A/N: I know... it's a bit of a short chapter. But nevertheless, I hope it is good.
Review Responses: (Don't worry raven 2012, I responded to you via PM.)
guest: Yep, here ya go.
WarHusky2000: I hear ya matey! ;) Here is the new chapter.
Jack905: You guessed it. :)
billykilly: Thanks mate. :)
jvs12: Thank you one again.
4theworldman: Oh he should be in for a surprise I tell you.
Anon: Indeed. I've always wanted to do a chapter with Trixie, but I had to make sure when to time it right.
Ghostbusters fan: Yes actually. After the next chapter, I will begin a five-part chapter where Brayden and his friends go to visit Earth. I actually do have some plans for it, and you might end up enjoying it.
Evil dead fan: No, I don't think she'll be interested in conquering it. She's more favoring towards Equestria and bringing an end to the ponies and their enchanted land.
The whistle of the Crystal Express roars once again as the train rides on the tracks past the green valleys where the grass is starting to grow and the wonders of nature were beginning to bloom again after a long winter's sleep. I happen to be on board the train stationed as the 'Ponyville - Griffonstone' route for the system.
You probably know where I'm heading off to, and even I was making sure that I would not forget to get off at that step, but I was en route to the Crystal Empire to pay a visit to Princess Cadence and her husband Shining Armor. The train had made it's short journey underneath the large mountain that Canterlot stood from above in the sky and I was able to witness the sights of the Unicorn Range and a peek of the Galloping Gorge before the train had made its way past the borders into the Frozen North where the grand city awaited me.
Before getting onto my main thoughts, I would like to state myself that a lot had happened after my befriending of Trixie a few weeks ago. Winter had officially wrapped up and Spring finally came into place once again. Considering the snow had melted, I wouldn't have to worry about my feet getting cold, so I guess it's back to being bare foot again like in the summer days as this Spring is warmer than I had thought. Almost feels like summer at the same time, so I guess wearing some shorts and a shirt that is short-sleeved will suffice.
Other than that, I found out that Rainbow Dash had finally joined the Wonderbolts after she had been in the reserves for a long time, but there had been some trouble on the way but earned the respect of them but not without going on a month-long probation which is still in effect as of now... over an action she made at a show. But I knew that I was really proud of Rainbow Dash for finally achieving her dream and was really happy for her.
In Manehattan, Rarity has opened up another boutique and they shared quite a story about it even from a review in the Equestria Times. Turns out that in the end, it was all okay even though every other one of my friends were worried a bit that it turned out bad than they had expected.
There was another incident I heard of where Applejack took a day off and left Twilight and Spike at Sweet Apple Acres to do a simple task for her to go to the spa with Rarity. They come back after a problem at the spa, they did it in the wrong way and Applejack showed them how it was properly done to complete the chore of feeding the pigs. Twilight, Spike and Rarity all had the honor to help finish her work on the farm for the day... and then spa time was available for both my two close friends. (Don't ask me why I'm not there, I'm with other friends in Ponyville you know. Also, I did chuckle a bit when I found out Rainbow Dash has been going to the same spa as well.)
The Crystal Empire could be seen coming into view, looking almost similar to the first time that I was going to visit the Empire to meet Princess Cadence and Shining Armor when the Maretonia delegates were visiting as part of a summit perhaps? Been a long while since that has happened. But it is in the here and now, so I should be telling you why I could be visiting Cadence.
For a while, I have thinking about me and Twilight's relationship, as we've kept it both steady and healthy for quite a long while. Something has been on my mind for some time after Hearth's Warming season... I was thinking about proposing to her and seeking her hoof in marriage. But at the same time, I didn't know how I was going to make the right move onto doing that because I didn't want to rush it too quickly.
But I knew Cadence, on how she's the Princess of Love though she rules the Crystal Empire now. I was quite sure that she had some useful advice for me on how to make the proposal and what to do for it. I mean, this is only once in a lifetime possibly for me. One mistake and I could end up ruining the moment. So she surely would know how to direct me in the right way.
