Have you ever met someone who had more influence or was more popular than you ever would be? Have you ever sat down and talked with these very same individuals and found yourself being able to converse with them on an even level? Throughout my life, I have sought nothing more than to become friendly with some of the most popular individuals in my school. I always wanted to know how it felt to be the idol of the student body.

I've tried it back in high school. It royally sucked and I failed so hard that hell had to designate a place for me to land.

Often times, I'd imagine myself being some protagonist of an anime, going through my daily struggles. I'd imagine myself being some sort of zero who would grow in popularity, ultimately being the hero that the school often talked about. Instead, I let my mind come up with all kinds of catchphrases and comebacks for when people say stuff to me. And to my misfortune, I could never say one without stuttering or slowing myself down to think about what I was going to say. Not only that, but by the time I came up with something, they'd pile on the insults before I could even so much as breathe.

Back in my high school days, I couldn't even hold a conversation for more than five seconds without running out of things to say or saying something stupid. I can safely say that those days have been long numbered. Instead, I'm here in another world, the subject of the press. All of this attention for me just setting my foot on Canterlot Castle grounds, it was ridiculous. I didn't come to answer to the tabloids, I came because I had to start my first patrol mission.

Thankfully, I had someone with me who was always seen as the center of attention. I just hope she can give me a few pointers on what to do on my first day.

My first day in Ponyville didn't last as long as I had hoped. Instead of chilling at home, I was assigned to patrol the royal palace in Canterlot. By the time my train had arrived into the city, I was greeted by a slew of journalist who all wanted interviews with the first human member of the E.U.P. Guard. Thankfully, the recently promoted staff sergeant, Rainbow Dash, managed to clear out the swarm of ponies holding microphones and tape recorders. But soon after, I had started to become nervous. The pressure of being a human guard in the land of equines was already rearing it's ugly head.

Though that was the least of my worries at this point.

When we finally cleared the checkpoint outside the castle gates, the throng of reporters stopped trailing us for interviews. When we had entered into the palace, she immediately started giving me my first set of instructions.

"Make sure you don't go wandering off. Canterlot Castle is way too big to give yourself the grand tour."

"Yes ma'am."

"Be sure to keep your head up and your eyes open."

"Yes ma'am."

"When you are given instructions from any of the assistants, follow them."

I quirked an eyebrow at the order, assuming that the assistants were actually civilians. "Ma'am?"

"They're considered as the eyes and ears of Princess Celestia. If they have anything to say, it'd be best to follow on it."

While I continued to walk, I noticed that she was walking ahead with her eyes closed. If I didn't know any better, I'd say she has the layout of the castle imprinted on the back of her eyelids. But instead, she was about five seconds from walking into a marble pillar. "Staff Sergeant?" I called to get her attention.

"S'up, rookie?" She paused and tilted her head back towards me.

"I can understand your desire to look cool, but do you have to wear sunshades indoors?" It was already bad enough that she had her eyes closed, but she was really inviting a kiss from the decorative pylon that sat about a foot away from paying her muzzle an unexpected hello.

Playing off the averted accident, she lowered her shades and looked back at me with a smug smile. "Nondy, you really want me to show all of my awesomeness to those who don't even deserve it?"

You know, I wouldn't mind her putting on those shades and crashing face-first into a marble pole. I'd actually welcome with a laugh. "Nevermind."

Taking a step to the side, dashing all hopes of my seeing her kissing the column, she continued walking forward. "Thought so. Now back to your instructions. When Blueblood comes to you and order you to do something-"

Trailing behind her, I finished her statement, expecting the same orders to go through. "Follow his orders, ma'am."

"Wrong. Celestia made sure he doesn't have any military power, so he can't give you orders. He may be a royal in title, but he's still a civilian."

Well that threw a wrench towards my expectations. "If I may ask, why can't he give orders?"

"Because he's a self-entitled jerk who doesn't deserve power. Not only that, but he also tried to get two of our best-trained guards to fight each other in a duel-to-the-death because he thought that there, and I quote, wasn't enough to talk about that day."

I felt all the muscles in my face shut down, that's how dumbfounded I really was. "Are you serious?"

"Do I outrank you?"

That was a definitive yes. "Okay. But couldn't he do something, you know, constructive?"

Rainbow Dash chuckled at my question. "His response to that. 'If I wanted to do something constructive, then I'd send for one of my wives to do it. I don't do constructive because it wastes time that I could be using at the spa'."

Wow. That's levels of pretentiousness that even Rarity would despise. I guess that's another reason why she was so disgusted to see him the last time I was here. "...So, don't follow his orders."

"Bingo!"

While we walked down the hall and made a left turn, I managed to catch a glimpse of something that was... quite amusing. A white stallion walked out of the colt's room, wearing a black apron with pink, lacy embroidery. As he walked out, he dragged out a mop bucket alongside him. His dual-toned blue mane was a disheveled mess. Instantly, I had pulled Rainbow Dash to the side. "Uh..."

