Well, today turned out to be an interesting day, to say the least. It started like any other. I awoke in bed to find Fluttershy in the process of waking up as well. It was a warm late summer day, the window left open to allow a gentle breeze to blow inside. I rubbed my eyes to help hasten myself in waking up. But what really boosted my drowsy senses was when Fluttershy gave my cheek a tender nuzzle.

“Good morning, dear. Sleep well?” She asked in her sweet and quiet voice.

I cracked my neck a few times with some sudden twists and jerks of my head before I answered. “Meh… I don’t think I dreamed that well last night. Mediocre, I guess. Nightmare Moon must’ve been slacking off. But seeing you first thing in the morning makes everything better.”

Fluttershy let out a brief giggle before giving me such an adorable smile. “Same here. My dream felt kind of dull and draining. But being with you right after waking up helps perk me up.” She then leaned towards me, resting her head on my chest while my arms embraced her tenderly.

“Love you, baby.” I whispered into her ear, prompting Fluttershy’s wings to flutter open for a second. She then looked up at me and planted a kiss directly on my lips while letting out the sweetest coo I had heard in a while.

What a perfect way to start my day. In the embrace of dear little Fluttershy, I felt so warm and fuzzy. Even so, it would not do to lounge around in bed all morning. Besides, today is a Thursday, so I needed to get over to the spa in a while. “Say, honey? Would it be OK if I cooked you breakfast this time? You know, for a change of pace?”

Fluttershy seemed to have no problem at all with my proposition and gave me a nod before replying, “That sounds lovely. I’ll clean up around here while I wait. Please be sure to cook enough for all three of us.”

I proceeded to get dressed before going into the bathroom to address my bed head. After checking my list of polo shirts, I decided to go with one that bore the colors and cutie mark of Twilight Sparkle that day. Just for a change of pace. As soon as I got downstairs, I looked over at the far edge of the living room. I could see Scootaloo just starting to wake up.

“Morning, sleeping beauty.” I spoke up while the spunky pegasus filly rubbed some sleep out of her eyes. Her jaws opened wide for a moment to let out a long yawn before looking my way with really drowsy eyes.

“Morning, big brother… Ugh… I must’ve slept weird.” She mumbled groggily before starting to lay her head back down. “Um… Could I have five more minutes?”

I smirked before heading into the kitchen. “Hold that thought.” I went to a drawer next to the kitchen sink and pulled out a small dishtowel before filling a bowl with water and emptying an entire ice tray into it. After waiting for about thirty seconds, I submerged the towel into the freezing water and waited another thirty seconds to let it get nice and soaked. I quickly yanked it out and ringed some of the water out to keep it from dripping too much onto the floor. With a smirk, I left the kitchen, went across the living room, and kneeled next to my little sister’s bed while she seemed to be on the verge of falling asleep again. “Hey, sis? I got a way to get you to wake up.”

Scootaloo grumbled while rolling onto her back, her eyes still clamped shut. “Mmmm…. What is it…?”

“This.” I replied before dropping the wet rag onto her face and vigorously, yet gently, rubbing it all over her face. Needless to say, the wet rag was freezing cold from all the ice cubes I had used.

“Whoa! Hey! That’s cold! Knock it off!” The dozing filly shouted before suddenly sitting up in bed and shaking her head from side to side and flinging the rag off of her and onto her sheets. Her eyes shot open, now very clearly awake while the orange coat on her face was noticeably wet.

“You all awake now?” I asked with a sly smirk, my cheeky side having momentarily come out.

Scootaloo looked at me with such a glare of irritation, but she soon gave me a quick snicker. “Heh, yeah. I’m awake now! What’s for breakfast?”

I crossed my arms while my hand held my chin for a moment. “I’m actually not too sure right now. I’ll be sure to prepare some toast and flowers, but I still need to decide on what else there is. How about you gather up your stuff for school while I get started?”

“Sure thing! Can’t wait to see what Chef James cooks up! I’ll just be a little while.” Scootaloo replied before hopping out of bed and going around her room to gather up her school supplies.

With no distractions to keep me preoccupied, I headed into the kitchen. “Hmmm… Where to start…”

I gathered up six slices of bread and put them to the side while also pulling out several daisy flowers that Fluttershy kept in the refrigerator. While I personally do not have much of a taste for most flowers, I have actually developed a liking for rose petals. And fortunately, I found a small bowl filled with the deep red flower petals in one of the refrigerator’s drawers. Along with that, I found fresh eggs that our hens had laid just the other day, as well as tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a container of feta cheese.

The sight of one of my favorite cheeses instilled a spark of inspiration in me. “Omelets. That’ll be perfect.”

I decided to prepare the tomatoes first. Upon cutting one in half, I found that the fruit was filled with a great deal of a watery liquid that probably would not be flavorful enough to use by itself. And yes, tomatoes are a fruit, not a vegetable. I decided to spice it up by cooking them with some spices. But first, they required a bit more preparation. I pulled out a food dicer, basically a press that forces food through a grid-shaped net of sharp edges to turn them into cubes, and pushed each half of the tomato through. I did the same with one more tomato to make certain I had enough before setting the diced tomatoes in a bowl for the moment.

Next, I poured some olive oil into a skillet before placing it on the stove and turning the flame on high. I dropped one piece of tomato that was soaked in its own juices into the thin layer of oil so I would know when the oil was hot enough to cook with. Not even a full minute passed before I started to hear the familiar sound of sizzling. Sure enough, the tomato fluids were rapidly evaporating from the hot oil in the form of popping bubbles. I then dumped the rest of the tomato pieces into the skillet as a loud hiss filled the air.

While those cooked in the skillet, I looked through the cabinets and gathered up some spices. I added a pinch of salt, a few shakes of black pepper, and even poured a teaspoon of minced garlic in. Honestly, you just cannot go wrong with garlic. After watching the tomato pieces’ consistency became a bit more firm, I turned the heat off and poured the tomato chunks onto a plate. It was then I decided to prepare the eggs.

I cracked two eggs into the bowl that had been used to hold the tomatoes, thinking that the residual juices would add some flavor. Once those had been thoroughly beaten and mixed, I poured it into the skillet and watched as a round yellow puddle formed. Fluttershy and Scootaloo still had not come into the kitchen, which I was glad for since I was going to have to cook each omelet one at a time and I would not want them to get impatient.

Once one side was done, I flipped the thing like a pancake to fry the other side. While that was happening, I topped the layer of egg with some of the tomato chunks, spinach, and some feta cheese. While that started to sizzle and pop, I also pulled out a bag of hash browns. I needed something to go with the eggs, after all. After pouring a bit of oil into another skillet, I then poured as much of the frozen hash browns into the heated skillet while also making certain there was enough room to stir it without spilling any over the side.

While those were frying, I folded the egg circle over itself, trapping the fruit, veggies, and cheese inside itself to cook. I also pressed down on the top to compact it further. The cheese steadily melted in the heat, causing the folded halves to stick together. And that there is the trick to making an omelet when using cheese. By letting the cheese serve as the glue to keep the contents in the middle from spilling free.

Just as I was preparing the next omelet for frying, I noticed Scootaloo trot into the kitchen. She breathed deeply through her nose to take in the aroma of the food I was cooking. “Wow, that smells awesome! What’s for breakfast today?”

I glanced down at her while beating two eggs in the small bowl I had used before and smiled. “A little something special. I’m getting a bit creative today. While I’m whipping all this up, could you move the food dicer to the sink for cleaning? I think running hot water over it should be fine.” Considering how dangerous such a tool can be, I did not feel comfortable asking a child like her to give the thing a thorough cleaning. Heck, I would be uneasy about cleaning the thing by hand myself.

“Sure thing!” Scootaloo replied briskly before hopping up onto the counter and pushing the thing towards the sink with her hooves. What I failed to notice was that the top was still raised. I went back to whipping the eggs while wondering if Fluttershy would be all right with Scootaloo walking along her countertops. But just after I had added the spices, I heard a brief clatter immediately followed by Scootaloo letting out a frightened shriek. “James! Help!”

I immediately grabbed the knobs for the stove and turned them off before turning to face my little sister as a chill sank into my heart. When I looked at her, I winced as I saw her partially fallen into the sink with one hoof pressed between the dicer’s mesh of blades and the top. She looked like she was on the verge of panic and was not sure if she should try to pull her hoof out.

“Oh god! Scoot, don’t move!” I yelped before rushing to her side. The little pegasus filly froze at my words, her eyes opened wide with fear and possibly pain while focused on her hoof. Very carefully, I grasped the legs on the bottom of the cutter’s frame with one hand before grabbing and lifting the top. Scootaloo immediately pulled her hoof away before looking it over while a few tears spilled free. “Hang on, Scoot. Come here.”

I reached out and carried her in my arms before taking a seat on the closest stool. She looked up at me with a rather shell-shocked expression and asked, “Am I gonna be OK?”

My fingers held her hoof aloft so I could examine it. I felt my fear rapidly fade when I found that her hard hoof had endured the brunt of the blades’ punishment, leaving her flesh untouched. Definitely a close call. “Phew… Seems your hoof saved you. You’re all right, Scoot.”

I reached out and placed a kiss on my little sister’s hoof to try to make her feel a bit better. The little filly in my arms let out a loud sniffle of relief as her tears started to flow. “Thanks, James…”

“Anytime, Scootaloo. Love you.” I replied briefly before pulling her closer for a tender embrace, my hand stroking her head to calm her after that little scare. Scootaloo held onto me tightly while nestling her head against my chest. I must admit we do not get quite that cuddly very often at all thanks to Scootaloo’s tomboyish nature. But when we do cuddle, we are always slow to stop.

Before long, we heard the sound of hooves clopping before Fluttershy peeked into the kitchen with a very worried expression on her face. She surely must have heard Scootaloo’s yell of fright. I can only guess the reason she did not drop everything and rush downstairs was because she was in the bathroom at the time. “Is everything all right? I thought I heard a scream.”

I looked over at my girlfriend while she approached us at a brisker pace. “Oh, Scootaloo almost had an accident with the dicer I used to prepare some tomatoes. Gave us both a scare. She’s fine though. Right, Scoot?”

Scootaloo let out another sniffle before rubbing her eyes to dry her tears on her coat. She then looked over at Fluttershy and gave her a small smile. “Yeah… My hoof got hit instead of any other part of me. I’m OK.”

Fluttershy let out a sigh of relief before nuzzling the little filly’s cheek. “Thank goodness. From now on, leave the really sharp stuff to James and me.” Scootaloo managed to crack a full grin before Fluttershy joined in the cuddle with the tomboyish filly between us.

In that moment… Wow, just thinking about it gives me a case of the warm fuzzies. Looking back on it as I write this now, we were not interacting with each other like a boyfriend and girlfriend and a little sister. It felt more like we were cuddling together as husband, wife, and daughter. It is just a passing thought I was having as I wrote this. While certainly not what we were at the time, it still felt calming and serene.

Eventually, the moment of silence between us was interrupted by a gurgling sound coming from one of us. We all glanced around until our eyes all fell upon Fluttershy. Scootaloo then pointed at her and asked, “Was that you?”

My girlfriend grinned sheepishly while her eyes darted back and forth, a pink hue filling her cheeks. “Uh… I guess that trip to the bathroom opened up some room in there. I must be pretty hungry if my belly is already saying so.”

I could not help snickering while rolling my eyes. “Well, I’ll fix that. While I’m finishing things up here, would you mind setting the table and preparing some toast for us, honey?”

Fluttershy nodded and trotted over to the cabinet that holds the plates and glassware. “Leave it to me. Scootaloo, would you please prepare the toast? I’ll get the butter and jam out for you.”

“Sure thing, Fluttershy!” Scootaloo replied with her usual peppy demeanor restored. I then returned to work while turning the stovetops back on to finish frying the hash browns and omelets. I was already getting hungry just looking at the food I was cooking.

Before long, I placed an omelet on each plate that was provided before filling up the rest of the plates with soft and crispy hash browns. Uh… Just writing this is making me hungry. I am going to take a break from this and go make myself a snack.

All right, that was tasty. I should make omelets more often. Anyway, when I set the plates out, I found that Fluttershy had set out three smaller plates that each held two slices of toast that had been topped with a spread of butter and strawberry jam. And topping all that off were three tall glasses of cold milk. “All righty, everything’s ready. Who’s hungry?”

Scootaloo was the first to reply while hopping right up into her stool. “I am! Come on, I’m starving!”

“Don’t rush him, Scootaloo. There’s plenty for everypony… And… Wow, that is a lot of food. Thank you, dear.” Fluttershy retorted towards Scootaloo before turning her gaze to me. She too then took a seat on her stool while I set about to add the final touches to the meal. A little background music.

“Well, I wanted to make sure we would all be satisfied and get a bit of everything. Wait right there while I add some atmosphere.” I replied while pulling out a familiar plastic device from a drawer nearby. My PSP system, which I had brought with me months ago when I returned to Equestria after being sent back to Earth for a few days. It is a game system like my DSi, though I use it more for playing music and the rest of its multimedia functionality. After turning it on, I cycled through the list of songs I had and set one to play with the song set on repeat. “Can’t go wrong with a little Beethoven.”

“Oh, come on! Can’t you play something cool for once?! Like maybe some jazz or a rock ballad?” Scootaloo spoke up with a groan, clearly not having much taste for classical music. Hearing such a complaint from a kid like her hardly surprises me. Especially when one considers her tomboyish nature.

“Maybe if you were outside pulling off some stunts on your scooter, sure. But this kind of softer music is better for quiet times like breakfast at the kitchen table.” I explained while I took a seat on the third stool by the table. Seconds later, quite piano and violin sounds began to spill forth from the PSP’s speakers.

Fluttershy glanced over to the PSP as the music played. “It does sound lovely. I could listen to this all day.”

“Meh… Whatever works for you. But I really wanna chow down! Can I take the first bite?” Scootaloo groaned before asking with an excited grin. She probably knew what was inside the sack of egg on her plate since she had been in the kitchen while I was cooking.

“Sure! Let me know how it is.” I replied just before Scootaloo lowered her jaws to the plate and took a bite of the omelet. A plume of steam rose from the omelet’s filling, a patch of green, red, and white appearing in its place. Mere seconds later, what I can only call a muffled moan came from Scootaloo’s throat while she chewed, her face showing true delight.

“Is it any good?” Fluttershy asked while glancing at her own omelet. She was clearly hungry and wanted to start on her breakfast, but was waiting to get some feedback on how good it was. And knowing how some kids can be picky about what they eat, that omelet would surely be good if even Scootaloo liked it.

Once Scootaloo swallowed the mouthful of omelet she had, that little pegasus filly’s wings sprang open while she gave me a huge grin. “That’s awesome! Can I have another?”

I could not help flashing a grin at my little sister upon hearing her enthusiastic response. “Sure, but only tomorrow morning. You’ve got quite a bit to eat already.” Scootaloo gave me a playful pout while crossing her arms across her chest and looking away, but her hunger won out and she began to feast on her meal. She was merely overestimating her appetite.

“Mmm, this omelet really is amazing. Would it be OK if you cook breakfast more often, James? I’m already loving your cooking.” Fluttershy asked after she too took a bite of her omelet.

“Sounds good to me. Just make sure you wake me up on time on those mornings you’d like me to handle the cooking.” I replied before taking a bite of my own omelet. “Whoa, this really did turn great. I should make this more often.”

The rest of the meal was relatively uneventful, although it seemed Fluttershy appeared to be unusually quiet. Was she up to something? Even so, I had to take Scootaloo to school immediately after breakfast. Like clockwork, we left the cottage and were on our way to the schoolhouse. However, along the way, a thought crossed my mind. “Hey, Scoot? Do you think we’re making good time?”

My little sister seemed rather puzzled by my question. “Huh? I guess we are. Why?”

A smirk then spread across my lips. I could feel my cheeky side coming out. I must have been in a really good mood. “I’ve got an idea for Apple Bloom. Let’s wait here for two minutes before continuing.”

“Huh? Oh, you mean let her get ahead? I don’t know what you’re up to, but OK!” Scootaloo replied before just walking around to pass the time. I tapped my foot to count every passing second until exactly 120 seconds had passed.

“OK, Scoot. Time’s up. Let’s hustle.” I spoke up to call her back to me before we walked along at a brisker pace than usual. After a few minutes, I saw her on the horizon. A little yellow filly with that easily spotted pink bow tied to the top of her head. “All right, Scoot. Hang back for a bit. I’m gonna try something.”

Scootaloo gave me a sly smirk while covering her mouth to suppress a snicker. “All right. Go get her, big bro.”

I began to practically run along while making certain my footsteps were as light as possible. Thanks to Apple Bloom’s very slow gait, I managed to close the distance between us rather quickly. Her ears twitched when I was a few paces away, apparently from detecting my soft footsteps at the last second. But before she could turn around, I reached down and snatched her up in my hands. “And…gotcha!”

Apple Bloom let out a shriek of surprise and flailed for a couple of seconds before her eyes looked at me. “Huh?! Oh, howdy! Ya got me good, James! But where’s Scootaloo?”

“I’m right here, Apple Bloom! Did he getcha good?” Scootaloo replied while galloping to catch up to us.

The little farm filly giggled in my grasp before sweetly nuzzling my cheek. “Yup! Ya got me! I didn’t hear ya comin’ ‘til the last second. I was startin’ ta wonder if I missed you guys!”

“Nah, we just held back for a minute to let you get ahead. Sorry if I scared you. I can be really cheeky when I’m in the mood.” I replied while tussling her mane.

“Y’all didn’t scare me, James. It’s all right! It was kinda fun ta get snatched up like that!” Apple Bloom said before wrapping her arms around me and giving me a tender cuddle. “But since you got me up here now, how ‘bout a ride?”

“Ooh! Me too! Got room for one more?” Scootaloo asked while hopping in place a couple of times. I suppose their shorter legs would prevent them from being as fast as most adult ponies. I bet they might even be slightly slower than myself.

I glanced down at Scootaloo before looking back at Apple Bloom. Each of them gave me a very giddy and hopeful grin. And I saw no reason to deny them such a request. “All right then. I’ve got a couple of shoulders ready for you girls.” I then slung Apple Bloom over my left shoulder before reaching down and placing Scootaloo over my right. “How’s the view up here?”

Apple Bloom glanced around before speaking into my ear. “I feel like I’m on top of the world! I bet ya could see everythin’ from here!” I could not help but snicker, knowing that most of Equestria’s ponies are quite short compared to most adult humans.

“Hey, how about we go fast? Aren’t we gonna miss class if we don’t hurry up?” Scootaloo asked while pulling herself forward enough for me to see her with ease. I suppose she had a point. I am not certain how much time passed since leaving Fluttershy’s home and we surely must have lost a few minutes having fun with Apple Bloom.

“You have a point there. OK, hang on tight, girls.” I replied, prompting the pegasus and earth pony fillies to curl their arms into my upper chest. I started along at a brisk walk before accelerating into a run. “Fast enough for you girls?!”

The two fillies let out cheers of glee as I ran along. They did not seem to be having any difficulty hanging onto my shoulders and were clearly just having a good time. Eventually, Scootaloo called out to me. “Faster, James! Go faster!”

I decided to really let myself go then. Lowering my arms and keeping them out to my side to counter the extra weight on my now top-heavy upper body, I began to lower myself closer to the ground as I broke into a sprint. “All right, but hang on!”

I barreled down the path ahead of us as quickly as I could. After spending several months in Equestria and getting a decent amount of exercise at Sweet Apple Acres from time to time, I was in much better shape than when I first showed up in town. I continued to sprint along the road with my two little friends hollering with glee from the exhilaration of the speed they were moving at. I did not come to a stop until we reached the red schoolhouse at the end of the path. I came to skidding halt, much to the disappointment of my two passengers as I took the time to catch my breath. “Phew! That was more fun than I expected. I’m surprised I held out that long!”

The two fillies on my shoulders giggled wildly for a few seconds in excitement before letting go and dropping to the ground. Scootaloo spoke up first. “Woo! Not as fast as my scooter, but that was still fun!”

Apple Bloom then stepped closer to the schoolhouse before glancing around. “Y’all think we beat Sweetie Belle to the punch? I’m not seein’ her anywhere.”

I glanced around too in the hopes of spotting the only absent member of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Well, if you consider the ones who are still children. Sweetie Belle was nowhere to be seen. “Well, we did get here a bit ahead of schedule. You girls wanna just head on in and wait for her?”

