Despite the occurrences of the previous night only one thing approached my mind as I slipped back into consciousness, What is burning? I forced myself to roll over to discover a lovely plate of black sitting on a small table beside me with a card alongside.

I made you breakfast and left it here for when you get up! Your's truly~ Hope..

"Well I guess it is the thought that counts" I stated in amused defeat pulling myself off the bed mildly impressed how the drug was still in effect. I dragged myself into Hope's bathroom where I used a light, clean cloth from a pile aside to wash off my face and neck, and then compressed together with hot water against my shoulder. Using the wrap that was around my shoulder beforehand I constricted the washcloth in place and put on my armor in order to add extra support. I assumed this would work for the best; Celestia wanted us to get to know Equestria a little before we left to return to Serentia, and as a member of the Serentian council it would serve well for this to be my first major act of diplomacy if I did it correctly.

Departing from the room I was relieved to find the castle a whole lot easier to navigate in the daylight. I approached the balcony blissed yet surprised by the sun's intensity as it was one of the brightest shines I have ever encountered. I marveled at the warmth and how the sun's rays reflected so flawlessly off the surroundings before retreating from the corridor towards the main center of the castle. Today I feel is going to be a good day. I wandered around the castle briefly moving from dining area to several corridors and finally the outskirts of the throne room, where I finally found Celestia and Hope engaging in graceful discussion.

"Well good to see you finally awoke! Having fun sleeping in until almost ten?" Celestia humored herself. "I do not blame you though considering what Luna told me about you assisting her last night. How did that go? Luna did not tell me"

"Well only did one so I cannot really say much about it." I told her.

"Well I can understand what you mean by that. Hard to compare something if you only have one thing to compare."

"The sun is stunning today if I may so Princess."

"Well I am not the one you should be telling that to. Hope helped me today with it." Celestia informed me. Hope's soft yellow face turned red as my eyes turned and locked momentarily with hers.

"I did not do anything really, it is your sunrise." Hope responded to Celestia.

"That may be so but your assistance is what has made the light celebrate in luscious thanksgiving."

"Thank you again for letting me help."

"It is no problem! You did very well for your first time and it is the least I could do!" Celestia proclaimed causing Hope's face to shine even redder. "Bladz, I am sorry but I will not be able to show you around today like I would of liked; however, I am more than certain that Hope can serve in my place. Also, Ms. Sparkle stated earlier that she is going to Ponyville today, they are having some sort of celebration and she wanted to know if you want you can tag along with her. She said that you might be interested in meeting a few people over there."

"Thank you ma'am. Where are Lightning and Carnivorous?"

"They left to spend the day in Cloudsdale based on Lunar's request. Oh by the way, how did you like your morning meal?" Hope's eyes lite up in anticipation.

"I found it to be a pleasant surprise!"

Celestia nodded and walked beside me towards the throne room. "I asked the chef to make something for you just so you do not starve to death." she whispered to me as she passed. I smiled but I was content with what I got; it was not like it was burnt entirely to the core, just a few edges and the bottoms of somethings.

"Well quite honestly I have no idea what we could do and I have nothing planned but I see no reason for that to hinder us!" Hope admitted.

"Whatever you have think of or decide I am confident will be fine." I told her. Hope once again blushed, this time grabbing me in a hug, grateful for the support in making her newfound duty a little easier. I was initially taken by her lunge at me; however, I returned the hug back to her smelling the smooth aura of her hair's conditioner from unclose. About five seconds passed until I attempted to pull away and found Hope glued to me.

"Sorry," Hope released the hug and blushed once more. A few moments lingered in the air until I broke the silence with light coughing. "Want to try the gardens? They are not overly abundant with blooms right now but they still nice and are a peaceful place for us to start our tour I guess."

"I would like that" I grinned. "Lead the way please princess." I stretched out a foreleg forward to indicate I was ready to get on our way. Hope returned my grin and held out a hoof imitating my gesture than began on her way.

The gardens’ location directly beside the banquet hall surprised me as how I did not stumble across them sooner; however, that mattered little compared to the breathtaking beauty that constructed the area. Rich reds, smiling yellows, and greeting green flowers all weaved through the park-like area and served as sheet music to the birds’ songs above. “This place is amazing!” I breathed in awe.

“Yes it is isn’t it? Celestia supplies the basic funding; however, this is a public project that ponies from all over the kingdom have contributed to and maintained. Although Celestia does have contracted gardeners come out to ensure it is kept up with correctly.”

“I am surprised no pony is here if this is a public project.”

“Public project, but not public property; there are days when these grounds are open for the public, but events happen here at the castle and Celestia and Luna cannot have various ponies moving around constantly throughout the day. Come let us continue on my little tour, I do know a few places that you might like.” Hope nudged me to follow her as she made her way out of the garden.

“Where are we going?” I questioned as we approached the castle’s entrance.

“You will see,” Hope smiled. As we left castle grounds I took in Canterlot’s construction and the unique detail that was placed in it. There were shops, restaurants, homes, and even in the distance two large stadium-sized domes, all with the unusual style of architecture that the castle featured. In whole the style was growing on me and was serving as one of the more recognizing features of Canterlot that I am sure served as well for many ponies before me. “You already know about this place,” Hope teased pointing to a large building with two guards standing in position that Twilight informed me was the royal archives.

