The three ponies stood still once the newly christened Rising Dawn declared his name.

Both Celestia and Luna stared at him for a while, seemingly awed by how well his appearance matched with the colors of the afternoon sun coming in through the windows in the throne room of Canterlot Castle.

... . Or they were waiting for something, Rising didn’t know and couldn’t tell what the two princesses might have been thinking.

He waited for them to say something for a few minutes, his eyes flickering between them before asking, “What?”

This seemed to snap them out of whatever reverie the Princesses had, as Celestia gave a soft chiding glare at her sister before asking the stallion, “Are you sure about this?”

When Rising nodded, Celestia smiled and replied, “It’s a fitting name then ... Rising.” She paused and mulled over the stallion’s new name, committing it to memory before turning the guards to summon a royal scribe so that she could commission her royal scribe to create a legal document of citizenship amongst other necessary legal documentation.

A loud knock on one of the large doors which led into and out of the Royal Throne room resounded, interrupting her intentions and gaining the other two alicorns’ attention before a Royal Guard poked his head in and stated, “Your Majesties? Prince Blueblood is here to see you.”

Rising Dawn gave a small noise, “Persistent cousin of yours. Remind us again how he become related to you?”

“A result of me not paying attention to the noble caste, they were able to slip in and approve the idea that a family line should happen and Blueblood’s family was chosen for it, as they were the closest direct line to Princess Platinum.” Princess Celestia sighed through her explanation as the doors were opened to reveal the stallion.

“Good morning, Auntie Celestia,” Blueblood said with his eyes more focused on the Princess, not seeing Rising in his peripheral vision.

“A good morning unto you, nephew.” Celestia replied, changing her tone to seem friendly and welcoming.

“You did say that you would have an answer to all this madness at the end of the week, didn’t you? Well, I have waited and I’ve now come for an answer so that I might calm the nobles down about your recent evasiveness and your secrecy regarding your visit to that dusty old tomb.” Blueblood huffed when he spoke about the ancient site, “Honestly, Auntie. Why you would ever want to visit such a place is beyond me, even when you gave your reasons.”

“Well, my dear nephew, I had frequented it long ago and I wanted a breather from all of the events which had been recently happening,” Celestia explained, taking a leaf out of both Rising’s and her Majordomo’s book, “Also if you had been more observant of your surroundings when you came in, then you would see the reason for my ‘secrecy’.”

It was then that Prince Blueblood looked and seen the much taller alicorn. While Princess Celestia spoke to Blueblood, Rising decided to intimidate the smaller stallion and extended his wings out and, after awkwardly moving his legs around, made himself seem even bigger than life to the young Prince once he realized Rising existed.

He then gave a glare to see if he could convince Blueblood he had just angered the human within stallion skin.

Rising would have grinned at Bluebloods flinch and surprisingly feminine squeak, but he was more determined to keep up the act.

Behind Blueblood’s back, the two Princesses and the few guards saw right through Rising and stifled their giggles at seeing the irritating and pretentiously pompous Prince nearly wet himself.

Blueblood quickly lowered himself to the ground, his ears flat against his head as he sputtered in a high voice, “Dearest Faust, I greatly apologize! I meant no offense, I had not anticipated that another alicorn would grace Equestria! Please don’t eat me!”

That was enough to cause Princess Celestia to break first and laugh. However, she quickly moved over to her nephew and said, “In all fairness, you did arrive rather suddenly and if I must be honest demanding.”

She turned to Rising and said, “I think you can stop scaring my nephew in law now.”

The stallion seemed to consider it for a moment before relaxing and giving an unhappy noise.

Princess Celestia turned back to her nephew and said, “This is Rising Dawn, my young nephew. He is a ...”

She fell silent as Luna uncomfortably shifted, as neither of the three had agreed upon what might be a believable history they could make for the newly minted alicorn.

Rising frowned, his eyes swirling before he moved quickly and inserted, “We were a wayward alicorn that had long since departed from the tribes long before they left their homelands and founded Equestria.”

When Blueblood turned to look at Rising, both Princesses glanced at him with a look of relief that he was able to quickly make up a reason for his sudden existence.

After finally recognizing that his life was not in danger and that the strange alicorn was not offended, Blueblood used one hoof to dust himself off as he spoke, “W-well then, I suppose that is reasonable regarding as to why you have not been seen around before. However,” He paused for a moment before continuing, “if I may ask one certain question?”

Rising blinked once as he answered, “You may, within reason.”

“Then tell me: Why have you remained hidden and isolated from your own species? The unicorns would certainly have had a terrible need of you during our migrations, not to mention the help you could have given our Princesses when we first arrived into Equestria and dealt with the vicious creatures and other disgusting beasts.” Blueblood gave a light sniff as he continued, “I can’t even begin to talk about Discord and his vile and atrocious ways, let alone Nightmare Moon and her dastardly set of actions not once, but twice.”

He clearly wasn’t aware that Princess Luna was within close proximity. And he seemed utterly oblivious to not hear Princess Celestia turn and tackle her sister in order to prevent her sister from attacking Prince Blueblood viciously. It took some effort for Rising to not look up and briefly watch the two sisters scuffle as silently as Princess Celestia could and ended up making Blueblood look at the ugly scuffle the two alicorn princesses were engaged in.

“All in all, I must ask why you decide that now was the time to arrive and reveal yourself when you could have done so when we ponies needed you most?”

The very first thing that Rising acknowledged was that there was a nearly visible racial divide between the unicorns and the other tribes, considering how Blueblood specified his own tribe and not the others.

Another thing that he realized was that Blueblood seemed to consider alicorns such as Celestia and Luna as symbols of sorts, a symbol of tribal segregation intended to be used to remind others of unicorn superiority and reinforce the feeling of inferiority of the non-unicorn tribes. This perceived tribal prejudice indicated that the unicorn nobility believed that they were worthy of ruling Equestria, instead of the Princesses.

‘Clearly, Princess Celestia has been lax with her rule. Allowing this stallion to say what he wishes with the delusions of impunity and forgetting his place? We may have to share with her some experiences from a few other kings and queens that we know and learned of, whom had greater mettle than many of their peerage. There would have been more heads rolling than the French Revolution, had any of the kings and queens had their way, Princesses in charge or not.’ He mentally muttered.

“For the first part of your question regarding as to why we have only chosen to reveal ourselves to Equestria now, rather than back then during the times of the trials and hardship; There is a reason of our own that we will refrain from sharing which prompted our departure. What we can share that added to the reason was the dislike and the distaste of how everything was as they had been before you left. After hearing news regarding your migration and when we had heard of the Princesses arising up from obscurity to guide and rule over your three tribes, we decided not to leave our sanctuary, as we desired not the throne of Equestria nor did we perceived that we needed to, since you had the Royal Sisters to guide and rule over you. In other words, we simply saw it was not the right time for us to reveal ourselves unto Equestria and her subjects.”

Prince Blueblood seemed incredibly skeptical. Though he kept his tone polite, he may as well have been spitting mad at Rising, “And you call this your ‘reason’? That comes across to me as the words of a coward who thinks himself more highly than the rest of us. There were times our migration and our establishment might have failed utterly and ended with us all dead.”

Both Princess Luna and Princess Celestia stopped their silent fight for a moment and stared in shocked silence as Blueblood declared his accusation. Celestia herself believed that Blueblood was intentionally suicidal and that Rising was going to cut him down not moments later in anger.

She was not the only one who seemed to believe that Blueblood was about to either be killed or seriously harmed, as the Royal Guards tensed and prepared to either stop Rising or pull the Princesses out of harm’s way.

Rising chuckled at the unicorn’s thinly worded insult, “Understand that we cannot truly rule in the same benevolent manner as Princesses Celestia and Princess Luna can. Had we been given charge, Equestria would have been far more militaristic, matching our more practical and survival-focused lifestyle which is contrary of the cushy lifestyle you seem to enjoy rather wantonly.”

It wasn’t entirely true but it still held the desired effect on Blueblood, revealing his preference for a given lifestyle than being productive, and taking the subtle hint. Blueblood backed down on his words and muttered, “Apologies.”

Princess Celestia was quick to chime in, “Little nephew, was there anything else you wanted to ask of me, seeing as you now have your reason for my secretiveness?”

The unicorn glanced at Rising before shaking his head, “Not ... entirely, Auntie.”

“Well, regardless whatever else you want, I think it is time for you to go. We were in the middle of discussing matters pertinent regarding Rising Dawn’s welcome to Equestria.”

Blueblood almost looked as if he would argue, still unimpressed and unhappy that he was being told to go away, as well as not being given an apology from the strange alicorn. But, he relented and in a respectful but sullen tone, “Very well, Auntie.”

He turned and left through the same doors he entered from, his expression barely stoic and didn’t look back at either of his aunts or Rising, who watched him go with amusement.

Only to quickly replace his expression with a guarded expression when Blueblood was replaced by Captain Shining Armor and his ... . Well, she could be considered his ‘girlfriend’ by human standards.

“Good afternoon, Cadance. I didn’t know you were coming ... . Or wearing a magical inhibitor.” Princess Celestia said, briefly looking at her sister to see if she was, once again, responsible for an unexpected visit, in which Princess Luna quickly gave an offended scowl toward Princess Celestia in response to her sister’s subtle accusation.

