Brian flew to the castle just so he could stretch his wings. He was greeted by Spike and led to Twilight’s room where she was furiously writing something and didn’t notice the boys entered until Brian cleared his throat.

“You called me here, what’s up,” Brian asked

“Huh? Oh, Brian what are you doing here,” Twilight asked oblivious to him

“You wrote me a letter mentioning Sunset and the others, what’s up?”

“Oh, sorry I wrote you a letter and lost track of my work,” she said “She told me they're graduating and wanted us to be there. Unfortunately I have too much work to do.”

“How’s about I make you an offer you can’t refuse. Finish the last sentence and we’ll go,” Brian said

“I’m too busy,” she said

“Finish up or I’ll hogtie you and drag you through the portal the hard way. Besides, ‘all work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy’.”

“Alright, I’m finishing up,” she said giving in “And I'm obviously a female not named ‘Jack’.”

“It's a saying from home.”

True to her word, Twilight finished writing and put everything away before she and Brian headed to the portal. Once they stepped through, Brian noticed his appearance hadn’t altered and he was still in his usual black outfit with the trench coat. Wanting to check something, he pulled up his coat sleeve to check is wrists.

“Awesome, they’re still here. Nice to know my butterfly swords are still there,” he said out loud

Twilight’s appearance changed as the purple skirt changed into pants while her shirt became a long sleeved dress shirt. Discord popped out of nowhere with a motorcycle and a pair of helmets for the two of them.

“Welcome back. I figured you need a ride,” Discord said

“Thanks,” Brian said

“How does this work,” Twilight asked

“First, put this on. You’ll need a helmet for protection,” Brian said helping her with the helmet “Next, after I get on, jump behind me and wrap your hands around my waist and hold on.”

While she was cautious, Twilight climbed on and wrapped her arms around Brian as he rode off towards the college. He made a slight detour passing by the cemetery to check if the house was there and was glad to see it as they rode by.

Within a short time they made it to campus and followed the signs to the back of the school where the students were graduating. Brian parked the bike and they were immediately surrounded by their friends.

“We thought you weren’t going to make it. By the way, you’re going to need these,” Sunset handing them a pair of tickets to get inside

“Thanks. We’ll see you inside.”

Brian and Twilight headed inside and handed over the tickets and took their seats. They were lucky to be the first inside so they sat up front. Brian was careful with his jacket so he didn’t reveal the knives strapped to his forearms.

Twilight wanted to cheer for her friends as their names were called, but Brian didn’t want to draw attention to themselves.
Afterwards, Brian and Twilight joined the rest of their friends to congratulate them.

“Congrats on your graduation. My house as usual? I don’t drink, so we can have root beer instead. But first, how’s about a group photo to celebrate?”

“Sounds good. Let’s get someone to get our picture taken,” Sunset said “Would you help my friends and I taking a group photo, please?”

“Of course I'll help.”

Sunset asked a passing student to take the picture and they agreed. Brian stood in the middle with both Twilights on either side as the others chose a side to stand by.

“Anyone seen Octavia or Vinyl lately? I hoped to see them sometime before I left,” Brian asked

“Looking for us? Haven't seen you in ages,” Vinyl said walking over with Octavia, hand in hand

“I was here two years ago and unfortunately wasn’t able to see you at the time. At least now I get the chance to see all my friends,” Brian said

“Meeting at your house as usual? We'll see you there,” Octavia said

Brian and Princess Twilight jumped back on the bike while Sunset drove the others in the van. Sunset made a pit stop at the store where she picked up a few cases of soda to drink while Brian ordered a few pizzas for the group the eat.

“Sorry we’re late. Pit stop,” Sunset said carrying in the soda

“Don’t worry about it. I ordered pizza for us,” Brian said

“Awesome. Well, grubs here,” Dash said looking out the window

The group enjoyed the time together as it had been years since they were together.

