It’s been nearly a month since Angelfeather arrived in Equestria and the Equestria Games is but a couple of days away. During the past month, Angelfeather and I have been getting to know one another. Platonically speaking of course. She has also been getting to know Philomena and the rest of the girls as well. I’ve been in Canterlot for much of that time, so I was absent for Rainbow’s Wonderbolt test. As well as a trade show and Rarity providing Ponyville, and almost everypony in it, a makeover.

I was currently walking up to the guest room that Angelfeather was in. Philomena was also there helping Angelfeather with her trip preparations. The rest of the girls would arrive in Canterlot shortly where we would board and ride with them to the Crystal Kingdom.

I knocked on the door.

Philomena opened it then smiled when she saw me. And after opening the door fully, she pulled me inside giving me a good squeeze and a hug before bringing my head down rubbing her cheek against mine. “She is finishing her bag now,” she said to me than taking my arm and leading me over to her bed. Where Angelfeather was currently putting the last folded dress into a soft-sided suitcase. Which I’m sure it would be my job to carry. Luckily for me though both suitcases, Philomena’s and Angelfeather’s respectively, would only carry some clothes, so it won’t be heavy. Not like Rarity’s I’m sure. Both of them were wearing simple one-piece dresses made for traveling. And both a little conservative, though they were form-fitting around their chest and waist. Angelfeather’s dress was an off white while Philomena’s was light yellow.

Angelfeather closed up her suitcase before turning to me with a smile. “Alright, I’m all set.”

“I’ll get your bags then,” said regarding both Angelfeather’s and Philomena’s as they were both on the bed. And after picking up them both, I turned toward the door, “We’ll meet Mother and Aunt Luna outside in the courtyard. A carriage is going to meet us and take us to the train station.” With a nod, they both took the lead and headed out the door with me following along behind them.

“This will be my first time going to the games,” Angelfeather told us while we walked down the hallway.

“Mine as well,” Philomena told her with excitement in her voice.

“Oh yes, because of your new form,” Angelfeather understood with a nod. “All the other times you were fully phoenix, not like you are now.”

As they talked, I had the benefit of walking behind them. Why was that a benefit? So, I could watch the gentle sway of their hips as they walked down the hallway. Their tails were outside of their dresses and swaying back and forth as they walked side by side. Philomena’s talons and Angelfeather’s nails click clacked against the polished stone floor. Which, added to the swaying of their hips and tails, made for an almost hypnotic rhythm. That I was gleefully paying attention to. So much that I almost wasn’t aware of walking up to my mother and Aunt Luna outside. Fortunate for me, Mother’s voice brought me out of it as we walked down the steps and up to the carriage.

“There you are,” Mother’s excited voice greeted us, me shaking my head quickly to clear it. “Ready to go?”

“I got their bags,” told them and moved to the rear of the carriage and put their bags in the back. Where mine, Mother’s, and Aunt Luna’s were. I was the last one inside the carriage because they climbed in while I was putting the bags away. Once inside, Philomena pulled me over to sit between her and Angelfeather. Philomena moved my arm behind her and around her waist. I was surprised when Angelfeather did the same and even lightly leaned against me. Then pressed herself against me fully when my arm tightened around her waist. And because she was petite, like Philomena, she had a small waist. My arm almost completely wrapped around her.

“I’m happy that you will be with me at this year’s games, my sunshine boy.” Mother’s tone, not to mention the wide smile on her face, gave away her joy that I was here for this year’s games.

“Oh yes, this would be your first time at the games as well, right?”

“Yes,” I gave Angelfeather a smile, “and I’m happy to be here. Though, it will feel a little weird for me.

“Why?”

“Well, Philomena. In the human world we have something similar. Called the Olympic Games where teams from about every nation compete in games. Normally, I just watch them along with the rest of the people of my world. This is the first time not only seeing this world’s version in person, but as a member of royalty.” The carriage jerked a little as it started down the street. The sound of the bull’s hooves and the wheels almost melodic in my ears.

“It’s fun to watch,” Aunt Luna said, pausing for a yawn. “The games are over the period of five days. The first day being opening ceremony, which lasts the whole day. Three days of games of various sorts, both summer and winter games. With the last day being closing ceremony.”

“All day?” I asked while hoping that our chairs have very plush cushions. Otherwise, my butt will be very sore at the end of those days. “I know the games would last all day.”

“Six hours for the opening ceremony,” Mother told us.

“Please let there be plush cushions.”

Mother giggled at what I said. “Yes, there will be. Don’t worry.”

“And what about any announcements?” I asked looking between Mother, Aunt Luna, and Angelfeather. Although I was paying attention to Angelfeather exclusively if she would announce our marriage or not. To me, if she didn’t then that was fine with me. There was a pause as we waited for Angelfeather.

