When we got out front, the carriage we were about to ride on was certainly more fancy looking compared to the taxi ones I rode yesterday. It was white with gold framing, the wheels were shined enough to look brand new, and the inside had red velvet carpeting, seats, and curtains. The driver who was waiting patiently out front looked old, taking into consideration his silver-gray mustache, mane, and tail, yet he still had plenty of time to live judging by his sturdy body frame under his violet coat. Like drivers you see in limousines, he also had a blackish blue uniform with matching hat, and white gloves. The guide did mention how earth ponies are more physically fit compared to unicorns, and pegasi have a more lean body structure to allow them flight. Though I haven’t seen pegasi yet, looking at the driver’s and Ms. Star’s body frames at the time (even though the latter’s a little harder to tell with that business suit she was wearing), they certainly took the cake from the guide’s descriptions.

“Good morning Ms. De Lis, Ms. Star, and… Whoever you are,” the driver greeted as we walked up to the carriage.

“Silver Wheel, this is Ozzy Shore,” Fleur introduced. “A human that just came to Equestria yesterday, and our new secretary.”

“Correction, he’s our secretary under initiation. We’ll see if he KEEPS his job at the end of the day,” Ms. Star corrected with a disinterested expression.

“A pleasure to meet you Silver Wheel. You can call me Oz if you’d like,” I greeted while shaking his hand.

“Pleasure to be acquainted Mr. Shore,” Silver Wheel replied. “I’m Ms. De Lis’ personal driver. If you need a ride, I’m at your service.” He then opened the door to the carriage. “So the news station is our first stop Ms. Star?”

“Yes Silver Wheel, and posthaste if possible. We’re on a tight schedule today,” Ms. Star replied as she stepped inside first, followed by Fleur, and then myself with my laptop case before Silver Wheel closed the door.

“Right away ma’am,” he replied before he got on the carriage, and we were on our way.

You know I’m curious how these carriages are able to move. It didn’t look like there’s enough room to put in an engine, and there weren’t any horses pulling it either… Then again with just a hint of magic Fleur displayed yesterday, I think I’ll just let that explain for a lot of things here without thinking too much on it.

As we were on our way to the station, Fleur took the opportunity to teach me a little about Canterlot’s culture, and showed some of the city’s main establishments that we passed by. There was Canterlot Castle, the city’s museum, the central fountain, and the park around it. It’s a wonder how all of this was intact on the side of a mountain of all places, but with everything made mostly of stone, it must be structurally sound. While Fleur and I talked, Ms. Star just sat there, still looking tired from all the calls she answered last night.

Were all of those calls from other businesses about Fleur’s later appointments maybe? Actually, how DO they see Fleur anyway? If what she told me last night was true that they’ve only made ‘friends’ with her because of her occupation, do they see her as some sort of walking bag of money or something? Adding into how she had to… *ahem* Take photos in her birthday suit for some, I’m sure that not only those businesses, but the ponies who see those advertisements view her as some sort of sexual object as well… Is Fleur aware of this? In fact, what made her become a model in the first place? I’ll have to ask Fleur about this at some point when the two of us are able to talk in private.

We arrived at the news station a couple minutes later, where there was surprisingly not much ponies in the vicinity.

Huh, I thought at this point there’d be loads of ponies and paparazzi crowding around about Fleur. Maybe this won’t be so bad after all.

“Alright Mr. Shore, you might want to prepare yourself if you want to live,” Ms. Star warned. “Things are going to get chaotic, and we’ll need to keep Ms. De Lis away from harm at all costs.”

“But there aren’t many ponies out here. Things couldn’t go bad THAT quickly around here could they?” I asked.