Sure enough, Rising spotted a rather artistically made metal ring with runes etched into the band around Princess Cadance’s horn. Cadance explained, “The ring is meant to help me see the human and not be overwhelmed with the emotions I previously encountered, since my ... first meeting with him triggered my magic. To be fair, I didn’t think I would have been overwhelmed a second time, however, Shiny was ... well, really insistent after what happened after I first met the hum—” She looked over to Rising and realized that she wasn’t looking at the human whom she met yesternight.

Naturally, when she first met Princess Celestia and then Princess Luna, she was in awe with the regal and majestic appearance of the two immortal sisters with how tall and how etheral they looked in comparison to other ponies she knew and seen.

So seeing yet another alicorn whom she didn’t recognize, and a stallion at that. She couldn’t help but feel shocked, “... . A-auntie Celestia, who is this?”

Rising gave an amused smirk and answered, “And like that, we’re forgotten already.”

Shining Armor nearly tripped while standing still the moment Rising spoke and Princess Cadance stood still, slack-jawed upon recognizing the former human’s voice.

Princess Celestia chuckled as she quickly explained to the two dumbfounded ponies, “After a discussion and a week to decide, Rising decided to shed his human form to both disguise his former vessel and in order to better integrate into Equestria. However ... the spell that was supposed to give him the form of a pony from one of the three tribes ended up giving him the form of an alicorn instead. Neither of us are completely sure why or what caused this.”

Captain Shining Armor was the first to recover, and the first thing he did was sulk and mutter, “And of course, he had to look good. Why should I have expected anything else ...”

Rising gave a thoughtful expression at Shining’s words and moved his eyes towards the Royal Sisters, who quickly hid their blushes at his comment about Rising’s curiously good looks.

Normally, Rising nor any of the Legion bothered themselves about physical appearances except for when it was demanded or when they truly needed to dress up properly. Yet post-transformation, they could tell that his new appearance was remarkably “handsome” to the Equestrian standard.

‘I suspect the Princess aesthetical preferences came into play, however conscious or unconscious it might have been.’ Rising said, gaining some agreement from the Legion as they briefly considered the thought.

He returned his attention to the ponies around him, as Princess Cadance recovered from her shock and had asked him something, “Sorry, what was it you said?”

The pink alicorn blinked in slight annoyance at being told to repeat herself, “I asked what will happen to you now?”

Rising considered the question before turning his head to give an querying expression to the Royal Sisters. Out of all that had happened, along with choosing his own name, the event of becoming an alicorn by either sheer accident, ignorance or lack of communication, “Prince” Blueblood and then Princess Cadance, they didn’t take the chance to consider whatever would happen now.

It appeared that both sisters were also at a loss, as they remained silent for a while before Princess Celestia sighed and said, “The best I think we can do now is coronate you as a Prince, Rising.”

Rising raised an eyebrow in disbelief. By accident, he went from being an awakened ancient being to a Prince in a matter of weeks? Unbelievable and ridiculous, “You really mean to convince us to take part in ruling alongside you? After a week-”

Princess Celestia blurted a little more loudly than she wanted, as after she yelled, “No!” she winced and reiterated, “No you won’t, I mean. Being named royalty in Equestria has two different meanings, some of which I can’t get the nobility to change their minds about, no matter what Luna or I can say, or even threaten to do. No, by being given the title Prince, you are more or less in the same state of power as Cadance is, as well as to give you some manner of position rather than be helpless to the nobles.”

Princess Cadance’s ears perked at hearing this as Princess Celestia continued, “Though she is given the title ‘Princess’ she’s considered a minor noble at best in terms of political power. She, as will you, do not have as much political obligations restricting your freedoms, so you will still have the freedom to go and do what you wish. Though I will ask that you promise to consider that no matter where you go or what you do, you ought to be aware that you are a representative of Equestria’s nobility to others and many more eyes will be upon you within largely populated cities like Canterlot or Las Pegasus.”

Rising didn’t seem completely convinced at what the Princess was offering, “That doesn’t answer the question of what this means.”

Princess Cadance was the one to answer, “It means that we are nobles with the public giving us a celebrity status. We won’t hold much weight in politics, but we’re still revered since we’re both alicorns. It also means that you might have to avoid or disguise yourself around Canterlot and the other big cities in Equestria if you want to move about freely and not have problems like rumors, gossips, or ...” she gave a shudder, “the worshiping. I was barely able to convince my own hometown to stop praising me as their goddess and realize I’m still Caddy the local pegasus to them.”

“We know a few ways of preventing worshipful deification from taking place.” Rising commented with a sly smile. Though he made mental note at hearing how Princess Cadance referred herself as a “local pegasus.”

‘Does this mean that being an Alicorn isn’t solely genetic or hereditary?’

All three Princesses responded to Rising with an unamused frown, with Celestia replying, “I’d prefer if you would not to dissuade our subjects from their beliefs in their diarchs. With how Alicorns are revered as higher beings and that this belief is giving us some control over Equestria, we would rather it not be tarnished. Even if we don’t like being treated as deities. Even Cadance had to learn how to act appropriately.”

“Until I’m out of everypony’s sight and hearing.” Princess Cadance winked mischievously, causing Captain Shining Armor to blush slightly and making the Royal Sisters giggle.

“Either way,” Princess Celestia replied, “You will still have the freedom to move about, though you will have to face the nobility and their demands for tradition as well as the civilian worshipping. While we can easily disguise ourselves into hiding our alicorn status, as Princess Cadance does so whenever she isn’t in Canterlot, we cannot afford to stay hiding for long ... . Still, since we will have you established in the same position as Cadance, it’ll mean more lessons for you involving Equestrian politics, the Day Court procedures and receiving other related education relevant to being a good and effective Prince of Equestria.”

“Even though we will not have any legal authority in matters pertaining to the kingdom?” Rising asked, his eyebrow raised.

The three Princesses nodded in confirmation. While Princess Celestia continued, “Consider this more as an opportunity for us to judge your character before any legal power is granted unto you. You may have been titled ‘ancient warrior’ from what the hieroglyphs in your sanctuary say, but Equestria has little need for warriors and generals. In addition, both you and Cadance will be considered ‘next in line’ should anything happen to my sister and me that makes it hard for us to continue ruling Equestria.

“In addition to this, you will be attending Day Court with us almost from start to finish. Also your observation of the Day Court will not nullify your ban from the castle’s library for the period of five months. The only exception to this ban will be for the purpose of ensuring your proper education in matters pertinent to governance and politics. Is that understood, Rising?”

Rising didn’t seem happy at how everything had turned out this way, but gave a frowning nod and a huff of irritation.

Princess Luna eyed his distaste and asked, “Why art thou unhappy? Thou stated thine--” She was interrupted by her sister cuffing her neck gently with a wing. Luna gave Celestia a small glare before continuing in modern Equestrian, “You said your lord had given you a high rank in his kingdom. Surely this endeavor will be as easy as donning one’s barding with one’s arcanokinesis?”

For all this Luna was rewarded with a confused, incomprehensible stare from Rising, clearly not understanding what she meant. After a few moments of silence, Rising replied, “We assume you mean that this should be easy or not a problem for us?”

“Indeed. We can not imagine that thine lord would grant a high and prestigious title unto thee ‘lest thou had some measure o’ capability in accomplishing the tasks given unto thee,” Princess Luna replied, raising a querying eyebrow unto Rising.

“That is because our tasks never involved being a politician,” Rising said, shaking his head lightly, “neither were there any martial authority to lead anything. It was more of a position of being His proxy. And once again, the attention and power of what was given didn’t matter to any of us in the slightest.”

It was Rising’s turn to be given the confused looks from the group, as while Princesses Luna and Cadance seemed bewildered and Shining didn’t seem to understand, Princess Celestia was the one to clarify, “You were ... an agent?”

Rising gave an affirming nod, causing Celestia to ask, “You were given high rank and yet you were simply given the duty of carrying out your lord’s orders? That does not seem very ‘high rank’ to me!”

Rising chuckled, “It’s more common than you think, a lot of people of various ranks and status’ were often sent to do things that seemed below them. But none of us considered to complain about it, laziness wasn’t held highly in His Kingdom.”

The newly minted alicorn paused for a moment as he seemed to consider something, his eyes once more glowing for the briefest of moments.

Then he asked, “What happens now?”

A small twinkle in Princess Celestia’s eye appeared as she responded, “Now, we have to tell the nobility and Equestria that there is a new Prince, it’s likely going to be a very big event.”

“Have we already reminded you how we’re not happy that we’re catapulted into being a noble in your kingdom, and that you’re making it as big as possible on purpose?” Rising dryly asked as he watched both Royal Sisters trot over to him.

“You are not the first to say that.” Princess Celestia replied as both she and her sister nudged him forward, causing him to trip and stumble as he was forced to try and learn how to walk as a quadruped. Princess Cadance and Captain Shining had taken to following the three as they walked.

“Just one question, before we leave.”

Rising could almost hear the sigh of exasperation from Princess Celestia as she turned around and asked, “Yes, Rising?”