Angelfeather looked up to me with a smile. “Fred, you’ve given me the opportunity to decide because of my father. Even if it means your political enemies gain power and possibly end your hope of ending slavery. Many would not have done so. During this past month, I’ve learned so much about you and gotten to know you. At least enough to decide whether or not to go through with the marriage. And I agree to marry you, Fred. And stand with you to end slavery.”

Now that moved me. Leaning over, I kissed her forehead. “Very well. I’ll do my best to be a good husband to you.”

She smiled up to me, “I know you will.”

“My sunshine boy is getting married,” Mother cooed at us with a smile that showed her mixed emotions about it. Then frowned a little, “Though I wish it wasn’t with so many political undertones.”

“I know Princess Celestia. I do as well. However, at the same time, I think it’s a blessing in disguise.” She leaned against me with a smile on her face as did Philomena. “With my father being the way he is now, I wasn’t sure of my future. Now I know there’s nothing to worry about.”

“Indeed,” Luna agreed through a yawn. “Sorry. Just call me Luna sense you are to be family. Worry not, Angelfeather. For your future with us is safe indeed.”

“Celestia is fine,” Mother told her with a small excited giggle. “I can already tell you who will want to help with the wedding.”

Philomena and I let them talk all the way to the train station. Philomena turned my head to her to rub her cheek against mine and stealing a quick fondle when Mother and Aunt Luna weren’t looking.

It didn’t take us long to get to the station and I didn’t have to load the bags because the station hands did that for us. And because this was the royal coach it was luxurious. A small bar on one end of the coach with two plush sofas on each side with a small folding table attached to the wall between them. The rest of the girls were there, including Harmony. They didn’t give poor Angelfeather a chance to sit down before walking up and asking her if she’s decided to marry me.

And when she got a chance to answer them that she has agreed, the excitement in the room went through the roof. So, while all the girls gathered and talked at the front of the car, I was with Mother and Aunt Luna in the back of the car. Luna had taken one sofa and laid down to take a nap, so I sat down next to Mother.

“Well, there you have it, Mother,” said softly as she put an arm and a wing around me.

She gave me a nod. “Yes and thanks to Detective Delphia, we have the names of the council members that bribed her father.”

“That’s good,” leaned into her a little while watching the girls giggle excitedly over wedding ideas. “Just never thought that my marriage would be like this.”

“I know, but I’m still proud of how you handled it,” leaning over, she kissed my cheek.

“Thanks, Mother,” leaning into her I gave her a slight nudge. “What are your plans for the council members that bribed her father?”

Leaning back in her sofa seat, she gave a slight sigh of thought while looking at the ceiling. “You know, I’m not sure yet.”

While Mother was talking, Fluttershy extradites herself away from the herd and walks over to us. Our eyes met when she got close and with a smile she sat down, taking my hand and put it around her waist as she scooted up against me. My arm was long enough for it to reach around her waist and rub the side of her baby bump.

I couple of seconds later I heard Mother’s happy voice. “Fluttershy? I suppose that you aren’t flying in the games?”

She shook her head, “No, Harmony has decided to take my place.”

“That does explain why she’s been a little busy lately,” I commented.

“Yeah, she’s been getting better since I’ve been training her,” Rainbow said, announcing her presence as she and Harmony walked over. Rainbow simply strides over to stand in front of me. Harmony, however, walks over with a mischievous smile on her face, turns her back to me, sits down right on my lap, and wiggles herself a little comically to get more comfortable. Rainbow rolled her eyes a little with a knowing smile. “So, I’m not worried about metals or nothing.”

There was still a hand free, so Harmony took it and wrapped it around her waist over her one-piece conservative dress. Conservative for her anyway. It still had a deep v-cut in the front that showed some side boob eye candy. Which my eyes had a clear view to considering she laid back against me with her head on my shoulder that was between me and Mother. Fluttershy, and even mother, giggled at Harmony’s antics.

“Philomena and I have decided to stay on the field to help the team, so we won’t be up with you to watch the games,” Fluttershy told us as my eyes spotted Philomena walking over, trying to spy a place to sit. Out of the corner of my eye, I watched Mother scoot over and pat the sofa next to her for Philomena to sit down. Where she leaned herself up against me as well.

“To watch Fluttershy,” Philomena explained.

“Yes, so it will be Rarity and Angelfeather with you up in the royal box.” What Fluttershy said about Rarity being with me up in the royal box was a little surprising but not unwelcome. I thought she would be with the team to watch over the uniforms.

“I will be organizing naturally,” Twilight said as she and Pinkie walked over to us.

“And I will have refreshments and snacks along with Applejack,” Pinkie was bouncing slightly on her hooves next to Twilight. Her light pink one-piece dress bouncing with her excitement.

I did notice, after taking a quick glance, that Applejack and Rarity were talking with Angelfeather. And by the hushed whispered it was more than likely a serious conversation of some sort.

“That’s great,” said to Twilight and Pinkie then looked to Mother. “So, what’s the itinerary after we get there?”