“Oh, Brian; if you hadn’t noticed, Tavi and I are in love with each other,” Vinyl said

“Congrats. I knew you were bound to get together some time,” he said

“You don’t mind if we’re lesbians,” Octavia asked

“Why would I mind? Two musicians make the best of friends. Plus, I figured the two of you may use each other for musical inspiration.”

“By the way, I graduated with a master's degree when the others were just working on their bachelor's degrees,” Twilight said

“Congrats. You’re going to make doctor in no time.”

“Hey, we’ve all done good in college. Rarity’s going to be a fashion designer, Twilight obviously is going to be a scientist. Fluttershy is a veterinarian in training, Sunset’s going into teaching, AJ is in construction, Pinkie is into culinary and I was a great athlete,” Dash said

“Best of luck in the future. By the way, these are for all nine of you,” Brian said handing them the challenge coins

“What are these,” Twilight asked

“A challenge coin. The same that you saw that had four stars when we were at the bar. This is my personal coin I created for all the recruits that finished the training for my Midnight guard. The front is the Equestrian flag while the other is the Navy SEAL trident from my original home. I thought you’d like to have a piece of Equestria.”

“Thank you so much. Oh, check out the alteration I made to the guitar,” Sunset said pulling out her phone

The guitar was redesigned to have Brian’s cutie mark in full color on the front while the strap had every else’s cutie mark in white with Sunset’s in the middle.

“Wow, that looks amazing! When did you have that decorated?”

“Right after you left. Yours is on the body as a reminder that the guitar was your gift to me, while I have everyone's surrounding me as a reminder that I’m not alone,” Sunset said

“Wait, hold up; you’re creating a guard,” Dash asked

“As a prince, I apparently am expected or required to have a guard. I decided to train them based on the SEALs from my home. Out of 50 recruits to start with, 15 survived.”

“That bad? What’s the actual survival rate at home,” AJ asked

“I don’t know the exact percentage but its rather low. I was able to participate because my old man was a SEAL. I wanted my guards to be the best and depending on what happens, they might be a modified SWAT team.”

“I don’t know when, but I’m planning on going home,” Sunset said

“Really? Why,” Princess Twilight asked

“I’m not sure how much I belong here. I’ve been here for a while, but I eventually want to make up with Celestia after I took off,” Sunset replied

“We're going to miss you when you leave; Sunny,” Dash said

“Hey, I don’t know when I’m going. Besides, I just graduated so I’m going to at least be here for a while,” Sunset countered

“Wow, I didn’t realize it’s that late. What are we going to do,” Rarity asked looking at the clock

“Stay here as usual? Besides, Pinkie is always prepared for anything,” Brian said

“Yes indeedie. Here’s your clothes and sleeping bags,” Pinkie said pulling them out of nowhere

Brian excused himself so he could change and reappeared with black shorts and a tank top and sleeping bag while the girls changed.

“Brian, forgetting something,” Princess Twilight asked pointing to his forearms

“Oops. Forget my blades. Since I’ve been at home, they've been strapped to my forearms so often I forget about them.”

“You might forget, but most others don’t. Especially when you scared Lyra a few years ago,” Princess Twilight said

“What happened a few years ago,” Sunset asked curiously

“You remember my counterpart, Ignis,” he asked as the girls nodded “Before I departed, Discord asked him if he wanted to go to Equestria. Well, apparently after Lyra found out he was human, she tried raping him. While we were discussing what happened, I was twirling one of the blades around my hoof and when asked about significant others, once I said I was married she tried to seduce me. I held the blade to her horn so she’d stop,” Brian explained

“You do know that males can take multiple wives. It’s not uncommon for that to happen. Although it should be agreed by both sides to do so,” Sunset replied

“I guess I find it odd due to being human. If I found someone else, perhaps I’d marry her as well, but I don’t know,” he said shrugging

“Thankfully our Lyra isn’t like that. Although I don’t know much about her, other than her and Bonbon are lesbians,” Rarity answered

“Well, you know what happens when you assume,” Brian asked

“You make an ass out of you and me,” AJ said as everyone looked at her funny “What? Dash said that a few times.”

