Under a Crimson Moon

It was dark, and it took Krystal Smith several minutes to realize that her eyes were even open at first. However she was stopped from sitting up by pain, specifically the pain in her shoulder. Krystal could feel as if bone ground against bone, which itself was odd. Her curse should have healed any such injury instantly.

“Argh! Dammit! Stupid mines and stupid mountain lions!” She screamed out causing echoes to resound around her. It was supposed to have been just a quick hike in the mountains. Krystal had been hunting for food, and enjoying the solitude, when she had attacked. A solitary mountain lion had chased her into a decrepit old mine she had never come across before. Just as she had turned to face her attacker however, the floor of the mine gave out, and now she found herself laying here. Wherever here was that is.

Gritting her teeth Krystal focused on the task at hand again. Whatever it was she was laying on wasn't all that comfortable aside from the pain in her shoulder, full of lumps and dull pointy things. Almost as bad as the smell that hung in the very stale air. It was thick and heavy with rot and decay, but at the same time was deathly silent after the echoes finally died. She heard nothing, not even the buzz of flies which was unusual considering carrion and insects usually went hand in hand.

As she struggled to sit up, Krystal felt something in her wound shift uncomfortably and the straps of her pack shift. Groping over with her uninjured arm she grasped at the offending object sticking out of her shoulder. It was long and smooth with small grooves running down the length of it. Tracing the grooves to the end Krystal was only half surprised at the distinctive knob at the end of it. Now she knew why the wound hadn't closed.

Apparently someone was missing a femur.

Gritting her teeth she yanked the bone out of her shoulder and managed to reduce the scream of pain to a loud groan. Krystal could feel the wound closing by itself as her curse kicking in as she tossed the bone aside and threw off the straps of her pack. Searching by touch she managed to find some glowsticks she kept in the side pockets for emergencies.

When the first one didn't snap or glow Krystal began to worry. If it had broken in the fall it meant she had been down here for several hours at least with a bone in her shoulder leaking blood. But Krystal didn't feel hungry or lightheaded which she took as a plus.

The second stick however gave a sharp snap and began to dimly glow. She gave it a few hard shakes to get it going before looking around her. Krystal wondered just what sort of hell she had fallen into. It wasn't all that surprising for her to see bones based on the smell. But what did surprise her was how many.

Although the light reached only a few feet all she could see were bones. Some were dressed in rags but most were nothing but bare skeletons. Between her legs a skull gave a morbid grin, and a quick dig found only more of it's kind along with more bones. Looking up the light didn't pierce to the ceiling of where she assumed she had fallen in from.

Is this a dumping ground for a serial killer? She wondered. She had seen mass graves before, but there was something different about this, though Krystal couldn't quite pin down what. With a shrug she turned to other matters.

Using the glowstick she gave quick rummage in the in the pack and brought her flashlight out. With a snap of the switch Krystal involuntarily gasped in some of the wretched air as she took in what seemed to be impossible.

It wasn't the fact that the cavern was massive. It wasn't even the chilling fact that much of it was filled wall to wall with bones and the occasional mummy. It was the realization that there was no way out. Even directly above her the light shone against nothing but smooth rock face. There wasn't even any sign of geological activity, it was as if a chunk of earth just went missing and was replaced with corpses.

Krystal had the sudden wild thought that she might be dead, that this could be some sort of hell or underworld. But as quickly as it entered she dismissed the thought. If she were dead surely she felt the residents would have been more lively company. After all, Krystal knew there would be plenty of people looking forward to reacquainting with her if there was an afterlife to be found here. Besides, she had already died once before, and this didn't feel like that had.

With a groan she managed to her feet before  gazing up at the ceiling once more. Looking down she snatched up a skull and held it before her. “Sorry buddy, but I need a test subject.” She slyly said to the skull before drawing her arm back. With a explosion of bone fragments the skull only found solid rock above her, causing the woman to duck as the remains rained down.

“Well, so much for the idea of an illusion. So how did I get in here?” Krystal wondered aloud as she stroked her chin. “I must have fallen, because otherwise I wouldn't have had that bone in my shoulder. But at the same time I couldn't have fallen from up there...right?” She once again pondered the ceiling.

She decided that the only way to find out was to look around some more. With that thought she went to grab her pack and slung it back over her shoulders.  All the while she made note that some of bones had torn into parts of the bag. She made a note that once she got out of here to check her gear, she would probably would have to ditch some equipment. But only if she could get out of here.

