//------------------------------// // Chapter 5 (Multiple POV) (EDITED) // Story: Friendship isn't just Magic, it can heal hearts too // by Raumo //------------------------------// I glared at the Princess. "Fine, I'll be a personal guard to your student." (Celestia POV) *Sigh* I hated to sound so cruel as to imply that I would let him die. I would gladly let him learn of Equestria and live on his own, if that is what he truly wished for(of course, I would discreetly keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn't suddenly wreak havoc everywhere), but I believe he was sent here for a second chance. A chance to love and have friends again, and not be afraid of it. He is so broken (and probably so stubborn) though, that I believe he would've outright rejected any offer I made him if I had been gentler, and he had known friendship (and plain, old relaxed interaction) was my endgame. "Excellent. Unfortunately you need to stay here 'till I inform the court and the commanders of the Royal Guard of you and your situation, seeing as you appeared last evening just out of the blue, frightening all my nobles and throwing my soldiers for a loop. I need to reassure them that you are not a threat and that you are a human who has my protection and wants to learn of Equestria. Turning to one of the guards, "Aegis, please stay here and guard this room till I send another with the approval to take him to the guest quarters. The guard silently nodded his head. "It's just Rider." I turned back to him. "Pardon?" "I prefer just Rider or Alex. No mister stuff. Reminds me of someone I...dislike." The way he paused and said the last word told me wanted to say something far less mild. "As you wish. Twilight should arrive later today, and I can introduce you. She lives in a small town called Ponyville. Due to the distance from there to here, which is Canterlot by the way, you'll most likely stay the night and head to Ponyville tomorrow morning on the train." I paused as a thought occurred to me. "If you are hungry, since it's just past breakfast, I could have one of the cooks send up some food if you like." "No thank you. I'm not hungry." This one may be more stubborn than I thought. He probably is hungry and just doesn't trust us not to have his food messed with. Which reminds me. "What do you eat, by the way?" I asked this somewhat embarrassed that I hadn't thought of that sooner. I think it showed a little in my expression. I may have been mistaken, but I could've sworn I saw a flicker of amusement in his face, though it was gone before I could confirm it. "Fruits, vegetables, dairy, eggs," he listed off tonelessly. "Just not hay or grass. And I'm not all that fond of meat. I'll eat it if that is all that is offered though." He paused, "How come you don't know this? You know of humans and my world." "Indeed I know of your world and humans. I know how you live generally, but I do not know the specific details like common diet. Our diet is very similar. We do also have a wide variety of dishes and desserts, we don't just eat straight from the harvest." A small sound of acknowledgment was his only response. I nearly rolled my eyes at that. One day, I'll get better responses from you that doesn't extend from shock or surprise. Sadly, you are like one of those hardened soldiers that used to be common in the early days of Equestria. Willing to do what needed to be done to protect, but no interaction beyond that. Hopefully my plans will work and Twilight and her new friends will let you see that you can open your heart again. If not and this backfires... *mental shudder* I don't want to see what happens if you completely fall into despair. "Well then. I shall see you later." I gave him a nod, and after a moment of hesitation he gave a slight bow. I turned and left with the remaining 2 guards. Noticing some doctors and nurses waiting anxiously not far from the door I addressed them, "Do not worry. He is a human. An intelligent being from another world. He wishes to stay here a learn of Equestria. He is bit cold and intimidating, but he won't harm you." Best not to tell them he will if provoked. They may just treat him like a wild animal, not a highly intelligent being. Don't think Rider would respond well to that. "He is under my protection, so no harm is to come to him, and please keep this quiet till I can address the court." The group nodded their heads in agreement. I continued on to the throne room. Once there, I sat on my throne a levitated a quill and paper. Thinking hard, I began to write "Dearest Twilight Sparkle…" Once finished and sent it off, I nodded to the guard to open the door and let the court begin. Putting