“Out of curiosity, is there a magic show, by any chance? I’ve wanted to see one,” Brian asked

“Yeah, there is. Run by Trixie. I was friends with her so I’ll see if we can’t go tomorrow,” Twilight said

Twilight texted Trixie about getting tickets for her friends and was surprised when she said yes and they could head backstage before the show. Once he knew, Brian wanted to try a trick of his own to have fun and planned on wearing his swimming trunks under his pants.

Because of the amount of people, everyone brought their sleeping bags outside to enjoy the cool weather. The next day everyone headed home to get ready for that evening when they attended the magic show. As they were heading out, a girl in a bomber jacket and leather pants was waiting for them outside Brian's house.

“Who’s the owner of the bike? It looks too good for most of you dweebs,” the girl asked

“Gilda, it's not nice to be rude to my friends,” Dash replied

“Sorry. I was told you went to some creepy house near the cemetery. This wasn’t here until yesterday,” Gilda said

“The bike's mine. Name’s Dragnov, Brian Dragnov. As for the house, I can’t tell you how it reappeared.”

“What do you mean ‘reappeared’? This has been here before,” Gilda asked shocked

“Yeah. Long story. The short version is this; I leave, the house leaves and vice versa.”

“That’s hard to believe but I guess it answers my question. See you around; maybe,” Gilda said walking away

After the others left, Brian and Princess Twilight were left on their own to figure out what to do.

“Since you gave the others your instruments years ago, what do you want to do while we wait for tonight,” she asked

“I’m not sure. For once I’m actually at a loss.”

“Be honest, do you think I’ll ever be with someone,” Twilight asked

“I do. Perhaps Flash Sentry. I’ve seen the way he looks at you when you pass. If he doesn’t say anything, I might have to talk with him about it.”

“Thank you. So, if you WERE going to marry someone else, who would it be,” she asked curiously “By the way, I do like Flash, but he hasn't said anything.”

“Maybe Sunset if she decides to return to Equestria. She started off as a bitch as you noticed but at least has changed. Everyone makes mistakes but it takes gall to own up to them.”

“True. Besides, Celestia told me that she forgives Sunset for her actions and wouldn't mind seeing her former student again,” she said

A few hours later everyone met up and drove to the casino where Trixie was holding her magic show. Once they headed inside, Trixie ushered them backstage to talk for a bit.

“Trixie, do you mind if I preformed one trick in front of the audience,” Brian asked after everyone else left

“Which one,” Trixie asked curiously

“The Water Torture Chamber.”

“I attempted that during rehearsal once and needed to be rescued. Will you fare differently,” she asked

“I won't fail. We can use that as the grand finale as I'll stay here in the back in the meantime,” he said

“Alright. You have three minutes to escape,” she decided

Brian texted Sunset so everyone would know what he had planned.

Girls, I'm going to be in a trick so I'm staying backstage

Thanks for letting us know- Sunset

Brian stayed in the back and changed into his shorts and was given a pair of waterproof shoes to wear.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is now time for the grand finale,” Trixie said as everyone applauded

Brian wheeled out the chamber with a black cloth covering the entire thing before he yanked it off.

“This is the Water Torture Chamber. Under no circumstances should this be attempted by anyone. I will be locked into the lid and lowered into the water where I must escape in three minutes or else,” Brian said

“Lower the lid,” Trixie commanded

Brian sat down as his feet were shackled and had handcuffs locked around his wrists. Before being raised up, Trixie knelt down and kissed him on the forehead for luck.

Once he was lowered in the box, a curtain was lowered in front and a timer was started. Brian immediately popped of the handcuffs before hauling upward to catch his breath. After doing so, he reached up and opened up the lock where his feet were and pulled himself out. Before landing on the stage, the lock was replaced to not give away the secret. He had just enough time to actually catch his breath and relax before the curtain raised to everyone's delight.

