Isaiah POV

I woke up with little effort. The stuffy air of the shelter filled my lungs as I breathed in and out the humid air. My body felt rejuvenated despite the events from last night. My muscles lacked the aching feeling that I was expecting from the fight within the cave full of the Diamond Dogs. I pulled the dirty covers off my body and let them fall to the plywood floor of the shelter.

I traveled my eyes over my exposed body; there were no scratches, bumps, or bruises visible on my skin. It must've been a miracle that I left without a scratch. I recalled the events of the night. The memory of the fight was still fresh in my mind as if they had not happened just minutes ago. The screams, roars, and yells echoed in my head as the visual aspects flashed before my half closed eyes. The blood, gore, and fire stained my memory with little care emitting from me. The gunfire, spears, and arrows danced-

Wait... wasn't I grazed by an arrow?

I immediately brought my hands and focused onto my shoulder; and sure enough, the wound wasn't there. Was it on the other-, no it's not there either.

"...What the hell?" I quietly muttered to myself. I swore that I was wounded during the fight. I remember the arrows streaking through the air and scrapping me.

I lifted a shaking hand to the shoulder. I dragged my finger tips across the skin; only to feel a slight bump on my tanned skin.

With haste, I practically leaped from my hammock and turned on the lights of my home. The illumination filled the containers in a glow, bringing my skin into the artificial light.

I peered down onto my shoulder, only to see a very faint scar. I rubbed it with my thumb to make sure it wasn't a crease in my skin or a odd mark of some sort.

To my surprise, it stayed. Thoughts raced through my mind as I pondered for an answer. Last time I checked; I didn't have regeneration powers like Wolverine from the comic books.

I took a deep breath to calm myself; freaking out wouldn't solve anything last time I checked, it only made things worse.

With a racing mind, I found some spare clothing and wore it. They wasn't anything spacial, just some torn denim jeans and a short sleeve, red plaid work-shirt. I slid my feet into the steel-toed boots; they were still stained with blood from the night before.

My stomach rumbled in hunger, I hadn't eaten sense my vist at the castle during the morn of yesterday. It didn't really bother me, I'm used to the feeling of hunger. For me, I had the unfortunate luck of having no food with in my metal walls of solitude within the forest of strangeness. I glanced at a digital clock on a shelf; 12:00 PM it read.

"Best to get some breakfast and or lunch..." I thought to myself.

I wasn't in much of a mood to go out hunting or scavenging out in the Everfree. After all, I do have some bits; hopefully they would be enough for a bite to eat.

I walked over to the bag where the bits were held in. I reached into the small burlap sack and retrieved the sixteen bits worth of metal; I inspected the gold, silver and copper coins with curiosity. I slipped them back inside the sack and tied the bag around a belt loop-hole. The bits clinked as I moved around the shelter, getting ready for the trip into the town.

I almost left the shelter when I noticed a missing weight on my hip. I hurried back to my M1911 that was in its holster, I picked it up and strapped in onto my waistline. Now I was ready.

I grabbed the keys to the dirt-bike and left.

<><><><><><>

I reduced my speed as the distance between me and Ponyville closed. My stomach rumbled along with the dirt-bike as I rode along the cobblestone pathway that I assumed lead to the marketplace; if they had a marketplace. The wind made my hair dance as if they had a life of their own. The air was nice and warm, leaving a pleasant comfort in my lungs. I could see some of the towns residents watching me as I steered the bike towards a patch of trees and bushes. I could practically feel their gaze peering at me when I dismounted the vehicle and left it leaning against a red-oak tree.

The sounds of the village grew and grew with each step I looked towards the bustling city. The populace would watch as I passed by various buildings of the vintage-like town. The stares from the ponies held onto me for a moment or two until they realized their actions and returned to their work. I didn't mind them much; I would stare too if I was in their position.

I wandered around the village for a time until I found myself in front of the marketplace I was hoping for. Ponies of various races and colors moved about from stall to stall. From what I could tell, I was in the farmers market section. Customers busied themselves as they shopped from stall to stall. All sorts of vegetables, fruits, and animal products lined shelves and stalls. Their vendors worked in a constant pace as they worked with customer after customer. Vendors hollered out to the crowds, announcing the quality and price of their fresh produce that they had grown. I could hear customer and vendor bargaining prices between each other, both aiming for their desired price for the merchandise.

Ponies continued to watch me as I traversed around the market. I watched the other customers shop, sense I've never shopped in the current situation, I wouldn't know if I was being ripped off or not. I inspected shoppers closely, eavesdropping on them as they steadily came to what seemed like a decent price for a bushel of bananas. Six bits was the price, from what I could tell, it was a reasonable price that satisfied both sells pony and customer. Another two shoppers stepped up, both paying the same amount of bits as the first.

I walked up to the stand as the vendor; who was a mare, was waving good-bye to her last buyers. Her friendly air of mood was dropped when she laid her eyes on me. I gave her a forced smile that loosened her up a little.

I pulled out a silver and copper bit that totaled at the required amount of six bits. "I would like one bushel please."

I slid the coins on the wooden counter of the stall as she grabbed a bushel that consisted of four bananas. She turned around and placed the fruit onto the stall. When she spied my bits she frowned, much to my displeasure.

