"Are you sure you're okay with me eating this?" Scarlet asked, looking down at the cereal in front of her. "Isn't this the last of your food?"

"Don't worry," I replied, taking a scoop of my cereal. "I'll be taking you on a shopping trip soon."

It had been four days after the incident with the Lycans. The two of us were in the main manor's dining room, sitting across from each other at the large oak table. Outside, the morning sun illuminated the dew on the grass. Scarlet looked at the box, then a grin spread on her face. "Frosted Flakes? These are Frosted Fakes! Where the tiger at?"

"I'm on a budget, sister, damn!" I replied, chuckling. "I should never have introduced you to Vine compilations."

"Why not? They're hilarious!" Scarlet laughed.

"Yeah, but we can't get you too hooked on my culture," I replied. "You're a Pegasus. You should learn about your culture too, you know."

She nodded. "I know. I've been reading through the books Ms. Sparkle brought by."

"And how are you finding them?" I asked before taking another bite of cereal.

"They're very…informative, I guess," she said. "Don't get me wrong, I'm glad to be learning about Pegasus history, but I feel…kinda disconnected from them."

"I think I understand," I said, chewing thoughtfully. "You've been living down here for so many years and your wings are so out of practice that you find it hard to relate to other Pegasi your age."

"That…and this." She pointed to her blank flank. She'd been getting strange looks from some of the inhabitants of Ponyville, most staring at her flank in confusion. Frankly, I was surprised the Cutie Mark Crusaders hadn't approached her yet.

"There's plenty of time to find your cutie mark," I tried to reassure her as I took a sip of orange juice. "For now, I'm sure the doctor wants you to focus on completely recovering."

She smiled. "I know. Thank you."

"And speaking of Pegasus culture, I had a thought about that," I said.

"Oh?" Scarlet looked at me curiously.

"When you're feeling up to it, I can ask Twilight to take us both up to Cloudsdale for a visit," I said. "We could look around, see how they do their jobs, visit a museum or two if they have any."

Scarlet looked thoughtfully down at her food, stirring the frosted corn flakes around slowly. "I guess we could do that," she finally said. "That might be interesting."

I was about to reply, but at that moment there was a knock at the door. "Speaking of recovering, I'm guessing that's Redheart. She was supposed to come today, but she's a little early." I wiped my mouth with a napkin and stood. Scarlet began standing too, but I shook my head. "No need to get up. I'll get it. You go ahead and keep eating."

As I approached the door, another knock came from it. This time, it sounded more insistent. "I'm coming, I'm coming!" I called out. Turning the door handle, I opened it. "Well, you're early-" I began, then froze.

Shining Armor stood at the door, an unusually serious look in his eyes. Outside, I could see what looked like an honor guard standing watch. He straightened and looked directly into my eyes. "I'm sorry for barging in this early," he said, "but the Princesses have requested your presence in Canterlot."

"Canterlot? Why, what's happened" I was a bit nervous by his tone.

His horn began glowing, and a scroll floated out of a saddlebag of a nearby Pegasus soldier. The scroll floated up to me. "She bade me give you this."

I broke the seal immediately. I saw that it was actually two scrolls. The first was from Celestia, which I read with trepidation.

Dear Jethro,

While I'm pleased that your actions led to the safe return of Rarity, your actions have had some unintended repercussions. Now don't take this the wrong way. I'm not mad or upset with you, but my sister and I have been asked to attend a conference with the Lycan Empress Amber to discuss this incident. And we haven't been asked to come alone. Please read the attached scroll.

Princess Celestia

I hesitantly pulled out the second scroll. With a worried frown, I broke its seal and read it.

To the mysterious being who brought this incident to my attention,

I have written this letter to you as you claimed that you personally knew the princesses of Equestria. I wish to meet with you and hear about this abduction incident from you personally.

Empress Amber

I lowered both scrolls and looked at Shining Armor. Slowly, I put the scrolls down at the small endtable next to the door. "Alright, I understand. Would you permit me about half an hour to prepare, and I'll be out at the gate," I said.

"Of course. We'll be waiting," he said. Turning, he raised his hoof. "Company, follow me!" I watched as he trotted to the gate with the practiced ease of a soldier.