“Sorry guys, I don't like walking over graves but I’m not quite ready to settle in yet.” Krystal said offhandedly to the remains around her. Carefully she started to make her way to a random wall. It was slow going, the bones would shift or break under her weight forcing her to try to walk on clothed corpses as much as possible. Krystal was annoyed at the slow progress, but the alternative was to risk taking a spill and impaling herself on more bones. It wouldn't kill her, but she would waste blood she didn't need to.

As she walked she noticed that there was a theme to the clothing amongst the corpses. Some were dressed in modern clothing, but there was older clothing as well. At one point she came across what had to be a American world war one army uniform, just after that a mummy dressed in a second world war British navy uniform.  But it seemed that however these bodies had come to be here, it had been occurring for possibly decades.

"But how do you kill so many people without attracting attention?" Krystal mused as she studied the corpses again. But for now she resolved to set aside the questions for now, whatever bizarre fate ended up with these people down here it wouldn't do her any good to dwell on it for now. First she had to escape from this mine and it's residents.

“That's assuming I’m even still in the mine.” Krystal muttered.  As she continued her trek across the bonefield Krystal noticed the wall seemed to shift in front of her. What she had been taking for a single wall concealed the fact that more caverns lay beyond it. But as she rounded the corner she didn't find any more indication of an exit. All she could see was more death, and more strangeness.

Kryatal noticed the corpses were growing older, more and more the uniforms and outfits began to go backwards in time. Some even were styles she couldn't identify as belonging to any time or place. She continued to walk until finally she stood in the center of the bonefield again. If anything it was even bigger then the last one, and still filled to the brim with corpses.  At this point Krystal was starting to rethink the theory of being in the underworld, when she spotted something glimmering in the far distance. She wondered about blindly charging after a glimmer, but shrugged her shoulders and decided to head towards it. If it wasn't the way out, at this point she wasn't losing anything.

After a few moments Krystal found herself standing in front of...something. It felt and looked like some sort of smooth and polished purple crystal, seemingly amethyst. But it covered a hole in the wall that was about twelve by twelve feet wide, though she suspected it was a bit larger since the bottom ducked below the line of bones.

“So, going out on a limb but I'm guessing through you is the way out big guy.” She said while patting the crystal affectionately. She considered digging though the bones for an ancient weapons or finding gunpowder to make her escape but decided better of it. If the owners were bones, chances were slim the weapons would hold out after a similar period of time and rot. Similar to the powder with it so old. No, she knew if she was going to get out she was just going to have to do it herself.

Exhausting her options she had one choice left. To use her curse. It was going to eat up her blood supply though, and that would make it all the more dire to make sure she escaped before she ran out. Taking a deep breath Krystal focused her mind on the power within and drew back her fist. With the hand encased in a sickly red glow she punched the crystal as hard as she could muster. All that happened however was that the small bones in her hand cracked and snapped loudly in the silence. Shaking out the hand Krystal let the bones mend before trying again, and this time was rewarded by several cracking sounds that weren't from overstressed bones.

This time with a final loud yell she punched and the crystal finally gave out. There was a  small popping sound as two atmospheres joined and mixed. Krystal smiled as she finally was able to smell something besides rot again. Mindful of her hands and clothes being torn she clambered over the crystal and dropped down to a rocky ledge on the other side. If the caverns before were a macabre hell this new cavern was a beautiful heaven.

Everywhere she shined her flashlight gleaming crystals shone back brilliantly. Various colors and hues of crystal  jutted from the floor and walls as if a frozen rainbow were caught within the cavern walls. Below her in the darkness she could hear a stream running, and looking over the edge surprisingly some of the crystals in the darkness below seemed to gently pulse and glow.

Carefully Krystal started to walk through the cavern and found a path that seemed to be ascending.  After while she came across another chasm in the maddeningly twisting caverns. Looking around she spotted a crystal that seemed to have thrust out of one wall and into another, making seemingly perfect bridge. Though the crystal was slick, it proved no match for woman to cross. Following what seemed to be a path she rounded a corner and felt a breeze ruffle her long ponytail. Moving more quickly she followed the tunnels until in the distance she could see the light of sunlight.

