Author's Note

This is the first of two rewrites, the second coming here shortly. I decided kinda last minute to take this a slightly different direction, and that required fixing some setup.

As for the why? Simply put, the other idea I had was too big of an escalation too quickly. I much prefer the slow build, and I think the new direction will lead to a much more satisfying story overall.

Also added the self-harm tag because yes, the Tantabus will be making an appearance later. And frankly I don't see how dream torture is not a form of self-harm.

Chapter 6 - Diplomacy

I strode towards the dining room, the soft thumps of my boots against the floor accompanied by six pairs of hooves clopping along. My boots were perhaps the only truly well-worn thing I owned, most clothing of mine was either donated to aid shelters or restored by skilled craftspeople whenever it showed signs of wear. But not my boots, a broken in leather shoe is perhaps one of the most comfortable things God has ever gifted to man. And who am I to deny such gifts?

Regardless, the guards at the dining room doors swung said doors open, allowing me and the girls to enter the dining hall. Celestia sat at her usual place, but today Luna was not present, nor was her place set at the table. I frowned slightly before choosing to take the place to Celestia's right. Twilight sat across from me, while Rarity was to my left. As with last night, servants procured menus, my own different from the herbivore's. Today I was feeling extra hungry, so I selected a large manticore steak with mashed potatoes as well as macaroni and cheese. I also got my usual night time cola. After the rest of our group finished ordering, I turned to Celestia.

"Will Luna not be joining us today, Celestia? I hope I didn't scare her off last night," I said, with a smirk towards the end.

"Nothing of the sort," she replied with a soft laugh. "She was simply a bit tired and wished to sleep in."

While the first part was true, the excuse she gave was most definitely not. Odd, though I chose not to press the issue. Especially in front of her subjects.

"That's a shame, none of us have seen her since umm, then," Twilight commented, tripping over her words at the end. The rest of her grouped looked around nervously. Unfortunately, it appeared Luna was correct in her assessment of her own reputation.

"We'll have to rectify that at some point... Oh! What if she came by this Nightmare Night? A nighttime festival sounds like a wonderful way for her to get out," Celestia suggested. The other ponies nodded in agreement, quite reluctantly. Funny how the one nearly killed by the Nightmare was the one quickest to forgive. Though I supposed she was the only person to have known her as 'Luna' and not 'Nightmare Moon.' The struggles of those our age.

"What is Nightmare Night?" I asked, quite intrigued.

"It's this wonderific night every fall where we dress up and get candy!" Pinkie quickly answered, practically bouncing in her seat. I wonder if Adderall would help her at all...

"It's also a festival to remind us of the terrors of the Nightmare," Twilight added. I raised an eyebrow at Celestia, but either she didn't share the concerns I had regarding Luna and the festival, or she simply elected to ignore them.

"That reminds me of an old tradition on Terra. We call it Halloween, and it's almost the exact same. Aside from the name and origin, of course," I said, before pivoting to a slightly different topic. "Interesting how predictable most societies are. For example, I would be willing to bet money you all have a celebration in the winter that involves gift giving. I'd bet even more that with our dear sun princess here, you have a massive holiday on your hemisphere's Summer Solstice as well."

Their collective shock was quite satisfying. Really all I had done was a sort of sociological fortune telling, something just vague enough to always be true. But a fun party trick when stuck in the middle of some backwater nonetheless.

"You would be a rich man indeed if anyone had bet on that," Celestia said with what I had found to be her trademark soft smile. "I suppose it only makes sense for most societies to celebrate the longest and shortest days of the year in some way."

"Quite right."

Conversation continued amongst the table as we waited on our food. I found myself talking with Fluttershy, who sat to the right of Twilight. While she was still quite soft spoken, the pegasus was quite friendly after she got used to my presence.

"And there are these giant tentacled creatures capable of traveling between the stars. They can become several miles long, and come in many shapes and sizes. They're also quite friendly, indeed I have heard many a tale of spacefaring vessels being helped along by one of them after an engine failure," I told her, using hand motions to emphasize how large the beloved Space Whales were. Her eyes were filled with awe. It brought me joy to find yet another who could appreciate the beautiful diversity of the cosmos.

"Wow. Such wonderful sounding creatures; I hope one day I could see one," she said wistfully. "While we don't have anything like that here, we have these creatures known as Breezies that are simply adorable!"

And thus did we continue, swapping knowledge on the various critters that inhabited our different realms. She was even so kind as to invite me to tea if I ever found myself in Ponyville. Eventually our food arrived. Everyone took my diet in stride, after all carnivorous creatures did exist in Equestria. Though a couple glances were spared my way as I cut off and chewed the manticore flesh, which was to be expected.