“How do you know that?”

“The book that you had would only be available there.”

“Wait you know about that book?”

“No? Why would I know about a random book? I just know that the pages seemed really old and the only place around here with pages that old are typically only found in the archives.” Hope stated cheerfully confused by my reaction. “This isn’t what I wanted to show you though! Come on!”

I followed along once more spotting a young couple conducting in brunch together when I noticed that upon looking towards me they took on an expression of shock and quickly did a quick bow towards us. “That is weird?”

“What is?” Hope paused in her pace.

“That couple over there bowed to us?”

“I have to admit that is weird. I do not believe that Celestia or Luna alike would of announce your presence, nor do I think they have had the time to?”

“I think I might of figure out what they were bowing at,” I whispered to Hope lifting up my hoof and pointing to her horn followed by her wing. Hope jumped a little bit in shock as her anticipation had led to negligence on her part. “It is fine I am sure. You should be proud of who you are.” Hope’s cheeks rosed as I bowed back to the couple in friendly exchange and had us continue on our way.

“We’re almost there!” Hope exclaimed as we approached a train crossing.

“You were bringing me to a train station?”

“Well technically yes, but no. It is what is next to the train station that what I want to visit.” Hope informed me as we crossed the tracks moving to our right towards a dome building with similar design to the others in Canterlot.

“An Aquarium?” I asked softly

“Mhmm, many ponies overlook this place and the rest never even consider visiting here. Do you like aquariums?”

“Never honestly been to one sadly; I always meant to go to one but we never found the opportunity between various orders and schooling and all that.”

“Well then it is time for your first visit! There is a turtle here that I absolutely love to talk to!”

“There is a magic turtle here that can talk?”

“No sadly he cannot talk to me verbally; however, I know he understands me and does little actions to communicate with me. Almost the same things really if I may say so especially since many actions speak louder than words.” Hope explained pushing the door open that served as the aquarium's entrance and holding the door for me. The place was empty like Hope informed me; however, I had expected at least to see employees standing around.

"Doesn't this place need a staff to maintain it?" I asked turning to see Hope waving a greetings to a baby alligator.

"Well it once had staff but as this place became less and less visited Mr. Dune, the owner here, took on full responsibility of maintaining the aquarium. I convinced Celestia and Luna to aid in helping him keep this place in shape; however, Celestia helps by supplying Mr. Dune with feed and necessities such as filters to keep the tanks running smoothly. Thus this aquarium has no form of advertisement except by the word if mouth, which I try to assist with as much as I can."

"Where is this stallion anyway?"

"Sleeping. He works at night that way he does not hinder the experience for anyone who decides to stop by during the day since that is when a strong majority of ponies who do ever visit come. He used to have to wake up during the day to feed the life around here but since I helped him build an automatic feeder that is linked to a clock he has been able to spend more time sleeping and performing beneficial construction and maintenance."

"That was nice of you to assist him."

"I come her enough so it was sort of my way of thanking him and giving back." Hope reasoned

"So where is this turtle of yours?"

"I do not know really?" Hope worried looking though a glass tank that laid six to our left. Hope trotted around looking in at different angles until she paused a finally smiled waving me to come towards her. "Be quiet but there he is," hope cheered pointing to assist me. A small turtle had buried itself partially in the sand and was resting with its left foreleg partially extended. The paw was partially destroyed.

"What happened to him?"

"When he was found he was injured and was suspected to of been attacked by something. I think because of his small size he was able to get away but not before he took injury." Hope explained. "The pony who brought him here stated that he was unable to find any other turtles that might of been his parents. In essence he was lost until Mr. Dune agreed to take him in and ever since he has been here living his life away from members of his kind. There have been other turtles that have gone through here with injury that have stayed in this aquarium; however, their time here was short because when they are able Mr. Dune sends them back to wild."

"And this one cannot go back because of his leg." Hope nodded. "What is his name?"

"Mr. Dune does not like to give names to things."

"But you are not Mr. Dune," I teased to her. "What is his name?"

"Jet; I figured it would be appropriate considering how well he is at moving around the tank. He finds currents from the filtration system and uses them to help him move. He even built little trenches to allow him assistance from any angle" Hope pointed around the tank at places in the sand that had been pushed aside leaving several hills and valleys. "I am so glad he found a home and is safe." Hope forged a small smile and readjusted her posture he stand straighter.

I waited a moment to allow her to think before breaking her concentration with a small bump to the flank and presenting a gentle grin as her intensity was beginning to get to me. "Sorry to interrupt, but what time were we supposed to meet Twilight?" I held out my wrist to her so she could read off the time on the watch-transmitter that Mari gave me.

"Oh, my goodness. I almost forgot! The train is going to be leaving is about ten minutes for Ponyville."

"Well the train station is right outside, I will go get the tickets while you spend a little bit more time here."

"No I can get them," Hope challenged.

"It is no problem" I declared, "Oh and thank you for bringing me here even if I was not able to spend much time here. I enjoyed my first little visit to an aquarium." Hope opened her mouth to say something but before she could say something I grabbed her in a hug. When I let go she was in shock and was blushing a little bit. "I will come get you when I have the tickets."