Giving a small whoop of joy the woman began to head towards the light as quickly as she could. At this point there was no care of where the tunnel might came out at this point, just that lead out from underground. With shielded eyes she walked out into the sunlight and let her eyes adjust. At this point she felt that she really shouldn't have been surprised anymore. After having just woken up in a nightmare and crossed a dream, those were nothing with walking out onto an unfamiliar world.

The traveler stood on a cliff face overlooking what appeared to be a city. Except there shouldn't have been any city near the mine as far as Krystal could recall. But even stranger was that this didn't look like any modern city she knew of. The buildings all looked vaguely of Victorian design except for one, and that was the giant castle that stood at the far end and towering over the city proper. Though the castle itself seemed like a castle from a child's fantasy drawing with an impossible aesthetic and structure. Taken as a whole it looked similar to human structures from the past however, but there was still the bizarre alien quality to it.

Spotting movement in the city Krystal squinted in the sunlight. She could just make out small shapes moving amongst the buildings below, though she couldn't quite make out any details other then 'not human'. As Krystal watched she even saw a few suddenly take to the air.

“Ok then, fall down a mineshaft and come out in bizzaro land.” Krystal started to chuckle before realizing that really wasn't all the funny. “Fine then, what do I know? I fell down a mineshaft and woke up in an impossible to enter cavern. Leaving that lead me into a giant crystal cavern, which I've never heard of in the Rockies. Barring that, I certainly don't know of any castles in the Rockies or in America at all." She muttered to herself while retreating back into the cave. "So that leaves me...what, where, and possibly when. Which i'm not going to find out in a cave, so how do I want to do this?”

On one hand she knew she could wait till dark before attempting to approach the city. That would be when she would be safest. But if these people were anything like the humans Krystal knew she doubted it would go over well to have a strange creature out on the streets at night. On the other hand if she approached during the day she could start mass panic, be mostly helpless, and possibly get killed.  She even contemplated assembling her crossbow from her pack or readying her hatchet. But found the hatchet missing from her side, and carrying an obvious weapon would probably make it hard to argue peaceful intentions. Not to mention that any one of the pieces of the crossbow could have been damaged, and might fail at a crucial moment.

“Geez, of all the things I expected to possibly die from aliens were never in the top ten. But if I want answers to what the hell is going on...” The woman groaned before standing. As Krystal left the cave again she spotted a possible path and began to make her decent. It probably wasn't the smartest move, but it would be the one she felt was most likely to cause the least trouble for anyone. Krystal just hoped that these people would share the sentiment and not shoot on sight. Or whatever it is they did.

After a rather slow climb Krystal found herself at the bottom of the cliff in a small copse of trees.  Sitting over the main gate a hundred feet or so away lay a guardhouse that allowed passage into the city. So far it looked like no one had noticed her climb or presence judging by the lack of yells and the gate being wide open.

“Well here goes, either I get vaporized or make first contact. Nothing for it I guess.” The woman took a deep breath and left her hiding place. She slowly approached the guardhouse with her hands raised in surrender. But nobody seemed to respond as she stood outside the guardhouse for almost a minute before getting annoyed. “Yo! Anyone up there?!”

Puzzled at the lack of response Krystal walked over to the entrance which led further in. Picking up a small stone she tossed it through the entrance to test for traps. When it wasn't incinerated or blasted Krystal decided to take a chance and walked through. After making it halfway through the checkpoint without dying she decided it was safe.

“Well don't mind me, I'll just show myself around.” She called over her shoulder as she headed in. All the while pondering if this was normal security, or if the residents just weren't that worried about security at all. Instead of putting her at ease she decided to be even more cautious. but stick to staying in the open.

A short stretch later Krystal rounded a corner of a building got her first good look at the locals. Quickly she ducked back around the corner and peeked out. Without batting an eye she took in the sight before her, as if out of a children's cartoon. Everywhere she looked she could see multicolored coats and manes walking around. It appeared that some had wings but a majority had horns, yet oddly some had neither. Even more odd then then that fact that they seemed to be talking...was the fact she understood them.

“Ok I take it back, again. I died and am now in my own personal hell.” Krystal muttered out loud. "Filled with candy colored horses." It was then a horned pony managed to get sight of her. For a moment they locked eyes. Then, apparently a female, she let out a bloodcurdling scream and ran full tilt away from Krystal's hiding place.

The human winced as the female mare ran down the street screaming about monsters causing the rest to start whipping their heads about in a panic. Deciding to face them Krystal exited her hiding place. Immediately she regretted it as more screams filled the air and panicked voiced rang out.