The train station is approaching, and I find myself getting up off of the bench to wait by the train doors which no longer have an attendant standing there to open the door me and the other passengers riding to the Empire where it's to visit, they live there or just business-related duty. The slow-down process begins, and I had to make sure to grip onto the railing with my hands so I didn't get thrown towards the wall.
It was surprising really how this technology for the Crystal Empire's train was so similar to the ones they have back on Earth in Japan. So many similarities when it comes to that evolution since one of their trains is the fastest to ever travel. Not really any way that I would plan to visit as I would be with my friends on the visit there. I know Twilight though, she'd be really curious to know about every country in the world, their languages and their culture.
Hmmmm... yeah, I think I can work something out. After I have done proposing to Twilight, I can start planning out the visit to Earth as soon as possible and reconnect with my family and friends in the hometown I live in. I can already remember my three friends: Rebecca, Alex and Andrea. I'm sure they miss me a lot, and I would be happy to know them on the visit. I'm just hoping that Rebecca will tolerate them, if she is still there.
Someone else also came to mind when I thought of my friends on Earth. Ann... Neither Twilight nor any of my friends knew about her as I didn't mention her. But she and I, you could say were... quite close in the relationship.
Me and Ann were dating in high school, and it was months after having met her at the doctor's office when I was going to talk to my own doctor. I thought I'd never see her again, but I guess that I was wrong myself and kept my memories with her a secret to avoid conflict. She was enrolling at my high school after having to transfer from her own high school.
I would ask her why she would be transferred over to my school out of curiosity. She was a bit shy at first, but did tell me that when she last mentioned that she was being bullied there. I understood how she was feeling because me and her had something in common; both of us having a disability that at the time, I did feel a lot of shame about.
Remembering what my friends here in Equestria have told me, even if I have autism I shouldn't call it a curse, as they were right all along that it was a gift and I work something out of nothing from it.
Given the knowledge that Ann was bipolar, I could understand how she was feeling at times about having it. Sometimes wheneven she was angry, I would be there away from the eyes of Rebecca or Alex to help comfort her as she would stressed out pretty easily whenever she was pissed at the littlest things.
Me and her had a few things in common together, and we only ended up sharing one class together in Mathematics, and would be there to help her out with homework whenever I came to visit her at her house. Other than that; we would sometimes go out on walks together, sit up in her bedroom and watch 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' on her laptop and go out to do what hobbies there was in town like laser tag, bowling, etc.
Eventually, our relationship blossomed and sometimes we found ourselves gazing at one another or taking one other's hand to hold. Ann was calm, but she confessed to me that she had a crush on me and would understand if I didn't want to give the relationship a further chance as she would be fine with me and her being friends. This was before I came to Equestria, so I allowed myself to confess my feelings to her and begin dating.
I already miss Ann... as much as she probably has moved on by now with her life, I can't help but feel that if I do visit Earth, I need to visit my high school to see her. I'm pretty sure that she thinks I died from drowning in the lake before Luna saved me, but this should be a surprise to her.
"Hey! You going to move or what?"
I was snapped out of my thoughts when I heard a calm, yet firm tone in somepony's voice as it was behind me. The train doors have automatically opened up and there is a stallion dressed in business attire looking only a little annoyed that I was standing in the way and spacing out in the process.
"Sorry, sorry about that." I told him, raising the both of my arms to keep him calm as I begin making my way out of the Crystal train and onto the Empire's train station.
The business stallion clears his firm look, trotting on to get to wherever he needed to go. Whatever I had been thinking has disappeared when the stallion got my attention, but I should keep it in the back of my mind for now. The last thing I would want is to keep dwelling on my Earth past.
My bare feet are touching the crystal floors of the station as the train departs once again from getting a few griffon passengers on board before making its way en route to the east, continuing on its way across of the river that flows from "Into the Unknown" into the "Celestial Sea" so water levels would not go off-balance and cause a major flooding. I haven't gone to the city of Griffonstone yet, but if I were to keep on travelling; I can see the Grittish Isles with the city of Trottingham, past the Bug-Bear Territories before arriving at the Griffonstone Station.
