A/N: Alrightie, here it is.
Tomorrow afternoon at 11:30am, we will finally be out of the hiatus for Season 6 and back in action with the new episode being "Daring Do" related so it'll be a lot of fun. I'm really excited to see "The Times They are a Changeling" though because we might just have the first Changeling trying to be just like the other ponies and exiled from the queen's hive. Plus, more Discord! The season 6 finale's possible title is "To Where and Back Again" and my prediction is that Season 6 ends on October 29. Can't wait for more, along with more Starlight Glimmer episodes when they come in.
Also, GNR at the Rogers Centre was a fantastic show. Axl Rose sounded much better in his vocals and they played a lot of their good stuff. I couldn't stay for the entire show though sadly, as trains work differently on weekends. I left at 11:30 to catch the 11:43 train out of Toronto to head back home and I was really lucky. Had I missed it, I would have been stuck there with no other alternative to get me back where I live.
Review Responses: (Don't worry AntiVillain1, I responded to you. I decided to keep in that part though because I needed there to be one more of that. :) )
Jack905: Shhhhhh... it's a secret. :)
Guest: No. He was born a Pegasus.
billykilly: Thank you.
V: Kind of, but I believe it's a herd but not really at the same time.
Guest [2]: Khaln and the other members will be in the Earth chapters. That's all that I am going to say as I don't want to release spoilers.
jvs12: Thanks.
Anon: Here it is! ;)
Steve03: Yeah, it's been quite a while. Well, the Earth 5 parter is coming right up after this chapter. Lots of stuff to be excited about.
Guest [3]: It's going to sound fun, that's what I think. :)
Klahinmm: To answer your question, I like to have stories with the tradition that the hero/protagonist lives at his own place or at a best friend's place, and visit his girlfriend/love interest where she lives. I believe mostly that they would be living together when they are married so I find that a little more fair to be honest.
CJ316: Thanks mate. By the woman, you mean Rebecca right? If so, future chapter is all I will say at the moment.
ShiningShadow1965: Thank you very much for the reviews.
That's all of the reviews for the chapter! Hope everyone enjoys the next chapter!
P.S. I will attending Fan Expo in Toronto this September once again. Sadly there is no MLP:FIM VAs this year, and I ended up missing TFCon this July, but I will be meeting Charles Martinet who does the voice of Paarthurnax from Skyrim. Other than that, no other plans but concerts that I am going to.
P.S.S. The song in this chapter is REO Speedwagon's "Can't Fight This Feeling".
Alright Brayden, don't be nervous. Keep yourself together for the big night...
Yes, you probably know by now. Tonight is my date with Twilight that has been all planned out for me and her. I did the planning most of the time by myself, but I had made sure to set it right as there was a carnival being set in town and I was actually thinking that me and her should attend it, talk and exchange words of love with one another, ride the tunnel of love, and grab a bite to eat there before we both set out for a walk together by the lake.
I was at the steps out of her castle, already having knocked on the right sided golden door and waiting for her, Spike or Starlight to come and answer the door. The sun has set over the horizon and Luna's moon was out over the starlit skies above the clear skies. Nothing formal is being worn on me tonight, just your usual shirt and shorts.
After having my meeting with Cadence in regards to proposing her, she had given to me a golden sapphire ring to use for the proposal as she didn't really have any need of it. It was found in the golden stashes from within the palace where King Sombra had hid it during his reign of terror.
A few shadows could be seen flying overhead in the skies. Just your traditional pegasi travelling in from Cloudsdale perhaps, to go to the local carnival in town. If you're wondering: No it's not Hearts and Hooves Day. At least not yet though... but I'm hoping that it will be at the peak of being able to attend to my first one: since it reminds me a lot of Valentine's Day back on Earth.
I can hear the creak of the golden door open, and from the shadows there is Starlight Glimmer herself who looks rather happy to see me, sharing a smile with me in greeting. I haven't checked up on her in a bit as there was a couple of stuff going on with my friends.
One thing, I was home at Fluttershy's cottage when this was all going down. Her brother Zephyr Breeze had apparently moved into her cottage, and was being a bit lazy about doing the jobs that were offered to him by Rarity, Twilight or Rainbow Dash herself. I remember watching from my bedroom window as he was getting thrown out by Fluttershy to live in the Everfree Forest; only we all knew he wouldn't survive the night. He comes back to the cottage with Fluttershy and Rainbow, where they give him encouragement to continue his classes as a mane therapist. It's a bit too bad I never got to meet him, but again I never knew she had a brother; but anything is possible in the future.
Other than that, the map was engaged for action once again as both Rarity and Pinkie Pie were summoned by the map once again to solve a friendship problem over in Canterlot. It was all based on a Indian-style restaurant called The Tasty Treat owned by Coriander Cumin and his daughter Saffron Masala. There was a bit of a mix-up to earn them business including standing up to Zesty Gourmand who is known to be a food critic. Note to self: be there to stop for lunch or dinner there when given the chance.
"Hey there Brayden," Starlight Glimmer manages to snap me out from my thoughts of the events that went on a few days ago. "Didn't expect to see you here at the castle this early in the evening? How's things with you?"
"They're going quite well," I said to her. "I'm here to see if Twilight is at her castle. I have planned out a date for both me and her, and I'm pretty sure that both of us will be in for a treat."
"Of course, she's been in her library just reading up on some research. I'll go and call-" She turns to the spiral staircase, looking surprised for a moment there before turning back with a bit of a chuckle. "Well, looks like I didn't need to call for her. She's right here."
From behind the door, Twilight was seen trotting past her student with a smile on her face. Her appearance is the same that I know and love deep in my heart. Her heavenly violet eyes... it's something I can never turn away from when she is approaching me. She trots forward to me, offering her right front hoof for my left hand to hold.
"Good evening Brayden," Twilight greets me, happy to see me in her presence like always as my hand takes her soft hoof, with my fingers wrapping around it with a gentle hold on it. "Another date night with me I presume?"