“How in God’s name and all that is plentiful in Heaven do you live with these large eyes?”

Prince Blueblood trotted down the halls with almost a dazed expression.

An unfamiliar alicorn?

A stallion alicorn?

It was almost like a dream that Blueblood was expecting to end at any moment, it was already a mess having to see Princess Cadance as the newest alicorn in Equestria, but now there was another that looked just as tall and possibly as old as Princess Celestia!

It was both a dream, and a nightmare. Now that there was a fourth alicorn around Canterlot, all sorts of hulllabaloo and commotion would start once Equestria became aware of this alicorn stallion’s existence. Nobles would likely scramble to form a political relationship with this stallion and curry favors with him in exchange for benefits, whether material, legal, legislative ... or certain physical benefits, whether they had ‘good’ intention or to get some support from this stranger.

And as a Prince of Equestria, and nephew of Princess Celestia and Luna themselves, it simply would not do to have an alicorn not within the crook of his hoof or earshot of Vladimir Blueblood V!

He stopped his posing for a moment to grumble at his first name. It made him seem like the classical arch nemesis of some heroine.

For now however, Blueblood needed to find out more about this stallion. As he recalled, several ponies and families as well as a few libraries, had a various collection of the long history of Equestria and of the time before Equestria’s founding. Maybe Blueblood could find something, either blackmail material or anything that he could use to ... convince this alicorn to his side.

‘The word ‘wayward’ can easily be turned into ‘exiled,’ for starters.’ Blueblood mused as he turned a corner and trotted off back towards his own mansion. He needed to talk to a few certain ponies first ... .

“Left leg, right leg, then the other left leg, and then the other right leg.” Princess Luna tried to advise in a low voice as they continued very slowly over to whatever destination they were going to, as Rising was more focused at walking rather than looking.

Princess Luna didn’t dare show it, but she was incredibly smug about the role reversal. She had something that her fellow student did not know or could do very well, and she was hoping to get as much satisfaction out of it.

“We’re aware of that, Princess. Remember, we began with two feet. It is going to take time to get used to this.” Rising muttered back, his eyebrows furrowed as he focused on moving his legs in the right pattern.

As he continued to stumble, walking with stiff, wobbling legs and grumbling under his breath at having to learn how to walk all over again, Princess Celestia waved over a guardsmare and told her, “Please fetch Seamstress Proper Stitch, Majordomo Forward Bastion, and Royal Butler Reginald. Tell them that I have need to discuss about the arrangements of Rising’s introduction into Equestria.”

Rising paused just a bit to look at Celestia before resuming his focus on his new appendages, which Princess Luna had noticed.

“Thou art still uncomfortable in becoming Equestria’s prince?” she asked.

Rising had to pause from his newfound task in order to think and talk, making the gathered alicorns and unicorn captain pause with him. On sheer instinct and not remembering his quadrupedal physique, Rising moved his two front hooves over to his face, one resting on his chin while the other moved to hold his “elbow.”

Which ended with him being unbalanced and, before he or the other ponies could react and save him, ended with him falling to the floor and face planting.

The three Princesses giggled a little at his expense, while Shining Armor came around and helped the stallion alicorn up, smiling all the while.

Playing it off as if nothing ever happened, which only earned him more giggles, Rising answered, “Yes. Having gone little more than a week of awakening from our slumber and being thrusted headfirst into politics and holding a high position with a high amount of responsibility? It’s something more fitting for a fairytale character or a rags to riches miracle story that continued after the story’s end, our King’s will in this or not.”

Princesses Luna and Celestia stopped giggling and hesitated for a moment, then nodded together with Celestia answering, “It does seem like a fairytale. It has been more than a millennia since the last time there was a stallion alicorn.”

Rising looked up at Princess Celestia in interest. Before he could ask, Princess Celestia explained, “There has long since been a vastly different birth rate between stallions and mares. With mares being so dominant in everything, birthed stallions were often celebrated and considered as precious. Alicorns being even more rare and important, you can easily figure out just how astounding the appearance of a stallion alicorn is.”

Rising nodded, “We knew this, as there was a species similar to you ponies during our time that held a lot of similarities, though they were not intelligent enough to form a society outside of a herd. No, what interests us is that you use words which seemed to suggest that alicorns were not as rare as they are now.”

Princess Celestia shook her head, “No, we weren’t. Before all of ponykind fled from their homeland from the pursuing Windigos, alicorns were far more plentiful, though not to the amount of the other pony tribes. But our race was surviving.”

“Then why are there only us now?” Rising interjected, “You stated that there was a book aptly named, ‘The Decay of Alicorns’. What brought this decay?”

Both Royal Sisters hesitated before looking at each other. Princess Luna gave a sigh and answered, “We ... know not.”

When Rising raised an eyebrow, Luna explained, “We were born after the Decay ended, with only our family being among the few alicorns remaining after the Era of Decay. Whenever my sister or I asked them about other alicorns ... they would simply dodge the questions or make something up to pacify our curiosity.”

“Not that it did any good.” Princess Celestia muttered to herself, remembering her curiosity leading to her getting a lot of trouble from her parents.

“Tis not after we were given the thrones did one day one guardspony discover the book and brought it to us,” Princess Luna continued, “Only to discover that our parents placed a spell that didn’t allow us to read it, and we cannot dispel it.”

‘How odd ... and concerning,’ Rising thought, while the Legions interests piqued at both the book, the secrecy behind the Decay, and the Decay itself. Rising asked, “And you did not think to ask another pony to read it for you?”

“We did.” Princess Celestia replied, “Multiple times, even with Starswirl. Nopony could read it, as it was in our race’s dead language, something our parents did not teach us in. Starswirl was barely able to decipher the title of the book.”

Rising and the Legions within briefly thought about giving a try themselves, some even considering utilizing their given power to try and force a translation from the dead language. It was a brief consideration, but nonetheless was turned down.

“It bothers you both.” Rising stated, rather than asked.

The Royal Sisters nodded, with Celestia replying, “It does. Whatever the cause for the Era of Decay, if we have no knowledge of what caused the Era or what measures were enacted to emerge triumphant, will make any preparation difficult at best, if not downright impossible ...” she fell silent while Luna gave a loving nudge in comfort.

“Your Majesties?”

The three alicorns turned to see both Reginald and Forward Bastion trot over to them, both of whom were occasionally eyeing Rising’s form.

Princess Celestia was the one to speak, “Good, you are both here. As you can see, the human who had visited us before has decided to become an Equestrian citizen ...” She hesitated when she noticed Rising raising an eyebrow while holding a deadpan expression, “though ... there was a slight complication. Therefore, my sister and I shall need help in making preparations for a national proclamation regarding the newest addition to Equestria’s royalty and the Coronation ceremony following that ...”

Rising’s expression didn’t improve while the Royal Butler and Majordomo looked back at the new alicorn, this time with some recognition.

“You ... turned the human into an alicorn?” The Majordomo asked, being somewhat confused.

“No, Majordomo. What your princess meant was that the spell that was used was supposed to give us a form of one of your three pony tribes, but for some unknown reason, we were given this form instead.” Rising replied, slowly turned around to face Forward Bastion, somehow managing without falling over.

Princess Luna was the first to notice Rising’s improvement, with a small bit of unhappiness, but before she could comment on it, Forward Bastion stated, “That would certainly explain why you and the Princesses were in the Throne Room for so long and why both Reginald and I were summoned ... This will really stir the nobles into a frenzy.”

“Soonest than thou might think, Majordomo,” Princess Luna replied, who shared his unenthusiasm, “As mine sister’s petulant of a nephew had been introduced to Rising before thou hadst been summoned.”

It only soured Forward’s expression, “Then we better get the coronation quickly done before the nobles learn from him and try to make any moves.”

Reginald was the first to move, as he bowed and said, “Then I shall fetch the necessary staff ponies for the coronation. Do expect the local jewelers and Seamstress within the hour, Your Majesties.”

“Nay for the Seamstress, for we have already sent her a guard to summon her.” Princess Luna replied.

The Royal Butler gave a “blink” with his still enormous eyebrows before bowing again, “Very well, I shall send ponies for the jewelers instead.”

And with that, he left. Leaving the Majordomo to watch the stallion go before saying, “Then let’s continue onwards. The sooner we prepare and have the coronation happen, the less chances the nobles will try to pin you down with anything. And it’s the last thing anypony wants, including you.”

Rising only smiled, his eyes betraying a more untameable fire, “We’d love to see a noble try.”

“And that’s another thing nopony wants from this,” Forward frowned, “As much as the nobles try to gain as much power or favor from the Princesses as they can, the moment any of the Princesses, and most certainly including you, show any muscle or spell against the nobles, it would scare them witless and fear the worst from you, ranging from another Nightmare Moon trying to rule over Equestria to believing that you would destroy Equestria. They often trade their intelligence for wild imagination when things do not meet their expectations.”

‘So it’s the news and social medias, except they’re doing it on purpose.’

Rising chuckled loudly at the thought, but he quickly corrected himself to not give the wrong impression to the Majordomo, “The worst that would come from us is plain refusal, Majordomo. And they are not the first who’ve tried multiple times, wasting their lives in trying to gain favor or power from us or from our superiors.”