"Jethro? Who was that?" I heard Scarlet ask as I closed the door.

"Scarlet, I'm afraid I have to go," I said as I rushed back and scarfed the rest of my cereal down. "I've been summoned by the Princesses."

"What happened? Are you in trouble?" she asked in a scared tone.

"I don't think I am," I replied as I finished and rushed my bowl over to the sink to rinse it. "but I need to go. When Redheart gets here, could you tell her I've been summoned to Canterlot? And tell Rainbow Dash I won't be able to make it to our training sessions, please?"

"Of course," she said, ears flattened in clear worry. "Just be safe, alright?"

I smiled as reassuringly as I could at the young Pegasus. "I will, and that's a promise."

Thirty minutes later, I was at my gate with a satchel slung across my shoulder. I'd packed a few toiletries, two changes of converted clothes and a pair of dress shoes. If I was going to be meeting with an Empress, I wasn't going to be doing it in normal clothes.

Shining Armor led me to a chariot similar to the one Twilight Sparkle used during the first episode. He climbed on and motioned for me to join him. Once I did so, he gave a command and the two of us were flown up into the clouds, heading towards the royal palace.

Neither of us spoke through the entire flight there. I was nervous, obviously, but not really as terrified as I had been when meeting the royal sisters. I distracted myself by looking down at the land below. Since I had wings, I wasn't as afraid of falling since I knew how to glide down easily enough. Winged flight was still a bit choppy for me, though.

I was so lost in admiring the scenery below that I didn't notice when we began to descend. When we landed, I snapped out of my stupor and looked around. We were standing in a large domed room which I could only describe as a chariot parking lot. Shining Armor walked off of the chariot and motioned for me to follow. I did so, adjusting the strap on my satchel as I did.

The two of us walked down the palace hallways, guards flanking the two of us. Any stationary Pony guards we passed straightened when they saw Shining Armor. Eventually, we were standing in front of the familiar throne room doors. Shining stopped and stepped back. "The princesses wish to see you privately again," he said. "They are expecting you."

"Thank you, Captain," I said, straightening and walking up to the door. Taking a deep breath, I opened both doors and stepped inside. Celestia sat on her throne, with Luna standing by her side. Closing the door behind me, I approached.

When I reached the end of the carpet, I started to kneel again, but Celestia cleared her throat. "No need for that right now." When I straightened again, I saw the look in her eyes. One of exhaustion. Like she hadn't slept at all for a day or more. "Jethro, I hope you can forgive me for calling you here on such short notice. But this incident could have some major repercussions across Equestria and the Lycan Empire. The Empress has asked that the three of us attend a hearing where we will hear testimony from you on the events that transpired."

"Me? And only me?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Celestia nodded. "Since you were the one who made the report, the Empress has asked for you personally. I've received statements from the others who were involved and will be relaying them to the Empress, but yours must be in person, I'm afraid."

"The Lycans have an ancient and proud culture," Luna further explained. "Even back before we were banished, their empire was older than even the Kingdom of Equestria."

"They are independent from us," Celestia said, "but we have an uneasy peace with them. A peace that has lasted over a thousand years."

And I might have just caused an international incident. Great…I'm boned. "But why me specifically?" I asked again.

"There's no easy way to say this, so I won't sugarcoat it," Celestia said. "It's because you're a male."

I raised an eyebrow. "Uh…huh?"

"The Lycans are a matriarchal society," Luna said, stepping down and walking towards me. "And to answer your next question, they listened to Spike's testimony because the Lycans have a good relationship with the dragons. Better than the one they share with us."

"But I'm something of an unknown, is that it?" I asked.

"Correct," Celestia said with a sigh. "She wants to see you because, well…"

"She claims to know when somepony is lying to her, especially a male," Luna finished for her sister.

"That, and she has a prejudice against males," Celestia added.

I couldn't help it. I groaned. "One of those…Lord, give me strength." I looked at both princesses. "Well, I'm living in Equestria now, after all, so I would be a fool not to go. When are we expected?"

"As soon as we're able," Celestia replied, standing and stomping her hoof on the floor. From nearby a door opened and a mare dressed in a demure looking maid outfit entered. She had light orange fur with a dark brown mane and tail. "Apricot, have the Royal Coach prepared, please. And make sure there's room for our resident human."

