I felt so drained after waking up from the slumber Luna put me under. Drained physically, emotionally, and magically. A little groggy too. My eyes opened slowly, and under protest, to see white walls, tile floors, and a hospital bed. Was it really that necessary? At least I wasn’t alone. Turning my head to the right was Luna sitting in a chair. Quietly reading something. She was in the same outfit from before, a roman-ish tunic. “Luna,” said quietly to get her attention.

Instantly she looked up from the book with a smile, “Fred, you’re awake,” then closed the book and set it down on the bedside table. “How do you feel?”

“Drained and a little weak, but other than that,” I shrugged slightly. “I feel alright.” I didn’t see any tubes in my arms. “Thanks for letting me sleep it off.”

“You’re welcome, although I am a little surprised you are awake so early,” she raised an eyebrow at me.

“Oh?” She nodded. “Well to be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, and to be late is to run three laps around the football field with Rainbow and AJ slapping my butt the whole time.” I think she was giggling at the imagery. With a little groaning, I sat up with Luna’s help. “Thanks,” I looked at her smiling, “What time is it?”

“Almost midnight,” she told me without even looking at a clock. “You slept for about twelve hours.” I stretched slightly while testing everything. I groaned out a chuckle.

“Feels like I worked out for two hours straight.”

“It’s the side effect of the overexertion,” she explained, “Mainly from the magic.”

I nodded and sat there for a minute letting my mind run through the events. She waited as if she knew I had to talk about it. Lifting my hands I looked at them, “I came close to killing him.” She slowly nodded. “I wanted to. I wanted to soo badly.”

“Everypony is pleased that you didn’t,” she said softly with a smile. “Your mother, and I, are proud that you did not.”

“Thanks.”

“What stopped you?” she asked as if she needed to know.

I looked up to her while in thought, “It was like I could see past the corner that I was fixing to turn. That if I killed him and turned that corner, then it would be a dark path that I chose to walk down. Reminds me of a story from the human world.” She looked at me with a raised eyebrow wanting to know more. “It’s called Star Wars. A classic tale of good against evil, but set in the stars across many worlds. Mainly between two sides. The Jedi and the Sith. People can have extraordinary powers that can be used for good or evil. The Jedi train for good purposes while the Sith for evil purposes. The Jedi teaching warns against giving in to your anger and hate for it will lead you down the dark path, that the Sith walk, where there is little, to no hope, of recovery. And it was like if I did kill him then it would be like turning that corner and choosing to go down that dark path.”

“I understand,” she said quietly after a minute or two in thought. “And you’re more right than you know.” Now it was my turn to be curious. “You see I gave into my jealousy and hate, which led me to become Nightmare Moon. I'm pleased, and proud, that you were able to save yourself from that fate.”

It was shocking to hear that I could have turned into something similar. She saw that in my eyes, “Was I really that close?”

She nodded to me, “Yes, you were. The magic inside of you is Alicorn magic, the same as your mother and I. When a normal unicorn goes into a rage as Twilight did a couple of years ago, they can return to normal when their magic is spent, or if they just give up as Twilight did. But when an Alicorn goes into such a rage...”

She trailed off letting me finish, “Such as the one I was in, it’s more perpetual?”

“In short yes. There’s an emotional aspect to our magic. And in a rage, there’s a danger of the emotion reinforcing the magic, which in turn makes the emotion stronger. Thus creating the cycle. This was why it took the Elements of Harmony to save me from that cycle. The Elements also showed me the error of my jealousy and hate, which is how they worked to get rid of said cycle.”

I blinked a couple of times while my brain computed that information. “Wow,” I spoke softly putting my head in my hands as it hit me.

“Indeed, but fear not,” she continued happily this time, putting a hand on my shoulder with a wide smile. “Now that you have conquered it once, you can do it again. And even prevent it.” She smiled and sat back in the chair going onto a different subject. “The captain told us everything and the charges against Blueblood. He will be tried and convicted easily, along with the four ponies with him. Even now he’s down below in our dungeons. Never to see another sunrise or sunset.”

I nodded. “So, what’s going on with Twilight, her friends, and mother with the celebration?”

“I was able to convince your mother into taking a nap,” she rolled her eyes slightly, “although she didn’t want to. Honestly, I did too, right here for a few hours during the day. Tried to tell Twilight the same, but she and her friends insisted on keeping with the preparations.”

I smiled at that, “They are so much like their counterparts.” That’s when my stomach made its feelings known with a soft growl. I looked down at it while Luna giggled at me.

“That’s a good sign,” she stood up with her hand over her mouth still giggling slightly. “I’ll tell the nurse you’re awake and get you something to eat.”

“Thanks, I’m famished.” She and the nurse came back with a tray of some fruits, another tray of peas, carrots, and other veggies. I was practically licking my lips at the sight, “Oh thank you. I didn’t get to eat everything that Miss Love gave me this morning.” The trays were put down on the swinging bed table and I practically dived into it.

“Meanwhile I’ll do a simple checkup,” the nurse said and lit up her horn as a magical something washed over me. I think it was like a scanning spell or something. Like Star Trek’s medical tricorder, only I could feel the magic washing over me. She was wearing a typical nurse's scrubs of a light blue color. Which went kinda well with her light pink coat and white hair and mane. She got done with the scan about the same time I finished the fruit tray. “Well everything checks out,” she told me, “Just take it easy for the next couple of days and don’t use any magic. And you’ll be fine.”