“Oh you naïve little foal,” she replied while patting my head like I was some sort of child. “You’ll see for yourself how wrong you can possibly be soon enough. Now, you step out first, I’ll go next, and once Ms. De Lis goes last, cover her fast, and clear a path for her until security arrives. We go on a count to three. Ready?” Fleur nodded with determination, and I shrugged in response. “Alright… One… Two… Three!” I quickly opened the door at ‘three,’ and leapt out of the carriage with my things in hand. Ms. Star followed suit, and as soon as Fleur stepped out…

“LOOK! IT’S FLEUR DE LIS!”

“AND THAT MONKEY FROM THE NEWS!”

“Come on! Let’s move move move!” Ms. Star exclaimed before she and I had our backs towards Fleur, and we shuffled to the news station entrance. My eyes widened in horror for what was coming towards us. A mob of ponies big and small, young and old, and some holding expensive looking cameras were rushing to us almost screaming and yelling sentences that I could barely even make out.

“MS. DE LIS! DID YOU RECEIVE ANY INJURIES FROM THE CARRIAGE INCIDENT?!”

“ARE YOU GOING TO PRESS CHARGES ON THE TAXI SERVICES?!”

“WHO’S THAT HAIRLESS APE WITH YOU?! IS THAT REALLY A HUMAN?!”

“I LOVE YOU FLEUR!”

The mob was surrounding us from all sides, and getting into my personal space. The yelling and screaming was hurting my ears as all I could make out at that point was a high pitched noise, and muffled noise. I tried not to let it get to me as Ms. Star and I pushed our way through the crowd with Fleur between us before security poured out from the building, and cleared a path for us. It was as if they made a pony wall that separated us from the crowd before the three of us rushed inside, and we panted for air as my hearing was slowly coming back to me.

“Are you okay? Ms. De Lis?” I asked between breaths, taking account what Ms. Star said to me about addressing Fleur as such in public.

“I’m fine, thank you,” she sighed.

“I’m impressed. That’s probably the biggest we had before, and you handled it quite well,” Ms. Star commented as she fixed her suit, mane, and tail.

“Do mobs like that happen often?” I asked as I fixed my shirt, tie, and hair.

“Compared to what we just went through? We probably handle 80 to 90 percent of that from big events and some scandals,” she approximated. “Think you can still be Ms. De Lis’ secretary after all of that?”

“I’ve been through worse. I think I can handle something like this,” I replied with a confident smirk.

It’s true that I’ve been through worse cases back on Earth. What I’ve just experienced was being shoved, pushed, and touched in places that were out of my comfort zone. That’s almost being touched by butterflies compared to what happened on Earth, but I’d rather not go into detail on that right now.

“Ah, Fleur De Lis and Shining Star! So glad you can finally make it,” a mare’s voice greeted. I turned to the source, and it was a pale light green unicorn with a blue mane, plus cyan and white streaks styled to make it bounce as she walked. She wore a light green coat that matched her fur, and a white shirt underneath, with a few of her buttons from the neck down to give her large mounds some air. Despite the get up with matching skirt, her figure was more voluptuous and curvy compared to Fleur. “I apologize for our security coming in so late. It was kind of a last-minute appointment considering we’re covering Fleur’s incident yesterday.”

“It’s quite alright Chitchat,” Ms. Star replied while fixing her glasses. “It’s been a hectic time for all of us.”

“And… Who or what do we have here?” Chitchat asked while glancing towards me.

“This is the human who saved me from the runaway carriage yesterday,” Fleur answered. “He’ll be with me in the broadcast today to explain the details.”

Wait… I get to be on T.V.? Fuck, how did I not see this coming? I’m not good with making public appearances, heck, I’ve never even MADE a public appearance before in my life.

“Um… I’m Ozzy Shore… You can call me Oz,” I introduced while shakily holding my hand up.

“So you’re one of those humans I’ve heard about? A pleasure,” she replied while shaking my hand. “The name’s Chitchat. I’m the director of this news station. Now we’ve got a half hour before we cover your story. Let me get you three to the broadcasting room, and we have refreshments and chairs available for you three before you go live. Right this way please,” she requested before she took the lead, and the three of us followed. With Fleur between me and Ms. Star, I took the initiative to ask the former about my concerns.