“Perhaps,” Princess Celestia commented as she moved a little closer to urge the group to move on and attend to the matters at hoof, “But it only takes one lucky pony to pin you down.”

Rising could only stare at the scroll that was levitating in front of him by one assistant, who seemed to clearly expect him to take it.

It was one thing to hear that magic ran deeply into the Equestria society, and while there were bits and pieces of seeing it being performed by, and around, the Princesses and the other staff within Canterlot Castle, as well as seeing Captain Shining wield his sword in it during their fight, he never had the actual chance to sit down, see it happen up close and personal in such a way as the levitating scroll was doing.

Having to see a scroll be enclosed by a wavy, sparkling “mist” of sorts was unusual to say the least. Normally seeing levitating objects were done by thin string or wires or by computer generated effects. And yet this scroll was legitimately floating by means of this “mist” that originated from the mare’s horn.

His thoughts and inspection was interrupted by the speechwriter, who cleared her throat loudly in an annoyed tone, matching her impatient look at him as she waited for him.

It took a moment for him to realize that she expected him to levitate it as well. The only problem was is that he had no idea how to even access this, if he even had it.

While the transformation was an odd feeling to experience, he didn’t feel any ‘mystical, omnipital presence’ that was usually associated with magic in stories enter him or become noticable.

It took a little longer for the Princesses to realize anything, who had been with him for quite some time as they had moved on from the hallways and into a dressing room to begin with Rising’s preparations. But after several seconds of the assistant mare growing more annoyed and Rising staring at her and the scroll she had for him, Princess Cadance was the first to ask, “Rising? Are you going to take the scroll?”

The stallion looked back and over to her and replied, his eyebrows raised, “Seeing as we no longer have hands, how would you suggest we take it? Walking on four is hard as it is, and using our mouth doesn’t help us much.”

Cadance replied as if she was asked with a childish question, “Well, you can use ma---”

Her answer suddenly fell silent as she realized something. The entire time after seeing Rising as a fellow alicorn and as a pony, she had somehow completely forgotten that he wasn’t born a pony and nearly believed Rising’s story he had given Blueblood about being a hermit. He likely wasn’t even aware that he had magic in the first place, let alone know how to use it.

Both Princesses Luna and Celestia looked at each other in concern as this dawned on them as well. Princess Celestia was quick to trot forward and take the still levitating scroll from the scribe, whose annoyed expression lessened somewhat and after a quick bow, left the room.

“It seems you will have a very busy month after this, Rising.” Celestia commented as she unfurled the scroll and held it out for him to read.

Rising was mentally thankful that he was given literacy lessons before the transformation as he read what appeared to be a speech that was for him to use, “Most likely, thank you, Princess.” He fell silent as he continued to read as a few more assistants entered and left the room while the Seamstress fussed over what colors or what clothing would accentuate his coat and mane.

‘... It is with great honor to be given this by the Princesses of Equestria. And though my experience in this is short and the task so new, with the help of ... .’ The more Rising read the given speech, the more it seemed to be short but utterly bland, as if it was something that was supposed to make the ponies just cheer that there was a new prince being added to Equestria rather than cheering for the arrival of an alicorn that arrived to Equestria, becoming a prince of Equestria and that this alicorn was as old as the Royal Sisters, if not older.

Rising rolled his eyes over to stare Princess Celestia with little amusement.

Princess Celestia looked over the speech itself and sighed, “I suppose this could be considered a first draft. Remember that the last time there was coronation speech as great as this was from both mine and my sister’s crowning. Princess Cadance only had a small coronation and a quickly made gathering.”

“We see.” Rising said before shaking his head, “Still, a speech like this wouldn’t help with anything. It’s short, but it’s not as impactful as the news of what happened. This is a speech we could expect from school graduations and other ceremonies. But, as it’s been said many times before and as much as we cannot get over it, we’re an alicorn stallion. And as much as we never wanted to be one, or in this position, we’ve little choice but to make this as big, meaningful and memorable as possible.”

“Do you want me to try again with a bit more grandiose?” The speechwriter asked politely, having her impatience reined in after learning of Rising’s setback.

Rising didn’t immediately answer, though Princess Celestia gave back the speech to the mare and said, “Yes, I think that may help, thank you Eloquent.”

The speechwriter gave a respectful bow before departing with the floating scroll following her. Rising watched the mare go before the Seamstress came over to hold one bright colored cloth at his flank before immediately taking it away with a slightly disgusted frown, muttering slightly.

Princess Celestia sat a little closer to Rising and said with amusement, “I still remember my coronation with Luna. None of the unicorns could find a dress that would fit or compliment our coats. In the end, they simply had to settle for adorning us our crowns, shoes and necklaces.”

The Seamstress gave a loud, annoyed huff, overhearing the Princess’ words, “Had I been there, I would have found several ideas as to what would have made you and Princess Luna even more majestic than the sun and stars themselves.”

“Times and fashion had changed greatly since then, Proper Stitch,” Princess Celestia gently admonished, “ponies then would have been baffled by today’s clothing.”

Proper only responded with another annoyed huff before continuing on her work.

“If I may, may I ask you a personal question?” Princess Luna said, as during the entire time the group of Alicorns and a currently sleeping Captain Shining Armor in the corner had been there, Luna had been deep in thought over Rising giving away his “Legion” condition.

Rising turned to stare at the blue-midnight mare, though he had to do so slowly to keep his balance. When he finished turning around, he looked at Luna straight in the eye and stated flatly, “Why.”

Princess Luna would have flinched back at such a level stare, however she had braced herself against this as she expected his response, “Because I am curious, and I’ve never encountered anypony who is like you as well as your ... Legion.”

Rising blinked in surprise. Instead of deeply or shallow personal questions, she was more curious about them as a mind hive. Seeing little harm in this, he asked, “Very well, you may ask us.”

Princess Luna gave a small smile of victory at getting something from him, she asked, “What is it like? Being a part of hive of minds? Legions are always dotted in myth and legend, and any that could have or possibly have existed were always slain or driven to death by their own madness.”

The stallion’s eyes blazed and wheeled in his attempt of how to best answer Luna’s question. He moved his head around several times as the ponies around him, minus one napping captain, waited to hear his answer.

It was one thing to be a part of something, as you would usually know your ins and outs of that same thing, yet it was quite another trying to describe it to someone who has little to no knowledge about it.

Not without having to explain a great deal of other things that revolve or are connected to it, at least.

After a minute of thinking, Rising gave his answer, “It is still difficult to truly describe what it is like, but we believe this is the best we can give ...”

He fell silent for a moment before continuing, “Mind hives behave in a similar but greatly different concept compared to hive minds. Bees, wasps, ants and even in specified situations humans demonstrate the natural tendencies of a hive mind. What one encounters is shared through the others and eventually is led by a single thought, command or even by one ‘leader.’ And despite how their reports may overlap with each other, they’re still heard loud and clear as if there wasn’t any interference that made anything hard to understand.

“With mind hives, however ... it’s ...” Rising became silent again, as words wasn’t forthcoming from neither him nor the Legion. His mouth was left open, his eyebrows furrowed in concentration and his eyes flitted left and right as the failure of getting the right words or description lingered.

His speechlessness became such a problem that he moved backwards to sit in an attempt of trying to have either inspiration or finding any words to use.

Princess Cadance was about to stop Rising from continuing, as the amount of emotions that was now chaotically running through the stallion with enough strength to get through her own magic nullifying ring.

However, the moment she took a step, Rising closed and reopened his mouth and said, “It is, eye opening ... enlightening beyond what we can think of. We can share more than just the four senses; sight, hearing, smell, touch. We are even capable of sharing memories between one another. And we can do more than just share these five things, though... it’s even harder to describe any of it to anyone else.”

He fell silent again before Princess Cadance suggested, “Then maybe you don’t have to answer it right now? If it’s giving you so much trouble in describing yourself, then you could save the thoughts for later?”

Rising didn’t respond to her suggestion before the Seamstress added in, “Indeed. As much as deep thoughts about your own character is lovely, I really must focus more on making sure you have something to wear.”

Princess Luna however, wasn’t easily dissuaded. As she sat in silence for a while before asking, “Is it like a city of ponies attending a grand festival? With the mayor as their leader and the ponies discovering that trying to yell over each other does not work and instead speak in turns? With the only difference is that instead of the city of ponies having a physical form, they lack a physical form and instead all of them live inside your head?”

Rising thought about it before shaking his head, “While that is within the same direction, it isn’t anything like that. Perhaps we will tell you when we figure out how to describe it more accurately.”

“Yes, thank you.” Proper Stitch flatly stated as she shooed away Princess Luna and levitated several squares of cloth, several in which was black, white and a different shade of grey.

Only to throw the black away, muttering, “No idea why I even bothered with such a thing. It’s completely out of fashion this year. The white and light grey can stay, though.” Proper looked behind her to the slowly turning into a mess of cloth bolts and levitated a different colored cloth, “Hmm, your coat and mane would work with the clothes if ...”

“So other than the coronation and being given lessons about magic, what else is there?” Rising asked in an attempt of passing time.