As I ate, Rarity interrogated me on Imperial nobility and the 'high-life' as it were. After descriptions of the Unification Ball, the Eternal Soiree, and a slew of other events, she managed to extract a promise from me that I'd bring her to at least one. Frankly I did not intend to keep it, as I don't think she'd appreciate being talked to as, 'His Majesty's new pet.' Regardless of law, many regarded pre-FTL species as barely above animals, until 'civilized' by a few decades with access to modern technology. A disgusting mindset, but a prevalent one nonetheless.

Eventually we all finished our meals, and the six Elements retired to bed. They were a nice group of individuals, though I had to question the sanity in entrusting them to be the last line of defense against those who sought Equestria's destruction. But something must be working if they managed to beat an Avatar, provided the Nightmare truly was one such beast as I suspected.

And so, Celestia and I migrated to her sitting room. Her for a glass of port, and I acquired some coffee. To my surprise, Luna was already there waiting. My surprised expression was swiftly replaced with a smile. As well as a warm feeling in my belly as I saw my first friend here.

"Luna! How did you sleep today? I hope our conversation last night did not place you too far behind in your duties."

"We slumbered quite well. Thou did not stop us from performing our duties, far from it in fact. Pray tell, how didst thou sleep? We tried our best with what little we had to work with. Tis difficult to make sweet dreams for one who hath not rested at any point within his own memory," Luna replied, though she sounded a tad accusatory at that last part. I set my coffee on the table, before closing the distance to her.

"It's difficult to take time off when so much needs attention, but I think you may find more ammunition to work with tonight. Despite your supposed lack of things to work with," I gave her a tight hug, "I slept like I haven't ever before. Thank you."

"Thou art quite welcome," she replied, hugging me back with her wings after a moment. Eventually I stood up, and made my way to collect my coffee. Celestia gave me an indecipherable look as I walked away from her sister, before assuming her usual slight smile. I raised an eyebrow, but said nothing as I sprawled out on one of the sofas, slowly sipping my coffee. Celestia soon sat down as well.

"Now then, we have one matter to discuss. Luna and I have decided to reveal you as an alien to save from future headaches, and we don't mind you making your... standing known. Indeed, it may be beneficial if they think you a representative of your people. We ask that you refrain from mentioning the extent of your... lands, as it were. Such could easily be too much for our little ponies, and even the world at large. We will be holding a night time ball here at the castle to introduce you to the Canterlot nobility and notable businessponies. Hopefully a party will relax the atmosphere some," Celestia spoke, and a more businesslike air settled within the room.

"Excellent. I figured you would stipulate as much, and frankly it will be better for your people in the long run. What point in your eventual journeys to the stars, if all the stars are claimed? Before I forget though, should I reveal our... impromptu treaty earlier, or would doing so upset the balance of power in your world?"

"We would prefer you keep such to thyself. Regardless of its purely defensive nature, we have no doubts it would be perceived with much hostility by our neighbors," Luna replied. A fair assessment.

"Well then, what day shall this ball be? Or night, rather."

"A couple days from now, I hope. Best to resolve this swiftly. The palace staff aren't exactly quiet about your presence, and many witnessed you leaving Ponyville."

I nodded, before downing the rest of my coffee.

"And there is one more thing of importance. Luna and I have made the decision to call a Convocation of the Creatures, the first in several centuries. We believe it would be ideal for you to be able to interact with the other nations of this world on neutral ground," Celestia continued. "It will likely be a few months until it can be organized, however."

"I suspect I'll receive a few diplomats in the meantime though?"

"Almost certainly."

I gave a deep sigh. It seemed that soon vacation would be over. Usually I didn't tend to care about planet level politics, but I would prefer to leave this world as peaceably as possible. Even if I could just conquer the entire thing as an afterthought once a hyperlane was bored here, there was something about the relative harmony of it all that made me wish to preserve their current world. Besides, I'm certain the Imperial Sociologists Guild would try to kill me if I interrupted their natural development too much, given how fascinating their society was.

"Well, I suppose that's that. I'll try not to anger the entire world with my flippant disregard of anything they have to say; just most of it," I said with a wink. The two princesses nodded seriously. I forget that to them this is a matter of national importance.

"With that settled, I'm going to bed. Have a good night," Celestia said with a yawn, before getting up and beginning to walk to her room. She only paused to hug and nuzzle her sister. I hid the pang of sadness I felt upon seeing their sibling bond with a fake smile. Thus, I was once again alone with Luna.

"Care to join us, Lux? Tis a wonderful night, and we wish to walk the gardens," Luna asked as she got to her feet.