"Sir, the price is ten bits for a bushel." She stated.

A grunt of annoyance sounded from me, not only to the mare, but the quality of the bananas she tried selling me. I'm no expert on bananas, but they weren't in the best of condition. They were bruised in some places, one of them looked like a pest had gotten into one of them. She was asking for a higher price for lower quality bananas, the last ones she sold were in decent shape and were a lower price.

"The last bushels you sold were six bits ma'am. How dare you try and sell my such poor excuses for bana-"

"It's ten bits or no dea-"

"Don't you fucking interrupting me!" I barked at the now shrinking mare. "The last bushel you sold were six bits, and they were in far better shape than the bushel you tried selling me." I held up the bananas she tried selling me. "Look at em', they're all bruised, theres one less banana that the other bushels, do I even need to mention the sign of pest on one of the bananas?"

"P-Please just go away." The vendor squeaked.

I shook my head. "Nope, I'm not leaving until you sell me the bushel for six bits. If you wont," I leaned in close to her. "or I'll yell pest and show the bushel to everyone behind me." I hissed.

"F-Fine!" She pushed the bushel in front of me. She stuck her fore-leg out to pull my pits into her bag, but I stopped her by enveloping my coins with my hand.

"On second thought, I don't want this bushel. Give me two other bushels please, and make sure they are in good quality, don't you dare give me bad ones like the last."

The mare let out a annoyed sigh. She removed the bad bushel from the counter, turned around and placed two healthy looking bushels in front of me. "That would be twelve bits please."

I then thought of a evil idea.

"...Six." I bargained.

She peered at me with disbelieve in her eyes. "The price is twelve for two bushels sir." She tried to reason.

I shook my head again, I turned around and clasped my hands around my mouth. "PES-"

"NO! Please stop! Alright six bits!" She shoved them in front of me. "Please go away!" She begged.

I let out a chuckle as I tied the stings that came with the bushels together. I swung the bananas behind my back as I began to walk away from the disturbed vendor. I know that what I just did was wrong on so many levels, but I got more that I wanted for a very cheap price. That wasn't the first time I've had to barter, but it was the first time that it had escalated like it had gone. I remember in the days of my youth when my dad had taught me how to barter like an expert; even though blackmail wasn't in the steps.

But hey, it worked.

I navigated throughout the market place for a little while longer until I found the farmer that Twilight had introduced me to; Applejack.

The apple farmer and I made eye contact and smiled. She was the only one of Twilight's friends who I actually enjoyed their company. She waved her hoof to get me to talk to her.

I inspected her stall as I walked to her. The mare had a impressive stall that put the others vendor's to shame. She had apples of varying degree presented for picking for her customers. Not only did she have her trade mark fruit, she also had ears of corn, stalks of celery, cartons of chicken eggs, and bags of potatoes. Her produce was quite the sight, all looked fresh and healthy.

"Howdy there Isaiah, how's the day been treatin' ya?" She asked with her southern accent with a smile adoring her freckled face.

I returned a smile as I leaned against her sturdy stall. "Pretty good if I do say so myself. I woke up with a empty stomach and decided to swing by the market for a bite to eat." I brought the bananas out from behind my back and showed her the two bushels a bartered for. "Looks like I'm having bananas for lunch."

"How much did you pay for them?" She asked when she sold a trio of apples to a pegasus.

"Six bits for both, it wasn't easy, but I got em'." I answered, not mentioning the blackmail.

She let out a low whistle and chuckle. "Isaiah, yer one smart shopper! Six bits for two bushels, that's might fine work ya hear?"

"Yep, I know my bartering."

I quietly watched as watched Applejack sold her farm's produce to customer after customer in a flash. The chest of bits were full of copper, silver, and gold coins. The bits couldn't lie; business was good for the farmer.

Unlike the other stalls that ran a bartering style, Applejack had a price range that didn't change and couldn't be changed. A single apple cost a bit, a stalk of celery and a ear of corn cost two bits each, a carton of a dozen chicken eggs had a price of five bits, and a bag of five potatoes cost six. All of her produce had reasonable prices it seemed. The apples that she had in her inventory looked rather appetizing.

"Mind if I buy five apples please?" I said showing her the required amount of amount.

"Sure thing Isaiah, but you don't have ta pay, my treat!" She chimed while placing the fruit into a bag.

I was colored surprised. "Damn, thanks Applejack. I owe ya."

She shot me a charming smile. "Not'a problem Isaiah, I'm always happy to treat to a friend."

My stomach grumbled for the food that I had acquired at the farmers market, the orange mare chuckled at the noise.

"Hey Applejack, how about you tell me about your farm while I eat? I would like to know more about it." I asked the mare.

She seemed to be intrigued. "Sure, seems like a great way to pass the time before mah brother takes over the stand."

The bag of apples and the two bushels of bananas fell to my sides as I lowed myself to the side of the stand.

<><><><><><>

I laid against Applejack's stall with a full belly and a pile of apple cores and banana peels to my side. The apple farmer who generously gave me some of her trademark apples to me for free, was finishing up about her farm. I wasn't much of a farmer; I was more of a rancher, but her explanation of her farm captivated my curiosity as she talked. I would occasionally ask a question when it came to the more unique produce she sold like zap-apples. I didn't really know how to respond when she tried informing me, but after three explanations later, I got the gist of it... I think.

