By the time Thiemo left the castle, it was already late afternoon. After the discussion with Cadance and Shining Armor, he had spent the subsequent hours lying at Amy’s side, or rather on her back. Once again, he had learned something about ponies, or perhaps it was just changelings. Snuggling was snuggling, simply lying next to each other, being with each other. Then there was the more intimate version where the stallion would lie on the mare’s back. At first it didn't make much sense to him, but once he had found the right spot, which took him a couple of tries, much to Amy’s amusement, he realized why this was called intimate. Ponies just had a different idea of the missionary position. So he had been laid on her back, his head next to her shoulders, while she had leaned back against him with her long neck. Other than what he expected, it had been relatively comfortable. Her short black coat had been soft and her body warm. Also his head had been busy avoiding bumping against any possibly uncomfortable spots like bones. There was a reason why humans usually used saddles when sitting on the back of a horse.

What he also noticed was his new shadow. Since he left Amaryllis’ room after she had fallen asleep, Rupie had been on his tail. He either thought that Thiemo had to be almost blind and deaf with his small ears and eyes, or he wanted him to know that he was being watched. In retrospect of the talk with the prince, he was assuming the latter.

Now he stood on the large courtyard in front of the castle, surrounded by tall buildings and ponies that seemed to be in a rush. Lost, he looked around, searching for the road that would lead him back to the hospital. “Damn,” he mumbled and continued looking for any kind of street signs. Apparently he was on the Palace Avenue, but that was all he could discern. Luckily, he wasn’t alone. Quickly, he turned around, spotted Rupie, and strolled over to him. The guard didn’t seem surprised and just eyed him as Thiemo walked towards him. “Hello, my friend. You wouldn’t mind showing me the way back to hospital, would you? I still have a few of my things there, like my actual clothing. I don’t know about you, but where I came from, it’s against the law to walk through the streets in lingerie.”

Rupie seemed to think about what Thiemo said for a moment before turning around without saying a word and signalling Thiemo with a hoof to follow him. “So, pink or white?” Since he was running behind the armoured crystal pony, he unfortunately couldn’t see his face, so he specified the question. “I mean who ordered my observation.”

“I’m not observing,” came his short reply. “I was ordered to assure your security as a guest of the royal house.” So it had to be Cadance, Thiemo was sure about that. Based on the tone of his guide as he led him through the wide roads of this northern metropolis, he seemed to be on Shining Armor’s side.

“I’m feeling charmed, but who would try to hurt a human?” Rupie sighed and stopped for a moment. His head looked in each direction before he eventually turned around.

“Everything I say is unofficial.” Thiemo nodded. “Princess Mi Amore Cadenza doesn’t want to unsettle the population, but we have observed the raids on the settlements near the coast. The humans on Ti are planning something. The city itself is safe thanks to the shield, and with the return of Princess Amaryllis… let’s say that Equestria isn’t our problem. They started it, they shall deal with it.” For a moment, Thiemo didn’t realize what he meant, but then it struck him. Celestia had used Amaryllis as a sign of goodwill between their empires to get support from the far more advanced north. While dangers couldn’t get in, other ponies could do so very well, like Applejack, Twilight, Aura, and the others. Night Hawk wasn’t understating it when she said that they were only pawns. He had just underestimated the scale. “I only make sure that the princess and her companion will be safe.” Did Cadance really believe that her own mother-in-law would attack Amaryllis in her empire? No, if that was the case, things would look differently here. Celestia and Luna were powerful, and no matter how strong the shield was, it couldn’t stop them for long. The humans on Ti? Doctor Meena said that there were a few humans that lived in the city. What was their gain, attacking the coast of Equestria? It would only involve the Crystal Empire in the fights. If they would attack Amaryllis, this would be a new Pearl Harbor. But again, the penny dropped. Thiemo remembered something from the recordings. The attack on Luna. The wrong attack. An attack on Amaryllis by the humans that could cast the blame on Equestria. It would make sense, even if only remotely. “Anything else?”

Thiemo thought for a moment. “Why are you telling me this?”

Rupie sighed again. “Princess Mi Amore Cadenza has shown me your file. I know what you did, just like Prince Shining Armor. But aside from that, you have effectively cared for the safety of the princess. Also, you are her lover. If someone wants her safe, it will be you.” So he was a guard dog on a leash who would get his treat in the castle from time to time? Why not – he had been treated worse. Unfortunately, the princess was right, precisely the reason why Rupie had told him all that. She knew that he would only be even more worried about Amy if he knew all that. That damn, savvy alicorn. But one thing still didn’t make sense, like there was a certain part missing and the puzzle couldn’t be completed. Who had been playing Luna against Equestria? That was the question into the room, and Thiemo suspected that it had something to do with Blue Light, his revelation, and the video he had gotten from Echidna. A question which had parts of its answer printed on his shoulder, if he decided to go after it. However, since he would be staying here for a while, he didn’t have anything better to do.

Rupie stared at him for a few seconds, but since Thiemo remained silent, they continued their way. It wasn’t like he had a response to that anyways. At least he wasn’t restricted in some dark room here.