"What?" She asked, seeming annoyed that I tugged at her wing lightly.

"That." I said quietly, pointing to the stallion across the hall.

As soon as her eyes met with the stallion's outfit, she tried her best to keep her voice to a minimum. She failed to do so as she exploded into laughter. "I have to admit, the Captain looks pretty in pink."

"He looks so cute." I agreed, trying my best not to bring any further attention to the two of us.

As he pulled out the bucket, he saw the two of us holding our sides in as we found humor in his appearance. "HEY! WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT! KEEP WALKING!"

"Sir, yes ma'am!" I jokingly called out.

"WHAT DID YOU SAY TO ME?" Shining asked, infuriated of seeing that I was in full guard attire, with the exception of the armor.

"I mean... Ma'am, yes sir!" Rainbow added as she attempted to recover from her laughing fit. She was failing to do so.

Shining looked back at the apron he was wearing and started to turn into a shade of rosy pink. "THIS ISN'T MY APRON! It's Cadance's actually..." That explanation did nothing but intensify our desire to laugh. "BUT I JUST WEAR THIS TO KEEP MY COAT FROM BEING STAINED BY FOREIGN SUBSTANCES!"

I shook my head and cleared my throat. Taking a deep breath to clear the laughs out of my system, I lowered my voice to a whisper. "Sir, I am not one to judge if you wish to reveal your inner-femininity. I won't argue if you so choose to identify as female rather than-"

Becoming even more annoyed at my joke, he started to scream. "Don't you have a patrol to go on? GET MOVING!"

Both Rainbow and I gave him a salute and ran down the hall, past a smelly, yet cutely dressed Shining Armor. When we finally turnned another corner and left him in the other corridor, we shared a brief chuckle of a moment that would make us laugh for the rest of the day.

Rainbow Dash started to reset herself back into a serious tone as we carried on with our day. "Wow. So that's what the princess punished him with? Seems pretty weak." She stated.

I still had a giggle or two left inside of me as the situation had me thinking of what his punishment was as well as his outfit. It's not everyday you'd see the captain of the royal guard wearing a French maid outfit. "I don't think so. I think it's funny how Celestia, in the most literal way, told him to go eat shit."

Rainbow turned to me. "But there was still the-"

I shook my head before she could even finish. "I know he was being an asshole, but I'm not gonna feed to the fire. Hatred begets hatred after all, especially with someone Twilight holds dear to her."

Rainbow sought to correct me on my earlier musings. "Then if you didn't want to add to the fire, then why did you-"

"Because that shit was pretty funny." I openly admitted. Although that might've sounded mean, I took some sickly pleasure in seeing him in such circumstances. And then again, I had much worse revenge fantasies running through my head throughout basic training. So this was practically nothing in comparison to what I wanted to do to him at the time.

"You got a point there. But I think that it would work both ways, don't you think?"

Which is why I didn't press for a harsher punishment. I know Twilight would understand, but that doesn't dismiss the fact she wished that we'd gotten along. And if she wanted us to get along, then I know a way where we could at least cool our shit. "Yeah, but I'm not too concerned with-"

Suddenly, there was a voice coming from further down the hall. "Ah... Gaaaaah!"

"What the fuck was that?" I asked, confused from the sound of the voice.

Rainbow started to ponder on the possibilities of who the voice could belong to. "To me it sounded like-"

"CHOO!" A loud sneeze echoed throughout the castle, causing us to run towards the source of the disturbance. While she took to her wings, I ran after her at full-speed. In a few seconds, we turned the corner and found the source of our sickly screamer.

"Princess Celestia?" Rainbow asked in disbelief.

I started to waive a hand at her, but then I had realized that I was no longer a civilian. Retracting my hand, I instead threw up a salute. "Hey princess? How you doin'?"

"Not so gre-eeahh-Ahhh!!!" She admitted in a nasally tone. She seemed unusually tired, her muzzle was an obvious discoloration from her usual white, now in a shade of red. She sniffled and snorted and blinked often. Her movements seemed more relaxed than what she would normally display on a daily basis.

"You seem like you have allergies." Rainbow guessed as she maintained her distance.

"I've lived for well over a millenium. I doubt something as minuscule as an *cough* allergen would throw me off like this."

I walked up to her and offered to take her temperature, but instead she waived me off. But that cough was a dead giveaway. "You need to take it to the room. You seem like you've caught a cold."

As she spoke, Celestia attempted to stave off her sneezes. "Don't be redi-aheeh... ridiculous. I don't get colds. I haven't had one... oooh... in over six-hundred years."

"You just admitted to getting them." Rainbow pointed out.

"I don't need to rest. I just need to get my work done for tod-aahhaha.... for today." Celestia argued weakly as her eyes started to water.

Rainbow Dash tapped a hoof to her chin as she thought about something. "This seems oddly familiar."

"To what?" I asked curiously.