Unfortunately, our conversation was cut-short when a trio of Royal Guards interrupted us. By the look in their eyes, they were after me. Their eyes were concentrated on me when I turned from to them.

One of the three female guards spoke up. "Isaiah Harper, you are to escort you to the Everfree Outpost on behalf of the Princesses. You are demanded to comply or you will be arrested for resisting the Princesse's orders."

"They finally decided to confront me about the fight in the cave. About time." I thought.

I rose from my laying position and nodded my head in cooperation. I glanced over to Applejack, to see a worried look on her face.

"Don't worry Applejack, I'll be fine." I reassured her.

Before the farmer could answer, the guards prodded me towards the direction of the outpost. I complied and started off in the direction they made me go. Two guards were close on both of my sides and the last mare was right behind me to make sure that I didn't slow down or resist.

We moved through the crowd; making a wake of emptiness behind us. The ponies around us watched me as I watched them; majority of them were mares and fillies, there were very few stallions or colts among the crowd. They spied us with curiosity in their un-naturaly large eyes.

<><><><><><>

The guards directed me infront of Luna's tent. There was tension in the air as the sun beamed it's rays down upon me. I was slightly nervous about the Princesses, I don't know how they're going to deal with me. But the way I see it, my actions were justified. Not only did I do the Princesses a favor, but for the guards too. Who knows of what would of happen to the captives...

I could hear the Alicorn sisters within the tent, there chatter was incoherent, but audible enough to tell that they knew I was outside the tent. The conversation continued for awhile as the guards and I waited patiently for them outside in the sun.

Three whole minutes passed until the white Alicorn known as Princess Celestia emerged from the large tent. The mare had a aura of authority when I met her presence.

"Isaiah, Luna and I would like to have a word with you. Please, enter with me so we may talk." Celestia calmly said.

I silently nodded my head in cooperation and entered the tent as Celestia's wing held the flaps open for me.

My eyes laid on the dark blue Alicorn know as Princess Luna, she wore a calm face as she quietly inspected a scroll that hovered in front of her in magic. She sat at a low table that came just below my knee, her body rested on a cushion with a similar one next to her and one across the table; that must be mine to sit on.

Luna brought her beautiful eyes to me. "So you actually decided to join us Isaiah."

I lowered my body onto the plush cushion. "I immediately jumped at the opportunity because you'd be here."

The Princess rolled her eyes with a sigh. "How flattering of you. It's about your actions last night."

"Why wasn't she using the royal we? I wasn't forcing her to use it, was I?" I thought.

Celestia grasped a scroll in her magic and lowered her pristine white body on the pillow.

"She probably doesn't want Celestia to hear her use it. Her sister might think that she's going back to her former self, and would probably become upset about it."

Celestia gained my attention by clearing her throat. "Last night, a wounded pegasus emerged from the Evefree Forest to inform our guards of a cave that had not only the missing guards, but their captors too. With a quickly assembled mass of troops, the guards marched to the cave with haste. When arrived, they were greeted with with not only one deceased Diamond Dog, but two. The guards then advanced into the gave and were stopped by three Diamond Dogs begging to be saved from the demon that preyed inside."

"And that demon just happened to be you." Luna finished.

I kept my mouth shut, giving the older sister the chance to speak.

"Why?"

"Why what?" I asked.

Luna huffed. "Why would you assault a Diamond Dog den without our knowing? Do you know how dangerous and how foolish that was of you do such a thing?"

I leaned onto the table and used my folded arms as support. "If I told you that I was going to fight, you'd stop me from going and possibly would of exposed the captured guards for a longer time to the dogs. If you had known, you would of sent troops to the cave, and that would of alerted the guards that they were there for the prisoners. Thus, they would've killed them. But when I went in alone, I managed to sneak through the Diamond Dogs, find the missing guards, set one guard free to inform, kill off majority of the mongrels, and save the remaining prisoners." I slammed a thumb into my chest. "I know that it was dangerous and could've gotten me killed. It may have been a very high risk, but you know what? I managed to save the remaining prisoners from being killed, beaten, raped, or possibly all three. I risked my life so that others may live."

Before any of the two sisters could speak, I carried on.

"If you're thinking that my actions were wrong or unjustified, think again. Death was the most merciful thing I could do for the dogs, they are extremely fortunate that I didn't take them as prisoners. Me and rapists don't mix well, they don't last a vey long life with broken glass shoved down their urethra."

The sister's eyes widened when I said the last line.

"I know that full well, that my actions could've gotten me killed. If I died, then I know that I did for the lives of others." I huffed, I wasn't finished but Celestia beat me.

She was conflicted, but carried on. "I understand that the amount of guards that would of been set initially before your attack would of put the lives of the prisoners at risk. But still, you should've warned us. How would we supposed to know that you were killed in a cave?"

"Never plan on dying when going into a fight, Princess." I interrupted. "It's not good for the spirit."

"What about us?!" Luna half-yelled. Her interjection caught both Celestia and I off guard.

The older alicorn leaned over to her sister and whispered something into her flicking ear. The mare of the night let out a long sigh as she closed her eyes; hiding her cerulean irises.