Leaving the darker environment of the Aquarium to the intensely bright day staggered me and left me blinded as I walked outside. The train destined for Ponyville was already laying on the tracks; however, there was not a ticket booth that I could see in sight and a sudden realization hit me that this side of the train was the less visited area and any ticket booths would be more likely to exist on the other side. With this in mind a second realization hit me, there was no way through the train and I was going to have to walk around the train if I was going to get the tickets. The train stretched on for what felt miles back as I decided to transcend the edge of the cars towards the front instead. To my relief as I made the turn in front of the lead car a ticket booth laid just a couple yards away from me.

"Good afternoon." The ticket master greeted me as I approached.

"Good afternoon, decent number of cars here that are attached."

"Yeah, I hear that a bunch of towns ordered a large supply of produce and all that with the harvest season coming to a close within the next few weeks for the spring crops."

"I see. Anyway I need two tickets for Ponyville."

"Why certainly Sir, that will be four bits." I smiled nervously as I realized that I lacked any form of Equestrian currency at all. I pulled out and placed four pieces of Serentian golden bits on the stand and tried to keep a straight face as the ticket master was confused by the new form of currency.

"Where you from?" he questioned me unfamiliar with the new form of currency.

"The serentian empire" I sighed concerned.

"That lies to the South of us correct?"

"Why yes, have you been there ever?"

"Sorry son but I cannot say I have. Not many people I know even know that your empire exist; however, I have done a bit of traveling in my days and I would say that that place one day."

"Honestly I could probally say the same for many of the ponies back hoem when it comes to Equestria."

"Here," the ticket master stated giving me back two of my bits. "I will cover the cost of the tickets for you as I collect coins and would love to add two of these to my collection."

"Thank you sir."

"And thank you! Hope you enjoy the rest of you visit in Equestria!" He proclaimed handing me over two tickets. I looked down at my watch to find that I only had five minutes remaining before the train was scheduled to depart. Unable to run in fear of further injuring my leg I sped walked back over to the aquarium where Hope was just leaving as I approached.

"Nice timing." I informed her.

"Why thank you," she blushed. "Jet says hello, he awake after you left. You get the tickets?"

"Yes; I should of asked for some Equestrian currency first but it worked out for the best. The train will leave in less than four minutes so we better hurry. You want to cover up your wings or something so you do not draw attention to yourself?"

"Nope! I am going to take your advice and be proud of who I am."

"Well that is good," we both blushed as the sound of the engine howling reminded us of what we were doing as we raced towards the center passenger car that had a door open on our side. We hopped onto the train as the conductor was making his final round and was about to close the door.

"Tickets?" he asked and I handed them over. He inspected them and handed them back momentarily. "Very well, next time though try to get her a bit earlier, you two almost got locked out." I shook my head in understanding and the conductor continued on his way to the front, inspecting tickets and shutting doors.

The car we jumped on really was lucky for us as there was not a single soul on this particular car. I sat myself on one side of a booth and slide over to the window; Hope took the seat across from me. "I never been on a train before, I usually just fly if I need to go somewhere. Honestly I think I was originally a pegasus because I would've made a horrible unicorn." Hope gave a slight smirk and we both laughed at first nervously then genuine.

"We have trolleys in Serentia for each city and Armonia had plans to nationalize them, but I never asked him about it. I walk everywhere really so it never did cross my mind. I guess I could not fully say that I have never been on a train, but it is close." The conductor pony must of finished up his route because the train began to move and take haste towards its next destination of Ponyville. We both sat in silence staring out the window at the passing landscapes as we waited. Equestria was a different place than Serentia; however, judging off the rich landscapes, the populus' attitude, and the general atmosphere of the entire kingdom in general I would of had a hard time guessing between the two. The train ride was only to last about thirty minutes but as each minute began to pass I thought more and more about Equestria, Serentia, the connections between the two, and how compromise allowed the creation of the two great and powerful regions; ponies from all different walks of life coming together as one.

"Hey Bladz?" Hope barely breathed.

"What is it?" I responded.

Hope lifted her hoof and pointed into the skies around ponyville where a group of pegasus were dashing around making what I assumed where the final preparations in the skies for the festivities that Twilight promised us. "I believe that is Ponyville's weather team, they are responsible for monitoring the skies and assuring that the earth maintains a healthy balance of weather in this region. I have heard from some ponies that it is a busy job but can you just imagine working as someone who gets to spend almost all their time stretching their wings and enjoying the freedom of flight? There are teams all over the kingdom, you must have teams all over the place in Serentia as well."

"Not quite," I shrugged admittingly, "The flight corp has a second duty of watching the area's weather but Serentia does not have to worry that much about bipolar weather or anything like that really. Outlandish weather when it occurs is dealt with but for what it is worth we leave the weather for nature to decide. Weather in Serentia is so routine and predictable sometimes that ponies have actually have suggested a legend that states that there is a magic guardian that looks over nature and the skies. We have never had a crop failure since who knows how long."