"Well, there was this one time that Applejack had-"

"A-CHOO!" Celestia cut off the cyan pegasus as she sniffled and tried to walk forward.

I walked beside her, trying to guide her back around. "Princess, let's take you to the room."

"No thank you... I'll be just fin... ahaah... AHHHHHHH-"

And then she inadvertently turned to my direction.

"SHOOO!"

It was just as gruesome as it sounded... Why, fate? Just why?

After we managed to get her to her room, she allowed me to borrow her restroom so that I could clean the spit and mucus off of my face. As I grabbed a towel and started scrubbing, I couldn't help but to think about the one time I was at a party in high school. I was often told that I wouldn't even get a chance to run game on the popular girls. I was told that no one of significance would even so much as sneeze in my direction.

The irony was that statement had now come full-circle, but I was more focused over how disgusted I was.

Walking out of the bathroom feeling a lot less unnerved than I was going in, I stood by the bedridden ruler. She looked at me with an apologetic expression.

"Thank you for *snort* bringing me to my room. I really didn't think I was this bad. And I'm terribly sorry for what had happened earlier." She said with thermometer in mouth.

Still shuddering from the memory of being blasted in the face by a misty spray of snot and spit, I just simply nodded to acknowledge her apology. "You're good."

Rainbow Dash flew in from the other side of the room, giving her a warm blanket to rest under. "Here you go, princess."

The sun princess gave us her best smile. "Thank you both so much..."

"Alright, let me check your temperature." I said reaching for the thermometer in her mouth. As soon as my hand brushed against the glass, I felt a scalding pain jolt through my fingers, sending signals to my brain to withdraw myself immediately. "FUCK!"

"What is it?" Celestia asked worriedly.

"YOU'RE FUCKING HOT!" I said, flicking my hand back and forth.

Celestia gave off a light chuckle. "I'm... flattered." She said with her best shy impersonation, causing me to become quite flustered.

"Oh nononono! I mean temperature wise, not that you're-"

"It was a simple joke." She confessed.

"Oh..." I think my cheeks were running red with rivers of blood, I was so embarrassed. "So I guess we'll send for a doctor."

She reached out to me. "That won't be necessary. I'll be over this within a day."

Not wanting to get burned again, I jumped back from the princess' hoof. "I don't think that's how it goes, princess."

"Your majesty, I'm with the rookie on this one. There's no way you can raise and set the sun in this condition. We need to get a doctor here right away." Rainbow added.

"ACHOO!" Her sneeze seemed to further our point. Yet despite our pleas, she stood firm. "Oh, for what? The moment they'd see me like this, they'll start panicking as if it would be the end of the world. I'd much rather keep word of my illness to a minimum."

"We can't just leave you here." Rainbow argued back.

"I know that you wish to suffer in silence, but if we let you sit around untreated, then you'll catch walking pneumonia, maybe even a bronchial infection. My point is that you need somepony to watch over you." I stated, taking another step back for good measure.

After my statement, the princess seemed to have found amusement in something I may have said. "I see."

"What's so funny?" I asked.

The princess smiled at me, giving me all of her focus. "You finally got acquainted with our pronouns. Twilight has always wrote to me that you were a bit stubborn when it came to using them."

Now that she mentioned it, I did say 'somepony' rather than 'somebody'. Though it still made me a little uncomfortable to speak like that. Teachings since childhood and whatnot. "Oh. I'm still not used to it."

Celestia hummed as she turned over, starting to close her eyes. "It will grow on you, but for now I'm in need of my rest."

"Sure thing. Just call us when you need us." Rainbow said as we both began to take our leave.

The princess stirred behind us, raising herself back up to speak. "Actually, I don't mean to reject your company, Rainbow Dash. But *ahem* I would greatly appreciate it if I was given some time to get to know my newest guard member."

"The rookie?" Rainbow asked pointing to me.

"Mare says what?" I questioned, tilting my head to the side.

"Throughout the past nine months, I've been getting word of your status and doing all I could to ensure your comfort. But you haven't once paid a visit or even gave me the time to know what makes you comfortable. As Twilight's friend, I too wish to get to know you for who you really are."

Wow, a ruler of a nation has asked to spend the day with me. I can't even begin to describe how amazing that is. It's almost like hanging out with president Obama, only I'm not asking him a shitload of questions about the economy and how my student loans wouldn't be paid off until I was around fifty-three years old. "I'm... honored? But I always thought, being you were the princess and all that you were too busy to take visits."

"Well, I do happen to have a day off. And that day would be today."

"Princess, you're sick. I don't want to be a nuisance."

"You're fine. I want you to spend some time with me. Please grant me the company in my hour of sickness?"

I cringed as I tried to argue against it. But before I could, Rainbow Dash whispered in my ear. "Uh, she the head-honcho. Whatever she asks, you do."

Right, in that case... "Princess, you can count on me."

"Thank you." She spoke quietly with a smile. "I'll send you a letter every time I need you to come by."

