I shot up from my bed panting, heart pounding inside my throat. Leaning forward, I rubbed the Goosebumps on my arms. My body shook with cold even though I was sweating. The constant nightmares were getting old, fast.

   I got up from bed. No way I was going back to sleep after that vivid nightmare.

   I spoke with Twilight about the dreams after my third one. She told me she would ask the Princess about them. Twilight also said that nightmares, or dreams of that nature, were signs of dark magic.

   Magic had given a reach to my feelings, like I could feel small changes in the air. I always felt bitter cold after my bad dreams. The first time the dreams started I felt nothing, until I practiced magic, then the cold came and the dreams got worse.

   I made my bed neat, then walked out of my room, through the main library hall and stood in front of the kitchen window. It was very early in the morning.

   Standing there staring outside the window's clear surface, my eyes were captivated by the most extravagant sunrise they ever witnessed. I had seen sunrises in Equestria before, but I watched that one in wonder. The horizon burned with swirling crimson. The trees, the land, the distant show laden mountains and Ponyville were being consumed by the horizon, burning with a magical maelstorm of fire. I had no words that could do that sight justice.

   I wonder what my sister's doing without me watching her? What about my parents?

   I heard foot steps going down the stairs.

   "Hey, Argyle, why are you up so early?"

   Spike yawned while stretching. "You didn't have another one of your nightmares, did you?"

   I answered weakly, my attention on the sunrise and my thoughts. "Oh, hey, Spike, just the usual."

   Spike walked up to me, standing next to my left. Looking at me then out the window a few times, he tilted his head, puzzled.

   "What? Haven't you ever seen a sunrise before?" He had both his hands on his sides.

   "Not like this."

   Spike shook his head. "Man, you Humans really are strange."

   "Said the talking Dragon." I smerked slightly.

   Before Spike could reply, hooves pattered down the stairs.

   "Good morning guys!"

   Twilight had her usual warm smile on.

   "What's going on? Oh...."

   Her eyes focused outside the window. "Celestia, must've just returned to the Palace. That particular sunset only happens when she celebrates her return from a long trip."

   She walked into the main library room, horn glowing. Pages on the nearby tables flew towards her. She cast quick looks at each one that passed her vision by. Her expression normal at first, but she frowned after the twentieth page passed.

   After pondering to herself, she trotted to a nearby desk, opening the drawer and searching it. More pages flew by, each one disappointed her more. Twilight eyed around then ran to another desk, opening and searching its drawer.

   I watched with my head tilted, wondering what in the world she was doing.

   Her expression went frantic when the drawer was searched empty. Her horn glowed again and all the once organized lose papers and pages flew at her in a mess of sheets.

   Glancing at each one, her frantic look worsened. "No, no, not that one, no, no! Spike, where is it?!"

   Spike sighed. "Here we go. Where is what Twilight?"

   "The report I finished yesterday! You know, the one on Starswirl's Automaton Theorem? The one that I need to make this trip perfect!"

   "It's over in the desk, remember?"

   Twilight sharply turned her head at Spike.

   "I know, but I checked it!"

   She then ran over to another table. "Oh, where is it?"

   Spike crossed his arms with a shrug while walking towards the desk he mentioned. "It should be in there."

   Twilight sometimes had a slight tendency to overreact. I had some experience with it, but I was in for a new lesson on it.

   I waved my hand at her. "Don't worry, Twilight. It's just a report."

   Note the reason for my shyness, as I always said things in the opposite way I meant them to sound.

   What I really wanted to say was, "Don't worry Twilight, if you don't find it we'll pitch in and help you make a new one." Yeah, I meant all that from "It's just a report." She obviously caught that, right?

   Spike, from across the room standing on a stool, his hands in the desk's lower drawer, face-palmed with his right hand.

   Twilight stopped dead in her manic search then looked at me in bewilderment.

   "Just a report?"

   She frowned heavily. "Just a report!?"

   My smile sunk into a frown, as she walked briskly towards me, stopping just feet away and pointing a fore hoof at me.

   "Do you know how long it took me to finish that report?"

   I waved my arms quickly. "No wait, that's not-"

   "A full month! Everything I could find on the topic is on that report! I was hoping to surprise the Princess with it, but now...."

   A thought hit her. Pictures of Celestia's disapproval raced in her mind, her disappointment in her faithful Student losing such an important research paper and its compiled information on Starswirl's personal findings on the laws and physics of Automatons.

   Twilight chomped on her hooves in angst, fearing the Princesses' impending judgement and the possiblity of disowning her faithful number one student.

   She ran over to the other side of the library, pages flying everywhere. "Oh, horseapples! Were is it?!"

   Spike was still rummaging through the desk. I walked to up him.

   He heavily sighed with relief, while brushing the sweat off his brow with his right hand.

   "Phew, that was a close one."

   Spike shook his head at me. "Argyle, you really need to be more careful."

  I scratched my head, watching Twilight swear up a storm and tear through the library and Spikes hard work, like a freight train. "No kidding."

   I gestured to the drawer. "So, did you find it?"

   Spike sighed.

   "I'm looking, but I don't see it."

   His hand rummaged again. "It's not like it's hiding in here, there're only four pages."

   I thought for a minute. "How many pages were in the drawer before you put in the report?"

   Spike shrugged. "Um, four I think. It hasn't changed at all."

   "Then the report's not in there."

   "I kind of have to agree, but I put it in here myself just last night. It's gotta be here."

   "Maybe it fell into the bottom below drawer. That happens sometimes when you pull it too hard."

   Spike nodded. "Hey, I bet that's what happened." He carefully pulled on the drawer, nearly getting it off its rail.

   "If it's not there, then we can make a new one." I turned around to check on Twilight.

   I always tried to keep to the bright side of things, good things come to those with good attitudes, right? Wonder how Twilight felt about that philosophy?

   I saw Twilight's ears twitch while she froze in mid step. Her head turned slowly and she glared at me. Her mane was frizzled and her eyes narrowed with a death stare that burned my gut.