Well so much for this going smoothly. Krystal thought ruefully as the streets were cleared in a flash. The sounds of doors and windows being slammed echoed for several seconds all around the human. Giving a sheepish smile Krystal decided just kept on walking down the street. Hoping that the best course of action at this point would be to just turn herself in at the castle that lay in the distance.

Barely two minutes later she finally saw the first response from the authorities to her presence. In the street before her in a flash appeared three horned ponies covered in golden plate armor. The three were armed with swords that floated in the air in front of them in a ready position. Up above on the rooftops she spotted more spear points and what looked like a few dozen arrows ready to be loosed from bows. From behind a few thumps sounded and with a glance over Krystal spotted a few more winged ponies glowering at her.

“Halt monster!” Barked out the center unicorn, the apparent leader. She had a white coat and pink mane. On her flanks Krystal barely could make out a gray feather brand. “In the name of Celestia you will come no further!”

Quickly the human raised her hands once more, though this didn't seem to appease them much. “I'm not a monster! Just a tourist that seemed to take an interplanetary wrong turn.” Krystal tried to smile in a friendly manner, but the mare just seemed to scowl more.

“How did you get into the city? What are your intentions!?” The mare barked out.

“Well I walked through the front door when no one answered. As for what I’m doing here, I'm trying to find out where I am and how to get home?” At this the guard looked to her companions in confusion before looking back at Krystal.

“You walked in? As in the gate was open and unattended?”

Quirking her eyebrow Krystal just gave a shrug, “Yeah, I stood outside it for a moment or two. There wasn't any response so I just walked in.”

The mare sighed before putting her face in her hoof. “Those two idiots, I knew they would somehow screw up, yet again. I just didn't think they would screw up this badly.”

One of the guards companions took a step forward, “Captain, how do you want to handle this?”

“I come in peace?” Krystal helpfully pointed out.

The mare studied the human for several seconds before she waved a hoof over her head. “Alright everyone, back to your posts. Thunder Prism and I will escort our guest to the castle.” As the other guards left the leader turned to her other companion. “Gemheart I want you to find my two idiot cousins and inform them that we will be having a very intense course on job responsibility.”

“So, can I put my hands down now?” Krystal asked as the second mare saluted and left.

The mare nodded. “Yes, for now. But don't try anything stupid. What is your name?”

“Krystal Smith, I'm sorry I don't recall getting your name.”

She snorted, “Because I never gave it, you can call me Captain for now. Take off your saddlebag and follow me.”

How delightfully charming. Krystal thought with a frown. But decided to not fault the mare to much with all things considered. Turning the captain gave a jerk of her head to lead her prisoner and started towards the castle. The stallion, Thunder Prism, fell in step in the rear while floating the human's pack beside him.

As they walked Krystal tried to get some info out of my hosts, “So where exactly am I? This is not like any place I am familiar with.”

The mare looked over her shoulder with a raised eyebrow, “I'd be surprised if the even the Princesses have ever seen the likes of you.” Turning her head forward the captain continued, “You are in Equestria, and currently you are in our capitol. Canterlot.”

Krystal pondered that first bit, “So you are saying you have never seen the likes of me? Never heard of a human?”

“Is that what you call yourself?” The mare snorted, “Never seen the likes or heard of you, 'human'. But lucky for you our newest princess absolutely loves useless trivia, so if anyone would know of your kind it would be her.”

Newest princess, and do I detect some resentment? Krystal wondered. “So who are these 'princesses' you are taking me to? When you say newest, just how many are we talking about?”

“There are three princesses. Princess Celestia, ruler of Equestria along with her sister Princess Luna.” With a pause the mare then continued, “Then there is Princess Twilight Sparkle, the newest princess.” The captain couldn't quite hide the disdain leaking into her voice.

I'm sensing a theme, and definitely some resentment. Wonder why? But a strange thought crossed her mind. Princesses ruling a land, what about the King and Queen? She voiced as much to the captain.

“What King and Queen?” Was all the answer she got. The mare seemingly as confused about the question as Krystal was.

“Well, where did the Princesses come from? They had to have come from somewhere, right?” The human insisted.

“Krystal Smith,” The captain began with authority. “My job is to protect the city and it's people. That does not involve playing twenty questions with a potential threat. You will be silent until we reach the castle.” The guard's voice brooked no objection.