"How are the guards that were captured, are they okay?" I asked, wanting to change the subject from me to the real victims.

"They're in a stable condition. They were in very rough shape when they were sent to Canterlot Hospital's intensive care unit. The physical damage is bad, but I fear that the emotional and mental is worse." She let out a sad sigh. "Nopony should go through something such as that in their lifetime."

I nodded my head. "I agree."

"They'll never be the same if it wasn't for the mind altering spells that were casted on them. But still, it's a tragedy to what happened to them." Luna quietly added.

"Mind altering spells?" I asked.

"It is just like what it sounds. Even though the events are removed from their memories, they'll still have the physical evidences of their abuse." Celestia answered.

"And the dogs, where are they?"

"They're in the Canterlot dungeon, they have a life sentience." Luna replied to my question.

I huffed. "A life sentience, why not just kill them? Or better yet, why not give them to me? I'll treat em' real good Princesses..."

"We haven't used the death penalty in over a thousand years. It's not right Isaiah." The white alcorn said.

"Who said it had to be right? It's rightful in every way, they deserve it. Or like a previously said; give them to me."

"And what do you plan on doing Isaiah?" Luna quizzically asked with hesitation in her voice.

I shrugged my shoulders. "Oh you know the usual, bleed them dry of information, torture them, do everything in my power to make the remaining time in their lives as miserably possible as I can. Hell, maybe even turn them into slaves."

Celestia narrowed her eyes onto me. "Slavery?! Isaiah, that's barbaric!"

I calmly leaned back nonchalantly. "If they're going to act barbarically, treat em' barbarically. It's only fair to force them into labor instead of sitting around in a cell. They're criminals Celestia, make em' useful."

"How can you feel so justified about sending someone into slavery?" She asked.

"Dustin does it. We became stronger when we started forcing our captured enemies to work for us, like I said before; it's better for them to work instead of sitting in a cell." I stated.

"He makes a point Celestia." Luna muttered. Her sister looked at her with a surprised expression. "All our prisoners do is sit around in their cells with three meals a day with a roof over their heads as they sleep peacefully in their beds. Despite slavery being wrong in many ways, it can still be profitable; we can just call it intensive community service."

I snapped my fingers and started pointing my fingers at Luna. "Oh oh, see Celestia, she agrees with my idea! Intensive community service; that sounds great!"

Celestia faced-hooved.

My mind started to drift off to something different. "What now?"

"What do you mean Isaiah?" Luna asked.

"Well... I just slaughtered almost a whole pack of Diamond Dogs in their own den to save the kidnapped guards. Something else gotta happen, things like what I did don't just get ignored you know."

Celestia brought her hoof away from her face. "That reminds me Isaiah, we have an awards ceremony planned for you!"

"W-what?" I stammered.

"Yes Isaiah, we have a public awards ceremony planned in honor of your heroic deeds!" Luna chimed.

I looked at the Princesses in confusion. "But weren't you two upset of what I had done?"

"Yes, but you risked your life so that others may live. Without you, the guards would've never seen another day of freedom in their lives. You removed the possibility of the dogs from harming anypony else, despite never knowing what was within the cave." The white alicorn spoke.

"Wait... so five minutes ago they were scorning me because I attacked those dogs and rescued the guards. But now they are praising me. Make up your mind's Princesses!" I thought in my head.

"I don't want it."

Celestia looked at me as if I grew another head. "Why not? You'll be announced to the public that you 'convinced' the Diamond Dogs to leave the guards alone. Trust me when I say that we wont mention that you violently eliminated them without hesitation to the public Isaiah, we do have our filters."

"I don't want the publicity nor the award, it's just not appealing to me." I stated.

"It won't be that bad." Celestia edged on.

I shook my head in disagreement. "I'm sorry but no."

The eldest ruler stiffened up. "There is to be no further arguing, you will be attending your awards ceremony."

"You can't tell me that I have to attend a ceremony in honor of me, I'm the one that the award is going to!" I complained.

Luna saw the argument between her sister and I was getting out of hand. "How about a private awards ceremony? So that you may get the award while getting almost no publicity from it. Doesn't the seem fair enough?"

I crossed my arms on my chest. "I dunno..."

Apparently Celestia liked the idea. "Your private awards ceremony will be held in two days at the Canterlot Castle."

I finally recognized my defeat in the argument. "...Fine, you two win. I'll accept the reward."

They both smiled.

"We are pleased to hear that Isaiah." Celestia said with a charming smile.

A brief moment of silence passed before I spoke up. "Are you two free to chill or something? I don't really have anything to do until the ceremony."

Luna gave me another one of her strange looks. "What do you mean by 'chill'? Does that you mean you partake in getting cold?"

I started chuckling.

"He means to accompany him for sometime to relax and enjoy each others presence." Celestia informed her sister.

She brought a dark blue hoof to her chin in thought, after sometime of thinking she brought it down. "I don't have any further plans. Do you Celestia?

"I do not have any plans today, the Canterlot council are able to handle some of my duties for awhile."

I let a grin creep on my face.

"Great! We are free chill with you Isaiah. Where do want to meet up or go?" The mare of the night asked.

"I was thinking about hanging out at my shelter. I figured that we could watch a movie or something." I offered.

Their faces lit up at the idea of watching a movie of a completely different culture that came from a recently discovered sentient species.