   "Make a new one?" Her ears bent down and her face slowly contorted into pure fury.

   She growled through gritted teeth, "Make a new one?!"

   I stood silent, wanting to dismiss the misunderstanding verbally, but I had a feeling the damage was done.

   "Uh, oh. Now you've done it." Spike stood to my side with papers in his hand. Out of nowhere, he grabbed a suit of pillows tied together with belts sporting a metal helmet.

   Twilight's purple colour began turning bright red, as steam started to jet out her ears.

   Spike turned to face me. "No time, here!"

   He snapped his fingers and with a poof a cloud of purple smoke enveloped me. After it cleared, I was waring a bigger version of Spike's pillow suit with a matching metal helmet.

   I looked at myself wide eyed.

   "How the-"

   "Now when I say duck...."

   Spike's head turned, then his eyes went wide. "Hit the dirt, Argyle!"

   I turned my head, seeing Twilight standing in the middle of the main library hall looking like she was about to explode like a time bomb. Pages flew around in a whirlwind and the ground shook.

   "Oh shit!" I took a nose dive.

   "UGH!"

   The tree house exploded. Books flew off shelves like shrapnel from a grenade. Everything rattled inside the library like beads in a baby rattle, including Spike and myself.

   The tree house landed with a thundering thud, further mixing the mayhem brew inside. I landed hard on the floor. Showers of books rained down and buried everything.

   I dug myself out of the book pile, with Spike popping out moments later.

   He looked concerned. "Are you alright, Argyle?"

   I groaned as I stood up. "Surprisingly, yeah."

   Somehow, that simple pillow suit, kept me from getting hurt.

   I remember how I bounced around inside the library like a rubber ball and feeling shocked after emerging unharmed from it, all thanks to Spike's suit.

   "Spike, this suit is awesome! I would've been a spot on the wall without it."

   "Oh this? I just threw this together after the first time Twilight got this upset." Spike shuttered after saying that.

   I heard a noise to my left.

   Twilight's head popped out the sea of books, expression screaming horror.  "Oh, no! What have I done?! Now I'll never find it!"

   Spike held up his left hand, still clutching a bunch of crumpled papers. "I have it right here, Twilight."

   Twilight gasped, bursting out of the mass book pile and onto her hooves. Running over to Spike with her horn glowing, the crumpled report flew out of Spike's hand.

   Spike cross his arms. "Sheesh, your welcome."

   Once Twilight studied its inner surface, she giggled in delight and clapped her two front hooves together. "Oh, Spike, you really are my number one best assistant! Where did you find it?"

   "Well, it was in the desk, Twilight."

   Spike huffed. "But it fell out of the drawer and settled at the bottom."

   Twilight's head tilted. "Huh, that's strange, oh well."

   Spike put his hands on his sides while glaring at her, foot tapping.

   She looked around the disaster of a library and blushed in embarrassment. "Right, sorry guys. I guess I got a little carried away."

   I started taking off the suit. "That's alright, Twilight. It wasn't you fault."

  "It's alright? That's easy for you to say, Argyle. You don't have to clean all this up!" Spike threw his arms up in the air in protest.

   Twilight sheepishly smiled. "Don't worry, Spike. I'll help you clean this up. This mess is my fault."

   "I'll help too. This'll go by faster that way." I cast a levitation spell and books stared to float.

   Books flew from the mass piles on the library floor, as Twilight, Spike and myself put each one in its original order. Then Spike started to organize the papers and scrolls, while I helped out Twilight with the left over tomes and furniture.

   An hour passed by, as the time turned to mid morning. Twilight finished putting away the last tome.

   "And...done!"

   Twilight's stomach growled and she giggled. "Well, I'm hungry. Who wants eggs?"

   I nodded. "Alright."

   After going to the kitchen and helping Twilight make the meals, we sat at the table and ate. The eggs and alfalfa spouts were especially good, complemented by a great cup of coffee.

   Spike was listening to my IPod, again. He was really getting the hang of that machine. He figured out how to scan the menu and find new songs. His favorite was No Fear for the Setting Sun by Amon Amarth, although he was getting into Breaking Benjamin as well.

   You know, thinking back, Twilight once told me that I created a monster. I could not argue.

   I finally did mange to charge the battery. All it took was the proper amount of static current directed at the charging port through my hand. Normally throwing electricity at something bluntly would fry it, but I could direct current accurately without cables. Sending direct current was easy, unlike alternating it which was harder, like multitasking while running on a straight line kind of hard.

   After breakfast was over, the others visited us at the library, as the carriage would arrive soon and take us to Canterlot.

   "Hi, Sparky!" Pinkie bounced inside after Twilight began letting everyone in.

   "Hi Pink-"

   Pinkie popped up in front of me suddenly, before I could fully return the greeting.

   "So, are you excited?! I am, you're going to love love love it there! There's sooo much to see and do and eat and watch and...wait, does watching count as seeing?" Pinkie sat down, putting a hoof to her mouth in thought.

   After two full weeks of Pinkie Pie's company, few things ever surprised me. I even came to welcome the randomness.

   "Howdy, Argyle!" Applejack walked in, then gave me a nod. "How's it going?"

   "Good morning, Applejack. So far it's great. How's the farm going?" I leaned on one of the big book shelves.

   "It's go'n fine, if Rainbow and the weather team pulls through that is." She rolled her eyes.

   "Why? What happened?"

   Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Fluttershy had already walked in. I watched Rainbow walking towards us after Applejack said that.

   "Don't worry, Applejack. I'll be leading the weather team tomorrow, so don't sweat." Rainbow smiled.

   "Yeah, well, just you make sure not to over water the crops this time. The soil was good'n soggy for all this week!"

   I frowned.

   Oh, yeah, that'll do it.

   "Ah, come on, Applejack, I got this."

   Rainbow Dash pushed with her hoof on her chest. "I promise."