"At once, your Highness," she said, giving me a curious glance before retreating out of the same door.

"We assume you are wearing what thou wilt be wearing to see the Empress," Luna asked, indicating my suit and new coat, the latter courtesy of Rarity.

I undid my coat to show them my best suit. "If I'm meeting some more royalty, I'd rather appear my best instead of how I met you two," I chuckled sheepishly. "I'm just glad Rarity was able to convert this suit beforehand," I added, spreading my large wings out.

Celestia's eyes sparkled with some amusement, as did Luna's. "I can only imagine. Good first impressions are always welcome," the Solar Princess said. "Now, walk with us to the train station. Luna and I will tell you what we know about Lycan traditions."

The more I heard about the Lycans, the more they somewhat sounded like Amazonians. The majority of the soldiers and leaders were female whereas the males were more subservient. That wasn't to say that the males had no rights at all. According to Celestia, there had been some reforms over the past hundred and fifty years that gave males more and more rights. However, ever since Empress Amber came to rule, she'd been pushing back on any further reforms.

Celestia informed me that when I approached her throne to let her and Luna do the talking and speak when spoken to. I was no fool and I promised to be on my best behavior.

As the train headed west from Canterlot, I was given a book written by a Pony historian named Dust Tracker. The chapter on the Lycan Empire was one of the longest in the book, and had a fascinating story about the founding of said empire.

Apparently, many centuries before a being called Grogar ruled, there was no king, queen or princess in Equestria, and everyone did what was right in their own eyes. The wording of that made me smirk since it sounded like something out of the book of Judges. The narrative about the founding of the empire was somewhat shrouded in mystery, but according to Dust's sources, the first Empress was helped by a being called the Guardian. No one knew who or what the Guardian was, only that this being brought the Lycans to a set of caverns that would fit their lifestyle and helped them settle. It was due to living underground that they escaped most of the horrors of the world, such as Grogar, Eris, Tirek and Sombra, all of whom were mentioned in that particular chapter.

According to the book, Lycans were very meticulous when it came to preserving history, something else the Guardian had drilled into them. One of the outlandish rumors that he'd recorded was that the Lycans had a library dedicated for every day in their history. He recorded that he'd tried to visit the main Lycan city, but was turned away due to being a male.

I was brought out of my concentration by a loud sigh. Looking up, I saw Celestia sitting in her Pony loaf form on her own personal bed in the car. Luna was asleep on her own bed, but Celestia was looking out of the window. She had a somewhat forlorn look on her face. I looked out and saw we were approaching Ponyville. "You know," I said, "they say you use more muscles to frown than to smile. Probably why Pinkie Pie has that little pudge around the middle. That mare hardly ever stops smiling, I swear to God."

Celestia's frown dissolved and she smiled softly. "Heh, I guess so," she said, before staring back out of the window, her smile remaining frozen on her face.

"Are you really that worried?" I asked as kindly as I could.

Her smile immediately dropped. "We haven't had too many dealings with the Lycans," she said. "Many of them don't especially like Ponies."

"A predator and prey thing?" I asked offhandedly.

"That…might be a part of it," she admitted, "but it's more than that."

"Does it have anything to do with the song I heard the Deerfolk singing?" I asked.

She sighed, then motioned me closer. I got out of my bed and walked over. Celestia scooted over so I could sit next to her. In a silent voice so as not to wake Luna, she began. "My sister and I had only been ruling Equestria for twenty or so years. Our kingdom wasn't as big as it was today. One day a scout told us of two armies gathering near our western borders. We were young and still inexperienced. And overconfident. Luna feared the two armies were trying to invade Equestria, and she convinced me that was the case as well. We ordered our army, which wasn't much more than a militia, to assemble and set off for our most western border."

She adjusted herself on the bed she sat on, then continued. "When we arrived, we saw that battle lines had been drawn, but instead of being an invading force, they were going to war with each other." She looked down. "In my foolishness, I used the Royal Canterlot Voice and commanded them to stop. I was naïve and felt that Harmony could be forced. And…I did just that. My sister and I." She shuddered at the memory. "My sister and I gave them a display of our power that we hoped would convince them to stop fighting. It did, but the peace we formed was forced. The Deerfolk and Lycans have resented us for it."

