I woke early the next morning in between two gorgeous mares, Scarlet having reverted in the night and the clothes she was wearing wrapped up around her. I lifted the blanket and saw the outline of a sleeping humanoid based off the shape of the clothes remaining. The sun wasn't even up yet, but I knew that plans had been set, and the Princesses would be here to pick me up so we could get things set up at the Castle of the Two Sisters.

Slowly, I tried to untangle myself from the two mares, but I was still not very good at it because they both woke up. Zecora was the first to sit up, and seeing me awake, grinned, leaned in and kissed me hard. "Mmph?!" was all I could say as she snaked her tongue into my mouth greedily. Ten seconds later, she released me, only for Scarlet to jump on top of me. "Ooof!" was all I could say before she, too, locked lips with me for a good fifteen seconds, her own tongue eagerly wrestling with mine for dominance, but as she was more inexperienced with it, I quickly began dominating her. She squealed and melted into my embrace. I broke the kiss, panting hard. "Hah…hah…" I licked my lips. Finally, I looked at both women, then a lopsided grin formed on my face. "You know…I could actually get used to that," I said. "Compelling argument number one for a herd: multiple morning kisses."

Scarlet giggled. "You should probably brush your teeth, though. Morning breath is a bitch."

"Aaand moment ruined," I teased, ruffling her mane. "Did you two sleep okay?" I asked as I pulled the covers off the bed, moving towards the end to get up and stretch.

Zecora nodded. "I slept quite wonderfully, thank you."

"Same here," Scarlet said as both mares got up with me, stretching and brushing their manes with their hooves. "But why are you up so early?"

"I need to be at the Castle of the Two Sisters early to help prepare for the council," I said. "You two can actually go back to sleep."

"You know what our answer will be, dearest," Zecora said stubbornly, standing in front of me and blocking my way. "We are all in this together, like it or not."

"My face was shown all over the world," Scarlet said, joining Zecora. "You honestly think you were the only one who plans on going?"

As the two stared me down, I felt my defenses crumbling, but I decided to give it one last go. "I know you want to go with me, but I think you'd be safer-"

"With you," Scarlet interrupted. "Jethro, there's one more reason why I fell for you. I felt safer last night than any other night in many years. My dreams were amazing, too. And I want to protect you, too. And I know I'm not the only mare."

Zecora nodded in agreement. "You will not be getting out of this, love. Just accept it."

I inhaled, then sighed loudly. "You've both got me whipped now," I said. "Well, fine. I'm gonna get ready for the day."

"Better hurry," Scarlet said as she sniffed the air. "I smell hay bacon and bacon."

I sniffed the air, and sure enough I could smell not only that, but other breakfast fare. "What the fuck?" I muttered as I threw on a bathrobe, opened my door and headed downstairs. I was surprised to find Mica and Gemini in the kitchen making breakfast. I looked at the clock, which read 6:11 AM. "Um…are you two heading somewhere and forget to tell me?" I asked.

Gemini turned. "You're going to a council where some Lycans will be," she said matter of factly, "and I'm very much aware of how the Empress and Princess hate you. My loyalty is to you and anywolf you travel with now. My brother and I are coming with you."

Mica smiled a little bit and waved. The poor kid looked sleepy, but there was a determination in his voice when he said, "She's right. We are your personal guard now, too."

"That wasn't part of your job description," I said.

Gemini walked forward and hit me over the head. Not enough to cause permanent damage, but enough to really hurt. And enough to get pancake mix in my hair. "You don't get a choice in the matter, whelp," she said. "You're at the center of everywolf's attention, now. Besides, you're still my student, and you've got a long way to go before you're ready for any kind of non-magical combat. And with such an important meeting of world leaders, the Dark Fae might make a move."

The changelings…of course, I thought. I turned to Zecora. "Zecora, do you have something you can use that reveals Dark Fae, or changelings? I saw an alternate timeline version of you that had something like that."

"A potion I have, that is true, but I must go home to fetch the brew," she said. Then she gave me a very sultry look, leaned in and added with a whisper, "Leave without me, and I'll punish you."

"I know better," I said. "Why don't we get ready for the day first?"

Zecora smiled, then pecked my cheek. "Sounds like a plan, dear."

To my surprise, although I probably shouldn't have been as surprised as I should have been, Scarlet kissed my other cheek. "We'll wallop those Dark Fae bastards if they show up."

Gemini groaned. "Dear Guardian…he's forming a herd…"

Scarlet grinned and stood on her hind legs, leaning her forelegs against my shoulder. "What, jealous? The big bad wolf want in?"