“Fleur, are you sure I have to be in the broadcast?” I whispered.

“Well of course. Why do you ask?” Fleur asked with a raised eyebrow.

“I just think I’m not all that interesting to talk about,” I explained. “I mean this story’s more about you really, plus… I’ve never made a public appearance like this before, and I’m kind of nervous to make you look bad.”

“Just relax a little dearie. All you have to do is answer questions the news anchors ask you, and you’ll do fine. Plus I’ll be right by your side throughout the session, so now it’s my turn to cover your back like you did mine on our way here. Okay?” She asked with a calming smile.

There it is again. The moment she gives me that look, it’s like all my worries were lifted off my shoulders, a little if not all at least. I can tell that she not only trusts me as her secretary, but as her friend as well that I can do this. I can’t let her down on both cases.

I closed my eyes, and took a moment to breathe deeply to calm myself down. Once I gained focus, I fixed my glasses, and looked back at Fleur with a determined expression. “Alright. Thanks for that Fleur. I’ll do my best,” I said, and she nodded in response.

After a few drinks of water, a trip to the bathroom, and making sure I wasn’t sweating like a pig, Fleur and I sat next to each other on a couch that was across from the two news anchors with a table in between us. The four of us were in a set of the broadcasting room, which looked like to be a place where special guests come in to talk to the anchor ponies about whatever topics that were discussed. Ms. Star was sitting in one of the chairs outside of the set with my things leaning against it. Though it was slightly comforting that whatever’s outside of the set was darkened enough for me not to see many of the staff there, I could tell my manager was glaring at me that said ‘Mess this up, and you’ll wish getting fired was the worst thing that happened to you.’ Then there was the cameras aiming at us, recording live footage that the hundreds… Thousands… However many ponies total in Canterlot, maybe in Equestria as a whole will be watching.

“Good luck,” Fleur whispered to me, which I took the initiative to release whatever tensions in my body, trying not to mind how loud the popping of bones echoed on the set, before I relaxed on the seat, and took another sip of water that was on the table in front of me.

“Quiet on the set!” The camera pony exclaimed. “Going live in five. Four. Three. Two…”

“Welcome to today’s segment in ‘What is up?’ I’m Mic Talk,” the yellow unicorn stallion with a gelled, mint green mane greeted first.

“And I’m News Flash,” the pale orange unicorn mare with a curly, milk chocolate mane added in.

“We have some special guests today to discuss about yesterday’s runaway carriage incident where a certain supermodel was saved from becoming road kill by one of the first human settlers that arrived in Equestria. Please welcome Ms. Fleur de Lis, and Mr. Ozzy Shore,” Mic Talk introduced.

“Fleur, Ozzy, it’s a pleasure to have you with us here today,” News Flash.

“A pleasure to be here News Flash,” Fleur responded.

“Likewise,” I added in with a slight shake in my voice.

“So Fleur, from what the witnesses have explained, while the taxi driver was yelling everypony to move, you stood there frozen in the carriage’s path before Ozzy tackled you out of harm’s way. What were you doing there yesterday, and what is up with the dramatic save?” News Flash asked.

Come to think of it, what was Fleur even doing out in public like that in the first place? And how come Ms. Star wasn’t around the scene as well?

“Well before the incident, I was enjoying my day off watching the Canterlot Symphony while my manager was spending hers at the spa I treated her to,” Fleur explained. “During the intermission… I stumbled across Solar Flare.”

I noticed her expression changed from calm and collected, to looking irritated and… Sadness? At the corner of my eye, Ms. Star’s expression went from shock, to what was probably the fiercest look I’ve ever seen from her yet. She seemed to tremble in her seat with anger while snapping a pencil she was using to write down notes in her little book, which had some of the news staff stepping away from her slightly.

Whoa, who the heck is Solar Flare, and what did he do that got these two in such a sour mood?