"Okay."

With another salute, Rainbow and I dismissed ourselves and took to the outside hall. When the door closed behind us, we proceeded to talk amongst each other.

"Well that was unexpected." I said, looking back to the closed door.

Rainbow turned her attention from the door back to me. "Yeah. But that doesn't change things. As for now, your objective is to watch over the princess. Let me know if her condition worsens."

"Yes ma'am." I confirmed my orders, giving her a salute.

"Oh, and another thing."

"Yes?"

She casually flapped her wings and began to hover in the air. "Be yourself. Do you and you'll do fine."

Not even a second after that, she darted off down the hall, a trail of multiple colors followed her as she flew. Meanwhile, I was more or less nervous over me trying to act myself around Equestria's primary ruler.

"Okay, I guess."

"Come... *ahem* ...excuse me. Come in."

Walking into the room, I could see that Celestia was looking slightly better since we placed her in the bed. Though her cough didn't sound the prettiest, she was definitely getting it out of her system. I just had to make sure that I didn't touch her.

"You called?" I asked, closing the door behind me.

"I did. I'm sorry to be of an inconvenience." She said, still giving me the same apologetic look from earlier. I guess she still felt guilty about sneezing on me. I guess it must've been embarrassing for her.

"It's only been fifteen minutes since I left the room. No inconvenience there." I said, walking up to her bedside.

"But I am disrupting your objective."

I inched my hand closer to her to comfort her, but my previous encounter with her caused me to hesitate even more than I needed to. Eventually, I withdrew. "Your highness, you-"

She rolled over to face me, adjusting herself against the pillow her head laid on. "Please, no formalities."

"Ma'am, there's no need to worry about it. As of now, you're my objective." With what I said, she might try to get me flustered up again. Might as well beat her to the punch. "Taking care of you, that is."

Rustlings and the sounds of bed springs squeaking caught my ear. The princess started to move, sitting herself up to allow me to sit next to her on the bed. After creating a free space, she patted her hoof on the bedding. "Come here."

"Huh?" I asked, unsure of how to respond or what to do. I get that she was inviting me to the bed, but what for? I took a deep breath and dismissed any dirty thoughts and took a cautious seat on the sheets. When I came into contact with the bedding, I noticed that the place I sat on was rather warm, too warm for my comfort.

"Do you see Twilight as an objective as well?"

And these questions she asked. Was she trying to warm me up to her? If so, then what was her motive? "Well no! Of course no-"

"Then you would see her as what then?" She asked, inching closer to me.

"I'd see her as my friend, more than that actually." I inched away as I spoke.

"Then why is it that I'm placed on such a pedestal?" She asked, scooting over towards me, leaving me with little room to avoid her.

I started to panic, my heart began to pound in my chest as I found myself bumping against the massive wooden headboard. "Well-"

"You don't place Twilight in that kind of position, regardless of her royal status. I don't even recall you addressing Cadance so formally." She leaned in towards me, looking at me with half-lidded eyes. I ended up scrunching myself against the headboard as I was left with little avenue of escape.

"Well with all due respect, it did kinda take some getting used to, especially with Cadance." I explained as she continued to lean to me. I closed my eyes, expecting her to do what she willed.

"Gotcha!" She whispered as she tapped me on the nose gently. I opened my eyes in surprise of what she did. Somehow, I was expecting her to do something irrational. Instead, she amused herself by flirting with me. She pulled back and gave me my separate space again. "In that case, *ahem* I'd like you to disregard my rank and status as we share our time today."

"Oh. Well I guess we can do that, princess." As soon as I finished that sentence, she looked at me with a rather saddened expression. By then, I had realized that I had just went against her request that very moment. "Sorry, force of habit."

"Celestia is all you need to call me." She asked, placing a hoof on my hand.

As her hoof came into contact with my hand, I had noticed that they were not as warm as I thought that they would be. I mean they were warm, but not furnace temperature like the sheets she laid underneath. I started to calm down a bit. "So, what do I need to do for you?"

She looked to her left and to her right. After she confirmed that there were no others, she motioned me to come in closer so that she could whisper to me. "I... um... I need you to keep this as a confidential secret between you and me."

"Okay."

Celestia lowered her head a bit, looking to me. "Place the tip of your finger on my horn."

I'm not sure as to what she was planning, but if I had done enough studying with Twilight, I knew that horns could be a very sensitive part of the equine body. I just wasn't aware of what she was going to do as soon as I did, but being that she might show me something about her secret, I decided to oblige her. My comfort levels were back to normal as I extended my right index finger to touch the tip of her horn. The very instant we came into contact, a painful jolt of energy ran through my entire arm. "OW!"

"I've given you a little bit of my magic. For now, be sure not to let that finger touch anything else."

She stopped me just millimeters from sticking my sore finger into my mouth for comfort. "...Okay."