"You know it." I respond to her with a loving smirk abroad my mouth.
She giggles for a moment, allowing my hand holding her hoof to begin rocking it back and forth. As we do so, my eyes can't look away from her own. Even under Luna's moon, they gleam with the round moon seen on the edge of it as she is staring right back at me, possibly unable to turn away either.
"What's going on for tonight that you have in mind?" She asks me, sounding relieved at the same time that we could spend some time together most likely, as she always was.
I look to the town of Ponyville's nearby square for a moment before turning back to look at her. "There's a carnival going on in town tonight, and I was thinking that you and I should go together."
"I'm interested," Twilight says to me, moving closer to me so that my other hand can take and hold onto her other hoof. "I'd like to go with you to it. Besides that, is there anything else planned?"
"Well, I figured that we could grab a bite to eat while at the carnival, talk about how we've been doing, tunnel of love, and finish the night with a walk near the lake again." I smiled at her. I let go of her left front hoof with my right hand for a moment, giving her soft and silky mane a gentle stroke.
She looks comfortable enough with the idea. "A carnival, hm? Sounds like this will be quite a fun time won't it?" She tells me.
I nod in response to her question, holding onto my warm smile. My other hand releases from holding her right front hoof, and motion them in the way of requesting if she wanted to be carried in my arms if she had been on her hooves again for the entire day. The look on her face gives off that she will accept my offer for her.
She trotted forward, letting herself lift upward on her two back hooves and then falling backwards to allow her to make a soft landing in my left arm while I get my right arm to have a grip onto her from below, but not in any way to make her feel uncomfortable. She exhales a relaxed sigh and opens up the both of her feathered wings to move around my back to make me warm, considering that the temperature tonight was a bit between lukewarm and chilly.
"Twilight?" We can hear Starlight Glimmer at the door whom having watched us the entire time, like she had a question. "While you and Brayden are out on your date, what should I do?"
"I'm sure that you can give Spike some company. He's one of your friends after all, so I don't think that he will mind a bit of talk with you. Maybe this will get you out the door to attend the carnival as well."
"Sounds like a great idea," Starlight says. "While Trixie is going through Equestria on her apology tour, it's going to be a couple of days until she returns; so Spike will do some good considering he had helped me out with what I needed to do to fix my friendship with Sunburst."
My special somepony giggles for a moment. "All thanks to me!" She proclaimed proudly afterwards.
"Hope you two have fun on the date, I suspect there will be some good news eventually!" Starlight commented as she trots backwards to enter back into the castle. By the mention of good news, my cheeks must have turned pink as she is probably predicting that I am going to get down on one knee and propose to Twilight.
"We will! Hope you have a good time with Spike." Twilight responded to her with a trustful smile as we begin to make our way down the steps onto the clean dirt path.
The large golden door closes shut behind us and I continue forward down the path with Twilight holding herself closely to me with a beloved smile on her face. Carnival's not too far a distance, and being that it was in town it should be closer to get there.
My eyes turn to look at her, wanting to start a conversation with her. "How's everything been treating you? What have you been up to?"
"Not much went on for us, but it's been a busy day at the castle, being that Pinkie was having another friendly get-together with me at Sugarcube Corner. Baked some cupcakes and muffins to give away to others. Pinkie ended up claiming it was National Muffin and Cupcake Day today, and we managed to sell them to the locals," She tells me, sounding rather standard and happy to talk about one of our closest friends. "You should have seen the look on Derpy's face. It was like she was in heaven, and we ended up giving her a lot as we know her obsession with those."
"Of course," I chuckled with a comment. "I haven't really talked with Derpy, but I love to befriend the misunderstood so that there is somepony there that they can look up to when they feel down."
"Brayden, that's really nice of you to say that," Twilight says to me, knowing by the tone that she loved my decision. "Even before you got the Song of Order and were appointed Paladin by Celestia, I had this feeling that you would portray a good role model for all of the town."
I smiled when she mentions that I seem like quite the role model to everypony in Ponyville. "Oh... I'm not that big of a deal. It's not long I plan on ruling all of Equestria when I am older."
"I'm just saying. But you never really know what might happen in the near future... but even I can't predict it. Whatever happens, will happen."
"Indeed," I stated proudly with a sheepish looking grin. "I don't aim to be a leader, but I no doubtingly will protect everypony around me from harm whether it's timberwolves, or even dragons that would seep right out of..." I paused for a moment there as I realize that even the name of the darklands would bring a chill to anypony within the hearing range. "...Mortem."
The two homes were on close approach as I continue forward with a brisk pace to enter into the friendly town where everypony knew me. "But you probably know how worried I was when you were tasked to retrieve the book from it."
The tone in my voice becomes gentle and calm as I begin to talk to her. "I know I did. But to be honest, I would risk my life to save you or our friends from death itself... and hey, even I don't want to fall into death's eternal grasp either," Her head moves close to mine, allowing me to place my head gently onto the top of hers to nuzzle. "I would miss you too much in the afterlife..."
Twilight's head moves and I can feel my left cheek gently nuzzling with her right cheek as I don't let go of her, feeling relaxed and comfortable. It lasted for a few moments though sometime soon after I do what must be done later tonight, it could be a lifetime of being close to her.
I shift my head for a moment, closing my eyes to gently place my lips upon her forehead, giving her a kiss there to maintain the happiness in our relationship in every way possible. Afterwards, I release from the kiss I gave to her and keep our gaze at each other with my feet still travelling on the way into town and my left hand giving her mane gentle strokes.
My eyes poke up ahead to see the square coming up with the food stalls included as well. A few of the town's citizens are there, being that most of them are more likely trotting about and browsing all of the small shops, plus we have the tunnel of love that everypony is lined up for; but being that there will be a special VIP entrance for Twilight, any other princess or the rich, I hope I will be fine entering in with Twilight without any trouble like last time at the amusement park with the guards.