“Cadence and Shining Armor will meet us at the Crystal Station.” She began explaining while everypony gave her their attention. “We will arrive around lunchtime in just a few hours. After we arrive we will have lunch and catch up. After lunch is when we will go over the itinerary for tomorrow late afternoon when the Opening Ceremony for the games will take place. After that everypony is free until late afternoon tomorrow.”

“Sounds simple enough.”

“Yes, it is, my sunshine boy,” Mother smiled. “However, I have requested that You and I, plus whoever wants, speak to the crowd at the start of the Opening Ceremony.”

“I wonder if Angelfeather will announce the wedding then?”

“Probably, Fluttershy,” was my response. “So, there’s no telling how the public is going to react. What will be interesting is how the pro-slavery council member will react to the announcement.”

“Not to mention when word gets to her father,” Rainbow wondered with a slight scowl on her face. “The jerk won’t probably even come to the wedding.”

“Unfortunately, that would not surprise me,” Angelfeather said as she, Rarity, and Applejack took seats on the sofas on the other side of the small tables separating them.

“I’d like to knock some sense into him,” AJ snorted in disgust, crossing her arms under her chest.

“I don’t think you’re alone, AJ,” I gave her a smirk. “But all that is for another time.” When I looked around there were some frowning faces because of the heavy subject. So, I thought about cheering them up for the rest of the duration of the trip. “So, who has a game in mind?”

^_^

“CRYSTAL EMPIRE!” The conductor's call was announced throughout the train. And now that we were arriving I had small hopes that the next hours of excitement would possibly erase some events from my Mother’s mind. As the train came to a stop with screeching breaks and a hiss of steam, I was quick to grab Rainbow’s arm and lead her outside. “We can talk while the others are grabbing their things.” She protested a little but went with it and was only confused about why until I faced her. “Truth or Dare? Really, Rainbow?”

She chuckled dismissively with a smirk, “What? I wasn’t the only one that readily agreed to it. And your Mother-”

I put a finger to her lips immediately when I heard that. It didn’t stop her from grinning up at me like the Cheshire Cat. Didn’t help that she was purposely pushing up her sports bra and breasts by crossing her arms under them. She was teasing me, she knew it, and she was enjoying it. “Some things are not for Mother to see. It’s like her coming with me during my honeymoon. It’s just weird.”

Rainbow pulled my hand down with a quick laugh, “Oh come on, she enjoyed the game. Let it go.”

“That’s even more disturbing,” I whispered harshly to her as the rest of the group started exiting the train.

“Oh Spike,” Rarity called out to the teenage Drake right after she walked out. And a few seconds later he came shambling up and gave her a sharp salute. “Oh there you are,” she cooed at him. Batting her eyes at him and everything. “Be a dear and grab my things?”

“Sure, Rarity,” he said dreamily, “I’ll be a dear.” And turned right around to go help the deckhands put her bags on the cart. My thoughts were that he was lucky there even was a cart to put them on.

“Twilight,” came a shout of glee from a few yards away from us. And a quick lookup showed that Cadence, Shining Armor, Night Light, and Twilight Velvet walking up to us.

“Cadence!” Twilight squealed in delight as she ran up to greet her. Meanwhile, I’ll admit to being a little nervous upon seeing Velvet’s smiling face as our eyes met. I’m sure that she kept her word about not telling Night Light about what happened. Because Night Light’s face showed no signs of our little secret. He seemed just as happy to meet Twilight and her friends as his wife and son. His son, Shining Armor, seemed happy to see his sister and friends. However, not me so much because of the slight scowl that showed up every time our eyes met.

As Twilight and Cadence went through their greeting, Shining Armor and his parents marched up to me and the group. At this point, Philomena was at my side arm in arm. On the other side was Angelfeather holding my hand. But it was Mother and Aunt Luna that walked up to greet them first.

“Princess Celestia,” Shining Armor took his bow as did his folks, “Princess Luna. Welcome to the Crystal Empire.”

“Thank you, Shining Armor,” Mother greeted cordially. Then looked to his parents, “Velvet! Night Light! So good to see you again.”

Velvet came forward and shook Mother’s hand, but Night Light didn’t shake her hand but kissed it. And did the same for Luna. “It’s always a pleasure Princess Celestia, Princess Luna.”

“Thank you,” Luna greeted, although still looking half-asleep.

“Thank you, Night Light,” Mother smiled to him, “always the gentleman.”

While they were talking, I noticed Shining Armor looking at me with narrowed eyes in my peripheral vision. Still apparently holding a grudge it seems.

“Night Light?” Velvet spoke up, bringing me out of my thoughts and ushered Night Light right up to me. He and I were almost eye to eye, though I had him by about two or so inches. “This is Fred Justice, Celestia’s son that I told you about.”