“Thank you, nurse...”

“Oh sorry,” she giggled putting a hand to her muzzle. “Nurse Stitch Prince Fred.”

“Thank you, Nurse Stitch.”

“You’re welcome,” she bowed. “And save some room later because there’s plenty to eat at the party.” Then she was off to do the rest of her rounds.

“Yes the party is going on right now,” Luna told me when I dived into the other tray. “Don’t worry though, the party goes on until morning when I lower the moon and your mother raises the sun.” She let me eat for the few minutes it took for me to get through the tray.

Being full felt good after a long day, “That’s better,” patting my stomach with a content sigh.

Luna giggled, “As the nurse said, save some room for later.”

“Hey, there’s always room for dessert,” I chuckled.

She offered her hand to me, “Feel like standing up and waking up your mother?”

I took her hand as she helped me up from the bed, “Yeah, I think so.” She offered to teleport me there, but I wanted to walk. I needed to walk in order to get my strength back. Turns out, the castle has a couple of rooms that are specially built like hospital rooms. All they needed to call was the doctor and nurses to come up and tend to whomever. So, that’s where I was walking from.

While walking down the hallways up to mother’s room, I thought that the castle felt a bit empty. Odd feeling when you practically have most of Canterlot outside in the courtyard. Still, it was nice to walk with Luna. When we got to Mother’s room, there was a couple of lunar guards at the door. “Your highness,” one of them said in a sharp salute. “Prince Fred,” the other one said saluting as well.

“Good evening sirs,” Luna greeted them politely with a nod. “Is my sister up yet?”

“I don’t believe so your highness,” one of them answered. They both looked identical actually. I made a mental note to ask about that. Most of the guards did and wondered if it was a magical thing?

“Oh good,” I smiled, “then I can surprise my mother then.” Walking up I opened the door as quietly as I could. Which, wasn’t hard considering the high quality of the oiled hinges. Luna and I slipped inside shutting the door softly behind us. Luna lit up her horn, so we could see in the dark. Sure enough, mother was there lightly snoring away. Luna and I approached the bed. Me on the side that Mother was facing with Luna on the other. My hand gently shook her shoulder after sitting down to wake her up, “Mother, wake up.”

“Five more minutes,” she grumbled softly and turned over.

Luna just smirked slightly, leaned in, and began to repeatedly tap her head. “Sister wake up.”

Mother grumbled batting the hand away.

“Wake up, come on.”

More grumbling.

“Your son is here.”

She was up in a flash. She looked to Luna first. Didn’t see me, then looked in the other direction. Saw me and her face lit up like the sun she rises, “My sunshine boy.” Her arms and wings opened, her magic activated, and lifted me up off the floor and into her waiting arms in a massive hug. “How are you feeling?”

I chuckled a little at her antics while hugging her back, “Just a little drained, but fine.”

“I’m so happy that you’re alright,” her voice was tinged with a mother’s worry. “And I’m so proud of you my sunshine boy. Handling everything so well.”

“Thanks,” I knew that she just needed to hold me for a bit. However, turned out that she wasn’t the only one, because we were about to have another visitor? The balcony doors were open to let the cool evening breeze blow through, but that wasn’t the only thing that blew in. From outside I heard the screech first before a ball of fire flew in, circled the room, before extinguishing the flames showing a beautiful phoenix. A live living breathing phoenix came in for a landing at the foot of the bed with a happy screech.

I sat there awestruck at the sight of the legendary bird. I’m sure my jaw was hanging open as well. The bird first started to hop up the bed, but then stopped after seeing me. “Philomena,” mother cheered happily and gripped me a little tighter putting her head on my shoulder. “Guess who’s back?”

Philomena was taller than I thought. A little bit larger than the average hawk I thought. And just breathtaking. Her head tilted slightly as animals do when they’re unsure of something. Softly chirped a couple of times before hopping closer to me. Close enough that she was already standing in my lap with a claw on each leg. And when she leaned in for a closer look, I swear I saw intelligence in those eyes. She was close enough to take a sniff, almost like a dog would. There was a pause. Then her head shot back looking me in the eyes as her own eyes went wide. It was a realization.

“Yes, my son’s back,” mother said softly.

“Hi,” I had no clue what to do from here.

However, Philomena took a page from Mother. Did you know that the legends about phoenix tears are true? Philomena cooed softly with a tear forming in her eye. I could actually see the emotion on her face, just like a person’s face. Slowly she brought her head to rub against mine. And I felt the tear from her eye being absorbed into my cheek. Not only was my strength returning but my magic as well. She kept quietly cooing and rubbing her head against mine. I then realized that she was crying, just like mother did. Gently, I brought up a hand to rub her head. Mother petted her as well, and we sat there holding each other for a couple of minutes.

Finally, Philomena pulled back cooing happily that I had returned. And now thanks to her I could show her something, “Not only am I back Philomena, but I have a surprise for you.” She tilted her head at me cooing questionably. Lifting up my hand for her to see I ignited it with fire.

Of course, that got mother and Luna worried. “The nurse told you to take it easy,” Luna cautioned.

Philomena jumped back slightly then cooed excitedly flapping her wings. She also showed her excitement over my abilities by igniting a small flame of her own on her head.

“Phoenix tears,” I told them with a smirk, “turns out that part wasn’t a myth after all.”