Princess Celestia tilted her head to the side before answering, “Well, shortly after the coronation there’s a celebration. This is mostly just to have the ponies see you more and get used to the idea that there is indeed an Alicorn Prince, and that nopony is trying to pull wool over their eyes.”

Celestia gave a glare at her sister, who didn’t meet her eyes but from Rising’s standpoint he could see Luna was trying to not laugh.

“You two are the ruling diarchs and still you find ways to egg each other, don’t you?” Rising said, shaking his head with a slight smile.

“Mmhm.” Princess Cadance hummed as Celestia quickly caught on to her sister’s subtle attempts and tackled Luna to the floor, “The moment the castle doors close, and there aren’t any ponies looking through the windows and there isn’t anything to do, my aunts quickly turn from being rulers of Equestria and become foalish sisters.”

“That explains why the Seamstress is so familiar and informal with them.”

Proper moved her head to give a deadpan look at Rising and stated, “Mostly because I’m the one who has to fix their messes when something happens to everything textile.”

“Cadance, both Luna and I keep telling you. It’s to bring levity in a day otherwise devoted to ‘stuffed-shirts,’ the egotistical subjects, and the hoof-lickers. You’ll gain this understanding when you are given charge over a kingdom,” Celestia reminded before being taken down by Luna, who gave a laugh of victory.

Both Rising and Cadance continued to watch the sisters brawl before being startled by the Seamstress exclaiming, “Oh finally! Je l’ai!!”

Shining Armor gave a startled snort before waking up in a confused daze while the group of Alicorns turned to look at Proper Stitch, with Rising staring at her with eyes widened and the colors in his eyes swirling at her exclamation. She took a proud stance and levitated four bolts of cloth around her, slowly orbiting as she admired them.

Proper Stitch didn’t give anypony any time to say anything as she pivoted to face them and declared, “Now shoo, the lot of you! My muse aides me and I shall not allow any of you to disturb us! Away with you all!”

Princess Celestia sighed and said, “We best leave, Proper is exceptionally zealous to her work and this is about the best warning she’s willing to give us.”

After helping Rising turn around and walk out of the room, Cadance turned to Princess Luna and asked, “What will be your dress for the Grand Galloping Gala, Aunt Luna?”

Rising’s curiosity piqued at this while Princess Celestia started to sulk for an unknown reason.

Princess Luna shook her head, “Nothing, my niece. For I still have duties to perform, and though as much as mine sister would appreciate company to this event, I would rather not have to suffer idiots and foals while I attend to my royal responsibilities.”

Cadance gave a disappointed hum, “Are you sure, Aunt Luna? You would’ve looked amazing in a dress, and the mares could do with a bit of their pride knocked down.”

“Please tell me you will attend, Cadance?” The still sulking Princess asked, almost desperately from Rising’s point of view.

Much to Celestia’s dismay, Cadance shook her head, “I’m afraid I can’t. Shiny said he wanted to go with me somewhere during that particular night,” she leaned a little closer to her aunt and whispered, “and I think I know what he’s going to do!” with that, she started dancing on her hooves as Shining Armor slowly started to wake up the rest of the way from his nap.

“Mind telling us what this ‘Grand Galloping Gala’ is?” Rising asked as he watched Cadance pull the captain away in one direction.

He could swear he heard a faint pop from Celestia’s ears as they swiveled up and her expression brightened as she seemed to have found hope, “Its an annual royal ball held to celebrate the completion of Canterlot ...” Her newfound expression started to fall greatly before she shook her head and continued as if nothing happened, “Anypony who was given a golden ticket is allowed to attend, and usually it was almost everypony in Canterlot.”

’Mel Stuart and Roald Dahl would have had a fit over this.’

’Hush, you.’ Rising quickly bit back before saying aloud, “So when is this royal ball?”

“On the twenty first of Descent, which is within around a few weeks from now.” Princess Celestia replied, before asking hopefully again, “Perhaps you could attend the Gala with me?”

Rising blinked before saying, “Since the event won’t happen soon, we’ll have think about it, Princess. Besides, we have a more pressing matter at hand than a social gathering.”

Slightly put off, Princess Celestia gave a huff before nodding, “Then if you may excuse me, I will attend to a few details before the coronation begins.”

Rising watched the alabaster alicorn go before Princess Luna turned and poked him with a hoof, “Thou best believing that thou shalt go with mine sister.”

“Perhaps.” Rising replied readily. Although he likely knew the reason, he wanted to have it confirmed rather than assume, so he asked Luna, “Why is it she’s desperate for someone to accompany her, though?”

“From what I have been told from her, it is deathly boring. She is oft attending only to greet and welcome the attending at her door before being placed at her throne only to sit and watch them from afar. And from what I hear, there is a line of the attended waiting to be greeted by her that reaches from the entrance of Canterlot Castle almost to the very front gates of Canterlot.”

“All to have but a “friendly” hello from their Princess.” Rising grunted, “Humanity may have been born into selfishness and sin, but even their narcissistic tendencies doesn’t compare to these ponies.”

Princess Luna grew curious over what he meant, but she didn’t get the chance to ask as Rising stumbled again after having failing to focus enough on which hoof was supposed to come next. She rushed forward to rescue him from landing hard on his side and wing and helped to steady him.

After he was upright, stable and walking again, Luna asked, “Perhaps we might use this momentary pause to practice your walking?”

“That might be a good idea.” Rising grunted as he felt a slight twinge from one leg that had moved the wrong way.

The two alicorns proceeded to slowly but surely demonstrate and practice how to walk as a pony throughout Canterlot Castle for almost two hours. Numerous times Rising stumbled, hesitated and paused, but with Luna and the occasionally posted Royal Guards nearby, he was increasingly becoming familiar with the pony-style of walking to be able to comfortably walk properly as a pony with increasing confidence.

It was after spending a full ten minutes walking without looking down, hesitating or stumbling once, did Luna first exclaim, “Huzzah! Thou now hast walked like us!”

Rising blinked and looked down to realize what she meant. He looked back up and smiled at Luna, “Step one accomplished.”

“Indeed, mine friend! Now thou shalt run!” Luna added before using her magic to force Rising forwards, catching him off guard and sending him hard onto the floor. She looked down with a twinge of guilt and concern, “Art thou well?”

“If we were more used to our body. We’d have grappled you down to the ground and pin you there.” Rising grunted unhappily as he began to get up, “And there would have been little to stop us from that.”

Luna gaved a confused look at him as she helped him, “And whyfor wouldst thou tell us this?”

“Possibly to instill enough fear and dread to avoid a next time.”

She gave a small laugh as he became steady, “Fear springs from a lack of knowledge and understanding and I am far too old to claim any pretense to such foolishness, but I’ll consider giving you a warning beforehand.”

As both Rising and Luna continued to walk and occasionally canter through the halls of the castle, Luna thought back on what Rising had said beforehand. Just what was Rising talking about? How can humans be “born” in selfish intent and sin?

When they turned a corner and had arrived at a cross section Luna knew well that led to the gardens, she decided to try and see if she could get answers. The mare stopped and suggested to Rising, “Let us go this way. There is a garden there that is large enough for us to practice thine gait and if we are ever needed, then neither my sister nor the guards will have to hunt for us in this labyrinth of a castle.”

Rising didn’t see anything wrong with the idea and followed her. As they made their way to the gardens, Luna trotted beside the stallion and asked, “What didst thou mean about selfish birth and sin, Rising?”

He looked at her for a moment before answering, “What we meant was that humanity has a natural inclination to serve our own personal needs above anyone else’s. A child didn’t need to learn how to lie or be selfish. Instead, parents had to teach their children about telling the truth and to at least consider others first. Almost always, any news we heard regarding our own kind involved tragic examples of someone acting with ill or selfish intent. Such as it is with the aspect of friendship which is deeply rooted into your race’s nature, the aspect of selfish and sinful intent is deeply in ours. Sadly our nature, added with deception by another faction, is what caused humanity to be doomed and led to us being the last human on this planet, regardless of how we’ve changed physical form.”

Luna’s ears drooped at his words. To be doomed by your own race’s nature with little to no cure for it? “Thine species seemst most pitiful.”

“Perhaps, but answer us this. Is it better to be born good, or to overcome your own evil?” Rising continued to walk down the hallway while Luna paused in a half-step in deep consideration.

Why did that question seem almost aimed at her? Was Rising hinting at her past as Nightmare Moon or—

“Princess? Are you coming?” Luna snapped her head up and saw Rising standing and looking back at her, his expression seemed concerned.

Princess Luna shook her head and replied, “I am. My apologies, Rising.” She hurried over and trotted beside Rising as they continued.

The question still nagged at her, though. Yes, she had overcame her own Nightmare, but she was born from a race of ponies that were supposed to be above committing such evils.

‘Or mayhaps I must strive to avoid asking such questions to this damned clever stallion ...’ Luna mentally grumbled as she tried to push the question away.

To distract herself, or whatever she wanted to do to get her mind off of the philosophical questions this stallion loved to answer with, Luna started to think more about Rising. His attitudes, opinions, actions, something she could ask him about that didn’t get him defensive.