I reached up and put a hand on her head, running my fingers through her flowing rainbow mane. To my surprise, she leaned her head on my shoulder. We both stared out at the fields, farmhouses, woodlands and bodies of water as they passed by. I kept my mouth shut, having learned from Trixie that sometimes women just wanted a man to listen. This felt like one of those times. I just stroked her mane gently for as long as she needed me to.

After a while, it hit me just what I was doing. I was comforting possibly the oldest being in the world, one with vast wisdom, power and strength beyond my current understanding. It was surreal, to say the least. But upon looking down and seeing the Solar Princess' worried face, I knew this was the right thing to be doing. She slowly turned to look up at me after a while, and her smile was small, but it was still as radiant as the sun. I smiled back as we both sat back up. "Feeling better?" I asked.

"Much," she said. "I don't have as big of a headache as I did before."

"Well, that's good," I said. "How about a distraction?" I pulled out my phone and laptop, turned on my phone's personal hotspot, then turned on my laptop and opened Netflix.

"Oh? What kind of distraction?"

"A documentary," I replied. "One about how humans first landed on Earth's moon."

Celestia smirked. "Three…two…one…"

"We wish to see it too," Luna said, somehow sitting on my left.

I looked at Celestia and snorted. "Alright, alright. Well, here we go." I pulled up the Apollo 11 documentary and, after connecting my smaller Bluetooth speaker to it, hit play as two gorgeous mares flanked me, watching with interest as the film began…

One thing I learned about the Royal Canterlot train was that the normal rules didn't apply to it. Most importantly, the speed limit. I suspected that the Ponies in the train's cab were working their asses off to get us to the border as fast as possible.

After Apollo 11, they asked me to put on another movie, asking me to choose a favorite of mine. I chuckled and put on Independence Day. I said that, while a lot of the elements were unrealistic, I felt it painted a picture of a lot of humanity's great aspects, such as the indomitable will and drive to survive against overwhelming odds. After that movie, the three of us took a nap until the train began slowing. Celestia woke me gently and we were escorted out.

We were standing in front of a towering mountain range, the snowcapped peaks glistening in the late afternoon sunlight. As we stepped onto the train platform, a group of female Lycans approached, led by a taller Lycan. She had a snow-white coat with gray stripes, a long head of hair similarly colored, and teal eyes which observed the three of us with a cool expression. Seeing her stripes reminded me of Zecora for some reason, and a part of me wished she was here with me. The Lycans themselves were all in metal plated armor and held double pointed spears.

The leader approached and spoke to Celestia. It didn't escape my glance that the leader was, in some weird way, very attractive. At least, my baser human instincts thought so. "Princess Celestia, I am Commander Gemini. My Empress has commanded me to escort you, your sister, and…the witness…to Canisia City." She looked at each of us in turn, her gaze lingering on me with a mixture of mistrust and curiosity.

Celestia bowed politely, as did Luna. I did mere moments later, following their lead. "Thank you, Commander. We would be glad of the escort."

"Follow me, then," Gemini replied, turning and speaking to the others in the Lycan language. "Surround them and keep them protected. For the time being, they are honored guests of her Imperial Majesty. But keep an eye on the male creature."

"You weren't kidding about a matriarchal society," I whispered to Celestia as we walked down the steps of the train station towards a large brick road.

"Indeed," she replied. "Fair warning, don't establish eye contact with the Empress unless she commands it."

"Understood."

We were led to the base of the mountain. As we approached, I saw a massive stone double door that towered over us. With a might CRACK they opened outwards and we were ushered inside. As the gates closed and my eyes adjusted, I couldn't help but stare in awe.

Lycans…they're basically Dwarves!

We were facing a wide and tall stairway, well-lit on either side with what looked like glowing gemstones. Gemini led us up the stairs, and as we continued climbing, I heard many different voices as they echoed down to us.

