The flight from POB Jackson to The States was brutal, about seven hours to JFK, then another six to home. Stepping off the plane and into the brisk mountain air was almost surreal, three long years away tends to lend some perspective. I grabbed my bags and the keys to my rental car, a sporty little sedan that I fully intended to wring out on my way to my childhood home. Pulling onto the highway, the Rockies stretched out to my left and on to the horizon, endless fields as far as the eye could see. I loved this place like I loved Equestria, there had been times here, so great and terrible, that they had indelibly marked my soul, forging me into a man who risked his life all over this world and the next. I once spoke to a shrink who told me that I would be running forever unless I turned and faced myself. She hadn’t been wrong. But I had found stability in Equestria; I had even found love, unexpected though it may have been, I felt peace inside myself at long last despite the horrors I had faced and the world I inhabited.

I turned towards the mountains, keying up the radio to find a Garth Brooks song playing and nailed the accelerator, the speedometer creeping up to eighty. I lit a smoke and rolled down the window, letting the cold wind rip through the interior. Rolling countryside gave way to my small hometown, the liquor store, gas station, the church, and the bar right where I’d left them eight years ago. People waved through their windshields, a quaint gesture reserved for places where you measured populations by the handful. I couldn’t help but smile as the old roads rose to meet me. I let the music play, and my mind drift the rest of the way home.

I turned down my road on autopilot, two houses down on the left stood my family home. A beautiful two-story house the same rich brown after all these years, thick pines ringed the ten-acre stretch of property, the fences had been reinforced, and the deck had been built out another ten-feet, but it was the same as I remembered it. My dad’s truck and my Mom’s SUV sat in the driveway, at least they were home, and I wouldn’t have to wait or chase them all over town. I killed the engine and grabbed my bags from the trunk. I hadn’t made it ten steps before the door opened and Mom walked out onto the porch, tears streaming down her face already, hands covering her mouth, I took her in for a moment, her brown hair shot through with grey now, she still looked every inch my Mother and my best friend. I dropped my bags in the dust and ran to her, pulling her into a tight hug.

“Hey, Mama.”

“Oh my god,” Mom whispered, tightening her grip “How?”

“I took some time off.”

She pulled away, wiping her eyes with a serious look on her face. “What happened?”

I shook my head, wiping my own damp eyes in turn, “Couldn’t tell you even if I wanted to, I just needed to see you guys.”

Mom grabbed my hands, “C’mon Honey, no matter what, I’m just so happy to have you home; let’s go find your dad.” I grabbed my bags and followed after her. The interior of the house had been redecorated, but only just, it was still al hardwood and wide open ceilings. My old man was at his usual spot, watching TV on the couch, after the cancer, he mostly split his time between his bed and that couch, we were all just glad he was still alive.

“Hey, Mike? Look what I found outside.”

Dad turned his head, but said nothing, recognition, and shock on his face, he just climbed up off the couch, crossed the room and hugged me tightly. He quietly sobbed for a moment before backing up and holding me at arms-length, tears still shimmering in his blue eyes. “Hey, Boy.”

I pulled him back into a hug, “Hey Pop.” I looked over at Mom, “Jen here?”

Mom shook her head, but she already had her phone out. “She went back to school a few days ago, but you can bet your ass I’m calling her right now.”

I smiled, knowing that my little sister would drop everything to come to see me. We’d been apart longer than any family as close as ours had a right to be. After an hour, we’d finally settled down enough to grab a bite to eat; Mom had called Jen, I could hear the kid screaming through the phone as we all laughed. She was already on her way, and thankfully her school was only a two-hour drive. I sat on the balcony overlooking the property with Mom and Dad, all three of us smoking after a meal of steak and fries, Mom was still a fantastic cook.

“So, how long do we have you?” Dad asked, snapping me out of my food coma.

“I took three weeks off, paid, but you just reminded me of something. I’m gonna wait until Jen gets here, though, best everyone hears it.”

Mom quirked an eyebrow. “Not quitting, are you?”

“Ha, no, you’ll just have to wait and see.”

Mom grabbed my hand, “Whatever it is, I’m glad to have you home.”

Dad laid a hand on my shoulder, “Me too, Son.”

Our little moment was broken by a small red pickup sliding sideways into the driveway in a cloud of dust, Jen hopped out a second later. Spotting us, she cupped her hands over her mouth, “Hey ZACK! Come down here and let me in fucker!”

I made my way down the stairs with a laugh, unlocking the door and getting hit with a screaming little sister's full force. “Holy shit! When did you get back, and why didn’t you call me?”

I disentangled myself from her, “Dude. I was working until yesterday; I didn’t even know I was coming home until last night.”