Well that was sudden. I wonder why? But decided to not test the guard's patience, and instead study the city as they passed.

Canterlot up close was as strange as it was from a distance. Krystal couldn't decide what time period it most reminded her of. While it had aesthetics from the early eighteen hundreds it also seemed to have much more modern touches as well. The streetlamps looked of vintage design, but what appeared to be bulbs could be seen inside the glass tops. As they passed one shop she swore she could see an arcade the like of which she remembered in the eighties. A clothing shop contained designs meant for equines, but definitely wouldn't look out of place in modern times. With the guard's armor and weapons seemingly roman inspired. in the end it all just looked like someone had taken a history book and threw it in a blender before building a city.

It was then Krystal also noticed something else. The city was clean. The streets, the patches of grass, even hedges were neat and orderly. But it was with such perfect precision that it stood out and gave off a surreal atmosphere. Even more as she walked she could feel something even deeper underneath it all.

Putting it all aside, again, for future consideration Krystal realized they were approaching their destination. The lead guard signaled for the gate to be opened before leading the human into a large open courtyard. Waiting for them was a pony dressed oddly like a french maid. Krystal tried hard to not laugh, and earned a look from the captain for failing to hide a chortle.

“Captain Snow Bloom, the princesses are waiting for you in the main hall. Please follow me.” Snow Bloom simply nodded and the three followed the maid into a grandiose hallway. Krystal stared at the large and beautiful stain glass windows that lined the hallway and were almost as large as the hall was tall.

In each of them she saw a new type of pony, a white pony with both horn and wings. Along with this prominent figure she also saw a dark blue pony of the same type, along with a few windows depicting a purple pony. Obviously these had to be ponies of great importance.

The small group came upon a massive set of doors at the end of the hallway, and two guards opened the doors allowing them into the main hall. At least three stories high the room was decorated in white marble with gold inlays. Stained glass windows filtered brilliant colored sunbeams onto the gleaming floors. At the end of the chamber on two raised daises sat three thrones. On the two lower thrones sat the blue and purple ponies she saw in the windows before. Upon the raised throne above the other princesses sat the white pony.

That is a pony? She looks more like a horse! Thought Krystal as she was lead forward. As the group approached she studied the expressions as best as she could. The purple one showed curiosity with her tilted head, as if trying to study the human. The blue one showed interest, though it was almost hidden. But the white one was neutral and as unreadable as the white marble of the room.

The guards stopped in front of the thrones and took positions flanking the human. The maid approached the princesses and bowed. “Presenting the prisoner, Princess Celestia.”

The white pony nodded, “Thank you Winter Sky, that will be all.” Bowing again the maid walked away.

“So I'm a prisoner though I have done no harm?” Krystal called out in defiance. Princess Celestia merely arched an eyebrow to the outburst.

“You invaded my city and terrorized my ponies, is that not harm enough?” She responded neutrally.

With a shake of her head Krystal responded. “No, what I did was walk through an open door and down the street. I have harmed no one and taken no action of resistance.” Beside her Krystal could sense a sudden nervousness coming from Captain Snow Bloom.

“I see,” Celestia said while giving a meaningful look to the captain. “Perhaps we should start at the beginning. Who are you, and what brings you to Equestria?”

“Well my name is Krystal Smith, and I'm a human.” Over the next few moments Krystal went over how she had come to Equestria. How she had been camping in the mountains when she had been attacked by a mountain lion and fled to a nearby mine. But had fallen down a mineshaft and lost consciousness. She decided to keep the macabre chambers in the nearby mountain to herself. "...and after falling down the shaft, next thing I know I was in those crystal caves." Krystal explained as she wrapped up her story.

Celestia leveled a stern gaze upon the woman. “I see, and what are your intentions now Krystal Smith?”'

“Easy, I intend to try to find a way home. Your Captain suggested that perhaps one of you might be able to help in that. The 'newest princess', which I’m going to guess is you?” Krystal said while looking at the purple princess.

Celestia turned and also looked upon Twilight, who had started to blush self consciously. “I believe that may be correct. Twilight Sparkle might be your best chance to return home, as nopony else in Equestria is more studied or fluent in the ways of magic.”

Turning back to the Krystal, Celestia again studied her. “That just leaves the matter of what to do with you in the meantime. I am sorry, but having you walk freely might be to upsetting to my subjects. I think the safest course of action for all involved may be to keep you confined.”