It wasn’t surprising that he sized me up at first glance. Some things are universal and apparently this was one of them.

“The one you went to Ponyville to meet?”

“Yes, dear, he’s the one."

His demeanor changed as a smile grew on his face that met his eyes as well. He offered his hand, which I had to untangle myself from Philomena to shake, “She has spoken highly of you.”

“Has she now? All good things I take it?” I asked with humor in it that he caught.

“Yes, she has,” he chuckled, “not like her at all. Usually, she screaming for their heads-” Velvet cut him off with a quick elbow jab to his side which he rubbed with a hand and another chuckle. Which got the rest of the girls giggling.

“Dad! Stop it.” Twilight admonished as she and Cadence walked up to the crowd.

“Yes. I for one think, Fred is a delightful man,” Cadence looked over at me with a smile and an encouraging wink. “But why don’t we continue this inside?” And with that announcement, the group agreed and started off toward the castle. “Angelfeather? Why don’t you walk with me? I’d like to talk with you if you don’t mind.”

Angelfeather looked up at me, a little nervous with a look in her eyes that was unmistakable for a question mark over her head. With a smile and a nod, I encouraged her over to Cadence. Which she then started walking over. Philomena took my arm again as the girls walked passed us and my eyes spotted Spike.

“You alright there, Spike?” I asked because of all the huffing and puffing he was doing pushing the cart filled with all our bags on it.

“Yeah, no problem,” he said between huffs. Then he chuckled, “At least there’s a cart this time. Last time I had to carry Rarity’s things.”

“Small blessings,” I chuckled and was going to follow, even help him push until I felt a hand on my shoulder. Looking back showed me Shining Armor’s hand on my shoulder with a rather intense look on his face. “You want something?” caution and suspicion were in my voice as I turned around to face him. I also encouraged Philomena to stand behind me as I faced him.

“You’ve been nothing but trouble for me since you got here,” his voice was low and filled with malice. That malice was also in his eyes as he glared at me. Obviously referring to when I arrived in Equestria.

“That’s ironic coming from you,” I gave him an amused smirk and shook my head. “I’m afraid you brought it on to yourself and your constant misunderstanding.”

“Well, I’m not misunderstanding why you’re with the Griffon.” He snorted in my face with clear irritation on his face.

Philomena started walking around me to face him, but I blocked her with my arm. I could feel the anger radiating off of her. So far, I wanted to keep it peaceful. “You are treading on thin ice and I suggest that you do not go any further.” Not wanting him to go any further with whatever he wants to say, I turned around ushering Philomena, and myself, away from him.

His footsteps following me hit my ears before his words did. “What? My sister wasn’t good enough for you?” I knew he was following me and I tried to ignore him, I really did.

Until…

“Use my sister then dump her?” he continued, his hoofsteps pounding against the wood flooring of the platform. Each hoofbeat was like a drum going off in my head. And each pounding of the drum I was seeing more red within my vision. “And what about her friends? What about sweet Fluttershy? You dumping them too for this bimbo you purchased?”

That thin ice just broke and so did I.

“ENOUGH!” To say that I was angry was an understatement. I was livid. And in one quick movement, I turned myself around, thrust my fist toward his chest, and combined my fire and my magic to create a massive explosion of fire that sends him careening across the platform. He put up his shield after he was sent flying, so he got hit with the initial blast. However, he and his shield carved out a nice shallow trench on the wooden floor of the platform. But he had crossed the line and I wasn’t done with him yet. “I’ve had ENOUGH OF YOU!” The only thing I was seeing right now was my red vision locked onto Shining Armor standing up from the trench I put him in. “ITTOU SHURA!”

Fire and magic exploded to swirl around me like a tornado, echoing the rage that was inside me. The wooden floorboards beneath me cracked and splintered so bits and pieces swirled around me like debris in a tornado. With each step I took toward him, parts of the wooden floor splintered and cracked underneath me. “How DARE you say I would abandon my unborn CHILD!” Somewhere in the back of my mind, I wanted the full effects of the Ittou Shura. So, I used all my magic and power to enhance my body for speed and power. I was going to punch his lights out. “If you want to fight, FINE LET’S GO! But don’t you EVER say anything about ANGELFEATHER!”

In a blink of an eye, I used my enhanced speed to go from one end of the platform to the other. He had stood up and stood ready with his horn glowing brightly on his head when I appeared in front of him. His eyes went wide in sudden shock and terror right before I laid into my punch like a ping pong ball player spiking the ball. Cracks snaked across his shield upon impact sending his body down into the platform again with a loud, “OOF.” The platform exploded in all directions, sending wood everywhere. His shield shattered as it impacted the solid ground with his momentum carrying him back up into the air. He cried out in pain not only from the magical backlash from his shield failing but also from his body hitting the ground and bouncing back up into the air just like a regular ping pong ball.