“That’s great,” mother clapped her hands together. “In that case, I have an idea for when Luna lowers the moon and I raise the sun. Right now, I think we have a party to attend.”

Now she’s talking.

^_^

The whole courtyard was the party’s selected location. Not surprising considering the number of ponies that attended. On the way there, mother and Luna explained that the platform for the ceremony itself was off to the side of the courtyard since the castle faces north and south. We walked right down the steps with Philomena choosing to ride on my shoulder. Now that she knew I was back there was the impression she’s going to stay glued to my side for a while. Need to talk to someone about getting another set of clothes. This suit is getting tiresome to wear time after time.

Right at the bottom of the stairs was the DJ table with Vinyl there doing her thing. Wearing the crop shirt, that was eye-catching short, and short shorts that clung to her figure. What made it worse was her hips were swaying with the beat. Which meant that her tail was swaying a little hypnotically. Off on either side of the DJ table was food and drinks on either table. Speakers next to them with flashing lights around that reminded me of those multicolored lights at concerts. More than likely all powered by magic and not electricity.

I guess my eyes stared a little too long at Vinyl because Philomena saved me from embarrassment by nipping my head gently. It accomplished what she wanted and brought me out of my stupor. “Thanks, Philomena,” I whispered to her as we all separated to mingle. Luna went to go dancing actually. Surprised me on that one, because her counterpart never really danced. Mother went to talk, naturally. In that, she’s like her counterpart. My goal was to get something to drink first then hopefully say hello to Vinyl, or at least give her a wave. “I don’t know why,” I whispered, or tried to, over the loud music, “But ever since coming here my mind, and eyes, have been wandering more than usual.”

She cooed at me sounding like a question.

“I mean for a normal human my age,” I continued while taking some punch. “It’s natural to think about such things and for girls to catch my eye.” I took a sip of the red looking fruit punch. “Wow this is very good,” I smacked my lips holding up some for her to try, which she did. “This is different,” I mused while stealing a glance at Vinyl before forcing myself to turn away. “It feels more intense...or instinctual maybe?”

Philomena cooed that sounded like she didn’t know. Not that I expected her to, but it was nice to talk about it. Wish I had a guy to speak to this about. Guess it’s something I’ll simply have to wade through on my own.

“Alright,” Vinyl came over the speakers after the music ended. “Hope everypony is having a great time tonight, but it’s time to take a break. Don’t party too hard because there’s plenty of more nights ahead of us. And it looks like our princesses have joined us tonight.”

“The fun has been doubled,” Luna called out from the dance area, which was part of the walkway. A cheer rose up from the crowd as Vinyl turned of her equipment and turned my way. Not only turned my way but walking my way. And looking at me. “Hey there Vinyl,” my voice sounded like a nervous kid with a crush, “Looking good and sounding good tonight.” Mentally slapping myself for sounding so lame.

“Thanks,” she simply said to me, took my cup, and gulped down the rest of it before handing it back to me. “So what happened this morning?” she asked me outright while staring straight up at me and leaning against the table. Straightforward simple answers. Just like her counterpart. After a nod to her, I refilled my cup, took a sip, and then told her.

“It was Blueblood again,” I began softly as a breeze blew through ruffling my long hair. My eyes looked to hers, so she could see the turmoil in them, “When mother and Aunt Luna disappeared he figured he would use this to his advantage and take over. He didn’t count on me being there. He didn’t know who I was at first glance, but another slave. So, I used that to my advantage and got him to confess to sending Sunset Shimmer after me in the human world.”

Her eyes went wide in shock at the news, even standing up from leaning against the table, “He sent her to kill you?”

“Yes, he did,” I took another sip to calm my nerves. “She had no clue that I was right under her nose the whole time. She thought that she needed the Equestrian magic to find me I guess.” She didn’t say anything at first, so I continued. My eyes met hers in order to emphasize my point, “You know why?” She shook her head. “Purity of their race,” I told her with sorrow and a sigh. “He believed that he was so far above humans that for my mother to have me defiled her. If a human is seen as just an animal, it’s easy to commit atrocities and not see it as the evil that it truly is. Also a means of gaining and maintaining power over others.”

“I don’t know how I truly feel about humans in general, much less as slaves,” she began after a minute of thought. “But I know that they are sentient like me and killing is murder. That’s definitely not cool.”

I smiled raising the glass to her, “A good place to be, which means you have an open mind.”

“Hey,” she tilted her head with a smirk, “I agreed to get to know you didn’t I?”

“Yeah you did,” after a chuckle, she took my glass and downed the drink again.

“Well breaks over,” she gave me the glass back, lightly punched my chest, and started walking back to her equipment with, “Thanks for the drinks and the talk.”

“You’re welcome.” Time to mingle and see about getting to know more people and ponies. Right when I turned around, Twilight was already heading my way. She was wearing a slightly more fancy dress than before. Same style and general colors, just more elegant in nature. Her hair was brushed and styled very pretty as well.

“There you are,” she greeted cheerfully throwing out her arms in finality as the music picked up again. “Been looking for you,” she stopped in front of me, “First off how are you feeling? Hey Philomena.”

Very nice looking…

Peck.

“Oh...I’m fine thank you,” thanks to Philomena for pecking my brain back in gear. What’s wrong with me? Philomena cooed a happy greeting as well ruffling her wings.

“Good,” she sighed in relief picking up her voice to be heard over the music. “We were worried after seeing you like you were this morning.”