Apple Bloom glanced at Scootaloo, who seemed to nod. “I guess that’s all right. Well, we’ll see ya later, James!”

The two fillies trotted over to me while I got down on one knee so they could reach me. I then held each in one arm while they gave me a goodbye hug. “I’ll see you this evening, James. Take care.” Scootaloo spoke softly while nuzzling my chest.

“You too, Scoot. And be good, you two.” I replied before releasing my grasp on them. I then waved goodbye while the two fillies trotted into the schoolhouse. But before I could leave, I felt a slight nagging in my heart. I glanced around while finding nopony within my line of sight. I then decided to take a seat on a fencepost that stood outside the playground. I just wanted to say hello to Sweetie Belle to make sure she would not feel left out.

We must have gotten there well ahead of schedule since Sweetie Belle did not come into view until close to eight minutes later. I waved my hand high to get the little unicorn filly’s attention, prompting her to gallop right over to me. “Morning, James! Where’s Apple Bloom and Scootaloo?”

I stood up from my seat and approached my little friend. “Well, we got here way ahead of schedule, so they headed on in. I’m just waiting out here for you to let you know so you’re not kept waiting.” Once she drew near, I got down on one knee and gently tussled her mane.

Sweetie Belle gave me a very satisfied smile before replying, “Oh, I get it. I probably would’ve been stuck out here waiting for them until the bell rang. Thanks for telling me.”

While we just stood there talking for a moment and losing track of time in the process, Sweetie Belle then suddenly spoke up. “Oh! I visited Rarity this morning. Has there been something happening between you two?”

I cocked my head to one side upon hearing that question. “What gives you that idea?”

Sweetie Belle then proceeded to explain while I cradled her in my arms. “Well, she talks about you a lot more than she did before. And she gets this funny look in her eye sometimes when she does…” She then giggled after a moment of silent thought and spoke, “You know, I think she wants to marry you!”

A suppressed laugh nearly escaped my lips while my body heaved. To anyone who has been reading these journals, you know that is old news by now. “Yeah, she’s made that quite clear to me. And I admit I do love your sister and that she is very precious to me.”

An excited gleam suddenly appeared in the little filly’s eyes. “Then you’re gonna propose to her?!”

I sighed at that question. “Well… If things had gone differently since the day I showed up in Ponyville, then I probably would. But sadly, I can’t. My heart belongs to Fluttershy.”

“Aww… But I know Rarity would love for you to be her husband. Do you think you can stop being Miss Fluttershy’s boyfriend and be Rarity’s boyfriend instead?” Sweetie asked in an obviously innocent manner.

This question actually hurt to hear, even if she did not fully comprehend what she was asking. “Wha… Leave Fluttershy?! Sorry, but I can’t do that. Granted, I do love your sister and I do think she and I would be very happy together, but that’s no longer an option. I am very happy with Fluttershy and I know she loves me just as much as I love her. She would be devastated if I left her. So…no. I will not break up with Fluttershy.”

My mild outburst seemed to intimidate Sweetie Belle since she suddenly cringed. “Sorry… I didn’t mean to make you mad.”

I stroked my little friend’s mane to calm her. “Sorry about yelling like that… It’s just… Relationships are complicated, you know? Especially when more than one person has their eyes on you. You’ll understand as you get older.”

“Really? More than one pony is in love with you?” Sweetie Belle asked, clearly picking up on that detail despite her young age.

“Well, it wouldn’t be the first time. I personally don’t see what’s so great about me that would appeal to so many girls. Am I really that nice?” I replied, also not entirely certain of what is so appealing about me.

Sweetie Belle let out a brief giggle before looking up at me with a smile. “Well… I know I love you. And Apple Bloom and Scootaloo love you too. You’re always so nice and you act like you’re always trying to be nice. Like you enjoy seeing other people happy and making them happy. Does it hurt when you make somepony sad?”

I really was not expecting those words from the little filly. They sounded surprisingly analytical. But I nodded and let out a sigh. “Yeah… It does hurt. I hate it when I hurt someone I care about in any way. Heck, even when I do hurt someone I don’t really know, it weighs down on me for a while.”

My little friend smiled before reaching up, grabbing me around the neck, and pulling my head down so she could nuzzle my cheek. “That’s why! I think most mares really like sweet guys who actually care about them and want to see them happy. I know I would like a boyfriend like that someday. So… I guess it makes sense so many mares love you so much.”

“You know what? You seem to have a pretty firm grasp of love as a whole, Sweetie Belle. I can see how you got the word ‘Sweetie’ in your name. You’re a sweetheart.” I replied with a grin on my face, prompting another giggle from the unicorn filly. “I think you and I might have a lot in common.” I have at times noticed that whenever Scootaloo and Apple Bloom get into an argument, it is always little levelheaded Sweetie Belle that serves as the mediator for the two. I can definitely see a bit of myself in her. She does seem to be a bit more sensitive than the other two fillies in the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

“Really? Well, I think so too.” Sweetie Belle replied before reaching out and holding onto me in a type of embrace. “I wish you could’ve been my brother-in-law.”

This triggered a dull pain in my heart. Had I just hurt this precious little filly? Or at the very least disappointed her? Come to think of it, just how long have we known each other? But naturally, I did feel a twinge of guilt in my soul. And as I looked down at the little filly in my arms, a long sigh escaped my nostrils. I then lowered my face to the side of her head and placed a kiss upon her brow. “I’m sorry. My heart belongs to Fluttershy and not to your sister. But I’ll always be your friend.”

Sweetie Belle lifted her face until she was looking up at me. “Thanks, James… Scootaloo was right. You’re pretty cool.”

I could not help letting out a chuckle upon hearing those words and wiggled my finger against her ear. “Hey, you girls are pretty cool too. I love you silly fillies. I’m glad you let me stay in the Cutie Mark Crusaders.”

My little filly friend giggled as well before nuzzling her head against my chest. “I’m glad you wanted to stay. You always give great advice.” But no sooner had she said that, the bell atop the schoolhouse rang. “Oh no, I’m late!”

I winced upon realizing this. By distracting my friend with pleasant conversation, I had delayed her just long enough to miss the bell. “Dang it… I’m sorry…”

Sweetie Belle looked up at me, but her frown of frustration soon turned into a soft smile. “Hmm… See? You do feel really bad whenever you do something bad to someone. That’s really nice of you, James.”

“Is it that obvious I feel this guilty?” I asked, my heart heavy with mild remorse.

She nodded and motioned for me to lower her to the ground. “Uh huh. But I should get to class now… I’ve never been late before… I hope I don’t get in too much trouble for it.”

I glanced over at the schoolhouse before looking back down at my friend as an idea popped into my head. “Hey, how about I go with you? I’ll put a good word in with Cheerilee. Don't want you taking all the blame.”

However, Sweetie Belle then pointed at me with her hoof. “Did you think of that when that light bulb showed up?”

Light bulb? What made her say… Oh, wait. When I glanced up, there was a typical glass incandescent light bulb floating over my head. And it was switched on. By then, I had known to stop questioning such bizarre occurrences. I snatched the bulb out of the air, which caused it to turn off. I then spoke of the most logical explanation I could think of. “I blame Pinkie Pie.”

Together, the two of us stepped into the schoolhouse’s lobby. It had been quite some time since the last time I had set foot inside. With the classroom taking up most of the school’s space, the lobby was quite cramped with a couple of restrooms off to the right. Through the doorway on the left I could hear Cheerilee apparently starting the class’s first assignment.

I knocked on the doorway to get Cheerilee’s attention. She clearly heard my knocking since she then spoke to the students before her. “Excuse me for a minute, class.” Sweetie Belle and I waited by the doorway before the schoolteacher stepped into view. “Can I help… Oh, Mr. James! Hello! And… Oh, hello, Sweetie Belle. I’m sorry, but you’re late.”

I decided to speak up there in the hopes of getting Sweetie Belle out of trouble. “Actually, that was my fault, Cheerilee. I caught her outside the schoolhouse and we stopped for a bit of conversation. I shouldn’t have interrupted her. Could you please let her off the hook this time?”

Cheerilee gazed at me for a moment before glancing down at Sweetie Belle. My little filly friend gave her teacher a hopeful grin in response. She then sighed before rolling her eyes. “Well… I suppose I can let it go this time. But please don’t distract my students before they get to class from now on. And thank you for being honest, Mr. James.”

I breathed a faint sigh of relief. That was a close call. Sweetie Belle then looked up at me and whispered while Cheerilee went back over to the chalkboard. “Thanks, James. I’ll see you this evening.” I replied with a quiet smile and gently tussled her mane before she trotted towards her desk.

Before I could leave, I looked ahead and waved at Scootaloo and Apple Bloom who were also waving at me. I then even noticed Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon waving at me with smiles on their faces on the opposite side of the rows of desks. But just as I was about to turn and depart, I noticed someone waving wildly at me from the very back row of desks with both arms flailing through the air. I then heard a familiar voice calling out to me while the rest of the students seemed to turn back to face whoever was trying to catch my eye. “Hey! Hey, James! Over here! Hey!”

I could not help snickering at who it was. A familiar brown earth pony colt with a propeller beanie on his head. I raised my hand and waved at my little friend. “Hey there, Button Mash.”

Cheerilee seemed like she was about to tell the little guy to be quiet, but glanced over at me while I was leaning through the doorway. “You know Button Mash, James?”

I glanced at her and nodded. “He’s my gaming buddy and my ‘pupil’, if you will. He plays a mean archer in Equestrian Heroes.” Hardly anyone there seemed to understand what I was getting at, but I then decided I had overstayed my welcome and should remove myself from the premises. “Well, I’ve distracted them long enough. I’ll be going now, Cheerilee.” I then pointed at the little colt at the far end of the room. “Later, Button. And stay focused. School comes first.”

“Stay focused! Yes, sir!” Button Mash replied while giving me a quick salute. Heh, I love that little guy. A lot of fun to hang out with. Only he has a weird habit of turning milkshakes into games that always end up with him getting a nasty case of brain freeze. Anyway, I said my goodbyes and got out of there just as Cheerilee was starting up the subject about unicorn magic. With nothing else to do, I made my way back home.

When I started to draw near to Fluttershy’s cottage, I saw her at work feeding all of the little animals around the place. She had just set down a bowl of worms that had a thin layer of water at the bottom to keep them moist. A small flock of robins then descended upon it and began plucking their meal from the bowl. I then crossed the small bridge that spanned the brook in front of our home and walked right over to her. “Heya, honey. All done here?”

My girlfriend looked up at me and gave me a delighted grin. “Uh huh. The robins were the last ones to feed. Everyone is all happy now.”

Fluttershy turned away from me for a moment to apparently admire the results of her handiwork. The trees and the landscape around us was rife with movement. Many little creatures scampered and fluttered to and fro. I could feel a warm breeze blowing through my hair and making the lush green leaves on the trees rustle. I then happened to glance down and see my beautiful lover’s long pink mane and tail billowing in the breeze. Just… I was honestly left frozen and speechless at the sight of her beauty.

I could not stay away. Slowly and silently, I kneeled beside her and wrapped my arms around her body. I felt Fluttershy twitch under me while I rested my head against her neck. I then heard her whisper softly, “Honey…?”

“I love you, baby.” I replied in kind, my hands tenderly rubbing her body. I could not help myself. It was as if that moment held some sort of magic in of itself.

I soon felt Fluttershy’s wing reach up and caress my cheek like the delicate fingers of a lover. She looked over her shoulder at me and gave me a very tender smile. “I love it when you hold me like this.”

No words were spoken for the next few minutes. I never released my grasp on my lover, my lips placing kiss after kiss on her neck. I could feel Fluttershy shudder under my chest, faint gasps escaping her throat. God, I love her. However, I soon paused when I noticed we had quite an audience. Many of Fluttershy’s little animal friends were observing us from a distance. “Uh… Nothing to see here, fellas…”

Since I am especially shy in front of an audience, I felt my mood rapidly shift into something less amorous. Fluttershy seemed to notice and asked while I began to lift myself from her, “Uh… Why are you stopping?”

“Well… They’re staring…” I replied while feeling myself becoming warmer by the second. However, Fluttershy then surprised me when she looked over her shoulder with a gleam in her eye I would normally expect from Rarity. “Uh… Honey? What’s with that look?”

Fluttershy then suddenly turned to me and practically jumped at me, her arms wrapping around me while our faces were just an inch or two apart. “Let them look.”

I had no time to reply to that at all. Fluttershy silenced me with a surprisingly powerful kiss. Her eyes closed, a muffled moan reverberating in her throat while her tongue licked at my lips. I too lost myself in that moment, my lips parting to allow the kiss to deepen. I remember tasting a hint of feta cheese on her tongue. So sweet and tasty at the same time, if that makes any sense.

I forget how much time passed while we just sat there smooching. Although I do recall that I could hear what I assume was quiet cheering. It seemed the little animals around us were in clear support of our relationship. Finally, when our faces pulled away, I just had to ask. “You’re really bold when you’re around your little animal friends, aren’t you?”

Fluttershy, her face filled with a noticeable blush, spoke softly while grinning sheepishly. “I… Uh… I guess I am… I never feel shy around them. And…I especially never feel shy when it’s just you and me.”

My hand stroked her long beautiful mane. “I feel bolder when I’m with you too. Do you suppose we draw off of each other for a boost in confidence?”

The lovely pegasus mare tilted her head towards my hand while letting out a content sigh. “I think so… Do you think that means we’re a good match for each other?”

“Yeah, definitely. I’m glad I met you.” I replied softly while placing a kiss on her cheek. This prompted a pleasantly startled squeak from my girlfriend. I then followed that up by lightly placing my finger on her nose, making her squirm with an adorable giggle. What a little angel.

This continued for a few minutes more before I remembered that I had to be at work in a short while. “Oh, right. I need to get to the spa. Will you be coming in today?”

Fluttershy grinned broadly at the proposition. “Oh, I think I will! I’ll be sure to ask Rarity if we can have our weekly visit today.” She then reached up and placed a kiss upon my cheek. “I’ll see you in a while, honey. But I need to go to the market first to restock some of our vegetables. Just no onions, right?”

I nodded with a smile, glad that Fluttershy remembered my most disliked food of all time. “Yup. No onions. And please hold the bell peppers too. But please add an order of extra spinach and broccoli!” After a moment more of silly banter, I bid goodbye to my lovely girlfriend and headed on my way back towards Ponyville.

The walk through the meadow that separated my home from Ponyville was quiet and uneventful. A good time to just let my mind wander and to bask in the summer breeze. However, just as I was starting to enter Ponyville, I caught sight of Pinkie Pie. But the instant she saw me, she seemed to freak out before dashing away. Knowing her, it could mean absolutely anything.

I did not have to wait long for an answer to why she ran off so suddenly. A few minutes later, I saw her galloping towards me while apparently pulling something behind her. Without even pausing to greet me, she turned while running and came to a stop in front of me with the broad side of what she was pulling facing me in plain sight. It seemed to be a wagon of sorts. It had a half-cylinder top that depicted her cutie mark on the side with a pale cream color adorned with a shade of pink that brought to mind cranberry juice. It also had a large light blue shape spreading over the side of the wagon’s body, but it did not seem to represent anything. Just a design to compliment the rest of it. The wheel hubs seemed to have a white and red spiral pattern that appeared to represent peppermint candy. Without a word, Pinkie Pie started going from one side to another while apparently making some…adjustments to the thing.

With this kind of behavior being very odd, even for Pinkie Pie’s standards, I felt I had to say something. “Uh… Pinkie?”

“Not yet, James!” She called out without even looking my way. Just what was she even up to anyway?

“What is this thing any…” I started to ask again, but was interrupted by Pinkie Pie once more.

“Just a minute!” She called out to keep me quiet.

“Could you at least just…” I said while starting to scowl.

“Almost done!” Pinkie called out again while checking the wagon’s underside. I decided then to give up and just wait for whatever that goofball mare had in store for me. Finally, she stepped over to the side of the wagon and looked at me with a smile. “All right, you ready?”

“About as ready as I’ll ever be, I guess.” I replied with my arms crossed. It was then I noticed a large round red button on the side of the wagon that would face the one who was pulling it. And sure enough, she pressed it.

When that button was pressed, the top of the wagon opened before retracting into the wagon’s body. And out of the body rose several objects that could not have possibly fit in there in the first place. How do I even describe this thing’s appearance? Well… I suppose it seemed to mainly be a type of food stall that you might expect to see at a carnival, seeing as there was a small oven in the center with a pair of shelves on each side that appeared to be holding cupcakes on the upper shelves and miniature pies on the lower shelves. A pair of long steam whistles seemed to be on one side while three long brass bugle-like horns were extending from the backside with no coordination in their placement. Four funnels painted to resemble striped candy sticks were sticking straight up on opposite ends of the wagon… Oh, wait. Three looked like candy sticks while one seemed to resemble a candle placed on top of a rather small cake. Lastly, there were six long poles extending every which way from the bizarre contraption that were constantly waving about with a small triangular flag at the tips of each. They were varying shades of pink, purple, and yellow. I should also mention that when the inner workings of the wagon sprang up, it did so with enough force to yank the wagon itself a few inches off the ground for a second. And all the while, the wagon was playing a rather catchy tune. And then… Pinkie Pie began to dance and sing.

While hopping and prancing back and forth in front of the wagon in what I can honestly say was one of the cutest performances I had ever seen out of my friend, Pinkie Pie spouted out lyrics that appeared to match the music that was coming from the ‘music box’ behind her. “Welcome welcome welcome, a fine welcome to you!”

She then suddenly approached me and placed some sort of hat on my head. I never got a good look at it, so I am afraid I cannot describe its appearance aside from the fact that it seemed to have a short brim that extended past the very top of my field of vision. All the while, she continued to sing while somehow holding and playing a bugle between her hooves. “Welcome welcome welcome, I say how do you do!” And right after that, she blew a single note through the bugle and… Did that thing seriously go through my ear and out the other for an instant?! Do not think about it, do not think about it, do not think about it, do not think about it…

Before even a second had passed, I suddenly found her on the opposite side of me while prancing about on her hind legs with a large timpani drum hanging over her front. She was grasping its matching mallet in her ankle joint and beating the drum while skipping around as her other arm seemed to be trying to hold it up from the other side. All things considered, that drum was almost as big as she is. “Welcome welcome welcome, a big hip hip hooray!” As my gaze followed her every move, I could not help but crack a smile.

Finally, she ditched the drum and did… What is the name of that dance again? She was pretty much sidestepping while hopping through the air and kicking one hind leg out to her sides in an alternating rhythm while thrusting her arms downward with each kick. From where I was standing, her body almost seemed to have taking on a bipedal stance entirely. Or perhaps that was just an optical illusion brought on by her rather impressive gyrations. Finally, she came to a stop in front of the wagon, jumped shockingly high into the air, and then came to a sliding halt before me on her knees while her arms reached high into the air. “Welcome welcome welcome to Ponyville todaaaaaaaaay!!!”

It was after that last line that the music came to a stop. Pinkie Pie maintained that pose while giving me a very big toothy grin. For whatever reason, the flagpoles on the wagon were still swinging around. But just before I could applaud her, or even so much as ask what this bizarre, if not entertaining, welcome was for, she spoke up. “Wait for it!”

No sooner had she said that, the hatch on the wagon’s oven flung open while a huge burst of confetti and hot air surged into me. My hat ended up getting blown off and ended up lord knows where. And just after that, the four funnels on the wagon I had described earlier suddenly expelled streams of some sort of yellow… Was that cake batter?!

As the batter rose high into the air and started to come down on me, one word escaped my lips before I narrowly jumped out of the way. “Nope!”

In the end, Pinkie Pie took the full brunt of the blow, the batter covering her and the spot where I had been standing a mere few seconds earlier. I saw Pinkie open her eyes and let out a loud giggle. “Oops! I guess I put the confetti in the oven and the cake mix in the confetti cannons again…again!”

“This isn’t the first time?! Well, excuse me for suspecting that you did that on purpose!” I retorted while crossing my arms and shaking my head. She then somehow burst out of the batter, leaving an impressive empty mold of her own body behind before her mouth opened impossibly wide and devoured the whole thing in one gulp. I would have been mildly disturbed by that sight if I had not seen it dozens of times before. Trust me. After spending months getting to know Pinkie Pie, you get used to it if you do not let yourself think too hard about it.