The smell of various foods being sold at the booths though are quite tempting, as I could catch the complex differences. Examples would be the corn-on-the-cob dogs which I found rather amusing as it's something that I probably would have seen on the Food channel on the television back on Earth in one of those shows. There was others like hayfries covered in a glazing that smells quite like cinnamon flavor, a tossed salad with dressings from the Zebra Empire overseas which is where I'm sure Zecora is from, as she is operating the booth and of course, there has to be cherrychangas over near the Sugarcube Corner.
Reminds me very much of chimichangas back on Earth as well, being that a famous comic book character there really loves to mention them a lot judging by his fans. I'm not surprised to see that Pinkie is operating there and selling them to those who come to buy the special delight she is offering.
"Cherrychangas?" Twilight asked, sounding a bit curious.
I didn't want to embarrass ourselves in front of my close friend, so I lower down and allow Twilight to get onto her hooves once again. She does so, setting her hooves onto the ground below, trotting back to be next to me while we are trying to also find out more about this similar food.
Pinkie's eyes turn to see me and Twilight coming towards her, an eager smile propping right up on her mouth when we were much closer. "Hello you two!" She started off, with another serving of Cherrychangas given to a few of the ponies attending the festival. "Up for some cherrychangas?"
"Hey there Pinkie," I responded to her greeting, rather curious by the tone of my voice. "So you were right after all about these being real. We're interested, but how did this come into play?"
"The stall was getting prepared and I was thinking really hard of what I should serve for tonight's carnival, so the thought of cherrychangas came to mind and decided to dig into the big secret notebook of mine on how to make them," She pauses for a few moments when she realized that I was standing right there with Twilight by my side like this was a top secret formula that she didn't want anypony to know about. Family secret perhaps. "But I can't tell you the recipe or let anypony know about it! It would ruin the surprise!"
"It makes sense actually," Twilight says to her. "After all, you like to give the others quite a surprise when they bite into the treats you make for their parties or the parties that you and our other friends have."
"Now to think of it, are you two out on one of your dates?" Pinkie asked.
I nod in response to her question. "Yes Pinkie, we are."
A smile came upon her face. "How about I get both of you cherrychangas so you can go and sit down outside the quill shop where everypony is having their dinner? I'm sure that they always have an open spot for the both of you, considering if it isn't that busy."
"Sounds good Pinkie," Twilight says with a smile. "Brayden, could you get the drinks for us? If you know me, I'll have a water and I already know that you'll drink apple cider in a mug."
"Will do." I said to her and turn towards the drink stall, making approach with the bag of golden bits ready to spend.
The drink stand owner was happy enough to see me, and I will admit looked a little surprised when she saw the wings closed on my back, but still visible to anypony taking a glance at me from any direction. By my request, I ordered for the water that Twilight would have and the apple cider for me which she accepts by only a cost of 4 bits which I give to her.
I take the cup with my left hand and in my right hand I carry my mug by its handle, making my way back to Twilight who was receiving the cherrychangas right about now. Her violet eyes turn and see me coming, putting a warm, welcoming smile to greet me as we always have done since after my first date with her. Pinkie on the other hoof, has our cherrychangas on plates with a carryable tray.
Well, guess I can put our drinks down on it being that there is holders to keep them from moving about. Considering that the tray has handles, I could carry our dinner to the table nearby to eat and get some food in our stomachs.
"Enjoy your dinner you two!" Pinkie tells both of us, sounding rather bright and eager as she always was.
I chuckle for a moment and pick up the tray as Twilight turns and trots forward as in leading me to the table where we would be sitting. "We will! You have an excellent time tonight Pinkie."
"Okie-dokie-loki!" Pinkie says, finishing with a squee after that and one of the cutest smiles I have ever seen. Even though, it's not in the way of giving me a 'HNNNNNG' attack as Fluttershy being adorable in general would be enough to cause that to happen.
Both myself and Twilight continue away from the stall after I have waved and told Pinkie that I would see her later sometime if I wasn't too busy. Being that my hands are occupied with the tray, I can only move forward alongside my special somepony, occasionally turning to look at her and share a loving smile at her as we walk together.
The dining area comes into view and I can see the various other ponies from all over town having had gathered to attend the carnival. I can see the ones I knew like Lyra, Bon-Bon, Time Turner, Minuette and even Elaina who was already sitting with her son Button. My ears were not really in hearing range of her talking in discussion with her son; but I was sure that it's not an argument between them this time.
The others are just having quiet chat at the table which would be audibly heard by my own ears, and even my eyes could catch the glimpses of others seated at the various tables that were from outside of Ponyville and in other cities like Canterlot, Manehattan, the Crystal Empire, etc. A few of the snobbish ponies were also there as well, but I do not believe they have noticed that I am in the area.
But again, thank Celestia that Jet Set and Upper Crust aren't there; probably would have taunted me again especially after I have called her a bitch in her face, even when it was right in front of her husband. Probably pissed them off, but I don't really care especially after they were being mean to Bit Spender. Well, okay I know it was a little mean how I acted... in the end, you have to admit they had it coming.
A few fillies gallop along by, giggling and laughing along the way which I knew were the few from the Ponyville School just playing around. I didn't really know their names, but I knew all along that they were mostly here for the fun and games at the carnival after they have wrapped up on dinner.
"There Brayden," Twilight snaps me out of my thoughts and I turn to see her hoof pointing at an unoccupied table for two. "There's a spot for the both of us that Pinkie told us about."
A smile appears on my mouth and I continue with on approach to the table, gently placing the tray onto the table and allowing Twilight to take a seat first which she appreciated. From the tray, I take out her glass cup of water and plate of her cherrychanga and give it to her by which she already looks like she is starving and ready to eat.
I exhale a happy, relaxed sigh as I finally take my plate and mug of cider, seating right next to her as we look at our food and even I just could not wait to eat. Since I was helping out Applejack earlier on her farm, I ended up having an early lunch with her and Big Macintosh in the Apple family household. Granny Smith was not there, as Applejack was telling me that she was going to visit some relatives for the next two weeks in Appleloosa. (I'm already aware that spells out Braeburn, AJ's cousin. Celestia, I should really not limit my visits to being so rare.)