"We have had the same luck, although I am sure that ours can be credited to the fantastic weather teams, they may not be the most time-efficient sometimes but they always get the job done and they always do it right!" Hope stated proudly. I continued to have my teeth gleam and watch the pegasi above soar as they worked in a somewhat organized manner. A lighter blue pegasus with a flowing rainbow mane caught my attention as we pulled into the ponyville station. The younger mare launched herself through a line of clouds smashing each one to bits and afterwards signaled to the rest of the group who all gathered around her revealing her as some sort of leader. The train doors opened themselves automatically and Hope and I used this opportunity to depart. Stepping off the railcar we were both surprised to find ourselves the only two passangers who had traveled from Canterlot to Ponyville with this trip.

"Hope! Bladz! I am so glad you two got my message that I left with Celestia!"Twilight cheered greeting us alongside another mare who was orange in color. "I was afraid that you guys were not going to get it for a moment. I mean I was sure you were going to get it because Princess Celestia would never forget. I mean she could but I would not think so or at least I hoped. If she forgot it would of been horrible! You two would not got her because you would of never known to get the tickets and then you guys would of never got on the train and than you guys would of never stepped off the train and then I would be standing her waiting and you guys would of never showed up and then I would get all sad and I don't know really and"

"Okay I think we get it Twilight" The orange mare interrupted. "Howdy y'all to Ponyville! I'm applejack I live here in Ponyville at Sweet Apple Acres where my family and I have been taking care of our apple orchids for generations now."

"Nice to meet you Applejack, my name is Bladz." I held my hoof out to shake hands that Applejack gladly accepted.

"That's a rather unusual name if it is okay to say so. Twilight tells me you are from outside of Equestria; you do not look that different to me than most stallions around here besides for that get-up you are wearing."

"Why yes, I am from Serentia, we are south of Equestria. Also, not everyone wears armor or really much anything of the sort in Serentia either, it is just that I am part of the Royal council there now and I thought it is only right for me to take my first act of diplomacy with a little bit of correctness, although I would rather skip all the outrageous stuff that I know we all would be better without. Oh, and you can call me Blades if you are having a hard time with my name; Bladz is pronounced bah-lad-z with there being more emphasis on the lad and the z actually having a purpose instead of just having it serve as a false s, but so many people have trouble with it unless they hear it a few times that I have begun to accept Blades as a nickname."

"Well if your name is Bladz I find it only polite for me to at least try to use that first. And it is a pleasure to met you Princess Speranza, Twilight has mentioned you a few times to me recently but I had a hard time believing her at first. Little hard to believe that there is another princess that we never knew about for several years."

"Well thank you" Hope thanked Applejack shyly,

"Do not worry Hope, not many ponies know I only told my closest friends and one of them I did not tell just in case she let the word get out." Twilight quickly informed her bearing an open grin.

"It is fine," Hope pulled herself together to say. "I should be more accepting myself and I promised myself that I will work to do just that!"

"That is a darn tooting good additude to have if you ask me!" Applejack proclaimed. "Anyway, Twilight asked me to show you guys around while she makes sure everything is going well for later."

"You okay with that?" Twilight inquired.

"It will be fine, thank you two for this." I told the two who were instantly relieved.

"I will see you and Hope later then!" Twilight declared spreading her wings and taking off towards somewhere else in the town."

"She sure does like to fly around since she got those things," Applejack teased aloud plotting her plan of action. "Well I did not give much thought into it really because not quite sure what y'all are interested in so I assume I can just give y'all folks the generic tour."

"That would be wonderful and very kind of you Applejack." we both relied.

"Sorry but Yee-ha! I actually was thinking this was going to be harder than this but you seem like a pretty chill stallion Bladz, especially for a diplomatic traveling type. Here we can talk as we go" Applejack trotted herself in between us and motioned us on.

"Had some trouble in the past with diplomats?" I asked her.

"Not entirely, just a game warden honestly, if y'all can say that counts. Twilight, I, and the others may of confused her for someone else and we may of left her to tour herself around a good-sized subkingdom in Equestria." Applejack attempted her best to not show any signs of residual embarrassment. "It worked out for the best though."

"Well that is good," I added. The ground in ponyville consisted of firm, rich grass which differed from the Citadel's and Canterlot's concrete flooring and reminded me much more of my home in Canterdash. In fact, this entire town reminded me of Canterdash from the diversity of building's around here with many different styles coming together in one location to the overall clam nature of the ponies who we passed by.

"Something on your mind Sugar cube?" Applejack wondered to me as we passed a gate into an apple field.

"Huh? What? Oh it is nothing, was just noticing the similarities that Ponyville shares to my own home."

"Really now? The Apple family has been here in Ponyville since the beginning, the town that is here today is because of these apple trees here."

"This your farm?"

"The family's, so yep! I raised some of these trees since they were just little sproutlings, they have grown and made me so proud! What does your family do? If I may ask."

"They are designers mainly, but we do repairs, decorations, basically if you can think of anything to do with fabric or gemstones we did it."

"Really now? I know a certain mare who would love to see you then; she is in the fashion business as well."

"That is awesome! I would love to see how her designs are! If that is okay with you Hope." I cheered, Hope gracefully agreed.