   "She is the best flyer in all Equestria." I raised and lowered both my eye brows repeatedly at Applejack.

   She laughed. "Well, if you're lead'n it, then ah'm sure it'll turn out alright." Applejack smiled.

   Rainbow smiled at me. "Thanks."

   I waved you're welcome.

   Fluttershy and Rarity walked over towards me, while Applejack and Rainbow went over to Twilight.

   Fluttershy asked with her usual soft and sweet tone, "Hello, Argyle. How are you?"

   Rarity asked with that welcoming smile, "Yes, how are you this fine morning, Darling?"

   "Hi guys."

   It was nice having the whole gang around again.

   I smiled back. "I'm doing fine, how about you two?"

   "That's great."

   Fluttershy smiled. "Everything's been a little different since the animals started behaving strangely, but my animals seem to be fine."

   Rarity put her fore hoof on her chest.. "So far it has been fabulous for me. Oh and how did you like the new sets of clothes I sent to you? It was absolutely dreadful seeing you wear the same thing for a whole week."

   I pointed out that I was wearing a set she sent me. "They're awesome. Thanks a lot."

   She smiled. "Oh, you're most welcome, anytime, Darling."

   I saw a large bag on her back. I wondered what was inside and why a fashionista would toil with one. So I asked her about it.

   I pointed at the bag. "What is that you're carrying?"

   Rarity gasped. "Oh, my, goodness, I almost forgot. This is for you, Argyle."

   Her horn glowed. The bag levitated off her back, then gently fell flat on the floor.

   "For me? What is it?" I leaned closer to have a better look see.

   "It's just something I threw together for you to wear in front of the Princess. You simply must look your best."

   Her horn glowed again and a formal outfit floated out of the bag.

   It looked like an Equestrian's spin on a nineteenth century gentlemen's attire. It had a black coat with a high collar and its bottom fell just below the knees. It also had a design of gemstones that trailed over the coat's back, it looked like Rarity's cutie mark and there was that signature top hat.

   I remember smiling wide that I was going to visit the Princess in a gentlemen's outfit.

   Rarity was eyeing the attire and me while biting her lip, obviously nervous over something. "I hope you like it. I don't have as much experience with colt attire as I do mare, especially with designs that would fit you."

   Fluttershy complemented, "Wow, that is wonderful, Rarity."

   It really was wonderful, but it was Rarity, a true fashionista. "I love it. I aways wanted to dress as a gentlemen from the late eight-teen-hundreds."

   Rarity smiled weakly. "Eh, late eight-teen-hundreds? Argyle, Darling, don't you mean the forty-nine-eighties?"

   Even Fluttershy gave me a strange look after hearing that.

   Forty-nine-eighty? They're almost...three-thousand years ahead of man?! Why am I just discovering this?

   Few things surprised me, but that was one of those few things. I made a mental note to contemplate the physics of how that was possible later.  

   Twilight walked over to us after talking to Applejack and Rainbow. "Ready guys? The carriage will be here in a few minutes."

   "Well then, nevermind that. Here, Argyle, you had best get this on quick." Rarity handed me the attire.

   I nodded, then walked into my room.

   With a little magic, I got the whole suit on. The attire was a perfect fit, like always when it came to Rarity's craft work.

   I turned then went out of my room, to the applause of the whole gang.

   Rarity gasped. "Oh, you simply look fabulous, Darling! I was worried the gems would be too much, but they look dashing."

   Everyone complemented on Rarity's suit and how well I wore it.

   "Hey guys, the carriage is here." Spike warned while looking out the front window.

   "Great, let's go guys. The Princess awaits!" Twilight gestured to follow her out the front door.

   Joy.

   I was kind of excited, but more nervous. I had no clue how to act in front of royalty and the Princess was going to ask me some things, so seen-but-not-heard was out of the question. I just hoped my spotlight amnesia was on vacation. I stept outside, then walked to the carriage.

   The carriage ride was comfortable and the scenery was beautiful. While taking the road leading up a hill away from Ponyville, a sea of dark green swayed and ebbed far onwards the land below. The Everfree was captivating as always.

   Lakes, meadows and small forests dotted the landscape. The air was crisp, the skies were clear and the Sun warmed the day.

   We talked about random things and laughed, then conversation turned more assertive. I asked Twilight about the Elements of Harmony. She had already given me a basic understanding, but I still had pictures to fill.

   The others joined in with their two cents and explained how the Elements worked, to the best of their knowledge. There were six Elements of Harmony, Loyalty, Honesty, Generosity, Kindness, Laughter and Magic. When combined, they formed the oldest and perhaps most powerful force in Equestria. Little was known about the Element's origin.

   Twilight said she asked Celestia and even she did not know its true origin. The Elements were shrouded in mystery and it seemed they would remain veiled.

   The hours passed by, then Pinkie pointed a hoof out the carriage side window.

   "Look! There it is!"

   After we scaled over the last hill, the castle was visible. The Sun illuminated the white marble construct, like a mirror that shined warm light over all the land.

   "That's a lot of marble." I obsurved.

   Fluttershy agreed, "It sure is."

   "My, it just gets more gorgeous each time we come here." Rarity admired the marble construct.

   "Yeah and we get to eat at a super great bakery here!"

   Pinkie giggled. "It's no Sugarcube Corner, but it has really great cupcakes!"

   Twilight cleared her throat. "We can eat once we visit the Princess."

   "Awww." Pinkie slumped down into her seat.

   Rainbow Dash snickered and bumped Twilight on her shoulder. "Aw, come on, Twilight. It's not like the Princess will mind a few minutes."

   Applejack added, "And besides, ah'm sure she'll have more press'n duties to work on. She's the Princess after all."

   "Yeah, what she said." Rainbow crossed her forelegs over her chest and firmly nodded.

   Twilight looked at Pinkie still slumped over on her seat and sighed. "Alright, I guess a few minutes at the Canterlot bakery couldn't hurt."