My hand is about to reach for the cherrychanga sitting there, but of course there comes the recognizable sound coming from right behind both me and Twilight. Plus with that flash of light, I already am aware who it is as I place my hand onto the table. Ugh... Discord.
"Brayden... Twilight..." The draconequus stretched out his neck with his head behind upside-down and he sounds really happy to see the both of us together and talking with one another on the date. "How are the both of you? I could tell that when you were coming into the area, the both of you look like you were having a good time."
I can already tell that Twilight is already starting to look a little annoyed with him getting between us during the special date, but maintains to keep cool with the situation. "We are doing good Discord, how about you? Neither of us expected you to be here." She says to him, sounding calm and trying to not sound irritated that our privacy together was getting interrupted.
"Doing absolutely wonderful! I never suspected to see any of you coming to this, well I knew Pinkie was going to come along anyway but she's rather busy with selling those cherrychangas, just like the ones on the both of your plates."
"Indeed..." I said, only sounding a little annoyed. Though I consider Discord a good friend now after his redemption and having forgiven him for siding with Tirek, there are times like this where he come in a bit abruptly.
"Oh relax there Brayden, I'm only trying to check up on how you've been doing." Discord says with a jolly chuckle before he continues. "Congratulations on getting those wings by the way, if you weren't human; you'd already be a prince right about now."
"I'm a human, not really any possible way to transform me into a pony. But being that I was born a Pegasus, it does explain a lot."
"A pegasus?" He asked, catching onto something.
I nod my head to him. "Yes, but keep it down on this information okay? Both Twilight and Fluttershy is the only other one who knows about this; should everypony in town or the rest of Equestria know about it I'd have to deal with loads of mares or stallions gathering around me to get my autograph or something like a celebrity."
"My lips are absolutely sealed."
I turn around in my seat and signal for the draconequus to move much closer to me so that I could whisper in his ear about the surprise that even I didn't expect. His head stretched closer with his right ear stretched upward to listen in on what I would tell him. "Princess Celestia is my birth mother." I whisper into his ear.
"Wait... wha- what?!" Discord was close to almost shouting with joy upon hearing that. "Oh how I love to hear secrets from the royal family!"
"Discord!" Twilight snaps at him, most likely giving him a warning that I was serious that I didn't want this kind of news to be loose to the public of Equestria... at least not yet until the right moment unless Celestia gave the news all away.
He holds a little guilt there for nearly having let the secret out with a bunch of other ponies in the area who could possibly be listening, but has the awkward smile on his face. "Sorry!" He was quick to say.
"But with all due respect, what do you want?"
He knew very well that when I wasn't depressed, I would be very annoyed with his presence being nearby, though I am sure at some point that I'll find a friend in him should something happen. "I was hoping to check up on how you two were. Also, you sound a little bit annoyed." He answers my question, being much calmer now even after having heard that tone in my voice.
"Brayden, it's okay," Twilight places her right front hoof onto my hand to calm me down if he was getting on my nerves. After all, he has caused trouble before. She puts a warm smile on her face to make sure that I stay positive even for her as she was Discord's friend too. "We appreciate that you can check up on the both of us. Haven't seen you for a while since what happened when I was jealous about feeling left out."
Feeling jealous and left out? That's happened to me before many times on Earth.
"And for that, I do apologize." Discord says with both his two animal counterparts; the eagle claw and lion paw lifting for a moment.
"No need to apologize Discord, all is well in our friendship." She says to him, giggling afterwards. "Even if Brayden hasn't decided to hang out with you at one point; I'm sure that he will once he opens up and lets go of the annoyance he has towards you. Probably still remembers what happened in the past before he came to Earth."
"It was those moving pictures back on that place... what's it called... Earth, right?"
She nods to him in agreement. "Yes, but he says that they're known as television over there."
"Interesting then... he knows a lot more about us than we seem from over there." He commented before it looked like he had to keep moving on. "I really would love to stay and talk, but you two have a date to catch up on and I don't want to intervene anymore."
Twilight smiles back at him as he floats over our heads and the table, landing on the other side, facing us. "I know you're quite busy, but I'm probably telling that it's probably another one of your tea times with Fluttershy."
"Of course!" He exclaims proudly with a jolly laugh. "You answered quite correctly Twilight. Afterwards, me and her are going to watch the fireworks together on the small hill. The cookies have always been very delicious, I can tell you that."
I nod to go with the flow. "They're delicious, I will admit." I said to him.
"Good to see you agree with me on that," He commented with a small, yet impressed smile on his face. "You two enjoy those cherrychangas now, and I'll see you later! Slice!" And with a snap from his eagle claw and a flash of light he has disappeared out of sight, leaving the two of us alone back at our table.
"Well that was very nice for Discord to come and say hello to us." Twilight says, turning to look at me.
My head turns to look back at her. "Yes... but I still feel a bit uneasy about him."
"I know you are, you still don't really trust him. But since his redemption, I can understand that it's going to take a little bit of time until you can accept him being there as our friend."
"Mhm, it could. But when it happens, there comes acceptance which is something I'll do since he used to be evil."
"So was Starlight," She commented after I have said that. "But thanks to both me and you, we helped her from straying off on the wrong path."
A small smile does appear on my face when she has told me that, even having the memory of me hugging her new student after she had assisted both Luna and Nightmare in saving me from the corruption that would have spread if she had not come to help immediately. I mean, I did feel bad myself that I had to yell at Starlight after all of the time loops we had gone through. But I know now that it was the corruption making me do that.
"Um, Brayden?" Twilight asks me, getting my attention once again after having briefly been lost in my thoughts there. "We were going to eat our cherrychangas, weren't we?"