“Still tasty though! Come on, James! Still plenty right here!” Pinkie Pie called out before motioning her hoof towards the thick puddle of batter that remained on the ground.

“Uh… No thanks. I’m not too keen for eating stuff off the ground. Especially on the ground outdoors. Who knows what was there before it was last cleaned?” I replied while cracking an amused smirk. But then a thought came to mind. This whole grand welcome was extremely off and random. Even for Pinkie Pie’s standards. “Say, what was this for anyway? It doesn’t seem like the first time you’ve used that thing.”

My silly pink friend looked behind herself at the wagon before trotting over to it and pressing the red button on its side. In response, the whole thing closed back up into its previous compact state. She then looked back at me and said, “This is my welcome wagon! I use it to welcome every newcomer I see to Ponyville!”

“You do? But you didn’t use it when I… Hang on a second…” I spoke before crossing my arms and thinking for a moment. There must have been a special reason for her to use that thing on me out of nowhere like that. And then it hit me. “Wait… How long have I been… Is today…?!”

Pinkie Pie jumped into the air and gave me a very tight hug. “You got it! Happy anniversary, James!”

At first, I had no words to speak. It slowly registered with me as I played her words over in my head. “A full year… Today marks my first complete year in Equestria?”

My silly friend let go of me and raised her hoof for emphasis. “Yup! Exactly 365 days! Or 366 if it was a leap year!”

I could not help and smirk at Pinkie’s rather random attention to detail. “Wow… But wait. You had this wagon all along and didn’t use it last year?”

“Yeah, I totally forgot about it. I guess I was just so blown away when I saw you that I was thinking ‘Newcomer detected! Must set up party! Don’t forget the balloons, cake, and music! Be sure to come up with random welcoming song! You left the oven on in Sugarcube Corner! I think I forgot to let the water out of the bathtub this morning!’ instead of thinking about using the wagon to welcome you to Ponyville!” She explained while I struggled to not bust a gut at her words. Oh my lord, just what goes on inside that head of hers anyway?

“Well, it seems you had a lot on your mind that day. And all things considered…I think it was for the best that you didn’t use that wagon on my first day. With how uptight and nervous I was, I doubt I would’ve enjoyed it at the time.” I retorted while glancing over at the wagon again.

Pinkie Pie nodded in full agreement. “Oh, right. Yeah, you were really uneasy and on edge the whole day! And even through most of the week! But look at you now! You’re like a completely different person!” She then suddenly started to move quickly from one side of me to the other while making observations. “Your body posture shows confidence! Your eyes are nice and calm. You body temperature is a bit higher than normal, which shows you are very relaxed and happy.” She went on and on for a moment while genuinely baffling me with how uncharacteristically observant she was being. I bet she befuddles Twilight Sparkle to no end. And speaking of that bookworm, I noticed her out of the corner of my eye heading our way.

“Morning, you two! Love the shirt, James. And… Pinkie Pie, why are you licking James’ hair?” Twilight asked upon drawing near. And yes, Pinkie Pie was basically piggybacking me while licking the hair on the back of my head.

“Oh, I was just tasting his hair to figure out what shampoo he uses! People who are happy use really fragrant shampoo! And I’m tasting hazelnut, roses, maybe some sweet pea…” Pinkie Pie replied before I decided to interrupt her.

“You just now made that up, didn’t you?!” I asked loudly, prompting some giggling laughter from my goofball mare of a friend while Twilight rolled her eyes as she shook her head with an amused smirk on her lips.

Finally, Twilight stepped forward and turned to Pinkie Pie. “Well, anyway… Pinkie, I was hoping I could ask for your help with some tests. I need somepony like you to be my assistant for a while.”

“Tests?! Oh, goody! Do I get to sample some new treats?! I’m the official Sugarcube Corner taste tester, you know.” Pinkie replied while showing her usual giddy gusto despite having no idea what she was getting herself into.

“Great! The testing area is just west of town between Fluttershy’s place and Sweet Apple Acres. Please come on over when you can.” Twilight explained while looking fairly excited about whatever she was testing.

“You got it! Just let me put my wagon away and I’ll be right over!” Pinkie Pie replied before sliding herself back into the welcoming wagon’s harness and running off with it trailing behind her.

“Um… Tests? What is that about, Twi?” I asked with my arms crossed. And for Twilight to seek out Pinkie Pie? Well, Pinkie certainly has a gullible streak, so it makes sense that she would be Twilight’s first choice for a guinea pig.

My wise friend looked up at me and gave me a very pleased grin. “Oh, I like to dabble in a bit of science now and then. And I have a few tests in mind specifically for Pinkie Pie.” She then glanced away for a moment before suddenly looking back up at me. “Say, James? Do you have any free time right now?”

I cast my gaze towards the horizon as I considered my options. While scanning the horizon, I noticed the town’s clock tower. It seemed that the time was not even 10 AM. Since I had to be at work at around 11 AM, I certainly had some time to kill. “Well, it seems I have more than an hour before I have to get to the spa.”

Twilight smiled at my response. “Well, would you like to tag along? I can promise that things will get interesting if Pinkie Pie is involved.

“Heh, I second that notion. Lead on.” I replied while suppressing a chuckle. I could only imagine what kind of shenanigans those two polar opposites were going to get themselves into. Twilight then led me out of town and to the southwest.

After walking for a short while, we came to a part of the meadow that separated the area where Fluttershy and I live from Sweet Apple Acres. There seemed to be a long row of tall wooden planks that formed a wall-like fence. “Right over here.” Twilight spoke while leading me to one side. When we reached one end, I found that there was no wall on that side. With another wooden wall to our left, it seemed to lead to another wall with a single opening in it. “This will be Pinkie Pie’s first test.”

I observed the entry point for a moment before one word popped into my head. “Is this a maze?”

Twilight nodded and extended her hoof towards the entryway. “Yes. I heard from Rainbow Dash once that Pinkie Pie can actually keep up with her on foot sometimes. So I’m going to test that claim. And for a little extra persuasion, I picked up a raspberry bundt cake from Sugarcube Corner this morning. I left it in its box at the far end of the maze. If there’s one thing Pinkie Pie will not turn her nose up at, it’s the chance for a sweet snack.”

I could not help shaking my head at Twilight’s clever manipulation of Pinkie Pie. “Clever, Twilight. Very clever… Wait a sec. She can keep up with Rainbow Dash?!”

She seemed equally baffled by the thought of it as well. “I know! But that’s what she said to us! When we celebrated Pinkie’s birthday for the first time, I swear that’s what Rainbow Dash told me!”

“Well, I’ll have to see that to believe it… Oh, is she here already?” I replied before pausing and listening. From somewhere behind the wall that was facing Ponyville’s direction, I could hear the familiar cheerful humming of a certain earth pony mare. And sure enough, Pinkie Pie soon rounded the corner and trotted up to us.

“OK, I’m here! What’re we testing?” She asked earnestly with a jolly spring in her step.

Twilight smiled and approached her friend. “Well, I have a little gift for you. But to get to it, you need to go through this maze.” Using the levitation spell, she picked up a stopwatch that was on the ground nearby.

As expected, Pinkie Pie was as excitable as always. She hopped forward and got herself low to the ground with her rump high in the air as if she was ready to pounce upon something. “OK! I’ll do anything for yummy goodies! Just say the word, Twilight!”

I crossed my arms and took a step back. Twilight smirked while Pinkie Pie’s face showed focused determination. “All right, Pinkie. When you reach the other end, yell something to let us know. Say… Try yelling out ‘twitchy tail’. That’ll let me know you made it. And… Go!”

Just before Twilight could actually press the button to activate the stopwatch, Pinkie Pie once again defied the laws of physics and leaped into the air and somehow stayed aloft while her legs flailed wildly. “Woooohoo! Here I come, sweet sweet goodies!” Twilight did not miss a beat and ‘pressed’ the button on the watch the instant Pinkie’s hooves touched the ground. But neither of us were prepared for what followed. Immediately after she passed the maze’s entry point, Pinkie charged right through wall after wall after wall of the maze, going to the prize at the other end directly… Oh god, just thinking about that moment makes me laugh.

Needless to say, this was really off the wall, even by Pinkie Pie standards. The instant she crashed through the first wall, I hunkered over in unexpected laughter. “What the hell, Pinkie?! Pehahahaha! What is that nut job even made of?!”

Twilight, on the other hand, stared through the row of mare-sized holes in the maze’s walls with an absolutely speechless and even somewhat irritated expression. Sure enough, we heard Pinkie Pie when she got to the other side. “Twitchy tail!”

As if on cue, Twilight let out a loud yelp as an apple fell on her head from seemingly nowhere. My clearly annoyed unicorn friend let out a loud groan before stepping forward through the holes to reach Pinkie Pie while I followed as I snickered to myself. “This is gonna be another one of THOSE days, isn’t it?”

“What? Where Pinkie Pie has turned her randomness up to a thousand?” I replied while ducking through the holes in the many rows of walls. Twilight offered no real reply, only letting out a loud grumble.

When we reached the other side of the maze, which consisted of a small fenced in area with a stool in the center that held a plastic platter, we found Pinkie Pie munching on something rather big in her mouth since her cheeks were bulging out quite a bit. Twilight then trotted over to her and spoke while raising her hoof for emphasis. “Pinkie… I know you’re not one to really appreciate the geometry in something like this, but… That isn’t how you go THROUGH a maze!”

Once Pinkie Pie swallowed whatever it was she was eating, she looked at Twilight and giggled loudly. “Ooooh, was I supposed to actually run around through the winding paths to get over here? Well, why didn’t you say so?!”

“I thought I… Ugh, never mind! Come on, we’ve still got a few more tests to run.” Twilight groaned in exasperation while I tried to not laugh too loud. The two of us followed Twilight back through the many holes in the maze before following her over to what I could only call a towering wooden box that was very large all around.

“Uh… Twilight? What’s this for? And…is that a diving board up there?” I asked while taking note of a towering ladder that extended out into a long wooden plank at the top.

Twilight turned to face us and cleared her throat before speaking. “Yes, it is. As for what this is… You might want to stand back.” Her horn was then coated by her billowing pink magic aura before the wooden planks that served as the box’s walls fell outward. And behind them was…..the largest cube of purple gelatin I have ever seen in my life.

“Ooh, is that grape flavor?!” Pinkie Pie asked while trying to restrain herself until Twilight had given her the signal to charge into it.

“It certainly is. And it’s all yours, Pinkie. Dig in!” Twilight replied while extending her hoof towards the towering jiggling blob of semisolid goop.

“Sweet! Thanks, Twilight!” Pinkie Pie replied before rushing over to the ladder at one end and scrambling up it at surprising speed. It seems she required no explanation on how to approach this ‘test’.

While we watched Pinkie rush up the ladder, I felt the need to ask. “Twilight. Just how much is in that blob of gelatin?”

She wasted no time in giving me a response. “Exactly a hundred thousand gallons. Or was it quarts?"

At first, I had no words to reply to such an absurd amount. Finally, I found the response I was looking for. “You’re trying to kill her, aren’t you?”

This actually caught Twilight by surprise. She looked up at me with a mildly horrified expression. “What?! No, of course not! This is a serious test! I’m just trying to find out how much Pinkie Pie can fit into herself! You’ve seen how her body expands to accommodate whatever she eats!”

“So you’re trying to figure out what makes Pinkie Pie tick, huh? Heh, I’m almost worried about what we might find out. Some things are not meant to be understood, Twilight.” I replied while letting out a slight chuckle before crossing my arms and turning my gaze up at Pinkie Pie. She had only just reached the top and was nearing the edge of the diving board.

“Hey, I might not understand how her Pinkie Sense works, but she’s a pony just like me. She must have her limits.” Twilight explained with a confident smirk before waving at Pinkie Pie high above us. In response, Pinkie Pie hopped once while the wooden board under her bent downwards under her weight. She then leaped high into the air before doing a surprisingly elegant spiraling dive right down into the huge cube of grape-flavored gelatin below. She promptly sank to the bottom and pretty much just sat at the bottom of the stuff while waving at us. The cube remained solid despite the force of her falling into it.

“Is she seriously going to inhale that stuff from the inside?” I asked just before Pinkie Pie answered my question for me. From inside the block of gelatin, that goofball mare pursed her lips and began to suck the gelatin up. All in one nonstop gulp. Twilight and I watched in flabbergasted silence while that towering cube of gelatin before us became increasingly smaller as Pinkie Pie’s cheeks swelled like those of a chipmunk. While watching her gorge herself on the stuff, I felt myself wince. “Ugh, I’m gonna be sick…”

Twilight seemed equally unnerved by this unnatural feat occurring before us since she suddenly gagged. “I’ll never eat gelatin again…”

Finally, Pinkie sat on the wooden flooring the cube had been resting on before swallowing the contents contained in her cheeks. As expected, her body ballooned to an incomprehensible size for a few seconds before the contents of her belly were compacted down into whatever limitless void she uses for a stomach and shrinking back to normal size. “Yum! Is there more?”

“One hundred thousand gallons… Or one hundred thousand quarts... I guess it’s back to the drawing board then.” Twilight muttered while sounding noticeably overwhelmed and disturbed. I could relate as I was feeling mentally incapacitated from watching that impossible feat myself.

Suddenly, I raised my finger as a thought popped into my head. “I have a new theory. Pinkie Pie, in fact, has no stomach to speak of. Her body contains a self-contained black hole that occasionally discharges waste that must be expelled from the body.”

Both Pinkie Pie and Twilight looked up at me with some of the most shocked expressions I had seen on them in a while. My unicorn friend then spoke, “You know… Suddenly, it all makes sense! Why didn’t I think of that?!”

Not wanting to dwell on the rather…unnerving sight we had just witnessed, Twilight led Pinkie and I over to what seemed to be a fairly large wooden shed on the edge of Sweet Apple Acres. I had seen it a few times, but had never seen Applejack using it. I assumed that it was abandoned or slated for demolition, but it seemed Twilight had moved in and set up shop. Pinkie Pie beat me to asking Twilight about it. “Is this your shed, Twilight?”

Our unicorn friend replied while looking back and forth at us. “Well, it was an old storage shed that Applejack was using. When she was planning on getting rid of it, I asked if I could use it as a science lab.”

When she reached the doorway and stepped inside, I found that she had fixed the place up quite well. A large round green rug was spread out over the wooden floor while a few chemistry sets were set up all over the single room the shed consisted of. Being someone who does not have much of a penchant for science, I found the place to be interesting from only a visual standpoint. Pinkie Pie was much more excited about the rather unusual designs of the glass beakers, spiraling tubes, and so forth and had to be warned by Twilight to not interact with anything she did not recognize.

“So… What experiment did you have in mind for this place?” I asked while observing my surroundings.

“Um… What was it again?” Twilight muttered while looking around the shed for a visual reminder. But she soon spoke while focusing on one spot in the room’s corner. “Oh, now I remember!”

I watched while Twilight went to the corner of the room before walking over to Pinkie Pie in the center of the shed. Only rather than walking, she was shuffling her feet along. And on each of her four hooves was a fluffy house slipper. I could not help cracking a smirk as I began to realize where this was going. Just to be on the safe side, I grabbed a pair of safety goggles that were lying on a table nearby. “Oh, this is about to get interesting.”

Twilight stopped right in front of Pinkie Pie, who was standing in the center of the rug in the room. Pinkie merely watched in silence and curiosity while Twilight lifted her right hoof from her slipper. She then extended her hoof until the tip of it touched Pinkie’s nose. I noticed a small spark briefly connect the two of them for just an instant before Pinkie Pie jerked her head away and rubbed her snout. “Ouch! What was that?!”

I began to feel a nervous sensation in my gut while I looked on as Twilight gestured with her hoof. “That’s static electricity.” She then went on to give a very detailed description of the phenomenon. I could write down what she said, but I fail to see the need to do so. That, and I have no desire to turn this journal into a textbook entry.

Anyway, once she had finished explaining, Twilight stepped out of her slippers and let Pinkie Pie try it out. However, I did not like where this was going one bit despite feeling a conflicting giddiness in my gut. Once Pinkie Pie was in the slippers, she began to rapidly shuffle her feet in noticeable excitement while moving around in a circle on the rug. Her eyes were constantly glued to her feet. “Oh god, are you serious? Uh… Twi? Are you sure this is a good idea?” I asked as I drew near while getting a nagging feeling that allowing the ever-unpredictable Pinkie Pie to have access to something like this was…well… Just read on and see for yourself.

Twilight did not seem nearly as worried as I was and smiled dismissively. “Oh, don’t worry about it, James. Static electricity is harmless.”

However, Pinkie Pie just kept shuffling and shuffling. Oh, and she also shuffled some more. I mean it was actually very awkward how she just would not stop moving around the very edge of the rug. Almost like she was on autopilot or something. I decided to carefully and inconspicuously make my way to the exit and wait by it just in case the situation got out of hand and I had to make a hasty retreat. Even Twilight was starting to give Pinkie some funny looks. However, a look of satisfaction spread across her face when Pinkie came to a stop in front of her. Pinkie Pie’s tail and mane had responded accordingly to the buildup of an electric charge on her body, both having become very wild with every single strand sticking straight out in a truly bizarre hairstyle. To top it off, I could make out arcing trails of electricity in her hair here and there.

Pinkie Pie began to giggle in excitement before she really took off with more shuffling and started to shuffle her feet all over the shed. A giddy smirk spread across my face as I tried to suppress a laugh. This was going to get very interesting very quickly. Even Twilight was starting to show a rather nervous expression on her face. “Uh… Pinkie, you can stop now… Whoa!”

Twilight stepped out of the way as that goofball friend of ours went right past her and even right up the wall and across the ceiling while constantly giggling like a schoolgirl with a sugar rush. And considering how much sweet gelatin she had just consumed, that was a very likely possibility. Pinkie Pie then even went right out the window, probably went right across the roof, and then came back in through another window while moving at seemingly impossible speeds for someone who was merely shuffling their feet. She was almost at full running speed, now that I think about it.

Eventually, Pinkie even started to give off quite a glow as she built up more and more of a charge on herself while zooming along the walls. “Pinkie, you’re really overdoing it now… Eep!” Twilight called out before her mane and tail started to get pulled towards that crazy mare seemingly by an unseen attraction while Pinkie Pie returned to the center of the room and was going around and around on the rug as her body seemed to be leaning backwards in such a way that made me think her hooves were not carrying her along, but were rather pulling her instead. By then, I had stepped outside and was watching from the doorway. I was even biting my finger to stop myself from laughing at this hilarious scenario playing out before me.

Seconds later, the furniture in the shed began to slide along the floor towards Pinkie Pie while the electrified mare seemed to have accumulated an electric charge powerful enough to generate an electromagnetic effect. Everything in the room was being drawn to her, including Twilight! In desperation, Twilight grabbed onto a chair to keep herself away from our friend. Finally, she yelled out, “Pinkie, enough already!”

“Like this, Twilight?!” I then stared aghast as Pinkie Pie stopped moving and stuck her hoof out at our friend while still giggling like a maniac, prompting Twilight to look over her shoulder. Due to the powerful electromagnetic pull of Pinkie’s electric charge, Twilight could no longer turn her head away and was steadily inching closer to Pinkie’s glowing hoof while an expression of extreme unease spread across her face.

“I’m out!” I shouted before placing the pair of safety goggles I had picked up on my face. I then bolted and made a mad dash for the edge of the vast forest of apple trees that were nearby and took shelter behind one before peeking out from behind it. I was snickering like a fool, wondering what was about to happen.

Sure enough, I got my answer. A few seconds later, there was a powerful explosion that blew the entire shed apart. A burst of smoke and arcing electricity shot through the roof before quickly dissipating. I burst out laughing, unable to comprehend just how the hell Pinkie Pie was able to turn herself into what I can only call an electric bomb. Still, I was rather concerned about my two friends and rushed back over to the remains of the shed while avoiding the scattered debris to check on them.

“Girls, are you… Oh god, what the hell?!” I called out while trying to keep myself from laughing a bit longer as I surveyed the situation before me.

Twilight was standing in the middle of the floor, apparently having not been able to keep her grip on the chair. Her mane and tail looked as if they had just been caught in a powerful gust and were stuck pointing straight back behind her while looking singed. Her face was frozen in an absolutely overwhelmed expression as if she could not process what she had just experienced while every part of her body that was facing Pinkie was apparently covered in soot. Pinkie Pie, on the other hand, looked like she was back to normal and was no worse for the wear. Her electric glow was gone and her mane and tail were back to their original poofy styles. Just before Twilight stiffly fell onto her side, Pinkie spoke out in her usual cheery tone of voice. “Tag, you’re it!”