Gemini growled in annoyance. "How much in heat are you!?"

An hour later, and the sun was already risen. I was all ready to go. I'd packed enough for a stay of at least a week, just in case things didn't go well. Scarlet had packed as well, mostly toiletries in one of her new brown saddlebags. Zecora had packed a saddlebag of her own, as she'd brought plenty of her own toiletries and supplies with her from her house. Gemini and Mica were already armed and carrying backpacks.

Outside, the air was still bitingly cold, so I threw on a large overcoat, a pair of warm gloves, and a black stocking cap.

The moment I stepped out of my house I was greeted by the sight of a number of familiar faces standing on my front lawn in the early morning light. I looked around at all who'd gathered.

"We were wondering when you'd get out here," Celestia said with a chuckle. She stood at the front, smiling up at me and wearing warm clothes. Luna was beside her, also wearing clothes for the weather and with a serious expression on her face. A serious expression which melted into a smile upon seeing me. Beside Celestia, Princess Cadance stood, beaming widely at me as she looked between me, Zecora and Scarlet. She gave me a knowing wink. Beside the Princess of Love, Captain Shining Armor stood. He straightened and gave me a salute, hoof on chest. I properly saluted back, nodding at him.

Behind the Princesses and Captain of the Royal Guard, Twilight Sparkle stood, her saddlebags overflowing with what I could only assume would be books, quills, ink etc. Spike was on her back, bundled up warmly as well and looking exhausted, but determined. Beside Twilight, Sunset Shimmer also stood, similarly laden as Twilight. And behind them, Applejack, Rarity, an exhausted looking Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie.

And behind them, I saw a large number of Royal Guard standing at attention. They straightened as well when they saw me and gave their own salute. I saluted back, then turned to face Celestia. "My knight," she said warmly as she approached.

"My princess," I replied, walking up to her and bowing respectfully. I took her hoof in my hand and kissed it reverently. Even then, I sensed, rather than felt, a slight tremor in her hoof. I looked up at her. "Nervous?" I asked softly.

"You have no fucking idea," she whispered back as she slowly pulled away. "And it's fine to call me Celestia here, but in the council, I'm afraid I must ask you to maintain proper decorum and call me Princess."

"I thought as much. And I will." I turned next to Luna, whose hoof I also took and kissed. "My princess," I said again.

Luna snorted. "Call me Luna," she said. "At least here, as my sister says." Her smile faded and a concerned look appeared in her dark eyes. "I hope you are prepared."

"How prepared can you get when meeting with representatives from every nation in the world in some glorified Equestrian U.N. conference?" I asked.

"U.N.?" Cadance asked.

"That stands for United Nations back on Earth," Twilight eagerly explained, stepping forward. "It's an international attempt at peace."

"Good job, Twi," I said, before moving to Cadance and bowing once more. "I'd say my princess, but you have your own knight in Shining Armor," I grinned, indicating the aforementioned Unicorn.

Cadance laughed, then put her wings around me, pulling me into a surprising hug. "Good to see you too, Jethro," she said before pulling away.

I chuckled, then turned to Shining Armor. "Good to see you again, Captain," I said. "How are things going?"

"A lot harder since the incident with Eris," he admitted. "I've been doubling recruitment rates on Princess Celestia's orders and have been performing ancient combat training routines with my guard. Princess Luna gave me access to a secret archive where the combat training was stored."

I put a hand on his shoulder. "There's an old saying among my people: Si vis pacem, para bellum. It's an old Latin phrase that roughly translates as 'To ensure peace, prepare for war'. You're taking a wise precaution."

He sighed. "I don't like the idea," he admitted.

"Nobody sane does," I replied. "But it's a good idea, regardless. Just be careful. I know you Ponies aren't really much for wartime preparation."

"I love my country, Sir Jethro," he said. "I revere my princesses, and I love my family. I'll do whatever it takes to keep them protected."

"Be careful when saying that, Captain," I warned. "That's a very fine line you have to walk."

Shining nodded. "I'm doing my best," he said.

"That's all anyone can ask." I saluted again, and he saluted back, before I turned to the Mane Six. I approached Twilight, knelt and pulled her into a hug. "Hello, Twi," I said softly.

She hugged me back. "Are you nervous?" she asked.

"Very," I chuckled as I broke the hug and looked into her eyes. "But I'm glad you'll all be there."

"We'd never leave you hanging, you know that right?" Rainbow Dash said, flying up to me.