She pointed to a large bookshelf on the other side of the room. "On that shelf over there, there is a book with the title Mega-mixtures and Plentiful Potions. Pull that one."

I rose from the bed, still feeling a bit of numbness in my right arm. When I had gotten to the shelf, I started looking at the titles that started with the letter M. "Let's see... um... Ah!"

Pulling the book, it revealed a secret compartment that I suspected would be some sort of massive door. Instead, it was just a small portion of the bookshelf that mechanized and shifted to reveal a small square safe. "Next, you have to open the lock by inputting the correct combination."

I looked back over my shoulder. "That being?"

"Thirty-six, twenty-four and thirty-six."

Oh that's easy to remember. As turned the numeric dial I made sure to turn right, past the zero three times before stopping at the first number, followed by turning left a full revolution and moving towards the second number, and finally easing back towards the final number. As soon as the tumblers of the lock clicked and clanked, the safe door opened to reveal a small incision at the center. "I don't get it, what's with the hole?"

"Now, the finger I just enchanted, place it into that hole there. This is a special lock that only my magic can undo."

Must be one hell of a secret to have one individual's magic be the key to unlocking. Evidently, she's making sure that no one gets into this safe. Looking at my finger, I placed it into the hole. "Here goes nothing."

Instantly, the center of the entire safe glowed a bright blue and bells sounded as the two sides parted ways. The light that initially spilled forth was so bright, I had became blinded to what was in front of me. I had to shield my eyes for a second or two before the brightness cooled down. As my vision came into focus, I saw what rested within the confines of the level-three magic safe she used.

A brown teddy bear... You've got to be kidding me. All of that work for just a... You know, maybe it's best not to ask. I picked up the bear and brought it to the sun princess, who gave me a warm smile as she took her stuffed plush into her magical possession.

"Thank you. Mr. Huggles is my favorite companion for when I'm feeling down." She said as she gave the small bear a kiss on the forehead and proceeded to hug it as if it was her own child. In fact, she showed a rather innocent side to her as she seemed reminiscent of a child holding it's beloved toy.

There's no way...

No, no, just no. There are well over three-hundred billion stars in the Milky Way galaxy. There are just about that many star systems. There are numerous planets that are capable of sustaining life like Earth. There are probably several hundred planets that could possibly exist within our galaxy that has similar atmospheres as Earth. There are well over billions of lifeforms on one of those Terra spheres. And there are numerous species within those lifeforms. All of these scientific findings I will hold belief in, but there is one thing I will not accept for the sake of my personal health, and that is Celestia being the cutest being in existence right now.

The way her large lavender orbs glistened and glimmered as she showered the plush with kisses. The way her mane waived in the windless air, the way she cradled the brown bear as if it was her own flesh and blood. The squeaks of glee she gave off.

Too... much... cute...

Flopping carelessly back into her bed... God that's cute... She placed the covers back over her body. "That is all for now. I will summon you when I am in need of your company once more."

"Sure." She didn't seem satisfied with my response, as she gave me a pouted expression. Her lips puckered and she tried her best puppy dog impersonation. "What?"

"Please say it."

Um... I'd like to call a life line. "Say what?"

"Say my name."

WHEN NO ONE IS AROUND YOU, SAY BABY I LO-wait, why did that song just randomly play in my head? Either way, Beyonce was on the other end. That was more than enough of a hint. Swallowing whatever liquid that pooled in my mouth, I made sure that my throat was clear. I can't believe I was going to call on the Equestrian ruler on a first-name basis. "Okay, Celestia."

A frown showed upon her lips. "You seem uncomfortable with saying my name."

"I just have to get used to it. That's all. I understand that this won't be a casual thing we'll be doing whenever we see each other." I stated.

"Actually, since you will be with Twilight, as she refers to both Luna and me by our first names, I do request that our interactions are casual unless in times of emergency. But in the meanwhile, I'll call for you whenever I am in further need of your company."

"Gotcha. Celestia... Can I call you Celly sometimes?"

"A nickname? I suppose..." Something seemed to brighten up her entire complexion. The moment I called her that name, her facial features brightened to near-blinding levels. She showed her approval in the form of a warm smile.

"Please do!"

As I walked up to the door that lead to the princess' personal chambers, I suddenly felt my heart race at the sight of her door being slightly open. I don't remember me leaving that door open from my last visit about an hour ago. If anything, I always kept the door closed to prevent the disease from possibly spreading. I would be a major fault to that logic if it wasn't for the fact that I was incapable of catching diseases from equines in general. But those thoughts aside, I knew that there was trouble if this door was open. Placing a hand on my newly equipped broadsword, short sword by my standards, I walked into the room.

"You called?" I murmured out quietly while scanning the room for any possible disturbances. Thankfully, when I had walked over to the bed, I saw Celestia peacefully sleeping in her bed, clutching onto her teddy bear. I'm still in disbelief that she would have one of those.