I could only change my smile in a sheepish grin when I have realized that neither of us have touched our dinner yet. "Oh... right." I said, because after all she was right and I do not want to be starving.
I turn to the cherrychanga sitting on my plate whilst Twilight lets go of my left hand and begin eating hers. My right hand makes the move and picks up the cherry-filled deep-fried burrito, as I bring it close to my mouth. I take a bite from it, and I can already taste the cherries inside of it as I realize how much wonder I have missed in my lifetime had come to me. No burns or hot stuff on the inside, but it felt rather warm on the inside and reminded me of having tacos or burritos back on Earth, but except these taste much better than I thought.
Time to dig in, and begin eating away.
I shift backwards to stretch on the mushroom seat after having finished the cherrychanga and drank all of the apple cider in the mug there. That alone, was probably one of the best dishes that I have ever sat down to eat in a long time and being that it was a different kind of food, I think I can really appreciate the variety of foods that Equestria has.
Twilight exhales a happy sigh, being that she was also finished with her plate as well. "I didn't really want to believe that cherrychangas actually were a thing, but it was the best meal that Pinkie Pie have given to us."
"Guaranteed." I said to her with a smirk on my face and putting a bit of an announcer's tone in my voice. By announcer, the kind you would usually hear in the advertisements for cleaning wares.
I turn in the seat to face her, reaching forward to take and hold gently onto her right front hoof. She notices this and smiles, turning to gaze right back at me in return. But of course, there is one thing that I did notice about her. There was a small bit of a mess around her soft lips, left from the cherrychanga she was eating.
"Uhhh, Twi?" I said to her with a bit of a questioning tone in my voice whilst that smile still remains on my face as I do not want Twilight to be worried. "You've... got some remaining cherry bits around your mouth."
She takes off of me for a moment to look, seeing the small mess around there. "Oh dear, guess I got a bit too carried away there about cleaning it," She says, giggling a bit as her horn channels magic to get a napkin. "Don't worry about it, I'll go and get the napkin to wipe it off."
"Wait..." I said to her, getting her attention that I might have been eager enough to want to stop her for that moment to clean it for her. What? You didn't think that I was going to propose to her right then and there, right? I'm saving that for the walk by the lake after we ride the tunnel of love. But this alone, could be one of those special moments we would remember.
"What is it?" She asked me, very calm about my eager tone.
I smiled and move forward, opening my diamond blue wings and moving them around her back to wrap around her to hold close to me. "I'll clean the mess for you." I respond to her calm curiosity.
Twilight accepts the wing-hug that I am giving to her, allowing me to pull her closer to me. She opens up her wings, returning the hug to me, while my arms gently move around her neck. My eyes slowly close, but I can tell that hers are too by the time that I can feel those lips of hers making contact with my own.
Cherry scented tastes were there as the both of us were exchanging many loving kisses between one another, I almost felt like I didn't want to let go of her and even I knew that she probably felt the same way too. While my lips embrace her, my right hand moves from around her, gently caressing the side of her cheek smoothly to keep her comfortable and happy.
The moments pass, and we both finally release from our kissing session, only exchanging loving glances between one another. The cherry mess that once had been around her mouth was already gone as I was mostly kissing it off whilst she wants to give me kisses in return which I did accept.
"Want to clean up and put our stuff in the garbage can?" I asked her, chuckling a bit and placing my forehead unto hers.
She gently nuzzles her nose with mine, responding to me. "There's a janitor nearby, so I'm sure that he'll take care of the mess."
Gently caressing her and stroking her soft silky mane, I agreed with her there. "If you say so, my princess." I said to her.
After we have nuzzled, we release from our wing-hugs and my arms have moved off from around her neck, especially since she looks really happy and if she is, so am I. Looks like what I did plan out is really working out as well as I thought. Maybe Princess Cadence actually was right after all, her advice really does work well in the end.
"Anyhoo, the tunnel of love?" She suggests with a smirk on her face.
"You know what my answer will always be: Yes." I said to her.
She nods to me in response, turning to the direction of the rides close by. "Alongside me, my special somepony."
With no hesitation, I moved forward to join with her walking by her left side as I can hear the sound of her hooves trotting on the clean dirt ground and our eyes occasionally glancing at one another to share looks of affection at one another for the occasion. She doesn't feel exhausted as much for being on her hooves like she has been for the majority of the day; but if her hooves get tired again I will be happy to carry her in my arms again.
She moves closer to me as we continue through town, gently placing her head against my chest in the ways that made me feel warm and comfortable in her presence as well. My right hand moves and I place it around her neck gently as our steps continue forward. By the direction, we're not going straight to the rides or the ferris wheel itself, but more near the calm river that borders between the town and the valleys and great lake.
A few of the ponies trotting about in town were familiar ones that I recognize almost every day when I'm in town and out of the cottage. There's the familiar two that I am seeing: Lyra Heartstrings and Bon Bon sitting together on a bench like usual either chatting amongst themselves or just sitting in silence. Others included Berry Punch, Roseluck and Lily Valley who are from the flower shop, Time Turner and Minuette who could very well give me another dental appointment.
But hey, I did Octavia trotting about and not noticing me at all yet. Pretty sure she is aware that I am living here and is used to my appearance.
Even as I have passed, the iris' in Lyra's eyes must have shrank every time she saw my new wings. I mean they are pretty, and I was really excited to finally have them to keep. Now it's kind of old news, but I don't mind when others awe at them. After all, it's probably the shape of angel wings they admire.
The tunnel of love was close by and quite a couple of ponies in pairs were lined up for it in the general admission. Being that Twilight is a princess though, I'm pretty sure that VIP line-up would suffice even if the guard starts to complain about me being a 'thing' again. Doubt that racism towards me will happen once they see the wings on my back that would be so similar to those Pegasi. Hell, he'd probably think that I'm a mix of both Human and Pony together.