“Yeah, Luna explained it to me. Suffice it to say the part of me that wanted to rip him apart was warring with the part of me that wanted him to live to see justice.” She gently took my arm and lead me to start walking with her away from the loud music. “I came very close to killing him Twilight.” We started walking down the side of the courtyard.

“But you didn’t and that’s what counts Fred,” she told me with a smile.

“You’re right.”

“Glad you are feeling alright, because...” she drew the last word out of anticipation, “There is something that you need to see at the Tree of Harmony.”

“For me to see?”

“Yep,” she nodded putting her hands behind her back signaling that I wasn’t going to find out now. “But for now we have a party.”

“Wait...hold on,” called out to her as she sped walked away from me. “You just can’t tell me something like that then change the subject. I’m curious now, what is it?”

She stopped, turned around quickly enough that her dress swayed, and giggled excitedly, “I have no idea. Isn’t that great?”

I blinked at her. “What? No...it’s...What do you mean you have no idea?”

“Just that,” she started quickly walking again. “It’s some time of six-sided chest that has to be opened with six keys, and we both got one.” Ok, now that didn’t make any sense. I had to jog in order to catch up to her.

“What do you mean we both got one? How do you know it was for us?”

“Well our cutie marks were on them,” she said while we walked up to Fluttershy. “Hey Fluttershy,” Twilight greeted her friend with a hug, “Guess who is out and about?”

Fluttershy looked up to me with a smile, “Hi Fred. Oh hi, Philomena. How are you two tonight?” You know I really wasn’t fond of the color green, but I admit that it looks great on Fluttershy. She didn’t have lace on her dress, but sequins here and there within the flowers to make them shine in certain lights. Her hair and tail were brushed so it flowed down her back.

“I’m fine, thank you,” you always found yourself smiling around Fluttershy, she just has that type of character. Philomena cooed a greeting before hopping from my shoulder over to hers. And immediately started talking to her. “Oh really? Oh, that’s so sweet.”

So, while those two were talking I turned back to Twilight, “So I have a six-sided chest with my cutie mark on it. That is at the Tree of Harmony. That needs six keys to open it?”

“Yep, it’s a total mystery,” her eyes went wide with excitement. “We get to do research on a total mystery, isn’t that great?”

“Twilight,” I said calmly. “While I do enjoy a good mystery now and then, I’d much prefer instructions when I need to open something.” My eyes widened staring into hers to emphasize my point.

“He did?” I heard Fluttershy ask and I couldn’t help, but think it was about me. “Oh my,” and she’s blushing. Why is she blushing? What did Philomena say to her? I blinked in confusion before shaking my head and dismissing the whole thing.

“Well this didn’t come with them,” Twilight put her hands on her hips in that pose, and glared back at me. “So, after the celebration, and after my friends and I get back to Ponyville I’m going to try to find out what to do with it.”

I gave her a deadpan look, “Open it maybe?”

She gave me her deadpan look, “I meant how to open it.” She would have slapped me upside the head for that one. Sometimes she’s just too good to mess with.

“If you will excuse us,” Fluttershy spoke up with an embarrassed smile, “but she wants to speak to me privately.”

“Sure no problem,” I blinked over to her, “Go right ahead.” What does Philomena want to talk with her about? Not that I would be able to understand her anyway, I don’t speak bird.

“So...” she started slow again, as if nervous about what she was about to say. “I had a thought.”

“Well, that’s dangerous,” I chuckled after she gave me another deadpan look slapping me upside the head.

“That you could temporarily stay in Ponyville for a while as we figure this out,” she finally finished. I blinked as my mind tried to process just what she was suggesting. “Well think about it,” she continued to press her argument, “If your cutie mark is on a chest, one that you clearly have to open sometime, at the Tree of Harmony, which obviously put it there for a reason, then would it not suggest that, at least temporarily, your place is to be in Ponyville?”

You know I had no answer for that?

Suddenly I was blinded. Just like that. A couple of pink fur-covered hands covered my eyes after someone jumped onto my back and latched onto me. “What the-” was all I got out while staggering slightly under the sudden and unexpected weight.

“Guess who?” came a high-pitched singsong voice that was clearly recognizable.

“Hi Pinkie,” with a smirk, and without hesitation, I greeted her with a patient sigh.

She got off my back and bounced around in front of me, “Aww how you’d know?”

“You’re kind of unmistakABLE.”

“I’m so glad you’re feeling better Freddy Weddy,” she nearly squeezed the air out of me when she suddenly hugged me. Twilight was giggling away while I was frantically trying to breathe air back into my lungs after she let me go.

“Thank you Pinkie,” with a smile I dismissed the fact that she nearly hugged all the air out of me like a deflated balloon. I was a little surprised at her dress though. The top was black low v cut, short sleeves ending with lace, poofed out shoulders, dark purple choker and waist belt with a bow on the back, and a light purple dress bottom. And to top it off she had a long purple feather sticking out of her hair. Reminded me of those dresses those dancers wore in all those wild west movies. Oddly enough it worked for her.

“You try the Fruit Punch and the snacks? They’re really good,” from somewhere out of the blue she produced a tray that had a sample of every piece of snack there was present.

“I have tried the punch and yes it’s very good Pinkie,” and because I knew there was no way to get out of it I took a couple of pieces of...fudge? After taking a bite, it turned out to be peanut butter fudge. “Good fudge.”