"I guess she's out cold." I note to myself, relaxing the grip on my weapon. I suppose she must've dozed off from waiting on me. I shrugged my shoulders and started to walk out of the room. But what I had noticed greatly startled me. Instead of seeing the hallway as I should, the door was firmly closed. I quickly paced over to let myself out, finding that the door would not so much as budge.

"Okay. You don't lock from the outside. Why are you locking me in here?" I mumbled as I jiggled the handle of the door, hoping that I'd somehow convince it to let me through. While my frustrations started to build, I felt two hooves clench over my eyes.

"Guess who?"

"Ah!" I screamed, strafing myself away from the assailant and drawing my weapon. By the time my blade reached halfway out of it's sheath, I saw the solar princess shaking her head and laughing. "Oh, it's you."

"I figured that some of your friends would do that to you. So I decided to be one of them."

Well, that's a relief. I thought something might've happened to her or whether she was really sick. In speaking of which... "Why are you out of your bed?"

"I told you, if I was to be sick, then I wouldn't be for very long." She said as I sheathed my sword. The moment my weapon fell with a click, her golden magical aura surrounded my belt and relieved me of my weapon.

"And why are you taking that? I need that."

"Because I don't need you running around with sharp objects. You could easily hurt yourself."

First, I was trained to wield that. Second, I could've easily hurt you. But I guess that's all the more reason to strip me of my weapon. "Yes mother." I joked.

Celestia gave out a loud yawn as she started to stretch. The bones in her joints popped and cracked as she started to relax herself. "I've grown weary of the lack of company. If it's without consequence-"

I already knew what she was going to ask. "Sure, I'll stick around."

I took the moment to get comfortable. As I plopped myself on the side of her bed, she followed to join with me. "I've only gotten to know you from Twilight's letters, Luna's dream walks, and Cadance's conversations. I'd figure that I'd finally steal you away for a moment of your time."

"I guess it's really my fault. I'm not exactly the super-social type."

"Another thing you have in common with Twilight." She mumbled to herself.

"She told me about that, about how she was so caught up in her books."

"Some more than others."

I quirked an eyebrow with curiosity. "What do you mean?"

"In the years she was... discovering herself-"

Puberty. "I get where you're going with this."

"Even now, she could be walking down the hall and reading up on some juicy, explicit romance novel."

For some odd reason, Twilight reading porn does seem logical. It would help explain how she could find so many ways to turn me on or how many different methods she could use to tease me. "I didn't take her to be the romance-genre kind of girl. She seems more like a sci-fi enthusiast."

Celestia levitated a book from her shelf and started to flip through some of the pages as she spoke with me. "So what is your favorite genre? That is, if you read."

"I don't say I do, sadly. But I have read some stories with some rather intriguing characters, others with good writing, and a few with unimaginable world-building."

She stopped flipping through her book, slamming it closed as she turned her full-attention to me. "Care to name a few?"

"Well, there was a story I read by the name of Fahrenheit 451. In this story, there was a fireman who lived in a society where reading was forbidden. Everything was automated and done at the push of a button. But he didn't like how he was living his life in this boring world. He wanted something that his mind could expand upon. Thus, he performed the worst, unimaginable taboo."

The sun princess seemed rather invested in the small snippet of information I just gave her. She was literally on the edge of her seat. I see that she was just as much as a book enthusiast as Twilight was. "Oh dear. What did he do?"

"I couldn't tell you. Spoilers. You'd have to read the book for yourself."

Celestia groaned, giving me a playful shove. "That was just mean. To have me invested in such a story and you tell me to go read it for myself."

"Just think about it this way, if you want to know what he did, then you'd have to read the book."

She looked back to the book she still levitated beside her. "I'm afraid that there's no such book here in Equestria."

"Gotcha. I'll bring a copy back from my world." Although I'd have to rent it from Perry Castaneda Library. UT has a large selection of books to accommodate for the large student body.

The princess nodded her head in thankfulness. "My appreciation for you knows no bounds."

"Another story I liked, in terms of world building, was that of the Lord of the Rings series. It was set around a group of nine individuals, each with distinctive traits and personalities. The book gives you a good idea on what the world around it looked like, but I suggest if you don't feel like reading at the slow pace the story sets, then I'd advise you to see the movie."

The princess seemed very interested in the literature of my world. "Once again, we don't have that book."

"Again, I'll try to see if it's available at the library in my world. If not, then I'll just grab my dvd player and find a projector. We'll watch the movies instead." Not to mention, she would probably do both alongside Twilight anyways. At least it would give the two something to talk about.

"Do you know when you'll return to your own world to visit?"

You know, I have been wanting to take a trip back and grab some things. Maybe I could fit that in sometime next week. "Soon. That's about all I know. But I need to take care of some unfinished business here."

"I see. So, have you grown homesick?"

"I have. Not gonna lie. But if I had left this world for mine, I'd probably be even worse than I am now, considering I couldn't come back."

A faint smile started to form on her lips. "That's good to know. I find much jubilation in hearing that you enjoy staying here."