The red carpet is seen next to the general lineup as I can see a few ponies getting onto a swan-like boat and being set off down the gentle stream for a ride around the town under a tunnel installed for the carnival before ending up back in the same location where everypony was lined up. It makes sense since I did see ponies that had rode the same boat get off onto the other side of the river.
Me and her approach the line-up that she's most likely thinking of, as my bare feet transitions from the clean dirt ground onto the soft plush carpet. Doesn't feel as rough on the bottom of my feet now, as I am rubbing along it like a cat, but not at the same time.
"Hello princess." The security guard burdening a fancy suit and a pair of sunglasses says to her as she approaches the end of the line with me right beside her.
"Greetings to you," She acknowledges him as he was quick to make a bow before her because of her status. "I'm here with my special somepony Brayden here. We're looking to get on the ride."
The security guard can only smile and wait until the next swan boat came along, opening the gate for us. "Be sure to keep your hooves in the boat at all times, and keep your legs and arms in the boat too Brayden."
"Will do." I said to him with the tone of trust in my voice as I watch Twilight with the aid of her wings get an extra push forward into the boat, leaving a spot for me to sit next to her as her eyelids I admit do look almost like she was waiting for me with that smile on her face.
I hop onto the boat and take my seat next to her, gently allowing her right front hoof that was touching my left hand to hold it as she leans to the side, putting her head next to my own for the time of nuzzling together and talking quietly amongst the both of us even when the security guard has given our boat a light push to move us forward.
Another sigh of happy relief escapes from her mouth as her eyes are closed and my left hand moves, taking her soft hoof and holding it, my fingers gently rubbing to keep her relaxed and content as to be.
"This is even better than I have expected." I say to her with a small chuckle from my lips as my eyes can see the tunnel approaching with a few pink colored lights illuminating the river's path in for the sights and wonders inside.
"Yeah..." Twilight tells me. "No doubt about that. You and me... alone together to spend time at last after a long day."
"So many things to do and so many to plan."
Her head moves off from next to my cheek and I turn to see that face of hers as she might have realized something there. "Speaking of planning, I'm pretty sure that there have been some things that you really wanted to do? Recall the visit to Earth?"
My mind remembered that so well as I do feel a bit homesick, especially having grown up there my whole life. I'm not sure if everyone in my family were missing me, or even friends alone as well. Even so, I wanted to see how things were faring since then. I doubt my other friend Rebecca's changed a bit, but if she is there it would be good to see her again. The majority of me really wants to show my best friends what Earth really looks like. Nightmare Moon probably won't be able to come as she already knows about it from the imagery that she, Luna and my mom were studying.
"Very true there, I believe I have officially made the decision myself," I said to her, knowing that I can't keep holding back and delaying the possible visit anymore. "I have decided that me, you, our friends and any others we've invited are coming to visit Earth."
A delightful smile comes upon her face as even the decision I've made would have her happy enough even so as this could get her to do research on what happens there. "Wonderful!" She tells me. "I'll definitely have to remember to bring a journal to write in about what it's like over there and if it is just like Equestria."
"Of course." I said, a gentle smile on my lips. "That's how I know you."
I can hear music coming as the streaming tunnel of love opens up to reveal a wonderous set of imagery which was the theme behind which sounds a lot like a very high pitched synthesizer creating a wonderous and mystical essence around the both of us, but I had to share a few words before I can take into the next action.
"Twilight..." Her ears have perked up and she looked really patient and understand on what I was probably going to tell her. "Since we both confessed to one another about us having a crush on one another, I feel that you've been here for me in my time of need. You're always there to keep me happy and sometimes when I hold you in my arms, I often never want to let go because I'm afraid that I'll lose you. We've been much closer now and I can tell you this that I am really happier more than ever to have you at my side to be there for me when I'm down."
She moves her other hoof, gently allowing it to take my other hand and I use to now gently hold onto the both of her hooves. "I... I really don't know what to say," She says, a shade of pink appearing on her cheeks which makes her look more adorable and beautiful than ever before. "That was probably one of the best that you've ever said to me Brayden. You know that I care about you too much, and I wouldn't know what to do with myself if you left me."
"Then I will just have to make sure that our relationship together is never bruised or damaged then." I said to her with a smile.
The music playing over in the background continues onward as the piano would soon eventually be heard. I knew that this was a cue and can only smile at her, gently moving my right hand to gently stroke her soft mane. At that point, I took in a deep breath and finally began to sing to her.
Oh I can't fight this feeling any longer
And yet I'm still afraid to let it flow
What started out as friendship, has grown stronger
I only wish I had the strength to let it show
I tell myself that I can't hold out forever
I said there is no reason for my fear
Cause I feel so secure when we're together
You give my life direction
You make everything so clear
And even as I wander
I'm keeping you in sight
You're a candle in the window
On a cold, dark winter's night
And I'm getting closer than I ever thought I might
And I can't fight this feeling anymore
I've forgotten what I started fighting for
It's time to bring this ship into the shore
And throw away the oars, forever
Cause I can't fight this feeling anymore
I've forgotten what I started fighting for
And if I have to crawl upon the floor
Come crashing through your door
Baby, I can't fight this feeling anymore
My life has been such a whirlwind since I saw you
I've been running round in circles in my mind
And it always seems that I'm following you, girl
Cause you take me to the places
That alone I'd never find
And even as I wander
I'm keeping you in sight
You're a candle in the window
On a cold, dark winter's night
And I'm getting closer than I ever thought I might
And I can't fight this feeling anymore
I've forgotten what I started fighting for
It's time to bring this ship into the shore
And throw away the oars, forever
Cause I can't fight this feeling anymore
I've forgotten what I started fighting for
And if I have to crawl upon the floor
Come crashing through your door
Baby, I can't fight this feeling anymore
The music comes to a finish when the piano finally ends from playing a few notes and ending on a high note as I have finished singing. My eyes that have blinked are looking right at Twilight who is smiling as she was listening to me.