“That must have been awkward,” Mic Talk commented. “How long has it been since you two broke up?”

“Five and a half years I believe,” Fleur answered. “Though I’m surprised he’s even out in public today. I thought I wouldn’t see him around again longer than that. Turns out he was let out for ‘good behavior’ just last week.”

Okay, I’m guessing this Solar Flare is Fleur’s ex-coltfriend? And somehow he got into prison? Sheesh, I’d hate to be that guy right now.

“Anyway,” Fleur continued. “He had the gall to ask if we would hook up again, and I was so furious, I smacked him across his muzzle before I left the theatre, not willing to stay for the rest of the concert that took place. I… Wasn’t in the best of moods after that, and so I went to the nearest club to catch a few drinks to calm down.

“I’ll admit, I may have been slightly impaired while I walked out and decided to take a stroll. My reaction was kind of slow in my condition at the time, which may have been why I didn’t move out of the way so quickly when that taxi driver yelled everypony to move. The next thing I knew, I was in Ozzy’s arms who was under me, and the tackle pretty much sobered me up a little.”

“Ozzy, were you aware Fleur was in such a condition when you saved her?” News Flash asked.

“… No. I didn’t,” I replied as I looked toward her. “I didn’t even know who Ms. De Lis was when I saved her either. When I saw how she wasn’t moving a muscle away from the carriage’s path, I dropped everything I had to rush over and move her out of the way. I’d be gentler if I could, but I instinctively made the fall where I hit the ground first so she wouldn’t get any scrapes or bruises.”

“So what did you two do after that if you weren’t at the scene of the incident?” Mic Talk asked.

“… I got hungry, and Ms. De Lis treated me to dinner as her way of saying thanks.” I blushed a little from explaining that, and it got the anchor ponies and Fleur laughing. Some of the ponies on staff tried to stifle their chuckles, and surprisingly even Ms. Star who just looked to the side with her hand covering her muzzle.

“So Ozzy, when did you realize you were having dinner with one of the top supermodels in Equestria?” News Flash asked with a smile.

“Like I said, I had no idea who Ms. De Lis was, or what she did for a living up until around dinner,” I answered. “I kept on telling her that she didn’t need to do something like that for thanking me, especially if I knew she was taking me to some place like the Golden Crown to have supper, but she insisted on treating me. Speaking of which, have you seen the prices they have on that menu over there? No offense, but if that was converted to currency back on my world, their ‘Eggplant Casserole Flambe’ would be a week and a half’s worth of my paycheck on minimum wage.”

That got the anchor ponies to chuckle more, and the news staff off set were laughing along as well. “So true Ozzy, so true,” Mic Talk said.

“So what’s next for you two then?” News Flash asked.

“Well when I met Ozzy, it turns out he was without a job, and he had only been in Canterlot, let alone Equestria for one day,” Fleur explained. “So after telling him I was a model, I offered him to be my new secretary after looking over his resume. And here he is under initiation.”

“My word! So this is your only second day here in Equestria?” News Flash asked.

“Let alone the first day being Fleur de Lis’ secretary?” Mic Talk added in.

“You got it,” I answered. “And I couldn’t be more thankful to Ms. De Lis for giving me this opportunity. I won’t let her down, and I hope we can make good friends along the way,” I finished with a smile.

“Well I think I speak for all of us here in the Canterlot News staff that we wish you the best of luck, and a big welcome to Equestria Ozzy Shore. Thank you for joining us here today you two,” News Flash said with a small smile

“It’s been great being here News Flash,” Fleur replied with a smile.

“Ditto,” I added in with a smile of my own.

“Well that’s it for today’s ‘What is up?’ with Fleur De Lis, and Ozzy Shore,” Mic Talk said while he and News Flash turned to the camera. “Stay tuned, and we’ll be with Chef Ravioli who will show how you can make a pesto linguine that will send your taste buds to heaven. We’ll be right back, don’t go anywhere.”