“That was awesome! You have to show me how you did that,” Dash said as they were backstage

“No can do. I won't reveal the secret.”

“Besides that, what else are you good at,” Trixie asked

“I'm an expert marksman. Allow me to demonstrate. Please attach five balloons to the dartboard dead center in a cross for me,” Brian asked

Once Trixie did that she handed him a set of throwing knives and a blindfold. Once his eyes were covered, she spun the board and was surprised when Brian not only popped each individual balloon, the knives were in the center of each balloon.

“That’s impressive. In high school how did you turn into that dragon,” she asked

“Ignis? I'll show you,” he said transforming

“That's impossible. That isn't fake,” she said touching his arm before he reverted back

“Nor is this. I can manipulate Hellfire,” he said flicking his hand “Don't touch as this will kill you.”

“Would you ever use that as a magic trick,” she asked curiously

“No. I don’t need anyone injured trying to prove it's fake. I used it only once to kill someone.”

“You've killed,” Twilight asked

“Yeah. A necromancer attacked my home and I lost it and unleashed a demonic version of Ignis.”

“I never read anything about that happening,” Trixie said

“It wasn't here. I’m from the same world where Princess Twilight, here is from. We entered through a portal from a near-identical universe where the inhabitants are ponies,” Brian said showing her the photos

“Wow. I didn't think that was possible. And now I know just how bad those flames can be,” Trixie said

“And it answered my question about the necromancer as well,” Twilight added

“It's late. Perhaps we should head home and turn in. I'll take the girls in the van while you two take the bike. Just be careful, I don’t want anything to happen to you,” Sunset said hugging Princess Twilight and Brian

“We'll let you know when we arrive so you know we made it home safe,” Brian said
As they headed out to the parking lot, Brian was shocked to see the motorcycle gone, but in its place was a black Mustang car and Discord standing next to it.

“Sorry about the bike. I thought this would be safer to use at night. And don't worry, it's an automatic,” Discord said

“You're right. Thank you for the new ride. Sunset; girls, we'll let you know when we get home,” Brian said hopping in the driver's seat.

“I don't know about this,” Princess Twilight said nervously

“Here, I'll buckle you in,” he said “We'll be okay. I'm not going to rush home.”

Once they arrived safely and he texted Sunset they were safe, Brian and Twilight changed into their night clothes and got ready for bed.

“Do you mind if I slept in here with you,” she asked shyly

“Of course. Besides, its not like I'd attempt anything with a friend.”

The next morning as usual, Brian crept downstairs to continue training. Not having his sword gave him more time to work on his forms instead. Twilight crept downstairs to see what he was doing.

“Sleep well,” he asked

“How’d you know it was me,” Twilight asked

“We're the only ones here. You are the second of our friends I've slept with.”

“Oh? Who was the first, and what did you do,” she asked casually

“This world's Octavia, for one. It was the first night I was here after meeting Sunset and visiting my parent's graves. We just slept in the same bed, that's all.”

“When are we heading back home,” Twilight asked

“After we eat, I'll let everyone know our plan to head back home around noon.”

As usual, Brian decided on pancakes for the two of them for breakfast. Once they finished, Brian sent Sunset a message to let them know of their plan.

Would you girls care to see us off?

Of course. Be there around noon at school?

Yeah

After Brian sent the message, he drove the two of them to the school where they decided to see Celestia and Luna before the others showed up. Heading to the office, they found the sisters expecting their arrival.

“Brian, Twilight; to what do we owe the pleasure,” Principal Celestia asked

“I wanted to ask you two something,” Brian said

“What's that,” Vice Principal Luna asked

“Are the two of you the same as your pony counterparts? In other words; immortal?”

“No one else has figured it out. How'd you know,” Celestia asked

“I didn't. I only asked out of curiosity,” he replied

“Well, it's true. We've been in charge of the school for quite some time. Every so often we alter our appearance to prevent us from being found out,” Celestia explained

“We've gone so far as to digitally alter every photo of ourselves so no one can recognize our true selves,” Luna added

“Sorry. I didn’t mean any harm by what I said. Honestly, I wasn't sure you two were immortal and don't plan on telling anyone about this meeting. Right, Twilight?”