"I would love to. I actually have yet to see them."

We talked as she led me through the halls. She convinced her sister to allow military improvements like a true politician: by veiling it as a bunch of public works projects. She and old Ike would've been great friends, I think. Not that I ever met Eisenhower, he was long before my time. Even removing the military readiness aspect, no doubt this would garner her a lot of praise from the average pony citizen. Few things made people more appreciative than simply making their lives easier. Eventually we finally arrived at the castle gardens. A variety of well-cared for plants lined the walkways, the moon illuminating the entire place in its soft glow. The night air was crisp in my lungs, with a freshness I rarely experienced on Terra. Most of her air was recycled.

"We've always loved our night time walks. Even at the old castle in the Everfree."

"The quiet will never not be pleasant to me. Almost every waking hour of my day used to be filled with incessant yapping. Ah, not that I want you to be quiet of course. I mean the more... boring things. Taxes, bureaucracy, how many dreams need to be crushed today. The works."

"We've heard similar from our sister many times," Luna says with a giggle, before continuing in a more wistful tone, "But we do desire such responsibilities. T'would not be worse than our current boredom. At least we would feel less redundant."

"You'll get there soon, I'm sure," I comforted. I then continued with a smile, "And then you'll be right with me and Celestia, despising every second of it."

"We crave it to be so, Lux."

Eventually our quiet walk brought us to a fountain, one of Luna and her sister swirling in flight. It almost seemed to defy gravity.

"How does it feel, Luna? To still have family after all this time?"

She seemed startled by my question, but replied quickly.

"We love our sister more than anything else in this world. She is a great comfort to us, when the mortal things of this world pass on. At least we shall always have her. Why doth thou ask?"

"Just... remembered something, was all."

She didn't pry further. Eventually we continued our conversation, leaping from topic to topic. Stellar phenomena, army logistics, food preferences, music, flowers, pets, and more. Finally, we finished with a game remarkably similar to chess in the throne room.

"Huzzah! We win once again!" Luna cheered, prancing in place with excitement. I was quite bad at this game. Never was a particularly astute strategist, just a damn good organizer.

"Well, it seems I am once again reminded why I never personally command soldiers in battle. I would have liked to win at least once though," I remarked.

"We must play more then in the future. Tis not a talent, but a well honed skill we have. One you could hone as well"

"Well honed indeed," I answered with a yawn. "But it must be another evening. I do have a question for you though, before I go to bed. Why were you not present for dinner?"

Once again my question caught her off guard. She seemed to be formulating an answer, before just giving a sigh and speaking plainly.

"We... are afraid. Of what they may think of us. Our last encounter twas not so peaceful."

"I suppose I could understand that. One day you'll have to face them, though."

"We know," was her reply. My question answered, I helped her pack up the board from the foot of the dais. At last, I stood up and stretched.

"Have a good night, Luna. Watch well, and sleep peacefully."

"We give thee thanks for thy wishes, and shall ensure thine dreams are sweet."

And with that, I went once more to bed, where dreams claimed me. Ones of hearth, home, and family.

The next day was veritable flurry of activity, castle servants scrambling to prepare for the recently announced ball. Tables were set up, decorations quickly strewn all over, and the kitchens were in chaos when I tried to go for my breakfast. Tired of dodging all the castle staff, I eventually ducked into a sitting room. While I wasn't expecting anyone to be present, the two who ended up being here brought a smile to my face.

"Apologies for the intrusion ladies, I hope you don't mind if I duck in here? It's quite chaotic outside, you see," I asked Fluttershy and Rarity, who were apparently taking the time to talk over some tea.

"Oh of course not darling, make yourself comfortable. Would you care for a cup? This is an excellent chai blend," Rarity answered, offering me a teacup with her magic. For her part, Fluttershy simply nodded, recovering still from my rather sudden intrusion.

"Thank you kindly, I will most definitely have some," I replied, sitting down in a chair next to Rarity while taking the teacup from her magic. A tentative sip from it brightened my already chipper mood. "You are quite right, I haven't had tea on par with this in about... two-hundred thirty-seven years? I think?"

"I am quite glad you enjoy it dear. Although, I would have thought you of all people would drink only the best."

"Theoretically I would, but to be quite honest I don't treat myself all that often. Not to say I'm some kind of ascetic, I have a palace that takes up a significant chunk of a hemisphere, but these days I try to live with the minimum my servants allow me to get away with. I had a century of straight hedonism and... well let's just say that if you have only the best and most pleasurable all the time, it leaves nothing for special occasions."