Reminds me how Fluttershy told me of the Griffon Kingdom, which I eventually read more of the history with Twilight on the relations between that and the city of Griffonstone here in Equestria. Apparently, their council placed a vote upon the relations that Griffonstone will not have a part of their territory from across the southern part of the Celestial Sea, initiating a treaty that Griffonstone would be secured as an independent city, yet a small state bordered in the enchanted lands.
If I am to ever travel, the Griffon Kingdom will be one of those places to visit. I'm not exactly sure how they will react to seeing a human though among themselves. The Elk Highlands and the newly-stated Zebra Grasslands would be another to place on my list as they would be very exotic. With Princess Ember ruling over the Dragonlands, it should be safe to enter without any trouble from any of them.
I begin to move forward out from the train station and beginning to make my way down in the path towards the Empire with the Palace shining brightly like it was reliving the first time of being able to visit with my friends. I was alone this time, and I felt that it was absolutely necessary in order for me to meet up with Princess Cadence without anypony suspecting or ruining the big proposal plans that I had in mind.
A few crystal ponies are trotting along the path or in the lime-green fields, enjoying a beautiful picnic accompanied with crystal berries, the natural grown fruit here in the Empire when in these fields as the young to old would gather them for many to sell at the best valued low price in the marketplace, or just take to the picnic while they were still fresh from the branches.
There's a small bump that I could feel on my left leg. I look down to see what it exactly was to see that it was a filly herself whom accidentally was probably either not seeing where she was going, or was playing with friends.
"Sorry about that mister." She apologizes.
Nothing other than a smile and a chuckle came from my lips before I had moved my right arm to place my hand on top of the filly's head, giving it a pat. "No need to apologize little one," I said to her. "Accidents come and go."
The filly smiles back at me for a moment, glad to see that I have forgiven her for that small mistake, galloping off once again to be on her way. What the filly was doing isn't really much of my business, but I was just focused on a task myself for what I should do to keep my cool on proposing without looking like a complete pussy.
There isn't too much of a breeze to blow in my face, so I could fare a bit in flight to make my way to the palace. I don't plan on landing on the balcony though, even if it is to make an entrance for the Prince and Princess. I knew them though through Twilight and the rest of her friends by now, so I should be fine. Regardless though, I will come into the palace in the regular way any visitor would.
I spread open my diamond blue wings and I can feel them beginning to flap and lift my bare feet off of the ground. I'm already a few feet off the ground, but I don't really feel this scared about being higher and airbourne. All I have to do is remember a bit of the training that Rainbow Dash was teaching me in order to keep my cool on this. Small rolling hills I was fine with, but this is an entire Empire. Almost like a city, but just as huge as Canterlot was.
Pushing myself forward, I allow my wings to flap and keep me steady. Vertigo can be quite an issue for anypony as I was told before, but it can also feel really scary when on Earth in any of the major cities' towering skyscrapers. I know this made me feel like I was an angel, but I'm trying not to let myself let scared.
Soaring through the empty, calm skies above the Empire in flight towards the palace; and all is rather relaxed for me after making sure that I was going to be okay this high up as even a huge amount of stress could mess with my flight. My eyes are looking down as I move overhead from the fields of the Empire and over the residential shops and homes of the domain.
There were many ponies trotting in the streets, some being part of the Empire and some from the outside; possibly a few being visitors and I don't even know it yet. A few of them could see my shadow pass by them from down below and raise their hooves into the air to point out the human in flight which was me. Guess they were quite surprised to see that I, the possibly only human of Equestria managed to get these wings by earning them just like Twilight did when solving a spell by Starswirl the Bearded.
Mid-air, I look at those who hold looks of wonder and amazement on their faces to smile and wave at them as I passed along them in the sky. It is quite amazing to see the variety of ponies from throughout the Crystal commonwealth and from all over Equestria to visit and stay. Most from what Cadence has told to Twilight is the events that go on like the changing of the guard around the palace which can be fun to watch.
Other than that, the restaurants in the food district of the empire has recieved a lot of positive feedback from tourists alike and even the residents that have lived in the empire all their life. My eyes did catch a few other species that roam in the lands of Equestria; being that of the donkeys and yaks from Yakyakistan. A small percentage of griffons were also able to be seen observing the shining statue of Spike himself holding the Crystal Heart triumphly as he saved the Crystal Empire from King Sombra.