When his unconscious body was surrounded by a lavender glow, I didn’t care. All I wanted was to hit him again. And was about to use my ability again to do so until I felt a gentle hand touch my arm. I knew who it was because there was only one person, or phoenix in her case, that could touch me with my body swirling with fire.

“Enough,” was all she said in a soft voice when I looked down at her. At her gentle urging, I lowered my hands.

“Please, stop,” Fluttershy’s voice hit my ears this time. And it wasn’t until our eyes met that I took deep breaths to calm myself down. Looking between Philomena’s understanding face and Fluttershy’s shocked one had the anger, magic, and fire draining away from me. But as everything went away, the world started spinning around me. Before passing out I was able to watch Twilight tend to her unconscious brother. And it was the scared and worried look in her eyes and the look on Philomena, Fluttershy, and Cadence’s face that sent guilt through me. Then everything went black.

^_^

At first, I didn’t know how long I was out. The next thing I knew, after opening my eyes, was finding myself laying in a large bed in what appeared to be a guest room at the Crystal Palace. It was a king-sized four post bed with a privacy curtain. Outside of that, the room appeared relatively basic albeit with expensive furnishings. An opening in the wall was probably the bathroom if the crystal tiles were any indication. A standalone wardrobe, writing desk with a chair, and a small table by the bed also with a chair completed the room. The window on the outside wall was open. It let in not only the cool breeze blow through the room but also the light from the setting sun. Which told me that I’ve been out for at least eight hours. If it was the same day that is. At least the world wasn’t spinning.

However, my mind was going back to what happened. Damn him for pressing my buttons. I tried walking away, but he just wouldn’t stop. Part of me was sorry for what happened. And the other part of me wasn’t. Still, in either case, it was time to face the music. Standing up proved harder than I initially thought. My body felt like it’s been exercising for two days straight. Everything was sore and my legs felt like jello. After a few side steps of trying to stay vertical, I pointed my hand toward the door. “That way.” I felt like a cowboy trying to corral a one cow herd. And I was the cow. Even though the door wasn’t that far, it felt like trying to walk a football field. Especially with me stumbling all over the place.

Finally, I reached the door. After everything I’ve been through you’d think I wouldn’t be celebrating that much just walking across the room to grab the door handle and the door frame. “Aha, I made it,” I nearly shouted in triumph when my hand grabbed the door handle.

That didn’t last long when the door suddenly opened, slamming itself into my face. Which sent me down to the floor landing on my back with a groan. Which took all the joy out of the recent accomplishment.

“Sorry about that,” my ears picked up the guard’s voice. After looking up, I saw it was one male unicorn and one female pegasus guard. Even though it was the male that spoke, neither of them truly looked sorry. So, I pointed that out.

I stayed laying on the floor giving them a chuckle, “No you’re not.”

There was the slightest hint of a smirk on his face as he appeared to think about it. “Yeah, you’re right. I’m not.” Now even the mare was smirking down at me. “I do have to let the princesses know that you’re awake,” he said then turned to the mare. “I’ll go do that while you can stay here and watch him.” Without even waiting for her to respond he padded her shoulder and started walking away with a grin on his face.

“Yes, I’ll…wait...what?” she stammered, clearly not happy with staying here with me. After he was away and down the hall she simply grumbled before turning back around to watch me.

“I guess I’m not too popular right now, huh?” I asked genuinely curious.

She looked down at me with a wry smirk, crossing her arms under her chest. “You think?”

I sighed with regret and looked up at her with concern. “How is he?”

That seemed to surprise her, “You really want to know? Why?”

“I don’t like losing control,” I told her with a little heat in my voice. “And believe me it takes a lot for me to lose control as I did. And you have no idea what he said to make me do that.” Now it appears that she was curious.

“Alright then, what was it?”

I spent the next few minutes telling her about my relationships with Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Philomena. Making sure to leave out Twilight Velvet and explain Fluttershy’s pregnancy. I saw a flash of righteousness in her eyes when telling her about Angelfeather. Only then did she understand why what Shining Armor said got to me. “He’s been misunderstanding things from the start. And up until now, I’ve been letting him sink himself. This is the first time that I’ve actually struck him over what he said.”

“I can’t believe that he would say that,” she whispered, now leaning up against the doorframe.

I looked up at her with another long sigh and ran my hands down my face. “I tried walking away, but he just wouldn’t shut up. I snapped when he called Angelfeather a bimbo. That was the last straw. He can call me whatever he wants, but leave her and the rest of the girls out of it.”

“So you were defending her honor.” It wasn’t a question. She whispered it as if now fully understanding what happened. Now she looked down at me with some respect and understanding. “I’m glad you explained it, but I’m afraid that most of the public won’t. Word is, you went supervillain on our prince and captain.”

I chuckled at that. “Supervillain. I’m not exactly pure at heart, I’ll admit.”