Cadance stood on her balcony and overlooked the city, her empire. Down below on the streets, she saw her ponies and all the other species that had found a home here. Shining Armor stepped out from behind a curtain and snuggled at her side. “Are you sure you know what you’re doing?”

“I trust my heart, Shining. It was what led me to you and to here.” She rested her head against his and closed her eyes.

“I am not talking about Amaryllis.” Cadance just hummed. “I know that she is my daughter, but she just reminds me so much of that monster…” The stallion shuddered. “I will need some time to deal with his, but I was talking about the human.”

“You trust me, don’t you?” She felt the stallion nodding. “Then just give me some time and I assure you, sooner or later, you will see him as part of your family.” Cadance didn’t need to open her eyes to see his disbelieving face. “Now he might be a lost soul on the search for his place, but all he needs is guidance. Maybe you could give him a spot in the Crystal Guard?”

“A thief and murderer? Have you read the letter my mother wrote you?” Of course she had. Just like she had heard what Luna had told her in a dream and what she had finally seen with her own eyes today.

Before she could reply, she heard tiny hooves approaching the balcony. “Mom? What’s going on?” Cadance turned around to her daughter and smiled.

“I have a little surprise for you later, Skyla.” She rubbed her cheek against the small alicorn. “What would you think of an older sister?” Skyla grinned from ear to ear. “Then finish your homework and I will introduce you to her later.” She gave the filly a smack with her wings on the way out.

“I hope they will get along.” Shining Armor closed the balcony door behind him after they all went back into their quarters.

“I am sure they will. So, what do you think?”

“No, Cadance, I will not accept him into the Crystal Guard.”

“How about a bet then? If I win, you take him under your wing.”

The stallion considered for a few seconds and stroked his chin with a hoof. It was something Cadance had seen him and his sister do a lot, just like their mother if she felt unwatched. “Sure, why not. What do I get if I win?” Cadance leaned against his ear and softly whispered a single sentence into them. “Deal!”

Still in his minotaur lingerie, Thiemo left the hospital, followed by Rupie. At first he had to listen to a fifteen minute lecture at the reception that he had to check out before leaving the building, only to hear that his things were no longer there. The two swords and pauldron were taken by the soldiers, claiming they were national treasures of Albion. Meena had taken the rest, which would have been thrown away otherwise since he had just disappeared. Luckily, he convinced the nurse to give him the address of the doctor so that he could pick it up there.

Rupie looked at the piece of paper with the address and nodded. “Yes, I know where that is. Just down the road, not even five minutes from here.” At least that was something. Another point on his list was to find the others. They had discharged themselves already and were somewhere in the city. Before he found them, though, he had to change his clothes.

He followed Rupie through the alleys of the town, only to stand ten minutes later in front of a tall building that had to have at least twenty floors. They had needed a bit longer since Thiemo’s normal tempo was far slower than that of a pony’s. “That’s it?” Rupie nodded and stepped next to the large, sheer double-door. Thiemo expected him to wait here, so he just stepped alone through the automatically opening door and stood in the hallway that could have belonged to any apartment complex on Earth, aside from the crystal that was used for the staircase instead of marble. He looked on the paper and again read the number fifty two, meaning that he had to go to the fifth floor. Suddenly, there was a small flash of light and a pony that hadn’t been there before stood in the middle of the hallway. She looked at him for a moment, only to walk past him without saying a word. Thiemo inspected the spot where she had appeared a bit closer since she had been a crystal pony without horn. There were multiple holes in the wall, and in one of them was stuck a crystal. On the ground were the same runes from the castle, and with that, the question of what this was in front of him was answered. He pulled the crystal out of the hall with the number thirteen and pushed it into the fifth. It glowed red for a moment before it lost its colour. He shrugged and stepped into the teleportation circle on the floor. For a second, there was nothing in front of his eyes, but then he stood in the hallway that must belong to the fifth floor. He looked around for a moment and eventually found a door with the number he was looking for. On the door itself were various symbols, probably cutie marks that belonged to the residents. Thiemo smirked as he saw the large red dot that must represent the doctor since she had no cutie mark.

At first he looked for a doorbell, but since he found none, he just knocked. He listened to see if anything would happen before he heard hoofsteps coming closer to the door. Carefully, the door swung open and the head of a little foal peeked out from the opening. “Yes?” asked the little crystal colt cautiously.

“Uhm, I was told that I can retrieve my stuff here that Meena took with her?” The little colt blinked and closed the door again. For a moment, Thiemo considered knocking again, but then the door opened again. This time stood a beige earth pony mare, with a dark brown mane, in the door.

“Oh, a human. What can I do for you?” She smiled at him and opened the door a bit further. Behind her, he could see what appeared to be a normal apartment. There were pictures at the wall, carpets in the hallway, and a small cabinet next to the entrance with a bowl filled with apples on it.

“Thiemo is my name. In the hospital, I was told that Meena had taken my things home with her.” The eyes of the mare widened at bit, and she made room in the door.