The real Crystal Heart though spins and shines brightly underneath the palace building that sheltered all of its ponies and gave the empire the protection it needed from common enemies. I have begun to make my descent as I was much closer to the palace than I thought, so the wings on my back really make the trip much faster.
I begin to slow down after having flew at a decent speed towards the crystal tiles below that spread it's way throughout the city. Even at this close range, the Crystal Heart looks more beautiful than ever. But I knew it was not the time to take a look at it, as my bare feet touch onto the tiles and my wings closed shut.
At the double doors into the palace, two guards are standing there proudly with welcoming smiles abroad their faces as their empire was blossomed since the birth of Flurry Heart, Cadence's offspring. Though they look to be welcoming, I have that feeling that on the inside they shall show no fear should a threat arise in the area. I began to approach the double doors, looking at the both of them as the doors get closer with more detail of decor on them both.
"Sir, do you have any business with the princess?" The guard on the left spoke out when his left wing has opened up to block the door with a rather calm tone in his voice.
I nod my head before responding to him. "Yes, I am here to see Princess Cadence. I need her advice on something she knows about."
"Do you have proof that you know her?" He asked once again while the guard on the right remains silent.
"Yes. I know her through the Princess of Friendship; Twilight Sparkle."
The guard on my right places a hoof on his chin to think perhaps about what I was saying. "You know Princess Twilight? Aren't you that human over there in Ponyville that is usually talking with both her and her friends?"
"Of course. Me and her have been 'together' for quite some time, and I would just like to talk to Cadence about some advice on wanting something more from the... relationship."
"If you say so sir," The guard on my left said, lowering his wing and shifting to the side to open up the left door. "But I will have to warn you to be cautious. Things in the palace can be a little hectic since Flurry Heart was born."
"No doubt about that, I heard about what happened in the Empire when my friends were visiting to see her for the Crystalling," I explained to the guard and taking a few steps forward towards the entrance into the shining halls. "I wouldn't have wanted to imagine what it would have been like for the eternal winter to come seeping in."
"Yeah... thank Celestia that Twilight and her friends saved the day along with two new friends of theirs named Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst, who has recently got a new role in the palace to be the crystaller of Cadence's offspring."
"Noted. Thank you for telling me these things." I responded to him with a greetful smile on my face before trotting past him and heading on my way down the halls where I would be the first to either meet up with Cadence or Twilight's brother Shining Armor who I knew was already married to her.
The halls themselves look quite clean and bright, just like it had been when I first came to visit and meet Cadence for the first time for the Princess' summit. So I could really assume that besides the birth of Flurry Heart; nothing else was pretty much new around here or have changed. A few crystal guards are casually trotting about in the halls and up or down the stairs to the next floor where I was headed, but they were undisturbed by my presence as I was seen to be an ally.
I make my way up the steps, heading down the hallway on my right as I knew that was exactly where Princess Cadence would be on her throne, probably with her husband. From outside of the double doors into the throne room; two guards with more royal armor remain stationary and on guard for any intruders. Seeing that I have been tagged good, they shouldn't be too much of a bother for me.
A few more soldiers are trotting about the closer I was towards the throne room, the majority of them had the exact same armor, but I already knew about that familiar Pegasus guard that every brony on Earth loved or hated... ugh, by the vivid cornflower blue eyes and the brilliant gamboge coat with two tones of moderate sapphire blue in his mane: it is obviously Flash Sentry.
He appears to be doing his duty, but standing out from the rest of the guards with his golden armor and keeping a smile on that calm face of his. Even though me and the Flash I know in the mirror world are now officially cool with one another... I've got my eye on this version... but I would have to remind myself to do that whenever I am with my special somepony Twilight.
I am not at all disturbed by his presence and I was close to the throne room anyway, moving forward and placing my hands on the right side door to gently push it open.
Remembering the first time being in here, I knew that there was the carpet there and only one throne at the time; so things have changed a lot around here through the small renovations in there. There were now two thrones for the Prince and Princess of the Crystal Empire, including a small cradle close by where Flurry Heart would be for the visitors to the Crystal Empire to see.