   Pinkie immediately perked up then jumped over to hug Twilight. "Thank you thank you! I Promise I will be extra super quick! Just like Sparky!"

   I roughly smiled at her.

   I'm not a dog.

   Twilight grunted as Pinkie squeezed her tight, "Your welcome, Pinkie."

   Soon, the carriage stopped in front of the castle.

   The side doors opened.

   A whitish gray pony in a neat attire stood outside the door. "A most gracious of salutations Ladies and Sir and a heartfelt welcome to Canterlot."

   Hey, a butler.

   We all got out of the carriage.

   Once out, I got a great view of the whole castle.

    It rested on a stone ledge jetting from the mountain near a water fall. The water fall made a natural mote that required a draw bridge to cross.

   I adjusted my attire, then walked up to everyone.

   "The entrance is just this way, Ladies and Sir." The well dressed colt motioned for us to follow him towards the castle.

   Twilight answered softly. "It's alright, we know the way from here. Thank you."

   The well dressed colt bowed. "As Madam wishes, I will be ever so sure to let the Princess know her guests have arrived."

   I followed the others over the draw bridge, through the huge gate and into the castle.

   Twilight faced me. "Stick close to us, Argyle. It's very easy to get lost on your first time here."

   I adjusted my top hat. "No problem."

   The other ponies walking around stopped, then stared at me. Confusion, wonder and even hints of fear were stricken upon their features.

   A crowd began to form around the girls and myself.

   "I say, just what in Celestia is that?"

   I knew what that meant. "Here we go."

   I was hoping since Ponyville warmed up to me, Canterlot would fare the same treatment. I was wrong.

   "Uh, oh." Spike covered the left side of his mouth with his hand to hide what he was saying to Twilight. "Twilight, we should go."

   A pony with a violet scarf said from the crowd, "Well, whatever it is, it's lavishly dressed."

   "Yes, I'm Rarity, his designer." She boasted, "Please, you're all too kind, but do go on."

   A pony in a white coat asked around, "It is quite tall too. Where did such a creature come from?"

   Tall? I'm only 5ft 10in.

   All the other ponies did meet me at chest hight, so it made sense once I thought about it.

   Rarity waved her foreleg. "Remember, come to the Carousel Boutique in Ponyville!"

   Applejack grabbed Rarity. "Come on, miss Fashionista."

   "Argyle, we need to go." Twilight tugged at my coat and I was not about to argue.

   Ponies with cameras started to take pictures with a storm of light flashes.

   We started running down the street, trying to lose the growing crowd. The mob ran right after us.

   We hid in a nearby alleyway, barely avoiding the mob running past us.

   Rainbow shook her head. "I think the bakery detour idea's out."

   Pinkie huffed in disapproval.

   "Sorry, Pinkie, but going to see the Princess is the best option right now." Twilight put her hoof on Pinkie's shoulder apologetically.

   "It's okay guys." Pinkie smiled. "But let's hurry, time is cupcakes!"

   On Rainbow Dash's go, we all raced for the main Palace gate. We barely cleared into the safety of the main iron gate, before the crowd could catch up and mob me down.

   What's the deal with those ponies?! I shook my head.

   "Ruffians!" yelled Rarity, panting from all the running. "And to think, I considered you high society!"

   Applejack agreed. "You can say that again, Sugarcube."

   "Woohoo!" Pinkie jumped around giggling. "That was fun!"

   I felt rather bad. My mere presence was causing disturbances. "That was ridiculous. If I knew this would've happened, I would've offered to hide and save you guys the trouble."

   "Now don't you go'n start that crazy talk, Argyle." Applejack pointed her hoof at me. "It's not your fault those silly fillies are half'n apple off pie."

   "I could not agree with her more. It is not your fault, Darling." Rarity brushed dust off her gown with her left hoof. "I mean just look at my dress! It's all dirty."

   I thought to myself then smiled. "Well, that just wont do at all." I snapped my fingers.

   The loose dirt on her dress puffed off in a yellowish gray cloud, revealing the beautiful dress below in all its splendor.

   Rarity beamed at her newly cleaned dress. "Oh, Argyle, how did you do that?"

   "A little bit of this and a dash of magic." I winked.

   Rarity blushed. "Well, I don't know what to say. Thank you."

   "Anytime." I heard someone call out to my right.

   Spike waved from across the main court yard. "Come on guys. Celestia is waiting."

   "Let's go." Twilight waved her foreleg.

   While we walked over to the main Palace door, Twilight trotted up to me and walked side by side. "Just how did you do that, Argyle?"

   "I read a few books on the elements to pass the time." I smiled. "On further inspection, I realized that dirt was mostly made up of silica dioxide silt, street sand to be exact. After seeing that, all I needed was a gust of wind and a burst of static to clear it."

   Twilight blinked in disbelief. "You knew that just by looking at it?"

   I laughed. "Oh, no. I knew it the moment Rarity brushed her dress. Didn't you feel the small static charge in the air when she did?"

   She thought for a moment. "Actually, now that you mention it, I did feel something, but I always feel slight changes in the air. I got so used to it over the years, I hardly pay it much mind anymore."

   "It's exactly like magic."

   She giggled. "I'll say."

   We reached the main door, then the two guards opened the huge ornate white wooden doors.

   A white earth stallion walked over towards us, from the inside of the Palace. Gold armour covered every inch of his figure, except for the helm. He had solid deep blue eyes, with a medium kept mane of the same colour mixed with a few much lighter blue streaks running upwards, but his tail was lightish blonde.

  Something about him made my gut feel odd. I waited for him to speak first.

  His stance was like a wall of stone, unflinching and unfeeling. "Welcome, Twilight Sparkle. The Princess is expecting you. I will see you to her majesty personally."

  Twilight smiled. "Thank you, Arco, but you did not have to trouble yourself with us. I know the way to the throne room."

   "Normally, I would agree whole heartedly."

   His eyes gravitated to me. "However, the circumstances of this situation...demanded otherwise."