Krystal bristled at this decree. While she didn't want to hurt or upset her hosts, being locked up would present a very real problem in the twenty-four hours. Judging by the shocked looks, the other two princesses also had a problem with that decree. She was about to speak when the last princess, who she presumed was Princess Luna spoke up first.

“Sister, I do not think that would be necessary. After all she has shown no ill will towards us or our subjects. Has she?” Luna pointed out.

“But she is not like anything they have seen.” Celestia objected. “They won't understand her, and might even panic.”

“But Princess Celestia,” Twilight interrupted hesitantly while looking oddly at her mentor. “Wouldn't this be similar to how my friends and I learned to not judge on appearance? Zecora has turned out to be a very good friend to the ponies in Ponyville after all.”

Luna nodded, “Indeed sister. If it was a lesson worthy of the magic of friendship, perhaps it would be best to ensure the lesson is taught to all.” Celestia looked at a loss of words at the other princesses objections for a moment before smiling.

“You are right Luna. Perhaps I am being to hasty.” Continuing to smile she turned back to Krystal. “I will however ask that for the time being you remain in the castle though. Just until we can sort things out in better detail of course.” Though her voice was pleasant, the human caught an undercurrent of just how displeased the ruler was.

“Of course, your highness.” Krystal said with a curt bow or her head. “I mean you nor your people any harm, you have my word.” At least no permanent harm. She added silently.

Celestia stood up from her throne while never losing her smile. “Well then. We all have had a rather unusual day, maybe we should continue over dinner?”

“Yes, that sounds like a wonderful idea. Please join us Krystal Smith.” Luna added. Celestia whipped her head around to face her sister and Krystal spotted for the briefest of instants a look of fury pass over the ruler's face.

Ok, something is obviously going on here. She is trying so hard to hide something, that she might as well be holding a neon sign! Krystal thought ruefully. She noticed that Twilight was looking at Celestia uncertainly and realized that she had spotted it as well.

Celestia however had replaced the mask of serenity she briefly had broken and silently lead the way out of the hall. Hesitantly their guest followed suit. A moment later they entered a large hall with a table that almost took up the entirety of the space. On one end lay various foods, enough to feed a rather large family. Various pies, salads, fruits, and vegetables were laid out and prepared in various methods. From steaming cherry pies to roasted zucchini, it was a vegetarian’s dream feast come true.

It also was a table missing chairs. Looking lost the human realized that the ponies simply sat, literally, at the table. Shrugging her shoulders she went to join them and sat cross-legged at the table. It was a little higher then comfortable but manageable. She then found herself sitting beside Luna with Celestia at the head of the table and Twilight on the other side.

Quiet reigned in the hall at that point. Even with a maid entering with a plate and glass for the unexpected addition nothing was said but a quick “thank you”. The four diners began and ate in silence. Though the food was excellent, the atmosphere made it hard for Krystal to enjoy the meal. Getting anxious she decided to break the ice.

“Thank you for the meal. I'm afraid all the time I spent in the mountains left me hungry enough to eat a horse!” Krystal realized approximately half a second later exactly what she had just said.

“Your kind eats horses?!” Twilight exclaimed with horror on her face. Celestia also looked repulsed, though her sister simply looked amused.

“No! I mean, I guess some do....” Krystal trailed off at the mounting horror evident on their faces. “I'ts just an expression!”

“Of you wanting to eat one of my subjects!” Celestia exclaimed.

Krystal began to sweat, Way to stick your foot in it girl!

“I think what she means to say is that there is something more to the expression then what first appears.” Luna said calmly. “Isn't that right, Krystal Smith?”

Krystal looked at the blue pony beside her like she were an angel sent from on high. “Yes!” She exclaimed before calming herself. “Yes. Sorry it's not nearly as bad as it sounds.”

“Please, do tell.” Celestia said evenly as she narrowed her eyes. Krystal gulped as she continued.

“W-well equines in general are very beloved in my world. In fact for the longest time having an equine companion was a mark of being established.”  Krystal supplied, “In fact that is why the phrase is what it is. To be 'hungry enough to eat a horse' is to be so hungry you would be willing to sacrifice a valued companion.”

Twilight still looked a little taken aback, but mollified. Celestia however continued to narrow her eyes at the human. “Your world sounds very...interesting.”

Krystal shrugged, “Well I think yours has mine beat. I've fallen down a mineshaft, woke in a

world that isn't mine, and was threatened by magical talking ponies. The sad part is, this is only the second strangest day of my life.”