Princess Cadence is seated to the throne on the left with a small colored crystal shaded in pink above to signify to her royal guards that it was her throne in place. On the right, there is another shaded in blue that resembled the Prince of the Empire ruling alongside the Princess, that being Twilight's brother himself who is also seated there and signing a few bills when there wasn't really much to do.
My right hand turns into a bit of a fist and begins to slowly knock on the door that I have opened; in hopes of being able to grab their attention and give them a bit of a surprise that I was coming to visit.
"Come right in!" I can hear Cadence call out to the door that had been slightly opened.
Without haste, I turn past the door and come into sight for her and Shining to see me in the flesh before their own very eyes. I don't think they've caught the sight of my new wings, but I can tell that they were going to be in for that shock and awe when they are curious. Princess Cadence was happy to see me in the presence of both her and Shining Armor, which he also looks quite content to know that I was trusted by his sister.
"Hello Brayden," I can hear Shining Armor as the first to speak out on behalf of Princess Cadence, getting up out of his throne to trot forward, a smile abroad his mouth as he was talking. "What are you doing here in the Crystal Empire today? You haven't visited since the Maretonia delegates visit."
"I figured that I should pop in and say hello. I did have this visit planned out for a while, but wanted to keep it a surprise," I told him as I approach forward towards him and then stopping a few feet away. "I didn't ask Twilight about sending a letter, so you can tell that I like to make an entrance every now and then."
"Well, I read about everything that goes on with Twilight when she sends letters to Princess Cadence for her and I to read. There may have been a 'few' ups and downs, but both yours and her relationship together seem to be really healthy."
"Of course," I said with that smile still on my face while Cadence is getting up off of her throne to join us. "And how about you guys? How goes the Empire and its politics for you?"
"We're doing fine. Flurry Heart is starting to calm down after the Crystalling, her magic isn't acting as crazy as before," Cadence spoke as she trots closer, joining beside her husband. "I'm sure Twilight already told you about that had happened."
"Of course she does. I find out about it either through her or from my other best friends." I told her, bringing my right hand forward to give her hoof a welcoming shake.
Her smile remained on her face, rather enlightened that I offer to shake her hoof. "You don't have to worry about that Brayden. Your reception is noted by Twilight, and you are a friendly soul; so I will offer you a welcoming friendly hug."
"I should ask though; considering..."
Shining could only chuckle at my response. "Don't worry about it. I'm perfectly okay with you hugging Cadence."
I nod to what he's had to say, and I step forward towards the pink alicorn, placing the both of my arms around her neck and giving her that friendly hug that I would give to anypony in need or when I usually asked permission to do so. Most of the ponyfolk that I was friends with were comfortable already and I didn't have to ask. We hug for a few moments and then release from the hug.
"Have you seen our daughter Flurry Heart yet?" Shining Armor asked me.
I shook my head. "No, I haven't yet. Twilight told me about her, and if I am to believe: She is an alicorn. I don't really understand though, how did she be born an alicorn?" I had to ask, still a bit confused.
"Alicorn births can be extremely rare in the land of Equestria. There hasn't been one for hundreds, possibly thousands of years here in the formation of the enchanted land," Cadence was explaining to me as she invites me to follow her up the small steps to the cradle next to her. "Even both myself and Shining Armor were surprised ourselves, so I had to send a letter to both Celestia and Luna to come and see her on the night she was born."
I head up the steps to speak again as I continue forward. "Well, being that it is an alicorn. I have that good feeling that she will be the next princess of the Crystal Empire when she has grown."
"Of course, it's all passed down in the royal family," Cadence tells me with a smile on her face. "As I am aware that Celestia had told all of us in secret, you are her son."
"I understand that, and for a bit of time that day I was furious about it until I realized that I shouldn't be scorning at her as she brought me into the good life that I deserve to live in," I told her, approaching the cradle and still looking at her. "Aunt Luna helped to bring me back into the world, as this... practically all of Equestria truely is my home."
I turn to look inside of the cradle to see exactly what the newborn looked like after the quick word. Almost immediately upon seeing the newborn, I was overcome with the feeling that I would have a 'HNNNNNG' attack if I wasn't able to contain it. She... was just too adorable and the cuteness level was probably really high up that it was at the point of just being shot into orbit around Equus.