"Quite right darling, quite right indeed. Well, back to our original conversation Fluttershy, I do believe I can work on those blankets you asked for. I'd hate for those adorable wittle critters of yours to get cold this winter."

"Thanks Rarity. It means quite a lot to both me and my creatures. Just let me know how much it'll cost," Fluttershy replied in her usual soft spoken tone.

"Nonsense dear, you take care of my Opal so well, it's the least I can do."

And thus did our conversation continue, bouncing between animal talk, fashion discussion, and Canterlot itself. Eventually though, Rarity asked me quite the interesting question.

"So Light, what do you think of Canterlot? Isn't it simply divine? All the class, the prestige, the wealth... it's simply wonderful," Rarity asked, being lost in a daydream towards the end.

"Well, to be quite honest, I have yet to leave the castle. It's alright though I suppose, nothing compared to the Imperial Palaces on Eternity and Terra, but there is a level of rustic charm and class that I quite like."

"Yet to leave the castle? It's alright? RUSTIC?!" Rarity exclaimed, steadily getting more dramatic with each word. Fluttershy simply shook her head ruefully at her friend's outburst. "Oh no darling, that simply will not do. We MUST get you out on the town. I'm certain you've just not seen enough of it to form a good opinion yet."

"I suppose not," I said with a slight chuckle, "Though I'm interested to see how you'll top Terra. Let alone Eternity."

"What do they have that we don't?" Rarity asked indignantly with a hoof to her chest.

"Terra itself is gorgeous in the night, even if the light pollution is excessive. City stacked upon city, neon shining into the blackness while people dance, drink and are merry. Even as fortunes are won and lost in the great battlegrounds known as Terra's clubs and manors. And that is to say nothing of Eternity, while Terra may be the unofficial center of my power, Eternity is the ceremonial one. Trillions barely even make a dent in its living space, the various shells of it practically entirely uninhabited. You can make a trip to her deepest levels and back within a few hours to you, but in the meantime decades will have passed in the galaxy as a whole," I replied, my tone becoming more wistful towards the end. I both despised and missed my homes.

"Well, I'll only believe you when you show me. But regardless I simply must show you Canterlot itself! I cannot believe the princesses have kept you in here all this time!"

"Not been that long. I've spent a year straight inside my palace before, not going outside," I commented. She simply stared at me.

"Not to be terribly rude, but it is quite jarring to have another one as, ah, well-seasoned as the princesses, as it were."

"You can just say I'm an ancient, decrepit man, Rarity. I won't take offense," I told her, desperately trying to keep a straight face. I broke into a belly laugh as Rarity's mouth hung open aghast, and Fluttershy giggled behind her hoof. Eventually the white unicorn also gave a few polite giggles as well. "It feels odd to have people so... comfortable around me. Most either grovel despite my protests otherwise, or stare at me with barely disguised disdain for what I represent."

"Well, we used to be like that with Celestia too, but we've interacted with her a lot more because of our friendship with Twilight. Eventually you realize that even if someone is old and powerful, that doesn't mean you can't be friends with them," Fluttershy explained. I wished she could beat that into the heads of my subordinates. What I would give for friends like these.

"Ah, look at the time! I simply must get back to work," Rarity suddenly interjected, hopping out of her chair.

"What for?" I asked as she began to pack up the tea set.

"Well, with the upcoming ball, all of us chose to stay here for a couple extra days to participate. Unfortunately nobody aside from me had the foresight to bring formal gowns, so now I'm working on clothes for my friends," Rarity explained. I nodded in understanding before standing up myself. I assisted in cleaning up, before politely opening the door for the mares. Rarity practically sung my praises for such simple acts, which I found quite entertaining. I bid the girls farewell, before heading back to my room, once again dodging staff along the way.

Eventually, I settled down at my drawing desk once again and finished the work I had begun yesterday. Truth be told it would take years for ponies to fully digest and adapt Imperial organ growth techniques, but this would put them ahead by a century at least, I believed. I smiled at the thought of how many livelihoods this would save, and unlike the technology back when humanity perfected it, I had a feeling Celestia would ensure all could have access to it. Such were the benefits of being an autocrat, especially in a peaceful society. I tried my best, but frankly unlike ponies, most species of the galaxy were selfish by their nature. That didn't make them evil per se, simply far, far more difficult to work with. Especially when it came to trying to give people free stuff.

I then began to brainstorm the next thing I would give in recompense, and more ideas to make pony lives better and longer started filling my head.

---- Discord ----

The worst part of being encased in stone was just how boring all of it was. The same sights, sounds, and I'm sure the place would even smell the same, if I could smell. Would it kill dear Celestia to move something just slight left? Or to plant some new flowers? Hence why I was so excited when the boredom was finally broken by something.