I was blown away by what I saw when we reached the top. Tall columns rose around us, each having a large gemstone lamp hanging from four sides, illuminating everything below. I craned my neck as the columns moved up and up, forming arches which led to other columns. Everywhere I looked, I saw Lycans walking to and fro, some wearing more common-type clothes as befit a medieval peasant, while others wore more sophisticated garb. The smell of roast meat wafted into my nose and my mouth began to involuntarily water. I looked forward, trying my best not to be distracted by all the many different sights, sounds, smells and other sensations assaulting me. Especially the smells.

"Lycans are more of a scent-based species," Celestia explained when she noticed me slightly wrinkling my nose. "It can be a bit overwhelming, but try and stay focused."

"Of course," I replied, forcing myself to calm down and breathe normally.

As we continued to walk down the massive interior, I noticed that the sounds of talking had begun quieting. I could feel the eyes of the citizens of this city on me and the others, but I resisted the urge to look back. Instead, I kept walking, flanked by Celestia and Luna. The walk was long and we took a couple turns around different pillars, as if the Lycans escorting us were following invisible roads only they could see.

Eventually, we were standing in front of another set of double doors about half as tall as those to the entrance to this mountain realm. Gemini stepped forward and spoke to one of the guards at the gate, two more female Lycans. "Open the gates. The Empress is expecting these visitors."

With a growl of assent, the guards began pulling on a chain next to each of them. The doors began sliding open instead of swinging, revealing a massive hall.

On both sides of the hall sat two wide fireplaces, both of which were lit. The ceiling was domed and a glowing gemstone chandelier hung from the apex, further illuminating the room. Sitting on a massive raised dais, two manservants in togas on either side, sat an obviously regal female Lycan. She was dressed not in any colorful robes or silk, but in black and red furs which matched her own dark gray fur and fiery yellow eyes. On her head was a golden crown of various crystals tied together by a golden band. If my baser human brain thought Gemini was attractive in some way, then the Empress was downright sexy.

What I wasn't expecting to see was a younger looking Lycan female seated next to the Empress in a smaller throne. She wore a dark purple gown. A tiara graced her head with a light purple gem engraved on its center. Her eyes were purple and shone with some curiosity upon seeing me. I caught her slightly checking me out, a grin forming on her face.

"Announcing the arrival of the Canterlot party," one of the guards said.

That was the only glance I took of the two before remembering what Celestia said. Pushing the thoughts down, I lowered my head and kept my eyes on the floor in front of me as the three of us walked forward alone. She's not quite human, I had to remind myself. All that I could hear was the foot and hoofsteps of the three of us as well as the two roaring fires on either side. When Celestia and Luna stopped, they both bowed their heads. I put my fist over my chest and did the same.

"Your Imperial Majesty and your Imperial Highness," Princess Celestia began, "it's indeed a privilege to be allowed into these halls. My sister and I are most grateful to be here."

"Indeed," were the first words out of the Empress' mouth. Her voice was slightly deeper than Gemini's and full of authority and official pleasantness. "Let's skip the pleasantries, shall we? I assume the being between you with his head lowered is the human you wrote me about?"

"That he is, your Imperial Majesty," Celestia replied.

"Human! Raise your head and look upon me," the tone in Amber's voice had a hint of disdain in it now.

Luna tensed up ever so slightly at this, but wisely remained silent. Celestia didn't move as I did as I was told and looked into Amber's eyes. The Empress nodded. "Subservient, as all males should be. I am Empress Amber. Beside me is my daughter, Princess Amethyst. Tell me your name."

"I am Jethro Bethridge, your Imperial Majesty," I replied.

"Jethro Bethridge," she repeated, playing the alien name over her tongue a few times, trying to get it right. "Very well. I have asked for you today to hear, in your own words, about the incident that took place within Equestrian borders and involved the abduction of one of its subjects. Proceed, and do not lie to me."

So I did. I started with the time when Spike ran up to us and, in as much detail as I could recall, leaving nothing out. I maintained eye contact with her at all times, despite wanting to look away. Her gaze was that of a predator searching the prey. However, I continued facing her, keeping as much control of my face as I could. It helped that on either side of me stood two of the most powerful beings in the world.

When I finished, she didn't say anything for a while. I maintained eye contact until she leaned back. "Bring them in!" she ordered.

A side door opened loudly. I turned…and saw…