“Of course. Perhaps we should head outside. It's almost noon and the girls should be arriving,” Twilight said

As the two left Celestia’s office and headed outside, Sunset and the others were waiting for them by the statue.

“What took you two so long,” Dash asked

“Talking to Luna and Celestia. Wanted to see them and thank them for everything,” Brian replied

“Well, when do you two plan on heading back to visit,” Sunset asked

“I don't know, but it was fun to get away from Equestria for a little while,” he said

“Thank you for allowing us to be here,” Princess Twilight said

“Group hug,” Pinkie said

After their final hug and a photo to commemorate the moment, Brian and Twilight stepped through the portal home, where he accidentally bumped into Flash Sentry upon landing.

“Oops. Sorry,” Flash said

“No problem. Besides you're just the man I needed to see,” Brian said “Shall we find a room for privacy?”

The two males left the room and went down the hallway to find an empty room where no one would overhear their conversation.

“So what did you want to talk about, Prince Brian,” Flash asked nervously

"It's just Brian. I don't care for the formal title. It's about Twilight.”

“What about the princess,” Flash asked

“The way you act around her, seems to indicate you like her.”

“I do, but I'm too scared to say anything to her. Besides, she's a princess and I'm just a simple guard,” he said sadly

“Flash, I do recall another guard that married a princess. Just talk to Twilight. She did tell me that she likes you, too.”

“You mean Shining Armor and Princess Cadence. He was the best soldier, so of course he'd get the princess,” Flash said hanging his head

“I'm sorry for what I'm about to do,” Brian said slapping Flash in the back of the head “Don't compare yourself to anyone else. You're wallowing in self pity and it's not necessary. Be confident and just spark up a conversation and see what happens.”

“Thank you for the reality check. I hadn't realized just how bad I felt. I'll go see Princess Twilight and talk to her now,” Flash said with renewed confidence

“You're welcome. Best of luck.”

As the two departed the room, Flash went to see Twilight while Brian headed home to see his family. He promised to see them and hated to not follow through.
Once he headed home, Octavia was playing a melody for the girls. Listening to the music, he wanted to have fun with his wife.

“You're a little flat,” he said jokingly

“No I wasn't. There weren't any sharps or flats in there,” she said sticking her tongue out

“I'm joking. I haven't heard you play in a while.”

“So when are you going to head back to the other side,” she asked

“As of now, I'm not sure. At least I was able to attend their college graduation. I'll go and see them later,” he said

“Dad, can you play for us,” Melody asked
He grabbed the cello and closed his eyes while drawing the bow. The girls were in awe having never heard their father play before. Once he finished they applauded him.

“That was beautiful. Play more often for us,” Harmony said

“Of course. While I'm not going to assist in training the recruits for my guard, I'll ask Celestia for advice on magic.”

“You're going to go back to school,” Octavia asked

“Sort of. Being an alicorn means having all three types of magic. Of the three, I'm adept at pegasus flight and weather manipulation having been one prior to my transformation. And I wanted to learn more about defensive magic, since I'm an expert with my sword along with using an earth pony’s ability to manipulate the ground,” he explained

Someone knocked on the door and upon opening it, Brian was surprised to see Twilight and Spike standing there holding a letter for him.

“Sorry to interrupt. I overheard you saying that you needed to ask Celestia about magic and I sent her a letter asking for you. She said that Shining would be able to teach you what you need. He'll be at the castle tomorrow,” Twilight said showing him the letter

“Princess Twilight,” the girls cried seeing her

“Harmony, Melody. Nice to see you again,” Twilight said hugging them

“So how'd it go earlier,” Brian asked casually

“I have a date with Flash in a few days. It'll be my first ever,” Twilight replied cheerfully

“Congratulations Twilight. I wish you two the best of luck,” Octavia said