Initially, I was pleasantly surprised. What better chaos than some unknown species arriving to Equestria, in Celestia's student's home, no less? But as I observed, I noticed something that horrified even I. See, all living things in Equestria possess some Chaos Magic. Such is the natural state of turmoil that all living beings have. But this one... he not only lacked the innate chaos of life, but he almost seemed to sap it from the things around him.

And that, to me, was something of my very worst nightmares. Not only would he be utterly immune to meddling with his person, but anything he touched that contained my magic would simply revert back to its natural state. There was no telling what would occur if he managed to lay a hand on me.

Thus, I began to think, and quite seriously too. Unusual for me, but when my existence is on the line, what am I to do? Ignore it, like I ignored those sisters and the Elements? At least they had no intent to kill. And truth be told, even with such intent, the Elements could never have done such a thing.

My mind finally settled on an ancient idea. One I had used long ago, to fight another powerful foe. It was indirect and required substantial and careful puppeteering; additionally, it would mean another year or so willingly trapped in stone, despite the Elements finding new masters.

But it was my only shot at even having a chance at survival outside my stone prison. And the pieces needed to be set in motion immediately.

---- Lux Aeternus ----

I double checked my appearance in the mirror, ensuring my mustache was immaculately oiled. The past couple days had been quite chaotic in the castle, and even Luna was busy helping her sister prepare everything for the ball. Such short notice made things infinitely harder on everyone, but the Canterlot nobles would never in a million years miss a castle ball. They, as well as many other influential individuals, would most certainly be there tonight.

As I strapped my sword on, completing my outfit, I thought back over the past couple days. The princesses decided I would enter after the other guests arrived, to be welcomed in the fashion of a foreign diplomat. Unfortunately my lack of a retinue made things difficult, especially in terms of finding someone capable of running the orchestra required for the Imperial Anthem on short notice, but apparently the ambient magic of this world made ponies rather natural musicians and singers. It only took me singing a couple lines, and they instantly knew the rest somehow. Frankly, it was a little scary.

Beyond that, I watched Rarity work for a couple hours earlier today. She was impressive in her sheer skills, much like Pinkie I was tempted to offer her a position in my entourage as my personal tailor. I wondered at what she could do if provided access to modern materials. Much like Pinkie though, she politely refused my offer. Unfortunate.

Additionally, Twilight and I talked much, admittedly partially due to Luna being unavailable. Her insatiable curiosity was quite adorable, and she herself was quite knowledgeable in magic. Speaking of which, it was quite fascinating how advanced their psionics were. Frankly, many of the more subtle applications she said this wizard named Starswirl came up with were undreamt of by our greatest psionics. I mean, time travel? The spell she described was beautifully simplistic yet immensely complex, in order to allow one to transfer across time. I actually feared what would occur if these ancient tomes ever made it to the Imperium at large. Equestrian magic schools could quickly supplant the budding psionic institutes of my own empire. We made an agreement, that she would teach me magic while I taught her the history of the Imperium above. Perhaps one of the alicorns may have more knowledge than Twilight, yet based on Celestia's rather hands off teaching style, I figured I might learn more from Twilight regardless.

My attention snapped back to the present as I arrived at the entrance to the castle foyer. Several guardsponies stood nearby, and after I gave a quick nod, two opened the doors for me. I stepped inside, my pace careful and head held high as I began to walk towards the landing where Luna stood.

"Presenting his Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Mankind, Eternal Light!" the pony herald to the right of the door announced. 'Drumbeat of the Pulsars,' the anthem of the Imperium, played as I continued my steady march. It was quite an old song, written in honor of the pulsar lighthouses we used to map out the stars. The very same I used to pinpoint my location here within the Milky Way.

Right as the song ended, I took the last step to be on eye level with Luna, deliberately choosing not to climb up to the landing and tower over her by a few inches. Neither of us bowed.

"I thank you for your hospitality, Princess Luna. I am admittedly quite excited by the thought of what you have in store," I state, giving her a small smile. A smile she quickly returned.

"And we welcome thee to Equestria, fair Emperor Lux. Tis not often we receive a new species, and never one from beyond our own star."

"Indeed," I replied, before turning around and standing to her right, facing out towards the gathered crowd of Canterlot elites.

"Let the festivities commence!' Luna announced in the Royal Canterlot Voice, spreading her wings out. I swear she would have given me tinnitus if the nanites didn't repair my ears.

Almost instantly I was swarmed by dozens of ponies, all jockeying for my attention. Quickly the swarm carried me down the stairs, away from Luna who was laughing at me from the top of the stairs. I shot her a glare while she gave an apologetic look.