   I asked, "Me, you mean?"

   "Yes." He answered with a cold unyielding stare that could bore through solid steel.

   They say when animals lock eyes it's a test of dominance. The animal that looked away first was the weakest. I did not want to, but I looked away as my eyes hit his. I cursed at my shyness under my breath.

   Arco turned crisply. "This way, follow close."

   I got Twilights attention. "Twilight, who's that?"

   "Arco? He's the General of the whole Equestrian army."

   She shrugged in intense thought. "Ohh, there's a term for his position. I just can't put a hoof on it."

   I answered weakly, "The General of Armies."

   "Yes, that's it! How did you know?" She tilted her head.

   I sighed, "We have a General of Armies back at my home, on Earth."

   I cought a glimpse of Arco's left ear twitching after I said Earth. "He's essentially the head of our entire army."

   "Argyle, isn't it strange just how close our cultures are? I mean, we're literally worlds apart."

   Tell me about it.

   We reached the throne room. Two massive white doors blocked our pathway. Arco gave the nearby door guards a nod. Once both guards opened the doors, they gave him crisp salutes.

   Arco passed them. "At ease."

   We followed Arco into the throne room. Solid white marble made up the whole floor. Massive staind windows and a long red carpet lead up to the throne.

   Sitting on the throne looking towards us with a smile was the most beautiful creature I had ever seen. We stopped about 15 feet away from the Princess. Arco, Spike and the girls bowed.

   I stood there, captivated. Never had I seen such a sight. Her ethereal mane and tail were like a rainbow of colors that waved in the windless air. Her white coat as pure as mountain snow. Astonishingly, she had both a horn and wings. On her head a golden tiara. On her tender features the warmest of smiles. Princess Celestia, divine, pure, a Sun goddess.

    The magic welling off her bathed everything with warmth and calm. My legs felt weak. My stomach felt like melting away.

    Twilight tugged at the foot of my coat. She looked at me like I was crazy.

   I couldn't figure out why.

   She whispered harshly through a forced smile, "Argyle, bow!"

    Everyone else in the room was staring at me. I had been standing there like a liming. Blushing in shock, I took my hat off then went to bow.

    Celestia cleared her throat and commanded in a sweet tone, "Hold."

   I froze in place, halfway bowing.

   "Argyle Orion, I presume?"

   I looked up to her, she was half smiling.

   Holding my breath I choked out., "You assume right."

   "I heard much about you from my faithful student."

   Her tone sweet and warming.

   "However, Twilight forgot to mention how dapper you would dress just to see me."

   She giggled. "I could hardly sleep tonight, if I left such a lovely attire to get dirty, just for the sake of petty fealties."

   I just blinked, taken aback by her humbleness.

   Gorgeous and humble.

   I said, while giving her a smaller leaning bow, "Oh, thank you, your Majesty."

   I remember how comfortable I felt, the shyness slowly melting away. One could stay forever trapped in that moment. I however, just wanted to go home.

   Celestia returned the gesture with a nod of her head.  "Please, everypony stand."

   Everyone in the throne room stood, then Arco returned to his spot near the throne.

   "Now, Argyle, how has your experience in Equestria been thus far?"

   "Great, your Majesty."

   I smiled, recalling all the shenanigans I went through with my new friends, even in just two short weeks. "I couldn't stress that enough."

   The others all smiled around me.

   "Splendid. It is not very often we get visitors from other worlds, let alone other universes."

   My eyes caught a distant figure just behind the throne, but it was too hidden in the shadows to see clearly.

   Distant dark outline...hmmm.

   I kept one eye on that shadow. I remembered seeing a figure out of a window at Twilights library on the first night I stayed with her and then that girl paying me a visit soon after.

   "I also hear you have a firm grasp on the magical arts? So much so, that you personally earned the respect and trust of my faithful student, Twilight Sparkle."

   I nodded. "Yes, your majesty. Twilight, Spike, the other girls here helped me use magic effectively."

   "That is well news indeed. I must thank every one of them for their kindness. I would not expect any less from the Elements of Harmony and from Spike."

   Twilight, the other girls and Spike all said, "Thank you, Princess!"

   She smiled. "Certainly. Now, that brings me to the measure of your stay here in the castle, Argyle."

   Hearing that shocked me.

   Stay? Did I hear her right?

   "Pardon your majesty, but did I hear you say I will be staying?"

   I tried to keep my panic down, but my anxiety kicked in. A pit grew in my stomach. Was she implying that I could never return home? Had she already made permanent preparations for me?

   "Yes, you heard correctly. Does this news upset you?" Her smile melted away while she tilted her head and frowned.

   Her features looked disappointed and worried. "I hope you don't feel that I am rushing you."

   "Well, you see your majesty-"

   "Please, Argyle, call me Celestia." She kind of cut me off.

   At first my anxiety wanted me to curl up in a ball. The spotlight burning a hole through my being, but something deeper commanded I stand. I felt a small chill. I suddenly felt irked. My stomach's pit deepened but with it came, strangely, frustration. I balled up my first.

   Twilight tugged at my coat.

   I looked behind me.

   She was shaking her head no.

  I saw nervousness in her eyes. Something was making her nervous, adding to my uneasiness. Everyone there had an air of tension about them that moment.

   Why is Twilight upset?

   "Do go on." Celestia gestured with her fore hoof at me.

   I took in a breath. "Well, Celestia, I feel that Twilight has more yet to teach me and I have just become comfortable in my current residence with her. My new friends have also warmed up to my company. So you must understand, that is not something I can just break."

   Twilight and the others looked at me. Twilight was wondering how I could choose her over the Princess. The others were thinking something very similar.

   "I understand."

   Celestia smiled. "Your friends are more than welcome to visit you here anytime and although Twilight Sparkle does possess the ability to further you in magic even still, I have somepony else in mind who can push you even further."

   Her eyes moved to her left, where the dark figure stood.