I finally could not contain myself any longer. I burst into raucous laughter at what I was seeing while trying to not fall to my knees. “Oh my gohahahod! Zappity zap zap! I never thought I would live to see this! That was epic!”

Twilight let out a groan while she dizzily climbed to her feet. “Uuugh… I think I now know why science isn’t as commonly practiced in Equestria as magic is.”

“Really? Why’s that?” Pinkie Pie asked while tilting her head to one side.

After shaking all the soot from her hair, Twilight rather vocally provided her answer. “It’s dangerous! Just look at this place! It’s a wreck!”

“Well, at least you demolished the thing for AJ in the end. I think she’ll be pretty impressed with the results when she sees this.” I replied while trying to suppress anymore laughter. Just… Man, you just have to witness such a spectacle to really appreciate the comedic value in it.

Twilight then let out a long groan while flexing her body to get all the aches out of it. “Well… I’d say that’s enough experimenting for the month… Or a year…”

“You know, I think you two would make for an effective demolition team with that kind of technique. Ever consider it?” I asked in a joking manner, actually quite impressed with just how thoroughly that blast obliterated the shed.

Pinkie Pie seemed rather thrilled at the idea. “Ooh, you’re right! I’d be like ‘OK, we got this. Twilight, you brought the slippers, right?’ and she would be like ‘Yeah, I got them right here. You do your thing and we’ll be waaaay over there.’ and then I’d be like ‘All right! Shuffle shuffle shuffle and zappity zap zap!’ and then BOOM! We’d have the run of the entire demolition market! Right, Twilight?”

However, Twilight seemed far less pleased at the thought. She then practically yelled while waving her hooves back and forth as she took a few steps away from our friend, “No! Absolutely not! I’m done with science! I’m sticking with good old magic from now on! At least that stuff won't blow up in my face unless I want it to!

“Aww, really? Oh well! It was fun while it lasted! Anyway, I better get going! I’ve got something important to take care of today. See ya!” Pinkie Pie retorted before trotting away with a satisfied spring in her step and a song in her throat.

Once the source of my laughter was out of sight, I approached Twilight and caressed her mane. “Well, that was a good laugh. Are you OK?”

“Ugh… I don’t even know what hit me! And how did she even do that?!” Twilight retorted with a frustrated groan, although she sounded more baffled than irritated to me.

I glanced over in the direction that Pinkie Pie had trotted off in and found that she was almost completely out of sight. I then took off my safety goggles and set them on the charred remains of a table nearby. “Well… Do you think we’d be better off not knowing how Pinkie Pie works?”

“By this point… I’d say that’s wise.” Twilight grumbled before letting out a groan while she seemed to stretch. That zap, while certainly nonfatal, seemed to have left her quite sore. “Ooh… I’m gonna be feeling this for a while…”

I kneeled down beside her and placed my hand on her back. “Would you prefer it if I carry you back to town?”

My proposition seemed to really catch her by surprise. She glanced at me suddenly and asked, “Huh? Carry me? Are you sure?”

Seeing that she did not refuse my offer, I smirked before lifting the forward half of her body and causing her to lean back before my arms scooped her up. While certainly heavier than Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, Twilight is still fairly light. Now, Applejack and Pinkie Pie, those two I can truly count as heavyweights. But I digress.

Twilight looked up at me with an crooked grin before letting out a faint giggle. She looked very cute just resting there in my arms. “Well… I guess I’m your passenger for now. Lead on, James.” I nodded with a cheeky grin before leaving the wrecked remains of Twilight’s makeshift lab and started walking back towards Ponyville.

The walk through the meadow was calm and quiet. I did not speak at all while merely focusing on walking. I could hear the wind blowing through the thousands upon thousands of blades of grass in the meadow. It generated a sound that is actually different from the sound of leaves swaying in the trees. It almost felt…magical.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that Twilight’s large purple eyes were more often than not looking at me and nothing else. After I saw them look right at me for what I think was the tenth time, I finally looked down at her directly. “Yes?”

Twilight’s curled forelegs drew closer together while she let out a quiet giggle. It seemed she was not expecting me to notice her gaze at all. “Well… I was thinking. Today… And right around this time too… Today last year was when I first met you.”

Once again, my memories of that day flickered through my mind. “Yeah… And you were the first person I met in Equestria.”

She then asked after a moment of pause, “James… I’ve been wondering this for a while. Was it Princess Celestia and Princess Luna who brought you to Equestria?”

Having known Twilight for as long as I have, I felt I could trust her with the truth. “Yeah, they did. Just don’t tell anyone, all right? I think it’s a national secret or something to that effect.”

My friend nodded in agreement before tilting her head to look in the direction we were moving. “I’ll be sure to thank them today… I’m glad they brought you here.”

“Really?” I asked, though more out of curiosity than doubt.

Twilight turned her gaze towards me and began to speak softly as if she was becoming completely relaxed. “Well, I’ll be honest. When you first came to Ponyville, I didn’t think for a second that you and I would’ve become as close as we are now. I mean, I did want to be your friend in the end, but… I’m just amazed by all that’s happened since that day. I thought my circle was complete when I met my five closest friends. But you managed to carve out a place for yourself in the puzzle, if that makes any sense.”

I looked down at Twilight without speaking a word while just taking in her words as she continued to speak to me. “And now you even have your own Element. The Element of Humanity. Even if it isn’t a part of the Elements of Harmony, it still intrigues me. I wonder if we’ll ever figure out its true history and origins...”

“Well, I’m guessing the more crises we end up having to solve, the more often it will be used. Although I hope we don’t have very many more to deal with…” I replied in kind, also wondering about the full history behind the Element that was bound to me. Oh well. That is something I am sure will reveal itself when the time is right.

Twilight nodded with a slight frown on her lips, but soon relaxed once more in my grasp. “Yeah… But still… I’m really glad I met you. You’ve always been good to us. And it feels like you and I have so much in common. I swear… I think I see some of myself in you.”

I could not help smiling at those words. “Same here, Twi. You sometimes remind me of myself too.”

She then brought up a subject that I had all but forgotten about. “You know… Fluttershy once told me what you said to her about your past. Especially your days in high school. Did that really…cause you to have no interest in friendship?”

My walking slowed as I felt a twinge of bitterness fill my heart. “She told you, huh? Well…yeah. Since there was no one in the entire school I could even remotely bring myself to like, I had no friends. And as a result, I felt like I didn’t even need friends in the long run.”

There was a moment of silence between us while Twilight seemed to avert her eyes. I just continued to walk while keeping my gaze forward. However, I froze and stopped in my tracks when I felt something touch the fingers I had curled over Twilight’s chest. I looked down at her and saw that she was resting her right hoof upon them. She then spoke with a more somber expression on her face. “You and I have more in common than I thought, James. I used to have no interest in friendship either.”

“You…didn’t? But you seem like someone who values friendship more than most other things.” I replied while finding it difficult to comprehend Twilight not wanting anything to do with the concept of friendship after knowing her for a full year.

She nodded in confirmation, but never once took her hoof off my fingers. “Mmhm, but not for the reasons you’re thinking. It was entirely by choice. I was obsessed with studying and following Princess Celestia’s instructions. I shut myself away from everyone who had no real connection to my interests. But…that all changed when I came to Ponyville.” She then turned her gaze to the town that was in the distance. “It was honestly the best thing to ever happen to me. Now I can’t imagine being without friends. And the atmosphere in Ponyville is just so much better than in Canterlot. I used to think most of the ponies in town were crazy, but I guess that was because I wasn’t used to such jovial hospitality since no one here is nearly as uptight as the majority of the ponies in Canterlot.”

I could not help rolling my eyes. I had almost forgotten that Canterlot was originally her home. “Canterlot isn’t exactly the friendliest town in Equestria, is it?”

“Well, in hindsight… I guess it really isn’t.” Twilight replied while letting out a faint giggle. We both chuckled lightly before we shared a momentary gaze. I honestly felt quite calm in Twilight’s presence. As if I was rediscovering her in a new and more intimate way. She then smiled warmly at me and even seemed to gain a blush on her face. “I’m really glad I met you. It feels like we were meant to meet.”

With my arms occupied, I was not able to really return any affection she was giving me. So instead, I lowered my head to her and nuzzled her nose with my own. “Same here, Twi. You’ve always been precious to me.”

My friend giggled slightly while grinning broadly as I pulled my face away from her. Once I began to walk at a brisker pace again, she let out a long sigh while still looking up at me. “You know… I did say I would always love you, right?”

Those words roused some memories from deep in my mind. “Yeah… That was quite a while ago too. I had almost forgotten about it.”

Twilight averted her eyes for a moment before continuing to speak. “I’m not surprised you forgot. I’ve been trying hard to not let those feelings show when I’m around you. And it gets really hard to hold them in when it’s just you and me. And I really have been trying to let go of those feelings. But… I just can’t seem to cut those last few threads. My feelings…just won’t let go of my heart.”

“Well… Why have you been keeping your feelings concealed?” I asked, having already been on the receiving end of such feelings from Rainbow Dash and Rarity.

My dear friend’s expression became more somber before she replied. “Because…I don’t want to get between you and Fluttershy. I can’t stand the thought of being a burden to any of my friends or doing anything that would hurt them… That’s why I couldn’t let those feelings out.”

“You know… That sounds like something I would do.” I said softly, relating to her even further as she spoke. And as I looked down at my frowning friend, I could not help smiling softly at her. “But Twilight… You should let go of those fears. Because…” I then gently lowered my face and placed a tender kiss on her forehead. “You’re not the only other girl whose heart reaches out to me.”

Twilight’s big purple eyes opened wide the instant my lips touched her soft purple coat on her forehead. Her eyes quivered as what seemed to be tears began to form at the edges of her eyes. “What… How… Why did you do that? I thought you and Fluttershy were…”

For as long as I have known her, Twilight has always been keen to the workings of friendship despite always being eager to learn more. However, she always seemed to have very little knowledge about the workings of the heart. So I was hardly surprised to see her so confused. “Yes, Twilight. Fluttershy and I are a couple. But that does not mean I can’t share my love. I’d be willing to give you some if you are willing.”

My friend was rendered speechless. Her eyes darted back and forth while clearly trying to find the words to reply to me. I decided to speak first. “Confused, huh?”

Twilight rapidly nodded before finding the right words to say. “Yeah… It just… It sounds too good to be true. I mean… Isn’t that…cheating? What would Fluttershy do… Wait. Would you ever really cheat on her?”

I was not surprised by her confusion. It takes a very open mind to think the way I do. “No, absolutely not. There’s no way I would ever cheat on my girlfriend. Just… How do I explain this again? I know I spoke about it to Rarity lately…”

The mention of our beautiful unicorn friend really seemed to shock Twilight. She looked up at me with bulging eyes and spoke rather loudly, “Rarity?! Her too?! I know you and her have always been close and that she does seem to have some kind of strong interest in you, but… She…really loves you like that?”

“In all honesty, I’m pretty sure she and I would’ve ended up in a relationship if Fluttershy had not sent me that love letter when she did. We both keep the virtue of generosity constantly in our hearts, so I guess we do have a subtle natural attraction to each other.” I explained while feeling myself becoming rather warm as my mind began to recall the memories of the day she finally confessed to me.

Twilight looked away from me for a moment, her eyes closing while she let out a long sigh. “I think you might be right… You and her have been close since the start. But…” She then looked back up at me with a very curious gaze. “What do you mean…sharing your love with me? Can you really do that and keep yourself reserved for Fluttershy?”

I did my best to explain it as carefully as possible. “Well, you have every right to question my integrity. I don’t think most men would be capable of doing it while staying loyal to that one special someone, but let me make things clear. Twilight, I can’t be your boyfriend. I can’t give you my body. And I can’t give you my heart. But I can still give you my love. And before you ask, it wouldn’t be the first time I have given love to more than one woman while still keeping my heart reserved.”

She looked at me in silence. Not speaking, but appearing to be deep in thought. “To actually be able to do something like that… You must have a limitless amount of love in your heart… It’s like you can love almost anyone.”

“Well, I try to keep an open mind. That’s what I feel is the key to being happiest.” I replied without hesitation.

Twilight let out a long sigh once more while looking up at me with an endearing gaze. “Words of wisdom. How did you come to that conclusion?”

I took a moment to reflect on those words. Why am I so open minded when it comes to love? Or even in general? I tried to reply as honestly as I could. “Well… I have no real answer to that. But I guess I can try to explain. I guess… Over the years, I have seen many forms of prejudice and discrimination in various types of fictional media. And that made me wonder why there was so much discrimination. I saw no reason to be so hateful towards people of different appearance or origin, whether they be mutated or covered in fur or scales. Who knows? Maybe those experiences sowed the seeds for me to be able to not judge until I had grown to know them. And I guess it only extended from there. As for being able to share love with others…”

This took a longer amount of time to find the right words. Twilight looked on in silence, awaiting my response. Which I eventually provided. “Well… I have found that I enjoy making people happy. And I especially enjoy making people feel loved, especially women. Where I come from, women tend to receive more discrimination than men, and that saddens me. So I would try to help them feel as loved and appreciated as possible whenever I spoke to them. At least through text. I am way too shy to approach a woman in person like that.”

Twilight nodded with a slight smile while looking up at me. “You are pretty shy… I could see that when we first met. Very reserved and cautious. But…still, why offer me your love like this?”

“Funny you mention that. I once wrote stories as a hobby. And there was one line I wrote in a chapter that I think left quite an impression on some of the readers.” I replied before pausing to recall the line in question. “Love is a universal good. Do not deny it to anyone, especially when they seek it from you alone.”

I swear I saw a tear trickle down Twilight’s cheek when she heard me speak those words. She then nestled her head against my chest while I carried her. “There’s a lot of power in those words… And I can relate to them. You’re the only man I’ve ever sought that kind of love from…” Suddenly, she glanced up as her horn was coated by her pink magic aura. My shirtsleeve was covered by an identical aura before it was pulled up, revealing my cutie mark. “After hearing that… I think I know what the true meaning of your cutie mark is.”

I glanced down at the mark in the center of my upper arm. Two white dove shapes facing each other with wings spread while creating a perfect heart shape between their bodies, their forms also creating the vague shape of a heart themselves. Twilight then explained, “There is a heart shape between them. And the two birds are doves. Symbols of peace and everlasting love. It shows that not only are you a gentle peaceful individual who tries to avoid conflict when possible, but also someone who has potentially limitless love to share.”

“That…is a pretty deep explanation, Twi.” I replied, not certain of what else to say. I would expect such a thorough description from her, but it still left me without many words to speak in return.

She then looked up at me with a rather somber smile. “And to your offer… I do understand what you mean. And…I would be honored if you would share your love with me, but… I want to be safe on this. I’ll ask Fluttershy about this first and then I’ll get back to you. I’m sorry. It’s just…I don’t want to risk doing anything that may upset my friends. You understand, right?”

I nodded readily, knowing exactly where she was coming from. “Understood perfectly, Twilight. That actually sounds like something I would do.” My friend let out a soft giggle, apparently knowing I would say that too.

“Seems I was right. You really are my other half.” Twilight spoke with a grin before reaching up and nuzzling my cheek. “Like a long lost twin brother or something.”

I could not help but snicker for a second before placing a kiss on her cheek. “Well, I always did love you, little sis.” This prompted another rather giddy blush from my friend. It is always entertaining to see her get flustered. Sometimes even creepy. “But anyway, that choice is all up to you. We can stay ordinary friends if that’s what you would prefer. It’s your call, Twi.”

“Thanks, James. I do plan on meeting up with Fluttershy today, so I’ll talk to her about this then… Actually, now that I think about it… Is Rarity the only other mare who loves you that much?” Twilight replied before her expression became one of surprise, as if that thought popped into her head out of nowhere.

“Well, believe it or not, Rainbow Dash is the same way.” I replied briefly. I wonder what that rowdy mare is up to right now.

Twilight stared at me with a truly bewildered expression for a moment. “Rainbow Dash… Is that why she was with you and Fluttershy when you visited my house on Hearts and Hooves Day?!”

I nearly snickered at her response. She only just then realized that? “Yup. Pretty much a double date.”

Twilight could not find a retort for that and just fell silent. A few minutes of soothing silence passed while I continued to carry my dear friend towards Ponyville. However, a thought suddenly entered my mind. “Hey, Twi? I know this is right outta nowhere, but was Pinkie Pie still wearing those slippers when she headed home?”

My friend seemed rather bothered by those words while she held a hoof to her chin. “Those house slippers? Uh… She… Uh oh.”

The instant she finished speaking, I felt a brief tremor in the ground as an explosion of arcing electricity and smoke rose into the air far ahead in the distance. “Oh snap, that renegade bug zapper is still at it!” I yelled out while trying not to laugh. I was hoping Ponyville was not in ruins by the time I got there.

“Quick! Put me down!” Twilight shouted as she began to squirm in my grasp. I then turned her over and set her down as quickly as I could. “Let’s chat later! I gotta find her and stop her from blowing up the town!” Twilight then charged ahead while letting out a yell. “PIIIIINKIIIIIEEE!!! YOU BETTER NOT BE ANYWHERE NEAR MY HOUSE!!!”

I could not help hunkering over in snickering laughter. “Oh god, life is never dull when you girls are around.”

Not certain of the time, I decided to hurry on over to the spa before I had the chance to be late. The trek through Ponyville was relatively uneventful and quiet, although it was not like I had time to stop and chat with anyone anyway. Although I did catch sight of Twilight trying to chase down a cackling Pinkie Pie, who was still wearing those house slippers while shuffling along at speeds that no one should be able to reach while moving their feet like that.

Eventually, I saw Rainbow Dash swoop down and grab Pinkie Pie, apparently having been enlisted by Twilight for some assistance. The only problem was that the nut job mare had already accumulated quite a charge in her body and ended up zapping Rainbow Dash upon making contact in a large burst of electrical discharge. Rainbow’s mane and tail ended up looking a lot like Twilight’s did when she got zapped, just without the singed hair. She seemed greatly stunned, falling stiffly onto her side and dragging Pinkie down with her. That gave Twilight more than enough time to catch the two of them in a levitation spell before sliding the slippers off of our crazy pink friend’s hooves. Once again, I could not help snickering at the absurd sight and walked backwards to watch them for as long as I could before having to turn around to make certain I was staying on the right path.

I reached the spa without further trouble or distraction and stepped inside to find Aloe seated at the front desk. “Morning, Aloe. I’ll just punch in and get to my post.”

My employer responded while looking over a magazine, speaking in her very heavy accent. “Thank you, James. We have a few customers right now, but none of them have requested a massage. Although we do have a pair of reservations requesting the full suite of services in ten minutes. So please be ready when they arrive.”

“Will do. Just let them know I’m ready when they are.” I replied before entering the spa’s main chamber. I then went right over to the hot tub and dunked my hands in for a few minutes to get them softened up before taking a seat by the massage tables. I then reached into a cabinet located right under me and pulled out a clipboard with the names of every single customer I had ever massaged on a sheet of paper being held in place on it. After massaging someone for the first time, I always add their name to the list and include a check mark or an X next to their name to discern which of them have overly sensitive cutie marks and which do not.

A quick glance around the chamber revealed three customers. From what I could see, the sauna was currently being used by, of all ponies, Eleina and Ruby Ring. In case you have forgotten, Eleina is Button Mash’s mother while Ruby Ring is the mother of Diamond Tiara. With how infrequently I stop by the jewelry store she runs, I took a moment to recognize her. “Moms’ day out, I guess.”

At the far end of the spa seemed to be a mare taking a mud bath with Lotus supervising her. Judging by the pale yellow coat on her face and the two shades of pink and dark blue in her mane, it seemed to be Bon Bon. I must admit she and I never really interact much, so I can hardly call her a friend.

While I waited for a customer to show up, I snatched up a magazine that had been left near the massage tables. The latest copy of Equestria Digest. The cover seemed to show Hoity Toity standing outside what seemed to be a fancy restaurant. Perhaps he also serves as a part-time food critic? I do not recall much about what I read or saw. I was pretty much just flipping through the pages to pass the time, waiting until I saw a sight in the photos in the magazine that would catch my attention.