"Alrighty then, follow me." Applejack commanded and reversed her tracks, signaling for us to follow, turning left upon leaving the gate. "just going to give you are warning, my sister and her friend's were supposed to over there, just to forewarn you."

"So what is this mare's name?"

"Oh pardon me! Her name is Rarity. How did I forget to mention that beforehand? Anyway it is Rarity."

"Nice name for a fashionista; her designs I take it must live up to her name."

"Well I am not much one for fashion, not at all to be honest; however, she does do some rather talented work."

"That it?" I pointed towards a bloated building that just radiated a personality for fashion.

"Dead give-away?"

"No, not at all. It is not like it just gives off the aura of a fashion designer or anything" I chuckled. "I have to get this Rarity credit though, this building is an impressive first impression."

"I am sure she would absolutely love to hear that." Applejack knocked on the door and was instructed my a inaudible holler to me that Applejack took as an invitation, opening the door and walking inside. Hope and I followed at a distance as I paused every few seconds behind Applejack to take in Rarity's boutique.

A white mare with a gorgeous purple mane was positioned around a dress form measuring out fabric amounts when Applejack rounded the corner with us behind. Another mare stood aside wearing a set of green shoes with leaves embroidered whose coat color was yellow with a pink mane color making her almost identical to Hope in color scheme except this mare looked slightly older and she was missing Hope's signature green strip and wore her mane differently.

"The similarity caught you off guard a little didn't it?" Hope whispered to me. "It caught me a little surprised as well."

"Applejack? What are you doing here? Need help with something?" the white mare inquired.

"I could very easily ask you the same thing. What are you two doing?"

"Fluttershy is assisting me in making boots."

"How is fluttershy helping you make boots?" Applejack questioned.

"Twilight told me that this princess did not have any accessories or anything and since I really cannot make a crown or anything for her I thought I would make the next best thing. At first I was not sure so I asked Twilight who asked Celestia what this mare liked and Twilight told me that I should try anything joyous and what is as joyous as nature? So I asked fluttershy to come over with her boots that I made her so that I can make this princess a set out of this golden silk I made!"

"Well that is mighty generous of you Rarity. You do not have to do that for her, I am sure"

"It is no problem Applejack! Really, I am more than happy to do it." Rarity interrupted. "Those boots fit correctly Fluttershy? I want to make sure the ones I make for the princess are absolutely perfect."

"Why yes, these are wonderful in design and structure. Maybe use a smaller thread though so the backing where you sewn them is not as noticeable; however, I am sure you want them to be durable."

"Way ahead of you Fluttershy my dear! I made this silk and thread with diamond dust to add extra strength!"

"Rarity?!" Applejack attempted to demand.

"One second Applejack." Rarity held her hoof up for a moment. "You think it would be better to use a forwards or backwards cross-stitch Fluttershy?"

"Oh definitely a backwards."

"Rarity?" Applejack interjected again.

"Sorry dear, What is it? And also didn't Twilight want you to do something today?"

"Yes, she did. In fact that is why I am here, I am showing Bladz and Princess Speranza around Ponyville." Hope and I pushed ourselves a little bit more in sight of the purple-haired mare.

"Princess Speranza! I wanted these shoes to be a surprise!"

"These boots are a surprise to me" Hope decreed quickly. "And I am sure they will be an even bigger surprise once you are done with them, I cannot wait to see how they will turn out."

"Thank you dear" Rarity sighed in relief. "And you must be, how did you pronounce it, Bladz?"

"Yes I am Miss. Rarity. Applejack tells me that you are a fashionista and hearing how you added diamond dust to that silk tells me you know what you are doing. I have had to add ruby dust to a strand of red fabric to add glamor to it before but I could never imagine working with dust so fine that it would of added structure and strength to the fabric to prevent heavy duty wear like you are attempting."

"You must know a lot about gemstones in order to know how to combine fabric and stones." Rarity stated.

"Bladz's family here works in the fashion industry in Serentia." Applejack explained.

"Well to be honest Applejack, the Angelo family sort of is the Serentian fashion industry. I do not mean that to be stuck-up I simply mean that all the major designers in Serentia are constantly coming to us for our approval."

"Really now?" Rarity took a new found interest as her eyes sparkled with excitement. "What is the name of your family's boutique? I was ell you if I have heard of it."

"Sapphire"

"Stop! Do not tell me that you were just about to say Sapphire Conventions!"

"Why yes?" I asked curiously.

"I never knew that is where that is located! My mother gave me a scarf when I was younger that bared your family's logo on it. It was so stunning and so pulchritudinous that it was one of the things that made me decide to take up a life of fashion! Two-hundred-seventy-six of the finest diamonds I have ever seen perfectly placed so from any and every angle the scarf radiated a plethora of color in every direction!"

"That sounds like my father's handy work if you ask me" I laughed politely.

"I was not expecting such a legendary figure of fashion to me than a member of the family responsible for such raw beauty and fashion!" Rarity moaned.

"I am not sure if I would fret over my last name if I was you Miss Rarity." I whispered loud enough for everyone to hear. "I was looking at the designs you have over there on that desk and they are of a unique quality that I personally am impressed with."