Finally, the tide seemed to slow down as we entered the ballroom itself. Quite stunning, done in the same style as the rest of Canterlot Castle, though now it seemed to shine extra bright. Off to the side of the dance floor food and punch were located, while serving staff carefully picked their way through the crowd, giving away glasses of wine and picking up empty glasses. My eyes fell on the reason I was finally released from the pony wave.

A unicorn stallion in a well appointed suit with a top hat and monocle strode towards me. Ponies seemed to part before him as he walked, and it was quite obvious he was very important. Or at least, people seemed to think he was. He gave a bow, and while it was shallower than Imperial tradition dictated, I gave a nod of respect in return.

"And who might you be, good sir?" I asked as he raised his head.

"Fancy Pants, your majesty. One of Princess Celestia's trusted advisors, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance," the unicorn replied in an accent that reminded me of the old English royalty.

"Well met, and please, just Lux or Light. Honorifics are quite bothersome in conversation."

"Very well then, Light. I very much so hope we can-" he began, only to be cut off as some sort of pink blur careened into him. The nobility surrounding us gave a gasp as he was knocked off his feet, and sent sprawling by none other than Pinkie. My ears picked up the clopping of hooves as the rest of the Elements soon caught up.

"Now Pinkie, what have we said abo-" Rarity began as she gracefully picked her way through the crowd, only to lay eyes on the tangle of legs and hooves on the ground before me. Somehow the alabaster unicorn managed to grow paler, though the science behind that was beyond me. Suddenly she seized Pinkie in her magic, and floated the earth pony upright beside her. "Sir Fancy Pants, I apologize for my friend, sh-"

Her apology was cut off by laughing. The full, unbridled, definitely uncouth belly laugh of a human. Rarity's eyes grew wide, and just when it seemed they could not grow wider, Fancy Pants joined me. There was an awkward moment where only the two of us laughed, before soon the entire room was filled with laughing, I extended a hand, which Fancy gladly took, and the stallion stood up. I made eye contact with Pinkie, and she gave a wink which I returned. She was a master at breaking the ice.

"Oh it is quite all right miss...?" Fancy began, looking towards Rarity. She was too stunned to speak, and thus I chose to answer for her.

"This is Rarity, a friend of Celestia's student and one of my favorite conversation partners while I've been here at the palace."

"Is that so? Well then Rarity, you simply must join me for tea one day. I would quite like to get to know you better," Fancy said to the unicorn, who was on the verge of fainting.

"Yes... yes I would be delighted," she managed to choke out. Fancy then turned his attention back to me.

"Care to join me in sampling this fine spread? The castle staff seem to have outdone themselves once again," he asked, beckoning me towards the tables lined with food.

"If you'll have me. I haven't eaten since awakening."

"I forget you share Luna's sleep schedule," he said after a moment of confusion. I noted how unlike with Celestia, he didn't use her title. Based on the fact that Luna hadn't mentioned him, I doubted that was due to familiarity.

"Indeed. Most supplicants have jet lag regardless, so my odd sleeping habits don't really affect much at all," I replied. When he looked at me with a raised eyebrow, I continued, "Other planets have different rotation speeds. Days can be longer or shorter compared to the standard Terran Day. As a result, regardless of when I open court, at least some people will be showing up during what feels like midnight to them. Thus I host it whenever I wish to, which just so happens to be during the evening. It is quite curious how Equestria shares the same day length, approximately, as at home in our northern hemisphere."

He blinked, then nodded in false understanding. Must be an odd concept to grasp when your sun and moon require manual moving. We didn't speak much as we collected our food, I also placed an order for the kitchens to make me some meatballs to go with the spaghetti they had laid out. Eventually we found our places at a table, and were joined by a few other ponies. The way they looked at Fancy Pants was quite familiar. It was reminiscent of the look a child would give their father, desperately craving his approval. A table of sycophants. Great. I suppose blame could not be placed entirely on Fancy Pants himself though, unfortunately such groups simply manifest around those with power. And often it takes years to truly notice it.

"So then, how has it been living in the castle? Many a creature would dream of such luxuries," Fancy asked, attempting small talk.

"As I told Rarity, Canterlot has quite the rustic charm to it. I would love to spend a vacation here, in all honesty."

And much like Rarity's initial reaction, everyone sharply took a breath. Perhaps I could have left the word rustic out.

"I meant ah, less densely populated," I hastily corrected. A pitiful save, but the ponies let out a breath. Apparently years of being the top dog had left my actual diplomatic skills... rusty.

"Well, we ponies do like our large living spaces," Fancy replied with a chuckle.