  "Somepony that I have watched and waited on to gain the air of a teacher, the abilty to finally take an apprentice under her wings and make all of the responsible commitments necessary to bring one up. You see, Argyle, your presence was just the trick my situation needed."

   The dark figure loomed forward from the throne's shadow as Celestia finished what she was saying.

   "My younger sister, Princess Luna."

   The others around me gasped.

   Another gorgeous creature like Celestia stepped out of the shadows. Her ethereal mane and tail akin to the night sky also flowed in the still air. Stars and constellations flowed and flared inside her mane and tail's cobalt abyss. Her coat was pure indigo and her breath stopping eyes a mellow cyan.

   Her cutie mark was a blot of nihility with a crescent moon over it.

   The magic flowing off her felt a mix of cold and warm, like the warmth of still night air with the slight chill of sudden wind gusts. It was mellow and haunting. Alicorns, a higher form of being. Speechlessly I was witnessing physical divinity.

   Beautiful.

   "Elder sister, surely thy jest?" Luna looked at me with intense shock.

   I missed what happened. I was far too captivated by two flowing forces of nullifying power. I could have fallen asleep to it.

   Even the other girls and Spike, looked at each other in shock. I think I remember seeing Arco chuckle slightly at that  sudden development.

   "Oh, no sister. I am quite serious." Celestia still had a warm smile on.

    Luna looked the least bit amused. "Surely thou couldst hath informed us prior?"

   "But that would hath ruined the surprise younger sister." Celestia winked at Luna.

   Cold spiked up my gut, shocking me back to my senses. Shaking my head clear, I wondered what I was going on and why everyone was so flustered.

   I did not like being out of the loop, so I turned to Twilight. "Twilight what just happened? I missed it."

   Twilight stared at me wild eyed. "You what?! How could you -ugh- nevermind. Celestia wants you to apprentice under Luna."

   "Wha-what?" I gaped and looked up at the two Alicorns.

   Anxiety welled up, but was beat down by frustration again. No, I did not want that. Magic was awesome and all, but I needed to go home.

   I closed my eyes, bit my lip, then cleared my throat. "Excuse me."

   I looked at Celestia while Luna stood flustered and agitated next to her.

   "Yes, is there a problem?" Celestia smiled and tilted her head.

   "Ye-" I stopped, breathed and kicked my anxiety down.

   The chill deepened and I felt even more irked. With it I found my spine. "Yes, there is."

   Both Alicorns raised their eye brows.

   "As wonderful as your offer is, Twilight sent you letters, explaining my real reason for coming here. I'm here to find a way home, not to stay."

   "Yes, I am aware."

   Celestia nodded slightly. "But, as I told her, such a thing will take time. You will have to stay here anyway, so in the meantime, you can train under my sister."

   "How long?"

   Celestia thought to herself, then shrugged. "Such things are unpredictable, especially when I do not know how you even came here."

    "Is it even possible?"

    She shook her head. "It really is too soon to tell. I am sorry."

   I balled up my fist and closed my eyes, then looked at Twilight. She had a pleading expression, begging me not to have an outburst.

   I wondered why she would have that kind of face on. I was not the kind of person to have an outburst, but I realized my expression was rather harsh.

   I eased my fists and relaxed after a few deep breaths.

   I'm starting to hate this.

   I looked up to Celestia and simply nodded.

   I felt like the rabbit in the cage, with some scientist dangling a carrot over it. Too bad I had not eaten in over a week. Only the annoying water bottle he attached to my cage kept me alive. Every life sustaining lick made an agonizing clicking noise.

   The cold started running up my back.

   I wondered why I even drank anymore. I should've just lied down until he fed me, or I wasted away and was finally released from that Iron hell. Freedom.

   I shook my head, surprised by my thoughts.

   That was morbid, how unlike me.

    Luna muttered while she shot her sister a very heated yet gloomy look, "Tis not fair."

   "I would not have done this unless I felt you were truly ready for it."

   Celestia eyed over the throne room. Pinkie waved to her. "Let us discuss this later in private?"

   Luna nodded, although she remained holding a perturbed look.

   "Let us let the subject float for a time. Argyle, tell us about your homeland, Earth was it?"

   My eyes looked side to side. "Um, well...where to began?"

   Looking around for something to compare with my world, my eyes rested upon the gold clad Arco. I remembered what Twilight had asked me before.

   Half of me wondered if such a topic would have been appropriate, a stranger other half could have cared less. That strange cold chilling more, I smiled devilishly.

   This should be good.

   I cleared my throat. "Well, we have a General of Armies, like you have with General Arco over there."

   I pointed at him.

   "Oh? Please elaborate." Celestia sounded interested. Arco himself slightly tilted his head and stared at me with those unyielding deep blue eyes.

   I winked at Twilight. She looked at me confused. "We have a General of Armies that pretty much leads everything. Where I come from, we are the world power. Everyone looks to us for aid and guidance."

   Arco commented, "You must have great enemies then."

   He has a brain.

   "We used to, but now we mostly fight nuisances."

   I thought for a minute, then I desided to ask a bold question. "Might I be so bold as to ask a question about Equestrian history?"

   "You most certainly may." Celestia smiled.

   "How does such a peaceful land as Equestria, distinguish a normal General from a grand one? Since I have not heard of any conflicts having happened recently?"

   Arco huffed. "I am a desendent down a long line of grand Generals. Leadership is in my blood. My great, great Grandfather lead the Equestrian army during the civil war. He was one of the reasons why Celestia had the time she needed to gather the Elements of Harmony and stop Nightmare Moon from utterly destroying-"

   He stopped after he looked over to both of the Princesses. Celestia stared at Arco with a very unamused look, while Luna was hanging her head down like she was suddenly saddened over something.

   Arco cleared his throat. "Forgive me, your Majesties. I got carried away."

   I laughed on the inside.

   Heh, I got him in trouble!

   "It is alright, General."

   Celestia finished what he was saying. "I made him the head General, because of his familiy's long history of being superb tacticians."