She rolled her brown eyes, and socked me in the shoulder “Excuses excuses.” Her smile turned warm, “Really glad to see you.”

“Me too, kiddo. C’mon, got some news.” I walked back up with Jen in tow, my parents still sitting comfortably. I shifted a little nervously as Mom and Dad both hugged Jen in turn. “Okay, so, now that we’re all here, I have a couple of things to bring you up to speed on. Firstly, and this may sound a little out there. Princess Celestia and I, somehow, became pretty close over the last year and change. You got my letters about accepting a job in the castle, right?” At their nods, I continued. “Well it got to the point where I was hanging out with Celestia and Luna both on a fairly consistent basis, especially after the attack, I was there, and things got…dicey.”

I trailed off, I told my family everything, but some things were classified, and that was that. “Before I left, Celestia approached me and offered a place for you guys, for as long as you wanted, you would be her guests.” Mom’s eyes went wide; Dad’s mouth was hanging open; Jen was grinning like an idiot. “I’d like to spend a few days here, and then we could all head over unless you guys take exception to the idea. I figured it could be something to do, make up for being gone all this time, and not be able to keep in touch near as much as I’d like. A family vacation, kinda like when I was little. And you guys could meet Celestia and Luna; it’d be awesome.”

I realized I was rambling a bit, so I clammed up and gave them a minute to process. Mom was the first to speak, “Jesus Zack, that’s amazing, but you don’t have to “Make up” for anything, we all know what the score is. That said, I would love to see Equestria for myself, and as the guest of Royalty no less? I’m sold.”

Jen nodded “She’s right, you know, your job comes with certain sacrifices, I never took it personally when you didn’t or couldn’t call or write. I’d love to meet your new friends.”

Dad was silent for a long moment, “You know, this family has been through hell and back together, the girls are right, you don’t have to carry any kinda burden about it, you’re a great son, always have been. As far as whether I’m in or out? You know the answer.”

I smiled, God, I loved this family. “ Let me make a call make sure they roll out the red carpet.” I finished with a wink, Jen squealed happily as I turned and headed inside.

“Ma, can you believe it!”

I pulled my cell and dialed Raven’s number. She answered after a few rings.

“Raven Inkwell speaking.”

“Hey, Rav.”

“Zack! How are you?”

“I’m good hun, how about you? Scotty giving you any trouble?”

She scoffed, “Nothing, I can’t handle.”

“Good, I’d hate to have to smack him back in line. Listen, is the Princess available?”

“Let me check…She has about five minutes to spare.”

“Can you see if she feels like talking? I’ll be brief.”

“Sure thing, stand by for me.”

I lit a smoke and tapped my foot as I waited, the next voice that came on the line wasn’t Raven, but Tia herself. “Zack?”

“Hello, Highness,” A smile breaking across my face at the sound of her voice.

I could hear her smiling when she responded. “Hello to you, too, to what do I owe the pleasure of this call?”

“Well, I was wondering what the landscape is looking like, if the offer you made is still good, I’d like to bring the family over for a week or so. But I don’t want to put you on the spot so soon.”

“Oh not at all, I did make the offer, after all, I have no major engagements for the next two weeks, all seems quiet. I would love to meet your family, and quite frankly, it is well past time for it. Are they aware of the nature of your duties here?”

She wanted to know what she could allow, shrewd to the end. “They know about my work; sure, I was only too eager to tell them I was working with Royalty, but as far as my personal duties? No. I wanted to wait for the right time to say anything.”

“Then perhaps I can be of assistance in that regard. I have to run my friend, but absolutely. Bring your family. I will have the staff prepare rooms at haste.”

“Brilliant, I’ll see you in a few days.”

“I look forward to it until then.”

I hung up and turned to see the expectant faces of my little outfit. “We’re good; she’s gonna have rooms made up, we’ll be staying in the castle.”

Jen whooped, Dad laughed, Mom immediately ran off to start stuffing her suitcase. We spent the next few days packing. I called some old friends and slipped off to the bar at night. The old hardwood floors and rotgut whiskey brought me back to another lifetime; after a consecutive couple of nights of punishing my liver and getting into scuffles, my family and I were on a flight to the portal. Mom had her face glued to the window, Jen leaning across her lap as the massive shimmering construct came into view.

“That’s fucking amazing,” Mom muttered. Jen just nodded, eyes wide.

Dad chuckled from across the aisle, “It’s cool, I’m enjoying the view of the inside of this plane, not like wanted to see the damn thing from the air anyway.”

“Hush, you were outvoted.” Mom faux-snapped with a smile on her face.

“Yeah, outvoted, sure.”