on my most regal expression, I watched as ponies flooded in and the start of what will most likely be headache inducing session began. Meanwhile in Ponyville, the weather pegasi had created a beautiful sunny day with a soft breeze. Joyful, friendly ponies went about their errands and chores, or were just having friendly chats. Completely recovered from the events of the Summer Sun Celebration, they were unaware of the new arrival at the Canterlot castle, but they would be soon. Now to the Golden Oaks Library, where a certain lavender unicorn resides... (Twilight's POV) As I turned the page in the spellbook, I found I couldn't concentrate on it. Ever since yesterday, at sunset, when I felt a faint echo of a magic flare, I've felt restless. I was able to sleep, but I just felt that something was going to change. I couldn't tell if it was good or bad, and that annoyed me. I slammed the book shut in frustration. Spike looked at me in surprise. "Wrong book? I can look for the correct one, as your number one assistant," he said, with his chest puffed up in pride. Some of my frustration ebbed at that. I smiled at him. "Thank you Spike, but there's no need. It's the correct one, I just can't concentrate." I began to pace a bit. "I feel like something is going to happen and it's driving me nuts! What is it? Is it good? Is it bad? Argh! I just wish I knew." At that moment Spike burped out his green fire and a scroll. "It's a letter from Princess Celestia," Spike exclaimed. "The Princess?! Oh my, I wonder why she is writing me. I'm supposed to be writing her." I opened the scroll and began to read aloud: Dearest Twilight Sparkle, I know this is sudden, but I need you to come to Canterlot. There is no emergency, but I need you to come as soon as possible, on the next train if you can. Do not worry, if all goes well you will be back in Ponyville by tomorrow afternoon. Something unique has turned up and I believe you would love to be apart of it, due to your scholarly pursuits. You may bring Spike if he wishes to come, but it is best if your new friends do not come at this time. They will eventually be told of the situation, but now is not appropriate. You may decline to come of course. Though I believe this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Awaiting your answer, Princess Celestia "Oh my, oh my, oh my gosh! I knew something was going to happen! A once in a lifetime opportunity? What could it be? She mentions nothing of it," I said turning the letter this way, and that, as if it would reveal a secret line. "You're definitely coming with me Spike, if you want to" He nodded. "I don't like keeping this from my friends, but the princess said too" I frowned. "I guess I can tell them later. I mean I should be back tomorrow" I smiled at that. "As soon as possible, on the next train if you can," I reread. I looked at the clock. My eyes widened, the next train was leaving in 30 minutes! "Spike! Quick take a letter!" He whipped out a quill and paper and wrote as I dictated: Dear Princess Celestia, My answer is a resounding yes! The next train to Canterlot leaves in 20 minutes, and we will be on it. I will be bringing Spike with me. He is my number one assistant after all. Though I don't like keeping this from my friends, hopefully I can tell them tomorrow. I am very excited about this and can't wait to know the details. See you soon, Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle As Spike sent off the letter, I quickly ran to pack for the trip to Canterlot. A lot of my things were still at the castle so I didn't need to worry about an overnight bag, but I wanted some bits, and a book or two for the train. "Spike, throw into my bag what you need for the train ride," I called over my shoulder. He threw in some gems for snacking. "Yikes! The train leaves in 12 minutes! I hope we make it" I levitated Spike and my saddlebags onto my back and ran out the door, flipping the sign to closed as I went. As I galloped to the station, I got a couple strange looks and a few yelled hellos. I quickly answered them with a "Good morning!", not breaking my stride. I arrived at the station and quickly bought a ticket. I slid onto the platform to wait for the train, breathing heavily. "Phew..made it...4 minutes to spare," I said in between breaths. "You ok, Twilight? Spike looked at me a little worried. "I'm alright...just not...used to sprinting..." My breath began evened out as the trained pulled in. As I settled into my seat with Spike, my mind began to think of all the things this once in a lifetime opportunity could be. Meanwhile, that once in a lifetime opportunity sat in his temporary room, brooding about his new charge.