   The General returned his stare towards me, only that time it had a bit of fire in it directed at me.

   I smiled at him and waved, then froze, suddenly feeling ashamed. I never manipulated people, or ponies, for my entertainment. I found such acts very distasteful and beneath me. I wondered why I did it.

   How very unlike me.

   I made a mental note to apologize to Arco whenever I got the chance.

   "Now, back to the previous topic."

   Celestia cleared her throat. "Will you, Argyle Orion, accept the offer to become Luna's apprentice and move in to reside in this Palace until your teacher dubs you fit to leave, or a way to send you back home is found otherwise?"

   Looking up to the ceiling I sighed then let my head fall nodding. It seemed I had no practical choices. I looked at Twilight and the others. They all smiled weakly.

   I grinned in humor.

   I was trapped, no way out but in. "Well, can I have a minute to think at least?"

   I hoped at least I could talk with my friends and hear their thoughts.

   "Of course." Celestia nodded happily. "Take a few to decide."

   Walking with my friends away from the throne, we stopped near the massive white doors.

   Non of it made sense and seemed really rushed. "That was unforeseen. Why a meeting and not a letter? Over all, that could've been said on paper not in person and Luna's apprentice? Just like that?"

   "Yes, I have no idea." Twilight just shook her head. "Not only did the Princess keep me in the dark on that, me, her faithful number one student, but she...no, she's not like that."

   "Yeah, that was kinda weird, but this is not a bad thing right?" Spike added, "Argyle gets to apprentice under one of the Princesses, IN the palace. I mean come on!"

   Applejack agreed supportive as usual. "He's right, Sugarcube, ya have to accept."

   "I just don't know what to do, this is all so...sudden."

   I rubbed my forehead with my hand. "What about...never mind."

   I was getting tired of using the I'm-home-sick excuse to myself. I was up the creek without a paddle, no way out but to flow down creek and hope for the best.

   "Of course you do, Darling, just say yes! It's easy, here, repeat after me."

   Rarity cleared her throat.

   "Oh yes, of course I accept! Thank you. Thank you!"

   She posed dramatically.

   I watched the nearby guards just look at each other and shake their heads.

   Rarity finished then motioned her fore hoof at me. "Now you try."

   I just stood there, unthinking and speechless.

   Spike stood there motionless, goo-goo eyed while hearts popped above his head.

   Rainbow Dash laughed.

   Fluttershy blushed while giggling and answered, "Um, I don't think he should say it quite like that, Rarity."

   "Alright then, how should he?"

   Fluttershy cleared her throat. "Well, he should stand tall and with a calm, confident tone, say yes in his own way."

   "Yeah, you have to say yes, Argyle! This like never happens!" Spike put emphasis on the importance of it by gesturing with both his arms in the air.

   I asked concerned, "Alright, what about you guys?"

   "Oh, don't worry about us, Argyle."

   Rainbow Dash snorted then bumped my shoulder with her fore hoof friendly. "It's not like you're going to the moon, like the Princess said, we can visit ya."

   "And besides, this is very important and you must not pass it up." Twilight smiled warmly.

   "I must agree, Darling." Rarity waved her hoof. "An offer worthy of a true Gentlecolt, one he must accept."

   My friends, wonderful until the end. "Alright, I'll accept."

  "Yay for Sparky!" Pinkie cheered while bouncing, "He gets to eat those wonderful cupcakes every day!"

   Fluttershy cheered, "Yay, Argyle."

   Rainbow Dash groaned.

   Fluttershy's ears bent back. "Oh, too loud again?"

   I smiled at her. Sometimes, Fluttershy was too adorable.

   Her and I always had a blast, wither it was reading, walking or getting her into board games. She showed me a lot of things about plants and animals, I showed her how to play risk. To my surprise, she loved the game. Although, I failed to mention a key detail about it.

   It was about war and conquering, but I knew that small detail would more than likely ruin it for her. Her loving it made it harder to tell her, also, it was so rare to find someone to play risk with I really hated to risk losing the only one I had. Though, I felt really bad for keeping something from her, so I made a mental note to tell her at a later time, when I figured out how to tell her without ruining it.

   All the others cheered for me.

   With that, we walked back up to the throne. Celestia was waiting and smiling patiently, with Luna also waiting at her side. Arco continued to stare at me with those cold eyes.

   It was time to give them my answer.

   Celestia asked, "Have you decided?"

   "I accept. When do I move in?"

   She giggled. "Wonderful news! Do not worry, I have already sent for your belongings to be brought here, as the sooner you move in the better."

   Already sent for them?

   I found that very odd, almost like I had been set up. In fact, I figured it. "Then may I make at least one request?"

   "Of course."

   "May I spend the rest of today with my friends, here in Canterlot?"

   Celestia nodded kindly. "I see no harm in that, of course."

   "Thank you." I smiled back.

   She nodded slightly while keeping her smile. "Then I do believe that sums up this meeting. Everypony is dismissed."

   I turned around. The cold slowly dissipated, then a thought hit me.

   Bitch.

   I frowned, horrified such a horrible word popped into my head randomly.

   Celestia got up from the throne, with Luna following her. She stepped towards a room further back behind the throne. Two guards opened the door, then closed and locked it once both Princesses were inside.

   The others and I walked out of the throne room, then soon into the main court yard near the Iron gate.

   I put my top hat on. "Alrighty guys, since that disaster is over with, who's hungry?"

   Pinkie bounced up in the air waving one of her hooves. "Oooh oooh, me me me, I am!"

   I chuckled. "Well then, let's go to that bakery."

   Pinkie cheered out with confetti blasting around her.

   Applejack asked, waving her hoof to swat the confetti away from her while looking around the courtyard, "Hold on, where's Twi?"

   Rarity added also looking around, "That's strange, I could have swarn I saw her not but a few minutes ago."

   I answered reasonably, "She probably gave Celestia that report she made for her."

   Spike agreed. "Yeah, she asked me for it then took off while we walked through the Palace."