“Thank you,” she cooed happily, “I got the idea from your pie and combined peanut butter with fudge.”

“Well, it turned out great. Next time why not try having them separately?” I began to tell her as she looked up to me soaking in the suggestion. “Think of a standard fudge bar.” She nodded. “Then inside that bar have a thick layer of sugary peanut butter. Or think of it another way as candied peanut butter.”

She gasped long and loud as a strand of hair picked a notepad and pencil out of her hair, “I’ve got to write that down. That’s good.”

“It’s something made in the human world. Should go over well here.”

After writing it, down, the same strand of hair put it back. “Thank you so much Freddy Weddy,” she cheerfully hugged me again, but at least this time I was prepared for it, so she didn’t hug the air out of me. Then was gone in a pink poof. Not only was Pinkie now gone, but Twilight as well. Coward.

So, after some looking around, and walking around, the crowd I spotted Mother, Rarity, and two other ponies talking together. If I wanted to get into Rarity’s good graces then I would need to be the refined person, or pony, that has always dreamed of meeting. So, after straightening my coat out and making sure everything else was fine I made my way through the crowd over to them.

Luckily for me, there was a lull in the conversation that I could interject myself. “Having a good time mother?” announcing myself I walked up to her giving her a hug which she returned with a hum of delight

“I am, and you?” she kept an arm around me.

“So far yes,” with a smile I answered her. Then gently stepping out of her embrace to step up to Rarity, while she watched me carefully, clapped my heels together, and offered my hand to her. “Lady Rarity,” with the most elegant voice I knew how “You are looking beautiful tonight.” To my surprise she actually let me kiss her hand.

“Why thank you, Fred,” she answered elegantly while I stepped back to my mother’s waiting arm.

I bowed my head slightly to her, “You’re most welcome.”

“Son,” mother motioned to the other two ponies present. “I’d like you to meet Mister Fancy Pants and Miss Fleur De Lis.”

“A pleasure sir,” I shook his hand firmly. “Miss Fleur,” being a gentleman her hand I kissed as well. “A pleasure to meet you both.”

“A charming young man your highness,” Fleur commented which I thanked her silently with a nod of my head to her. She had on a very elegant, and yet provocative dress with a low v cut. With a body that any teenage girl would be jealous of. I bet she was a model or supermodel. And was literally hanging on the guy with one arm draped over a shoulder and her head resting on the other.

“He does seem to be well cultured,” Fancy agreed, “And raised in an all-human world is that correct?”

Mother let me answer that one with a nod to him, “Yes, since that fateful day years ago. Where Mother sent me to her human counterpart. Until about two weeks ago, I didn’t even know this world even existed. She and Aunt Luna raised me as their own all the way until I came here.”

“There is a human Princess Celestia and Princess Luna?” Fleur wondered with widened shocked eyes.

With a smile, I gently corrected her, “Yes, and no. Celestia and Luna aren’t princesses there, but Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna of Canterlot High School. Where coincidentally I also met Rarity’s human counterpart, as well as Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie.”

“So, without knowing anything about this world,” Fancy almost couldn’t believe the tale. “You crossed over.”

I nodded, “To get to know my birth-mother.”

“Now that is romantic,” Fleur commented with a giggle.

“And I’m so glad that he did,” mother hugged me to her kissing my head. “And I’m already proud of him.”

“Thanks, mother,” I didn’t want Rarity to think that I came over to steal any conversation away from her. So, now was a good time to bring her back in, “So Rarity, I bet you’ve got quite a few inquiries about that dress of yours?”

She tried to sound humble about it, “I have had a few, yes.” She sipped her drink as Fleur giggled.

“And with good reason Rarity. The light pink and yellow go so well together. And the design is simple yet elegant with those layers.”

“Thank you, Fleur,” Rarity cooed with a smile. “I tried to design this to be adaptable to nearly any situation. Even though sleeveless right now, there’s a light shoulder wrap that goes with this of the same color scheme which can be put on.” Emphasizing her point by opening the wrap then repositioning it a little higher up on her shoulders.

“That is a rather ingenious design Lady Rarity,” Fancy was impressed. “It wouldn’t be a surprise to find that design in the latest issue of Belle Femme.”

Rarity’s eyes widened in shock for a split-second before she recovered, “You really think so?”

I was confused until Mother whispered to me that it was the most renowned fashion magazine in all of Equestria. Written and published right here in Canterlot.

“I do. I for one would like to see this dress in one of their articles.” Fancy’s praise must have nearly blown her fuse. If the stars in her eyes were any indication, I bet she was on cloud nine right now.

Having heard a few “your highness” coming from behind me, I turned my head to see Luna walking over to us. Not all that gracefully mind you due to the amount of dancing she did. This was evident by the slightly tired way she walked over. “My good Luna,” Fleur called out through a giggle. “I do believe you enjoyed yourself.”

She did look like she enjoyed herself. Her hair and tail were a little frazzled, she was sweating slightly, and laughing softly as she walked up. “Indeed I did. It’s rare that I get a chance to...what is the term...ah cut loose as it were. Good eve to you all.” She took a glance around and spotted Rarity, who was still stock still with stars in her eyes. Luna waved a hand in front of Rarity’s face, “Is she alright?”

There were some giggles and chuckles. “Yeah,” I chuckled looking over to them. “She’s just on cloud nine right now, she’ll be down shortly.”