The newborn was sitting up in the cradle and looking right at me with a look of excitement as if I was completely new to her own light opal colored eyes. Reminded me of when I met the Cake twins the first time coming into the Sugarcube Corner. Her coat is a light magentaish gray with tinges of pale, light grayish fuchsia. Her mane too was quite a surprise to me and quite clean, displaying its color as being a transition from light cerise to grayish violet with light arctic blue highlights.
Flurry Heart spreads open the both of her wings and flies up out of the cradle towards me. I am surprised to see that she can fly as well; but I don't display that emotion as I don't want to look like I am being scared off by this. I was prepared in case she was going to land right smack into my face, but she stops there and I can hear her coo.
"Hello to you too Flurry Heart," I greet her with a friendly chuckle. "My, you are quite the happy one aren't you?"
Cadence comes in to join the both of us in the greeting, watching as my right hand's index finger is brought forward to the newborn flapping her wings. Flurry looks curiously at my finger at first, but flies past my hand to land on my arm.
"In case you are wondering, you are looking at a human," I was telling her with a calm tone in my voice, but sounding rather enlightened by the friendly, playful newborn. "I have a great feeling you'll be the next best ruler the Crystal Empire ever had when you're older. Me, I may be the only Equestria-born human, but it is really wonderful to meet you."
The sound of hooves are growing distant, but I am aware that it is Shining Armor most likely giving me and Cadence some time to talk about the purpose of me visiting the Crystal Empire by surprise to them. "I'm going to let you both talk. I'll be watching over the rest of the guards in their training." He ensures to notify us of that before we hear the door creak and close shut.
He has left to allow me and her some space to talk, and accompanied with us in our conversation is Flurry herself, who has now perched herself onto my right shoulder with that bright, eager smile still on her face as she coos again.
My attention is brought back to Princess Cadence who is standing there by the cradle. "Actually, I have been wanting to speak with you for some time Cadence. You could say it is for some... things that I am planning."
"What kind of things? Is it something for your relationship with Twilight?" She asked me while Flurry is just listening to everything that we were sharing between one another, not commenting at all.
"Yes, is it related to that."
"I'm all ears on it. Tell me anything that is on your mind about the relationship."
I took a silent breath in and exhale out before I began to explain. "You see, I have been Twilight's special somepony for quite a while now. Me and her have been going out together on dates outside of her castle, sometimes in her castle to have dinner together, and read books together as it's both a hobby for both of us."
Cadence nods her head while she is listening to me speak what I am trying to tell her on what has been going on.
"It has been quite almost to that time, and I have had this thought in my head develop on what I feel I should do for my own sake in my relationship with her. It's somehow difficult for me to do it though... I want to have more, and I want to live by her side for the rest of my days."
"Brayden..." Cadence sounds almost hushed, yet joyful to hear what I was trying to explain. "Are you trying to tell me that you want to propose to her, improving it into marriage? I read about how you and Twilight are doing together, and I can tell it was healthy."
"It's why I came to you," I said to her. "I want to marry her, but somehow I am a bit nervous about doing this, plus I don't really have the requisite like the ring to propose with. I am asking you for advice, of course."
She has a mild smile on her face as she trotted closer towards me, raising her right front hoof to place onto the top of my left hand. All is silent between both the alicorn and myself, while her foal is watching, remaining silent on what was going on. Well... it wasn't always silent, as I can hear Flurry's breathing on my right side.
Her light purple eyes stare at my brown eyes, and she begins to talk to me. "This advice that I will give you requires honesty and worth to prove your love for her. I never did give any to Shining Armor before he proposed to me, but I have knowledge on what you should do for this. All that really matters is that you have to pick the right moment for her to see the ring that you are offering to her."
"Then what must I do?" I asked.
"You really need to show Twilight that you are trustworthy for her and that you will show respect to her strength and dependence for both your and her friends around her, while you have to be there to protect her no matter what." She tells me in a calm tone, yet I caught a glimpse of the sound of it being a bit more serious than I usually would hear. The advice she had given me, I already knew that I would be there to protect her, though I have seen her battle. Even so, I don't want to risk her getting hurt again.