"That sounds like a wonderful idea Isaiah. When do you want us to arrive?" The eldest asked.

"How about in three hours, that should be enough time for you two right?"

"It should be enough time to let our council know that we will be with you." Celestia agreed as I got up from the cushion. "Till then Isaiah, good-bye."

"Later Princesses, I'll be waiting."

With those final words, I left.

<><><><><><>

I graced my shelter with my presence as I slowed the bike to a stop. I dismounted it and wheeled over to the side of the containers and let it lean on it's metal walls of steel. After all of the riding I have done, the tank would be needed to be refilled sometime soon. I really wouldn't want to run out of gas with moving through the Everfree Forest.

I pulled the key out of my pocket and slid it into the lock of the shelter, twisting them to receive the sound of moving tumblers within the lock.

The air of the forest flooded the shelter when I opened it's large doors. The slightly stuffy air of the metal home was purged as the fresh air moved throughout like a wave.

I could truly say that I was excited that the sisters would be hanging out with me. Most of the times that I've been around them had been required of them; this was actually a choice. I've spent most of my time with Luna; not that it's enjoyable, I'm just saying that I'm glad to hangout with the eldest alicorn.

I removed the pile of equipment that I wore during the fight and threw them into the back of the shelter. Some of the articles of clothing desperately needed some cleaning; some dirt and blood had stained them. I spotted the G36C leaning against a box with a clip of regular and tracer ammunition still inside it's magazine. I grasped it in my hands and removed the mag from the gun; I really don't want a mishap when the Princesses are here. They would be pretty upset if one of them got shot.

I walked over to the back of the shelter to where the armory was. I placed the mag on a shelf and laid the carbine against a crate. I made myself a mental note to clean the gun once the Princesses left.

The living area of the shelter could use a little tidying up. It wasn't really friendly for multiple people to be sitting around and relaxing. I removed the dusty covers off my hammock, took them outside and shook em' free of the dust that they had accumulated over time. I then lowered the hammock down a tad bit so the Princesses could easily get on and off it. The reason I kept it pretty high up so that snakes or scorpions would have a more difficult time getting in bed with me as I slept.

I located my laptop amongst my personal belongings and brought it out into the open. I turned it on and made sure that it was in decent running shape. I felt that three people having to watch a movie on a rather small screen would take the experience away. So, I ventured toward the storage of the shelter and dug around in the electronic sections until I found what I wanted.

I pulled out a silver projector with the name 'EPSON' on it's covering. I struggled around in the box I found it and pulled out it's required cords and some converters. The projectors frame was scratched to hell, but it should still play nicely... I hope. I spent half a dozen minutes for the screen to project on. Luckily, I found it leaning between a large shelf and a wall. The screen was in decent shape, the only defect was a small tear on the bottom left corner; it shouldn't be much of a bother.

The cords trailed behind me as I brought it towards the living area with screen and projector in hand. I set the equipment down a planned out the layout for my little home theatre.

I ended up placing the screen in front of the hammock, and setting up the projectors above where we would be sitting so it could beam down the movie directly on the white screen. I then trailed the cords to their designated device.

After half an hour, I had the laptop, projector and stereo system all synced up. It may have been a pain in the ass, but it worked well.

Once I started mucking around in my personal things, I found the USB drives that I found on my last scavenging mission before I ended up here. I held up a old USB drive in my hands and inspected it, it was in poor condition but it should still play.

I stuck it into one of the USB units. The memory unit's files showed up on the computer screen, it lacked a proper name; '#1' was what it was called.

With no idea where to start, I opened up the first folder and opened it. Multiple videos were displayed on the screen, I dragged the curser on the first video and clicked on it. The video player opened and started to buffer before it started playing.

I silently watched with mildly curiosity as a middle-aged hispanic man video taped his loving family as they ventured around a Fort Worth stock show. I listened closely as the father of the family of four spoke spanish to his family. I laughed with the family as he cracked jokes and talked.

The video finally ended after around the six minute mark. I really wanted to load up another video, but I decided against it; it would be rather disrespectful. If I do recall correctly, he did commit suicide in his home...

<><><><><><>

I spent the remaining time reading some articles in a Playboy magazine. I paid extra attention towards the ladies of the Lingerie Special Edition adult magazine. The centerfold paged unraveled and exposed Miss August 2017 in all her glory.

Miss August was gorgeous. She was splayed out on a kingsize bed draped in loose white sheets. Her curly black hair shined in the spotlight that beamed down on her and exposed her amazing body. I could only describe her body as perfect, she had perfectly tanned skin that would make other models green with envy, her shape was mesmerizing; I couldn't keep my eyes off her, she had a indescribable hourglass shape that screamed sex appeal. The playmate's chocolate brown eyes sparkled with lust as she stared at the camera as if it was her lover. She wore black, skimpy lingerie that hugged her body tightly; like it was about to pop off any moment. She held the double D bra loosely in her right hand and had her left hand next to her head. Her large, natural breasts made two large bumps on her body as if they were hills on her chest. Her cute little perky nipples stuck out and begged for attention. My eyes traveled down her curvy body, to her long sexy legs.