Fluttershy was immediately by my side, putting a hoof on my shoulder. "We're in this together," she said with a smile.

"Darn right!" Pinkie said, coming up and nuzzling my face affectionately.

Rarity and Applejack were standing back, but their warm smiles and nods of agreement was all I needed to see to know that their minds were in agreement. I stood and looked at the gathering of my friends. "I'm not even going to argue. I mean, there's no point, is there?"

"None at all, sugarcube," Applejack said, walking up and staring up at me. "We ain't gonna leave ya high and dry like that."

"Especially since there will be Lycans there," Rarity added with a shudder.

"Ah yes, speaking of that," I said, turning to Celestia, "Who is coming anyway?"

Celestia sighed. "I'll tell you on the way. But first, meet someone who's missed you."

From above, I saw a large winged creature pass over the sun, then a familiar bird's cry could be heard as a pair of claws landed on my shoulder. The Phoenix that had landed there had grown since I last saw her, and she actually looked slightly bigger than Philomena. "Eve?" I asked in shock.

The Phoenix turned to me, and in a moment her body glowed with an inner fire. I watched her preen her wings, then turn back to me. "Krawk!"

"You've grown a lot," I said with a smirk. "You been doing alright? Where've you been?" Eve pointed over to Celestia. "Living in Canterlot for a bit?" She nodded. "Are you coming to stay, now?" Another nod. "And I take it you're coming with me whether I like it or not?" An emphatic nod. I snorted. "Fine, fine. But behave, got it?" I waggled my finger at her with a serious expression on my face. She made a small noise, then nipped at my finger. "Ow! I said behave, you naughty girl," I said, shaking my finger and putting it in my mouth.

"Better get used to that," Celestia giggled. "Philomena did that to me for a while when she was younger."

"Of course," I said, then turned to the Guard behind my friends. They straightened and saluted at me once more. I saluted back, then looked at Shining Armor. "Captain, permission to speak to them?"

"You don't need my permission, sir," Shining chuckled. "You still outrank me."

"And you're their captain."

He smiled, then nodded. "Go ahead, then."

I spread my wings wide and said, "Listen to me, Guard of Canterlot. Today is a big day for not only the Kingdom of Equestria, but for the world of Equestria as a whole. Representatives from other nations and countries and kingdoms around the world will be coming to our fair kingdom. They'll be coming from places as far north as Yakyakistan, and as far south as Seaquestria. They'll come from as far west as the Lycan Empire and the Citadel of the Deefolk and as far east as Griffonstone. Ponies, Abyssians, Dragons, Lycans, Yaks, Griffons, Deerfolk, Hippogriffs, Saddle Arabians, Caribou and more will be at the council meeting. As far as I'm aware, this is the very first time an international council has been called in recent history, which means you must be on your guard. You must remain vigilant. You must be aware of any semblance of a threat. These are representatives from other nations. Ambassadors, if you will. They are under the protection of the Princesses, which means it is our duty as soldiers of the crown to protect them. That's right, I said soldiers. One Knight and Guards are soldiers of the crown. We protect and serve not only the Princesses, but all of the inhabitants of this great kingdom. And, as of now, we protect the ambassadors of the world coming to see us."

Shining Armor was beside me in an instant, standing tall and proud. "Sir Jethro is correct," he said. "This is a mission of the utmost importance, and we do it to serve our Princesses, and the Kingdom and all its inhabitants. Remember your training. It may very well save your life. And above all else: keep this in mind!" Putting his hoof on his chest, he shouted, "Long Live The Princesses! Long Live Equestria!"

The Guards put their hooves on their own chest. "Long Live The Princesses! Long Live Equestria!"

As one, Shining and I turned back to the stunned faces of the mares in front of my house. Even Celestia herself had a startled look on her face as the Captain of the Guard and myself placed our fist and hoof on our chests respectfully. "Your orders, your highnesses?" I asked.

The three Princesses of Equestria all blushed briefly, before Celestia spread her wings majestically, as did Luna and Cadance moments after. "Let's move out!" Celestia commanded.

And as one, we turned and headed towards my open gate, the Guard marching in formation around us the moment we left my house. Zecora locked the gate, then brought me my key when we'd all left. As we marched through the town, various Ponies watched us go. Some even came and waved at us. I saw Lyra, Bon Bon, Vinyl, and even Octavia smiling and waving at me and the others as we marched through Ponyville towards the Everfree Forest.

One mare in particular flew up and caught me in a surprise hug. I wrapped my arms around Derpy as she clung tightly to me. The newest member of the Wonderbolt Financial Division trembled a bit. "You be careful," she whispered worriedly in my ear.