The tunnel finally does come to an end and my vision can catch that glimpse of the outdoors upon the imagery based on the theme of love coming to an end as the river's edges come back and the light of Luna's moon is shining over the waters below once again. I don't find it necessary to focus on the details around us, as I can find that I am locked in a gaze as of right now.
She looked rather enlightened and touched to hear the sound of my voice serenade to her, and her hooves gently rock the both of my hands back and forth as she took ahold of the right hand I was using to gently stroke her mane.
The small boat that the both of us are sitting in together comes to a slow after a good speed to keep it at for the slow moment while my head moves forward, gently touching my forehead with hers and my nose giving her a nuzzle. Goodness me, there is so many nuzzling tonight I can tell you that.
We come to a stop soon enough as the boat has reached the end of its ride, and we can see the many others in the line-up waiting patiently for us to clear the boat and head out on our way. Matter of fact, me and her intend on doing that for the sake of a few of the impatient ones in line like the rich folk from Canterlot who have come to visit this event.
My hands let go of Twilight's hooves as she turns around to get out from the boat on the other side of the ride. I slowly get up, making sure that I can keep the swan boat in balance for the other riders and so that it does not tumble at all onto its side and get me all wet or any of the others waiting in line to get on. Angering them is the last thing I would want to do, especially if the rich are easy to piss off.
Now is not the time to be fooling around though and even I don't plan on it anyway, as I am on my current date with Twilight. I wouldn't even want to fool around with them any time unless they just acknowledge me with racism like "scum", "human" or "thing". Since the rich act very ignorant when it comes to the other classes below them, I'm sure a little sarcasm to say to them couldn't hurt.
And yes... I know Fancy Pants is in the rich class, but he's on my side and has been there to help me out so he's fine, and I'll include Fleur Dis Lee as well.
There I was walking alongside Twilight again as we start to turn a new direction out and in the small distance from town towards the east where the lake would be close by for the both of us to see... and from there would be my big chance at seeking her hoof in marriage.
Okay Brayden... keep calm. There's no need to look or feel nervous about doing this surprise for her. I'm sure she will like it... though I do feel a bit shaky that isn't noticed by her at all as my hand isn't holding her hoof and I'm not even displaying the shakiness so why am I? I swear to myself that if I mess this up... never mind, no reason to argue with myself.
I keep my nervousness in the back of my head as I walk with her down the clean dirt path once again, hearing the sounds of her hooves below as we proceed ahead downward where I can catch in the distance, a few trees from out of a small forest. Thankfully not around the borders of the Everfree Forest as it would be dangerous to be nearby and I've already had experience from being in there.
The light of Luna's moon shines brightly above us with the stars above to guide our way as the slight walk ahead can see a dark blanketing shadow can be seen on the ground at first until the light above lit dimly by the sun on the other side of Equus to light that part of the world is reflecting all over the waters along with the rippling accompanied with the lake.
"I can remember that we've gone along this path before," I can hear Twilight say to me as I turn my head away from the sight of the environment and glance at her. "It's the time that you confessed to me that you had a crush on me."
A smile crossed onto my lips. "I'll never forget that night, and it's a memory that will be with me always when I think of the good times." I said to her. "I'm pretty sure the bench where I told you my true feelings is still there."
"I hope so," She giggles, raising a hoof near her mouth as she blinks for a moment. "It would be good to look back at our happy memories together."
We continue on our way down the path, as my ears can pick up the audible sound of crickets chirping into the night along with the trotting sounds of Twilight beside me as my bare feet are muffled in the steps so I can barely hear the sound of them touching the dirt below.
There it was... still standing there in the same place to our relief.
Right in front of us as we slow down on our walk together, we can see the same maple wooden bench that both me and her sat upon for our shared confessions and where we have done our first kiss. I already can remember that night well after a rough afternoon gone wrong for the both of us until later on... my heart was fluttering inside when she first used her wings to push me forward towards her, placing her lips unto mine.
"Glad to see it's still in one piece. Had Lord Tirek attacked over here, we wouldn't have seen this bench standing ever again." I commented as I turn to her after my brown eyes have glanced for a bit at the seating before us.
"Don't forget about the sight that we saw, and even on this Spring night; it's more beautiful than ever." She tells me, the tone of her voice sounding even happier than ever.
Here's the big chance now... no turning back now as I know that I want this and she most likely does as well...
"While the night is beautiful and young for the both of us, I have to tell you something Twi."
She keeps that happy look on her face, but she looks rather curious at the same time about what I could be wanting to tell her, unaware that my left arm and hand is reaching towards one of my back pockets to get the ring and its box that Princess Cadence had given to me. "Of course Brayden... you can tell me any time."
All was silent between the both of us once again, just like it had been before when I had been nervous and had said my confession to her, worried that she would reject me. But in all of my high hopes being that it was in the past, I know she'll be happy which is something I want her to be. She has never brought this up, but now I'll be giving it a shot; aware that the next steps are meeting her parents for their approval and getting the wedding plans set up.
Take in a few deep breaths... in and out... okay, now it's time to let it out.
"Twilight... ever since we've bloomed in our relationship, as I have said many times we have got to a point where we are much closer and happier whenever we're together, even if it means our friends are there to support us. But there is more in my heart that wants to say a message to you; that I want to be there by your side to protect you at all costs, just as much you're there to protect me. You're a very young, smart, strong and powerful mare in my life that I am proud to have."
Twilight decides to let me continue, having heard what I've said and my cheeks light up a bit with a blush of pink; flattered at the same time.
"Which is why I have something to ask of you in your presence. The presence of my special somepony and princess."
Twilight watched as I lower myself down, having one knee still there to support my balance for what I was going to do. She still remains a bit unaware, but knows that something good might be coming up when my left arm and hand moves from gathering the ring and the box it's in.
I finally reveal the box before her as she looks rather shocked with good surprise, placing her left front hoof close to her mouth. She gasped a little bit when I open up the box to reveal the ring before her own eyes as she is speechless still. The sapphire on the ring shines light from the light of the moon and one of the constellations in the system that represented love in the season appears behind Twilight, capturing the right moment.