“That’s good because I do believe that it is almost time for the ceremony,” mother said with a happy smile as right as I heard a screech as Philomena flew over to land on my shoulder again. “Good timing as always Philomena.”

Philomena cooed while I raised a hand to gently scratch her head.

“Hazzah,” Luna cheered. “Then I best make myself presentable.”

^_^

About an hour or so later, everyone and everypony was gathered in front of the platform for the ceremony. On either side of the raised platform, there were two short towers. One of them I was hiding behind with Philomena on my shoulder. Mother and I hugged before she and Luna, now wearing her royal dress, starting walking toward the crowd. Twilight gave me a smile before following along behind them. My mother was so excited about this one, as it was clearly evident. Just her giddiness gave that away. Philomena and I had a simple part to play, so I wasn’t concerned about that. What I was concerned about was how the nobles would take all this.

From what I gathered from the party earlier was that I was viewed mainly as a well-dressed slave. Which was why I was left alone, for the most part. Apart from the occasional asking me to get something. Before this, I tried asking Philomena what she and Fluttershy talked about. “What did you and Fluttershy talk about?” But of course, all she did was give out a coo that sounded like she was offended at the question and raised her head off to one side in a little birdy huff. I had to chuckle at that, “Alright, alright I’m sorry. I don’t need a translator to know what that meant. Girl talk only.”

“Citizens of Equestria,” mother began loudly with some amplified voice. “It is no longer with a heavy heart, but with great joy, that I raise the summer sun. For this celebration now represents, not the defeat of Nightmare Moon, but the return of two very special to me.” Peeking around the pillar I watched mother put a wing around Luna. “One of which is the return of my sister Princess Luna.” The crowd instantly went into cheering and shouting.

“Here we go Philomena,” I whispered.

“And another very special to me,” mother continued after the crowd died down. I could hear the tearful joy in her voice as she spoke. “For a long time, I never thought that I would experience the joys of motherhood. All of you know of the grave that I visit often here at the castle. His name was John Justice, but he wasn’t a pony.” That is when the crowd started murmuring softly. “We had a son together. And for two years I got to experience both the joy and the pain of being a mother. The pain came when the one I loved gave his life protecting us, so I could whisk away our son to the safety of another world. He grew up into a man that I am proud to call my son.”

That was my cue to step forward, which I did after taking a deep breath and an encouraging head rub from Philomena.

“Fred Justice,” she finished with an arm around my shoulders with me now standing between my mother and Luna. “My son has returned not only to me but to us once more.”

That is when Luna nodded to us, ignited her horn, and slowly lowered herself off the ground. Her wings out with her hands outstretched in royal fashion her magic pulled the moon down to make way for the day.

In the same elegant and regal fashion, my mother ignited her magic and rose from the ground as well. There was some cheering from the crowd, as well as confusion with the occasional voice of disbelief. It was my turn when Mother and Luna were floating side by side together and both the sun with the moon almost side by side.

With my turn up, I clapped my hands together igniting the fire over them. At the same time, Philomena screeched loudly jumping off my shoulder to hover about five feet above my head. With the sun and moon side by side was my cue to send a stream of flames toward Philomena thrusting my hands upward. She screeched loudly extending her wings right when the flames hit her. She used her own flames to amplify ours together to create a large flaming sphere over our heads.

That was Twilight’s cue. During all this, she had secretly flown away to get up enough speed, so she could fly directly through it and ignite her magic at the same time. The effect was a brilliant purple flaming star above our heads igniting in a soft boom throughout the courtyard.

It worked. Holy cow it worked. I was so ecstatic. Philomena lowered herself down to my waiting outstretched arm as my mother, Luna, and Twilight landed at the same time. Mother and Luna moved in to stand next to me with Twilight in front of us. The crowd loved it, or most of the crowd anyway. Cheers with “oohs” and “aahs” rose from the crowd as they applauded. However, as I scanned the crowd I did see those who, at least appeared, to not like the idea of me. Mother, Luna, and Twilight had hoped that if I showed off my abilities in such a fashion that it would prove that I was no ordinary human, but indeed her son, and part pony. Thereby hopefully getting the public to take a liking to me.

And now with the celebration technically over with, we would find that out when both the press, nobles, and regular ponies came up to talk to us.

“It worked,” I whispered to my mother when she hugged me.

“I’m proud of you my sunshine boy,” she said before letting me go.

Luna did hug me as well with a soft, “Well done.”

Twilight’s friends were the first up the steps to hug and congratulate her. Naturally, Rainbow got there first hugging her, “That was awesome Twilight, you did it.”

“Thanks to everypony’s help in getting me ready for it,” she said before looking back at her spread wings. “I wasn’t sure I’d get it right with these new wings.”

“We have a saying Twilight,” stepping up to her with mother and Luna as well. “Practice makes perfect.”

“We are pleased that the ceremony went so well,” Luna praised which made Twilight beam with delight.

“It was a beautiful sight twilight,” Rarity came up to hug her.

“I was like ‘oooooh’ so pretty.”

“Oh yes it was very pretty,” Fluttershy hugged Twilight saying softly then turned to Philomena and I. “Oh Fred, Philomena, you two did so wonderful.”

“Thank you Fluttershy,” she gave me a quick soft hug of support with Philomena cooing in thanks as well.

“Looked good up there Twilight, I’d say that practicin’ paid off.”