"I will, Miss Derpy," I said.

When I began to hum the tune to Hay Ms. Derpy, she clung to me tighter. "That song…are there really humans who like me that much?"

"Hey girl, I really like your eyes," I sang, holding her tighter. "Yes, Derpy. There are a lot of humans who loved that song. And you. You brought hope to children who were different everywhere. Your constant smiles in the face of other Ponies mocking you gave them the courage to be themselves."

She held me close, and I heard her sniffing. "You have no idea how much I needed to hear something like that," she hiccuped as she gave my cheek a chaste kiss before releasing me. "One second." She flew off, entered her nearby house, then flew back with a large basket. "Muffins for you all."

I chuckled, and gave her a warm smile as I took the basket and lifted the yellow towel. Steam rose from it and I saw chocolate chip, banana nut, blueberry, poppyseed and more. I quickly covered it back up so the heat wouldn't escape. "Derpy, thank you so much."

"You're welcome, Jethro," she said with a wave of her wings as we made our way towards the Everfree Forest. At one point, out of the corner of my eye, I thought I saw Spoiled Rich glaring at me, but when I turned, she was gone.

Shrugging, I walked to my friends, offering them each a muffin. I myself took a chocolate chip one, and the others took one as well. One of the guards took the basket from me. When I was done with my own muffin, I walked up to Celestia and stood beside her. "Couple questions for you," I said without preamble. "First, who all is coming?"

"Hang on, I have a list here." Celestia lifted her horn, and it glowed. From a pocket on a jacket she wore, a piece of paper came out, unfolded and opened between us. "First, from Saddle Arabia, we have Princess Amira and her brother, soon to be Sultan Haakim. From Seaquestria, Princess Skystar and Ambassador Silverstorm. From the Lycan Empire, Princess Amethyst and Ambassador Jaspar. From the Dragon Lands, Princess Ember and Ambassador Fuego. From Griffonstone, Ambassadors Greta and Gillian. From the Citadel, the Lady Arathyra and Ambassador Ebiner. From Abyssia, Princess Redclaw and Ambassador Highfur. From Yakyakistan, Prince Rutherford and Ambassador Veritas. From the Caribou Confederacy, Representatives Thormod Leidolfsson and Frida Regindottir. And from Farasi, Princess Amani and Ambassador Kujadiliana."

"I recognize some of those names," I said, "but a lot of them are completely new to me. I didn't hear the Buffalo in there, though. What about them?"

"They aren't coming," Celestia said. "I asked the Appleloosans to contact them, but the response we got was that they trust us to make the right decision."

"Well…that's reassuring, kinda," I said. "Although I'm more surprised that the Lycans are coming. And they're seriously sending Princess Amethyst?"

"You will be kept safe, I promise," Celestia said.

"No being will harm you on our watch," Luna said, standing beside me protectively on my other side.

"Isn't that my job now, as a knight?" I asked with a small smirk.

"And it is our job as Princesses to keep you safe," Celestia said, putting a wing around me.

"We both care about your well-being," Luna said, following suite.

"You ladies are way too good to me," I chuckled. As we approached the entrance to Everfree, my smile faded. "Second question: Why is Sunset Shimmer still in Equestria? I thought she'd head back to Earth?"

Celestia's face fell a bit. "She…well, she's actually been slowly moving back into Canterlot with me. For a bit, anyway. We've…been trying to work out our differences as best we could, but she still is completely blaming herself for everything that happened."

"Can I go talk to her? I know the power of guilt," I said.

Celestia's eyes widened with hope. "Please?"

I nodded, then I moved back towards Sunset Shimmer. As I approached her, she looked away from me, a look of shame on her face as I fell into step beside her. We both walked in silence, until I looked down at her. "Sunset Shimmer." She looked away, but I could still see the guilt on her face overwhelming her beautiful features. She was attractive as a human, sure, but I actually found her Pony form gorgeous. "I know that look," I said. "I've seen it on mine plenty of times. Come on, if you can't talk to the only person in Equestria who would understand, who can you talk to?"

She took a deep breath, then looked up at me. "I…I shot you…"

"Yes you did."

"I brought Eris back."

"Correct."

"I should be locked away forever because of that."

"Probably."

"But the Princess…she forgave me and is begging for my forgiveness too, even though she did nothing wrong."