"You are!?" Rarity's pupils dilated four times their original size.

"Yes and judging off those boots that this pretty mare over her is wearing I have to say you are one heck of a artist with cloth." I smiled and waved at the mare who appeared a little scared by the situation.

"Thank you, my name is fluttershy," I managed to decipher from the mare whose voice registered quieter than the wind.

"It is okay, Bladz and Speranza are friendly," Applejack assured her and Rarity reassured her.

"Thank you again Bladz for your kind words! They have really boosted my confidence as a pony of fashion!"

"I am not a fashion designer and I am rather young, but I can tell you for sure that you are in the right buisness, do not give up on your dreams because you truly have potential in the field." I told to Rarity as my final statement on the matter and I witnessed tears begin to move down her face.

"Thank you" Applejack whispered to me. Fluttershy who had been standing aside for so long final approached me and blushed with a light smile. "Hey Flutter, have you seen Applebloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie belle?"

"They left to help Pinkie, they thought it would be another good opportunity for them to try and get their cutie marks."

"Not this again!" Applejack rolled her eyes in frustration. "Well it was nice seeing you two, we really should continue on our small little tour." Fluttershy nodded as Hope and I did the same motioning around to follow Applejack. Two yellows hooves spun me back around as I was grabbed and pulled in alongside Hope by Fluttershy for a hug in appreciation

"It has been a pleasure Cera." Fluttershy muttered to me before letting go and waving us a final good buy.

"Well that was not what I was expecting. Do not get me wrong, I am not complaining, no where near it, it was just very unexpected for you guys to do that for Rarity, Fluttershy, and I. It was very thoughtful and sweet." Applejack declared as we retreated from Rarity's boutique and home to the center of Ponyville daily life.

Hope pressed herself closer to me and nudged me with her flank. "Who is Cera?"

"I do know know who Cera is?" I eluded attempting to maintain Applejack's new motivated pace. "Applejack, do you know who this Cera is?"

"Fluttershy mention that name?" Applejack quizzed. Hope supplied her with a confirming gesture. "I see, If I remember right Cera is Fluttershy's ancestor and is one of the reasons Fluttershy thinks that she is so good with animals. Cera was really  good with nature and kind hearted. Twilight helped Fluttershy trace back her family history by looking through books here and in Canterlot."

"What did Cera do for a career? Did you guys figure that out?"

"I am not sure if Cera ever did have a career, she supposedly died when she was nineteen; however, Twilight could not find a death certificate or anything. It was like after she disappeared, she never existed because we could not find anything on her besides for that little bit of information; it was over a thousand years ago, records that far back is always a stretch."

"She had a daughter and after her disappearance nature's creatures kept the daughter safe and raised her until she was able to join the other pegasus in cloudsdale here in equestria after Princess Celestia and Luna came to power." I recited.

"Yes, how did you know all that?" Applejack paused in inquiry.

"I read it in a book that was in Lord Armonia's personal library. It was one of the books and novels around there that really stood out to me."

"The book that Twilight found that information in was a thousand years old, I am surprised a second copy of that book still exists." Applejack proclaimed as we stepped into the surroundings of what must of been Ponyville town square. Various ponies buzzed by carrying out their days free of large conflicts and enjoying the spoils of everyday life. Several ponies gazed over as we walked along the streets and were delighted to see two new faces, while others appeared to care less or were not affected by our appearance enough to indicate any outwards sign of trepidation or excitement.

The ponies did pause for a moment, however, as the weather team that we witnessed earlier above us touched down in the market and the light blue mare that was acting lead placed herself down a couple feet ahead of the rest.

"You all are free now, thank you and great work today!" The mare complemented to the three others who composed of the weather team. "So what you up to Applejack?" The mare readjusted her flight goggles placing them above her head.

"Just showing these two around. How is weather training going?"

The mare leaned over a little bit to get a quick glimpse at us before returning to her original orientation. "It's going rather well, I think these cadets will make excellent weather pegasi soon. So these two are the ponies that Twilight was talking about; was confused on what she was trying to tell me as she caught me just about to start the training exercises."

"That is so cool of you to be training others to assist you," Hope approved to the blue mare who leaned once again to get a better view of Hope.

"That's a nice set of wings you got there. Sorry to inform you though that those pegasi are destined for Manehattan; Rainbow Dash is the only pegasus Ponyville needs to clear these skies on a typical day!"

"Oh you are the Miss Loyality that Princess Celestia mentioned."  I declared. "Pleasure to meet you, Shadow and Lightning told me that they visited you yesterday."

"Oh yes those two. I am honestly going to say it was a little weird having them randomly come asking about me, it must of been years since I have heard a single thing about either of the two. They were cool though. Miss Loyality you called me? You hear that? Miss Honesty," Rainbow snickered.

"There is no need to laugh at that name Rainbow!" Applejack decreed at rainbow.

"Sorry, I am sorry. I have never heard that name before and it is sort of funny to hear," she apologized. Rainbow fully took her goggles off and placed them in a small backpack that she picked up from beside a stand "You guys heading towards Sugar Cube Corner or something?"

"Yea, the last place I really need to show them is around the market and since I am looking for Applebloom it works out for the best."