By luck, there was one thing she found odd about him, “Rising? Why art thou so recalculant about thineself or thy kind? Why doth thee speak little of thine race unless it is to paint them as if they were miscreants and creatures of darkness?”

Rising paused momentarily to think. He had hoped that Luna had taken the idea that knowledge would come in time, but perhaps he was either too restrictive, or too vague for her to see it as that.

As he figured out how to best answer her questions, Luna added, “Is it because thou fear thine lord’s retribution? Perhaps thou art afraid of our perceptive judgement?”

“No,” Rising was quick to answer for her, “It is not in judgement or from Him. Trust us when we say to you that you will learn about our race in time. Not all of the answers are best given immediately.”

He was about to walk away, but after reaching five steps, he heard a familiar voice ask, “Are you afraid that Equestria will be corrupted by the knowledge about humanity, and all its mistakes and failures?”

Rising halted mid-step at that and slowly turned around to see Princess Celestia standing behind Luna, looking at him in concern. For whom, he couldn’t tell.

He moved his eyes off of Celestia’s, unsure how to answer their questioning as Celestia came closer to rub affectionately against her sister’s side as she continued, “Is humanity so horrid that learning anything about it would corrupt Equestria?”

The stallion stayed silent for a full minute before sighing in defeat, “We do have some fear about Equestria repeating the mistakes made by humanity. We are not afraid about giving knowledge, though there is some knowledge we’d rather never disclose, as it might inspire some towards evil deeds instead of being warned against them. We did not mean to describe humanity as evil, nor incredibly wicked. Our race has done a great number of accomplishments, many of which was helpful or beneficial. But with humanity, the tools we’ve made can be used for good or ill, and it’s always depended upon those who hold those tools. Poisons can be useful in beneficial ways, but in the wrong hands it can destroy and kill. And we humans have had a long history of giving or making tools to the wrong hands.”

“So you mean to say that the legends of brutality and violence of your kind are true?” Celestia asked, now worried about what she was learning.

“In general, yes. Our kind has committed more violence than we committed to doing good. And we’re afraid that if we shared everything or too much with Equestria, then your ponies would feel the same temptation of choosing as humanity did, and it is a heavy temptation. Rest assured, there is a great deal of things we are willing to share. You, and through you Equestria, are one of humanity’s inheritors. But they will come in time and with assurances that Equestria can handle, what humanity could not. As we are the source to all that you are to inherit what we’ve left behind, as we’ve seen much of humanity’s history, learned much of what they have learned and know how to make the things they’ve made. But we need assurance that Equestria, her neighbors, and the world we live in can handle such things.”

Both Princesses looked at each other in concern and worry. Having to inherit from a race long gone and hearing that the legends and myths about their brutality were mostly true?

‘I suppose I could be grateful that Rising is deciding to not give us everything on the spot. But now I’m not so confident that I want anything he would give ...’

“These are a few of the reasons why we are so tight-lipped about humanity and my own history, because for every great and wondrous achievement humanity has accomplished, we have created two of terrible technologies and awful horrific tragedies. As heirs of humanity, we want to be certain that nothing is repeated and what we give is not abused.”

Now both Princesses were unsure about his answers. Yes, it explained why Rising didn’t talk much about his own race, and now they know some of what he planned to do.

“But ... what about you?” Celestia asked.

Rising blinked again and seemed to consider about her question before asking Celestia, “Was there something you needed, Princess? As much as this conversation is interesting, we’re sure what you wanted to tell us was more important.”

Princess Celestia sighed and shook her head with a sad smile. “Rising, friendship is not about focusing on things which seem important, but about enjoying the company of your friends and your relationship with them. I genuinely want to know you for who you are, and not as somebody who kept me at hooves-length, whatever their reasons for doing so may be. Don’t you want to be my friend, Rising?”

Rising gave a silent, exasperated sigh through his nose, ‘Clearly, I underestimated how much they value friendship. One could believe that they consider it a religion.’

Rising chuckled half-heartedly at that thought, “It is not that we’re trying to keep you at arms length, Princess. We still remember how to make friends, and somewhat know how to keep them ... . Hm, perhaps we’ve been around mortals for so long that we likely have forgotten how to make friendships with strangers and knew more about making allies instead.”

Celestia laughed with amusement and her eyes sparkled with mirth. “And yet I have a friend who can help us, in the event that I don’t have an answer regarding the matters of friendship.” She gazed into Rising’s eyes with a look of genuine sincerity. “I want to be friends with you, Rising. Won’t you do the same for me, even if doing so might hurt my feelings? Won’t you relearn how to be a friend with me?”

Rising gave her a long searching look, as though to gauge her sincerity before grinning and replying, “Have you been reading sappy stories lately, Princess? We didn’t figure you believed in such emotional soap operas.”

Celestia blankly stared at the stallion before her expression became infuriated. Her wings flew open, her face turned angry red, and she flung one hoof into the air as she gave an angry growl before almost yelling, “I’m trying to be sincere, Rising! You’ve been silent and hushed about yourself for over a week, and I’m becoming tired of it! A few days I can accept, but a week?”

Both Luna’s and Rising’s laughter only made Celestia increasingly angered at how hurtful Rising’s reply to her heartfelt entreaty made her feel. How dare he treat her sincere feelings so lightly!

Before Celestia could have a chance to enact vengeance on the infuriating stallion, Rising reigned in his laughter enough to say, “As we’ve said, it is likely that being around humanity for so long that has made it hard to open up and make actual friendships. But it is also as we’ve said, it will take time for all of us to consider what to share about ourselves.” Rising tapped a hoof against the side of his head, “Remember, there is more than one roaming around my mind than just the stallion you see in front of you. It’s going to require time.”

Celestia grumbled, her wings still open and her face still red with anger, “Couldn’t you at least tell me more about just the stallion I see in front of me? At least start there?”

Rising simply winked at Celestia, “I might. But first, let’s hear about what you were here for initially. As much as you two are persistent in trying to solve us, we still have a coronation that the nobles will demand and complain about to us if we try to put it off. Then, we can get to talking about me.”

It still infuriated Celestia how he played with her feelings, and after giving him her hardest stare, which only made him give back a toothy smile, she stated with the utmost severity, “I will hold you to that, Rising.”

Luna came up beside her unhappy sister and rubbed against Celestia’s neck, “Calm down now, sister. Doth thou not realize he hath pulled on thy leg? We greatly doubt he truly meant harm to your words.”

Both Rising and Celestia quickly chided Luna almost in unison, “Language, sister/Princess Luna.”

Rising came around to Celestia’s other side while Luna scoffed at their reminders to her, “She is right though, Princess.” He gave a soft poke at a space between her ribs with his hoof, which made her squirm and tried to bolt out of his reach before Luna held her tightly with magic with a mischievous smile, “We understand your drive, and we’ve not taken your words lightly. But regardless, you were going off into a melodrama rant.”

He gave another soft poke, sending her into a helpless squirm, “And just because we said we might have forgotten doesn’t automatically mean we have, and not only that but we are of two different species. We both handle friendship very differently from each other. You are used to having friendships established within days or a week. Our friendships take a little longer to build.”

Celestia huffed and looked away, her ears flattening against her head and her cheeks coloring in a blush. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to snap at you like that. It’s simply ... I deal with a lot of Canterlot’s selfish nobility, frequently trying to get the citizenry to pay for things that benefit them. And with how you dance about with conversations about yourself and humanity and combined with how little both I and Luna know about you since you began living with us more than a week ago. On top of all that, you were transformed into an alicorn, which wasn’t what any of us wanted nor expected, and now with the sudden plans for your coronation, I’m left feeling rather frustrated. It is not fair to you regardless of whether you choose to be my friend or not and for that I sincerely apologize. It was wrong for me to take my frustrations out on you. I am sorry, Rising. I hope you will forgive me for lashing out at you like I did.”

She was rewarded with a sharper poke and a poke from Luna. It was only by Luna holding Celestia up did she not fall to the floor in a jittering squirm. Once she was able to stop writhing, Celestia saw that Rising frown at her, “You apologize far too much, Princess Celestia.”

Celestia flinched at how he addressed her formally and braced herself when she saw his hoof rise again. When she felt his hoof poke at her shoulder instead of her ribs, Celestia opened her eyes as Rising continued, “As we just said, we understand. It’s not the first time, and neither will you be the last.”

Rising began walking away, surprising Celestia at his improved walking ability as he asked, “Now then. For about, what? The third time? Fourth? Honestly, we’re not surprised that the guards aren’t hunting for us now. So Princess, let’s ask again. What is it that you wanted to come to us for before all this happened?”

Celestia looked at Luna, who stopped casting magic and let her sister go, before Celestia tried to remember what she was going to say.

“Methinks mine sister hath forgotten completely, Rising.” Luna mused in amusement, with Rising giving an equally amused hum.

Princess Celestia gave an angry huff at her sister before looking down at her hooves to remember, her eyes flicking left and right.

As she busied herself to try and remember, Luna looked over to Rising and asked, “Hath ... Have you truly been alone before your awakening?”