I did not wait long before I heard Aloe speak from nearby as the familiar sound of hooves clopping drew near. “Right this way, your highnesses.”

At first, I continued to look through the magazine without a second thought. But a second later, Aloe’s words registered with me. “Your highnesses?”

I immediately set the magazine down and looked towards the entryway into the spa’s main chamber. Aloe entered first and was promptly followed by two mares who instantly put a smile on my face. Luna and Nightmare Moon.

I remained silent at first, waiting for them to look my way. And they very soon did just that. Luna cast her gaze in my direction first, her expression instantly brightening before she trotted right over to me. “Well, hello! Good to see you, James! And you will be providing our massages today?”

I held out my arms to her, allowing my friend to come in for an embrace. I replied while she wrapped her arms around me, “I most certainly will. And how are you two ladies doing? Something important happening in Ponyville today?”

Nightmare Moon then approached us and nodded with a smile. “Oh, absolutely. We are here on important business. But the time of meeting is not for a few more hours, so Luna and I decided we may as well see what the spa is like. We could use a day off every now and then.” She then stepped closer and gently nudged her sister aside. “All right, that’s enough, Luna. I am entitled to my dearest friend as well.”

Luna backed away with a nervous snicker while a rather giddy grin spread across her muzzle. “Yes, yes, so sorry. You know how I am when I have an opportunity to meet my first true friend. I don’t get to see him as often as I desire.”

However, Nightmare Moon then gave her a rather sly smirk. “What about all those times you invade his dreams? Do those not count?” I could not help breaking out into chuckles while trying to restrain myself.

“Well… Yes, I suppose those do count. But you dive into his dreams just as often, I’m sure!” Luna replied with a jeering tone. I swear, those two really loosen up when it is just them. They hardly act royal at all aside from their speech patterns.

“Yes, I am quite guilty of that.” Nightmare Moon replied with a rather awkward smirk, having been cornered by Luna. But she then grabbed me in an unexpected embrace. “But can you fault me?”

I remained silent while wrapping my arms around my beloved royal friend. Luna then leaned in close to me and whispered into my ear. “It is a rare event when she goes the entire day without once speaking your name. She truly adores you.”

Before I could even retort to that, we heard Nightmare Moon speak up. “I heard that, Luna.” All three of us then burst into shared laughter. Oh, I would never trade my friendship with those two wonderful mares for anything.

After a minute more of playful banter, Nightmare Moon then turned to Luna and asked, “So, sister. What should we start with first?”

The beautiful Princess of the Night glanced around the chamber, apparently weighing her options. “Hmm… Well, I am eager to try out our friend’s ‘magic fingers’ for myself, but that hot tub looks quite inviting too.”

I decided to offer my input at that moment to help them decide. “In all fairness, nearly all of my patrons take a soak in the hot tub just before they let me massage them. I think my massages will be more effective if you let the warm water soften your flesh up a bit first.”

“Then it’s decided! Excuse us for a moment, James.” Nightmare Moon spoke before she and Luna went behind the hot tub, the wall along the poolside preventing me from seeing them. While they were back there, I heard metallic clinks along with their voices in conversation. “Did Celestia say whether or not she will be attending too?”

I then heard Luna speak up in response. “Well, she said she would follow if she could. However, I doubt we should get our hopes up. She is likely busy today with us not being there to assist in her duties.”

The two royal mares stepped out from behind the hot tub soon afterward. However, I could not stop myself from gazing at them. They had cast aside their jewelry and metallic attires, their bodies now bare. Luna seemed to notice my constant gaze and asked, “Uh… James? Is something wrong?”

I could not help flustering. It must have been especially unbecoming of me to gawk at the rulers of Equestria. “Well…uh… I know you two normally don’t wear much to begin with, but… Um… I guess I just can’t help staring at your beauty.”

My two royal friends returned my stare, never once blinking. And… I swear, there was a shade of pink slowly filling their cheeks. Luna, without looking away from me, glanced up at her sister out of the corner of her eyes. “Our beauty, he says.”

Nightmare Moon nodded before her blank stare turned into that sly smirk she always shows whenever her mischievous side starts to come out. “You’re quite bold, you know that?”

I averted my gaze, feeling myself getting backed into a corner. “Uh… I meant nothing by it. I’ll just be waiting over here for you ladies to finish so… Uh…” I was interrupted when I felt something soft touch my chin and direct my face back towards the two alicorns before me. It turns out that Nightmare Moon was manipulating her mane much like a hand. I do believe that trait is something only she possesses.

“No need to be so modest, my friend. The compliment is appreciated.” She said while letting out a suppressed giggle deep in her throat. “Don’t you just love a man who has an appreciation for beauty, Luna?”

Luna grinned brightly as they walked past me before offering a retort. “Oh, absolutely. Tis a shame there are not more of them in this world.”

I watched in silence while the two royal sisters walked up the steps that led to the hot tub before slowly submerging themselves into it. They both let out long satisfied sighs as the warm bubbling water reached up over them. Once they had both lowered themselves as deeply as possible, they both dunked their heads below the surface. A few seconds later, they raised their heads above the water. As expected, their long flowing manes were completely soaked and weighed down by the water. They were no longer constantly billowing and seemed to have the properties of ordinary hair now. The colors appeared to be slightly darker due to their hair having absorbed some water. What surprised me most was that Nightmare Moon’s mane and tail, which is actually somewhat translucent, seemed completely opaque while wetted down. The light purple gaseous aura around their edges also seemed absent. I could still see the ‘stars’ in the central blue section of Luna’s hair though. The sparkling stars in Nightmare Moon’s mane seemed to be absent, making her hair seem like a vast expanse of blue.

“Comfy?” I asked softly while leaning against the side of the pool.

Luna glanced over at me and gave a quick nod. “Yes, very much so. Excellent recommendation, James.”

Nightmare Moon then crawled closer to us with her beautiful exotic eyes focused on me. She remained silent for a moment though before asking, “James, has something caught your eye? You seem to be staring quite a bit.”

Heh, I suppose I should not be surprised that my royal friends are so observant. “Well, I just find it interesting how different your manes are when they’re wet. They hardly look the same. I’m especially surprised that yours is still there, Nightmare Moon. When it’s dry, your hair almost looks gaseous.”

Luna’s face twisted into a grin while she let out a chuckle. “Yes, it is, isn’t it? I often like to stand behind her tail and address the guards and servants from there. They always seem to forget that I can see them through it.” Nightmare Moon merely shook her head while rolling her eyes. I suppose she must have found it rather silly how Luna would sometimes use her sister's tail as a comedic prop.

“You gotta love a ruler with a sense of humor. I bet the guards enjoy your shenanigans every now and then too, considering how uptight they are more often than not.” I said while imagining all of the guards I had encountered so far. Definitely some of the strictest men I have ever passed.

Nightmare Moon spoke next. “Peh, them? I keep thinking they’re golden tin cans dressed up to resemble ponies with how constantly still and silent they always are. Sometimes I decorate them to make them a little easier on the eyes and to add to the atmosphere of the chambers.”

I nearly burst into laughter at the thought, but Luna added onto that little quip before I could. “Oh, I still remember the time where you placed ivy from the garden over two of them! Celestia thought they were indoor plants until she called for the guards. I still remember the shriek she made when those ‘plants’ started to shamble towards her.”

That was all I needed to burst out laughing along with my two friends. While we were laughing, I noticed Eleina and Ruby Ring pause at the chamber’s exit before shaking their heads at us with amused smirks before departing. Eventually, I felt the need to ask. “Do they ever get annoyed with that kind of treatment?”

Nightmare Moon cleared her throat before putting together a response. “Well, I did ask them once if they would rather be treated like men or like interior decor. Only they did not reply at all.”

“The strangest thing is that Shining Armor and Estoc seem to be the only members of the royal guard who are willing to speak or crack a smile while on duty. Granted, they do become quite focused during situations that require it, but they always seem willing to be themselves at all other times. I swear they even occasionally encourage the rest of the royal guard to loosen up as well.” Luna explained while looking genuinely baffled by just how unnecessarily uptight the royal guards tend to be.

“You think they assume being that way just makes them look cool and respectable?” I asked, wondering if the guards tend to have egos that cause them to act in such ways.

Luna let out a sigh, apparently disheartened by such a thought. “That is quite a possibility. A shame they do not learn that much from their superiors outside of weapon use and protocol. Shining Armor and Estoc seem to understand it much better. It is best to be yourself and to harden your nerves only when the situation calls for it. Not to appear like a stone wall at all times.”

Nightmare Moon then smirked before directing her gaze at me. “That honestly sounds quite a bit like you, James.”

Those words brought back memories from not too long ago. “You know… That’s what Rainbow Dash said too. That I’m not cool and tough all the time, but only when I need to be.”

“I can vouch for that.” Nightmare Moon replied with nod and smile. I know she was thinking back to when she and I ended up clashing in the Everfree Forest. But for her to actually not seem bothered by the thought… I suppose it is something we can all look back on and laugh at by now. It was truly a dreadful event, but we gained so much from it as well. And I could not be more grateful for what I gained that night. Almost as if on instinct, I reached out and dragged my fingers through the soaked mane of Nightmare Moon.

“Hm? James?” My royal friend asked upon feeling my touch. She and Luna looked directly at me with rather curious gazes.

“Uh… I was just wondering how your hair feels when it’s wet.” I replied meekly as I felt myself becoming cornered. My fingers were resting within that wet expanse of blue, though I could feel the many strands of hair within it.

After a moment of silence, Nightmare Moon’s expression changed from one of puzzlement to one that seemed to show adoration. “Well, how does it feel?”

Feeling myself relax a bit, I stroked my fingers through her hair some more. “It feels like…wet hair.” This generated a snicker from the two mares. I mean how else could I have described it?

After several more minutes of playful banter and chatting, Nightmare Moon let out a long yawn. Apparently from having allowed herself to become too relaxed in the heat of the tub. “Oof… I think I’d like to try a massage now. I don’t want to end up too waterlogged in here.”

“OK then. Just come on over and we’ll get started.” I replied while glancing back over at the massage tables behind me.

Nightmare Moon began to crawl away from Luna and myself and towards the poolside at the far edge. However, as she started to climb out of the hot tub, my eyes became glued to her gorgeous form. Her mane and tail were like two sheets of solid blue, the water in her dark coat causing her to glisten. Much to my dismay, Luna was quick to notice my constant stare and smirked while calling out, “Sister, it seems you have an admirer.”

I winced at those words and glanced at Luna. “You cheeky…!” But before I could scold her further, Nightmare Moon’s eyes looked at me over her shoulder. I could feel my face becoming hot as I felt myself becoming intensely nervous. What was she going to do?

I was tempted to cover my face and hide. However, I then noticed Nightmare Moon smirk at me whimsically. “Why do you stare, my friend?”

“Uh… Would you prefer an honest answer?” I replied while Luna burst into snickering as she held her hooves over her mouth.

Nightmare Moon rolled her eyes at me. “What kind of question is that? Of course I want you to be honest.”

I then decided to swallow my pride and speak the truth regardless of the consequences. After all, with how close we are, I doubt Nightmare Moon would ever harm me. “Well… I’m staring because of… Uh… You’re beautiful.”

Judging by how briefly that look of surprise on her face lasted, I suspect she was expecting such an answer. She then flashed me a wink and replied, “That’s all? Well, if you really appreciate my beauty that much, then you may admire me as much as you desire.”

I continued to watch her for a moment more while Nightmare Moon wrapped her very large mane in a towel with the highly absorbent fabric tightly wrapped up atop her head. As she walked down the steps and over to me, I could not help but ask, “Just how did you even fit that all in there?”

“That’s what she said.” Luna spoke up suddenly beside us while flashing us both an impish smirk. Both Nightmare Moon and I could not help chuckling like fools at that very unexpected and naughty quip. How unbecoming of her.

“Please hold the jokes for now, Luna. I need to focus when I massage. Don’t want to lose track of time.” I retorted while leading Nightmare Moon over to the nearest massage table. “After you, m’lady.”

“Thank you, my good sir.” The Princess of Dreams replied before bounding up onto the table and turning around to face the hot tub as she lowered herself to the table. Luna moved to the far end of the tub and just reclined with her shoulders and head resting on the edge while still observing us.

After examining my friend for a moment, I extended a hand toward Nightmare Moon’s left wing. “Shall I start on your wings?”

She glanced to her left wing before spreading it as if on reflex. “Hm? My wings? You can do that?”

I replied while I reached out and began to feel along her wing’s frame, “I do. Pegasus wings tend to get pretty tense when they’re used a lot. And it seems difficult to massage them when you only have hooves… Hmm…”

If you have ever seen Nightmare Moon, you have likely seen that her wings have an unusual structure when they are spread. Their shape seems similar to bat or demon wings. While they are covered in feathers like those of any other pegasus, I was quick to discover through my tender touch that the frame of her wing was very different from every other pegasus wing I had ever massaged. And instead of just two joints, I found three. “Uh… Your wings are pretty unusual, Nightmare Moon. Maybe even unnatural.”

My friend gave me a rather forlorn expression while I felt along her wings. “You know I did not come to be through natural means. Even I am not entirely certain of my exact origins. Though whatever it was that gave me life, I can be all but certain that the means and intentions behind it were foul.”

I looked towards me dear friend and sighed lightly while trying to show her a reassuring smile. “Well, that may be true. But you’re no demon. You’re a wonderful mare.” I then left her wing and gently held her head in my arms. “Beautiful to boot too.”

I felt her head twitch in my arms as a suppressed chuckle rumbled deep in her throat. “You are too sweet, my friend. And thank you. I know not what brought me into existence, but I am still a princess of Equestria and am most happy to be alive.”

A cheeky thought then popped into my head while a slight smirk spread across my lips. “Although you’re not as beautiful with your mane wrapped up in that towel on your head, to be honest.”

“Oh, shush! Now get back to work! My wings need massaging!” Nightmare Moon playfully retorted while nudging me away, a sly smirk on her face. I could not help snickering under my breath at her response, though it was too obvious to me that she was just being playful.

Once I was standing beside her again, I gently felt along Nightmare Moon’s wing until my fingers detected the joint where the wing connected to her torso. “All right, just keep your wing still for me. It’ll take three minutes to massage each joint.”

Nightmare Moon remained very still while my fingers kneaded her wing joint. A long sigh escaped her lips as she became increasingly relaxed. “I never knew just how enjoyable this could be… That’s the spot. Right there…”

“That’s the reaction I usually get when a pegasus gets massaged there for the first time.” I replied with a slight smirk. I was honestly tempted to laugh under my breath at just how predictable her reaction was.

One by one, I went from one joint on her wing to the next. I nearly forgot about the third joint since I have been used to only massaging two joints for each wing. I know doing these massages is very time-consuming, so I will withhold as many of the more mundane details as I can. Regardless, once I had finished massaging every joint in Nightmare Moon’s left wing, I walked over to her right side. “Right wing now, please.”

My friend did not immediately comply, instead flexing and slowly flapping her left wing. “Mmm, that really did the trick. I can’t remember the last time my wing felt this limber… Oh, right wing, you said?” She then folded her left wing and extended her right. I then proceeded to repeat the process, starting with the joint connecting her wing to her body.

“You tend to get rather silent while focused on a task, do you not?” I heard my friend ask once I moved on to the second joint.

“I guess. I try to take whatever job I’m doing seriously.” I replied briefly while keeping my attention on what I was doing.

I noticed Nightmare Moon smile at me with a calm and very relaxed gaze. “You’re very serious and not one to joke around. I’m sure your friends value your input highly.”

“I suppose so. Doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate a good dose of humor now and then though.” I retorted briefly while moving onto the third and final joint.

For the next moment, my friend watched me constantly. As if she was scanning me for weaknesses or staring into my soul. Eventually, just as I was finishing up the massage on her third wing joint, she broke the silence. “You’re someone who takes pride in your work. Commendable.”

I was not expecting that type of praise at all and let go of her wing. “Huh? Really? You can see that?”

“I was watching you, after all.” Nightmare Moon said with a calm smile, her wing reaching up and caressing my face with its supple moist feathers. “You’re meticulous in your actions. Slow, yet steady and alert. Definitely someone with attention to detail.”

I felt quite flattered by her praise. I could only smile sheepishly while averting my gaze. She also gave me a rather amused grin before folding her wing. “So, what’s next? Or were my wings the only thing to get a massage this time?”

“Oh, there’s more. It's time for the rest of you.” I replied while climbing onto the massage table and straddling the beautiful alicorn below me.

Nightmare Moon turned and looked at me over her shoulder. “This is…awkward. Are you sure this is the most effective method?”

“No one else ever seems to mind. And it allows for easiest access to all the joints I need to reach. Oh, and please keep your legs close to your body. They’ll be easier for me to reach that way. Now, be still.” I retorted before feeling along her neck to find her vertebrae.

The massage went off without a hitch. Nightmare Moon was mostly silent throughout the whole thing while often letting out long deep sighs of enjoyment. She was clearly under the spell of my ‘magic fingers’, as I am sure she would call them. I mostly took it in stride, using the lack of conversation to my advantage to remain as focused as possible on the task before me.

One thing I was quick to discover about Nightmare Moon is how lithe her body is. Although I have massaged Celestia before, so I suppose I merely forgot since they have the same body structure. There was little muscle obstructing my access to her joints. Despite this, she never once seemed physically weak. Perhaps she has the same muscle as an average unicorn, only just more spread out in her taller and lankier body.

After quite a long time, I finished massaging the forward half of her body and climbed down from the massage table to start on her backside. Nightmare Moon was quick to notice me climb down and asked, “Are we done?”

I then climbed back onto the table while facing the opposite direction before straddling her once more. “Almost. I just need to get your flanks and hind legs.”

However, while I looked down at my first target, her flanks, I took note of Nightmare Moon’s cutie mark. Especially the purple layer of color that seemed to represent the night sky behind the crescent moon. It did not seem to cover just the sides of her flanks, but even slightly reached around the curves of her backside and curved inward while leaving a gap between where her creases met her…

I jerked my head upward and my gaze towards the wall before me before covering my face with a hand. No, I was not going to let myself have any thoughts about that! Not towards a princess of Equestria. However, Nightmare Moon seemed to notice my significant delay in resuming the massage. “James, are you well? You seem…distracted.”

Intense heat filled my body as I feared that I had been caught. I glanced over my shoulder at her and chuckled lightly in a nervous fashion. “Oh, I’m fine. It’s just I noticed that your cutie mark seems to cover quite a bit more space on your flanks than most others do.”

My friend gave me a long blank stare that went on for nearly ten seconds. However, she then gave me a rather awkward gaze with one eyebrow raised exceptionally high. “You’re not getting any indecent thoughts in your head, are you?”

Busted. Still, I tried to feign ignorance to avoid any trouble. “Uh… What if I was?”

I felt sweat begin to ooze all over my body. Nightmare Moon was starting to give me a very smug stare. “Would you mind turning around?”

“Huh? OK then… Hey!” I did as I was told and jumped when I was smacked in the face by Nightmare Moon’s long billowing tail. Across from us, I could hear Luna snickering and giggling like mad.

“Silly man.” I heard my friend speak behind me while letting out an amused giggle. I rubbed my face to get any stray hairs off of it, but then glanced back at her. Much to my surprise, she did not seem the least bit offended or bothered. If I did not know better, I would even say she appreciated the observation I made. Trying not to think too hard on that, I resumed my duty and started to massage Nightmare Moon’s flanks. A moment later, I realized that I had forgotten to ask if her cutie mark is sensitive in any way. But it seemed my worries were groundless since she never once suddenly gasped or shuddered at my touch.

A short while later, I finally finished with the last of Nightmare Moon’s joints and climbed down from the massage table. “That took a lot longer than any other massage I’ve ever done. How do you feel?”

Nightmare Moon let out a long yawn before climbing down from the massage table herself. She spread her magnificent wings and flexed her neck and legs. She groaned and grunted, checking every single joint. “My…word… I feel…simply divine.” She then gazed at me with a very happy smile. “You’ve got quite a bit of talent for this. How long have you been doing this?”

“Pretty close to a year now, actually.” I replied, remembering that today marked the end of my first year in Equestria. “Again… I’m really sorry about before. I really didn’t mean to glance down at your…”

My dear friend sighed while shaking her head. She then stepped forward and reached out before tenderly touching her muzzle to my cheek. I felt a twinge of warmth at her touch. A traditional equine kiss. “My dear, there is no need to apologize. There is nothing you can say or do that will ever offend me. If anything, I am flattered that you find my beauty that blinding.”