"There you go being an overly-protective sister again," Rainbow teased Applejack.

"I am not being over protective!" Applejack snapped at Rainbow causing both Hope and I to jump in surprise. Rainbow smirked satisfied with Applejack's reaction. "Sorry for that you two." Applejack sighed.

The four of us continued together past the street side merchants and the variety homes, shops and facilities until we stumbled across a building that must of leaped out of a young filly's or colt's dream. The entire building looked like a whole bunch of sweets mashed together in a form of a house. It did not take a genius to figure this out. "Let me guess, this is Sugar Cube Corner."

"You are good at this guessing game, you sure you have no been here before!" Applejack and I wailed in laughter as rainbow stared at us lost about what we were talking about.

"It must be easy to get around here," hope supplied. "Half of the locations here are unmistakable."

"Adds character to the town if you ask me. Stay with Rainbow, I am going to go see if I can find my sister and well let me just say Pinkie Pie is not the most subtle pony when it comes to meeting new faces. She can be a little, how can I put this, different." Applejack instructed us and then went inside.

"She means crazy," Rainbow corrected. "Pinkie out of the six of us is the one you will have a hard time forgetting. She will make sure of that. Overall though she is a good friend to have." Rainbow sat herself down steps and invited us to join her. "What is it with you two anyways? You two have completely thrown off my notion of what defines a ruler to me!"

Hope placed herself back to her feet as if she was offended before slouching a sitting back down beside me, pain struck in her eyes. "I know, I am joke of an Alicorn."

"I meant nothing like that; I meant that you have wings and yet you do not reign over anything, while you" Rainbow turned her hoof over towards me, "You are according to Twilight some foreign ruler or something yet you have no wings! What is up with that! I do not get it anymore!" Rainbow fell back in defeat holding her hooves stretch up to add dramatic effect.

"Well I am not a great and power ruler like Princess Celestia or Luna are. I am just some unicorn that is lucky enough to have Lord Armonia as a mentor, I really doubt I have what it takes to ever run Serentia nor do I see Armonia stepping down from his position, he has been the long standing ruler of Serentia for over a thousand years."

"Beats me, I am in the same boat as you."

The door behinds us creaked open as Applejack re-emerged from the building trotting to above Rainbow Dash. "I was only gone for a few minutes, you already trying to sleep?" Applejack sighed. Rainbow just waved her off. "Anyway, come inside guys, they are ready for us. Found those fillies at least, they in there trying to give the Cakes some assistance."

"About time, my wings were getting stiff!" Rainbow expressed launching herself inside. Applejack's eyes narrowed before dismissing the notion and followed the zealous pegasus.

Rainbow's warning was spot on as my entrance resulted in hurricanes of excitement from the pink pony inside and fear from me because the Earth pony stood motionless, face locked in a single expression of glee. For over a minute the pink mare did not breath, her eyes did not twitch, and if I did not know better I would of said her heart and body were frozen in time. It was only too late when it occurred to me that Hope's and I's presence here had ignited a ticking time bomb and we did nothing to escape it.

"Oh my! A new princess!? But Twilight but recently became one! Wait two? We have had two new princess recently! But I did not hear anything about it and I would've wanted to come! Did I miss something?" Pinkie pie bombarded us while dashing around the room taking on a variety of differing poses. Twilight, appearing from upstairs, and Applejack both grabbed Pinkie pie to end her mayham.

"You did not miss anything Pinkie, if there was a coronation you would of been the last person for us to forget to tell." Applejack informed her.

"This is Princess Speranza, she has been a Princess much longer than I have Pinkie. The reason you have not heard of her is because that was her decision to keep her identity anonymous to the world."

"Why would you want to do that?" Pinkie puzzled.

"I would not make sense to Equestria, I have no past for them to understand and I have no purpose to reign over or anything. Equestrians would be lost and confusion can breed chaos that the kingdom does not need." Hope determined to the room.

"Why would you be revealing your identity now to everyone-?"

"She isn't, she is with Bladz, who is the one that I thought might benefit from meeting us all. No offense Hope." Twilight interjected.

"None taken."

"Are you a new resident to Ponyville? That is a funny way to move here if you are. I have never seen anyone arrive here in heavy metal, actually now that I think about it I have never seen anyone wear armor around here besides for the guards. Are you her guard? Your armor is different than that of a guard's though."

"Sorry to inform you but I am from Serentia. I am only visiting Ponyville." I told her. Pinkie's face lost a bit of euthisarm to be quickly replaced with double that of before.

"Serentia? Is that around Equestria? It does not sound very familiar and I thought I knew everywhere in Equestria? One secound I will get a map!"

"That will not be needed," Twilight stopped her. "Serentia is a large empire to Equestria's south."

"We are sort of like Equestria in the fact that we were founded with the alliance and peace between pegasi, unicorns and earth ponies alike, and we have a royal guard and all that, but we do not have Princess like you guys have here."

"Let us head upstairs and replace this conversation with why you two are here." Twilight commanded. Neither of us argued with the statement and we all relocated up the steps. Scattered across tables laid punches, a cake, cookies and small sweets, chips, fruits and oats. Twilight walked up beside Hope and butted her with her wing, "Surprise! I had Pinkie put together party celebrating your farewell, even if she had no idea what she was doing" Twilight blushed.