Rising snorted, “Of course not, with our access to enter the Gates, we could come and go as we please and with our Lord having an eye and presence to everyone, it was near impossible to actually be alone. Our problem is that despite this privilege, we preferred to stay around earth, watching events as they unfolded right in front of us. Of course, we could do it outside of physical sight, but watching is more boring than literally being there and sharing your reaction with the crowds around you. It’s why we disliked living even a single life where we sat around, did little regarding the affairs of mortals and watched the world turn and time pass, and went out and attended to as much as we would. We have made it clear how much we dislike being crowned as a prince of Equestria and having to be stuck in this castle with nothing but nobles bothering us and idling at our desk, hidden away from the cares and troubles of the citizens in some office or behind some desk and tackling paperwork.”

“Thou ought to be grateful for thine luck,” Luna grumbled, “The station of prince will allow you more freedom and less paperwork than what we as ruling diarchs must suffer.”

“Then you’ve so little idea how much paperwork was involved in absolutely everything towards the end of the Human Era.” Rising deadpanned.

“How so?”

“Once, you had to file paperwork which was required to have permission to put handmade and handwritten advertisements involving personal or private sales of your own belongings from your own house.”

Luna snapped her head to stare at the human in disgusted surprise. After a moment, she stated, “We find ourselves credulous that thine people would permit such a bureaucratic system to exist at all. It sounds positively torturous to a barbaric degree.”

Rising laughed, “Absolutely monstrous.”

It was then that Princess Celestia raised her head and exclaimed, “Now I remember! Rising, I was given a new transcript from our speechwriter,” She turned her head and levitated a scroll from underneath her wing and held it in front of Rising to let him read, “and Reginald informed me that the coronation preparations are swiftly underway and are in the process of being finished and that the coronation will be ready within two days.”

Rising looked at Celestia with a raised eyebrow, “You ponies work fast, normally such preparations would’ve taken a week or so to be done. Then again,” he looked back down at the speech floating in front of him to continue reading, “we didn’t have magic.”

“It’s because I’m hoping to have this done before the nobles can pull anything over you, I figured you wouldn’t accept anything they tried to put on or against you for their personal benefits,” Celestia replied readily.

Rising gave a hum as he continued to read. He looked up and sighed, “It’s much better than the first, however most of this makes it subtly sound as if we’re a villain.”

Celestia blinked in confusion as she levitated the scroll over to her and read it. She looked back up at Rising after that, “I don’t understand your point. This seems fine.”

“Yes, but notice how the sentence, “lend me your trust and I will aid Equestria and her citizens” can easily be translated by others as a subtle way of saying, “give us power and trust us that we might use it for,””

Both Princesses still looked at him in confusion, which made him sigh through his nose and reply, “We’re still assuming that lying about a promise and then either doing nothing or doing the exact opposite of what the promise was about lingers even now among your high caste.”

This made both Princesses bristle, “Rising, the nobles may be selfish, snobbish, and this generation may contain the power hungry, but not once has anypony doubled back on a promise.” Princess Celestia was able to calm down, but it was clear that what Rising said still angered her, with her sister silently steaming at the accusation, “Their very reputation and status demands upholding any promises made. Otherwise, not only do the other nobles condemn somepony betraying their word, but they lose almost all favor from Luna and I, not to mention how the civilians would treat their presence. It is almost worse than death in certain cases.”

“Unfortunately, we didn’t see it the same way.” Rising muttered under his breath, being reminded of a few who tried to bribe or force their way with him, before he blinked and said, “Regardless, the speech is alright, but it still rubs us the wrong way. Perhaps it might be better for us to think upon one.”

Celestia blinked at him with some concern, “Are you certain? Scribe is talented in speechwriting and was given her position for a good reason.”

He nodded firmly, “If she objects or gets sad about it, tell her it is a reference point for us. Sometimes the best words are better delivered with genuine sincerity and with one’s own words rather than the words of someone else.”

Both mares shifted slightly at hearing that tidbit of advice, but they didn’t express anything else as the three alicorns continued to walk down to the gardens in relative silence. As they exited the halls and went through a door that led to the gardens, Rising took a slow look around.

The first thought that came to mind was that it was an earthly attempt of the Garden of Eden.

Despite that, and that they’ve seen what it was truly like, it gave the Legion a sense of nostalgia and the bittersweet melancholy that was homesickness. The pathways led around the garden, which was strangely decorated with not just trees bearing fruit, various bushes and large flowers, but statues of ponies.

He paid little mind to the other Princesses, who trailed a little behind him, as he walked and observed the garden, listening to the birds that fluttered by, chirping as they flew and nesting in the infrequent wooden birdhouses. Occasionally, he slowed to stare at the assorted odd flowers he either did or didn’t recognize.

As he continued to walk about the garden and arrived at the edges of the hedge maze he had once spotted from the throne room’s multitude of windows, he paused at one particular statue.

It was the oddest sort of statue he had ever seen, a creature that stood taller than even Rising himself that had the body of a chinese dragon but had a multitude of different body parts that firmly separated it from the fabled serpents.

“That is Discord, Rising. The spirit of chaos which I told you about and whom you have learned about.” Rising looked back briefly at Princess Celestia, who trotted to his side.

“So that is what happened to him.” Rising muttered before eyeing the other statues with some trepidation.

Princess Celestia saw his eyes roam to the other statues and quickly caught on. She gave a light giggle, “No, Rising. None of them are petrified ponies. Discord is the only one here that was petrified and kept here.”

Rising replied with an eyebrow raised, “And we’re to believe that so easily?”

Celestia’s anger slowly came back, “Rising, I understand that you lived in harder and harsh times, and trust was an easily broken matter, but this is one you can trust me upon. None of these statues, save Discord’s own state of petrification, contain any living ponies.”

The stallion chuckled, waving a hoof at her saying, “Of course, of course.” Which did not help placate Celestia until a puff of magic appeared before her.

All three alicorns blinked as the small, green puff dissipated and revealed a small scroll with the familiar symbol holding it tied up.

Princess Celestia was quick to untie and unroll the paper while Rising commented, “We’re assuming Twilight writes to you everyday?”

Celestia paused from her reading and replied, “You would be correct. I had given her the task of studying the magic of friendship a few days before your awakening, though it seems that she thinks that this type of studying involves experiments and tests whereas she continually sends me letters of what she learned through small misadventures with her friends in Ponyville.”

Rising’s eyebrow rose in curiosity, “Define ‘misadventures.’”

“She and her six friends often get entangled with odd events and happenings which affect either their own lifestyles or whatever happens to arrive around Ponyville. Over the course of your week here, she was tasked to handle the dragon that we informed you about,”

“Even though it seemed more like volcanic activity more than a dragon roosting there.” Rising muttered sullenly, remembering how his cautious warning wasn’t heeded.

“And we told you that volcanoes haven’t been active around Equestria even before we arrived here, Rising.” Princess Celestia clarified before sighing and continuing, “She and her friends also have had to handle an Ursa Minor, and was able to convince all of Ponyville that a local Zebra shaman named Zecora that she wasn’t evil in any way.”

Rising didn’t immediately admit it, but he did overhear about this shaman, which interested him somewhat. Shamans, even during the later days of humanity, were not common. Due to the fear of persecution from the adverse public, as well as the more known and globally recognized religions, shamans often kept themselves, avoiding the name of ‘shaman’ entirely, and lived within villages or towns that were more acceptive, receptive and appreciative to their ‘soul healing’ practices.

Sadly, their practices lied within the darker grey area of relations with the Kingdom, as the methods in comparison were unneeded as there were other, somewhat easier ways to heal oneself. Many didn’t hold or tried to convince themselves that they can hold allegiance to Him and to their own devices. Which unfortunately wasn’t possible, as there was a bold line of ‘Either follow solely, or do not.’

That and in comparison between the processes of healing, their way was more of a blindfolded approach, which was very easy to mislead anyone undergoing them; and one certain faction took advantage of that blinded position in spades.

Of course, there were other kinds of shamans, including ones who often just scammed their way around people, though they and their bid for money were frequently scorned by all sides.

However, since both humanity ended and any influence that could be inflicted easily to everyone was practically nonexistent now, including that the term for “shaman” had apparently changed for the inheriting inhabitants; it was rather hard to tell just where to categorize someone like this Zecora.

Regardless, this Zecora apparently practiced natural medicine and used natural potions and herbs for the few who had been stricken by a “Poison Joke” and as far as he was aware, there hadn’t been any tremors within the familiar, yet disturbingly empty realm that Rising and the Legions were more familiar with during the course of the days that happened with this Zebra.

A personal visit would be required sometime within the future, that much Rising and the Legions could agree upon.

Zecora was tending to her dinner, brewing happily in her cauldron as she overturned a small bowl of cut carrots to finish the necessary steps to finish preparing her meal.

She gave a small hum as she turned to grab a bowl with her hoof and waited for her stew to finish brewing when Zecora felt a foreboding sense of anticipation run through her body as if she was about to be petrified by a cocktrice.

The zebra turned away from her cauldron and stared out the nearby window in trepidation,
“Premonition in my gut,” she recited in worry, “a surprise does come to break the rut, a meeting to await. And little doubt for it to be late.”

... In due time, of course.

Rising returned his attention back to Celestia as she continued on, “Overall, they’ve been accomplishing quite a fair deal. Though since they are the new Element Bearers, I suppose its expected.”