I averted my eyes once more. Nightmare Moon… What would I do without her? I then whispered quietly, “You want to visit me in my dreams tonight? I would like to spend more time with you today.”

The Princess of Dreams smiled warmly at me before slowly nodding her head. “It will be my pleasure. I am eager to see what other amazing worlds your memory can show me.”

The two of us shared a tender loving embrace. Her coat felt so smooth and supple against my hands, her wing draped over my back. Eventually, I asked, “Is there anything else I can do for you?”

Nightmare Moon released her grasp on me before glancing around. “Hmmm… Well, that sauna catches my eye. I think I will relax in there before seeing what else the spa has to offer. Again, thank you for this amazing massage, my friend.” I nodded with a smile and watched as my friend walked away and stepped inside the sauna while releasing a cloud of steam from the chamber.

Without anyone else to draw my attention, I turned my gaze towards Luna. While Nightmare Moon and I were locked in conversation, she had pulled herself from the hot tub and had wrapped up her gorgeous flowing mane in a towel of her own. She then trotted down the steps from the poolside and over to me. “The two of you have fun?”

“Well, it was an…interesting time we spent together.” I replied while still feeling uneasy at the thoughts I had just before being smacked with Nightmare Moon’s tail. I suppose I deserved that too.

Luna let out a small chuckle, apparently having also found the sight to be entertaining. “Oh, don’t worry about a thing, James. My sister adores you far too much to ever harm you. She was just being playful with you.”

While Luna approached the massage table and climbed onto it, I asked, “Is she normally this playful back at Canterlot?”

“No, not normally. I mean, yes, she can certainly get rather impish with the guards when she is bored, but she seldom has the opportunity to let loose like this. Although I feel that is because she is without the company of her dearest friends.” Luna replied while lying down and bringing a pillow or two under her arms.

“So, she gets pretty frisky when she’s with me?” I asked while soaking my hands in the hot tub for a minute to freshen my palms and fingers up for the next massage. While Nightmare Moon’s body was not hard on my extremities, I wanted to be at my best if I was going to massage a princess.

Luna flashed me a playful wink of her own. “Oh, I would say so. She adores you quite a bit. I would even say that you and her share a very special bond that few have.”

“That’s mighty flattering, Luna. But shall we get started?” I retorted while shaking the warm water from my hands.

The Princess of the Night nodded with a smile before extending her right wing. “Yes, let’s. You prefer to start with the wings, right?”

“That I do. Please be still.” I replied before feeling along her wing’s frame. While Luna’s wings are significantly larger than those of the average pegasus, I found that the bone structure is very similar. Although I was quick to notice that like Nightmare Moon, Luna’s wings also have three joints each. “Huh… And I thought Nightmare Moon was the only alicorn with three joints in her wings. Do all alicorns have three in each wing?”

Luna glanced at the wing I was clutching in my hand before carefully flexing it. “Hmm… I suppose so. It never occurred to me. I suppose our larger than average bodies require larger wings for flight. And larger wings would likely require more joints. If they had too few, they would be too stiff and unwieldy.”

“Then why didn’t… Oh, wait. I guess Celestia also has three joints per wing as well. I think I just forgot about that day. I suppose I cast that thought aside since I’m so used to massaging ponies with wings that have only two joints.” I caught myself while remembering that I had once given a massage to Celestia herself when she visited the spa for the first time while I was on duty. She has not been by since.

“Oh, she did mention that you gave her quite a massage on your birthday! But yes, normal pegasi have only two joints in their wings due to their smaller size.” Luna replied before glancing over in the direction the sauna was in. “Although… I suppose you are right about my sister. Nightmare Moon’s form does not seem…natural at times.”

When I moved onto Luna’s next wing joint while glancing at a nearby clock to keep track of how long I massaged each one, I tried asking Luna a few questions. “Well… Do you know how she might have come to be?”

My friend glanced at me out of the corner of her cyan eye. “Your guess is as good as mine. I honestly cannot even say when the moment she and I became two separate minds occurred. There was honestly a time where I saw myself as Nightmare Moon and not as my true self. It is a rather puzzling enigma, wouldn’t you say?”

“Yeah, it is. But she’s been a wonderful addition to the Equestrian royal family, hasn’t she?” I replied with a question of my own, my fingers gently kneading the flesh under her feathers.

Luna’s more serious expression became one of reserved delight. “Oh, most definitely. She carries her duties well and she makes for a fine conversation partner. It’s also nice to have somepony around who appreciates the night on the same level I do.”

Another question popped into my head while I put the finishing touches on her second joint. “Well, how has Celestia been treating her? I heard she wasn’t exactly accepting towards Nightmare Moon at first.”

“Well, that is certainly true. Though you must understand, she personally had to confront Nightmare Moon herself in the distant past. They were enemies at one time. But she has been very catering towards her since she was crowned. She tries to not pick favorites, treating Nightmare Moon and me with equal dignity.” Luna responded while glancing once more over at the sauna, where her sister was likely still relaxing.

I felt a smile spread across my face while my fingers moved along Luna’s wing to the third joint. “I’m glad to hear that. Celestia always did seem like a sweetheart to me. She’s quite a hotty too.”

I knew I was being bold with Luna, but I also knew I could get away with it since we are such good friends and have an appreciation for humor. However, Luna’s response to my compliment was not what I expected. Not an amused smirk or even a chuckle of agreement. Instead, it was an irritated frown. “Yes, she gets that kind of attention more often than you would expect.”

This was unusual for Luna. I thought she had long since let go of her jealousy of Celestia since her return to the throne before I ever showed up in Equestria. “Are you OK? You seem…jealous.”

“I do, hm? Well, perhaps that is because I am.” Luna replied with a rather blunt tone of voice. I remained silent, wondering if she would explain to me. After a moment of silence, she did. “Even though I have gained the appreciation of my people in recent times, I still am partially in my sister’s shadow. Everywhere we go, she always draws the vast majority of the attention. There are times when I even feel invisible during important events when we attend. Like I cannot be seen while my sister’s shadow is cast over me.”

Hearing her words actually got to me quite a bit. My massaging slowed to the point where I could hardly even focus at all. Luna was looking straight ahead and not at me at all, although I could still see the rather forlorn expression on her face. I decided to be as honest as I could. “Well… I think you’re beautiful, Luna.”

“Thank you… I suppose a little appreciation is better than none.” She replied halfheartedly, almost sounding as if she hardly cared about my input at all.

From what I could see, it seemed as if Luna had endured not only the impression that her people had completely shunned her handiwork, but also that she had effectively played second fiddle to her sister in just about everything since day one. And…that is truly a depressing thought when one considers how long she and Celestia must have ruled over this world.

I reached out to my friend and cupped my hand over the opposite cheek that was facing me. “Luna, I’m serious.” I then placed a soft kiss on her cheek while gently pulling her head closer to me. “You’re beautiful. Any fool can see that.”

At first, Luna did not show any form of a response. Her face seemed to have become as stiff as stone. I remained silent, fearful that I may have struck a nerve with my words. However, I nearly flinched when I saw a single tear trickle down her cheek. Without facing me, she spoke softly. “I’m sure you can see beauty in any mare, James…”

Very slowly, she turned to face me. Her mouth curved upwards into a melancholy smile. “Thank you… I truly mean it.”

I smiled as warmly as I could before throwing my arms around my friend’s neck. “I mean it, Luna. You’re beautiful. And if I had to choose, I would ask for your company over Celestia’s any day.”

A deep sigh escaped Luna’s lips next to my ear. I then felt her wrap a single arm around me in a tender embrace. “It tickles me to hear you say that, my friend.”

“Just remember. You’re beautiful, Luna. It’s just that not everyone can see it. And besides… Um…” I took a moment to think my words over carefully. “Think of it like this. Celestia is basically the sun, right? Her radiance draws in much attention. And just between you and me? I honestly thought she was a goddess when I first saw her. She is that gorgeous.”

“I’m not surprised. But what did you think of me?” Luna asked while casting her beautiful eyes towards me.

I thought back to when we first met in the loft at the library. “Well… To be honest, I was more drawn to you than I was to Celestia at first glance.”

I think I saw a pinkish hue fill the beautiful alicorn’s cheeks as I spoke the truth to her. “I… I’m honored, James. But you were saying?”

“Oh, right. Um… Where was I…? Oh, well, where she is the sun, you are the moon. And since the moon is not always visible as often as the sun, that means not everyone can appreciate it for as long. But because the length of time it can be seen is much briefer than the sun, it gains a much more sincere and earnest appreciation from the few who appreciate it to its fullest.”

Luna stared at me in silence for a moment while seemingly contemplating my words. But before long, she then cast me a slightly more…mischievous smile. “And you appreciate me that sincerely?”

I nodded and spoke honestly. “I do, m’lady.”

Her next action caught me entirely unprepared. She reached out and placed a soft kiss on my cheek before looking at me with a slight blush on her face. “I appreciate you too, my friend. More than you know.”

I raised my hand to my cheek, having not been expecting that at all. While I did so, Luna placed her hoof on my hand and smiled. “You know… In one more week or so, it will have been a full year since you and I first met. And…I am grateful that you have not faltered as my friend since that time.”

“Man, time sure flies, doesn’t it? Back when I was a kid, it felt like it took forever for a year to go by.” I replied while gently lowering her hoof from my face. “But I know what you mean. I’m glad we met too.”

Before long, I went right back to massaging Luna’s other wing before climbing atop the massage table to start on her torso. The whole thing went by like clockwork. But I then ran into the same issue as I did with Nightmare Moon. As I may have explained some time before, Luna and Nightmare Moon share the exact same cutie mark aside from coloration. Right down to the point where they wrap around the outermost curves of her flanks. Needless to say, it was a struggle to not think about what was under that gorgeous billowing tail with their close proximity drawing my attention to it. As a result, I could not remain focused enough to really continue the massage. That nearly black shade of blue skirting the curve of her flanks… Why in the world did I find that so alluring?

Luna must have noticed that I was hesitating since she looked over her shoulder at me. “James, is it supposed to take this long for you to… Wait. You’re not looking at where I think you are, are you?”

The last thing I wanted to do was offend a very dear friend, so I responded right away. “No, of course not! I was just noticing how your cutie mark…uh…covers so much more of your flanks than most other cutie marks.”

“Are you… Wait, it does? Um… Would you mind dismounting me for a moment? I wish to inspect something.” Luna replied while looking rather bewildered. I did as she requested and hopped down from the massage table.

While Luna stood up before bounding down from the table, I felt the need to ask. “Luna, do you think your hair is dry by now?”

My royal friend’s eyes seemed to glance up at the towel that was still wrapped around her head. “Hm? I would assume it is. That massage certainly took quite a while.” Her horn was coated by her billowing blue magic aura before the towel was unfurled and cast aside. Luna then gave her head a few good swings to get her hair loose, that long gorgeous mane spreading like a flag before returning to its natural wavering state. She then approached a rather tall mirror nearby and turned her back to it while looking over her shoulder. I made certain to stand from an angle that prevented me from seeing her reflection out of respect for her privacy.

Luna even went so far as to move her tail aside while inspecting herself. “Hm! It seems you are right. That dark shade of blue wraps halfway around my flanks. And I was thinking it was more like a patch on the sides.”

While Luna was walking back over to me, I decided to offer my input as well. “Yeah, it looks good on you. That dark coloration really accentuates the curves of your flanks. I honestly think it would look better if they completely covered them all the way around.”

Those words caused Luna to stop dead in her tracks. The brightest blush I had ever seen on her filled her cheeks with a bold pinkish hue. And that look in her eyes… It looked as if she just had an mental overload of sorts. “I…uh… I beg your pardon?”

I felt my temperature skyrocket as I realized what I had just said. Most women would likely be offended by such a remark. “Uh… I didn’t mean it like that! I was just…uh…making an observation!” I took a step backwards, worried that I had made a massive mistake. “I didn’t mean to offend you in any…”

I paused as I felt Luna rush forward and place her hoof upon my chest. “No, no, it’s all right. I… I know you did not mean it like that. It’s just… I have never received such a compliment before. Especially one so bold. Those are usually reserved for my sister. I appreciate it… I really do.”

I was honestly surprised by how well Luna was taking my words. “Uh… You’re not offended at all?”

The blush in my friend’s cheeks slowly began to die down while she nervously averted her eyes. “No, not in the slightest. I suppose I was just…shocked. But please rest assured. I am not bothered at all. If anything, those words make me feel…attractive.”

Very slowly, I felt my fear die down. “Well… I really didn’t mean any harm by it. I just think you’re beautiful and wanted you to know it.”

Luna let out a long sigh while a warm smile spread across her lips. “I know… And I do feel beautiful. Definitely more so than before. I think every mare wants to feel like they are attractive. But they can never really know if they are until somepony else says they are.” She then looked back at herself before giving me a slight smirk. “You say the dark coloration accentuates the curves of my flanks, do you? How would you say they compare to Celestia’s?”

Oh, I could see where that was going. “Hmm… Well, I say that… Uh… Permission to speak freely, m’lady?”

“Permission granted.” Luna spoke as her smirk became even broader.

“Well… When all is said and done… Between you and Celestia, I say you have the hottest flanks.” I explained while feeling my face and head becoming hot. I could only hope I would not regret my words.

Luna burst into giddy snickering, her hoof being held over her mouth. “Is that so?! Oh, I can’t wait to rub this in Celestia’s face when I see her next time!”

“Trying to make her jealous, huh?” I asked while a smirk of my own formed between my jaws.

“After living in her shadow for as long as I have? I say she is well overdue for some jealousy of her own.” Luna replied with a rather impish grin. Oh, those two must always keep things interesting when they are together.

We resumed the massage without a hitch, my hands beginning to massage her flanks once we were both atop the massage table again. Seeing as how Nightmare Moon’s cutie mark is identical to Luna’s, and with how they were at one time the same person, I assumed that Luna’s cutie mark was no more sensitive than hers. Boy, was I wrong. The instant my fingers dug into the crescent moons on the sides of her flanks, Luna let out a loud gasp.

“By the full moon! What is that?!” She yelped before glancing back at me with a truly bewildered expression.

“Huh? What do… Oh, come on! Not this again!” I grumbled upon realizing what I had done. Honestly, how often do I screw that one thing up?

“James… What exactly did you touch?” Luna asked while her eyes seemed to be looking carefully at her flanks. “Was that my cutie mark?”

I let out a groan of mild irritation. “I’ve honestly lost count of how many times this has happened with my customers. It’s like roughly half of the mares I massage have cutie marks that double as pleasure points.”

“Pleasure points…?” Luna asked before she gave me a rather…interesting sly smirk.

“Whoa, I don’t think I care for that look. What’re you up to, Luna?” I asked while feeling myself becoming increasingly uneasy as she stared me down.

Luna then asked while constantly keeping that look on her face. “Does that mean you’ve ‘touched’ more than half of the mares in Ponyville?”

I was honestly tempted to yell when I heard that line. “What?! Luna, you know I’m not like that! I’m not some shallow fool who tries to… Oh, sure. Now you start laughing.”

My friend was giggling like a little schoolgirl, her hoof covering her mouth. “I jest, I jest! I know you’re not a skirt chaser. You’re too timid to even consider such a thing.” I merely rolled my eyes while letting out a grumble. I then went back to massaging Luna’s flanks while being mindful to avoid the white crescent moons on the sides. The dark 'night sky' parts of her cutie marks did not seem to share the crescent moons' sensitivity though. Although while my eyes looked along the dark curves of her flanks… Uh… All right, best keep those thoughts to myself.

The rest of the massage did not take much longer. Once I finished with her hind legs, I jumped down from the massage table. “Finally, we’re all done. How’d I do, Luna?”

I watched while my royal friend climbed to her feet. She groaned and yawned while flexing her wings and legs. “I feel…simply stellar! No wonder Celestia had such praise for your work. I should come by more often.”

While Luna stretched to loosen herself up, I noticed the clock on the wall. “Dang, it’s past 1 PM? Massaging you alicorns takes a long time! I better go get some lunch while I can.”

Luna also glanced at the clock and seemed equally surprised. “Oh my, I’m so sorry if I kept you waiting! Um… I’ll just go join my sister in the sauna. And thank you for this lovely massage. I shall make certain to stop by again soon.”

“Well, I work here on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays if you need to know my schedule. And I’m glad you liked it. It was a pleasure, Luna.” I replied before seeing my friend off. Once Luna had ducked into the sauna, I reached into the cabinet behind the massage tables and pulled out my clipboard. I flipped over to the next sheet of paper and took a pencil in hand that I always keep with it. I had quite a few names on the list and it was time to add two more.

“Luna and Nightmare Moon.” I muttered while writing down their names. I put a check mark next to Luna’s name while crossing an X next to Nightmare Moon’s. “Not gonna be repeating that mistake again.”

Before leaving for lunch, I decided I needed to take care of something first. Massaging Luna had left me…bothered and I did not want to be distracted by that for the next few hours. I placed the clipboard back inside the cabinet before reaching further in and pulling out my secret weapon. The latest edition of Playcolt. With magazine in hand, I let my employers know I would be taking a lunch break before ducking into the spa’s restroom. And… Oh, who am I kidding? That information is too private to share. Regardless, once I had finished up in there, I returned my magazine to its hiding spot and left the spa to go grab a bite.

The walk to my destination was uneventful with me only occasionally waving and saying hello to passing ponies who know me. I did not notice anyone I know that well. Regardless, I reached my destination without a hitch. The local café. It seemed only mildly busy with a few tables occupied. But it was upon drawing closer that I noticed the waiter I always see ducking into the café itself before emerging with a polished wooden stool on his back.

“Hm?” I mumbled to myself while I drew near. Upon approaching the first empty table I came across, the waiter trotted over to it as well before sweeping one of the piles of hay set around them away and placing the stool down in its place. I was left wondering about this behavior before I realized it was possibly due to me being such a frequent customer. I dine at the café for lunch almost every workday. “Oh, thank you!”

The waiter bowed rather gracefully before also passing me a menu and walking over to another table that seemed to have a young couple ready to make an order. I then sat down on my stool and flipped open my menu. However, I did not get to look through it very long before I heard the sound of hooves clopping coming from somewhere behind me. I did not pay it much mind and dismissed them as those of a passing pedestrian. However, my vision suddenly became dark when someone covered my eyes. I then heard a familiar voice speak up from right behind me, “Guess who!”

I knew the voice all too well, so I decided to respond in a more silly fashion than I normally do. “Lemme guess… Somepony with orange eyes, a lyre cutie mark, and an unusual interest in humans. And someone with strings in her heart.”

This got a good chuckle out of who was behind me. She removed her hooves from my face and trotted up alongside me. “Bingo! How’re you today, James?”

Sure enough, it was Lyra. I reached out and gently ran my fingers through her mane. “I’m doing OK. And sure, pull up a…uh…a stack of hay.”

Lyra trotted over to the other side of the table and took a look at the pile of hay that was there as a seat. “Well, there is one good thing about having piles of hay for use as a seat.” To my shock, she took a bite out of the pile and started munching on it. “If the stuff you ordered wasn’t enough to fill you up, you can just top yourself off with a little of this!”

“Lyra, you don’t know where that stuff has been! And who knows who was sitting there last!” I spoke up rather loudly while feeling rather disgusted at the thought of eating something that… Ugh, forget it. “You may as well be eating someone’s underwear!”

That last quip got her to stop cold in her tracks. She then spat out every last golden stick of hay while seemingly gagging. “Ugh, you’re right! Why did I never think of that?!”

I facepalmed while snickering under my breath. That was about as random as one can get. And I certainly did not expect to see that from Lyra. That was something I would have expected out of someone like Pinkie Pie. My friend took a seat on the rest of the pile while looking rather disgruntled. “You know, I see why you always use a stool instead of the hay. They need to swap these out for some real seats! We ponies eat hay, you know! I feel sorry for any kids who might get the idea to snack on this stuff.”

“Heh, this coming from someone who only just now took a bite out of said hay?” I replied with a playful smirk on my lips.

“Well, it looked like a good idea at first!” Lyra groaned while looking a little green in the face. Well, greener than she normally looks.

For a moment, we looked over our menus. However, Lyra eventually broke the silence. “Say, James? I know it’s been a while, but I was hoping I could ask you some more questions. You know, about Earth?”