"I understand Cadence," I tell her, not even taking my eyes off of her. "I already made that promise when she became my special somepony that I will never turn away from her. My heart though is strong for her, and I truely do understand her true magic."
"What about the other two that you are also in love with? Coco Pommel and Nightmare Moon are also residing in there, considering Twilight told me about what happened on your first visit in Manehattan and Luna sent me a letter about your dream with Nightmare when she confessed to you."
I nod to her question with a bit of understanding when she brought up the other two loves of my life. "You do not have to fear. As much as I love them, Twilight is always going to be the one that I will cherish with all of my heart. After all, she's already aware about Nightmare Moon and Coco, and has pretty allowed me to have one more mare in my love life and then I can't have anymore."
Cadence smiled when I have told her this. "You have no idea how thankful I am to hear that you really want to commit to Twilight. I understand about her policy between you and her on how you can love three other mares; and I knew that your heart inside wouldn't be that of a cheater."
"I would have to be crazy and selfish if I was going to be cheating on her with another mare, but not today now or ever."
"Take my advice seriously though Brayden," She warns me carefully, showing only a little concern on her face when she took her hoof off of my hand. "You don't want to lose her, and your relationship has made both you and her strong together."
"Do nor fear, I will make sure that I will protect her, should any danger come to harm her." I promise to her, the tone of my voice sounding honest like I really did mean it after all. "I will not fail."
Cadence smiles, rather enlightened to hear those words from me. "You are definitely the Brayden I know after all," She giggles for a moment before continuing. "I am glad that you could take the time to come and visit me and Shining. Flurry is happy to see you as well."
The small alicorn spreads open her wings from behind, cooing for a moment before letting out a sneeze which triggered her horn to ignite a beam towards the ceiling, with an aura of light yellow to it. I was surprised to see the aftermath of her magic, as it had tore a hole through the ceiling, revealing the many floors above.
"Sorry about that," Cadence apologizes, using her magic to get Flurry Heart off from my shoulder and onto my back. Probably for safety precautions as her magic seems powerful as a newborn. "Neither I, Shining or the other princesses can really explain why her magic is that way."
I nod with understanding, raising the both of my hands for a moment. "It's all good."
"I'm sure you must be hungry after your trip here from the train. How about some lunch and a proper tour around the Crystal Empire before you go?"
"That'll do just fine." I responded to her question.
"Alright, follow me to the dining hall. We've got lunch prepared."
I begin to walk alongside her as we make our way down the steps from close to the thrones and out of the room, hearing my bare feet touch onto the crystal floors below. "So, what's for lunch?"
"Since you've only just got here to see the entire place for the first time, we figure that a few of the exquisite Empire tastes will enlighten you. Crystal berries, cinnamon buns with the delicious glazing on top, and a few of the traditional salads found growing around here, freshly picked from the good fields of the Empire by their farmers."
"Crystal berries?" I asked, rather intrigued by this. "Sounds good, but cinnamon buns... I'd love to get a taste of those right now. Haven't had one in years."
"Well, good. I'll direct you right to the dining hall and I'll tell you a little more on how me, Shining Armor and Flurry have been doing."
I can only put on a friendly smile as she opens both of the throne room doors with her magic, as I trot beside her; Flurry giggling and cooing on her back.
"Sounds good, I'm interested in how politics can working in this district of Equestria... how exactly do politics work again?"
A/N: Oh, I have a few things to state before I end the chapter:
1. I am open to suggestions for the next chapter which is the date between Brayden and Twilight. What do you think they should do on their date, as I plan on having him propose to her near the end of the next chapter. Let me know.
2. The Season 6 hiatus will be ending possibly around July 30 or August 6. We will have a new episode called "Stranger Than Fan Fiction" then, and I have a feeling it should give me some inspiration to write along with new chapters. Also, I heard of two new episodes called "Dungeons and Discords" and "The Times Are a Changeling". With the mention of changelings, I am really excited as it could mean the return of Queen Chrysalis.
3. Still no release date for Equestria Girls 4: Legends of the Everfree. They should release the date soon enough.
Alright, I got to get to bed now. Hopefully the next chapter will be up soon.