A rather large tent formed in my pants as I ogled at the Playboy model. A trio of knocks startled me awake out of my daydreaming and made me accidentally fling the erotica into the air. I yelped when I desperately juggled the magazine and as the jeans put unwanted tension on my manhood.

"Isaiah, are you there?" Princess Celestia's voice sounded from the other side of the steel door.

"Er... yes. Just gimme a second." I yelled.

The Playboy magazine fell to the ground, I instinctively used my foot and slid it under the hammock. I accepted it's new hiding spot and began to straighten out my shirt. I felt a large bump on my waistline. I looked down to see my excitement still active and wanting freedom; even with pants on, it was still noticeable. I shot my hand down and squeezed the head; forcing the blood down and away, the excitement slowly went away as I started to bite my tongue along with it.

"Do you need help Isaiah?" Princess Luna asked behind the door.

I answered her by opening the door. The concern of their faces disappeared when I gave them a friendly smile.

"Hey you two, I'm glad you could took some time out of your busy schedules to hangout with me." I chimed as I held the door open for them to enter. I watched them as they entered with saddlebags on both of their hips; they were bulging slightly with what ever they held.

Luna turned her head and gave me another smile. "We are glad to join you friend. It's not everyday that we're able to relax with someone such as you."

I let out a small chuckle. "Likewise."

They stopped in the middle of the living area and inspected both the laptop and projector with curiosity in their gorgeous eyes. I stepped out in front of them and used my right hand to present the hammock for them to sit on.

"Here, take a seat. I know it isn't much but it's all I have." I offered while they set their bags against a stocked shelf.

"It's alright Isaiah, it's quite fine." Celestia said as I held the hammock steady for her. "I do enjoy a lay on a hammock in the Canterlot castle's garden, I admit."

I held Luna's hoof as she began to position herself comfortably next to her sister. I was thankful that I made such a large hammock in the first place, I had enough room to accommodate all three of us.

I took a seat next to Celestia, whom was in the middle with her little sister on the other side of her. The ropes held firmly as the hammock gently swayed under a our weight.

"What's in the bags?" I asked.

The mare of the day grasped her bag in her magic and hovered it over to us. She lifted up the flap to reveal various fruits and vegetables for us to snack on during the movie. "There's nothing like snacking on fresh fruit and vegetables during a movie."

Unless it's a slasher. "I agree with that Celestia."

The dark blue alicorn grasped her bag in a deep blue aurora. The mare's was filled with little packages that had different sweets wrapped inside of them. "Let's not forget about the sweets, it would be a crime if we forgot those." She then pulled out a large wine-like bottle. "And some cider does go along well with it also."

I gently clapped my hands. "Wow, you two went all out." I leaned over and opened the mini-refrigerator and pulled out a bottle whiskey. "All I have to offer is this whiskey."

The sister gave me a unsure look. I frowned at their response.

"Do you two drink?"

The elder sister spoke up first. "No we don't, neither does our subjects. Alcohol is actually frowned upon in Equestria and is difficult to obtain."

"A-are you saying that it's illegal?"

She shook her head. "No. It's just hard to have some because majority of the counties in Equestria prohibit the distribution of alcohol."

I let out a annoyed sigh. "So Equestria is basically one massive dry county?"

They both nodded their heads.

"I'm not even going to ask why..."

"But..." Luna began. ",I'm willing to try a small drink."

I was pleasantly surprised to hear her say that. "How about once we're in the middle of the movie, then you can have some."

She nodded her head in a adorable fashion to my assertion.

"Now, let's get down to the movie." I grabbed the laptop, and opened the file with all of the movies I stored onto it. The Princesses watched in fascination as the events on the computer were projected onto the white screen that I had set up.

"It's in color..." Luna mumbled out in awe.

I mirth at Luna's display. "That's nothing compared to it actually playing."

The movies presented themselves onto the screen. I filed down the more viewer friendly movies for them; I didn't want them to choose a porno or something like that.

Celestia and Luna took a really long time when they were picking the movie to watch. They would ask what the movie would be about and whatnot. They were conflicted between all of the choices they had, which Luna voiced.

"Theirs too many choices!"

"I agree." Celestia added. "The movie about the pirates sounds appealing, but the Native American girl movie you informed us about seems really interesting too." She said, referring to both Pirates Of The Caribbean and Pocahontas.

After awhile of the sisters arguing between each other, I ended up picking for them. I chose SkyFall for us. They had their chance to choose and they took too long.

<><><><><><>

The movie went by nicely. Celestia and Luna were engulfed into the movie the whole time. Their eyes rarely blinked as they watched Bond takedown his foes like a boss. When fights were going on, they were on the edges of their seats... well the edge of the hammock actually. They made very little movements, they spoke very little; the only time they vocalized is when they were cheering on James while he was fighting. One of things that struck me odd is when the shower scene played; when James Bond and the chick started making out, both Celestia's and Luna's wings shot out and became really stiff. When I grabbed Celestia's wings, she let out a gasp and moan when I attempted to bring them down so I could see what was going on. Eventually she got her wings to go back down so I could watch again.

Once the movie finished, they vocalized their disappointment; they really enjoyed the movie and didn't want it to end.

"Did ya'll enjoy the movie?" I asked the mares.

They both agreed enthusiastically.

"That was quite the experience." Celestia commented.