"So I've noticed. My living space is quite sizable, especially for a diplomat's apartments. Clearly your princesses waste no expense in terms of hospitality. This ball proves that."

"They are quite generous indeed. Why, the Princess's school for unicorns proves that. Allowing all young fillies regardless of status to attend and learn if they have talent is truly commendable. Do you have anything similar?"

"Somewhat. The Imperial University of Psionics on Terra is quite prestigious, and only accepts the best. Regardless of where they come from, and for no cost," I answered. I resisted the urge to sigh. His 'conversation' was no doubt a more subtle form of interrogation really. I couldn't fault him for it, I would do the same thing in his shoes. It was simply that I had gone through this thousands of times, and eventually it gets quite boring. I supposed I could simply refuse to play along, but I too required information. And much could be gleaned even from what questions he asked.

"Ah, so your kind can use magic then?"

"Not naturally, no. But we found a way," I replied, purposefully vague. As much as I would've liked to keep my 'magic' hidden from the populace, I doubted I could do so for long. Besides, telekinesis was useful for reaching the tops of bookshelves. I would keep the machinery in my head a secret though. Best they didn't know that I had almost as much silicon as gray matter crammed in there.

"Impressive indeed. It seems your people are quite inventive, if what little the Princess told me is true. Who would even think to go between the stars?"

"It has been a long time dream of mankind, and if I hadn't led us there someone else would have. The vast expanse of the cosmos is beautiful, and we children of Terra have always wanted to be amongst the heavens," I replied, a genuine smile creeping across my face. "You ponies should stargaze more often. The sun's light hides the glory of the constellations above."

Fancy Pants frowned, before giving a shrug and saying, "Perhaps one day."

And so did our conversation continue, Fancy Pants carefully probing as I played along. I gave him what he desired, though as the princesses asked, I carefully withheld information. It was quite easy, considering how roundabout our conversation was. And if I had any luck, perhaps he would think me a fool who was easily manipulated for information rather than a cooperative peer. Being underestimated was almost never a bad thing.

While Fancy Pants did his questioning, I took the time to observe the ball itself. Twilight and her friends were up to some most curious antics, with the exception of Fluttershy who, if I had to guess, had slipped out a door to the castle gardens. For her part, Rarity was engaged in damage control. Apologizing as Twilight bumped into a group of talking ponies while dancing, bringing a new wine glass to a noblepony after an aerial trick by Dash knocked it over, and other such things. I assumed that while the ponies were all quite annoyed by their activities, who could outwardly say anything against heroes of Equestria?

It was then that I noticed the distinct lack of an individual. I frowned, not seeing Luna anywhere. She of all individuals should have been mingling. Curious. I waved over a serving girl, and asked for a soda. After a few minutes, she came back with an open bottle of cola. Taking it, as well as a couple spare wine glasses, I looked over at Fancy Pants.

"Well, I have quite enjoyed our conversation. Perhaps we shall speak another time. For now though, I must take my leave. I had a few other ponies I wished to talk to," I said as I stood up.

"Ah, well, we simply must meet again. I'll send a letter of invitation at some point, keep an eye out for my seal. Have a good evening," he replied, carefully hiding displeasure at being the one to be dismissed, rather than vice versa. I couldn't decide if I liked or disliked him. He reminded me much of myself during my first century.

With that, I stood up and began my hunt for a princess. It didn't take long, the guards told me she had gone outside, to the gardens. I then quickened my pace, working my way through the gardens methodically, until I caught a glimpse of yellow and pink hiding in a nearby bush. I walked over, and crouched down.

"Just because I eat meat Flutters, doesn't mean I'll eat you," I said to the bush. A small 'Eep!' was given in return.

"No... but she will," the pegasus whispered harshly, not moving from her hiding place.

"She?"

"N-n-nightmare Moon."

"Really? Didn't you destroy that creature with the Elements?"

"Yes, b-but I just saw her a few minutes ago."

"And you're certain it wasn't simply a non-evil Princess Luna?" I asked as I rolled my eyes.

"No..."

"So will you come out then and point me towards where she went?"

Her lack of response made me sigh. I set down my cola and glasses. Moving quickly, I dove into the bush and wrapped my arms around where I thought her barrel was. I then stood up, dragging a flailing pegasus out of the bush with me.

"Now then, where did she go?"

A hoof nervously pointed down a path I knew led to that gravity-defying fountain I had seen earlier. And so with Fluttershy, who had now curled up into a small yellow ball in my arms, I began to walk. The glassware and soda followed behind me in my psionic grasp, as both my hands were occupied.

After a few silent minutes of walking, we finally arrived at the fountain. Luna didn't turn as the heavy footfalls of my boots approached.