I just laughed, wondering if Royalty was ready for the Andrews family.

We touched down at Jackson the place was alive with activity, the Marines seemed to be particularly busy, which raised my hackles a touch. I led the girls and Dad into the Entry Control Point, a bored-looking Customs officer manning the desk, I flashed my creds as I approached. ‘Howdy boss. Zack Andrews, State Department, bringing some guests across.”

“Anything to declare?”

“Nope, they all know the drill. Passports, guys.”

After everyone slid their passports across the desk, I chanced a question. “Seems like the place is buzzing, anything going on?”

“You know, as much as I do, the place picked up at zero-five and hasn’t stopped.”

“Hm, well, thanks, man, we all good to go?”

He nodded, “All good buddy; enjoy your stay.”

I looked over my shoulder, grinning at the troops. “Ready?” I got a nod from each of them, and we crossed the DMV like interior to the far door, just beyond it, two Marines stood post on either side of the portal gateway. I nodded to both of them, “Gents.”

Mom grabbed my hand. “Is this gonna hurt?” Jen grabbed my other hand as soon as the words left Mom’s mouth.

“No,” I answered with a chuckle, “Think pins and needles for a second. Ya good back there, Dad?”

“Solid.”

We took the last few steps, and Equestria stood before us in all its beauty. I heard a gasp from Jen, “Holy shit, this is amazing, look at how beautiful.”

“Right?” I whispered, “Now you know why I keep coming back here.”

Mom had her head on a swivel, trying to take everything in at once as we made our way down the steps. “The pictures don’t do it justice, the colors seem…brighter somehow.”

I nodded, “Took me a little while to get used to it, but they definitely are, everything is a lot more vivid here. Magic was the explanation I got, so I didn’t dig too deep.”

Dad whistled as a few Pegasi flew past. “Far out.”

“Dad, your hippie is showing.”

“Fuck yourself.”

I chuckled and flagged down a cab, “C’mon guys, Royalty awaits.”

A short ride, and a long conversation between my old man and the Unicorn driver about the working-class on both worlds, later and we were outside the castle gates. Two Unicorns I didn’t know manning the post. We piled out of the cab, and I watched one’s hand drift toward her sword, now my bells were ringing, the Marines and now some jumpy Guards? I dismissed it; someone would have reached out; they were just cautious. I kept my hands visible, “Zack Andrews, here to see Her Highness Princess Celestia, my family is here at her request as guests of the Crown.”

The senior guard, a corporal by her insignia, nodded. “Stand by for me, Mr. Andrews, I’ve gotta call it in.”

I nodded, but a voice from the other side of the gate interrupted us, “Mr. Andrews! Corporal, you can let them through, it’s all been verified.” Emerald Glow’s smiling face appeared in between the bars.

Both the guards snapped to attention, saluting “Yes, Lieutenant!” They stepped aside to let us pass, all friendly smiles now, “Enjoy your stay, folks.”

Jen smiled widely, “Thanks guys, have a good one.”

I stepped up and shook Emerald’s hand, “Hey Elltee, been a minute.”

“Absolutely has, too long. This is your family?”

I nodded, “My Father, Mike, my Mom Sandra, and My sister Jen."

Emerald bowed shallowly, “A great pleasure to meet you all; the Princess is waiting to receive you in the main hall. Follow me, please.”

Jen shot me a Can you believe this is happening?! Look behind Emerald’s back as we walked up the castle steps, I guess I was used to it. Mom and Dad both were staring at the castle, mouths hanging open as they marveled at the beautiful architecture. The guards at the main hall doors threw them open as we approached, revealing Celestia and Luna both looking radiant in their royal finery, identical beatific smiles on their faces.

“Holy shit,” Dad whispered.

“Mhmm,” I affirmed.

“Holy shit,” Jen said, a little louder.

“Uh-huh”

“Holy-“ Mom started.

“Yup.”

The Princesses crossed the threshold and met us halfway to the door. Celestia was the first to speak, “Zack, so good to see you again.” She held her arms out, and I stepped into the hug, taking in that vanilla accented perfume, and the feel of her, even a few days was too long, I was addicted to this woman. I wanted to stand there like that for a bit, but this was a friendly hug time, so I stepped back.

Luna was up next, pulling me into a side-hug, “My friend, welcome back.”

“Great to see you, Highnesses. Allow me to introduce my family, My Mother Sandra, My Father Michael, and My younger Sister Jennifer.”

My family bowed. Celestia smiled at the show of respect, “Rise, my friends, you need not hang on such shows of formality, and let me say that it is lovely to finally meet you all.”