"I'm looking forward to the next movie that is hopefully as spectacular." Luna added.

I reached down and grasped one of the many carrots that Celestia brought. Despite it being exposed to room-temperature for over two hours, it felt like it had been stored in a refrigerator. I began to wonder to how it could be, but ended up remembering magic and dismissed the thoughts. "How about some music, I know that you both really enjoyed the music I played when I first brought you two here."

"That sounds like a lovely idea." The eldest approved.

"Give me a sec and I'll find ya some music you might like." I said as I mucked around in my personal stuff. I ended up pulling out a CD case for The Beatles. I positioned the computer onto my lap and fed the CD into the drive. Once the disc was fully accepted, I opened up the file. "Here, ya'll gonna love these guys. They were pretty famous from where I'm from during the late 20th century."

I hit the play button and the music immediately sounded from the stereo system. The mares began to listen with joy as the gently bobbed their heads to the music. Their grins grew bigger and bigger ; they were loving every second of it, I couldn't blame em'.

They stopped their head motion until the music finally stopped. They both gave me the eyes that said 'please play another song' kind of look. So I did.

The next song was aimed towards Celestia. The white mare was thrilled when they started to sing the lyrics. It felt like an aura of energy radiating off of her when she smiled. I've never seen someone so joyful to music before in my whole life.

Every time a song would end, they gave me puppy-eyes until I started another Beatles songs. It nearly broke my heart when they looked at me with their beautiful eyes; how could I say no. Song after song was played, eventually the whole album was finished.

"Please make another song play!" Luna pleaded.

"Fine, just hold up until I find their other album. It's gotta be somewhere around here..." I spent two minutes looking for it with no luck, after another two; I called off the search.

"Oh well. But theirs always more music to listen to, right?" The goddess of the sun asked.

I nodded my head. "Yup, but I'm getting thirsty for some water. How about I show y'all how to shuffle though songs to play?"

They lit up when I proposed the idea.

<><><><><><>

I spent little time giving the mares the details on how to choose, play, and stop songs. They caught on quickly and became independent from my assistance in no time.

After I grabbed a empty canteen from the back, I said my good-byes and promised them I would be back shortly. I planed on going to the stream, full up, and speed back here before anything would dare to hurt the Princesses. Despite the fact that they could eliminate the problem within seconds, I still worried for their safety.

"Am I getting that close?" I thought to myself.

"Well, I am rather close to them..." I mused to myself again while thinking about all the close contact I've had with them.

I travled in peaceful silence and listened to the soothing sounds of the Evefree Forest.

Before I knew it, I was already at the water source. I stealthily traversed around the tree line in search of any Chupacabra or Diamond Dog. I forgot about my handgun when I left; same with any knifes that I usually carried. I felt... exposed.

Once I did my quick check of the area, a moseyed my way towards the stream, dipped my canteen in and filled it with water, and hastily left for home.

My mind went back towards how the Princesses loved the Beatles, it seems to be that I made them fans of the old music.

As I got closer to the shelter, I could hear music blasting from within the shelter. I sighed in annoyance; the Rammstein song they picked just happened to be one of their most obscure songs they produced.

"You've got a pussy, I have a dick-ah

So what's the problem?

Let's do it quick!

So take me now before it's too late

Life's too short, so I can't wait

Take me now! Oh, don't you see?

I can't get laid in Germany"

I grimaced towards how the Princesses were fairing inside. They're probably freaking out and are attempting to lower the volume of the german music.

When I opened up the shelter's doors, my assumptions were correct; the sisters were fidgeting over the laptops controls. They were so engrossed with the music, they didn't notice me trying to scream over the music. I grunted and jogged over to the stereo system and spun the volume dial down.

They stiffened up in embarrassment as I cranked the music down. I glanced over to the sisters to see them awkwardly looking around the shelter, trying to avert their gaze from mine.

"I should've warned y'all about the volume..." I said while scratching the back of my head.

After the little fiasco, the Princesses and I spent sometime causally talking with each. I told them stories about me and my friends back on Earth. The more and more I talked about my home, the more I felt... sorrowful. Despite the uplifting events I told, I had that unsettling feeling ever so present in my body. My speech began to slow when I was depicting a story about Brooklyn and I.

The story was about us when we had snuck out of Dustin and decided to hangout at a large oak tree that was about a mile away from the colony. I manly focused my tale on the events around the destination, when we finally got there, things got rather... intimate; I skipped around that detail for them though. They listened closely when I told them that Brooklyn and I got caught while under the tree. And they laughed in humor when I told them that I was forced to shovel cow maneuver while Brooklyn had to babysit some little children. At least Brooklyn enjoys little kids...

"May we see a picture of Brooklyn, if you have one?" Luna asked.

"Yeah, somewhere around here."

I shuffled around a crate of personal things and pulled out a USB drive that had pictures of me and some friends. I slid the drive into the computer and loaded of a picture of my childhood sweetheart.

I projected a picture of Brooklyn leaning on a thick branch while sitting in a tree; the very same tree I told them about in the story. She wore a red and black plaid shirt that showed her mid-drift and a pair of denim shorts that exposed her long tan legs. She curled her long, dark brown hair and let it hang limply down to her abdomen. A lovely smile was plastered on her face; captivating my heart once again.