“Well, the princesses will be here shortly, so I better help you up and to the bed.” She sounded like she actually meant it. Even knelt down to help me up off the floor with my arm over her shoulders. “Come on, let’s go.” She did get me off the floor and sitting on the bed. And just in time for the group to come into the room.

I had just sat down with the guard by my side when Mother, Aunt Luna, Cadence, Angelfeather, Twilight, and the rest of the girls all piled into the room. The guard went back outside while Mother sat on one side of me, Aunt Luna on the other, and Cadence, Angelfeather, and Twilight standing in front of me. Fluttershy took a chair because of her pregnancy while the rest of the girls sat on the bed around us.

“How is he?” remembering that the same question to the guard didn’t get answered. The looks I was getting weren’t promising.

I felt both Mother and Aunt Luna put their arms and wings around me as Cadence told me of his condition. “He’ll recover.” That news felt good to hear. “But you hurt him pretty badly.” That didn’t. “He’s stable, but will be in the hospital for about a week.” My heart sank to my stomach when my ears picked up that bit of news. I really didn’t have that much of an excuse for my actions, though I tried telling them. Only to find out I didn’t have to.

“He just wouldn’t stop,” said through a long regretful sigh.

“We know,” Luna spoke up gently, so I turned my head to look at her. “Because it was an altercation between you and Shining Armor, an investigation had to take place. After talking with Philomena, the next step was to retrieve your memories of the event.”

“You can do that?” That sounded both weird and cool.

Her smile was small and also amused at my question. “Yes. Just one of my many talents. Because of your memory, we know that he pushed you to act. And you were just defending the girl’s honor.”

“Still,” I paused with another sigh, “I still could’ve kept walking. But he just kept pushing my buttons.” Regret was in my eyes when they met Cadence’s and Twilight’s own. “Sorry.”

“I know,” Cadence gave me a small smile. “We’ve all seen what happened through your memory. And I understand why you did what you did. But it put us in a bind because he was going to be the master of ceremony for the games.”

“Ah,” I nodded, “I didn’t know about that.”

“Would it have made a difference?” Twilight finally asked with her voice betraying her mixed emotions on the issue. Though this question seemed to be one-sided.

“Probably not honestly,” I gave her a shrug. “Other times, I let him sink himself as it were. But this time he just wouldn’t quit. Even when I walked away and when he called Angelfeather a name… That was it. The last straw. It’s obvious that he has an issue with me. And that tore it, I wanted to finish it one way or another. If he wanted a fight then I was happy to accommodate him.”

“And you couldn’t walk away after you sent him flying across the platform?” Again, Twilight asked me.

“I think it was safe to say that he wouldn’t stop, Twilight,” was my rebuttal in my defense.

“But it was just words,” she pointed out.

“So a stallion, or man in his case, isn’t justified in defending a mare’s honor?” It was Rarity that spoke up behind me to answer that statement.

“Rarity, defending a mare’s honor means many things,” Twilight said back. “Now, I can maybe agree with the first attack, but I still say that the second was excessive.”

“It would seem, Twilight,” I spoke up to get her attention, “that, according to the guard outside, even the first was excessive. This raises a question regarding me even showing up tomorrow night, much less giving a speech about ending slavery. If what she said was true, then I don’t think the public would accept anything that I said simply because I said it. Further, would the public side with the pro-slavers because of my actions?” One look around showed me that it was something they didn’t think about.

“That is a good question, son,” Mother spoke up softly and gave me a small smile when I looked over to her. Then she looked around me to Luna. “Sister? Would you be willing to look into Shining Armor’s subconscious in order to find out his true motives for his actions?” I noticed Luna looking up to Cadence. Which seemed to give it some thought before finally nodding her head.

“Cadence!” Twilight protested in shock. “You can’t think that Shiny would do something like that do you?”

“Twilight,” Cadence put her hand on Twilight’s shoulder, “it must be investigated as much as I don’t like it. I know you think you know your brother. But you haven’t had the arguments that we’ve had. You haven’t seen the look in his eyes as I have.”

“I know it’s been a while since we’ve talked, but...still...I don’t think...” Twilight’s voice trailed off as her logical mind started thinking about it.

There was a pregnant pause in the conversation as Angelfeather stepped up then leaned down rubbing her cheek against mine. “Thank you for defending me.” It was her way of kissing me because of her hard eagle’s beak like Philomena’s.

“You’re welcome,” bringing my hand up, I kissed her cheek.

“No offense, Twilight, but I say he got what was coming to him.” Rainbow finally spoke up in my defense. “You saw how he was warned to not say anything yet did so anyway. And believe me, it wasn’t the first time his mouth got him into trouble either. I was there.”

“I remember that,” Twilight’s voice was soft and hesitant as if she didn’t want to remember.

“I had thought that our conversations were enough,” Cadence commented while looking at Twilight with somber eyes. “To keep quiet at least. But I fear that he has deep issues. And I don’t know if it’s with Fred alone or humans as a whole. And I must know Twilight.”