A single tear transcended Hope's face as sudden realization hit her that this was the first of act of kindness done for her about her arrival by the ponies of Equestria and she barely knew these ponies. "Thank you," Hope struggled to say attempting to hold back more tears.

"Well then! Let us not just sit around then, Let's party!!" Pinkie pie exclaimed smashing down a button on a music player in the corner filling the room with sound and instantly both Pinkie and Rainbow began to dance. Hope hastily forgot her sorrows and joined in with the two with Applejack following in.

"You look lost," Twilight approached me. "The reason I asked you to come here is simple, I wanted you to meet the elements that we discussed earlier together. Pinkie is the element of laughter, Applejack honesty, Rainbow loyalty as you know already apparently, and Applejack told me that you visited Rarity and Fluttershy already who are the elements of generosity and kindness. Actually speaking of those two I am wondering what is taking them? I invited them."

"I am sure they will show up, they were making something when we interrupted them earlier."

"I see. How come you are not dancing and having a good time?"

"I am, just the fact that you brought me here makes me happy. It is just..."

The downstairs crashed open as two sets of hooves charged their way across the floor and up the stairs. "Sorry that we are late Twilight!" Rarity exclaimed with Fluttershy behind her carrying a small box.

"Nice timing, I was just asking about you," Twilight informed Rarity.

Rarity rubbed her hooves together nervously. "Yea sorry about that." Rarity directed Fluttershy towards Hope. "This is for you, I hope you like them." Hope accepted the box from Fluttershy placing the box on the ground and pulling the ribbon off that laid on top, sliding the box open. Hope did not state a word as Rarity's face was instantaneously consumed with concern. "Do you not like them?!"

Tears formulated on Hope's face once more as she placed her hoof inside the box. "No, I do not like them." Despair creeped into rarity's heart. Hope pulled one of the small shoes out that filled the room with a radiant gold and green. "There is no possible way for me to like these Rarity. That would be wrong of me to like them for what these have given me is not something that deserves to be liked." Hope turned flooding eyes over towards Rarity and her voiced cracked, "I love these Rarity, thank you!" Tears consumed the carpet as the raw beauty continued to stagger everyone in the room. Hope slipped each shoe on one at a time and then walked over to Rarity where she gave her a small hug followed by a bow.

"I am so glad that you are pleased with them," rarity's eyes twinkled. "They fit okay right?"

"They fit perfectly, I am more than pleased!" Hope celebrated. The two once again fell upon each other in hug. The shoes matched the basis that Rarity presented to us earlier, but out did my expectations with the tip of the final leaf on each shoe being a green coated with vibrant emeralds to give the shoes a dashing effect that I would of found impossible to believe if it was not for my own eyes.

"Why did she make the tip of those two leaves green on the forelegs." I pondered to Fluttershy.

"Rarity thought it would be a good symbolism of her name, believing that it can show that even in every situation there is a bit of hope. You think it was a good idea?"

"I think it was a wonderful idea!" Fluttershy was grateful and nodded in relief.

"Well let us not just stand around now that that is over with, Let's continue to party!" Rarity cheered. All of us collectively conducted once again in lively celebration. The punch and the cake were consumed accordingly as the party continued onwards and one right after the other Pinkie had a way of finding games for us to play that left me exhausted.

"Glad to find you actually enjoying yourself!" Twilight said offering me another cup of punch as the party began to wind down and Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Rainbow all departed.

"No thanks, my blood is about to become punch in a minute if I have anymore of that."

"Addicting isn't it? Pinkie makes good punch. What was it that you were about to say earlier?"

"Oh!" I rubbed my arm anxiously. "I was just wondering what color was Cera."

"You means Fluttershy's Cera?" Twilight turned her head and focused at me. I unsurely nodded. "Why are you asking about Cera?"

"I was just wondering. Fluttershy mentioned the name. Wanted to know if you knew what color her coat was." I replied nervously.

Hope walked over to beside us wearing a large smile. "Thank you, for all of you guys, for this! Bladz, it is getting sort of late and we are going have a busy day tomorrow flying back."

"I need to head back to Canterlot as well tonight, so I will head back with you guys after we are done cleaning up."

"Already done!" Pinkie Cheered in the background.

"Oh, well that was fast, something about you I will never understand," Twilight muttered under her breath.

"I guess we can get on our way then!" Hope stated. "It is not a long flight but I rather not fly too late for your safety Bladz."

"Oh wait! I have been working on a new long distance teleportation spell. You guys want to be my first test flyers!" Twilight galloped in place.

"I am not sure if that would be..."

"Perfect!" Twilight sparked her horn and my legs went momentarily numb as I found myself standing outside of Hope's room. "Celestia must of already went to sleep because the moon is already out; that's a shame I wanted to thank her for remembering to tell you two! Well good night!"

"Wait Twilight!" I stopped her before she teleported away.

"Oh sorry, almost forgot to answer your question." Twilight apologize. "Green. Her coat was a light green, just like the color green that is on your cutie mark." Twilight smiled and teleported away.