"You know, I've never gotten to know you outside of casual greetings and diplomatic meetings." It's true. Every time I see her, it was either for portal notifications, meetings in regard to my citizenship status or my approval process. Not once have I gotten the chance to sit down and speak with her one-on-one.

"So you have an interest in getting to know me as well?" She asked, seeming relieved that I also desired to get to know something about her. I guess being the ruler of a nation and not having anyone to talk to would be a bit distressing.

"I don't think you're the high-and-mighty ruler your peopl-erm... ponies see you as."

Celestia grew silent for a moment. It seemed that she was busy reflecting on something that either troubled her or seemed like it bothered her at one given time. Finally breaking the long silence, she spoke up. "It's been the same thing over and over for the past millennium or so. Even prior to my sister's exile, we have been referred to as the highest beings of this world, which we aren't."

"You're just like them." I summarized.

"Yes! That's correct. We smile, we dance, we laugh, we share, we cry, we become saddened, we experience love, and we experience heartbreak. Obviously, we harbor resentment and anger as well."

If there's any evidence to prove that, it would be the Celestial-Lunar rift. "If you felt any sort of resentment, what would it be for?"

"To be honest, I could say that it is because I have found love and lost, though I wouldn't call it resentment being that it's just a classic case of jealousy. Meanwhile, others have found their equal and could keep them close. I could only hold bits and pieces of the past, memories that were at first sugar-sweet which turned bitter over time."

"You found love?" I inquired, amazed that even someone that was so revered for so long, who lived for so many years, took the time to indulge in something so mundane as personal relationships.

"I was young and naive, ignorant to consequence. That's a story for another time."

"So, do you get jealous when you see Shining Armor and Cadance together?" I asked out of curiosity.

"I won't lie and say that I haven't felt envious of them."

And being that she envied intimate relationships to a small degree, I wouldn't be surprised that she felt some kind of way about the relationship between me and her prized pupil. "What about me and Twilight?"

"I can neither confirm nor deny my feelings towards you two."

I'll take that as a maybe. "Well, what do you feel about Twilight being in a relationship?"

I think that in the very moment she took a deep breath, I could see her very soul being exposed. For some odd reason, I saw the likeness of her being chained and tied in rusty, sharp wire that dug into her hide. I could see the pain she was experiencing, the pain of her past that still attached to her to this day. "I see her committing the same mistakes I once have. But with only one difference."

"And that is?" I questioned.

"I've long surrendered myself to the one I desired. I relinquished my virtue, my innocence, all because I longed to be loved again. This was shortly after I banished Luna."

A romance that was born out of her desire to feel a closeness that her younger sister could no longer provide. She thought that she could find someone to close that hole in her heart, but it only resulted in even more pain. That was something very intimate of her to reveal to me. It's probably for the best she doesn't go too much into detail. "Not even gonna ask."

"Why? I don't regret it."

But I will say this, she's very strong about how she carries that sin with her. Instead of sweeping it under the rug, she learns from it. But that does bring up the question of something that's been on my mind since this whole approval process thing started. "Then forgive me for asking, but why the stupid-ass law? Forgive the colorful vocabulary."

Oddly enough, she seemed used to my vulgarities. I guess Shining Armor swears up a storm around her too. "In truth, I didn't want any of my students, including Twilight, to make the same mistakes I once did."

"Which was?"

"I forsook the very fate of Equestria in hopes of gaining love. Instead, I gave all of me to him, knowing that we weren't meant to be. Afterwards, I was found out. I could no longer see him again, controversy ensued, even highly-ranked delegates from other nations received word of my folly. I was disgraced and called out of my name. After I finally admitted to my transgressions, things started to simmer down. All of this occurred and resolved itself within six months. For many years, I had a blemish to my name. But eventually, those who persecuted me, left this world as time took them from us. Meanwhile, I remained."

All of those who could challenge her testimony were doomed to die while she yet lived. "History is written by those who live to tell it."

She solemnly nodded. "Precisely."

"But you know that Twilight and I have been close. We wouldn't dare hurt each other." I said as she replaced the book she held to the shelf on the other side of the room.

"That is why I brought the citizenship papers to her, in hopes of giving her the one thing she desired."

Okay, that threw me off. When I had first seen the papers a few months ago, I was under the impression that Twilight had pulled the strings to get me to become a full-fledged citizen. But instead, it was Celestia the entire time. That just raises more questions. "But why? You could've just shipped me out and not worry about me anymore. Instead, you've-"

"And leave Twilight to resent me?" She looked at me with determination, a bitter scowl showed on her face as she spoke. "I won't condemn her as I once was. She has done too much for me to deny her what her heart longs for."

It seems to me that this was all for not only protecting her students, but also making sure that they led happy and successful lives. It does explain the part where there's the marriage shortly after the princess being disgraced and stripped of their title, it gives them a chance to live out their desires. She was forced to rule because there was no one else who was capable. Even now, the ponies hold her on such high ground she's unable to get close to anyone.