That’s when Luna stood up. “In that case, I think it’s best I go find out.”

“Please,” Cadence gave her a small nod and sad smile. And we all watched Luna walk out of my room. Meanwhile, Cadence stood there looking down at the floor with her arms over her chest and a somber concerned look on her face.

That’s when Angelfeather took Luna’s place at my side on the bed. After sitting down and giving me a smile, she took my hand wrapping my arm around her waist and leaning up against me.

“Twilight?” I continued after getting her attention. “I hope that it’s with just me and not humans in general. I hope that he’s not a pro-slaver.”

“What would you two think if Shining Armor is a pro-slaver and hated humans all this time, but simply hiding it?” Mother was asking Cadence and Twilight specifically. And by the hesitant looks on their faces told me that they didn’t know. They never answered that question. Then she looked at me. “How are you feeling, my sunshine boy?”

“Weak and sore. As if I’ve worked out for two days straight.”

“That’s because you overexerted yourself.” Twilight was glaring at me while tapping her foot in a classic woman look. “Just what was that anyway?”

“I know it was way cool!”

“Thanks, Rainbow,” I chuckled before shaking my head at Twilight. “Honestly, I didn’t think that it would work. It’s just some fictional technique from a cartoon show back in the human world. It’s called the Ittou Shura. He uses...magic...for a lack of a better word to give his body strength, speed, and quick cognitive abilities.”

“How? I’ve never seen anything like that.” I don’t think Twilight believed me. She was looking at me with wide eyes and a disbelieving voice. “My brother’s shield is the strongest outside of Celestia and Luna. It took a whole changeling hive to take it down and that’s while he was weakened because of Chrysalis. And you took it out with one punch.”

“Lucky punch?” said with a nervous shrug and a quick chuckle. As Twilight gave me a look that said she wasn’t impressed, I thought about something else. “How are Spike, Velvet, and Night Light taking it?” I felt arms wrap around my neck and a head on my shoulder. A quick look showed it was Pinkie, so I rubbed my cheek against her arm.

“They all have mixed feelings about it,” Cadence sighed, saying softly.

“Understandable,” AJ commented softly. “But for right now,” she continued while walking toward the door, “why don’t we let him be, so he can eat and rest?” As she passed she gave me an understanding smile, “Get some rest, sugarcube.”

“Thanks, AJ,” I thanked her.

“I’ll pick up something for you,” Pinkie cooed into my ear before kissing my cheek then got up off the bed heading for the door.

“Thank you, Pinkie.”

Mother leaned over kissing my cheek before standing up, “I’ll give you an update tomorrow.” Then headed out the door herself.

“Thanks, Mother.” I then looked up at Cadence and Twilight, “Let me know how Spike and your folks are doing?”

“I will, Fred,” Twilight gave me a nod which Cadence echoed with a smile and a nod of her own before also heading to the door.

“Catch you later, stud,” Rainbow winked at me before heading out.

“I think I’ll go help Pinkie,” Rarity said, which was a little surprising. What was even more surprising was when she asked, “Philomena would you help please?”

“Yes,” Philomena readily agreed before walking over to me, rubbing her cheek against mine, “Love you.” Then headed out with Rarity.

Harmony was next as she walked up, grabbed my head, and gave me a head-turning kiss. “Personally, I think that was the hottest thing I’ve seen you do.” Then giggled at my reaction before leaving the room. Which left just Fluttershy and Angelfeather. Fluttershy got up to walk over and sit down next to me.

“Thank you for defending my honor as Rarity would say,” Fluttershy gave me a somber smile. “Though perhaps you went too far.”

“Yeah,” I agreed with a nod, “that’s one of my faults. When I’m really angry because someone pushed me over the edge as Shining did, I do tend to go over the edge as the human saying goes.” I shook my head and looked between them. “It just pissed me off that he thought so low of me that I would abandon you and our foal.”

“I know.” She leaned over giving me a light kiss. “I know that you would never do such a thing. Now get some rest.” Then she got up and left the room after giving me another smile.

Angelfeather scooted over, into my lap, and took my hands placing them around her waist. Then laid her head back against my shoulder putting her cheek against mine. “Thank you, again, for defending my honor.”

Leaning my head against hers, I let out a soft happy sigh and rubbed my hands against her belly area. “You’re welcome, Angelfeather.”

“I think you’re going to be a good husband,” she whispered before urging my hand slowly up her body. My heart started to pound in my chest at my suspicion on where she was moving my hand to. I was right, too. She moved my hand up to her chest and with a soft sigh moved my hand over a breast. Curling her fingers against mine, she urged me to slowly massage her right breast. I could fell that she wasn’t wearing a bra under her dress. So, it didn’t take much encouragement for me to continue after she lowered her hand. She even spread her legs apart, used her hands to pull back her dress before she lowered my other hand between her legs. “And I look forward to our honeymoon. And Philomena gave me permission to leave marks on your back as she does.”