I remember her teasing every time she caught me staring at her, I couldn't help it.

"She's beautiful." Luna commented, waking me from my stupor.

"Yep, she's quite the looker, isn't she? She's amazing." I said.

Celestia started chuckling. "Sounds like someones in love..."

"Er, not anymore. I got over her." Liar!

The sisters looked at me and at back at each other; snickering in amusement.

I desperately wanted the attention to get away from me. So, I opened up a picture of me and my lifelong friend; Ramiro. Their laughter died down when they spotted the latino.

The image consisted of both me and Ramiro sitting on a safe that we opened up during one of our scavenging missions for Dustin. We both sat, grinning with pride at the camera that took the picture.

"This is my friend, Ramiro." I introduced.

"Why are you and him sitting on a open safe?" The white alicorn asked.

"Ramiro and I found the safe that was almost impossible to crack. But after three hours of strenuous efforts to break it open; we got it. It proved to be worth the effort; the safe was filled with lots of jewelry, gold, money, and a bottle whiskey that was mighty fine. The overseer of the mission allowed us to keep half of the things inside because we didn't give up." I answered her question.

After a while of showing me pictures of scavenging missions, Luna let out a gasp.

"Oh my gosh, I need to raise the moon! How could I have forgotten!" She yelled as she dashed out of the shelter.

"Careful out there!" I yelled, possibly to late for her to hear.

Celestia stood onto her hooves as she got off the hammock. "I must say, time flies when you're enjoying a friend's company."

I placed my right hand on her neck and began to rub it; receiving a happy sigh from the mare.

"You really need to consider being the Royal Masseuse, Luna and I would be forever grateful..." She mumbled.

"Maybe. Do you mind if I use the restroom for a sec?" I excused.

She let out a cute 'humh' sound. "Fine, as long as you come back and treat Luna and I to a massage on the day of the awards ceremony."

"Fine." I answered the mare, receiving a happy grin from her.

<><><><><><>

I reentered the shelter from my break to see a giggling Princess Celestia and Luna, whom had both splayed wings and redden cheeks. They saw that I was watching them and tried calming themselves down.

"What's so funny?"

"Oh nothing..." Celestia said, still giggling like a little girl.

I accepted her answer, even though I was skeptical.

"We're sorry but all things must come to a end, we need to return to the castle." Luna announced.

"Aw shoot, I guess you're right." I picked up their saddle bags and brought them over. "I really enjoyed the company, it often gets lonely in here." They grasped their own bags in magic and strapped them on. "I hope that we'll be able to chill sometime later. Would you like that?"

"Of course Isaiah, we would love to join you another day of chilling with you." The blue alicorn chimed, making me smile when she used the new lingo she just learned.

I lead them to the doors of the shelter and opened them for the Princesses. The cool night air blessed us with a gust of wind when I held the door open for them to exit. Before I could say my official good-bye, the Princesses wrapped me in their hooves and gave me a tight hug.

I let a smile creep onto my face when they rested their heads on my body with adorable grins on their muzzles. I snaked my arms out of their grasps and returned their hugs. The mares let out a calm sigh as I held them closely to my body.

After a minute passed, I started to feel a little uncomfortable; sure, it felt nice but after a really long time, it started to become a little awkward. The alicorns didn't even notice my uneasy face when I attempted to loosen their grasps. Thankfully, Celestia noticed my movement and loosened her hug, Luna quickly followed suit.

"Isaiah, I would like to personally thank you for allowing us to become friends despite the hard times you are currently facing in your life. Never have we become so close to somepony such as you in such a sort amount of time, we have very few ponies who care for us like you do." Celestia purred.

"We relish in the thought that you have become so close and hospitable to us. Everypony treats us like goddesses and never dares to become so relaxed around us like you do." Luna added.

I was speechless.

"We thank you for treating us so kindly." They said in sync.

"Damn... I don't know what to say."

They nuzzled me once again.

"How can we thank you?" Luna asked me quietly.

I crouched down and wrapped my arms around their necks and gave them a loving hug. "By being my friends..." I whispered into their ears.

The sisters became chocked up from my words. They brought their heads away from my neck, and simultaneously kissed my cheeks. They held the sign of affection for several seconds until they decided enough was enough.

When the sisters pulled away, they chuckled at my tomato red face.

"Well, thank you again for being so friendly and caring towards us. We are looking forwards to next time." Princess Celestia said.

"Good-night Isaiah, sweet dreams." They both said in sync.

"Good-night Celestia and Luna." I chimed.

And with those final words, they teleported away.

Author's Notes:

Hey guys, I would like to apologize once again for my mistake. For those who don't know, I accidentally uploaded a unfinished chapter that caused some confusion among y'all.

Anyway, I hope y'all enjoyed the chapter. I felt like I really needed to bring the Princesses and Isaiah together for the better of the story. As you can tell, I'm staring to bring in more of the mature stuff in. I hope you guys like the choice of music I chose.

Which reminds me... I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THE MUSIC.

Sorry if the title of the chapter doesn't fit with the chapter. I wanted the chapter to be centered around Isaiah's declination of the award.

Well, that's all I gotta say. I really hope y'all enjoyed the chapter. And as always, please feel free to comment and provide information about grammar mistakes in this chapter.