“Thanks, AJ,” Twilight saw the press ponies and nobles heading up, so she turned to mother, Luna, and I. “Uh...should we discuss the chest in Ponyville?”

“Yes we shall,” mother said with a nod and a smile. “As soon as we can get away from the press and the public.”

“Well good luck with that because here they come,” AJ looked in that direction with the press being the first ones up the steps. Twilight’s friends moved a little off to the side while still staying close enough to support her if she needed it. My mother and Luna stood next to me as the swarm of press ponies started surrounding us.

“Your highness, your highness,” a brown coated, black hair and tailed, pony stepped up first to my mother and Luna. “Am I right in assuming that this other world has humans in it?”

“Correct,” mother answered, “As I understand it, humans are the predominant species.”

“Are there ponies there?” one of the female press ponies asked.

“Yes,” I answered as every eye turned to me. “However, the ponies, all equines, are four-legged and not sentient. Humans are the only sentient species there. And the humans don’t know anything of this world at all.” Of course, along with the questions, they were also taking pictures as well with what looked to be old-fashioned style cameras. Looking similar to the ones from the early nineteen hundreds but magically based probably.

They gasped at that, obviously not something they wanted to hear. “Then how did you find out about Equestria?” another mare press reporter asked.

“Yes,” another continued, “and how did you get here?”

That’s when Twilight stepped up next to me with a smile, “It all began when a pony named Sunset Shimmer stole my crown and went to the human world. Through a portal that only opens for a short time every 30 moons.” Twilight and I told the tale to them about how Twilight came to the human world to retrieve it. Before then, she was still under the impression that all humans are bad, and how she was scared. Until she met me and her friend’s counterparts. Flashes from cameras went off as she and I told the tale of getting to know the humans there and their help in getting her crown back. I finished by explaining that it was only until yesterday morning that Blueblood had confessed to sending Sunset Shimmer there with a mission to kill me.

Another round of gasping for a minute before we heard some more questions, “Why would prince Blueblood do such a thing?”

“Former!” mother nearly shouted out. “Former prince Blueblood now will never see the light of day under crimes against the crown. But to answer your question my little pony. He thought that ponies are the superior race and that all humans are nothing, but animals. He and those of like thoughts are wrong.” She held up a hand for a pause as she steeled her emotions, “John, Fred’s father, showed me that. He showed me how wrong I was, but how equally wrong the humans were to start that war.”

“The trip over to the human world changed me,” Twilight continued with a smile as she touched my arm. “Getting to know Fred and my friend’s human counterparts, who I also call my friends, is the best thing that ever happened to me. I understand now that Ponies and humans need to live in peace, as equals.” Twilight looked up to me with a happy smile, “And as friends.”

More flashes going off as pictures were taken and a thought hit me. With a smile, I faced the cameras saying, “I am Fred Justice, the son of Princess Celestia of Equestria. I am also the son of Celestia the human of the human world, who raised me as her own. I am of both worlds. And I will serve and protect both to my best ability and to my last dying breath. Of this, I pledge to all of Equestria both ponies and humans alike.”

“But how can you make such a pledge?” a strong male’s voice interrupted with one of those arrogant greater than you voices. With a smile that matched his voice, he bowed, though his voice told us all that he really didn’t mean was he said, “Forgive me my prince for not introducing myself. My name is Script Token, owner of the largest press publications in Canterlot, Manehattan, and Fillydelphia.”

And a snake to the core. He was the persona of every dishonest reporter and newspaper baron. But dressed like an arrogant noble with a very expensive-looking suit.

“Is it not specifically because you are part human and part pony that you are incapable of fulfilling that promise?” He appeared as polite and harmless. Even speaking with a tone of voice that oozed genuine concern. But the look in his eyes told of nothing but malice, hate, and twisting of the truth.

“On the contrary,” I gave him a smirk putting my arm around Twilight. “It’s because of that very thing that I can show that both ponies and humans can, not only, live together in peace. But, also find love. Or do you call my mother a liar?” It was almost amusing how all eyes were going between this reporter and I as if they were following a tennis ball during a match.

“Oh of course not,” he oozed friendly syrup. “Just a concern that if humans started attacking again that you would not fulfill your promise and protect ponies.”

All reporters' eyes snapped to me again. Yeah, I knew what he was doing.

“Your concern is unfounded,” I said with my own polite syrup and a smile. “I am for the peace of Equestria and the equality between humans and ponies. Where either will be both protected and prosecuted, by the law. Humans and Ponies are both sentient species that deserve to live in peace under Equestrian law.”

“Oh, then you agree that in order for Equestria to have peace,” he continued with a grin, “that humans need to stay slaves.” He was twisting what I said. Philomena was getting agitated, not that I blame her any. I was too, and quickly losing my cool with this guy.

“You are mistaken Mister Token,” mother’s gentle voice spoke as she stepped up on the other side of me. Even though her voice still held that gentle motherly tone, there was an underlying coldness directed toward him. “As long as humans are slaves to ponies, they will never be seen as equals. But always oppressed. My son was speaking toward the abolishment of human slavery, where they can live free, as equals under the full protection, or prosecution, of Equestrian law. As does everypony in Equestria.”

He bowed, “My humble apologies for the misunderstanding and I thank you for your time and patience in answering my questions.”