My mind was almost overwhelmed by what my hands were feeling. The palm of my hand felt her soft lower lips and my body desperately wanted to feel what it would be like to be inside of her. She was so soft and inviting she was making my blood run hot.

That didn’t last long when a knock from the closed door made me jump and had her standing up with a giggle. She was straightening her dress when the door opened with Rarity walking in pushing a food cart. That was a little surprising as I expected Pinkie or AJ to do it. I think that was showing in my eyes as she walked in because both of them giggled at the look on my face. Then Angelfeather gave me a wink before leaving the room and closing the door behind her. Leaving me alone with Rarity.

“I think you’ll like what I’ve brought you,” her voice sounded like an angel as she cooed at me. “But I think it’s better if you eat over here at the table.” While she brought over a chair for herself, and a meal for two, I carefully made my way over to the table near the door.

“Looks good,” said as I sat down, “simple vegetable stew, butter garlic bread, and...wine?” I looked at the red wine that she was pouring into two glasses for us. “Not that I’m arguing any about the wine or that you’ve decided to join me, but why?”

“Which one, darling?” she asked with a look in her eyes that I wasn’t sure if I was seeing it right. They were half-lidded eyes that belonged in the bedroom with a lover.

“Either,” said while taking a sip of the wine. “I’m happy that you are here eating with me, don’t get me wrong-”

“It’s just not the mare you expected?” She was amused. It was in her teasing voice, it was in the slight smirk on her face, and the look in her eyes. Suddenly that one piece red dress with a deep v-cut was more provocative than it should have been. Her eyes held mischief in them as she kept them on mine while lifting a piece of bread to her lips. “I have my reasons.” She didn’t bite it at first, just gently sucked the tip of it. All while her half-lidded eyes were locked onto mine.

She has her reasons. Why do I feel like prey all of a sudden? Is she…? Nah. Pushing that thought out of my head, I went to my meal. But all through the meal, all through the small talk, there was just an air about her that got me nervous and excited at the same time.

It wasn’t until after the meal that her true reason for being with me surfaced. And I wasn’t sad about it either.

“Here let me help you,” her voice was soft as she stepped up to my side to help me stand. My whole body was tingling with excitement as she stood in front of me taking my hands in hers. When our eyes met, and hers still half-lidded, it was then that this was the time I was going to get my answers. “You’re wondering why I had a late dinner with you?” Of course, that was a rhetorical question, which I acknowledged. “It’s because you’ve made such a difference in my life.” She began to explain while leading me over to the bed. While I sat down on the edge, she chose to stand in front of me. “You’ve been such a good friend to me. Showed me how wrong I was. And you’re a good man, Fred. At first, I didn’t believe what my counterpart said about you. But she was right. I couldn’t believe how forgiving you were after I nearly killed you.”

I was going to say something, but she put her finger to my lips and shook her head with a soft shush. “No, you were too forgiving, Fred. If it wasn’t for Philomena you might not be here right now. After reading the letter again, I vowed to do something to make it up to you. But I couldn’t think of anything. Nothing I thought of would be equal to what you’ve given or shown me. But then I thought of something that I could give to you.” With her half-lidded bedroom eyes locked onto mine, she reached up and started to lower the straps off her shoulders. “It came to mind after reading the letter again. Specifically, the last thing that my counterpart wrote in that letter.” The straps of her dress fell from her shoulders, almost exposing her luscious glorious white breasts as the front of her dress fell forward. “She wrote two words.” The dress fell to the floor. She stood naked in front of me in all her beautiful glory. “Love him. So, Fred Justice, I’m giving you the only thing I can. The only thing that I think is worthy.” She stepped forward and sat in my lap. My eyes were captivated by hers as she wrapped her arms around my neck and my arms around her waist. “Myself.” The kiss she gave me was head-turning. It was a soft kiss but also filled with restrained passion. My hands slowly ran up the sides of her lithe form, my thumbs lightly brushing against the sides of her plump breasts, which made her moan softly in my mouth. Whatever soap, or shampoo, that she uses against her coat did wonders. Because her coat felt like silk against my skin. At first, our tongues wrestled, but then she let mine dominate hers inside of her mouth. She pressed her body against mine as if she was completely surrendering to me. And that was just fine with me. So, I took her. My mouth hungry for hers.

Too soon though, she broke the kiss. Then without another word, she just smiled, put her hands to my chest, and with a gentle shove encouraged me onto my back. After laying down, her hands slowly ran down my chest to grip my pants. “Just relax and let me do everything.” With her eyes on me, and her soft voice filling my ears, she undid my pants and slid them off of me.

This was going to be a great night.

Next Chapter: Chapter Thirty One: The Equestria Games Part 2 Estimated time remaining: 5 Hours, 13 Minutes