The stallion tilted his head to the side, somewhat confused, “Element Bearers? They can control the elements like airbenders or firebenders?”

‘That does make me wonder how—’

‘They weren’t real ... None of it was, it was just a dream ...’

A small sad expression crossed Rising’s face and his eyes drifted to the side, but quickly hid it as both Princesses quickly turned to face him. Celestia asked, “No that’s— Oh ... right.” She quickly deflated as she remembered that Rising didn’t know about the Elements of Harmony as well as she did.

She sighed and admitted, “No, they do not control the elements like air or fire, instead they are bearers of an ancient national treasure called the Elements of Harmony.”

Rising furrowed his eyes in confusion, “Elements of Harmony? We’ve heard of Virtues of Harmony but not elements, and certainly not as ancient treasures.”

“The Elements of Harmony are six artifacts that each represent an aspect of harmony, they’re the most powerful source of magic known to Equestria.” Celestia finished explaining somewhat sullen, having to admit the somewhat not secretive secret.

“And they’re in the hands... hooves, of six ponies living in a nearby village? Did they acquire these artifacts by themselves or ...?”

Celestia hesitated, trying to salvage something out of her blunder, “Y-yes and no?”

The stallion stared at her, his expression seemingly hardening, “And who are these six ponies, holding the most powerful source of magic in your entire kingdom?”

Princess Celestia could feel a drip of nervous sweat down the back of her head as she replied, “A-as far as I am aware, my student whom you’ve met already, and five other mares, one assisting a family in their bakery, another is in charge of her family’s apple orchards, another works as an animal caretaker, one works in the local weather control in Ponyville and Cloudsdale, and the last works as a fashion designer and seamstress.”

Rising couldn’t help but shrug with a chuckle, “What a crew.”

Both Princesses shared in his laughter before Rising fell silent and stared at Princess Celestia for a while. Celestia felt nervous as he did so, being put in the spotlight and having to reveal both powerful artifacts and the mares who wielded them.

The stallion looked down gave a sigh, “Well, we’ve heard of worse choices, some of which who were not only far less worthy, but also had a laundry list of crimes which they did unto their fellow man. Though then again, they were often put there by the democratic process, which is not known for always yielding the best results or for having the best interests of their constituencies in mind.”

Both Celestia and Luna blinked in surprise, with Luna asking, “Th ... you have dealt with corrupt nobles before?”

Rising nodded, “More times than we can bother to count; The love of money corrupted even the most moral and ethical person, regardless of how good their intentions are at the beginning. And there were those whose hearts were already black in greed and corruption even before being placed in a position of power and authority. Once they’ve fallen, they’ll pretend to be your best and only friend, all the while hiding behind the most irritating grins and smiles that many a man considered their expressions deserving a fist into their face. One of whom we’ve had the misfortune to meet often,” he snorted in amusement, “that faked smile of his was so punchable we felt there didn’t even need a reason to do so.”

Both Princesses giggled at that as Luna asked again, “Perhaps we may tell you which nobles here in Canterlot thou shouldst avoid, then? Otherwise, we might fear you may attack a noble.”

Rising raised a hoof and waved at Luna, “Maybe later, for now didn’t you have a letter from your student to read, Princess Celestia?”

Celestia blinked in surprise as she forgot about the letter. But before she returned back to the letter, a thought came to her and she asked Rising, “You’re not unhappy that my still learning student and her five friends are in charge of a great deal of power?”

He shook his head, “We’re not,” Rising gave a small laugh, as he continued, “After all, our Kingdom was guilty for giving incredible tasks to a lot of people who weren’t ready or prepared for any of them. If these six can handle the responsibility and handle things such as a nesting dragon to returning a Princess to normalcy, then we’ve little to judge who would have been better.”

Both Princesses flinched at his hinted words, revealing that he was able to connect the dots even after Princess Celestia’s attempt at keeping things covered.

‘I kept the Elements vague on their usage on Luna and he still inferred what they were capable of?’ Celestia thought in shock.

The stallion smiled and raised a hoof to his temple and tapped it twice.

Princess Celestia glowered at him before looking at the letter and finally reading it, reciting it aloud for her sister to hear and consequently Rising as well,

Dearest Princess Celestia,

I am happy to report that one of your youngest subjects has learned a valuable lesson about friendship. Sometimes, the thing you think will cause you to lose friends and feel left out can actually be the thing that helps you make your closest friends and realize how special you are.

Rising was the first to respond, laughing, “You ponies really enjoy making new friends! It must be impossible for any of you to go a day without a friend being made.”

Both Celestia and Luna nodded, with Luna replying, “While we are capable of making friends, those whom we don’t understand or fear, are far more likely to be ostracized and shunned; Because it is easier to push the ones we don’t understand or the ones whom we fear away, than to invest time and effort to understand those whom we don’t understand or be reconciled with what makes us afraid and so conquer our fears.”

Celestia looked over and almost came over to give a loving nudge, but Luna shook her head at her sister and was about to talk more before she saw over to his side two guards galloping towards them.

Her confused look made both Rising and Celestia turn around to see the two ponies arriving as one guard came closer and said, “Your Majesties, we were sent here to retrieve and remind you, Princess Celestia, of the tomorrow’s event: The Running of the Leaves.”

Princess Celestia nearly facehoofed as she remembered about it, “Thank you, Private Post. Has Reginald already gone ahead and scheduled everything?” The guard nodded, “Alright, you may go then.”

The two guards saluted before trotting off while Rising glanced at Princess Luna, “You won’t be going?”

Luna shook her head disappointedly, “As much as I wished to go, both mine sister and I agree that I still need social lessons before I may leave the castle, elsewise I may end up in an awkward situation caused by my overeagerness and me being disconnected from this current generation and the changes to the language and communication since my banishment.”

Princess Celestia couldn’t help but look at her sister in happiness that she was able to recognize her social faults as Rising then asked, “And what of us?”

Celestia seemed to have an answer, only to fall silent as she pondered on the best way to answer the question.

After a few minutes, she shook her head, “I think it is best you stay here and let the coronation and official royal proclamation reveal you to the world, rather than this.”

“Considering how both your student and her assistant saw us, what makes you believe they wouldn’t reveal us too early to anyone else in that town, even among her friends?” Rising noted.

Celestia chuckled, “I’m quite sure Twilight will follow my directions,” she added with an unhappy tone, “even if she tends to take them far more seriously than it’s either needed or wanted.” She noticed the sun still high above and frowned, “Apparently I’ve also not paid attention to what time it is.”

As she continued to watch the sun and her horn began to glow, Princess Luna leaned closer and whispered, “Thou art in for a sight to see. We wast originally the one to do this, but mine sister’s habit is still hard to break. It still amazes us that both our sister as well as ourselves can do this.”

Rising looked back and forth between the two Princesses before he saw the shadows around them start to move.

He immediately looked up at Celestia, whose horn still glowed and still stared at the sun, or rather where the sun was moving. Before long, he could look at where the sun was without much pain, and in shock and amazement he could just see the very same color as Celestia’s magic haloing the sun as it moved at the most unusual of speeds towards evening hours. The sky and clouds around the three turning into the colors of twilight and sunset as the sun came to a rest, the very bottom touching the horizon.

Princess Celestia cut off her energy with a practiced sigh, having done this more times than she could bother to count as she waited for Princess Luna to start her part of the task.

She turned to look over to Rising and Luna. Luna seemed to not be interested in the slightest doing her part of the ... .

‘Oh right.’

Celestia huffed in annoyance before she looked at Rising.

Who had without a doubt the most expressively mixed emotions she had ever seen in her life. His eyes practically glowing white, she could tell some of the emotions in his reaction; Some of it was shock and disbelief, there was even a little bit in there that even seemed scandalized at her performance.

As Princess Luna nudged him gently, Rising blinked and while his iris’ were still glowing white demanded, “How in His and His Son’s names have you done that?”

Author's Notes:

Well on this side of the planet, no idea what its like over there.

Alright, I've made this chapter a little longer than I thought and hoped for, but still its a long (and VERY) overdue chapter for you all. _{Prays for a Featured.}

Once again, I do appreciate some comments and upvotes, do say something about either what you do/didn't like about the chapter, as they can influence a writer on how the story might go down. In terms of creativity, I'd say silence may not be golden.

Now, onto a possibly uncomfortable topic (as quickly as possible:) disclaiming on the religion aspect of this.
(Rising:) Neither of us are going to push any of this on you. That's a common fault that does happens, and unfortunately its not easily solved. While It is recommended to go share and try to bring people around, theres a little side note that people aren't noticing that says "with some tact." And for something like this, it's not meant (nor likely going) to convince anyone or anybody.

So yeah, now that that's out of the way―
(Rising:) Really, you've essentially been told how the universe works (twice with different variations) and then you see a winged unicorn about your size start moving the sun itself from noon to evening, how do you not demand what just happened?

With that out of the way! Next chapter is in the works, and considering what's soon to happen, its going to be one heck of a party.

(Rising:) We've been invited to Smash Ultimate.
You would've been labeled as "Shulk Clone, except his counter hits harder and is a Swiss Army Knife."

See you out there!