I felt myself tense up just slightly at those words. “About what exactly?”

Lyra paused for a moment to seemingly think her response over. “Well…uh… It’s just that… I’ve noticed that you don’t seem to have the best view of your people back where you come from. So… I guess I’d like to know more about why.”

I know this is going to sound very bizarre, but I feel a very strong urge to write this despite what I am thinking of being virtually impossible. If you who is reading this happens to be a human from the planet known as Earth and have a positive or at least tolerant view on the state of Earth’s human population and the big picture in general, I highly recommend skipping the next…um…..thirty-eight paragraphs since it is very likely you will find my words to be highly offensive or just consisting of things you would rather not hear.

“I should warn you now… I don’t have many good things to say about it in hindsight. I’m not even sure of where to start.” I spoke with a sigh, my head bowed.

“It’s OK. Take your time. I know this isn’t an easy subject for you to think about.” Lyra spoke with a rather sympathetic gaze.

I took a deep breath to gather my composure while also trying to find a starting point. With so much to complain about, it was difficult to find a spot to start from. “Well… I guess I can start with… Well, you can’t go wrong with anything involving war.”

“Oh, that… Well… What can you tell me about that?” Lyra asked while looking noticeably worried.

I thought my words over carefully. Just thinking of such things was putting me in a sour mood. “It is no exaggeration that there have been countless wars on Earth over the centuries. I’m honestly surprised the human race has not gone extinct yet with how often they kill each other. Even now, there are likely wars raging somewhere in the world for rather pointless reasons. I sometimes wonder if these wars only exist because many humans just really find pleasure in watching others die. You could argue there is a certain taste of black comedy to that, but still...”

Lyra was clearly unnerved by those words. “Finding pleasure in…death? What… I can’t even…”

“I wish I was lying. Some men just want to watch the world burn. And what is more, deadly weapons, weapons of mass destruction, have been developed in recent decades capable of wiping out entire cities. And from what I understand, there are so many all over the world that there is enough of them to wipe out all life on the planet several times over. And yet they continue to develop more. Why do you suppose they do that when just using them will spell doom for the human race?” I continued on, wondering exactly how Lyra would take my words when such concepts are likely utterly incomprehensible to the average citizen of Equestria.

My friend was silent for a moment, her eyes glancing around showing she was trying to find a response. “Uh… Well… I…honestly can’t see a possible reason behind it. No, there is no logical reason behind that. Why make enough of them to wipe out the entire world? That makes no sense. Does the human race really want to destroy itself?”

I let out a long sigh and shook my head slowly. “In all honesty… I do think humanity on Earth is unwittingly suicidal with how obsessed with death, destruction, and war it has become. Even more so in recent years. It is the most dominant interest in virtually all forms of media. There are even books, video games, and films that delve into what the Earth would be like if all the weapons of mass destruction were used. A post-apocalyptic scenario. And the sad truth is…that will likely happen one day. Probably not within my lifetime, but it is very likely it will happen.”

“It will? Are you certain? The human race isn’t really THAT obsessed with destruction, is it?” Lyra asked while looking understandably baffled.

“Well… If it had been several years ago, I would have viewed that outcome as being possible, but not guaranteed. But now…I can honestly say it is all but assured that it will happen someday. There are nations out there that are even ruled by evil, corruption, and greed that possess such weapons. And the greatest powers in the world, those who actually do have the power to stamp out these wretched governments, consistently fail to do so and just stand by idly and let them amass more power and inflict more harm on their own people. They fail to understand that there are times when those who spread suffering must be destroyed instead of being negotiated with. Cowards. And that complacency will only spell trouble in the end. Mankind has placed the arrow in the bowstring. All they have to do now is let go.”

I could feel my bitterness rising more and more as I spoke. It felt strangely satisfying to let my frustration out, but it also left me feeling rather angry and only negated any satisfaction I gained from venting my frustrations. “Oh, and it does not stop there. Not only is there corruption in many governments of the world. There are even organizations that thrive on evil acts. Organized crime. Can you imagine a world where life is cheaper than a single gold coin? That is how the world of organized crime works. Some even operate in broad daylight, and those in charge of the nations they operate in consistently fail to put in the resources and manpower necessary to wipe these evil organizations out. And the fact that there are people out there who actually want to join these organizations… It just makes my head hurt thinking about it. Just…why…”

I had to stop for a moment. My bitterness had left me feeling mildly disoriented. Lyra seemed to notice this and placed a hoof on my shoulder. “It’s OK, James… You can take a break now, if you want.”

I gently removed her hoof from my shoulder and set it on the table. “No, I can keep going. I need to get this out of me…”

I took a deep breath to calm myself and to try to find more to discuss. “OK, what next… I don’t think I mentioned what the human race has done to other species of creatures in the world. I understand that humanity is the dominant force in the world, but does being the dominant race require you to view all other life forms as sources of wealth to the point of driving them to extinction? Have you ever seen a bay where dolphins are herded year after year for slaughter to the point where the sea turns red?”

Lyra had no words to say. Heaven forbid Fluttershy ever discovering what I had just said. “Entire races of animals have been wiped off the map. Either for food, just for wealth, or sheer apathy. Some even through the introduction of dangerous invasive species as a result of sheer stupidity or obliviousness. Even in the modern day, where governments are more aware of the plight of such animal species, some creatures have recently met with extinction as well. Whether or not this was due to simply being impossible to stop or being unwilling to put in enough effort and resources to get the job done, I don’t know, but it proves that humanity’s greed is stronger than ever. Actually, that alone sums up what is wrong with the world. It is a world where money is the most important thing, even more so than life. Because there, almost nothing of substance can be done or acquired without it.”

I was not expecting Lyra to offer any response. And she did not. That expression she was giving me… She was clearly unnerved by what I was telling her while also not wanting to interrupt. And so I continued. “In similar context to what I just told you, there is a rather absurd level of pollution being pumped out into the environment in various ways. Some nations are even infamous for how unchecked the pollution is. Toxic chemicals into the oceans, the ground, and even food sources at times, poisoning wildlife and even the people. And rather than put a stop to these factories that poison the world, they are allowed to continue operating in order to produce various products.”

A moment of silence passed while my mind wandered. I was really not happy thinking of such terrible things about my world regardless of how much truth was in it. It is even outright miserable for me to recall this moment to write it down. I just want to get this part over with.

I decided to wrap my complaining up with one last bit. “I really don’t want to keep talking about this, so I’ll make this the last part. Where I come from… The nation I hail from, it is regarded by many as the most powerful and prosperous nation on the planet. Land of the free and home of the brave, as they say. A big melting pot of different cultures. But do you know where it all started?”

“I’m honestly afraid to ask…” Lyra replied while looking noticeably uneasy.

I sighed deeply before continuing. “The natives of my home were people who respected nature on a level few have ever done. They practically worshipped the land they lived in and respected all life. True, they did hunt, but only for what they needed. And they made certain not a scrap of their prey was ever wasted. From the flesh to the bone, everything was put to good use. I dare say they may have been the overall one of most peaceful race of humans in the world. If they did wage war with other tribes, they were likely few and far between. And I am honestly proud to say that I do carry some of their blood in me.” I then looked towards Lyra and managed to crack a smile. “If they ever met you, they would probably view you as a spirit and revere you.”

This coaxed a flattered grin from my friend. “Huh? Revere me? I’m not that special…”

“Well, that’s how they viewed things. They honored and respected the wildlife of the land and were grateful for the creatures whose bodies sustained them. They only hunted when they needed to, never for sport or excess.” I spoke with another sigh escaping my lips.

“So…what happened to them? Are they still around?” Lyra asked, apparently noticing that my smile had faded.

“Well… Yes, they are still around. But only on small reservations. Bottom line… The majority of my nation is run by the descendants of the people who came from overseas and…overran the place. The natives tried to be diplomatic from what I understand, but the invaders dishonorably forced the natives to fight in order to keep their lands. And in the end, the natives were slaughtered to the point of surrendering and being forced onto much smaller reservations provided for them that greatly harmed their ways of life. And the entire nation today is built upon the corpses of the good people who once honored and cherished the land while most continue to desecrate it with urban sprawl, pollution and senseless littering, and so forth while apparently just trying to forget what came before. That is the nation from where I came from.”

Lyra was silent. She was clearly trying to find something to say while struggling to comprehend such things. I could tell that Equestria is not a land that has ever witnessed such wretched sin. Finally, she looked my way and asked, “Well… What about you? You’re human too, so does that mean you’re just as bad?”

I was not surprised she said that. I sighed while placing my face in my open hands. “I just don’t know anymore. Am I a selfish monster? Am I a good person? I just don’t know what to think of myself. I just…don’t know…”

A moment of silence passed before I felt someone wrap their arms around me as I heard Lyra’s voice speak to me. “No. You’re not a monster, James. I know this because I’ve known you for almost a year now.” I looked at her, seeing Lyra giving me a compassionate smile. “You actually do try to make the right decision whenever you can. You genuinely care about people. I don’t blame you for feeling so frustrated and bitter about the world you came from. I would be too if I knew about so many terrible things happening all the time.”

I did not say a word. I could only wrap my arms around her in a halfhearted manner. She then asked, “James… Do you hate the humans of your world?”

A question I was actually expecting. Without letting go of her, I found the words I wanted to speak. “As much as I probably have every right to… I don’t. If anything, I’m just…gravely disappointed in the human race of Earth. So much potential and they constantly squander it year after year. Rather than help the world… Ugh, just forget it. Thinking about this makes my heart ache.”

“But…there are good humans there too, aren’t there?” Lyra asked while nuzzling my cheek in an attempt to calm me.

“Yes… There are a lot of good humans too. Just not enough of them to really influence the world into following the right path. And I feel so sorry for them having to live in a world where to many of the human population care only about hate, war, violence, and satisfying their own selfish interests at the expense of others. They deserve better… I don’t hate humans. I am just disgusted with what humanity has come to represent on Earth.” I retorted with a long sigh. “Good people have done many things to try to open the world’s eyes. Written novels pointing out the evils of prejudice, made films that condemn war and promote peace, and some even being willing to sacrifice their lives to make a difference. And these efforts constantly fall flat and are wasted. The state of the world today is proof of that. At best, it's in a stalemate that will probably never end.”

“It’s no wonder you feel so much happier here in Equestria. I know this isn’t a perfect world, but from what you’ve told me, it is thousands of times better than Earth. I hope you never have to go back.” Lyra said softly while resting her head on my shoulder. I am glad she was taking my words as well as she was. I did not want her to hate humans, but she had the right to know about all that was wrong with my world. And I only scratched the surface. There was so much more I could have said, so much more I could have brought to light. But I chose not to. I was too emotionally drained and frustrated to care enough to say more. I did not want to think about then. I wanted to think about now.

Lyra then asked with a much more sympathetic frown, “But… Now that I think about it… How do good people get by when so many awful things happen on Earth, even if they never see it?”

“Same way I coped with it, I guess. Just try not to think about it. Sometimes the only way to cope is to push it out of your mind and preoccupy yourself with something else.” I replied rather coldly, feeling the bitterness setting into my heart. If I did not do something soon, I was going to end up feeling like that all day. I needed to end that conversation right there.

“Lyra… I have a favor to ask. Please don’t ask me anymore questions about the world I came from. Thinking about all that happens there just… It leaves me feeling bitter and I do not enjoy feeling like this.” I asked while holding onto her gently.

Lyra lifted her head and looked at me with a smile before nodding. “I promise. I can see just how unhappy thinking about that place makes you. I’ve heard enough.” She then placed her hoof on my shoulder and nuzzled my cheek. “Whatever happens there does not matter now, James. You’re here in Equestria now, not on Earth. Focus on what happens in this world and not that one. Sound like a good idea?”

I felt my lips curl upward into a smile at her words. “Yeah… Good idea.” Thank the lord that is over with. Just thinking back on that moment left me feeling drained. I never want to have to write about something that emotionally taxing ever again.

Not even thirty seconds later, the waiter approached us once more. I asked for my favorite pasta dish and a side of grilled carrots and a house salad with sesame ginger dressing. With today being the one-year anniversary of my arrival in Equestria, I felt it was acceptable to indulge a bit. Lyra ordered the same pasta too, but without the shrimp and scallops and also with a side of grilled asparagus.

I fell silent for a moment, still feeling somewhat bitter from everything I had just spoken of. Lyra seemed to notice this and spoke up to lighten the mood. “So… Uh… How have things been with you and Fluttershy? You haven’t been fighting, have you?”

“No, not at all. Neither of us are really the fighting type to begin with.” I replied briefly while just lazily looking around. The day was quiet. Perhaps too quiet. “Ugh… They should get some music playing out here. The day feels too lazy without it.”

Lyra cracked a smile and nodded. “Yeah, summer days tend to be like that. Maybe they could hire Octavia for a little solo work here.”

“I don’t know if a lone cello player would be enough in terms of variety, Lyra. They would have to hire a whole band.” I retorted while just trying to focus on having an enjoyable experience with my friend.

Fortunately, the waiter did not take long to return with our orders. And if there is one thing I can tell you about fine dining, there is nothing like a flavorful hot meal to lift your spirits. Along with the food we had ordered, there were two tall bottles of sarsaparilla with the caps removed and the pasta had been topped with partially melted strips of shaved parmesan cheese. I could tell by that hungry look in Lyra’s eyes that she was very pleased with the food laying before her. “Mm, I can see why you like this dish so much, James. Shall we dig in?”

I felt my spirits lift slightly while I took a fork in hand. “By all means.”

We spoke little while we ate. I in particular was not in the mood for conversation and really just wanted to do what I had to in order to get myself back into a good mood. The pasta was delicious and rich with flavor while the carrots went well with the side of barbeque sauce that came with it. The salad was crisp and satisfying and the dressing was tasty and even healthy. I can tell you right now that no one likes limp flimsy lettuce. It always has to have a crunch to it.

Needless to say, our meal was very satisfying and we enjoyed every bite. I felt exceptionally satisfied and full. I was tempted to go home and take a nap, but knew I could not since I had to get back to work in a short while. “Well, that gave my mood a boost. You think we’re all done here, Lyra?”

My friend glanced at me before letting out a belch. “Oops… I guess that means ‘yes’. Sorry!”

“It’s cool, Lyra. But I should be getting back to work really soon.” I replied while reaching out and gently running my fingers through her mane.

Lyra cracked a smile and sighed happily while I dragged my fingertips against her scalp. However, she soon then left her seat and gave me a tender embrace. “It was good talking to you, James. Also… Don’t worry about where you came from anymore. Focus on where you are right now. Equestria is your home. All right?”

I returned Lyra’s affection by wrapping my arms around her. “I will, Lyra… Thanks. Just remember though. Don’t ask me anymore questions on that.”

“Oh, no worries! I think my curiosity has been completely satisfied!” Lyra retorted with an awkward grin. Not wanting to get in trouble for returning to my post too late, I said my goodbyes to Lyra and placed a handful of bits on the table. We waved farewell before she trotted away while I turned and hurried back to the spa at a brisk pace.

My return to the spa was largely uninterrupted. Once I stepped through the door, I found Luna and Nightmare Moon apparently discussing something with Lotus at the front desk. Before I could even speak, Nightmare Moon glanced my way. “Ah, just who we were hoping to see.”

“You ladies enjoy your visit?” I asked while drawing near. I was glad I got back in time to see them off.

“Oh, very much so! We practically took a full tour of the spa. Excellent service and superb treatments. We should come by much more often!” Luna retorted with a broad grin. She certainly did seem quite relaxed and satisfied at that moment.

“Yeah, you do seem really refreshed now. What was your favorite part of the tour though? The sauna? The hot tub?” I asked in return out of sheer curiosity.

Nightmare Moon and Luna glanced at each other before smirking whimsically. The Princess of Dreams then directed her gaze towards me and said, “The massage, of course. It is no wonder so many refer to you as the ‘man with the magic fingers’ back in Canterlot.”

The mention of Canterlot caught me by surprise. “Canterlot? But I don’t… Oh, wait. I have massaged a few of Rarity’s clients during their visits. Almost forgot.”

Luna then approached me and held me in a tender embrace. “It was splendid to see you again, dear friend. We must depart for now, but we will be crossing paths with you again quite soon.”

“I hope so. I don’t get to see you beauties often enough.” I retorted while prompting a delighted giggle from the two sisters of the night. The three of us said our goodbyes before Luna and Nightmare Moon headed out the door. I wonder what else they had to deal with in town.

After passing a brief greeting to Lotus, I returned to my post. It seemed that Bon Bon had finished up her visit in my absence seeing as how the main chamber was empty. With nothing else to do, I decided to make certain all of the stations were stocked. Aloe was already on that and finished restocking the supplies that were starting to get low. So I returned to my post at the massage tables and snatched up a magazine to pass the time.

Before long, I was greeted by a familiar voice right in front of me. “Hello, darling! Did we catch you at a bad time?”

I lowered my magazine to see who was standing before me and found Fluttershy and Rarity greeting me with happy smiles. “Oh, hey! Should’ve known I would see you two!” I dropped to my knees and gave those two beautiful mares a hug, wrapping an arm around each neck while they too returned my affections.

“I did say we would be coming in today. Did you forget?” Fluttershy asked while I felt her nuzzle my cheek.

“Um… Maybe?” I retorted while feeling rather sheepish. I suppose I had forgotten while I was tending to Luna and Nightmare Moon. Usually on days they attend, Fluttershy and Rarity are among my first customers.

“That’s quite all right, darling. All that matters is that we’re here now.” Rarity spoke softly while she and Fluttershy planted a kiss on my cheeks. I could not help returning the gesture and placed a kiss on their snouts. Both of those lovely mares winced and giggled just slightly before Rarity turned to face Aloe, who had her back turned to us. “Aloe! The usual!”

“Sauna first, then hot tub, then massage, and then the rest?” Fluttershy asked while glancing around to look at the spa.

“Sounds good to me. It would probably be best if you save the facials for after the massage. I wouldn’t want to gunk up my hands with that green…whatever that stuff is.”

“Oh, yes… That is certainly meant for the face and not the hands… Very well then! Sauna first!” Rarity replied in agreement before she and Fluttershy trotted over into the sauna where Aloe was already waiting for them. A moment later, I heard a familiar hiss as some steam escaped through the entrance.

I was too far away to make out anything that the two ladies were discussing, though I suspected it had something to do with a Canterlot celebrity. One thing I have noticed is that whenever Rarity and Fluttershy are out having a good time, it is normally Rarity who does most of the talking while Fluttershy mostly just listens. I can certainly relate to my girlfriend on that. I tend to listen more than I actually talk.

They were in there for a good long while. Probably close to fifteen minutes. Eventually though, they did emerge and went straight to the hot tub. Aloe seemed to head off in a different direction, probably to prepare the facial station. “Ah, my pores are just screaming now! Ready for a little dip, Fluttershy?”

I swear I could see glistening moisture lining their coats. They were quite a sight to see, especially when the light hit them just right. “Ooh, I’m ready. The steam is nice, but there’s nothing like a soak in bubbling hot water.” Fluttershy added while following her friend up the steps to the hot tub’s poolside. Very slowly, they stepped in before dunking their heads under the surface and lifting them once more. Their manes were completely wetted down with Rarity’s curls being entirely absent. In fact, when it is wet, Rarity’s mane bears an uncanny resemblance to Fluttershy’s.

“Whoa… Hey, could you girls come over here for a second?” I spoke up while motioning with my hand for them to approach me.

“Hm? Is something wrong?” Fluttershy asked while she and Rarity crawled over to me at the edge of the tub.

“Be still for a minute.” I said softly while placing my hands in the tub and reaching down with my fingers touching their manes. “Huh… Your manes are pretty much identical in length. I never would’ve guessed your hair was as long as Fluttershy’s, Rarity. I suppose it just always looks shorter because you keep it curled up.”

The two mares glanced at each other with puzzled expressions before reaching down with one arm and lifting one side of their manes above the water’s surface. “Wow. Our manes really are just about as long as the other.” Fluttershy remarked softly while looking over her lovely pink mane and Rarity’s beautiful indigo hair.

Rarity seemed to grin brightly for a second before commenting on them herself. “Well, I have been growing my hair out for as long as I can remember. The longer one’s mane and tail are, the more impressively you can style them.”

I was hardly surprised by Rarity’s views on it. “Very true there. I also have to say I think long hair really draws more attention than shorter hairstyles.”