"See Fluttershy? It's just Luna," I said, and the pegasus uncurled slightly to look outward. Unfortunately she didn't calm down at the sight of the princess's more diminutive form. This was apparently going to be quite difficult. I set my drink down on the fountain edge, before moving to stand beside Luna, her flowing starscape mane obscuring her eyes. Fluttershy was now violently shaking.

"I'm going to set you down now, okay? No running," I told her, before placing the shivering mess on the ground. She wasn't even this bad with me. I wondered at just how awful this 'Nightmare' creature was to have garnered such a reaction. Just as I moved my hands away from Flutters and stood up, she started to bolt. I seized her in my magic with a tinge of annoyance, before bringing her back beside me.

"Let her go, Lux. Do not torture our subject with our presence any further," Luna spoke up. Reluctantly, I released Fluttershy from my telekinetic grasp. She could've beat Rainbow in a race at that moment. I then hovered the soda back into my hands, and began to divide it amongst the two glasses I brought. I then levitated one glass over to Luna. She eventually took it, after I practically shoved it into her face.

"Makes me feel better. Haven't touched alcohol in... many years. Who knew that age doesn't necessarily give good self-restraint," I said, swirling the fizzy drink in my glass.

"We thank thee, Lux," she replied, though she didn't take a sip. Now came the fun part.

"That bad, huh?" I asked softly. I already knew the answer. While it may not have been a party for her per se, she was still its host. And here she was, alone in the gardens, ignored. She didn't respond for quite some time, and I was quite alright to just stand and look at the heavens. We had millennia, no need to press her.

"Is it a sin to want people to like you, Lux?" was all she said in response after nearly fifteen minutes.

"Quite the opposite. It's only a natural desire for all social creatures."

"Then why do ponies act like it's a crime for us to talk to them?" she began quietly, before slowly growing in volume. "We are their princess! While our sister has ruled it for the past thousand years, we along with her founded it. We ruled together! I wrote half the laws they follow as gospel, I fought and bled and nearly died for them! And when I dared to ask for the same love they gave Celestia, they shunned me!" she continued, and for the first time since I had met her she used first person singular pronouns. "And now they revile me as a monster, even after my cleansing! They hate me almost as much as my dearest sister loves me!" she shouted into the night, using the Royal Canterlot Voice. Luna then turned to me for the first time since I arrived, tears flowing freely. The matted down fur around her face alerted me to the fact that she had been doing so likely since before I arrived. "Even Twilight Sparkle's friend couldn't stand to be around me. What hope do I have?"

"You befriended me perfectly fine."

"Ah yes, the alien from outer space. Truly this gives me great hope, that I relate with an alien more than my own subjects."

"Fair point. I suck at this, don't I?"

"Thou does indeed," she replied with a giggle.

"I can manipulate the most skilled of politicians without thinking, but cheering up a friend? Heaven forbid. Never seen someone so depressed they switch pronouns before though."

"I usually think in the first person singular, it's just...," she waved her hoof around in the air, trying to come up with an explanation, "The royal 'we' reminds me of my era. Simpler times when Tia and I could just blast our foes with magic, or marshal legions to fight. The nobility just let us do whatever we wanted rather than questioning where we choose to breathe."

"I understand, the same goes for this sword. I can't remember why it's important to save my life, but I'm always calm with it. Even if it never really matches my outfits."

"Tis indeed quite tacky."

"And your manner of speaking makes you sound like an old hag."

"To tacky swords, ancient lexicon, and being terrible at interpersonal relationships!" she declared, raising her glass.

"That's a long ass toast, Luna," I said as I clinked my glass with hers. We then both drank simultaneously. Two things were wrong. One, the soda was flat.

Two, my nanites started working overtime as I felt a burning in my stomach. Then my heart. Luna heaved to my side, vomiting on the floor. At first I attempted to magically purge my blood, but whatever poison used had been mixed with... nullstone? How in the hell did they get any of that here? Thus I would have to endure the pain until my nanites filtered the stuff out of my blood. I assumed cyanide due to the burning sensation and lack of odor or taste.

Just as I was about to breath out a sigh of relief, I remembered my friend beside me. On the ground. In a puddle of her own vomit, her horn glowing desperately.

Thinking quickly, I snapped a small cylinder into existence in my right hand. I then injected the contents of it into her bloodstream. The same nanites that flowed in my own veins now worked desperately to clear hers of poison. I watched apprehensively as they worked, with Luna eventually fading into unconsciousness. I nearly panicked, but the slow rise and fall of her chest said otherwise. I gently picked her up, before sprinting into the castle, crying for help.