And now it's time... time to pop the big question to her.
"Twilight Sparkle," I started with the tone of my voice sounding like this was the best night of my life by which it was. "Will you be my mare, now and forevermore?"
I can see the crystalline tears forming in my special somepony's eyes as she couldn't even take her sight off of it just yet. I knew that she wasn't upset, but by the look of it and the smile on her face, it was tears of joy that would be coming down.
She finally does respond by action; as she gallops over towards me and pounces onto me, causing me to fall backwards a bit until she caught my fall, holding me close to her with her wings that have opened up as I can see her loving face before me. My arms finally wrap around her to gently hug her, still waiting for her to say her response to my question that I have asked her, being that the ring was still in the box; waiting for the moment that she takes it.
"Yes!" She finally says, looking at me as I glance at her beautiful face while tears are streaming down her face and away from that smile. "Yes I will, Brayden!" She was laughing a bit in joy from this in our comfort together, but I knew very well that she wasn't crying as my heart inside had grown much stronger.
I gently place my forehead against hers, allowing me to gently nuzzle with her nose once again which she accepts. My right hand moves upward in our hug, placing itself onto her left cheek as I can feel the tears from that cheek crawling onto my hand that caresses her. My eyes are closed, but I can feel the tensions that had been in my back gone when I was with her.
She shifts a bit, but I knew exactly what was coming. It was the gentle embrace of both of us, with my lips gently touching hers and sharing a kiss together that seems quite resembling to the first time that we've kissed, and my heart still flutters every time we have this private time together alone. Just me and her.
I don't take my focus off from Twilight, but through my ears, I can hear fireworks going with a few dim flashes of light seeping through my closed eyes. A celebration must be going today, but I wouldn't have realized it anyway as I was unaware about it.
We finish sharing the kiss together, separating our lips from one another, and just smiling at one another unable to remove myself from her heavenly gaze at me. Twilight's right front hoof finally moves, gently stroking my long hair.
"Thinking of giving your hair a cut?" She asks me.
I chuckle to myself on that question. "I'm not really sure. I've always wanted to have long hair like some of the others back on Earth."
"Well, you don't have to fear. Since you've accepted the idea, I will be happy to run it along with Celestia and allow the both of us to know the others joining that it is time for the visit to commence."
I smile before I realized something. "Wait a minute, how would we be able to get there then? When my aunt brought me here, the spell could only be used one time."
"I'm sure that your mother might know of an enchanted item or spell that can allow us to go there to Earth and back home here when we're done over there. I'm almost very certain that Earth is just like here in Equestria."
"Well, not exactly. The majority of humanity there aren't as welcoming as you think. Sure the bronies there would love seeing you in the flesh, but if it was a 'hater'... I fear they would try to kill you or anypony with us for the trip. Worse could be the scientists capturing you and performing weird experiments." I warned her just as I have warned the others when I first brought up on how I was feeling a bit homesick about Earth.
Twilight places her hoof off from my cheek and takes my left hand. "Don't worry, I'm sure everything will be fine. I promise you that," She assures me, her tone of her voice sounding gentle and sweet as she spoke. "Nothing bad is going to happen as long as we have a good place where no one there can see us."
I thought about it for a moment. I did live at my parents' house the majority of the time before I had been sent here, but on the summer holidays when I was off of school we did have a cottage not too far from here, but for only a 15 to 20 minute drive. It was even close to the beach, so every morning I would go walk outside and bathe in the sun's rays before diving into the water. Happened to buy it last couple of summers ago when I was still a young kid in elementary school. Since the last few years of high school, me nor my Earth family had gone there for a bit of time.
Hmmm, now to think of it... that would be the perfect spot for me, Twilight and the rest of our friends to be with no one there to disturb us or intrude. Plus I have one of my motorcycles there, so perhaps I can give Twilight a bit of a ride if there is time. So many things to do with the others like show them my favorite video games, movies and have them listen to what Earth music is like over there. It'll be different from Equestria's music... but it'll be something they'd love to hear from their curiosity. Even introducing them to the Internet would be fun, though I would have to be safe about it.
"Alright Twi. Let's notify our friends tomorrow to start getting ready because in the next few days... it's Earth time!"
She was relieved to hear me say that. "That's the perfect time to wait, as it's probably close to our bedtimes right now. So I think I should get home now to-"
"Twilight, wait." I said to her, gently placing my hand behind the back of her head, gently stroking her mane as I have something else in mind. "I was wondering if you want to head back to the cottage and sleep with me there? You can go back to the castle tomorrow."
She's thinking about it for a moment. She has done sleepovers, but I haven't asked her over to stay with me for the night. Most other times, it would just be me going over to her castle to sleep in her bed with her, feeling comfortable with both of us in each other's arms. But judging by her warm smile, I believe it's very well a yes.
"I would be delighted to spend the rest of the night with you. Shall we go on our way?"
I nod to her, and offer her the engagement ring that I have proposed to her to give. She doesn't reject it, channeling magic to her horn and taking the ring to place unto her own horn. Afterwards she signals me to walk with her as we knew that Fluttershy's cottage was where we were going as I lived there.
As the fireworks go off into the night, I smile to myself and reflect back on the memories of my times with Twilight. Me and her laughing together, having dinner and sharing food with one another, reading books, travelling to Canterlot to meet her other friends, Hearth's Warming... you name it all!
I can no doubtingly say this: I have officially lived the best day of my life of proposing to my special somepony.
Next up on the list is the visit to Earth, and I do hope that it goes well...
A/N: Hope you all enjoyed the chapter!
My plans for the Earth chapters is that they are a five-parter. Parts 1 and 5 will be shorter than the others since they are based on arriving on Earth and leaving Earth to go back to Equestria. The others, a big secret.
Now to find the list of ponies that Brayden in the story invited to go to Earth with him and the rest of the Mane Six...
Yeah, bed time for me. Have a good night.