“Aaaaaand we’re clear!” The camera pony exclaimed before a bell rang. Once that ran off, Fleur and I were barraged with the news staff. It was unusual for me considering it was only yesterday that not only was I ignored, but possibly avoided because I was a human. Then there’s what’s happening right now where everypony was shaking my hand, saying hi, and asking me questions that I had a hard time keeping track of.

“Thank you, you’re all too kind, I’d love to stay and chat, but we must be on our way for our next appointment,” I said to the staff as Fleur and I backed off from the group, with the help of Ms. Star separating us from the crowd while handing me my laptop case.

“Alright everypony! Back up! You heard the man, we have to get going!” She exclaimed before she pulled the two of us out of the studio. We stopped midway where Chitchat stood with a small smile on her face. “Chitchat, thank you for having us over, you have my number if you want to see us correct?”

“Of course. Thank you for stopping by, and welcome to Equestria Ozzy,” she greeted.

“Thanks. We’ll see you later I guess,” I bid before Ms. Star pulled us along once more to the front desk.

She took out her phone, dialed a number, and set it over her ear. “Silver Wheel? Yeah we’re ready to go. Meet us out front where you drop us off, and we’re heading to Maretoria’s Secret’s complex next. Prepare to disembark immediately.” She put her cell phone back in her pocket before turning to us, more particularly to Fleur with a concerned expression. “Fleur… About what happened yesterday...”

“I’ll tell you more about it later Shiny,” she responded.

“And you don’t have to tell me about what happened with… Well you know who, right away Ms. De Lis,” I commented, which had the two of them turning to me in shock. “I may not know the details, but I can only gather it’s something personal that he’s not worth mentioning at this time. I just want you to know that you can talk to me about anything that’s bothering you at your own pace.”

“Thank you Ozzy. I appreciate that,” Fleur replied with a small smile.

“Well I must say Mr. Shore, you’ve been doing adequately so far, but don’t let your guard down just yet,” Ms. Star critiqued. “I’ve been getting e-mails popping up from other businesses asking for Fleur’s appearance in their future advertisements after that broadcast. You being her secretary may be going around news for a while, giving her more recognition than what I had expected, but I still got the final say on whether or not you keep your job at the end of the day, no matter what the outcome. So you better not be slacking throughout the rest of the day.”

“Of course Ms. Star,” I replied with a nod.

Soon Silver Wheel came by with our ride, which was behind hundreds of ponies that were crowding in front of the door. The security outside was making great, but almost futile effort just blocking their way inside.

“Alright, looks like we’re in for round two. You better prepare yourself Mr. Shore,” Ms. Star warned while fixing her glasses.

“Please. I’ve seen worse in Metal concerts back on Earth,” I scoffed while fixing my own glasses, showing a confident smirk. “I say bring it on.”

“I’m counting on you two,” Fleur commented with a smile.

“SECURITY! PREPARE TO MAKE WAY!” Ms. Star exclaimed, which security bunched close together up front. “ON THE COUNT OF THREE! ONE!”

“TWO!” I exclaimed.

“THREE!” Fleur finished before we rushed out, and plowed our way through the screaming crowd.

“MS. DE LIS! WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO HIRE A HUMAN AS YOUR SECRETARY?!”

“MR. SHORE! WHAT’S IT LIKE WORKING WITH MS. DE LIS?!”

“DO YOU HAVE ANY HAIR ON YOU BESIDES WHAT’S ON YOUR HEAD MR. SHORE?!”

“AGK! MY LEG!”

More loud, irrational questions spurred through the air as security cleared a small path for the three of us. Once we got to the carriage, I opened the door, and let Fleur and Ms. Star inside first before I jumped in, and shut the door.

“PUNCH IT SILVER!” Ms. Star screamed before Silver Wheel complied, and the carriage dashed off of the news station’s property as we were on our way to our next destination.