and another wave of vomit threatened to make an entrance.

She seemed to buy it however, for now anyway.

The Princess stomped a hoof against the ground, and In walked a group of mares equipped with stylist wares. I was quickly surrounded, and they began making sure that I looked presentable for the upcoming events. They started taming my mane and brushing my coat, making sure I looked nothing less than princely.

I couldn't say that it was comfortable, but I was in no mood to fight back.

A small group of the stylists grabbed these tall, pink perfume bottles from their saddle-bags. The label said something in what I think is French, but I had to close my eyes at the first spray, so I couldn't read it. A heavy and thick cloud of flowery perfume descended upon me, from my horn to my flank. I smelled like a field of peonies after they were done.

As I wondered whether it was safe to open my eyes, I felt my body being picked up gently in someone's magic, and a tuxedo found it's way onto my person. Tentatively, my eyes opened and I looked into the mirror.

I looked sort of like Blueblood, but golden all over, and my tuxedo was solid black, with golden accents. My unkempt mane and tail had been replaced with a suave and well-maintained bundle of softness. I sparkled, seemingly like I had been covered in glitter, which I assume I had been from the perfume.

Celestia stepped closer to me, examining my appearance. She chuckled softly, nodding with approval at my now-tamed mane and sparkling coat. She said, "You look splendid! Like the regal prince you're meant to be. Now, I wish we had time, but we're late enough as is."

Her horn lit brightly, and she popped the two of us somewhere else in the castle, where we were alone, The room was decorated with fine tapestries and marble pillars.

Celestia turned to me, her expression becoming more serious. "Aurum," she began. "I know something's troubling you. And given how dreadful you looked before... well, I don't think it's just the typical jitters a soon-to-be prince would be having."

I had to cut off that line of thinking, "What do you need me to do out there? I've never even attended a coronation before."

Celestia paused, alerted by how rapidly I changed the subject. After a moment, she said, "Your role is simple. I'll be giving a brief speech, and then you'll address the audience with a few words, and then you'll be crowned. After that, we'll celebrate later tonight."

She gave me a gentle smile. "And don't worry about being nervous. It's to be expected. Just take it one step at a time, and you'll do splendidly."

I inhaled slowly and deeply, drinking in air like it was alcohol, before I stood up straight and pretended to be a Prince. My head was held high, and a smile, mimicking Celestia's grew onto my face. She seemed pleased with it.

"Perfect." She said, as she opened the door and led me towards the throne room.

We passed by many guards, each of which saluted both me and Celestia as royalty. Which I suppose, I would officially be, after today. I'm not sure what I'll do with myself, I'd like to do more than just drink all day, every day. Now without Gilded... I'll have to find new friends. Though, was Gilded ever a friend to begin with?

Princess Celestia reached the throne room door, and lit it with her magic before looking back at me. As she saw my confident and calm facade, she smiled and opened the door.

AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

I screamed internally at the sight in the throne room. Ponies, ponies everywhere. So many ponies. Ponies were flying, ponies were standing, ponies began playing trumpets, and I followed Celestia towards her throne.

All eyes were on me, and I wanted to run away. People like me aren't meant to be looked at. I'm a freak of nature, I belong in the sewers.

These feelings were not on display, however. I simply mimicked what I had seen of Celestia thus far, kind, calm, warm, and caring. I walked as a dear friend of all the ponies who looked upon me, despite my hatred for being seen.

My six extra heads wiggled and sang as the ponies watched this... pony eating monster take it's place right beside Celestia. Though, behind her, was Daisy, the mare who served us breakfast on my first morning in the castle. It felt like a century ago now. I had been through so much. Off to the side, was Princess Luna. She didn't seem happy, a busy night, I presumed. Now is probably the time when she's supposed to be asleep.

Celestia turned to greet her subjects, and raised a hoof to the crowd, causing all the ponies to quiet down instantly. She proclaimed loudly, "My loyal subjects of Equestria, I welcome you all here today. We have gathered to witness a momentous occasion: the coronation of Prince Aurum, the first alicorn stallion in over a thousand years, as the next Prince of Equestria."

The ponies in the audience applauded, and Celestia smiled as she turned to me, giving me a small nod. The floor was now mine.

Fuck, what was I supposed to say?

With a confidence and volume I didn't know myself capable of, I proclaimed, "Ponies of Equestria, it is my honor to stand before you here today. Being crowned a Prince of Equestria is a blessing that I will not take for granted," I continued. "And I shall do my best to embody the ideals this wonderful Kingdom was founded upon: friendship, harmony, and unity."

Cheers engulfed the room, and I fought the urge to shrink back. "LONG LIVE THE PRINCE!!" I heard amongst the crowd. Daisy approached from behind and sat a small golden crown adorned with a sparkling amethyst inside atop my head.

The crowd cheered from, as I smiled bravely for Celestia.

I stood at the top of the platform, looking out over all the ponies in attendance. I never dreamed that I'd be royalty. This wasn't my goal, but here I was. All I wanted to do was go to Equestria to escape from my world, and live in the far superior world here. Even the dregs of society here are practically saintly compared to the common man of Earth. Now, though... I was a Prince of Equestria, one of only three in the show. In the coming months, Cadance will marry Shining Armor, and then that would be it for Princes, I believe.

A new life awaited me, and I didn't know what the future held for me. The only thing I could truly be sure of though, was that I am Canterlot's Hydra.