The two lovely mares before me glanced over at me before looking at each other. The two of them then gave each other a playful smirk before turning their gazes towards me once more. Fluttershy then asked, “So, you like long hair on mares?”

I saw no need to hide my opinion. “Yeah, I do. Why?”

Rarity then flashed me a smirk and reached her arms around me while Fluttershy did the same from the other side. “Well, why don’t you come in here and join us?”

Immediately after they said that, the two mares began to lift and tug at me in an attempt to pull me over the side and into the hot tub. Needless to say, I was not very keen on the idea of getting in there myself. Not as I was then at least. “Whoa, girls! Quit it! I don’t have any dry clothes here!”

While my hands gripped the sides of the tub to try and keep myself out, Fluttershy also started speaking to me with a much sneakier tone of voice than usual. “We’ll just use a hairdryer to fix that.”

Before this little stunt could go on for much longer, a familiar voice spoke from not very far away with a very strong accent. “Miss Rarity, Miss Fluttershy, what are you doing to James?”

All three of us froze and turned our heads to look in the direction I was facing. At the far end of the room past the side of the hot tub was Aloe. And that look she was giving us… Well, she was clearly baffled by exactly what we were doing. I glanced at Rarity and Fluttershy as we all began to show awkward grimaces on our faces while beginning to snicker. Finally, they released their grips on me while we all burst into raucous laughter as I staggered back and dropped down to one of the massage tables for support. Aloe then just rolled her eyes and trotted out of sight.

“Ooooh, that was such an awkward moment. So sorry about that, darling. You know how friends tend to just let themselves go when they’re together.” Rarity chuckled after managing to calm herself down a bit.

“Especially when we have the entire place to ourselves.” Fluttershy added while brushing her very long mane out of the way of her eyes. And she was right. With the exception of Aloe running around checking on our beauty supplies and Lotus standing at front desk in the lobby, the spa was completely empty save for us.

I stood up and brought myself back to the edge of the tub before dunking my hands into the bubbling water again. “Well, you ladies certainly are a heck of a lot cheekier than I’ve ever seen you get. Especially you, Fluttershy.”

My beloved girlfriend grinned brightly at me. “Well, I guess I’m just so loosened up because nopony is looking and that I’m with my best friend.”

I could not help smirking as a retort came to mind. “I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised that Ponyville’s two loveliest mares are the best of friends. You both are extremely high on the beauty charts.”

Rarity giggled loudly and covered her mouth while Fluttershy grinned sheepishly. “Oh, darling, you flatter us!”

“Nothing wrong with being honest, right?” I asked in return while reaching out and gently stroking their beautiful soaked manes.

Rarity retorted with a sly smirk. “Are you sure you’re just not being a little cheeky yourself, James?”

I looked at her for a moment while Fluttershy seemed to back away slightly. I felt my impish side coming out upon hearing those words. “Cheeky? You mean like this?” With a sweep of my hand, I sent a small wave of the water rolling into Rarity’s face.

The refined unicorn mare coughed and shook her head to get the water out of her face before looking at me with a very mischievous grin. “Oh, it is ON! Fluttershy, would you be a dear and provide me with a little assistance?”

I did not like that look in my girlfriend’s eye. “Oh, absolutely. Ready?”

I got a bad feeling in my gut as they brought the arms they had facing each other to the surface of the bubbling pool of water. “Girls… I don’t think that’s a… Hey!” I jumped out of the way just as they both swung their arms forward, creating a much bigger wave than I made and sending it rolling over the side of the pool and hitting the floor with a splash.

Needless to say, it was hard to not hear that splash. Aloe came running over in an instant and saw the large puddle on the floor between the hot tub and massage tables. She instantly looked at me with a glare of irritation that I had never seen on her face before. “James, you shouldn’t tease the customers! Go get the mop in the closet.” She then pointed her hoof towards a door in the wall nearby.

I seriously felt like I had made a big mistake and silently acknowledged her command. I went over to the closet and opened it to find numerous tools that you would likely find in a janitor’s closet. Since I am usually the first one out of the spa at closing time, I have never had to access the closet before today. I found the mop propped up against the corner right away, although it was noticeably smaller than any I had used before.

Not wanting to risk upsetting Aloe further, I grabbed the mop and hurried back over to the puddle that was on the floor. I suppose Aloe had faith that I would do the job properly since she left the spot once I started. The green dry mop head quickly turned dark with moisture as it soaked up the liquid. It was not terribly soaked, so I suppose there was no need to fetch a bucket. I then set it down near one of the spa’s windows to let the sunlight speed up the drying process. However, while I was there, I swear I noticed someone walk out of sight in the distance. “Was that…Shining Armor and Cadence?” Of course, since I was on duty at the time, I could not go check. So I instead went back over to the hot tub.

Before I even reached the two lovely mares soaking in the tub, I noticed just how uneasy their expressions were. Fluttershy spoke first with a very quiet tone. “I… We’re sorry. We didn’t mean to get you in trouble.”

“It’s OK. I made the first splash. Let’s just try to keep things mellow for now.” I replied while caressing my girlfriend’s head, my fingers delicately tracing over her ear.

“But it was we who started the whole thing. Can you ever forgive us, darling?” Rarity asked while her beautiful azure eyes pleaded with me.

I suppose it was then that I felt the need to ask. “Come to think of it, why are you two so wound up today? I mean I know you two are best friends and that there’s nopony around to cramp your style, but is that all?”

Fluttershy and Rarity looked at each other for a brief moment before nodding. Rarity then looked at me and spoke softly, “Well… Friends tend to do silly things when they are together. But…I suppose ponies tend to be even sillier…when they are in love.”

That again… I felt my body temperature instantly rise at those words. Fluttershy then whispered softly with a noticeable pink hue in her cheeks. “We love you, James. And…I guess we just can’t help having fun when we’re with you like this.”

After a moment of averting my eyes and trying to find the right words to reply with, I finally bowed my head and let out a chuckle. “You girls… Come here.” I then held my arms out to them. Bright grins soon adorned their faces as the two mares moved forward and threw their arms around me for a tender embrace while I did the same with mine.

For a time, there were no words spoken. I was just holding those two endearing ladies in my arms while they did the same. My beloved Fluttershy and my dearest friend Rarity. “You girls have done a lot for me over the past year. Thanks.”

Fluttershy spoke first, her whispers flowing into my ear. “I’m glad we met you, honey. You’ve been a great friend to all of us.”

“Whatever flaws you may have, they are irrelevant to your strengths. It has always been a pleasure having you with us, darling.” Rarity added while placing a soft kiss upon my cheek.

“Thanks… Come to think of it, who wants to be massaged first?” I retorted, our grasps on each other loosening.

Fluttershy responded first. “I wouldn’t mind soaking for a while longer. Why not let Rarity go first?”

“Many thanks, Fluttershy! Just give me a moment and I’ll be right there.” Rarity replied before slowly making her way to the far end of the tub and hoisting herself out of it. And much like with Luna and Nightmare Moon, my eyes were glued to that lusciously long mane and tail being weighed down with water. Just as she was beginning to levitate a towel over to herself to wrap her mane up, that lovely unicorn mare noticed my gaze. While she initially looked baffled, that expression changed into one that was much more whimsical. “Oh my, don’t you know it’s rude to stare?”

Before I could even offer a retort, Fluttershy let out a giggle while glancing at me out of the corner of her eye. “I’m not surprised, Rarity. He loves long manes on mares.”

Rarity then gave me a rather mischievous smirk before speaking, “In that case, what about long tails, darling?” With a sway of her hips, Rarity swished her long wet indigo tail through the air.

This was more than I could handle. I called out rather loudly, “Rarity, please! Someone might be watching!” I can only imagine what Aloe and Lotus were thinking if they were hearing everything we said.

My two companions snickered and laughed together while I tried to avert my eyes. As hot as Rarity is, it felt wrong to ogle her outside the privacy of her home. Even if there were no bystanders to notice us. Once Rarity had her mane wrapped up in a towel, she trotted down the steps next to the hot tub and right by me. “So sorry if I was going too far, James. It’s just that you are so much fun to tease!”

“Gee, thanks. That makes me feel special.” I replied with a mildly annoyed scowl. As much as I adore her, that was still an awkward experience.

Without missing a beat, Rarity hopped up onto the nearest massage table and turned around to face the hot tub. “I’m all yours, darling. The usual.”

“As you wish, m’lady.” I replied while climbing atop the massage table. I could have checked the list of clients I have had to see whether or not her cutie marks are sensitive to touch, but I have massaged her and Fluttershy often enough to know by heart.

The first half of the massage went by like clockwork, Rarity remaining still and silent while my fingers went to work on her joints. But when I turned around to massage her flanks, I was in for quite a surprise. My hands grasped and kneaded her shapely hips, but when I started to massage the spaces between the blue diamonds that made up her cutie marks, her hips shifted slightly. This caused my fingertips to press into one of the blue diamonds. Only instead of a shocked gasp, I heard a long sigh escape Rarity’s lips.

“Uh… Sorry about that, Rarity. I’ll be more careful.” I said without even looking back at her. I was feeling fairly nervous by then, but felt nothing but bewilderment when her hips shifted again, causing my fingertips to once again prod her cutie marks. “Rarity, what gives? Are you forcing me to touch you there?”

I looked back at Rarity while she turned her head to look at me. Further ahead, Fluttershy was covering her mouth while seemingly trying to not laugh. My elegant unicorn friend then gave me a rather alluring smirk. “Whatever do you mean, darling? Oh, you mean when I do this?” While we were talking, my hands were still resting on her flanks. And at those words, she shifted her hips again and cooed as my fingertips dug deeper into those light blue diamonds.

By then, I was becoming both worried and annoyed. “OK, what are you up to? I know you adore me and I certainly adore you as well, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this…frisky before.”

Rarity seemed to suppress a snicker while she turned her gaze towards Fluttershy. “I don’t think he can tell, darling. Should we tell him?”

“Tell me what?” I asked, starting to feel rather nervous of what my friend was getting at.

Fluttershy also seemed to be on the verge of laughing while she looked at me. “What she means is… I don’t think you can smell it.”

I tilted my head to one side in bewilderment. Smell it? Smell what, exactly? “Huh? Smell it? Hang on a sec.” I then turned around and grabbed Rarity’s tail before lifting it to my face, prompting a yelp of surprise from her. I inhaled deeply, taking in the scent of whatever it was Fluttershy was referring to. However, all I noticed was the faint aroma of some perfume. I then released my grasp on her and looked back at my girlfriend. “What, the smell of perfume? She always smells like that.”

The two mares burst into laughter and snickering at my apparent obliviousness. I watched in silence, more curious than annoyed by that point. Finally, Rarity looked back at me and explained rather vaguely. “Not that smell, darling! I mean… It’s that time of the year again.”

“Time of the year? What do you… Wait…” I felt myself become hot as my mind started to decipher exactly what it was she was referring to. “You mean… You're in heat?”

Rarity flashed me an unnervingly alluring gaze at those words. “Right on the money.”

“OK, that’s more than I needed to know! I don’t want to get any ideas in my head!” I exclaimed rather loudly while trying to not think about what such a state entails. “Wait a second. Are you in heat too, Fluttershy?”

My girlfriend shook her head briefly and replied, “No, not yet. We don’t all necessarily go into heat at the same time. I think I’m not due to enter my heat cycle for another couple of weeks.”

“Ooh, better make sure you use some contraception when that time comes, darlings… Oh, wait. You can’t because it wouldn’t fit, am I right?” Rarity retorted while smirking at me. And I instantly knew what she was referring to.

“What the…?! Fluttershy, you told her?!” I winced while I felt my face becoming quite hot as I remembered when… Actually, forget it! That is one event I am not going to reveal! Although my girlfriend and Rarity were clearly getting a good laugh out of my embarrassment. I pray Aloe and Lotus were not looking our way.

When they finally stopped laughing, Rarity looked at me with a more endearing gaze than before. “Don’t you worry yourself over that, James. Size isn’t everything, you know. It’s all about how much love you can give your partner. Isn’t that right, Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy nodded with a great smile spread across her lips. “Oh, most definitely. And he always gives so much love. He always makes me feel special.”

“Honey, please. You’re flattering me.” I spoke briskly while an awkward smirk spread across my face. What an interesting visit this was turning out to be.

Once I had convinced Rarity to be still for the remainder of the massage, I went ahead with the procedure. Rarity was as still as stone for the rest of the massage. Once I had finished up, I hopped down from the table. “There we go. Feel better, Rarity?”

Like every time before, Rarity jumped down from the massage table and began to stretch and flex her body to make certain I got out all the kinks. Although I swear that this time she was deliberately doing so in a way that kept giving me a good view of her posterior… Of course, I was not complaining, but it was still about as awkward as the situation could possibly get. “Mmmm, splendid as always! A full year and I still have not become even remotely tired of this treatment!”

“And I never get tired of giving it to you. It’s always good to see you girls in here every week. You make for some great company.” I replied while gently removing the towel that was wrapped around her head. Once her mane was left unrestrained, it gently fell back into its natural curled state. My guess is that she keeps it that way so often that her hair has come to recognize it as its natural shape half the time.

“I guess it’s my turn now. I’ll be right down.” Fluttershy said while Rarity and I looked her way. And much like Rarity, when she lifted herself from the hot tub, my eyes were glued to her soaked body.

“Ooh, darling! Spread your wings for your beloved!” Rarity called out while she too watched in earnest.

“Huh? You mean like this?” Fluttershy replied before doing as she was told, spreading her soaked wings for us to see. She… Well, I was quite taken aback by her raw beauty. Truly every bit as gorgeous as Rarity.

“Ah, perfect! Don’t those wings just add such a healthy dose of grace to her, James?” Rarity asked while motioning towards my beautiful girlfriend. Fluttershy was clearly blushing with a pinkish hue in her cheeks, although it was difficult to see it from behind her mane.

“Well… I have to say that wings do give ponies a more graceful visage, if you ask me.” I retorted while Fluttershy wrapped her very long mane in a towel. I felt myself relax slightly once all of that luscious long hair was out of sight.

While she trotted down the steps next to the hot tub, Fluttershy turned her gaze towards us before approaching. “I do think you have an affinity for anything with wings, honey. It’s no wonder you chose Angela to be your pet. And… Maybe that’s why Rainbow Dash really likes you?

“Meh, you never know. Anyway, shall I get started on you?” I replied while beckoning Fluttershy to take her place on the nearest massage table.

Once Fluttershy had situated herself on one of the massage tables, I proceeded to climb atop it too before straddling her. While I did so, Rarity hung up her towel and began to head towards the lobby. “While you two lovebirds are busy, I’ll be waiting in the lobby. Take your time, darlings.”

“Will do. I’ll try to not keep her for too long.” I replied while my fingers gently dug into the back of Fluttershy’s neck.

For a good while, Fluttershy and I did not speak. But once I was halfway through massaging her vertebrae, I felt the need to ask her something. “Hey, honey? Are you sure you don’t mind it when Rarity gets extra cuddly with me?”

My girlfriend looked at me over her shoulder and gave me a calm smile. “Of course I don’t mind. I think it’s really cute when she acts like that around you. Besides, what can I do? Tell her to stop loving you?”

“Cute, huh? Well, she certainly has quite an allure.” I retorted while glancing over at the doorway that leads out into the lobby. “But are you sure you aren’t worried I might cheat on you? Or that she might try to seduce me?”

Fluttershy’s smile became more reassuring while she spoke to me. “Oh, don’t worry, James. She and I had a long talk and I know there’s no way she would ever do that. She loves you with all her heart, but she would never be so cruel as to take you from me. She’s my best friend, after all. And I know you won’t ever cheat on me with anypony. Your heart is too big to do that.”

I felt myself calm somewhat as I became relieved that she did not doubt me. I would never abandon the woman I am sworn to. Such a thing is below me. “I’m glad you understand that, honey. I do love her, but I love you the most.”

The rest of the massage was uneventful, although I did mess with Fluttershy a few times by gently poking her cutie marks. Finally, I hopped down from the table and began to massage her wings. By then, they had completely dried. “Just be still for a bit, honey.”

Fluttershy sighed in relaxation as she extended her left wing to me. While I started on one of the joints, she tried to make for some simple conversation. “Who else came in for massages today, dear?”

“Well, aside from you and Rarity, there was also Luna and Nightmare Moon. I think the last time I took that long to massage one pony was when Celestia came to the spa back on my birthday.” I replied while making certain to get to the joint from every angle I could reach.

“Oh, I saw them today too. It was really interesting to see both of the princesses of the night out and about together.” Fluttershy replied while directing her gaze to me.

“Actually, Luna is the Princess of the Night. Nightmare Moon is the Princess of Dreams. They told me that themselves.” I retorted while moving onto the next joint.

My girlfriend seemed to blush ever so slightly at my explanation. “Oh, right… I keep forgetting that since they’re kind of the same person. Or they used to be, at least.”

After another ten minutes or so, I finally finished with Fluttershy’s wings and helped her hop down from the table. “All done. Did I get everything?”

Fluttershy groaned and yawned while flexing her wings and body. While she did so, I removed the towel from around her mane and let it fall free. “Ooh, that really hit the spot. I never get tired of these massages, honey… Hm? Is that Applejack I hear?”

I became silent for a moment to listen for whatever it was Fluttershy had detected. As it turned out, she was right. I could vaguely make out her voice apparently speaking to Rarity in the lobby. When Fluttershy and I made our way over to the doorway that led out towards the front door, we did indeed see Applejack chatting with Rarity. The instant she saw me, Applejack turned my way and waved in greeting. “Well, howdy! I was wonderin’ when I was gonna see ya today!”

“Hey there, AJ. What’s happening?” I retorted while waving back at her. It is not often that I do not encounter Applejack for the first time that late in the day.

“Oh, I was swingin’ by ta pass a lil’ message from Pinkie Pie. She wants ta see Rarity and Fluttershy at her place pretty soon.” Applejack explained before looking towards Fluttershy. “Y’all wanna head on over?”

Rarity replied while closing a magazine she had been reading, “Well, I do believe we are quite done here. Shall we be off, Fluttershy?”

My girlfriend nodded before leaning towards me and nuzzling my hand. I replied in kind by gently stroking her mane. “It was great to see you, honey. I’ll see you again in a little while.”

“It was a pleasure seeing you ladies. Have a good one.” I replied while seeing my friends off. All three of them trotted out the door while I returned to my post.

However, not even ten minutes passed before Lotus came trotting in and over to me. “Mr. James, you can head on home if you want.”

“Really? It’s a bit early for that, isn’t it?” I asked while glancing at the clock on the wall. From what I could see, I was getting out an hour early. I normally punch out at 6 PM.

“Well, normally. But Miss Pinkie Pie wanted to see you at this time. I don’t think we’ll be getting much more business before closing time, so you can go see her now if you don’t mind clocking out early.” Lotus explained in that very thick accent of hers.

By that point, I was starting to put two and two together. Considering what day it is out of the entire year, I could see why Pinkie Pie wanted to see me. “She does, huh? Well, thanks. I’ll get going then. See you soon, Lotus.” I then said my goodbyes and headed on out. I already had a pretty sound idea of what to expect when I arrived at Sugarcube Corner.

While I walked through town, I felt a rush of nostalgia as I was struck with a case of déjà vu. The warm summer breeze, the hissing of cicadas, the noticeable lack of activity around me. It was a second coming of my very first evening in Ponyville. While I trekked on, I reflected on what this town had come to mean to me over the past year.

As I glanced around at the humble town, I felt a smirk creep across my face. I remembered feeling so apprehensive and even afraid when I first walked into town. Looking back on it now, I even felt tempted to laugh. I must have seemed like someone who was desperately trying to hide something even though I never had anything to fear at all from this town and its people. And now, I honestly cannot imagine myself living anywhere else. “If only other worlds were more like this one…”

I hurried along to Sugarcube Corner, finding nothing out of the ordinary upon arrival. However, I did find one thing a bit off. On the door was a sign that read ‘Closed for private party’.

“Peh, you’re losing your touch if I can predict what’s happening behind this door, Pinkie Pie.” I muttered to myself while pushing the door in. However, I froze upon seeing what was on the other side. On the floor while facing me were three antique cannons. And they appeared to be loaded. “Holy… Don’t shoot!"

This chapter marks the end of Volume 2, Tears of the Moon.

Volume 3, Mortal Chaos, begins with chapter 28.