   Twilight came trotting out of the main Palace gate. We all turned to watch her walking up to us.

   She looked slightly upset. "Sorry about that guys. Was I late?"

   I knew when Twilight looked upset, a storm was usually brewing somewhere nearby.

   We had best get to that bakery.

   I told her, "No, you came just in time. We're just going to the bakery."

   Applejack asked Twilight concerned, "Ya alright, Sugarcube? You look a little flustered."

   "Yeah, you look like somepony gave you the hoof."

   Rainbow Dash said hovering in the air, "If that's the case, I'll kick somepony's flank hard." She punched both her fore hooves together.

   I wondered if that was their version of the middle finger.

   "Oh no, it's nothing to worry about. I'm just fine, really."

   "Are you sure?"

   Fluttershy walked up to her and put her fore hoof on Twilight's shoulder in reassurence. "You can tell us anything."

   "Thanks guys, but let's talk about it later."

   Twilight gestured at the Iron gate. "Come on, let's go."

   "Halt!" echoed over the court yard. Two guards stood near the entrance to the Palace, looking right at me.

   Who the?

   Both trotted up to us.

   One guard had a scar over his face. "We are to be your escort through town, by order of General Arco himself."

   "Ah, that's right, the other ponies here."

   I remembered the first few minutes at Canterlot. "They're such a pain."

   "Understood, let us lead the way." The other guard had a mild gaelic accent.

   A Gaelic accent?  

   I looked at him then nodded. "Sure thing."

   I walked over to the gate, with them and everyone else behind me.

   The guard with an accent told the gate keeper, "Open the gate!"

   The Iron gate opened, then standing outside, sure enough, was that mob only doubled in size.

    I heard a yelling from the crowd.

   "There it is!"

   Rainbow Dash swore, "What the hay?! Don't they have lives to get back to?"

   "Quick, take a picture before it gets away!"

   "Fear not, Madam." The guard with a scar trotted up the gate entrance

   "Leave this to us!" The guard with an accent stood near the other.

   I watched both guards stand as stout as stone columns. They peered at the advancing crowd. I never got to see their expressions, but the looks on the other ponies faces said enough. The whole mob stopped in its tracks.

   The guard with an accent commanded, "Go about your day!"

   The whole mob scattered then disappeared.

   I clapped lightly in approval.

   "Wow, you guys really are good." Rainbow Dash observed in awe.

   The guard with a scar slightly bowed humbly. "All in a days work, Madam."

   The guard with an mild accent laughed. "If ya think that's impressive, you should 've seen this fellow durin' the royal wedding. He was a right beast!"

   I offered, "You can tell us about it over a cupcake, if you like."

   You deserve it.

   "If that is where you are headed, then sure." The guard with a scar gestured for us to follow him, then we all went about the rest of the castle.

    At the bakery, I sat with everyone while watching Pinkie accept a folk dance challenge from the guard with an accent. It looked like a type of Irish folk dance. I knew Pinkie could brake physics anytime she wanted, but that guard actually did very well and even almost won. It was one hell of a show.

   The cupcakes were just awesome and they served coffee with them. We walked everywhere, doing anything that came to mind, seeing all the sights and eating most of the eats. After about the whole other half of that day, it was finally time for the others to go home.

    I watched the midday sun lower in the sky. Orange, yellow and red mixed together, as dusk prepped its easel with an undercoat of brilliance.

   "I will try to write you guys whenever I can."

   Applejack softly added, "Don't worry, Sugarcube. Ah reckon you'll see us sooner then ya think." She winked.

   "Yeah, don't think for a second we're that easy to get rid of."

   Rainbow dash shrugged. "And who knows? One of the clouds I nap on next might somehow float over here suddenly. Then I'll have no choice but see how you're doing." She smiled cunningly.

   I added humorously, "Well, wind is an unpredictable thing."

   "Exactly." She nodded.

   Twilight giggled. "We'll visit, Argyle. Don't worry."

    Spike informed while walking up to us, "Alright, the carriage is waiting."

    Fluttershy frowned. "Angel will miss you, Argyle."

    Twilight added, "And that's saying something."

   "Tell me about it." I laughed.

   "Yes, well, not just Angel Bunny, but all the others too. Plus, I'll miss our Risk nights."

   I nodded. "Yeah, that is a bummer. We'll figure something out."

   Pinkie looked at me with a large grin. "And I'll miss having you around, Sparky."

   And I'll miss the dog names.

   "Same goes to you." I smiled.

   Rarity said, "We all will."

   "But I know the Princess can help you get waayy better as a mage."

   Pinkie bounced around while giggling. "So, I'm not sad. I'm actually happy!"

   Spike agreed. "Yeah, this is great! Who knows? You might actually get as good as Twilight one day."

   Twilight pointed her hoof at me. "If he works hard, I have no doubt he will."  

   She walked up to me and put a piece of paper in my left coat pocket, then nodded to me.

   I thought that strange, but I nodded back. I made a mental note to read it and find out what she was up to later.

   The others just looked at one another, befuddled.

   Rarity shrugged, then commanded, "Now, give us all a hug goodbye, Darling."

   I quickly glanced back at the two guards standing behind over my right about fifteen feet away.

   Do I have too?

   I sighed, then we all huddled together. They went towards the carriage afterwards.

   I watched as they got into the carriage. "Goodbye guys!"

   They all yelled back, as their carriage rode away, "Goodbye, Argyle!"

   Not even one minute and I started to miss them. I had something to leave behind, two homes to call my own. I had not fully realized how attached I had become until then. I knew it was going to suck when I had the choice to return home, provided if I ever did.

   The guard with an accent cleared his throat. "Ready to head back, Boy'o?"

   I turned to head towards the Palace.  "Yeah, let's go."

   That was the last day of any real sanity I had. I would soon start my road to learning my enemy and in result see just how deep in trouble we all were, that saying goodbye to my friends that first time would mark the beginning of the end.