“So you are the human she had been talking about this morning. Come on in.” She waved him through the door. Like everyone who inspected a new environment, he took his first breath through his nose, and unlike what he expected, it didn’t smell like pony or horse. “Can I offer you something? Water or some cider?”

Thiemo waved off. “No thanks, I’m only here for my stuff.” She led him through the hallway into what appeared to be a dining room. In the room stood only a large wooden table with various cushion for the ponies to sit on.

“Please take a seat. I’ll go get your things.” Thiemo nodded thankfully and sat down cross-legged on one of the cushions before his eyes began to wander around.

Various pictures were hung on the wall. One of them showed Meena, a few years younger and together with a crystal pony stallion, standing in front of the palace. On the next picture were the same stallion and Meena again, but this time she sat on the back of the stallion so that her head was lying on his, and next to them was the mare that opened the door for him. The third and last picture showed them again in the hospital. This time, it was the mare lying on the bed, holding a small bundle in her forehooves. The stallion grinned over both ears while Meena was sitting next to mare on the bed and reaching a hand out for the newly born foal.

“Oh.” The mare had returned and dropped the things she was carrying from her back. “I thought Meena had been playing a prank on me when she said you had a tail and cutie mark. I hadn’t noticed that before.” Thiemo just grinned and wiggled his appendage a bit. She smiled back and picked up the clothes from the ground before placing them on a cushion next to him.

“Thanks,” Thiemo stroked his coat, “Miss…?”

“Where are my manners?” She sat on the cushion opposite to him. “My name is Sweet Chocolate. I work in a confectionary here in the Empire. You already know Meena and have met our little sunshine, Candy Crush. Our stallion, Mineral, is in the Crystal Guard.”

“Nice little… herd?” That was actually more of a question, but he took Chocolate’s smile as an answer.

“Thanks. May I ask you a question?” He had noticed at the door already that she wanted something from him. Now that he was already sitting here, he nodded. “First of all, was one of your parents a pony? I have never seen a human with a tail.”

“No, it was more of a magical accident that gifted me with that.” He stroked through his tail before softly pushing it under the table. “Both my parents were human. Why?”

She tapped her hooves together on the table. “Meena is dreaming of having her own foal with Mineral, but unfortunately, humans and ponies can’t have foals, so when she was talking about you, I thought…” Thiemo could understand that. There were a lot of childless couples on Earth who hoped in vain. “Is it true that you are from the same planet as her?”

Thiemo was surprised. “She told you? And you believed her?”

“Of course,” Sweet Chocolate protested immediately. “She belongs to our family!” She held a hoof in front of her mouth. “Sorry. We shouldn’t be too loud. Meena is sleeping in the next room. The night shift really took a lot out of her.” For a few seconds, they remained silent.

“Well, I think I’ll be going then.” Thiemo stood up and carried his old clothes in his arms. “It was nice meeting you, Miss Chocolate.”

The door to the apartment complex closed behind Thiemo as he entered the crowded streets of the Crystal Empire again. Rupie, who had been leaning against the house wall until now, stepped next to him. “Where to now?”

“I think a hotel or something of that sort. Nothing too expensive.” He didn’t have a lot of money. In his backpack, which held his few meager possessions, were about twenty bits left. That would be enough for one night in a mediocre hotel, or three in a bad one. Rupie nodded and showed him the way.

The silence didn’t last long. At the first crossroads they reached, he heard a loud, slightly familiar voice shouting, “Found him, Dashie! He’s dressed up as a minotaur, but no one fools the master of disguise.” Both Thiemo and Rupie looked around and found a pink mare with a wild, curly, and also pink mane jumping up and down in the crowd. Above her, however, wa a cyan pegasus mare, whose eyes followed the hoof of her friend. Thiemo couldn’t hear it, but he was sure that the shivering yellow bundle next to them was starting to whimper.

“Now we’ve got you, human!” Rainbow Dash flew with lightning speed over to him and Rupie and pressed her snout against the face of the human. “What did you do with our friends?!” Just what he needed.

Author's Notes:

Did you know? Rupie is named Rupie because I was to lazy to look up the word Rupee? Then I liked it so much I stuck with it. ^^
What? Time skip? I don't know what you're talking about? OK, you got me. I said there would be a little time skip. Only I confused the chapters. The skip isn't in this one, but in the next. Hey, I have around 180 chapters up to 98% in my head. I could tell anyone who asked the whole story in detail by heart. Just confused a little detail.

Anyway. I thinks Thiemo's thoughts were maybe a bit confusing. To some it up, he noticed that Amy was used as a token of "friendship" from Celestia to Cadance so that the Empire maybe would help Equestria with their little "Ti & human" problem. Something else he missed completely, but will noticed later on by him. Hints are there by the way. To notice it, you should pay attention what Iron Heart and Night Hawk have said. (And Luna.)

Oh, and don't worry. You will know how this confrontation ended.

Thanks to Gron for translating this chapter.
Special thanks to JBL for proofreading and editing.

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