Reaching down, I lifted Sunset Shimmer up in my arms, made a cradle with my wings and lay her down in it. She looked up at me with a shocked expression as I reached down and poked her nose. "If there's one thing I've learned about Celestia, whether it be from the My Little Pony show or in real life, it's that she absolutely loves you. Unconditionally. Like a mother to her daughter. You mean the world to her, and she's been blaming herself all these years for what happened between you. Back on Earth, you were furious at her, but in my opinion, your anger was justified. She didn't try and contact you over the years or even visit you. Isn't that what you said?"

"How can I be angry at her over that now?" she asked. "That was all Eris."

"No, not at all. Eris might have amplified your feelings, but I'm pretty sure that anger was your own. And you had every reason to be angry."

"But…what I did-"

"Was wrong, yes," I said, moving my hand to touch the arm where she'd shot me. Pulling up my sleeves, I showed the scars, which caused her to gasp. "You were hurt. You were angry. I know how that feels. I shot the rest of those bullets right into Eris without thinking, remember? Or did you not hear about that?"

Sunset's eyes widened. "I…had heard about that from Twilight Sparkle, but I didn't believe it…"

"You and I are a lot alike in that regard," I said, reaching down to cup her cheek in my hand. "We've been hurt. We've experienced loss. But unlike me, you have a chance to regain what you've lost. You still have Celestia. I lost the Alicorn who saved my life when I came here. The one responsible for me having these wings and magical powers. Don't let this chance go to waste. Talk to her. Vent your frustrations. Let it all out, and don't bottle it up inside you. If you bottle your anger, it never ends well. Trust me. I've seen the results both in myself and in the My Little Pony version of a mare called Starlight Glimmer."

Sunset looked down, and sighed. "I just…don't know…I've been so lost since coming back here. I did so many horrible things…"

"Yes you did," I said, and after letting that linger in the air for a bit, I smiled kindly down at her and stroked her mane. She looked up at me with a shocked expression as I continued, "but if your current actions are any indication, you truly regret what you've done, right?" When she slowly nodded, I added, "Then what's the point in you not being forgiven for your sins. After all, it is written about forgiveness, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven'. I take those words to heart. Everyone deserves a second chance."

She began to tear up slightly. "Damn it…I don't deserve it, though…"

"But you do," Celestia said, walking up beside us. She looked down tearfully at her former student. "Sunset…I fucked up big time when it came to how I taught you. I was too strict. To overbearing. I told myself over and over again that I knew best, but I didn't know you as well as I thought I did. I deserve the anger you had towards me."

Sunset put her head in her hooves. "But…I brought Eris back…I'm responsible for those deaths."

I brought her closer to me. "If that's true, then so am I. I'm the one who made you aware of the open portal. If I'd been patient, I could have prevented it. However, I'm trying to accept that regret won't help in the long run. The past happened, but we've got to live in the present and plan for the future. We can't control our past actions, but we can look forward and make the future as bright as we can make it."

I pulled her into my arms and she hung there in my grasp. I could hear her softly sobbing as Celestia herself looked mournfully at her. Slowly, Sunset wrapped her forelegs around me as we walked down the path towards the Palace. As she wept, I held her closer. "Sunset Shimmer, I do forgive you. I really do. You've shown to me that you regret your actions back on Earth and here. You wouldn't be hating yourself right now if you didn't regret. But please…talk to someone. You can talk to me, if you want. Hell, you can visit anytime you want." I set her down. "Just please, please…think about what I've said?"

Sunset nodded. "I will. I promise."

I nodded, and we resumed walking. Sunset fell into step with Celestia, and the two walked ahead, talking quietly among themselves. Luna, who had been watching this interaction, walked over and stood beside me. "My sister might have gone over my head, as it were, when making you a knight, but I don't think her choice a poor one. You are truly a stallion of honor."

I gave her a small but humble bow. "You honor me, my Princess."

"I believe that is my line, sir knight," Luna chuckled and blushed, and looked at me with those gorgeous dark blue eyes of hers.

"Luna," I whispered, "thank you for coming."

"Why would I not? It is my duty as a Princess of Equestria to attempt peace. My sister should not be alone in this. And neither should you."

I smiled warmly at her. "Thank you. I'm truly grateful."

"Pardon me, your Highness, Sir Jethro," one of the Guards said, coming up, "but we're here."

I looked up along with Luna and, sure enough, we were standing right at the edge of the forest. The Castle of the Two Sisters loomed overhead, banners flying from the towers and lights coming from a few open windows. We all gathered in front of the stone bridge, none of us daring to move. Looking around, I inhaled deeply, then exhaled. "Alright…time to face the music. Let's go." And with that, I took the first step forward.