Popularity and power can be a very lonely road to walk.

"So... since then, you've been ostracized a bit, right?"

She smiled sadly, looking at me with kind eyes. "I've grown used to it."

That's something I'm not willing to allow. "Oh... hold on for a second."

I stood up from the bed, opening my arms and quietly stood in place. Meanwhile, Celestia stood at me with a blank expression on her face. "What are you doing?"

Mocking her tone, I spoke. "I'm merely being the friend in this situation. I'm sure that you know of the friendship custom of a mutual embrace, a hug if you will."

Her cheeks slowly transitioned from the ivory hue to a light shade of pink. I think this was the first time I've seen Celestia genuinely flustered. I guess that's my payback for earlier. "But... what if you get sick?"

Playing along with her statement, I started to take back my offer."...You know, you bring up a valid point. In that case, I guess it would be-"

Before I could finish my sentence, I felt nothing but the strong impact of another body crashing into mine. Her hooves clenched around my torso and waist as she nuzzled me. I returned the hug, making sure that I made up for every friend she couldn't make. The embrace we shared was passionate, but not to the degree of crossing the defined lines of friendship and into a more intimate affair. My hands rubbed against her coat, each hair tickling my fingers as I held on to her. My other hand could feel the lightness of her mane. It was oddly cold in comparison to her body. Her warmth nearly cooked me as she held me for a substantial amount of time. When she finally let go, I could see just how happy she was now that she could actually be herself around someone. Her lips curved into a beautiful beam. Her eyes twinkled, as much as it did when she held that teddy bear...

At last, it all made sense.

"Thank you so much."

I smiled right back. "Sure."

After we separated, she sniffled a little bit. "I feel much better now." She mused.

"Wait, what happened with the cold you had?" I asked, playing along.

"I may have feigned illness to spend an hour or two with you."

"It seemed pretty convincing."

We both shared a moment of laughter. I don't recall seeing her so carefree. I don't even think that anyone in the palace has seen her act like this. But it's relaxing to see that even the most stressed out being in the country could unwind for once.

Suddenly, she started to cough a little bit. "But in all honesty, I am still quite sick."

"Yeah, I know."

"But I will be better by tomorrow morning."

"That's good to know. Yet I would like to know how that is."

She simply shrugged. "Alicorn magic, it can even suppress illness."

Magic, it's the explanation for everything in this world. And I had none of it... "Right."

"Twilight was right about you. You really do care for others aside from yourself."

Though that came out of nowhere to me, I wasn't surprised that word of my 'accolades' in Ponyville have reached her ears. "It's no big thing."

She walked towards her bed, getting ready to lay herself back down. "I think I'm ready to make my decision on you."

"On me about what?"

She stopped herself short of covering herself as she spoke to me. "Surely you haven't forgotten your approval process?"

"Ohhh!" Like I could.

"I believe, as a surrogate mother, instructor and friend, that you'd be willing to take care of her, in sickness and in health. I can clearly say that I have been convinced. You have my vote of confidence."

"Well... damn. I don't know what to say." Except one thing... FUCK YEAH! I GOT ANOTHER VOTE!

"Whatever you desire."

And you lost me. What did you mean by whatever I desire? You know, I should really get my head out of the gutter. "Say what now?"

"I'm willing to give you a pass to request something of me. Although, if it has something to do with the punishment of Shining Armor, I have already decided all that he will have to endure."

I took a deep breath as the memories of basic training came to mind. "So you've heard of him?"

"I've watched when he threw my letter to the ground, the one stating the calculations for the time that was to be allotted for your physical endurance test. And after I investigated further, I found that he has been suppressing letters you've sent out. It goes without saying that he may have placed you out in front of your fellow peers."

So she really was in the observation deck the day of the physical evaluation. I can't believe he actually showed his ass in front of her and he didn't even notice it. Bet that made any argument he might've had completely invalid. "Yeah. But I have a different idea. I don't like holding grudges towards a person, nor do I like being unable to properly voice myself."

"You wish to omit him from punishment?" She asked, seeming baffled.

"I want you to give him a day off tomorrow." I said with a smug expression.

"But this doesn't make sense. Why?"

"Can we set something up for maybe three, tomorrow afternoon?"

"Like what?"

Clearing my throat and speaking slowly, I wanted to make sure that my words came out loud and clear. Celestia continued to stare at me puzzled while I merely grinned.

"Celestia, I hereby request a no-holds-barred duel with Shining Armor."

A dialog heavy chapter. Also, after the next chapter, I won't be updating this one throughout the month of October. I have another story that I was working on that I needed to update and be done with by Halloween (I'm doubting I will be done before then). But if I do finish before then or if inspiration drives me back here., I'll throw in an update. Thank you for your patience and I'm sorry that I haven't been updating like I should've. But I hope you've enjoyed the chapters I put out this past month.