“You’re welcome Mister Token,” my mother smiled saying sweetly, but I caught the message she was telling him with, “We will be very interested in what is printed in your publications.” She then tilted her head to him and smiled with a look that to anyone, or anypony, else would be seen as nothing but genuine sincerity. But I caught the protective instincts of a mother when she said, “With great interest.” The message was perfectly clear. He was now under her microscope.

And he slithered away with fear in his eyes, though he tried not to show it. The rest of the questions from the reporters was nowhere near that intense. However, I really enjoyed what Philomena did after Mister Token was far enough away. She took off without hardly a sound. Flew away from the courtyard to turn around and fly high overhead. Toward Mister Token. And like a pigeon aiming for a windshield, she got him smack dead center between his eyes. And it wasn’t a small one either. Then came back to land on my shoulder again with her head held high.

“That deserves a treat,” I whispered to her where she rubbed her head against mine. Thankfully, all of us were able to get away to discuss me going to see this chest in Ponyville. Except for Luna, she had decided to go ahead to her bedroom to sleep. I wished I could take a nap. That was a trying night and morning with my body close to running on empty.

Mother decided to come along while securing the castle for the day, until she got back or until Luna woke up. So with my mother, Twilight and her friends, and I on the train we headed over to Ponyville. While on the train I treated Philomena to some treats as a reward for earlier. All of us were wiped out and slept the whole trip there. Of course, we weren’t the only ones on the train. It was filled with ponies and humans from Ponyville that were going back home. I saw Vinyl board the train as well, with all her equipment. Didn’t get much chance to speak to her after we arrived in Ponyville as Celestia teleported us away right in front of the Tree of Harmony.

^_^

After we arrived in front of the tree mother started giving us an impromptu history lesson. Meanwhile, I was staring at the tree in awe of what was before me. It was beautiful. A tree made or at least seemed to be made, from crystal. Looking like it shined with an inner light of some sort.

“This is where we found the Elements of Harmony,” she explained, “the Tree of Harmony. With these elements, we were able to defeat Discord.”

“The magic of the Tree of Harmony dissipated over time enough where those vines were able to grow,” Twilight continued to explain to me. “So, when we gave the elements back the tree regained power to control all that grows here. It was then that the Tree grew the chests.”

Indeed there they were, right in front of me. Also crystal. Philomena was on my shoulder again as I stepped up to mine. Right there on the top was my cutie mark etched in the crystal. Both her chest and mine had six keyholes each. It seemed to chime a little when I gently touched it, “So how do we open it? What’s it for? What’s in it? And why is this tree giving it to us?”

“All excellent questions my son,” mother smiled. “However, I think it’s obvious that you can’t answer those questions, or open these chests alone.” She had a sad smile on her face when she said it. “Twilight and I talked about it,” she continued and walked over to me, “Because this is here, I agree with Twilight that for the time being you can stay with Twilight to find out what the Tree of Harmony requires of you.”

“But I just got here,” I protested. “What about spending time with each other? And Luna?”

She giggled softly and kissed my head, “Now don’t worry about that. Ponyville isn’t that far away. I can be here within an hour. Plus we can talk while we sleep each night.”

“Really? How?”

“Through Luna, she can link our dreams together,” she explained to me which sounded incredible. “Plus you can come to visit us anytime and Luna will be spending time with you as well at night, so don’t worry.”

“Alright mother,” I hugged her for a couple of minutes until she let me go. “You’re sure about this?”

“I am and besides because you are here with me again, we have all the time in the world.” I smiled at that.

“Whee,” Pinkie jumped up shouting with delight. “I can throw you a party. Welcome to Ponyville.”

“Thanks, Pinkie, but If I’m going to stay here I’m going to need some extra clothes,” I looked over to Rarity with pleading eyes.

I wasn’t sure if she was going to agree to it. However, she relented with a nod of her head, “Alright Fred. You did help me with Fancy Pants and Fleur De Lis, so I can thank you for that.”

“Thank you Rarity. I have done work for your counterpart before,” she looked at me with a look of curiosity. “Of course I don’t have the connections here as I did there, but having a princess for a mother will have its benefits. And it will give me a chance to really get to know you girls better.”

“Yeah,” Pinkie agreed.

“I’d like that, if you don’t mind,” I nodded to Fluttershy.

Rainbow walked up to me and punched me in the arm, “Well I for one can keep you in shape like my counterpart wishes. We can start your training first thing in the morning. Bright and early.”

I couldn’t help it. I laughed. She was a little confused with that until, “I can’t even get away from that by going to another world.”

“Nope,” Pinkie giggled and bounced in place. “Besides I know there are a lot of ideas that you can give me for Sugar Cube Corner. It’s the bakery I work at.”

“Deal,” I told her. Now all eyes went to AJ.

She didn’t answer immediately then sighed as if she just lost a bet. Which she did a few days ago. “I’ll keep my promise and get to know you Fred, but right now that’s all I can do.”

“Fair enough Applejack,” I told her.

“And I know that Philomena will watch over you,” mother cooed while reaching up gently scratching the phoenix’s head. Philomena cooed in agreement. Then she hugged me again before kissing me on the head, “Now stay safe my sunshine boy, and be well. We will talk again tonight.”

“I will mother.” And that is how I moved to Ponyville and started off on a journey with Twilight and her friends that would not only change my life forever but that of Equestria as well.

Next Chapter: Chapter Nine: Settling in and an old Castle Estimated time remaining: 20 Hours, 59 Minutes