Mom was the first to find her marbles, she stepped forward and extended a hand, “The pleasure is mine Princess, thank you for taking such good care of my son, it hasn’t gone unnoticed.”

Celestia’s smile got even wider. “He is certainly worth taking care of Mrs. Andrews.”

“Sandra, please.”

“Sandra it is, please call me Celestia.” She turned to Dad and Jen, “May I call you Michael and Jen?”

“Absolutely.”

“Please do, Princess.”

“Splendid, I believe you all know my Sister Luna.”

Another round of bowing, stopped short by Luna’s raised hand, “It is a great pleasure to meet the family that shaped a great friend of Ours, I am sure we will get along like, oh what is the human saying… ah, Like a domicile aflame.”

I almost cackled, “Like a house on fire, Luna. Like a house on fire.”

“We know what We said.”

It took a second, but Celestia sniggered, and we all lost it. The little awkwardness that was there fled in seconds.

“Oh, oh my,” Celestia whispered, wiping a tear from her eye, “Fantastic. Now that we have that out of the way let me have some of the staff take your bags, Luna and I will show you the guest wing, and by then dinner should be served.” She turned to the absolute legion of maids, “Please relieve the Andrews family of their bags if you would, thank you.”

The flurry of activity was almost biblical; the maids bundled up everyone’s luggage and disappeared up the stairs towards the guest wing. I caught Celestia’s eye, “They never do anything halfway do they.”

She gave me a sideways smirk, “They are good ponies, loyal to a fault, well-treated and well-paid.“

“Fair.”

“Well, then.” Luna said, smiling at our little exchange, “Allow Us to show you to your rooms.” She flung an arm around Mom and Dad’s shoulders, leading them up the stairs. “Tell Us, Sandra, dost thou have any baby pictures of Zack handy?”

Mom giggled, “Not at present, Luna.”

“Drat, We thought they would make an effective form of leverage.”

Jen sidled up to me, “What. Is. Happening.”

“I told you we were close; apparently, it extends to you all as well. Luna’s great like that.”

Celestia rounded on me, attempting to look fierce and failing miserably, at least to my trained eye “The implication being that I am not?”

Jen looked like she was about to shit, “I’m sure he didn’t mean anything like that Prin- You’re messing with me, aren’t you?”

Celestia’s mask broke, and she giggled, “A cruel joke, but yes, I am.”

Jen smiled, “Oh yeah, we’re gonna get along just fine.”

The walk to our rooms was a short one thankfully, jet-lag was getting to be a bit, Celestia and Jen talked the entire way, I could tell that Jen was floored by how down to earth Tia was. I was beyond grateful to the Universe for the opportunity to get them together. I loved Tia, and I wanted my family to as well. Things were going great, I’d been nervous before, and now relief had overridden any misgivings I’d foolishly entertained. I was on autopilot, as we got closer to the guest rooms a little more mesmerized by the sway of Tia’s hips then I should’ve been.

“Well, here we are,” Celestia said, indicating a room to the right, “Jennifer, it has been wonderful speaking with you, I will send someone to collect you when dinner is ready, but you have more than enough time to unwind before then.”

Jen smiled, “Likewise, Celestia, thank you so much for allowing us to stay here.”

“Think nothing of it, I don’t know if your brother has told you, but he’s something of a hero here in Equestria. To entertain his family is the least the Crown can do.”

Jen looked shocked for a moment before getting it under control, “Really? Now that’s a story I’d like to hear over dinner.”

“A request I am happy to accommodate.”

Jen nodded and slipped through the door, a few seconds later, a muffled “Holy- This bed is HUGE!” Came through the door.

Celestia and I shared a chuckle. After a second, it trailed off into silence, her head snapping left and right before she darted across the hall and kissed me roughly, her hands roaming all over me. She broke the kiss and stepped back, blushing, “I’ve missed you, shall I show you to your room?”

I swallowed around the lump of need in my throat, “Lead on Highness.”

She started off, the sway in her hips had become more pronounced, her voice dropped an octave, becoming a seductive throaty purr. “So formal… If you insist on such language, I will oblige, follow me, Mr. Andrews…Your Princess requires you.”

I followed close; she never let me touch her, only ghost my fingertips across her dress or over an exposed shoulder before she picked up the pace, almost dancing out of my reach. I’d never seen her so playful, she was torturing me, and I loved it. It could’ve been minutes, but it felt like hours before we arrived at a door, she spun to face me, pressing herself against it, propping a heel up and giving me the view of a lifetime. It took a moment before I regained enough sense to realize where we were. “Tia, this is your room.”

“Mhmm, I would like you to stay with me during your visit,” She adopted a haughty air, which made it even harder to resist her. “Your Princess commands it.”

Jackpot.