“You're right, that is strange.” Twilight tilted her head, “What was the first?”

Krystal smiled tiredly, “The day that I was born.” She seemed to stare off into the didstace for a moment before she stood up. “Well I think I've provided enough disaster for one meal. If you pardon, I’ll take my cell or wherever you would have me stay.”

“Are you sure?” Luna protested, “You have not eaten much.”

Krystal smiled again, “Thank you for your kindness princess, but yes.” Luna smiled and called for a maid, instructing her to lead her guest to a guest room in the castle. Once they had left she turned back to face the table and caught the disapproving look Celestia was giving her.

“Is something wrong, Celestia?” Luna asked politely.

“I think you are being to friendly with this, 'human'.” Celestia said curtly before returning to her meal.

Luna looked quizzically at her sister, “And I think you are being uncharacteristically rude and unwelcoming. You were not this rude even onto the ambassador of Lupania.” Turning to Twilight she tilted her head, “What of you Twilight Sparkle? What do you think of our guest.”

Twilight simply blushed and ducked her head, “I-I don't know what to think Luna. She is odd, but she is an alien so that makes sense.” She then smiled, “But seeing as she is an alien I can't wait to study her! Think of the possibilities and what she could teach us!” The scientist in the princess was bursting at the joy of being able to discover new things.

“I don't want you having anything to do with her besides sending her back Twilight.” Celestia quietly ordered. Immediately Twilight froze and looked at her mentor. The princess of the sun was staring down at the table with narrowed eyes.

“P-princess Celestia?” hesitantly Twilight called.

“There is something very dark and wrong with that...human.” Celestia looked up and locked eyes with her sister.

“Would thou order me, my sister?” Luna returned her gaze in full force, slipping into her Canterlot voice.

“Do I need to?” Celestia challenged. Twilight looked uncertainly between the sisters at a loss of what to say or do. After a long moment the moon princess stood from the table.

“Suddenly, mine palate is satisfied. Good evening to thou both.” With that only teacher and student were left at the table. After a long moment Celestia resumed her food, and Twilight followed suite. No words were exchanged for the rest of the dinner.

~ooo~oOo~ooo~

Krystal entered the guest room and suppressed a groan. Everywhere was pink, from the drapes to the sheets of the canopy bed. Even the throw rug in the center of the room was a vibrant pink. With a shrug she entered before hearing a knock at her door. Answering it she found another maid that was floating Krystal's pack beside her.

“Sorry ma'am, Luna instructed me to return this to you.” The softly glowing pack moved before her to the human's hands.

“Thank you, and please thank the princess for me as well.” Krystal said before gently closing the door. Setting the pack down she began to rummage through it. Quickly she pulled out the pieces of her crossbow and began to assemble it. Although the crossbow appeared to be fine, the quiver she drew was not. Four of the bots were cracked or splintered, leaving only sixteen bolts for use. Leaving the crossbow un-stringed she hid the weapon and ammo under her bed, using some duck tape from her pack to secure them out of sight.

Returning to her pack she went through it again. Setting aside her swiss army knife she groaned at what she saw. Bone shards had ripped apart her sleeping bag and tent, and more then one of her pots was bent out of shape. All in all only a day's worth of food, her weapon, and her knife had survived the journey intact. Even most of her clothes had holes and tears in them.

With a sudden thought she felt along the side of the pack before tearing at the hidden seam. From within the pouch she drew forth a laminated photo that was browned with age. In it was a family that stared back at her passively as Krystal held it close.

“Well at least you all survived.” She whispered. Spotting a vanity she opened a drawer and carefully put the photo inside. Gently she closed it again and gave a reverent pat before beginning to disrobe. Turning out the lights she climbed into the bed and looked out over the setting sun.

“In the matter of a day, my world is turned upside down.” She said to herself. Laying her head back she gazed up, “I don't even know if I can survive in this land for long. Guess nothing for it but to wait and see. I'll find out in the next twenty-four hours, won't I?” With that, Krystal Smith began her first night in Equestria.

But as the human slept the air above her shimmered as two steel gray eyes opened in midair. Gazing around the finally focused on Krystal. They narrowed for a few seconds as a voice whispered as if carried on a nonexistent breeze.

“Soon. Very soon.”

With that, the eyes closed and the air was still. As if nothing had occurred at all.